Pentagram 121313

NTC rotation

Holiday hours

TOG Soldiers train in Pennsylvania

Check out where to be this season

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Pentagram

Published for Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall

Vol. 60, no. 48 December 13, 2013

Commissaries to collect, recycle plastic bags

HOLIDAY HORNS

By Jessica Rouse DeCA public affairs specialist

PHOTO

BY

CORY HANCOCK

Soldiers from the United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own” perform the American Holiday Festival for the Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region and the U.S. Army Military District of Washington staff and family members at Brucker Hall, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Dec. 6.

Staff gets in the festive spirit with ‘Pershing’s Own’ concert

By Cory Hancock JFHQ-NCR/MDW Public Affairs

The United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own” performed their American Holiday Festival show for Joint Force HeadquartersNational Capital Region and the U.S. Army Military District of Washington staff and family at Brucker Hall, Joint Base MyerHenderson Hall, Dec. 6.

The show served as the final rehearsal for the band before performing the American Holiday Festival to the general public.

The American Holiday Festival takes place through Dec. 15, with all shows at Brucker Hall.

“The process started a year ago with collecting potential song titles. The tunes were selected and a concept was laid out in February. The next seven months were spent gaining permissions to arrange the songs, writing the orchestra and vocal arrangements and auditioning for roles,” said Col. Thomas H. Palmatier, leader and commander of the United States Army Band. see TUSAB, page 8

Stateside commissary customers will soon have an easy way to recycle plastic bags: Just bring them on their next trip to the commissary and use the new recycle bins.

All stateside commissaries now have plastic bag recycling bins that customers can use to recycle any plastic bag, not just commissary bags.

Overseas commissaries are not participating in the program because the agency does not issue recycling contracts overseas.

“We are an environmentally conscious agency, and this is another step in the right direction as we seek new and innovative ways to become ‘greener,’” said Joseph H. Jeu, DeCA director and CEO. So what happens to those bags? They will be combined with other plastic waste from the commissaries and shipped to recycling centers for processing.

“Last year we recycled almost 3 million pounds of plastic in commissaries,” said Randy Eller, chief of DeCA’s environmental and planning division. “With this service to our customers, we will recycle even more plastic, keeping it out of landfills.”

Commissaries already recycle a lot of waste generated by store operations. In fiscal year 2013, the agency recycled more than 139 million pounds of cardboard, plastic and paper. It has also diverted almost 13 million pounds of food waste, metal and wood from the waste stream, along with the recycling of 1 million pounds of organic waste. Two commissaries are testing dehydrators that reduce the weight of the organic waste by 85 percent and produce compost. The agency’s goal is to recycle 80 percent of all recyclable material generated in stores worldwide by the end of fiscal year 2014.

“More and more of our customers are adopting green lifestyles, and they want the retailers they use to do likewise,” said Jeu. “That’s what DeCA is working toward; whether it’s through recycling or offering our customers earth friendly products, we are doing our part to protect our environment.”

Retention team volunteers prepare dinner for local shelter

By Jim Dresbach Pentagram Staff Writer

Schedules fill fast during the fleeting hours and days of the holiday season, but all calendars were cleared Dec. 6 by 11 members of the Military District of Washington retention team, who volunteered to prepare dinner at Fort Belvoir, Va.’s Eleanor U. Kennedy shelter.

An evening meal of spaghetti, salad and pumpkin pie was whipped together and the halls of the 50-bed shelter’s dining room were decked by career counselors from Belvoir, Fort Meade and Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall.

The meal and decoration preparation was organized by MDW career counselor Sgt. 1st Class Samira Abdullah.

“Volunteering is actually a passion of mine,” said Abdullah, a Belvoir-based retention coun-

Index

Community Spotlight Commentary Community News Notes Classifieds

p.2 p.3 p.4 p.4 p.9

selor. “I think it is a way to reflect on others and giving back especially during the holiday season.

I think that giving some time to help your community is an ultimate, grateful act.”

The Kennedy shelter is part of New Hope Housing, which oversees a string of facilities throughout northern Virginia to assist homeless men, women and children. Groups like the retention team volunteer throughout the month to prepare suppers and dinners.

“This is a tremendous help,” said New Hope Housing’s Community Outreach and Volunteer Coordinator Chris Bramante. “As you can imagine, if you’re preparing [meals] for 50 to 100 people, it is a tremendous expense. But when a group comes in and prepares a hot meal, it is fantastic.”

Taking time away from their Fort Myer-based see RETENTION, page 8

PHOTO

BY

RACHEL LARUE

From the left, Sgt. 1st Class Christina Dauria-Cox, from Fort Meade, Master Sgt. James Meyers, from the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, and Sgt. 1st Class Patrick Burnish, from 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), prepare a meal at the Eleanor U. Kennedy Shelter, Fort Belvoir, Dec. 6.

Bull’s-eye

Gingerbread Capitol

Pg. 4

Pg. 6

TOG Soldier is shooting champion

Pentagon gets a sugary gift

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Friday, December 13, 2013

PENTAGRAM

PHOTO

BY

RACHEL LARUE

Let it snow

Ice clings to the decorated tree outside of Bldg. 59 after a winter storm Dec. 9. If you took pictures of the snow on JBM-HH, post them on our Facebook page at www. facebook.com/jbmhh or email them to pentagramjbmhh@yahoo.com. We’ll use them in next week’s Pentagram.

Community Spotlight Name? Sgt. Omar Reza Job title/where do you work?

Motor Transport, Henderson Hall.

Military service? USMC. Favorite sports team? Carolina Panthers.

Favorite book? “Green Eggs and Ham.” Favorite food? Green eggs and ham.

Favorite band/music artist?

Chalino Sanchez.

Favorite movie? “Heartbreak Ridge.”

Favorite place you’ve ever traveled to or been stationed? Camp Lejeune, N.C. What do you like most about working on JBM-HH? The pool.

What are your goals for the year? Make it to next year.

What do you like most about living in the National Capital Region? Everything except the traffic.

What’s your favorite attraction to see in the NCR? Marine Corps Museum.

What is the best advice you’ve ever received? Work hard, play hard.

If you won the lottery, what would you do? Play hard.

What advice do you have for someone getting stationed at JBM-HH? Stay out of trouble.

Caption This

PHOTO

BY

RACHEL LARUE

Caption This #46

If you’ve ever looked at a photo, read the caption underneath and thought you could do better, now is your chance. Each week, “Caption This” will have a photo taken from around the base. It’s up to you to figure out the best, funniest or craziest caption that describes what’s going on in the picture. The only rule is you have to KEEP IT CLEAN! “Caption This” submissions can be sent either by emailing them to pentagramjbmhh@yahoo.com, commenting on our Facebook page www.facebook. com/jbmhh or just stopping by Headquarters Bldg. 59, suite 116 and dropping it off. Don’t forget to add the “Caption This” number, your name, rank or position and where you work.

Commander, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Every week the Pentagram staff will pick their favorite. The winner’s Col. Fern O. Sumpter’s vision and philosophy: name, caption along with the photo, will be printed in the newspaper. Compete with your friends and coworkers and see who can come up with the With a team of resource management savvy and technically competent best one. And if you have a photo you think would make a great “Caption DoD professionals, establish JBM–HH as DoD’s premier provider of consis- This,” send it in. tent, quality services that enhance readiness and the overall well-being of our customers.

We must be ...

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

“So, boys, who’s been naughty and - Focused … set priorities and complete the mission. who’s been nice?”

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

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

Caption This #45

Pentagram Printed on recycled paper

http://www.army.mil/jbmhh

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

The content of this publication is the responsibility of the Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Public Affairs Office. Pictures not otherwise credited are U.S. Army photographs. News items should be submitted to the Pentagram, 204 Lee Ave., Bldg. 59, Fort Myer, VA 22211-1199. They may also be faxed to (703) 696-0055 or e-mailed to courtney.a.dock-abuhl.civ@mail.mil.

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

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

The appearance of advertisements in this publication, to include all inserts and supplements, does not constitute an endorsement by the Department of the Army or Department of the Navy of the products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use, or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other 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.

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

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

Pentagram staff Editor Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Photographer

Courtney Dock Rhonda Apple Julia LeDoux Jim Dresbach Rachel Larue

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

PENTAGRAM

Friday, December 13, 2013

Safety tip Snow job

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Matthew Metcalf Warrant Officer Career College Fort Rucker, Ala.

Several winters ago, I crashed my car into a guardrail on a desolate strip of road in northern New York. I am not proud of my actions leading up to that day. This accident could have been prevented; however, with my integrity and leader involvement.

My unit, like any other, conducted vehicle inspections prior to long weekends and block leave. The platoon sergeant informed us that he would be conducting vehicle inspections and had us fill out the heading information on our inspection sheet. I filled in minimal data and left the rest of the sheet blank.

I would complete the rest of it the next morning.

The reason? Well, on that particular day, I drove a red 1996 Chevy Beretta to work. There was no way I was going to let my boss inspect it because I knew it would never pass. What’s more, I didn’t have the money to repair all the things wrong with it. The car had four bald tires, the brakes were worn and it did not have all the required safety gear for the Fort Drum winter.

I left work that day with a plan. When I returned the following morning, I was driving my wife’s 1997 Ford Expedition. This vehicle had all the bells and whistles. In addition, it had four new tires and snow chains in the back. I filled out all the remaining information on the sheet and had the Expedition inspected. I had no doubt it would pass, and it did.

The next morning, I returned to work driving the Beretta, excited for the four-day weekend. It was a normal January day with snow in the forecast. Everyone was keeping an eye on a big storm heading our way while getting the day’s work done. Just before lunch, the snow began to fall and all nonessential personnel were told to head home. I was in the middle of a project and informed my platoon sergeant that I would be on the road shortly. An hour later, I left the office and walked outside into a winter wonderland.

When I got to my car in the parking lot, I started removing the snow using my hands because I didn’t have an ice scraper. I then cranked it and turned the defroster on high until all the ice melted.

Satisfied that my vision wouldn’t be impaired, I hit the road. My house was 40 minutes north in Gouverneur, N.Y., but I knew today’s commute was going to be much longer. I struggled through the blinding snow for 20 minutes, trying to keep the Beretta’s bald tires on the road. Then I lost control.

The car seemed to have a mind of its own and barreled into a guardrail breaking the axle. The car finally came to rest in a small ditch on the side on the road. Of course, there were no other vehicles on the road, and I didn’t have a phone or a plan. With my options limited, I walked about a half-mile until I reached a small house, where I called for help. I waited there for six hours until help arrived.

I learned a lot that day. I was ashamed that I did not have the money to repair my car and was afraid of what my platoon sergeant would say. I knew it was wrong, but I threw safety out the window to save face. In hindsight, this accident has made me a better leader. I remember how I felt back then and make it a point to get to know my Soldiers.

As leaders, we are always enforcing the standard, but we can’t become complacent and make it a check-the-block activity, especially when it comes to safety. If my platoon sergeant knew what car I drove to work every day, I probably wouldn’t have been able to get away with switching vehicles for the inspection. Also, implementing a no-notice vehicle inspection program would have uncovered my vehicle’s deficiencies and kept me from driving my car that day.

Again, I am not proud of what I did. My actions that day had a very negative reaction. I am lucky it wasn’t worse.

JFHQ-NCR/MDW 2013 holiday safety message and staffing guidance This holiday season is a time for rejoicing, and it is only fitting that we culminate the year with good wishes for everyone. As we prepare to celebrate this season, we can take the time to appreciate all we have done here at Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region/United States Army Military District of Washington (JFHQ-NCR/USAMDW). I know you should be proud of your myriad of accomplishments this past year. As we join together for this holiday celebration, I extend my heartfelt thanks for your devotion to duty, and especially your family’s support and sacrifice.

During this time, the command will observe a liberal leave policy and may operate at reduced staffing levels, consistent with mission requirements and applicable regulatory guidance. Federal holidays are observed Dec. 25, 2013 and Jan. 1, 2014, with Dec. 26, 2013 and Jan. 2, 2014 designated as curtailed operations.

All members of this command should have the opportunity to enjoy the holiday season by maximizing time with their families and loved ones. However, commanders and directors will ensure continuity of operations remain paramount.

Please realize you can give an extra present this holiday by giving more thought to safety.

Unfortunately, a carefree attitude during this season can easily result in a serious if not fatal mishap. Nationally, more mishaps occur during the month of December than any other month of the year. For those traveling the highways, plan your trip to include adequate rest before starting, rest stops along the way, ensuring all safety devices in your vehicle are operational (to include seatbelts and their use), and above all, not exceeding one’s own mental and physical limits by attempting to drive long distances in a short period of time. Additionally, be prepared for weather delays and changing road conditions. Better to be late than not arrive at all. Remember drinking and driving never mix.

Most offices on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall will be closed Dec. 25 and Jan. 1 —the federal holidays celebrating Christmas and New Year.

The following facilities and places of business will have altered hours during the upcoming holiday. This list is not all encompassing. Please check with the facility you wish to visit for more details.

Headquarters Command Battalion, Fort Myer side of JBM-HH – Curtailed operations; closed Dec. 24, 25, 1 and Jan. 1; normal operations resume Thursday, Jan. 2.

Headquarters & Services Battalion, Headquarters Marine Corps, Henderson Hall side of JBM-HH – Curtailed operations; closed Dec. 25 and Jan. 1; open until noon Dec. 24 and Dec. 31; normal operations resume Thursday, Jan. 2.

Memorial Chapel – Open for Christmas Day Mass at 9 a.m. Dec. 25.

Rader Health Clinic – Closed Dec. 24, 25, 31 and Jan. 1.

Fort McNair Health Clinic – Closed Dec. 24, 25, 31 and Jan. 1 Commissary – Closed Dec. 25 and Jan. 1; closing early Dec. 24 at 3 p.m.

Fort Myer Exchange – Closed Dec. 25; open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 24; open Dec. 31 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and open Jan. 1 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Fort Myer Express – Closed Dec. 25; open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Dec. 24 and 31; open Jan. 1 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Fort Myer Military Clothing Sales Store – Closed Dec. 25 and Jan. 1; open Dec. 24 and 31

Party

PHOTO

COURTESY OF

DESTINATION D.C.

OFFICIAL

PHOTO

I remind all Soldiers that use of the TRiPS on-line POV risk assessment tool is mandatory if on leave, pass or TDY. I also encourage our other servicemembers and civilian employees to use it. The TRiPs tools may be found at https:// safety.army.mil/. This is a valuable tool that assesses the dangers and offers relevant advice to reduce risk - it can help save lives!

Please accept my best wishes for a safe and happy holiday season. We need everyone to safely return to duty, ready for another exciting year in 2014.

Jeffrey S. Buchanan Maj. Gen. U.S Army Commanding

JBM-HH holiday hours

PHOTO BY MARINE SGT. ALVIN WILLIAMS JR.

Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall’s Deputy Joint Base Commander Lt. Col. John Orille (center) served as one of three judges at the annual Parade of Lighted Boats held at the southwest Washington marina Saturday, Dec. 7.

Other judges included Theresa Belpulsi (left), Destination D.C. Vice President of Tourism, and Diane Groomes (right), Washington Metropolitan Police Department assistant police chief. Nearly 40 boats competed in the parade that began at the Alexandria, Va., marina and traveled up the Potomac River to the Washington Channel.

The best in show was a boat named, “Monumental Christmas” featuring lighted images of the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial.

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Headquarters and Service Battalion, Headquarters Marine Corps Henderson Hall hosts a holiday party for servicemembers and their families at the Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel Dec 7. During the event servicemembers and their families enjoyed a fully-catered meal, prizes, activities for the children as well as a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.

from 7:30 a.m. to noon.

Marine Corps Exchange, The Vineyard Wine & Spirits – Closed Dec. 25 and Jan. 1; open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 24 and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 31.

Fort Myer Fitness Center – Open Dec. 24, 25, 31 and Jan. 1 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Cpl. Terry L. Smith Gymnasium – Closed Dec. 25 and Jan. 1; open 4 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 24; open 4 a.m. to 9 p.m. Dec. 26.

Bowling Center – Closed Christmas Day; open Dec. 24 from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.; open Dec. 31 from 7 a.m. to midnight; open Jan 1 from noon to 6 p.m.

Java Café – Closed Dec. 25 and Jan. 1; open 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 24 and 26 MCCS Henderson Hall Car Wash – Open 24/7 For more information see mccshh.com/ HoursRetail.html and www.jbmhhmwr.com or call an activity you have a question about. Find extensive phone lists at www.army.mil/jbmhh or www.mccshh.com.

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Friday, December 13, 2013

Community

Soldier’s passion: shooting champion

By Staff Sgt. Luisito Brooks 3d Infantry Division (The Old Guard) Public Affairs

“I have to keep myself calm and focused when I am standing there with my shotgun waiting on that target to fly,” said Capt. Michael Marano.

“The best feeling in the world is turning that clay disk into dust.”

Marano, ceremonies and special events officer, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), has enjoyed the sport of skeet and trap shooting since his sophomore year at the United States Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. in 2006. His passion and dedication to the sport would later lead him to a first place title at the 2013 World Skeet Championships.

Marano started shooting for sport because of an incident that sidelined him from his first love, football.

“I sustained a major injury to my shoulder and needed surgery,” said Marano. “I had to look for a less impact sport, so I joined the skeet and trap team.”

Marano found that he was actually pretty good at it. He competed in many collegiate shooting competitions, and by his senior year, was named team captain by his coach and peers.

“I really enjoyed my time as a leader on the team,” said Marano. “We pushed each other to get better and to shoot

COURTESY

PHOTO

Capt. Michael Marano, ceremonies and special events officer, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) destroys a clay disk during the 2013 World Skeet Championship at the National Shooting Complex in San Antonio, Texas.

more consistently.”

Marano received orders to Germany following his graduation from the academy.

Unfortunately, he couldn’t bring his shotguns or compete.

Marano said he didn’t go a day without thinking about the sport he loved during the three years he spent overseas in Germany and his deployment to Afghanistan.

“It was pretty tough for me, but I knew that I would get back into the game when I got state side,” said Marano.

Marano’s prayers were answered when he was assigned to The Old Guard in Arlington.

“I was excited about the unit and my opportunity to start shooting again,” said Marano.“I searched for different skeet and trap ranges in the area, and I went as often as I could.”

Marano connected with a member of the U.S. Army Shotgun Team [USAST] during one of his training sessions.

“We shot together very often, so he knew what I could do,” said Marano.“He invited me to join the five-man team to contend with the best.”

The USAST competes in military, national, international and Olympic shooting competitions every year. The team finished in the middle of the pack during the 2013 Armed Forces Skeet Shooting Competition at Camp Lejuene, N.C. “We did okay, but I felt as though I was still getting warmed-up,” said Marano.“We kicked our training into high gear after the competition.”

All of Marano’s hard work paid off during the 2013 World Skeet Championship at the National Shooting Complex in San Antonio, Texas. Marano placed first in the B class category, shooting 438 out of 450 targets.

“The competition was tough, but my team helped me stay focused,” said Marano. “I felt right at home on the range shooting those targets.”

Marano considers it an honor to be a part of a team that represents the Army while also doing something he loves. He plans to continue shooting with the USAST as long as they will allow him.

“I am a very competitive guy,” said Marano. “One great thing about this sport is that there is always something to learn.”

COURTESY

PHOTO

‘Back to the Grind’ The top weight reducers in Fort Myer Fitness Center’s Back to the Grind weight loss challenge were announced during a fitness center award ceremony Dec. 5. Posing with fitness coordinator Sylvia Garcia (far right) are Ian Brown, 3rd place in the men’s division; women’s winner Judith Cho and male winner Wesley Tavares.

Cho recorded a 10 percent loss while Tavares took off a total of 14 pounds.

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Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall holiday services 2013 community events

Dec. 19: 11:30 a.m. Advent concert; noon luncheon and 12:25 p.m. devotional at Memorial Chapel. Gordon Frank, organ.

• Jan. 5: 4 p.m., Epiphany concert at Old Post Chapel.

JBM-HH Protestant Chapel Community (All worship services at Memorial Chapel unless otherwise noted.)

• Dec. 24: Christmas Eve candlelight service (combined Protestant congregations.)

• Dec. 24 and 31: No Joshua Generation worship service.

JBM-HH Catholic Community (All worship services at Memorial Chapel unless otherwise noted.)

• Dec. 14: 5 p.m. Vigil Mass for the Third Sunday of Advent.

• Dec. 15: 9 a.m. Mass for the Third Sunday of Advent with children’s Christmas pageant during Mass.

• Dec. 21: 5 p.m. Vigil Mass for the Fourth Sunday of Advent.

• Dec. 22: 9 a.m. Mass for the Fourth Sunday of Advent.

• Dec. 24: 4:30 p.m. choral prelude – chapel and handbell choir.

• Dec. 24: 5 p.m. Solemn Christmas Mass.

• Dec. 28: 5 p.m. Vigil Mass for the Feast of the Holy Family.

• Dec. 29: 9 a.m. Mass for the Feast of the Holy Family.

• Dec. 31: 5 p.m. Vigil for the Feast of Mary Mother of God. • Jan. 4: 5 p.m. Vigil Mass of the Epiphany.

• Jan. 5: 9 a.m. Mass for the Feast of the Epiphany.

• Jan. 11: 5 p.m. Vigil Mass for the Baptism of the Lord.

• Jan. 12: 9 a.m. Feast of the Baptism of the Lord (end of Christmas season.)

JBM-HH Gospel Community • Dec. 14: 7 p.m. Christmas Cantata at the Officers Club.

• Dec. 31: 10 p.m. Watch Night Service at Memorial Chapel. Breakfast served in the Memorial Chapel Fellowship hall immediately following Watch Night Service.

PENTAGRAM

News Notes Death notices Anyone with debts owed to or by the estate of Maj. David R. Osborne must contact Capt.

Sherry L. Hamilton, the summary court officer for the Soldier. Osborne passed away Nov. 15. Call Hamilton at 301-400-0271 or email sherry.l.hamilton.mil@health.mil.

Anyone with debts owed to or by the estate of Sgt. Seth T. Kirkland, WTB, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, must contact Capt. Mathiew N. Ngati, the summary court officer for the Soldier. Kirkland passed away Nov. 29. Call Ngati at 202-456-7890.

Marshall Drive pavement work Permanent pavement restoration is set to be done on the eastbound land of Marshall Drive from near the Access Road to the Iwo Jima Marine Memorial on Route 110 Dec. 16-18. The work is being done in association with Dominion Virginia Power’s underground transmission project on the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall. Two-way traffic will be maintained using a temporary flagging operation.

Depending on weather conditions, the work will be done as follows: Asphalt work: The asphalt portion work on the eastbound lane of Marshall Drive will be completed Dec. 16-18.

Normal work hours of 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. will be in effect during the operation. For more information, contact Lt. Ron Foster at 703-614-4700.

Note: These dates are subject to change due to weather conditions.

Road construction in Arlington through December Roadway construction on Columbia Pike from South Wakefield Drive to Four Mile Run will continue through the middle of December, weather permitting. Work will begin at the west side of the project and move east. See www.columbiapikeva.us/construction for details.

Road work temporarily closes portions of South Queen Street Virginia Department of Transportation workers closed South Queen Street at Columbia Pike through mid-December to do sanitary sewer relocation work. A portion of South Queen Street near its intersection with Columbia Pike will remain closed for about a week. Traffic entering and exiting the Arlington View and Carrington Village communities will be detoured to South Quinn Street.

MCCS facility closures The Cpl. Terry L. Smith Gymnasium is closed from 3-9 p.m. for a private function Dec. 13. For more information, call 703-614-7214. The Smith Gym’s locker room is closed weekdays from 7:30-8 p.m. and weekends from 4:30-5 p.m. for cleaning.

The Marine Club is closed Dec. 19 for a private event.

Pentagram break The last edition of the Pentagram in 2013 will be published Dec. 20. The Pentagram will ring in the new year Jan. 10 with its annual “Year-inReview” edition. If you have suggestions or photo submissions for the year in review paper, please email them to pentagramjbmhh@yahoo.com.

Tax Center needs volunteers The Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall tax center is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help staff this year’s tax center. The tax center will provide cost-free federal and state income tax return preparation and e-filing for military personnel, their families and other eligible clients throughout the 2014 tax season.

Volunteer tax preparers and volunteer administrative staff are needed to help make this year’s tax center a successful operation. If you are interested in a volunteer opportunity, contact the tax center’s officer-in-charge, Capt. Aaron Matthes at 703-696-0761 or aaron.r.matthes .mil@mail.mil.

Temporary change at occupational health clinic For the time being, the occupational health clinic of the Andrew Rader U.S. Army Health Clinic will not be able to accommodate any walk-in patients. All occupational health support will be by appointment only. To make an appointment, call 703-696-0068.

Rader dental clinic updates All reserve component servicemembers seeking care at the Andrew Rader U.S. Army Health Clinic will be required to have a current copy of their orders in their dental record prior to any appointments being made. Orders can be dropped off or faxed to 703-696-0586.

All servicemembers seeking treatment at the dental clinic will be required to turn in their dental records to the front desk before any Continued on next page

PENTAGRAM

Friday, December 13, 2013

5

News Notes From previous page appointments can be made.

All exam appointments will now include a cleaning. Because of this, no walk-ins are accommodated.

Sick call hours are from 7:30-9 a.m. During other times during the duty day, it will be on a stand-by basis. After hours emergencies to report to the Fort Belvoir Community Hospital emergency room.

Save your own life Take your life seriously. Make a plan, register at www.ucanquit2.org and use the tools available to kick the tobacco habit.

Tobacco kills. Inhaling or ingesting tobacco releases harmful chemicals into your lungs and blood stream, sending toxins to every organ in your body. Smoking and tobacco use cause cancer, heart disease, strokes, emphysema, bronchitis and airway obstructions.

Talk to the Andrew Rader U.S. Army Health Clinic personnel who have resources to help military personnel and their family members.

Get an appointment for tobacco cessation counseling by calling the Rader appointment line at 1-855-227-6331. Those not eligible to use Rader, check in at www.ucanquit2.org.

Army wants feedback In support of the Army’s ready and resilient campaign, the office of the chief of public affairs is requesting feedback from across the Army in order to determine better ways we can communicate to Soldiers and civilians about health of the force issues.

Take a few minutes to provide your input through a survey on AKO (CAC log-in required) at https://www.us.army.mil/suite/page/687440.

We encourage your feedback regardless of whether or not you are familiar with these topics. Note this survey is only for Army Soldiers and Department of Army civilians. Direct any additional questions about this survey to army .ocpa.hqda@us.army.mil.

Scholarship applications available at commissary Applications for the 2014 scholarships program are available at the commissary on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base and online at www .militaryscholar.org. Applications must be turned in to a commissary by the close of business Feb. 28. Packages must be hand-delivered or shipped via the U.S. Postal Service or other delivery methods, not emailed or faxed.

This year’s award amount has risen to $2,000, and the program awards at least one scholarship at each commissary with qualified applicants.

Applicants should ensure that they and their sponsor are enrolled in the Defense Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) database and have a military ID card. For more information, students or sponsors should call scholarship managers at 1-856-616-9311 or email them at militaryscholar@scholarshipmanagers.com.

Zembiec Pool closed indefinitely Due to damage as a result of a power outage, the Maj. Douglas A. Zembiec Pool is closed indefinitely. We regret the loss of a popular workout

venue and will be working diligently to reopen as soon as possible.

Personal financial management The Marine Corps Community Service financial management program holds classes on financial management topics each month. December’s topics include home buying, investing, planning for retirement and personal credit. For more information, visit www.mccsHH.com/finance .html or call 703-614-6950.

Quantico band at MCX An ensemble of Marine Corps Base Quantico saxophonists will be in the Marine Corps Exchange Dec. 13 playing holiday music at noon. Everyone is welcome to stop by for this mini concert until approximately 12:30 p.m.

Advent concert series includes lunch The staff of Memorial Chapel on the Fort Myer portion of JBM-HH invites the community to a free concert and luncheon in celebration of the Christian season of Advent Dec. 19 at Memorial Chapel, Bldg. 480. The organ concert, performed

by Glendon Frank will begin at 11:30 a.m., followed by lunch at noon and a devotional at 12:25 p.m. Feel free to come for all or any part of the program that fits your schedule. Call Betsy Hendrix at 703-696-6635 for more information.

Winter intramural basketball MCCS Semper Fit winter intramural basketball signup is underway. Play begins Jan. 13 and runs through March. Register by Dec. 19.

For details, call Jody McBride at 703-697-2706.

EFMP December classes The Exceptional Family Member Program offers an advocacy skills class Dec. 16 and 19 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., at Marine Barracks Washington and on the Henderson Hall portion of the joint base, respectively. On Dec. 26 from noon- 1 p.m., learn about the EFMP reimbursement program at an orientation on the Henderson Hall portion of the joint base. The orientation is available through WebEx. All classes require registration. Call 703-693-5353 for more information.

Anger management Individuals will receive information on the basic principles of emotions management, specific information about the impact of unmanaged anger, and receive resources on how to recognize and manage the anger triggers in their own lives. Class will be held Dec. 18 from 9-11 a.m. in the ACS classroom, Bldg. 201, on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base. Preregistration is requested. For more information and to pre-register, call 703-696-3512 or email karen.a.stpierre.ctr@mail.mil.

Welcome 2014 at the JBM-HH clubs Ring in 2014 at the Fort Myer Officers Club or Spates Community Club on the Fort Myer side of the joint base. Make reservations for Tuesday, Dec. 31 for the Officers Club from 6 p.m.-1 a.m. in the Fife and Drum Room or Koran Ballroom.

For more information and to make reservations, call 703-696-5147 or 703-524-3037. Or, opt for

the evening at Spates Community Club from 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Get more information or make reservations at 703-527-1300/1302 and see www. jbmhhmwr .com for more information.

Henderson Hall Christmas hours Marine Corps Community Services announces holiday hours for Christmas Day, Dec. 25. All MCCS activities are closed, except the car wash, which is open daily 24 hours. Some activities will have modified hours Dec. 24 and Dec. 26 and 27. The Marine Club will be closed Dec. 25 through Jan. 1. Visit www.mccsHH.com/Hours .html for complete hours during the Christmas and New Year holiday period.

Anger management workshops resume in January Marine and Family Programs offers anger management workshops beginning Jan. 8. The weekly sessions are held Wednesdays from 9-11 a.m. and are designed to teach eight tools for managing anger. Participants may start at any time, but must attend all eight sessions to receive a certificate of completion. Sessions are in Bldg. 12’s conference room on the Henderson Hall portion of the joint base. The workshops are open to active duty personnel, their family members and military retirees. To register, call 703-614-7204.

Bench press competition Registration is now open for the bench press competition, to be held Jan. 10 at the Cpl. Terry L. Smith Gymnasium on the Henderson Hall portion of the joint base starting at 5:30 p.m.

Registration closes Jan. 7. For more information on the competition, call 703-693-9440. Prepare for the bench press every Friday through Jan. 3 from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Appointments are available with Cliff by calling 703-614-7214.

Stress workshops offered in January Marine and Family Programs offers workshops on coping with work and family stress beginning Jan. 14. The 12-session, evidence-based series, designed to teach strategies for dealing with stressors, is held Tuesdays from 2:30-4 p.m. in Bldg. 12’s conference room on the Henderson Hall portion of the joint base. Topics include identifying stressors, deep breathing and muscle relaxation, assertive communication, changing your self talk, eating right, exercise and developing a personal stress management plan. The workshops are open to active duty personnel, their family members and military retirees. To register, call 703-614-7204.

Monster Jam tickets Witness the excitement of Monster Jam trucks at Verizon Center in January. The MCX Henderson Hall ITT office has tickets available for sale for the following dates: Jan. 24 at 7 p.m. and Jan. 25 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The price is $16.25 per person. Call 571-483-1963 for availability.

Please send your news notes to the Pentagram at pentagramjbmhh@yahoo.com.

AOWCGWA Scholarship The Army Officers Wives Club of the Greater Washington Area provides scholarships for children and spouses of Army personnel. Children (up to the age of 22) and spouses of active duty, retired or deceased Army personnel and who maintain a military dependent identification card are eligible to apply. Applicants and their sponsors must live in the greater Washington D.C. metropolitan area. The application and full list of requirements can be found at www.aowcgwa.org under the scholarships and grants tab. All applications must be completed and submitted

by March 28, 2014. For more details about the program, email collegeaowcgwa@ gmail.com.

The scholarships are created by funds from the Fort Myer Thrift Shop.

PHOTO BY RACHEL LARUE

2013 reindeer romp closes JBM-HH race season

More than 30 diehard runners braved rain 19 days before Christmas to finish the 2013 Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Reindeer Stampede Run/Walk. The morning of Dec. 6, runners started and finished outside the Fort Myer Fitness Center and were brought to the closing yards with the help of bugled Christmas carols courtesy of race runner and The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps’ Staff Sgt. Michael Creadon.

The men’s reindeer race winner was Antonio Eppolito while the women’s champ was Yuko Whitestone.

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RACHEL LARUE

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Soldiers create gingerbread house of U.S. Capitol

By Lisa Ferdinando Army News Service

A sweet holiday delight, created by three Soldiers and boasting exquisite detail, greets general officers and other Army leaders who dine at the Army Executive Dining Facility at the Pentagon.

The sugary delight, a gingerbread house of the U.S. Capitol, is a welcome diversion that brings a smile to Army leaders who have very hectic schedules and are in and out of meetings all day, said Spc. Samantha Poe. Poe, who designed the gingerbread house, assembled the creation with Sgts. Rose Picard and Kyoungmin Park.

The gingerbread house is on display in the entryway of the exclusive Pentagon dining area.

“It is a great way to remind people of the holidays,” said Picard, a pastry chef. “They walk in to the smell of gingerbread. It’s nice for the holidays.”

Details on the house include tiny wreaths and candles on the windows, licorice garland, candy adornments and sugary icicles and snow.

The items used in making the two-foottall structure include 32 pounds of gingerbread and 20 pounds of powdered sugar, as well as an assortment of sweets, including marshmallows and ice cream cones.

The ice cream cones were flipped over and piped with icing, transforming them into miniature trees. Cornflakes were mixed with melted marshmallows and green

PHOTO

BY

LISA FERDINANDO

Spc. Samantha Poe touches up the dome of the gingerbread house of the U.S. Capitol, at the Army Executive Dining Facility at the Pentagon, Dec. 5.

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BY

LISA FERDINANDO

The gingerbread house of the U.S. Capitol is on display at the entryway at the Army Executive Dining Facility at the Pentagon, Dec. 5.

dye to create textured greenery for the lawn.

A fondant statue of freedom, created by Park, is perched atop the gingerbread house.

Poe, who comes from a family of engineers, said she enjoyed the mathematics of the project and doing the proportion and scaling aspect of the design. The house is 4.5 feet long and 3 feet wide.

The idea came from a gingerbread house Poe saw of the Capitol last year, she said. In this design, there were some liberties taken, she said, including adding a third

staircase to the building.

“It is great to see it come to life,” she said.

It took more than six days for the three Soldiers to construct the house.

They worked on it in addition to their regular duties during their busy days at the dining facility, where generals and their civilian equivalents and guests dine.

“We were working in a very small room,” said Park, who has a background in accounting but found a love and talent for the culinary arts.

“We didn’t have a chance to step back and

look at the whole of it,” she said. “On the very last day, we finally had a chance to put everything on and step back to see it.

It was amazing.”

Poe worked as a pastry chef in four- and five-star restaurants in the civilian world before enlisting.

“It’s a great job. We love what we do,” said Poe. The clientele just love the gingerbread house, and people get excited wanting to know who is behind this “famous gingerbread house,” she said.

“We’ve even had generals come back to shake our hands,” she said.

Old Guard train for National Training Center rotation Staff Sgt. Luisito Brooks 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (TOG) Public Affairs

Gunfire rang out across the mountainside as Soldiers moved through the woods toward the target area and engaged the simulated enemy. When the squad cleared the objective and had begun assessing the situation, the platoon leader came over the radio to tell his squad the mission was complete and to regroup on

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STAFF SGT. LUISITO BROOKS

Soldiers assigned to Delta Company, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), create a path through the tall grass during a squad live-fire exercise at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pa., Dec. 4. D Co. is preparing for a deployment early next year to the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, Calif.

his position.

Although this was only a rehearsal for the Soldiers assigned to Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), this field training exercise at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pa., Dec. 2-13., will serve them well in the future.

Capt. Johnathan Green, executive officer, D Co., 3d U.S. Inf. Regt. (The Old Guard) said the

unit is excited about the exercise because it’s their culminating event prior to a deployment to the National Training Center [NTC] in Fort Irwin, Calif.

D Co. is slated to augment 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wa., during their pre-deployment rotation at the training center early next year.

“We are doing a lot of fun things out here that some of our newer Soldiers haven’t necessarily done before to get them and us ready for NTC,” said Green.

“We’ll be going over some of the basics first, and then get progressively harder at each level.”

So far this year, D Co. has trained at other sites like Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md. and Fort A.P. Hill, Va., all in anticipation for the deployment to NTC. Junior leaders, like Spc. Nicholas Corby, infantryman, D Co., 3d U.S. Inf. Regt. (The Old Guard), began the first few days by calling for artillery support, requesting medical evacuation, and conducting squad-level livefire drills.

Corby said the two-week long training at Indiantown Gap was a great learning experience on how to lead and control his team to accomplish their mission even in hectic situations.

“We are coached to be proficient in communicating to our guys to ensure they know exactly where they need to be and what they need to do,” said Corby. “As a leader, making sure we are safe and together is the most important thing out here, especially because we are shooting live rounds.”

The training D Co. did at Indiantown Gap is difficult to reproduce in the classroom.

“Unless we come out to places like this, we can’t verify that our training is paying off,” said Corby. “This is definitely getting us ready for NTC.” After the first three days, the unit went on to conduct platoonand company-level operations.

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STAFF SGT. LUISITO BROOKS

Capt. Wallace Rollins, platoon leader, Delta Company, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), directs his Soldiers to an objective over the radio during a squad live-fire exercise at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pa., Dec. 4. D Co. is preparing for a deployment early next year to the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, Calif.

Corby said the biggest challenge was the mountainous terrain, frigid temperatures and foreign surroundings; however they easily identified and overcame those issues.

“We weren’t used to walking over the rocks, and it took a little adjusting to get used to the unstable ground,” said Corby.

“The fog and snow is pretty crazy in this area because of the mountains.”

He explained that learning to adapt to different climates was a huge part of the exercise.

Aside from the many challenges, there have been several perks to this training as well.

“We are using the same equipment that we’ll be using at NTC, from communications to maintenance and vehicles,” said Corby.

“Soldiers are working with these systems now to transition smoothly when we get there.”

Green agreed.

“We have prepared to the standard,” said Green. “We will be ready to help 3rd Brigade in whatever way they need us.”

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STAFF SGT. LUISITO BROOKS

Spc. Nicholas Corby, infantry squad leader with D Co., 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), and his Soldiers fire a M240B machine gun during a squad live-fire exercise at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pa., Dec. 4. While The Old Guard’s primary mission is ceremonial, they continuously train in their tactical skills as well to stay sharp and be prepared to defend the National Capital Region in case of attack.

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Friday, December 13, 2013

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Dr. Biden hosts National Guard Christmas tree dedication From a White House Blog

Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, hosted a National Guard Christmas tree dedication in her office Dec. 9 in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building.

Biden, who herself is a National Guard mom, welcomed senior National Guard spouses, National Guard Family Program members and their children who participated in the dedication.

The tree was decorated with 54 ornaments, which came from each U.S. state, territory and the District of Columbia. Each state submitted one ornament, some of which were designed by military youth or service members.

The National Guard Christmas tree is just one

part of this year’s White House holiday décor honoring servicemembers, veterans and military families.

As visitors enter the White House for holiday tours, they will first see a tree featuring red, white and blue star-shaped ornaments to honor Gold Star Families — those who have lost a loved one serving in the military.

In the White House’s Blue Room, this year’s 18-foot, 6-inch official White House Christmas tree features decorations made by military children from across the country.

People can provide a message of thanks to military families this holiday season by visiting the Joining Forces’ share your message through the USO website at joiningforces.uso.org.

OFFICIAL WHITE HOUSE PHOTO

BY

DAVID LIENEMANN

Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, hosts a National Guard Christmas tree dedication in her office in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington, D.C., Dec. 9.

Pentagon reductions ‘first step’ in realigning defense spending, Hagel says

By Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr. American Forces Press Service

The Defense Department’s senior leaders announced changes Dec. 4 in the Office of the Secretary of Defense and the Joint Staff designed to save money and better align the department’s structures and resources.

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel and Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, discussed decisions made as part of the strategic choices and management review during a press briefing.

“With the Pentagon confronting historically deep and steep, and abrupt spending reductions after a decade of significant budget growth,” Hagel said, “there is a clear need and an opportunity...to pare back overhead and streamline headquarters across this department.”

“And that is a result of, really, an era of post-9/11 that we have appropriately been focused on ... to secure this country.”

Hagel explained how the Strategic Choices and Management Review, led by former Air Force Secretary Michael B. Donley, developed options to “help DoD plan for a range of future budget scenarios.”

“Included in the strategic choices and management review was a comprehensive look at a savings,” he said, “all savings that could be achieved by reducing overhead throughout the department and streamlining organizations, including OSD and the Joint Staff.”

Hagel’s briefing was a follow up to his announcement several months ago that DoD would reduce major headquarters operating budgets by 20 percent over the next five years.

“These reductions are only a first step in DoD’s efforts to realign defense spending to meet new fiscal realities and strategic priorities,” he said.

Hagel noted these were “difficult, but necessary choices” on compensation reform, force structure,

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acquisitions, and other major parts of DoD to remain ahead for the department.

“These choices will be much more difficult if Congress fails to halt sequestration and fully fund the president’s budget request,” he said.

Hagel said he directed each of his principal staff assistants to begin implementing their plans to meet the 20 percent budget reductions by fiscal year 2019.

“The OSD reductions are comprehensive, touching many aspects of our organization, personnel and resources,” he said.

The defense secretary laid out eight OSD reductions in accordance with the review and announced the following changes: • Restructuring of the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Policy, based on an extensive internal review of the organization, led by the current undersecretary defense for policy, Jim Miller.

• Realignment of the Office of the Director of Administration and Management, and its components, under the DCMO structure to provide better coordination and integration of DoD’s business affairs, including performance management and compliance, to result in a much stronger and more empowered deputy chief management officer.

• The transfer of specific responsibility for business information technology systems from the DCMO to DoD’s chief information officer in order to strengthen DoD’s ability to address growing IT and cyber challenges.

• Combining the Office of the Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Intelligence Oversight, and the Defense Privacy and Civil Liberties Offices into a single office aligned under the new DCMO organization.

• The Office of Net Assessment will report to the undersecretary of defense for policy to better ensure its long-range comparative analysis.

• A rebalancing of resources by the acting undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness across the office’s three assistant secretaries of defense in order to sharpen P

and R’s focus on force management, force readiness and military health care and military compensation and retirement reform.

• Planning will move forward for the undersecretary of defense for intelligence on how its mission and focus should evolve after the drawdown of the post-9/11 conflicts, including staffing levels, organizations and programs.

• Approved plans for eliminating the five remaining deputy undersecretaries of defense who are not presidentially appointed or Senate confirmed, fulfilling direction from the Congress.

Hagel said to further improve the management of OSD, he is directing additional longer-term follow-up actions, and directing a bi-annual review to establish a regular assessment of the office’s requirements.

“Most of the reductions in OSD staff that I’ve announced today will occur through a process of natural attrition in order to minimize the impact on our workforce,” he said.

“If the department is forced to take the steep sequestration cuts on the order of $500 billion over the next 10 years, we may need to implement additional reductions.”

Dempsey noted some things would have been done “whether or not we were faced with the budget control act.”

“So just as he’s directed the Office of the Secretary of Defense to make these changes, so, too, will the Joint Staff, the combatant commanders, the service chiefs, as well as three-star headquarters and above throughout the world,” he said.

The chairman cited pay compensation and health care as areas that “for some time” needed adjustment or slowing of their rate of growth.

In addition, excess infrastructure needs consolidation or closing, and acquisition reform, he said, needs to “get out of this pattern where things are acquired and delivered too slowly and too expensively.”

“We can’t do that ourselves,” Dempsey said. “We’re going to need help across virtually each one of these areas, and we’ll be looking to

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OFFICIAL PHOTO

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, pictured above, and Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, discussed decisions made as part of the strategic choices and management review during a Dec. 4 press briefing.

gain support for that over time.”

More broadly, the chairman lauded the department for its versatility as “we entered our 13th year of combat in Afghanistan,” while simultaneously delivering supplies to the Philippines in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan, and maintaining a steady state of presence in the Arabian Gulf, in the Eastern Mediterranean, and in the Pacific as well as other diplomatic efforts.

“So as we consider how to maintain our military strength, we must always remember our real strategic advantage,” Dempsey said. “That [is], of course, the men and women who serve in uniform.”

“And so the purpose of all of the reform efforts that we’ve been describing here is aimed at ensuring that we preserve and actually enhance the leadership training and equipping of our forces,” he said.

“In so doing – and only in so doing,” Dempsey said, “will we be sure to keep our nation immune from coercion.”

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TUSAB, from page 1 “In October we recorded the music accompaniments to let the vocalists have something to rehearse with. We had our first rehearsal a week ago. One of the big challenges was fitting our preparation in along with the rehearsals, sound checks and performance at the National Christmas Tree Lighting telecast with the first family.”

The show featured festive songs such as “Deck the Halls,” “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” “Jingle Bells” and “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.”

“I was pleased with everything our Soldiers did at the dress rehearsal,” said Palmatier. “They put on a great show, and it also gave us a list of some things we PHOTO

BY

PENTAGRAM

need to tweak to make it even better.”

The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” has been the premier musical organization of the U.S. Army since 1922. Army Chief of Staff Gen. John J. “Black Jack” Pershing founded the band, emulating the European military bands he had heard during the First World War. “Pershing’s Own” continues to play an important role in events of national and international significance at home and abroad.

All shows for this year’s American Holiday Festival were sold out. However, patrons who were unable to get tickets are welcome to walk-in 15 minutes prior to show time on the day of the show, if space is available.

CORY HANCOCK

Soldiers from the United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own” perform the American Holiday Festival for the Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region and the U.S. Army Military District of Washington staff and family members at Brucker Hall, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Dec. 6.

Retention, from page 1 retention assignments were Master Sgt. James Meyers and 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) career counselors Sgt. First Class Patrick Burnish and Staff Sgt. Christopher McCuiston. While Meyers assembled the pasta sauce, the Burnish-McCuiston combo chopped veg-

etables and finished the salad preparations.

The three said they felt privileged to lend a hand during the afternoon cooking.

“It is a great thing to give out to others who need assistance, so this is a great opportunity to lend a helping hand wherever we can,” said Burnish. “It is a humbling experience to be able to help others.

VA official outlines progress in reducing claims backlog From a Department of Veterans Affairs News Release

A senior Veterans Affairs Department official Dec. 11 outlined progress made by the Veterans Benefits Administration in reducing the backlog of veterans’ disability compensation and pension claims by 36 percent since March, attributing the success to the combined impact of transformation initiatives and increased employee productivity.

Allison A. Hickey, undersecretary of veterans affairs for benefits, testified at a hearing of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee.

“We know there is much more work to be done to reach our goal of eliminating the disability claims backlog in 2015,” Hickey said. “But I’m encouraged that the improved tools and processes we’ve put in place so far are having a real impact so that we may better serve our nation’s veterans, their survivors and their families.”

Hickey detailed the elements of the Veterans Benefits Administration’s transformation plan, which includes retraining and reorganizing its workforce, streamlining business processes, and building and implementing new technology solutions. With each transformation milestone, she said, VBA is successfully moving away from a paper-bound, manual process to improve benefits delivery through paperless claims processing. She also noted that if full funding is received, mandatory overtime for VBA claims processors, which helped to bring down the backlog this year, will continue for much of 2014.

The undersecretary highlighted several accomplishments in the testimony: • Decreasing the pending inventory of claims by 22 percent.

• Decreasing the number of claims in the backlog pending for more than 125 days by 36 percent.

• Increasing claim-level accuracy from about 83 percent in 2011 to 90 percent today.

• Increasing medical issue-level accuracy to about 97 percent today.

Lending a helping hand • Completing processing of 99.9 percent of all claims that were pending is a great thing to do.” for more than two years.

Other retention • Completing processing of 97 percent of all claims that were pending Soldiers lending their for more than one year through the end of October. culinary and holiday • Converting more than 360 million images of paper claims documents decorating talents into a digital format for electronic processing. were Master Sgts.

• Establishing more than 3.2 million veteran, servicemember and Matthew Middleton, family member accounts in eBenefits, the joint Defense Department/ DeCarlo Johnson, VA Web portal for accessing and tracking VA benefits.

Leslie Thurmond and Also, Hickey said, VA’s web-based, paperless electronic claims processAllan Mason, Staff Sgt. ing solution, the Veterans Benefits Management System, or VBMS, was Shaun Holman and deployed to all 56 of VA’s regional benefits offices across the country, six Sgts. 1st Class Jose months ahead of schedule. VBMS has also been fielded to the Appeals Cubillos and Christina Management Center, the Records Management Center, the Board of Dauria-Cox. Veterans’ Appeals, VA’s National Call Center, and all VA Medical Centers.

Currently, about 75 percent of the VBA’s claims inventory is in digital form for electronic processing in VBMS — a percentage that is growing daily, Hickey said, adding that VBMS will continue to add new features and capability.

Hickey thanked the committee members for their support, noting that VA will rely on their continued support for resourcing the information technology and automation advancements needed to meet the department’s goal of eliminating the backlog in 2015. In fiscal year 2013 alone, VA provided more than $59 billion in compensation benefits to 4 million veterans and survivors and more than $5 billion in pension benefits to more than 515,000 veterans and survivors.

VA officials urge veterans and separating servicemembers who are planning to file a disability claim to do so by filing fully developed claims, known as FDCs, electronically through eBenefits. Veterans and separating service members who need help filing their claims can contact their local veteran service organization for assistance, officials said.

Under current law, veterans filing initial disability compensation claims as FDCs now through Aug. 5, 2015, may be eligible for up to one year of retroactive benefits.

Registered eBenefits users with a premium account can file a claim online, track its status and access a variety of other benefits, including pension, education, health care, home loan eligibility and vocational rehabilitation and employment programs.

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SGT. JOSE A. TORRES JR.

Snow

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Spc. Jacob Davenport, sentinel, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), walks his 21 steps as snow starts falling at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, Dec. 8. “Through the years of diligence and praise and the discomfort of the elements, I will walk my tour in humble reverence to the best of my ability.”

As stated in the sentinel’s creed, Davenport executes to the best of his ability.

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Friday, December 13, 2013

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Friday, December 13, 2013

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