Pilot 120613

December 6, 2013

SOUTH POTOMAC PILOT NEWS AND INFORMATION FOR THE NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUTH POTOMAC DEFENSE COMMUNITY

Indian Head Galley serves Thanksgiving cheer

By Andrew Revelos Staff Writer

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Fighting for Vets in King George Page 3

Enjoying a holiday meal isn’t always possible for service members, but the staff at the Naval Support Facility Indian Head Galley provided Marines and Sailors with a taste of home at a scrumptious Thanksgiving lunch Nov. 21. A lot of love went into the meal, which featured clam chowder, roast turkey, spiral baked ham, shrimp cocktail, seasoned mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, cornbread dressing, sweet potatoes, corn and of course, lots of desserts. The galley also catered to retired military members and civilians employees, who lined up to enjoy the feast.

Preparation for the special meal began the night before and continued after breakfast, with galley staff washing, chopping, cooking and decorating. As the lunch hour drew near, re-

U.S. Navy photos by Andrew Revelos

Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Amanda Glover garnishes the service line at the Naval Support Facility Indian Head Galley for a special Thanksgiving meal Nov. 21. inforcements arrived in the form of additional galley employees. By 10 a.m., the pace in the kitchen reached a crescendo as the staff buzzed, completing a long list of last-minute tasks.

Marines and Sailors assigned to the Chemical Bio-

logical Incident Response Force arrived as soon as the galley doors opened; a second wave of civilians arrived an hour later. When it was over, galley staff had served

See Galley, Page 2

Beverly Keys, lead cook at the Naval Support Facility Indian Head Galley, inspects sliced turkey before the special meal Nov. 21.

Dahlgren observes Veterans Day

By John Joyce NSWC Dahlgren Division Corporate Communications World War II, Vietnam, and Operation Iraqi Freedom, Karen Wingeart recounted the impact of each war on her life and career in the naval service as an active duty officer, reservist, and civilian acquisition engineering agent.

“Freedom is not free,” said Wingeart, who manages fielding, training and sustainment support for chemical, biological and radiological (CBR) sensors and drug detection kits used by U.S. Navy boarding teams on 145 ships.

U.S. Navy military and civilian personnel listened intently at the Naval Support Facility Dahlgren base theater where they gathered Nov. 18 - one week after Veterans Day - to pay tribute to all who served and sacrificed in defense of our nation.

“We owe it to our veter-

Courtesy photo

Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) Commander Capt. Brian Durant congratulates NSWCDD acquisition engineering agent Karen Wingeart after she shared several personal stories of veterans’ valor, courage and sacrifice during a Veteran’s Day Observance Nov. 18. ans to honor them and their sacrifices, and one way to do that is to preserve their stories,” said Wingeart, a Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) CBR Defense Division employee. “History

does tend to repeat itself, and we should learn from our past so we do not make the same mistakes.”

The Navy reserve meteorologist shared several stories honoring U.S. veterans and illustrating the value of

American military history and traditions.

“I wanted to be a Sailor,” said Wingeart as she reflected deeply on her family’s military history.

“I come from a family of veterans, but most were Sailors,” she said. “I had two grandfathers who served in World War II one who served at sea and the other a Navy Chief who served in China and never spoke about what he did.

My father served on a carrier during the Vietnam and Cold War era, my aunt was a nurse in the Navy, and my older cousin enlisted as an air traffic controller.”

Wingeart’s stories about veterans’ exploits and sacrifices throughout U.S. military history included sacrifices made by her own classmates and personal friends.

“Early during plebe summer (the U.S. Naval Academy’s version of boot camp), our squad leader took us on a tour through Memorial Hall,” she said. “I dis-

tinctly remember stopping to read about Col. John Ripley, USMC in front of the diorama titled “Ripley at the Bridge”.

The diorama at the Naval Academy illustrates bravery and courage under intense fire.

On Easter morning 1972, Ripley repeatedly exposed himself to intense enemy fire over a three hour period as he prepared to destroy an essential bridge in Dong Ha. His actions significantly slowed the advance of 200 North Vietnamese armored tanks into South Vietnam.

The story of “Ripley at the Bridge” - legendary in the Marine Corps and captured in the diorama - is required reading for academy students.

“It’s one of many plaques, memorials, and murals inside Bancroft Hall and is one that most alumni remember,” said Wingeart.

The names of alumni

See Veterans Day, Page 6

FREE CLASSIFIED ADS FOR MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES E-mail nsasp_pao_dlgr@navy.mil or Call (540) 653-8153

The South Potomac Pilot

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Friday, December 6, 2013

Galley: Ready for the challenge Continued from page 1

204 pounds of turkey and 103 pounds of ham. By all accounts, the food was delicious, the portions generous and the urge to nap after the meal overwhelming.

In other words, the galley accomplished its mission with gusto.

“I know they’re away from home,” said Beverly Keys, lead cook at the NSF Indian Head Galley, describing her love for her service member customers.

“I consider them my family.

You get to know them on a personal level by talking to them every day. We do anything we can to make them feel comfortable, make them feel happy and make them feel like they are home, even though they’re away.”

Keys’ love of cooking is a family affair and she credits her role models for much of her culinary success. “My Aunt Ruth, my Aunt Mary and of course my grandmother, who spoiled me rotten and always had me in the kitchen when I was growing up,” she said.

While preparing a large holiday meal is no small task, Keys said the galley’s team work makes it all possible. “The ordering of the food. we have to do the math to figure out how many portions of food we need to prepare,” she said, “[but] the challenges aren’t too bad because we all pool together and work as a team to get the job done.

We channel all our energy together.”

Of course, it isn’t just civilian employees whose efforts make special meals possible. Keys said the considerable experience of the culinary specialist Sailors assigned to the galley makes a big impact. “When they come [here] from deployment, they’re willing to come in and jump right in there,” she said. “They have no problem doing anything, from the smallest task to the largest task. The civilians and the military work well together; we’re a great team. I’m very proud to be a part of it.”

That feeling is mutual for the Sailors at the galley.

“We’re fortunate that we have a great civilian staff,” said Culinary Specialist Chief Petty Officer Corey Glenn, food service officer.

Serving civilians is something the galley hasn’t done in several years and though it required extra work, Glenn said he and the galley staff were inspired by the challenge. The galley served another special

Hungry: Marines assigned to the Chemical Biological Incident Response Force smile as they look over their options at the special Thanksgiving lunch at the Naval Support Facility Indian Head Galley on Nov. 21.

Culinary Specialist Chief Petty Officer Corey Glenn, food service officer, chops bacon in the kitchen of the Naval Support Facility Indian Head Galley on Nov. 21.

Cassandra Tibbs, food service specialist at the Naval Support Facility Indian Head Galley, makes sure the pies are ready for the special Thanksgiving meal Nov. 21.

Mission Accomplished: Cpl. Valentin Borunda, assigned to the Chemical Biological Incident Response Force, smiles as he carries a tray of Thanksgiving fare during a special lunch Nov. 21 at the Naval Support Facility Indian Head Galley. lunch available to service members and civilians in October for the Navy’s birthday, a meal that was also a delicious success.

“Before this year, the galley didn’t serve civilians and didn’t really know what to expect from civilians,” he said. “There are a lot of extra things that go into [special meals] behind the scenes, like the planning

process. We do a cost analysis first. Once we figure out how we can break even, we implement a menu. Then the marketing part kicks in.

That’s the easy part.”

“The hard part is putting a product out and getting 400 or 500 customers through the line at a quick rate within a two hour period, but these guys are professional and they’re great

Sam Jones, food service specialist at the Naval Support Facility Indian Head Galley, arranges holiday decorations and condiments before a crowd of Marines, Sailors and civilians filled the galley for a special Thanksgiving meal Nov. 21.

“We want [our customers] to get the feel of the holidays,” he said. at it,” Glenn continued.

Glenn appreciated the opportunity to compete against civilian restaurants

and expand on the skills he learned while deployed. “[Shore duty is] one of the few times in the Navy you

Cpl. Kirby Ragland, assigned to the Chemical Biological Incident Response Force at Naval Support Facility Indian Head, collects Thanksgiving lunches for his fellow Marines at the Downy Responder Training Facility at NSF Indian Head Stump Neck Annex. get to practice your leadership, management and business skills all together at once,” he said.

Though providing service members and Navy civilians with an outstanding holiday meal requires a lot of planning, coordination and good old-fashioned hard work, it is also highly rewarding. Glenn understands more than most the importance of serving those who serve.

“Put it this way, this is the first time in my Navy career that I’ll be able to be home for Thanksgiving,” he said, smiling. “Thanksgiving and Christmas meals are the most important meals you’ll serve in your Navy career as a [culinary specialist]. Those two meals are when you really get to do something special for your customers. that’s what I enjoy most.”

Friday, December 6, 2013

The South Potomac Pilot

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American Legion - Fighting for Vets in King George

By Steven Moore Joint Warfare Analysis Center Public Affairs

CARPOOL/VANPOOL WANTED Riders Needed for Vanpool from commuter lot at the corner of Houser Dr. and Rt. 208 in Spotsylvania. Depart 6 a.m., arrive on base 7 a.m. Depart base at 4 p.m. Mon. - Thurs., 3 p.m. on Fri. Drops at both sides of the base. Contact Nick Sunshine, 540-653-3816.

Rider wanted for 7-passenger vanpool.

Departs F’burg/Gordon Rd Commuter lot at 7AM. Departs NSWCDD/Dahlgren at 4:30PM. Transportation Incentive Program System (TIPS) qualified van. Contact Antonio at (540) 653-1512 Rider seeks rideshare from La Plata to Indian Head. Call Louie, 276-971-9837 Employee moving to either Fredericksburg, Va. or Maryland is in need of commute to NSF Dahlgren. Ideal commuting arrangement would be transportation that could pick-up and drop-off at or close to place of residence. Please call for more information, Sheila 214-529-3690.

Starting a Van Pool, 7-passenger van, departs NLT at 6:35 a.m. from Fieldhouse/ Courthouse Rd. commuter lot to Dahlgren, Mon-Thurs 7:15 a.m. to 3:45p.m.; Friday 7:15 a.m. to 3:15p.m. Call Cheng at 540653-5909. A-Gate commuter wanted only.

Van/carpool desired from any rideshare parking area or Reston Town Center. Depart between 6 to 7a.m., return from Indian Head between 4 to 5 p.m. Call Moses, 301743-4180.

Van or Car pool desired from Fredericksburg or King George to Indian Head, Monday thru Friday with one RDO, prefer 7a.m. to 4:30p.m., but hours can be negotiated.

703-909-3380.

Want to start a carpool? Need riders?

“Commuter Clearinghouse” is a source for information on carpools or vanpools that already exist and need passengers, as well as a place for employees to advertise to start a carpool or vanpool. Whether you already operate a carpool or vanpool and are open to accepting new riders or need drivers, or if you are looking for a carpool or vanpool, provide us with information that might help you find or start a commuter opportunity, such as, where you will need to commute from and to, preferred schedule and contact information. You can send your information via e-mail to nsasp_pao_dlgr@ navy.mil or contact our office toll free at 866-359-5540, or DSN 249-8153, or 540-653-8153.

FREDERICKSBURG RIDESHARING GWRideConnect is a free ridesharing service that assists persons who are seeking daily transportation from Fredericksburg, Stafford, Spotsylvania, Caroline and King George counties to employment locations in Dahlgren among other employment sites. www. gwregion.org/gwride connect.html.

During Brian M. Williamson’s 21 years on active duty with the U.S. Navy, he readily admits that the American Legion was of no interest to him. Yet, in the years since his retirement as a chief petty officer, he has become passionate about its mission of helping veterans.

In 2006 when Williamson first joined the Legion, King George had about 180 members. Today, it has grown to more than 200, including no fewer than 20 who work at Dahlgren, so many in fact that Williamson said that attendance at their monthly meetings overflows even in bad weather. But, these numbers do not reflect the whole story, he said.

“When I first joined the local post, most of the members were relatively inactive,” Williamson said. “They were aging out fast, and we considered ourselves fortunate to have a seven-member quorum at any monthly meeting.

We now hold monthly meetings that often have between 20 and 35 members present.”

“There was a bit of desperation then,” Williamson said.

“So many posts had aged and died out. At 50, I was one of the youngest members. We lost the generation after the Vietnam War. The younger generations are not joiners.

Many vets didn’t want to have anything more to do with government stuff, because, they really came away disgusted with what they saw. A lot of guys you talk to came out of service with a bitter taste.”

Williamson credits the revival to the election of several very dynamic commanders and their staffs, new programs such as the Sons of the American Legion and the American Legion Riders, and effective recruitment among younger veterans and their families.

“Sit down dinners, BBQs, fishing and other youth events were difficult-at best-to hold only a few years ago,” Williamson said. “Now, they are becoming more common, and drawing in more veterans to our post. This offers us the opportunity to strengthen and develop our post activities, including a youth-oriented voting/citizenship rights activity conducted during the last election.”

Williamson’s own journey to the Legion was not as direct as it might seem for anyone who served more than two decades in the military.

After joining the Navy at 20, he served from 1976 to 1998, spending 17 of those years at sea in the Pacific and Indian oceans.

“One year, I was only in port five days where my family was located,” Williamson said.

Williamson credits his wife Teresa for her strength and devotion during the long periods of separation. Together, they had five children. It was not until his son joined the Army, however, that Williamson became involved with the Legion.

A representative of the Legion approached him and asked him to join. Wanting to do something for his son, Williamson agreed.

“I wanted to be a voice for him and others like him,” Williamson said.

Courtesy photo

Brian Williamson, an employee at Joint Warfare Analysis Center, arrives at the King George American Legion. Williamson has become involved in the Legion since retiring from the military.

Once Williamson learned the ropes from older members, he quickly moved into a leadership role, serving as post vice commander until last year. Now 58, Williamson serves as one of three vice commanders of Virginia’s 12th district.

In this role, Williamson helped revitalize the Legion’s oratorical and writing contests on the Constitution, which focuses on high school and middle school students.

In addition, each year, the Legion sponsors high school students to attend Boys State, an education program about how government works. The Legion also provides speakers to schools who bring a personal perspective to matters such as patriotism, sacrifice, and honor.

The Legion meets more traditional needs of veterans

themselves, raising money for wounded warriors, counseling vets suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder, providing financial help, and even serving as honor guards for funerals when the military and the Veterans Administration are unavailable to provide support, Williamson said.

“If we are not actually conducting an event, we are often planning or setting up for it,” Williamson said.

Originally from Richmond, Va., Williamson moved to King George and started working at the Joint Warfare Analysis Center in Dahlgren in 2006. His passion for vets and the American Legion is apparent to anyone who talks with him.

“Our members believe in and fought for America,” Williamson said. “Sometimes their ideals don’t coincide with current or popular beliefs, but they recognize that, and while vocal in opposition, continue to support this nation.”

The American Legion is the only veterans organization chartered by Congress.

It was established after World War I in 1919 in Paris, France.

Today, with more than three million members, it is the largest veterans organization in the country. The Legion currently has 55 departments in every state as well as Washington, DC, Guam, Puerto Rico, and several countries.

The King George chapter has two posts, one on Dahlgren Road and the other on U.S. Hwy. 301.

For more information about the Legion and its programs, contact Williamson at 540-775-3671.

Wounded Warrior call center makes connections

By Patty Babb Navy Wounded Warrior - Safe Harbor The Navy Wounded Warrior (NWW) - Safe Harbor call center - which connects people to the catalog of services provided by the Navy’s sole wounded warrior support program - received more than 1,100 calls throughout its first year of operation.

Established at the start of Fiscal Year 2013, the call center is based in Millington, Tenn. Representatives field telephone inquiries 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

It is the first call center dedicated exclusively to the Navy’s wounded warrior program.

“The call center is a critical benefit for the wounded warriors enrolled in our program, and for service members with health concerns who may need to be enrolled,” said

NWW Deputy Director Merissa Larson. “It ensures that, regardless of the date or time of their calls, and regardless of the status of their cases, wounded warriors can connect to a trained professional whenever they need assistance.”

NWW is a Fleet and Family Readiness program that has assisted nearly 2,500 wounded warriors nationwide.

NWW provides a lifetime of non-medical care to seriously wounded, ill and injured Sailors and Coast Guardsmen, guiding them through recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration.

The NWW call center can be reached at 855-NAVP WWP (628-9997). Sailors and Coast Guardsmen may self-refer to NWW, or be referred by a family member, their command leadership or their medical team.

In addition to fielding

inbound calls, the call center began in March making hundreds of outbound calls to NWW enrollees. Representatives provided wounded warriors critical information about the Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance Disability Extension, adaptive athletics opportunities and transition services.

“The call center uses sophisticated technology - a voice-over, cloud-based Internet phone system - to ensure there are no service interruptions,” said Brad Nelson, director of revenue at Immersion Hospitality, the firm that manages the call center.

“As a result, the call center can do things more cost-effectively, faster and with total redundancy.”

The call center is staffed by three HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act)-certified professionals, who use customized

intake forms to capture the details of every call. Additionally, the call center staff will soon receive in-depth training on various NWW programs and services to better equip them to answer any type of inquiry they may receive.

“Call volume continues to increase every month, and the call center’s capabilities are expanding. We hope to continue to spread the word about the call center and encourage people to use it whenever a need - large or small - may surface,” added Nelson.

November marks Warrior Care Month, a time to honor the service and sacrifices of seriously wounded, ill and injured service members. To learn more about NWW or Warrior Care Month, call 855NAVP WWP (628-9997), visit http://safeharbor.navylive. dodlive.mil or email navywoundedwarrior@navy.mil.

The South Potomac Pilot

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Base Happenings Dahlgren Army vs. Navy Blood Drive at NSF Dahlgren

For the second year, NSF Dahlgren will host the Army vs. Navy Blood Drive Challenge. The Armed Services Blood Program team will collect blood donations from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Dec. 9 at the Community House. At the Army/Navy football game on Dec. 14 in Philadelphia, a trophy will be awarded to the service that receives the most donations. All blood collected benefits military members and their families at home, overseas, in harm’s way and recovering from injuries. Give our troops the most precious gift of all, the gift of life - give blood!

Branch Medical Flu Shot Clinic Dec. 12

The Dahlgren Branch Medical Clinic will conduct their only base-wide flu shot clinic on 12 Dec. from 12:30-2:30 p.m. at JD’s Conference Center. Vaccines will be available on a first come-first served basis.

Vaccines are available to all with base access.

Transition-GPS Education Track Workshop

The Dahlgren Fleet and Family Support Center will hold a Transition-GPS Education Track Workshop Dec. 16 - 17 from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Class is designed for service members pursuing higher education after the military. The class will help identify educational goals, higher education institutions and education funding as well as assist with the admission process. To register, call the NSF Dahlgren FFSC at (540) 653-1839.

Friday, December 6, 2013

Defending America is a Team Effort

By Gary Wagner The 2013 “Report to the Community” by the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Military Affairs Council featured brief updates from military installations in the region as well as remarks by Rep. Rob Wittman and the Commander for Joint Forces Headquarters National Capitol Region (JFHQ-NCR), Army Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Buchanan.

The occasion also marked the council’s second annual presentation of its “Military Friendly Business of the Year” award.

This year’s recipient was Jimmy the Greek restaurant in Stafford.

Hosted at the University of Mary Washington’s Jepson Alumni Executive Center in Fredericksburg on Nov. 25, the installation commanders for Marine Corps Base Quantico, Ft. A. P. Hill and Naval Support Facility (NSF) Dahlgren each had opportunity to report on the bases’ missions and community impact.

The presentation featured commanders from Marine Corps Base Quantico, Naval Support Activity South Potomac and Fort A.P. Hill, as well as, the keynote speaker, Maj. Gen. Jeffrey S. Buchanan, commander of the Joint Forces Headquarters National Cap-

See Defending, Page 6

U.S.. Navy photo by Andrew Revelos

Regional military leaders speaking at the Military Affairs Council’s report to the community were (l. to r.) Capt. Peter Nette, NSASP commanding officer, Col. David Maxwell, base commander for Marine Corps Base Quantico; Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Buchanan, commander Joint Forces Headquarters National Capitol Region; and Lt. Col. Peter Dargle, garrison commander Ft. A. P. Hill.

MILCON P-222 Construction Update

FFSC Small Business Seminar

If you are interested in starting your own business, now is the time to get the training and information you need to start on the right track. An Entrepreneurs Class is scheduled at the Fleet and Family Support Center on Dec 19th and 20th. Classes start at 0800. Please call to register by Friday, Dec 13th if you plan to attend. Space is limited. Call 540653-1839 to register or for additional information.

Indian Head Navy Federal Credit Union holiday drives

Navy Federal Credit Union at NSF Indian Head will be holding a food drive and a coat drive to benefit the Children’s Aid Society of Charles County. The food drive will run through November 21st and the coat drive will run through December 13th. Thank you for your support!

To publish information on your event or program under “Base Happenings,” contact NSASP Public Affairs at 540-653-8153 or email jeron.hayes@navy.mil.

Project schedule milestones for construction of the Upgrade to the Steam Distribution System at Naval Support Facility Indian Head (MILCON P-222) are updated in this graphic. The contractor is working on all sites to relocate existing utilities and install new utility connections. Under concrete slab utility work continues at all Steam Nodal Plants (SNPs). Concrete footings have been installed for SNP #3, 4, 6 and 8. Importation of dirt for the surcharge for the Primary Nodal Plant on Strauss Plant has commenced.

Utility work continues for the Utilities and Energy Management (UEM) control building.

NSA South Potomac • Office: 540-653-8153 • 540-284-0129 www.dcmilitary.com/dahlgren

The South Potomac Pilot Newspaper is published weekly by Southern Maryland Newspapers and Printing, 7 Industrial Park Drive, Waldorf, Md. 20602, a private company in no way connected with the U.S. Navy, under exclusive written contract with Naval District Washington.

This commercial enterprise newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the military services. Contents of The South Potomac Pilot are not necessarily the official views of, nor endorsed by the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, or the Department of the Navy. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supple-

Capt. Peter Nette

Commanding Officer, NSA South Potomac

Gary R. Wagner

Public Affairs Officer, NSA South Potomac

ments, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense or Southern Maryland Newspapers and Printing 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. If a violation or rejection of this equal opportunity policy by an advertiser is confirmed, the publisher shall refuse to print advertising from that source until the violation

is corrected.

Editorial content is edited, prepared, and provided by the Public Affairs Office, NSA South Potomac. News copy should be submitted by noon on Friday to be considered for the following week’s edition. All material is edited for accuracy, brevity, clarity, and conformity to regulations. To inquire about news copy, call 540-653-8153 or fax The South Potomac Pilot at 540-653-4269. Commercial advertising may be placed with the publisher by calling 301-645-9480.

Jeron Hayes

Breton Helsel and Deirdre Parry

NSA South Potomac Managing Editor

Andrew Revelos Staff Reporter

Copy/layout editors, The Gazette/ Comprint Military Publications

The South Potomac Pilot

Friday, December 6, 2013

MWR Highlights Special Events

A Christmas to Remember - FREE

December 7, 10 a.m. Noon Location: Dahlgren Community House Eligible patrons include all with base access.

Celebrate the holidays with us! Children can participate in winter games, crafts and have their picture taken with the “Big Man in Red”. Enjoy festive music and refreshments with Santa and his elves. For more information, please contact the Dahlgren ITT Office at 540-653-8785.

Liberty Center

Liberty Shopping Trip - FREE

December 7 (Van leaves at TBA) Open to Liberty patrons only, E1- E6 single/unaccompanied active duty Military.

Transportation will be provided to and from the St. Charles Mall in Waldorf, Md. Please sign-up at the Liberty Center. For more information, please contact the Liberty Center at 540-653-7277.

Liberty Tailgate Party- FREE

Every Sunday during the NFL Season at 1 p.m.

Open to Liberty Center patrons only Come over to the Liberty Center and watch your favorite team battle it out on the gridiron. Food and beverages will be provided. For more information, please contact the Liberty Center at 540-653-7277.

Ham Bowl

Bowling Center

December 1 - 19 Eligible patrons include all with base access.

Bowl three spares in a row and enter your name into a drawing for a Christmas Ham! The drawing for the Christmas

ham will be on Thursday, December 19th at 2 p.m. For more information, please contact Cannonball Lanes at 540653-7327.

Relay For Life Pancake Breakfast

King George Relay For Life will hold a pancake breakfast on Sat., Dec. 7 from 8 a.m. - noon at the St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Parish Hall. Adult tickets are $5, children 12 and under are $4. Family pack tickets are available. All proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society. For more info, email Ursula@ crosslink.net.

Santa is coming to the KG Firehouse

Santa is coming to the King George Firehouse! Join us on Friday, December 13 from 5-8 p.m. at King George Fire Department, 8122 Kings Hwy., King George - across from Food Lion. Get your picture taken with Santa and tell him what you want for Christmas! Enjoy refreshments and see the fire trucks.

Trinity United Methodist Christmas Play

The youth, ages 5 - 17, of Trinity United Methodist Church in King George will perform an original play, “A Prodigal Christmas” on Sunday, Dec. 15 at the 10:30 a.m. service and again at 2 p m. Trinity United Methodist Church is located on Rt. 3 across from the Opp Shop in King George. The show is free and open to all.

Holiday Concert

The Stafford Regional Choral Society will present its annual Christmas concert, “Christmas Traditions Old and New”, at 3 p.m. on Sunday December 15 at Colonial Forge High School, Stafford, VA. The concert features the society orchestra and chorus in a program that weaves familiar choruses from Handel’s “Messiah” with traditional and contemporary Christmas selections. Admission is free but donations will be accepted and refreshments will be available. Call 540-373-

Movie Theater

Youth Learn to Bowl

December 7, 2 - 4 p.m.

Eligible patrons include all children, ages 5 to 12, with base access.

Cost: $7.50 per child, which includes two games and shoes. Bowling instruction will be provided for those learning to bowl! Please register at Cannonball Lanes. For more information, please contact Cannonball Lanes at 540-6537327.

Santa Hat Bowling

Wednesday, December 4th, 11th and 18th Eligible patrons include all with base access.

Come in wearing a Santa Hat on Wednesdays, during December, and get half-off game prices. For more information, please contact Cannonball Lanes at 540-653-7327.

Youth Activity Center

Santa’s Calling - FREE

December 10th - 11th, 6 - 7:30 p.m.

Eligible patrons include all children, ages 2 through 17, and their parents who have base access.

Send a special message to a child this Christmas from Santa. Operators are standing by at the North Pole phone center to put your child’s name on Santa’s telephone list.

Please register at the Youth Activities Center by December 9th. For more information, please contact the Youth Activities Center at 540-653-8009.

General Library

Paws for Reading - FREE

December 10, 3:45 - 5 p.m.

Eligible patrons include all with base access.

Sign up for your 15 minute appointment to read to and pet a furry friend. Please register at the library in advance.

For more information, please contact the General Library at 540-653-7474.

Community Notes

Dahlgren

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0215, e-mail info@ staffordchoral.org, or visit us at www.staffordchoral.org for additional information. Please come join us at this family friendly performance.

Indian Head Registration Available Dec. 4 for Middle School Basketball Leagues

Starting Dec. 4, middle school students can register to play in the high school basketball preparatory league. This league is designed to allow middle school students who have dreams of playing high school basketball an opportunity to play against their peers. There will be an eight game regular season with playoffs. Players can only play at the middle school community center that they currently attend. Students attending private school must play for the center in their appropriate school zone. Practice is estimated to start the week of March 11.

This program is open to all students in grades six through eight for the 2013-2014 school year. Divisions include the following: sixth grade boys, seventh grade boys, eighth grade boys and sixth, seventh, and eighth grade girls Registration fee is $90 (or $75 if registered by Feb. 16). The registration deadline is March 2. Save $15 if you register by February 16. Register online at www.CharlesCountyParks. com. For more information, call 301-934-9305 or 301-8703388, ext 5152.

For information on other programs offered by Community Services, visit our website at www.CharlesCountyParks.com, or call 301-934-9305 or 301-870-3388. Those citizens with special needs please contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 800-735-2258.

Charles County to Hold Health Care Information and Enrollment Events

On Oct. 1, the Affordable Care Act went into effect. Unin-

540-653-7336 Friday and Saturday: 7 p.m. Showings Price of Shows Civilians - $5 AD, Retired, Reserve, Family Members (E7 - above) $4 AD, Reserve, Family Members (E6 - below) - $2.50 Child (6-11) - $2; Child (5 and under) - Free Tickets for a movie shown in 3-D are an additional $1 Friday, December 6th 7 p.m. - About Time, R Saturday, December 7th 7 p.m. - Last Vegas, PG-13

Crafternoons (Holiday Ornaments) - FREE

December 10, 5 - 6 p.m.

Eligible patrons include all with base access.

No matter your age, come to the library to create your own unique holiday ornaments. For more information, please contact the General Library at 540-653-7474.

Fitness Center

Winter Sports Intramural Leagues

Eligible patrons include all with base access.

Are you interested in joining a winter sports intramural league? Attend an organizational meeting and register at the Fitness Center. League play will begin in January, 2014.

Registration and organizational meetings are as follows: Racquetball Registration: December 3rd - 31st Volleyball Organizational Meeting: December 9th, 4 p.m.

Basketball Organizational Meeting: December 11, 4 p.m.

For more information, please contact the Fitness Center at 540-653-8580. sured Maryland residents now have the opportunity to register for expanded health insurance options through the Affordable Care Act and the Maryland Health Connection. To help individuals learn about, compare, and sign up for health insurance policies, Charles County is hosting a Health Benefits Fair on Saturday, Dec. 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the College of Southern Maryland (8730 Mitchell Road, La Plata) in the Center for Business and Industry.

Residents will receive information and speak to experts about coverage options, and register to receive health insurance benefits, which will take effect on Wednesday, Jan. 1. A small business expert will be on hand to discuss health insurance coverage options for small businesses.

Anyone unable to attend the Fair on Dec. 14 is encouraged to attend one of the following events to receive health care registration and assistance: Health Partners Clinic (7030 Crain Highway, Waldorf) Monday, Dec. 2; Thursday, Dec. 5; and Friday, Dec. 6 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. - Charles County Department of Health (4545 Crain Highway, White Plains) Main Building Conference Room Tuesday, Dec. 10 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. - Bel Alton Community Development Center (9501 Crain Highway, Bel Alton) South end of building Thursday, Dec. 12 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. - All Charles County residents who do not have health insurance coverage are urged to take advantage of this free event. Appointments are not required but an appointment slot can be reserved in advance by calling 800-9752965. For more information, visit http://www.CharlesCountyHealth.org or call 800-975-2965.

Breakfast With Santa

Town of La Plata will hold Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, December 7 at the Town Hall. Choose from four time slots, 8-8:45 a.m., 9-9:45 a.m., 10-10:45 a.m. and 11-11:45 a.m.

25 kids per time slot. Town residents can register for time slots starting Wednesday, November 6th and general public registration will open Monday, November 18th. To register, call Town Hall at 301-934-8421.

The South Potomac Pilot

6

Veterans Day: Important part of the workforce Continued from page 1

killed in action are inscribed under the flag flown during the Battle of Lake Erie in the War of 1812.

“As a midshipman, I read those names and had a sense of awe - not knowing any of them personally, but contemplated how the list would grow, who would be added. I now can say I knew some of those alumni whose names have been added to that list.”

The first female added to the diorama was Maj. Megan McClung, U.S. Marine Corps, class of 1995.

“She was a year ahead of me at the Academy and she used to run with one of the girls in my company,” said Wingeart. “They trained for the Marine Corps Marathon and I can still picture the two of them coming up the stairs after a run, smiling. She was an avid runner, even while deployed. She organized the first Marine Corps Marathon in Iraq.

Megan was a public affairs officer deployed with 1 Marine Expeditionary Force in

2006. She was killed when her Humvee struck an IED (improvised explosive device). Freedom is not free.”

Wingeart reported to USS Barry (DDG 52) in February 1997, and the ship got underway the very next day, deploying to the Arabian Gulf.

“Even though I was an engineering officer, I spent most of my watches on the bridge,” she said. “I was the conning officer (responsible for maneuvering the ship) as we transited the Suez Canal, which was a great but somewhat surreal experience. The canal seemed so narrow. You could see the fertile zone in Egypt contrasting with the harsh desert. There were abandoned vehicles and remnants of previous conflicts, a stark reminder that this was most certainly not a pleasure cruise. After transiting the Red Sea, we refueled in Djibouti. Fast-forward a couple of years and we recall another ship that stopped to refuel - not in Djibouti,

but in Aden, Yemen.”

The Navy had been using Djibouti as a refueling stop in the Southern Red Sea, but Aden, Yemen was chosen as another option for ships to refuel.

On October 12, 2000, USS Cole (DDG 67) was attacked by a small boat, killing 17 sailors and wounding 39 others. Wingeart’s roommate from college was the navigator at the time.

“After the attack, she escorted 11 of the badly wounded via Medevac (medical evacuation) to a hospital in Djibouti for surgery and treatment,” said Wingeart. “We remember 9/11 every year, but I don’t think the attack on the USS Cole gets the attention those heroic Sailors deserve. Freedom is not free.”

After her tour aboard USS Barry (DDG 52), Wingeart transferred to the Navy’s meteorology and oceanography community.

Upon graduation from the Naval Postgraduate School, she received orders to the Joint Typhoon Warning Center in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, as a Typhoon Duty

ital Region, Fort McNair, Washington, D.C. “First and foremost, we serve as the regional collective center that is responsible for training the joint forces on their wartime mission,” said Lt. Col. Peter Dargle, garrison commander at Fort A.P. Hill.

“We support across every service and across every component.”

Col. David Maxwell, base commander for Marine Corps Base Quantico, said, “Quantico and the Marine Corps is all about continuing to make Marines and win our nation’s battles. We are still, and will continue to be, focused on being America’s expeditionary force in readiness and 911 force.”

Capt. Peter R. Nette, commanding officer of Naval Support Activity South Potomac, reviewed current base development initiatives at NSF Dahlgren, and the status of a newly begun Joint Land Use Study and the recently completed Environmental Impact Statement in support of expanded mission activities on the Potomac River Test Range.

Nette also summarized the base’s wide range of community involvement and engagement with local, state and federal government leadership over the

lost, USS Hull (DD-350), USS Spence (DD-512) and USS Monaghan (DD-354).

Halsey’s Typhoon claimed almost 800 lives - freedom is not free. In the aftermath of the typhoon, the Navy decided to establish a warning center in the Pacific, which eventually became the Joint Typhoon Warning Center.

Grandpa passed away just two days after I called him.”

After Wingeart left active duty, she joined the reserves and was recalled back to active duty to support the Army as the executive officer at the confinement facility in Kuwait.

“Our military make many sacrifices,” Wingeart reflected. “We sacrifice time with our family, missing holidays and birthdays, nightmares and temper tantrums, sporting events and injuries. This is true for both the military and our civilians who also volunteer to go overseas to support our warfighters where they work. Our families and loved ones also sacrifice, for they remain behind holding down the fort, so to speak. My husband (a Navy veteran) went on field trips, attended parent teacher conferences, coached little

league, and rushed whoever was injured or sick to the doctor. He was the one who had to answer the children when they asked why mommy couldn’t tuck them in at night. Freedom is not free.”

At NSWC Dahlgren Division, veterans represent an important part of the workforce.

“Their military background, including for many - their combat experience provides critical, real-time problem-solving capability that translates into expertise in finding solutions for tod ay’s warfighters,” NSWCDD Commander Capt. Brian Durant told the audience. “Some of our veterans have even served again in theater as civilians, providing training and direct support to our military not hesitating to go into harm’s way. Like the many veterans we honor on Nov. 11, we are committed to protect our homeland, our freedom, and our way of life by stopping the forces of terrorism. My thanks to all of the NSWC Dahlgren Division workforce - particularly to the veterans among us - for your dedication and support of our warfighters.”

Firefighters talk safety at Dahlgren School

Defending: Continued from page 4

Officer.

“That’s the Navy’s version of a forecaster at the National Hurricane Center,” said Wingeart. “I called my grandpa and chatted about my next tour of duty.

He told me he was proud and recalled Typhoon Cobra - otherwise known as Halsey’s Typhoon. In December of 1944, Gen. Douglas MacArthur and Adm. “Bull” Halsey prepared to head back to the Philippines. After the fleet completed three days of strikes off of Luzon, they were ordered to rendezvous with Capt. Jasper Acuff’s Oiler Task Group, and sailed straight into the path of the typhoon. The Fleet needed fuel and tried to rendezvous, but the seas were unforgiving. The destroyers were especially vulnerable due to their small size and armaments. Many did not ballast with seawater since they thought they were going to refuel. The winds increased to over 100 miles per hour and seas built to 100 feet. By the time Halsey issued a typhoon warning, three of his destroyers were

Friday, December 6, 2013

past year. Finally, he briefly addressed effects of sequestration and government furloughs at NSF Dahlgren. According to Nette, although there have been some reductions to specific support services on the installation, critical services such as child care and emergency services have continued to be fully operational.

In his remarks as a special guest for the program, Wittman - who serves on the Readiness Subcommittee to the House Armed Services Committee - dwelt on the expanding negative impact of the on-going sequester to the state of preparedness of U.S. military forces.

Congress must correct the “disproportionate” amount of budget cuts that the armed services are having to absorb, said Wittman, to properly provide for the nation’s defense.

As keynote speaker for the event, Maj. Gen. Buchanan described his responsibilities as commander for JFHQ-NCR, and went on to commend the Military Affairs Council for their service in “maintaining a healthy partnership” between the region’s military installations and surrounding communities.

Buchanan also recounted some of his experiences

during four tours of duty in Iraq between 2003 and 2011 in conjunction with what he termed “the longest war we’ve ever fought, and with an all-volunteer force.”

He emphasized the positive change that has occurred in Iraq over the span of his separate deployments there, stating that the country’s economy today is stable and growing, and that Iraq is no longer a destabilizing force in the region.

“This didn’t just happen,” Buchanan said. “It took the sacrifice of many men and women.”

The general concluded his remarks by appealing to the community leaders present to take care of returning war veterans, who since 9-11 have experienced an unemployment rate of 13 percent.

“We must make it a top priority to be there for them and their families, to help them successfully transition to civilian life.”

Buchanan emphasized, “Defending America is a team effort. I appreciate all you’re doing to maintain that critical bond between our military members and our communities.”

[Italics] Lance Cpl. Cuong Le, Marine Corps Base Quantico, contributed to this report.

Photo courtesy of NSF Dahlgren firefighters

Firefighters assigned to Naval Support Facility Dahlgren showed students at Dahlgren School how to safely put out a stove fire as part of Fire Prevention Week. Students got an up-close look at firefighting trucks and equipment, practiced home evacuations and the familiar stop, drop and roll drill, and watched firefighting demonstrations. Firefighters incorporated a fog machine to simulate smoke at another activity designed to show children how to crawl out of a burning structure.

The South Potomac Pilot

Friday, December 6, 2013

7

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The South Potomac Pilot

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Friday, December 6, 2013

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