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January 9, 2015

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

Preparing for winter weather Link directly to the NSASP Facebook page on your smart phone

INSIDE:

PRESORT STD US POSTAGE PAID SO. MD. NEWSPAPERS PERMIT #1

Dahlgren School Whoville Page 2

The holidays have passed, and all that’s left is the inevitable three months or so of winter. The climate always dictates cold and possibly snow - are you ready for winter weather?

First, how do you find out the status of your command at NSF Dahlgren or NSF Indian Head? Have they altered their hours due to inclement weather? Be sure to keep your command’s emergency contact information close their status phone number or website address - so you can stay current. Not sure if the child development center is open? You can also receive a phone call, email or text giving you up-to-date info on all base facilities. NMCI users are encouraged to register on the Wide Area Alert Network (WAAN). The purpose of the WAAN is to deliver real-time emergency condition alerts to all Navy installation personnel; however, installations can also use it to update their communities about changes in status such as gate closings or contact personnel prior to the work day to inform them of base closures or late starts to work day due to winter storms or other change of status.

NMCI users can register for the WAAN using the SelfService Tool found on their

computer’s desktop (right click on purple globe at the bottom of your screen). You will automatically receive a desktop pop-up message at work, but you can also register personal devices. To register on your NMCI computer: Step 1: Right-click on the Self-Service Icon (purple globe) in your system tray.

Then click on Access SelfService from the drop-down menu.

Step 2: Once the Self-Service Tool loads, click on My Info and update first name, last name, display name and choose command name.

Don’t worry about a PIN. Be sure to include your bldg. number and the command for whom you work.

Step 3: Click on Devices tabs to update your personal contact information. a. Go to Telephony Devices section and register government cell phones and work number. Personal cell number, email and home numbers are highly encouraged so that you can be notified of base closures after hours. b. Go to data devices section and register NMCI email address.

Now that you know what’s happening at work, are you prepared at home?

Don’t underestimate winter weather - weather and road conditions could make it impossible to reach the services you need. To keep your family safe, consider the following: •Create an emergency supply kit equipped with a three day water supply, food that will not spoil, one change of clothing and footwear per person, one blanket or sleeping bag per person, first-aid kit, emergency tools such as flashlight and batteries, snow shovels, extra set of car keys and cash, and special items for infants, elderly or disabled family members.

•Have sufficient heating fuel, as well as a supply of dry, seasoned wood.

•Minimize travel. If travel is necessary, keep a disaster supplies kit, including blankets, flashlight with extra batteries, first-aid kit, sand, shovel, tool kit, tow rope, knife, high-calorie and nonperishable food, extra clothing, water container, and road maps.

•Listen to your radio, television, or NOAA Weather Radio for weather and emergency information.

•Avoid overexertion, which causes heart attacks, while shoveling snow.

•Maintain ventilation

when using kerosene heaters to avoid build-up of toxic fumes.

•Bring all pets inside during winter weather. Move other animals or livestock

to sheltered areas with nonfrozen drinking water.

For more information on keeping your family safe during winter, visit www. ready.gov.

New housing website helps property managers, landlords, service members and DoD civilians connect

U.S. Navy photo by MC1 R. Jason Brunson

Home sweet home: the Navy’s new HOMES.mil website provides military family and employees with a new home-finding service.

The Navy, along with the other military branches, has announced a new website, HOMES. mil, that is dedicated to helping service members, Department of Defense (DoD) civilians and their families with home finding services.

The new DoD website provides a vehicle for community housing landlords and property managers to create and update their profiles and listings.

HOMES.mil is a secure website that allows property managers, landlords and service members a means to market their properties. Those using

the website are able to control their listings, and upload photos and floors plans to the website.

“The Navy has worked alongside the other services to offer the best housing options to service members around the world,” said Greg Wright, Navy Housing program director. “HOMES.mil modernizes the way Navy Housing provides information on local rental properties and improves the Housing Service Centers’ customer service to Sailors and their families while helping to alleviate some of the burden and stress of PCS.” Landlords and prop-

erty managers, who have worked with the Housing Service Centers (HSCs) in the past, can create a login for HOMES.mil and are able to access their previously listed properties. Once a landlord or property manager creates a login, they can manage their property listing.

These listings can include a list of amenities, photos and additional information to assist service members in making informed housing decisions.

“The Navy is focused on assisting Sailors and

See Website, Page 7

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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Dahgren School transforms into Whoville

U.S. Navy photos by Zack Shelby

Dahlgren School presented “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” on Dec. 18 at the school’s auditorium. The play was comprised of several acts, including Whoville, The Night Before Christmas, Trying to Stop Christmas, and A Change of Heart.

The cast, stage crew and staff members of Dahlgren School combined to make the event successful and enjoyable for all!

Friday, January 9, 2015

Friday, January 9, 2015

The South Potomac Pilot

Dahlgren School engineers STEM fun U.S. Navy photos by Zack Shelby

Children at Dahlgren School participated in a fun-filled STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) event on Dec. 19 at the school’s gymnasium. The youth rotated through several fun and educational stations, including the Car Race, Marshmallow Shooter, Capture the Candy Cane, Gum Drop Catapult, and Make Your Own Snow. The event was designed to test children’s ability to create using limited materials, use measuring tape or sticks to determine distance and space between two objects, and to have fun in a constructive manner on the final day before school shut down for the holiday season.

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The South Potomac Pilot

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Base Happenings Dahlgren Second Tour Thrift Store

Second Tour Thrift Store, a Dahlgren Officers’ Spouses Club volunteer-run organization, offers free uniforms (gently used) for active duty military members are always available on the porch. Store profits are donated back to the community in the form of scholarships for military families who have served at Naval Support Facility Dahlgren and support for local charities serving King George County. The store is located at 722 Sampson Rd. and is open on Thursdays from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Fleet and Family Support Center

The Dahlgren Fleet and Family Support Center offers private 1-hour appointments the first and third Thursday of the month.

For an appointment, call 800-500-4947 or 540-653-8153.

DMV2Go at NSF Dahlgren

The Virginia DMV2Go Van will be at NSF Dahlgren on Jan. 22 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Parade Field Pavilion. Services include applying for or renewing an ID card, apply for or renew your driver’s license, get a copy of your driving records, obtain vehicle titles, license plates, decals or transcripts, order disabled parking placards or plates, update your DMV record, apply for a veteran’s ID card (bring your DD-214!) and more.

Indian Head “Treasures” Thrift Store Needs Donations!

The Indian Head Thrift Store “Treasures” is open on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The store is located at 12 Strauss Ave. next door to the USO. Donations of gently used items are currently being accepted.

Barbeque truck at IH and Stump Neck

Enjoy delicious T&J Barbeque at NSF Indian Head on Wednesdays and Thursdays, from approximately 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., next to the library, and at the NSF Indian Head Stump Neck Annex on Tuesday, from approximately 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., next to Building 2195.

To publish information on your event or program under “Base Happenings,” contact Andrew Revelos at 540-653-6012 or email andrew.revelos1@navy.mil.

Friday, January 9, 2015

Planning a successful fitness resolution

By Ira Seth New Year’s has come and gone and this means many of us are committed to New Year’s Resolutions. According to USA. gov, 10 of the most popular resolutions are to lose weight, volunteer to help others, quit smoking, get a better education, get a better job, save money, get fit, eat healthy food, manage stress and manage debt.

Resolutions can be both easy to accomplish as well as easy to break.

No matter which one you select it needs to be a S.M.A.R.T. resolution. S.M.A.R.T. stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Timeframe. So how does that translate to your resolution? Let’s take the number 1 resolution, lose weight, which is very general and apply this S.M.A.R.T. principle. So we start with S or Specific; this would be how much weight do you want to lose? Next is M or Measurable; so how are you going to track your weight loss progress is it in pounds/inches and what is that actual number? Moving on to A or Attainable, can you realistically attain what you are measuring? Yes, you need to set a hard goal, but that may be too much and you may be setting yourself up to fail. R or relevant is next, sometimes this is a hard one to evaluate because you need to ask yourself is this really important for you now or are outside forces pushing you to your resolution. Finally, T or Time-bound, this is where you set your deadlines for you goal. Remember sometimes you

U.S. Navy photo by Andrew Revelos

A patron works out at Dahlgren’s Fitness Center. Want to get in shape this New Year? MWR can help. can make 1 resolution and break that into several smaller ones with short term achievable goals.

Are you ready to set your S.M.A.R.T. Resolutions? If any of them include losing weight, getting fit, eating healthy foods or managing stress Navy Fitness NSF Dahlgren can help you. We offer a variety of programs to set you up for success. Our group exercise classes are offered year round Monday-Friday at various times. Our schedule has options for every fitness level from Aqua Flex to Kettle Bells to Zumba. We have even yoga to help you with your resolution to manage stress. Navy Fitness also offers certified personal trainers for hire.

Trainers will conduct a Microfit session with you with will allow them to test your fitness level and then work with you for 1

hour each session. Want to work out with a buddy?

Our personal trainers can be hired to work out up to 4 people at a session. So your resolution has you wanting to count calories and eat healthier? Then schedule a Body Gem appointment where you can learn the number of calories a person burns at rest over a 24 hour period (resting metabolic rate).

Don’t forget, the Dahlgren Aquatics Center which is a year-round facility. It offers group swim lessons for children and private lessons for adults. It has lap swim daily (closed on Sundays) and open recreation swimming on Saturdays in the winter months.

Group exercise classes for a wide range of abilities are offered here as well. The facility can also be rented for private parties.

There are always pro-

grams and challenges going on at the NSF Dahlgren Fitness Center. Fitness Bingo which starts January 1 and runs through the entire month challenges patron to fill out a bingo card by completing various fitness tasks. There is an Aerobathon on January 10, 9 a.m. to noon at the Fitness Center where you can try a few of our group exercise classes. Then starting January 12 we are offering a 12 week Total Team Transformation Challenge (up to 5 people per team).

Our goal is to provide a way to experience exercise not only as a way to develop a new or revitalized lifestyle change, BUT a means to maximize self-confidence & personal motivation.

Contact 540-653-8580 or stop in for more details and costs.

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 mem-

bers 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 supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense or Southern Mary-

land 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 viola-

tion 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.

Capt. Mary Feinberg

Jeron Hayes

Andrew Revelos

Zack Shelby

Breton Helsel and Deirdre Parry

Commanding Officer, NSA South Potomac

Public Affairs Officer, NSA South Potomac

Editor

Staff writer

Copy/layout editors

The South Potomac Pilot

Friday, January 9, 2015

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MWR Highlights Muscle Pump - 9:35 to 10:15 a.m.

Zumba - 10:20 to 11 a.m.

Yoga - 11:05 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Dahlgren Movie Theater

Total Team Transformation

Aquatics Center 540-653-8088

January 26 - April 10. Start the New Year with a challenge and amazing support! Teams of up to five people will compete to see which team has lost the highest percentage of body weight over the 12 week period. We provide the support. YOU make it happen! Teams must be signed up at the fitness center no later than January 23rd. For more information including program details and pricing, please contact the fitness center.

Family Float Night

January 16 from 5 to 7 p.m. The holidays are over. It’s time to relax! This is one of the few times inflatables will be allowed, so bring your favorite inflatable and float. Please be on time. If no one is present by 6 p.m. the pool will continue to close for the evening. Cost: Regular admission.

Auto Skills Center 540-653-4900

General Maintenance Car Care Class

January 13 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Learn the basics of everyday car care to keep your car running longer and stronger. Registration is preferred, but not required. Cost: FREE.

Bingo

540-653-8785

January Specials

Thursday Evenings at the Dowell Community House.

Doors open at 4:30 p.m., Early Bird games starts at 5 p.m.

The jackpot is still growing and for a limited time, specials are being offered! During January you can choose a 2 Pack Special (buy two packs and receive one purple and red card for free), 3 Pack Special (buy three packs and receive one purple, red and green card for free) or Military/Military Spouse Special (buy 1 regular pack and get the early bird, purple and red cards for free)!

Food and beverages (non-alcoholic and adult beverages) will be available for purchase. There will be plenty of cash prizes available to win. You must be 18 years of age or older to play bingo. You must present a valid form of identification to purchase alcoholic beverages. Look for new games coming in 2015! For more information, contact the ITT office at 540-653-8785.

General Library 540-653-7474

Storytime at the Library

Every Friday at 10 a.m. Short or tall, big or small, enjoy storytime and crafts for all! Join the General Library every Friday to read a story and make a craft.

Paws for Reading

January 13 from 3:45 to 5 p.m. Curl up with a furry friend and read them a story! The General Library will hold Paws for Reading the second Tuesday of every month and give young readers the opportunity to read to their four legged companion. Reading to a pet can help build confidence in young readers. Please register by January 9th to schedule your 15 minute session.

Half Day, Craft Day

January 16, 26 & 27 at 1 p.m. School’s out early! Spend the second half of your day at the library making paracord bracelets and paracord pet collars. Snacks will be provided.

Please note that these dates correspond to early dismissals at the Dahlgren School and King George County Schools.

540-653-7277

Dave & Busters Trip

January 17. All Liberty Center patrons are invited to come along on a trip to Dave & Busters. Liberty Center patrons can sign up at the Liberty Center anytime between now and January 16th.

Watercolor and Wax Class

January 14-21 at 2 p.m. In this two-week, afternoon class, learn watercolor and wax technique. Maximum class size is four. More classes will be added if demand is high. Cost $75.00, which includes all materials. Please register by January 9th.

Fitness Center January 10 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Jump start your resolution with three hours of aerobics, for free! Pre-registration is required for the spin class due to space limitations. Participants are not required to workout for the entire three hours. During the event, light refreshments will be available. Class time are as follows: Spin - 9 to 9:30 a.m., 9:30 to 10 a.m. and 10 to 10:30 a.m.

301-744-4747

One-on-One Computer Help

1st Monday of every month, by appointment only. Sign up for a 30 minute, one-on-one session, to work on whatever you’d like. Please call on the previous Friday to make an appointment for training on the upcoming Monday.

Information, Tickets & Tours 301-744-4850

Child & Youth Programs Hourly Care

Care is available on a day to day basis and requires advance reservations. Open spaces for hourly care depend on the number of full-time enrolled children. All children 6 weeks to 12 years of age can use this program.

Hourly care reservations as well as payments for care can be made online at https://myffr.navyaims.com/ndwcyms.html. For more information, please contact the Child Development Center at 301-744-4458 or the Youth Center at 301-743-5456.

540-653-8580

Aerobathon

General Library

2nd Monday of Every Month from 3:45 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Sign up for your 15 minute appointment to read to and pet a furry friend. Please register at the library, the Friday before, to make your appointment.

9-Pin Tournament

540-653-1730

Friday, January 9th, 7 p.m.

Penguins of Madagascar (3D)*, PG Saturday, January 10th, 2 p.m.

The Hunger Games (FREE SHOWING!), PG-13 Saturday, January 10th, 4:30 p.m.

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (FREE SHOWING!), PG-13 Saturday, January 10th, 7 p.m.

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1, PG-13 Saturday, January 17th, 4 p.m.

Penguins of Madagascar, PG Saturday, January 17th, 7 p.m.

Annie, PG

Paws for Reading

540-653-7327

Craftech

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

Liberty Center

Cannonball Lanes January 17 from 6 to 8 p.m. Join Cannonball Lanes on the third Saturday of every other month for a 9-pin tournament.

9 pins count as strikes. The highest scratch wins. A prize will be awarded to the first place finisher. Please register no later than January 14th. Cost: $10.00/person.

540-653-7336 Friday and Saturday: 7 p.m. Showings

Fitness Center 301-744-4661

10 lb Challenge

January 6 - March 17. Kick off the 10 lb challenge on January 6 and you have until March 17 to lose those extra holiday pounds. $10 per person, those who lose 10lbs or more at the end of the challenge will split the pot.

Monster Jam 2015 at the Verizon Center January 24 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

January 25 at 2 p.m.

Stars and Strikes Bowling Center 301-744-4761

Open Bowling

Fridays and Saturdays from 5 to 10 p.m. Aside from our open bowling hours, party rental hours are available on Saturdays and Sundays! Open bowling cost per game: Military, $2; Civilian, $3; Shoe Rental, $1.

Lunchtime Bowling

Every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Stay warm with bowling fun on your lunch break!

Cosmic Bowling

Every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. What glows in the dark and is too much fun to miss? Cosmic bowling at Stars & Strikes Bowling Center!

The South Potomac Pilot

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Friday, January 9, 2015

Community Notes Dahlgren La Plata High School 23rd Annual Antique Show and Sale

The La Plata High School Music Program announces its 23rd Annual Antique Show and Sale. The show will be held on Saturday, February 14th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, February 15th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Take a step back in time while you shop and browse vintage jewelry, toys, clothing, furniture, collectables and more from over 50 dealers from the Mid-Atlantic region. Refreshments will be available along with door prizes. Each year La Plata High School welcomes hundreds of people into the school to shop and enjoy the show. The community looks forward to the show every year and even the dealers agree that La Plata’s show is their favorite in which to participate. This event is the largest fundraiser of the year and all proceeds benefit the La Plata High School band and orchestra students, in purchasing music, instruments, accessories, uniforms and transportation. Admission is $5.00 or $4.00 with an ad from the newspaper or advertising post card.

Job Corps Information Session

Wednesdays from 1 to 2 p.m. at Virginia Workforce Center, 10304 Spotsylvania Dr., Fredericksburg. Job Corps is a free education and training program that helps young people learn a career, earn a high school diploma or GED, and find and keep a good job. For eligible young people at least 16 years of age that qualify as low income, Job Corps provides the all-around skills needed to

succeed in a career and in life. To RSVP, call (540) 322- 5781.

Lil’ Hoopsters Basketball Jan. 17 all day at Walker-Grant Middle School, 1 Learning Ln., Fredericksburg. The FUNdamental program teaches girls and boys 5-6 year olds the basic skills of the game including dribbling, passing, shooting, defense and sportsmanship. This 5-week program is designed to inspire each child’s interest in the game, while having the opportunity to interact with other children the same age. Registration form is required.

No age waiver into Lil’ Hoopsters Basketball allowed. Age determination date is March 1, 2015. Late registration fee after December 23rd. For more information, call (540) 372-0186.

Fredericksburg Boat Show Jan. 23-25 at the Fredericksburg Expo Center. Visit the 10th Annual Fredericksburg Boat Show to get a great deal on your next water toy. With a variety of dealers all under one roof, you can shop around for the best deal - all in one building. Climb aboard the different Fishing Boats, Pontoons, Cruisers, Speed Boats, and much more. Whether you are looking for a yacht or a jet ski, you will find it at the Boat Show. Cost: At Door: $9 , Online: $8, Senior (60+): $8, Kids: Free. For more information, visit www.fredericksburgboatshow.com.

Railroad Museum and Train Rides Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon at

Rappahannock Railway Workers Museum, 11700 Main St., Fredericksburg.

Spend Saturday reliving history at the Railroad Museum. Located in Spotsylvania Business Park across from the Fairgrounds and near Shannon Airport.

See th tools and equipment used to build and maintain the railroads. Sit in the seats of the restored cabooses and weather permitting, step aboard the restored maintenance of way train for an open air excursion out of the business park and along Deep Run. For more information about these free tours, call (301) 653- 7983.

Indian Head Port Tobacco Players- “The Dixie Swim Club”

Jan. 16 -Feb. 1 at 508 Charles St., La Plata. Five Southern women, whose friendships began many years ago on their college swim team, set aside a long weekend every August to recharge those relationships. Free from husbands, kids and jobs, they meet at the same beach cottage on North Carolina’s Outer Banks to catch up, laugh and meddle in each other’s lives. The Dixie Swim Club focuses on four of these weekends - a hilarious and touching comedy about friendships that last forever. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (301) 932- 6819.

CCLC Spring Lacrosse Registration

The Charles County Lacrosse Club (CCLC) will be holding a walk-up registration event at Dick’s Sporting Goods in Waldorf on Jan. 10, between 1 to 4

MOAA scholarship application online The online application for the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) Scholarship Fund’s educational assistance programs for the 2015-16 school year is now available online at https://scholarship. moaa.org/login.aspx.

The application deadline is noon EST Monday, March 2, 2015. Students can apply for the interest-free loans and grants, which are awarded annually for up to five years of undergraduate study (or until a student graduates.)

The MOAA Scholarship Fund was established in 1948 to provide educational assistance for children of military families. Eligibility guidelines include: * Students under age

24, who are children of former, currently serving or retired commissioned or warrant officers and children of currently serving or retired enlisted military personnel are eligible to apply. Active duty, National Guard, Reserve, retired, and former commissioned officers and warrant officers of the seven uniformed services are eligible for MOAA membership. * Graduating high school seniors or fulltime college students working toward their first undergraduate degree. If a child served in a uniformed service before completing college, however, the maximum age for eligibility will be increased by the number of years he or she served, up to five years.

* Qualified students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale are considered for selection based on their scholastic ability and participation in extracurricular and community activities, as well as financial need.

“MOAA is committed to serving the families of those who serve this nation, and one of the many ways we do that is through educational assistance for military children,” said MOAA President Vice Adm. Norb Ryan, USN (Ret).

“In 2014, the MOAA Scholarship Fund distributed nearly $9.3 million in grants and interestfree loans to more than 1,700 military families.

Thanks to the dedication of our members, the MOAA Scholarship Fund

has ensured bright futures for the families that protect our own,” he continued.

The MOAA Scholarship Fund, a public charity, has provided interest-free loans and grants of more than $130 million to more than 13,500 students since its inception in 1948. It is based on MOAA’s founding principle that “education is the cornerstone of a strong democracy.” It is supported by donations and bequests from MOAA members, chapters and corporations.

For more information on educational assistance or making a contribution to the MOAA Scholarship Fund, please visit www.moaa.org/ scholarshipfund or email edassist@moaa.org.

p.m. For more information, visit www. charlescountylax.org.

Garden Smarter: No Till Gardening Jan. 17 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Calvert Library, 850 Costley Way, Prince Frederick. Put away your rototiller and shovel. Save time and carbon using the no-till method of preparing your garden. Be on the cutting edge of this growing trend. For more information, call 301-855-1862 or visit http:// calvertlibrary.info.

Breton Bay Polar Bear Plunge Jan. 24 at 1 p.m. at Breton Bay Community Beach in Leonardtown. Free event. Bring a canned or dry food or monetary donation to benefit St. Mary’s Caring Soup Kitchen. Bring a shareable snack or appetizer and beverage of your choice to the Post-Plunge Party immediately afterward at the Avenmar Community Clubhouse, off of Bretmar Drive.

Military Veterans Stand Down Feb. 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the American Legion Post 82 in La Plata.

Post 82 is holding a Stand Down event for U.S. Military Veterans and their dependents. The focus of the event is for veterans to connect with numerous agencies and service providers, Veterans Affairs enrollment, assistance with writing a resume, assist those who are homeless or in need of assistance.

Many other services will be represented for the veterans and their dependents.

Commissary Scholarships for Military Children Applications for the 2015 Scholarships for Military Children Program are available at commissaries worldwide or online at http://www.militaryscholar.org. The program awards at least one $2,000 scholarship at each commissary with qualified applicants. An applicant must be a dependent, unmarried child, younger than 21 - or 23, if enrolled as a fulltime student at a college or university - of a service member on active duty, Reserve or Guard member, retiree or survivor of a military member who died while on active

duty, or survivor of a retiree. Applications must be turned in to a commissary by close of business Feb. 13, 2015. Packages must be hand-delivered or shipped via U.S. Postal Service or other delivery methods, not emailed or faxed. Applicants should ensure that they and their sp onsor are enrolled in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System database and have a military ID card. For more information, call Scholarship Managers at 856-616-9311 or email them at militaryscholar@scholarshipmanagers.com.

The South Potomac Pilot

Friday, January 9, 2015

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This Week in Navy History January 2

fused projectile in combat and shot down Japanese divebomber in southwest Pacific.

1968 - First Male Nurse Corps officer in Regular Navy, LT Clarence W. Cote.

1969 - Operation Barrier Reef began in Mekong Delta, Vietnam

January 3

1904 - Marines from USS Dixie arrive in Panama 1944 - Top Marine ace MAJ Boyington captured after shooting down 28 aircraft 1945 - Third Fleet carriers begin a 2 day attack against Formosa destroying 100 aircraft with loss of only 22 aircraft.

January 6

1916 - First enlisted flight training class at Pensacola, FL 1942 - Japanese capture 11 Navy Nurses in Manila, Philippines 1967- Operation Deckhouse V begins in Mekong Delta, Vietnam.

1996 - USS Hopper, named for RADM Grace Hopper, launched.

January 4

1910 - Commissioning of USS Michigan (BB-27), the first U.S. dreadnought battleship.

1863 - Blockading ship USS Quaker City captures sloop Mercury carrying despatches emphasizing desperate plight of the South.

1989 - Aircraft (VF-32) from USS John F. Kennedy shoot down 2 hostile Libyan Migs.

January 5

1855 - USS Plymouth crew skirmish with Chinese

January 7

1960 - Launch of first fully-guided flight of Polaris missile at Cape Canaveral (flew 900 miles) 1967 - Mobile Riverine Force begins arriving at Vung Tau, Vietnam

Artist rendering of USS John F. Kennedy which shot down 2 Libyan Migs on Jan. 4 1989. troops 1875 - CDR Edward Lull

Panama. Route followed 30 years later.

1943 - USS Helena (CL50) fired first proximity

1847 - Battle of San Gabriel (Navy, Marines, Army defeat Mexicans in CA)

Ask the Lawyer

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Continued from page 1

their families in finding safe, suitable and affordable housing wherever they choose to live.

HOMES.mil, in conjunction with the HSC’s professional housing staff, will provide an improved experience for our customers,” said Wright.

HOMES.mil offers a secure site for landlords and property managers wishing to list their properties for DoD service members and government civilians stationed near military installations. HOMES.mil is integrated with the HSC’s management software, allowing a streamlined experience for service members looking for community housing.

begins expedition to locate best ship canal route across

January 8

By Mathew B. Tully HOMES.mil is now available for landlords and property managers to begin uploading information on properties they want to list. On Dec. 29, the HOMES.mil website will be available to all service members and their families to find housing. The HOMES. mil website address is https://www.homes.mil.

For questions about HOMES.mil and other housing information, please visit the Navy Housing website: www. cnic.navy.mil/HOUSING. For more news from Commander, Navy Installations Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/cni/.

For more news from other bases around the Washington, D.C. area,

visit www.dcmilitary.com.

Q. What kind of trouble could a service member get into for entering a sham marriage?

A. Housing and immigration benefits are usually the objects of sham marriages. Service members who enter into a marriage for the purpose of wrongfully obtaining such benefits could end up facing charges such as making false official statements and larceny of military property in violation of Articles 107 and 121 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

It is important for service members to understand what a “sham” or fake marriage is. “Although the validity of a marriage is ordinarily a question of fact to be decided in accordance with state law, state law is not determinative where a service member enters into a sham marriage to fraudulently obtain government benefits or to commit immigration fraud,” the U.S. Air Force Court of Criminal Appeals

said in Brittney L. Hall (2014). In fact, marriages that were not valid under state law due to technicalities would not be deemed shams so long as the two parties entered the union “in good faith” instead of with an intent to wrongfully obtain benefits, the court said.

Living with a spouse in the same home will also not make a marriage irrefutably authentic to the government. More important is the reason why the two got married in the first place. Was it love or the desire to obtain a certain allowance or immigration status? “A sham marriage is invalid from its inception,” the court in Hall said. It is also important to point out that not sharing the same home with a spouse does not make a marriage a sham. Again, what matters most is the intent at inception, not the living arrangements.

The Navy-Marine Corps Court of Criminal Appeals emphasized this point in U.S. v. David D. Curry (2010), in which the appellant, a Navy aviation boatswain’s mate

airman, had been convicted of larceny of military property of a value of over $500. The appellant in this case married a fellow sailor after eight months of dating. However, the marriage was rocky from the start and the two lived together for only two to three weeks.

A few months after they got married, the appellant’s wife was separated from the Navy. The appellant then applied for, and began receiving a basic housing allowance at the married rate. The appellant did pay some of his wife’s debts and provided her with a pay allotment.

The government’s argument that the appellant was in a sham marriage was largely based on the fact that he had lived with his wife for such a short time. But the court disagreed and not only set aside the finding of guilt and sentence, but it also dismissed the charge.

The court noted how the couple dated before getting married, entered a one-year lease agreement together, and did live together, albeit briefly. The

appellant’s payment of his wife’s debt was another factor that contributed to the marriage’s authenticity. “While this record does not paint a picture of marital bliss, it likewise does not convince us, beyond a reasonable doubt that the appellant intended to steal military property,” the court said.

Service members accused of being in a sham marriage and charged with larceny of military property or making false statements should immediately consult with a military law attorney. Depending on the circumstances, an attorney could show the service member entered into the marriage in good faith and without the intent to wrongfully obtain benefits.

Along with being the founding partner of the law firm Tully Rinckey PLLC, Mathew B. Tully is a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

E-mail questions to askthelawyer@fedattorney. com. The information in this column is not intended as legal advice.

The South Potomac Pilot

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Friday, January 9, 2015

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