Vol. 30, No. 6
March 22, 2013
Celebrating Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math
Gate Changes Coming April 1
Fort Detrick celebrated Women’s History Month in March with a mid-day celebration at the Community Activities Center on March 20. Sponsored by the U.S. Army Medical Materiel Agency, the theme for the event was, “Celebrating Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.”
Guest speaker Mrs. Julianna Albowicz, who serves as the Western Maryland Outreach Representative to U.S. Senator Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), talked about the importance of young women earning degrees and entering into careers in the science, technology, engineering and math fields.
The National Museum of Civil War Medicine set up a table display at the Women’s History Month celebration March 20.
Beginning April 1, visitors and employees will notice a temporary reduction in the number of operational gates both at Fort Detrick and Forest Glen Annex. As current budget constraints have created understaffing situations, many security guards on post have been working over 60 hours per week in order to maintain a safe and secure installation. “The long hours have fatigued our staff,” said Ray Wharton, Director of Emergency Services. “Our guards have remained dedicated to the mission and maintained this up-tempo work schedule for over a year. They have also been on leave restriction this entire year,” said Wharton. While current budget constraints may get tougher, we have to take care of our people and each other. Just as employees of Fort Detrick are committed to their work, leadership is dedicated to providing the safest possible work environment. With this in mind, in order to support our active duty military, their families and our civilians, it has become necessary to close or modify the hours of operation for our gates beginning April 1, 2013. There will be directional signs placed strategically on- and off-post to alert drivers of these changes. The installation has also been working closely with local law enforcement to ensure they are aware of these changes in order to alleviate any possible traffic delays. FOREST GLEN ANNEX - Linden Lane gate will be closed to incoming traffic. All employees and visitors will enter the installation through the Brookville gate, which will remain open 24 hours a day. - Visitors and employees may exit at either the Brookville or Linden gates.
Jeff Barnes and Eric Nauman entertained a crowd in the Fort Detrick Community Activity Center March 20 during the Women’s History Month celebration.
What’s Inside
Social Media Find Garrison on Facebook, Twitter and Flickr! www.facebook.com/DetrickUSAG www.twitter.com/DetrickUSAG www.flickr.com/DetrickUSAG Find MRMC on Facebook, Twitter and Flickr too! www.facebook.com/USAMRMC www.twitter.com/USAMRMC www.flickr.com/people/usamrmc
FORT DETRICK - The number of operational gates will be reduced. - Opossumtown gate will be closed. - Veterans gate will be open Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. only. - Rosemont gate will continue to be open Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. - Old Farm gate will operate as the only 24-hour gate. Visitors to Fort Detrick will still enter through the Old Farm gate. - Individuals with proper Department of Defense identification can enter either through the Rosemont, Veterans, or Old Farm gates.
Brain Injury Awareness, p. 6
Harlem Ambassadors Coming to Fort Detrick, p. 7
Young Athletes See NBA Stars in Action, p. 8
Commentary:
Living in Interesting Times There is an old saying, “May you live in interesting times.” It is pretty safe to say that we are, as government employees, service members and contractors, living in interesting times. I am sure that the word “sequestration” has become a part of your vocabulary by now, and you have questions and concerns. As the Commander of the U.S. Army Garrison Fort Detrick, I share your concerns and am doing all I can to answer as many of your questions with the information I have available. While sequestration is serious with far-reaching impacts, the core mission of Fort Detrick remains unchanged, even in the face of mandated funding cuts and Army civilian furloughs. My priority as the garrison commander continues to be taking care of our Soldiers, their families, and our civilian workforce by continuing to provide the services our community deserves. One of my jobs as a leader is to prioritize what is most important, and to be honest by saying sequestration’s effects will be felt. We may not be able to provide the same level of services as we currently do, but our challenge is to make smart decisions based on our priorities above, and sustain the most important programs and services. It is safe to say that budget reductions will have
an impact on what we are able to do. The civilian furlough will impact every facet of life on Fort Detrick and Forest Glen Annex. You may see longer lines at the commissary, PX and ID card section, and some services may close for an entire day. I can promise that my staff and I will work tirelessly to figure out the best way to minimize the impact and preserve critical family and Soldier services. We will continue to determine the impact of both the budget reduction and mandated civilian furlough to the installation. This will take time and requires day-to-day risk management and risk assessment. I ask for the community’s patience while we work this out in the next couple of weeks. As we determine what services and programs are impacted, we will keep you informed through community town hall meetings, the Standard, our USAG Fort Detrick and Forest Glen Annex Facebook and Twitter pages, and on our website, www. detrick.army.mil. Fort Detrick and Forest Glen Annex will get through this time of stress together because we are One Team, One Mission.
Tax Center Hours The Tax Center opened on Jan. 28. Active members of the armed forcesincluding mobilized reservists- military retirees, and their families are eligible for assistance. Receive your refund by direct deposit within 7-10 days of efiling your return. Visit the Tax Center page on the Detrick website (www.detrick.army.mil) to download the Intake form and for more information about what to bring to your appointment. Call (301) 619-1040 for an appointment.
Col. Allan J. Darden, Sr.
After Duty Numbers
Important After Duty Hour Numbers Provost Marshal Office
(301) 619-2652
Fire and Emergency Services
(301) 619-2528
Near Miss Hotline
(301) 619-3164
USAG Network Enterprise Helpdesk
(301) 619-2049
Balfour Beatty
(240) 379-6518
Phone Number: (301) 619-1040
Directorate of Public Works Trouble Desk
(301) 619-2726
Hours Available for Appointments: 9:00 a.m. - 4: 00 p.m. Monday-Friday CLOSED on Federal and training holidays.
Barquist Army Health Clinic
(866) 379-3981
Post Operator
(301) 619-8000
Location:
Community Support Center Classroom #6, 2nd Floor 1520 Freedman Drive Fort Detrick, MD 21702
Display ad sales Frederick County Montgomery County Classified ads Circulation Editorial Printed on recycled paper Recycle when finished
301-921-2800 301-921-2800 1-888-670-7100 ext+. 2684 301-670-2591 301-619-3319
The STANDARD is an authorized unofficial newspaper, published every two weeks under the provisions of AR 360-1 for the military and civilians at Fort Detrick. Circulation is 7,000. The STANDARD is a commercial enterprise newspaper printed by Comprint Military Publications, 9030 Comprint Court, Gaithersburg, Md., 20877, a private firm, in no way connected with the United States Government or Department of Defense. The contents of the STANDARD do not necessarily reflect the official views or endorsement of the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense or the U.S. Army. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts and supplements, do not constitute endorse-
ment of DoD. 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 nonmerit characteristic of the purchaser, user or patron. Editorial content is prepared and edited by the Fort Detrick Public Affairs Office, 810 Schreider Street, Fort Detrick, Md. 21702-5000. Editorial Offices are in Bldg. 810, Suite 004, telephone 301-619-2018; FAX: 301-619-3320, e-mail: USAGStandard@amedd.army.mil.
Visit our Web site at: www.detrick.army.mil
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Fort Detrick Standard March 22, 2013
Sustaining a community of excellence through restoration, environmental stewardship and workforce development
Command Staff
Brig. Gen. (P) Joseph Caravalho, Jr. Commanding general, U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command and Fort Detrick
Col. Allan J. Darden, Sr. U.S. Army Garrison commander
Editorial Staff Lanessa Hill Jenni Benson Nick Minecci
Forest Glen Annex to Hold Take Action to Manage Building Manager’s Forum Financial Stress NICK MINECCI
USAG PUBLIC AFFAIRS
United States Army Garrison Fort Detrick and Forest Glen Annex will hold the first Forest Glen Building Manager’s Forum April 4, from 9 a.m. to noon, in the conference room of the National Museum of Health and Medicine (Building 2500). According to William J. Crane, Garrison Manager, USAG Forest Glen, the meeting is being held to make sure that Forest Glen building residents understand their responsibilities and how to take the best care of their buildings. “The expectation is that there is usually one person designated as the building man-
ager who would be dealing with the garrison POCs [points of contact] for all things concerning the building,” said Crane. Items on the meeting agenda include fire prevention, physical security, work orders/ service orders, mold prevention and inspection, Ready Detrick - Emergency Planning, recycling/Net Zero, energy conservation/ Net Zero, water conservation/Net Zero, and a variety of other topics. The end result of the meeting, according to Crane, “is to improve communication and services to all facilities, and [for USAG to] better understand the requirements of mission partners while ensuring improved customer services.”
Defense Travel System Scam Alert Defense Travel System Users have reported receiving a phishing email. The scam consists of the DTS user receiving an email asking them to log into DTS at www.de fensetravel.osd.com and to sign their travel authorization immediately or their travel reservations will be cancelled. Note that the phishing link reflected a dot-com (.com) website address while the correct DTS website uses only a dot-mil (.mil) address. The phishing web-site ac-
cepts the user’s CAC pin log-in information - which may ultimately comprise their digital certificates. If you receive this type of phishing e-mail, report it to your Organizational Defense Travel Administrator who will process a Travel Assistance Center helpdesk ticket so these phishing attempts can be tracked and forwarded to the Defense Travel Management Office for their action.
Career Service Awards
Fort Detrick held the Career Service Awards Ceremony at the Community Activities Center on March 5. Several Fort Detrick employees were honored in this annual event recognizing those that go above and beyond their call of duty. Congratulations to all the winners.
For more news from other bases around the Washington, D.C. area,
visit www.dcmilitary.com.
FORT DETRICK ASAP If you ask 100 people to name their major source of stress, most likely they will include “finances” or “money.” This response is not surprising given that prices are rising, jobs are unstable, and the economy is suffering. People from all socioeconomic brackets are feeling the squeeze right now. It’s challenging to stay calm and positive when your financial security feels threatened, but here are some tips for successful coping and for taking care of your health. Do not ignore signs of physical or emotional stress. Economic worries can affect people in different ways, and some people may find themselves being more irritable, anxious, lethargic or sad. Some may be unable to sleep, may eat too much or too little, or may experience physical symptoms of stress, like high blood pressure or headaches. Speak with your doctor, the Employee Assistance Program, or a mental health professional to minimize the impact on your health if you are experiencing any of these symptoms. Take actions where you can to reduce worry and anxiety, but stop worrying about what you cannot control. Find places to cut costs in your family budget, take steps to-
ward getting out of debt, or talk to a credit counselor or financial planner. Once you make a plan to better manage your money, stick with it, and review periodically to make necessary changes. Resist the temptation to isolate or hide from your fears. Social isolation increases stress. Stay connected to family and friends, and talk about your worries with a person you trust. Discussing your situation with someone who is not directly involved can provide you with a fresh perspective, support, and practical advice. Make yourself more resilient to stress. Healthy habits are often the first to go when people are under stress. Trying to soothe yourself by overeating, smoking, drinking alcohol, or using drugs can lead to additional problems. Combat stress in a healthy manner through exercise, a well balanced diet, adequate sleep, nurturing social relationships, and relaxation practices such as yoga and meditation. For more information on coping with financial difficulties, managing stress, and weathering difficult times, contact the EAP at 301-619-4657. For additional guidance regarding furlough, visit http://1.usa.gov/ XaWQcp.
Don’t Be an ID Theft Victim PAM TUCKER
ARMY COMMUNITY SERVICE
There’s a funny movie in the theaters right now that deals with a topic that’s not a bit funny: identity theft. In the movie, a shopaholic living in Miami has stolen the identity of an average man living in Denver to support her ways. Throughout the laughter, one thing becomes apparent: how difficult it is to get your ID back after it has been taken. The Federal Trade Commission estimates as many as 9 million Americans have their ID stolen annually. This scam has been number one on the list of consumer complaints for longer than a decade. ID theft is not only rampant but also ever evolving. As such, we need to be aware of some of the top ways to prevent our own identities from being compromised. Emails appearing to be from your bank, credit card, or store, telling you that your account has a problem and asking you to respond through a link is called phishing. Don’t click on any of the supplied links. Instead, go directly to the business’ website for contact information to verify the email’s authenticity. This same scam also occurs over the phone. The caller pretends to be someone from the government or a company you deal with, and they seek personal information to complete your transaction. Do not share any information and immediately hang up on them. Call back the business to make sure your account is in order. If so, tell the company about the phone scam to help protect others. In our modern world, many of us rely on cards instead of cash. Skimming devices placed in gas pumps, ATMs, and at restaurants allow your personal information to fall into a criminal’s hands. Fake cards can then be created from your information. To avoid this, don’t use machines that look odd, and
Sustaining a community of excellence through restoration, environmental stewardship and workforce development
take your card to the hostess desk to watch the transaction yourself. Be sure to shred your mail-even your junk mail. If you don’t, crooks can get your personal information from statements and open up credit cards from those numerous offers that appear daily. These thieves will often submit change-of-address notices for the accounts they have opened. If you suddenly stop receiving paper statements, call the business to verify what is happening. ID thieves are not beyond going through your trash to look for identity treasures. Unshredded documents, old computers, cell phones, and even magazines with mailing labels still attached will assist would-be criminals with their bad intentions. Always wipe information from any electronics before disposing of them. Better yet, wipe and then donate these items to a charity. If you are looking for extra work and respond to a “work from home” ad that promises unlimited success, beware. The Better Business Bureau has determined that many would-be workers fall victim to this as these companies request social security numbers and bank information to begin employment. This is just a trick to get your personal information. No matter how badly you need the job, be careful of these offers. Lastly, since it is tax season, don’t fall victim to refund scams. Cybercriminals could use your personal information to file a return and have money placed in a bogus account. Often, this is only discovered after you attempt to file your return. The BBB also warns about scammers sending out emails claiming that a refund is being delayed for one reason or another. This practice is definitely fraudulent, as the Internal Revenue Service does not email income tax filers regarding returns. If you receive one of these notices, please contact the IRS immediately. Fort Detrick Standard March 22, 2013
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Combined Federal Campaign Army Emergency Relief Kicks Off Regions Join Forces On February 25, 2013, the Chesapeake Bay Area Combined Federal Campaign and the Western Maryland Combined Federal Campaign announced they would be merging into one entity. Together they will encompass Baltimore City, and the counties of Allegeny, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Caroline, Cecil, Carroll, Dorchester, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, Howard, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Som-
erset, Talbot, Washington, Wicomico and Worchester in Maryland; Accomack and Northampton Counties in Virginia; and Mineral County in West Virginia, and it will operate under the Chesapeake Bay Area Combined Federal Campaign name. This merger will provide efficiencies in the execution of future campaigns, allow more charities to apply, and provide opportunities for
online giving to all federal employees. Mary Chizmar, 2012 Chair of the Western Maryland Combined Federal Campaign, says the merge will simply make campaign efforts and opportunities to donate seamless. The hope and goal is to result in a more successful employeerun campaign. According to the letter sent to agency leaders, the Western Maryland CFC will
continue to process donations made during the 2012 campaign, distributing donated funds to designated charities in 2013. “We look forward to a terrific partnership with the Chesapeake Bay CFC,” said Chizmar. For more information about the Chesapeake Bay Area Combined Federal Campaign, please visit www. cbacfc.org.
2013 Campaign ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 1, 2013 - Headquarters, Army Emergency Relief (AER) announced the start of the Annual AER Campaign which runs from March 1, 2013 through May 15, 2013. The theme of this year’s Campaign is “Supporting Soldiers and their Families - Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow.” For the last 71 years, the campaign objectives have remained the same: To create greater awareness of Army Emergency Relief benefits and to give Soldiers the opportunity to help their fellow Soldiers. “The annual campaign allows commanders the opportunity to reinforce a greater awareness of how Army Emergency Relief helps Soldiers and their families,” said AER’s director, retired Army LTG Robert Foley, “By promoting a better understanding of AER benefits as well as an appreciation for the flexibility which AER officers possess in responding to requests for financial assistance, Soldiers and Families can be provided the help they need.” AER was established during WW II to insure that there was an agency within the structure of the Army that could provide prompt financial assistance for Soldiers and their Families. AER continues to provide no-interest loans and grants as well as
scholarships to children and spouses of active duty and retired Soldiers. In 2012 Army Emergency Relief provided $76.8 million in assistance to more than 59,000 Soldiers and their Families. More than 38% of that assistance was provided under the streamlined Command Referral Program where Company Commanders and First Sergeants have the authority to approve up to $1500 in interest-free loans for their Soldiers. The motto of our AER Officers is, “Find a way to say Yes.” There is no limit on the amount of assistance that can be provided and no limit on the number of times a Soldier may make requests for assistance. It is all based on need. Soldiers requiring AER assistance should contact their unit Chain of Command or go to their local installation AER office. Due to reciprocal agreements with the other military aid societies, Soldiers and Families not near an Army installation can get AER assistance at an Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps or Coast Guard base from the Air Force Aid Society, Navy Marine Corps Relief Society, and Coast Guard Mutual Assistance respectively or from the American Red Cross call center at 877-272-7337. Additional program information is available at www.aerhq.org.
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Fort Detrick Standard March 22, 2013
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Brains! National Museum of Health and Medicine Entertains and Educates During Brain Awareness Week NICK MINECCI
USAG PUBLIC AFFAIRS
About 500 middle school students took part in the annual National Museum of Health and Medicine Brain Awareness Week here, March 11-15, to learn more about the human brain, its anatomy, traumatic brain injuries, and more. This was the first time NMHM held the annual even since moving from its former location in Washington, D.C., to the new facility here on Forest Glen Annex, and was presented in conjunction with the Dana Alliance for Brain Initiatives.
The Dana Alliance for Brain Initiatives is a nonprofit organization of more than 300 neuroscientists committed to advancing public awareness about the progress of brain research and presenting information about the brain in an understandable and accessible method. The purpose of Brain Awareness Week is to bring middle school students to an understanding of the neurosciences by interacting with practicing researchers, clinicians and other individuals who study the brain, and allowing the students to participate in hands-on activities, according
Brain Injury Awareness Day
USAMRMC joined dozens of other military and civilian research and advocacy organizations on Capitol Hill, March 13 for Brain Injury Awareness Day. Exhibits were set up in the Rayburn building. U.S. Army Combat Casualty Care Research Program Director Col. Dallas Hack, M.D. (center) discussed USAMRMC’s work related to traumatic brain injury research.
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to Tim Clarke, Jr., NMHM deputy director (Communications). Among those taking part in BAW were members of the NMHM Partners in Education program, including Walter Reed Institute of Research, Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs, Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, the Army Audiology and Speech Clinic/Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, and the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. For its station at BAW, WRAIR Center for Military Psychiatry and Neuroscience had a display titled “Dancing Crickets.” Using interactive models, students were able to learn about action potentials, the basis of neuroscience, using a hands-on teaching tool called cricket electrophysiology. Using live crickets, the students were able to obtain distinct biopotential patterns using a variety of stimulation, such as moving a leg with a probe, shining a light, or playing music from a phone. “Inspiring a new generation of brain researchers or clinicians interested in treating brain injuries remains a major goal of Brain Awareness Week,” said Adrianne Noe, NMHM director. “Engagement in the manner that BAW offers to student participants, hands-on activities, opportunities to talk directly with leading researchers in brain sciences, may be a leading factor in encouraging young people to consider science and medicine as career paths.” “Brain Awareness Week at NMHM also highlights the attention that is being paid to this issue by the Department of Defense and the military services,” said Noe. “DoD is actively working in many arenas to promote research to improve diagnosis and treatments as well to develop new protective technologies to deter brain injuries in the future.” “Brain injuries are a kitchen-table topic for so many families in this country,” said Andrea Schierkolk, NMHM public program manager and BAW coordinator. “People of all ages engaged in athletics or recreational activities are wearing helmets, or not, and families everywhere are discussing how to help loved ones dealing with a brain injury or disease.
Holly Campbell-Rosen, Science Officer, Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program, part of the USAMRMC, reviews how the brain’s sensory system functions, during Brain Awareness Week at the NMHM March 11-15, 2013. Photo courtesy NMHM Brain Awareness Week makes those topics accessible to our student participants.” The National Museum of Health and Medicine, a Department of Defense museum established in 1862, inspires interest in and promotes the understanding of medicine - past, present, and future - with a special emphasis on tri-service American military medicine. NMHM is an element of the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command headquartered at Fort Detrick, Md. NMHM is located at 2500 Linden Lane, Silver Spring, Md., 20910, and is open daily (including weekends and holidays) from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Visit the website or call (301) 319-3300 for information on tour programs and special events.
Archie Fobbs, Neuroanatomical Collections Manager at the National Museum of Health and Medicine, prepares students to safely hold a human brain specimen during Brain Awareness Week at the NMHM March 11-15, 2013. Photo courtesy NMHM
Sustaining a community of excellence through restoration, environmental stewardship and workforce development
Donald Driggers Wraps Up a Dutiful Career JEFFREY SOARES
USAMRMC PUBLIC AFFAIRS
During these uncertain times throughout our nation, one thing remains certain: the opportunity for retirement after a long and distinguished career serving one’s country is rather welcomed. This appears to be the case for retired U.S. Army Colonel Donald P. Driggers, M.P.H., a senior subject matter expert for the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command at Fort Detrick, Md., who begins a new chapter of his life after nearly half a century of dutiful service. After launching his military career as an ROTC cadet reservist with the U.S. Air Force in 1965, Driggers switched uniforms and joined the Army ROTC program in 1969 before being commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Medical Service Corps as a Distinguished Military Graduate from the University of Florida in 1971. After completing a master’s degree in medical entomology, he worked as a Florida State Extension Entomologist and Assistant Professor at the University of Florida before entering active duty in 1972 with the 1st Medical Group at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. During this time, Driggers served first as the Executive Officer of the 485th Preventive Medicine Unit, and shortly thereafter took command of this unit. It seems the young officer was destined to wear many hats over the next five decades. In fact, it’s almost a case of “you name it, and he’s done it.” Driggers’ assignments have ranged from Vector Control Officer at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pa., to Director of Defense Pest Management at the Pentagon. Driggers and his military family traveled quite a bit during his various tours, from Texas to California to Hawaii, from Georgia to the Pentagon to Fort Detrick, where he concluded his military service as commander of the U.S. Army Center for Environmental Health Research. And right here at Fort Detrick is where
Retired U.S. Army Colonel Donald P. Driggers stands in front of USAMRMC Headquarters, Fort Detrick, Md., as he prepares to retire after nearly half a century of combined military USAMRMC public affairsand government contractor service. Photo by Jeffrey Soares, Driggers will wrap up a lifetime of rather fond memories from both his military and civilian careers serving his country. Although the colonel retired from military service in 2002, his love of the Armed Forces and his country is displayed often in his demeanor. In fact, recalling his keynote speech from the Memorial Day 2002 rededication ceremony for the World War II monument at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Frederick, Md., Driggers stressed the importance of supporting the U.S. military and remembering those who have given their lives for America’s liberty. “I’m a Soldier, and I’m really proud of it,” said Driggers. “Freedom is not free. It has been paid for. These servicemen paid dearly for it with their blood and their sacrifices. This can never be forgotten. Take with you the memories forever embedded in your hearts. Carry them with you and do not ever forget them. They will never be forgotten as
long as America exists.” As he explained, this is one of the reasons the retired colonel chose to remain in close contact with his military kindred, and began work as a contractor in support of the Office of the Principal Assistant for Research and Technology at the USAMRMC. “After my retirement from the Army, I was looking for the best opportunity to apply my skills to be of maximum assistance to both the Soldier and the public,” said Driggers. “I feel fortunate to have worked with the wonderful people here at Fort Detrick, as they are clearly top-notch professionals,” he said. “I’m also proud of the important Soldier-oriented programs that I’ve seen here during my two active duty tours and over the past decade while I’ve served as a defense support contractor.” Early on, Driggers set out to accomplish his goal of becoming a leader of public health and preventive medicine programs
in either a military or government capacity, and he has done both. He said he has enjoyed his time working in this field, and he feels very fortunate to have realized some outstanding accomplishments along the way. Ranked highly among these is his contribution to drafting the language for exemptions to use certain pesticides to control public health disease vectors. This language was incorporated into the internationally negotiated Stockholm Convention of 2001 that banned the manufacture and use of Persistent Organic Pollutants more than a decade ago. Along with this, however, he is proud of the awards and medals he has received during his active duty service as well. Among these are the Department of Defense Humanitarian Service Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Order of Military Medical Merit, Legion of Merit, and Defense Superior Service Medal, presented to Driggers by the Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Environmental Security during his assignment to the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Driggers has been given many awards many more than those listed above - and he has accomplished a great deal over the past 45 years, but you would never know it unless you did the research. You see, when it comes down to it, Don Driggers is a rather reserved gentleman. It appears he didn’t have to shout often to get things done - he just got them done. Perhaps one would say he led by example, not by excitement. In fact, despite the numerous awards he’s received for his service, Driggers was no more humbled than when he was asked by the American Legion to present the keynote speech for the World War II Memorial rededication ceremony at Mount Olivet Cemetery in 2002. Maybe it had something to do with the fact that 9/11 was so fresh in the minds of Americans; maybe it was because See DRIGGERS, continued on page 10
Harlem Ambassadors Coming to Fort Detrick The internationally acclaimed Harlem Ambassadors basketball team will be visiting Fort Detrick on March 26, to entertain all with high-soaring basketball skills, slam dunks and smiles. The Harlem Ambassadors have performed over 300 military shows at over 120
different bases in all branches of military service. Overseas appearances include Bosnia, Kosovo, Korea, Japan, Germany, Iceland and England. The Ambassadors will play an entertaining game, which will include members of the audience, at the Odom Fitness Center
Harlem Ambassador player Lade Majic does a little dancing with refs during a game in Indiana.
beginning at 7:00 p.m. This team offers a unique brand of Harlem-style basketball, featuring high-flying slam dunks, dazzling ball-handling tricks and hilarious comedy routines. The Ambassadors games feature nonstop laughs while delivering a positive mes-
sage for children wherever the team plays. Tickets are free and can be picked up at Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation events office, or at the door the night of the game. For additional information or questions, please call 301-619-4079.
A young Harlem Ambassadors fan learns how to do a “cool walk” at a game in White River, SD, with help from Larry Pikes, Cherie Hughes, Selethia Jackson, and Nicholas Simpson (pictured left to right).
Sustaining a community of excellence through restoration, environmental stewardship and workforce development
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YoungAthletesSeeNBAStarsinAction FORT DETRICK CHILD, YOUTH & SCHOOL SERVICES The Fort Detrick Child, Youth & School Services Sports program hosted a basketball trip to see the Washington Wizards play the New Orleans Hornets in Washington, D.C., to officially wrap up the 2012-2013 CYSS Basketball season. The trip brought together 66 citizens from Fort Detrick to show support of the children on post. The evening started with early access into the arena where the players from Fort Detrick, along with their families, were able to witness the NBA players warm up and practice for the game. Several “Ooh’s” and “Ahh’s” could be heard from the kids, as they watched the high-flying professional athletes conclude their warm-ups with high-powered dunks. Current New Orleans Hornets player Roger Mason Jr. took time to greet the kids, and he gave “high fives” to everyone before heading back into the locker room to prepare for the game. Mason has hosted the “Roger Mason Jr. Basketball Camp” in conjunction with the Fort Detrick CYSS Sports program on post for the last 4 years. He will be coming back for a 5th year this summer, scheduled for July 22-26. The camp is designed for children ages 7-14, and they can be registered for the program at the CYSS Central Enrollment Office, Building 924. During halftime of the Wizards game, one
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Fort Detrick CYSS U12 basketball team head coach Leonard Morrisey and his son, J.J., who is also a team member, are seen on the Washington Wizards’ scoreboard during a game against the New Orleans Hornets at the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C. They are the first two from the left. of our coaches and one of our players were recognized by the Wizards NBA Coaches for Kids program. U12 team head coach Leonard Morrisey and his son, J.J., can be seen in the photo of the Wizards scoreboard, and they are the first two from the left. Coach Morrisey’s team finished 2nd this year in the 2013 MYBA tournament. After a bus ride back to Fort Detrick, everyone expressed their excitement for the night and asked questions about the next trip. For more information about the Fort Detrick CYSS Sports program, please contact the Sports Director, Mike Wilder, at 301619-2538.
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DRIGGERS, continued from page 7
Driggers knew Francis Scott Key’s resting place was within this same cemetery. Or maybe - just maybe - it is because a Soldier is a Soldier is a Soldier. He’s served his country well, and now it’s time for a well-deserved extended vacation, so to speak. Driggers is looking forward to watching more sporting events, especially those involving his beloved Florida Gators, practicing his photography, and spending much more time with family, and his four grandchildren in particular. As they say, behind every good Soldier is a wonderful military family, and this holds true for him as well. “I am particularly proud of the support that my family has given me throughout my 40-plus years of active duty and contractor service,” said Driggers. “I could not be more proud of Libi, my wife of over 43 years, our daughter Karen, and our son David, and of all their successes and achievements.”
“As I move into retirement, I want to spend much of my time catching up on things and on relationships that I’ve unfortunately neglected. I also have a backlog of several thousand photographs that I’ve taken over the years - many of our family - which I need to edit, organize and preserve,” he said. Well, now he’ll have the time to do these things, and perhaps a whole lot more. Regardless, one can be sure that retired U.S. Army Colonel Donald P. Driggers, whether in active service or in retirement, will always have the best interests of his friends, family, and the U.S. military at heart. “I’m pleased with what I’ve accomplished and experienced throughout my life and career, and hopefully I have provided good and faithful service to the DoD and our nation,” he said. “I feel that I have been very lucky to have been at the right place at the right time.” Well, perhaps the luck was ours.
Fort Detrick Chapel-Easter Services It’s Easter! According to the New Testament, during the Jewish Passover season, Christ was tried for treason by Pilate, the Roman appointed governor, and then by Herod, King of Judea, and again by Pilate, before being sentenced to death on a cross. Though declared innocent by the authorities, Christ was crucified and laid in a sealed and guarded tomb. But on the third day He rose from the dead, with the power to save mankind from their sins. This event is com-
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Sustaining a community of excellence through restoration, environmental stewardship and workforce development
memorated every year in the spring as a holy day for Christians around the world. If you would like to attend services, please see the schedule below. March23-HolyThursdayMassbeginsat7p.m. March 29 - Stations of the Cross begins at 6 p.m. March 29 - Good Friday service begins at 7 p.m. March 30 - Easter Vigil Mass begins at 8 p.m. March31-EasterSundayMassbeginsat9:15a.m. March 31 - Protestant Easter Services begins at 11 a.m.
Sustaining a community of excellence through restoration, environmental stewardship and workforce development
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Fort Detrick Standard March 22, 2013
Sustaining a community of excellence through restoration, environmental stewardship and workforce development