Tester 112014

TESTER Naval Air Station Patuxent River

Happy Thanksgiving!

Tester will not be published Nov. 27 Vol. 71, No. 46

Marines Collect Toys for Tots Page 2

O’Neill Award Goes to NAS Officer Page 3

What FFSC Has to Offer You Page 8

Celebrating 71 Years of Community Partnership

November 20, 2014

Pax Sailors get Shipshape

U.S. Navy photo by Shawn Graham

By Shawn Graham NAS Patuxent River Public Affairs

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aval Health Clinic Patuxent River certified 18 Sailors from commands throughout South Potomac as Shipshape facilitators Nov. 13-14. The Shipshape program is tailored to active-duty members who exceed, or are in

Roadwork continues Buse Road: Nov. 22-23

Roadwork conducted on Buse Road between Cedar Point and Tate roads. Work includes crack sealing the road, which involves rolling lane closures. Traffic will be flagged through this area.

Cuddihy Road: Nov. 22-23 Roadwork conducted on Cuddihy Road between Buse and Tate roads. Work includes crack sealing the road, which involves rolling lane closures.

Traffic will be flagged through this area.

danger of exceeding, body composition assessment (BCA) standards.

The individually designed program provides active duty personnel with basic information on nutrition, stress management, physical activity and behavior modification techniques to lower and maintain an acceptable body weight within Navy standards.

Shipshape Highlights Shipshape is the Navy’s official weight management program Every Navy Military Treatment Facility is mandated to offer Shipshape at least twice a year

It is also recommended for adult family members in support of family readiness An intervention option for retirees who have a higher than aver-

age number of weightrelated health problems Based on the most current scientific evidence for achieving healthy and permanent weight loss

Base wins regional volunteer service award Victory puts installation in running for Bainbridge

By Donna Cipolloni NAS Patuxent River Public Affairs AS Patuxent River has won the Naval District Washington regional Personal Excellence Program (PEP) flagship award, recognizing volunteer service within our area’s public and private schools.

From across the installation, 460 military and civilian volunteers spent over 6,500 hours tutoring, mentoring, providing technical expertise or simply serving as positive role models for youth throughout Southern Maryland, thus helping to develop students to their fullest potential in the areas of academic achievement, healthy lifestyle and civic responsibility.

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Pax River also received honorable mention in three other volunteer flagship program categories: Project Good Neighbor; Health, Safety and Fitness; and Environmental Stewardship.

“NAS Pax River’s team of professionals is continually leaning forward to give their time and talents, not just in our schools, but throughout the community in a variety of programs, events and activities,” said NAS Commanding Officer Capt. Heidi Fleming. “This robust spirit of volunteerism demonstrates the incredible partnership we all feel with the local community, and the true desire to give back.”

The Project Good Neighbor category recognized volunteerism and

humanitarian assistance, when during Christmas in April, 75 volunteers contributed over 600 hours repairing the homes of needy community members; and over 1,500 pounds of food was collected for local area food banks through Feds Feeds Families.

Other 2014 events in this category included the monthly Meet the Airplane presentations at the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum, the Potomac River Waterfowl Show and numerous activities at Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum.

The Health, Safety and Fitness category noted our participation in Special Olympics, where nearly

See Award, Page 7

U.S. Navy photo by Donna Cipolloni

NAS Patuxent River volunteers devoted over 6,500 hours in local schools tutoring, mentoring, providing technical expertise and serving as positive role models for youth throughout Southern Maryland.

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Thursday, November 20, 2014

Oorah! Toys for Tots

U.S. Navy photo by Donna Cipolloni

Marine Corps Capt. Garrett Blakely stands duty at a Toys for Tots collection site outside a Lexington Park business, Nov. 14. Boxes are in place throughout the community and across NAS Patuxent River to collect new, unwrapped toys for less fortunate children in St. Mary’s County.

By Donna Cipolloni NAS Patuxent River Public Affairs The Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program is collecting toys that will help bring tidings of joy to children of families in need of a little extra support this holiday season.

With a small Reserve detachment in St. Mary’s County, NAS Patuxent River’s Marine Aviation Detachment (MAD) has partnered with the local Marine Corps League, a veteran organization, to step forward and take up the cause.

The collection boxes, sporting the familiar red Toys for Tots train logo, are already in place in the community and in many buildings across Pax River, including the Rear Adm. William A. Moffett Building, North and South Engineering, the Pax River Officer’s Spouses’ Club and the Navy Exchange.

“We take any new, unwrapped toy, and all toys collected stay right here in

Marine support at collection sites Nov. 22

9-10 a.m., Kmart 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wal-Mart

Nov. 28 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wal-Mart 4-6:30 p.m., The Rex, 22695 Washington St., Leonardtown

Nov. 29 9-10 a.m., Dress Barn 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wal-Mart Toy collection boxes will be available at Dress Barn, Kmart and Wal-Mart from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on all three of the dates noted above. our county,” said MAD Toys for Tots coordinator Staff Sgt. Anthony Collins, adding that the group works with St. Mary’s County social services agencies to identify local families in need.

“In 2013, we collected over 15,000 toys,” said Bruce VandenBos, the St. Mary’s County Toys for Tots coordinator.

“We helped more than 608 families, and that translated to 1,783 children.”

Since the beginning of the

U. S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots program in 1947, Marines have distributed more than 469 million toys to over 216 million less fortunate children, according to the foundation’s website.

“It’s a great cause that helps so many in the community,” Collins said. “That’s why I felt I needed to participate in it.”

The last toy collection pickup date is Dec. 18. Cash donations are also welcome.

First Sailors trained on Navy’s newest launch system

By Carrie Griffin Munn Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment (PMA-251) Communications Support

In late October, 16 Sailors from USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) became the first in the fleet officially trained to operate the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS).

The initial 10-day training was created for senior leadership either directly involved with launching operations or who perform supervisory duties from CVN 78’s V-2 who maintain the ship’s aircraft launch and recovery equipment.

These members of the ship’s pre-commissioning crew learned the ins and outs of EMALS during classroom instruction and the realistic experience of launching aircraft, under normal and abnormal scenarios, via simulation at contractor General Atomics’ (GA) Ship Set Control Lab in San Diego.

“Being a part of EMALS is a dream come true . this is the ultimate to me,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equip-

Photos courtesy of General Atomics

Sailors from USS Gerald R. Ford’s (CVN 78) V-2 Division, left to right, Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) Senior Chief Thomas Creaturo, Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) 1st Class Earl Fowlkes and Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) 2nd Class Dennis Paglingayan test out the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) maintenance workstation during an intensive training on the new aircraft launcher last month at General Atomics’ Ship Set Control Lab in San Diego. ment) 1st Class Earl Fowlkes.

“Nine years in [service] and I never dreamed I’d be working on something like this.”

EMALS Training Lead Terry Hotz suggested candid feedback from senior leadership attending the initial training session would be instrumental for improving the curriculum for future sessions, adding many of those receiving the training will be

right there to support the initial check-out process and shipboard testing.

“It is incredibly important that we provide the absolute best training possible to those who will be responsible for this critical equipment, ensuring they can safely do their job,” Hotz said.

The entire effort to provide the critical training for EMALS has been one of collaboration,

Instructor and training developer Rich Villarreal gives 16 Sailors on USS Gerald R. Ford’s (CVN 78) pre-commissioning crew an in-depth lesson on the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) last month at General Atomics’ Ship Set Control Lab in San Diego. The crew will work with the new system during shipboard testing in coming months.

Hotz explained. Personnel from PMA-251, GA, the Future Aircraft Carrier Program Office (PMS-378) and the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training (CNATT) combined efforts to ensure the training curriculum is comprehensive and robust.

“There will be much less wear-and-tear and there is going to be huge cost-savings in the long-term with EMALS,” said Master Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equip-

ment) Eric Young, who will support the system’s flight deck certification aboard the Ford. “This system doesn’t require the lube and hydraulic fluids that are necessary to run the legacy system. EMALS is much cleaner and easier as a whole. EMALS is less laborintensive and more userfriendly. The whole system is plug-and-play. If there’s an error of any kind, we know where it is right away with the maintenance workstation.”

Five more training sessions will convene at Lakehurst between early 2015 and mid-2016, using the EMALS test site, where operators and maintainers from CVN 78 as well as CNATT instructors and Carrier and Field Service representatives will get up close and personal with the technology. Some of those courses are specifically slated for Electrician’s Mates and

See EMALS, Page 3

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Adm. O’Neill Award goes to NAS officer

By Donna Cipolloni NAS Patuxent River Public Affairs

Air Operations Lt. Cmdr.

Earl Drey is the 2014 recipient of the Adm. Merlin O’Neill Officer of the Year Award recognizing the most outstanding junior officer at NAS Patuxent River.

For the second consecutive year, Air Operations has produced the winner of the award, which honors outstanding performance, significant achievement and exceptional qualities of professionalism not only within the military, but also in the surrounding community.

The recipient is selected by the NAS executive officer; vice commander of NAWCAD; and commander, Naval Test Wing Atlantic.

“We had five highly qualified naval officers submitted for consideration from across the installation,” said Capt. Scott Starkey, NAS executive officer. “Lt. Cmdr.

Drey’s package stood out

due to his outstanding leadership and volunteerism.”

Drey’s nomination was written by Cmdr. Craig Pearson, Air Operations officer.

“Lt. Cmdr. Drey is an outstanding Limited Duty Officer [LDO],” Pearson said. “He worked his way up through the ranks and has a history of superior performance and selfless community service. He excels at a very demanding job here at NAS Patuxent River and still finds the time and energy to volunteer within the community. He perfectly matches what the O’Neill award represents.”

On the job, Drey leads the Air Traffic Control Division comprising 75 Sailors, 10 DOD civilian controllers and three flight planning contractors. He is responsible for over 6,500 square miles of controlled airspace and the safe air traffic control (ATC) operations for two airfields, including the training of 88 ATC professionals.

“His keen leadership resulted in a streamlined long range training plan that yielded over 13,000 training hours, 149 qualifications and 39 supervisor designations,” Pearson wrote in the nomination package. “He’s aggressively training more Flight Watch Supervisors — the highest qualification attainable — and his training program has developed into a model for all other facilities to emulate.”

Additionally, Pearson noted that Drey’s drive to create opportunities for his Sailors resulted in three Junior Sailor of the Year and Blue Jacket of the Year awards; the 2013 CNIC Air Traffic Controller of the Year; an 82 percent retention rate; 18 advancements and a 100 percent LDO selection rate.

In the community, Drey is an active volunteer at his children’s St. Mary’s County school, devoting over 120 hours a year at weekly bingo events, which raise an aver-

Photo courtesy of General Atomics

Lt. Sergio Ibarra gives the signal as fellow Sailors from USS Gerald R. Ford’s (CVN 78) V-2 Division take part in a launch simulation at the firstof-its-kind training on the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) last month at General Atomics’ Ship Set Control Lab in San Diego.

Courtesy photo

Air Operations Lt. Cmdr.

Early Drey, NAS Patuxent River Air Traffic Control Division, received the 2014 Adm. Merlin O’Neill Officer of the Year Award for outstanding leadership and community service at a Nov. 15 luncheon. The award is sponsored by the Southern Maryland Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America. age of $7,500 per week and help reduce the tuition costs for lower income families.

See O’Neill, Page 7

EMALS

Continued from 2 Interior Communications Electricians; rates that Hotz said will see an increase in the number of billets due to the electromagnetic technology employed by EMALS. “Going from legacy to EMALS has been a seamless transition,” said Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) Christopher Boone. “They kept the systems very similar and familiar, but made things much easier as well.”

EMALS is currently being installed and undergoing numerous

subsystem assessments on the path toward shipboard certification. The system is slated to make its debut in the fleet aboard USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), scheduled to deliver in 2016.

“There is a great deal of excitement surrounding EMALS and its imminent debut aboard the Ford,” said Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment Program Office (PMA 251) Program Manager Capt. Stephen Tedford. “This technology stands to impact the future of naval aviation for the next half century and well-trained personnel are critical to its integration in the fleet and continued success.”

NEWS BRIEFS On Base: Naval Health Clinic Holiday Hours

Nov. 28 Naval Health Clinic Patuxent River will have access for urgent medical and dental services until 4 p.m., and the pharmacy, laboratory and radiology closes at noon.

After normal clinic hours and on weekends, patients requiring medical care are authorized to seek urgent care in the civilian network after consulting with the Tricare Nurse Advice Line at 800-TRICARE (874-2273). Naval Health Clinic Patuxent River will resume normal operations Dec. 1.

During normal clinic hours, call the clinic directly at 301-342-1506 to speak to a nurse who will evaluate your symptoms.

Mandatory Counterintelligence Awareness Briefs 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 26 Eagle’s Nest Conference Room Building 2109 These NCIS briefs are mandatory annual training for all Dpeartment of Navy military and civilian personnel. Each brief is 50 minutes in duration and begins every hour on the hour.

Pax River Clinic Flu Vaccine Active-duty military: 8-11:30 a.m. and 12:30-3 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Preventive Medicine Department.

Eligible beneficiaries and

DOD civilians: 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays at the Immunization Clinic.TRICARE beneficiaries enrolled off base can receive the influenza vaccination from their Primary Care Provider. TRICARE beneficiaries can also receive the seasonal Influenza vaccine from a TRICARE retail network pharmacy at no cost and without a Primary Care Manager referral.

To find a participating pharmacy, search http://express-scripts. com/TRICARE/pharmacy/ or call 877-363-1303.

as well as other notifications that may affect the base populous.

Register & update contact options in one of three ways: www.

Ready.Navy.mil, click on Stay Informed and then Wide Area Alert Notification from an NMCI- or One Net-networked computer; from your NMCI computer, right click on the purple globe located on the bottom right of the screen followed by left clicking “Access Self Service”; or call 301-3426325 with your computer name and asset tag number.

Drill Hall Courts Closing

Where’s Gnorman?

Dec. 5-6 The Drill Hall basketball and volleyball courts close at 1 p.m.

Dec. 5 to set up for the 37th Annual Christmas Arts and Crafts Festival, and again from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 6 for the festival itself. The indoor pool and Gear Issue are not affected and remain open for business. The Bowling Center also remains open for normal business from 10 a.m. to midnight.

Somewhere in this issue we’ve hidden Gnorman the gnome.

Anyone spotting Gnorman can email tester@dcmilitary.com or phone 301-342-4163 now through 5 p.m. Friday, and include a brief description of where he’s located.

All correct answers are entered into a drawing and one name is chosen to win a Center Stage Theater movie ticket. The same person cannot win more than once per month. Last week’s winner was Nathan Meddaugh who found Gnorman on Page 4, sitting on the table in the Ready, set, grow photo.

Get Alerts with AtHOC Get base delay and other emergency notifications with AtHOC. AtHOC messages can be sent to up to three different devices: home and cell phone, TTY/TDD phone, pager, fax, and personal and work emails. Messages provide official updates on base delays and early departures,

Off Base: Symphony of Lights Offers Military Discount Nights 6-10 p.m. Dec. 1 and 8 Columbia, Maryland

Symphony of Lights, located in Symphony Woods off Broken Land Parkway in Columbia, offers a series of animated and stationary light displays illuminated by more than 250,000 bulbs on a 1.4-mile drive. Members of the military receive $10 off the regular price of admission Dec. 1 and 8; active duty Reservists and retired military members with government-issued IDs and their family qualify. Regular cost: $20 per car or van up to eight passengers; $45 for commercial vans and minibuses seating nine to 24 people; and $125 for buses exceeding 24 passengers. Visitors can also enjoy listening to seasonal music on the Symphony of Lights FM radio frequency. For more information, visit HYPERLINK “http://www.hcgh.org/” www. hcgh.org/symphonyoflights.

US Naval Academy Seeks Reserve Instructors The U.S. Naval Academy needs qualified Navy Reserve officers, especially at the ranks of lieutenant, lieutenant commander and commander, with at least a master’s degree in an appropriate academic discipline to instruct in designated academic departments for fall 2015 and to serve as outstanding military role models and mentors for midshipmen. Interested Navy Reservists should

email the following to reserve. recall@usna.edu: a cover letter that states which discipline(s) he or she is applying for and his or her qualifications for the position; a résumé of experience; and a full-length khaki photo.

For more information, call 410293-6513.

St. Nicholas Chapel Service Schedule Catholic Services Mass 5 p.m. Sundays through October Continuing Catholic Development (CCD) Postponed until further notice

Protestant Services Worship 11 a.m. Sunday Men’s Discipleship 6-7:30 p.m. Sunday Religious Programming Center Women’s Study 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesday and 10-11:30 a.m. Thursday Religious Programming Center

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Thursday, November 20, 2014

Community offers service members a home away from home

By Donna Cipolloni NAS Patuxent River Public Affairs

Missing home?

The holidays can be a particularly lonely time for anyone away from home, but if you’re unable to gather around the table and enjoy the festivities with your own family, there are plenty of members in the community surrounding NAS Patuxent River who are opening their doors and inviting service members to join them for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

And, if your penchant for family ties extends beyond the holidays, there are a number of families already registered with Operation Homeport, just waiting for willing service members to take advantage of their hospitality and friendship throughout the year.

Operation Homeport is a program where single unaccompanied service members can be sponsored by host families in the local community. Its purpose is to give junior service members something to do and somewhere to go when they’re not on duty.

“We want to introduce them to people who can provide friendship and be positive role models,”

explained Lt. Helen Teague, N9 deputy director and host family program director. “We want to create an environment in which they can prosper, have fun and relax.”

NAS Command Master Chief Jeffrey Owejan participated in similar host family programs back in the mid-90s, while serving overseas in Europe and the Middle East.

“I personally saw benefit in the program for a number of reasons,” Owejan explained. “First, I really had nothing better to do for the holidays while moored pier-side on deployment. Second, I figured I could meet new and interesting people who were willing and excited to host me at their home for the holidays. In particular, I’d meet great supporters of the military, have an experience and a meal, plus build a new friendship or bond. Lastly, I knew the families were screened, so I also felt safe in doing so.”

Service members wishing to share the approaching holidays with a host family can contact Owejan at jeffrey.owejan@navy. mil or 301-342-1038.

Anyone interested in becoming part of the ongoing Operation

Photo illustration by Dave Cardinale

Operation Homeport, a program pairing single, unaccompanied Sailors at NAS Patuxent River with sponsoring families in the community, is now seeking applicants.

Homeport program can visit www. cnic.navy.mil/patuxent; then click on the Operation Homeport icon in the column on the right-hand side. There, they will find further information regarding the program, plus a questionnaire to be filled out that will help match them up with an appropriate family. Service members can also contact Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Jeremy Andersen, host family program coordinator, at jeremy.j.andersen@ navy.mil or 301-995-2574 for infor-

mation and assistance with getting involved in the program.

“The families who’ve offered to open their homes are willing to include a service member in their lives and maybe take them somewhere once in a while so that they aren’t sitting at home alone,” Teague said. “It can be a positive experience, if given a chance.”

Hard copies of the Operation Homeport application can also be found at the barracks or Liberty Center.

FFSC All classes are held at the Fleet and Family Support Center in Building 2090 off Bundy Road unless otherwise noted. Classes are open to active-duty and retired military and Reservists. Reservations are necessary and can be made at FFSC or by calling 301-342-4911.

Classes: SAPR Refresher Training: 1-3 p.m. Nov. 25

Ready Navy, www.ready.navy.mil Hazardous weather is possible any time. Get a free information packet on how to

prepare for hurricanes, severe weather and other potential emergencies at the Fleet and Family Support Center.

Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) EFMP is a DOD program that addresses the special needs of military families.

Sailors with an exceptional family member — a family member with special needs such as a medical or educational disability — are encouraged to enroll in the EFMP so the Navy can do its part in caring for EFM needs.

Email James Lettner at james. lettner@navy.mil.

Clinical Counseling Services Clinical Counseling services can directly improve the quality of life of service members and their family by addressing the stressors facing today’s military. To make an appointment with a counselor, call 301-342-4911 or 202-685-6019.

Financial Counseling Services The Personal Financial Educator can help individuals and families in managing their finances, resolving

financial problems and to reach long-term goals. Take control of your finances and make an appointment with a counselor by calling 301342-5442.

Find Your Command Ombudsman Find out who your Ombudsman is. Visit www.ombudsmanregistry.org, click on “Contact Your Ombudsman” and follow the prompts, or call 301-757-1861 to speak with the NAS Patuxent River Ombudsman Coordinator.

MWR

Thanksgiving Hours Bowling Center: Closed Nov. 27; normal hours Nov. 28 Cedar Point Golf Course: 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 27; normal hours Nov. 28 Center Stage Theater: Closed Nov. 27; normal hours Nov. 28 Child Development Center: Closed Nov. 27; normal hours Nov. 28 Customized Creations: Closed Nov. 25-28 Drill Hall: Closed Nov. 27; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 28 Energy Zone: Closed Nov. 27; 11:30 a.m. class only Nov. 28 Fleet and Family Support Center: Closed Nov. 27; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 28 Housing: Closed Nov. 27; 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 28 ITT: Closed Nov. 27 and 28 Liberty: Normal hours throughout holiday Navy Gateway Inns and Suites: Open 24/7 NRC Solomons Admin and Lodging: Closed Nov. 27; normal hours Nov. 28 Rassieur Youth Center: Closed Nov. 27; normal hours Nov. 28 River’s Edge and Eddie’s locations: Closed Nov. 27 and 28 West Basin Marina: Closed Nov. 27; normal hours Nov. 28

River’s Edge Thanksgiving Dinner Prepared to Go Let the River’s Edge handle the cooking for your Thanksgiving Feast! Packages available for families of all sizes starting at $89.99 for a dinner for four.

The River’s Edge is accepting orders until Nov. 21 by phone at 301-342-3656; payment is due when order is placed. All orders are available for pick up on Nov. 25 or 26 and must be picked up by 5 p.m.

Customized Creations 37th Annual Arts and Crafts Festival 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 6 Over 175 local vendors offering handmade crafts with no admission fee. This event is open to the public. Shuttle are available at the Frank Knox Building parking lot just south of Gate 2 next to the Cedar Point Federal Credit Union for all persons without base access. All foreign nationals who wish to attend the event must be vetted through base security at least one week prior to the event.

Naval Air Station Patuxent River • tester@dcmilitary.com • www.facebook.com/NASPaxRiver The name Tester is a registered mark in the state of Maryland.

This paper is published by Comprint, Inc., 9030 Comprint Ct., Gaithersburg, Md. 20877, 301-9481520, a private firm 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 Tester are not necessarily the official views of, nor endorsed by the U.S. Government, the DoD, or the Department of the Navy. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the DoD 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. News copy should be submitted by 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 301342-4163 or fax the Tester at 301-863-9296.

Commercial advertising may be placed with the publisher by calling 301-862-2111.

Capt. Heidi Fleming

Shawn Graham

Commanding Officer

Public Affairs Specialist

Capt. Scott Starkey

Donna Cipolloni

CMDCM Jeffrey Owejan

Breton Helsel and Deirdre Parry

Executive Officer

Command Master Chief

Connie Hempel

Public Affairs Officer

Staff Writer

Copy/layout editors

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Tester

Thursday, November 20, 2014

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Are You Getting Your Money’s Worth?

BY: JEFF TOMCSIK Research Reporter

If you’re lucky enough to have a job that provides dental insurance you should know what’s covered and what happens if you don’t take advantage of the coverage you are provided. Dental insurance is not a required insurance for businesses to provide. In fact many businesses offer dental coverage at the sole expense to the employee through paycheck deductions. Whether you or your employer is paying for the coverage, you need to know what’s covered and what’s free.

Almost without exception, all dental insurances provide their insured individuals and families with two prophylaxis (traditional) dental cleanings per year, provided they are six months apart, at no cost to the patient.

They will also cover the necessary xrays, doctor’s exam, education, and often time fluoride, sealants and other preventative services. Depending on the age of the patient and the insurance coverage the patient has, these are at no cost to the insured party and it has no effect on their annual limits.

amount of money your employer and insurance company has agreed to pay for your restorative treatment under the insurance terms defined by the employer agreement. Most insurance companies will cover between $1000 and $2500 worth of treatment per year.

If you don’t use your benefit that year you lose it.

The “use it or lose it” policy is how dental insurance companies make their money. They are charging you a fee every month that comes out of your paycheck, or from your employer. They collect that fee knowing that a portion of it may go to restorative dentistry. If your mouth is in good health, you both win.

They keep the money you paid each month and you never have out-ofpocket costs for your preventative care.

On the other hand, if you have

restorative care that needs to be done, they’ve set a limit to the loss they are willing to accept (your annual limit).

But, if you put off needed dentistry and the year expires, so does your benefit.

In other words, if you have a $1500 annual limit and you have $3000 worth of dentistry that needs to be done you can take full advantage of your insurance benefit by having half the dentistry done in the current year and the other half in the beginning of the second year. Conversely, if you are the type of person to put off dentistry for years, you could end up having a treatment plan for over $10,000. Your insurance company will still only pay the annual limit. The rest becomes your responsibility. Situations like these often times end up with the patient neglecting care due to the cost. The end result is usually a very sad health and

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esthetic situation for those who neglect their care for so long.

In these instances it is important to not give up hope and let finances stand in the way of your health. Work with our dental office and your insurance company to come up with an affordable plan to get back your smile and restore your health. A good dental practice will have multiple options for helping you pay for your treatment while working with your insurance.

It is in your best interest to go to the dentist twice a year for all of your preventative care and get other dental work done as needed. The longer you put off dentistry the more you will pay in the long run. Don’t let your dental insurance company keep your money.

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With most insurance plans these are the only procedures that are fully covered as they are considered preventative procedures. In other words, your dental insurance company knows that preventative measures (i.e. dental cleaning, fluoride, sealants) are essential to avoiding very expensive restorative procedures.

Restorative dentistry is expensive for both the insurance company and the individual getting the procedures done. Dental insurance companies are very smart.

They’ve done the math. They know it is much less expensive (more profitable) for them to provide you with free cleanings than it is to assist in the payment of restorative care to bring your mouth back to good health.

The cost to a dental insurance company to have your teeth cleaned ranges from $70 - $200. The cost to the insurance company for you to have two crowns could be well over $1500. Your out-of-pocket cost for the same two crowns, even with dental insurance, could easily be over $1000 depending on the coverage you have and your annual limits. So it is in the best interest for you and the insurance company that you get your teeth cleaned as prescribed by the dentist, as regular cleanings and preventative maintenance are proven to reduce the risk of decay and damage to the teeth and gums.

If you do need restorative care, such as fillings, root canal therapy, periodontal treatment, or crowns your insurance company has negotiated special fees for you with the dentist, as long as they are a “preferred provider” dental office with your carrier. This means your dentist agrees to charge you the discounted fee that was prearranged with the insurance company. Your insurance company will cover the majority of those fees until your annual limit is reached. Your annual limit is the

A Dr. David J. Cooper Practice 21534 Great Mills Road Lexington Park, MD 20653

877-606-8302

690 Prince Frederick Blvd N. Prince Frederick, MD 20678

877-606-8301

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Thursday, November 20, 2014

CENTER STAGE THEATER Movie Line: 301-342-5033 l Reservations: 301-342-3648 l

l Ticket Prices: E-1 to E-5 category: adults, $3.50 and youths ages 6-11, $2.50. All others: adults, $4.50; youths ages 6-11, $3.50. l 3-D glasses: $1 l Authorized ID required for admission

Scan to see more MWR events on Facebook.

Thursday, November 20 6:30 p.m., Ouija

6:30 p.m., The Best of Me

(Rated: PG-13, 1 hr.

58 mins.) The story of Dawson and Amanda, two former high school sweethearts who find themselves reunited after 20 years apart, when they return to their small town for the funeral of the beloved friend.

Their bittersweet reunion reignites the love

they’ve never forgotten, but soon they discover the forces that drove them apart twenty years ago live on, posing even more serious threats today. Spanning decades, this epic love story captures the enduring power of our first true

love, and the wrenching choices we face when confronted with elusive second chances.

Friday, November 21 6:30 p.m., John Wick

(Rated: R, 1 hr. 41 mins.) An ex-hitman

comes out of retirement to track down the gangsters that took everything from him. With New York City as his bullet-riddled playground, John Wick is a fresh and stylized take on the “assassin genre”.

9 p.m., Fury

Saturday, November 22

(Rated: R, 2 hrs. 14 4 p.m., The Book of Life

mins.) April, 1945. As the Allies make their final push in the European Theatre, a battlehardened army sergeant named Wardaddy commands a Sherman tank and her five-man crew on a deadly mission behind enemy lines. Outnumbered and outgunned,

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and with a rookie soldier thrust into their platoon, Wardaddy and his men face overwhelming odds in their heroic attempts to strike at the heart of Nazi Germany.

(Rated: PG, 1 hr. 25 mins.) This film is a vibrant fantasy-adventure, tells the legend of Manolo, a conflicted hero and dreamer who sets off on an epic quest through magical, mythical and wondrous worlds in order to rescue his one true love and defend his village.

(Rated: PG-13, 1 hr. 30 mins.) A group of friends must confront their most terrifying fears when they awaken the dark powers of an ancient spirit board.

9 p.m., John Wick

(Rated: R, 1 hr. 41 mins.)

Sunday, November 23 2 p.m., The Book of Life

(Rated: PG, 1 hr. 25 mins.)

Monday, November 24 and Tuesday, November 25 Theater is not open

Wednesday, November 26 6:30 p.m., Ouija

(Rated: PG-13, 1 hr. 30 mins.)

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AWARD

Continued from 1 1,500 volunteer hours helped encourage physical fitness, increase motor skills and build self-confidence in the 235 athletes with disabilities who took part in the games. Among other jobs, Sailors and civilians assigned to installation commands served as coaches or assistant coaches in soccer, cycling, basketball, snowshoeing, swimming, track, kayaking and volleyball. Their participation is a year-round commitment.

This is the 16th year Pax River has either won or received

O’NEILL

Continued from 3 The additional 35 hours of groundskeeping he performed also saved the school money in landscaping costs.

Perhaps even more important than Drey’s own community service, is his ability to foster volunteerism in others.

Within in the last year, the Sailors in his division accumulated over 800 total man-hours of volunteer service.

“Lt. Cmdr Drey approaches

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an honorable mention in the Environmental Stewardship category.

Environmental Division staff members — comprising fish and wildlife biologists, foresters, archaeologists, environmental engineers, geologists, chemists and hydro geologists — provided over 1,400 volunteer hours of educational assistance to St. Mary’s and Calvert County residents, including more than 2,000 students.

Their myriad programs, classes, exhibits and special activities not only educate, but encourage environmental protection and demonstrate how the Navy preserves and pro-

tects the natural and cultural resources entrusted to its care.

“Volunteering and community service is ingrained in our DNA here at Pax River, which says a lot about the quality of our personnel,” said NAS Command Master Chief Jeffrey Owejan.

“Their hard work and desire to serve is tremendous, and I’m so proud that their tireless efforts have been rewarded.”

Pax River, as an NDW regional winner, will now advance to the Navywide competition for the USS Bainbridge Award, presented to the one Navy command that exhibits overall excellence in community service.

every situation with a level head and a calm demeanor,” said Master Chief Air Traffic Controller Dan Tobias, ATC leading chief petty officer. “Truly one of the best, he inspires his Sailors by leading by example and showing them that caring for others is an essential part of a rewarding lifestyle. It’s an honor to serve with him.”

Never seeking recognition, Drey was humbled by the award.

“A true volunteer knows that making a difference in

someone’s life is gratifying enough,” Drey said. “I won this award against many other fine officers and it’s a great honor to be chosen from such a select group.”

Drey received his award at a luncheon Nov. 15, accompanied by his children and wife, Lt. Cmdr. Jill Maldarelli-Drey, associate director of quality management at Naval Health Clinic Patuxent River, whom he recognized with appreciation.

“Without her support, I could not do what I do,” he said.

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Transition Assistance Program

Résumé writing classes Interview skills and preparation Job search assistance Veterans Administration consultation Career coaching

Life Skills

Classes/workshops include Stress management Anger management New spouse orientation Couples communication Steps to a stronger marriage Effective communication Suicide prevention and awareness

Thursday, November 20, 2014

Sexual Assault Prevention And Response Program (SAPR)

Immediate 24/7 advocacy services to victims of Sexual assault Victim advocate accompaniment during medical, Investigative and legal process Prevention and awareness education Provides military and civilian resources

Thursday, November 20, 2014

New Parent Support Service

Home visitation Parenting instruction Lactation instruction/ assistance Free breast pump program Prenatal/postpartum instruction Hospital visitation Child play group

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Family Advocacy and Counseling

Advocacy services to assist adult victims of domestic abuse Short term, solution focused marital and Individual counseling

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Individual Augmentee Support

IA preparation classes Return and reunion classes

Photo illustration by Shawn Graham

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TOY SALE!

December 6th thru 13th

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Rick’s Jewelers 4th Annual Ladies Night

Friday, November 21, 2014 4:00-7:00pm

Make your shopping easier for your special someone while enjoying hors d’oeuvres and cocktails

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AROUND TOWN

Thursday, November 20, 2014

St. Mary’s County:

Hearth and Home in Early Maryland

Military Exhibits at Piney Point Lighthouse

www.visitstmarysmd.com/events-entertainment/

11 a.m. Nov. 28-29 Historic St. Mary’s City Visitor Center Explore the colonial table and discover how Mary’ad first citizens celebrated the harvest. Free.

Begins Dec. 1 Military exhibits fill the lighthouse keeper’s quarters and feature the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Navy, War of 1812, World War II and the U. S. Civil War. The keeper’s quarters are not normally open to the public so this is a chance to look inside. Cost: $7 adults; $3.50 senior citizens, military with ID, and youths ages 6-18; free, children ages 5 and younger.

Admission includes the holiday exhibit, and tour of the museum, Potomac River Maritime Exhibit and Piney Point Lighthouse tower. Dec. 1-19 hours: noon to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays; Dec. 20 through Jan. 4 hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. The exhibits and tours are closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

PRNAM Third Thursday Night at the Museum Nov. 20 Come by the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum to take advantage of our third Thursday late nights. See our improved exhibit area and hang out for a while before you head home. PRNAM will remain open until 7:30 p.m. Join us after hours with the purchase of a regular admission: $5 per person; $3 active-duty military and seniors over 65 years; museum members free. Food and drink available.

Christmas on the Square and Annual Tree Lighting 5 p.m. Nov. 28 Leonardtown Square Holiday festivities, music, entertainment, sleigh rides, live Nativity and Santa’s arrival. Raindate: Nov. 29, to consist of the tree lighting only at 7 p.m.

Christmas by the Bay Dec. 1 through Jan. 4 St. Clement’s Island Museum The exhibit features doll collections from the Blackeyed Susan and Southern Maryland Doll Clubs. Dolls are arranged to depict Christmas scenes and vignettes of Chesapeake coastal living in the early 20th century. Cost: $3, adults; $2, senior citizens and military with ID; $1.50, youths ages 6-18; free, children ages 5 and younger. Dec. 1-19 hours: noon to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays; Dec. 20 through Jan. 4 hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

PRNAM: MQ-4C Triton Panel and Reception 5-7 p.m. Dec. 4 Patuxent River Naval Air Museum The Patuxent Partnership and The Association of Naval Aviation’s Squadron No. 18 invite you to an “MQ-4C Triton: Naval Aviation’s Unmanned Maritime Solution” panel and reception. Cost: $10 in advance or $15 at the door. Register online at http://paxpartnership.org/index.cfm?action=CL2&Entry=1450 <http://stmarysmd. us8.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=90313f082a6c8954 fb8a6bc60&id=6affd08612&e=4f2a93b7e9> .

Calvert County: www.calvertcountymd.us

Maritime Concert Series: Bumper Jacksons 7:30 p.m. Nov. 21 Calvert Marine Museum Harms Gallery Bumper Jacksons is deeply rooted in their love for jazz, blues, swing, and old-time country. They are playfully creative with their originals and unafraid to scrap together new sounds from the forgotten late 70s. Doors open at 7 p.m. with beer and wine for sale. Tickets are $10 at the door; cash or check only.

Ornament Show and Sale 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Jan. 3 Annmarie Sculpture Garden and Arts Center This juried show featuring hand-crafted ornaments by 20 regional artists is the perfect place to find unique and affordable gifts.Visitors shop off the trees and take their purchases to the gift shop.

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Location, Location, Location Large brick 4.bdrm 3 bath home on a beautiful 1.8 acre level lot w/ in ground pool, 3 car detached garage, all new renovations of kitchen, baths & more. Multi-tiered trex decking, fenced yard, easy commute, Great White Plains location.

Call for a showing, offered at $369,000

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“Helping Home Buyers & Sellers Locally for 19 years”

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Fax: 301-934-9602 Email: criscurtis@criscurtis.com Web: www.criscurtis.com

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Thursday, November 20, 2014

23314 Surrey Way California, MD 20619

The Beautiful Apartments of Wildewood have so much to offer!!!

Apartment Homes In St. Mary’s NOW OFFERING Most Coveted Address!

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24-Hour Maintenance Fitness Center & 2 Pools • Great Schools Pet Friendly • Security Key Locks Warm Friendly Professional Staff Within Walking Distance of the Wildewood Shopping Ctr

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301-737-0737

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LEASING OFFICE HOURS

MON. - FRI. 9AM - 5PM • SAT. 10AM - 5PM • SUN. 12-5PM

Peaceful living IN A QUIET SETTING EXCELLENT SCHOOLS

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WildeRidge Apartments Owned and Operated by the Apartments of Wildewood

1, 2 & 3 Bedroom Apartments • 24 Hour Maintenance 22760 Laurel Glen Road • California, MD 20619

301-862-5307 • 301-737-0737 (for leasing information)

DIRECTIONS: RT 235 (THREE NOTCH ROAD) TURN AT PANERA ONTO OLD ROLLING ROAD, MAKE LEFT ON LAUREL GLEN ROAD, WE ARE ON THE LEFT

Thursday, November 20, 2014

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