Belvoir Eagle, January 28, 2021 by InsideNoVa

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January 28, 2021

February is African American History Month

Belvoir units participate in inauguration security By Paul Lara Belvoir Eagle

ust five days after the Capitol was invaded by a mob, temporarily halting certification of state Electors, several units from Fort Belvoir were on the scene for the rehearsal of inauguration ceremonies. With steel fencing expanding the perimeter, and 25,000 National Guard troops on patrol, members of 212th Military Police Detachment arrived to offer support to several inauguration events, according to Capt. Tevin Radford, detachment commander, who said his 16 team members were ready. “In our line of work, we have to expect everything. We don’t go out there with any specific expectations; we know we are a part of something great, and expect anything,” he said. Radford admitted a heightened concern after the Capitol was stormed, but said the overwhelming security enhancement following the event gave him confidence in mission success. “I had confidence there wasn’t

going to be an incident at the moment, but we were still prepared for something like that,” Radford said. “It was in the back of my mind, but I did have faith that things were taken care of, and proper actions were taken after the incidents the week prior.” Sgt. 1st Class Nichole Oddo, detachment Sergeant, said it was so instructive to be a part of this National Special Security Event, which was coordinated by the Secret Service, with federal, state and local support. “I was at the capitol dock during the ceremony, and just listening to the multiple agency liaisons on the radio – from Park Police; Capitol Police; Metropolitan Police Department; National Guard; and Secret Service – all these agencies had elements on the ground in different positions, and were filtering information to the capitol about what is going on around us,” Oddo said. “Their expedient investigation of anything that could have been in harm’s way was just flawless.” Staff Sgt. Ryan Salazar, operations NCO for the 212th, was See Belvoir, page 4

Photo by Sgt. Devlin Drew

Soldiers with the National Guard watch the 59th Presidential Inauguration near the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Jan. 20. Inauguration security was bolstered by several Fort Belvoir units.

Housing inspections discussed in town hall By Paul Lara Belvoir Eagle

ol. Joshua SeGraves, Fort Belvoir Garrison commander, and Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Greg Kleinholz updated residents on housing, from an upcoming inspection of all privatized housing, to an extended deadline on the housing survey, during a virtual town hall Jan. 21. SeGraves said that all homes on post will undergo an inspection starting next month. This inspection will not be run by either the Army or the RCI partner, but instead by a third party, RER Solutions. “This inspection begins next month in Woodlawn village, and will conclude sometime in the fall.” SeGraves said. “These inspections are intended to give a more holistic picture of housing on post, and also identify any life, health or safety issues,” adding that they will be as non-intrusive as possible. 3

INSCOM CSM

Photo by Terry Ruggles

Col. Joshua SeGraves, Garrison commander, left, and Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Gregory Kleinholz at the Jan. 21 Town Hall.

Inspection notifications will be sent in advance via email, and notices will be posted on each door. SeGraves said Fort Belvoir has not met its target on the housing satisfaction survey, so

the link, emailed to every household, remains active, as at least 80 more responses are needed to reach the 40% response. SeGraves also said a new cell tower went operational in November, improving coverage in Dogue Creek and George Washington Villages. SeGraves urged residents to provide their mayors with feedback on that service. Kleinholz said barracks residents now have the Army Maintenance Application (ArMA) website for easier reporting and follow-up on any barracks maintenance, and, once registered, there is a convenient link to the page in Fort Belvoir’s Digital Garrison App. “ArMA is providing Soldiers with real-time updates on maintenance,” said Kleinholz. “Sometimes work orders don’t get filed in a timely status, and a Soldier can now take pictures of the issue, and attach it with their work order,” which speeds up completion compared to paper work orders.

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Belvoir Eagle

January 28, 2021

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Military OneSource provides tax services is an extension this year, Smith said MilTax is prepared for it. “Our staff and our consultants are positioned to fill in the gaps where there may be additional need for that support online and over the phone,” she said.

By Terri Moon Cronk DoD News

iling taxes can be a daunting task every year, but the Defense Department has helpful resources for active-duty Service members and their families, and it’s all free through Military OneSource beginning today. Tax services for the military — also known as MilTax — is DoD’s approved tax-filing and tax-support service — including tax preparation and e-filing software and personalized support to deal with issues such as deployments, combat and training pay, housing and rentals, multistate filings, and living overseas. “They can connect with a (tax) consultant during the tax season, and even past (it), through October, but in addition to having that live support walking through the filing process and asking questions that are specific to the military around taxes, they’re able to access the MilTax software,” said Kelly Smith, program analyst with the DoD’s Military Community and Family Policy. MilTax consultants are available virtually.

Tax help available to October

MilTax availability runs until midOctober for Service members who need extensions. “That’s simply because we know that the tax season usually ends in April, but for our military community, sometimes people are overseas or they are in a combat zone, and, so, they’re able to file those extensions, and (we are) there to help them file their taxes at a later time,” Smith said. Smith said she is not tracking any significant changes in tax law for the Photo by Rachel Larue 2020 filing year that would affect service members and their families. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jorge Cuji, left, prepares a tax return “But the 2020 Social Security tax at the tax center on the Henderson Hall portion of Joint Base Myerdeferral is a big thing at this time,” she Henderson Hall, Arlington, Va., March 5, 2013. This year, eight noted. “We are referring and connecting tax preparers filed more than 2,000 tax returns for a total of $2.2 filers with (the Defense Finance million in refunds since the beginning of the year. According to Fran Accounting Service) and with the IRS Rojo, the tax center supervisor, the free service also saved Service regarding questions and concerns they members and military families $280,000 in tax preparation fees. have outside of the tax deferral.” Overall, the MilTax services are designed to Also, MilTax can guide its military filers be stress-free, Smith said. who have questions surrounding the economic Designed for Military Families “ (People) can rest assured that they are stimulus package from 2020. An advantage to the MilTax software, Smith working with tax professionals who know and “I want to ensure that our Service members noted, is it’s designed and tailored for the are familiar with military tax situations,” she and families know they can turn to Military military community. E-filing allows Service said, adding that many MilTax consultants OneSource and the tax service as a trusted return to offer their services every year in members to file their federal returns along source, and (MilTax services) understands high numbers, which provides continuity and with up to three state returns at no cost. taxes as it relates to the military community,” knowledge of the armed forces’ needs. That’s huge in the military community, Smith said. At this point, this year’s tax deadline for filing because our families are (going through Call Military One Source at 800-342-9647, 2020 taxes is April 15, although last year it was permanent changes of station) and moving or visit: https://www.militaryonesource.mil/allextended to July 15 because of COVID-19. If there the-ways/. multiple times,” she noted. USAG FORT BELVOIR

Call if you have unresolved health or safety concerns: 1-800-984-8523

Installation Management Command

How to Resolve Housing Concerns LEVEL 1 – SUBMIT YOUR WORK ORDER

• Online - www.villagesatbelvoir.com • In-Person - Maintenance Facility Building 1108 • Phone - 24-Hour Emergency Maintenance Request Line: 703-619-3880

LEVEL 2 – MAKE CONTACT

• Villages at Belvoir Management: 571-318-7546 • Contact Your Chain of Command • Fort Belvoir Housing Office: 703-805-3018/3019

LEVEL 3 – CONTACT GARRISON COMMANDER • Garrison Commander’s Housing Hotline: 571-259-9867 • Submit concerns to the Fort Belvoir Interactive Customer Evaluation ICE System: https://ice.disa.mil

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Residents with health concerns related to housing conditions, call Fort Belvoir Community Hospital Rapid Hotline: 571-231-2004

Visit the Housing Resident Portal on the Fort Belvoir Website

LEVELS OF ESCALATION Commander .............................................COL Joshua SeGraves Command Sergeant Major .................... CSM Gregory Kleinholz Director of Public Affairs ..........................................Joe Richard Deputy Director Public Affairs.......................... Ganesa Robinson Managing Editor ......................................................Terry Ruggles Content Coordinator ...............................................Eliza Cantrell Reporter/Photographer ................................................. Paul Lara Reporter ..................................................................Dave Fawcett Page Designer ........................................................ Betty Watson The Belvoir Eagle is published in cooperation with the Public Affairs Office, 9820 Flagler Road, Fort Belvoir, VA, 22060. To contact the Belvoir Eagle, email us at usarmy.belvoir.imcom-atlantic.mbx.public-affairs-office@mail.mil. Submission deadline is noon Thursday. The Belvoir Eagle is published each Thursday — by Rappahannock Media LLC, 1372 Old Bridge Road, Suite 101, Woodbridge, VA 22192, a private firm in no way connected with

Eagle Volume 29 Issue 53

the Department of the Army — as a civilian enterprise newspaper in the interest of Fort Belvoir, Va. Views and opinions are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the official view of the Department of Defense, Department of the Army, Military District of Washington or Fort Belvoir. Advertisement in this publication, does not constitute endorsement of the products or services by Department of the Army. Everything advertised herein must be made

available for purchase, use, or patronage without regard to the race, creed, age, color, sex, or nationality of the purchaser, user, or patron unless precluded by applicable federal, state or local laws. For Classified advertisement information, call 703-771-8831. To advertise in the Eagle contact Rick Bockes at 703-987-0854. Belvoir Eagle is a registered trademark. Circulation: 19,000.

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Belvoir Eagle

January 28, 2021

Transgender exclusion policy overturned By Jim Garamone DoD News

resident Joseph R. Biden signed an executive order overturning the previous administration’s ban on the service of transgender individuals in the military. “America is stronger, at home and around the world, when it is inclusive,” states a White House news release. “The military is no exception.” The order affects the Defense Department and the Department of Homeland Security for actions with the U.S. Coast Guard. Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin fully supports President Biden’s decision. In a written statement he said that all transgender individuals “who wish to serve in the United States military and can meet the appropriate standards shall be able to do so openly and free from discrimination.” The secretary insisted the change is not only the right thing to do, but also the smart thing. In this, he echoed the White House statement that “the all-volunteer force thrives when it is composed of diverse Americans who can meet the rigorous standards for military service, and an inclusive

military strengthens our national security.” “The United States armed forces are in the business of defending our fellow citizens from our enemies, foreign and domestic,” Austin said. “I believe we accomplish that mission more effectively when we represent all our fellow citizens. I also believe we should avail ourselves of the best possible talent in our population, regardless of gender identity. We would be rendering ourselves less fit to the task if we excluded from our ranks people who meet our standards and who have the skills and the devotion to serve in uniform.” The secretary told the military departments to immediately ensure individuals who identify as transgender are eligible to enter and serve in their selfidentified gender. In the order, Biden directed the defense secretary and the secretary of homeland security to ensure that all directives, orders, regulations and policies of their respective departments are consistent with the new order. “This means no one will be separated or discharged, or denied reenlistment, solely on the basis of gender identity,” the White House news release said. “Prospective

Photo by Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Caleb Strong

Sailors and Marines receive transgender training aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan in the Atlantic Ocean, Jan. 18, 2017. recruits may serve in their selfidentified gender when they have met the appropriate standards for accession into the military services.” The policy also ensures all medically-necessary transition related care authorized by law is available to all Service members. The executive order also immediately prohibits “involuntary separations, discharges and denials of reenlistment or continuation of service on the basis of gender identity. It also calls

for an immediate start to the identification and examination of the records of Service members who have been involuntarily separated, discharged or denied reenlistment or continuation of service on the basis of gender identity. It provides for the correction of military records. “Over the next 60 days, I look forward to working with the senior civilian and military leaders of the department as we expeditiously develop the appropriate policies and procedures to implement these changes,” Austin wrote.

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Belvoir Eagle

January 28, 2021

www.belvoireagleonline.com From Belvoir, page 1

stationed at Arlington National Cemetery, providing security support for President Joseph Biden’s first official act: laying the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. He said it was a monumental event to be a part of. “It was a good memory, and one I’ll always remember,” Salazar said. “Seeing the first female vice president was cool, and we were able to see presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama – that was an awesome moment.” Radford said the number of agencies working so seamlessly was a level of collaboration he’d not experienced before. “It’s almost overwhelming, in a good way, with how much we had to collaborate,” said Radford. “Everybody comes together to ensure we have the same shared understanding of what’s going on, and it’s truly amazing to watch the efforts of these units.” Also there to ensure safety was 55th Ordnance Company, EOD. It was a fluid situation for the 10 teams stationed throughout the area, according to 2nd Lt. James Fulton. “It’s something we plan for every four years. We had to be on call from Jan. 16 all the way past the inauguration,” Fulton said, noting that while there was a bomb threat called in about

Photo by Senior Airman Christian Conrad

President Joseph R. Biden Jr., Vice President Kamala Harris and U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Omar J. Jones IV, commanding general Joint Task ForceNational Capital Region, attend a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va., Jan. 20. Members of 212th MP Detachment conducted security for this event. in this,” said Oddo. “To see that the Supreme Court building happen without a lot of prior Wednesday morning, that was shared understanding – what they handled by other agencies. “We had 10 teams and 90 percent do once they put us all together is just phenomenal. When you of our personnel were on site. We put civilian agencies with us in worked to clear parade routes and the same room, it’s like we’re all then seal it off,” Fulton said. brothers in the end, getting the The members of the 212th all mission done. To me, that’s one of agreed that Fort Belvoir is an the biggest benefits of Fort Belvoir incredible duty station, because it – getting to work with all these supports such important events. agencies in real-world missions.” “My Soldiers got to work with “What I appreciate is that the Navy, Air Force, and the the missions are completely Marines – everybody was involved

different and so real,” Salazar said. “Compared to being in a line unit where the missions are field exercises and training. This environment is real-life, real-world missions. Being able to do our job and perform is amazing, and I’m extremely grateful for it. “I feel very blessed to be a part of this unit. I’m blessed to be a part of this team; they are the Road Dogs for a reason, and they keep showing up and keep doing a phenomenal job each and every time they’re called upon,” said Oddo. “I was extremely honored to be a part of this unit and to have done it with this team, because that’s what made this a success,” Radford said. “What made this a once-in-a-lifetime experience are the people involved. I’m so proud to be a part of this detachment.” In addition, Virginia and Maryland National Guard Soldiers, assigned to the Fort Belvoir-based 29th Infantry Division, were provided to Joint Task Force District of Columbia. They were led by the 29th ID Deputy Commanding General for Operations, Col. Joseph A. DiNonno. He led a task force of more than 8,500 personnel from multiple states supporting the U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Park Police and D.C. Metro Police Department.

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January 28, 2021

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Notable authors discuss their books through virtual speakers series By David Fawcett Belvoir Eagle

ort Belvoir will join Fort Jackson and Fort Knox to participate in a virtual speaker series where notable authors talk about a variety of military-related subjects. The series runs from Jan. 28 to March 30. The first three speakers are all New York Times Bestselling authors. Jerome Preisler kicks things off Thursday at 6 p.m. when he will discuss “Civil War Commando: William Cushing and the Daring Raid to Sink the Ironclad CSS Albemarle.” The publisher’s summary states that “Civil War Commando” is the incredible tale of two giants on a historic collision course: Will Cushing, the United States Navy’s first naval commando, and the unsinkable Confederate ironclad Albemarle, Terror of the Roanoke, an innovative war machine that seized control of the Roanoke River Valley and threatened to cost the Union the war.” On Feb. 27 at noon, Steve Berry talks about

the latest installment in his Cotton Malone series: “The Kaiser’s Web.” Joel Rosenberg is next up March 16 at 6 p.m. when he discusses his book, “The Beirut Protocol.” The last speaker is Vietnam veteran and artist Steve Maloney, March 30 at 6 p.m. Maloney will discuss “Take Me Home Huey: Honoring American Heroes Through Art.” To register for any of these events, email barrlibraryevents@ gmail.com to receive a link. All participants are required to register in advance. Fort Knox is hosting each event. The speaker series is a trial run to see whether there’s interest in more down the road on a more expansive level. “It will be great to get input and see how we can do things differently or what’s popular,” said Nilya Carrato, Fort Belvoir’s supervisory librarian. Carrato said the Fort Knox librarian Michael Steinmacher reached out to her to see if Fort Belvoir was interested in partnering for this event. Carrato said she considers Michael Steinmacher a mentor and wanted to join forces.

“We’ve collaborated on other things,” Carrato said. “It’s a partnership that keeps growing.” Carrato said she hopes these types of events continue. “We want to see if doing this virtual is sustainable long-term,” Carrato said. “It’s an experiment. It’s starting small and that keeps it manageable.”

AUTHOR SCHEDULE Jerome Preisler Jan. 28, 6 p.m. Steve Berry Feb 27, noon Joel Rosenberg March 16, 6 p.m. Steve Maloney March 30, 6 p.m.

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January 28, 2021

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Fort Belvoir Hospital Nurse assists in Navajo Nation’s COVID-19 response By Gidget Fuentes U.S. Naval Institute News

s states across the U.S. braced for a winter resurgence in COVID-19 cases, a Navy nurse from Fort Belvoir Community Hospital got mid-December deployment orders to an unusual destination: Navajo Nation. Twenty Navy nurses and four respiratory therapists deployed to assist two hospitals in the small, rural towns of Chinle, Ariz., and Shiprock, N.M., where the coronavirus pandemic threatens to overwhelm local health services already short of highly-skilled nurses. The medical deployment fills a need identified by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Indian Health Service to provide critical-care personnel in Navajo Nation, home to some 175,000 who live across 17.5 million acres in northeastern Arizona, northwestern New Mexico and southeastern Utah. Recent statistics indicate Navajo Nation reported 25,383 positive cases and 871 deaths. Tribal leaders have issued stayat-home orders and weekend lockdowns to help curtail the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in a pandemic that killed nearly 400,000 and infected more than 22 million in the United States. More than 1.9 million people have died globally of the virus. Chinle, a town of 4,500, is home to a Veterans Administration clinic that serves a Navajo community with deep military ties, and it’s the gateway to the archaeological wonders in Canyon de Chelly National Monument. The Navy medical team’s arrival was timely, coming just as the surge threatened to fill every available ICU bed and potentially delay available care for sick patients. The town’s 60bed hospital includes a 22-bed respiratory care unit, which has provided the 21-bed critical-care unit for COVID-19 patients and a separate room used solely for intubations. A separate surge unit is planned just in case. The Navy personnel “allowed us… to expand the number of beds available in the inpatient unit at Chinle,” Johanna Bahe, chief nurse executive and acting area nurse consultant for the Navajo Area Indian Health Service, told USNI News. “Before they arrived, we had to limit the number of beds, the number of patients that we could take into the unit. But since they’ve come, we’ve been able to expand and utilize all the beds.”

“Our daily positive numbers are high,” Bahe said, but “we have not reached a point where we don’t have a bed for a patient here in Chinle – yet – and hopefully that does not happen.” Arizona is one of the nation’s COVID-19 current hot spots. As of Sunday, its seven-day average of new cases was the highest in the nation, at almost twice the U.S. average. More than 90 percent of the state’s ICU beds were filled. Even before the pandemic hit, the Chinle region had a

level care,” which requires nurses experienced working with patients on ventilators.

In the COVID unit While some members of his team had experience caring for COVID-19 patients, the deployment to Chinle marked a new mission for Cmdr. Frank Jones, a critical-care nurse from Fort Belvoir, Va. “Of course I was scared thinking of catching COVID, but I was also elated, thinking we’re going

providing bedside care to sick patients. Many suffer breathing difficulties but treatments vary based on their symptoms. “Most of them come down with COVIDrelated pneumonia, and there’s a lot of inflammation and pain,” he said. “It’s been kind of surreal (and) enlightening,” he said. “I now can say I am fully immersed to know what it’s like to be in a COVID unit, with 22 beds, (and) patients who are very sick. They require a lot of care.”

A ‘sense of relief’

Photo Courtesy Army News

Melanie Barber, right, supervisory nurse for the Emergency Department at Northern Navajo Medical Center, briefs U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Sarah Jagger, Rural Rapid Response Team Leader, during cross training at the hospital in Shiprock, N.M., Dec. 19. shortage of nurses and respiratory therapists, in particular. The Four Corners region is desolate and rural – the town is 215 miles north of Flagstaff, Ariz., and 230 miles west of Albuquerque – and local hospitals don’t provide specialty critical care and haven’t had enough trained personnel to fully staff every ICU bed. While many of their nurses trained as medical/surgical nurses or ICU nurses, “one of the challenges that we have on Navajo is recruiting and retaining any kind of specialty nurses and services in general with providers,” Bahe said. “So for Chinle, we really were lacking the knowledge that was needed to take care of some of the patients here. Even more so when it was difficult to transfer out a patient to higher-

to go and help the Navajo Nation and knowing their history and their contribution” to the Marine Corps and the Navy during World War II, said Jones, the senior officer-in-charge of Expeditionary Medical Facility “Juliet” Team from Portsmouth, Va. The deployment, he said, “has an extra-special feel to it, because we’re helping a Native American group that’s given so much of themselves to the United States.” Jones said he’s found a welcoming community in Chinle. “They’ve been extremely appreciative. They are very grateful,” he said. “Their eyes widen and lighten up when you tell them you’re a U.S. Navy nurse, and you’ve come out here to help them.” He spends his 12-hour shifts

Last summer, Jones said, EMTKilo and EMT-Juliet were put on prepare-to-deploy orders lasting through March 31. On Dec. 16, with orders in hand, he flew to Albuquerque and drove to Chinle, where he met up with other activeduty members from Fort Belvoir, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and Portsmouth Medical Center. After a short orientation, they started their 12-hour shifts on Dec. 18 and 19, returning to local hotels near the hospital. In just the first three weeks, Navy nurses have helped train and mentor the staff, which “has really increased the confidence of our nurses, the permanent nurses that work here and plan to stay here after the pandemic,” Bahe said. “They brought a lot of positivity to the unit and a sense of relief for our nurses here in Chinle.” In turn, she said, the Navy nurses and respiratory therapists learn “about our culture, about the challenges we face as a rural health care organization and some of the issues that we have to be creative and innovative in taking care of our patients in a rural setting. So it’s a bidirectional kind of sharing of knowledge.”

Mission extension? While some anticipate the deployment would be for two months, the initial order was for a 30-day mission, “so the 30 days is coming up soon,” Bahe said. With the continued high positive caseload, “we’ve requested an extension” of the DoD support, she said Friday. “We’re still up there. We did request for an extension for our staff that are here currently, and that includes the respiratory therapists.” “Nobody is clamoring to go back home just yet. They’re asking to see if we go off to Los Angeles,” another COVID hotspot, Jones said. “We’re going to be here as long as Army North needs us here and the mission dictates.”

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Belvoir Eagle

January 28, 2021

Selenica lets no obstacles stand in his way By David Fawcett Belvoir Eagle

himiter Selenica loves to fix things. But more importantly, he loves figuring how to work on things he has no prior experience with. When Fort Belvoir’s Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation needed to send someone to school to learn how to repair Recreational Vehicles, Selenica was the obvious choice. “He’s capable of doing everything and anything,” said Outdoor Recreation Director Romel Voellm. “He’s a fast learner. If he does not know something, he will find the answer.” Selenica is the facility maintenance superintendent for Fort Belvoir’s Outdoor Recreation’s Travel Camp and RV’s. He has worked for MWR since October of 2009, two months after he came to the United States from Greece. At the time, the Albanian native did not speak any English. It was a scary moment for Selenica and his family, as they left behind familiar surroundings, but Selenica persevered. He hoped to someday come to the United States, but never seriously considered the possibility until one day when someone mentioned the Visa lottery to Selenica’s wife Ettali. Selenica applied and then waited to hear back. Ettali called him one day and said a thick envelope arrived in the mail from the United States. Selenica took that as a good sign. He was right.

“I’m the winner,” Selenica recalls thinking. Selenica chose to come to Northern Virginia because he had a cousin in Centreville. Always good with his hands, Selenica found work initially at Walter Reed Hospital. When the hospital moved locations, one of his former supervisors, who was then at Fort Belvoir, recommended he apply for a job on base. Fort Belvoir hired him, and he’s grateful for the opportunity to share his gifts with others. “I’m a handyman,” Selenica said. “I know many things. I like to build things for customers. I like to help people.” Selenica learned English by attending classes at Herndon High School in Fairfax County. It was a challenge, something he says was the hardest thing to do during the transition. But he assured Ettali things would work out. “She wondered how we would survive,” Selenica said. “I told her to calm down. If we work hard, we’d be OK.” Speaking English has made Selenica’s life easier, especially on the job. “It’s helped me a lot,” Selenica said. “I can answer questions. It’s the first time I’ve used a computer. It was very hard, but we are strong. We never give up.” More than anything, Selenica and his wife came to the United States to give their son and daughter a better life. They accomplished their mission. Both their children are now college graduates with good jobs. “We did this for their future,” Selenica said.

Photo by David Fawcett

Dhimiter Selenica is the facility maintenance superintendent for Fort Belvoir’s Outdoor Recreation’s Travel Camp and RV’s.

Auto Skills Center: safely teaching customers while saving them money by active duty military after re-opening July 8th. But on Oct. 28, the center was opened to all active duty, DoD civilians, retired military and their family members. The Auto Skills Center, located at 9290 Gunston Road, Building 1462, is open Wednesday through Friday from noon to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. With only seven bays, it’s recommended people call ahead to see if a spot is available for a particular time. Weekends are the busiest time. There are two

By David Fawcett and Paul Lara Belvoir Eagle

arine Chief Warrant Officer 5 Steve Rudinski wanted an oil change, a tire rotation and new brake pads without having to pay too much money. The Fort Belvoir Auto Skills Center provided the perfect place for Rudinski to save on costs and time by offering the space, the counsel and the supplies to do the work himself. After watching a training video first, Rudinski was ready to go. Under the supervision of mechanic Tom Young, who is there to promote safety and answer questions, Rudinski completed all his tasks in an hour with an added bonus. “The best part is that I saved hundreds of dollars,” Rudinski said. “A Ford dealership would charge me $199 an axle, and it cost me $80 in parts for both axles, so I saved $300 just on the brake pads.” Young, who has worked at the Auto Skills Center as a mechanic for five years, enjoyed assisting Rudinski and others who came by that day to do work on their vehicles. With four vehicles inside the center. Young was doing

mechanics on duty each shift. In addition, the center offers a Resale Car Lot for Active Duty, retired military and family members and DoD civilians to sell their cars, trucks, motorcycles, trailers or small motorhomes. The cost for an 18-foot space is $45 for 30 days and $100 for a space over 18 feet for 30 days. For more information, contact the Auto Skills Center at 703-806-4088 or go to belvoir. armymwr.com/programs/ automotive-skills-center.

What the Auto Skills Center offers Photos by Paul Lara

Matt Benigni installs a leveling kit on his truck at the Kawamura Auto Skills Center, Oct. 24.

everything from moving a tool chest out of the way so someone could lower the lift to letting a customer know he should leave the key in the ignition to unlock the steering before starting work on the front CV axle. “I love helping people, and with 20 years experience as a mechanic, I find the questions easy,” Young said. Because of coronavirus restrictions, the Auto Skills Center had only been available for use

• 2 Lube Lift Bays - Heavy duty 14,000 lb. hydraulic drive-on vehicle lifts (oil and fluid change services only, other repair/ maintenance services per management approval only based on availability). • Frame Lift Bays - Two post 9,000 lb. or 10,000 lb. hydraulic frame lifts. • 1 Motorcycle Lift Bay • 3 Flat Bays - No vehicle lift but jacks and stands are available at no charge. • Tire Mount and Balance Service

• Brake Lathe (Rotor Machining) • Strut Compressor • Hydraulic Press • Air Tools • Complete assortment of Hand Tools • Access to AllData and Chilton Online Repair Manuals, and the latest Snap-On scan and diagnostic tool to help troubleshoot your check engine code and other troubles. • Knowledgeable and experienced training instructors to assist you.

Belvoir Eagle

January 28, 2021

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Families invited to track their daily steps By David Fawcett Belvoir Eagle

ort Belvoir usually holds the Health and Fitness Expo at the Specker Field House in January where vendors come to inform the Garrison and community on different ways to improve their overall wellness. The pandemic cancelled that annual event. In its place, Fort Belvoir Morale Welfare and Recreation, Sports & Fitness is holding the virtual Family Step Challenge. Registration is free and runs to Jan. 31 at 7 p.m. The event participation limit is 100. Those registered will receive a step challenge shirt that will be shipped by the United States Postal Service. Participants can select their own course or use a traditional one at Fort Belvoir. The event is open to military, DoD civilians, retirees, Reserve, family members, or any other military affiliated person. Anthony Leon, a fitness program specialist for Belvoir’s Morale Welfare and Recreation directorate, said the Family Step

Challenge will allow members to keep those New Year’s resolutions of getting in better shape, while also having a healthy distraction from all the in-person restrictions due to the coronavirus. “This isn’t just for your physical well-being, but also for your mental well-being with what’s going on,” Leon said. “We want to turn a negative into a positive. We’re looking at different events to incorporate the whole family just to get the family’s mind off what’s going on.” As an incentive to increase participation, registrants are asked to submit a photo with their daily step totals for the week every Thursday to qualify for a weekly raffle on Fridays that includes prizes such as Yeti Coolers, Yeti Ramblers and a Fitbit fitness tracker. The photo must be posted to MWR’s Events Facebook page. Leon said the winner will be contacted via phone or email and that prizes must be claimed by an adult (18 or older with proper identification) and must be picked up in person on base at the Body Shop Fitness Center.

FORT BELVOIR FAMILY STEP CHALLENGE

Registration ends Jan. 31, 7 p.m. GO TO https://belvoir.armymwr.com/ CLICK ON “Family Step Challenge” for more information and to register OR CALL Anthony Leon at 703-806-4430 BELVOIR.ARMYMWR.COM

BELVOIR MWR

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January 28, 2021

Belvoir Eagle

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January 28, 2021

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Belvoir Community Briefs FAFSA Briefing Need money for college? Join Barden Education Center for step by step instructions on how to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), Feb. 2 at noon via ZOOM at https://vccs. zoom.us/j/88234710761; Meeting ID: 882 3471 0761; Passcode: 427099; Dial by location: 1-301-715-8592

New York Times bestselling author will discuss Civil War Commando: William Cushing and the Daring Raid to Sink the Ironclad CSS Albermarle. The session will take place today at 6 p.m. Advance registration is required. For details, visit belvoir.armymwr.com or call the MWR Library at 703-805-4244.

Credentialing Assistance Briefing Interested in learning more about Credentialing Assistance? Now is your chance to learn more about the program from our Credentialing Counselor. The briefing is Feb. 3 at 10 a.m. MS Teams. RSVP to the event at: https://www. surveymonkey.com/r/2HGL9QH.

Take your relationship to the next level and make physical fitness a part of your journey by participating in the Fort Belvoir Couples Virtual 5K, Feb. 1 - 25. Registration is $15 per couple and includes a commemorative shirt. During or after the run, post a couple’s selfie on the MWR Facebook Event page, but no later than Feb. 25 at 8 p.m., to enter the prize drawing for Fitbit fitness trackers. Eligibility and other restrictions apply. For more visit belvoir.armymwr.com.

Play Morning

Fort Belvoir Family Step Challenge Challenge yourself and your family to a vigorous walk now - Jan. 31. Choose your own course or opt to use our traditional route options on Fort Belvoir. Each participant tracks their daily steps and prizes will be awarded. Rules and eligibility restrictions apply. For more, go to belvoir. armymwr.com or call 703-806-4430.

Virtual Authors at Your Library TODAY

Fort Belvoir Couples Virtual 5K

Play Mornings, hosted by Army Community Service, allows families to connect virtually and have a playgroup experience through crafts, story time and other activities. Classes are biweekly, 10 a.m., Fridays. The next sessions are Feb. 5 and 19. Participants will be notified of any changes in the schedule. Registration is required by calling 571-231-7028.

Dads 101

Let the Army Community Service New Parent Support team show you how to The MWR Library encourages children, overcome your fears and get comfortable teens and adults to support a love of in your paternal role. This virtual class reading by participating in the Winter teaches dads and dads-to-be the needed Reading Program, now - Feb. 15. Readers tips and tools to help them become more can win prizes for reaching their reading successful. Classes are from 3 to 4 p.m., goals based on grade level categories. For April 14 and 28, with additional classes entry details and more information, go to throughout the year. For more information T:9.5" belvoir.armymwr.com or call 703-805-4244. and to register, call 571-231-7028.

Winter Reading Program

During January, February and March, the Fort Belvoir community can join readers from Fort Knox and Fort Jackson to listen to nationally and internationally renowned authors discuss their latest books, the stories behind their narrations, and to ask about their next big projects. This month’s featured author is Jerome Preisler. This

COMMENTS “As required by the Garrison’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit, Fort Belvoir Directorate of Public Works, Environmental Division is accepting comments in writing on the Draft 2021 Sediment Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Action Plan for the Lower Accotink Creek until Feb. 15. The documents can be found on the Fort Belvoir web page (home.army.mil/ belvoir) First, search for “Environmental Division.” Once on the page, scroll down to the box marked “Programs and Documents” and click on it. Then click on “MS4 Stormwater Program. Links to all relevant documents can be found here. Submit comments by email to Yari Chiro at yarelis.chiro.civ@mail.mil or at usarmy.belvoir.id-sustainment.mbx. dpw-enrd-stormwater@mail.mil For more information: Stormwater Program 703-806-3406 or Mr. Anthony Gartrell 703-806-3437

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January 28, 2021

Belvoir Eagle

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January 28, 2021

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