BELVOIR
VIRTUAL TOWN HALL COVID-19 update 4 p.m. today on
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March 26, 2020
Soldiers on Permanent Change of Station orders can request to stay extra year By Sean Kimmons Army News Service
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oldiers preparing for a permanent change-of-station move can now request to stay at their current duty station for up to a year, as the Army adapts how it moves people during the COVID-19 crisis. New Army guidance says Soldiers can request to defer an assignment and return to their losing unit, if they expect to face hardship as a result of a PCS move. “People remain our No. 1 priority, our center of gravity in all we do,” Lt. Gen. Thomas Seamands, the Army’s G-1, said at a press briefing March 19. “We’re working really hard to take care of our Soldiers, civilians and families around the globe.” Last week, the Defense Department began to temporarily halt all domestic travel, including PCS and temporary duty travel, for Service members, DoD civilians and their families assigned to installations in the U.S. or its territories. The domestic travel ban lasts until May 11 and follows other restrictions last week that stopped movement for 60 days to overseas locations with a Level 3 travel health notice, like South Korea and much of Europe, where there has been widespread transmissions of the virus.
“We’ll stabilize the family, likely for a year, and then see what the inventory and the readiness demands are across the force at that point,” he said. The Army also plans to address possible shortages in units caused by the moves, or the lack of them. “We are constantly balancing readiness and looking at the numbers across the board to make sure we have the right Soldier with the right skill in the right place,” he said. “But, there would potentially be a second-order effect and that’s our job to mitigate that and to be able to maintain readiness across our Army.”
Household goods Shipment of household goods, including personal vehicles, for those scheduled to move is also delayed until at least May 15, unless there is an approved exception to policy. In a nutshell, if a household goods shipment has been awarded to a moving company but no
Survivors find easier access to Army installations By Susan A. Merkner Installation Management Command
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Stabilizing families The latest guidance comes after Gen. James McConville, Army chief of staff, suggested last year that Soldiers be given the chance to stay put if it increases their quality of life and eases the summer, peak PCS season. While the Army plans to liberally approve requests, Seamands said that not all will be granted, particularly for missionessential personnel. “Absent any mission-essential nature of their assignment, then they should be allowed to stay in place,” he said. Soldiers assigned to Patriot missile units, for instance, may not qualify for the delayed movement, since they have a high operational tempo and can only go to certain places. For most Soldiers, Seamands said they should have a say in the decision, especially if they choose to re-enlist to stabilize or go someplace else. A2
Housing News
physical action has been taken, then the items will not move until the DoD stop-movement order changes, said Lt. Gen. Duane Gamble, the Army’s G-4. But, “if a Soldier is permitted to continue with their PCS move, then their household goods will be moved accordingly,” he said. Exceptions may only be granted for compelling cases deemed mission essential, necessary for humanitarian reasons or warranted due to extreme hardship. Soldiers who decide to stay in place for a significant amount of time will get their orders amended so their household goods and POV are returned to them, if they haven’t been shipped yet, Gamble said. The Army Human Resources Command has set up an emergency hotline to help Soldiers and families with PCS or TDY questions, 1-800-5825552. Soldiers can also contact the telephone number on their orders, or reach back to their old unit or arriving unit for additional guidance.
Photo by Kemberly Groue
Gold Star family members put roses at the base of a wreath during the Gold Star Families Memorial Monument dedication ceremony at Guice Veterans Memorial Park in Biloxi, Miss., Nov. 23. The monument honors families of Servicemembers who sacrificed their lives while serving in the military.
ertain Gold Star and next-of-kin survivors can expect to find it easier to visit Army installations, since a new process went into effect in January. The new survivor’s access policy allows qualified survivors to get through gate security more easily and travel on post without an escort to attend events, view memorials, and get services using their survivor’s access card. “The Army values people, especially our Gold Star spouses and family members,” said Lt. Gen. Douglas Gabram, commanding general, Army Installation Management Command. “This change allows them to more easily receive the benefits and services to which they are entitled, and helps them stay connected to the Army.” Eligible survivors are those who meet the criteria to receive the Gold Star lapel button or Gold Star Next-of-Kin lapel button, including See Survivors, page A5
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Telework security
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Belvoir Eagle
March 26, 2020
www.belvoireagleonline.com
BELVOIR HOUSING UPDATE Compiled by USAG Fort Belvoir Public Affairs
Most personal property pick-ups and packouts paused, deliveries continue By Andre Kok U.S. Transportation Command
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n March 14, U.S. Transportation Command issued an advisory to the moving industry to provide Defense Personal Property Program customers and their chain of command decision space, in light of the Defense Department’s March 13 ‘stop movement order,’ which halts most permanent change of station moves from through May 11. The advisory directs moving companies to take no action on scheduled pick-ups or packouts of household goods, until they confirm with the personal property office responsible for the shipment that it should continue. Impacted customers with scheduled pick-ups and pack-outs should be contacted by their provider to inform them of the delay. Deliveries of household goods, unaccompanied baggage, and non-temporary storage lots should continue as scheduled. “This direction to industry gives our customers and their families some breathing room and decision space,” said Rick Marsh, director of the Defense Personal Property Program. “As the Department’s advisory was released late on a Friday, we didn’t want
moving companies showing up at the curb on Monday, without providing families time to talk to their chain of command, assess their personal situation and consider their next steps.” Customers impacted by the stop movement order should determine the way ahead in coordination with their chain of command, which may include seeking a waiver from their leadership to continue the relocation process, and local personal property office. The Department’s stop movement order provides the flexibility for exceptions to allow pack-outs and pick-ups to continue. “For example, in some cases, where a customer has a lease expiring or has sold their home, household goods may be picked up and placed into local storage until the stop movement order is lifted,” said Marsh. “This will be a coordinated decision with the customer, their chain of command, and the local personal property office.” Service headquarters are developing those exception procedures and exemptions for separating or retiring personnel are already in effect. When household goods shipments are cleared to move, personal property offices and moving companies are ready to support those shipments.
Housing Health Registry Call if you have unresolved health or safety concerns:
1-800-984-8523
Commander .................................... COL Michael Greenberg Command Sergeant Major .....................CSM Jason Young Director of Public Affairs ...................................Joe Richard Deputy Director Public Affairs................... Ganesa Robinson Managing Editor ................................................G.H. Cureton Assistant Editor ........................................... Margaret Steele Digital Editor .....................................................Terry Ruggles Sports Editor............................................... Rick Musselman Reporter/Photographer .......................................... Paul Lara 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, call 703-805-2034 or 805-5001, or email us at editor@belvoireagleonline.com. 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
STAY CONNECTED @villagesatbelvoir
“In addition to our customers and their families, it takes a broad array of stakeholders … the customer’s chain of command; human resource specialists; logisticians; financial managers; and industry, to make the relocation process happen,” Marsh said. “It’s important we give them time to plan, and give families time to think, particularly in a rapidly developing situation like this. The only reason the personal property community exists is to relocate DoD personnel and their families.” Move.mil has the latest guidance for Defense Personal Property Program customers.
USAG FORT BELVOIR 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 • Garrison Commander’s Housing Hotline: • Submit concerns to the Fort Belvoir Interactive Customer Evaluation ICE System: https://ice.disa.mil
LEVEL 3 – CONTACT GARRISON COMMANDER • Garrison Commander’s Housing Hotline: • Submit concerns to the Fort Belvoir Interactive Customer Evaluation ICE System: https://ice.disa.mil
Residents with health concerns related to housing conditions, call Fort Belvoir Community Hospital Rapid Hotline: 571-231-2004
LEVELS OF ESCALATION
Eagle Volume 28 Issue 12
with 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
March 26, 2020
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USO comes through for Armed Services Blood Program
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hen COVID-19 started affecting this area several weeks ago, the Armed Services Blood Program had several scheduled blood drives. One of those blood drives, sponsored by Belvoir’s Warrior Transition Battalion, was set for the USO Warrior & Family Center on Belvoir. Then, the USO had to close. However, knowing of the urgent need for blood donors and blood drives, especially now, the USO decided to re-open, solely to support the Armed Services Blood Program, the Warrior Transition Battalion and military patients in the area and downrange. “Heidi Miller, the USO Center coordinator, called us offering to open for the blood drive … and for anytime during the pandemic,” said Donna Onwona, from the ASBP. “I am so happy we are able to do this, because it’s so important, especially now,” Miller said. “We are all so grateful for the healthcare workers out there.” “Thanks to the USO, we now have a blood drive scheduled to help us get blood downrange and to military treatment facilities in the National Capital Region, including Fort Belvoir Community Hospital,” Onwona said. Through word of mouth,
the ASBP blood drive on April 2 is full with appointments. However, the USO agreed to open again for another blood drive, April 6, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. “The current coronavirus situation has already impacted our ability to get blood down range and to MTFs for patients. Unfortunately, we’re in an emergency situation with blood supplies and it will likely get worse,” Onwona said. “Any and all support for the Armed Services Blood Program is greatly appreciated. We had many drives get canceled, because of unexpected closures, social distancing and more regular donors teleworking.” The greatest need is for blood types O and AB and appointments are strongly recommended due to social distancing requirements and not being able to set up as much equipment as usual. Appointments for the April 6 blood drive are available at militarydonor. com, using the sponsor code USO. The blood drive is open to anyone eligible to donate blood. Those who aren’t eligible are asked to tell a friend to donate. Info is available via e-mail to Donna Onwona at the Armed Services Blood Program, donna-lee. onwona.civ@mail.mil.
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Belvoir Eagle
March 26, 2020
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USO finding new ways to support socially distanced Service members By Paul Lara Belvoir Eagle
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Photo by Paul Lara
Fort Belvoir’s Warrior and Family Center, Tuesday. USO staff are trying to replace inperson connections with virtual connections during this time of social distancing.
ort Belvoir’s USO Warrior & Family Center is working to continue its operations online, offering help and a personal connection, according to Michael Hartzell, Virginia centers USO manager. While the center has been closed since March 16, the USO continues to fulfill its mission to support active-duty Service members and family members via social media, which limits physical attendance and supports social distancing. “We are reaching out to unit support to let them know we’re still here,” he said. “We are structuring to reach all our locations in the Metro area online. We are creating virtual activities, such as bingo, and we’re finding it’s a difficult process,” he said. Hartzell said the best way for Belvoir Families to connect with USO operations is to send a message on its Facebook page. “All brick and mortar centers are closed, but we check our messages daily. We are also setting up a message board for specific needs. There could also be some Service members who have more than they need at the moment, and are willing to share with others,” he said. “USO continues to work on providing supplies as well, including pre-made snack packs with granola and fruit snacks, along with toiletry kits with the basics. These are not long-term kits, but good for a couple days. We also have kits we’re putting together, called ‘boredom busters’ with playing cards, mind-teasers, fidget spinners, and other items to offer some distraction,” said Hartzell. Hartzell said USO has to be flexible, and lamented that “there’s not a handbook for this.”
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Belvoir Eagle
March 26, 2020
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County schools feeding students during closure By Rick Musselman Belvoir Eagle
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s the coronavirus pandemic continues to evolve, and facilities, like schools, are forced to close, Fairfax County Public Schools has a program that provides nutritious meals to students who normally rely on See Survivors, page A1 widow or widower; parent; child; stepchild; child through adoption; brother; half-brother and -sister. Eligible survivors may apply for and receive a survivor’s access card through the Army’s Automated Installation Entry system at their local garrison. Installations without AIE will use DA Form 1602 for survivor’s access. According to Gwendolyn Lott, Belvoir’s Retirement Services officer, “Survivors, widows and widowers have a military family member ID card they are eligible to maintain, as long as they don’t remarry. Their ID card allows for the same military access and privileges, as if their spouse was living. Among the services available to Gold Star spouses and nextof-kin family members is the Army Survivor Outreach Services program, which provides support through a network of civilians serving as advocates for survivors. SOS staff can help survivors access benefits available to them at their local installation, such as career and financial counseling. To track survivors’ feedback on the new process, the Interactive Customer Evaluation survey added new questions to help determine customer satisfaction with outreach efforts. “The Army honors our surviving family members by ensuring their access to our installations and Army-led joint bases,” said Col. Kevin Comfort, IMCOM provost marshal. IMCOM is directing policy compliance and training for its 75 garrisons and installations. The new process resulted from Section 626 of Public Law 115-232, the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019. The law recognizes survivors as having a valid requirement for longterm, unescorted access to Army installations. Survivor’s access cards will be consistent across the Army and will be valid for three years. DoD leaders are determining policy to provide reciprocity for survivor’s cards across all services. For information on Survivor Outreach Services, visit armymwr. com/programs-and-services/ personal-assistance/survivoroutreach.
food they get in school cafeterias. Fort Belvoir Upper School, on the elementary complex on Belvoir, is a participating school in the district’s Grab-and-Go meal program. According to Jamey Chianetta, upper school principal, the program has been immensely successful. “I believe this is the beginning of a Grab-and-Go program on Fort Belvoir and we’ve had a strong amount of interest in our site,” she said. “Between 150 and 200 meals are served daily. Overall, I’m just so grateful that Fort Belvoir was
chosen as one of the Grab-and-Go locations. It will hopefully allow our families who really rely on school meals to stretch their family food budgets and keep a sense of security and normalcy. The meals include fresh produce and milk and have been really well received. Chianetta added she and her staff have made meal pickup even easier for families adjusting to the day-to-day realities of the COVID-19 outbreak. FCPS students are welcome to come to any of the sites to pick up a meal. All FCPS students,
regardless of age, can get the free Grab-and-Go breakfast and lunch. Other county children, under age 18, can also get a meal. Adults may pay $2 for the meals. To receive federal reimbursement, students must be present to request the meals. Breakfast is served from 8-10:30 a.m. and lunch from 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m., weekdays. For information about the Grab-and-Go meal program on post, call Fort Belvoir Upper School, 571-982-1300. A complete list of meal locations is available from fcps.edu.
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Belvoir Eagle
March 26, 2020
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Veterinary Center keeps pets safe during crisis is sick with COVID-19 and coughs or sneezes on their pet. There is no evidence at this time that pets can get sick from COVID-19. Please continue to practice good hygiene, including washing your hands, ith virtually constant news reports of keeping your pet well-groomed, and regularly washing food bowls, the continuing spread of COVID-19 bedding, and play toys. More information is on AVMA’s website: and the need for social distancing, www.avma.org/resources-tools/animal-health-and-welfare/covid-19. most of us have shifted our priority to Another aspect of protecting health, Signorino making sure we’re doing everything said, is keeping active and maintaining some sense possible to keep ourselves and our of normalcy. families safe, including four“Regular exercise is important for both people legged members. and their pets,” she said. “Try to stick to a Personal pets and military working dogs are normal routine with your pet. However, we do plentiful on Belvoir and make up an appreciable suggest using ‘social distancing’ for pets, as percentage of the population at large. As such, the well. That means we would not recommend veterinary team at the Belvoir Veterinary Center is dog parks or large gatherings. People are working to keep the Belvoir community informed still encouraged to get some fresh air and of the best practices to prevent the spread of this take their pets out for a walk. If people virus among humans and animals alike. are teleworking, this is the perfect time to “The 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) is develop some of those ‘good behavior’ skills a hot topic throughout the world and veterinary for your pet. There is always time to teach professionals are frequently asked about an old dog (or cat) new tricks.” transmission of the virus and how pets play a The Veterinarian Center, however, has role in the disease,” said Capt. Amanda Signorino, become subject to Army-issued restrictions DVM, Fort Belvoir Veterinary Medical Center. that pet owners should keep in mind. “The American Veterinary Medical Association, in “The Fort Belvoir Veterinary Medical Center conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control and continues to provide medical care and treatment to Prevention, the Food and Drug Administration, and U.S. our military working dogs and their health and wellDepartment of Agriculture agree there is no evidence now being are our top priority,” Signorino said. “Due to Army that dogs and cats can pass the coronavirus to humans. The Courtesy photo guidance, we will be seeing personally owned animals as we primary way that COVID-19 is spread is through droplets have availability. We strongly suggest that if there is a medical when someone coughs or sneezes.” emergency with a family pet that you bring them to the nearest off-post Signorino added, however, that animals can still play a role in the emergency clinic. Hours of operation at civilian clinics may be impacted, spread of the virus through inadvertent means. so please be sure to call ahead.” “Touching a contaminated surface or object (fomite) is a secondary For more information and guidance, call the Vet Center, 703-805source of disease transmission. For example, someone with coronavirus 4336. For more information about issues affecting Military Working coughs or sneezes on their hand and then touches a door handle,” she said. “Dogs and cats could potentially serve as a fomite if their owner Dogs, call the MWD line, 703-805-3262. By Rick Musselman Belvoir Eagle
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MWR offers fitness tips to stay in shape despite coronavirus gym closures By Rick Musselman Belvoir Eagle
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ith the global coronavirus crisis forcing more event cancellations and facility closures across Fort Belvoir, many of us are growing concerned about maintaining what the Army places as its highest priority, physical fitness, since recent government and command mandates closed public access to the installation’s gyms. Doing this limits possible new infections and maintains social distancing protocols. MWR has addressed this issue and offers tips to keep the community active and fit. “I’ve posted daily workouts on the Kawamura Human Performance Center’s Facebook page that require limited to no equipment and are functional in nature to keep our active duty ready,” said Karen Shepherd, KHPC supervisory sports specialist. “My goal is to provide the community with an alternative to training at the facilities. I’m also developing workouts for the MWR website that are family friendly and fun.” Some of these home exercises include sit-ups; jumping lunges; bent-over rows; squats; climbers; jumping jacks and more, to keep the heart pumping and weight gain at bay through the coronavirus upheaval. Shepherd also reminds the community to adhere to guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 during day-to-day activities. To check out fitness activities that do not require a gym, visit Fort Belvoir Kawamura Human Performance Center on facebook.
A solitary jog is a way to maintain cardiovascular fitness and social distancing during COVID-19 crisis and the associated gym closures.
Photos by Rick Musselman
Yoga and functional mobility exercises are a great way to stay active and fit at home during the COVID-19 gym closures.
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March 26, 2020
Belvoir Eagle
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Guard helps medical professionals during COVID-19 operations
Photo by Edwin Wriston
Tech Sgt. Alex Morhead, with the West Virginia Air National Guard’s 167th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, answers a call at the state’s poison center in Charleston. From staffing phone banks to administering tests for COVID-19, many of the more than 9,000 National Guard members on duty throughout the country in response to COVID-19 are helping state and local medical professionals. By Tech. Sgt. Erich B. Smith and Sgt. 1st Class Jon Soucy National Guard Bureau
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rom staffing informational phone banks to administering tests for COVID-19, many of the more than 9,000 National Guard members on duty in response to COVID-19 are helping state and local medical professionals. “Medical providers are essential to the hospitals where they work,” said Air Force Col. Martin Bain, air surgeon with the Nevada National Guard, adding that Guard members aid the impact those civilian medical professionals can make in response to the virus. For members of the Arkansas and West Virginia National Guard, that support has meant answering calls at medical information lines run by health officials in their local areas. Army Lt. Col. John Snedegar, the medical training officer with the West Virginia Guard’s Office of the State Surgeon, said a high influx of calls at a local poison control center prompted the need for Guard members to step in and help. “We help people who have concerns, who are nervous or scared and uncertain about particular things,” said Snedegar. “So, we give them solid advice and help answer questions if they have signs and symptoms of the (virus) or what to do if they are exposed.” Meanwhile, medics with the Arkansas Army Guard’s 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team have been answering phones at the Arkansas Department of Health Call Center, which faced a similar call-volume increase.
Those medics have been answering close to 800 calls per day on average, said Arkansas Guard officials. Guard units have also been working with civilian authorities to administer COVID-19 screenings in numerous states. That includes Louisiana, where more than 100 Soldiers and Airmen with the Louisiana National Guard have been working at drive-through testing sites. “Our goal is to become more efficient to reduce wait times for people being tested,” said Army Col. Scott Desormeaux, commander of the Louisiana Army National Guard’s 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. In Westchester County, N.Y., which, as of Tuesday has seen the highest number of COVID-19 cases in the country, Soldiers with the New York Army National Guard have also been staffing testing centers, and setting up tents to augment area hospitals facing space shortages from response efforts. For Army Pvt. Cindy Ganesh, with the New York Army Guard’s Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 369th Sustainment Brigade, helping set up tents was one of several missions she’s worked on in response to COVID-19. “We’re all in this together,” Ganesh said. “So, it’s good to be working on different missions.” Soldiers with the Pennsylvania Army National Guard helped the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency establish the first mass COVID-19 testing site in that state. The Soldiers tested and set up medical equipment and organized personal protective gear to help get the test center up and running.
Members of the Maryland Air National Guard have been sorting and loading onto trucks medical supplies from the Strategic National Stockpile, a national supply of pharmaceuticals and medical equipment for use in public health emergencies. “Today we are taking supplies, such as gowns and gloves and the things that health departments, hospitals, long-term care facilities, dialysis centers, nursing homes and emergency medical services around the state [use] that are in short supply,” said Air Force Master Sgt. Richard Malloy, a ground transportation specialist with the Maryland Air Guard’s 175th Wing. Assisting those medical professionals and the community is a fundamental element for many Guard members. “I think this is why we joined the military and why we’re part of the National Guard,” said Army Capt. Heather Schaller, a nurse with the Wisconsin Army National Guard’s medical detachment. For Air Force 1st Lt. Sparkle McCuiston, a nurse with the Nevada Air National Guard’s 152nd Medical Group and an infectious disease nurse practitioner in her civilian job, support often comes down to providing reassurance. And, getting through the COVID-19 outbreak can be done by following simple protocols, she said. “If you are healthy and have minor symptoms, please don’t go to urgent care. Please self-quarantine,” said McCuiston, adding that hand washing and practicing social distancing are also key. As of Tuesday, more than 9,000 Guard members are on duty in all 50 states, three territories and the District of Columbia.
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Belvoir Eagle
March 26, 2020
www.belvoireagleonline.com
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• While connected to the NIPRNet, use of streaming video/audio and internet access is not authorized, except for official business • Study and follow the Acceptable Use Policy for government systems • Use your organization’s approved communication and collaboration methods for official business • Work offline whenever possible In addition, CID’s Major Cybercrime Unit continues to warn the Army community of ongoing coronavirus-themed phishing attacks impersonating organizations with the end goal of stealing information and delivering malware. “Cybercriminals are innovative and will take advantage of current browsing trends to conduct social engineering attacks,” said Edward Labarge, Major Cybercrime Unit director. “We have already seen this with malware infected COVID-19 maps and phishing emails related to the pandemic.” Labarge recommends always inspecting the URL and ensuring you know where the link will take you, because criminals are disguising themselves in an effort to steal money and/or sensitive information. “When conducting research on COVID-19 or any other topic, you want to ensure you use good cybersecurity best practices,” he said. “This includes keeping your browser, operating system, and antivirus software up to date. Additionally, you should never click on an unknown link. You can check the link by hovering your mouse over the URL to see where it leads (before actually clicking on it).”
Some trusted sources are: * Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cdc.gov. * World Health Organization, who.int Continue to exercise proper cyber hygiene while using VPN and government computers and personal devices.
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National Nutrition Month: ways your commissary can help By Kathy Milley Defense Commissary Agency
N
ational Nutrition Month, March, can sometimes get us back on track to our resolutions. “March is a great time to reenergize those goals and recommit to a healthier lifestyle,â€? said Deborah Harris, the Defense Commissary Agency’s Health and Wellness Program manager. She offers the following tips for smart shopping. • Plan ahead, with meals for the week, using a list and looking for sales. Ensuring you have all ingredients on hand makes it more likely that you will prepare a nutritious, home-cooked meal. The commissary has sales fliers and dietitian-approved recipes to help. • Divide your cart. Consider using a purse or jacket to visually divide your cart in half. Shop produce first and fill the half closest to you with fresh fruits and veggies; put everything else in the other half. Loading up on nutritious foods first will reduce the temptation to splurge. Overall, try to fill 80 percent of your basket with nutritious food choices like fresh, frozen and canned produce; lean protein; healthy fats from nuts, oils and fish; whole grains, and lower-fat dairy products. • Read food labels, especially for low sodium, added fats and sugars. A closer look into the nutrition label and knowing the fat and sugar aliases can help you make sure you are getting something nutritious. • Choose frozen, canned or dried produce in addition to fresh, which can be just as nutritious and last longer. Always choose those options with the lowest amount of sodium and packed in its own juices, with no heavy syrups or sauces. • Use the commissary’s nutrition guide program labels, with color-coded shelf tags that highlight foods’ nutrition attributes including low sodium, low fat, whole grain, no added sugar and great source of fiber. • Try new plant-based options. Commissaries worldwide are now offering four new alternative meat options. These cholesterol-free, meat-free options can help you meet health and fitness goals while offering a similar taste to animal proteins. • Take advantage of Meat Power Boxes at the commissary, which provide 25-30 percent additional savings. • Choose commissary meal kits over fast-food drive-thru. Commissaries.com has tips, videos, articles and guidelines for healthy living, as does “Your Commissaryâ€? on Pinterest. “We understand how important readiness and resilience is to our military community,â€? Harris said. “So, we strive to offer high-performance foods and easy-to-use, quick meal solutions and wellness resources to ensure our patrons meet their health and wellness needs while saving.â€?
March 26, 2020
Belvoir Eagle
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Offers valid until 4/15/2020
Religious support online links During ongoing chapel closures, the Belvoir Religious Support Office offers links to weekly, online services. On Facebook, traditional services are available at Belvoir Chapel 0800 Protestant Service.
Other Facebook pages are: ChapelNext, groups: 540814839907227
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Gospel, Fort Belvoir Gospel Service
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Belvoir Chapel Community suggestions for: Jewish services: Jewish Reform, bethelhebrew.org Conservative, adasisrael.org. Catholic services: ewtn.com/tv, wordonfire.org/daily-mass and usccb.org/ prayer-and-worship.
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Sold, furnished and installed by an independent Luxury Bath Technologies dealer. Not valid with any other offer. Luxury bath dealers are neither brokers or lenders. Different lending institutions have different programs and rates. Lifetime Warranty applies to manufacturing defects. Discount available during initial consultation. Offer available for a limited time as determined by the dealer. Ask your representative for details. Other restrictions may apply. MHIC136343, VA2705170348, WV058033
A10 Belvoir Eagle
March 26, 2020
www.belvoireagleonline.com
Belvoir Community Briefs Gates
Bowling Center and Vortex Grill
The only open gates are Lieber and Pence.
Bowling and dining at the Bowling Center are both closed.
Lieber: 24/7, and where visitors should enter. Pence Gate: 5:30 a.m.-9 p.m., every day. Egress closes at 9 p.m. Farrar Gate is solely for Davison Army Airfield and doesn’t provide access to North or South post.
Monthly newcomers’ orientation The April 14 newcomers’ orientation has been canceled. So far, the next scheduled orientation is May 12.
Belvoir Hospital dining To protect the health of patients, staff and visitors at Belvoir Hospital, as they combat the coronavirus, the hospital’s dining facility policy has changed. The Hospital Dining Facility will ONLY be accessible to FBCH staff; pre-screened patients who have been screened at the main entrance and issued same-day badges; hospital inpatients; meal card holders and first responders. Those authorized to use the hospital’s dining facility should be ready to show proper credentials when entering.
Bozzelli’s Bozzelli’s in the Community Center is open for takeout and delivery only. The dining room is closed.
Thrift Shop The Fort Belvoir Thrift Shop is closed and is NOT accepting donations. Out of concern for the health and safety of the Thrift Shop’s staff, potential donors are asked to NOT leave donations on the porch.
Legal Assistance tax notice The Treasury Department and IRS announced that the federal income tax filing due date is automatically extended from April 15 to July 15, 2020. Taxpayers can also defer federal income tax payments due on April 15, to July 15, without penalties and interest, regardless of the amount owed. This deferment applies to all taxpayers, including individuals; trusts and estates; corporations and other non-corporate tax filers; and those who pay self-employment tax. Taxpayers do not need to file any additional forms or call the IRS to qualify for this automatic federal tax filing and payment relief. Individual taxpayers who need additional time to file beyond July 15 can request a filing extension by filing Form 4868 through their tax professional, tax software or using the Free File link on IRS.gov.
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www.belvoireagleonline.com
March 26, 2020
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Employment Advertising The weekly Culpeper Times, the largest circulation newspaper in Culpeper, Va., is seeking its next great Editor. Located just 70 miles from Washington, DC, Culpeper County is a mix of rural and suburban with a thriving “small town” downtown. It’s filled with interesting people and great stories.
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We’re looking for an enthusiastic journalist with experience to write everything from local government issues stories to features. Reporting and writing are at the forefront of the job. While the Times has a network of freelance contributors, the editor should enjoy being in the community, cultivating — and producing — multiple stories every week. A key goal of the editor also should be to embrace a digital first approach, helping build audience and engagement through timely news coverage, promoted through social media. The Culpeper Times is part of InsideNoVa.com, Northern Virginia’s largest news site. Of course, the editor shapes the Times’s editorial report, and is a primary face of the newspaper in an engaged, vibrant community. Among the position’s responsibilities include producing special sections and publications, often in collaboration with partners in the community. The position also involves copy editing, web/social media posting and managing relationships with freelance contributors. We’re a small, collegial team, and there are a multitude of opportunities for an ambitious journalist to have a big impact. Interested candidates should email their cover letter, resume and clips to Rappahannock Media President Dennis Brack at dennis@rappnews.com
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A12 Belvoir Eagle
March 26, 2020
www.belvoireagleonline.com
PRECAUTIONS OPEN FOR BUSINESS
WE REMAIN AND WELCOME YOU TO OUR SERVICE DEPARTMENT
We are closely following CDC recommended practices
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