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March 18, 2021
After challenging year, Army posts high marks in civilian employee survey By Joseph Lacdan Army News Service
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n a year where the Army overcame numerous challenges, it also achieved its best overall ratings ever in the Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey, a top Army civilian personnel leader said recently. The Army posted an employee engagement index rate of 72.7% in fiscal year 2020, up three percentage points from the previous year, and saw its biggest increase in the ‘leaders lead’ category, which, at 62.7% marked a 3.5% increase from 2019. The U.S. Office of Personnel Management released the results in January after distributing the survey in the fall. “When the numbers first started rolling out, I was extremely excited by the high response rate year over year, especially in this COVID year,” said Todd Fore, deputy assistant secretary of the Army for civilian personnel. “But See Army, page 4
Photo by Christopher Larsen
Robert Winchel, left, a managed care analyst at Madigan Army Medical Center, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., receives a congratulatory elbow bump Oct. 1, 2020. Winchel was selected as the U.S. Army Medical Command’s civilian of the year.
Get the COVID-19 vaccine when you can and get it now, Fauci and Place say By Military Health System Communications Office
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et a COVID-19 vaccine, and get it as soon as it’s available to you. That’s the message from President Biden’s Chief Medical Adviser Dr. Anthony Fauci and Defense Health Agency Director Lt. Gen (Dr.) Ron Place during recent town halls with military families addressing the safety, efficacy and availability of the vaccine. “You’re part of the solution to this outbreak,” explained Fauci, emphasizing that the vaccine is needed to protect not only Service members, but their families and acquaintances as well. “You’ve got to think of your own health, which is really very important, but you’ve got to think about your societal obligation, including people close to you personally as well as other members of families of other individuals,” he said. Fauci and Place addressed thousands of military families during a second virtual town hall event hosted by Blue Star Families, a nonprofit Military/Veteran Service Organization dedicated to military family matters, and the American Red Cross. The initial virtual town hall was Feb. 4. During the March 4 town hall, Place said 3
INSCOM CSM
Photo by Navy Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Michael Chen
Spc. William Hunter, right, administers the COVID-19 vaccine to Navy Chief Damage Controlman Solita Livingston at Navy Branch Health Clinic Chinhae, Republic of Korea, Jan. 8. the Department of Defense had administered almost 1.3 million total doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines at 335 DOD sites around the world. As of March 11, this number has now increased to nearly 1.5 million vaccines administered. Additionally, more than 82,000 vaccinations have been administered to Military Health System beneficiaries at retail pharmacies, Place said.
While supply is increasing and the DoD continues to limit vaccines to certain groups under Tier 1 of the distribution plan, Place said he expects that most DoD vaccination sites will move to Tier 2 by April. Tier 2 means the vaccines will be available to MHS families in the DoD. “When your tier comes up, no matter where you are, in the United States, OCONUS (outside the continental United States), coming from OCONUS to the United States, when your tier comes up you get the vaccine,” Place said. Asked whether holding off until a specific vaccine becomes available is a good strategy, Fauci advised: “Get the one you can get now.” Janssen’s one-shot vaccine recently received Food and Drug Administration emergency use authorization, so now there are three vaccines available to the public. He also said to not wait to get vaccinated because of fear of the COVID-19 variants from South Africa, Brazil, and Great Britain. “Get vaccinated and get a high enough titer (a measure of antibodies in the blood). That will give enough of a cushion to protect against the variants.” To further allay hesitancy among Service members to get vaccinated, he called the likelihood of serious adverse reactions to the vaccines “vanishingly small.”
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March 18, 2021
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Q&A: Are COVID-19 vaccines safe and effective? By TRICARE.mil Staff
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s the fight against COVID-19 continues, vaccination is one way to slow the spread and protect yourself. Chances are you know someone who’s already been vaccinated. Still, you may be concerned about safety - and wondering when to schedule the vaccine for yourself. “It’s important for people to know that these vaccines, though produced in record time, have gone through the same safety processes as other vaccines,” said Dr. John Kugler, chief of the Clinical Support Division at the Defense Health Agency.
a severe allergic reaction after leaving the vaccination site, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
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Photo by Pfc. Jailene Bautista/5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Pfc. Tanner Tate, a medic assigned to the 528th Field Hospital, vaccinates a community member at the state-run, federally-supported Elizabeth High School COVID-19 Community Vaccination Center in Elizabeth, New Jersey, March 5. As the COVID-19 vaccine becomes available to you, you may have questions. Here are some answers about the vaccine.
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No. It can’t make you sick with COVID-19. According to the CDC, none of the authorized and recommended vaccines contain the live virus that causes COVID-19. I’m pregnant. Is it safe for me to get the COVID-19 vaccine? If you’re pregnant, you may be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Vaccination may reduce that risk and is available to pregnant women. Individuals should discuss with their provider when deciding whether to be vaccinated. How many shots of COVID-19 vaccine do I need? It depends. Currently, the Janssen vaccine (also known as the Johnson & Johnson vaccine) requires only a single shot. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines require two shots given at least 21 days (for Pfizer) and 28 days (for Moderna) apart. If the pandemic continues, people may need additional shots (boosters) in the future, similar to how booster shots are needed to protect against other diseases.
Call if you have unresolved health or safety concerns:
1-800-984-8523
Does it matter which COVID-19 vaccine I get? LEARN MORE
There are currently three COVID-19 vaccines authorized and recommended for people in the U.S.:
Visit the Housing Resident Portal on the Fort Belvoir Website
• Janssen vaccine (1 shot) • Moderna vaccine (2 shots, at least 28 days apart) • Pfizer vaccine (2 shots, at least 21 days apart)
Will I experience side effects after getting a COVID-19 vaccine? You may. Most common side effects are pain and swelling in the arm where you received the shot. You may also have fever, chills, tiredness, and headache. These symptoms are a sign that your body is building protection against the coronavirus. They should go away in a few days. Contact your doctor if the side effects are worrying you or don’t seem to be going away after a few days. Since vaccines carry a risk of allergic reactions, the CDC recommends that your vaccine provider monitors you for 15 to 30 minutes after vaccination. In the rare case that you think you’re experiencing
Can a COVID-19 vaccine make me sick with COVID-19?
“All three of these vaccines can reduce your risk of serious illness or death due to COVID-19,” Kugler added. “Vaccines differ by age authorized, and in how they are produced and work. The CDC has information for patients about each vaccine.” Keep in mind, it typically takes a few weeks after your last shot for your body to build immunity to COVID-19. Once fully vaccinated, new guidelines from the CDC provide recommendations for private settings.
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.imcomatlantic.mbx.public-affairs-office@mail.mil. Submission deadline is noon Thursday. The Belvoir Eagle is published each Thursday — by Rappahannock Media LLC, 1360 Old Bridge Road, Woodbridge, VA 22192, a private firm in no way connected with
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Eagle Volume 29 Issue 60
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
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March 18, 2021
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Contact tracing is crucial in the race to avoid COVID-19 variants
all your cases,” Diaz said. “Without his help, there’s no way I would have made it through the month of July.” ne year ago, the sole Starting as a Preventative Medicine epidemiology technician at Fort Specialist in the Army, he worked with Belvoir Community Hospital communicable diseases, and said that was gearing up for battle. Other states his increased training helped prepare had experienced community spread of him for last year. COVID-19, and Rolando Diaz already “If you look at contact tracing, had several patients he suspected were whether it’s COVID-19, measles or HIV, also infected, but the state of Virginia the principals are almost the same; it had almost no capacity to test them. centers on communication,” said Diaz. “Virginia had about 25 tests for the “When I speak to someone, the goal is entire state and they had to be very that I don’t want to worry them more selective about who was tested,” than what they should be. It takes a lot Diaz said, adding that when they got results back from an out-of-state lab, Photo by Paul Lara of training to let them see the potential it confirmed that a Marine, stationed seriousness of the exposure without Rolando Diaz, right, epidemiology technician at Fort Belvoir at Quantico, tested positive. causing them to go into a panic.” Community hospital, confers with Maj. Laurence Webb, chief of That news unleashed a torrent With vaccines in wide distribution, Public Health Nursing, March 11. Diaz continues to lead contact of concerned phone calls from what tracing efforts for Fort Belvoir, as case counts decline and the Diaz said that the nation is now in a race Diaz called the ‘worried well’; people number of vaccinated people rises. to vaccinate as many people as possible who had encounters that made them before new COVID-19 variants surface overwhelmed us entirely.” concerned they might have been exposed. that won’t respond sufficiently to the three “It’s very time-consuming and labor-intensive Reassuring people they likely weren’t exposed vaccines in use. work,” said Col. Jeremiah Stubbs, MD, the was the first of many challenges. “That’s the hope, is to get people vaccinated deputy chief of Public Health Occupational “Early on, we were looking for sources of to reduce the likelihood of that happening. I Medicine. “Without Diaz’ work, we’d not be able who gave it to whom,” Diaz said. “By mid-tothink a viral mutation is a part of life, whether to wrap our arms around this at all.” late April, the state and even the DoD shifted flu or COVID-19, it’s inevitable,” Diaz said. Hospital leadership was able to backstop Diaz from determining whom you got the virus from, This is a battle Diaz was trained for, but with 1st Lt. Moonkyu Choi, RN to help him. to who you could have given it to. We went regrets the monumental loss we all suffered. “He’s been instrumental in saving my from looking for sources to looking to those that “It’s like a whole other world war that was sanity. It’s not just the phone calls and doing may have infected someone else. There was won on a microscopic level, and something that the contact tracing, it’s also the reporting of I hope I’ll never see again.” Diaz said. a dramatic shift. Even then, those numbers
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Belvoir Eagle
March 18, 2021
www.belvoireagleonline.com From Army, page 1
I really think what is key is the engagement of our leadership at all levels, because they really do care about the feedback that they are receiving.” The Army also had an increase in its global satisfaction index at 69%. The category measures federal employees’ overall satisfaction with their job, pay and organization. About 70% of Army civilians said that they would recommend their organization to others, up from 68% the previous year. “Those are very, very good numbers across government [organizations], but exceptional in large organizations,” Fore said. “I think it is incredible that we have such a high response rate across the department.” According to the survey, which OPM made available to full-time and part-time, permanent Army civilians, 45% of the Army’s more than 184,000 employees participated in it. “Our employee engagement activities have enabled us to not only communicate to employees, but actually to hear what employees have to say,” Fore said.
Communication methods revamped In 2020, the Army evolved the way it communicates with its employees in large part because of the coronavirus pandemic. As the nation’s largest military branch, communication had been an area where the Army struggled, Fore said. But the ability to communicate has improved in recent years and the global pandemic opened the need to make contact more effectively.
Courtesy U.S. Army
In a year where the Army overcame numerous challenges, it also achieved its best overall ratings ever in the Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey, said Todd Fore, deputy assistant secretary of the Army for civilian personnel, during an interview March 3.
When the Army began stay-at-home orders in March 2020, leaders had to open more lines of communication including using virtual
options as many of its Soldiers and civilians had to work from home or were separated from their units. To achieve mission requirements, supervisors have used virtual means such as online conferences and chat rooms to reach employees. “I think we’ve really upped our game in communication,” Fore said. “I believe that COVID has enabled us to talk to employees at a different level. And since we’re all using various forms of technology, I think our communication and outreach for employees has actually improved.” Fore said the Army’s Civilian Implementation Plan, or CIP, as well as the Army People Strategy, has had an impact on the service’s civilian workforce in encouraging them to seek career advancement opportunities. The CIP is the Army’s effort to augment and enhance the contributions of its civilian workforce by modernizing talent management policies and activities. Fore added that the opening of the Army Civilian Career Management Activity, or ACCMA, on Fort Belvoir in October has helped reach employees at the strategic level. ACCMA will help Army recruiting and retention attract qualified candidates to critical positions that have been challenging to fill. The Army still has areas where it must continue to improve, Fore said, including in diversity and inclusion. Listening sessions are now being held at various installations as part of Project Inclusion, the service’s plan to listen to the concerns of Army personnel to promote diversity and equal opportunities not only for Soldiers but also their civilian counterparts.
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March 18, 2021
Belvoir Eagle
Photo by Frederick Shear
The senior official performing the duties of Under Secretary of the Army, Mr. Christopher Lowman, discusses protective equipment for Soldiers with Col. Derek Bird, Lt. Col. Stephen Miller and Maj. Melissa Elledge, with PEO Soldier, March 8.
Under Secretary of the Army Visits PEO Soldier By Frederick Shear PEO Soldier
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arlier this month, the senior official performing the duties of Under Secretary of the Army, Christopher Lowman, visited PEO Soldier to receive an update on the Army’s progress in developing protective equipment and clothing for female Soldiers. Representatives from Project Manager Soldier Survivability, Product Manager Soldier Protective Equipment and Product Manager Soldier Clothing and Individual Equipment updated the second-ranking civilian in the Army on the status of armor, ballistic equipment, helmets and uniforms that provide more protection, maneuverability and comfort during all types of duties and missions. “Today we have women serving in every type of Army unit, so it’s critical to Army readiness to ensure women have properly fitting equipment and uniforms,” said Lowman. “One impact is it reduces injuries, but proper fitting and design also increases the overall effectiveness of the Soldier. I was pleased to see the improvements and range of considerations that went into developing the equipment and uniforms, and I think it’ll make a positive impact for our women Soldiers.” Col. Derek Bird, PM SSV, Lt. Col Stephen Miller, PdM SPE and Maj. Melissa Elledge, Assistant Product Manager, Body Armor, SPE, highlighted components of the Soldier Protection System, the Army’s next-generation personal protective equipment system. Among these was the Modular Scalable Vest Generation II, which is 26% lighter than the current body armor vest. It will be available in eight sizes, up from
the current five. PEO Soldier also briefed how the Female Ballistic Combat Shirt, worn under the MSV, is designed to accommodate the build of female Soldiers while providing increased ballistic protection. “Our job is to design, develop, and field lifesaving equipment that fits every Soldier, regardless of gender, and that is exactly what we do every day,” said Elledge. Other SPS components presented to Mr. Lowman included the Enhanced Small Arms Protective Insert Plate Generation III, designed in a format known as the “shooter’s cut,” that weighs less and allows for more upper body movement than current plates, as well as the Integrated Head Protection System, which weighs less than helmets worn now, provides more protection and better fits female Soldiers. The Army is fielding SPS components to units over the next several years. Mr. Lester Smith, Assistant Product Manager, PdM SCIE, also informed Mr. Lowman about developments with the Improved Hot Weather Combat Uniform-Female, which comes in 16 additional sizes to the unisex IHWCU and makes adjustments to account for neck, hip, waist and chest sizes. Other SCIE programs highlighted included the Improved Maternity Work Uniform and the Army Aircrew Combat Uniform – Female, currently under joint development with the Air Force. “Our team appreciated the opportunity to walk Mr. Lowman through our portfolio,” said Miller. “Leadership buy-in and support is crucial to continued improvement of these capabilities and ensuring we get the right kit, to the right Soldiers, at the right time.”
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March 18, 2021
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Photos courtesy TRADOC
JP Lane, double amputee, motivational speaker and musician, relates how he overcame his battle injuries during the TRADOC Leadership Professional Development session Feb. 19.
Justin “JP” Lane works out before his talk with TRADOC Leadership Development, Feb. 19
Resilience: overcoming our battles – together By Paul Lara Belvoir Eagle
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peaking at a TRADOC Leadership Professional Development roundtable, Justin “JP” Lane said he knew for most of his life he was destined to be a Soldier. “I joined because as an 8th grader I saw the twin towers fall, and I decided when I’m old enough I could prevent that from ever happening again,” Lane said. “As the dust settled and my tears settled, I knew I was going to serve my country. I had a strategic plan, by going Reserve and having an 8-year contract, and travel and work elsewhere. My plan was to go active duty and become 100% Army. “I wanted to be as front-line as I could get. I asked my recruiter ‘what’s the most dangerous job there is? And he said ‘a combat engineer looks for bombs and makes bombs’, and I said ‘sign me up’.” He was notified after training that he was deploying to Afghanistan, and he said he was thrilled. On his arrival to a Forward Operating Base, one of the biggest threats was improvised explosive devices, which were threats to Humvees and smaller vehicles. Lane, however, felt invincible riding in a Bradley Fighting Vehicle, and he related the ineffectual blasts to a fun ride. ”I really love roller coasters. When a blast goes off, and your truck goes up and comes back down, it feels like a roller coaster. In
the moment, everyone was okay, so I thought ‘I could do this every single day and I don’t care, because if my Soldiers are fine, it’ll be okay,” Lane said. “Just a normal, everyday life, getting blown up. “July second, 2018, was my day off. We leave the FOB to cover a dangerous route. We cleared it, and covered the rest of the routes and came back,” said Lane. “While we were gone, Taliban had come back and put in a bigger IED,” Lane said, adding that it was the first time an IED penetrated an RG31 (mine-resistant vehicle). “The blast amputated both legs, snapped my right arm in half, and everything in my torso was damaged except my heart and left lung. My spine had snapped in half, and … at that moment... I didn’t understand the extent of the damage.” Lane suffered 26 injuries, was in a coma for two months, and underwent 28 surgeries. U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel Hendrex met Lane about three years ago, as part of Operation Proper Exit, to help wounded Soldiers leave the service on their own terms, by sharing medical records and classified event investigations downrange. “I was stunned to read what Lane had gone through, and impressed that Lane even survived,” Hendrex said. At the Center for the Intrepid, Lane was determined to recover as quickly as possible. “As a double amputee, I was discharged in six months, instead of the usual two years of
recovery. I needed to repeatedly tell myself, ‘we’re going to get through this. Never give up; never surrender.’ I continued to fight every single day. “I was in a wheelchair for a year, and I got used to the height change, sitting all the time. Once in my prosthetics, I felt amazing,” Lane said, adding “It wasn’t until God told me ‘start music’ that I had a purpose and something to reach for, and all thoughts of suicide disappeared.” Ten years later, Lane is now an inspirational speaker, singer, and recording an album. He said his resiliency comes from four pillars: faith, social, physical and mental. “There will be trials we face, and we need to lean on our faith. Socially, you need to lift others up. Mentally – be tough and able to handle things; become smarter and allow your mind to be the best it can. Physically, keep up with your fitness. I’m not in the Army, and a double amputee, but I work out six days a week and three days it’s twice a day. When you look healthy and feel healthy, it helps you to grow,” Lane said. “Don’t allow others to give you a title. People call me a wounded warrior. I don’t see myself as wounded. I feel stronger than ever in my life,” Lane said. “I’m just a warrior, not a wounded warrior. I have friends that humble me that are triple and quadruple amputees. Everybody has their own battles, and we can overcome our battles – together.”
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March 18, 2021
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Responsible recreation on post: it’s up to you By Directorate of Public Works, Environmental Division
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eople are spending more time outdoors and recreation will only increase as the weather gets warmer. We love that everyone is enjoying all that Fort Belvoir has to offer, but it is important that we do so responsibly. Make sure you are having fun in approved recreation areas and not in controlled environmentally sensitive areas. Simply walking off of trails or making your own trails through the woods can result in major impacts to natural and cultural resources. Activity in these areas accelerates erosion which can cause accidents due to unstable ground, degradation of significant wildlife habitat, deterioration of wetlands, and negative impacts to important cultural resources.
Environmentally Sensitive Areas The land surrounding Fort Belvoir’s living quarters and facilities is designated as environmentally sensitive. Many
rare plant and animal species call Fort Belvoir home. This is largely due to the fact that Fort Belvoir provides good habitat conditions for many protected species, including Stygobromus phreaticus which was thought to be extinct until 1996 when it was found on Fort Belvoir. Fort Belvoir has the only known population of this species on the planet, making them very important to protect. Fort Belvoir also has a significant Bald Eagle population with several nesting pairs. Eagle nests are located throughout the installation’s forest and are very sensitive to human impacts. Nesting pairs usually lay their eggs in February and are easily spooked by noises and human presence. If they feel threatened, they will abandon the nest resulting in death of the unhatched chicks. The pair usually will not nest again until the next season, dramatically impacting the overall population of Bald Eagles in our region.
Litter and Pollution Litter and pollution are also
major issues impacting these environmentally sensitive areas and we’ve been noticing more of it lately. Trash left behind outdoors can contribute to stormwater pollution and negatively affect water quality. Poor water quality degrades habitat conditions and impacts both aquatic and terrestrial wildlife. Stormwater pollution can also affect the quality of our drinking water, so it’s important to prevent it as much as possible. Disposing of household goods properly is an easy way to do this. Do not leave items loose in your backyard that the wind or stormwater could carry into environmentally sensitive areas. If you discover that stormwater pollution has reached environmentally sensitive areas, report it to DPW Environmental’s Stormwater Team at 703-806-3406. Do not attempt to clean the area yourself as this would be trespassing.
Stormwater Management Facilities Fort Belvoir has various stormwater management facilities
that have been designed to improve water quality, manage excess runoff, and prevent erosion and flooding. Some of these facilities may look like ponds or depressions during dry weather. However, they are not for recreational purposes and can fill rapidly during storms. It’s important that these facilities remain in good working order since they are costly to build and repair. If the original design of these facilities is altered, their functionality will decrease causing major pollution, flooding, and/or erosion, which threatens our water quality and storm preparedness. Remember, trespassing, fort building, tire swings, and bike riding are strictly prohibited in these areas. Littering, personal trail construction, and collection of natural and cultural resources, including bird feathers and suspected artifacts, are forbidden on all Fort Belvoir lands. Fort Belvoir truly is beautiful to see. Let’s keep it that way by enjoying its beauty in a way that is safe and protects its beauty for generations to come.
Recreational Opportunities If you do want to get outdoors on post, Fort Belvoir has plenty of recreational opportunities available. Here are some DOS and DON’TS to get you started.
DO
DO NOT
Explore Fort Belvoir’s 14 miles of designated nature trails. A trail map can be found under the recreation program at : https://home.army.mil/belvoir/index.php/about/Garrison/directorate-public-works/ environmental-division.
DO NOT explore outside of the approved recreation areas or trail systems. Protected species and cultural resources may be impacted.
Explore your neighborhood and playgrounds.
DO NOT cut trees, build tree houses/forts, or construct personal trails outside of your backyard. This can be detrimental to natural and cultural resources.
Explore Fort Belvoir’s waterfront at Tompkins Basin.
DO NOT play or interfere with stormwater management facilities; such as stormwater ponds. Don’t leave trash behind.
Explore fishing opportunities by visiting https://ftbelvoir.isportsman.net/.
DO NOT fish without the appropriate licenses/permits or in locations not listed on iSportsman.
Kayak or boat Accotink Bay.
DO NOT launch your kayak or boat from unapproved boat launching sites. Approved boat launching sites can be found on trail maps and iSportsman.
Pick up after yourself and dispose of household goods properly.
DO NOT dump trash in the “woods.” If you notice pollution in a wooded area outside of designated trails or parks, report it instead of attempting to clean it up yourself. To report pollution, click the “Report Stormwater Pollution” button on the Environmental Division webpage at https://home. army.mil/belvoir/index.php/about/Garrison/directorate-public-works/environmental-division.
Visit the site of the Fairfax family’s Belvoir Manor to learn about Fort Belvoir’s rich history.
DO NOT dig or pick up any suspected artifacts. If you think you have found an artifact, contact Environmental Division at dorothy.e.keough.civ@mail.mil or 703-806-0049.
Maintain a safe distance from any wildlife encountered.
DO NOT pursue or harass wildlife.
Courtesy photo
8
Belvoir Eagle
March 18, 2021
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• If a person inhaled poison, get fresh air right away, and call 800-222-1222. • For poison on the skin, take off any clothing that the person touched. Rinse the skin with running water for 15-20 minutes, and call 800-222-1222. • For poison in the eyes, rinse the eyes with running water for 15 to 20 minutes, and call 800-222-122.
Home Safety Tips (Be aware and secure): • Carefully read all warning labels before using chemicals or cleaners • Do not mix cleaning products together Keep cleaning products and cosmetics up and away from children. Remember there is no such thing as a 100 percent child proof lock. The following household items should be stored out of reach of children: • All medicines, including vitamins and supplements • Tobacco • Laundry/cleaning supplies • Button batteries (those found in musical greeting cards and key fobs) are easy to swallow and can cause tissue burns • Any type of lubricant, oils, engine oil • Alcohol • Personal care products, such as lens disinfectants, hand sanitizers • Other chemicals Additionally, one of the most common instances of household poisoning is from improper food handling, with 48 million Americans experiencing food poisoning each year. Practice safe food preparation and handling, and avoid crosscontaminating utensils or countertops while cooking. It is recommended to have the Poison Control Center number near for easy access. Hopefully, you will never need it.
www.belvoireagleonline.com
March 18, 2021
Belvoir Eagle
9
Golf provides perfect break from the pandemic By David Fawcett Belvoir Eagle
O
ne recent Monday, Fritz Diekmann noticed something unusual at the Fort Belvoir Golf Club. It was busy. Typically, Mondays are the slowest days of the week for clubs. The warm weather contributed to the higher than expected numbers. But the pandemic has impacted turnout at courses as well and Fort Belvoir is no exception. Golf allows people the opportunity to get outside and still maintain social distancing in adherence to COVID-19 protocols. Some of the golfers are regulars to the course, while others are newcomers. “You are just seeing a lot more people,” said Diekmann, the PGA Head Golf Professional at the Fort Belvoir Golf Club. “It remains busy.” Unlike other Virginia courses who have lifted restrictions, Fort Belvoir continues to keep safety measures in place. Typical golf features like rakes, water coolers, ball washers and benches are still unavailable. New hole cups were installed that are only an inch deep. The
decrease in depth allowed the flagstick to remain in the cup and golfers to retrieve their balls without having to touch the cup or the flagstick. Golfers are allowed to use a cart, but are limited to one person per cart or two if they are family members. In addition, Fort Belvoir will host fewer tournaments. And when the club does host a tournament, it will only provide boxed food for patrons instead of allowing them to eat inside the club. But the steady stream of golfers coming in just to play offsets the reduction in tournaments. “There’s not a lot of other stuff going on,” said Diekmann. “People are leery about travelling.” The higher numbers are a carryover from last year. Diekmann said January was a busy month before snow limited outings in February. But the number of tee times has picked up again in March and will continue as the course prepares for more golfers during the summer. “Golf nationally has seen a huge uptick,” Diekmann said.
Serving the needs of military families
Photo by Paul Lara
A golfer shoots to the green in this 2018 file photo. A pent-up demand to get outdoors is boosting use of the Belvoir Golf Club, but COVID safety precautions remain in place.
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Belvoir Eagle
www.belvoireagleonline.com
March 18, 2021
CALLING ALL MILITARY-CONNECTED ARTISTS By Paul Lara Belvoir Eagle
Combat Veteran Screaming
Daddy’s Girl
Islands
Common Threads – Trenches
W
orkhouse Arts Center is located right between Fort Belvoir and Marine Corps Base Quanitico, and has a call for art entries for its upcoming exhibition, Arts for All: Diversity, Inclusion and Equity in the Military. The exhibition is in support of the One Military, One Community Initiative to impact change in defense communities and help create a better place for all Service members and their Families to call home, according to Audrey Miller, Workhouse Arts gallery manager. “The call is for any and all branches of the military and also is open to military families, and caretakers as well,” Miller said. “The main themes are diversity, inclusion and equality, and other experiences artists may have had before, during or after their military service. This also includes military dependents and the experiences they may have had as well.” Miller said the exhibition is open to all forums of media: traditional, paintings, drawings, 3D art, as well as photography and other forms of print. “We have a special gallery set
Digital photograph on aluminum by Peter Buotte
Acrylic on Canvas by Jacqueline Jones Islands
aside for our (Workhouse Military in the Arts Initiative), called Warrior Way. We either have a solo exhibition or small group exhibitions, depending on the theme,” said Miller, adding there is a military spouse exhibition planned for the fall. The exhibit is part of the WMAI, in partnership with the Northern Virginia Regional Commission. WMAI offers classes and workshops for military and families, with open houses on Saturdays and a program called Recovery Forge, for metalworking. Debra Balestreri, director of visual arts education at Workhouse, said this military community is near to her heart. “I’m a military brat, and my dad was a Marine Corps Vietnam veteran. It was a labor of love
Acrylic on Canvas – author unnamed
living on base after base – these are my people, so I’d love to work with them,” Balestreri said. “One of the things I wanted to do was include a therapeutic component, helping veterans with PTSD and TBI. A lot of that support went into therapeutic support. It also made sense with our mission, that we would have that component in what we offer.” Jessica Herman, who helps Soldiers with traumatic brain injury learn to paint, said it creates bonds – internal and external. “When our paintings are complete, we have built a relationship of trust and a healthy rapport,” Herman said. “The Service member usually expresses a feeling of mastery in learning a new skill of painting and of pride in replicating their place. (The
Military Uniform, name tapes by Brenda Maltz
paintings) are meaningful because they represent the therapeutic alliances with these individuals and are beautiful representations of places that are meaningful to them in their healing journeys.” “Even if you’re not a professional, it’s a wonderful hobby to have,” Miller said. “The title says it: Arts for all. If you’re an artist in our community, I would encourage you to submit your artwork.” The call for artists is open through April 30. Submit artwork, bio and artist statement at workhousearts.submittable.com/ submit. The exhibition will open to the public May 12, Miller said, and added it will be available for online viewing as well. “It’s something we should have done a long time ago, so I’m very glad it’s happening,” said Miller.
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March 18, 2021
Belvoir Eagle
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High school football players can buy their own helmet
Halloween events fill fun weekend
PAGE 23
VOL. 7 | NUM. 44
Happy Birthday
Soldiers!
Fort Belvoir’ s Army Birthday Celebration has been moved and Flag Day The celebrat to Thurman ion refreshments is today from 10 to 11 a.m. Hall. will be served Light after the ceremon y.
MAGAZINE
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1
Changes in store for county board Elections will result in at least four new supervisors EMILY SIDES
esides@insidenova.com
T
he Prince William Board of County Supervisors is guaranteed to have at least four new members following the Nov. 5 election. But the decision that voters make at the ballot box will still have major re» Dumfries voters percussions. to weigh region’s They’ll deterfirst gaming parlor mine whether PAGE 20 three incum» NOV. 1: Next week’s bents are able to paper will include a keep their seats. complete election They’ll decide guide whether Democrats flip a 6-2 Republican majority. And the decision at the ballot box could change the gender and racial makeup of the board, potentially ushering in a majority of women supervisors and a majority of minority members for a board that was all white and mostly men just nine months ago. Supervisors serve four-year terms, set
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Rappahannock
n
News staff Homeschooling County has nearly in Rappahannock to 2019 — from doubled from 2014 34 to 62 students jump of 82 percent. , a Meanwhile, of the students attend public who do schools in Rappaha nock very few nare drop outs, according to new figures. An estimated ty’s student-a 7 percent of the counge populatio n are now learning their lessons in a home ting, accordin g to new statistics setthe Virginia Departm from ent of Educatio Given the uniquene n. ss of education in Rappaha nnock County, unlike much of Virginia the where population is declining, how student a concern is it to the school much of which relies district, heavily that more students on state funds, are being chooled? We put that questionhomescent days to in reDr. Shannon superintendent Grimsley, of Rappaha County Public nnock Schools. “Am I concerne d about declining enrollment? Of course,” she “We've come a long way with replied. ing services and increasdents and familiesprograms to our stuand that is very when you have hard to enrollment while make cuts based on formulas continuo the state funding tricts at inequitab usly hit rural disle proportions.
LEADING THE WAY
See SCHOOLS,
Page 9
MYSTERY OF CLOVER Child’s remains found By John McCasli
in attic of histor
‘Your heart rate
ic home
n Rappahannock
ttics are like graveyard treasures are placed s, where sentimental in boxes and plastic and shoved into bags of parting to be dark corners, allowing the pain postponed for Photo albums another day. and love letters, cowboy boots, comic books and tea forgotten for futuresets and violins — all better the dust and deal generations to brush aside with. Most attic stashes consist of the
HILL
News staff
typical family clutter. Some prove valuable historic. Then if not there are those the rafters and rare finds beneath cobwebs that are downrigh shocking and t creepy. As was the past year in the musty attic of case this Sperryville Pike, Clover Hill on herdsman Rich where Eldon Farms’ longtime Bradley stumbled upon the See
MYSTERY, Page 12 goes up, and you immediately start why is this here? thinking What happened? ’
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Founder Paul Reisler has a plan: “We decided we wanted to keep it going past what I can do.” 6
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county policies, plan the county’s budgetBrig. Gen. Joseph D’costa Musselman and serve on local and regional boards.vice director J7, Joint Force, Reserve ment Office of DevelopHere’s a look at each race: the Joint Chiefs speaks during the ceremony. of Staff, GAINESVILLE DISTRICT Supervisor Pete Candland, R-Gainesville, said he doesn’t support the road bond referendum, which will ask voters to approve or deny allowing the county to Ruth Anderson, Republican (i) Kenny Allen Boddye, Democrat borrow up to $355 million for transportation projects, including $200 million for either a bypass or to widen Va. Route 28. Victor Angry, By Margaret Democrat (i) Candland said the process was politically Steele motivated, proposed without analysisCopy of Editor which projects would help the most peoUnited Kingdom ple and how the real estate property tax to flag the Joint Personn was added rate will be affected. el Recovery Jeanine Lawson, Agency Headqu arters on Fort “I’ve asked several times about what Republican (i) Belvoir, last week. Maggie Hansford, this will mean for tax bills,” Candland During the British Democrat flag posting ceresaid. mony, JPRA added MDW Colors The Prince William Board of County to countries that the United Kingdom Passed: Air Force tional Capital work with the Gen. Terrenc personnel recovery Supervisors has a policy to not increase Region flag to U.S. for e O’Shaughnessy Yesli Vega, Republican Capital Region incoming Military Photo by Jim around the world. passes the Joint its operating budget more than 3.5%German each Raheel Sheikh, Democrat District of Washing y was added Force Headqu Dresbach Hall on Joint Commander Brig. Gen. last year. JPRA ton/Joint Force Omar Jones arters-Na Base Myer-He focuses on preventi year while also planning revenue increasaduring a change Headquarters-N nderson Hall, ng June 4. of command ational tion es for capital projects, such as the $43events; prepares warfighter isolaisola ceremony at Douglas Taggart, Republican them for what Conmy Margaret if they become million for the expansion of thedo Adult to Andrea Bailey, Democrat isolated; and responds Franklin, globally, to isolation , events. Satisfaction Democrat SUPERVISORS PAGE 3 The first UK foreign Guatantee liaison officer Striving To Exceed Your for JPRA, Flight Lt. Stephen Licensed, Expectations ! his wife, Reid, and Bonded Residential & Commercia earlier Harriet, arrived at Fort Belvoir & Insured this year. l Cleaning Ser vices “This day is One time Deep Cleaning—Mo important to ve in/Move strong show the By Jim Dresba out Weekly EMILY SIDES the VRE and Amtrak station, said George rent tenants to see if they want to lease The county’s plan for North Wood- relation • Bi-weekly ship between • Monthly...or ch as needed esides@insidenova.com and the UK Pentagram Boosalis, the president of Boosalis Prop- space in the new development or another MENTIONbridge calls for$35 increased density in the the U.S., in terms commander THIS AD Staff Writer FOR OFF DEEP of the U.S. Norther of personnel CLEAING! CALL he FOR William Comma nd and evelopers have plans for a large erties, which represented Grace Street shopping center the company owns, Boo- area near the VRE. The Prince covery,” saidDETAILS! n strong, Jones before the ceremonreNorth America 540-497-1537 “We’ve thanked change • rockiemaids.co y. salis said. Aerospace Defense Board of County Supervisors voted 7-0made promises to mixed-use development on U.S. Properties in the purchase. one-tim e Army n m • rockiemaids@h of get our troops, otmail.com our people, back. Command, and comman d hosts O’Shaug spokes- one Boosalis said developing the site plan Grace Street Properties plans to build 2 on Oct. 8 to approve the North 1 with the $19.1 million purchase Woodperson and hnessy of the event’s and Lt. Gen. world-c lass show how close-knIt’s perfect timing to hosts, pointed rappn ews.cWalter 142nd Year • No. 43 om Piatt, of the Station Plaza shopping center at the will take anywhere from three to five years million square feet for a mixed-used de- bridge plan, which outlines future land out the importa maratho it our countrie n runner is now nce of how MDW/ tor of the Army Staff, and direcs charge of the in JFHQ-N with construction starting after that. The velopment, which will include retail space use and plans for a town center andBrig. corner with Va. 123 in Woodbridge. urbanGen. Joseph D’costa, the are.” Howard and his family. U.S. Army Military CR’s mission vice directorculpepertime s.com T H U R S DAY overlap • Vol 13,District at Joint Force reserve Earlier this month, Grace Street Prop- development will still have to go through for lease. The developer wants to work neighborhoods that will have walkability with the Northco , O C T O B E R 17, No. 25of Washington and s During ment, Developm’s mission. Piatt’s 2 0 1 9 Joint Force Headqu the ceremony erties bought the shopping center on the process of getting permits from the with the county to consider a pedestrian and access to mass transit, accordinghosted to “A safe praised the incomin remark s, he arters Nationa and said capital is a marks the maturin represenCapital Region. g and outgoing l tation of 13 acres anchored by Food Lion and B- county. bridge from the development to the VRE g of a close and it comman a safe nation enrelationship. WOODBRIDGE during PAGE 20 and what selection ders, noting that Jones’ In a time-ho Thrifty and across the busy highway from The owners want to work with the cur- and Amtrak station across U.S. 1. you’ve been nored traditio “Working closely able to accomp as Brig. Gen. Omar n, with our allies lish NCR chief the new MDW/JFHQpartner nations Jones assumed during this time you’ve and was an excellen is an essentia command from been in t choice. in our national l element “The Maj. Gen. Michael comman d reflects the strategies,” D’costa Howard during Voted Best funeral Home highest putting Army got this pick right PRINCE WILLIAM TODAY SUBSCRIBE TODAY said. a change of com- credit upon your joint services Omar mand at Joint and said. “Omar in command,” Piatt directly impacts Again for 2019 Base See Flag, page a safe and is an amazing son Hall’s Conmy Myer-Hender- home,” INSIDENOVA.COM/SUBSCRIBE A4 Soldier he said to Howard secure who has excelled Hall, June 4. at every level, . Gen. Terrenc Now on watch e O’Shaughnessy, and ready to keep from West Point super A4 the Army’s cadet to SUBSCRIBE@INSIDENOVA.COMFather’s Day the spokesperson MDW/J FHQ-N A6 FBES Bridging for the United CR States State Ceremon CALL: 703-318-1386 figure Army.” y s releas CYS Dance 13318 Occoquan Rd., Woodbridge, VA 22191 4143 Dale Blvd., Dale City, VA 22193 www.mountcastle.net th th Recital Very few RCPS A7 ed: (703) 494-2000 (703) 680-1234 B1 students CYS Color Run Sets Record are drop outs The most Pete Candland, Republican (i) Danny Funderburk, Democrat
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With several open seats and uncontested races, there will already be several new faces on the Prince William Board of County Supervisors after November’s elections. Here are the candidates on the ballot. (i) indicates an incumbent
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2 0 2 0
M A R C H
Eagle BELVOIR
PAGE 26
BY JOHN MCCASLIN
LOW MILES! Only 83K miles. Great condition. Asking $5,899. Visit
FAUQUIER HEALTH
VISUAL ART: Contemporary Colorist Marci Nadler
READING AND WRITING: HEALTHY The Open Book Bookstore HAPPENINGS
For more information, please call 703-318-1386
12
Belvoir Eagle
www.belvoireagleonline.com
March 18, 2021
the JANUARY
anniversary sale + clearance
America’s #1 Furniture & Mattress New Year TRUCKLOAD SALE on Best Sellers! Store!
available in 2 colors
Limited Quantity! Limited Quantity!
Best Seller! n oder Sofa M
now only
$doorbuster 398 Designer Sofa final price now $ only
398
storewide truckload savings
70 OFF %
up to
plus
5 YEARS SPECIAL FINANCING WITH $999 MINIMUM PURCHASE. subject to credit approval
MATTRESS TRUCKLOAD SALE
SAVE $100’S
EVEN THOUSANDS casual chic D
igner Quee es Panel Bed
n
glamorous design!
now only
Huge Deals on the Best Brands!
5 Piece Bedroom Set Includes Queen Headboard, Footboard, Rails, Dresser & Mirror. NOW ONLY $1398
1845 Carl D. Silver Pkwy Fredericksburg, VA 22401 (540) 786-4800
598
$
final price
7378 Stream Walk Ln Manassas, VA 20109 (571) 379-4130
7 Piece Dining Set Includes: dining table & 4 side chairs plus, BONUS: 2 FREE SIDE CHAIRS
14270 Smoketown Rd Woodbridge, VA 22192 (703) 492- 5861
Sleep Better TODAY! 7
$
ce Dinin Pie g Set
now only
598 final price
OFFER EXPIRES 3/22/2021 Mon- Sat: 10am-8pm Sun: 11am-7pm