BELVOIR
Fort Belvoir Virtual Army Birthday Ceremony
June 11, 10 a.m. GUEST SPEAKER:
Lt. Gen. Stephen G. Fogarty Commanding General Army Cyber Command
@fortbelvoir
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Defense leaders describe COVID-19 lessons By David Vergun DoD News
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ome practices adopted during the current pandemic have benefitted the troops and may continue after it abates, Mark Esper, Defense secretary, said. Esper said at a virtual town hall meeting, that a recent visit to Parris Island, S.C., taught him that measures like wearing face masks and social distancing had prevented COVID-19 cases and other respiratory tract illnesses, leading to an overall decrease in sick-call numbers. That resulted in more recruits available for training, so many of these measures will likely continue even after the crisis has passed. ‘’Some good will come of this,’’ he said. Esper was joined by Army Gen. Mark A. Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; and Senior Enlisted Adviser to the Chairman Ramón ‘’CZ’’
Photo by Marv Lynchard
Mark Esper, center, Defense secretary; Army Gen. Mark A. Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of See Defense, page 4 Staff, left, and Senior Enlisted Adviser to the Chairman Ramón “CZ” Colón-López answer questions regarding DoD policy on COVID-19, during a virtual global town hall at the Pentagon, May 28.
Belvoir barbershops open for Service members By Paul Lara Belvoir Eagle
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Photo by Paul Lara
Chief Warrant Officer 4 Dustin Williams gets a trim at the PX barbershop, Sunday. 2
Housing Update
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ervice members can sometimes be spotted by their regulation haircuts, but since the pandemic forced Virginia to shelter at home more than 10 weeks ago, there has not been any service available to get a haircut – until now. All three Belvoir barber shops reopened last week, with some conditions. According to Garrison command guidance discussed in a recent virtual town hall, haircuts for men and women are offered only to active duty Service members by appointment only, and you must arrive for your appointment in uniform, with a face covering. Services are limited to haircuts. Additionally, Service members must provide their contact information, in case contact tracing becomes necessary. That was not a problem for Chief Warrant Officer 4 Dustin Williams, who was more than ready for a trim Sunday morning, though he was disappointed he had to get in uniform for the service. Sgt. Joshua Pitzer admitted that the hair stylists make it look easy. “It’ll be good not to have to cut my own hair,” he said, since creating a smooth taper toward the top was harder than he thought.
Hurricane season
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Working dog certification
Brooke Clifton, a stylist at the Town Center barbershop, said after working there for more than a year, the new normal is definitely different. “It’s not as crazy as I thought it would be. Everyone is following regulations as they should, so it makes our job easier, too,” she said, adding that everyone seemed very eager to get back to regulation. “My clients have been excited, telling me, ‘oh, I can’t wait for this haircut.’” According to Col. Michael Greenberg, garrison commander, the reopening of services will take into consideration the installation’s ability to ensure that safety standards are maintained. “What we are going to do is make our best effort to work within the conditions and standards to maintain safety. That is my priority,” added Greenberg. The garrison commander has not indicated when retirees and civilians will be able to jump in the chair.
Service members can call for reservations:
➲ Main Exchange Barbershop 703-799-4975
➲ Town Center or Hospital Barber Shop 703-781-3770
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New passport policy
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BELVOIR HOUSING UPDATE Compiled by USAG Fort Belvoir Public Affairs
DoD issues memo to privatized housing tenants
Photo by Paul Lara
DoD News
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ssistant Secretary of Defense for Sustainment W. Jordan Gillis recently issued a memo to tenants of housing privatized under the Military Housing Privatization Initiative, providing an update on the status of the department’s efforts to implement the MHPI Tenant Bill of Rights. In February, the Secretary of Defense and the uniformed services secretaries signed the Tenant Bill of Rights providing 15 of the
18 rights set out in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020. The document includes the Department’s pledge to make these 15 rights fully available to all military service members and their families who reside in MHPI housing (MHPI tenants) by May 1, 2020, and to work with MHPI landlords to make the three remaining rights available to MHPI Tenants as soon as possible. These remaining MHPI tenant rights include access to the housing unit’s maintenance history, and defined processes for both dispute resolution and withholding of rent until disputes are resolved. In his June 1 memo, Gillis, as the Department’s Chief Housing Officer, announced that the first 14 rights in the MHPI Tenant Bill of Rights are now fully available to MHPI tenants at nearly all installations. He noted that MHPI Tenants will be made aware if an individual right is not yet fully available at the installation where they reside. In addition, Gillis explained that the Department has made great progress towards implementing the 15th right, which calls for the use of common forms and documents at all MHPI projects, to the maximum extent possible, as well as the other three remaining rights summarized above. “Many of the initial 14 rights were in place well before the May 1st deadline, but it took longer than expected to obtain needed
assurances from MHPI landlords for some rights,” explained Gillis. “I am proud of the effort by the military services and MHPI projects to overcome the challenges of the current operating environment to make these first 14 rights available to MPHI Tenants.” Gillis promised to provide an update on the status of the remaining tenant rights in the near future, and reminded tenants to raise any MHPI housing questions or concerns to their installation housing office, installation leadership or chain of command. “We are actively working with the property owners on the remaining rights and have made several incremental steps toward completion. We need additional time, however, to sort through some legal and procedural complexities. We are working as quickly as possible to make these rights available to MHPI Tenants,” Gillis said. Gillis reaffirmed the Department’s commitment to ensure MHPI Tenants “have access to safe, quality and well-maintained homes” and requested that MHPI tenants remain patient while the Department and MHPI projects work to deliver the full benefit of all 18 MHPI tenant rights, especially given the present national health situation. To read the Memorandum for Tenants in Housing Privatized Under the Military Housing Privatized Initiative, visit https:// go.usa.gov/xwDvc.
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
• Assistant Community Director, The Villages Management Office: 703.619.3861 • 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
LEARN MORE Visit the Housing Resident Portal on the Fort Belvoir Website
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 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, 1372 Old Bridge Road, Suite 101, Woodbridge, VA 22192, a private firm in no way connected
Residents with health concerns related to housing conditions, call Fort Belvoir Community Hospital Rapid Hotline: 571-231-2004
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Eagle Volume 28 Issue 22
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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Telehealth access increased during pandemic by federal or state law, even if the provider is not licensed in the state nnovations to telehealth are where they are remoting in. Usually, essential to patient care during providers that offer telehealth must the COVID-19 pandemic. The be licensed in the state where they Military Health System recognizes practice and the state where their the importance of telehealth to beneficiaries live. This requirement prevent in-person spread of the novel will be temporarily modified to coronavirus, while still providing allow providers to expand their quality care to beneficiaries. As a telehealth reach and still qualify for result, the Defense Health Agency reimbursement. The rule also applies is making three temporary revisions to providers overseas, as long as a to TRICARE regulations about provider holds an equivalent license telehealth. in another nation, and the host nation “The speed in which the DHA was permits such practice. able to respond to an identified need The third change temporarily of expanding telehealth opportunities waives cost-shares and copayments and get a rule change published for covered, in-network telehealth is credit to the dedication of our services. This change doesn’t cover great staff working tirelessly for Photo by Marcy Sanchez just services related to COVID-19, our beneficiaries,” said Christopher Air Force Lt. Col. Brendt Feldt, a surgeon at Landstuhl Regional but all telehealth services inside of Priest, deputy assistant director, Medical Center’s Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic, conducts a virtual the network. DHA hopes that by Health Care Operations, DHA. “These health appointment via synchronous video. DHA has made temporary removing these costs, beneficiaries are challenging times, but every day changes to TRICARE regulations to expand telehealth care and take advantage of telehealth I see colleagues striving to improve prevent the spread of COVID-19. and reduce exposure of others to how we deliver the TRICARE benefit TRICARE beneficiaries who may under unprecedented conditions.” beneficiaries that cannot access audio-visual have the novel coronavirus. The agency hopes to implement changes to care. Beneficiaries wwho cannot access audioAlthough the new rules took effect May beneficiaries worldwide in 30 to 90 days. Once visual care due to lack of in-home technology, 12, it will take time for all of the changes to implemented, changes made through the interim such as smartphones or computers, or who live be fully implemented. Beneficiaries may still final rule will stand, as long as the country in remote areas without the bandwidth for video be assessed a copay for telehealth services remains in a state of national emergency, as conferencing, can take advantage of this service. over the next few months, but adjudicated declared by the president March 13. DHA is also increasing the provider access claims will either be pended or copays may be The first change gives beneficiaries access to care with the second regulatory change: reimbursed. DHA will reevaluate telehealth to audio-only telephone visits with their TRICARE will reimburse providers who changes in the long term, once the threat of providers. TRICARE will permit audio-only practice interstate telehealth where permitted COVID-19 diminishes. health care visits to improve access to care for
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www.belvoireagleonline.com From Defense, page 4
“We will get through this and we will get through this stronger than ever before.” Defense Secretary Mark Esper
Photo by Monica King
Mark Esper, Secretary of Defense
Colón-López at the town hall, who answered questions from Service members, civilians and family members from around the world. ‘’We’re not going to get back to a normal the way it was,’’ the secretary said. ‘’It will be a new normal. Lessons learned that we adopt from this will be a new normal in many ways. But, we will get there. We’ve made a lot of great progress in the last four or five months.’’ Milley said many valuable lessons are being learned. For example, virtual and simulation training is more available, which has demonstrated to be as effective, in many cases,
as live training. Another lesson, he said, is how to overcome challenges working in close quarters, like tanks, submarines or aircraft. To meet the challenge, the services have quarantined personnel before they are together in close quarters; once together, they take additional precautions. Colón-López said many of the lessons come from feedback on things that are working and things that aren’t. He encouraged everyone to keep feedback and comments coming through chains of command. The SEAC also noted an important lesson is that anyone experiencing depression or other mental health issues should seek help. The military, he said, has a legion of chaplains and mental health providers who are ready to assist. ‘’Seek help. Do not just stay silent out of pride just because you’re too strong. These are hard times … for the nation,’’ Colón-López said. Esper said it’s especially important to reach out to friends, particularly those in tough situations. He added that those in the chain of command should be looking out for their people, and said he’s confident that’s being done. ‘’This is a time to double-down and reenergize your social networks,’’ he said. ‘’We all want to get back to normal,’’ he
continued. ‘’We all face these unique situations, and we’re all anxious to get on with things as best we can, as well. But, it’s all about protecting the force, our people.’’ Esper noted the department is transitioning to a conditions-based, phased approach to personnel, movement and travel. Recently published guidance will lessen the burden on DoD personnel and their families, while ensuring continued operations, safely, he said. The department is providing commanders additional guidance as they look to change health-condition levels at installations. ‘’These measures will allow commanders to make risk-based decisions as they begin to return to normal operations inline with local missions, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance, and in consultation with their medical leadership,” he said. “We are not going to open up the Pentagon or other installations, unless we are confident it is a safe place to work. That is our commitment to the force. We will get through this and we will get through this stronger than ever before,” Esper said. Milley offered final advice: ‘’Keep your eye on the mission, continue to take care of yourselves. Continue to take care of your families.’’
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Prepare now to weather the storm safely Ready.gov
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his month marks the beginning of the Atlantic Hurricane Season. Belvoir is a waterfront community that sometimes gets impacted by damaging winds, flash floods and severe thunderstorms from hurricane activity in the Atlantic Ocean. This season, make a plan for how you and your family will stay informed of weather-related hazards. Know how to communicate, if there is a loss of power; and what to do, where to go, and what to bring, if an evacuation becomes necessary. Remember to plan for your unique circumstances, like current medical or pharmaceutical needs for family members and pets. Visit https://go.usa.gov/xw4jE to download a hurricane prep kit with information and checklists.
Here are a few tips to help start emergency planning n Discuss your hurricane emergency plan with your household, keeping in mind the CDC’s latest guidance on the coronavirus pandemic. n Have enough supplies for your household, including medication, disinfectant supplies, face coverings and pet supplies, in your gobag or car trunk. Households with someone with a disability may need additional help during an emergency. n Quick evacuations may be needed. Make sure to know your local evacuation zone. n Download the FEMA app and get real-time alerts from the National Weather Service. n Review insurance policies and make sure personal documents, like IDs, are up to date. n Prepare your business with a continuity plan to continue operating. n Have enough food, water and other supplies to support your needs for several days.
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Web tool launched for EFMP families information about the Exceptional Family Member Program. Using the tool, families can learn about support services; preparing for a move or deployment;, responding to changes in education or medical needs;, and adjusting to new life situations. “The Department of Defense is committed to supporting our families with special needs, and EFMP & Me is an important enhancement to the program,” said Kim Joiner, deputy assistant secretary of defense for Military Community and Family Policy. “EFMP & Me provides virtual access to support services for all stages of their military lives, whether they’re just starting out in the program, navigating medical or educational systems, or preparing for retirement from the service.” Available on computers or mobile devices,
I N FORMATION
DoD News
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he Defense Department Office of Special Needs and Military OneSource launched a new, digital tool, to guide military families with special needs to the specific information and resources they need. The tool, called EFMP & Me, connects families anytime and anywhere with tools and
EFMP & Me gives families personalized assistance, based on their circumstances. Users answer a few questions and choose the types of information they want, like medical; education; enrollment; child care; accessibility or housing. The tool creates customizable checklists, at the DoD policy level, for users to follow. These checklists include important to-dos, tips and resources that help fine-tune the individual’s experience. Users with Military OneSource accounts can save their checklists to view again later. EFMP & Me is one part of a support system for military families with special needs. That support starts with EFMP Family Support on installations and includes the Military OneSource network, which provides 24/7 support to Service members and families anywhere.
CONTACT
Military OneSource EFMP Resources for free, around-the-clock support, tools, help and more.
CALL
800-342-9647 or live chat with a consultant.
VISIT
efmpandme.militaryonesource.mil
Working dogs, handlers take stage at theater By Margaret Steele Belvoir Eagle
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he art-deco Wallace Theater on Belvoir turned into a dog-handler evaluation site, last week, when members of the 947th Military Police Detachment, both human and canine, searched for simulated bombs. “We know the layout and these exercises and training helps us with familiarity,” said Sgt. 1st Class T.J. Young, 947th detachment sergeant and kennel master. “As MPs and military working dog handlers, we’re providing a service to Belvoir Garrison, Military District of Washington, Protective Services Battalion, all the different agencies we work for,” Young said. “And, it’s our responsibility to do it thoroughly and safely.” Ongoing training allows detachment members to become familiar with all locations and building managers, not only on Belvoir, but in warehouses, theaters and offices at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall and Fort McNair. “At the end of the day, it’s all about relationship building,” Young said. “When someone asks us to come in and sweep a facility, the handlers and military working dogs become more and more familiar with personnel, there, and with the building’s layout. “It all goes down to the people who you know,” he said, adding they like to get as much exposure to buildings on all installations as possible. “We eventually learn and know the layout and have familiarity with building managers, which is hugely important, especially in a stressful situation,” Young said. “It goes back to your training and what you know.” Comparing it to combat, he said it’s imperative to have situational awareness. “When you’re shooting at things, you know the people to your left and right and you know what everyone’s capabilities are, to help one another. “A familiar face is especially important in a bad situation,” he said about relationships with building managers. Young said military working dogs and their handlers in a building shows presence. “When someone sees us at our jobs, sweeping these facilities, it makes ‘bad actors’ not want to go in. Additionally, it lets everyone know buildings are safe and secure.”
Photo by Margaret Steele
Sgt. Landon DeFonde, with the 945th Military Police Detachment (Military Working Dog), and his Belgian Malinois, search a stairwell in Belvoir’s Wallace Theater. The two worked together during a simulated, bomb-threat scenario, for annual evaluation and training, May 28.
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Courtesy patrol a quiet safety reminder
Photo by Paul Lara
Staff Sgt. Andrew Belmont and Sgt. Dominic Saccente, on COVID courtesy patrol in the Belvoir Commissary, enforce garrison directives for face coverings and social distancing. Compliance has been high in retail establishments. By Paul Lara Belvoir Eagle
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hen garrison stood up a COVID courtesy patrol, to keep everyone safe with face coverings and social distancing protocols, Headquarters
Battalion secured manpower from numerous units: Defense Logistics Agency; Army Legal Services Agency; Army Cyber; Joint Personnel Recovery Agency; and the Army Intelligence and Security Command.
“The courtesy patrol is designed to do compliance patrols within the PX, commissary, restaurants on 12th Street, and the shopettes,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Michel Fraser, Headquarters Battalion. “We’ll expand to other facilities as they open up,” such as the barbershops, which opened last weekend, she said. “Its mission is just to ensure we’re adhering to the garrison commander’s policy of face coverings. When you walk around, you see that everybody is compliant with the policy. We are just reinforcing it as we walk around,” she said. Maj. Sean Zehtab, a USALSA trial attorney, while on patrol last week, said it’s all about reinforcing the directive, which seems to be universally embraced. “Everyone is trying to pitch in to assist the installation’s mission. People are generally wearing their masks. I’ve had to issue one or two corrections, but people understand,” he said. “It’s usually just people being uncomfortable wearing this for long periods of time, when they’re shopping. They’re trying to do their best,” he said. Zehtab said his primary job as trial attorney has remained pretty consistent throughout
the pandemic, and he’s glad to help keep people vigilant trying to comply with garrison safety procedures to prevent the spread of coronavirus. “It’s a chance to serve your country, when they need you the most. I love the people and our mission.” Staff Sgt. Andrew Belmont, garrison training room NCOIC, has done several patrols so far, and agreed compliance remains high. “What my team has encountered, so far, is people wearing masks, but some have it below their nose. But, all in all, once they’re instructed to put it on or pull it up to cover their nose, they comply,” Belmont said. “What we signed up for in the military is to help people out. That’s what we’re doing now – to make sure in the environment that we’re in is safe for everybody.” As Belmont began his patrol at the PX entrance, he noticed a Starbucks employee 20 yards away who had her face covering down on her chin. As he walked her way, she moved her mask up over her nose, causing Belmont to say, “The employees recognize us now. We don’t even have to say anything – they just fix it,” he said, while still logging the infraction on his log, and walking on.
Dispatchers provide a calming voice
“I strive to motivate dispatchers and encourage camaraderie amongst them, making for a positive work he volume of calls they get are, environment,” Kauten said. on average, less than what Anderson has felt welcomed since they dealt with in previous coming from Fauquier County. jobs. But, in their roles as safety “It’s been a smooth transition,” dispatchers at Belvoir’s emergency Anderson said. “There’s good communications center, Lindsay leadership that steers me in the Kauten and Gustave Anderson right direction.” see themselves fulfilling the same Anderson arrived at Belvoir after purpose, regardless of location. another dispatcher, who Anderson “I like the continuity to be there, had previously trained and now when someone needs help and you can worked here, told him about meet the need,” Kauten said. “I love an opening. Although he has to being able to help them, even on their commute from Fauquier, Anderson worst day. I can be a calming voice.” liked the idea of a federal job.. Anderson agreed. After leaving the Army in “I like working with a small 2011, where he served just under number of individuals toward the four years as a combat engineer, same goal,” Anderson said. Anderson worked as a volunteer for Of the two, Kauten is the veteran. She has been a dispatcher for almost Photo by Paul Lara five years at the Purcellville Fire Department in Loudoun County, 15 years, including nearly four Gustav Anderson and Lindsay Kauten, Directorate of Emergency Services dispatchers, in the emergency communications center, May 28. when he considered becoming a at Belvoir, since coming from the dispatcher. NASA Goddard Space Flight Center “I thought I would be good at it,” Anderson in Greenbelt, Md. Anderson joined Belvoir in wide range of calls she received. said. “I knew nothing about it.” January and has served as a dispatcher since “The workload is a lot less, but we do get Anderson said the biggest adjustment has December 2011. slammed,” Kauten said of working at Fort been learning Belvoir’s computer system. But Kauten became a dispatcher after seeing Belvoir. “Things have dropped even further, the core principles of dispatch work remain an ad for an opening in Charles County, Md. because of COVID-19.” the same. She’d been an EMT since 2003 and wanted to Kauten, who has received two life-saving At the moment, Anderson is teleworking try dispatching. medals during her time at Belvoir, is the lead as he gets up to speed with training and “‘It can’t be too hard, I thought,’” Kauten dispatcher. She oversees other dispatchers accreditation. said. “That first year was a little rough. I and ensures they are properly trained in “There is a ton of stuff to learn, but I am wasn’t sure I could do it.” their duties, while helping them become more catching on pretty quick,” Anderson said. Kauten eventually grew accustomed to the comfortable in their roles.
By David Fawcett Belvoir Eagle
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ith the increase in home-based telework, due to recent events and upcoming elections, Defense Department employees may have questions about allowable political activity. The Hatch Act and DoD policy govern the political activities of DoD civilians. Political activity is defined as an activity directed toward the success or failure of a political party, candidate for partisan political office, or partisan political group. Teleworking away from the traditional office setting does fall under the “while on duty” restriction. From whatever location you are teleworking, that site constitutes your place of duty for that work day. If you are teleworking from home, you are on duty and may not engage in political activities in your home while you are on duty, even if you are on a personal device like a home computer or personal cell phone. Employees participating in virtual, work-related conferences are subject to the same on-duty Hatch Act restrictions as when they attend meetings or communicate in person with others at work. For example, employees should not wear a campaign T-shirt or hat while participating in a work-related video conference call, and should ensure that any partisan materials, like campaign signs or candidate pictures, are not visible to others during the call. Additionally, some teleconferencing programs and email applications allow individuals to add a profile picture, which is visible to others. Employees using email or other conferencing programs for work purposes may not use the profile pictures associated with these platforms to show support for or opposition to a political party, partisan political group, or candidate for partisan political office. After the end of a workday, employees cannot use government computers or government mobile phones to engage in partisan political activity. For example, employees may not send or forward political material or messages using their government laptop or government mobile phone after completing a day of telework. While teleworking, employees can use their government computers or government mobile phones to post a comment on a professional association’s online discussion forum or an online news article about a current policy or a proposed policy change. Commenting about a current policy or proposed policy change is not considered political activity, and therefore, is not restricted by the Hatch Act. Federal employees must still be mindful of using official time for official purposes and of DoD computer-use policies and ensure they do not use or make any reference to their official position or title when expressing personal opinions.
For more information, contact your ethics counsel or visit the Standards of Conduct Office website at https://ogc.osd.mil/defense_ ethics/topics/political_activities.html.
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Passport guidance set to curb delays, as peak PCS season begins Also, certain individuals heading to OCONUS locations ilitary prior to June 30 -families and traveling under applying an approved stopfor official passports movement exemption, must submit their or with a granted paperwork no earlier exception to the policy than 60 days, but -- should submit no later than 45 their application days from their immediately, if they departure date, said have not done so, a top travel official, Johnston said. as COVID-19 stop These new policies movements are are in line with lifted. ongoing efforts to The new policy lighten potential wait is in place to times, Johnston said, curtail potential Photo By Thomas Brading adding the deadlines holdups that As stop movements begin to lift, new policies are in place for will be enforced at military personnel, military families applying for official passports to help with the acceptance facilities. government peak moving season. Compliance with these civilians, and timing restrictions will help avoid Passport and Visa Office. families may experience with overwhelming the agency, as the For some locations – like many their permanent change of station, number of PCS moves overseas countries in Southeast Asia – a or PCS, moves to international increase after the stop-movement visa may also be required. If locations beyond the continental order is lifted. so, those applications should be United States, or OCONUS, said Normally during the months of handed in no earlier than 80 days, Angela D. Johnston, Passport April through July, the Defense and but no later than 65 days prior to Services Division chief at the State Departments process roughly their departure date. Army’s Defense Department By Thomas Brading Army News Service
M
See Passport, page 10
Nahee Williams McDonald D.D.S. Kenneth Hrechka D.D.S.
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From Passport, page 9 14,000 official, or “no-fee� passports per month. Since the restrictions were implemented, around half have been processed in April and May, said Stuart K. Archer, director of executive travel for the Department of the Army Headquarters. “Although a backlog is expected,� he said, “the combined efforts of the two departments are working to address any backlogs that may develop as the movers in April and May are now shifted to June and later.� Service members should consult their local passport agents on these guidelines, and comply with guidance contained in the Foreign Clearance Guide for actual passport requirements. “These processes are established to aid in metering the flow of passport applications to the Department of State and their Special Issuance Agency,� Archer said. “The SIA re-opened their doors for limited processing, and are working diligently to process the applications they have on hand with limited staffing.� Although faced with a potential backlog, the Defense and State Departments have taken on similar snags in the past, but previous pileups have never occurred during a global pandemic, Johnston said. “We’ve never
faced a worldwide crisis like [the COVID-19 pandemic], but we’re working through this together.� Before COVID-19, passport processing was operating smoothly, she said. Once the pandemic hit, many government agencies have taken precautionary measures to stem the spread of the virus. As the State Department comes back online, and a backlog of passport applications roll in, DOD travel officials will continue to work with the State Department, Johnston said. “The State Department is just coming back online, literally going from nothing to something,� she added. But “if we all follow the rules, we could be successful in softening the blow through these when it comes to delays, especially families packing their household goods and getting their children in and out of school.� However, if a family is stuck waiting on a few pieces of paper, it can cause a lot of anxiety and frustration, she said, especially if they are moving from one country to another. “Our No. 1 goal is to take care of our service members and their families during their PCS moves by ensuring an expeditious obtaining of their family travel documents,� Archer said.
RSO OFFERS VIRTUAL WORSHIP SERVICES Fort Belvoir’s Religious Support Office provides live-stream and pre-recorded worship services during the COVID-19 outbreak to protect the health and safety of the community. Visit their Facebook page to view virtual sermons, Bible studies and links to religious education.
STAY CONNECTED @FortBelvoirRSO Follow their page and click “Groups� or visit www.facebook.com/pg/ FortBelvoirRSO/groups to join different services and ministries’ individual group pages.
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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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