Belvoir Eagle, June 11, 2020 by InsideNoVa

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June 11, 2020

DoD increases money for do-it-yourself moves By Joseph Lacdan Army News Service

remain at 100 percent or return to 95 percent. The DOD has made monetary allowance payments of 95 percent for PPMs since 1998 when it bumped the sum up from 80 percent. Candler said that each service must collectively agree to make the change permanent.

oldiers now have an added incentive to choose the personally-procured move, or PPM option, when moving to their next duty stations this summer. Aside from limiting exposure to COVID-19, a revision to the Defense Department’s Joint Travel Regulations has increased the monetary payment to Soldiers who choose to move their household goods. From May 26 through Dec. 31, Soldiers using the PPM program can receive a payment equal to 100 percent of the estimated cost the government would pay to move their items. When Soldiers choose the option, they shoulder the cost and responsibility of packing and moving their belongings themselves and the payment compensates them for those expenses. The PPM program is an alternative to a traditional permanent-change-of-station move, where a government-contracted moving company ships their household goods to their new duty station. With more Soldiers expected to make PCS moves during the latter part of the peak moving season, an updated policy couldn’t have come at a more opportune time, said Larry Lock, Army compensation and entitlements chief G-1.

PPM: a practical option While much of the country remains under COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, making a PPM might be the more practical option for some Soldiers and their families, he said. Safety restrictions vary by state and commercial movers will be heavily tasked, he added. “Industry may face challenges to support this huge increase during the summer season,”

On June 14, the Army celebrates 245 years of defending and protecting America, and salutes

Younger troops prefer PPM

Courtesy photo

said Derrick Candler, chief of Transportation Policy Division, G-4. “This initiative can help increase the number of moves to ensure our people can get to their next duty station as quickly as possible. This will have positive effects on the entire Army and DOD. The PPM also reduces the strain on families and moving companies.” As part of the continued efforts to improve quality of life for its military families, the Defense Travel Management Office had pursued the change to ease the burden of families who prefer the PPM over a traditional move, Lock said. He added that PPM moves typically result in a cost savings for the government and the policy update will pass those savings onto the families. In April, the DOD signed a $7.2 billion contract with a single company, New Jerseybased American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier Group, to move household goods for the military. After Dec. 31, Candler said the policy will be re-evaluated in conjunction with each military branch on whether the reimbursable costs will TODAY 10 a.m. *Virtual Event* Fort Belvoir, Col. Michael Greenberg, Belvoir Garrison commander, invites everyone to join him online for a virtual birthday celebration. Lt. Gen. Stephen G. Fogarty, Army Cyber Command commanding general, is the guest speaker. The event will be livestreamed on @fortbelvoir.

generations of Soldiers who have answered the call to serve.

No matter the challenges we face as a nation, America’s Army will always be there when needed.

On the right is a list of this year’s Army Birthday events, including our own Fort Belvoir celebration. Many are available virtually.

USMA Social Media —

COVID-10 impact on NoVA

2.45-mile run, conducted and prerecorded by the Military District of Washington, in coordination with The Old Guard. 10 a.m. Cadet Command National Commissioning, livestreamed on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. 1 p.m. *Virtual Event* Cake-cutting and Re-enlistment ceremony at the Pentagon, livestreamed on Facebook.

FRIDAY 6:30 a.m. *Virtual Event* Birthday Run. Celebrate with a virtual,

U.S. Army Social Media —

Safe grilling

@USarmy;

on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. SUNDAY 11:30 a.m. *Virtual Event* Wreath Laying at Arlington National Cemetery’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, livestreamed on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube. 7 p.m. - *Virtual Event* Flagship event, “The Army at 245: An American Celebration,” a video on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube.

SATURDAY 9:30 a.m. U.S. Military Academy Graduation at West Point, livestreamed @usarmy;

@WestPointUSMA;

Lock said typically younger, single Soldiers, or young couples with no children choose the PPM option. Soldiers with more time in service and those with larger families often choose to have their household items shipped by a government contractor. Also possibly boosting the number of moves this summer is a change to granting exceptions to policy for the COVID-19 stop-move order. Secretary of the Army Ryan D. McCarthy delegated approval authority for PCS moves, temporary-duty assignments, and military leave to the first brigadier general or Senior Executive Service officer in a Soldier’s chain of command. Approval authorities may grant exceptions for Soldiers determined to be mission essential, for changes necessary for humanitarian purposes, and for extreme hardship. Soldiers who fall under an exception must travel with printed copies of the approved exception to policy. Soldiers exempt from travel restrictions will be required to carry a memorandum signed by their supervisor that states the reason for exemption. Soldiers and civilians enrolled in military education programs qualify as exempt from travel restrictions and do not require an exception to policy. These programs include officer training and education programs, noncommissioned officer professional development and specialty training programs and civilian training, education and development programs.

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Give blood, save lives

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Belvoir Eagle

June 11, 2020

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BELVOIR HOUSING UPDATE Compiled by USAG Fort Belvoir Public Affairs

PCS planning begins with Move.mil

By Paul Lara Belvoir Eagle

he Defense Department stop-move order continues through June, but, if it is lifted then, PCS season will begin in earnest. To make your PCS move as stressfree as possible, Service members and families should begin preparing, according to Carlton Freese, transportation officer at the Logistics Readiness Center-Belvoir. “My office is the starting point for everyone who is conducting PCS,” Freese said. “We process Service member and civilian applications for their outbound PCS moves. We ensure the entitlements that Service members are authorized is what they are getting, in

accordance with regulations.” Freese said the first step for everyone is to complete a selfcounseling form on Move.mil, which provides guidance for all activities associated with processing shipments and storing personal property. The Move.mil automated Courtesy photo counseling is available online 24/7 and provides information on what may or may not be shipped with household goods, and identifies the responsibilities of members, employees and providers at origin and destination. “The key point is that the client has orders in hand, as the orders contain either line accounting or designated funding for the move,” Freese said. “To have the best chance of getting requested pack-out and pick-up dates, they should submit their application as soon as they get their orders.” If a Service member would like to come in, they’re welcome to talk to a household goods officer. Several categories are required to come in for face-to-face counseling, including retirees;

ETS/Separatees; first-time movers; and wounded warriors, who are all handled on an appointment basis. The U.S. Transportation Command’s official Defense Department moving portal suggests moving on days that aren’t popular, including in the middle of any month, as those days are usually more available than the beginning or end of a month. People getting ready to PCS should also take photos of their property before the move, including pictures of the home’s condition before the movers get there. You can also take videos of electronics to show them working, in case they are damaged during the move. That way, you’ll have proof of damage, according to the TransCom moving portal website. Another tip is to mark or block off items or areas as “do not pack.” Those items would be things you need during the trip to your new location, important items, or things you don’t want the movers to pack. This also includes making sure your car keys, IDs, passports and travel documents are not accidentally packed. Freese said the stop-move orders have put all shipping in flux, but he would be happy to talk to clients about it. LRC is open Mondays through Thursdays, 8 a.m. to noon, and 12:30 to 3 p.m.; and Fridays from 8 a.m. to noon, at 9910 Tracey Loop. Appointments are available by calling 703-805-5674.

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

LEVELS OF ESCALATION

Eagle Volume 28 Issue 23

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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June 11, 2020

Belvoir Eagle

NoVA officials discuss COVID-19 economic effects stepped up with a micro-loan program of $2.5 million, it witnessed a far greater need than he anticipated. “Fairfax Rise is a grant program for $25 million, and we expect that all 25 million will go out to our small businesses – and we’ll have to add money to that. We have set aside one third of the $25 million for minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses,” said McKay. As Northern Virginia prepares for phase two of business reopening, McKay reported good news that the capacity to trace new infections, and alert and quarantine those continues to improve. “Fairfax County is hiring 400 contact tracers in the next week on top of the tracers we’ve had since day one. As the number of tests has gone up, we will have enough manpower,” McKay said, noting, “This is really important because our ability to stop the growth of cases is based on following up with everyone they had exposure with.” David Tarter, mayor of Falls Church and member T:9.5” of the Northern Virginia

By Paul Lara Belvoir Eagle

orthern Virginia hasn’t yet seen the bottom of the economic curve from this pandemic, according to several community leaders, who shared their outlook on the region during an InsideNoVa virtual town hall, June 3. Jeff McKay, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors chair, said he was surprised when Governor Ralph Northam kept Northern Virginia in phase one, despite meeting the decline in new COVID-19 cases. “It was a good step for the governor to look at the health metrics. When phase one started elsewhere, we met none of the metrics. I am surprised we aren’t going into phase two with the rest of the state, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t remind everyone that we are a long way from the end of the pandemic. It all relies on safety and social distancing. It’s not like we flip a light switch,” McKay said. Christina Winn, executive director of the Prince William County Department of Economic development, said Northern Virginia has been working to share best practices for grant programs, like shop-local campaigns and loan programs. “We are at a point where we need to look ahead and build resilience. How are we building consumer confidence so more consumers will come out when they know that those businesses have been trained in proper sanitizing,” he said. More cash infusions are needed, said McKay, who noted that when Fairfax County

Regional Council, added that in addition to local health departments, Virginia is also hiring up to 1,300 tracers to assist, which is part of a coordinated effort by thousands of local officials to keep communities safe. “Local governments are working very hard on your behalf, but pulling together, we’re going to get through this,” said Tarter.

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Belvoir Eagle

June 11, 2020

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DeCA reports customer savings of 24.2 percent By Defense Commissary Agency

avings percentages for commissary patrons worldwide was 24.2 percent during the second quarter of fiscal 2020, a timespan from January through March, reported the Defense Commissary Agency. Congress requires that DeCA maintain savings at levels that are reasonably consistent with the fiscal 2016 savings baseline. The latest savings report marked a 0.7-point increase in global customer savings percentage compared to the same-store 2016 baseline savings of 23.5 percent. The global savings level is a weighted average of both U.S. and overseas regions. “For our customers, it’s all about the savings,” said Rear Adm. (retired) Robert J. Bianchi, DOD special assistant for commissary operations. “And the value of the commissary benefit revolves around our ability to provide consistent savings. That’s why our Your Everyday Savings! program is so important in helping us keep prices competitive on items our customers purchase the most.” Patron savings figures specific to each geographic area indicate how much, on average, a patron could expect to save on grocery purchases in comparison with local grocers in that area. DeCA measures savings for a region so it can better monitor how much commissary patrons actually save in the geographic area in which they shop. DeCA employs a third-party contractor to collect pricing for a representative market basket of goods surveyed at about 25 percent of U.S. commissaries each quarter. The agency compares prices with up to three commercial grocers, including one supercenter, in the local area of each commissary in the United States. The price comparisons ensure that service members and their families are saving money when they shop their commissary.

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June 11, 2020

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It’s grilling season: Don’t let the fun go up in flames

By David Fawcett Belvoir Eagle

s summer begins, here are some safety tips from the Fort Belvoir Fire & Emergency Services’ Community Risk Reduction Branch to keep in mind, when planning a barbecue. Never leave a lit or hot grill unsupervised and always make sure an adult is overseeing the grill, while preventing children and animals from getting too close to the hot surfaces. Clean your grill, especially if you are using it for the first time this season. Clean out debris, remove grease and check the propane fuel

lines and put the grill away from structures, trees and high-traffic walkways. Once those tasks are completed, Philip Neith, Belvoir fire protection specialist, recommends the following: “Open the lid of the grill first, turn on the gas next and use the igniter to prevent a buildup of gas,” Neith said. “If your igniter doesn’t work, wait until the gas dissipates before trying to ignite with a Photo by Jonathan A Stanley different device. In addition, keep a fire extinguisher close for flare-ups or fires and be able to cut off the propane fuel lines. If you are cooking on a deck or balcony, make sure you comply with local laws, by checking with your local fire department. “The summer produces over more than 50% of structure fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association,” Neith said. “There is also an increase of grill-related injuries, including contact from direct flames and hot objects, especially for children under 5.” For more information, contact the Fort Belvoir Fire & Emergency Services’ Community Risk Reduction Branch, 703-805-2091.

Grilling facts from the National Fire Protection Association: n July is the peak month for grill fires, including structure, outdoor or unclassified fires, followed by June, May and August. n From 2014-2018, an average of 19,700 patients per year went to emergency rooms because of injuries involving grills. Nearly half, 48 percent, of the injuries were thermal burns, including burns from fire and from contact with hot objects n Children under 5 accounted for an average of 39% of the contact-type burns per year. These burns typically occurred when someone, often a child, bumped into, touched or fell on the grill, grill part or hot coals. n Gas grills were involved in an average of 8,900 home fires per year, including 3,900 structure fires and 4,900 outdoor fires. Leaks or breaks were primarily a problem with gas grills. Ten percent of gas grill structure fires and 22% of outside gas grill fires were caused by leaks or breaks. n Charcoal or other solid-fueled grills were involved in 1,300 home fires per year, including 600 structure fires and 600 outside fires annually.

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Belvoir Eagle

June 11, 2020

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Returning to the workplace: managing mixed emotions and uncertainty By Samir Deshpande Walter Reed Army Institute of Research

Setting clear expectations, both for leaders and for teammates, and establishing contingencies in the case of a return to strict social OVID-19 has brought radical distancing can help address these change to our society—for worries. three months, many of us Finally, it is important to honor have been working from home, the accomplishments of the team limiting trips outside and keeping while they were away. Mark ourselves socially distanced. the milestones you have shared, Now, as states begin to consider tell your team’s story to create a how to re-open and find a new shared narrative and acknowledge normal, the ability of leaders to individual contributions to the ensure that staff feel comfortable team’s mission. It is important with the transition becomes to recognize with gratitude the increasingly important. entire team’s effort to stay safe and “Over the past several months, productive—whether they worked we have all experienced so much Photo by Spc. Miguel Ruiz from home or remained in the change,” says Col. Deydre Teyhen, In addition to new workplace social distancing precautions and face workplace. commander of the Walter Reed coverings, Department of Defense personnel may also have mixed “Ultimately, it comes down emotions about returning to work. Army Institute of Research. to keeping an eye out for one “Leadership will be key to a another—we know our teammates," says Col. “Leaders should be patient and remind successful transition back to the workplace. Jeffrey Thomas, director of the WRAIR Center their teammates to prepare themselves for an Just as leaders have taken steps to help for Military Psychiatry and Neuroscience. adjustment,” says Amy Adler, director of the smooth the transition to widespread telework "Both leaders and team members are well WRAIR’s Research Transition Office, which and social distancing, it is important to take positioned to observe signs of stress like bridges the gulf between laboratory and field to steps to ease the transition back into the increased irritability, conflict with co-workers, get research advances into Army training. workplace.” lack of motivation or mistakes on the job. Furthermore, as most re-openings are Some employees might be excited to return to Teams can work to alleviate stressors and expected to be gradual, for some teammates, the workplace and re-engage with their previous listen to people who might be struggling with normal may not feel normal. Compounding routines; others might feel apprehensive, either yet another transition.” that, many may feel concerned that there will because of anxiety about infection or becoming More information about strategies developed be a resurgence of the disease. accustomed to their new routine—many will feel by Adler and RTO researcher Ian Gutierrez to “Difficulty adjusting back and ongoing some combination of the two. help manage returning to the workplace can concerns are completely understandable—it’s be found at https://go.usa.gov/xwZj8. A list important for leaders to recognize and validate What Can Leaders Do? of resources to manage COVID-19 behavior these feelings, and to make a plan for how the health concerns can be found at https://www. team will address changing circumstances,” The first step is to recognize that wrair.army.mil/node/348. says Adler. experiencing mixed feelings is normal.

Blood program works to save lives in trying times

Photo by ASBP

Sgt. 1st Class Jaime Espinoza, a frequent donor with the Armed Services Blood Program, donates blood at a USO Warrior & Family Center blood drive, June 2. By Michelle Shortencarrier USO aving all 10 USO-Metro locations shut down for the pandemic has been hard on USO-Metro staff, most especially its 1,300 dedicated volunteers. Despite the circumstances, USO-Metro has found creative ways to support the men and women of the armed forces and their loved ones via virtual programming and Grab N’ Go meals, to name a few.

Undoubtedly, the organization’s most critical initiative has been its collaboration with the Armed Services Blood Program. ASBP is the official military provider of blood products to U.S. armed forces. As a division in the Defense Health Agency’s Combat Support Directorate, ASBP focuses on equipping warfighters with lifesaving blood and blood products that are needed on the battlefield and in military treatment facilities worldwide. When the pandemic hit, many of the venues scheduled to host ASBP blood drives suddenly closed, including the USO Warrior and Family Center Fort Belvoir. “I called the USO Warrior and Family Center at Belvoir to confirm we would need to cancel our pre-scheduled blood drive,” wrote Donna Onwona, from ASBP. “To my surprise, they not only allowed us to keep it on the schedule, but offered for us to continue using the USO center for as long as we needed.” According to Onwona, since 2014, ASBP has collected 1,369 units of blood, which has brought injured warfighters home from the frontlines alive, and saved the lives of patients being cared for at medical treatment facilities in the area. Onwona wrote that each blood unit has the potential to reach three patients, meaning the blood drives at the USO Warrior and Family Center, over the years, had the potential to reach more than 4,000 patients who needed

blood or transfusions. “Being able to continue to support our Service members through these blood drives has meant a great deal to all of us at USOMetro,” wrote Heidi Miller, USO Center coordinator. “We are dedicated to supporting the men and women who protect us, so to be able to be a part of ensuring that this lifesaving resource is available to them when needed is heartwarming.” “The USO Warrior and Family Center has been one of our most dependable partners, not only on Fort Belvoir, but throughout the National Capital Region,” wrote Onwona. Since the early weeks of the lock down, ASBP has collected 131 units of blood from donors at the Warrior Family Center Fort Belvoir, with a potential to reach nearly 400 patients, which is especially critical in these times. . “I have often said that USO-Metro saves lives, particularly as it relates our nation’s wounded, ill and injured to Service members through our resiliency and caregiver programs,” wrote Elaine Rogers, CEO of USOMetro. “But, to know we are literally helping to save lives of Service members who have fought on battlefields is incredibly meaningful.” USO-Metro is working with local garrison commanders and airport authorities on implementing safety precautions to begin the gradual, reopening process.

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June 11, 2020

Belvoir Eagle

Nurse, leader, role model: Sgt. Justin Rupp

Photo by Paul Lara

Sgt. Justin Rupp, NCOIC of Inpatient Ward 7 North at Fort Belvoir Community Hospital, checks on supplies. Rupp and his team converted the ward for COVID-19 treatment in 12 hours. By Paul Lara Belvoir Eagle

“S

ome would say I’m a little ‘old-school’ Army,” said Sgt. Justin Rupp, sitting in a conference room at Fort Belvoir Community Hospital last week. His young looks don’t give any hint of ‘old school,’ but his supervisors and mentors said this NCOIC has a hand in every aspect of the operations at 7 North. When the pandemic’s wave was heading toward Virginia, hospital leadership called on Rupp to radically transform the unit. “The military says ‘do more with less’ and then a pandemic happens, and you realize less is not more,” said Rupp. “A lot of hospitals don’t have infection-control units. This hospital didn’t have an infection-control unit. So, in 12 hours, we turned 7 North, a cardiac unit, into a COVID unit, and even before we were completed, we were admitting COVID patients.

It was incredible. My staff handled it better than I thought they would. We haven’t had a single transmission … yet,” Rupp said, knocking on the wooden conference table. Rupp said COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus, hasn’t hit Servicemembers as hard as the general population, since they are healthier. “We force them to be healthier. We always say ‘it’s part of your job to work out, so figure out your time, because I’m paying you for it.’” Rupp said many people are shocked to hear he’s not a combat combat medic specialist, but a licensed practical nurse. “The Army has transitioned many times, throughout the years, to Whiskey, and the Army came up with these licensed practical nurses,” he said. “So, once you’re a whiskey, and you knew your craft, then you move to a licensed practical nurse,” he said, noting the Army ended that transition, and now they are two separate specialties.

Nursing challenges “A lot falls on nursing – perhaps too much. Nursing is not linens. It’s not IT. It’s not maintenance of the equipment or supplies. It’s not all the ancillary things. but then all these things fall on nursing, and we have to be good at it, because that’s where the boots hit the pavement. In a nutshell, nursing is customer care. “Customer service can make or break an industry, all around. I think nursing care gets so much dumped on them that they’re burning out, like teachers and frontline Soldiers and Sailors, because we put so much on their shoulders. Nurses are the customer service to patients and families. “Nursing can be hard. I guarantee most of my people have back and knee problems, because they’re picking up a patient, or catching a patient if they start to fall, and it’s

pretty physical work,” said Rupp. Maj. Stacie Gibson, deputy chief of the hospital’s medical/surgical ICU, describes Rupp as someone who peers seek for support. “He exemplifies what it means to be an NCO; the backbone of the Army,” said Gibson. “He’s there physically – constantly helping Soldiers, Sailors or anybody, to pass either physical tests that they need to do. He’s here on weekends, making sure that promotion boards paperwork and preparation is ready. He’ll come in nights, if he needs to counsel an individual or check on them, and he truly cares about what happens here, and that is something that makes him thrive,” she said.

Leadership risks “An old boss told me ‘if you’re not ticking people off, you’re not doing the right thing.’ You’re not going to make everybody happy. Master Sergeant Long, (another LPN at Belvoir Hospital) told me ‘You’re doing great things, but you can ruffle feathers, and I told him the reason I ruffle feathers, is because I care,” Rupp said. “As a leader, if you can’t stand up in front of people and give them the hard answers, then you probably shouldn’t be a leader, in the first place,” said Rupp, adding he tries not to lead by order, but by explaining why it’s important and explaining the bigger picture. “He’s amazing. He really is more than just a sergeant in the Army,” said Alegra Halyard, the assistant officer in charge on 7 North. “He really is an extension of the organization of the unit. He takes the values and the care very seriously and he extends that to the patients and the staff.” “I always tell him that he’ll be sergeant major of the Army, one day. There’s just no doubt about that, to me,” Halyard said with a smile.

Commissary team excels at helping each other By Paul Lara Belvoir Eagle

ort Belvoir’s commissary is known by staff within the Defense Commissary Agency as ‘the beast in the east,’ for consistently leading agency sales, and for being the largest facility in the country, according to store manager Ken Cunningham. Cunningham said, in a visit with the Eagle last week, that the commissary is a well-oiled machine, and one of the important cogs in that machine is Michelle Sibinksi, a supervisory store associate who helps run the front end, and is one of the last smiling faces customers see on the way out. More than nine years ago, Sibinski, at Fort Humphries, South Korea with her husband, an Army pilot, wanted to find a job out of boredom. After applying for a cashier job at the commissary on post, won the job over 101 other applicants. “I was so happy when I got the phone call, I started screaming,” she said. When Sibinski’s husband transferred to Fort Belvoir in 2013, she was able to continue working as a commissary cashier, and, after six months, became a customer service ambassador when DECA first rolled out the program.

Photo by Paul Lara

Michelle Sibinski, Fort Belvoir Commissary supervisor, helps customers check out, June 5.

Store manager Cunningham said Sibinski’s experience made her a good fit. “We only give those to people who can handle that situation, because that’s a lot to handle. You have to have someone that’s

been in DECA for a bit, who knows the front end (operation of the commissary) and knows customer service,” he said. Sibinski was involved in the 2017 opening of the new facility, and said her overnight shift during the transition was one of her favorite times. “I came in at 3 a.m., and I loved that shift, because that meant I got to play softball and be there with my kids,” she said. It was also when she got to appreciate the round-the-clock nature of a superstore. “I do not like my job – I love my job,” said Sibinksi. “Military life is different; the diversity here and equality that this agency has is far beyond the (civilian) world. The treatment I’ve gotten here is far different. They are always caring for their people. When I got off work last night, a customer wanted to meet me, and told me ‘you are the right person for this job’ after he had an issue with his payment, and I resolved it for him,” Sibinski noted. She said many customer questions or complaints require some research to get a satisfactory answer. When asked about her team, Sibinksi beams. “I learn so much in this job, and it’s satisfying when I have a customer leave the store with a smile. The team is always there and ready to help each other out.”

Belvoir Eagle

June 11, 2020

www.belvoireagleonline.com

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The U.S. Army was established June 14, 1775, and this year marks 245 years of the Army’s legacy of service to the nation. During the Army Birthday observance, the Army focuses on its people and their accomplishments. This year, the tagline is, America’s Army: When We are Needed, We are There. It provides an overarching framework to champion stories of bravery, patriotism and legacy of service.

Current and past Army efforts Since its establishment, the Army has played a vital role in defending and protecting America. The Army remains committed to upholding the Army Values, serving with honor and making a difference in communities throughout the nation. Through the Army’s dedication to the mission and core values, the Army safeguards the hard-earned trust and confidence of the American public.

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n Training to shape the ready Soldier of the future. n Modernizing concepts, equipment and training, to be ready for any challenge. n Developing interoperability with allies and partners to make coalition operations stronger, more efficient and more effective.

Why is this important? The Army is America’s first national institution. It was established before the Declaration of Independence was signed and before the Continental Congress approved the design for the country’s first flag. There is a deep and powerful bond between the Army, the flag and the nation. Soldiers, Army civilians, veterans and retirees embody the Army Values of loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage.

www.belvoireagleonline.com

June 11, 2020

Sniff out the truth on feeding pets raw foods

By Capt. Paulynne H. Bellen Public Health Activity - Fort Bragg

aw pet food is becoming popular, despite the increased health risk to people and animals. Raw pet food is considered to be any animal meat, innards, eggs, or bone that has not been cooked using high heat, defined as 145 - 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Studies have shown they carry more bacteria, when compared to cooked dry kibble and wet canned, tub, or pouch pet food. The American Veterinary Medical Association, Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention strongly discourage raw pet food, because it contains significant health risks, especially when products are brought into the home to feed pets. Raw pet food has the highest number of recalled products since 2012, compared to cooked and smoked pet food due to bacteria contamination. High heat is necessary for killing bacteria and maintaining shelf stability. The most common bacteria found are Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes and Campylobacter spp.

They cause diarrhea, stomach cramps, vomiting, weakness and fever in animals and humans. Some people are at higher risk and can suffer more severe symptoms with longer duration that can lead to death. High-risk groups include: • Young children, especially younger than 5 years • Older adults, 65 and older • Pregnant women • Immune compromised people, with, for example, cancer, immune disease, diabetes, etc. Raw diets are sold as fresh frozen, freeze-dried, or dehydrated meals or treats for dogs and cats. The claimed benefits of feeding raw food diets have not been proven in any scientific study. They can also be nutritionally incomplete and imbalanced, which may seriously harm pets’ health. Pets might be infected and carry the bacteria in their mouths and feces, without showing any signs of illness, and might lead to contamination of the home environment. Always follow safe food handling and good hygiene, especially when feeding raw pet food. • Choose lower-risk pet foods that are cooked with high heat (145-165 degrees Fahrenheit) • Use stainless steel bowls, which are easily disinfected with soap and hot water or in the dishwasher • Replace ceramics and plastic bowls with scratches and cracks. Bacteria grow in these crevices and cannot be reached with disinfectants. • Have a designated pet-feeding area, separate from the kitchen or meal preparation area Always consult your veterinarian about their nutrition and keep their vaccinations and preventive medications up-to-date.

LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE When you have financial confidence, your best life gets even better. © 2019 Truist Financial Corporation. SunTrust®, the SunTrust logo, and Truist are service marks of Truist Financial Corporation. All rights reserved.

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June 11, 2020

113th Wing Airmen help save jogger’s life

Photo by Staff Sgt. Anthony Small

Airmen from the 113th Wing, D.C. Air National Guard, stand on the National Mall, June 4. Airmen from the wing performed lifesaving CPR on a jogger at the Lincoln Memorial, the same day. By Capt. Chelsi Johnson National Guard

irmen from the 113th Wing, D.C. Air National Guard, performed lifesaving CPR on a jogger at the Lincoln Memorial June 4. The Airmen, who were posted at the Lincoln Memorial supporting the civil unrest mission, began walking down the steps, heading toward the Vietnam Memorial, when they heard a cry for help. “As we were walking to our next post, a civilian waved us down, asking for help,” said Chief Master Sgt. Mark Nicholas, crew chief with the 113th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron (113th AMXS). “Hearing the urgency in their voice, we ran down the stairs and arrived on scene, finding a female unconscious lying

face down on the ground. We took immediate action, braced her neck and rolled her over so we could assess her situation.” Helping Nicholas was Tech. Sgt. Emmanuel Morales and Staff Sgt. Jacen Vaughan, avionics technicians with the 113th AMXS. Vaughan, a certified CPR instructor, sensed the severity of the situation and began directing Airmen on what to do. “The patient took a gasp of air, and her pulse started to weaken,” Vaughan said. “I told a person to get an AED (automated external defibrillator) from Park Police and told Morales to begin CPR.” Morales, who’s only performed CPR in training, jumped into action and began chest compressions on the woman. “It was my first time doing CPR on a real person,” said Morales. “My training kicked in, so we were able to assist the civilians in doing CPR.” Morales and Vaughan continued CPR with the assistance of two civilians, changing out as they got tired. As the two Airmen were performing lifesaving measures, Nicholas grabbed the patient’s phone and dialed the last person she called, who was her husband. During the initial response, Nicholas radioed for any National Guard medical team in the area to respond to the situation. Three members from the 113th Medical Group arrived within minutes. “When we arrived on scene, we were being flagged down by D.C. Guard members, and noticed a military police officer running with an AED,” said Maj. Telisha Johnson, a nurse for the 113th Medical Group. “We got to the

scene and found the patient on the ground unresponsive, and CPR was already started.” Johnson stopped the CPR to assess the patient, checked the patient’s pulse and confirmed she was not breathing. Johnson started chest compressions, again, while her team got the AED ready. “We analyzed the AED, and she did end up needing to be shocked a couple of times,” Johnson said. “We rotated out technician and nurse for compressions, while others were giving respirations through the pocket mask.” For eight minutes, the Airmen performed CPR on the patient before a U.S. Park Police medical evacuation team arrived and took over. “I loaded up with them (in the helicopter) and continued doing compressions trying to save the patient.” They continued performing CPR and doing compressions while they loaded the patient into helicopter. Within 30 to 40 seconds in the air, the patient was breathing. By the time the helicopter arrived at the hospital, the patient was breathing on her own. “I called him, and he did not answer but called me back,” said Nicholas. “He let me know that she was stable and doing OK and that he really wanted to thank our men for the work we did, jumping in to save her.” Johnson was incredibly grateful for the team of Airmen who responded to the situation. “Without them, I don’t know what would have happened. We made a save today.” McGlothlin and Pankow supported traffic control points in the Gallery Place Chinatown area downtown.

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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.

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SUBJECT: Collection of Personal Effects of SSG. Vashist 1. Operations Co, 29th ID of the Virginia Army National Guard is sad to announce the passing of SSG. Vashist on 18 MAY 2020. 2. This bulletin is to act as a notification to all individuals and or businesses who have any property that belonged to SSG. Vashist to send proper notification via email to stephen.g.wrightson.mil@ mail.mil or head to building 2113D in person to ensure SSG. Vashist personal effects can be transferred to his next of kin. 3. For any questions please contact the undersigned at stephen.g.wrightson. mil@mail.mil.

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June 11, 2020

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