Belvoir Eagle, September 17, 2020

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September 17, 2020

ID Card changes announced: Retiree, dependent ID cards extended to June 2021, CAC only walk-in service begins Monday

By Department of Defense News

Screenshot courtesy of the Association of the U.S. Army

Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael A. Grinston invited four staff sergeants from across the Army to engage in a virtual discussion on race on Aug. 31. Clockwise from top left are Grinston; Staff Sgt. Akeem Williams U.S. Army Europe; Staff Sgt. Giselle Solis U.S. Eight Army; Staff Sgt. Coralina Lucas from Army Forces Command; and Staff Sgt. Erik Rostamo, Army Training and Doctrine Command.

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o ensure DoD ID card offices maintain continuity of operations and minimize the number of nonessential required visits, the Department of Defense has extended Uniformed Services ID cards (dependent and retiree ID cards) until June 30, 2021. We have been informed USID cardholders can use expired cards for benefits such as the commissary and exchange services, installation access, and Tricare through that date.

In order to support Common Access Card and Volunteer Logical Access Credentials card holders whose credentials are set to expire on Sept. 30, the Fort Belvoir ID Card Facility will, for the next two weeks (Monday through Oct. 2) only accept services for CAC issuance to Fort Belvoir assigned or place of work personnel in the following categories: Uniform Service members, DoD civilian employees and DoD contractors.

Appointments for CACs are not required and this facility will see people until capacity is reached. Services are available Mon. – Fri., 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Customers are not admitted after 3:30 p.m., due to the duration it takes to make a CAC. The Fort Belvoir ID Card office is closed from noon - 1 p.m.

Customers are reminded they may check how surrounding military installations in the National Capital Region are operating at https://idco.dmdc.osd.mil/idco/. For additional information, visit https://www.cac.mil/ Coronavirus.

(Fort Belvoir DHR contributed to this story)

SMA to Soldiers: Discussions on discrimination should not be ‘taboo’

By Joseph Lacdan Army News Service

S

taff Sgt. Coralina Lucas’ first encounter with discrimination came early in her Army career.

The Puerto Rican native said she still struggled to learn English after enlisting in the Army at 19.

Lucas said fellow Soldiers responded to her with sarcastic remarks at her first duty station.

“My English was horrible,” said Lucas during an Association of the U.S. Army virtual discussion on race Aug. 31. “I would try to tell people something and they’ll be like, ‘What are you trying to say? Do you mean this?’ And I’m like, ‘You know what I’m trying to say.

Give me a chance. You know it’s not my first language.’”

Lucas, a member of U.S. Army Forces Command, said Soldiers must continually make efforts to become more inclusive.

Lucas and three other staff sergeants from across

the Army joined Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael A. Grinston to share their backgrounds and discuss race and discrimination.

After the death of Minnesota resident George Floyd, Grinston and the Army’s leadership pledged to host more discussions on race throughout the Army, the U.S. military branch with the largest number of minorities.

“This is what we need to do,” Grinston said.

“These are some difficult topics and questions that people are struggling with.

And [Soldiers] may be … internalizing it.”

Grinston struggled with race identity while growing up in Alabama and being raised by a single mother.

Born to a Black father and a white mom, Grinston said he sometimes felt like an outsider because he looked different than other Soldiers.

Grinston released a video on social media chronicling his story in June.

Grinston said he never

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missed a career opportunity or promotion because of his race. But he admitted he heard some inappropriate comments during his career.

“People would say things to me that should never have been said anywhere,” Grinston said.

“I got to see another side of people. I really wish I had just spoken up a little bit more. When you’re trying to fit in as a young staff sergeant, it was hard, especially in the ‘80s and the ‘90s.

“But I heard the jokes.

I heard the comments, maybe because I looked a little different.”

Soldiers can do more Staff Sgt. Erik Rostamo recently experienced one of his biggest regrets as an Army leader.

The Army’s 2020 Drill Sergeant of the Year witnessed an incident where fellow Soldiers said See SMA, page 3

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September 17, 2020

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Order gives employees social security withholding tax deferral, not forgiveness

By Jim Garamone DoD News

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resident Donald J. Trump signed an executive order on August 8 that allows employers to defer withholding Social Security taxes.

However, it’s a payroll “deferral,” not payroll “forgiveness” — meaning it’s a temporary change, and service members and Defense Department civilians have to pay that money in 2021.

Internal Revenue Service officials said the Presidential Memorandum defers the employee portion of Social Security taxes. The Social Security tax is set for employees by law at 6.2 percent.

For service members, that would be 6.2 percent of basic pay. An E-5 with eight years of service has a monthly basic pay rate of $3,306.30. The monthly Social Security tax equals $204.99. Through the end of the year, this adds up to $819.96.

Guard and Reserves in the Army, Air Force, or Navy than for active component members.

For these members, if they are eligible for the tax deferral, their initial net pay will have the Social Security taxes withheld. Two to three business days later, a separate pay transaction will be processed to refund the Social Security taxes withheld from the initial pay. This will also result in these members

$4,000 (3,066.40 + 934.60 = $4001.00).

The deferral only covers Social Security tax; it does not affect any other tax withholdings.

The Social Security Act

Social Security grew out of the Great Depression of the 1930s. The United States had no old-age retirement system, and there was no federal unemployment insurance safety net.

In January 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt proposed creating the Social Security system with payroll taxes from employers and employees contributing equally to the program.

It passed Congress, and Roosevelt signed the bill into law on August 14, 1935.

The Social Security Act also established unemployment insurance.

The Social Security tax is also called the Old Age, Deferred taxes Survivors, and to be repaid Disability Insurance tax. Workers pay Beginning Jan. 1, 2021, the the taxes to Social deferred Social Security taxes Security, which funds will be collected through April the program for 30, 2021. So, that E-5 with retirees, survivors eight years of service who Photo by Lt. Col. Angela Wallace and individuals with received a total of $819.96 Soldiers receive a financial briefing in Atlanta, GA, in this 2017 file photo. approved disabilities. from the tax deferral now has receiving an additional Leave and Earnings to pay it back early in 2021.

Financial resources Statement in MyPay with an entry labeled This means, nearly all enlisted service “FICA Refund” reflecting the refunded Social For more information, service members members will have their Social Security taxes Security tax amount. and civilian employees may view the Defense deferred. Generally, officers in grades O-1 For civilians, that would be 6.2 percent of Finance and Accounting Service page at https:// through O-4 will have their taxes deferred. www.dfas.mil/taxes/Social-Security-Deferral/.

Additionally, officers in the grade of O-5 with base pay plus any premium hours earned. For less than 16 years of service and O-6s with less example, for an employee earning $80,000 Service members seeking more than 14 years of service will have their Social information on financial readiness, visit annually and a biweekly salary of $3,066.40, Security taxes deferred. www.finred.usalearning.gov or the Social Security tax deferred for that All warrant officers will have their Social www.milspousemoneymission.org. pay period would be $190.12. However, if Security taxes deferred except those at a grade Civilian employees with concerns the employee earned overtime or any other of W-5 with 24 or more years of service. regarding repayment of the deferred OASDI, premium pays, bonuses, etc. in the amount of Due to differences in pay systems, please consult with an Employee Assistance $934.60, an employee would not receive the application of the tax deferral process will be Program financial counselor or a private Social Security tax deferral for that given pay different for most members of the National financial adviser. period, as the total earnings would exceed Commander ......................................... COL Joshua SeGraves Command Sergeant Major ........... (Acting) CSM Michel Fraser Director of Public Affairs ......................................Joe Richard Deputy Director Public Affairs...................... Ganesa Robinson Copy Editor ..................................................... Margaret Steele Digital Editor ........................................................Terry Ruggles Reporter/Photographer ..............................................Paul Lara Reporter .............................................................. Dave Fawcett Content Coordinator ...........................................Eliza Cantrell 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

Eagle Volume 28 Issue 37

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.

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From SMA, page 1 something discriminatory about a fellow Soldier while the Soldier briefed his unit. No one attempted to stop the behavior, including Rostamo. The staff sergeant said he feared being seen as weak in front of the other Soldiers.

Rostamo said Soldiers must act in those situations.

“I didn’t stop it from happening,” he said. “I feel like everyone was just afraid to be that guy to walk up to someone and be like, ‘that was inappropriate.’”

Grinston admitted that as a young staff sergeant, he also worried that fellow Soldiers may see him differently if he spoke against his peers. The SMA said Soldiers can help quell unethical behavior by having the courage to overcome their fear and tell fellow Soldiers to stop.

“Eventually, I got pretty comfortable making those corrections and the older I got, the less I tolerated it,” Grinston said. “So it’s OK to stand out. And if people judge you for that, then they need to be corrected.”

Staff Sgt. Akeem Williams, assigned to U.S. Army Europe, remembers the uneasiness he experienced while attending a briefing by one of his mentors, a female NCO who had adopted English as her second language.

As she spoke to a group of Soldiers in Williams’ unit he recalled the snickering and smirks he saw on the other Soldiers as they reacted to her manner of speech. Staff Sgt. Giselle Solis of U.S. Eighth Army, who is also of Puerto Rican descent, said she has experienced similar discrimination in her career.

“It’s just ignorance. That’s all it is,” Williams said. “This NCO was very effective and very knowledgeable, but you could tell

-- you could feel the tension in the room that something [wasn’t] right.”

If Soldiers believe they have experienced discrimination they should report the incident to leadership.

“It shouldn’t be taboo to talk about,” Grinston said. “It’s OK to ask the question.”

Grinston, who has held discussions on race at different installations since June, said the conversations must continue

to change unconscious bias and achieve mutual understanding.

He reiterated that understanding a fellow Soldier’s background can help remove unconscious bias. Grinston said a research study revealed that promotion boards unknowingly harbor bias when board members look at photos in promotion packets. That led to the service choosing to remove official photos from all ranks during promotion boards in June.

U.S. Army file photo

Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael Grinston speaks with Soldiers about the “This is My Squad” initiative that encourages group activity and building unity in this file photo. Grinston continues to speak to Soldiers about finding ways to eliminate any subculture that threatens team building and the Army Values. Note: This photo was taken prior to Coronavirus pandemic health protection condition safety requirements.

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September 17, 2020

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Program manager turns personal pain into support Retired Soldier raises suicide awareness everywhere she goes

By David Fawcett Belvoir Eagle

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illie Frank walked down the aisle at her home church in Dumfries planning to speak only about her father lying in a diabetic coma.

But as Frank moved closer to the front, she sensed God wanted her to share something different to the group of women assembled at Grace Church for a fellowship event. She described the moment as God slapping her in the face. Now in her 30s, it was time to speak up about something intensely personal to her.

After avoiding the topic for so long out of embarrassment, Frank spoke candidly about her suicide attempt years before. Not one to show emotion in public, Frank let the tears flow as she told her story without reservation.

The message accomplished two purposes.

It hit home for those in the audience and led Frank down a path she’s stayed on ever since.

“It was like the floodgates opened,” Frank said. “I had women come up to me and thank me for sharing. They had battled it or their son or daughter had. They could all relate. To this day, I thank [God] for allowing it to come out.”

Her firsthand experience with suicide explains why Frank feels so strongly about the subject in her job as Fort Belvoir’s Suicide Prevention Program Manager and why she wants to remove any stigmas attached to it.

“Ms. Frank is the perfect fit for suicide prevention work as she has the innate ability to speak about such a strong topic with passion

Photo by David Fawcett

Millie Frank is the Suicide Prevention Program Manager at Fort Belvoir and ease,” said RaShonda Labrador, Fort Belvoir’s Army Substance Abuse Program Prevention Branch supervisor.

“Her personal experience has enabled her to successfully connect with the subject, to effectively provide suicide prevention/ intervention skill building, and to engage in real talk concerning suicidal behaviors.”

reaching out and maintaining ties. She likes, in her words, to light the candles instead of blowing them out.

One way Frank does that is through daily text messages she sends to a group of 30 people Monday through Friday.

The group started with two other women from her church in March, 2019, but expanded once those women passed along Frank’s inspirational texts. So moved by her compassionate and uplifting spirit, friends have encouraged her to write a blog or turn her thoughts in to a book. One suggested title read ‘I Went From Victim To Survivor To Conqueror.’

For now, Frank is content doing what she’s doing, bringing joy to those especially who may feel down even for a moment.

“We need more people to be caring in this world,” Frank said. “I look at it as helping save lives. I take that to heart.”

CALL TO ACTION RESILIENCE CHALLENGE To raise awareness for Suicide Prevention Month, Fort Belvoir is using a virtual media campaign on their ASAP Facebook page to get the message out.

There will be posts Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The next challenge is to meditate for 22 minutes Friday. On Sept. 23 and 30, short videos called “Your Story is not over” will be published.

Always on the go Frank, a 49-year-old retired Soldier, who has worked at Fort Belvoir since 2008, can connect with anyone seeking help. Not one to reside on the sidelines, she loves nothing more than

For more information, call (703) 805-5529/1093 or go to www.facebook.com/FortBelvoirASAP @FortBelvoirASAP

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FLU SHOTS and RELIGIOUS EXEMPTIONS Exemptions to receiving the flu vaccine based upon religious ideologies are issued through Human Resources, not the Chaplain or Office of Pastoral Services. See your immediate supervisor for more details.

For more information, call the FLU HOTLINES:

Flu Vaccines available now at FBCH

Belvoir Clinic 571-231-7777 Fairfax Clinic 571-432-2600 option #2 Dumfries Clinic 703-441-7500, choose option #5, and then option #2 Dilorenzo Clinic 703-692-8978

Lt. j.g. Antoinette Mantz U.S. Navy Nurse Corps, Fort Belvoir Community Hospital

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here is one thing we can all do this year to reduce the burden on our health, the health of our families, and our health care system – we can get our seasonal flu vaccine. Amid the ongoing COVID19 pandemic, it’s more important than ever to get yourself and your loved ones vaccinated against the flu. During the 2017-2018 season, 45 million people fell ill with the seasonal flu, 810,000 were hospitalized, and the flu accounted for an estimated 61,000 deaths in the United States. Now consider those numbers alongside the COVID-19 pandemic.

Together, let’s do this one thing – let’s get our Flu vaccine! Fort Belvoir Community Hospital staff are working hard to ensure that health care personnel, Service members, retirees, and eligible beneficiaries have a safe and efficient place to receive their flu shot.

We look forward to providing details on the 2020 FBCH Flu Vaccine Clinic as the season grows closer through the Flu Clinic Hotline, FBCH websites, publications, and social media sites.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “There are many benefits from flu vaccination and preventing flu is always important, but in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s even more important to do everything possible to reduce illnesses and preserve scarce health care resources.”

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Graphic by Robert L. Fisher

Army Values are ingrained in the 58-year legacy of the Army Materiel Command as its workforce strives to accomplish its equipment readiness mission.

AMC’s series on Army Values begins with loyalty.

Army Values begin with loyalty, sustain readiness mission

By Kari Hawkins U.S. Army Materiel Command, Public Affairs Editor’s Note: This is the first article in a 7-part series on Army Materiel Command’s enduring commitment to the Army Values.

This installment is focused on the Army Value of loyalty.

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ost federal employees remember the moment on their in-processing day when they raised their right hand and pledged their allegiance to the U.S. Constitution.

No other organization requires such an oath of loyalty from their employees. For Army civilians and Soldiers, that allegiance is taken a step further with their pledge to the Army Civilian Corps Creed and the Soldier’s Creed, respectively. Within the creed, employees promise to live the Army Values of loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage.

Of those seven Army Values, loyalty leads the others, as exhibited by employee commitment to the Army’s readiness mission.

At Army Materiel Command, Army’s largest civilian employer, the loyalty of its workforce is vital to building the employee teams it needs to continue its success in sustainment and logistics.

“Loyalty is a foundation for a culture of teamwork, and a work environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect,” said AMC Human Resources (G-1) Assistant Deputy Carlen J. Chestang Jr. “When there is loyalty to the organization and to co-workers, and between supervisors and employees, then there is a level of trust among team members, and the ability to adapt and overcome any obstacle that gets in the way of supporting the common goal of Army readiness.”

For an Army professional, loyalty defines them as an employee who “places their professional obligations and commitments before personal ones and faithfully serves the country, the Army and their organization,” said AMC Human Resources Officer Tom Dimitri.

“Our loyalty builds a strong and ready Army civilian team that enables the Army to deter threats, and fight and win America’s wars.

Allegiance to the Constitution transcends political parties, political beliefs and current supervisory chains.”

Belief in something bigger than oneself The more an employee believes in their organization, its mission and the contributions they make toward achieving its goals, the more they are likely to feel a deep sense of loyalty, said AMC Supervisory Human Resources Specialist Charanne Harris.

“I am devoted to the nation and to the Army mission, and that leads to my devotion to the men and women who serve our country, and to the employees who I work with to support the needs of our Soldiers,” she said.

Being employed by the federal government and the Army should be enough, Harris said, to instill a sense of loyalty to the organization, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic and a time of high unemployment. But loyalty should also stem from the “moral obligation to uphold the constitution and what it stands for, as well as from the need to support our employer’s – the Army’s – mission and to support our co-workers, who we stand shoulder-to-shoulder with to provide everything the warfighter needs,” she said.

The Army Civilian Corps Creed, established in 2006 by the Secretary and Chief of Staff of the Army, formalized a 230-year record of civilian service that is a critical component of the Army total force structure. It also reemphasized the importance of loyalty to the Army, its team of Soldiers and civilians, and to its mission; the civilian’s commitment to selfless service in the performance of duties; and the value placed in the skills and abilities that civilians contribute to the success of the mission.

“The Army Values identified in the creed unite all Army civilians and enable us, when we truly follow them, to be an effective team in supporting America’s Armed Forces and accomplishing our missions. The oath and creed remind us that public service isn’t just a job, it’s something more, and that something more begins with loyalty,” Dimitri said.

The current version of the Soldier’s Creed was built on the principles of the Warrior Ethos program and approved in 2003. The introduction of the Soldier’s Creed kicked off a campaign known as “Task Force Soldier” and reflects a leadership commitment to ensure Soldiers are prepared for combat and embody the Warrior Ethos. It includes a commitment to the Army Values.

A calling to serve Even though Army civilians and Soldiers come from all walks of life, they are bound in principle by their creed.

“Each and every word of the creed resonates with me. It represents a promise I have made to the federal government and to the Army. It stands as a moral compass to guide everyday actions,” Harris said.

For Chestang, Dimitri and Harris, it’s important to emphasize to new AMC employees that joining the Army team is more than taking on a new job.

“It’s a calling, and the importance of the oath and the creed is central to what we do,” Dimitri said. “Army civilians are a key element of stability and continuity during war and peace in supporting America’s Soldiers. We make a positive difference and we should take our support to the mission seriously.”

Supervisors are key to setting an example of loyalty for their employees to follow, agreed Chestang, Dimitri and Harris. In turn, their loyalty grows the loyalty of employees.

“Leaders earn subordinates’ loyalty by enabling them to perform well, treating them fairly and living the Army Values,” Dimitri said.

All employees can be leaders, but the best employee leaders are those who understand the importance of loyalty to their organization and their mission, Chestang said.

“The civilian creed defines what it means to be loyal to the Army and its values,” he said. “Two things in particular stand out in the civilian creed. First, is dedication to the Army Soldier and to the Army team. Second, is dedication to the mission. If you have those, everything else will fall into place and the mission will be accomplished.”

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Be in the know…Stay safe with alert notifications

By Holly Mann

Fairfax County also offers an alert notification system featuring:

Emergency Management Specialist

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his week (September 13-19) marks the third planning element of National Preparedness Month, “Prepare for the Disasters that Impact Your Area”.

Keeping up with local warnings is one of the best ways to help you and your family stay safe. Residents, personnel, and visitors are reminded to know the specific risk of disasters to the Fort Belvoir area. Make sure that you are receiving local warnings or alerts so that you can act fast.

• Safety, Traffic, Weather Alerts • Police Notifications • Emergency Preparedness Drills/Exercises • Emergency Preparedness Newsletters • General County News and Information

Sign up with Alert!

The Fort Belvoir Garrison uses the alert system for mass warning and notifications.

Sign up at: https://alert.csd.disa.mil. Also check with your assigned command or agency to determine if there are other methods to receive warnings. Remember to check with surrounding jurisdictions if you live off-post or commute to Fort Belvoir.

You can register at www. fairfaxcounty.gov/alerts For additional preparedness resources, visit: https://www. ready.gov/be-informed

Time to request your ballot to vote are absentee voting resources on FVAP.gov, designed to meet their voting needs.”

Early Voting State

Date

Virginia

Sept. 19

Maryland

Oct. 26

District of Columbia

Oct. 27

One-stop-website Courtesy photo

Fabian Reinoso, Fort Belvoir’s Installation Voting Assistance Action Officer, at the PX recently, handing out reminders that FVAP allows Service members and families to vote, wherever they are.

By Paul Lara Belvoir Eagle

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ith Service members constantly moving around the country and the world, the Federal Voting Assistance Program works to ensure they, and their eligible family members, have the tools and resources to vote, while reducing obstacles for voting success.

“Voting is a personal choice and many in the military community don’t realize the Defense Department has a program designed to assist them, if they choose to vote,” said David Beirne, Director of FVAP. “There are many myths surrounding the military voting process. The most important thing for military voters and their eligible spouses and dependents to know is, there

“The FVAP website is a one-stop-shop for all voting issues,” said Fabian Reinoso, Fort Belvoir’s installation voting assistance – action officer. “They can do just about everything – they can register to vote; they can request their ballot; they can also request the ballot be sent electronically via email. Americans can vote from anywhere. It’s so simple – it’s very easy and the website walks you through it,” he said.

Among the many provisions afforded Service members and their families is the Military Spouse Residency Relief Act. It allows the spouse to use the same residence their Service member has established as their voter residence — even if they’ve never lived there.

Once at FVAP.gov, there are just two steps for military families to vote in their home state: (1) register to vote and then (2) request your ballot in in one easy step by filling out the Federal Post Card Application. You can find your state voting deadlines, along with contact information for your elections office. Your state of residence for voting should

be the state of residence listed on your leave and earnings statement for tax purposes, according to FVAP. “Voting assistance is a non-stop obligation,” said Reinoso. “If you don’t understand something, your Unit Voting Assistance Officer has

been trained on the FVAP and can answer your questions,” he said.

The Fort Belvoir Voting Assistance Office is located at 9625 Middleton Road, Fort Belvoir. Their phone number is 703-805-1061, or you can go online for assistance FVAP.gov.

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VA joins Army in major DoD research effort to prevent suicides

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By Thomas Brading Army News Service n ongoing Defense Department-directed epidemiological study recently got a helping hand that could help generate actionable recommendations to reduce military suicides.

A new memorandum of agreement on the Study to Assess Risk & Resilience in Service members, or STARRS, was inked July 27 to help produce actionable information for senior military leaders, said Col. Sheila Seitz, the STARRS deputy director and Army Reserve adviser.

Courtesy photo “This is something A Defense Department-directed epidemiological the Army cares about,” study, the Study to Assess Risk & Resilience she said.

The VA is the newest in Service members, recently teamed up with the Department of Veteran’s Affairs July 27 to member of the group that includes the Army, help produce actionable information for senior military leaders to help troops.

Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, and the National Institute of Mental Health, or NIMH. The Army serves as the operational and management support arm of STARRS, the largest mental health study ever conducted on military personnel.

“We’re excited to partner with the Department of Defense and the National Institute on Mental Health on this major research effort aimed at preventing suicides,” said Richard A. Stone, M.D., Veterans Health Administration executive in charge. “Many Veterans experience a difficult transition from the military. This research will promote data-sharing between DoD and VA and thereby provide us with critical information to help these Veterans.”

STARRS is meant to “increase the resiliency of our Soldiers, so that they are mission ready as much as possible. But it’s also important to help our Soldiers for Life,” Seitz said. “That is why partnering with the VA is so important, because of our commitment to all Soldiers -- not just ones currently serving.”

As part of that commitment, the Army and NIMH established STARRS in 2009. Since then, a coalition of researchers from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, or USU; Harvard University; University of Michigan; and the University of CaliforniaSan Diego have compiled data to form relevant and actionable research to help address current and future needs of the military and published more than 100 articles in scientific journals and publications, said Kenneth Cox, the Army’s science liaison for the STARRS research team.

“The STARRS study is leading us to new approaches to sustain the health and readiness of our service members,” said Richard W. Thomas, president of USU. “Its findings have contributed to new approaches for prevention, treatment, and health care policies for the entire Military Health System and for the nation.

Funded by the DOD, the research partnership helps pinpoint risk factors linked to troops’ emotional and mental health, while also creating actionable steps toward suicide prevention, Cox said, along with other mental and behavioral health issues still faced in the military.

From 2004 to 2009, STARRS examined the records of 1.6 million Soldiers on active duty, and from 2010 to 2014, it has collected new information directly from nearly 110,000 Soldiers at various points in their careers.

So, what does this mean? Well, according to Cox, the VA can help researchers analyze data about recently separated troops. This will also help maximize the return from previous research investments that require detailed evaluation of findings for actionability.

“STARRS has provided immense value to the Army and DoD, giving us a much deeper understanding of many factors associated with selfharming behavior. The next five years with our new VA partner opens a new window of opportunity for STARRS to focus on what happens in the transition from military to civilian life,” said officials from the Defense Health Agency.

“As General Creighton Abrams said, ‘Soldiers are the Army,’” Seitz said, “ I believe as an Army we will keep this a high priority - as far as research and effort -- until we meet our goals to reduce [death by suicide] as much as possible.”

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September 17, 2020

Belvoir Eagle

9

Belvoir students earn Michaels’ scholarships

By Paul Lara Belvoir Eagle

T

he Michaels Organization Educational Foundation, celebrating its 30th anniversary, has announced that 18 Belvoir students living in the Villages at Belvoir have received college scholarships, totaling $93,000, according to Jennifer Watkins, Villages community director.

“There is a deep commitment to education at Michaels, and one of our cultural values is giving back to where we work,” said Dayra Conde, assistant vice president of Michaels Management.

“Every donation we receive (through voluntary contributions by companies and private individuals) is doubled by The Michaels Organization’s founder and chairman, Michael Levitt, and his wife Pat Levitt.”

The total dollar amount of scholarship awarded for the 2020/2021 academic year is $1,259,000, a record high for the foundation, according to Conde.

“I was very surprised,” said math and computer science major Ethan Wilkins, who was awarded the maximum allowable $10,000 grant by the foundation. “I had

applied for two previous years, and got 5k each time, and I was so surprised when I learned of the higher grant.”

Wilkins, graduating next spring, said he is either going to pursue a Ph.D. in mathematics or seek a job in cyber warfare.

Conde said Levitt created the nonprofit educational foundation in 1991, adding, “We are the only multifamily organization that has an educational foundation. He’s a big believer that education moves families forward,” she said.

settle for

Michaels, which assumed management of Belvoir’s private family housing five

years ago, manages more than 370 communities across 11 installations. Scholarship recipients receive grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, which can be used toward educational expenses at any accredited college, university or vocational training school in the nation. Scholarships are awarded annually, and students may reapply each year of their undergraduate education for continuing grants.

Matriculated students in good standing academically at a community college, college, university or trade/technical school and residing in a Fort Belvoir Village, are eligible to apply. Applications are available at michaelsscholars.com.

“

Every donation we receive (through voluntary contributions by companies and private individuals) is doubled by The Michaels Organization’s founder and chairman, Michael Levitt, and his wife Pat Levitt.”

The next generation of luxury is here. The open-concept, contemporary design of our new Beaumont cottages feature beautiful quartz countertops, gas fireplace, luxury closet systems and more! With only two in our 2020 inventory, these will go fast. Treat yourself to the latest and greatest in Independent Living. Call (703) 750-8659 to schedule a safe and secure tour of our luxury Beaumont cottage!

www.FalconsLanding.org | Falcons Landing is proud to be a non-profit Life Plan Community.

10

Belvoir Eagle

September 17, 2020

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Belvoir Community Briefs Jewish High Holidays

Services are:

Fort Belvoir curfew for minors

The Military District of Washington will hold the Jewish High Holiday services at Belvoir Chapel.

• Jewish, Belvoir Chapel, Fridays, 7 p.m.; and Saturdays, 10 a.m.

The Fort Belvoir temporary curfew for minors has been changed to 10 p.m. – 6 a.m.

See the September schedule below:

Rosh Hashanah • Sept. 18, Rosh Hashanah Eve Evening service, 7 p.m.

• Sept. 19, Rosh Hashanah Day 1 Morning service, 10 a.m.

Evening service, 7:30 p.m.

• Sept. 20, Rosh Hashanah Day 2 Morning service, 10 a.m.

Shofar, 11 a.m.

Tashlich service, 7 p.m.

• Catholic, Fairfax Chapel, MondaysThursdays, 12:05 p.m.; and Sundays, 11 a.m. Belvoir Chapel, Saturdays, 5 p.m.; and Sundays, 9:30 a.m.

• Anglican, Fairfax Chapel, Sundays, 9 a.m.

Easy and affordable car care

• Chapel Next, Thurman Hall, Sundays, 9:30 a.m.

The Fort Belvoir Auto Skills Center makes it easy and affordable for you to perform regular maintenance on your own vehicles by providing space, supplies, and advice (when needed) for those “do-ityourselfers.”

• Traditional, Belvoir Chapel, Sundays, 11 a.m.

• Gospel, Thurman Hall, Sundays, 11:30 a.m.

Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) • Sept. 27, Yom Kippur Eve Kol Nidre service, 6:30 p.m.

• Sept 28, Yom Kippur Day Morning service, 10 a.m.

Yizkor (Remembrance) service, 11 a.m.

Ne’ilah service, 5:30 p.m.

Fast ends at 7:35 p.m.

RSO chapel services The Religious Support Office’s weekly worship services are conducted virtually and in-person on Fort Belvoir, with an in-person limit of 50 per service. To view virtual services and register for in-person services, visit their Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/FortBelvoirRSO.

The Auto Skills Center is open Wednesdays – Fridays, 12 – 8 p.m.; and Saturdays – Sundays, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. for active duty military only. For usage, service fees and more information, visit Belvoir.armymwr.com or call 703-806-4088.

AER helps home-schoolers Body Shop reopens for some The Body Shop Fitness Center has reopened for active duty and first responders, only. Masks are required when entering/exiting the facility and while using the free-weight area.

Hours are weekdays, 6-7:30, 8-9:30 and 10-11:30 a.m.; noon-1:30 p.m.; 2-3:30 and 4-5:30 p.m. belvoir.armymwr.com

ARMY GOLF RE-OPENS TO ALL

Army Emergency Relief offers financial assistance for costs associated with schools transitioning to remote learning.

Eligible Soldiers with dependent children in K-12th grade can receive support to cover costs for educational materials like pens, paper, books, computers, tablets and more. To learn more, visit ArmyEmergencyRelief.org.

Minors 17 years of age or younger may not be in a public place on Fort Belvoir after 10 p.m. or before 6 a.m., with exceptions. Read the full temporary policy memorandum on the Fort Belvoir website by visiting home.army.mil/belvoir/index. php/about/covid-19 and clicking the “COVID-19 Policy/Documents” tab.

Army Ten-Miler goes virtual The 36th annual Army Ten-Miler is a virtual event, Oct. 11-18. Runners are encouraged to tag Army Ten-Miler in training and virtual race posts on social media using the hashtag #RunArmyRunStrong.

More information and registration is available at armytenmiler.com.

Digital Garrison App available for download Fort B Belvoir has a new platform to communicate with customers. The Digital Garrison can be used at installations Armywide. Download the app now in Apple or Google Play stores by searching for “Digital Garrison.”

On the app, individuals can indicate which home installation they belong to.

Individuals can go their account and click on communication preferences and enable installation notifications. After enabling notifications, you will receive Fort Belvoir alerts to stay informed and safe.

BECOME A MEMBER TODAY The Fort Belvoir Golf Club is among the finest military golf facili�es in the world, offering a truly excep�onal golfing experience.

Join the Club and play one of our two championship, 18-hole golf courses.

Membership Bonuses: Priority Tee Time Bookings 20% Off Prac�ce Range Keys

Unlimited Green Fees $2 Discount on Cart Fee

“Fort Belvoir Golf Club is the best golf membership value in Northern Virginia.”

BELV T R

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Contact us at:

LF CL U

Annual is defined as April 1, 2020 - March 31, 2021. Annual membership plan is unlimited green fees for the defined golf year.

(703) 806-5878 /fortbelvoirMWR belvoir.armymwr.com 8450 Beulah St, Bldg. 2920 Fort Belvoir, VA 22060

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September 17, 2020

Belvoir Eagle

Business Card Corner ACCOUNTING

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Corporate & Individual Taxes New business formation, budgets, procedures, financial reports.

703-255-5508

AmeriClean

Potomac Window Cleaning Co.

WEEKLY•BI-WEEKLY•ONE TIME JOBS Gift Certificates Available

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Free Estimates

No damage residential Window Cleaning ~ Inside & outside, by hand, courteous service, respectful of your home. Clean is in our Irish, German blood.

703-356-4459 • Family Owned & Operated for 35 years

Powerwashing ~ Ask about our low presfsure, no damage powerwashing services, using a soft brush to remove deeply embedded dirt from siding, stone, wood & brick.

RVS FOR SALE

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2014 Winnebago Aspect:

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540.454.2272 for more details

Editor

Are you energized by staying up all night to chase a breaking news story? Do you enjoy helping reporters, photographers and page designers perfect their work? Do you know a CMS like the back of your hand and have demonstrated successes growing audiences through social media, e-mail newsletters and other digital tools? Then you might be the next great editor for InsideNoVa, Northern Virginia’s leading news source. This is the ultimate hands-on position, directing the work of three full-time reporters in a highly competitive market, managing a regional web site with 1 million monthly page views and 100,000 Facebook followers, and overseeing production of one of the state’s largest and best weekly newspapers, serving Prince William County.

At least five years of experience is required in reporting and editing for both print and digital outlets, and supervisory experience is preferred. Although the work can be performed remotely at the outset, once conditions are suitable the editor will be expected to live in our coverage area and work out of our newsroom in Woodbridge, VA. This is a full-time position with benefits working for a local, growing, privately owned media group.

To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to bpotter@insidenova.com.

The cover letter must include salary expectations and specific examples of successes in producing quality journalism and growing audience.

571.333.1532

YARD SALES

Mega One Day Yard Sale Saturday, September 19th @ 8:00am 4502 KAISER CT WOODBRIDGE, VA Baseball and bowling equipment, pop up tent, coolers, household items, glassware, books, very nice men and women’s clothing and shoes.

Employment Advertising NORTHERN VIRGINIA’S LEADING NEWS SOURCE

PUT YOUR BUSINESS IN OUR BUSINESS CARD CORNER • Tonya Fields • tfields@insidenova.com

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Classified Advertising 2001 Great West Class B Camper Van: 19FT with only 28,000 miles, reduced to $6500, sleep 4, 5.9L V8 engine! magize992@gmail.com

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Bring your mask & come to our socially distancing Multi-Family Community

YARD SALE

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Roofing Solutions & Sheet Metal LLC is seeking a Full-time

Residential Service Roof Repair Technician and Roof Helpers who can complete

installs, removals and complete major or minor roof repair work. This position serves Northern Virginia, Maryland and D.C. areas. You can expect to earn a generous weekly salary.

You'll also enjoy well-rounded benefits such as health, vision and dental, company paid holidays and paid vacation. Have you ever heard of being paid to take your birthday off? Yes!-we do that! Ask about our bonus program.

Are you a professional craftsman who is proud to be a part of the roofing trade? Do you take pride in being dependable and professional? Can you deliver an out-ofthis world customer service experience for customers?

If so, and you want a long-term career, please call Robert at 703-965-3068 for a confidential interview.

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Belvoir Eagle

September 17, 2020

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