Belvoir Eagle, December 17, 2020

BELVOIR

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JANUARY 7 TH

2 21 December 17, 2020

This is the last issue of the Eagle for 2020. We will resume publication Jan. 7, 2021.

Belvoir Fire Dept. accredited as one of the best

By Paul Lara Belvoir Eagle

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ore than 18 months of validation and assessment reached a positive outcome Tuesday, as Fort Belvoir Fire and Emergency Services became the 8th Army fire department to ever gain a prestigious accreditation by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International.

Speaking to the accreditation board on Zoom, Col. Joshua SeGraves, Garrison commander, said this process was very instructive.

“I’m better able to articulate, after this process, the overall risk to our senior commander, Major Gen. (Omar) Jones of the Military District of

Photo by Paul Lara

See Belvoir, page 4

Firefighter/Medic Michael Irvine climbs the ladder truck during live fire training at Davison Army Airfield, in this October file photo.

Army Materiel Command provides support to Operation Warp Speed

By Rachel Deloach Army News

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ver the past seven months, the Army Materiel Command enterprise has supported Operation Warp Speed in standing up clinical trial facilities, contracting, transporting supplies and lending personnel and expertise.

Much of the work is being directed by the Operation Warp Speed team led by an Army leader who is very familiar to AMC. Gen. Gus Perna, former commanding general of AMC, was tapped by President Donald Trump in May to be the chief operating officer of OWS, which is a partnership among components of the Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Defense, private industry and academia.

Operation Warp Speed’s mission is to produce and deliver 300 million doses of safe and effective vaccines as a part of a broader strategy to accelerate the development, manufacturing and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines and therapeutics.

Army Sustainment Command, AMC’s face to the field, has played a major role supporting OWS since the early phases of the pandemic by standing up clinical trial facilities.

Brian Almonrode, ASC’s director of operations for the Logistics Civil Augmentation Program, or LOGCAP, said the command rapidly deployed specialized trailers fitted to 3

INSCOM CSM

Photo By Ryan Davis, UPS

Dr. Moncef Slaoui, left, chief advisor to Operation Warp Speed, and Gen. Gustave F. Perna, chief operating officer of OWS, visit a UPS freezer farm in Louisville, Ky., Dec. 3. meet specific requirements instituted by the Department of Health and Human Services.

To do this, ASC assembled a variety of expertise consisting of seven employees at the headquarters, three in the field and 14 members of the LOGCAP Support Brigade.

Perna praised the LOGCAP program during the early months of the pandemic as the mission took shape.

The LOGCAP trailers are currently being used by AstraZeneca, Janssen, Moderna and Sanofi Pasteur as they continue to conduct Phase 3 clinical trials.

ASC worked with Army Contracting Command on the LOGCAP contracts and the Army Corps of Engineers in assuring trailers

were in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. In addition to managing the LOGCAP contract, ACC also managed thousands of contracts contributing to the COVID-19 fight.

In seven months, the OWS partnership accelerated the development and manufacturing of COVID-19 vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics.

Perna said he initiated the distribution of ancillary kits including syringes, needles and alcohol wipes so the jurisdictions will have what they need to administer the vaccine.

U.S. Army Medical Materiel Agency, a direct reporting unit to Army Medical Logistics Command, is working in collaboration with the Defense Health Agency’s Immunization Health Care Division in collecting COVID-19 vaccine orders from all service branches and submitting them to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In preparation for the delivery of supplies, Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command is linking up interested truck providers with OWS’s distribution contractor to help ensure enough capacity is available to support effective and efficient distribution.

Once delivered, USAMMA will track vaccine shipments from the vendor to military treatment facilities where it will be used to immunize troops as well as military beneficiaries in accordance to the DOD plan and priorities.

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December 17, 2020

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Annual Tenant Satisfaction Survey is open through Jan. 15

By The Villages at Belvoir

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he Villages at Belvoir is seeking resident feedback as the Department of the Army launched its annual CEL Tenant Satisfaction Survey Dec. 2. Findings from these survey responses inform a breadth of resident-focused housing and community improvements and initiatives for the upcoming year and beyond.

“The annual CEL survey is an important tool that the Army and our partners use to gauge our community, learn more about our Residents’ wants and needs, and ensure they are being satisfied,” said Brian Smith, Fort Belvoir’s Housing Division Chief. “Your voice matters, and we encourage you to fill out your survey.”

The Villages at Belvoir team will host a series of holidaythemed events and raffles throughout the survey’s duration.

There will be three drawings over the course of the survey run where $50 gift cards will be awarded to a total of 12 residents who have completed the survey.

The Villages at Belvoir will also be hosting two virtual events in mid-December. First, residents of each Village who join and complete this year’s Holiday Scavenger Hunt will be entered for a chance to win one

of six $25 gift cards. Second, a Holiday Home Decorating Contest invites residents to show off their trimmings, with first, second, and third prizes per Village of $75, $50, and $35, respectively.

“Though the holidays may look different this year, we want to bring cheer to our residents this season,” said Jennifer Watkins, Community Director for The Villages at Belvoir. “We’re excited to launch the CEL Survey in tandem with these events as a way to thank our residents.”

After the survey, the Villages at Belvoir will create new community initiatives based on response data.

The Villages at Belvoir works with the Army to create a detailed Action Plan that addresses key themes derived from the results.

The CEL Tenant Satisfaction Survey is administered through a third-party, CEL & Associates, Inc. on behalf of the Army for all Installations. All responses are confidential; true opinions and thoughts are encouraged.

Any resident who did not receive their one survey per household should contact CEL via email at ArmyHousingSurvey@ celassociates.com to obtain a survey link. When emailing CEL, the resident must include Fort Belvoir and complete street address.

Responses will be accepted through

Photo by Paul Lara

January 15. This year, CEL and the Army will share results when all responses have been aggregated after the survey’s close. If you are a resident with an issue or concern that requires immediate attention, reach out to your Community

Management Office for assistance.

Visit the Villages at Belvoir’s Facebook page or the resident portal for details and updates on the raffles and events.

OMB Control Number: 0704-0553 OMB Expiration Date: 31 March 22.

USAG FORT BELVOIR Installation Management Command

How to Resolve Housing Concerns LEVEL 1 – SUBMIT YOUR WORK ORDER

• Online - www.villagesatbelvoir.com • In-Person - Maintenance Facility Building 1108 • Phone - 24-Hour Emergency Maintenance Request Line: 703-619-3880

Fort Belvoir housing residents, be on the look out for your CEL Tenant Satisfaction Survey!

Resident feedback, as part of the housing satisfaction survey, will help inform plans for improvements to housing, resident services, and community amenities to provide a better quality of life for service members and their families.

Participation is voluntary and confidential – no personally identifiable information is shared with DoD or privatized housing landlords.

LEVEL 2 – MAKE CONTACT

• Villages at Belvoir Management: 571-318-7546 • 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

If you didn’t receive a survey, contact CEL via email at ArmyHousingSurvey@celassociates.com to obtain a survey link. When you email CEL you must include your Installation name and complete street address including unit number, if applicable.

Residents with health concerns related to housing conditions, call Fort Belvoir Community Hospital Rapid Hotline: 571-231-2004

Note: CEL is requesting your address information only to look up your home’s Survey ID, this will ensure each household only completes one survey.

Commander .............................................COL Joshua SeGraves Command Sergeant Major .................... CSM Gregory Kleinholz Director of Public Affairs ..........................................Joe Richard Deputy Director Public Affairs.......................... Ganesa Robinson Managing Editor ......................................................Terry Ruggles Content Coordinator ...............................................Eliza Cantrell Reporter/Photographer ................................................. Paul Lara Reporter ..................................................................Dave Fawcett Page Designer ........................................................ Betty Watson The Belvoir Eagle is published in cooperation with the Public Affairs Office, 9820 Flagler Road, Fort Belvoir, VA, 22060. To contact the Belvoir Eagle, email us at usarmy.belvoir.imcom-atlantic.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 with

LEVELS OF ESCALATION

Eagle Volume 28 Issue 49

the Department of the Army — as a civilian enterprise newspaper in the interest of Fort Belvoir, Va. Views and opinions are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the official view of the Department of Defense, Department of the Army, Military District of Washington or Fort Belvoir. Advertisement in this publication, does not constitute endorsement of the products or services by Department of the Army. Everything advertised herein must be made

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For Classified advertisement information, call 703-771-8831.

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December 17, 2020

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Belvoir Security: Four organizations, one mission efficient response. “If we had a bomb found at the gate, this is exactly who would be here, and t Telegraph gate, a car it’s good for us to know who the is randomly chosen for point of contacts are, and how an inspection and pulls they’re going to react on the off to the side. After the driver scene, so that we know how to opens the trunk and all doors, better react. You can only put so he sprints toward the woods, much on paper in an SOP, but leading to a take-down by the until you actually start doing it, military working dog that was you don’t really know. There are inspecting the vehicle. Moments so many ‘what-ifs’, and this helps later, the dog finds a suspicious take those ‘what-ifs’ out of the object in the back seat that looks equation.” like an improvised explosive Col. Joshua SeGraves, device.

Garrison commander, told the That was the scenario for approximately 50 participants a multi-unit exercise Dec. 8, this was the best part of his day, involving Department of the “seeing Soldiers doing Soldier Army Security Guards; 212th stuff. Especially this, with an Military Police Detachment; integrated team of our security the 55th Explosive Ordinance guards who are an absolutely Disposal, the 947th Military Photo by Paul Lara crucial part of our mission. I’m Police Military Working proud of you guys.”

Sgt. Tavian Brake, 947th MP Detachment, MWD, and Military Working Dog Dog Detachment; 212th MP Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Rrene conduct a random vehicle check at Telegraph, as part of a multi-unit force Detachment; and Fort Belvoir Gregory Kleinholz noted that a protection exercise, Dec. 8. casual observer would only see Fire and Emergency Services.

Army green, and not four separate agencies face exercises do, according to Amber Flores, “The last time we did an exercise like this learning to work as one. chief of Fort Belvoir’s physical security. was five years ago,” said Capt. Rafael Polo, “What you’ve learned today is a building “It’s very important to practice what we have commander, 55th Ordinance Company, EOD. block for the future, by understanding how (the on paper, so that everyone knows what they’re “I got here last year and started speaking with other agencies) operate. It makes it a lot easier my counterparts in the other units on post, and doing and, if a real-life situation happens, to work together– it’s instantaneous. That is there’s no second-guessing – it’s all ‘muscle we agreed that we need to do some training on what this interoperability training does. memory’ – they know what they should do and entry control points.”

“Something will happen in the future, and they execute it the way they’re supposed to,” Tabletop exercises are routinely held, but you all will be prepared to take care of it,” Flores said, adding that trust and familiarity cannot reveal communications shortcomings Kleinholz said. with other units can play a major role in an between organizations in the way that face-toBy Paul Lara Belvoir Eagle

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December 17, 2020

www.belvoireagleonline.com From Belvoir, page 1

those must be met for accreditation.

Washington, and to the over 150 mission Crutcher noted, while many Army partners we have on the installation,” said installations are not near major cities, Fort SeGraves. “The all-hazards perspective Belvoir places it among some of the best helped me understand how our team civilian teams in the country. integrates with mutual aid agencies that “Here, we’re surrounded by legitimately ultimately reduce our risks and provide the best of the best. Fairfax County is a the best services available – not just to the premiere fire and rescue service in the Army, but also to our local communities.” nation; they are number one when it comes Nick Christensen, accreditation team to FEMA rescue teams. When you have a lead, and DoD representative for the standard outside the gate, you also have to November site visit, said Fort Belvoir was become the standard,” Crutcher said. more than ready for the team’s visit.

“The community tour made clear The commission’s on-site visit in the organization had taken the time to November worked to validate every metric understand their areas of responsibility to Photo by Paul Lara and procedure, interviewing more than 20 the granular level. The agency’s absolutely Julien Crolet, Fort Belvoir Assistant Fire Chief, speaks to team members to gain insight on specific committed to the model of continuous the accreditation board Tuesday, after he coordinated 18 topics, and Crutcher said it went very well, improvement and their actions matched months of documentation to gain this prestigious validation and that “out of 225 areas examined, they their words on site,” Christiansen said. of excellence. articulated that we met all the critical core “There was full ownership from firefighter functions required, and only had about After making the commitment to obtain to fire chief, and a specific mention that out of a dozen observations and suggestions about the prestigious recognition from the my eleven site visits, this was the first time I best practices, several of which we addressed Commission of Fire Accreditation had the opportunity to interview a firefighter, right away.”

International, it became clear what a big which was always done by the accreditation “I knew when I got here, we need to be part administrative lift it was going to be, according manager or chief officer.” of that one percent; we’re that good,” said to Julien Crolet, the assistant fire chief tasked Shane Crutcher, Fort Belvoir fire chief, said Crutcher, adding, with a smile, “We don’t shy with completing the accreditation application his travels across the country have convinced away from a tough project.”

– that consumed a year and a half of his life to him Belvoir has the best Army fire department.

How does Chief Crutcher feel about the reach the finish line.

“This is, without a doubt, the most progressive board’s unanimous vote for accreditation?

“The largest undertaking is the third fire department in Army Fire and Emergency Relief. document, which is the Fire and Emergency Services,” Crutcher said. “I’ve had the opportunity Services Self-Assessment Manual, which takes This is a big deal, as we are the 8th Army to see lots of fire departments at various firefighting team to be accredited,” Crutcher a look at 256 performance indicators out of ten exercises and evaluations. I have travelled said. “It’s a huge relief, and I’m happy for the different categories. Each indicator is a pageacross the country over the past two years, doing organization. It’s been a lot of work for more long description on where you’re at with that evaluations for the Army. And I’ve had experience indicator, where you need to be, and then a than 18 months, and we didn’t let COVID slow seeing first-hand how they perform in Germany, us down. plan to get there,” Crolet said, adding that 86 and Fort Belvoir is the best.”

“Now begins the process of sustaining.” of them are core competencies, which means

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December 17, 2020

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Belvoir veterinarians rescue K-9 from certain death

By Paul Lara Belvoir Eagle

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police officer with Washington Metropolitan Airports Authority noticed his partner was responding strangely, and one phone call to the doctors revealed that it was serious and he needed to get to Fort Belvoir as soon as possible. “I knew something was wrong, so I got him in the car and we flew as fast as we possibly could to get here,” said Cpl. Daniel Cornwell. His partner, Szimi, is a K-9 working dog and he was fading fast.

“We raced here, had a trooper block the freeway exits and the guards at the gate waved me through. As soon as we arrived at the Veterinary Center, the officers and Soldiers became the calm in the chaos. They got x-rays and got him right to surgery,” Cornwell said.

“Szimi presented to us at the end of Feb. 2019 with a mesentery volvulus, which is when the intestines rotated around the blood supply,” said Capt. Donald Toland, branch chief, Fort Belvoir Veterinary Center. “We managed to de-rotate everything, and he was in intensive care for a week.

It usually kills dogs, so the fact that he is still here is a testament to the crew who worked on him,

Photo by Sarah Waibel

Cpl. Daniel Cornwell, Airports Authority K-9 officer, sits with his partner Szimi in recovery at the Fort Belvoir Veterinary Center, in February, 2019 after life-saving surgery. Szimi lost blood flow to his intestines, which is usually fatal to dogs. headed by Maj. Tiffany Kimbrell.

Almost everyone in this clinic at that time had a hand in this case, whether it was overnight care or in the operating room.”

Kimbrell said three things brought a successful outcome: “rapid identification, immediate action, and consistent training dedicated to the highest standards of care.”

The team effort earned everyone involved a K-9 Lifesaving Award from the Airports Authority, the first time it has been bestowed by the agency.

Kimbrell noted that the surgery was just the beginning, because restoring the blood flow then floods the patient with toxins from the dying tissues.

“Everyone put in 24-hour care, the highest level of care, and difficult monitoring in post-op and two surgeries. This success is due to all these dedicated Soldiers,” said Kimbrell.

Cornwell said being that close to losing his partner was frightening. While many can understand the bond between dog and man, he noted that the bond between handler and working dog is so much more.

“As a pet owner, you go out and search for the dog you want. We are paired as two entities, and from there we work to become a team.

Then we work to become family,” Cornwell said. “I’m with this canine more than I am with my wife and children; more than I am my own shadow – he’s always there.”

Friday’s awards presentation outside the Veterinary Center, which is a referral-level hospital for all the military working dogs throughout the Northeast, was a joyous moment, as Szimi had just been given a clean bill of health.

“I felt like I was going to have to say goodbye to my best friend, my partner, but because of these dedicated people, their dedication to the preservation of life can never be questioned. I deeply appreciate every one of you, to have him here with me.”

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December 17, 2020

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Photos by Paul Lara

Staffers and volunteers with the Semper Fi and America’s Fund help to mail out 17,000 holiday ornaments to Service members, veterans and their families at VFW Post 1503 in Dale City, Sunday. The mailing goes to those who have been wounded, ill or injured since Sept. 11, 2001.

Local volunteers mail out 17,000 ornaments to veterans for holidays

By Paul Lara Belvoir Eagle

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wo large Postal Service transport trucks sat silently behind the Dale City VFW Post, Nov. 22, as volunteers received a steady arrival of hundreds of bags, each bag containing 150 envelopes; each envelope with a 2020 holiday ornament inside. By day’s end, 17,000 ornaments were mailed out to Service members, veterans and their families from every branch of the Armed Forces who have been wounded or injured since the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, courtesy of the nonprofit Semper Fi and America’s Fund.

One of those ornaments was bound for Fairfax, and the mailbox of Jeremy Haynes, a client of The Fund. Haynes was an Army Major who served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

In August 2014, Haynes was an aide to Gen. Harold Greene, who was visiting the Marshal Fahim National Defense University in Afghanistan when an Afghan MP opened fire on the group, wounding Haynes and 17 others.

Gen. Greene was killed, the first American general officer to be killed in combat by enemy fire since 9/11, according to a Centcom report.

After several months of painful recuperation at Walter Reed, Haynes was given permission to live on Fort Belvoir.

“For me it was important because it introduced me to a household with an injury I couldn’t quite accept,” said Haynes. “I lived in a wheelchair-accessible home, and I had to work out how to work with a new body, and explore my limitations. During that trial period, Semper Fi never skipped a beat – helping me push through that process.

“I had just heard the worst news of my life – I’d never be able to walk again. My case manager, Karen Hetherington, looked at me as a human, as Jeremy, not with pity or remorse.

She greeted me with two words: ‘what’s next’?

Those two words threw me off. That was what I needed. I needed to think about ‘what’s next’.

Jeremy didn’t stop there; Jeremy didn’t die there. Her constant motivation and push from her team really empowered me to take a second chance at life,” said Haynes.

Reflecting on this year’s holiday ornament, Haynes said he sees a lot of positive symbols in The Semper Fi ornament, now hanging in his Fairfax home.

“When I see the truck moving in a forward motion, Karen was that truck, making sure I kept going in a forward direction. The service animal in the back of the truck wearing a helmet reminds me of the increased role service animals have played. It makes me think of the Semper Fi fund and its ‘you are not alone’ campaign. I’m always in contact with Karen, and I see the connection,” Haynes said.

The Fund provides immediate financial assistance and lifetime support for veterans during their time of recovery and transition back to civilian life. According to thefund.org, Semper Fi and America’s Fund was founded in 2003 by a military spouse, and since then has helped more than 25,000 Service members and distributed nearly $250 million in assistance.

“We’ve done this mailing for the last 12 years, and we usually have about 200 volunteers, including the local JROTC from Gar Field High School. They come in and unload all the supplies to set up an assemblyline process,” said Laura Castellvi, The Fund’s director of community outreach. “This year, due to the pandemic, we’ve had staffers and volunteers take home materials to assemble, wrap, and label. We weigh the bags, and then all of our volunteers help load the postal hampers. As this project has grown over the years, we’ve had to add a second Postal Service truck to the process.”

Castellvi said they were excited to come up

The Semper Fi and America’s Fund 2020 holiday ornament that has been mailed out to 17,000 wounded Service members and veterans earlier this month from Dale City. with a way to safely continue this tradition, to make this holiday as normal as possible.

Haynes said he has two sons, both born on Jan. 31, three years apart. They were both named in honor of Gen. Greene.

“The Fund donated to help us build a wheelchair-accessible home,” Haynes said.

“We enjoy simple things, like time. I’m much more humbled to appreciate the simple things; less driven on things that don’t matter, and family matters a great deal. Because of this, I have inherited a new family. I was on a virtual Christmas call last night, and my family grew out of that. They do a great job of connecting you with others who have endured and overcome.”

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December 17, 2020

Belvoir Eagle

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Belvoir MWR provides Christmas Eve dinners to go

By David Fawcett Belvoir Eagle

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ith 20 people signing up for its Thanksgiving Day Dinner To Go event, Fort Belvoir MWR decided to extend the same service for Christmas Eve. “It was successful enough to do it again,” said Tim Coolican, Belvoir’s director of business operations chief at DFMWR, and the golf club general manager.

The deadline for the reservation-only service is today, Dec. 17 at 3 p.m.

Reservations can be made via phone at 703-8065886 and 703-806-5872 or in person by visiting the post’s golf club located at 8450 Beulah Street, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The cost is $170 and payment is required upon reservation. Dinners will be ready for pickup Dec. 23 before 5 p.m. at the Officers’ Club at 5500 Schulz Circle.

The meals, which can serve up to 10 people, allow customers to purchase one entrée and four sides. The entrees are roasted turkey, orange glazed ham and grilled salmon. The sides are garlic mashed potatoes, roasted red

potatoes, cornbread stuffing, cranberry sauce, stuffed shells, pasta primavera, creamed spinach, slow cooked cabbage, green beans, sweet potato casserole and mac and cheese.

Fifteen rolls with butter are included with all orders. The meals all come with heating instructions and are prepared by MWR Chefs Nelly Zambrano and David Hackney.

Desserts are also available with cheesecake and red velvet cake each available for $20 apiece.

Coolican said the Thanksgiving Day event provided a good road map for how to do future events.

“Being the first time, I did not know what to expect,” Coolican said.

“This allowed us to work out the kinks.”

Coolican said the logistics were the biggest challenge for the Thanksgiving event from the packaging of the food, to timeliness in reservations.

“The food was the easy part,” Coolican said.

“We’re used to making larger quantities of food.”

Coolican said he Courtesy photo thinks the to-go holiday menus will continue in 2021. As inspiration, Coolican pointed to Fort Meade, which has done Thanksgiving Day to-go meals for years. This last time, they had 60 orders, “You grow into it and make it better,” Coolican said. “I’m not upset we only had 20 for Thanksgiving. We got our feet wet. We figured it out.”

Stay stress free this holiday season

By Amber Scharbo MS, ATC, ACSM-CPT- Health Educator Fort Belvoir Armed Forces Wellness Center

S

tress is America’s #1 health problem. Did you know that 75-90% of visits to primary care are due to stress-related complaints?

Stress hurts our mind and body. Too often, people keep doing the same things that cause themselves stress, as if there is nothing they can do about it. We may not be able to control the stressors that come into our lives, but we can control our reactions. It’s time that we create more awareness and start to recognize our behavior patterns and body cues. Listen to those warning signals, and start to deal with the cause of your stress - not just the effects.

What are some things that you can do to alleviate stress and be more relaxed this holiday season?

• Focus on 1 thing at a time; don’t try to multitask.

• Be present in what you are doing. Don’t allow thoughts of the past or future race through your mind.

• Allow your mind to disengage before bedtime- be sure to have a relaxing pre-sleep routine that doesn’t involve screen time.

• Breathe and enjoy the process of activities.

Try not to rush through to get to the end product (i.e. baking cookies, decorating the house) • Participate in the Holiday Healthy Habit Challenge-completing small tasks can take your mind off of anxiety-driven thoughts.

Photo by Cottonbro from Pexels

Dashing through December is the AFWC’s Healthy Holiday Initiative. It was created to help you improve your overall wellness throughout this crazy holiday season. It’s also a great way to learn some healthy habits to jump-start the New Year. Take a couple of minutes each day to complete the task listed.

Get your family or co-workers involved. These

daily challenges will help you re-focus, create balance and cultivate strength of mind.

Visit the Fort Belvoir Armed Forces Wellness Center site for the Healthy Holidays Calendar and Toolkit: https://home.army. mil/belvoir/index.php/about/Garrison/ headquarters-command-battalion/fort-belvoirarmed-forces-wellness-center

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Belvoir Eagle

December 17, 2020

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Winter Holiday Safety

Winter holidays are a time for families and friends to get together.

But that also means a greater risk for fire. Following a few simple tips will ensure a happy and fire-safe holiday season.

• • • •

• • • • • • •

•

Holiday decorating Be careful with holiday decorations. Choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant.

Keep lit candles away from decorations and other things that can burn.

Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both.

Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Read manufacturer’s instructions for number of light strands to connect.

Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords do not get damaged.

Keep decorations away from windows and doors.

Holiday entertaining Test your smoke alarms and tell guests about your home fire escape plan.

Keep children and pets away from lit candles.

Keep matches and lighters up high in a locked cabinet.

Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop.

Ask smokers to smoke outside. Remind smokers to keep their smoking materials with them so young children do not touch them.

Provide large, deep ashtrays for smokers. Wet cigarette butts with water before discarding.

NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION The leading information and knowledge resource on fire, electrical and related hazards

nfpa.org/education ©NFPA 2019

Before Heading Out or to Bed

Blow out lit candles when you leave the room or go to bed. Turn off all light strings and decorations before leaving home or going to bed.

• •

FACTS

! More than one-third of

home decoration fires are started by candles.

! More than two of

every five decoration fires happen because decorations are placed too close to a heat source.

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December 17, 2020

Belvoir Eagle

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PEO soldier hosts Sergeant Major of the Army

By Frederick Shear PEO Soldier

L

ast month, shortly before Thanksgiving, Program Executive Office Soldier hosted Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael Grinston to highlight the office’s new programs, initiatives, and give a tour of its project sites.

Twenty nine senior enlisted leaders representing personnel, operations, logistics, planning and communications, among other senior Army offices, accompanied Grinston during the staff ride.

Members from PEO Soldier’s product leadership teams presented on the capabilities and status of various programs being developed to meet the mission of making Soldiers more agile, adaptive, and lethal in all operational environments. This event also gave senior Army leaders the opportunity to get hands-on experience with equipment.

“There’s no substitute for putting on the equipment and walking through scenarios to see how our Soldiers are going to be able to train in the future,” said Grinston.

At Project Manager Integrated Visual Integrated Augmentation System, visitors donned the capability set three militarized form factor prototype of the IVAS, a headset that includes a squad radio, sensors, target recognition, and a network cloud package to provide next-generation situational awareness to Army squads.

At the Soldier Integration Facility, participants ran through a synthetic training environment with a Squad immersive Virtual Trainer tool that enables Soldiers to train and

Courtesy photo

Army senior enlisted leaders test the IVAS at Fort Belvoir, Nov. 20.

iterate mixed-reality scenarios to maximize efficiency and effectiveness with precision tracking and after action reviews. The SIF is an enterprise-level workspace for PEO Soldier and its stakeholders to test programs like IVAS, Nett Warrior, and initiatives working to integrate legacy equipment with improved technology and designs.

The sergeants major also received an overview from Project Manager Soldier Lethality on the Next Generation Squad Weapon and fire control optic. They then fired the M4 with the Family of Weapons Sight-Individual and Enhanced Night Vision Goggle-Binocular in order to highlight the integrated thermal and image intensification feature as well as the rapid target acquisition capability set.

The groups then received briefs on and fired the ACP 9k subcompact weapon and the M17 Modular Handgun System, weapons currently being fielded to various Army units.

At PEO headquarters, representatives from Project Managers Soldier Maneuver and Precision Targeting and Soldier Survivability gave updates on the ENVG-B, Family of Weapon Sights, Joint Effects Targeting System, Soldier Borne Sensor, and other programs for body armor and uniforms.

“The new equipment within the Soldier Maneuver and Precision Targeting portfolio is going to be a great tool for our leaders as we build cohesive teams that are highly-trained and ready,” said Grinston.

Both the hosts and guests agreed that the event was worthwhile and agreed that PEO’s initiatives will improve the capabilities of Soldiers.

“It was an awesome opportunity to have the senior sergeants major on the Army staff have a hands-on and immersive experience with some of the incredible products being developed and fielded by PEO Soldier,” said PEO Soldier Cmd. Sgt. Maj. Vern Daley, who led the event. “Hopefully this will help to provide perspective to these sergeants major as they continue to plan and guide our Army and its modernization efforts.”

“The work that has gone into this is amazing,” said participant Sgt. Maj. Mark A. Clark Jr., Deputy Chief of Staff, G-1 Sergeant Major. “I think our Soldiers are going to benefit from it, but it’s also going to obviously keep us at the cutting edge, having the advantage over our enemies.”

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Belvoir Eagle

December 17, 2020

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Belvoir Community Briefs National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month

Get into the Holiday Spirit

Despite unprecedented times, there are many reasons to be merry this Holiday Season. Fort Belvoir Army Substance Abuse Program asks everyone to embrace the spirit of joy this season, and remember to drive sober. December has been designated as “National Drunk & Drugged Driving Prevention Month.” This time of year has higher accident rates than any other. This campaign is designed to prevent the loss of life by committing to safe driving practices, and remind everyone to remain sober, drug free, and safe on the road.

with these seasonal light displays in our area

Mount Vernon Estate 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway

vChristmas Illuminations December 18 & 19 The normally serene estate kicks it into high gear with explosive fireworks that shine brightly against the dark nighttime skies overlooking the Potomac River.

Enjoy the visual dips and bouquets of fireworks as they ebb and flow to the beat of the accompanying music. For tickets, fees and more information, go to mountvernon.org/planyour-visit/calendar/events, then scroll down.

vWinter Glow December 26 Prepare to witness the Mount Vernon Estate bathe its main building and surrounding trees in soft hues of lights and holiday patterns while guests take a peaceful

stroll listening to the harmonious sounds of Christmas carolers. Experience a melodic and historic evening by engaging in pleasant conversation with soldiers reenacting an 18th century winter encampment. For tickets, fees and pricing, go to mountvernon.org/plan-your-visit/ calendar/events, then scroll down.

The Winter Village Cameron Run, Alexandria vIce and Lights Through January 3 The Ice and Lights attraction transforms Cameron Run’s water park into a dazzling display of walk-through Christmas lights with an option for ice skating.

There are many opportunities to take photos throughout this attraction. For tickets, entrance fee and pricing information, go to cameroniceandlights.com

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, Vienna vWinter Walk of Lights Through January 3 This gorgeous, half-mile walking light display features fountains of lights, small wire light displays designed by local artists, a garden of light, and the Korean Bell garden, among others. For tickets, entrance fees and more information, go to winterwalkoflights.com

Bull Run Regional Park 7700 Bull Run Drive, Centreville

vBull Run Festival of Lights Through Jan.10 This could be the most picturesque drivethrough holiday light show you’ll see this season. In the span of 2.5-miles, you’ll witness the brilliance of 40,000 lights set to music featuring festive holiday scenes.

For tickets and entrance fee prices, go to bullrunfestivaloflights.com.

ASAP recommends these tips for a safe holiday season: • Before you celebrate, designate.

Identify a responsible driver, use public transportation, or stay the night.

• Use the program Sober Ride 2020, http://www.wrap.org/soberride/.

• Avoid binge drinking and drinking games. If you are buzzed you are impaired.

• Remember HALT: don’t drink if you’re Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired.

• Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving. If you know someone who is about to drive or ride with a driver who is impaired, help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.

Legal Assistance Holiday Schedule Fort Belvoir Legal Assistance Office will be closed Dec. 24, 25, 28, 30 and 31. The office will also be closed Jan. 1. On Dec. 29 there will be a walk-in service, 9-10:30 a.m. for active duty and their dependents only.

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December 17, 2020

Belvoir Eagle

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The Staff of The Fort Belvoir Eagle wishes you & your family a Happy Holiday Season!

Employment Advertising BUSINESS OFFICE MANAGER Rappahannock Media/InsideNoVa seeks a high-energy administrative professional with bookkeeping skills and experience to be its next Business Office Manager.

This is a part-time (25-30 hours a week) position.

Primary job duties include handling weekly invoicing and accounts receivable collections, posting daily deposits and reconciling bank statements, preparing sales and management reports, and entering transactions into Quickbooks. The ideal candidate will have some experience in all of those tasks, along with the ability to quickly learn an industry-specific software platform for billing and A/R. He or she must be highly professional and responsive and demonstrate an ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment. We are a local media company that produces weekly newspapers, lifestyle magazines and digital products. Telecommuting is an option for this position, although office visits may be necessary (to Culpeper, Woodbridge or Washington, Va.) to complete certain functions.

Apply with a resume and a cover letter that includes salary requirements to bpotter@insidenova.com

ANNOUNCEMENTS

HIGHWAY IMPROVEMENTS AT ENTRANCE TO FORT BELVOIR (KINGMAN AND WALKER GATES) FAIRFAX COUNTY, VIRGINIA Willingness to Hold a Public Meeting The Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) in cooperation with the US Army Fort Belvoir and the Virginia Department of Transportation, proposes to construct road improvements at Kingman and Walker Gates. Kingman Gate improvements involve constructing new turn lanes from Fairfax County Parkway onto John J Kingman Rd to reduce queuing of left-turning vehicles.

Walker Gate improvements involve extending the left turn lane from Mt Vernon Memorial Highway onto Mt Vernon Rd and related intersection improvements.

Project information and related environmental documentation are available for review at https://flh.fhwa.dot.gov/projects/notices.htm. You may request that a public information meeting be held by calling or emailing a request to Eden Jemal, Project Manager, at (202) 924-8897 or eden.jemal@dot.gov on or prior to December 31, 2020. If a request for a public meeting is received and FHWA cannot resolve the questions or concerns, a public meeting will be scheduled. Notice of the date, time, and place of the scheduled meeting will be posted and noticed.

FHWA ensures nondiscrimination in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. If you have questions or concerns about your civil rights regarding this project or special assistance for persons with disabilities or limited English proficiency, contact Eden Jemal.

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Belvoir Eagle

December 17, 2020

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