BELVOIR AAFES facilities will be closed for Easter Sunday except for the North Post Express which will be open from 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Visit Facebook @Fortbelvoir for updates.
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April 9, 2020
Temperature checks begin at Commissary entrance, Sgt. 1st Class Shannon Johnson, Garrison equal opportunity advisor, was aiming s health officials warn the device, a tripod-mounted the nation that the device the size of a large camera, next couple weeks may at shoppers as they stood on signal some of the largest a mark about 15 feet away. outbreaks of COVID-19, Fort The infrared display indicated Belvoir has added infrared the radiated heat in orange. thermal temperature scans at Since the reading was focused the commissary entrance as an on the person’s eyes, subjects additional precaution, according were asked to remove their to Col. Michael Greenberg, Fort glasses. In just a second or two, Photo by Paul Lara Belvoir Garrison commander. A FLIR infrared scanner reports a normal a digital display indicated the “Protection of our people and temperature. our community is a top priority,” temperature in a commissary shopper, Commissary Manager Ken Monday. The garrison implemented the said Greenberg. “We continue Cunningham said this was just additional health screening as the number to implement measures that will one more level of precaution of reported COVID-19 cases continue to help minimize the spread of the which enhances the additional virus. We must continue to work rise in Virginia. cleaning measures his staff together as we navigate through conducts multiple times daily. According to Command this health emergency.” “We’re trying to take care of our Sgt. Maj. Robert Cleveland, Staff Sgt. Andrew Belmont, patrons and employees and make Headquarters Battalion, training Headquarters and Headquarters sure people are safe while they get and detailing Soldiers to support Company Garrison training what they need. I’m delighted that the Commissary is one of the room NCOIC, said he and other Col. Greenberg and [Command] ways to support the Garrison Soldiers had been trained to use Sgt. Maj. Cleveland obtained this commander’s priorities. an infrared scanner capable of passive thermal reader,” said “Along with social distancing, real-time display of a person’s Cunningham. and the use of face masks to temperature from a safe distance. Cunningham added that social minimize spread, thermal “It was hands-on training by distancing is enforced by allowing scanning is another way we can hospital personnel, teaching us just 30 people in the story each keep commissary employees how to power up, calibrate it, and half-hour, and only eligible safe, while identifying folks that then get a baseline temperature shoppers can enter. Shoppers should be medically evaluated,” cannot bring guests in to shop Cleveland said. by scanning three healthy with them. In the Fort Belvoir commissary individuals,” said Belmont. By Paul Lara Belvoir Eagle
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Tulley Gate now 24/7 Lieber temporarily closing Beginning early Friday morning, Belvoir moves its 24/7 gate operations from Lieber Gate to Tulley Gate. Tulley Gate becomes the installation’s main access control point for DoD ID card holders, visitors and commercial vehicles. Lieber Gate will remain closed until further notice. Pence Gate will continue with normal hours of operation, 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., 7 days a week. Farrar Gate remains the access control point, 24/7, into Davison Army Airfield.
DoD issues guidance for face coverings By Belvoir Public Affairs o mitigate the spread of COVID-19, Fort Belvoir is implementing Department of Defense guidance on the use of cloth face coverings. Effective immediately, to the extent practical, ALL individuals on Department of Defense property, installations, and facilities will wear cloth face coverings when they cannot maintain six feet of social distance in public areas or work centers. This includes on retailers, such as, the Defense Commissary Agency, Exchange and other on high traffic facilities on post. This does not include a service member’s residence on the installation. Soldiers are authorized to wear the neck gaiter and other cloth items,
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U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams video demonstrating how to make a face covering from a T-shirt. Want to make your own face covering? Watch the tutorial on Fort Belvoir Youtube Channel @ YouTube.com/Fortbelvoir. A2
Housing
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Curbside pickup
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Hospital Update
such as bandanas and scarves, as face coverings. Soldiers should not, however, fashion face coverings from Army Combat Uniforms or other materials that have been chemicallytreated. Personal protective equipment, such as N95 respirators or surgical masks, must be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders, as recommended by current CDC guidance. Force health protection is the Army’s top priority. Army senior leaders are urging everyone to adhere to the latest CDC guidelines to prevent the spread of the virus, including practicing rigorous protocols for personal hygiene, staying home when sick and implementing social distancing techniques. A7
Safe Families
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Belvoir Eagle
April 9, 2020
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BELVOIR HOUSING UPDATE Compiled by USAG Fort Belvoir Public Affairs
Belvoir Housing Office can help you sort housing options
CONSIDER YOUR HOUSING OPTIONS
By Paul Lara Belvoir Eagle
Is Renting Right for You?
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ne of the most significant decisions to make at your new duty station is where to live. Service members and Families need to decide whether to live on post or find a community nearby that meets their needs, and Fort Belvoir’s Housing Services Office can help with that decision. Housing Services staffer Edmond Hackett said the first realization for those moving from installations in the south, is that housing costs are much higher in the capital region. He said one of the big negatives of living off the installation is the commute, and that housing options are quite expensive nearby, with costs dropping the farther south you go. Unlike housing on the installation, however, any savings off-post may boost the families bottom-line. “If they rent for less than their BAH allowance, they can pocket the difference, but if you live on post, your entire BAH will be given to housing,” said Hackett. The other reality of off-post living is the commute, and the unknown quality of the nearby community. “You’ll have to deal with the community where you decide to live. And, unless you’re in a gated community, you don’t have the security” that is a given with military housing, he said. In addition to security, Hackett added that living in the Villages of Belvoir offers convenience to the Exchange, Commissary, and all the amenities on post. The Housing Services Office, located next to Defense Acquisition University, is ready to help you sort out all your options to find the best combination of cost, location and community. Hackett said the HSO team is armed with prices, specific apartments that have partnered with Fort Belvoir that offer discounts to Service members, as well as a list of preferred real estate agents. For more, contact Belvoir Belvoir Housing Services (703) 805-3019.
FOR RENT
Choosing a place to call home — and whether to rent or buy — is a big decision that will affect your finances and lifestyle as a service or family member. So it pays to carefully evaluate your options.
Weigh the pros and cons of renting before signing a lease. What are the advantages of renting a home?
What are the disadvantages of renting a home?
Less upfront expenses and paperwork
No opportunity to build equity
Easier to relocate (See https://files.consumer
No tax benefits
finance.gov/f/documents/cfpb_service members-civil-relief-act_factsheet.pdf)
Landlord can raise rent at end of lease term Landlord can sell the property or decline to
Minimal maintenance or repair costs
extend lease
Rent may include utilities, lawn care, trash
Rental options may be limited depending
removal and other services
on the housing market
No risk of loss if home values decrease
May have to move more frequently
Renters insurance typically costs less than homeowners insurance
Should I choose on-base housing? Ń Minimizes commute
ń Home and work life may be harder
Ń Safe, family-friendly community with shared mission
to separate
ń Availability and size may be limited
Ń Maintenance and amenities are usually included You have accredited personal financial managers and personal financial counselors at your fingertips. Set up a no-cost appointment at your nearest Family Center (https://installations.militaryonesource.mil or https://www.jointservicessupport.org/spn) to learn more about buying and renting.
USAG FORT BELVOIR
Call if you have unresolved health or safety concerns: 1-800-984-8523
Installation Management Command Follow the Office of Financial Readiness:
How to Resolve Housing Concerns https://www.facebook.com/DoDFINRED LEVEL 1 – SUBMIT YOUR WORK ORDER https://www.twitter.com/DoDFINRED
https://www.instagram.com/DoDFINRED • Online - www.villagesatbelvoir.com • In-Person - Maintenance Facility Building 1108 https://www.youtube.com/DoDFINRED • Phone - 24-Hour Emergency Maintenance Request Line: 703.619.3880 https://www.medium.com/@DoDFINRED
LEVEL 2 – MAKE CONTACT
• Garrison Commander’s Housing Hotline: • Submit concerns to the Fort Belvoir Interactive Customer Evaluation ICE System: https://ice.disa.mil
LEVEL 3 – CONTACT GARRISON COMMANDER • Garrison Commander’s Housing Hotline: • 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, call 703-805-2034 or 805-5001, or email us at editor@belvoireagleonline.com. 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 14
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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s more Belvoir residents turn to online shopping during the COVID-19 public health emergency, both the Exchange and Commissary are adding new services and expanding existing curbside pickup services. On Friday, the Belvoir Exchange is implementing curbside pickup Shoppers will be able to order at ShopMyExchange.com and pick up their purchases. “The pickup location is going to be in front of the Exchange, next to the grass median separating the Exchange and commissary parking lots,” said JoAnne Cahalan, Fort Belvoir Exchange manager. Curbside pickup is an extension of the Exchange’s buy online, pick up in store service. Authorized military shoppers with installation access can visit ShopMyExchange.com, find what they need and choose the pickup at store option. When the order is ready, the store will call and offer the curbside pickup option. At the store, shoppers park in a designated numbered space, call the phone number on the sign and the order is delivered to their vehicle. “We’ve had several requests for a curbside pickup program, so we anticipate many customers will choose this option when we launch it on Friday,” said Cahalan. “We have been encouraging our shoppers to maintain physical distancing during the pandemic, so we hope offering curbside pickup will strengthen that message while making sure they still have access to the things they need during this challenging time.”
Commissary online shopping expanded The Belvoir Commissary has increased the service capacity of CLICK2GO, its internet shopping, curbside pickup service, as customers turn to online shopping during stay-at-home orders. “We experienced an increase in orders, so we boosted our capacity about 35 percent, adding 100 more pickup times during a week, and customers have taken them up,” said John Blythe, store director. He cautions customers about product availability, which has been impacted by shopping patterns. Online products might not be available when shoppers fill the orders, and customers are notified of their order status, accordingly. Authorized customers can order through a computer or mobile device, through the customer portal, MyCommissary.com. An initial sign-up is required for first-time users. Patrons then select from commissary products offered online based on the store’s stock. There are a limited number of online order timeslots per day, especially with the increase in online customers. Customers shop, choose the pickup time and check out. The only thing left to do is arrive curbside at the appointed time and pay. Commissary workers load the groceries in the shopper’s car.
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Belvoir Eagle
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April 9, 2020
Many Belvoir Hospital specialty services now online The following By Fort Belvoir Editor’s note: This represents Fort Belvoir Community Hospital’s current plan for delivering specialty services Community Hospital services as of April 6. As conditions and circumstances change, the list is updated at tricare. are primarily uring this time mil/mtf/BelvoirHospital and on Facebook at BelvoirHospital. treating patients via of national telemedicine modes. emergency, Fort • Allergy Belvoir Community • Cardiology Hospital is committed • Dermatology to providing timely • Endocrine access to medical care for those who need it the • Gastroenterology most, while protecting • Infectious Disease patients and staff from • Neurology unintended illness • Pulmonary resulting from exposure • Rheumatology to others. To ensure Belvoir Behavioral Hospital’s healthcare Health professionals are poised to support an increased All Behavioral need for acute patient Health services care and minimize risk are implementing to all, certain services remote care models, and programs have by phone and video, been delayed/reduced while continuing to or provided through maintain more limited telehealth options at in-person capacity, this time. for patients at risk If you think you for self-harm, urgent have COVID-19, please and emergency care. stay home and take care of yourself and avoid Physical distancing and PPE are implemented message through the TOL Secure contact with others as much as possible. at all clinics as recommended by COVID-19 Messaging function. If you have questions or symptoms you screening procedures for patient and staff Beneficiaries also can call the Integrated would like to discuss with a healthcare safety. Referral and Management Appointing professional, call the 24/7 Nurse Advice Line, New patients should call the clinic directly Center, 855-227-6331, which can offer in1-800-TRICARE (874-2273), select option 1, to arrange a telemedicine visit. then option 2; visit MHSNurseAdviceLine. person appointments or virtual appointments Complete details are available from tricare. com for a web or video chat; or send a secure from home. mil/mtf/BelvoirHospital
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April 9, 2020
Soldiers make COVID protective masks
Belvoir Eagle
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China n e d r a G LUNCH SPECIAL Starting at
Photo by Sgt. Joe Parrish
A parachute rigger with 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne), Group Support Battalion, sews surgical masks for medical patients at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., March 31. By 1st Special Forces Group Public Affairs
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st Special Forces Group (Airborne) medical professionals and logisticians stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., manufactured personal protective equipment for routine care and protection against the COVID-19 pandemic, March 31. As COVID-19 continues to permeate the region, 1st SFG (A) Soldiers adapt to develop solutions to combat the virus and protect the force, within both the Special Operations and JBLM communities. The most recent adaptation is producing personal protective equipment. 1st SFG (A), Group Support Battalion personnel used their resources and expertise to create prototypes for reusable respirator masks, face shields and surgical masks for Madigan Army Medical Center and its regional partners.
The riggers repurposed their sewing machines, that are typically used to repair parachutes, to assemble surgical masks. “The Aerial Delivery Platoon will be able to produce 200 (masks) per day initially, with only five lightweight sewing machines,” said Lt. Col. Christopher S. Jones, 1st SFG, GSB commander. The masks will be beneficial immediately to personnel identified by medical professionals. “The most likely application [of the masks] will be to have a symptomatic patient, one with a cough, sneezing, shortness of breath, wear the mask in order to reduce the amount of respiratory droplets contaminating the environment, helping reduce the likelihood that ill people expose others,” said Col. Rodd E. Marcum, 1st SFG (A) surgeon. Editor’s note: As of April 3, 1st SFG (A) provided 300 surgical masks to Madigan Army Medical Center.
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Belvoir Eagle
April 9, 2020
www.belvoireagleonline.com
Tech allows chaplains to minister despite pandemic people under 30 get information.” Besides using social media formats like Facebook Live, Akers and the others at the Religious Support Office have devised additional ways to ensure people’s spiritual needs are met. Last week, the RSO started distributing sealed communion kits available for worshippers to pick up at Woodlawn Chapel parking lot. On Friday, Chaplain (Maj.) Luis Garayua, Woodlawn Chapel’s community pastor, passed out communion kits and palm fronds, leading up to Palm Sunday, as a steady stream of drivers arrived, ready to receive them. “Without meeting in person, we have no way to get the palms out to our congregants, so we decided to do these for timed events at Woodlawn Chapel,” Garayua said. “It gives us the opportunity to pass out the palms and communion kits. It also gives us a contact point to actually meet our congregations or people who just want to come out.” To ensure enough communion kits were available, Akers said they bought the final 700 boxes at a local Christian store in Springfield Mall and plans to buy more online. While maintaining proper social distancing, worshippers are also picking up other materials that are in line with their faith. Pastors are conducting services virtually in different ways, Photo by Paul Lara whether pre-recorded or from their offices on the day of a service. Chaplain (Maj.) Luis Garayua, community chaplain, hands out palm fronds Akers sees their work as business as usual in one important and communion kits to parishoners Friday in preparation for a virtual Palm way. Sunday service. “Our jobs as chaplains is to maintain calm,” Akers said. “We remind people of the holistic approach. Their physical health is By David Fawcett important. But their spiritual health is as important. We’re here as Belvoir Eagle leaders to help them maintain a healthy well-being.” haplain (Lt. Col) Buster Akers has learned more about Garayua agreed. Facebook Live now more than ever before. But, he’s fine with “It’s challenging to maintain community, when everyone’s at that, as garrison’s deputy chaplain gets up to speed on how to home,” Garayua said. “I don’t live on post, but we are available. We let help Soldiers and their families stay spiritually connected, especially people know the chaplains are available and we try to get out as much as the coronavirus upends traditional worship. as we can, to minister to those in need. “It’s been a plus,” Akers said. “It’s helpful to learn this. It’s how Paul Lara contributed to this story
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DLA Troop Support provides religious food, items addition to the palms, was “a big feat for this time of crisis,” Gaudio said. ith the upcoming “We were prepared for more Easter and Passover delays, but everything seemed holidays, the Defense to go without a hitch this year,” Logistics Agency Troop Gaudio said. About 72,000 Support provided special meals customers around the globe and religious items to give were notified about Easter and some much-needed comfort Passover orders in December to Servicemembers deployed with information about deadlines overseas, during these and prices, Gaudio said. unprecedented times. In light of the changes Religious holiday items caused by COVID-19, the were sent around the globe way Servicemen and -women without delays caused by the observe holidays will be a little coronavirus, said Christopher different this year, Gaudio Gaudio, a customer account said. specialist from the Clothing “Normally, you’d observe a and Textiles supply chain and Photo by Marine Lance Cpl. Ginnie Lee holiday as a group in a chapel team leader for the religious A Catholic priest leads a prayer during an Ash Wednesday Mass at the station and listen to a sermon,” he support program. chapel on Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., Feb. 26. The Defense Logistics said. “This year, you’re going The Subsistence supply chain Agency Troop Support provided religious items, including ashes, palms and to do it virtually, or a chaplain sent nearly 90,000 pounds of Passover Seder kits, and almost 90,000 pounds of food for Servicemen and -women will pass out palms and say observing these holidays overseas. food for the respective holiday prayers individually.” meals, according to Robin Those using Seder kits will Whaley, branch chief for customer relations be in their own home or facility and observe by by March 30, Gaudio said, for delivery by in the Europe and Central Command regions. themselves as well, he said. Easter on April 12, and the Passover holiday These deliveries included pork, salmon, shrimp, “It means a lot for them to be home and from April 8 to 16. Two orders for palms ham, pies, cakes and candy. observe the holiday, even if it is ultimately by heading to Europe were slightly delayed due Subsistence also sent 200 cases of Kosher themselves,” Gaudio said. “They’re turning to to issues stemming from coronavirus shipping for Passover Meals, Ready to Eat, with 12 their faith to get them through these times. complications, he said. Those orders, along meal bags in each case, including chicken, beef, with medical supplies, were shipped out of Who knows what that person is going through and gefilte fish menus, according to Joseph or where they’re at? It puts a warm and Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Zanolle, a customer account specialist with the fuzzy feeling back into their soul so they can March 31. celebrate, no matter what their religion is, no Getting all the religious items, including supply chain. matter where they are in the world.” Most orders for religious items were shipped Seder kits, ashes, wine and grape juice, in
By Nancy Benecki DLA Troop Support
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April 9, 2020
Belvoir Eagle
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Health and safety tips for military families By Military OneSource
especially nurturing for young children.
he Defense Department is committed to keeping you and your family safe, 24/7 and 365 days a year. The coronavirus pandemic is no exception. During this uncertain and unpredictable time, there are ways to promote the safety, health and well-being of yourself, your spouse or partner, and your children, even if your family unit is feeling tested or strained. Emergencies, unexpected events, and disruptions to our workplace and home can increase stress and put added pressure on family and personal relationships. Some may have increased anxiety about deployed and at-home family members’ health and safety or are worried about older grandparents who live far away. To reduce the COVID-19 threat, we have all been asked to modify our habits and activities. If self-quarantine and social distancing have made you or your children feel anxious, stressed or even depressed, know you are not alone.
Take steps to promote child safety in the home
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Before the quarantine, families might not have been used to being together so much. To reduce risk of accidents or injuries to children, make sure any dangerous or potentially deadly items are safely stored, locked and inaccessible to children. Items include medications and cleaning products.
Talk to someone
Maintain your daily routine For everyone’s mental wellness, it’s good to stick to a usual routine as much as possible while at home. Going to bed and getting up in the morning at your normal time, sharing meals as a family and sticking to an in- or outdoor exercise regime, alone or with the family, are ways to stay resilient. Sticking to a routine is also
The Military and Family Life Counselors are here to listen. The MFLC program is a FREE individual and family counseling service available to active-duty Service members, National Guard, Reserve, DoD civilians and their family members. Due to COVID-19, MFLCs will temporarily provide telephone and video nonmedical counseling. To schedule a youth appointment, email BelvoirSchoolMFLC-09@SRIMFLCTeam.com. To schedule an adult appointment, call 1-800-342-9647.
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Belvoir Eagle
April 9, 2020
www.belvoireagleonline.com
Distracted Driving Awareness: drive down distractions
By William Murray Army Force Management Support Agency
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utside of combat (and Thanksgiving with the in-laws), few endeavors are as fraught with danger as driving. Each year, there are more than 30,000 traffic fatalities in America. It almost makes the run to Kabul look sane. And yet, every day we see people behind the wheel eating, texting, reading — doing just about anything but watching the road.
Belvoir Eagle
Ever heard of situational awareness? You know, it’s what makes you take that second look at a pile of rocks along the convoy route or notice the locals suddenly disappearing from your foot patrol zone. Bring it back home and situational awareness is looking at the kid playing with his dog and wondering if he might rush out into the street. It’s watching that car about to enter from a side street to see if the driver has looked your way and knows you’re coming. Basically, it’s staying alert for the hazards around you. Some motorists rarely, if ever, practice situational awareness. I’m stationed in the Washington, D.C., area and dread my afternoon and weekend commutes. Here are an few example why. I once witnessed an Army spouse (identified by the numerous “I (HEART) MY SOLDIER” stickers on her vehicle) texting while operating in heavy traffic on Interstate 495. My wife and I watched as she got closer to the car ahead of her every time traffic stopped. When traffic suddenly halted after reaching about 30 mph, she panicked and threw her device against the windshield, trying to regain control of her vehicle. Fortunately, she stopped in time. The next time she passed us, she had both hands on the wheel. It’s not just that distracted drivers disrupt the flow of traffic or using handheld devices while driving on post is prohibited by regulation. The real issue is these drivers pose a dangerous threat to everyone else on the road. I once had to send my first sergeant and a platoon leader to the chapel where the wife of a staff sergeant worked. Their duty was to tell this young mother of three that her Soldier had gotten distracted on the road and wouldn’t be coming home — ever. What about you? Is a phone call or text message worth your life? Editor’s Note: Edited for space. Read Original here: safety.army.mil. Americans are driving less due to the COVID-19 pandemic but if you must drive for mission essential work, please don’t drive distracted!
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Belvoir Eagle
April 9, 2020
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What Generation Z needs to know about lending apps By DoD Office of Financial Readiness
appealing than they are. Use budgeting apps and resources. Since many of the consumers drawn to lending apps like their digital accessibility, try channeling that preference toward a budgeting app that can highlight opportunities to save. Focus on savings. An emergency fund doesn’t need to have three to six months’ worth of funds to be effective. If that feels overwhelming, focus instead on building up a savings account of $500 to $1,000, so you aren’t as tempted to fall back into the lending app cycle when something unexpected happens, like your potential PCS expenses mounting up due to Covid-19, or your air conditioning going out in the middle of the summer. If a short-term loan is the only option, Service members can, and should, use their military branch’s relief society for financial help.
P
ayday loans and cash advances have long since had the reputation for being a slippery slope … and, for good reason. With extremely high interest rates and hidden fees, these short-term, “instant” loans sound too good to be true, for a reason. Plus, since credit histories rarely play a role in getting accepted, payday loan companies are known for preying on people who may already be struggling financially. Now, the next generation of consumers needs to be wary of another similar, yet still risky financial practice: lending apps.
What are lending apps? While their parameters and options vary, lending apps are a quick, digital way to get paycheck advances or small loans. Doesn’t sound so bad, right? Well, yes and no. While modern-day lending apps are an improvement on the traditional payday loan model, they aren’t without problems and often come with hidden fees. Particularly for younger generations, lending apps can be an attractive option, if they’re struggling to build savings or handle having bills for the first time.
The risks of lending apps Borrowing even small amounts of money to cover bills, unexpected or otherwise, only acts as a temporary solution for that particular pay period. Short-term debt can be especially
stressful as borrowers try to pay it off quickly and avoid taking on additional loans to cover their bases. While the branding and marketing of these lending services promise a quick fix, they don’t offer a solution beyond the need for immediately accessible funds. However, more concerning than the use of lending apps are the financial behaviors that may have led to.
What’s the alternative? Do your research. Catchy branding and marketing can make certain services more
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE Army Emergency Relief Fund armyemergencyrelief.org Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society nmcrs.org Air Force Aid Society afas.org Coast Guard Mutual Assistance cgmahq.org
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.
A10 Belvoir Eagle
April 9, 2020
www.belvoireagleonline.com
Belvoir Community Briefs Military child registry
is the permanent, clog-free gutter solution!* *Guaranteed not to clog for as long as you own your home, or we will clean your gutters for free
April is Month of the Military Child and people can add their stories about being an Army brat in the Registry of the Army Community, available by searching Registries on armyhistory.org. In addition to Soldiers, there are many people who have worked for or supported the Army in some way as an Army spouse, civilian or contractors; Red Cross field representatives or USO employees, who can be recognized for their support of the Army and its Soldiers.
reassessing budgets; addressing underlying debt; exploring using any stimulus benefits and staying financially ahead during challenging times. Info is available via e-mail to PFC.Belvoir. USA@zeiders.com, 571-499-3543.
Environmental public notice As required by Belvoir Garrison’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System Permit, Directorate of Public Works, Environmental Division is accepting written comments on the Draft 2020 PCB Total Maximum Daily Load and the Draft 2020 Accotink Creek Bacteria TMDL action plans, until April 15. The document is located at https://bit. ly/39HqjCY. Submit comments via email to Sybille Vega at sybille.r.vega.civ@mail. mil. For information contact the Stormwater Group, 703-806-0627 or David Greenspan, 703-806-3066.
Army Museum Lunchtime learning, financial classes
75
%
OFF
LABOR✝
Classes are available via Zoom, meeting 636 278 934, or by calling 646-876-9923. April’s topic is Saving, Spending and Debt, with info on saving during a pandemic;
The Army continues to monitor the situation and the foundation will share updates as they become available. Individuals and groups scheduled for preview tours and events in advance of the opening will be contacted about their events’ status. Info is available from armyhistory.org.
12 Months Same as Cash OR 6 Months Deferred Payments!*
5 RECEIVE A $ 25
PLUS
ACS’s Personal Financial Counselor, Paula Pass, offers financial classes at noon Tuesdays through Thursdays during April. Registration isn’t needed and classes are open to any Servicemember, family member or civilian.
The Army and the Army Historical Foundation are monitoring developments related to the coronavirus. The public health emergency will likely impact the National Museum of the U.S. Army’s public opening scheduled for June 4.
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Does not include cost of material. Expires 4/30/20. **All participants who attend an estimated 60-90 minute in-home product consultation will receive a $25 gift card. Retail value is $25. Offer sponsored by Englert LeafGuard. Limit one per household. Company procures, sells, and installs seamless gutter protection. This offer is valid for homeowners over 18 years of age. If married or involved with a life partner, both cohabitating persons must attend and complete presentation together. Participants must have a photo ID, be able to understand English, and be legally able to enter into a contract. The following persons are not eligible for this offer: employees of Company or affiliated companies or entities, their immediate family members, previous participants in a Company in-home consultation within the past 12 months and all current and former Company customers. Gift may not be extended, transferred, or substituted except that Company may substitute a gift of equal or greater value if it deems it necessary. Gift card will be mailed to the participant via first class United States Mail within 10 days of receipt of the promotion form. Not valid in conjunction with any other promotion or discount of any kind. Offer not sponsored or promoted by Lowe’s and is subject to change without notice prior to reservation. Expires 4/30/20. LeafGuard operates as LeafGuard of DC in Virginia under registration number VA Class A Lic. #2705116122, in Maryland under registration number MHIC Lic. #116693, and in DC under registration number DC Permanent #420219000010..
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*Beltway Blinds is neither a broker nor a lender. Financing is provided by Mariner Finance under terms and conditions arranged directly between the consumer and Mariner Finance, all subject to credit requirements and satisfactory completion of finance documents. Beltway Blinds does not assist with, counsel or negotiate financing. Subject to credit approval. Minimum monthly payments required during the promotional period if applicable. Making minimum monthly payments during the promotional period will not pay off the entire principal balance. Interest is billed during the promotional period, but all interest is waived if the purchase amount is paid in full before the expiration of the promotional period. Financing for Mariner Finance loan programs is provided by federally insured, federal and state chartered financial institutions without regard to age, race, color, religion, national origin, gender, or familial status.
www.belvoireagleonline.com
April 9, 2020
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Employment Advertising The weekly Culpeper Times, the largest circulation newspaper in Culpeper, Va., is seeking its next great Editor. Located just 70 miles from Washington, DC, Culpeper County is a mix of rural and suburban with a thriving “small town” downtown. It’s filled with interesting people and great stories.
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We’re looking for an enthusiastic journalist with experience to write everything from local government issues stories to features. Reporting and writing are at the forefront of the job. While the Times has a network of freelance contributors, the editor should enjoy being in the community, cultivating — and producing — multiple stories every week. A key goal of the editor also should be to embrace a digital first approach, helping build audience and engagement through timely news coverage, promoted through social media. The Culpeper Times is part of InsideNoVa.com, Northern Virginia’s largest news site. Of course, the editor shapes the Times’s editorial report, and is a primary face of the newspaper in an engaged, vibrant community. Among the position’s responsibilities include producing special sections and publications, often in collaboration with partners in the community. The position also involves copy editing, web/social media posting and managing relationships with freelance contributors. We’re a small, collegial team, and there are a multitude of opportunities for an ambitious journalist to have a big impact. Interested candidates should email their cover letter, resume and clips to Rappahannock Media President Dennis Brack at dennis@rappnews.com
A12 Belvoir Eagle
April 9, 2020
www.belvoireagleonline.com
Please read the important information for Military and Veteran students affected by COVID-19 on our website SUMMER REGISTRATION
On-Time Registration
Summer 2020 registration for all students begins April 13. 12-week and first 6-week classes beginMay 18. 10-week classes begin June 1. 8-week classes begin June 15. Second 6-week classes begin June 29 Dynamic session classes start and end at any time before or after the regular session dates above.
All students must register prior to the start of their course. Registration in SIS ends at 11:59 p.m. the day before a session begins. Once students register, they have until 5:00 p.m. the next business day to pay for the course. Students cannot register for a class that already started and cannot add/swap a class once it has begun. Any schedule adjustment needed after a course has begun requires permission from the academic dean.