Eagle BELVOIR
A visit to the Pope-Leighey House www.belvoireagleonline.com Pages A8-A9
March 10, 2016
Observance honors women in public service, government
Up Front
By Adrienne Anderson Staff writer If she could change one thing about the U.S. Constitution’s preamble, Maj. Gen. Gwen Bingham, commanding general of the U.S. Army TACOM Life Cycle Management Command, said it would be to include women in the phrase “All men are created equal.” Bingham was guest speaker at the Women’s History Month observance March 3 at the Fort Belvoir Community Center. Women’s History Month is about paying tribute to women’s contributions in the U.S. and globally, she said. From the highest ranking woman in the military to your everyday woman, each has something to contribute. Bingham described her mother as a mentor and role model. “My mom was an ordinary woman who worked inside the home,” she said. Her mother raised three kids and influenced Bingham’s father, an Army medic. “You won’t find her in the history books … but, to me, she
Spring ahead
Turn clocks ahead an hour Saturday night for Daylight Saving Time. And, it’s an ideal time to remember to change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. The clocks change again Nov. 6. Photo by Paul Lara
Maj. Gen. Gwen Bingham, commander of U.S. Army TACOM Life Cycle Management Command, addresses the audience at a Women’s History Month celebration at Fort Belvoir Community Center, March 3. was my hero.” “Women play pivotal roles in toBingham’s mother taught her to day’s Army,” Bingham said. “All are dream big and to step outside of her critical members of our joint-forces comfort zone to achieve her goals, she team.” See BINGHAM, Page A10 said.
New Belvoir Federal Credit Union celebrates with ribbon-cutting ceremony
Easter brunch
The Fort Belvoir Officers’ Club hosts an Easter Sunday Brunch Buffet March 27 with two seatings, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Reservations are required and can be made by calling the O Club, 703-780-0930. The cost is $36.95 for club members; $39.95 for non-members; $15.95 for children ages 6-12; and free for children 5 and younger.
By Adrienne Anderson Staff writer Belvoir Federal Credit Union held its ribbon-cutting ceremony March 2 at its new location, 9651 Gunston Road. The new branch will be the only standalone location on the installation, although there are several branches and ATMs located inside other facilities, including the Defense Logistics Agency and the Mark Center. The new branch is 3,700 square feet with state-ofthe-art technology, according to Patricia Kimmel, CEO of the credit union. “It’s cutting-edge technology,” she said. “You won’t see this in your typical bank or credit union.” Kimmel was grateful for Fort Belvoir Garrison providing the space and land for the new location, she said. The construction took approximately six months to complete, despite problems, including snow and rain. “It’s a wonderful facility after being all those years in the other building,” Kimmel said. “We are delighted to be here today.” Patricia Collins, a BFCU member, stopped by to make a deposit for the first time at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. She said she really enjoyed the service. “So far, I like the convenience of being able to come
Teen Job Fair
Fort Belvoir hosts a Teen Job Fair for youth 15 and older from 10 a.m. to noon March 24 at ACS, Bldg. 200. Teens should register by calling 703805-4590 or send an email to laureen.t.dupree.civ@mail.mil.
AER
Photo courtesy Belvoir Federal Credit Union
Patricia Kimmel, president & CEO of Belvoir Federal Credit Union, center, is assisted by Stephen Brooks in cutting the ribbon to the new branch location at 9651 Gunston Road, March 2. in and (use) the drive-in,” Collins said. “It’s more like self-service and I like self-service. And then, there is someone there if you have questions. There’s a greeter, that’s different and nice.” Patrons are able to complete various transactions such as loan payments, deposits and movie ticket purchases, through a video screen with a bank teller. The branch also offers a refreshment café and modern offices. “It belongs to the members, because we serve the members of the Fort Belvoir community.” Kimmel said. For more information about Belvoir Federal, visit www.belvoircreditunion.org.
The Army Emergency Relief campaign on Belvoir runs through May 15. In the campaign’s first week, active-duty, retirees and civilians have donated $2,445, which is 1.5 percent of Belvoir’s goal of $160,000. AER provides emergency financial assistance to Soldiers and their families, mostly from donations to the program, via interest-free loans, grants, partial loans and partial grants. For information about AER and how to donate, visit www. aerhq.org. Belvoir’s AER officer is Toni Cuttino, 703-805-3130, toni.m.cuttino.civ@mail.mil.