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January 21, 2016
Speaker highlights King’s life, legacy
Health and Fitness Expo today
By Amanda Stewart Staff writer At the start of his remarks at the Military District of Washington Equal Opportunity Office’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration Tuesday, guest speaker Claiborne Douglass Haughton Jr. asked audience members in the Fort Belvoir Community Center to turn to the person next to them and shake his or her hand and tell them, “I love you and there’s nothing you can do about it.” With some laughter, audience members obliged and greeted one another. Haughton said he hoped those who attended could be inspired by King’s legacy through that act. “I hope you are inspired to reach out and touch somebody’s hand and try to make the world a better place, if you can,” Haughton said. Haughton retired as the acting deputy assistant secretary of defense for equal opportunity in 2002 after a 35-year career with the Department of Defense. He now serves as president and CEO of Haughton Group LLC, his diversity consulting and motivational speaking business based in Arlington. Tuesday he shared his thoughts on King’s life and legacy with the Belvoir community in a celebration that also included a viewing of “The Ministry of Justice,” a short film about King; and a performance of “Precious Lord Take My Hand,” by singer Tabitha Massenberg.
Up Front Family and MWR Sports and Fitness will host its annual Health and Fitness Expo, today, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Graves Fitness Center. There will be vendors and interactive displays to provide an overall health experience. Come see all of the wellness opportunities on Fort Belvoir and in the community.
Exchange closure
The Belvoir Main Exchange closes at 7 p.m. Jan. 29, instead of 9 p.m., for inventory.
Researchers looking for military, law enforcement
Photo by Paul Lara
Claiborne Douglass Haughton Jr., the father of the first DoD programs for Americans with disabilities, and president and CEO of the Haughton Group, delivers the keynote address at the Martin Luther King Day observance at Fort Belvoir Community Center, Tuesday. “Dr. King was one of the greatest preachers of his era,” Haughton said. “His life was his greatest sermon.” Haughton’s remarks included the words of King, poet Langston Hughes, and other Civil Rights-
era leaders that illustrated both the progress that has been made in America since King’s time and the work that remains to be done. Haughton said, in 1963, when King gave his now famous “I Have See KING, Page A8
HRC commander gives officer professional development briefing By Amanda Stewart Staff writer Maj. Gen. Thomas Seamands, commanding general of the U.S. Army Human Resources Command, spoke about force shaping, promotions, the board process, evaluations and more during an officer professional development briefing at Fort Belvoir Jan. 14. The briefing aimed to update officers on human resource topics and to solicit feedback from them, Seamands said. A standing-room only crowd of officers from Belvoir and throughout the national capital region filled Humphreys Hall’s Thurman Auditorium for the talk. “The fact that you are here tells me you care about your profession,” Seamands told the officers. “The fact that you are here tells me you care about mentoring other officers.” Seamands spoke about how the Army goes about shaping the active-component force, which is budgeted to go from a peak of 566,000 people in fiscal 2011 to 450,000 in fiscal 2018, and the methods human resources uses See DEVELOPMENT, Page A8
Walter Reed Army Institute of Research is looking for people to help with its Experienced Breacher Study. People between ages 18 and 60 with at least four years of operational experience in military or law enforcement, with minimal exposure to blasts, are needed. Volunteers are invited to Bethesda, Md., for three days with six hours of research activities per day. There is no cost for participation or tests related to the research study. Travel to Bethesda and accommodations are provided for the volunteer and a companion. Monetary compensation for time is provided. Interested people are asked to contact Kristine Dell, 301-4965829 or kristine.dell@nih.gov.
Youth sports registration
Registration is open for several youth sports. Little League Baseball, for ages 4-16, and girls softball is for ages 7-13. The seasons run from April to June for $60 per child. Registration closes when the teams are full or by March 4. Spring Soccer, ages 5-12, enrollment closes March 18 or when the teams are full. The season is from April to June and the cost is $55. Track and Field, ages 5-18. Enrollment opens Monday and closes May 13 or when teams are full. The season is from April to August and the cost is $85. Enrollment must be done in person at Parent Central Offices, 9500 Barlow Rd, Bldg. 950. For more information, contact Youth Sports and Fitness, 703-805-9318.
Love on the Potomac dinner
Photo by Paul Lara
Maj. Gen. Thomas Seamands, commanding general of the U.S. Army Human Resources Command, speaks with officers in Belvoir’s Thurman Auditorium, Jan. 14.
The Officers’ Club celebrates Valentine’s Day with a romantic dinner, Feb. 13, 6-10 p.m. The evening includes a four-course dinner; a glass of wine; dancing; entertainment and cash bar. The price is $90 per couple and reservations must be made in person at the O Club or by calling 703-7800930 ext. 600.