Belvoir Eagle, February 4, 2016

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Eagle BELVOIR

USO celebrates 75 years Pages A6-A7

www.belvoireagleonline.com

February 4, 2016

Prince William Chamber of Commerce salutes armed forces By Paul Lara Photo editor

Prince William Chamber of Commerce members joined together to say “thank you” during a Salute to the Armed Forces luncheon at Harbour View event center in Woodbridge, Va., Jan. 28. The chamber expressed appreciation for both major military installations or near the county, Fort Belvoir and Marine Corps Base Quantico. Lt. Col. Philip Lenz, U.S. Army Garrison Fort Belvoir, Headquarters Battalion commander, not only accepted thanks from the chamber, but also highlighted the collaborative spirit that has bonded Fort Belvoir to its surrounding communities. Lenz, pointing out the economic stimulus the post generates, updated the gathering on the construction projects underway on post, including the expansion of Fort Belvoir Elementary School, the Belvoir Federal Credit Union and the impending opening of the new fire station. On the heels of the January blizzard, Lenz gave special thanks to Dominion Virginia Power, one of the luncheon sponsors, for keeping the lights on during the storm. “There is nothing that lights up our phones more than residents losing power and we are grateful that Dominion kept us going without any loss of service,” said Lenz. Fort Belvoir’s Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Scott Guillory introduced two outstanding Soldiers to the attendees. Spc. Mark Nobleza, honored as the Fort Belvoir Soldier of the Year; and Staff Sgt. Andre Washington, the Noncommissioned Officer of the Year. Retired Sgt. Maj. of the Marine Corps Carlton Kent was the chamber’s guest speaker. Kent, the 16th sergeant major of the Marine Corps before retiring after 36 years of service, said more than a decade of continuous American combat is being shouldered by less than one percent of our population. That has taken a toll on Service members’ lives, health and families he said. “When they transition back to civilian life, we have a moral obligation to take care of these Service members,” said Kent. According to Kent, the best way to help is with meaningful employment. As the economy expands, Kent urged

Substance abuse awareness training

Belvoir’s Army Substance Abuse Program hosts training for garrison and mission-partner employees, leaders and commanders Feb. 17 from 9 a.m. to noon and from 1 to 4 p.m. in Wood Theater, 6050 Abbott Road, Bldg. 2120. Attending only one session is required. The training includes information on substance abuse, suicide prevention and the employee assistance program. The sessions count for the required annual training for all active, National Guard and Reserve Soldiers; and civilians. Info is available from James Peters, 703-805-1010, james.a.peters.civ@ mail.mil.

Professional development marathon

Photo by Paul Lara

Lt. Col. Philip Lenz, Headquarters Battalion commander, U.S. Army Garrison Fort Belvoir, addresses the Prince William Chamber of Commerce at a luncheon honoring the achievements and teamwork of the military at Harbour View in Woodbridge Jan. 28 local businesses to pay attention to the skills veterans can offer companies. “They know how to build a team and they know how to achieve your goals,” he added. As these Service members have proven themselves under the harshest conditions, Kent urged Prince William County businesses to hire veterans and discover how they exemplify the motto ‘always faithful’ in everyday living.

Belvoir tax center opens

ACS has a Professional Development Marathon, every weekday next week, from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., for those interested in building skills and enhancing existing skills needed to become an effective briefer, trainer, or facilitator for ACS classes or gaining the skills needed to make presentations in any setting. Call 703-805-4152 to register.

Valentine’s dinner

The Officers’ Club celebrates Valentine’s Day with a dinner for two overlooking the Potomac River, Feb. 13, 6 to 10 p.m. The evening includes a fourcourse 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 703-780-0930 ext. 600.

Militaria show

Outdoor Recreation hosts a Militaria show, Sunday. Buy, sell, and trade memorabilia from different eras and all parts of the world, as well as hunting equipment and accessories. Tables may be reserved for $15-$20 until event day, as space allows. Doors open to the general public at 8 a.m. and entry is free. For more information call Outdoor Recreation at 703-805-3081.

By Adrienne Anderson Staff writer The Fort Belvoir Tax Center, at 9990 Belvoir Drive, Bldg. 257, is now open to military ID holders, retirees and their family members. The center is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. through April. “We specialize in military tax law and that’s beneficial for military, especially when they are deployed,” said Navanee Manickam, Fort Belvoir Tax Center officer-in-charge. “So, it’s really good when they come in and we take a look at every case, caseby-case, and what military credits are due to them that are usually overlooked.” Last year, the tax center prepared 3,600 returns and got those who used the center a total of more than $4 million. The center also saved people more See TAX, Page A5

Up Front

Ash Wednesday

Photo by Paul Lara

Navanee Manickam, left, and Col. Michelle Mitchell, U.S. Army Garrison Fort Belvoir commander, open Belvoir’s Tax Center Tuesday in Bldg. 257. Manickam is the tax center’s officer-in-charge.

Fort Belvoir and Catholics start Lent on Wednesday, which is Ash Wednesday. Belvoir hosts Ash Wednesday Masses at noon and 5 p.m. in Woodlawn Chapel. That chapel is Bldg. 1801 on Wright Road.


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