Fort Lee Traveller 02.02.17 by Military News

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2017 edition of tax center set to build on tradition SEE PAGE 3

GOLD MEDALIST ENJOYS PROUD FAMILY MOMENT Boxing champion Ray â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mercilessâ&#x20AC;? Mercer came to Fort Lee Friday to attend the Quartermaster School graduation of his twin daughters Ramia and Raina SEE PAGE 10

MUSIC MASTER A trumpet player with the 392nd Army Band was recognized Monday for winning a Hamilton Music Award SEE PAGE 4

ARMY EXCHANGE PRIZE WINNER Post teen picks up $1,500 reward for participation in the AAFES â&#x20AC;&#x153;You Made the Gradeâ&#x20AC;? program SEE PAGE 6

MONEY-SAVING PROGRAM Success of transition initiative results in $900 million cost avoidance for Army since 2012 SEE PAGE 12

2 | TRAVELLER | February 2, 2017 | www.fortleetraveller.com

CHAPLAIN’S CORNER | PERSONAL GROWTH

Resolutions can be ruined by failure to review progress most my life, with a few stretches of time where workload and personal challenges crept in and deterred it. The promise to conduct daily AARs is not complicated … it’s a vow to take an honest look at myself each day and see where I’m at with spiritual and personal growth. Before I pillowed my head, I would have an honest look into my words, thoughts and deeds. Had I helped or hurt others? Had I made progress or did I need to correct my course, or completely change direction? I realized this AAR was necessary for three key reasons and an assortment of others. First, I am not promised tomorrow,

Sex, lies and profile pics: What does your photo say about you? Lisa Smith Molinari Contributing Writer

Eight years ago, I sat at a desk in our stairwell apartment on Patch Barracks in Stuttgart, Germany, and created my first Facebook profile. Technology was not my forte, so it took hours to figure out how to upload my digital photo. The image I used that afternoon is the same one showing today, but not for the reasons one might think. I’m not trying to fool my

friends into thinking that, in the last decade, my double chin hasn’t grown any bigger, or my eyes haven’t gotten baggier, or a new crease hasn’t formed in my forehead. I don’t mind if everyone knows I started coloring my grays or I sprouted a liver spot on my left cheek. I’m not hiding my age, I’m just too lazy to post a new pic. I admire people who have the technical know-how, energy and vision to change their profile photos frequently. They are the

Fort Lee

Commanding General ........Maj. Gen. Darrell K. Williams Garrison Commander ..................... Col. Adam W. Butler Public Affairs Officer............................. Stephen J. Baker Command Information/Managing Editor...Patrick Buffett Senior Writer/Special Assignments ......... T. Anthony Bell Production/News Assistant Editor.................. Amy Perry Family/Community Life Reporter ...........Lesley Atkinson Production Assistant .............................. Ray Kozakewicz To reach the Traveller Staff, call (804) 734-7147.

same people who know how to use filters to soften edges, make photos look vintage, or overlay a translucent screen of the French flag, rainbows or the Yankees logo. I, on the other hand, have the same image I’ve had since I uploaded it on Jan. 23, 2009, and I’m now wondering what that says about me … In today’s social-media savvy world, profile photos are not just for identification. These carefully selected images convey a

message about one’s personality, political affiliation, financial success, sex appeal, fashion sense, spontaneity, worldliness, athleticism and intelligence. In a 2016 University of Pennsylvania research paper titled “Analyzing Personality through Social Media Profile Picture Choice,” scientists discussed a study of 66,000 social media users and over 100 million tweets, determining that personality can be predicted “with robust accuracy” based on the type of profile photo posted by the user. The researchers used the “Big Five” personality trait model common in psychological analy-

The Fort Lee “Traveller” is printed by offset process every Thursday as a civilian enterprise in the interest of personnel at the U.S. Army Combined Arms Support Command and Fort Lee, Va. 23801, by Military Newspapers of Virginia, P.O. Box 863, Colonial Heights, Va. 23834, in accordance with Department of the Army Regulations 210-20 and 360-1. This publication receives armed forces material and civilian newspapers are authorized to reprint such material without specific clearance except material specifically designated as copyrighted. Liaison between the printer and the commanding general, Fort Lee, is maintained by the Public Affairs Office, Fort Lee. Circulation: 13,000. This Civilian Enterprise newspaper is an authorized publication. Contents of the “Traveller” are not necessarily the official view of, nor endorsed by, the U.S. Army Combined Arms Support Command and Fort Lee. Advertising in this publication including inserts or supplements does not constitute endorsement by the Department of the Army or Military Newspapers of Virginia. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other non merit factor. If a violation or rejection of this equal opportunity policy by an advertiser is confirmed, the printer shall refuse to print advertising from that source until violation is corrected. The “Traveller” is an unofficial publication authorized by AR 360-1, and printed by the Military Newspapers of Virginia, a private firm in no way connected with the U. S. Army Combined Arms Support Command or Fort Lee. The editorial content is prepared, edited and provided by the Public Affairs Office of Headquarters, U. S. Army Garrison, Fort Lee.

sis (extraversion, agreeableness, openness to experience, conscientiousness and neuroticism), and found correlations between the traits and distinct features of profile photos. For example, neurotic people tend to post simple, less colorful photos that do not include faces. Extraverts post colorful pictures of multiple smiling faces. Open people post more artistic photos that may not include faces but are aesthetically pleasing. Conscientious users post natural shots of single faces. Agreeable people tend to post colorful but blurry photos of themselves SEE PHOTO, PAGE 13

COVER

Right around this time last month, many people were giving careful consideration to what they hoped to achieve in 2017. The optimism of the new year ahead produced lofty goals like losing weight, squandering less money, strengthening relationships, wasting less time, fixing friendships and so on. As we say hello to February, a lot of those promises have likely fallen by the wayside. Many studies have shown resolutions are typically broken in less than a month. It’s not necessarily a sign of weakness or lack of fortitude; oftentimes, it’s

just life taking back over and readjusting one’s priorities. But that doesn’t mean individuals can’t learn from the process of trying to change their lives. Whether you’re still on track with those resolutions or have relegated them to the “nice try” category, it’s always good to step back and evaluate the good and the bad – an after action review, or AAR, as it’s known in the Army. Typically, making a yearly resolution does not work for me, so last year, tired with the routine, I resolved not to regret broken resolutions. I did renew my promise, however, to conduct daily AARs to identify the positive and negative aspects of my life. I have intermittently done this

THE

262nd QM BN Chaplain

Chaplain (Capt.) Chris Moody

so I need to focus on what I have done today. Then, if I am blessed with another 24 hours, I can do things in a different, more positive manner. Second, change is incremental and so are errors. If we notice something broken much earlier in the game, we can nip problems in the bud. Third, when individuals do daily AARs, they can count the blessings and be more appreciative. The expression is not true that “life just happens.” There are many blessings and doors of providence we fail to observe if we don’t examine our lives daily. I close with this thought: Socrates is attributed with the aphorism “the unexamined life is not worth living.” That needs to be considered with a grain of salt, but there is some sound reasoning to those philosophical words. How can any of us ensure we are walking the right path if we don’t consult the map now and then?

Photo-illustration by T. Bell

Family member Kameron Crowder listens as Sgt. 1st Class Allen Welch explains the tax preparation process Wednesday at the Tax Assistance Center. (Documents blurred to protect privacy info). See Page 3 for story and photo.

www.fortleetraveller.com | February 2, 2017 | TRAVELLER | 3

Celebrating the Tax Assistance Center opening Friday are Col. Adam W. Butler, garrison commander; Command Sgt. Maj. Vittorio DeSouza, garrison CSM; Col. James D. Levine II, staff judge advocate; Walter Stith, senior volunteer; Capt. LeBuria Johnson, tax center ofﬁcer in charge; and Melissa Magowan, deputy to the garrison commander. The center is located in building 6052.

Tax center open Much-valued community service celebrates its 29th year T. Anthony Bell

T. Anthony Bell Senior Writer/Special Projects

Last year, the Fort Lee Tax Assistance Center prepared more than 2,000 federal and 1,600 state tax returns for community members, netting more than $4 million in reimbursements to filers and saving them more than $800,000 in preparations fees. The savings will continue this year. A ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the 2017 edition and 29th year of operation for the much-valued free tax service took

place Friday at its facility located in building 6052, at 1151 Mekong Road. On hand for the occasion were: Col. Adam W. Butler, garrison commander; Melissa Magowan, deputy to the commander; Col. James D. Levine II, staff judge advocate; Command Sgt. Maj. Vittorio DeSouza, garrison CSM; Walter Stith, senior volunteer; and Capt. LeBuria Johnson, tax center officer in charge. Butler, participating in his first center opening, said the tax center’s impact is felt far beyond the returns and cost of preparation fees.

“We don’t know how people who come here are going to spend their money, however, it’s safe to say that a good share of that goes back into our surrounding community,” he said during his remarks, noting the center’s economic impact should not be overlooked. Butler also took a moment to recognize the center’s volunteers, many of whom were present for the ceremony. “I just want to say to all of you volunteers, ‘Thank you; thank you very much. You are well appreciated.’” The volunteers, numbering

CASCOM recognizes achievements, looks to future goals at town hall Maj. Gen. Darrell K. Williams, commanding general, CASCOM and Fort Lee, hosted the Headquarters CASCOM Town Hall Meeting at the Lee Theater Monday. The feature briefers discussed past accomplishments and forward-thinking ideas to propel CASCOM into the New Year. Snow storms over the past year kicked off the discussion. Other topics included the tremendous impact of CASCOM’s community outreach in the surrounding areas, over 100,000 service members being trained and the execution and success of the CNN Presidential Town Hall Meeting here in September.

CASCOM leaders followed Williams and gave presentations highlighting the command’s successful safety record, U.S. Army Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention program, personnel on-boarding and retention, and included a question and answer portion that concluded the meeting. Awards presented by Williams included: 30 years of government service – Diana Drake, Hugo Feliciano and Harold Whittington; 35 years of government service – Richard Boch, Vera Dawkins, Cynthia Finlen, Joel Jean and Sandra Woodward; 40 years of government service – Robert Jones and Janet Smith; and 50 years of govern-

around seven this year, are the lifeblood of the operation. Many have volunteered their services at the center for more than a decade and are motivated by the notion of giving back. Borrowed military manpower supplements the center’s staffing needs. Johnson, in his first stint as the OIC, said tax center services should not be taken for granted because it often provides something beyond what is typically free. “When people hear ‘free,’ they think ‘you get what you pay for,’” he said, “but here, you get above and beyond that because we have people like Mr. Stith who has been here 23 years. We also have people who worked for AARP, so not only is it free, but it’s a free, skilled service.” To improve the operation’s efficiency, Johnson said he urges customers to bring all pertinent documents to include photo-identification cards, last year’s tax return, Social Security cards or photocop-

ment service – William Cope. In addition, the “Ya Done Good” award was presented to: Angela Blevins, Sophia Coward, Timothy Crowther, Jessica Delgado-Western, Sharon Leary, Capt.

ies of such, W-2s, form 1099s, receipts for charity donations, rental property documents and powers of attorney. Also required are mortgage documents and bank account and routing numbers. For married couples filing jointly, both spouses must be present unless one spouse has a power of attorney. They are required to bring with them all W-2s and 1099s; a copy of last year’s return; proof of account for direct deposit refund; Social Security cards or individual taxpayer identification notices and cards for the filers and their dependents; proof of ID; the total amount of money paid to day care providers and their tax ID number; birth dates for filers and their dependents on the return; proof of foreign status if applying for forms 1095-A, B, or C (Affordable Health Care statements); and copies of income transcripts from the IRS (and state, if applicable). Bringing all required documents allows preparers to perform their duties in a timely manner and meet appointment times, said Johnson. “The goal is to handle everything the same day,” he said. “That is our mission.” The tax center is open MondayFriday, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. The last scheduled appointment time is 4 p.m. Walk-ins are accepted but only for form 1040EZ filers. For details, call (804) 734-5732.

Thomas Pritchard, Lisa Snover, Staff Sgt. Skyler Thorson and Sgt. 1st Class Craig Yates. – CASCOM Public Affairs Maj. Gen. Darrell K. Williams, CASCOM and Fort Lee commanding general, and Command Sgt. Maj. Nathaniel J. Bartee, CASCOM CSM, present the 50 years of service award to William Cope at a town hall gathering in the Lee Theater Monday.

Chris Hart

4 | TRAVELLER | February 2, 2017 | www.fortleetraveller.com

Lee band member earns coveted award Amy Perry Production/News Assistant Editor

A Soldier with the 392nd Army Band is among the recipients of the 2016 Colonel Finley R. Hamilton Military Outstanding Musician Award. Cpl. Jessica Williams, band operations NCO and bugler NCO in charge, was presented the award in a ceremony here Monday. Less than 50 musicians across the Department of Defense were selected for the award this year. Winners must demonstrate excellence in both solo and ensemble performances, display exceptional leadership qualities, and show great potential for future outstanding performance. “I found out I was nominated for the Hamilton Award the morning I received it, so it was quite a pleasant surprise,” Williams said. “It feels so great to be nominated for such a prestigious award and be recognized for my efforts as a musician in the Army.” Chief Warrant Officer 2 Kevin Pick, the band commander, said he is proud of one of his musicians earning the honor. “I am very happy that Cpl. Williams was recognized for her outstanding musicianship,” he said. “She is a talented musician who is well deserving of this award. She continues to be an asset to the band, the brass quintet, and the operations section.” Williams has served in the Army for more than three years and has been at Fort Lee since 2014. Since then, she has been involved with several aspects of the band. “I have performed with numerous ensembles including the marching band, concert band, brass quintets, brass band and jazz combo,” she said. “I also have sung with our vocal group, 550 Chord, which is a traditional barbershop quartet. “My main instrument is trumpet but I do love to sing when I get the chance,” Williams continued. “I started playing trumpet as a 4th grader and have been performing for almost 20 years.” While in school, Williams said she saw a lot of military bands and thought it would be a rewarding career. “After I graduated with my master’s degree in trumpet performance, I couldn’t stop thinking about taking that step and

AABHM Observance | Feb. 9 Community members are invited to the Fort Lee African-American/Black History Month Observance set for Feb. 9, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., at the Lee Theater. It will be hosted by the 244th Quartermaster Battalion, 23rd Quartermaster Brigade, and the CASCOM and Fort Lee Equal Opportunity Office. The Defense Contract Management Agency also is an event sponsor. The guest speaker is Dr. Patrick J. Bingham, assistant superintendent of operations and personnel, Prince George County Public Schools. The observance will offer refreshments, and include historical static displays, skits, poems, songs performed by a special guest and the 392nd Army Band and more.

Kenner President’s Day Closure | Feb. 20 Contributed Photo

Chief Warrant Ofﬁcer 2 Kevin Pick, 392nd Army Band commander, presents Cpl. Jessica Williams, band operations NCO and bugler NCO in charge, a 2016 Colonel Finley R. Hamilton Military Outstanding Musician Award during a presentation Monday. 30. Less than 50 musicians across the Department of Defense received the award in 2016 and it requires a musician to demonstrate excellence in both solo and ensemble performances, to display exceptional leadership qualities, and to show great potential for future outstanding performance.

joining the Army,” she said. “I didn’t want to stop using my musical ability to make people happy, so this job is perfect.” Part of what makes Williams stand out is her continued effort at becoming better at her job. “Most times I play at ceremonies for retirements and graduations, but no matter how many times I play the same ceremony, it has to be excellent,” she said. “It may be the first and last time an individual in that ceremony hears an Army Band group, and the people receiving honors for their service deserve our respect and attention to detail. “Sometimes, I’m at cemeteries standing behind an honor guard performing ‘Taps’ for a service member,” Williams recalled. “Moments like that are so important to families, and I take a lot of pride in providing them with excellence because their service member earned that. Performing my duties as an Army musician definitely requires continually striving for excellence. It is truly humbling to be recognized for my efforts toward that goal.”

Kenner Army Health Clinic and Troop Medical Clinic 1 will be open with normal operations Feb. 17 (training holiday) for patient care. TMC 2 will be closed Feb. 17. All Kenner clinics and services will be closed in observance of the President’s Day holiday Feb. 20. To schedule appointments, call the Kenner appointment line at 1-866-533-5242. To request an authorization to visit an urgent care center, call the nurse advise line at 1-800-TRICARE and choose option 1. For medical emergencies, dial 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Stories Sought for ‘Chicken Soup for the Soul’ Book | Feb. 10 The publisher of a planned book in May, “Chicken Soup for the Soul: Military Families” edition, is seeking 101 first-person stories to reflect the many powerful connections individuals have with service members and their families. The true stories or poems should be original – not previously published – and be written by active and retired military, spouses, children, parents or other family members. They can focus on the ups and downs of military life, be funny or heartwarming, or offer advice for other military families. Submissions must be no more than 1,200 words and created in a Microsoft Word Document. To take part, send the stories to stories@uso.org with the subject line “Chicken Soup” no later than Feb. 10. For details, call (804) 765-3045 or email kasinda@usohrcv.org.

Kenner No Shows Kenner Army Health Clinic asks beneficiaries who use its facilities to help reduce patient “no-shows” or missed appointments. In fiscal 2016 at KAHC, there were 6,003 no-show appointments, resulting in a loss of $960,480 in revenue. These funds could have been used to hire additional staff, procure new equipment or expand existing services. More importantly, these no-shows reduced appointment availability, degraded access, and in many cases delayed care for assigned beneficiaries. Those unable to keep scheduled appointments are asked to cancel them as soon as possible – or no later than two hours before the scheduled time – so the clinic can offer the time slot to another patient. Routine cancellations can be made at www.tricareonline.com; through the nurse advice line at 1-800-TRICARE, or by contacting the Kenner Appointment Line at 1-866-LEE-KAHC.

Host Families Requested The International Military Student Office at the Army Logistics University is always looking for community members on and off-post to serve as social sponsors for international students who attend classes at Fort Lee. The hosts help the students to learn more about the local community and make them feel welcome as visitors to the U.S. For details, call (804) 765-8159 or email donna.r.king10.civ@mail.mil.

www.fortleetraveller.com | February 2, 2017 | TRAVELLER | 5

KRQRUHG DW UHWLUHPHQW FHUHPRQ\ Nine Soldiers were honored during the bi-monthly installation retirement ceremony Jan. 26 at Wylie Hall. Col. Adam W. Butler, Fort Lee garrison commander, and Command Sgt. Maj. Vittorio F. DeSouza, garrison CSM, hosted the event. The retirees are: (back, from left) Staff Sgt. Stanley L. Taylor, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, CASCOM; Master Sgt. Luis A. Beltran, 1st Theater Support Command, Fort Bragg, N.C.; Sgt. 1st Class Damian Wainwright, Greenville Recruiting Center, Michigan; Sgt. 1st Class Alisa D. Karr, 54th Quartermaster Company; Sgt. Maj. Priscilla D. Gantt, HHC, CASCOM; (front, from left) Sgt. Maj. Angela C. Plowden, 23rd Quartermaster Brigade; Lt. Col. Ann On-Lin Tang, 94th Training Division; Chief Warrant Ofﬁcer 4 Edward B. Franklin, HHC, CASCOM; and 1st Sgt. Rogelio Gonzalezcortez, 16th Ordnance Battalion. Karl Mesloh, DPTMS

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6 | TRAVELLER | February 2, 2017 | www.fortleetraveller.com

Lee student wins $1,500 exchange Exchange provides gift card for academic excellence healthier options at food court, express

For 15-year-old Kahlil Townsend, hard work has paid off ... literally. The Fort Lee family member was presented with a $1,500 gift card, the second-place prize in the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s You Made the Grade worldwide sweepstakes – at the Fort Lee Exchange main store Monday. Through the You Made the Grade program, 1st-12th-graders with a B-average or higher are eligible to receive a coupon book filled with Exchange discounts and a sweepstakes entry form for a shot at a $2,000, $1,500 or $500 prize. Townsend is a ninth-grade student at N.B. Clements Junior High School in Prince George County, Va., where his favorite subjects are math and P.E. In the future, he wants to be either a professional soccer player or marine biologist. “I decided I wanted to play soccer when I was four,” he said. “I was passionate about basketball, too, but my heart said soccer since I grew up in England.” In addition to academic pursuits, Townsend plays striker and midfield for a traveling soccer team and is a member of the Fort Lee Bowling League. His father, Lt. Col. Terrence Kilgore, has served in the Air Force for 28 years. Townsend said he plans to spend the first $500 of the gift card on

my children up for that as well.” Rita Inchaurregui-Powell, general manager of the Fort Lee Exchange, said her organization couldn’t be more proud to present Townsend with such an award. “The Exchange salutes the hard work, dedication and determination of students like Kahlil,” Inchaurregui-Powell said. “Despite the frequent moves and everyday stressors that go along with military life, Kahlil has set an example of academic achievement for his peers at Fort Lee.”

As 2017 marches on, more and more Americans’ New Year’s resolutions are falling by the wayside. But it’s not too late for service members and their families at Fort Lee to kick-start a BE FIT lifestyle – the Army and Air Force Exchange Service offers plenty of healthy meal and snack options to service members and their families looking to eat healthier in 2017. “The Exchange is committed to encouraging a BE FIT lifestyle,” said General Manager Rita Inchaurregui-Powell. “Along with exercise, proper nutrition is critical to health, readiness and resiliency.” Exchange-operated restaurants at Fort Lee serve lowcalorie and better-for-you options: s 0OPEYE S ,OUISIANA +ITCHEN DINERS CAN CHOOSE FROM more than 20 items with less than 350 calories, including three-piece blackened tenders, Cajun rice and green beans. s #HARLEY S 0HILLY 3TEAKS OFFERS A VARIETY OF ITEMS WITH 150 calories or less including grilled chicken, steak and garden salads. s 3UBWAY S &RESH &IT® MENU INCLUDES EIGHT SANDWICHes with 350 calories or less including turkey breast, Oven roasted chicken and roast beef. Shoppers hungry and in a hurry can grab a quick snack or beverage from one of the many Express “island coolers” stocked with sandwich wraps, salads, hummus, yogurt, fresh fruit, milk and hard-boiled eggs. “The Exchange recognizes how challenging it can be to eat healthy while balancing a military career with family responsibilities,” Inchaurregui-Powell said. “That’s why Express stores worldwide offer 348 BE FIT approved items. We couldn’t be more proud to provide service members and their families with the nutrition they need to stay ready to protect America’s freedom.”

– AAFES and Staff Reports

– Fort Lee AAFES

Amy Perry

Kahlil Townsend, a 9th grader at N.B. Clements Junior High School in Prince George County, receives a $1,500 gift card at the Fort Lee Exchange Monday. Townsend, son of Air Force Lt. Col. Terrence Kilgore, is the second-place winner of the Exchange’s You Made the Grade worldwide sweepstakes. Townsend is pictured with his family and Candace Ford, Main Store manager, right, and Rita Inchaurregui-Powell, general manager of the Fort Lee Exchange, center.

video games, while the remaining $1,000 will be saved. “I was in shock when I found out I won the gift card,” said Townsend. “I didn’t even know my mom submitted me for it.” Townsend’s mother Anne Kilgore and father, an instructor at the Army Logistics University, said they are proud of their son for earning the grades to be submitted for the raffle. “I bring my children to the store for the coupon book every time they make A’s and B’s, because I think it’s an achievement that should be rewarded,” said Anne. “This time, there was a raffle and I opted to sign

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Lt. Col. Tim Gallagher, 832nd Ordnance Battalion commander receives a sponsorship trophy from Linda Harvey, Army Community Service relocation manager, Jan. 26 in the battalion classroom. The award was given for completing the eSponsorship Application and Training course. ACS Relocation Readiness Program awards a trophy each quarter to a small, medium and large unit that has gone online and completed the eSat training. For training and certiﬁcation, log on to My Training Hub – https://myhub.militaryonesource.mil.

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Linda Harvey, Army Community Service relocation manager, presents a sponsorship trophy to Command Sgt. Maj. Tim Lebouf, 262nd Quartermaster Battalion CSM, and battalion Soldiers Jan. 26 in front of the 262nd QM headquarters. The eSAT course on My Training Hub is one of the ﬁrst steps in becoming a sponsor. All branches of service are eligible to be assigned as a sponsor to assist inbound and outbound Soldiers. To set up account go to https:// myhub.militaryonesource.mil/ or call Harvey at (804) 734-6762.

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8 | TRAVELLER | February 2, 2017 | www.fortleetraveller.com

Fort Lee Housing employee Lorleta Young dishes out baked beans to Sarah Coomer during the 2016 Life at Lee celebration on the lawn of the Family Housing Welcome Center along Sisisky Boulevard. The annual celebration is for residents and their families who live on post. It is sponsored by Hunt Military Communities in partnership with other organizations at Fort Lee.

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)DPLO\ +RXVLQJ ODXGHG IRU H[HPSODU\ FXVWRPHU VHUYLFH Lesley Atkinson Family/Community Life Reporter

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tized Army neighborhoods. Fort Lee and RedstoneArsenal, Ala., represented the Army out of the 18 housing operations selected for awards service-wide. To win this national recognition, a comprehensive resi-

dent satisfaction survey was launched and compiled by CEL and Associates, Inc. Participants rated their housing providers on factors such as communication, maintenance, leasing procedures and more. The survey also allows residents to suggest improvements. The customer satisfaction award has become the national standard for service. Fort Lee has won five times. Hunt Communities at Fort Lee works hard to keep residents happy, noted Priscilla Lewis, assistant community director for the organization. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have great customer service, a professional maintenance staff, and just an enthusiastic team overall,â&#x20AC;? Lewis said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;One of the reasons why I think we score high in customer service

is, in each of the seven neighborhoods here, we have resident specialists who take care of the family units. The resident specialistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s job is to collect work orders and comment cards, as well as address concerns and follow up on issues that arise. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Anything (residents) comment on, negative or positive, we try to reach back to them,â&#x20AC;? said Lewis. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If it is work-order-related, we go ahead and try to fix it.â&#x20AC;? The 2017 survey will be distributed via email in April. Residents will have six weeks to complete it. Hunt manages 1,477 units at Fort Lee. The family housing staff encourages residents to put in comment cards even if it is a good deed. Each quarter, family housing does a drawing from comment card submissions to win a gift basket. They also give out prizes to each neighborhood for â&#x20AC;&#x153;Yard of the Quarter.â&#x20AC;? Additionally, family housing hosts Spring Fling, National Night Out and Life at Lee events each year to show itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s appreciation and support of residents. To learn more about Fort Lee Family Housing, visit www.fortleefamilyhousing.com or stop by the center at 1510 Sisisky Blvd.

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RECOGNIZING CIVILIANS | SPOTLIGHT

1$$1$ 26(, Job title: Department of the Army Logistics Management Specialist intern Current job: Interning with the Logistics Exercise and Simulation Directorate on a rotational assignment Home country: Ghana, Africa Why did you come to America? “I moved to America in 2007 to get my master’s degree. It was pretty expensive, so I decided to join the Army.” Previous military experience: “I enlisted in the Army for four years as a 92 Alpha – automated logistical specialist.” When did you start the intern program? “June 2016.” Why did you apply to the intern program? “I think it’s a good opportunity to start a career in the government, and it teaches you how to be a better logistician.”

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How did you choose the logistics intern program? “I was working with human resources at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., and applied to the human resources and logistics intern program. I was accepted into the human resources program first. I was going to go there, but when I got into the logistics program, I decided to move forward because I had experience from when I was in the Army.” Why did you choose LESD for your rotational assignment? “I picked it because I didn’t know anything about simulation so it was a learning experience for me.” What aspect of LESD has impacted you the most?: “Seeing the teamwork at this organization. The teams all come together for an exercise to be successful. What’s next for you in the in-

tern program? “I start the Basic Officer Leaders Course Feb. 20 and that lasts for 16 weeks. After that, I continue my intern rotation and go to Fort Gordon, Ga., in June.” What are your feelings about your LESD rotation? “I’m so glad I picked this one. I didn’t have any network background, but the staff taught me how to set one up for an exercise. I learned how to build a database from scratch. I’m so happy I came here.” What kind of insight could you give others interested in the intern program? “I encourage others to come here because there aren’t a lot of organizations you can intern with. I have learned a lot through this process.” What’s your goal for this program? “I want to gain all the experience I can while I am an intern. I want to learn new skills that can help me. When you go to your first assignment, they expect you to know these things. I think these on-the-job training oppor-

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Olympic gold medalist and former champion boxer Ray “Merciless” Mercer poses with twin daughters Ramia and Raina, and wife Krystal, after the twins’ graduation from the Automated Logistical Course Friday at Mullins Auditorium. Ramia and Raina Mercer are U.S. Army Reservists who plan on enrolling in college and becoming pediatricians. Mercer was one of three boxing Soldiers who reigned victorious in the 1988 Seoul Olympics. He also had a successful career as a professional, winning World Boxing Organization and North American Boxing Federation titles.

The legacy continues Gold medalist boxer Ray Mercer sees his daughters start careers as Soldiers as he did 38 years ago T. Anthony Bell

T. Anthony Bell Senior Writer/Special Projects

ore than 70,000 military members and civilians receive logistics instruction here annually at the Army’s Sustainment Center of Excellence. Of that number, it is not uncommon to see relatives – siblings, cousins or even couples – undergo training at the same time. It is not an everyday occurrence, however, to see family members in training – twins in this case – who are related to an Olympic gold medalist. Not just any gold medalist, either. Former infantryman Ray “Merciless” Mercer is one of the few Army boxers to have accom-

001TRA02022017.indd A10-A11

plished the feat, beating out his competition in the heavyweight division at the 1988 Seoul Olympics. The 55-year-old was here Friday to witness 19-yearold daughters Ramia and Raina Mercer graduate from the Quartermaster School’s Automated Logistical Specialist Course at Mullins Auditorium. He said the pride he felt seeing the pair put the finishing stamp on their initial entry training is comparable to his gold medal moment. “It’s right up there,” he said of the achievement by U.S. Army Reservists assigned to Golf Company, 244th QM Battalion. “It feels the same way, really. I’m proud of them, told them they look great … and they’re going to achieve great things in the future, and I’m proud of that.” Mercer and his wife Krystal,

along with other family members, traveled here from Fayetteville, N.C., to see the pair rewarded for nine weeks of advanced individual training. They are third generation Mercer Soldiers. Their grandfather Raymond is a retired first sergeant and brother, Ksan Hamilton, served a stint as a cavalry scout. The twins seemed eager to carry on the legacy. “It feels like being part of a team,” said Ramia, “with us being family and everything and battle buddies, but we all have to protect each other… I hope the family continues to carry on that tradition.” Raina echoed the sentiment of her sister. “It kind of motivated me more to do it because I never thought I would do it before, but given the option and looking back (knowing) my father was in there, I was like, ‘Yeah, this might be a good

thing going,’” said Raina. Krystal, whose pride was often reflected with a wide smile, said she foresaw the possibility of military service when the twins were growing up. “I thought they would always be in something positive,” she said, “and they love their country, and I’ve always influenced them to go for their goals in anything they wanted to do.” Ray, who had 10 years invested in the Army when he decided to concentrate on what became a lucrative pro career, said the military is good choice for those who need a stepping stone. “I think the military is a great place to start your life after high school, college or whatever,” he said. “I think it offers a lot of opportunities now that we didn’t have back in the day.” Mercer’s daughters were surely thinking of opportunities

when they enlisted. Both plan to enroll in college and later become pediatricians, an ambition that reflects their will to “do everything together,” said Krystal. Her husband followed in the footsteps of his father and joined the military in 1979. He took up boxing two years later when a coach asked him to spar with another boxer. He went on to make a name for himself, earning the U.S. Amateur Heavyweight Championship in 1988 and winning an Olympic gold medal the same year. That 1988 Olympic boxing team boasted one of the best collections of boxing Soldiers in history. It included Kennedy McKinney and Andrew Maynard, both of whom captured golds as well as Anthony Hembrick, a gold medal favorite who arrived for his bout late and was disqualified. During his pro career, Mercer went on to earn titles in the North American Boxing Federation and World Boxing Organization, defeating Bert Cooper and Francesco Damiani, respectively. He also fought Larry Holmes, Lennox Lewis and Evander Holyfield, losing to all three on decisions. Mercer dabbled in kickboxing and mixed martial arts beginning at the turn of the century and ending well into the 2000s. These days, he said he makes celebrity appearances, fishes and takes “his granddaughter to school in the mornings.”

(RIGHT) Newly inducted Sergeant Audie Murphy Club members – Sgt. 1st Class Sean Conley, SFC Jacinta Moore and SFC Clyde Witherspoon – move to the center of the stage where they will recite a short history of their club’s namesake during the closing moments of a ceremony Friday in Guest Auditorium. (BELOW) Command Sgt. Maj. James Holmes III, 266th Quartermaster Battalion CSM, welcomes ceremony attendees.

Photos by Patrick Buffett

Post SAMC chapter welcomes four new members Patrick Buffett Managing Editor

The Fort Lee chapter of the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club welcomed four new members during an induction ceremony Friday in the Petroleum and Water Department’s Guest Auditorium. As a large audience of fellow noncommissioned officers, family members and senior enlisted leaders – including Command Sgt. Maj. Nathaniel Bartee, CASCOM CSM – observed, distinctive SAMC medallions were hung around the necks of Sgt. 1st Class Sean M. Conley, an advanced individual training platoon sergeant with the 832nd Ordnance Battalion; Sgt. 1st Class Jacinta D. Moore, senior small group leader, Transportation, Logistics Noncommissioned Officer Academy; and Sgt. 1st Class Clyde D. Witherspoon, senior small group leader, Quartermaster, LNCOA. The fourth inductee, Staff Sgt. Larita N. Settles, a Logistics Training Department writer-instructor with the Quartermaster School, was not available for the ceremony. Describing the significance of the event during featured remarks, Command Sgt. Maj. James Holmes III, 266th QM Battalion CSM and a long-time SAMC member, said the organization is all about recognition of the professional NCO corps and its role in maintaining a combat ready Army. A nomination for SAMC membership, Holmes noted, is “among the highest compliments” one can receive from his or her

peers because it’s an acknowledgment of superior qualities associated with training, mentorship, knowledge, conduct, caring for Soldiers and their families, and more. “The NCOs who sit before us today have devoted countless hours to studying regulations, policies and military history,” Holmes said, alluding to the preparations for board appearances at company, brigade and installation level that are used to assess the qualities of candidates and ultimately decide whether they are worthy of SAMC membership. “In short, they represent the best of the best; individuals who understand the meaning of being part of something bigger than themselves.” A significant portion of Holmes remarks also was dedicated to the expectations of enlisted leaders, which can be boiled down to an expression well known to Army NCOs … “Be, Know, Do.” Those pillars of leadership are represented by stars appearing between the letters S-A-M-C on the organization’s logo. “You are the backbone of our Army,” Holmes proudly reminded the inductees and other NCOs in the audience. “You have a responsibility to Soldiers, peers, leaders, the unit and the U.S. Army to be the best you can be. That responsibility means making a commitment; it means mastering the skills that are part of your grade; it means taking charge; and, most of all, it means living up to the standards and heroic examples of NCOs before you. “We are part of a legacy,” Holmes con-

cluded. “Our job is not and should not be easy. We will face certain obstacles and adversity. We must stay mentally and physically fit to overcome those challenges. The Army expects it, our Soldiers deserve it and those who have come before us demand it.” Following the presentations of their medallions and the accompanying TRADOC certificates of achievement, the inductees also shared their thoughts on the significance of the moment. “Nothing great ever comes easy, and that definitely holds true for the path to SAMC membership,” said Conley, who hails from Melbourne, Fla. “To share (a quote) from Sgt. Audie Murphy, ‘…why not take a chance and do the thing you fear? Sometimes, it’s the only way to get over being afraid. I was scared before every battle. The old instinct of self-preservation is a pretty basic thing. But while the action was going on, some part of my mind shut off and my training and discipline took over. I did what I had to do.’ “I’m confident we’re all familiar with that feeling of moving toward battle, whether figurative or literal,” Conley continued. “I will leave you with words of advice I give to Soldiers facing a challenge. Stop staring at it like you have a choice. It’s not going away. It’s time to move out and get it done. If you do this, you are sure to reach your goal.” Moore thanked her peers for their inspiration and support. “I did not get here alone, nor was it an easy road,” said the Kentuckyborn Soldier. “It was long days, late nights

and sacrifices for something bigger than myself. One of the most meaningful questions I was asked along the way was, ‘why do you want to be a member?’ It’s the fact I can relate to Audie Murphy’s story in that I was also orphaned at a young age and share his resilience to serve our country despite the many obstacles (of my past). “I want to lead by example,” Moore later said. “I hope my achievement inspires others to challenge themselves; to do the hard thing and never quit. There is no secret to this achievement. It is the result of preparation, hard work and learning from others.” Weatherspoon spoke along the same lines. “I have faced many challenges on my way here,” said the Blytheville, Ark., native, “but each one of them has only strengthened me to make me the person I am today. Being inducted into SAMC would not have been possible without the inspiration I received from my seniors and colleagues for whom I have the deepest respect and whom I derived the strength to challenge myself and perform at each stage. I plan to dedicate my time and commitment to the club as well as bring on other NCOs who have the same leadership attributes of Audie Murphy and will represent the club like he would have wanted.” Those who would like to read more about Sgt. Audie Murphy, the most-decorated U.S. combat Soldier of World War II, can find his biography on the Fort Lee chapter’s web page, www.lee.army.mil/sama. It also includes reference material and email links.

2/1/2017 4:34:28 PM

10 | TRAVELLER | February 2, 2017 | www.fortleetraveller.com

www.fortleetraveller.com | February 2, 2017 | TRAVELLER | 11

The legacy continues Gold medalist boxer Ray Mercer sees his daughters start careers as Soldiers as he did 38 years ago T. Anthony Bell

T. Anthony Bell Senior Writer/Special Projects

001TRA02022017.indd A10-A11

Photos by Patrick Buffett

Post SAMC chapter welcomes four new members Patrick Buffett Managing Editor

2/1/2017 4:34:28 PM

12 | TRAVELLER | February 2, 2017 | www.fortleetraveller.com

Program helps Army save $900 million Unemployment compensation for Soldiers leaving the Army during fiscal 2016 dropped to the lowest amount recorded in 13 years. The Army ended the year at $172.8 million, according to the Department of Laborâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unemployment compensation report. Army expenditures had peaked in 2011, at $515 million. This is the first time expenditures dropped below $200 million since 2003. In the last four years, the Army has achieved over $900 million in cost avoidance for unemployment compensation expenditures through programs like the IMCOM Soldier for Life Transition Assistance Program, which prepares Soldiers for finding employment in the civilian sector when they leave active service. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The significant reduction in the Armyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bill for unemployment compensation, along with the reduction in the national veteran unemployment rate, can be attributed to the diligence of the team of teams at IMCOMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s SFL-TAP centers who are selfless, passionate and dedicated to this important mission,â&#x20AC;? said IMCOM Command Sgt. Maj. Melissa Judkins. IMCOM executes SFL-TAP by providing resources, guidance and support to 73 centers worldwide.

File Photo

A company executive, retired Army Brig. Gen. Dick Miller, talks with Spc. Shawna Rockwell and Pfc. Hubert Gumbs about employment at a Fort Lee Job Fair in 2015.

The command markets the program to Soldiers, provides direct funding and manpower, develops standardized training and monitors the execution of the program. When Soldiers receive unemployment compensation from a state agency, the Department of Labor bills the Army for reim-

bursement. Reducing the number of Soldiers receiving compensation by assisting them in their transition to the civilian sector benefits both the Army and the federal fovernment in cost avoidance savings. In 2016 alone, over 117,000 Soldiers successfully transitioned into the civilian community using

SFL-TAP services. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are excited to see that more Army veterans are finding careers after they transition off of active duty service, and fewer are having to file for unemployment compensation,â&#x20AC;? said retired Col. Walter Herd, Director of the Soldier for Life â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Transition

5HWHQWLRQ LQFHQWLYHV RIIHUHG LQ HIIRUW WR SOXV XS $UP\ WURRS VWUHQJWK E\ FORT MEADE, Md. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; With the total Army tasked to expand by 28,000 troops this year, the service hopes to retain quality Soldiers with incentives, such as cash bonuses up to $10,000 for extensions, the Armyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top enlisted member said recently. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We need Soldiers to stay in the Army,â&#x20AC;? Sgt. Maj. of the Army Daniel A. Dailey said during a town hall meeting at the Defense Information School. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re on the fence (and you plan to get out this year), go see your career

counselor. I guarantee you they have some good news.â&#x20AC;? The National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal 2017 recently raised the Armyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s end strength to just over 1 million Soldiers for all components. Initial proposals had the entire Army slated to draw down to 980,000 by the end of this year. The NDAA increased the active force by 16,000 to an end strength of 476,000 and also bumped the reserve component by 12,000.

The troop surge would represent the Armyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest yearly increase without using a draft or stop-loss involuntary extension and will double its annual retention mission, according to Dailey. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not in a drawdown anymore; weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in an increase situation,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Army is going to get bigger.â&#x20AC;? Soldiers who decide to extend their service for 12 months may receive the cash bonus, up to $10,000, depending on their

military occupational specialty, time in service and re-enlistment eligibility, he added. Choice of duty location, stabilization at duty stations, chances to extend service rather than re-enlist, and incentives such as schools are other ways the Army hopes to retain its own. Assignment and training options vary by MOS. There are some very creative things weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to do to stimulate all of that,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The important thing Soldiers need

Assistance Program, based out of the U.S. Army Human Resources Command at Fort Knox, Ky. Although experience shows veterans generally enjoy a favorable employment rate in the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s job market, many of them initially find it difficult to compete successfully in the civilian labor market. SFL-TAP Centers help Soldiers alleviate many employment-related difficulties and prepare them for success. IMCOM SFL-TAP Centers have partnered with the Department of Labor, DOD, the Small Business Administration, and Veterans Affairs to provide employment and training information to Soldiers and their eligible spouses within one year of their separation or two years of their retirement from the military. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is a positive step for our Soldiers and our nation as we continue to support and provide the assistance Soldiers need as they transition off of active duty service,â&#x20AC;? Judkins said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;However, as we transition 90-thousand-plus Soldiers per year for the next 3-5 years, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s imperative for the Army to maintain the momentum to keep veteran unemployment low and continue to reduce UCX for the Army,â&#x20AC;? she concluded. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; IMCOM

to know is to ensure they talk to their career counselors. They are the experts at the unit level who can tailor options based on a Soldierâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s specific situation and MOS.â&#x20AC;? Dailey also highlighted readiness, as the Army transitions from an emphasis on counterinsurgency to full-spectrum operations, which will require an adaptable, well-trained, and ready force. Currently, more than 180,000 Soldiers are serving in no fewer than 140 nations around the globe. Education benefits for enlisted Soldiers are also improving, he said, with â&#x20AC;&#x153;huge systematic SEE RETENTION, PAGE 16

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tells a true story about me’ Continued from Page 2 expressing positive emotions. Perhaps I should update my old profile photo to show more of my personality? I could find a photo that just happens to have the Taj Mahal, the Sphinx or the Eiffel Tower in the background, thereby implying I’m adventurous. Or should I get a photo of me wearing ski goggles, clutching a surf board, or smiling victoriously with a marathon number still pinned to my sweaty spandex top to fool everyone into thinking I’m an athlete? I could project professionalism by posting one of those $29.99 Sears Portrait Package photos of me wearing a nice blazer in front of a mottled mauve backdrop. I could feign quirky intelligence by borrowing someone’s glasses, then striking a head-resting-on-one-handwith-eyes-looking-up-into-a-corner pose. If I could only figure out how to make a “fish face” or “duck lips” without looking pathetic, I could even sex it up a little bit. But seriously, do I really need to change my profile photo just because it’s out of date? My husband, Francis, took the shot of me on a dreary day in 2007 while he was home on R-and-R amid a yearlong deployment. We were walking on the beach, happy to be together after nine months apart. I’m wearing his fleece jacket and some outdated hoop earrings, my hair looks damp, and the photo is a bit blurry, but I’m showing a genuine smile. According to science, my blurry smiling profile picture means I’m “agreeable.” And the fact the photo was taken in 2007 just means I’m old. Either way, the picture tells the true story about me and our military life, and that’s something I’ll never want to change.

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Advanced individual training Soldiers and the command team from Alpha Company, 244th Quartermaster Battalion, pose with residents and staff of Brookdale Imperial Plaza during Richmond’s Neighbor to Neighbor Martin Luther King Jr. Observance outreach event Jan. 16. While at the assisted-living facility, Soldiers toured the facility, interacted and shared stories with the seniors and took park in activities ranging from a question-and-answer panel to singing and dancing. Earlier in the day, Alpha Co. troops and command leaders from Golf Co., 244th QM Bn., gathered at United Methodist Family Services in Richmond to attend a MLK recognition ceremony entitled “The Struggle and the Dream” where new Richmond Mayor Levar M. Stoney gave the keynote address. A number of city leaders and residents also attended the observance.

Contributed Photo

Illisa Mejia, daughter of a Fort Lee service member, proudly holds up her “vision board” during an Army Community Service family team-building event here Jan. 26. Sixteen Fort Lee community members – including Gold Star spouses, military spouses and other family members – participated in the “New Year, New You Vision Board Social.” In one activity, attendees created a poster using cutouts and drawings that depicted their hopes and goals for 2017. “Visualization is one of the most powerful tools one can use to accomplish a desired task,” said AFTB manager Frenchi Watts Kemp. Resiliency and time management classes were presented before the social activity.

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Blended Retirement System offers after-service savings WASHINGTON – Beginning in January 2018, a new Department of Defense enterprise-wide retirement system will go into effect. The blended retirement system, which was instituted by the 2016 National Defense Authorization Act, will take effect for all Soldiers joining the Army beginning Jan. 1, 2018, and some current service members will have the option to opt into the new system. Soldiers with less than 12 years of active duty service and National Guard and Reserve members with less than 4,320 points will have until Dec. 31, 2018 to choose whether to remain in the current system or opt into the new one.

The new blended retirement system is a threepronged program: Prong 1 Prong 1 consists of a defined pension benefit upon retirement, which is similar to the current system, Hanson said. The current retirement system awards a pension of 2.5 percent of basic pay per year times the number of years of service, for those serving 20 or more years, he said. So someone with 20 years would receive 50 percent of base pay per year in retirement. The new blended retirement system awards 2 percent per year. So, that same Soldier serving 20 years would earn a pension of 40 percent of base pay.

Prong 2 Prong 2 consists of a Thrift Savings Plan, or TSP, which is similar to a 401K plan, Hanson said. Under the TSP, the government will contribute 1 percent of base pay for new Soldiers after 60 days and then will match up to 5 percent of contributions after two years. For Soldiers who opt into the blended retirement system, the government contributions to TSP begin immediately. Prong 3 Prong 3 is a one-time continuation payment for Soldiers with eight-to-12 years of service. It will at minimum be 2.5 months of base pay for those on active duty. For Guard and Reserve Soldiers, it will be

FRPPDQG EULHI

a half-month’s basic pay as if they were on active duty. If the Soldier accepts this one-time payment, known as continuation pay, he or she will have to agree to serve for a minimum of three additional years. Summary Soldiers serving in the Army today have from Jan. 1, 2018, until Dec. 31, 2018, to decide whether or not to continue in the current retirement system that has been in place for many decades, or join the new blended system, Hanson said. All Soldiers joining the Army beginning Jan. 1, 2018, will be under the blended system, he said. Also, all Soldiers with less

than 12 years active duty, as well as National Guard and Reserve members with less than 4,320 retirement points, can opt into this new blended system prior to Dec. 31, 2018. Decision making Each Soldier’s circumstances are unique when it comes to deciding whether or not to opt in or remain in the current system, Hanson said. In about three weeks, a mandatory Joint Knowledge Online course will help them decide which is best for them. If the JKO course still doesn’t answer all the questions, Soldiers can receive additional help from counselors at Army Community Services or Army Emergency Relief, he added. Analysis Overall, the blended retirement system is good news for the vast majority of Soldiers, Hanson

said. Currently, some 70 percent of officers and 90 percent of enlisted don’t stay in for 20 years, and they leave the Army with no retirement benefits. Under the new system, all Soldiers who serve honorably for at least two years (approximately 85 percent of service members) will now have some retirement benefits when they leave the service. It is widely recognized that Thrift Savings Plan is an excellent retirement plan, with very low fees and other benefits, Hanson said. Even after separating from the Army, Soldiers can keep contributing to their TSP or roll it into some other plan like a 401K. The other good news, he said, is Soldiers currently serving are not being forced into a new plan. “There’s no opting out, only opting in.” – Army News Service

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Contributed Photo

Lt. Col. Brett H. Venable, Kenner Army Health Clinic commander, provided an overview of the services offered and population served to the new Chippenham Hospital leadership Jan. 25. The command team, 1st Sgt. Don Berry, Lt. Col. Michael Ronn, Lt. Col. Fernando Robles, Lt. Col. Stacey Freeman and Maj. Daniel Cash joined the meeting to offer their support in continuing to build and maintain partnerships with network partners. Network partners are a critical piece to the overall mission of medically supporting the military, retirees and family members at Fort Lee.

Contributed Photo

Capt. Nathan Apticar, commander, Charlie Company, 262nd Quartermaster Battalion, presents Pvt. Jeff Blues with his Quartermaster Regimental Crest during the Rites of Passage ceremony Jan. 13. The event signiﬁed students’ induction into the Quartermaster Corps and reiterates the signiﬁcance of the quartermaster branch mission. It reinforces the role, commitment and responsibilities of the quartermaster Soldier to overall mission accomplishment through superior logistics, further supporting the soldierization process.

16 | TRAVELLER | February 2, 2017 | www.fortleetraveller.com

KENNER CONNECTION | CUSTOMER APPRECIATION

‘Patients deserve the ﬁnest care’ Tereasa Wade Public Affairs Ofﬁcer

National Patient Recognition Week is celebrated annually in early February. It’s the perfect opportunity for Army leaders and medical providers to honor the patients entrusted to their care – Soldiers, family members, retirees and all other eligible military

health system beneficiaries. As Kenner Army Health Clinic pays tribute to its patients throughout February, MEDCOM also remains committed to the highest standards in patient-centered care. Trust in the care and support services Army Medicine provides is an essential part of its ongoing commitment to the Army Family. “National Patient Recognition

Week is all about honoring beneficiaries and letting them know how much we care about their health and well-being,” said Lt. Col. Brett H. Venable, commander, KAHC. “We want to thank our patients for placing their trust in Kenner and Army Medicine.” Kenner leaders and providers – physicians, nurses, technicians, administrative and ancillary support staffs, and clinic volunteers – will continue to provide our patients the quality care that is the foundation of Army Medicine. Staff members honor and thank patients for their honorable ser-

vice and sacrifices made on the battlefield and at home. “My family and I are Army Medicine patients who are happy to get our care at Kenner Army Health Clinic,” said 1st Sgt. Don R. Berry, acting KAHC sergeant major. “We have no doubt our health partners are providing excellence in care and service, which is just what those who serve our country deserve.” As staff members continue to enhance and improve the medical support and services at KAHC, they recognize paying attention to patients’ unique needs is essential

to overall patient satisfaction. The clinic also encourages beneficiaries to take part in the quarterly Patient and Stakeholder Advisory Council meetings that allow them to have their voices heard, thus encouraging the community viewpoint in the quality of care decision-making process. KAHC’s motto – “Your Care. Your Trust. Our Mission” – is demonstrated in the care and services provided to the Fort Lee community. For more information on the PSAC, contact the KAHC patient advocate at (804) 734-9512.

(LEFT) Troops march to classrooms on the Ordnance Campus. An effort to increase troop strength via incentives is an Army priority for the upcoming months.

RETENTION | Bonuses available for

those who want to continue service Continued from page 12 changes” to the NCO professional development system, ongoing reviews of common core for all career fields, and possible expansion of tuition assistance. “We need to change the dynamic in how we train and educate our Soldiers,” Dailey said. Military training, he said, can help Soldiers obtain college degrees through the Army

University’s credentialing program. Under the NDAA, Congress has authorized the Army to pay for credentials that translate to a civilian occupation as long as it relates to an MOS, a Soldier’s regular duties, and during a Soldier’s transition out of the Army.

“We have permission to pay for your credentials for the job you do in the Army,” he said. “That’s not a bad deal.” The Credentialing Opportunities On-Line program also informs Soldiers how to use their military training toward certificates and licenses

It sends a perception across America that we value people.” -Sergeant Major of the Army Daniel Dailey

File Photo

required for civilian professions, such as electrician, plumber, welder, and many other jobs. In addition, the Army is working toward letting Soldiers use tuition assistance to pay for these certificates and licenses, Dailey said. These efforts, he said,

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www.fortleetraveller.com | February 2, 2017 | TRAVELLER | 17

LOCAL ACTIVITIES

FOR THE

EVENTS Kenner Go Red for Heart Health | Feb. 3 Fort Lee community members are encouraged to wear red in support of a national women’s heart health observance Feb. 3. An awareness and education exhibit also will be on display Feb. 6-19 at Kenner Army Health Clinic in the pharmacy lobby. For details, call (804) 734-9476.

‘Broadway Bound’ Opens at Theater | Feb. 3 The Theater Company at Fort Lee production of “Broadway Bound” by Neil Simon opens Feb. 3 at the Lee Theater, Mahone Avenue. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays, Feb. 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 and 18 at 8 p.m., and Sundays, Feb. 5, 12 and 19 at 3 p.m. Tickets

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are $13 (adults) and $7 (youth). All shows are open to the public. Finishing up the trilogy of “Brighton Beach Memoirs” and “Biloxi Blues,” “Broadway Bound” finds Eugene and his older brother Stanley trying to break into show business as professional comedy writers while trying to cope with their parent’s break-up. For tickets, call (804) 734-6629.

FMWR Football Party | Feb. 5 Community members can watch the Super Bowl on big screen TVs Feb. 5, 5 p.m., at the Sustainers’ Pub, located in the lobby area of Fort Lee Army Lodging, 2301 Mahone Ave. There is no cover charge. The event will include snacks and manager’s drink specials. For details, call (804) 765-1539.

23rd QM Ready and Resiliency Ball | Feb. 16 The 23rd Quartermaster Brigade will

host a Ready and Resiliency Ball Feb. 16, 5 p.m., at the Lee Club. The program includes dinner, entertainment and more. Tickets are $30 per person. For details, email jacquline.d.fafie. mil@mail.mil, craig.l.delarm.mil@mail. mil or call (804) 734-7230.

‘Charlie Brown’ Auditions | Feb. 20-21 The Theater Company at Fort Lee will hold auditions for “You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown” Feb. 20-21, 7 p.m., at the Lee Theater, 4300 Mahone Ave. Director Frank Foster seeks four men and two women, ages 20-40. Those auditioning should prepare a children’s song, bring sheet music in the correct key (accompanist provided) and be prepared to dance and move. Reading will be from the script. No performers are paid. Rehearsals will begin after casting for a May 5-21 production run. For details, call (804) 734-6629.

Pre-retirement Seminar | Feb. 24 A pre-retirement seminar for military members who are within 12-24 months of separation from service will be held Feb. 24, 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m., at the Soldier Support Center auditorium, building 3400, 1401 B Ave. The free program covers a variety postmilitary-career topics. For details, call (804) 734-6555.

ACS ‘Baby Basics’ Class | Feb. 8 A free class – “Baby Basics” by Army Community Service Family Advocacy Program – is set for Feb. 8, 1 p.m., at ACS, building 1231, Mahone Avenue. The session will cover newborn care, bathing, diapering, calming a baby and more. For registration and details, call (804) 734-6381.

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Calendar, continued family and free for members. For details, call (804) 717-6540 or email jonesr@chesterfield.gov.

ACS Couponing Class | Feb. 28 Army Community Service will offer a “Basic Couponing” class Feb. 28, 10 a.m. - noon, at ACS, building 1231, Mahone Avenue. The free workshop will cover where to find and effectively use coupons, how to setup a binder, starting a stockpile and more. For registration and details, call (804) 734-6431.

EFMP Lego Club | Feb. 15 The Army Community Service Exceptional Family Member Program “4X2” Lego Club will get together Feb. 15, 6-7 p.m., at the Fort Lee Housing Center, 1510 Sisisky Blvd. The free program is open to kids, 4 years and older. Children must be accompanied by adults. Participants should not bring their own Legos. Registration is required. For details, call (804) 734-7965 or email keiandria.n.dickerson.ctr@mail.mil.

YOUTH Lee Theater Group Youth Auditions | Feb. 4 The Theater Company at Fort Lee will hold auditions for “Once on This Island! Jr.” Feb. 4, 10 a.m., at the Lee Theater, 4300 Mahone Ave. Director Caroline Mincks seeks 12 actors, ages 10-18, for a variety of roles. Those auditioning must be prepared to read from the script and sing a prepared song. No performers are paid. Rehearsals begin immediately after casting for the March 10-19 production run. Play dates are March 12, 18, and 19 at 2 p.m. For details, call (804) 734-6629.

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Relationship-Building Class | Feb. 8 – March 8 A five-week relationship-building class will be offered Feb. 8 - March 8, 6:307:30 p.m., at Chester Baptist Church, 4317 School St. Couples will learn how to communicate what they need, resolve conflict, solve problems and more. The cost is $25 per

Healthy Living Talk at PG Library | Feb. 9 The Tri-Cities Alzheimer’s Association will present an information session titled “Healthy Living for Body and Brain” Feb. 9, 5:30 p.m., at Prince George Library, 6605 Courts Drive. The free program will focus on the causes and symptoms of dementia and other brain-related injuries. For details, call (804) 446-5860.

Red Cross Blood Drive in Petersburg | Feb. 9 The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive Feb. 9, 12:30-5:30 p.m., at AMC Southside Area Chapter Office, 22 W. Washington St. Donors of all blood types are needed to restock hospital blood supplies and help save patient lives. Many recent drives have been canceled due to weather. To make an appointment, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-733-2767.

VSU Military Appreciation Night | Feb. 11 Virginia State University Military Appreciation Night featuring a basketball game versus Elizabeth City State University is set for Feb. 11, 1 p.m., at VSU Multipurpose Center, 20809 2nd Ave., Petersburg. It is free for active duty military members, veterans and family members.

‘Meet Dr. King’ Black History Month Youth Event | Feb. 11 Children will be introduced to the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in an easy-to-follow story activity titled “Meet Dr. King” Feb. 11, 10:30-11:15 a.m., at North Courthouse Road Library, 325 Courthouse Road. The free activity is for ages 4-10. The goal of the program is to inspire a child to use peace, leadership and conflict resolution in his or her own schools and communities. Registration is required. It is part of Chesterfield County’s Black History Month programming. For details, visit library.chesterfield. gov/events/register/ or call (804) 7512275.

www.fortleetraveller.com | February 2, 2017 | Traveller | 19

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