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$ 0(66$*( 2) +23( Featured Fort Lee Prayer Breakfast speaker emphasizes importance of spiritual strength SEE PAGE 4 POST MOTORISTS ISSUED MORE TICKETS IN 2015 Top three offenses include speeding, distracted driving (primarily cellphone usage) and driving under the inuence, according to Fort Lee Provost Marshal SEE PAGE 7

STAYING SHARP 23rd Brigade develops smartphone app for easy access to awareness, response resources for sexual crimes

LONG OVERDUE RECOGNITION Prince George-area Army veteran receives Bronze Star medal for combat role in Vietnam

SEE PAGE 3

SEE PAGE 8

CAREER ADVICE Spouse, retired Soldier discuss journey into civilian job market, positive steps taken to get them there SEE PAGE 15

2 | Traveller | February 4, 2016 | www.fortleetraveller.com

COMMENTARY | TRAFFIC SAFETY

Driving around Fort Lee can be a challenging task. Unlike off-post, drivers on the installation must negotiate troops conducting road marches or physical training and deal with large, slow-moving tactical vehicles not typically seen on “normal” city streets. Recently, a couple of traffic issues have been identified that require clarification, specifically how to properly negotiate the intersections of B Avenue and 16th Street and C Avenue and 16th Street and pedestrians in crosswalks. As identified during the recent Army Family Action Plan conference, there is some confusion on the correct way to access two of the intersections along 16th

Street (near the Soldier Support Center). The issue identified is that some drivers on B Avenue and C Avenue treat the intersection like a four-way stop. Drivers on B and C avenues stop at the intersection and then proceed assuming the traffic on 16th Street will stop also like it’s a four-way stop. However, the two intersections are equipped with flashing red and yellow lights. B and C avenues have flashing red lights while 16th Street has flashing yellow lights. Additionally, B and C avenues have stop signs. The presence of flashing red lights for traffic on B and C avenues does not indicate the intersection is a four-way stop; additional signage would be necessary in that instance. The flashing yellow lights for traffic on 16th Street only indicate to drivers need to proceed

FAFSA primer: how to navigate college aid maze Jason Alderman Visa Financial Education Program

If you’re worried about paying for your child’s college education, keep this statistic in mind. During the 2011-12 school year, the U.S. Department of Education reported 85 per-

cent of all full-time, four-year college students were receiving some form of financial aid. Consider planning way ahead of time to develop a college savings strategy that fits with family finances. If anyone more resources to cover additional costs, get to know the Free

Fort Lee

Commanding General ........Maj. Gen. Darrell K. Williams Garrison Commander ....................... Col. Paul K. Brooks 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 Maceyak Production Assistant .............................. Ray Kozakewicz To reach the Traveller Staff, call (804) 734-7147.

Application for Federal Student Aid, better known as FAFSA (https://fafsa.ed.gov). FAFSA is the universal application for current and prospective U.S. college students to receive college financial aid. It is the gateway to grants, student loans and work-study programs on the federal and state level. If you have a kid headed for college, it’s a good idea to learn about the FAFSA as early as possible. The universal form is the first step for any current

150 crosswalks. Many include temporary or permanent signage identifying the area as a pedestrian zone alerting drivers to the presence of a crosswalk. However, the lack of any signage at a crosswalk does not change the fact pedestrians have the right-of-way within the crosswalk. Per the Code of Virginia (§ 46.2-924), “The driver of any vehicle on a highway shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian crossing such highway…at any clearly marked crosswalk, whether at mid-block or at the end of any block.” The Code also places responsibility on the pedestrian by stating “No pedestrian shall enter or cross an intersection in disregard of approaching traffic.” The Code further states at intersections or crosswalks where traffic is being regulated by law-enforcement officers or traffic control devices, drivers and pedestrians shall yield according to the direction of the law-enforcement officer or device. It’s important to remember pedestrians have the right-of-way in crosswalks but pedestrian must also remain aware and alert to traffic.

or prospective student who needs help paying for higher education. For the 2014-15 academic year, the College Board reported annual tuition, room and board (http://trends.collegeboard.org) averaged $18,943 at in-state public universities, $32,762 for out-of-state students and $42,419 at private, nonprofit schools. FAFSA filing opens after Jan.1 every year with June 30 as the final deadline. Keep in mind, though, that a student’s

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, 114 Charlotte Avenue Suite A, 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.

current or target school financial aid deadlines (https://fafsa. ed.gov/deadlines.htm) can be significantly earlier based on the state in which they plan to attend college. Bottom line: Knowing as much as possible about college financial aid now can help parents and students make the best plans for covering those expenses. Whether college is months or years away, it’s never too early to start planning and saving.

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DPW addresses intersection, crosswalk misunderstandings

with caution. Per the Code of Virginia (§ 46.2-821), “The driver of a vehicle approaching an intersection on a highway controlled by a stop sign shall, immediately before entering such intersection, stop at a clearly marked stop line or, in the absence of a stop line, stop before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or, in the absence of a marked crosswalk, stop at the point nearest the intersecting roadway where the driver has a view of approaching traffic on the intersecting roadway. Before proceeding, he shall yield the right-of-way to the driver of any vehicle approaching on such other highway from either direction.” The bottom line is traffic on B and C avenues must come to a complete stop and yield the right-of-way to all traffic on 16th Street. Traffic on 16th Street have the right-of-way at the intersections of B and C avenues but should use caution when entering the intersection. There are numerous marked pedestrian crossings on-post. Recently the Directorate of Public Works surveyed over

Patrick Buffett

Chaplain (Col.) James Palmer Jr., U.S. Army Cyber Command chaplain, delivers a message focused on hope during the 2016 Fort Lee National Prayer Breakfast observance at the Lee Club Wednesday. See page 4 for more photos.

www.fortleetraveller.com | February 4, 2016 | Traveller | 3

QM Brigade develops app to combat sexual assault Amy Perry Production/News Assistant Editor

The 23rd Quartermaster Brigade has turned to new technology to provide assistance for Soldiers who experience sexual assault, sexual harassment, or suicidal thoughts or actions by others. After learning it would cost $12,000 a year to print SHARP cards, the brigade team decided at look to other methods to provide the information to their troops. Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas Kelly, brigade CSM, sent an email to Col. Tamatha Patterson, brigade commander, presenting an idea to create an app with the information. She forwarded the proposal to Sgt. 1st Class Randeen Espinoza, the brigade’s sexual assault response coordinator, who said she thought it was a great idea. Espinoza researched it and learned they could use an application developed by CASCOM in 2012 – the WeCare app. Espinoza

contacted one of the developers of the CASCOM app who said they would help them create the 23rd QM Brigade-specific version. Through the app, Soldiers have access to a plethora of telephone numbers – from victim advocates to clinic services to the chaplain – to use to report a sexual assault or to get help. Many off-post resources – including the National Suicide Hotline – also are included, which can be helpful if a Soldier wants to go to someone outside the unit. Using this type of technology appeals to the younger generation of Soldiers going through the school house, said Patterson. “The Soldiers we have today are different from when I came in the Army,� she said. “They always have a phone in their hands. My idea was if we can put this information at their fingertips as soon as they get here, instead of when we brief them during inprocessing, it will be right there for them. It’s easily accessible and everything they need to know

about sexual assault and sexual harassment is right there. “If we can put this kind of information in front of them – all the time – then maybe they can help us eradicate it out of our ranks and make them more confident to step up if they see something,� Patterson continued. The application also spells out what sexual assault is, per Army Regulation 600-20, and it shows the different categories of sexual assault and harassment, said Espinoza. “This is helpful because some Soldiers think only rape is sexual assault, but they don’t realize there are other categories like abusive sexual contact or aggravated sexual contact,� she said. “It also tells them the reporting options and who to report these issues to.� The information is useful even if it’s not the Soldier who experienced the trauma, said Espinoza. “Maybe they have a battle buddy or a friend – or even a cadre member – who may be upset,�

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Recent juvenile hearing boards in December and January dealt with dependents who were involved in fights and shoplifting from the Main Exchange. Four fighting cases and two shoplifting cases were brought in front of the board that consisted of garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Clarence Richardson – chairperson – and representatives from Social Work Services, the Installation Chaplain’s Office, the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate, the Provost Marshal Office and each Fort Lee unit to which the parent of the juvenile is assigned. The Juvenile Hearing Board is part of

the Juvenile Offenders Program as outlined in Fort Lee Policy 28-03, said Maj. Joseph Tull, Fort Lee’ provost marshal. “The purpose of the program is to prevent and reduce juvenile delinquency on Fort Lee by providing a means to divert youthful offenders from the criminal justice system, maintain and strengthen the military family unit, and rehabilitate juveniles in a supportive, nonpunitive community environment,� said Tull. The board reviews each case based on the evidence from the military police investigators. They also speak to the sponsor’s chain of command, and the sponsor and juvenile are involved in the process. The board representatives also can make suggestions for resources that could help

Contributed Photo

Sgt. 1st Class Randeen Espinoza, 23rd Quartermaster Brigade sexual assault response coordinator, shows two advanced individual training students how to use the new 23rd QM Bde. app on their phone during a recent in-processing session. The application provides information and support options for victims of sexual assault or harassment.

she said. “There are links to different websites – SHARP-related and suicide prevention – that could help the Soldier help their friends.� The application – which is available on Apple and Android devices – was available when the Soldiers returned from holiday block leave earlier this year, and the Soldiers are excited to use it, said Kelly.

with the juvenile’s misconduct, said Tull. Potential punishments given at the board include essays, community service and – in the case of shoplifting – a suspension of exchange privileges. In some cases – especially fighting – juveniles can face a bar from the installation. For the fighting cases reviewed in December and January, three are required to write essays and perform community service and they received suspended twoyear bars, which is similar to probation, said Tull. If there are any similar incidents within the time frame, the juvenile can be asked to leave the installation. The fourth fighting case – which was reviewed in January – was already under a suspended bar for previous fighting, and the juvenile received a bar letter to start in April. The two shoplifters are required to write essays and received a suspension of their exchange privileges. Ultimately, military sponsors are responsible for their family members’ ac-

“The feedback I’ve received is that it’s an awesome app,� he said. “We used to pass cards with this information on it and Soldiers would have to show the cards during inspections. But with an app, you don’t have to worry about washing the card in your uniform – you’re not going to wash your phone with your uniform. SEE APP, PAGE 7

tions while on the installation, said Tull, and the juvenile hearing board always seeks their input during the hearing process. “A decision to bar a juvenile from the installation can greatly impact the sponsor,� he said. “The financial impact of relocating to an off post residence can be severe. These decisions are never made lightly as they most often impact the whole family. “We want all military sponsors on and off the installation to understand their responsibilities for family members on the installation,� Tull continued. “Fort Lee provides great opportunities for family members on the installation which should not be jeopardized by juvenile misconduct. We are working with the Prince George school system and other agencies such as Family and MWR to ensure we are in touch with juvenile activities. This will allow us to monitor trends and create solutions in order to focus on juvenile misconduct.�

4 | Traveller | February 4, 2016 | www.fortleetraveller.com

(LEFT) Chaplain (Col.) James Palmer Jr., U.S. Army Cyber Command chaplain, delivers a message focused on hope during the Fort Lee Prayer Breakfast Wednesday morning. “You don’t have to be a very astute observer to notice we live in a world that struggles against hopelessness,” Palmer said. “The reality is this ... many are broke, many are hurt, many are struggling; and yes we need help. Even more importantly, though, we need hope. We must hold on to the belief that things will get better; that we can effect change by not giving up and working to make our lives and communities better.” (BELOW LEFT) The Liberty Chapel Gospel Service Choir sings “He’s On Time” during the prayer breakfast. (BELOW RIGHT) Staff Sgt. Tierra Brown, a 392nd Army Band vocalist, sings “Amazing Grace” during the event that drew an audience of roughly 350 Soldiers, community leaders and guests.

Power Prayer

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Photos by Patrick Buffett

Maj. Gen. Darrell K. Williams, CASCOM and Fort Lee commanding general, emphasizes the importance of spiritual resiliency during welcoming remarks at the installation’s National Prayer Breakfast observance Wednesday morning in the Lee Club.

VSU cadets gain knowledge from Army Lesley Maceyak Family/Community Life reporter

More than 30 future Army officers attended a first time Sexual Harassment/Assault Response Prevention program brief led by Fort Lee personnel at Virginia State University Jan 28. The students are part of the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps program at the university. The presenters included Col. Robert Hatcher Jr., CASCOM chief of staff, who opened the briefing with a leadership perspective on the SHARP program. “We have been reaching out to regional ROTCs (as part of the command-

ing general’s initiative to engage the American public),” Hatcher said. “I am here to give a senior leader perspective. It helps to hear the SHARP message from different mouths, and repetition can be a good thing.” Hatcher explained to the class why SHARP is a priority to the Army. “You are entering a very active military,” he said. “If I can’t trust you and your character is flawed, how can we be motivated and follow you into combat? We carry guns. The American citizen puts trust in us with their sons and daughters. SHARP is extremely important because violations undermine readiness. An unready

Lesley Maceyak

Lauren Barboza a victim advocate from 59th Ordnance Brigade, teaches ROTC cadets Sexual Harassment/Assault Response Prevention program training at Virginia State University Jan 28.

Army fails.” Lt. Col. David Johnson, VSU professor of military science, reached out to the Army for support with the ROTC cadets. “When the cadets complete our program, they will be second lieutenants in the Army,” Johnson said. “All these college

kids will be commissioned officers. I have been here only five months and one of the things I have really tried to do is to reach out to Fort Lee and utilize their resources. It does not make sense to overlook the opportunity to use our local assets.” The training was not

mandatory but many of the 101 ROTC cadets came in uniform and civilian clothing during their class times to hear the briefings. Victim advocate Lauren Barboza from the 59th Ordnance Brigade was among the facilitators who provided sexual assault briefing to the cadets. “The population she said we support on Fort Lee is similar to the age group at VSU. I think providing them insight on making a decision and what to expect when committing to joining the service shows them our culture is different.” “In the Army, we don’t discriminate, because we have the same standards of zero tolerance for every service member,” said Barboza. “We make no distinction based on your age, time-in-service, or grade. It is a great opportunity to bridge their understanding of what their responsibility

is in the military environment.” Master Sgt. Tifiny Graves, senior military instructor on campus, finds SHARP training to be important because they teach leadership to the cadets. “We are getting the SHARP message from the Army to the community,” she said. “This is not an Army here but a college. What is being taught will be taken to the campus, community and their family life. As future leaders, these students will take it out to corporations and businesses.” One of the cadet attendees Marqi Washington felt the training was encouraging and a need-to-know. “It gives the younger generation an insight on how the Army handles difficult issues like sexual harassment,” he said. The future plan of the college is to hold SHARP training once a quarter.

www.fortleetraveller.com | February 4, 2016 | Traveller | 5

KRQRUHG WR VHUYH The CASCOM and Fort Lee bimonthly installation retirement ceremony was held Jan. 28 in Wylie Hall on the Ordnance Campus. The retirees are Maj. Byron Hill, 80th Training Command; Capt. Frederick Sanabria, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 23rd Quartermaster Brigade; and Sgt. 1st Class Robert P. Davis, 16th Ordnance Battalion.

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Lesley Maceyak

Master Sgt. Patricia Font, Lt. Col. Dexter Daniel, Peyton Rowley, Randall Saunders and Maj. Larry Epps pose with Lt. Gen. Larry Wyche, deputy commanding general, U.S. Army Materiel Command (third from left), after he visited Soldiers and civilians at Mission Installation Contracting Command-Fort Lee Monday. Others who visited MICC this week are Maj. Gen. James Simpson, commanding general, U.S. Army Contracting Command; Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Gabbert, commanding general, Mission and Installation Contacting Command; and Command Sgt. Maj. David Puig, Army Contracting Command.

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6 | Traveller | February 4, 2016 | www.fortleetraveller.com

good health symposium Black History Observance | Feb. 17 Fort Lee’s 2016 Black History Month Observance is set for Feb. 17, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., at the Lee Theater. The theme is “Hallowed Grounds: Sites of African American Memory.” The guest speakers are Petersburg Mayor Howard Myers and Richard Stewart, a historian and curator of the Pocahontas Island Black History Museum. The observance also will include food and drinks; historical static displays; dances, a skit and songs performed by Fort Lee Soldiers; and the 392nd Army Band.

FMWR Survey on Outdoor Recreation

Lesley Maceyak

Kathleen Viau, a dietitian from Kenner Army Health Clinic, tells Soldiers it is better to eat more whole, real foods over processed packaged products during the Good Health Symposium in the Army Logistics University multipurpose room Jan. 26. Viau is holding fast food she has been carrying with her for eight years. She stressed most processed foods are high inTrans fat, sodium, preservatives and additives. Fast food calories are coming from mostly unhealthy fats and processed grains.

When your child is finding it hard to cope, we are here to help.

Family and MWR is conducting a survey for its Outdoor Recreation Center to find out the interest level in offering wilderness adventures – camping, backpacking and wilderness training. To participate in the short survey, visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ftleewilderness. For details, contact Megan Green at (804) 734-7180 or megan.g.green.naf@ mail.mil.

TRADOC CSM Virtual Town Hall | March 3 Command Sgt. Maj. David Davenport, TRADOC CSM, will hold a virtual State of NCO Development Town Hall March 3, 5-7 p.m. The session will focus on career development. To participate, visit www.tradoc.army.mil/watch.

Valentines Gifts at Exchange | Feb. 11 Cards, candy and fresh flowers including a wide variety of single roses to bouquets will arrive Feb. 11 for Valentine’s Day weekend at the Fort Lee Army and Air Force Exchange Main Store, Express Gas Station and the PXtra Troop Store. For details, call (804) 861-5970.

Kenner Safety Stand-down Day | Feb. 12 Kenner Army Health Clinic will curtail services to allow staff to participate in the clinic’s patient safety stand-down day Feb. 12, 1-4 p.m. The clinic will re-open in the late afternoon for pharmacy services. Patients with routine needs should contact the clinic before or after the closure. All Kenner clinics and facilities will be closed in observance of the President’s Day holiday Feb. 15. To schedule appointments, call 1-866-533-5242. To request an authorization to visit an urgent care center, call (804) 734-9000. For medical emergencies, dial 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

23rd Brigade Change of Responsibility | Feb. 19

If your child is showing signs of extreme distress, come to us. Our team of behavioral healthcare specialists provides acute care when your child is feeling overwhelmed. With our newly renovated facility and programs that meet the needs of adolescents, we’re here to give young people and their families the tools needed to get through the tough times. We provide free assessments 24/7, at the region’s only freestanding psychiatric facility. And, our evidence-based program is tailored to treat patients dealing with a wide range of emotional issues.

At Poplar Springs Hospital no emergency room visit, or referral, is needed.

For more information visit poplarsprings.com, or call 804-733-6874 or 866-546-2229.

Command Sgt. Maj. James A. Thomas will assume responsibility as the top enlisted Soldier in the 23rd Quartermaster Brigade from CSM Thomas J. Kelly Jr. Feb. 19, 8 a.m., at MacLaughlin Fitness Center, building 4320, C Avenue. Visit https://einvitations.afit.edu/inv/index.cfm?i=275091&k=006647097256 to RSVP. For installation access for those who do not have a valid DOD ID Card, visit http://www.lee.army.mil/pmo/access.aspx for more information. For details, call (804) 734-7840 or email shandra.s.hamilton.mil@mail.mil.

Fort Lee Housing Availability Fort Lee Family Housing has homes available for immediate occupancy. These include two, three and four-bedroom units that are open to active duty military families from all branches of service. All homes are equipped with energy efficient appliances, ceiling fans, central heat and air, garages and more. To apply, stop by the Welcome Center at 1510 Sisisky Blvd. or visit www. fortleefamilyhousing.com. For details, call (804) 733-1558.

www.fortleetraveller.com | February 4, 2016 | Traveller | 7

Speeding violations increase, DUIs decrease for 2015 Amy Perry Production/News Assistant Editor

The top three traffic violations on post in 2015 were speeding, distracted driving – particularly cellphone usage – and driving under the influence, according to the Fort Lee Provost Marshal Office. Last year, there was a 65.8 percent increase in speeding violations, from 715 in 2014 to 1,087 in 2015, said Capt. Brian Bishop, PMO operations officer. “This increase was due to more active enforcement by PMO patrol officers based off a 20-percent increase in radar certifications throughout the department,” he said. “The spike in speeding violations is not an entirely bad thing since the reported numbers are in line with some of the changes within PMO police operations, and over time, we will see an overall decrease as a result of focused enforcement. “It is important drivers on the installation do not speed because the probability of damage to property and vehicles or pedestrian accidents is significantly increased when people do not adhere to the posted speed limit in such a contained environment as on a military installation,” Bishop continued. Although distracted driving was one of the top violations, ticketed offenses dropped by 52 percent – 53 in 2014 compared to 28 in 2015 – which Bishop attributes to a multi-year campaign geared toward cracking down on cellphone usage while driving. “Distracted driving is dangerous because it takes a driver’s attention off the road which significantly impacts the ability to control the vehicle and see critical events, cues or objects, all of which may ultimately lead to a fatal or non-fatal accident,” he said. “Distracted drivers not only put them-

APP Continued from page 3 “Stuff like this app should be Army-wide,” he continued. “Every company, battalion or brigade should have their own app that caters to the organization, versus spending un-

selves at risk, but everyone else using the roadway. Cellphone use is the top distracted driving offense on Fort Lee. It is illegal for any driver to use a cellphone while operating a motor vehicle on the post or any federal installation. The Fort Lee PMO has a zero tolerance stance on distracted driving offenses within our jurisdiction.” In 2015, DUI offenses dropped to 11 from 21 the previous year, and over half occurred off-post on Route 36 (a portion of the road is monitored by the Fort Lee Police). “It is dangerous for people to drink and drive because alcohol impairs motor skills, visual acuity, distance, depth perception, judgment and reaction time, and even hearing,” Bishop said. “This puts the driver and others on the roadway at great risk of a fatal accident. The results of a DUI offense are the loss of your license and off-post and on-post driving privileges, payment of a very hefty fine (in some cases), potential jail time and a significant negative impact to your career as a Soldier or civilian.” While speeding violations increased this year, Bishop said he was pleased distracted driving and DUI offenses decreased dramatically. “The steps we take here at the PMO to reduce traffic violations include public education at various community events across Fort Lee, proper training of our police officers to increase proficiency and knowledge of changing traffic codes and laws, and targeted enforcement in locations that we notice – from observation or reports from the community – a high volume of incidents occur around the installation,” he said. “We just want community members to be more aware and be responsible drivers while on the roadways.”

necessary taxpayer money on getting the cards printed when it could just be digital.” Maj. Gen. Darrell K. Williams, CASCOM and Fort Lee commanding general, agreed with Kelly and said he was amazed at the potential after he got a look at the program a few weeks ago.

“This app … is a phenomenal best practice,” he said, during the Motivated Logic of the Sexual Predator presentation in January. “Initially, I didn’t fully understand the power of this app or appreciate what had been developed. Now, I think a similar application will be Army-wide in the very near future.”

8 | Traveller | February 4, 2016 | www.fortleetraveller.com

Retired SFC receives Bronze Star for 1971 combat role in Vietnam Ray Kozakewicz Production Assistant

Dennis Spagnoulo, a retired sergeant first class, spent 17 years as a supervisor working for the U.S. Postal Service following his Army career. In the process, he saw thousands of boxes headed to destinations all over the world. In early January, Spagnoulo received his own “special package” at his Prince George County home – a Bronze Star with valor for “extraordinary combat operations in 1971 in Vietnam.” He received the unexpected honor nearly 45 years after his combat tour. He doesn’t know what led the Army to review his military file at this late date. Adding to the mystery, the Army did not list a specific heroic action for the honor but outlined his total service in Vietnam as a sergeant with the 5th Battalion, 7th Calvary Regiment. “I don’t think it was one action,” said Spagnoulo. “I did a combination of things supporting the troops with supplies they needed. I flew out sometimes two-or-three drops a day in a helicopter from our Forward Support Fire Base. If the troops needed anything, I would do my

Ray Kozakewicz

Dennis Spagnoulo, a retired Army sergeant first class, proudly holds the Bronze Star he recently received nearly 45 years after his Vietnam service.

best to get it out to them the same day.” Spagnoulo, however, zeroed in on one memorable day – April 27, 1971. “Our helicopter came under fire for about 20 minutes and we took a hit,” he recalled. “There were six of us on the chopper – pilot, copilot and three others besides me. The pilot did an excel-

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lent job bringing the chopper down. ‘We’ve got two choices,’ he yelled. ‘Right now, we’re too high to jump, but hang on, I’ll get it as low as I can and when I tell you – jump.’” All on board suffered bruises jumping and rolling on the ground and were rescued in about 30 minutes. “Two days later our whole

crew was back on duty,” said Spagnoulo.” He recounted a number of other incidents in his 15 months in Vietnam. “We were involved in other skirmishes. Other choppers I was on took hits or were fired on. And I got stuck out for a couple of nights one time.” During his 20-year career, he also served overseas in Korea and twice in Germany. He was stationed at Fort Lee several times for a total of nine years and retired here in 1986. Looking back at his Vietnam service, he never imagined he earned a Bronze Star. “It was never anything I thought about,” he said He received a call about a year ago from the Army’s record section asking if he had been awarded a Bronze Star. “I thought it was a joke at first. The caller verified my service but needed to get approval so I could receive the award,” Spagnoulo said. Then, he was told it would be about a year before he received it. “I asked how I would receive the Bronze Star and was told ‘by mail,’” he said laughing. “I was happy and proud to learn of the honor, but sort of made a joke about it coming in the mail. ‘Another year, I

guess is not going to hurt’ I told my wife.” Through the years, Spagnoulo has had many Army friends. One of them, Arthur Schneider, has known Spagnoulo since 1972. “I was his first sergeant and command sergeant major, and we served together in Germany and Fort Lee. He’s been a good friend,” Schneider said. When he learned Spagnoulo had received the Bronze Star, he called and asked him to bring it to a meeting of the National Association of Military Retirees in Colonial Heights Jan. 21. Unknown to Spagnoulo, Schneider had arranged for the Bronze Star to be formally presented as a surprise at the meeting by Lt. Col. Brett H. Venable, commander, Kenner Army Health Clinic. Venable was a guest speaker at the program. When he arrived at the meeting, Spagnoulo showed the Bronze Star to his friend. “Art said, ‘can I give it back in a little bit.’ “I said sure and did not think anything of it,” Spagnoulo related. “During the meeting, Col. Venable asked me to come forward and asked, ‘Do you know why I called you up here?’” Spagnoulo said, “No sir.”

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Venable told Spagnoulo and the group of other military retirees he had learned from Schneider there never had been a presentation of the Bronze Star and he was proud to present it. “It was truly an honor to present Sgt. 1st Class Spagnoulo with the Bronze Star Medal,” said Venable after the meeting. “Sgt. 1st Class Spagnoulo bravely answered the call when our country needed him and this medal serves as a symbol of his selfless service to our great nation.” Spagnoulo noted, “I was really surprised. It really touched me deeply to have Col. Venable present me with the award. I really appreciate Art for arranging it. I was surprised and overwhelmed. It’s special, too, since it has my name on it.” A native of Providence, R.I., Spagnoulo enlisted in the Army in 1966 at age 17. “I was inspired by President John F. Kennedy to serve my country,” Spagnoulo said, “I met and talked with him as a teenager. He impressed me. When he gave his inaugural speech and said, ‘Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country,’ I kind of took that to heart.”

www.fortleetraveller.com | February 4, 2016 | Traveller | 9

AMERICA’S MILITARY | SPOTLIGHT

397 %5$1'<1 -2+1621 Unit: 217th Military Police Detachment MOS: 56M – chaplain’s assistant Age: 19 Time in service: six months Hometown: grew up in a military family and lived at 10 different installations; didn’t identify any location as a hometown. Marital status: single Describe yourself: “I’m very outgoing, energetic and cheerful.” Personality strengths: “I’m good at talking to people.” Personality weaknesses: “I have a lack of patience at times. I don’t like things moving at a slow pace; I like for things to be quick – get it done or get straight to the point.” Worst fear: “I don’t have any fears other than losing my mother or sister.”

Pet peeve: “I hate uncleanliness. I’m a tidy person.” One person you most admire: “My father. He retired (from the Army) at 42, raised six children, and had two sons in the military by the time he retired. After retirement, he went to school and got another job.” The celebrity or historical figure you would like to meet: “My favorite celebrity is (R&B) singer Chris Brown. I love to dance, and I love music. Also, he’s made mistakes, like I have, but has overcome them. I admire him for that.” Biggest regret: “I slacked off in school growing up. My grades were not at the standard they could’ve been. I realize now education is important.” One defining moment: “When I moved from Alabama to Fort Stewart, Ga., during my senior

year in high school. I didn’t like the school or the classes I was taking. I think I was just upset I had to move and wasn’t going to graduate with people I grew up with. My favorite teacher helped me cope, and my senior year turned out to be my favorite year. I invited her to my basic training graduation, and she wrote me saying she wasn’t going to make it. When graduation day came, my family was present, and to my surprise, she and another one of my favorite teachers were as well. I don’t cry often, but that made me tear up. That was a big day for me.” How you define success: “Success to me is being satisfied with your choices and not comparing them with those of others; also achieving and exceeding your goals.” What it means to serve your

country: “I love it, just being able to help others and think beyond myself to put others first.” Being a member of a military family, you are familiar with the strain of constant moves. Why did you want this for yourself? “My father did what he felt was best for his family. I not only want to set myself up for the future but that of my family as well.” Why you chose your MOS: “My father was an infantryman and my mother was not having that. She

told the recruiter that was a ‘nogo.’ With me, it’s all about helping people, so in my job I get the opportunities to help on a daily basis. Whether it’s helping families in crisis or helping them practice their religion, I enjoy helping people and enjoy what I’m doing.” The most difficult part of your job: “Dealing with people. Everyone expects you to be here and there at the same time. You have to be flexible.” Best part of your job: “When we set out to do something and accomplish the goal. Just the satisfaction you get seeing the end results.” Best thing about the Army: “Traveling.” Worst part of the Army: “Making connections with people then having to leave them when you have to PCS. I became familiar with that when I was growing up.” Future plans: “After the military, I hope to earn degrees in art.” – Compiled by T. Anthony Bell

www.fortleetraveller.com | February 4, 2016 | Traveller | 11

10 | Traveller | February 4, 2016 | www.fortleetraveller.com

A f r i c a n A m e r i c a n

H i s t o r y

M o n t h

TALES OF A BUFFALO SOLDIER

T. Anthony Bell

Senior Writer/Special Projects

T

he Buffalo Soldiers’ enduring legacy was borne out of the exploits of those audacious and daring enough to ride into a largely unknown and dangerous western frontier, represent a government that considered them second-class citizens and risk their lives as a down payment toward their dignity and freedom. One hundred and fifty years after the first Buffalo Soldiers rode from stables at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., and later fought in several wars and battles leading up to World War II, their noble deeds are largely confined to black history month events and somewhat are ignored in school history books, according John Nichols. He is a 22-year Army veteran who knows a bit about the Buffalo Soldiers. The 90-year-old former mounted horseman wore the patch of the first Buffalo Soldier unit – the 10th Cavalry Regiment – during World War II and is well-versed on the lives of black fighting men during the era, which he described as subservient and often degrading. He also said he has seen enough dereliction, death and destruction among his fellow Soldiers to be a loud and adamant voice for educating Americans about the famed black cavalrymen. “We had men of honor who sacrificed their lives for this country and for black people – to allow them to raise their heads in dignity,� said the Chesterfield Country resident and one of the founders of the Mark Matthews Chapter Petersburg, Virginia Inc., 9th and 10th (Horse) Cavalry Association “Buffalo Soldiers� based in Petersburg. The 6-foot, 170-pound Nichols, whose smooth, golden brown skin and limber movement belies his age, was reared under circumstances that made it difficult to cultivate any sense of self-worth. The three-fourths Native American and black youngster grew up in a multi-racial neighborhood of quasi-integrated Colorado Springs, Colo., trying to find comfort in his racial identity while navigating his way through a social climate that closely

resembled a caste society, he said. Furthermore, Nichols’ family was destitute, and he began working at the age of five, collecting firewood and doing other odd jobs to help support his family. After hearing President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Dec. 8, 1941, radio address that encouraged citizens to defend their country, and comprehending he would never gain economic prosperity or full citizenship in his hometown, Nichols quit his job at Camp Carson, Colo., to join the Army. He also naively thought it would offer some resolution to the uneasy racial climate in which he lived. “As I and my forefathers did, we figured if we showed our hearts to the American people and did the American thing, they would overlook our blackness, quit rejecting us and accept us,� he said. “This was a dead dream.� Soon after enlisting in 1942, Nichols said he was shipped to Camp Forsythe (now a part of Fort Riley, Kan.), where he learned horsemanship and cavalry tactics. His platoon sergeant was famed boxer Joe Louis and also met fellow Buffalo Soldier Jackie Robinson on a few occasions, he said. “Jackie Robinson intimidated me,� said Nichols, noting the man who broke baseball’s color barrier was smart, well-spoken and dignified. Nichols, who could read and write unlike many of his fellow, more-experienced Buffalo Soldiers, was advanced to specialist four within a short time as a result and assigned duties as an orderly room clerk. This made him the envy of many and a target of harassment for a few who resented his ascension and authority. He became defensively resistant, however, eventually gaining a reputation as someone who would stand his ground if challenged.

Contributed Photo

“I definitely had a temper, and I was tired of being pushed on and beat on,� he said, raising his voice, wagging his index finger and lowering his brow. Nichols’ temper eventually got him demoted, but he was assured he could regain his rank if he took charge of the worst platoon. His strapping credibility and his desire to succeed preceding him, the baby-faced 18-year-old not only took charge of the group but turned it around. “I couldn’t shave,� he laughed while clenching his fist, “but they knew I had good overhead right.� Nichols’ commanding officer rewarded him with the rank of staff sergeant, he said, making him the youngest of that rank in the regiment. In 1944, the regiment was deployed to North Africa to support allied forces. Three days into the cruise across the Atlantic, Nichols was given yet another group to rehabilitate. This time, some of his subordinates were Soldiers so dangerous they required shackles. Nichols at some point requested removal of the irons by a Soldier charged with the custodial transfers. It was a mistake. “Three of those men looked at him, looked at me and

(LEFT) John Nichols, an Army retiree and 90-year-old Chesterfield County resident, was a Buffalo Soldier assigned to the 10th Cavalry Regiment during World War II. (FAR LEFT) Nichols stands to the left of former boxing champ Joe Louis (third from left), his platoon sergeant at what is now Fort Riley, Kan.

had to give up his rank. “‘White Soldiers will not take orders from black NCOs,’â€? he said one of the clerks announced during the sign-up. “In fact, they didn’t like taking orders from black officers, either, which is why there were no black cavalry field officers.â€? Nevertheless, Nichols signed documents relinquishing his rank. He was again a private but one who was about to fulfill a long-held dream, and one who reasoned his current unit was only trouble for a hothead such as himself due to its low morale. “I wanted to go because Roosevelt said he wanted fighting men,â€? explained Nichols. “That’s why I quit my job – the best good job I T. Anthony Bell ever had – to join in the first place.â€? As it turns out, the unit never had intentions dove overboard,â€? he said. “They died out there. They knew k they were going to die. They didn’t care. I shook of sending the troops to Patton, said Nichols, so he and two others went absent without leave. “They didn’t in my boots.â€? While the unit was temporarily stopped in Tunisia, respect anything they agreed to,â€? he said, lowering his Nichols said he came across a young Arab boy who lay voice and shaking his head. Nichols and two cohorts N dying from a gunshot wound. He commandeered a truck spent three days in Rome then returned, were court-marand rushed the boy to a hospital. The child lived and his tialed and then jailed, he said. While confined, Nichols was offered his freedom if tribe’s t elders thanked him personally, said Nichols. Despite his less-than-ideal upbringing and his tem- he agreed to fight. He was assigned to the 365th Infantry per, p Nichols said he wanted to do good and was always Regiment in northern Italy where he saw extensive combat action and where many men were lost. He literally searching for the humanity in people and endeavors. “I always thought that every cloud had a silver lining,â€? stood in the moment of his own realization, finally feeling whole and doing what he sought out to do. he h said, “and I was always looking for it.â€? Âł, IHOW SURXG ´ KH VDLG ÂłDQG , GLGQÂśW FDUH LI , ZDV D By the time Soldiers had reached Italy in 1944, Nichols said the 10th had been broken up and most of its Soldiers SULYDWH , ZDV GRLQJ WKH MRE , ZDV WUDLQHG WR GR ´ 1LFKROV ZKR VDLG KH VSHFLDOL]HG LQ FRQGXFWLQJ RSHUD assigned to the 92th Infantry Division. Nichols was now a member of 317th Engineer Battalion and, because of WLRQV DW QLJKW VDLG KLV FRPEDW VHUYLFH ZDV DOVR D SROLWLFDO the t work he had done, was promised a promotion to E-7. VWDWHPHQW Âł, ZDQWHG WR PDNH WKHP RXW DV OLDUV DQG PDNH WKHP In the meantime, a call came for volunteers to serve u under Gen. George Patton, whose campaign needed rein- NQRZ WKH\ ZHUH O\LQJ ´ KH VDLG UHIHUULQJ WR WKH QRWLRQ forcements. Nichols, who said he always wanted to fight, EODFN 6ROGLHUV ODFNHG ILJKWLQJ DELOLWLHV FRXUDJH DQG eagerly volunteered, but there was only one caveat: he WUXVWZRUWKLQHVV Âł)RU PH , KDG SURYHG P\VHOI DV D PDQ ´

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³, ZRUNHG IRU LW , HDUQHG LW DQG , VKRXOG KDYH LW ´ KH VDLG QRWLQJ KH GRHVQœW ZDQW DQ\ PRQH\ RQO\ ³KRQRU ´ +H LV DOVR D ZDUULRU RQ WKH IURQW WR SUHVHUYH WKH %XIIDOR 6ROGLHU KLVWRU\ $UPHG ZLWK WKH WULXPSKV DQG WULEXODWLRQV RI KLV WLPH ZLWK WKH WK &DYDOU\ KH WHQGV WR WKH EXVLQHVV RI WKH 0DUN 0DWWKHZV FKDSWHU IUHTXHQWO\ DWWHQGLQJ VSHDNLQJ HQJDJHPHQWV YLVLWLQJ VFKRROV DQG JLYLQJ PHGLD LQWHUYLHZV 7URRSHU $XEUH\ 7 3KLOOLSV 6U SUHVLGHQW RI WKH FKDS WHU VDLG 1LFKROV LV WKH RQO\ RULJLQDO %XIIDOR 6ROGLHU LQ WKH FKDSWHU DQG KH EULQJV D ZHDOWK RI OLYLQJ H[SHULHQFH WR ZKDWHYHU KH GRHV 1LFKROV LV HVSHFLDOO\ HIIHFWLYH ZKHQ VSHDNLQJ ZLWK DGXOWV KH DGGHG ³7KH\ WHQG WR OLVWHQ PRUH DQG ZDQW WR NQRZ WKH QH[W WLPH KH VSHDNV VR WKH\ FDQ EULQJ WKHLU FKLOGUHQ ´ VDLG 3KLOOLSV ³7KH SUREOHP ZLWK WKH KLVWRU\ RI WKH %XIIDOR 6ROGLHU LV QRW VR PXFK WKH FKLOGUHQ EXW WKH JHQHUDWLRQ RI DGXOWV ZKR QHYHU OHDUQHG DERXW WKHVH PHQ ,I WKH DGXOWV GLGQœW JHW LW \RX NQRZ WKH NLGV GLGQœW HLWKHU ´ 1LFKROV VDLG WKHUH LV VR PXFK PRUH WR WKH %XIIDOR 6ROGLHU KLVWRU\ WKDQ FDQ EH FRYHUHG LQ WKH VKRUWHVW PRQWK RI WKH \HDU )RU WKDW UHDVRQ DQG PRUH KH VDLG LW LV LP SRUWDQW WR VWDQG IRU WKH PHQ ZKRVH YRLFHV ZHQW VLOHQW GXULQJ WKH ZDU EXW FRQWLQXHV WR HFKR WKURXJK WKH DQQDOV RI $PHULFDQ KLVWRU\ ³, DOZD\V VWDQG IRU ZKDWœV ULJKW QR PDWWHU WKH FRVW ´ KH VDLG 7KH FRQWULEXWLRQV WKH %XIIDOR 6ROGLHUV PDGH WR WKH QD WLRQ DQG WR IXWXUH JHQHUDWLRQV LV D UHFRJQLWLRQ WKH PHQ VR ZHOO GHVHUYH VDLG 1LFKROV EXW WKHLUV LV D GHEW WKDW FDQ QHYHU IXOO\ EH UHSDLG 1LFKROV LV PDUULHG WR 0DULRQ 1LFKROV DQ $LU )RUFH YHWHUDQ +LV \HDU ROG EURWKHU 6WLONLUWLV LV DOVR D %XIIDOR 6ROGLHU DQG IHOORZ FRPEDW YHWHUDQ

www.fortleetraveller.com | February 4, 2016 | Traveller | 11

10 | Traveller | February 4, 2016 | www.fortleetraveller.com

A f r i c a n A m e r i c a n

H i s t o r y

M o n t h

TALES OF A BUFFALO SOLDIER

T. Anthony Bell

Senior Writer/Special Projects

T

he Buffalo Soldiers’ enduring legacy was borne out of the exploits of those audacious and daring enough to ride into a largely unknown and dangerous western frontier, represent a government that considered them second-class citizens and risk their lives as a down payment toward their dignity and freedom. One hundred and fifty years after the first Buffalo Soldiers rode from stables at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., and later fought in several wars and battles leading up to World War II, their noble deeds are largely confined to black history month events and somewhat are ignored in school history books, according John Nichols. He is a 22-year Army veteran who knows a bit about the Buffalo Soldiers. The 90-year-old former mounted horseman wore the patch of the first Buffalo Soldier unit – the 10th Cavalry Regiment – during World War II and is well-versed on the lives of black fighting men during the era, which he described as subservient and often degrading. He also said he has seen enough dereliction, death and destruction among his fellow Soldiers to be a loud and adamant voice for educating Americans about the famed black cavalrymen. “We had men of honor who sacrificed their lives for this country and for black people – to allow them to raise their heads in dignity,� said the Chesterfield Country resident and one of the founders of the Mark Matthews Chapter Petersburg, Virginia Inc., 9th and 10th (Horse) Cavalry Association “Buffalo Soldiers� based in Petersburg. The 6-foot, 170-pound Nichols, whose smooth, golden brown skin and limber movement belies his age, was reared under circumstances that made it difficult to cultivate any sense of self-worth. The three-fourths Native American and black youngster grew up in a multi-racial neighborhood of quasi-integrated Colorado Springs, Colo., trying to find comfort in his racial identity while navigating his way through a social climate that closely

resembled a caste society, he said. Furthermore, Nichols’ family was destitute, and he began working at the age of five, collecting firewood and doing other odd jobs to help support his family. After hearing President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Dec. 8, 1941, radio address that encouraged citizens to defend their country, and comprehending he would never gain economic prosperity or full citizenship in his hometown, Nichols quit his job at Camp Carson, Colo., to join the Army. He also naively thought it would offer some resolution to the uneasy racial climate in which he lived. “As I and my forefathers did, we figured if we showed our hearts to the American people and did the American thing, they would overlook our blackness, quit rejecting us and accept us,� he said. “This was a dead dream.� Soon after enlisting in 1942, Nichols said he was shipped to Camp Forsythe (now a part of Fort Riley, Kan.), where he learned horsemanship and cavalry tactics. His platoon sergeant was famed boxer Joe Louis and also met fellow Buffalo Soldier Jackie Robinson on a few occasions, he said. “Jackie Robinson intimidated me,� said Nichols, noting the man who broke baseball’s color barrier was smart, well-spoken and dignified. Nichols, who could read and write unlike many of his fellow, more-experienced Buffalo Soldiers, was advanced to specialist four within a short time as a result and assigned duties as an orderly room clerk. This made him the envy of many and a target of harassment for a few who resented his ascension and authority. He became defensively resistant, however, eventually gaining a reputation as someone who would stand his ground if challenged.

Contributed Photo

“I definitely had a temper, and I was tired of being pushed on and beat on,� he said, raising his voice, wagging his index finger and lowering his brow. Nichols’ temper eventually got him demoted, but he was assured he could regain his rank if he took charge of the worst platoon. His strapping credibility and his desire to succeed preceding him, the baby-faced 18-year-old not only took charge of the group but turned it around. “I couldn’t shave,� he laughed while clenching his fist, “but they knew I had good overhead right.� Nichols’ commanding officer rewarded him with the rank of staff sergeant, he said, making him the youngest of that rank in the regiment. In 1944, the regiment was deployed to North Africa to support allied forces. Three days into the cruise across the Atlantic, Nichols was given yet another group to rehabilitate. This time, some of his subordinates were Soldiers so dangerous they required shackles. Nichols at some point requested removal of the irons by a Soldier charged with the custodial transfers. It was a mistake. “Three of those men looked at him, looked at me and

(LEFT) John Nichols, an Army retiree and 90-year-old Chesterfield County resident, was a Buffalo Soldier assigned to the 10th Cavalry Regiment during World War II. (FAR LEFT) Nichols stands to the left of former boxing champ Joe Louis (third from left), his platoon sergeant at what is now Fort Riley, Kan.

had to give up his rank. “‘White Soldiers will not take orders from black NCOs,’â€? he said one of the clerks announced during the sign-up. “In fact, they didn’t like taking orders from black officers, either, which is why there were no black cavalry field officers.â€? Nevertheless, Nichols signed documents relinquishing his rank. He was again a private but one who was about to fulfill a long-held dream, and one who reasoned his current unit was only trouble for a hothead such as himself due to its low morale. “I wanted to go because Roosevelt said he wanted fighting men,â€? explained Nichols. “That’s why I quit my job – the best good job I T. Anthony Bell ever had – to join in the first place.â€? As it turns out, the unit never had intentions dove overboard,â€? he said. “They died out there. They knew k they were going to die. They didn’t care. I shook of sending the troops to Patton, said Nichols, so he and two others went absent without leave. “They didn’t in my boots.â€? While the unit was temporarily stopped in Tunisia, respect anything they agreed to,â€? he said, lowering his Nichols said he came across a young Arab boy who lay voice and shaking his head. Nichols and two cohorts N dying from a gunshot wound. He commandeered a truck spent three days in Rome then returned, were court-marand rushed the boy to a hospital. The child lived and his tialed and then jailed, he said. While confined, Nichols was offered his freedom if tribe’s t elders thanked him personally, said Nichols. Despite his less-than-ideal upbringing and his tem- he agreed to fight. He was assigned to the 365th Infantry per, p Nichols said he wanted to do good and was always Regiment in northern Italy where he saw extensive combat action and where many men were lost. He literally searching for the humanity in people and endeavors. “I always thought that every cloud had a silver lining,â€? stood in the moment of his own realization, finally feeling whole and doing what he sought out to do. he h said, “and I was always looking for it.â€? Âł, IHOW SURXG ´ KH VDLG ÂłDQG , GLGQÂśW FDUH LI , ZDV D By the time Soldiers had reached Italy in 1944, Nichols said the 10th had been broken up and most of its Soldiers SULYDWH , ZDV GRLQJ WKH MRE , ZDV WUDLQHG WR GR ´ 1LFKROV ZKR VDLG KH VSHFLDOL]HG LQ FRQGXFWLQJ RSHUD assigned to the 92th Infantry Division. Nichols was now a member of 317th Engineer Battalion and, because of WLRQV DW QLJKW VDLG KLV FRPEDW VHUYLFH ZDV DOVR D SROLWLFDO the t work he had done, was promised a promotion to E-7. VWDWHPHQW Âł, ZDQWHG WR PDNH WKHP RXW DV OLDUV DQG PDNH WKHP In the meantime, a call came for volunteers to serve u under Gen. George Patton, whose campaign needed rein- NQRZ WKH\ ZHUH O\LQJ ´ KH VDLG UHIHUULQJ WR WKH QRWLRQ forcements. Nichols, who said he always wanted to fight, EODFN 6ROGLHUV ODFNHG ILJKWLQJ DELOLWLHV FRXUDJH DQG eagerly volunteered, but there was only one caveat: he WUXVWZRUWKLQHVV Âł)RU PH , KDG SURYHG P\VHOI DV D PDQ ´

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12 | Traveller | February 4, 2016 | www.fortleetraveller.com

Quartermaster Corps’ senior CSM reflects upon his nine-month tenure with aspirations to better prepare rank and file moving forward T. Anthony Bell Senior Writer/Special Projects

Few things are more honorable in the military than shaping and molding young recruits into Soldiers. That’s the opinion of Command Sgt. Maj. Jimmy Sellers, the Quartermaster Corps CSM. He is frequently reminded of his former responsibilities as a drill sergeant – the patch on his uniform pocket is a dead giveaway – and calls it “the thing I’m most proud of in my military career.” Ever mindful of the impact Army instructors have on new recruits, Sellers said initial-entry QM Soldiers should be afforded the best noncommissioned officers to teach and mold them. It was a thought he turned into fruition as of late. Establishing an instructor certification program was among the first accomplishments of his nine-month tenure. “I have a big push to get the most qualified individuals here to help train and develop Soldiers into logisticians,” said the 12th CSM, who wore the drill sergeant campaign hat from 1997-1999 at Fort Jackson, S.C. The Instructor Certification Program is an addition to longstanding courses required of individuals who take the podium at the QM School. All instructors are required to complete the selfpaced professional development program designed to make them more proficient, said Sellers. To gain the certification (and the badge representing the achievement), instructors must complete a list of 15 tasks, appear before a board of senior NCOs and demonstrate a comprehension of policy and procedure, he explained. “The intent is to keep them focused on all the different tasks they must perform during their

Contributed Photo

Command Sgt. Maj. Jimmy Sellers

time and duration as instructors,” Sellers said. The certification program is one box on a long list of goals the CSM hopes to check off during his tenure. At the top of that list is creating the means to better com-

municate with corps’ Soldiers, he said. “It is one of my most important initiatives,” said Sellers, “reinforcing the Quartermaster General’s messages, ensuring the field has a clear understanding of our respon-

sibilities and goals.” Seller’s primary means of message distribution is through a monthly online publication. “It’s a one-page newsletter and focuses on topics that I think are important to the corps,” he said. “It is sent out through the Army Career-Tracker website, which touches everyone from sergeants major to the lowest levels.” Of equal importance, said Sellers, is the issue of individual readiness, a subject the Sergeant Major of the Army has given much attention. He explained how – for example – roughly 25 percent of advanced and senior course students in recent Logistics Noncommissioned Officers Academy courses “were not able to perform all three events on the PT test,” he said. The wars in Southwest Asia may be partly to blame for the profile numbers, said Sellers, but nevertheless, they push careerbroadening opportunities – drill sergeant, recruiter and instructor among them – to personnel based on availability rather than talent, skills and abilities. “There is a very small population of Soldiers being tapped for certain career-broadening jobs,” he said. “Soldiers should only be assigned to one or two of these positions throughout the course of their careers. Because there are so few who are qualified for them,

6HOOHUV· FDUHHU PDUNHG E\ FKDOOHQJH T. Anthony Bell Senior Writer/Special Projects

While reading Command Sgt. Maj. Jimmy Seller’s bio, one can quickly surmise he is an ambitious Soldier who spent

the bulk of his career on the operational side of the Army. The write-up omits, however, the episodes of his life and career that form a more complete picture of the 25year Soldier who now serves

as the Corps’ senior noncommissioned officer. Sellers is quick to point out how much that picture is a reflection of average Soldiers. “I am a guy from Columbus, Ga., who had goals and ambi-

we’re tapping the same individuals again and again, sometimes one to two years following the prior assignment.” Sellers said the corps is taking a hard look at ways to reduce profile numbers. “At some point, we have to take a look back and figure out how we can get well,” he said. He suggested re-evaluating profiles more frequently “to see how we can enhance or increase Army readiness.” Also within the readiness arena, Sellers said he wants to see more Soldiers take initiatives to increase their skill sets for career-enhancing opportunities as well as for life after the Army. That includes everything from improving aptitude test scores to earning degrees and certifications, he said. To support Soldier’s self-improvement efforts, the corps’ proponency activity is working to refine a career map designed to outline what Soldiers should accomplish at specific points in their careers, said Sellers. It also will include features allowing users to make comparisons to those in their career field and the Army as a whole. It will be supported by a talent management strategy geared toward matching skills with positions throughout the course of a career. “It will put the onus on the Soldiers to better manage their careers,” said Sellers. An older version of the career map is available through the Army Career Tracker website. The new and improved tool also will be featured on the website and is expected to be implemented sometime in the very near future, said Sellers. SEE SELLERS, PAGE 13

tions just like they did when they started in the Army; who didn’t know how long this tour of duty was going to last and who knew he had to do a couple of things differently if he was going to be successful,” said the son of a retired U.S. Army infantryman. SEE CHALLENGE, PAGE 13

www.fortleetraveller.com | February 4, 2016 | Traveller | 13

CHALLENGE | QM CSM

said he is not fearful of failure Continued from page 12 Having spent time between Germany and Fort Benning, Ga., as a youngster, Sellers said Benning and its airborne infantry culture figured prominently in his formative years. Regardless, his first sergeant father encouraged him to consider a career field with civilian-sector appeal. He chose the unit supply specialist military occupational specialty and has been one since. Sellers, the married father of two adult daughters, said his career has been marked by mentorship, his ability to listen, receive and absorb information, and finding ways he could be “of value to the Army and the organization.” He also said he isnot afraid to challenge himself to advance his career. “No one wants to fail, but I’ll be the first on record to admit I wasn’t always successful on the first attempt at doing those things that were hard,” said the airborne and jumpmaster-qualified Soldier, who is also fearful of heights. Recounting he received a “no-go” in his first attempt at the jumpmaster course, Sellers said such a duty is sufficiently weighted to deter many from even attempting it. “A lot of Soldiers don’t want the responsibility of pre-inspecting troops, looking out the door of an aircraft and knowing lives are in their hands,” he said. “What I tell

them, however, is that taking those challenges will definitely enhance your career because it’s a tough job and awesome responsibility.” Another of his challenging assignments was that of a commandant of an NCO academy in Grafenwoehr, Germany. He said the job is the closest an enlisted Soldier will ever come to being a commander. “It opened my eyes to a different side of the Army,” he said, noting it was his best assignment. “It was a part of the institutional Army and kind of set the stage for my current position.” Sellers said many of his career aspirations were built upon being a member of a unit supply specialist class called the War Dogs who underwent basic, airborne and advanced individual training together. He will be the last remaining War Dog on active duty (one other is scheduled to retire soon) and said he is often asked what separated him from the others. His answer is simple: “The difference, I think, was I never wanted to accept defeat, and I never quit on a challenge,” he said. “If it’s worth having, it’s going to be difficult.” Needless to say, his current position is fraught with difficulty but also full of opportunity. Sellers said he hopes to continue the work of those before him and influence

what happens next. He said his commander, Brig. Gen. Ronald Kirklin, has been more than supportive as well as others throughout the sustainment community. He made special mention of QM Hall of Fame member and retired QM Corps CSM Milton B. Hazzard, who was an early role model when Sellers attended courses at the old QM NCO Academy and who still serves as a mentor. “I kind of looked at his body of work every day I came to class,” he said, “and I thought, man, ‘this individual is truly a great noncommissioned officer.’” As an NCO, Sellers said it has been reiterated throughout his career how one’s responsibility, whether large or small, has a bearing on the mission. That was manifested in Afghanistan a few years ago when four of his 173rd Brigade Support Battalion Soldiers were lost as a result of hostile actions during a convoy, giving the notion renewed life and vigor in Sellers’ eyes. “The day that happened – watching those four Soldiers get flipped upside down in their vehicle – just kind of put a different perspective on life and being a Soldier overall,” he said, noting the incident was painstakingly reviewed to mitigate a reoccurence. Pictures of the four Soldiers still hang upon a wall in the battalion conference room, said Sellers. It is a way to honor them and serve as a reminder to leaders “to make good conscious decisions.”

Undoubtedly, Sellers said the event drives him to give Soldiers his wholehearted focus and attention, and he will forever carry that commitment throughout the remainder of his career, including his current position that influences decisions affecting 36,000 Soldiers.

“I have to do well,” he said, “… so that the next person who comes behind me has an opportunity to succeed and build upon what this great quartermaster team has done during my tenure here. So the next person can see it as a position of relevancy.”

SELLERS | Corps moving ahead Continued from page 12 The new career map also is among the management tools necessary to offset assignment redundancies, said Sellers. Aside from career management issues, Sellers has set his sights on credentialing. He said Soldiers in the career field need to at least consider the opportunities. “The Army has a 100-percent separation rate,” he said. “Whether you ETS, get chaptered out for some unfortunate reason or retire, Soldiers have to set themselves up for success in the outside world.” Credentialing opportunities within the sustainment community have increased in the past few years. In the QM Corps, seven of its nine military occupational specialties offer certifications. The mortuary affairs specialist along with shower, laundry and clothing repair specialist are the MOSs without opportunities, but there is much progress in at least one. “We’re very close to getting a program for mortuary affairs,” he said. On the issue of personnel

strength as it relates to the Army’s drawdown, Sellers said the QM Corps looks to be in good shape and should not see any dramatic reductions, despite being more than 6,000 Soldiers over its 30,000 active duty authorization. Most of the excess can be attributed to Soldiers being assigned to positions outside their core competencies, said Sellers. Force-shaping actions such as the Qualitative Management Program will have a minimal impact on overall numbers, he added, but it is reasonable to expect they will not change much in the next five years. Sellers said the corps has made significant progress on issues such as suicide prevention and sexual assault and sexual harassment but indicated the leadership remains in a vigilant posture. The QM Corps, commanded by Brig. Gen. Ronald Kirklin, is responsible for developing doctrine, training, leader development, organization, and materiel requirements for the current and future Army. It trains 30,000 enlisted Soldiers, officers and warrants officers each year.

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www.fortleetraveller.com | February 4, 2016 | Traveller | 15

Spouse, retired Soldier share lessons learned during transitions Lesley Maceyak Family/Community Life Reporter

On the subject of career transitions, a lot can be learned from the experiences of Pertrona Latson and Cameron Gardehl – a military wife and a recently retired sustainment noncommissioned officer who are now happily pursuing new civilian careers. Latson is married to an active duty Army captain now attending the six-month Logistics Captains Career Course at ALU. She moved here six months ago while her husband was finishing up his two-year gig as an ROTC instructor at the University of Wisconsin. Not long after settling in to their Virginia home, Latson began a somewhat apprehensive search for a job that would generate additional income for her family of six. “I knew a lot of employers would most likely avoid hiring someone who might not be here very long,” she said in reference to her husband’s near-future graduation and the uncertainty of whether he would get a follow-on assignment at Fort Lee. “I really wondered if it was even worth trying … doing all that legwork to just be turned down because I didn’t offer longevity.” Her work ethic compelled her to try. At her previous location, Latson had a good job and said she loved being the executive assistant to the Verona Area School District superintendent in Verona, Wis. Her sights were set on landing a similar position here and the hiring hunt began. “I heard through word of mouth that spouses can sign up for the priority placement program through the Civilian Personnel Advisory Center,” she recalled. “I don’t think a lot of spouses know about it, even those who have been with the military for a long time. It gives enrollees a hir-

Taking the

NEXT STEP Photos by Lesley Maceyak

Army spouse Pertrona Latson works with Prince George County Public Schools as a human resource associate. Getting the job she said, required “thinking outside the box.”

ing preference in the area where their spouses are assigned, and it’s available within two years of the (permanent change of station) orders being cut. “I also registered with the Army Community Service to see what opportunities and assistance it could provide,” she continued. “I knew about ACS because some of their representatives came to my husband’s school and gave them a briefing about it.” Latson also touts the benefits of online research – scouring job search pages and local government and school websites. “Don’t get stuck on one career field,” Latson advised. “I worked as a medical secretary for 15 years before Wisconsin. When I got there, I had a hard time finding a job in the medical administrative field, so I looked else-

where – outside of the ‘comfort zone.’ Ultimately, being flexible got me the executive assistant position at that time.” It worked this time as well. “I am now working for Prince George County Public Schools as a human resource associate,” Latson said. “Even though I have never worked in an HR role exclusively, I discovered I was doing a good number of those functions in my previous jobs. The combination of prior experience and administrative knowledge was sufficient for the requirements of this position, and it turned out to be a great match for me.” What else did she learn along the way? “Don’t take shortcuts with your paperwork,” Latson advised. “Have multiple resumes for different types of positions.

You want to emphasize the jobs that pertain to the position you’re applying for, and a one-write-upfits-all document isn’t going to do that.” She also sends at least one reference from a previous employer and a cover letter explaining her enthusiasm for being considered for the position. “A good cover letter adds personality and increases the likelihood the employer will read your resume.” Finally, and most importantly, Latson said military spouses should always seek opportunities for personal and educational growth. “Education is the key,” she asserted. “I know it’s hard because we have so many other responsibilities – supporting our service member, getting the children off to school andtaking care of the home. However, we should not let that hold us back from growth. It doesn’t matter if you’re able to take one class at a time or be a full-time student; just do it.” Much like Latson, retired Sgt. 1st Class Cameron Gardehl – a 25-year Army veteran – recently found himself looking “outside of the box” while hunting for post-military employment. “I worked in petroleum supply in the Army, and I kind of knew it

wouldn’t be easy to find a comparable position in the civilian job market,” he said. “The key for me was to find a future job I would enjoy doing. That also had a big impact on my transition goal.” As his time in the military drew to a close, he sought out assignments that would allow him to experience professions other than fuel handling. A temporary stint in the Garrison Safety Office is where he found his niche, and what he felt was a marketable skill in the civilian world. “I really appreciate what the safety office did for me,” he recalled. “I was able to job shadow the civilian employees and see how they worked. Being able to experience that environment first hand made it a lot easier when I transitioned from the military and sought civilian employment.” Gardehl found the Army Transition Assistance Program (now called the Soldier for Life TAP) somewhat helpful. It ensures military members are aware of the veteran’s benefits they’re entitled to and assists with everything from resume writing and marketing oneself for a second career to conducting online job searches and linking up employers with potential candidates at hiring fairs. “The best advice I heard along the way is to ask for help. Use the available resources both on- and SEE NEXT STEP, PAGE 19

Retired Sgt.1st Class Cameron Gardehl recently transitioned from Army Petroleum Supply to an environmental, health and safety coordinator position for the NiSource Company.

16 | Traveller | February 4, 2016 | www.fortleetraveller.com

LOCAL ACTIVITIES

FOR THE

EVENTS Biloxi Blues Opening | Feb. 5 The Fort Lee Theater Company’s production of “Biloxi Blues,” the Tony Award-winning play by Neil Simon, opens for a three-weekend run Feb. 5 at the Lee Theater, building 4300, Mahone Avenue. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays, Feb. 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 and 20 at 8 p.m., and Sundays, Feb. 7, 14 and 21 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $13 (adults) and $7 (youth). It follows Eugene Morris Jerome as he gets sent to the Army training camp in Biloxi, Miss., in 1943. For reservations or more information, call the box office at (804) 734-6629.

BHM Brunch | Feb. 6 The 19th Annual Black History Brunch will be held Feb. 6, 10 a.m., at the Lee Club. Virginia Sen. Rosalyn R. Dance

FORT LEE COMMUNITY

will be the guest speaker. The theme of the program is “Hallowed Grounds: Sites of African-American Memories’ chronicling the important places in the United States that evoke a sense of black culture and history. It is sponsored by the Prince George Black History Committee. Organizers suggest a donation of $25 per person. For details, call (804) 765-1428 or 9800201.

Chapel Organizes Valentine’s Dinner | Feb. 13 Community members are invited to the Memorial Chapel Protestant congregation Valentine’s Dinner Feb. 13, 6 p.m., at the Lee Club. The free event also will include music and fellowship centered on the theme “The Love of Christ Lights the World.” Seating is limited and reservations are required. For details, call (804) 926-1947.

SFL-TAP Company Connect Event | Feb. 18 The Soldier for Life Transition Assistance Program will hold a Company Connect Medical and Health Care program Feb. 18, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., in building 3400, at 1401 B Ave. The program is free and open to the community. The participating companies and organizations expected at the free event include Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU, AFLAC American Insurance Co., State Farm Insurance, Bon Secours Virginia Health System and more. For details, call (804) 734-6612 or 765-7601.

FMWR Library Evening with Author | Feb. 23 The Family and MWR Fort Lee Community Library will host an evening with Lisa W. Baker, author of “Beautiful On The Inside” on Feb. 23, 5:30-6:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the Fort Lee community.

The author will read excerpts from her book and have a question-and-answer session. Reservations are requested. The library is located on the 2nd floor of the Army Logistics University, building 12420. For details, call (804) 765-8095.

59th OD Great War Gala | March 4 Tickets are available for the 59th Ordnance Brigade’s The Great War Gala set for March 4, 6 p.m., at the Richmond Marriott, 500 E. Broad St., Richmond. The event will celebrate the roots of the Ordnance Corps. The cost is $55 for E-1 to E-5, GS 09 and below; $60 for E-6 to E-8, WO1-CW3, O1-03 and GS10-12; and $65 for E-9, CW4-CW5, 04-06 and GS 13-15. Purchase tickets at https://einvitations.afit.edu/inv/anim. cfm?i=273615&k=0066410F7A52. For details, call (804) 734-8405.

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Calendar, continued ACS Financial Readiness Class | Feb. 11 The Army Community Service Financial Readiness Program will offer a free class titled “Developing a Spending Plan” Feb. 11, 1-3 p.m., at ACS, building 9023. It is open to the Fort Lee community. ACS also offers other periodic free Financial Readiness classes including “Debt Elimination, How Much Debt is Too Much,” “Bank Account Management” and more. For details, call (804) 734-6388.

Military Saves Week Activities | Feb. 22-26 The Army Community Service Financial Readiness Program will host Military Saves Week Feb. 22-27. A kick-off event Feb. 22, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., at the Main PX will feature information from financial representatives. Participants also can take a Saver Pledge. The ACS table with financial information and more will be at the PX on Feb. 24 and 26, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. The week will wrap up with a free “Start Small, Think Big” Financial Symposium Feb. 25, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., in building 5218, A Avenue. ACS Financial Readiness Program staff members and a group of community partners will hold seminars throughout the day. For additional details, call (804) 7346388 or visit www.militarysaves.org.

SPORTS & FITNESS FMWR Chili Open Scramble | Feb. 27 The Chili Open Scramble has been re-scheduled to Feb. 27, 10 a.m., at the Cardinal Golf Club. The twoperson team competition will have a shotgun start. Players should pick their teams. The entry fee is $30 for members and $45 for all others. The cost includes golf, a cart, chili for lunch, beverages and prizes. The registration fee must be paid by Feb. 24. For details, call (804) 734-2899.

FMWR Snow Xperience Trip | Feb. 20 The Family and MWR Outdoor Recreation Center here will offer a discounted Snow Xperience Trip to the Wintergreen Resort Feb. 20. The reduced-rate cost varies for skiing, snowboarding or tubing rentals and lift ticket packages. A future date is March 12. Transportation leaves for the resort at 7:30 a.m. on each date. For registration and details, visit Outdoor Recreation, building 15014, on 5th Street, or call (804) 765-2212.

FMWR 3D Archery Shoot | Feb. 27 Fort Lee Family and MWR Outdoor Recreation is hosting a 3D Archery Shoot Competition Feb. 27, 9 a.m., at the archery range adjacent to building 15014 on 5th Street. The cost is $10 per adult, $8 for Fort Lee permit holders, $5 for youth ages 13-17, and $3 for cubs 12 and under. The competition will be divided into seven divisions. Future event dates are March 26, April 30 - May 1, May 28 (Ninth Annual Bowfishing Shootout) June 25, Aug. 20 and Sept. 24 For details, call (804) 765-2212.

OUTSIDE

THE

GATE

Puppet Theater in Williamsburg | Feb. 6 Rainbow Puppet Productions will present “Follow Me – An Adventure with the Tuskegee Airmen” Feb. 6, 11 a.m. - noon, at the James-York Playhouse, 200 Hubbard Lane, Williamsburg. The production follows the dreams of a young boy as he wants to help others by flying in the sky. It is part of the Williamsburg Players Children’s Theatre series, and it is recommended for children in kindergarten - fifth grade. Tickets are $7 a person. For details, call (757) 229-0431.

Maymont Tours | Feb. 6-7 Special guided tours of the “Backstairs” at Maymont Mansion – presented from the perspective of those who knew it as a workplace is

set for Feb. 6-7, noon - 5 p.m., at 1700 Hampton St., Richmond. Visitors will discover the challenges of maintaining a millionaire’s home and lifestyle circa 1893-1925. The cost is $7 per person; $4 for members. For details, call (804) 358-7166, ext. 329.

Follow the Drinking Gourd BHM Show | Feb. 6 A free Black History Month production, “Follow the Drinking Gourd,” is set for Feb. 6, 4:30 p.m., at the Virginia Living Museum, 524 J. Clyde Morris Blvd., Newport News. The planetarium show is an inspiring tale of one African-American family’s desperate flight to freedom and how they used constellations to guide the way. For registration and details, call (757) 595-9135.

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Berkeley President’s Day Weekend Tours | Feb. 13-15 Berkeley Plantation will conduct special activities in honor of Presidents’ Day Weekend Feb. 13-15. The plantation is the birthplace of the nation’s ninth U.S. President William Henry Harrison. Tours of the 18th century manor house are available from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. The plantation is located on Route 5, between Richmond and Williamsburg, in Charles City County. For details including discounts available to military members, call (888) 466-6018 or visit www. berkeleyplantation.com.

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Folktales and Songs Program | Feb. 13 A free Black History Month performance “Heroes and Hard Times: American History through Song and Story” will be offered Feb. 13 at two Chesterfield County libraries. Through stories and songs, the program spans more than three centuries of American history. It will be presented 10:30-11:15 a.m., at Central Library, 9501 Lori Road; and 3-3:45 p.m., at North Courthouse Road Library, 325 Courthouse Road. For details, visit library. chesterfield.gov.

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18 | Traveller | February 4, 2016 | www.fortleetraveller.com

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www.fortleetraveller.com | February 4, 2016 | Traveller | 19

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KENNER CONNECTION | PROMOTING PROACTIVE CARE

Silent disease steals vision Maj. Kayla Vickers Chief of Optometry, Kenner Army Health Clinic

Glaucoma is a disease that can be often treated effectively when diagnosed early. To understand its prevalence, consider the following: • An estimated 80 million people worldwide will have glaucoma by 2020. • Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide. • Glaucoma is the No. 1 cause of blindness in African-Americans. • The average age of onset is 54 years. • African-Americans are 6-to-8 times more likely to develop glaucoma than other Americans. Glaucoma is an optic neuropathy characterized by progressive damage to retinal ganglion cells. Or, in plain English, glaucoma is a disease in which the little thin wire (optic nerve) that acts as the freeway between an individual’s eyes and the visual processing area of the brain slowly and painlessly stops working. Without treatment, glaucoma can lead to total blindness. The earlier it is diagnosed, the more vision can be preserved. The good news is glaucoma is typically very treatable. The key to treatment

and vision preservation is early detection. Unfortunately, glaucoma has virtually no symptoms that would prompt a person to say, “Hey, I think I might be coming down with glaucoma. I better get my eyes checked.” Early detection only comes from having annual eye exams that screen for a multitude of ocular disorders including glaucoma. At Eagle Vision Clinic in KAHC, the staff takes glaucoma seriously. The clinic has the most up-to-date “early warning” technology available. Every patient seen is screened for glaucoma. Those patients who are at a higher risk because of age, race, family history, high-eye pressure or suspicious looking optic nerves will have their eyes dilated and be evaluated with state-ofthe-art instruments. The exam is painless for patients. If a diagnosis of glaucoma is made, do not fear. The progression of the disease may be slowed or stopped with one or two eye drops of medicine a day and/or surgery. Take ocular health, vision and glaucoma very seriously. If you’re a person who has not had an eye exam in the last 12 months and thinks, “Oh, I see fine,” remember you can’t detect glaucoma. Only an eye care professional can do that.

NEXT STEP | “... it’s the interview that

gets you the job;” practice, practice Continued from page 15 off-post if they’re available,” Gardehl said. “There are workshops other than what is offered on post … free ones out in town to help you with interviewing skills and other techniques. “Also, I asked a lot of people to look at my resume,” he continued. “Accept the fact you may not be a literary giant. I knew what I wanted to say when I was writing it, but I also realized I had to convey the information to someone who may not understand the military stuff I

included. Believe me, the more eyes you can get on your resume, the better. “Finally, give serious thought to the interview. The resume and the cover letter only get you in the door; it’s the interview that gets you the job,” Gardehl said. “Practice. Take training if you need to. Remember the goal is to establish that connection with the hiring panel. What you say and do should be stuck in their mind when you walk out of the door.” Today, Gardehl is settled in to his new position as an environmental health

and safety coordinator for NiSource Company. He travels the state auditing contractors and making sure they are in compliance with policies and procedures. Transitioning soon? Here are some career finding resources that may be helpful – SFL-TAP, Soldier Support Center, building 3400, B Avenue, (804) 7346612; ACS Employment Readiness Program, building 1231, Mahone Avenue, (804) 734-6388; and Virginia Employment Commission, 1-866-832-2363 or www. vec.virginia.gov/veterans.

20 | Traveller | February 4, 2016 | www.fortleetraveller.com

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