AN INDEPENDENT PUBLICATION OF COMPRINT MILITARY PUBLICATIONS AT JOINT BASE ANDREWS, MD. DCMILITARY.COM FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2014 | VOL. 3 NO. 43 AIR FORCE NEWS Commander offers deployment advice, Page 8 COMMUNITY Morningside Fire Fighters celebrate awards, camaraderie, Page 4 COMMENTARY Cutting edge technology equals revolutionary AF, Page 2 PHOTO/LESLIE SMITH Patrick Little Wolf Brooks represented the Tuscarora nation. Story and photos on page 7. AMERICAN INDIAN FESTIVAL BY ANDREA BLACKSTONE STAFF WRITER Penny C. Nicholas was diagnosed with breast cancer on Aug 10, 2000. Her proactive attitude and spunk allowed her to beat the disease after a 14-year ordeal that con- sisted of seven surgeries. After undergoing a full bilateral mastectomy, the 54-year-old Bowie resi- dent will never have to worry about breast can- cer returning again. “Fourteen years later, I can finally say that I am breast cancer free. The focus was getting well for my children. I learned that when I breastfed them, breasts do not make the wom- an. Breasts are there to nourish children. My breasts were putting my life at risk. They had to go,” Nicholas said. Nicholas is an award- winning journalist who hosted a cable news show in Louisville, Ky., Cincin- nati, Ohio and Nashville, Tenn. Ironically, she rou- tinely devoted shows in October to breast cancer from 1994-1999. Years before her diagnosis, Nicholas met spouses who shaved their heads along with their wives who had been diagnosed with the disease, oncolo- gists and even cancer survivors in their twen- ties. After becoming very knowledgeable about breast cancer, Nicho- las used her show as a means to remind view- ers that the disease can strike women who do not necessarily fit into high- risk categories. “I wanted to expose the fact that cancer does not know age. There is an exponential increase in breast cancer in ad- vanced stages in women under the age of 40,” Nicholas said. On May 20, 2000, Nicholas moved from Kentucky to Maryland to a new home of her dreams. The night that she had planned to relax in her new tub, Nicholas discovered lumps in her breast she had never felt before, during a breast self-exam. “I began screaming ‘I have lumps. I have Breast cancer survivor spreads message of hope, education see CANCER, page 6 BY TECH. SGT. STEVE GREVER AIR FORCE PUBLIC AFFAIRS AGENCY Social media is a great resource for Airmen and their families to share information and stay connected to relatives at home and abroad. Although many depend on these wonderful tools, recent events have en- couraged us to re-evalu- ate our digital footprint to ensure our personal and professional information is protected from online predators and individuals who want to do us harm. While social media use can be entertaining and informative, it poses po- tential operations secu- rity weaknesses, and Air Force Instruction 1-1, Air Force Standards, provides guidance on appropriate social media use by Air- men. OPSEC and personal privacy concerns should be paramount when us- ing social media. Military members have recently been threatened on so- cial media by terrorist organizations looking for information they can use to harm military families and disrupt Air Force op- erations. The following tips will make it more difficult for unwanted users to ac- quire your data through social media: • Be cautious when accepting friend requests and interacting with people online. You should never accept a friend re- quest from someone you do not know, even if they Safeguarding your digital footprint see DIGITAL, page 10 The Washington In- ternational Horse Show (WIHS) will host a spe- cial evening to honor the nation’s armed forces. Since the time when for- mer US Army horses and riders represented the country in national and international competi- tion, the WIHS has had a close relationship with the US Military. “This show has tried to main- tain that special con- nection. It is important for us for recognize and celebrate the military,” said Bridget Love Mee- han, Executive Director Washington Internation- al Horse Show. “We work to bring together mili- tary and sport.” “Power and Speed” is the theme for Military Night this year, which will include an evening of competition, a trophy in honor of the Armed Forces, recognition and support for the WIHS Official Military Char- ity Partner, -- Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) -- and a reception to benefit six local therapeutic riding centers which provide substantive programs for members of the military. Love Meehan noted, for the last five years, the WIHS has enjoyed a special relationship with Fort Meyer. In 2009, the 56th Annual Washington International Horse Show hosts special Military night see HORSE, page 9 PHOTO/ALDEN CORRIGAN The U.S. Marine Corps Silent Drill Team at the 2013 Washington International Horse Show.
Transcript
AN INDEPENDENT PUBLICATION OF COMPRINTMILITARY PUBLICATIONS AT JOINT BASE ANDREWS,MD.DCMILITARY.COM FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2014 | VOL. 3 NO. 43
AIR FORCE NEWSCommander offers deployment advice, Page 8
COMMUNITYMorningside Fire Fighters celebrate
awards, camaraderie, Page 4
COMMENTARYCutting edge technology equals
revolutionary AF, Page 2
PHOTO/LESLIE SMITH
Patrick Little Wolf Brooks represented the Tuscaroranation. Story and photos on page 7.
AMERICAN INDIAN FESTIVAL
BY ANDREABLACKSTONESTAFF WRITER
Penny C. Nicholas wasdiagnosed with breastcancer on Aug 10, 2000.Her proactive attitudeand spunk allowed her tobeat the disease after a14-year ordeal that con-sisted of seven surgeries.After undergoing a fullbilateral mastectomy, the54-year-old Bowie resi-dent will never have toworry about breast can-cer returning again.
“Fourteen years later,I can finally say that I
am breast cancer free.The focus was gettingwell for my children.I learned that when Ibreastfed them, breastsdo not make the wom-an. Breasts are thereto nourish children. Mybreasts were putting mylife at risk. They had togo,” Nicholas said.
Nicholas is an award-winning journalist whohosted a cable news showin Louisville, Ky., Cincin-nati, Ohio and Nashville,Tenn. Ironically, she rou-tinely devoted shows inOctober to breast cancerfrom 1994-1999. Years
before her diagnosis,Nicholas met spouseswho shaved their headsalong with their wiveswho had been diagnosedwith the disease, oncolo-gists and even cancersurvivors in their twen-ties. After becoming veryknowledgeable aboutbreast cancer, Nicho-las used her show as ameans to remind view-ers that the disease canstrike women who do notnecessarily fit into high-risk categories.
“I wanted to exposethe fact that cancer doesnot know age. There is
an exponential increasein breast cancer in ad-vanced stages in womenunder the age of 40,”Nicholas said.
On May 20, 2000,Nicholas moved fromKentucky to Marylandto a new home of herdreams. The night thatshe had planned to relaxin her new tub, Nicholasdiscovered lumps in herbreast she had never feltbefore, during a breastself-exam.
“I began screaming‘I have lumps. I have
Breast cancer survivor spreadsmessage of hope, education
see CANCER, page 6
BY TECH. SGT.STEVE GREVERAIR FORCE PUBLICAFFAIRS AGENCY
Social media is a greatresource for Airmen andtheir families to shareinformation and stayconnected to relatives athome and abroad.
Although many dependon these wonderful tools,recent events have en-couraged us to re-evalu-ate our digital footprint toensure our personal andprofessional informationis protected from onlinepredators and individualswho want to do us harm.
While social media usecan be entertaining andinformative, it poses po-tential operations secu-rity weaknesses, and AirForce Instruction 1-1, AirForce Standards, providesguidance on appropriate
social media use by Air-men.
OPSEC and personalprivacy concerns shouldbe paramount when us-ing social media. Militarymembers have recentlybeen threatened on so-cial media by terroristorganizations looking forinformation they can useto harm military familiesand disrupt Air Force op-erations.
The following tips willmake it more difficult forunwanted users to ac-quire your data throughsocial media:
• Be cautious whenaccepting friend requestsand interacting withpeople online. You shouldnever accept a friend re-quest from someone youdo not know, even if they
Safeguarding yourdigital footprint
see DIGITAL, page 10
The Washington In-ternational Horse Show(WIHS) will host a spe-cial evening to honor thenation’s armed forces.Since the time when for-mer US Army horses andriders represented thecountry in national andinternational competi-tion, the WIHS has hada close relationship withthe US Military. “Thisshow has tried to main-tain that special con-nection. It is importantfor us for recognize andcelebrate the military,”said Bridget Love Mee-han, Executive DirectorWashington Internation-al Horse Show. “We workto bring together mili-tary and sport.”
“Power and Speed” isthe theme for MilitaryNight this year, whichwill include an eveningof competition, a trophyin honor of the ArmedForces, recognition andsupport for the WIHSOfficial Military Char-
ity Partner, -- TragedyAssistance Program forSurvivors (TAPS) -- anda reception to benefit sixlocal therapeutic riding
centers which providesubstantive programs formembers of the military.
Love Meehan noted,for the last five years,
the WIHS has enjoyed aspecial relationship withFort Meyer. In 2009, the
56th Annual WashingtonInternational Horse Showhosts special Military night
see HORSE, page 9
PHOTO/ALDEN CORRIGAN
The U.S. Marine Corps Silent Drill Team at the 2013 Washington InternationalHorse Show.
Andrews Gazette2 Friday, October 24, 2014
Andrews Gazette is published by Comprint MilitaryPublications, 9030 Comprint Court, Gaithersburg,Md., a private firm in no way connected with the U.S.Air Force or any branch of the United States military.The appearance of advertising in these publications,
including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsementby the Department of Defense, the Department of the Air Force orthe products and services advertised.
Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available forpurchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion,sex, national origin, age,martial status, physical handicap, political af-filiation or any other nonmerit factor of the purchases, user or patron.
Retiree Day TomorrowThe 11th Wing’s annual Retiree
Appreciation Day will be held Sat-urday at the Andrews Club. All mil-itary retirees and their families areinvited to participate in the seven-hour program. A Health Fair, spon-sored by the 779th Medical Group,is scheduled from 7-9 a.m. and willinclude flu shots. Ballroom presen-tations will begin at 9:15, coveringcurrent legislative issues pertain-ing to military retirees; casualtyassistance; legal services; Tricare;and space-available travel opportu-nities. Renewal of ID cards will alsobe available. Lt. Gen. Sam Cox, theAir Force deputy chief of staff forManpower, Personnel and Serviceswill be the keynote speaker, follow-ing a buffet lunch. For additionalinformation, call the Retiree Ac-tivities Office (RAOs) at Andrews301 981-2726; or at Bolling 202767-5244.
Retiree Director NeededThe death of Col. (Ret) John
Moser presents many challengesfor the Air Force retiree programin the National Capital Area. Foralmost 20 years, Colonel Moserguided activities for retirees andtheir families served by the 11thWing at Bolling and Andrews. Thecurrent leadership is seeking nomi-nations to fill this volunteer posi-tion. Interested persons are askedto call either of the base RAOs foradditional information.
Spousal BenefitsDivorced spouses can still make
claims for Social Security benefitsusing their ex-spouse’s work histo-ry, in some cases. Married couplesare entitled to spousal benefitsbased on each other’s work history.But what many people don’t realizeis that divorced ex-spouses can stillmake the same claims. In order to
qualify for spousal benefits whileyour ex-spouse is still alive, youhave to have been married to yourex-spouse for at least 10 years, andyou must not have remarried. Youcan still receive benefits, though, ifyour ex-spouse has remarried. Youcan also be eligible for survivors’benefits based on your ex-spouse’swork history after your ex-spousedies, and you can even keep receiv-ing them if you remarry as long asyou wait until age 60 or older be-fore remarrying. For more informa-tion, call 1-800-772-1213.
The Retiree Activities Office isopen 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Mondaythrough Friday. Visit the office inBuilding 1604 at California andColorado Avenues or call 301 981-2726. Call before your visit to ensurea volunteer is on duty. The RAO hasa website at www.andrews.af.mil.
Retiree Corner
October 24-258 p.m.Rennie Harris PuremovementPublick Playhouse, 6600 Kenilworth Ave., River-
dale, MD 20737Tickets $20); $10/Prince George’s County youthRennie Harris Puremovement has performed
to capacity audiences in theatres in the U.S. andabroad. The program includes “Something to dowith Love, Volume 1” the first part of a trilogy. Ex-perience this celebrated dance company as theydance to Marvin Gaye, Nina Simone, ParliamentFunkadelics, Groove Collective, and more. (Perfor-mance geared for families, but may contain profan-ity) For more information call 301-699-2255.
October 257-8:30 p.m.The Great Jack O’ Lantern CampfireScheduled rain date is Oct. 26 at 6 pm.Darnall’s Chance House Museum, 14800 Gover-
nor Oden Bowie Drive, Upper Marlboro 20772$4/person; Children 4 and under free. All ages
welcomeCome see amazing displays of hand-carved illu-
minated jack o’ lanterns at Darnall’s Chance HouseMuseum. Listen to haunted Halloween tales arounda fall campfire while roasting marshmallows. Therewill be a hunt for glowing jack o’ lanterns for kidsfor a prize and everyone can enjoy popcorn, marsh-mallows and hot cider. For more information call301-952-8010.
October 2512 - 4 p.m.Spooky ScienceMaryland Science Center, 601 Light Street, Bal-
timore, MD 21230“Chills and thrills at the sixth annual Spooky
Science, with creepy chemistry and mysterious sci-ence. Activities include creepy crafts, and “fangtas-tic” demonstrations. Guests can make gooey, glow-ing slime, decorating pumpkins and trick-or-treatbags, creating catapults for a punkin’ chunkin’ con-test, exploring spooky sensory bins, and more.
October 262:30 p.m.The Riversdale Chamber Music Society Concert
SeriesRiversdale House Museum, 4811 Riverdale Road,
Riverdale Park 20737FreeEnjoy chamber music as performed by Univer-
sity of Maryland faculty and students, and areamilitary musicians.
Hot ticketsaround town
BY MAJ. GEN. TOM MASIELLOAIR FORCE RESEARCH LABORATORY
I was privileged to attend andparticipate in the Air Force Asso-ciation Air and Space Conferenceheld near Washington, D.C. lastmonth. It was simply outstanding.
There were many inspirationalmoments. The pride that I felt dur-ing the presentation given by ourChief of Staff Gen. Mark Welshwas incredible. Many themesrang through loud and clear. Leadamong them, our Air Force vision:“The world’s greatest Air Force --powered by Airmen, fueled by in-novation.”
Gen. Welsh offered many greatexamples of Airmen dedicated toexcellence and -- together withtheir families -- making extraor-dinary sacrifices to defend Ameri-ca in all three domains: air, spaceand cyberspace. The nugget forme was, although we have incred-ible people teamed with the verybest technology, it’s the Americanspirit that makes us the world’sgreatest Air Force. In the words ofGen. Welsh, we can never lose theheartbeat of the American spirit.It is and always has been the se-cret to our success.
Our leaders emphasized thenew capstone 30-year strategydocument, “America’s Air Force:A Call to the Future.” As the com-mander of the Air Force ResearchLaboratory, this was an incrediblesource of pride for me because ofAFRL’s key role as the Air Force’sscience and technology innovationcenter. We provide direct supportto the concept of “strategic agility”
by leveraging technology.During AFA, I also had the op-
portunity to speak, and I men-tioned AFRL’s three lines of op-erations: We are Revolutionary,Relevant, and Responsive to thewarfighter.
I’m often asked, what comesnext? What is on the horizon? As aglobal technical enterprise, AFRLis Revolutionary. We are the lensthat focuses the national technicalbase to solve the tough Air Forceproblems, and our game-changing
technologies answer those ques-tions. The “AFRL Game Chang-ers” are revolutionary technolo-gies that make and keep the fightunfair. These Game Changers fo-cus on three areas -- Hypersonics,Directed Energy, and Autonomy. Isincerely believe that our invest-ments in these areas will pay offin a tremendous way.
AFRL is Relevant. This is ourfocus on delivering new capabili-ties in the mid-term. Our invest-ments in advanced adaptive tur-bine engines, sensors, and effortsto use new technology to enhanceaffordability and sustainment aregood examples.
Finally, AFRL is Responsive.Warfighters ask, and we respondwith agility. We urgently work onthose vital, high-priority challeng-es demanded by our warfighters“now.” Creative capabilities thatleverage existing technologies todefeat improvised explosive devicethreats and weapons to take outhard and deeply buried targets fithere.
We can’t predict the future, butone thing is certain: Our commit-ment to keeping the technologicaladvantage over our adversariesisn’t going away anytime soon.Our team of AFRL Airmen -- mili-tary, civilian, and contractor -- alltake pride in envisioning and cre-ating tomorrow’s Air Force.
Attending AFA served as afriendly reminder of how greatour Air Force truly is. You can findour senior Air Force leaders’ videopresentations and transcripts on-line. Check them out and feel thepride!
CommentaryAmerican spirit, cutting edge technology equalsrevolutionary, relevant, responsive Air Force
U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO/SCOTT M. ASH
Maj. Gen. Thomas Masiellotakes a question from an audi-ence member after discussingAir Force Research Laboratorybreakthrough technologies dur-ing the 2014 Air Force Associa-tion’s Air & Space Conference andTechnology Exposition, Sept. 16 inWashington, D.C. Masiello is thecommander of Air Force ResearchLaboratory.
Andrews GazetteFriday, October 24, 2014 3
BY ANDREA BLACKSTONESTAFF WRITER
On Oct. 12, approximately23 women representing allbranches of the military an-swered the call of duty tosupport women veterans andtheir children in need of suit-able housing. Amanda Wirtz, aNavy veteran, won the title ofMs. Veteran America 2014.
Veterans and active dutymilitary members competedfor the privilege in Leesburg,Va. Although finalists walkedacross the stage at the Na-tional Conference Center“glammed up” in high heelsand evening gowns, each wom-an helped to raise money fortheir sisters who are experi-encing hardships.
“There are some extraordi-narily beautiful women here,but that’s really secondary totheir heart for service,” Wirtzsaid.
Contestants raised approxi-mately $40,000 through crowdfunding campaigns. Proceedsfrom social media campaignsand the event will benefit Fi-nal Salute Inc., which serveshomeless women veterans andtheir children, by providingfood and shelter. The Virginia-based organization, foundedby disabled Army veteran Jas-pen (Jas) Boothe, also providesadditional services to preventhomelessness to assist womenwho served.
Actor and activist, LammanRucker co-hosted the event withcombat veteran, comedian and“glamputee,” Marissa Strock.Final Salute Inc.’s supporters,members of the military com-munity and veterans like Patri-cia Coates attended the event.Coates, the Northern Va. chap-ter president of Kappa EpsilonPsi Military Sorority Inc., anda group of her sorority sisters,came to root for Kiaya Jacksonand Tee Hanible.
The night was full of tal-ent, reflection and fun. WhenMichele Jones, CSM (Ret.),asked three top finalists animportant question in front of400 attendees, the big decisiondrew near.
A short time later, cheerserupted when Gina Mead,Kimberly Wolfanger and Wirtzwere informed how they hadplaced in the competition.Wirtz smiled widely when hername was announced as thenew queen. The Chicago na-
tive currently resides in SanDiego, Calif. She is a speaker,published scientist and profes-sional violinist.
“It’s really exciting. It’sbeen a year’s worth of workthat we’ve invested really tomove this mission forward inparticipating in the competi-tion. It’s a night of celebra-tion, but now really the workbegins. As a supporter and aspokesperson for Ms. VeteranAmerica and Final Salute, it’snot only an honor and an op-portunity, but it’s a responsi-bility now to support the ini-tiatives, and create new ini-tiatives, to support homelessfemale veterans. Really, that’sthe crux of the focus and it’sthe mission. It’s the work thatneeds to be done,” Wirtz said.
The humanitarian ex-plained that some people mayhave believed that Ms. VeteranAmerica was a beauty pag-eant, but Final Salute Inc. dida great job of representing thereal mission behind it, throughsocial media and other formsof sharing their message.
Social media led KimberlyWolfanger to find her way tothis year’s competition. Thefirst runner up from New Jer-sey learned about Ms. VeteranAmerica when a friend whoserved with her in the MarineCorps tagged her on Facebook.Wolfanger watched the trailerfeaturing Ms. Veteran Amer-ica 2013 — Staff Sgt. AllainaGuitron. After researching thecompetition, Wolfanger decid-ed she wanted to be a part ofit.
“It was a huge experiencebecause it’s a platform thatwe’re working for. It was excit-ing and humbling. The womenthat you meet along the wayare just so amazing that youcan’t believe the company thatyou’re in. Now, I’m just so ex-cited to get started and keepfighting for women veteransand keep fighting for equalrights,” Wolfanger said.
Her husband, Mike Wol-fanger, was selected as Mr.Mom 2014. The Army veteranwas recognized for holdingdown the fort when Kimberlywas serving our country.
Gina Mead, second runnerup in the competition, servedin the U.S. Navy. Mead residesin Michigan and actively vol-unteers to assist fellow veter-ans. Participating in Ms. Vet-eran America allowed her to
join forces with like-mindedpeople who want to supportwomen veterans.
“I’ve learned a lot about my-self. It was such a journey. I’velearned a lot about people —especially the ones who wantto come on board,” Mead said.“This isn’t a one person thing.It takes a team of people to beon your side supporting youand willing to listen. It wasnever about me. It was alwaysabout the cause. It was alwaysabout Final Salute. It was al-ways about advocating forwomen out there.”
As the evening ended,Wirtz gripped her fresh rosesand prepared to exit the me-dia room to take more pho-tographs. A sparkling crownsat atop her head, but thenew queen paused to explainhow she planned to follow inthe footsteps of her predeces-sors to continue a critical fightto respond to a fast growingproblem.
“I have a couple of pas-sionate ideas – shall we say– and pieces that are in placeregarding raising the pub-lic awareness of homeless-ness or increasing research.As a researcher, I know thatdata drives decisions. I wantto make the American public
aware that this is a significantproblem. Fifty-five-thousandhomeless female veterans andgrowing, and their children,are on the streets. That is notonly unacceptable for them,but unacceptable for us as anation to turn our face to thatproblem.”
Navy veterancrowned Ms.Veteran America
The military community supported Ms. Veteran America 2014to help raise funds for homeless women veterans and their chil-dren who are in need of assistance.
PHOTOS/ANDREA BLACKSTONE
Kimberly Wolfanger, Amanda Wirtz and Gina Mead rejoice after they all placed in the top three ofthis year’s Ms. Veteran America competition. Wirtz, middle, was crowned Ms. Veteran America2014.
Andrews Gazette4 Friday, October 24, 2014
BY BOBBY JONESSTAFF PHOTOJOURNALIST
During an annual open househeld at the Morningside Volun-teer Fire Station 27, the 2014Heavy Duty Rescue Squad ofthe Year trophy was the cen-terpiece of conversation for theresident fire fighters and localtownship members Oct. 18.
The coveted trophy wasawarded to Station 27 on Sept18, by Joseph R. and Joan Ro-bison; Charter members of theLaurel Volunteer Rescue SquadInc., during an annual PrinceGeorge’s County Volunteer Fireand Rescue Association CountyConvention at Bunker Hill 55,Brentwood, Md.
The trophy recognized theMorningside Rescue Squad forassisting in a heavy duty rescueon Jan. 6. 2014. The report read,in part; Rescue Squad 27 assist-ed surrounding units in extract-ing the driver and another pas-senger from a commercial ve-hicle, which crashed into Squad27’s former quarters in the 6200block of Marlboro Pike.
Assistant Fire Chief MikePoekter arrived shortly after,assessed the scene and execut-ed a rescue plan. The rescueteam cut the back of the vehiclecab off to get to the victim, af-ter stabilizing the vehicle, Thecrew began to cut through thefront of the storage module, re-move part of the vehicles rearwall, section and lift the roofoff of the victim, remove theupper portion of the driver’sseat and finally ram the dashoff the victim after making aseries of cuts to weaken the
dash enough to lift. The squademptied its tool boxes utilizingair cart, air chisels, sawzall,circular saws, the Hurst KL32Spreaders, Hurst MOC II Cut-ters, Hurst MOC Combi-Tool,Hurst Rams and extensions,tons of lights and other miscel-laneous hand tools. The victimwas freed in approximately 30minutes and the scene was leftwith the Prince George’s FireDepartment Technical RescueTeam 806 to handle. All per-sonnel on the scene were com-mended for operating in anextreme weather environment,with temperatures well belowfreezing and in a potentiallyunstable structure.
Also, during the awards cer-emony, Assistant Chief MichaelR. Poetker, was named the Fire,Rescue, Emergency MedicalService Individual of the Yearand awarded the Rodney LeeGilbert Memorial Trophy.
The award is considered thehighest Prince George’s Volun-teer Fire and Rescue Award thatcan be conferred on an individ-ual, other than that of heroism.
During the open house, thefirefighters sat proudly besidetheir trophy as participantsstopped by to congratulate theirlocal heroes.
The station has approxi-mately 110 firefighters, workingshifts around the clock, but notall members live in Maryland.
Charlie Phillips, an 80-year-old patriarch station firefighternoted, “Some of our firefightershere come in from out of statefor training. One member we
Morningside Fire Fighters celebrate awards, camaraderie
PHOTO/BOBBY JONES
Several local children enjoyed a moon bounce slide and face painting during the annual Morning-side Volunteer Fire Station Open House Oct. 18. see OPEN HOUSE, page 5
10431751043177
Andrews GazetteFriday, October 24, 2014 5
have flies from New York, because it’scheaper than driving,” Phillips said. Wealso have another station member whodrives to work from Quakertown, Penn.“We have one member who used to flyin from Indiana, who has since moved toPrince George’s County.”
Fellow firefighter Joe Bliley added,“I used to fly in from Indiana, bought ahome in Morningside. I came down hereto get more training and for the brother-hood.”
“I love the brotherhood, also, and theexperience I get here,” said Allen Pfaff, aPennsylvania native. “We only get about400 calls annually. However, Morning-side get’s 400 service calls a month,”exclaimed Pfaff. “I love the camaraderiehere and the wealth of experience.”
Phillips was recently recognized for65 years of fire service during a PrinceGeorge’s County Volunteer FiremanAwards ceremony.
An active member of the MorningsideFire Station since 1949, Phillips, couldremember when Suitland road was noth-ing more than dirt road and Joint BaseAndrews was farmland.
“I followed my father’s footsteps inbecoming a firefighter and I’ve beeneverything, from a fire chief to a juniorfighter,” Phillips said proudly.
“However, the most unique thingabout being a part of this fire station iscamaraderie. We’re like family.”
He further noted, “We haven’t misseda call yet and we’re over the 5,000 servicecalls mark for the year. The MorningsideVolunteer Fire Department recently setanother record for participation in Sep-tember. They had approximately 52 sta-tion members perform service calls for atotal of 5,892 man-hours.
“We’ll probably be over 6000 calls bythe end of the year, that includes fires,and emergency medical service calls.Our fire department has a rich legacy inthe community and has a good reputa-tion nationally for its professionalismand dedication to duty,” Phillips said.
Located just moments away from thefront entrance of Joint Base Andrews,Morningside’s all-volunteer fire stationis one of nine, volunteer fire stations inPrince George’s County. The station issupported primarily by annual dona-tions from the local community, withsome assistance from the MunicipalTownship.
According to Assistant Chief MichaelR. Poetker, Prince George’s County pro-vides staffing for stations similar toMorningside with five career personnelaround the clock. Morningside’s stationis staffed 100 percent by volunteers.“That would have cost them $360,000for the same time period. That meanswe saved the taxpayers $360,000 and
provided more than eight volunteers onthe floor, around the clock, everyday inthe month of September,” Poetker said.He concluded “It is important to under-stand that our volunteers do not receiveany compensation and the only costs forthis department are the operational cost:fuel, maintenance, electricity, water, etc.I feel good about us winning this trophyand the volunteers who dedicate theirlives daily to saving lives.”
At the conclusion of the Open Housethe station staff gave away free smokedetectors, held a raffle for fire extin-guishers and provided the participantswith food, refreshments, music anda K-9 demonstration by the PrinceGeorge’s County Police K-9 Division.Children were treated to face paintingand a bounce slide.
OPEN HOUSE, from page 4
The Morningside Volunteer Station 27 firefighters pose for a group photo alongwith the coveted 2014 Heavy Duty Rescue Squad of the Year trophy they won dur-ing an annual Prince George’s County Volunteer Fire and Rescue AssociationCounty Convention at Bunker Hill 55, Brentwood, Md.
PFC McMillan, Prince George’s CountySpecial Operations Division, K-9 Sec-tion, and Canine partner, “Troy” givesan obedience demonstration to localresidents.
Morningside Volunteer firefighter, JoeBliley, left, wearing firefighter gear,shakes hands with local children, dur-ing a recent Open House as fellow fire-fighter, Allen Pfaff, right, observes. Bli-ley an Indiana native bought a home inPrince George’s County recently. Pfaff,a Pennsylvania native who commutesto Maryland, enjoys the camaraderieand experience.
10% OffAll MilitaryPersonnelBring This Ad And ShowYour Military ID
Andrews Gazette6 Friday, October 24, 2014
lumps.’ I was 39 years of age.I never smoked. I never drank.I breast fed my kids. I exer-cised. I don’t eat red meat. Iwas doing all of the things thatI was supposed to [do] to keepa woman healthy from breastcancer my whole life,” Nicholassaid.
Nicholas panicked andwrote her eulogy. Then, shebegan searching for answersto confirm that something waswrong.
“I didn’t know where to go orwhat doctor to see. I didn’t evenknow where the post office was,but because I spent my wholecareer in Kentucky promot-ing breast cancer awareness, Iknew a doctor to get in touchwith,” Nicholas said.
Nicholas was referred to anoncology surgeon. Sonogramsand mammograms did not in-dicate she had breast cancer.After additional consultations,doctors believed the lumps inNicholas’s breast were nothingserious. Nicholas still followedher instincts. She reached outto another contact.
“All along, my little voice issaying this is cancer,” Nicholassaid. “Dr. John Derr in Ken-tucky listened to me and valuedmy inner voice. He said comeback to Louisville and that hewould remove the lumps.”
After having surgery on Aug.10, 2000, Derr called Nicholasand informed her that one ofthe lumps in her left breast
was cancerous.“I hung up the phone, looked
in the mirror and said, ‘God,what do you want me to learnfrom this? I heard back, ‘Liveyour dream.’”
Nicholas was a mother oftwo small girls and an olderdaughter. She considered hid-ing her illness from them at
first, but she did not to let fearset in.
“You think that you are pro-tecting your family or childrenby withholding it, but you’reactually doing them moreharm than good. Keeping se-crets from them robs you of thelove and support that you needand it increases unnecessary
pain in your children,” Nicho-las said.
Nicholas sought treatmentat Johns Hopkins Hospital andwas under the care of oncologyand plastic surgeons. In 2006,cancer appeared in her rightbreast. Nicholas opted for alumpectomy. Faced with mul-tiple surgeries, she decided at
the onset to cope with breastcancer with doses of humorand yoga to reconnect withherself and maximize her innerstrength. Nicholas became thetype of patient who comforteda woman who she heard cryinghysterically about breast can-cer surgery. Nicholas left herown hospital room, introducedherself with a hug and report-edly told the stranger that shewas going to be okay.
“They were calling me ‘Mrs.El Trippo’ before I went intothe operating room. I guess itwas my way of dealing with thecancer.”
Nicholas endured otherhealth challenges and wentinto cardiac arrest. In 2002,she was pronounced dead atSouthern Maryland Hospital.Despite having a 5 percentchance of survival, Nicholasbeat the odds.
Today, Nicholas laughs a lotand can be spotted wearing oneof her signature hats. Althoughshe took a hiatus from journal-ism, her gift to use the power ofwords still remains. Nicholas isnow able to reflect on her expe-rience. She encourages womento perform breast self-examsoften. Because she discoveredlumps in her breasts early andreceived medical care, Nicholascan now share her hope-filledbreast cancer survivor storywith others, while buildinga career as an inspirationalspeaker.
“For the first time in mylife, I feel healthy and happy,”Nicholas said.
PHOTO/ANDREA BLACKSTONE
Penny C. Nicholas, 54, is building a career as a motivational speaker. The breast cancer survivoris an award-winning journalist who began educating others about breast cancer through her cableshow that aired in three U.S. cities in the nineties. The information that she learned prior to her ownbreast cancer diagnosis in 2000 helped her to seek medical care to beat the disease.
CANCER, from page 1
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Andrews GazetteFriday, October 24, 2014 7
BY LESLIE SMITHSTAFF WRITER
For the sixth year, Prince George’sCounty Department of Parks and Rec-reation held the American Indian Festi-val at the Patuxent River Park on Oct.18, sponsored by Maryland State ArtsCouncil.
Karen Marshall, Senior Administra-tive Assistant and Coordinator of theSixth Annual American Indian Festi-val shared the purpose of the festival,“We want to educate people about therich Native American culture and heri-tage.”
Tara Tietz shared a common senti-ment about the importance of the fes-tival, “It’s about keeping it alive for theyounger ones. That’s what it’s about.”
Festival goers were treated to sightsand sounds of cultural music and dancealong with traditional foods. Demon-strations in dance and music, withthe crowd encouraged to participate,along with hands-on activities such asbasket weaving, flint knapping /toolmaking allowed guest to experiencethe rich customs and history of NativeAmerican cultures. Archery and native
games invited guests to engage in allthe educational fun.
The crowd was treated to the historyand folklore shared by numerous nationsparticipating. A few participating werethe Piscataway Kiowa, Pueblo, Navajo,Lumbee, Catawba, Cherokee, Apache,Shawnee, Powhatan, Taino, Tuscarora,Mohawk, Meherrin Chowanoke, Sac-Fox,Haliwa Saponi, and Appamauck.
Tradition, heritage shared throughsong, dance, demonstration atAmerican Indian Festival
PHOTOS/LESLIE SMITH
Ranger Paolo Abellera helps Tabitha Jamison steady her aim for archery.
Volunteer Anna Guzman helps Evan and Natalie Bozman try their hand at basketweaving.
Rose Powhatan demonstrated lan-guage and communications methods.
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1043176
Andrews Gazette8 Friday, October 24, 2014
BY 2ND LT. ESTHER WILLETTAIR FORCE DISTRICT OF WASHINGTON
PUBLIC AFFAIRS
A commander who recently returnedfrom a yearlong deployment in Afghan-istan shares about his experience, andadvises Airmen on how to overcome de-ployment challenges.
Deployed to Kandahar Airfield,Afghanistan, Col. Scott Campbell im-mediately took command of the 451stExpeditionary Operations Group. Fourmonths later, he took command of the451st Air Expeditionary Group where
he directed the activities of 1,100 Air-men and contractors for his remainingeight months in country.
Those Airmen proved to be the high-light of Campbell’s deployment.
“I was amazed every day I wasaround each of them to see an un-matched level of expertise, commit-ment and professionalism,” Campbellsaid. “Watching our Airmen tacklehuge challenges every day withoutskipping a beat and asking for more.They ground it out working 12+ hourdays, 7 days a week and they nevercomplained -- they just worked to ac-
complish our mission.”Being away from his family was
what Campbell missed most during hisyear away.
“My one year old son learned towalk and began to talk, and my otherson learned to read and ride a bike,”Campbell shared. “My wife took careof both of them while completing a fel-lowship at the Atlantic Council; she’samazing.”
The commander wants his experi-ence to contribute to others. Airmencan take a few steps to overcome emi-nent challenges in a deployed environ-ment, Campbell said.
First, prepare for uncertainty.“Things will change during the courseof your deployment, if not before,”Campbell said. “Understand your mis-sion and your individual responsibili-
ties and execute them to the best ofyour ability and do not get caught upin that uncertainty and the inevitablerumors.”
Second, rely on those around you.“Rely your chain of command for theground truth and focus on the mission,”Campbell said. “Rely on your peerswho have been there for a few monthsto help develop a battle rhythm. Onceyou develop a battle rhythm that suitsyou, your deployment will fly by.”
Finally, establish and lean on yourhome support network. “These days,even in Afghanistan there is excel-lent connectivity that will allow you tomaintain close contact with family andfriends. Use that network to stay con-nected and relieve stress,” Campbellsaid.
Commander offers deployment advice
BY SENIOR MASTER SGT.BOB KAMHOLZ
When the Band’s Airmen musiciansembark on a national community re-lations tour, the objective is simple: tohonor those who have served, inspireAmericans to heighted patriotism andto have a positive impact on the globalcommunity. One of the best ways tomeet this goal is to perform on a localtelevision morning show.
Twelve members from the SingingSergeants, the official chorus of theUnited States Air Force, were recentlyfeatured on Alabama Live! which isbroadcast on WSFA, Channel 12, inMontgomery, Alabama. The ensemblewas led by the Band’s commander and
conductor, Col. Larry Lang. The morn-ing show performance was the kick-off event at the start of a 12-day tourthrough Alabama, Georgia and Florida.The group performed “Freedom Song,”arranged by Singing Sergeants mem-ber Master Sgt. Ben Park, which Langdedicated to all the members of thearmed forces both past and present.
The nearly 6 minutes of airtime wasseen by more than nine thousand resi-dents of the Montgomery communityand helped promote the evening perfor-mance in nearby Troy, Alabama by theUnited States Air Force Concert Bandand Singing Sergeants. The concert inTroy was held at the Crosby Theateron the campus of Troy University anddrew an audience that exceeded 700.
Singing Sergeants memberstake to the airwaves
U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO/SENIOR MASTER SGT. BOB KAMHOLZ
Members of the Singing Sergeants perform “Freedom Song” on an Alabama Live!broadcast on WFSA, Channel 12 in Montgomery, Alabama.
For more news from other bases around the Washington, D.C. area,
visit www.dcmilitary.com.1050042
Andrews GazetteFriday, October 24, 2014 9
WIHS partnered with the U.S. Army’s Cais-son Platoon in an Armed Forces Program.Part of the “The Old Guard” from Fort Myerthat serves Arlington National Cemetery,the Caisson Platoon also conducts an equinetherapy program, where horses that pull thecaisson for the burial of fallen service mem-bers also help rehabilitate wounded warriorsby improving their physical well-being andmorale.
This premier horse show works to makethe event and the sport accessible to every-one in theWashington area. “It’s a fun familyevent where people can come into a world-class arena and watch Olympic–level riderscompete. It’s truly special to see,” Love Mee-han said.
Saturday is a free, fun-filled day for fami-lies. Making a special guest appearance isKlinger, one of the US Army Caisson Pla-toon horses. “It’s just a great opportunity forfamilies to come and experience the showup-close. Maybe they don’t know much abouthorses but would like to; they can have a funcouple of hours with these special horses.”
Another special event on this day is the“Horseless Horse Show,” an event where kidscan make their way through a course andjump the obstacles, pretending to race likethe horses. Families can then head inside thearena for more activities such as horseshoepainting.
“For 56 years, we have proudly presentedthis special show in the fall in Washingtonand we want everyone to experience it. Ioften find that when I tell a family to comeonce, they usually come back.”
For more information, visit www.wihs.org.
HORSE, from page 1
PHOTO/ SHAWN MCMILLEN
The Caisson Platoon 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) at the 2012 Washington International Horse Show.
1043237
Visit DCMilitary.com/CFCfor a complete preview anda full list of participatingcharities that need yoursupport through donationsto help those in need.
Please support theirefforts and donate today!
The Combined Federal Campaign is Underway!
dcmilitary comH
Andrews Gazette10 Friday, October 24, 2014
The Security Forces Blotter is intended to keepmembers of the Joint Base Andrews Community in-formed and aware of the crimes and offenses that occurthroughout the base each week. If you have any infor-mation that may help the Security Forces solve a crimeor prevent a criminal act, please contact BDOC (BaseDefense Operations Center) at 301-981-2001, CRIMESTOP LINE 981-2677 (COPS, or the investigationssection at 301-981-5656).
Oct. 9 at 12:47 p.m.: There was a vehicle accidentbetween two government-owned vehicles. One vehiclewas backing out of the parking space and struck theother vehicle that was parked. The damages consistedof dents and a detached front fender and hood. Patrolsresponded and accomplished reports.
Oct. 12 at 12:07 p.m.: There was an attemptedentry at the Main Gate. The individual made an im-
proper left turn in the U-Turn lane and entered thein-bound flow of traffic unauthorized. The individualstated they turned left trying to get to the Base Ex-change when they realized they had made a mistake.The barriers were raised and the individual was deter-mined to be non-hostile.
Oct. 13 at 12:15 p.m.: There was a loud noise com-plaint in Joint Base Andrews Housing. The residentwas not taking their prescribed medicine and wastransported by the sponsor to Southern Maryland hos-pital for further evaluation.
Oct. 14 at 1:30 p.m.: There was a major vehicle ac-cident involving a privately owned vehicle and a fixedobject. The individual was driving when three deerran out in front of the vehicle. The individual swervedto avoid hitting the deer but lost control causing thevehicle to strike a tree. The injuries consisted of asprained right wrist and a scraped right hand. The
damages to the vehicle consisted of severe damage tothe passenger side hood, bumper, and front passengerside tire. Patrols responded and accomplished reports.
Oct. 15 at 2:44 p.m.: An individual contacted Se-curity Forces stating damage to a vehicle at ECP #11.The individual stated that they saw the gate openedwith a Security Forces vehicle on the other side of thegate. They proceeded through the gate and the gatecaught the passenger side mirror. The damages con-sisted of cracks on the mirror and there was no dam-age to the gate. Patrols responded and accomplishedreports.
As a ReminderThere has been an increase in reported vehicle acci-
dents on the installation. If you are involved in an ac-cident, stop and call Security Forces at 301-981-2001.
For reporting any emergencies or non-emergenciesplease feel free to utilize the “LiveSafe” app. “LiveS-afe” is an anonymous reporting app that can be down-loaded for free on your smart device.
Security Forces Police Blotter
know a friend of yours.• Don’t share information you don’t want to become
public. Remember, once you put something out there,you can’t control where it goes.
• Disable location-based social networking, or geo-tagging, on all social media platforms. Geotagging isthe process of adding geographical identification tophotographs, video, websites and text messages.
• Avoid posting work or personal schedules andtravel itineraries, especially deployment informationand return dates for yourself, a loved one or a unit.
• If you ever hesitate before clicking ‘post’, recon-sider the content you are about to share. Our teamfollows the motto: When in doubt, throw it out!
• Adjust your privacy settings to ensure your postsand profile information is secured and seen only byapproved audiences.This last tip applies to any socialmedia platforms you may use, but since Facebook isthe most widely used, we want to share this detailedhow-to guide on how to secure your profile. Check outthis guide for more details.
