SCHOOLING Insert highlights school activities for Meade cluster INSIDE UPCOMING EVENTS TODAY, 11:30 A.M.-1 P.M.: Women’s Equality Day Observance - McGill FRIDAY, 7-10 P.M.: Crabfest Deck Party - The Lanes SATURDAY, 7 P.M.: U.S. Army Field Band “1812 Overture” Concert - Constitution Park WEDNESDAY, 11 A.M.-1:15 P.M.: IndyCar driver JR Hildebrand visit - Freedom Inn AUG. 31, 7 P.M.-MIDNIGHT: Chicago Steppin’ dancing - Club Meade DOUBLE PLAY 7th IS, 241st MPs outlast stormy weather to take softball titles PAGE 16 Sound off ! ´ VOL. 64 NO. 34 Published in the interest of the Fort Meade community August 23, 2012 PHOTO BY PHIL GROUT Silver Spring photographer Greg Schaler instructs Airmen including Tech Sgt. Cheasa Crump (front left), Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Baker (front right), Tech Sgt. La’Tora Jackson (back left) and Tech Sgt. Wyatt Bloom on what he is looking for during a Fort Meade photo shoot Aug. 15 for an exhibit depicting military life. Schaler’s photos will be used by sculptor Larry Kirkland in a collaboration to create a public artwork that will be on display at a pavilion at Sarasota National Cemetery in Florida. For the story, see Page 12. PHOTO OPS
Transcript
SchoolingInsert highlights school activities for Meade cluster
inside
UPcoMing EVEnTSToday, 11:30 a.M.-1 P.M.: Women’s Equality Day Observance - McGillfriday, 7-10 P.M.: Crabfest Deck Party - The LanesSaTUrday, 7 P.M.: U.S. Army Field Band “1812 Overture” Concert - Constitution ParkwEdnESday, 11 a.M.-1:15 P.M.: IndyCar driver JR Hildebrand visit - Freedom InnaUg. 31, 7 P.M.-MidnighT: Chicago Steppin’ dancing - Club Meade
doUblE Play7th IS, 241st MPs outlast stormy weather to take softball titles
page 16
Soundoff!́vol. 64 no. 34 Published in the interest of the Fort Meade community August 23, 2012
photo by phil grout
Silver Spring photographer Greg Schaler instructs Airmen including Tech Sgt. Cheasa Crump (front left), Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Baker (front right), Tech Sgt. la’Tora Jackson (back left) and Tech Sgt. Wyatt Bloom on what he is looking for during a Fort Meade photo shoot Aug. 15 for an exhibit depicting military life. Schaler’s photos will be used by sculptor larry Kirkland in a collaboration to create a public artwork that will be on display at a pavilion at Sarasota national Cemetery in Florida. For the story, see Page 12.
photo ops
http://www.ftmeade.army.mil� SOUNDOFF! August 23, 2012
Commander’s Column
Cont ent sNews............................. 3 Sports..................................16
Editorial StaffGarrison Commander Col. Edward C. rothsteinacting Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. debra McGarityPublic affairs officerChad t. Jones [email protected], Command informationPhilip H. Jones [email protected] Editor & Senior Writer rona S. Hirsch Staff Writer lisa r. rhodesStaff Writer Brandon Bieltzdesign Coordinator timothy davis Supplemental photography provided by Patuxent Publishing Co.
If you would like information about receiving Soundoff! on Fort Meade or are experiencing distribution issues, call 877-886-1206 or e-mail [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Printed by offset method of reproduction as a civilian enterprise in the interest of the personnel at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland, by the Patuxent Publishing Co., a subsidiary of The Baltimore Sun Media Group, 501 N. Calvert St., Baltimore, MD 21278, every Thursday except the last Thursday of the year in conjunction with the Fort Meade Public Affairs Office. Requests for publication must reach the Public Affairs Office no later than Friday before the desired publication date. Mailing address: Post Public Affairs Office, Soundoff! IMME-MEA-PA, Bldg. 4409, Fort Meade, MD 20755-5025. Telephone: 301-677-1361; DSN: 622-1361.
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Printed by Patuxent Publishing Co., a private firm, in no way connected with the Department of the Army. Opinions expressed by the publisher and writers herein are their own and are not to be considered an official expression by the Department of the Army. The appearance of advertisers in the publication does not constitute an endorsement by the Department of the Army of the products or services advertised.
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After another great summer weekend, it is time for all of us to begin to focus our attention and priorities on school.
In this week’s Soundoff! is a special Back-To School insert. The insert includes information for parents such as some of the most commonly asked questions about our schools, dates for Back-To-School Nights, safety tips for school bus riders and information about before- and after-school programs.
The insert is designed to help parents prepare for the new school year.
The Back-To-School insert is a good start to the school year. However, we all need to work together to ensure our students stay safe and healthy and get the most out of their education opportunities. Let’s all work together to help make this school year one of the very best for our students.
One of my goals this school year will be to con-tinue working with Dr. Kevin M. Maxwell, Anne Arundel County Public Schools superintendent; Sarah Bonise, our school liaison; and the principals who manage the cluster of schools located on Fort Meade.
Since becoming garrison commander, one of the recurring challenges I face is helping parents, service members, civilian workers and concerned members of our surrounding communities under-stand that perception and reality are often two different things when we are discussing the Meade cluster schools.
On more than one occasion, I have heard an individual say that the schools located on Fort Meade have bad reputations.
I want to start this school year off by trying to find ways to eliminate negative comments about our schools and promote the positive activities occurring every day — from within the classrooms to the sports fields.
I understand that in the past there have been problems in some of our schools. However, changes in school administrators — combined with the efforts of teachers who are engaged and eager to help our kids learn, along with the great parents in our community — have made our schools a rich and rewarding experience for our youth.
And I am committed to fostering a stronger part-
nership between Fort Meade and our schools as we are all “Team Meade.”
Our schools have a lot to offer our children. They provide opportunities for our students to excel in academ-ics, sports and music.
Three Fort Meade schools - Manor View Ele-mentary, MacArthur Middle and Meade High - have an International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. The programs help students develop an international outlook through a challenging course of study and also help prepare students for college, internships and employment.
Meade High also offers a Homeland Security Signature program. The four-year program features courses aimed at preparing students for careers in security, technology and engineering by offering innovative, theme-specific curriculum and co-cur-ricular activities that are relevant to the 21st-cen-tury workforce.
Meade High was the first of 12 Anne Arundel County high schools to offer its own signature program.
This school year, I hope more parents will find time to become more involved with our schools. I believe strong parental and community support can enhance the reputation of our schools and help our administrators and teachers continue to improve the quality of education.
As we begin the school year, please find time to meet with your child’s teachers, join the PTA and volunteer your time and energy. I know I will!
Principals have told me that parents’ involve-ment, combined with the efforts of their faculties, can produce a rich and rewarding year for our youth.
I look forward to working with you this school year. Let’s make it the best one ever.
Have a great week!
Gearing up for a rich, productive school year
COL. Edward C. rOthstEin
Garrison Commander
GarrisonCommanderCol.EdwardC.Rothsteinhasanopendoorpolicy.All service members, retirees, government employees, family members and community
http://www.ftmeade.army.mil August 23, 2012 SOUNDOFF! �
News
By Philip H. JonesCommand Information ChiefFort Meade Public Affairs
The Department of the Army has declared August as Antiterrorism Aware-ness Month to increase awareness and vigilance in protecting Army communities from acts of terrorism.
This year marks the third annual obser-vance.
Antiterrorism defensive measures reduce the vulnerability of individuals and property to terrorist acts. This des-ignation is appropriate given that August falls one month before the anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in September, according to Army officials.
Since 9/11, terrorist tactics and meth-ods have increasingly targeted civilians in public places in an attempt to influence governments. The terrorist threat ranges from ideological influence and recruit-
ment to kidnapping for ransom or politi-cal gain and killings.
In support of the national monthlong initiative to combat terrorism, Fort Meade directorates will ensure their personnel will conduct AT training and education through Aug. 31.
“The purpose of AT Awareness Month is to create an awareness of antiterrorism throughout the entire department of the Army,” said Antiterrorism Officer Mark A. George of the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security. “Fort Meade’s ultimate goal in prevent-ing a terrorist attack is to include every organization, every unit, every person in the effort to prevent that possibility.”
Army families, because of their direct association with the U.S. military, present a lucrative target for terrorists. Moreover, many Army families endure periods of extended separation from their military
member, which presents unique vulner-abilities to their safety.
There are basic security awareness tips family members should be mindful of that can provide them with practical anti-terrorism tools:
• Awareness of what’s going on around you provides the first line of defense against any threat.
• Protect personal information at all times and avoid conversations (in public, email and phone and on social network sites) that involve military missions or discussion about long-term separation.
• Maintain a proactive mind-set about the security environment where you live, work and travel.
• Maintain a low profile, especially when living or traveling overseas.
• Be cautious and prepared for the unexpected.
• Assess your home for adequate secu-
rity such as locks and lighting.• Talk to your children about their
safety and security such as what to do if they feel threatened and who they can trust.
• Report suspicious behavior or activi-ties through local law enforcement agen-cies or military force-protection units.
Antiterrorism Individual Awareness Training is available for military family members through the service member’s unit or the installation antiterrorism offi-cer. Training includes basic knowledge of the terrorist threat pertaining to air and ground travel; security at government facilities, hotels and home; vehicle bomb threat; and hostage survival tips.
For more information on the Army’s Antiterrorism Individual Protection mea-sures, call Mark A. George at 301-677-7310 or visit Acsim.army.mil/readyarmy/index.htm.
Antiterrorism Awareness Month highlighted by training, education
By C. Todd LopezArmy News Service
An increased focus on training and leader development can help commanders at all levels better understand the threat to America posed by adversaries in the cyber domain, said the commander of Army Cyber Command dur-ing the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association TechNet Land Forces East conference on Aug. 16 in Baltimore.
“There is still more that can be done that causes leaders at all levels to understand and appreciate what it is going to take to operate and be able to conduct operations in land and cyber,” said Lt. Gen. Rhett Hernandez, com-mander of ARCYBER. “I put a lot of energy into our exercise program.”
Hernandez said ARCYBER has already participated in three brigade combat team-level training rotations at the National Train-ing Center at Fort Irwin, Calif., and is working now to expand opportunities in which com-manders can really see the impact that the cyber threat has on operations.
Included in that effort is expansion to the Joint Readiness Training Center level and also into Europe at the Combat Maneuver Training Center.
“Once commanders are allowed to see and understand what it takes to plan for and integrate, and we unleash a world-class cyber [opposing force] on them, they now have the ability to recognize what they have to protect, what they can take risk in, and where we might
have gaps in our training or in our capabili-ties,” Hernandez said. “That will improve our ability to conduct operations at those levels.”
Hernandez said that commanders who operate “all the way to the tactical edge” must learn the importance of the network and the impact that threats to the network have on land operations.
“Every day at the tactical edge there is an absolute requirement to conduct operations that ensure that you are defending your net-work so you maintain the freedom to oper-ate,” Hernandez said. “That’s not going to go away. What I believe will happen over time is we will have more convergence. We will train more as one team, and we will be able to bring cyberspace operations effects at all echelons, through all three lines of operations.”
Those lines of operations, Hernandez said, include “operate, defend and when directed, conduct offensive operations.”
Mirroring the words of the Army’s Chief of Staff Gen. Ray Odierno, Hernandez pre-sented the roles of ARCYBER in the cyber domain, in terms of the three roles that the chief has spelled out for the Army: prevent, shape and win.
Hernandez said that the network, mobile networks and social media networks have the ability to both shape the battle space and to prevent conflict in the first place, and that commanders must come to understand the influence of those networks on operations.
“It is the social media that we all have a lot
of work to do, and understand and appreci-ate it because it is key to not only preventing but also shaping,” Hernandez said. “We have seen from activities from around the world, particularly with the ‘Arab Spring,’ that it plays a significant role in winning.”
The general said the Army has “a lot of work to do” in determining how to include social media as an operational issue and not just as a public affairs issue, and must determine what needs to be done to “prepare ourselves for that social media environment that will be a part of, I believe, any future contests.”
With budget cuts on every Army com-mander’s mind, Hernandez said the Army must be smart in how it prioritizes the threat in the cyber domain and how it allocates limited funding to combat those threats.
“What’s on us is to ensure that we clearly articulate the most significant gaps, and the requirements that need to be addressed are pri-oritized in a way that give us the biggest effect for the least amount of cost,” he said.
Hernandez said that DoD’s plans for the “Joint Information Environment,” which includes consolidated data centers, consoli-dated operations and management of network infrastructure, consolidated end-user services such as email, migration to cloud services, and standardization of hardware and software platform, are essential.
Until the Joint Information Environment comes to fruition, he said the Army must focus
on the essentials.“Absolutely essential to this is our ability
to bridge the gap between now and then with only those things we have to absolutely invest in to mitigate the most significant vulner-abilities and risk to the network,” Hernandez said.
Increasing leader awareness, training aids cyber protection
PHOTO BY DOUG SAMPLE
Sen. Barbara A. Mikulski (right) and Command Sgt. Maj. Roger P. Blackwood, U.S. Army Cyber Command, discuss the future of cyberspace capabilities and leader development during the the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association TechNet Land Forces East conference held Aug. 14 in Baltimore.
http://www.ftmeade.army.mil� SOUNDOFF! August 23, 2012
News
Aug. 14, Larceny of private prop-erty: An individual reported sto-len property. The investigation revealed missing property from his job site at the Youth Services field on Reece Road. Items iden-tified as missing are two fence stretchers and six rolls of chain-link fence.
Aug. 16, Criminal trespass, unlawful breaking and entering of a motor vehi-cle, larceny of private property: Units responded to a larceny in progress. Upon arrival, contact was made with the vic-tim who stated he observed a person
sitting in the passenger seat of his van looking through his per-sonal items. While waiting for the police to arrive, the person got out of the van, at which time the victim left his residence and attempted to make contact with
the person. The person ran away.A search of the area by law enforcement was conducted and the person, later identified, was located and transported to the Directorate of Emergency Services for processing. A further canvass of the neighborhood was conducted, and a large backpack containing a large quan-tity of electronic goods, footwear, jewelry and other stolen property was found.
CommunityCommunityCrime Watch
Compiled by the Fort Meade Directorate of Emergency Services
Trouble Ticket
Youth Services Sports Complex needs renovations
Renovate the Youth Services Sports Complex
Actual use of fields is expected to be Spring 2013
Have you noticed an issue on post and wondered if anything is being done to fix it? Email concerns and
address issues identified on post and describe what is being done to
solve them.
Issue: Plan: Status:
McGill Training Center HVAC is inoperative
(except in the ballroom)
Install a new HVAC
Demolition and installation are now being performed,
classrooms 1-5 closed during A/C installation
(until Oct. 1, estimated)
Chaplain’s Word: HAVE FUN“People rarely succeed unless
they have fun in what they are doing.”
— Dale Carnegie
By Denise Tegtmeyer and Paul FluckEnvironmental Division
The excavation of methane-generating buried trash at the Manor View Dump Site is complete.
A total of 987 truckloads of approximately 24,000 tons of buried trash have been safely removed and transported off post to an approved landfill.
The site has been backfilled and leveled, and it will be seeded with grass in late summer to leave an open flat field.
For more information, call the Fort Meade Environmental Office at 301-677-9854.
Buried trash removed from Manor View site
By Jane M. WinandChief, Legal Assistance Division
You just bought your first home and are really excited. The real estate agent told you that the house payment would be around $1,800 per month on a 30-year mortgage.
However, when you got the payment book from the mortgage company, the monthly pay-ments are almost $2,200 per month. The agent said that the additional $400 is for the monthly escrow account.
You probably never heard of an escrow account and never agreed to pay any additional money on the house each month. Now you are wondering if you’ve been scammed.
An escrow account is a fund that a lending institution establishes in order to pay charges assessed against property on which it holds a mortgage or loan.
The account is authorized in your contract with the lender and provides for the payment of property taxes, insurance and other charges against the property. This allows the lender to protect its investment in your home.
For example, if you did not pay insurance premiums on the home and the house burned down, the lender would lose its security for the repayment of the loan. If your property taxes went unpaid, the property could be foreclosed upon and sold to pay the outstanding tax bill, again affecting loan security.
Most mortgage loans require escrow, whether VA, FHA or a commercial loan. Many loans for which there is a very small down payment will have an escrow account simply because the creditor-buyer does not have much of his/her own equity invested in the property.
The escrow account is a part of your contract. Many of these accounts operate on a 12- or 14-month average of all bills paid by the particular account.
Assume that your annual property tax is $3,600 on the property, payable in January and July, and that your homeowner’s insurance is $900 per year. The mortgage company totals the bills ($4,500), divides by 12 ($375) and adds that amount to each month’s payment.
If the taxes go up during the year to $3,900, the escrow will be adjusted up to $400 per month. An escrow account may hold up to two extra payments per year, called a cushion, to cover unexpected increases in the bills in the account.
This is only an example of the workings of the account, not the only way the account may operate.
Your escrow agent has a customer service department, which will respond to specific ques-tions about your account.
If you do not understand the explanation, contact the Legal Assistance Division at 301-677-9504/9536 and request an appointment to meet with an attorney.
Most mortgage loans require escrow account
Connect with Fort Meade atFacebook.com/ftmeade
http://www.ftmeade.army.mil� SOUNDOFF! August 23, 2012
News
The final concert of the Army Field Band’s free Summer Concert Series will be Saturday at 7 p.m. at Constitution Park.The combined concert will feature all four performing components of the Army Field Band and a performance of the “1812 Overture.”In the event of inclement weather, The Volunteers will perform a variety of selections at McGill Training Center.For more information, visit ArmyFieldBand.com.
Summer Concert Series to end with a bang
photo by chuckie mcguire
FOND FAREWELLChaplain (Maj.) Dean Darroux, who served as Fort Meade’s director of pastoral care for two years and resource manager for one year, says goodbye to congregants of the Protestant Gospel Service at Argonne Hills Chapel Center on Aug. 5. Darroux, who led the gospel service for two years, left Fort Meade on Aug. 7 to become the garrison chaplain and deputy for the Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story in Norfolk, Va.
http://www.ftmeade.army.mil� SOUNDOFF! August 23, 2012
News
By Brandon BieltzStaff Writer
With the closure of the Courses on May 1, the clubhouse has taken on a new course of business as the Confer-ence Center at Fort Meade.
“The same day we closed the golf course this became the conference center,” said Doug Dehner, the cen-ter’s manager.
The facility, located at 6800 Taylor Ave., offers several rooms to rent for events such as meetings, retirements or promotion parties.
“The installation identified a need for more meeting and conference space,” said Scott Myers, chief of the business operations division of the Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation.
Through word of mouth, the cen-ter is beginning to book meetings for the Officers’ Spouses’ Club, the Army Corps of Engineers and the Fort Meade Department of Fire and Emergency Services.
“Slowly but surely, we’re getting the word out,” Dehner said.
Rooms are rented by the hour, with a variety of options depending on the number of people attending the event.
The Birdie Room can hold 80 peo-ple; Par Room provides room for 50; 19th Hole Lounge can hold 50; and the Eagle Conference Room can fit 100. The facility also includes a bar and patio seating.
A deposit, which guarantees the room and date, is required and will be credited onto the final bill.
The facility offers a variety of appetizers for events including fruit trays, scallops wrapped in bacon, chicken wings, stuffed mushrooms with crab meat, and cheese and crack-er boards.
Prices range from $40 to $150 per order. A continental breakfast is also offered for $8.25 per person.
“Really and truly, the conference center is designed to handle confer-ences, promotions, retirements and meetings,” Dehner said.
For weddings and more formal events, Club Meade is a better option, Myers said.
The facility, Dehner said, aims to
attract a different kind of customer and is not in competition with Club Meade or the Lanes.
“People are very attracted to this type of setup,” he said. “If we can sit down and talk to somebody and go over what we can offer them as ser-vice, then usually they make the deci-sion that they’d like to come here.”
With the National Security Agency constructing new facilities near the conference center, and the Defense Information Systems Agency located on the other side, Dehner expects the two agencies to conduct meetings at the center.
The location, he said, is ideal for contractors to meet with the agencies without having to enter secure areas.
“That way they’re able to invite the people from NSA or DISA to come over and participate in the meetings” Dehner said. “In talking to people from NSA and DISA and places like that, [which] have come over here and held training meetings, they’re extremely receptive to coming over here.”
To provide an effective space for conferences, the center is undergo-ing bidding processes to renovate the rooms, beginning with the Eagle Conference Room in the back.
Myers said about $50,000 will be allocated for renovations including painting and new carpeting.
The room will contain a state-of-the-art audio-visual system with a dropdown screen and two televisions for displays at conferences. It also will feature a breakout room and a business center with a phone, copier and scanner.
“When you close the door to start the meeting, you don’t have to come out to get stuff done,” Dehner said.
Other renovations planned for the rest of the facility include new audio-visual systems, digital displays and wireless microphones.
“We’ve started on it by getting the bids, but we’re waiting for those to come through,” Dehner said. “We have to do it in stages. The sooner we get [the Eagle Conference Room] up and running, the more income we get. The more income we get, the more we can do to the rest of the place.”
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http://www.ftmeade.army.mil August 23, 2012 SOUNDOFF! �
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Award, an initiative of the Corporation for National and Community Service, for earning more than 50 volunteer hours during the challenge.
Voya Coleman, 16, a junior at Manor View Technology High School in Manor, Texas, volunteered 290 hours; David Sherrod, 14, volunteered 288 hours; and Victoria Smalling, 15, a sophomore at Thomas Stone High School in Wal-dorf, volunteered 264 hours.
The three volunteers, who were unable to attend the event, each earned the gold level of the award for their age category and received an iPod Touch donated by the Fort Meade USO.
Elisha Roby, 14, a freshman at Reser-voir High School in Laurel, volunteered
154 hours and earned the gold level of the award for her age category.
William Herndon, 16, a senior at Archbishop Spaulding High School in Severn, volunteered 127 hours and earned the bronze level for his age category.
Elisha received a $50 Walmart gift card. William received a $30 Walmart gift card.
Rothstein’s 14-year-old son, Sam, an eighth-grader at Sykesville Middle School in Carroll County, volunteered 59.5 hours and earned the bronze level for his age category.
“It was fun. I got to explore doing different things,” said Elisha, who vol-unteered at the Thrift Shop, Child
Development Center II, ACS and the Main Post Chapel.
Elisha said she did clerical work, supervised children and sharpened her organizational skills.
“You can’t do anything without good organizational skills,” she said.
Elisha’s mother, Tamica Roby, an administrative assistant at the Fleet and Family Support Center at the Community Readiness Center, said her daughter gained important skills this summer.
“I think it was a great experience,” Roby said, noting that Elisha was exposed to the realities of the work-force. “It let her know all the things that I talk to her about real work.”
photo by jen rynda
Teens who participated in the Youth Summer Volunteer Leadership Challenge enjoy hamburgers and hot dogs at a barbecue hosted Monday afternoon at the RV park by Garrison Commander Col. Edward C. Rothstein and his wife, Audrey. Serving in eight garrison organizations throughout the post, 27 youths volunteered more than 1,500 hours this summer.
By Lisa R. RhodesStaff Writer
Daonica Smith volunteered more than three days per week this summer at Army Community Service and the Post Thrift Shop.
The 13-year-old said the experience was an eye-opener.
“I learned that if I volunteer now, I can do better things in life,” said Daonica, an eighth-grader at MacAr-thur Middle School.
Someday, she said, she may become a business manager.
Daonica was one of 27 teens who participated in Fort Meade’s first Youth Summer Volunteer Leadership Chal-lenge.
The program was initiated by Gar-rison Commander Col. Edward C. Rothstein to provide teens with the opportunity to volunteer at garrison organizations and learn professional skills for the workforce.
On Monday afternoon, Rothstein and his wife, Audrey, hosted a barbecue for the volunteers at the RV park to celebrate their accomplishments.
“I think this is the beginning of a program that will last quite some time,” said Rothstein during a brief ceremony at the barbecue. “Don’t let this be the last time that you volunteer. Volunteer-ing is a 24/7 and 365-day opportunity. It is amazing what you receive in return. Some times it is just a smile and a thanks.”
Marie Miles, Fort Meade’s Army Volunteer Corps coordinator at ACS, organized the volunteer challenge, which started June 25 and ended Aug. 10.
Eight garrison organizations, includ-ing ACS, the Family Pet Care Center, the Thrift Shop and the Lanes, hosted the teens and provided a glimpse of how the garrison serves the community.
In addition to the opportunity to serve, the program provided classes on preparing a resume portfolio and man-aging finances.
Miles said although some volunteer hours were not reported, the teens completed 1,524 hours of volunteer service. If the hours were computed at the national average of $21.75 per volunteer hour, the teens’ service would total $33,168 in savings for the commu-nity, she said.
At the barbecue, six teens were award-ed the President’s Volunteer Service
Teens complete Volunteer Leadership Challenge
http://www.ftmeade.army.mil10 SOUNDOFF! August 23, 2012
News
By Kelly L. Forys-DonahueClinical PsychologistU.S. Army Public Health Command
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a reac-tion to experiencing or witnessing one or more terrible events.
The one, surefire way to prevent PTSD is to avoid seeing or being involved in any horrible event or scene that may cause you distress. This is easier said than done, especially for service members in times of war.
Although you may not be able to avoid all stressful and disastrous situations, there are things that you can do to help prevent PTSD. These include creating a strong social support network, getting enough sleep, maintaining mental and physical health, and engaging in activi-ties that make you feel good: physically, emotionally and mentally.
Even if you make every effort to pre-vent PTSD, it can still occur, and that does not mean that you are weak or defec-tive. All kinds of people can get PTSD - children, men, women, civilians, service members.
PTSD occurs when an individual has several symptoms that impact the abil-ity to function in life. These symptoms usually occur within three months of a traumatic experience. However, symp-toms can occur up to one year following the event.
Three main types of symptoms occur in PTSD:
MemoriesIndividuals with PTSD may have flash-
backs, which are experiences of feeling as if the individual is back in the traumatic moment.
Flashbacks are scary because they seem very real and can last for a few seconds or for hours. They can occur at any time, with or without a trigger of the disturb-ing event.
Another kind of memory occurs when you dream. Nightmares of the event are common and make it tough to get a good night’s sleep.
AvoidanceIt makes sense that an individual with
PTSD would want to avoid any reminders of the horrific event, and that is exactly what happens.
In addition to avoiding places, smells and conversation about the event, the avoidance can spread to avoiding plea-surable things because of a fear that the happy experience might trigger memories of the bad event.
When an individual begins to avoid things that were once enjoyed, pleasure in life decreases, which can cause problems in relationships, difficulty concentrat-ing, memory problems, hopeless feelings, numbness or detachment from life.
AnxietyIndividuals with PTSD are often on
“high alert,” meaning they cannot relax.They tend to be startled easily, and they
may hear or see things that are not there.They may feel angry, irritable or guilty,
and may do things that are harmful to themselves such as drinking or reckless driving to try to cope with these symp-toms.
PTSD is treatable, and the earlier that it is identified, the quicker the improvement. You do not need to live with the negative symptoms of PTSD.
Getting help early and often improves the outcomes, but it is never too late to get help. Even if you have been dealing with symptoms of PTSD for a long time, treatments will help you get better.
Treatments often include a combina-tion of medication (especially to help with sleep) and talk therapy or counseling. Treatments can occur in individual or in group settings.
Counselors treat thousands of peo-ple for PTSD each year, and they will help determine the best combination and course of treatment for each case. Thera-pists trained in the treatment of PTSD are available at behavioral health clinics on post, in the civilian community and in Veterans Affairs clinics.
If you or someone you know is show-ing signs of PTSD, do them a favor and get them help. Their symptoms can be relieved and they can “be themselves” again.
Do not fall into the trap of medicating with alcohol or other drugs because these will only worsen PTSD symptoms and prolong recovery in the long run.
Identifying the problem is the first step, and making a call to get help is the next. Don’t let four little letters rule you.
PTSD is treatable;identify the problem
Join the Mall in Columbia tocelebrate the philanthropicachievements of two exceptionalwomen. Event includes wine,exquisite bites and extraordinaryprizes from your favoriteMall in Columbia retailers.
100% of ticket sales benefitThe Women’s Giving Circle ofHoward County.
HONOREES
Buffy Beaudoin-SchwartzAssociation ofBaltimore AreaGrantmakers
Marcy LeonardHammond High School
Thursday, September 13, 20125 pm to 8 pm, Lord & Taylor Court
CITY GIVES
in partnership with
Visit www.themallincolumbia.com to learn more aboutour honored women and how to obtain your tickets.
http://www.ftmeade.army.mil August 23, 2012 SOUNDOFF! 11
News
Story and photo by C. Todd LopezArmy News Service
Gen. Ann E. Dunwoody, the first woman to serve as a four-star general in both the Army and the U.S. Armed Forces, retired Aug. 15 after 38 years in uniform.
“Ann is a leader who lived our Army values, who always led from the front, who dedicated herself to the profession of arms,” said Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Ray Odierno, who hosted the retirement.
Dunwoody and her husband, retired Air Force Col. Craig Brotchie, will retire to Florida.
Dunwoody joined the Army in 1974 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Women’s Army Corps in 1975. Her first assignment was as supply platoon leader, 226th Maintenance Company (Forward, Direct Support), 100th Supply and Services Battalion (Direct Support), Fort Sill, Okla.
Since then, she’s served at every level of command.
“Her true legacy and reward will be the thousands of Soldiers and civilians whose lives she has touched through the span of her career,” Odierno said during a ceremony at Summerall Field at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Va.
Most recently, Dunwoody served as com-mander of the Army Materiel Command, or AMC, one of the largest commands in the Army. The command employs more than 69,000 employees across all 50 states and 145 countries.
“It was Ann’s most recent role, as com-mander of the AMC, in which she unified global logistics in a way [that has never] been done,” Odierno said. “She capitalized AMC’s fundamental logistics functions to maximize the efficiency and services they provided of supply, maintenance, contact support, research and development, base and installation support, and deployment and distribution. She connected AMC not only to the Army, but ensured the joint force was always ready and supplied as well.”
Odierno assured Dunwoody that she has left a mark on the Army and changed it for the better.
“You have shown pride in your units, you have challenged your subordinates, you have been loyal to your leaders, you have been a friend to your colleagues, and you have been a selfless servant to those who have been placed in your charge,” Odierno said. “You have made every unit you have been in a better unit. Your legacy is clear.”
In 2008, Dunwoody was promoted to general. She was the first woman in the U.S.
First female four-star general retires from Army
military to be promoted to that rank.Odierno said that while the promotion
is significant for women, Dunwoody didn’t get it because of her gender, but because of her performance.
“It wasn’t because you were a woman, it was because you were a brilliant, dedicated officer, and you were quite simply the best logistician the Army has ever had,” Odierno said. “You have set the shining example for all Soldiers, especially our young leaders.”
An Army brat, Dunwoody said she moved all over the world with her father, who was also an Army officer and who retired as a brigadier general.
“From the very first day that I put my uniform on, right up until this morning, I know there is nothing I would have rather done with my life,” she said. “Thank you for helping me make this journey possible.”
Dunwoody’s husband, along with many of her family and friends, some going back
as far as the fourth grade, attended the retirement ceremony.
“I promise now that I’m retired, I have a lot more time to be a better sister, a better grandma and a better friend,” Dunwoody told them. “I can’t wait.”
According to Odierno, a member of the Dunwoody family “has served in every great conflict since the Revolutionary War.”
Her great-grandfather was a veteran of the Spanish-American war and a Signal Corps officer. Dunwoody’s father, Brig. Gen. Harold Dunwoody, was a veteran of World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.
“My own personal hero is my dad,” she said. “He was a real Soldier’s Soldier. And much of who I am is founded on what I learned from my dad, as a Soldier, as a patriot and as a father.”
Also thanking her mother, Dunwoody said “I got my faith, energy, and my love
of sports from my mom.”When Dunwoody first became a Soldier,
women served in the Women’s Army Corps and “it was not equal,” she said. But much has changed since then.
“Over the last 38 years I have had the opportunity to witness women Soldiers jump out of airplanes, hike 10 miles, lead men and women, even under the toughest circumstances,” she said. “And over the last 11 years I’ve had the honor to serve with many of the 250,000 women who have deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan on battlefields where there are no clear lines, battlefields where every man and woman had to be a rifleman first.
“And today, women are in combat, that is just a reality. Thousands of women have been decorated for valor and 146 have given their lives. Today, what was once a band of brothers has truly become a band of broth-ers and sisters.”
Gen. Ann Dunwoody (right) and Col. James C. Markert, 3rd Infantry regimental commander, inspect Old Guard Soldiers during her retirement ceremony Aug. 15 at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Va. Since joining the Army in 1974, Dunwoody has served at every level of command.
http://www.ftmeade.army.mil12 SOUNDOFF! August 23, 2012
Cover Story
By Veronica CastroFort Meade Public Affairs Office
A local photographer, whose previous sub-jects have included Jane Goodall and Wynton Marsalis, recently visited Fort Meade to pho-tograph service members whose images will be part of a lasting installation art exhibition at a national cemetery.
Sculptor Larry Kirkland was commissioned by the Patterson Foundation to create a series of displays to be used at a pavilion at the Sara-sota National Cemetery in Florida.
Kirkland and Silver Spring photographer Greg Schaler have worked together for several years on a wide range of projects.
“My role was to assist him with the images that he plans to use as part of the exhibit,” Schaler said of their newest collaboration.
All branches of service will be represented in this permanent exhibit.
To get the images he needed, Schaler reached out to the DoD Public Affairs Office. His request made its way to the Fort Meade Public Affairs Office.
“It is a wonderful opportunity to participate in something very meaningful to U.S. citizens around the country,” Schaler said.
Images taken on Aug. 15 depict service members in a variety of realistic scenes from military life such as physical training, maneu-vering an obstacle course and a heartwarming homecoming between a father and son.
“They were incredibly responsive, extremely professional and enthusiastic about being a part of the project,” Scaler said.
One of the service members in the obstacle
Taking a ShoTNew art exhibit to feature photos of service members
photo by phil grout
Greg Schaler captures a photograph depicting a mock reunion of a “Soldier and his son,” Sgt. 1st Class John Rogers and Darrell Lee, a neighborhood friend. Images depict service members in a variety of realistic scenes from military life, including this homecoming. The black and white image above will be submitted for the exhibit.
photo by phil grout
Silver Spring photographer Greg Schaler, who has worked with artist Larry Kirkland on a variety of projects, visited Fort Meade on Aug. 15 to photograph service members for Kirkland’s upcoming exhibit. All branches of service will be represented.
photo by greg schaler
http://www.ftmeade.army.mil August 23, 2012 SOUNDOFF! 13
Cover Story
course photo shoot was Air Force Tech Sgt. La’Tora Jackson who had to climb a wall and, on another shot, help hold up another service member.
“It was very inspiring; it kind of reminded me back in my basic training days,” she said.
Jackson, of U.S. Cyber Command, partici-pated in the project to “give back,” she said.
“I wanted to do something to give back to God, my family and my wingmen — impor-tantly, honor those that served before me,” Jackson said.
Marine Staff Sgt. Michael Mejia’s scene was of him of doing pull-ups.
“I always volunteer to do stuff for the Marine Corps,” said Mejia of the Military Entrance Processing Station, Baltimore.
But Mejia said he found the shoot to be more challenging than he anticipated.
“It was tougher then I thought it would be,” he said. “I thought it would be a simple photo shoot, not holding myself up.”
As with Jackson, giving back motivated MEPS Tech. Sgt. Cheasa Crump to partici-pate in the photo shoot as well.
“When I heard about the project for the national cemetery, I wanted to do it,” Crump said. “I am proud to serve in the military. I always try to take advantage of opportunities to represent the military in a positive way. This project was a way to give back.”
Air Force Tech. Sgt. Wyatt Bloom of Defense Media Activity said he participated for his son.
“I just wanted to give some kind of memo-rial to my infant son,” he said. “If [in the future] he is traveling, he can say, ‘Hey, here is my Dad.’ ”
Sgt. 1st Class John Rogers, who was a part of the mock homecoming scene, has always been the one to take the pictures, never be the subject of them.
“I do photography work as a hobby, always on the other end,” said Rogers of U.S. Army Cyber Command at Fort Belvoir, Va. “[I] figured [I’d] get on the picture side. It was com-pletely different from being behind the camera. It gives me experience [of] what models and
Greg Schaler looks for a bit more sweat in his models on the obstacle course, so he sprays Tech Sgt. Wyatt Bloom with water as Tech. Sgt. La’Tora Jackson awaits her turn.
LEFT: Marine Staff Sgt. Michael Mejia does pull-ups on the obstacle course. Mejia said doing pull-ups for a photo shoot is a lot harder than it looks.
photos by phil grout
Airmen work together to illustrate teamwork as photographer Greg Schaler shoots images of military life for a permanent exhibit by artist Larry Kirkland, who was commissioned by the Patterson Foundation to create a series of displays for a permanent exhibit at a pavilion at Florida’s Sarasota National Cemetery.
families go through.”Prior to the photo shoot, Intelligence Spe-
cialist 2nd Class Mary Heinzl of U.S. Cyber Command had previous modeling experience. She was cast in a modeling agency in Seattle in 2011.
“I didn’t pursue a modeling career because the Navy was more important than pursuing modeling,” she said.
Heinzl viewed the art project as a way to help the national cemetery.
“I just thought it would be an honor to do something for the national cemetery,” she said.
photo courtesy Meade tv
http://www.ftmeade.army.mil14 SOUNDOFF! August 23, 2012
Community news & notes
The deadline for Soundoff! community “News and Notes” is Friday at noon. All submissions are posted at the editor’s dis-cretion and may be edited for space and grammar. Look for additional community events on the Fort Meade website at www.ftmeade.army.mil and the Fort Meade Facebook page at facebook.com/ftmeade.
For more information or to submit an announcement, email Philip Jones at [email protected] or call 301-677-5602.
Feds Feed Families food drive
The Feds Feed Families campaign to collect food nationwide for local food banks will continue until the end of August. The local campaign aims to help stock food banks in the National Capital Region.
The following nonperishable foods and products are being accepted: canned fruits, canned vegetables, multigrain cereal, grains, canned proteins, soups, 100 percent juice drinks, condiments, snacks, baking goods, hygiene items, paper products and household items.
Donations may be made at drop boxes at organization offices before pick up on Friday.
Donors may call Fort Meade’s representative, LaVern Atkinson, chief of the Administrative Services Division, Directorate of Human Resources, at 301-677-7128 to pick up or drop off goods before noon on Tuesday.
The Food Bank will pick up all Fort Meade donations on Wednesday at Bldg. 375.
For more information, call Atkinson at 301-677-7128.
Kimbrough holiday closureKimbrough Ambulatory Care Center
will be closed Aug. 31 through Sept. 3 for Labor Day weekend.
Kimbrough trainingThe Surgeon General has mandated
that all medical facilities in U.S. Army Medical Command close on Sept. 27 to conduct suicide prevention training.
Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Center will be closed Sept. 21 and 27 to conduct mandatory training.
Summer Concert SeriesThe final concert of the Army Field
Band’s free Summer Concert Series will
be Saturday at 7 p.m. at Constitution Park.
The combined concert will feature all four performing components of the Army Field Band and a performance of the “1812 Overture.”
In the event of inclement weather, The Volunteers will perform a variety of selections at McGill Training Center.
For more information and weather updates, visit ArmyFieldBand.com.
Bagger-licensing hoursBagger-licensing renewals for the
Fort Meade Commissary will be issued Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Fort Meade Public Affairs Office at 4409 Llewellyn Ave.
Those who come to the office outside of this block of time will be able to leave their information. Badges will be issued as time permits.
Women’s Equality DayThe 2012 Women’s Equality Day
Observance will be held today from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at McGill Training Center, 8542 Zimborski Ave.
Admission is free and open to the
public.The keynote speaker is author and
coach Jan Fox, a former Emmy Award-winning television reporter/anchor.
All Fort Meade service members and civilian employees are encouraged to attend.
For more information, call the Fort Meade Equal Opportunity Office at 301-667-6687 or Equal Employment Opportunity Office at 301-677-6298.
Officers’ Spouses’ Club ‘Welcome Back Night’
The Fort Meade Officers’ Spouses’ Club will sponsor “Welcome Back Night” today from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Heritage Park Neighborhood Center.
Hors d’oeuvres will be served.Welcome Back Night is the
organization’s kickoff event for 2012 to 2013.
Submit your registration form for 2012-13. (A printable version is available at www.fortmeadeosc.org. or complete the online form using PayPal for an additional $2 fee.)
RSVP at www.fortmeadeosc.org under the Welcome Night tab.
Military appreciationAs a patriotic gesture to support our
military, Thanks-A-Bunch nonprofit mili-tary charity, is announcing a weeklong event to give away free $50 dinner cards in support of Fort Meade and surround-ing military affiliates, veterans and their families.
Military Appreciation Week will be held through Aug. 31.
All active-duty service members or veterans may stop by Brown’s Toyota/Scion of Glen Burnie at 7167 Ritchie Highway for the $50 dinner card that is accepted at more than 18,000 restaurants nationwide.
No purchase required.For more information or directions,
call 888-711-9533 or visit thanksabunch.org
Chicago Steppin’Enjoy an evening of dancing at
Chicago Steppin’ on Aug. 31 from 7 p.m. to midnight at Club Meade.
Free dance lessons will be offered from 7 to 8 p.m.
There is no cover charge. Special menus will be available.
For more information, call 301-677-6969.
Crabfest Deck PartyThe Lanes’ Lounge Deck will sponsor
a Crabfest Deck Party on Friday from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Lanes.
For more information, call 301-677-5541.
Military Council for Catholic Women
The Military Council for Catholic Women is open to all women ages 18 and older - active duty, retirees and civilians - as the group begins its 2012 to 2013 year of prayer, faith, fellowship and service at the Main Post Chapel.
• Welcome Bunco will be held Sept. 10 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Prizes will be white elephant.
• Noon Mother’s Prayer & Apologetics will be conducted Sept. 11 at 9:45 a.m.
Child care will be provided for both events.
• Mother’s Prayer & Apologetics meets every Tuesday from 9:45 a.m. to noon when Anne Arundel County schools are in session.
• Monthly programs are held Mondays from 6:30 to 9 p.m.
NEWS & EVENTS
file photo
Indycar racer vIsIts postThe USO Metro will host National Guard Panther Racing driver JR Hil-debrand and an IndyCar display on Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. at the Freedom Inn Dining Facility and at the Exchange parking lot, located on MacArthur Road between Reece and Mapes roads, from 1:30 to 2:15 p.m.The first 500 attendees at the dining facility will receive a free hot dog lunch. The event will also feature free posters, T-shirts and autographs signed by Hildebrand.
http://www.ftmeade.army.mil August 23, 2012 SOUNDOFF! 15
Community news & notes
For more information, email Beth Wright, president, at [email protected] or call 305-240-1559.
Air Force BallThe 65th Air Force Ball will be held
Sept. 14 from 6 p.m. to midnight at the Hilton BWI Hotel, 1729 W. Nursery Road, Linthicum Heights.
Social hour is from 6 to 7 p.m.Dress for military is mess dress/
semiformal. Dress for civilians is formal/black tie.
Tickets are $15 for E1 to E4; $25 for E5 to E6; $35 for SNCOs/CGOs; and $45 for FGOs.
A cash bar will be available. Child care will be provided on a first-come basis.
For more information, visit https://einvitations.afit.edu/inv/anim.cfm?i=120132&k=036342087855.
VFW steak dinnerJoin the Veterans of Foreign War,
(VFW Post 160), 2597 Dorsey Road, Glen Burnie, for a steak dinner on Sept. 9 from 3 to 7 p.m. The menu will include baked potato, salad and roll.
The event is open to the public. Cost is $10.
Call VFW Post 160 to reserve a dinner to eat in or take out.
For more information, call 410-766-9802.
Career, financial classesThe Fleet and Family Support Center
offers free classes at the Community Readiness Center, 830 Chisholm Ave., to DoD identification cardholders, including active-duty service members, retirees and their family members, DoD civilian employees and contractors.
Registration is required for each class.• Time Management: Aug. 30, 9 to 11
a.m.• Stress Management: Sept. 4, 9 to 11 a.m.• Dollars and Sense: Sept. 4, 9 to 11 a.m.Topics include: Basic Budgeting, Financial
Goals and Priorities, Saving and Investing, and Managing Your Credit.
• Deployment Brief: Sept. 6, 9 to 10:30 a.m. Gather resources and information for your next duty station. Spouses are encouraged to attend.
• Saving for the Holidays: Sept. 6, 1 to 3 p.m. Learn how to reduce the financial stress of the holidays.
• Medical records review: Have your medi-cal records reviewed by Mr. Thornton of
AMVETS. Appointment required at 301-677-9017.
For more information, call 301-677-9017 or 301-677-9018.
PWOC open houseProtestant Women of the Chapel’s
fall open house will be held Wednesday from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Argonne Hills Chapel Center.
This years theme is Generation 2 Generation. Learn what it means to leave a godly legacy for the next generation.
Eight different Bible studies will be offered for the fall semester.
Free child care will be provided.For more information, email meade@
pwoc.org or visit PWOC on Facebook at facebook.com/PWOCmeade.
MFTB coursesFree military culture, management and
leadership classes are offered to the entire Fort Meade community through Military Family Team Building.
The 34 courses are divided into three levels with 10 to 14 classes per level.
Level One is for those new to military culture and helps participants build their self-sufficiency skills while explaining military traditions, expectations and unique culture.
Level Two helps students develop their management skills and personal growth. Level Three focuses on becoming a leader in the community.
• New Spouse Connection and Meet ‘n Greet, Sept. 11, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Potomac Place Neighborhood Center, 4998 Second Corps Blvd. Instructors: Pia Morales and Amber Rustad
All spouses new to the Fort Meade community and surrounding area are invited. Information will be provided on child care options, scholarships for spouses, area attractions, volunteer opportunities, public transportation and AFTB.
at Army Community Service is offering the following free financial classes at the Community Readiness Center, 830 Chisholm Ave., to DoD identification cardholders, including active-duty service members, retirees and their family members, DoD civilian employees and contractors.
Registration is required.• Financial Workshop: Today, 1 to 3
p.m.• First Term Financial Readiness
(online): Tuesday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Promotion points are awarded upon request for first-term training.
To register for training or for more information, call ACS at 301-677-5590.
S.T.E.M. Merit Badge DayS.T.E.M. Merit Badge Day, a program
developed between the Boy Scouts and Fort Meade, will offer merit badges in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math on Sept. 8 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at various facilities on post.
The program is open to all boys and girls ages 11 to 17.
Cost is $20.Merit badges will be offered in
chemistry, composite materials, computers, electricity, electronics, robotics, space exploration, inventing, engineering energy and surveying.
Spaces are limited. Registration is required.
To register or for more information, visit baltimorebsa.org/STEM/FtMeade or email Patrick Shields at [email protected].
Girl Scout leaders wantedFort Meade Girl Scouts is in need of
leaders.The organization has several troop
levels, which meet Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings.
Training is available through GSCM.org.For more information, email Lorrie
Grilling & ChillingCYSS will offer Grilling & Chilling
for grades six to eight on Aug. 31 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Youth Center.
Cost is $5 for food. Music and games will follow.
For more information, call 301-677-1437.
Out & About• The Bowie Baysox will host “War
of 1812 Night” on Friday at Prince George’s Stadium as the Baysox take on the Harrisburg Senators at 7:05 p.m. The Chantymen will sing the National Anthem in period dress. After the game, a cannon will be fired in the outfield, and a fireworks and flames show will be presented. For more information, call 301-805-6000 or visit baysox.com.
• The Prince George’s County Fair will honor active-duty service members, Reservists and their families with free admission during the fair’s Military Appreciation Day on Sept. 9 at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center and the Show Place Arena, near the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue (Route 4) and Route 301 in Upper Marlboro.
A valid military ID is required. The fair will be held from Sept 6-9.
For more information, call 301-442-7393 or visit www.countyfair.org.
• Leisure Travel Services is offering its monthly bus trip to New York City on Sept. 15, with discounts to attractions. Bus cost is $55. For more information, call 301-677-7354 or visit ftmeademwr.com.
• Society of Military Widows meets for brunch the fourth Sunday of the month at 11 a.m. at the Lanes. The next meeting is Sunday. For more information, call Betty Jones at 410-730-0127.
• Single Parent Support Group meets the second and fourth Monday of the month from 6 to 8 p.m. at School Age Services, 1900 Reece Road. The next meeting is Monday. Free child care will be provided on site.
For more information, call Rikki Ford, Parent Support coordinator, at 301-677-3617 or email [email protected].
• Fort Meade Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America will host its next luncheon meeting on Sept. 6 at 11:30 a.m. at Club Meade.
The guest speaker is retired Col. Bert Rice, Fort Meade’s director of transforma-tion, who will discuss the future of Fort Meade post BRAC.
For reservations, call Lt. Col. T. Wayne Hobbs at 410-799-8331.
EDUCATION
YOUTH
RECREATION
MEETINGS
http://www.ftmeade.army.mil16 SOUNDOFF! August 23, 2012
SportS
By Brandon BieltzStaff Writer
An early 6-1 deficit and an eventual torrential downpour in the fifth inning wasn’t going to keep the 7th Intelligence Squad from taking home the unit’s first championship trophy.
With a eight-run rally while weathering the storm, the 7th IS defeated Satellite Communications 16-6 in the Division II intramural softball championship Mon-day night at Donahue Field.
Denver Sherriff led the 7th IS rally with four RBIs.
“We just came out like we’ve done all year,” said Brendan Cuddihee of the 7th IS. “The whole thing was to keep positive, make sure the bats work, just stay on top on it and not get down — just put the bat to the ball.”
The championship round of the intra-mural softball league kicked off with a Division I match-up between the 241st Military Police Detachment and 780th Military Intelligence Brigade.
The 241st sealed the 15-14 victory with a walk-off triple from Martin Hunt in the 7th inning.
“It’s always fun winning,” Hunt said.The 241st MPs started the regular
season off rocky, dropping five of its first nine games. But the team then went on an eight-game win streak, ultimately
finishing the season tied for fourth with a 13-7 record.
Hunt attributed their success to picking up four new players and the team continu-ing to improve throughout the season.
“It’s from dedicated people coming out every week and getting better on their own and then getting better as a team,” he said.
While the 241st MPs moved through the playoff bracket without a hitch, the 780th MI — which finished the season in second with a 14-6 record — fell early in the playoffs to the 902nd MI Group. The team crawled its way back into the championship game through the loser’s bracket.
The championship was a rematch of the team’s last regular season game won by the 780th MI, 12-8.
On Monday night, 780th MI’s Joshua Gerstel’s two-run homer helped his team move out to a quick 3-0 lead. The 241st MPs cut into the lead with a single by Danilo Fernandez that brought in Hunt.
The 241st MPs tied the game at 3 in the bottom of the second inning with a triple from Justin Haggerty that brought in two runners. With RBIs from Hunt, David Briggs, John Hornsby, Chris May and two from Keith Whitfield, the 241st MPs cre-ated a 9-3 lead in the second inning.
In the top of the fourth, the 780th
Hit, Run, Score!7th IS, 241st MPs take softball titles
photos by steve ruark
Brett Killon of the 7th Intelligence Squadron fields a ground ball during the Division II intramural championship Monday at Donahue Field. The 7th IS team’s 16-6 victory earned the unit its first intramural championship.
RIGHT: James Haggerty and team members of the 241st Military Police Detachment celebrate after Martin Hunt’s walk-off triple to seal the 15-14 championship victory Monday.
http://www.ftmeade.army.mil August 23, 2012 SOUNDOFF! 17
SportS
MI fought back to be within one run of the 241st MPs with two RBIs from both Henry Barnes and Christopher Shepard. But Fernandez and Hornsby pulled the 241st MPs away, 11-9.
The 780th MI remained within four runs of the 241st MPs until the top of the sixth inning when Gerstel hit another home run to cut the score to 14-13. John Endress’ triple in the seventh tied the game at 14, but the team failed to take the lead.
Hunt’s walk-off triple in the seventh sealed the 15-14 win for the 241st MPs.
“I wanted to hit it out because that’s what I do,” he said. “We had a guy on first, and they kept playing it in because I kept hitting ground balls. I just wanted to put on as much as I could — two feet from going over is not bad. The guy ran his butt off from first base to score. It’s awesome.”
The Division II game followed, with the 7th IS looking to finish its perfect run in the playoffs with a win over SATCOM. The 7th finished the regular season with one win behind first place with an 18-4 record, while SATCOM closed out the season with a 12-8 record.
SATCOM fell into the loser’s bracket in the second round of the playoffs, forcing the team to have to defeat the 7th IS twice in order to win the championship. This gave the 7th IS a security blanket heading into the game, Cuddihee said.
“It put us in a position where we were OK losing the first game, but we didn’t want to,” he said. “We were just going to come out here and play our hardest and see if we could take it in the first game.”
SATCOM took an early 5-0 lead in the first inning led by Jeremy Ramsey, Mar-cus Tucker, Johnathan Mortan and Tina Podskalan. Tucker improved SATCOM’s lead to 6-1 in the second inning with an in-the-park home run.
The 7th IS rallied back in the third inning with eight runs led by Sherriff, Cuddihee, Blake Edwards and Brett Kil-lion. With a 9-6 lead, Sherriff, Killion and Kevin Shanahan added three more runs in the fourth inning for a 12-6 lead.
Raining started falling in the fifth inning, but with the championship on the line the game played on. Cuddihee said the rain helped keep the balls from bouncing off the dirt, helping the fielders.
Up 14-6 in the sixth inning, Shanahan’s double brought in two runners, resulting in the 10-run lead needed to end the game with a mercy rule.
The 7th IS won the soggy champion-ship 16-6.
“It’s the first time the 7th has won anything basewide,” Cuddihee said. “It’s history.”
photos by steve ruark
780th Military Intelligence Brigade third baseman Michael Slayton tags out John Hornsby during the Division I intramural championship Monday evening at Donahue Field. The 241st Military Police Detachment defeated the 780th MI 15-14.
LEFT: Tina Podskalan of Satellite Communications turns for a double play Monday during the intramural championship. Despite taking a quick 6-1 lead, SATCOM fell to the 7th IS, 16-6.
http://www.ftmeade.army.mil18 SOUNDOFF! August 23, 2012
SportS
Winding its way through Maryland’s East-ern Shore, Tuckahoe Creek opens into a 60-acre lake then floods a marshy woodland.
Tuckahoe State Park, an hour’s drive from Fort Meade, is home to Adkins Arbo-retum and offers such recreational activities as camping, hiking and fishing. The park also rents canoes and kayaks, and it was for this reason that my husband and I sojourned there.
Canoeing and kayaking are two of the forgotten sports of the Olympic Games. Pad-dling is a low-impact aerobic activity that can provide increased flexibility and also strength-en muscles of the core, back and arms.
Propelling a craft through the water is only deceptively hard. With a little practice, a canoe is easily rowed by remembering to paddle in the opposite direction of where one wants to go.
Kayaks are a little harder as they require both upper and lower body action. Yet this stroke, too, is easily understood when we remember the movements of a simple mechanical toy. The forward stroke begins by pressing the stroke-side foot into the footpeg, continues through a rotation of the torso to place the paddle in the water near the foot, and ends as the paddle is brought backward toward the waist.
When there are two or more people in the boat, this precision ballet requires teamwork in both steering and communication.
Because of its eclectic waterways and varying depths, Tuckahoe is an enjoyable yet challenging creek. This course will improve their skills of beginner and intermediate row-ers alike. The open waterway closes beneath trees, and then snakes around marshes and creek banks.
However, the leisurely pace is all the bet-ter to enjoy the park’s wild bird and animal
population, most prominently the diamondback ter-rapin, Maryland’s official state rep-tile. The humble turtle has been imbued with a rich symbolism includ-ing such traits as patience, protec-tion, longevity and strength.
Our visit to Tuckahoe gave us a greater appreciation for this animal. The shape of the turtle’s shell along with his coloration of orange and green allowed him to blend in almost imperceptivity with the fields of lotus leaves. This camouflage continues even in the water, as the shape of his head and neck can resemble a simple twig bobbing up and down.
The turtles startle and submerge at the slightest noise, so it became necessary for us to think and act like turtles so as not to disturb them. We improvised a sign language whenever a turtle was spotted, even lifting our oars to allow the canoe to approach at turtle speed. We gazed in wonder at creatures reposed in sphinx, or else en la arabesque.
The frenzied pace of modern life has forced Americans to retreat away from Moth-er Nature so much so that this separation, whose symptoms may include hyperactiv-ity and depression, has now been dubbed “Nature Deficit Disorder.”
There is a growing recognition of the need to slow down and reconnect to the earth, a lesson that can be learned from a turtle’s gentle wisdom.
Editor’s note: Chad Jones is on vacation. Michelle Stilipec is this week’s guest columnist. Jibber returns Sept. 6.
A turtle’s gentle wisdom
Michelle Stilipec, guest columnist
Jibber Jabber - OpiniOn Sports ShortsFootball Fan Fair 5K Run and 1-Mile Walk
The installation’s annual Run Series continues with the Football Fan Fair 5K Run and 1-Mile Walk on Sept. 22 at 8 a.m. at Constitution Park.
Pre-registration cost for individuals is $15. Cost on the day of the run is $25.
Pre-registration cost is $40 for a family of three to six people. On the day of the event, the cost is $60 per family.
Pre-registration cost for groups of seven to 10 is $85.All pre-registered runners will receive a T-shirt.The next run will be the Ghost, Ghouls and Goblins 5K Run and 1-Mile
Walk on Oct. 27 at 8 a.m. at the Pavilion.For more information, call 301-677-7916 or 301-677-3867.
Class cancellationWholyFit class will be canceled Friday due to the absence of the instructor.The devotional exercise program, which combines physical fitness, scripture
memorization, worship and prayer, is held Tuesdays and Fridays from 6 to 7 a.m. at Argonne Hills Chapel Center.
For more information, call instructor Kay Snow, at 703-855-9318 or visit WHOLYFIT.com.
Flag football coachesChild, Youth and School Services’ Youth Sports is in need of flag football
coaches for the flag football season.Coaches will receive training and certification.Flag football season runs from Aug. 26 to Oct. 12.For more information, call 301-677-1329 or email matthew.sagartz@
us.army.mil.
Texas Hold ‘emTexas Hold ‘em no buy-in games are played Mondays at 7 p.m. at the Lanes.Games are free and open to the public. For more information, call 301-677-
5541.
Youth fall sportsFall sports registration is under way at Parent Central Services, 1900 Reece
Road.Youth sports are available for ages 3 to 18 years old. Fall sports include
cheerleading, flag football, tackle football, swim and soccer.For more information or to coach, call 301-677-1156 or 301-677-1149.
EFMP bowlingThe Exceptional Family Member Program bowling events are held the third
Tuesday of each month at the Lanes.The next EFMP bowling event will be Sept. 17 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.Events are open to Fort Meade exceptional family members and their family
members and features free buffet food and giveaways.Exceptional family members ages 18 and younger and their siblings may
register for free games and shoe rental at https://webtrac.mwr.army.mil/webtrac/meadecyms.html.
Adult exceptional family members may register for free games and shoe rental at the EFMP office at 301-677-4779. Discounted games and shoe rental will be offered to other adult family members.
For more information, email Anita Hendrix at [email protected] or call 301-677-4779.
For more Fort Meade sports, visit www.quickscores.com/ftmeadesports.www.quickscores.com/ftmeadesports.
• Basketball• Football
• Softball• Soccer
Find schedules, scores, standings and upcoming seasons for
All-Army athletics, new sports and special events at
And more, plus
http://www.ftmeade.army.mil August 23, 2012 SOUNDOFF! 19
Movies
The movie schedule is subject to change. For a recorded announcement of showings, call 301-677-5324. Further listings are available on the Army and Air Force Exchange Service website at www.aafes.com.
Movies start Wednesdays to Satur-days at 6:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. NEW PRICES: Tickets are $5 for adults (12 and older) and $2.50 for children.
Today through Aug. 31
Saturday: “Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Witness Protec-tion” (PG-13). A Wall Street investment banker, who has been set up as the linchpin of his compa-ny’s mob-backed Ponzi scheme, is relocated with his family to Aunt Madea’s Southern home.
Wednesday: “Katy Perry: Part of Me” (PG-13). Documentary-style film shot during singer Katy Perry’s California Dreams tour.
Aug. 30: “Savages” (R). Marijuana growers face the Mexican drug cartel. With Taylor Kitsch, Aaron Johnson, Blake Lively, John Travolta.
Aug. 31: “Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter” (R). Lincoln vows to save America from the walk-ing dead in this horror suspense thriller. With Benjamin Walker, Dominic Cooper, Anthony Mackie, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Rufus Sewell and Marton Csokas.
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Get to work on time. Know the hours of operation for
Access Gates on Fort MeadeDemps Visitor Control Center,
Bldg. 902 Reece Road7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.,
Monday through Friday
Gate 1: Mapes Road and Route 32
5 a.m. to 9 p.m., 7 days a week
Gate 2: Mapes Road and Maryland Route 175
5 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday;
closed weekends and holidays
Gate 3: Rockenbach Road5 a.m. to 9 p.m.,
7 days a week
Gate 6: Llewellyn Avenue and Maryland Route 175
6 to 8 a.m., Monday through Friday for inbound traffic;
3 to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday for outbound traffic
Gate 7: Reece Road and Maryland Route 175
(Demps Visitor Control Center gate) 24-hour access
Cover design by natasha hendrix
http://www.ftmeade.army.mil� SOUNDOFF! Back To School Supplement August 23, 2012
Back To School
School Support Services and School Liaison are part of Child, Youth and School Services and work in conjunc-tion with the local school communities to address educational issues involving children of military families.
Sarah Bonise, Fort Meade’s school liai-son who acts as a link between the instal-lation and the surrounding school districts, answers the following 11 questions that parents frequently ask.
How do I contact the Fort Meade school liaison?
Sarah Bonise’s office is located at the Child, Youth and School Services School Age Care Center, 1900 Reece Road.
The office is open Mondays to Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Her telephone number is 301-677-1227. Her email address is [email protected].
Are the Fort Meade schools Department of Defense schools?
No, the schools located on Fort Meade are operated and governed by Anne Arun-del County Public Schools, 2644 Riva Road, Annapolis, MD 21401.
The AACPS telephone number is 410-222-5000. The website is aacps.org.
The superintendent of Anne Arun-del County Public Schools is Dr. Kevin Maxwell.
What is the Meade Feeder System?The Meade Feeder System is the term
used to designate the elementary and middle schools that “feed” into Meade High School.
This system includes the following ele-mentary schools: Manor View, Pershing Hill, Meade Heights, Seven Oaks, Jessup, Van Bokkelen, Brock Bridge, Maryland City, Hebron-Harmon and West Meade Early Education Center.
The middle schools are MacArthur Middle and Meade Middle.
Where does my child attend school?Your child will attend a neighborhood
school designated by your address.• If you live in Anne Arundel County,
your child will attend Anne Arundel County Public Schools (aacps.org).
• If you live in Howard County, your child will attend Howard County Public Schools (hcpss.org).
• If you live in Prince George’s County, your child will attend Prince George’s County Public Schools (pgcps.org).
How do you enroll in a charter school?
AACPS has two charter schools in the Meade area.
• Monarch Academy Public Charter School in Glen Burnie serves kindergar-ten and grades one through 6.
School Liaison lists most common concerns
Sarah Bonise, Fort Meade school liaison
The telephone number is 410-760-2072. The website is monarchcharter.org.
• Chesapeake Science Point Charter School in Hanover serves grades six to nine.
The telephone number is 443-757-5277. The website is mycsp.org.
Parents must contact each individual school for enrollment openings.
How old does my child need to be to start kindergarten?
If your child reaches age 5 on or before Sept. 1 of the desired school year, your child is eligible to enroll.
Can I enroll my child in kindergarten if the child turns 5 after the Sept. 1 deadline?
A 4-year-old child, who will be 5 years old by Oct. 15, upon request by the parent or guardian, may be admitted to kinder-garten if the child meets the mandated criteria on the required assessments:
• 125 or better on a standardized cogni-tive ability assessment
• 8th stanine or better on a standard-ized achievement assessment
For more information, see early kinder-garten enrollment at aacps.org.
During the school year, the group meets every Friday at the Child, Youth and School Services School Age Care Center, 1900 Reece Road.
What do I need in order to enroll my child at school?
Once you have determined your neigh-borhood school, call for an appointment to register.
You will need to bring your child’s birth certificate, shot record, current physical, two proofs of residency (your lease or mortgage and a piece of mail such as a utility bill or cable bill that has your name and new address), report card from previous school and IEP (Individualized Education Program) if the child has any special needs.
What is the best school?This is a common question from par-
ents to ask the school liaison.Since educational success differs for
each student and family, we cannot rec-ommend the “best” school for you. We can provide guidance on how to select a school. These decisions are based on the needs of the child, academic and extra-curricular interests, and housing/commut-ing decisions.
All area schools have successful stu-dents. We can help families choose a school that can best fit their children.
What if my child needs a tutor or extra help?
The School Age Care Center, Youth Services and the Teen Center all have homework computer labs with onsite staff ready to help children.
To register, call Parent Central Ser-vices at 301-677-1149.
Bus transportation to and from the School Age Care Center and Youth Services is provided from the following area schools: Manor View, Pershing Hill, Seven Oaks, Meade Heights, West Meade EEC, MacArthur Middle and Meade Middle.
The Teen Center is a short walking distance to Meade High School.
• Tutor.com: Military families can get free help from a professional tutor any-time they need it at tutor.com.
Tutors are online 24/7. This service is also available for adults returning to school. The whole family can log on!
Conference and staggered enrollment dates for pre-kindergarten, kindergarten and early childhood intervention
• Aug. 27-29: Conferences for half-day prekindergarten• Aug. 27 and 28 only: Conferences for kindergarten and full-day prekindergarten students• Aug. 29-31: Staggered entrance for kindergarten and full-day prekindergarten• Aug. 30-31 and Sept. 4: Staggered entrance for half-day prekin-dergarten• Sept. 4: First day for all kindergarten and full-day prekinder-garten• Sept. 5: First day for all half-day prekindergarten
http://www.ftmeade.army.mil August 23, 2012 SOUNDOFF! Back To School Supplement �
Back To School
By Lisa R. RhodesStaff Writer
Meade High School’s first class of 49 graduating seniors in the Homeland Security Signature Program received diplomas in June.
All of the program’s graduates are either going on to college or entering careers in the active-duty military.
The HHS program, which started in Sep-tember 2008 with more than 70 students, prepares young people for careers in security, technology and engineering by offering an innovative, theme-specific curriculum and co-curricular activities that are relevant to the 21st-century workforce.
Meade High was the first of 12 Anne Arundel County high schools to offer its own signature program. The theme of homeland security was selected because of the school’s location on Fort Meade, the Base Realign-ment and Closure process, and the large num-ber of businesses and defense companies in the area that specialize in homeland security.
The HSS program’s Integrated Community Stakeholder’s Team is composed of industry leaders, government agency representatives, community leaders and parents who have partnered with the Anne Arundel County Public Schools to assist with the HSS curricu-lum and co-curricular activities.
The HSS curriculum consists of two core
courses that are offered to students in the freshman and sophomore years. Tina Edler, the HSS lead instructor, said that for the remaining two years, students are encouraged to pursue courses that lead to careers in crimi-nal justice and public service, engineering or geospacial information systems.
The core courses focus on the latest devel-opments in areas such as terrorism, cyber secu-rity and food safety, and also expose students to various careers in the field.
Through ICST and other program partners, several notable guests have participated in the program including Bob Droggin, a Pulitzer Prize-winning freelance reporter specializing in homeland security issues, and a chief cal-ligrapher with the Central Intelligence Agency who gave each student a polygraph in the classroom.
In addition, students attended a youth conference hosted by Gov. Martin O’Malley and Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown and have met with Sen. Benjamin L. Cardin and Rep. Elijah Cummings. They also have visited the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis and Princeton University in New Jersey.
The ICST is working on developing project-based learning projects for the Meade cluster schools to prepare elementary and middle school students for HSS at the high school level.
Homeland Security Signature Program prepares students for the 21st-century workforce
• Meade High School: Sept, 13, 6 p.m.
• MacArthur Middle School: Sept. 18, 6 p.m.
• Meade Middle School: Sept. 18, 6 p.m.
• Manor View Elementary: Sept. 5, 5 p.m.
• Pershing Hill Elementary: Sept. 5, 6 p.m.
• Meade Heights Elementary: Sept. 20, 6:30 p.m.
• Seven Oaks Elementary: Sept. 18, 6:45 p.m.
• Jessup Elementary: Sept. 20, 6:30 p.m.
• Brock Bridge Elementary: Sept. 11, 6 p.m.
• Maryland City Elementary: Sept. 27, 6:30 p.m.
• Hebron-Harmon Elementary: Sept. 12, 6 p.m.
• Van Bokkelen Elementary: Sept. 5, 6 p.m.
• West Meade Early Education Center: Sept. 6, 6 p.m.
Back To School Nights
By Lisa R. RhodesStaff Writer
The Fort Meade Police continues to enforce an on-post curfew for juveniles in an effort to promote youth safety and curb crime.
The policy states that no person age 17 years old or younger may be in a public place on the installation after 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday; or before 5 a.m.
The curfew policy was established three years ago after several residential neighborhoods were hit by a rash of larcenies in homes and vehicles that were left unlocked, said Russell Wilson, chief criminal investigator for the Fort Meade Police.
The police suspected the activity was due to a group of teens who were out
late at night without adult supervi-sion.
“Crimes of opportunity are signifi-cantly down,” Wilson said. “A good portion of the juveniles that the patrol officers have interacted with have been in compliance with the new policy, and most of the parents in the community have been in support of it.”
The exceptions to the curfew policy are minors accompanied by a parent or adult guardian, and minors who have written permission from a parent or adult guardian explaining the cir-cumstances for not being home during curfew hours.
The written permission must include the parent or guardian’s name, address and phone number for verification by the military police.
First-time violators of the policy will be taken by police to the Director-ate of Emergency Services where their parents or adult guardians will be noti-fied and advised of the policy, and the minor returned to the care of adults.
Repeat offenders will be processed as curfew violators and reported in the post’s daily police blotter. Minors who are family members of service mem-bers or DoD civilians will be required to appear before the installation’s Juvenile Misconduct Review Board.
The MPs also will notify the unit commander and Garrison Command-er Col. Edward C. Rothstein if the child of an active-duty service member has repeatedly violated the curfew.
The violation can have a negative affect on the service member, particu-
larly if there is evidence of miscon-duct on behalf of the service member, according to the policy.
DES will conduct a meeting with the service member and a unit rep-resentative to determine if punitive action is necessary. In serious cases, the DES can make a recommenda-tion to the installation commander to bar the minor from Fort Meade or have the family removed from military housing, according to the policy.
The policy is punitive and applies to all service members who reside on post or are assigned to the installation.
Repeated violations by minors in a service member’s care can result in judicial punishment under Article 92 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
Post curfew promotes youth safety, deters crime
As parents prepare to send their children back to school next month, there’s one more event to note on the family calendar: Back-To-School Night.More than 77,000 students are expected to enter Anne Arundel County classrooms this year, and Back-To-School Nights provide parents with a chance to learn more about the instruction their children are receiving and the teachers who are providing that instruction.“Helping our children achieve success is a team effort that requires parents to be involved in the educational process,” schools Superintendent Kevin Maxwell said.“Back-To-School Nights provide the first of many opportunities throughout the school year for parents to interact with teachers and learn about classroom proce-dures and the things their children will be studying. I would urge every parent to take full advantage of these opportunities.”Detailed information on dates and times for schools in the Meade cluster can also be found on the school system’s website, www.aacps.org.
http://www.ftmeade.army.mil� SOUNDOFF! Back To School Supplement August 23, 2012
Back To School
By Pvt. Ronald Brink From selling Samoas and Thin Mints
at their annual cookie sale to participat-ing in Fort Meade’s Family Fun Fair, the Girls Scouts Association on post focuses on building camaraderie and community service.
Scouting “is a great way to bring girls together, promote long-lasting friend-ships and build camaraderie,” said Lorrie Short, the GSA service unit manager on post for the past year.
Girl Scout troops have been meeting on Fort Meade since the 1940s.
Currently, eight troops with a total of 90 Scouts meet on post. They include:
• The Daisies for kindergarten through first grade: Troops 742, 089 and 1124
• Brownies for grades two and three: Troops 981, 1016 and 1349
• The Juniors for grades four and five: Troop 1302
• Cadets for grades six, seven and eight, combined with the Seniors for grades nine and up: Troop 1364
All troops meet weekly from 6 to 7 p.m.
Troops 742 and 981 meet Mondays at Argonne Hills Chapel Center; Troops 1124, 1016, 1349, 1302 and 1364 meet
Tuesdays at the Chapel Center; and Troop 089 meets Thursdays at Heritage Park Neighborhood Center.
The fundraiser activity that the Girl Scouts organization is probably best-known for is its annual cookie sale, an event that begins in September and ends around November.
The Scouts also participate in Fort Meade community events such as the annual Massing of the Colors, which is the installation’s Memorial Day Remem-brance, the Family Fun Fair — a Month of the Military Child celebration held annu-ally in April, and National Night Out, an annual event designed to strengthen com-munity participation in local anticrime efforts that is held the second Tuesday in August.
The Girl Scouts have also assisted in sprucing up the housing areas during the Enlisted Spouses Club’s annual Clean Up Fort Meade held annual in April.
It’s not too late to join this school year’s group of Girl Scouts. Registration is open. To register, go to gscm.org.
Volunteers are always needed, said Short.
To volunteer or for more information, call Lorrie Short at 410-305-0232.
Girl Scouts troops active on Fort Meade for seven decades
file photo
Ashley Brooks and Kyla Hay volunteer at the Enlisted Spouses Club’s annual Clean Up Fort Meade Day in April. Eight troops of Girl Scouts operate on post.
Boy Scout Troop 377 meets every Monday at 7 p.m. at the Argonne Hills Chapel Center, Bldg. 7100 Rockenbach Road and Grandea Avenue. The troop, still growing, has been active on Fort Meade since the late 1940s.
Some activities the troops have par-ticipated in include white water raft-ing, fishing and camping at the McMil-lan Woods Youth Campground on the Gettysburg Battlefield.
A wide range of opportunities are available for boys ages 11 to 17 to experience leadership and friendship as well as learning values and working together, using everyday skills such as cooking and keeping track of personal finances, and giving back to their com-munity.
Scouts can take pride in achieving goals they cannot reach elsewhere by earning Merit Badges in areas such as lifesaving, scholarships, pioneering and the newest addition – robotics.
Although Boy Scouts is a boy-run organization, adult Scout volunteers
are always welcome. The adult staff consists of active-duty and retired service members, along with post civil-ians.
Adults act as committee members, Merit Badge counselors and, in gen-eral, advise and support the boys.
For more information about Boy Scout Troop 377, call Lisa Yetman, outreach coordinator, at 410-437-7263 or email [email protected] or email Scoutmaster Wendall Lawrence at [email protected].
Boy Scouts take pride achieving goals
Alexander Bryan of Cub Scout Pack 377 salutes during a Boy Scout flag retirement ceremony at the Camp Meade RV Park last year. Boy Scout Troop 377 meets every Monday at 7 p.m. Cub Scout Pack 377 meets at 6 p.m. Both groups meet at Argonne Hills Chapel Center.
file photo
Cub ScoutsFort Meade Cub Scout Pack 377 meets again in the fall on Mondays at 6 p.m. at Argonne Hills Chapel Center.
Cub Scouts are for boys in first through fifth grades. Members learn new skills and earn recognition for their hard work. Scouting also provides leadership opportunities.
Cubmaster Clay Moody leads the pack in various events such as campouts, weekly den meetings and the Pinewood Derby. For the annual event, boys design their own cars and race them against other Scouts.
Cub Scouts also participate in community projects including Scouting for Food, litter pickups and presenting the Colors at various events.
For more information, email Cubmaster Clay Moody at [email protected].
http://www.ftmeade.army.mil August 23, 2012 SOUNDOFF! Back To School Supplement �
Back To School
By Jenelle L. FergusonInstallation Safety Office
The lazy days of summer are not quite over, yet parents have already begun the first round of back-to-school activities — tackling what has become the infamous “school supply list.”
This can turn into a dreaded shopping experience when debates arise over some-thing as simple as what color backpack looks better - neon purple or dark blue.
The one issue parents should not debate is incorporating safety as part of their child’s preparation for the school year.
The start of a new school year has par-ents worrying about how their children will be getting to school safely. Some children are lucky enough to live near the school, but others have to walk long distances, ride the school bus or take public transportation.
Parents, drivers and students all play an important role in safe transportation to school. If your children will be walking to school or must walk a few blocks to a bus stop, make sure to teach them to obey traffic signals and rules if they must cross streets with lights and crosswalks.
According to the National Highway Traf-fic Safety Administration, nearly 24 million students nationwide start their school day with a trip on the school bus. Although NHTSA reports that riding on a school bus is nearly eight times safer than riding in a passenger vehicle, an average of 11 school-age pedestrians are killed by school
transportation vehicles each year.Whether they walk, ride the bus or travel
by car, teach your children these few tips to ensure they get to and from school safely. Following these common sense practices will help your children get off to a safe start for the upcoming school year.
Safety tips for school bus riders:• Have a safe place to wait for the bus,
away from traffic. No “horseplay” while wait-ing for the bus, especially near the curb.
• Line up facing the bus, not alongside it.• Stay away from the bus until it comes to
a complete stop and the driver signals you to enter.
• Use the handrail to enter and exit the bus.
• If your child rides the bus, tell your child to sit quietly in the seat. Children should fol-low the directions of the driver.
• When exiting the bus, be sure that draw-strings and straps don’t get caught on the handrail or in the door.
• When exiting, take five giant steps away from the bus.
• Never reach under the school bus to get anything that has rolled or fallen beneath it. If something is dropped near the bus, always tell the bus driver.
• Wait for a signal from the bus driver before crossing the street. Walk at least 10 steps away from the front of the bus so the driver can see you.
• Do not play in the street while waiting
for the bus.
Safety tips for walking:• Never walk alone - always travel with a
buddy. Walk on the main sidewalks; do not take shortcuts through woods or empty lots.
• Teach your children how to cross the street. Make sure they know to follow the directions of the crossing guard or safety patrol.
• Pay attention to all traffic signals and crossing guards along the way. Never cross the street against a stop light.
• Give your children a whistle to blow if they are in danger. A whistle will attract attention and may ward off a crime.
Tips for drivers and passengers:• Everyone in the car should wear a seat
belt even if the school is nearby. Most acci-dents occur within 10 miles of home.
• Remind teens to take extra precautions if they are driving to school or riding with another teenage driver.
• Remember: 20 mph in school zones.• Stay alert near bus stops.• Yellow flashing lights: The bus is pre-
paring to stop to load or unload children.• Red flashing lights and extended stop
arm: Stop at least 20 feet from the bus when behind or meeting. The only time stopping is not required is on the other side of a divided highway
• Stop between 10 and 30 feet from the school crossing when a crossing guard directs.
School bus safety awareness: See and be seen
By Jenelle L. FergusonInstallation Safety Office
With little argument, a new backpack is near or at the top of the “must get” list for the upcoming school year. They are a popu-lar and a practical way for children and teens to carry schoolbooks and supplies.
When used correctly, backpacks can be a good way to carry the supplies of the school day. They are designed to distribute the weight of the load among some of the body’s strongest muscles.
However, backpacks that are too heavy or worn incorrectly can cause problems for children and teens. Improperly used back-packs may injure muscles and joints. This can lead to back, neck and shoulder pain, as well as posture problems.
Look for the following to help your chil-dren choose backpacks safely:
• Wide, padded shoulder straps: Narrow straps can dig into shoulders and cause pain and restrict circulation.
• Two shoulder straps: Backpacks with one shoulder strap that runs across the body cannot distribute weight evenly.
• Padded back: A padded back protects against sharp edges on objects inside the pack and increases comfort
• Waist strap: A waist strap can distribute the weight of a heavy load more evenly.
• Lightweight backpack: The backpack itself should not add much weight to the load.
• Rolling backpack: This type of back-pack may be a good choice for students who must tote a heavy load. But remember, rolling backpacks still must be carried up stairs. They also may be difficult to roll in snow.
To prevent injury when using a back-pack, follow these safety tips:
• Always use both shoulder straps. Sling-ing a backpack over one shoulder can strain muscles. Wearing a backpack on one shoul-der may increase curvature of the spine.
• Tighten the straps so that the pack is close to the body. The straps should hold the pack two inches above the waist.
• Pack light. The backpack should never weigh more than 10 to 15 percent of the student’s total body weight.
• Organize the backpack to use all of its compartments. Pack heavier items closest to the center of the back.
• Stop often at school lockers, if possible. Do not carry all of the books needed for the day.
• Use both knees when bending down. Do not bend over at the waist when wearing or lifting a heavy backpack.
School can, and should be, fun and excit-ing for youngsters. Give your children the tools, the knowledge and the resources to take care of themselves when you cannot be there.
Following safety tips can help assure the safety of your children as they embark on another school year.
• West Meade Early Education Center: 8:40 a.m.-3:05 p.m.
AACPS launches Twitter pageAnne Arundel County Pub-lic Schools has expanded the ways in which it communicates with parents, students and the public at large with the launch of its new Twitter page.Get the latest updates on news from the school system by following @AACountySchools.Postings will include actions by the Board of Education, achievements of students and employees across the system, and notices of emergency closings and delayed openings caused by inclement weather.AACPS also maintains a Facebook page at facebook.com/aacps.
http://www.ftmeade.army.mil� SOUNDOFF! Back To School Supplement August 23, 2012
Back To School
School Age Services enrich children’s lives
The School Age Care Center at 1900 Reece Road provides before school, after school and hourly care for children in first through fifth grades.
Children are transported to and from Manor View, Pershing Hill, West Meade and Meade Heights elementary schools. SACC provides full day care on weekdays when schools are closed.
SACC has partnered with 4-H and the Boys and Girls Clubs of America to offer activities and project to enhance its curriculum and enrich the experiences of children participating in SACC programs.
Clubs and activities within 4-H and BGCA that are currently offered include Kids in Control (which focuses on safety in our homes and community), Focus on Photography, Consumer Savvy, Health Rocks! and special Clover Buds activities for younger children.
In addition to the clubs, SACC offers a variety of arts and crafts, self-help skills development, sports skills clinics, field trips, homework assistance and community service opportunities.
file photo
Fort Meade’s School Age Care Center provides children with a wide range of educational and recreational activities, from arts and crafts and sports skills clinics to self-help skills development, field trips, homework assistance and community service opportunities. The center also has a partnership with 4-H and the Boys and Girls Clubs of America.
By Rona S. HirschStaff writer
Leaving children home alone requires more than setting aside a plate of cook-ies with instructions to lock the door and start their homework.
State law requires that children must be of certain age before they are left alone or are supervised by older children. Various parental guides also suggest that children know how to respond in an emergency or if a stranger knocks at the door.
Fort Meade’s “Policy on Parental Responsibilities and Supervision of Children and Youth” — updated in April 2007 by the Family Advocacy Program at Army Community Service — provides guidelines that comply with Maryland state law.
But before leaving children alone, parents first must consider whether their child has the maturity to be a latchkey kid, said Celena Flowers, Family Advocacy Program manager.
“What we’ve done, in compliance with the state, is to establish if the child is mature enough to be left home alone or to baby-sit, even though the child is of age,” Flowers said. “Ulti-mately, it’s the parents’ liability. Par-ents are doing it at their own risk if they leave alone a child who is under age or not mature enough.”
But parents aren’t off the hook if they leave their children in the care of an irresponsible baby sitter. According to the policy, “Parents are responsible for their children’s safety even when in the care of another. Baby sitters should be selected care-fully, ensuring that the baby sitter is mature and experienced enough to adequately supervise a child.”
Copies of the policy are distrib-uted by Officer Timothy Perkins, Fort Meade’s community policing officer, who also hands out the pamphlet, “At Home Alone: A Parent’s Guide,” developed by the National Crime Pre-vention Council.
“The focus is for child safety and for parents to take responsibility for the actions of their children,” Perkins said. “People are confused about when children can be left alone and unattended.”
Newcomers to Fort Meade receive a copy of the supervision policy in their
welcome packet when they arrive on post. Child, Youth and School Ser-vices also provides the updated ver-sions to parents when they register for hourly care.
Fort Meade’s “Policy on Parental Responsibilities and Supervision of Children and Youth” provides the following guidelines:
• Children under 5 years old require close supervision and must be attend-ed to and under the direct contact of a person age 13 years or older at all times.
• Children age 7 or younger will never be left unsupervised or unat-tended. Parents or guardians with children under age 8 will arrange for supervision by a person age 13 years or older before and after school, and other times that school is not in ses-sion, if they are unable to remain home to care for their children.
• Children age 8 to 17 may begin to exercise their own responsibility to supervise themselves without placing themselves or others in danger.
But they cannot be left unattended without verified arrangements being made with a responsible adult, age 21 years or older, to check on their behavior or whereabouts, telephoni-cally and/or in person.
All children in this age category must have an emergency plan in place. At a minimum, children should have a point of contact accessible by tele-phone and available for them at all times.
• If emergency responders see an underage child left unattended or receive a call about an unattended child, they will instruct parents about the “Child Supervision Policy” imple-mented on military installations.
“It is based on maturity level and breaks down the ages of when a child can be left unattended,” Perkins said.
According to the “Child Supervi-sion Policy,” youths:
• Ages 9 to 12 should not be unsu-pervised or left alone for more than two hours
• Ages 13 to 14 should not be unsu-pervised or left alone for more than eight hours
• Ages 15 to 17 should not be unsu-pervised or left alone for more than 12 hours
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August 23, 2012 SOUNDOFF! Back To School Supplement �
Connect with Fort Meade atFacebook.com/ftmeade
Back To School
The Teen Center, located at 3102 MacArthur Road, encourages high school teens to be the best that they can be by chal-lenging themselves in various means.
The center offers several clubs such as the Weight Lifting Club, Book Club, Tech Club, S.M.A.R.T. Girls Club, Creative Arts, Cook-ing Club, Science Club and Keystone.
If none of these clubs strike your inter-est, feel free to add your own input on what should be offered. Or you can just sit back and relax, do homework, compete with a friend in a game of the newest Madden video game, or jam out and play some Rock Band.
The Teen Center’s state-of-the-art gaming system features Sony PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii.
The center acquires the newest and most anticipated games of the year. So instead of sitting at home playing the computer, come by and challenge a couple of your friends at the Teen Center. When you’re good enough, try challenging one of the staff members!
The center also features several large-screen televisions, a pingpong table, great stereo system if you want to listen to some radio, and D.J. equipment primarily used for Club Midnight parties.
The center also has added music equip-ment such as electronic drums, keyboards and microphones in case you’re interested in laying down a beat or hook.
For more information about the Teen Center, call 301-677-6054 or 301-677-6056.
Teen Center encourages high school youth to excel
A haven for middle-schoolersChild, Youth and School Services offers a Before & After School Program for
middle school students at Youth Services, 909 Ernie Pyle St.Transportation is provided to and from MacArthur Middle School and Meade
Middle School. The program is staffed with well-trained and caring youth profes-sionals serving the after-school needs of the youth of our community.
Services provided include a safe and supervised setting with freedom for a variety of activity choices.
Homework assistance is available in the combined space of the homework center and computer lab. Educational and recreational software are available for exploration in the computer lab, as are structured computer and program skill classes.
The Boys and Girls Clubs of America and 4H clubs, projects, activities and curriculums are used as the sound foundation of the youth development program. Activities such as photography, digital arts, drama, cooking, individual and team sports, fitness and nutrition are a few of the many diverse offerings during the school year.
Breakfast, lunch and after-school snacks are provided to all participating youth, using USDA guidelines.
Services are also available on school closure days such as Election Day, teacher conferences, teacher training, and fall, winter and spring holidays at no additional charge for all enrolled in the program.
Anne Arundel County SchoolsTo keep up to date with information about Anne Arundel
County Public Schools, please visit: www.aacps.org
The Fort Meade Teen Center offers several clubs such as the Weight Lifting Club, Book Club, Tech Club, S.M.A.R.T. Girls Club, Creative Arts, Cooking Club, Science Club and Keystone. Teens also can use the state-of-the-art gaming systems including Sony PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii.
http://www.ftmeade.army.mil� SOUNDOFF! Back To School Supplement August 23, 2012
Back To School
Vaccine types and dosage numbers required for children enrolled in child care programsVaccine
Child’s Current Age or Grade Level
DTaP/DTP/DT/Td1
Polio2 Hib3 MMR2.4 Varicella2,4,5
(Chickenpox)Hepatitis B2 Pneumococcal
Conjugate3 (PCV)
Less than 2 months 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
2 - 3 months 1 1 1 0 0 1 1
4 - 5 months 2 2 2 0 0 2 2
6 - 11 months 3 3 2 0 0 3 2
12 - 14 months 3 3 At least one dosegiven after 12months of age
1 1 3 2
15 - 23 months 4 3 At least one dosegiven after 12months of age
1 1 3 2
24 - 59 months 4 3 At least one dosegiven after 12months of age
1 1 3 1
5 years 4 3 Not required 2 1 3 Not required
Grade LevelGrade (Ungraded)
DTaP/DTP/DT/Td1
Polio2 Hib MMR2 Varicella2,3
(Chickenpox)Hepatitis B2 Pneumococcal
Conjugate (PCV)
Grades K - 12 (5 – 18 +yrs) 4 or 34 35 Not required 2 1 3 Not required
CHART IS FOR USE BY CHILD CARE FACILITY OPERATORS ONLY TO ASSESS AGE APPROPRIATE IMMUNIZATION STATUS
Age Appropriate Vaccination Requirements For Children Enrolled In Child Care Programs—Valid 9/01/12 - 8/31/13Per COMAR 13A.15.03.02 and 13A.16.03.04 G & H
Vaccination requirements are met only by complying with the vaccine chart below.
Instructions: Find the age of the child in the column labeled “Child’s Current Age”. Read across the row for each required vaccine. The number in the box is thenumber of doses required for that vaccine based on the CURRENT age or grade level of the child. The age range in the column does not mean that the child has untilthe highest age in that range to meet compliance. Any child whose age falls within that range must have received the required number of doses based on his/herCURRENT age in order to be in compliance with COMAR.
* See footnotes on backImmunizations are not just for young children. Today’s middle and high school students need protection from vaccine-preventable diseases as well. For more information about adolescent immunizations, call the Anne Arundel County Department of Health’s Immunization Services Program at 410-222-4896.
