PATCHWORK 780th MI dons new shoulder sleeve insignia PAGE 3 UPCOMING EVENTS WEDNESDAY, 9 A.M.-1 P.M.: Military Spouse Job Fair - McGill Training Center MAY 9, 11 A.M.-1:30 P.M.: Military Spouse Appreciation Lunch - Club Meade MAY 16, 2:30 & 5:30 P.M.: Sesame Street/USO Experience - McGill Training Center MAY 17, 8 A.M.: Patriot Pride 5/10K Run & 1-Mile Walk - Murphy Field House MAY 18, 2:30 P.M.: Memorial Day/Massing of the Colors Ceremony - The Pavilion FAMILY FUN CYSS celebrates military children at annual fair PAGE 6 Sound off ! ´ VOL. 66 NO. 17 Published in the interest of the Fort Meade community May 1, 2014 PHOTO BY NATE PESCE Sgt. 1st Class Tammy Cross (left) and Sgt. 1st Class Jennifer MIlledge, both of the 780th Military Intelligence Brigade, pet a chinchilla from South America during Fort Meade’s annual celebration of Earth Day on April 23. The four-hour event, which was sponsored by Fort Meade’s Environmental Division, was held at the Pavilion and featured about 50 exhibitors. For the story, see Page 10. HANDLE WITH CARE
Transcript
Patchwork780th MI dons new shoulder sleeve insignia
page 3
UPcoMING EVENtSwEdNESday, 9 a.M.-1 P.M.: Military Spouse Job Fair - McGill Training CenterMay 9, 11 a.M.-1:30 P.M.: Military Spouse Appreciation Lunch - Club MeadeMay 16, 2:30 & 5:30 P.M.: Sesame Street/USO Experience - McGill Training CenterMay 17, 8 a.M.: Patriot Pride 5/10K Run & 1-Mile Walk - Murphy Field HouseMay 18, 2:30 P.M.: Memorial Day/Massing of the Colors Ceremony - The Pavilion
FaMIly FUNCYSS celebrates military children at annual fair
page 6
Soundoff!́vol. 66 no. 17 Published in the interest of the Fort Meade community May 1, 2014
photo by nate pesce
Sgt. 1st Class Tammy Cross (left) and Sgt. 1st Class Jennifer MIlledge, both of the 780th Military Intelligence Brigade, pet a chinchilla from South America during Fort Meade’s annual celebration of Earth Day on April 23. The four-hour event, which was sponsored by Fort Meade’s Environmental Division, was held at the Pavilion and featured about 50 exhibitors. For the story, see Page 10.
handle with care
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Commander’s Column
Cont ent sNews............................. 3 Sports..................................13
Editorial StaffGarrison Commander Col. Brian P. foleyGarrison Command Sgt. Maj. thomas J. latterPublic 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 the Baltimore Sun Media Group
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 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: 301-677-5602; DSN: 622-5602.
Everything advertised in this publication must be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, marital status, handicap or sex of purchaser, user or patron. A confirmed violation or rejection of this policy of equal opportunity by an advertiser will result in the refusal to print advertising from that source.
Printed by The Baltimore Sun Co., LLC, 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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Today we will celebrate Law Day, a day of national recognition of our great heritage of lib-erty, justice and equality under the law.
Law Day provides an opportunity to recognize how our legal system contributes to the freedoms that we all share.
President Dwight D. Eisenhower proclaimed the first Law Day in 1958. Three years later, Congress, by joint resolution, designated May 1 as the official date for celebrating Law Day.
Since then, the United States has marked May 1 as a day to commemorate the importance of the law, our rights, and the rule of law in American society. Every year, the president issues a Law Day proclamation recognizing the importance of this day.
Legal offices, courts and schools across the United States celebrate Law Day by hosting educa-tional events in their communities. The JAG Corps is no exception.
Thousands of Law Day programs are con-ducted each year for students and adults across the country. Law Day programs are designed to help people better understand our legal system and the individual rights protected under our laws.
Each year, the American Bar Association declares a theme, which highlights a particular aspect of American law and how it affects our daily lives.
This year, the Office of the Staff Judge Advo-cate will team up with judge advocates from the 70th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing to give a series of Law Day presentations at local schools for students in second through fifth grades.
This year’s theme for Law Day, as designated by the American Bar Association, is “American Democracy and the Rule of Law: Why Every Vote Matters.” The theme comes at an appropriate time, as we approach the 50th anniversaries of two land-mark pieces of legislation: the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
This theme provides an outstanding opportunity to speak with local students about how participat-ing in the political process is both our right and responsibility as American citizens. Students will learn about how our elections work, including political campaigning, secret ballots and equal access to voting.
Our judge advocates will lead activities and dis-cussions with students about why American citizens have a responsibility to vote, the struggle for equal
voting rights in our country, and what President Abraham Lin-coln meant when he described A m e r i c a n democracy as a “government of the people, by the people, for the people.”
Impressively, in years past, young students in the Fort Meade community have risen to the challenge of discussing these complex legal and social issues. Last year, when the Law Day theme was “Realizing the Dream: Equality for All,” students of all ages participated in complicated discussions about civil rights and gender equality.
The students were active, engaged, and asked insightful questions about Supreme Court cases like Brown vs. Board of Education. We are certain that this year will be no different, and that local students will surprise us with their understanding of tough concepts and enthusiasm for the topic.
We hope this will be an excellent opportunity to introduce them to one of our most cherished national ideals: that governments derive their pow-ers from the consent of the governed.
We also hope that everyone in the Fort Meade community takes a little time to reflect on how the rule of law truly impacts our lives and contributes to protecting the important freedoms we all share.
2014 Law Day
Celebrating liberty, justice, equality
Lt. CoL. Roseanne M. Bennett
staff Judge advocate
Commander’s Open DoorGarrison Commander Col. Brian P. Foley
employees, family members or communitymembersage18orolderareinvitedtoaddressissuesorconcernstothecommanderdirectlybyvisitingFoley’sofficeonMondays from4to6p.m.atgarrisonheadquartersinHodgesHall,Bldg.4551,LlewellynAvenue.
Visitors are seen on a first-come, first-servedbasis.Noappointmentisnecessary.
Formoreinformation,call301-677-4844.
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Story and photo by Tina Miles, PAO780th Military Intelligence Brigade
In less than 30 minutes, unit history was made for members of the 780th Military Intelligence Brigade as they transferred from wearing the U.S. Army Intelligence Security Command patch to wearing their own unique unit shoulder sleeve insignia (SSI).
At a brief ceremony held April 23 on McGlachlin Parade Field, the Soldiers of Headquarters and Headquarters Com-pany, 780th MI, were charged to replace their patches.
With one resounding rip of the Velcro, patches were transferred and a significant milestone in the history of the 780th MI was marked.
“Many units draw upon decades of his-tory and a legacy of service in combat,” said Col. Jennifer Buckner, commander, 780th MI, when asked what the new SSI meant for her command.
“As a new unit operating in a new domain of warfare, we are responsible for building our legacy and creating our own unit identity, appropriate for our unique force and evolving mission.”
Since World War I, Soldiers have worn the SSI to represent the identity of their unit.
“That tradition continues with the 780th MI Brigade as we begin our own history in the cyberspace domain,” said Command Sgt. Maj. William Rinehart, 780th MI.
The patch is an embroidered shield-
780th MI Brigade dons new unit insignia
Sgt. Tony Bowden (left), Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 780th Military Intelligence Brigade, ensures that his new, unit shoulder sleeve insignia is on straight, as Staff Sgt. Michael McDonald puts away his newly replaced U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command patch. A change ceremony was conducted April 23 at McLaughlin Parade Field.
By Lisa R. RhodesStaff Writer
The Fort Meade Environmental Divi-sion’s Installation Restoration and Military Munitions Response Program team, was presented with the Army’s highest award for outstanding performance and excellence in environmental stewardship, sustainability and leadership.
Hershell Wolfe, deputy assistant secre-tary of the Army for Environment, Safety and Occupational Health, presented to George Knight and the other members of the environmental team with the 2013 Sec-retary of the Army Environmental Award for Environmental Restorations in a brief ceremony on April 23 at the Pavilion.
“[The award] is presented to those instal-lations on the forefront of the Army’s efforts to protect and sustain the environ-ment,” Wolfe said in his remarks. “Award
winners stand out as leading examples of how the Army protects human health, while ensuring mission readiness and support.”
The team’s mission is to protect the installation and surrounding communities from potential human health and envi-ronmental hazards caused by historical operational activities. Their work includes removing contaminated soil at a former pesticide shop adjacent to the Director-ate of Emergency Services and excavating methane-generating buried trash at the Manor View dump site.
Over the last two years, the team inves-tigated more than 130 acres of land previ-ously suspected of being contaminated, and determined it was available for reuse.
The team also is credited with saving the Army more than $17.5 million dollars by using innovative scientific and management techniques.
DPW team presentedenvironmental award
photo by steve ellmore
Hershell Wolfe (center), deputy assistant secretary of the Army for Environment, Safety and Occupational Health, presents George Knight, acting program manager of the Fort Meade Environmental Division’s Installation Restoration and Military Munitions Response Program team, with the 2013 Secretary of the Army Environmental Award for Environmental Restorations on April 23 at the Pavilion. Denise Tegtmeyer, a project manager with the team, looks on.
shaped item, with the upper corners arched inwardly. It bears a depiction of a flowing grid, charged with a disc throughout, bear-ing a lightning bolt of the second and an arrow of the first.
Both point upward in form of a diago-nal cross, like the shape of the letter X, surmounted by a key erect, ward to sinister of the fifth, all above an arc of five mullets of the second.
In symbolism, Oriental blue and silver gray are the colors traditionally associated with military intelligence units. The flow-ing grid signifies the 780th MI’s link to the U.S. Cyber Command and Army Cyber Command.
The modified disc suggests the unit’s responsibility to provide pervasive, com-prehensive intelligence information and analysis.
The combination of the shield verti-cally and the divided background of the disc alludes to the continuous intelligence missions and the day and night protection of cyberspace, reflecting the unit’s motto: “Everywhere and always … in the fight.”
The arrow symbolizes readiness; the lightning bolt denotes swiftness; and the key conveys security of knowledge and truth. The five stars represent the 780th
MI’s support to the joint forces.The Army SSI was first worn in battle
in 1918, and the 81st Infantry Division “Wildcat” is believed to have been the first U.S. Army unit authorized an SSI.
During World War I, the 81st Division sailed for France after training at Fort Jackson, S.C. On their left shoulder the men of the division wore an olive-drab felt patch with the silhouette of a wildcat, representing Wildcat Creek, a stream that flows through Fort Jackson.
Gen. John J. Pershing approved the concept of the 81st Division’s patch, and authorized its use as a distinctive SSI. Other units followed suit, using the patches and insignias to identify their organiza-tions and build unit pride.
The Army insignia patch was elevated to an art form during World War II with symbolism and heraldry becoming the primary elements of the SSI.
The 780th MI shoulder sleeve insignia was approved by the Institute of Heraldry on Nov. 6, 2013.
The 780th MI and its subordinate units held concurrent SSI change ceremonies on April 23, at various locations, to officially replace their INSCOM patches with the brigade’s new unit SSIs.
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By Brandon BieltzStaff Writer
A month after first welcoming custom-ers into the new Express, the Army and Air Force Exchange Service, along with Gar-rison Commander Col. Brian P. Foley and Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas J. Latter, officially opened the facility with a snip of scissors on Friday.
“It’s a great addition to the community,” said Michele Weisshaar, general manager of Fort Meade Consolidated Exchange. “It gives you a couple more options and the convenience of having something on this side of the installation.”
A ribbon cutting ceremony, held in the front of the store, served as the grand opening of the 8,420-square-foot facility
located at the former softball field on Mapes Road across from the Defense Information School. The ceremony also included raffles and giveaways from various vendors associ-ated with the Express.
Construction on the $7 million project began last spring and was completed by the end of March when the Express first opened to customers. The facility replaces the 4,985-square-foot Trading Post, formerly located across from DINFOS, and features six gas pumps, an Arby’s and convenience store.
Pvt. Khalil Sinclair, who walked over to the Express during a break in his DINFOS class, said it is useful to have another food option near the school other than Freedom Inn.
“It’s nice,” he said “It’s an improvement
from the last Shoppette.”AAFES isn’t completely finished with
the project, though. Weishhaar said they are working to add more services.
“We’re still looking at bringing another business into this complex,” she said
During Friday’s brief ceremony, Weis-shaar also thanked the garrison and the Express employees for their support and efforts to help open the Express.
Foley said the opening served as a “jump-start” for the new Exchange and that the Express is the next step in the growth of Fort Meade.
“This is great,” he said. “This is a beauti-ful new facility. It is much needed to have a second Shoppette location. ... It has been needed for a long, long time.”
Grand opening for new Express
photo by steve ellmore
Garrison Commander Col. Brian P. Foley; Tara McIver, Arby’s manager; Michele Weisshaar, general manager of Fort Meade Consolidated Exchange; Linda Sharron, Express manager; and Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas J. Latter cut the ceremonial ribbon during the Express’ grand opening on Friday. The facility recently opened after beginning construction last spring.
April 18, Larceny: An investiga-tion revealed that the victim parked his vehicle, and when he returned he noticed his wallet was sitting on the dashboard. The victim checked and found $351 missing from the wallet. Further investigation revealed the vehicle was left unsecured and unattended.
April 18, Driving while under the influence of alcohol, driving while impaired by alcohol, exceed-ing speed limit by 15 mph, driving without license: While conducting stationary radar, an officer observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed. The officer initiated a traffic stop. The officer observed that the driver’s eyes were slightly bloodshot and watery, and a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage was emitting from her. When asked for her driver’s license, the driver replied she doesn’t have a license. The driver was asked to exit her vehicle and perform a series of Standardized Field Sobriety Tests to check her ability to drive. She performed poorly. The driver rendered a breath sample of .23 percent blood alcohol content.
April 20, Assault: The subject stated that he and his wife were involved in a verbal altercation, but nothing else. Further investigation revealed the altercation was physical.
CommunityCommunityCrime Watch
Compiled by the Fort Meade Directorate of Emergency Services
For week of April 21-27:• Moving violations: 37• Nonmoving violations: 8• Verbal warnings for traffic stops: 26• Traffic accidents: 6• Driving on suspended license: 2• Driving on suspended registration: 0• Driving without a license: 1
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Children and parents gather around inflatable slides and obstacle courses outside McGill Training Center during the annual Family Fun Fair. The fair served as the climax of Fort Meade’s celebration of the Month of the Military Child.
By Brandon BieltzStaff Writer
After a year hiatus, the installation’s Fam-ily Fun Fair returned bigger than before.
With toy giveaways, rides and demonstra-tions, the fair served as the climax of Fort Meade’s celebration of the Month of the Military Child.
More than 3,500 people attended Satur-day’s four-hour event at McGill Training Center, which drew a thousand more attend-ees than the fair in 2012.
“It’s just a way for us to let the military children know how much they mean to the community and a way for us to give back,” said Francisco Jamison, youth administrator of Child, Youth and School Services. “We’re giving away more than 3,000 toys today, so everybody is leaving with at least one thing. If
Family Fun Fair celebrates kids
Abyssinia King, 7, has her face painted during Saturday’s event.
photos by nate pesce
that puts a smile on a child’s face, then we’ve done our job today.”
The event was hosted by the CYSS and sponsored by Baltimore Gas and Electric Co., Burlington Coat Factory, sweetFrog and the West Anne Arundel County Chamber of Commerce.
CYSS was unable to hold the Family Fun Fair last year due to sequestration, but this year the organization aimed to make up for it.
“We went all out — much bigger in terms of the things that we’re offering,” Jamison said. “We wanted to make sure we gave back for missing a year.”
Every April, the Department of Defense celebrates the Month of the Military Child to recognize the contributions and sacrifices that the children make as their parent, or parents, serve.
“Today, nearly 2 million American chil-dren and youths have parents who serve in our armed forces,” said Garrison Com-mander Col. Brian P. Foley. “These children serve too.
“Our children face ever-increased stresses, absent parents, parents coming home different than when they left, and families facing physi-cal and emotional issues. Yet our children not only adapt and manage, they thrive.”
At the beginning of the fair, CYSS was awarded a $14,225 check from National Government Services for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America Triple Play program. The money will be used to buy equipment and supplies to support the Triple Play program, which promotes health and wellness for ages 6 to 18.
The interior of McGill was packed with display tables from dozens of local organiza-tions, arts and craft stations, face painting and games. Various School of Knowledge, Inspiration, Exploration and Skills (SKIES) classes — including cheerleaders and karate — demonstrated their skills in short perfor-mances as well.
Abyssinia King, 7, who attended the event with her father retired Navy Lt. Cmdr. Akil King, had purple flowers painted on her
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face. She said the face painting booth was her favorite part the event, but was looking forward to the inflatables outside.
“I really want to go to the bounce house,” she said
Outside of McGill, the fair offered inflat-able slides and obstacle courses, rides and games for the youngsters.
Several parents said they enjoyed the opportunity to celebrate the Month of the Military Child and spend time with their children.
“You just never know when you’ll be signed up for training,” said Spc. Sauravh Roy of the 781st Military Intelligence Battalion. “I think you have to enjoy the time you have.”
ABOVE: Morgan Williams, 8, and her 5-year-old brother Jacob show off their grass-head creations they made during the Family Fun Fair. The fair offered dozens of display tables from local organizations, arts and craft stations, face painting and games.
TOP RIGHT: Garrison Commander Col. Brian P. Foley speaks at the Family Fun Fair on Saturday at McGill Training Center. The event returned to Fort Meade after a year hiatus due to sequestration.
RIGHT: Members of a SKIES dance group wait to perform at McGill Training Center as part of the installation’s Family Fun Fair. More than 3,500 people attended the popular event Saturday.
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arship, grants and fabulous aid packages — many at high-pressure sales seminars. In exchange for an advance fee, companies may guarantee scholarships on behalf of students and include a “money-back guarantee” that makes you think the company is legitimate. Unfortunately, the money-back guarantee comes with so many conditions that it is pretty much impossible to get a refund.
Some companies provide nothing for the advance fee, not even a list of potential aid and scholarship sources. Other scammers ask for a student’s checking account information to con-firm eligibility and then debit the account for the advance fee without the student’s consent.
You should suspect a potential scam when you hear any of the following:
• “The scholarship is guaranteed or your money back.”
• “You have been selected by a national foundation to receive a scholarship.”
• “We just need your credit card or bank account number to hold this scholarship.”
• “You are a finalist in a scholarship contest (that you never entered).”
Here are some simple steps to follow if you attend a seminar on financial aid:
1. Take your time and consider all of your options. Avoid high-pressure sales tactics and “one-time only” offers.
2. Investigate the company that you are con-sidering paying for help. Seek assistance from a guidance counselor or financial aid advisor first. Free help may be available.
3. Be wary of glowing testimonials from prior students who were assisted by the com-pany — they may be paid for their endorse-ment. Ask for a list of at least three families in your area who used the services recently and contact them.
4. Legitimate businesses will answer all of your questions. If a company representative is being evasive, consider using a different company.
5. Pin the sales rep down on the specific amount to be charged, the services to be per-formed, and the company’s refund policy — and get this information in writing.
If you have been the victim of a financial aid scam, you may file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at ftc.gov.
To schedule an appointment with an attorney at the Fort Meade Legal Assistance Office, call 301-677-9504 or 301-677-9536.
By Jane M. WinandChief, Legal Assistance Division
Before you know it, college will be starting up again in the fall.
If you are a student seeking financial aid, you should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, at https://fafsa.ed.gov/.
Although the official deadline for submit-ting the FAFSA is June 30, many schools allocate funds on a first-come, first-served basis. So it is to your advantage to complete the FAFSA as soon as possible.
Even if you have not yet completed your annual income tax return, you may submit the FAFSA with estimates and then update it as you complete your taxes.
If you are contacted by a company offer-
ing to assist with your FAFSA application for a fee, save yourself some money. Visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website for student aid at studentaid.ed.gov and log on to the FAFSA website to look at the application. The site is user-friendly.
For more information and assistance, call 1-800-4-FED-AID.
While searching for financial aid options, be cautious about scholarship and student loan scams. Some companies may claim they have programs, for a fee of course, which will make you eligible for grants, loans and other forms of aid.
However, the only application that will determine eligibility for all programs is the FAFSA.
Unscrupulous companies guarantee schol-
Financial aid, scholarships, and student loan scams
By Wendy PoulsonSocial Security District Manager
And they’re off! Wanda Worker takes the lead as she visits
“my Social Security” and gets a handle on her retirement planning. John Q. Public gains ground as he uses Social Security’s Retirement Estimator to get a clearer picture of his future retirement benefits. It’s neck-and-neck.
But wait — Average Joe picks up speed as he applies for retirement benefits on his laptop from the comfort of his recliner and takes the reins of his retirement.
May celebrates races. Whether you plan to watch the Kentucky Derby in early May or the Indy 500 later in the month, May is a month for those with the need for speed.
In the 15 minutes that pass as Average Joe tunes into the Kentucky Derby, he’s able to go from worker to retiree. By the time the Indy 500 rolls around, he’ll know how much his monthly benefit will be.
Race enthusiasts will be pleased to know that, although they should never make a speedy decision about when to retire, they can apply for retirement in a flash using our online services at socialsecurity.gov/onlineservices.
Jump into our Retirement Estimator to get an instant estimate of your future benefit amount. You can take pit stops and change the scenarios to see how your benefit amount will change with
different retirement dates and future earnings estimates. Get a jump start on your retirement planning at socialsecurity.gov/estimator.
Zip over to “my Social Security” to open your secure online account, allowing you imme-diate access to your personal Social Security information.
During your working years, you can use “my Social Security” to view your Social Security statement to check your earnings record and see estimates of the future retirement, disability and survivor benefits you and your family may receive.
If you already get benefits, use “my Social Security” to get your proof-of-benefits letter, change your address or phone number on our records, start or change your direct deposit information, and check your benefit and pay-ment information.
Kick-start your account at socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.
Complete the online application for retire-ment in as little as 15 minutes at socialsecurity.gov/applyonline. Once you complete and submit the electronic application, in most cases, that’s it — no more papers to sign or documents to provide.
Whatever your choice of race, if you have the need for speed, you’ll get a rush out of our online services at socialsecurity.gov/onlineser-vices.
Racing to retirement
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Story and photos by Brandon BieltzStaff Writer
Every half hour, somebody is killed as a result of an intoxicated driver getting behind the wheel of a car.
These deaths, however, are all prevent-able by simply not drinking and driving.
To help spread this message, Fort Meade’s Army Substance Abuse Pro-gram hosted the National Save A Life Tour on April 23 and 24. The anti-drinking program held presentations at two locations: Meade High School and McGill Training Center.
The Save A Life Tour has stopped at Fort Meade for the past five years to address the dangers of drinking and driving. This year the tour included a new simulator to show the hazards of distracted driving.
“We try to spread the word about how dangerous drinking and driving and distracted driving really is with the use of the video and the simulators,” said Anthony Lawrence, a road manager with the Save A Life Tour.
Last week’s presentation was also the first time the Save A Life Tour visited Meade High.
Sobering presentationASAP brings Save A Life Tour to McGill, Meade High School
case scenario,” Lawrence said. “We try to give them an eye-opening experience when it comes to seeing what actually could happen.”
For Chris Rosa, a sophomore at Meade High, the video sent a very clear message of possible consequences.
“It was shocking,” he said.Spc. Hector Ortiz of the U.S. Army
Signal School Detachment Division agreed.
“I think it’s very eye-opening,” he said. “This is all real. It happens all the time.”
After the video, the audience had a chance to use the Save A Life Tour’s two simulators. The simulators, Lawrence said, give participants a sober perspective on the effects of driving while intoxicated as well as the dangers of texting while driving.
The distracted driving simulator requires participants to read and reply to text messages while driving through a virtual town.
After taking the wheel, Pvt. Onier Vargas of the USASSDD said the hard-
est part was “reading the full paragraph message and trying to drive on the simu-lator.”
The drunk-driving simulator is designed to delay the driver’s reaction time — the side-effect of alcohol. The steering wheel and pedals are all on a delay, forcing participants to overcompensate, which ultimately results in crashes.
Throughout the virtual drive, the level of intoxication is increased.
Ortiz said the simulator conveyed a convincing message.
“It was ridiculous,” he said. “It was difficult. Whatever you did in advance, it responded late. ... You think you have [control], but it’s an illusion.”
After the program, Ortiz said the Save A Life Tour taught the message in a hands-on way that he could better understand.
“You can show PowerPoint and you can show videos all day long. Is it going to get through to people? Some it might get it, some won’t,” he said. “When you put them in a situation with the simula-tion, it is definitely an eye-opener.”
Samson Robinson, the Fort Meade ASAP coordinator, said he tried to incor-porate the school last year, but transpor-tation problems prevented the students from partaking in the program. This year, Robinson took the program to the school.
Robinson said he believes it is impor-tant to teach the anti-drunk and anti-distracted driving messages at an early age.
“The younger the better,” he said. “Once somebody learns something and it’s wrong, it’s a hard thing to re-teach.”
Lawrence said the tour presents the same video to both students and service members, but the message is slightly dif-ferent. With the high-schoolers, he said, the focus is on the importance of safe driving. With service members or civilian employees, however, the message is how the decision to drink and drive could derail a career.
Each presentation started with a graphic 30-minute video that displays actual footage of accidents caused by drunk driving and their aftermath.
“The video that we show is pretty graphic — it is just to show the worst-
Soldiers watch an education video during last week’s Save A Life Tour at McGill Training Center. The program combines graphic videos of actual accidents caused by drunk driving and a simulator to show the dangers of drinking and driving.
Spc. Hector Ortiz of the U.S. Army Signal School Detachment Division uses a drunk driving simulator during the Save A Life Tour on April 24 at McGill Training Center. The annual event addresses the dangers of drinking and driving, and distracted driving.
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mander Col. Brian P. Foley in his remarks to an audience of service members, garrison employees, parents and elementary school students.
Mick Butler, chief of Fort Meade’s Envi-ronmental Division, spoke about the impor-tance of properly recycling plastic bottles and conserving water.
“You play a role in keeping the planet healthy,” Butler said to the children in the audience.
He said the proper way to recycle plastic bottles, particularly water bottles, is to make sure they are empty, so water is not wasted, and to dispose of them in a recycle bin.
“This is the responsible use of water bottles,” Butler said.
Brad Knudson, refuge manager of the Patuxent Research Refuge in Laurel, the only national wildlife refuge in the country, gave an overview of the refuge and encour-aged families to visit to enjoy wildlife and the outdoors.
“Every day is Earth Day” Knudson said. “Every day we have to take care of the
planet. It’s the only one we have.”After the speeches, Butler recognized
fourth-grader Holly Pendergrass and fifth-grader Mason Turner, both students at Pershing Hill Elementary School, for their winning entries in the Fort Meade Recy-clable Bag Art Contest.
Earth Day artwork from students at Pershing Hill and Manor View Elementary School also were on display.
The awards were followed by a fashion show featuring third-graders from Pershing Hill. The children modeled clothing made from recyclable items such as plastic and paper bags, milk cartons, paper plates, plas-tic utensils, newspapers and magazines.
“They told us to have fun and that’s what we did,” said Angel Gilbert, 9, who wore a dress made from a paper bag with a bright blue trim. “They actually look prettier than actual clothes.”
Later, 9-year-old Elijah Moore, a student at Monarch Academy in Glen Burnie, and other students from the school took turns petting a 15-pound Dumeril’s boa constric-
photos by nate pesce
Command Sgt. Maj. Tomas Gonzalez of Headquarters Command Battalion pets a 6-foot Dumeril’s boa constrictor at the garrison’s Earth Day event. Michael Uzzo, an animal caretaker from Echoes of Nature, holds the 15-pound boa that was in the process of shedding its skin.
By Lisa R. RhodesStaff Writer
A 6-foot Dumeril’s boa constrictor from Australia and a collection of children’s clothes made from recycled products were just two of the highlights at this year’s Earth Day celebration on April 23.
The four-hour event, hosted by Fort Meade’s Environmental Division, was held at the Pavilion and featured about 50 exhibi-tors.
“Today’s Earth Day — a day set aside for us to reflect on the wonder of the world around us, a day set aside to better educate ourselves about how we should care for the rest of our world,” said Garrison Com-
The Good EarthWildlife and fashion highlight post Earth Day celebration
Eight-year-old Manuel Garcia, a third-grader at Pershing Hill Elementary School, prepares to go onstage during a recycled product fashion show at the garrison’s Earth Day celebration on April 23. The third-graders modeled clothing made of plastic and paper bags, milk cartons, newspapers, magazines, and plastic knives and forks.
http://www.ftmeade.army.mil May 1, 2014 SOUNDOFF! 11
photo by brandon bieltz
Arbor dAy tree plAntingSuzanne Teague, an environmental scientist with the Directorate of Pub-lic Works, helps Adam Talha and Sabrina Wassberg shovel dirt around a tree during an Arbor Day event Friday at Burba Lake. Children from Child Development Center I helped members of DPW plant a white oak tree in Burba Park in honor of Arbor Day. The tree was donated by Baltimore Gas and Electric Co.
tor.“It feels weird, a little cold and warm,”
said Elijah after he ran his hand down the boa’s back.
Michael Uzzo, an animal caretaker at Echoes of Nature, a nonprofit organization that provides nature-oriented educational programs, held the boa for the children to see.
The organization also displayed a gray chinchilla from South America.
Uzzo said the purpose of introducing children to different animals is to instill an early respect for wildlife and to teach them that not every animal is meant to be a pet.
Fort Meade’s Public Health Command featured a display on the life cycle of the flea, as well as several displays of ticks, which can be a problem during the spring and summer.
The Oyster Recovery Partnership, an organization dedicated to planting disease-free oysters in the Chesapeake Bay, returned to Fort Meade with its oyster recovery exhibit.
The Fort Meade Energy Division from the Directorate of Public Works displayed several solar panels, a solar collector and LED lights.
For fun, American Water provided face painting, and artist Rick Wright drew cari-catures of children and adults, courtesy of Corvias Military Housing.
The Montgomery County Beekeepers Association displayed a hive of a queen bee and 2,000 worker bees.
“People are either fascinated or they back up real fast,” said Jim Frasier, vice president of the association, about the reaction of passersby. “Children love the display because they can see the bees up close.”
The Anne Arundel County Farm, Law and Garden Center, based in Glen Burnie, displayed several flowers that are native to the area including petunias, marigolds, snap-dragons and geraniums, along with bottles of deer repellent and bags of grass seed.
“We enjoy being here,” said Cory Ste-phens, manager of the garden center. “It’s a good time, and it’s great to see the kids.”
ABOVE: Nikaidian Gray, 9, uses a rake to pick up oyster shells at the Oyster Recovery Partnership exhibit. The organization is dedicated to planting disease-free oysters in the Chesapeake Bay.
LEFT: Students from Monarch Academy in Glen Burnie display Earth Day artwork at the Pavilion on April 23. The garrison’s annual celebration featured wildlife, face painting, a bee hive display, solar energy products and a display of plants native to Maryland.
http://www.ftmeade.army.mil12 SOUNDOFF! May 1, 2014
News
By Lisa R. RhodesStaff Writer
Prevention is the key when it comes to keeping children of all ages safe in their own home.
That’s the message Jennifer Crockett and Susan Perkins-Parks, both licensed psychologists in the Behavioral Psychol-ogy Department at the Kennedy Krieger Institute, shared during a seminar on home safety for a group of Fort Meade mothers on April 24.
The hourlong seminar at Potomac Place Neighborhood Center was held during Army Community Service’s week-ly Moms Support Group as part of the observance of the Month of the Mili-tary Child and Child Abuse Prevention Month.
The support group is facilitated by Colaina Townsend and Michelle Pineda, both parent support coordinators for ACS.
“During Child Abuse Prevention Month, our goal is to raise awareness by providing education and resources to our military families,” Townsend said. “We
are thankful for Kennedy Krieger, one of our many community partners, for providing this home safety training to our mom support group.”
The Kennedy Krieger Institute is an internationally recognized institution based in Baltimore that is dedicated to improving the lives of children and ado-lescents with disorders of the brain, spi-nal cord and musculoskeletal system. Clinical staffers are specifically trained to understand and serve the needs of mili-tary families and treat behavior problems that often accompany deployment and other military stressors, according to the institute’s promotional materials.
Crockett, director of Training in the Behavioral Psychology Department, and Perkins-Parks, director of the depart-ment’s Behavior Management Clinic, spoke about important safety measures that parents should take to ensure that children grow and thrive in a healthy home environment.
“We are going to go beyond what we typically think of as home safety,” Crock-ett said.
The safety measures discussed were targeted to children from infancy through age 7.
Crockett and Perkins-Parks reviewed a home accident-prevention inventory, which included specific hazard categories ranging from poison by solids and liquids to fire and electrical hazards, suffocation hazard, and falling and trip hazards.
Crockett said that the most common poison hazards are medicines and beauty products. But parents also should be aware that plants that grow in yards and in the home can be harmful to children.
For example, Crockett said that hya-cinths, hydrangeas, mistletoe and holly can cause an upset stomach or throat if they are ingested, and also can be an irri-tant to a child’s hands and mouth.
Although most parents are aware that plastic bags are dangerous, Crockett said even small plastic bags that don’t fit over a child’s head are cause for concern.
“If a bag can cover the top of a child’s nose to the top of the mouth, it is a suf-focation hazard,” she said.
Strings from blinds are also a danger
Psychologists give tips on home safetybecause they can form a noose around a child’s neck.
Crockett advised the mothers to cut the strings to blinds so they are out of the reach of children and leave them so they cannot be formed in a loop to make a noose.
“Anything that is a loop can become a noose and make a heartbreaking situa-tion,” Crockett said.
Perkins-Parker reminded the group that all firearms kept in a home must be secured. Parents must treat all firearms as if they are loaded.
“You must be very mindful,” Perkins-Parks said, noting that a son of a friend accidentally shot himself with a loaded firearm kept at home.
Perkins-Parker also said that standing water in bathtubs, sinks and pools are a danger to children.
“Children can have a drowning in an inch of water,” she said. “Their heads are heavier than their bottoms and they can fall into water and not be able to pick up their head.”
Perkins-Parker said parents must be vigilant because “water is such a draw to children.”
To ensure that a home is safe for chil-dren, Crockett said parents must deter-mine how accessible the home is to a child.
“The question is, ‘Can they reach it?’ and ‘Is it locked?’” Crockett said.
She advised parents to measure a child’s height up to the level of the eyes, and a child’s arm-reach above the head.
If an object is at a child’s eye level or below, the child can pull his body up onto the object. If an object is within the span of a child’s reach, the child can pull the object down off a counter or table.
“You must keep objects out of a child’s reach and locked,” Crockett said.
Perkins-Parks reminded the mothers that fire and carbon dioxide detectors should be working and installed in the home. Parents also should notify post housing to set their home water heaters at a temperature of 120 degrees to be safe.
Jocelyn Yenkosky, wife of Sgt. Joseph Yenkosky of the 741st Military Intel-ligence Battalion, said the seminar was a helpful resource.
The mother of five said she was already aware of many of the safety tips, but that it was good to know she is taking the proper steps to keep her family safe.
“To hear what I was doing is the correct thing is reassuring,” Yenkosky said.
RomP ‘N StomP
FuN FaiRDalton Lions, 3, gives
McGruff the Crime Dog a high five during
the Romp ‘n Stomp Fun Fair on Tuesday morning at the Youth
Center. Nearly 100 Fort Meade children attended the event, which was held in
honor of Child Abuse Awareness Month and the Month of the Mili-
tary Child.
photo by brandon bieltz
http://www.ftmeade.army.mil May 1, 2014 SOUNDOFF! 13
SportS
Story and photo by Brandon BieltzStaff Writer
For the past two years, Alex Bucholz has been setting the pace of the Fort Meade’s Run Series, racking up a hand-ful of first-place finishes.
On Saturday morning, the 16-year-old picked up where he left off in 2013 by outrunning the competition — with his season warm-up.
“It’s just dusting off the cobwebs,” he said.
Alex’s 17:44.8 was good enough to earn a first-place finish in the Earth Day Run 5K at Burba Lake. More than 350 runners participated in the event, the kick-off of the installation’s seven-race Run Series.
“I felt very good after that race,” Alex said. “It was a really good time, and I was really excited about that time.”
Saturday’s race was a welcomed event by the area’s runners eager to begin the 2014 season.
Luis Navarro, who has been racing in the series since 2008, said he was excited for the Fort Meade season to get under-way. The National Guardsman who runs in a 5K event every weekend said he looks forward to the installation’s races.
“The races are well organized,” Navarro said. “The courses are also well organized.”
Alex agreed.“It’s a very nice run series,” he said.
“They push me, and it’s good for the training value.”
Early on in Saturday’s race, Alex and Navarro separated themselves from the rest of the pack and battled neck-and-neck through a majority of the 3.1-mile course.
Near the 2-mile marker, Navarro passed Alex to move into first place.
“It was a monster kick,” Alex said of Navarro’s move.
Alex, however, had a kick of his own and regained his lead shortly after.
“He was really strong on the hills,” Navarro said. “On the hills is where he got faster. After that I just couldn’t catch up.”
The two runners crossed the finish line seconds apart with Alex grabbing another victory with a time of 17:44.8 and Navarro finishing at 17.51.4.
Brian Daugherty placed third in the men’s competition with an 18:18.2 time.
Only six-tenths of a second separated the first- and second-place runners in the women’s competition. Anna Biemann captured her first Run Series win with a time of 20:10.2, while Nandini Satsangi followed closely behind at 20:10.8.
More than a minute later, at 21:53.5, Alex Szkotnicki wrapped up the top-three finishers for the women.
Despite the win, Biemann said she wasn’t content with her time.
“I’m disappointed,” she said. “I really wanted to break 20 [minutes]. I’ve been in shape to break it since February and it hasn’t come together.”
With only 10 seconds to cut off her
Fort Meade kicks off 2014 Run Series
Public Affairs Officer Chad T. Jones, author of Jibber Jabber, is out of the office.
As always, if you have any comments about Jibber Jabber or anything to do with the world of sports, e-mail [email protected] or follow him on Twitter @CTJibber.
Jibber-Less
Runners speed off the starting line of Saturday’s Earth Day Run 5K at Burba Lake. More than 350 people participated in the event, which was the first race in the Fort Meade Run Series.
Earth Day 5K resultsTop men finishers:
• Alex Bucholz, 17:44.8
• Luis Navarro, 17:51.4
• Brian Daugherty, 18:18.2
Top women finishers:
• Anna Biemann, 20:10.2
• Nandini Satsangi, 20:10.8
• Alex Szkotnicki, 21:53.5
Sports ShortsArmy Ten-Miler qualifier
A qualifying run for active-duty service members interested in joining the Fort Meade Army Ten-Miler team will be held Friday at Murphy Field House.
Run will begin at 6:30 a.m.The top seven women and top seven men runners will be selected to represent
Fort Meade at the Army Ten-Miler in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 12.To register, call 301-677-3318, or email [email protected].
Patriot Pride 5KThe installation’s annual Run Series continues May 17 with the Patriot Pride
5K/10K Run at 8 a.m. at Murphy Field House.The pre-registration cost for individuals is $15. Cost on the day of the run is $25.The pre-registration cost for groups of seven to 10 is $75.The pre-registration cost is $45 for a family of three to six people. On the
day of the event, the cost is $60 per family.All pre-registered runners will receive a T-shirt.To register, go to www.allsportcentral.com/EventInfo.cfm?EventID=52366.For more information, call 301-677-7916.
For more Fort Meade sports, visit quickscores.com/ftmeadesports.
Meade Mustangs weekly roundup,
featuring baseball, softball and lacrosse, can be found online at ftmeadesoundoff.com/
sports.
time, Biemann was confident that she would reach her goal soon.
Alex, on the other hand, is also look-ing to take more time off his runs with a goal of a sub-17-minute 5K — 30 seconds faster than his best time.
“With lots of practice I’m going to get there,” he said.
Editor’s note: The Run Series will con-tinue May 17 with the Patriot Pride 5K and 10K at Murphy Field House.
http://www.ftmeade.army.mil14 SOUNDOFF! May 1, 2014
Community news & notes
The deadline for Soundoff! community “News and Notes” is Friday at noon. All submissions are posted at the editor’s discretion 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.
AER campaign updateFort Meade’s Army Emergency Relief
fund has collected $67,836 as of Friday — 75 percent of its $90,000 goal to help those in need.
The AER campaign runs through May 15.
The campaign raises money and awareness for the AER fund, which assists active-duty Soldiers, National Guardsmen, Army Reservists, retirees and their families in financial emergencies by proving interest-free loans or grants.
Funds provide financial assistance for a wide range of situations including emergency transportation, rent or car payments, and medical and funeral expenses.
For more information, call Sgt. 1st Class Nathan Kerr at 410-528-2769 or AER Officer Wallace Turner at 301-677-5768.
Col. Foley to speak at prayer breakfast
Garrison Commander Col. Brian P. Foley will be the guest speaker at the Garrison Chaplain’s Office’s monthly prayer breakfast today at 7 a.m. at Club Meade.
There is no cost for the buffet. Donations are optional. All Fort Meade employees, family members and civilian and military personnel are invited.
For more information, call Diana Durner, Religious Services Office, at 301-677-6703.
Military Spouse Job FairThe Fort Meade Military Spouse Job
Fair will be held Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at McGill Training Center, 8452 Zimborski Ave.
For more information, contact Julie Yates at [email protected] or call 301-677-9017; Pamela Stangee at pamela.
Control is sponsoring an Adopt-A-Thon on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the shelter at 411 Maxwell Frye Road, Millersville.
Adoption fees will be waived for senior pets ages 7 and older.
The event will feature exotic and rescue animals. live music, K-9 demonstrations, and spay and neuter information.
For more information, go to www.aacounty.org/animalcontrol.
Lunch and Learn seriesKimbrough Ambulatory Care Center
is hosting its next Lunch and Learn session on May 13 at noon in the Rascon Center (Building 2481).
The topic isproper posture. The session will include a posture assessment and guidance through exercises led by Kimbrough physical therapist Capt. Jon Umlauf.
For more information, call Capt. Alyson Rhodes at 301-677-8949.
CID recruitingMonthly recruiting briefings are
conducted by the Criminal Investigation Division on the first Tuesday of every month at 1 p.m. at the Fort Meade CID Office, 855 Chisholm Ave.
The next recruiting briefing is Tuesday.
For more information, call Sgt. 1st Class Matthew Allen at 301-677-1687 or go to cid.army.mil.
Dancing with the HeroesFree ballroom dance lessons for
the Warrior Transition Unit is offered Thursdays at 6 p.m. at Argonne Hills Chapel Center in the seminar room.
Participants should wear loose clothing, comfortable shoes with leather soles. No super high heels or flip flops.
Military officer career fairThe Military Officers Association of
America is hosting a military officer career fair on May 13 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Mount Vernon Place, NW Washington, D.C.
The event is geared toward highly ranked military officers seeking
employment.Pre-registration required.For pricing information, go to www.
moaa.org/hire or call Amanda Bainton at 703-838-8137.
Program for cancer patients
The Murtha Cancer Center at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center is sponsoring the program “Life with Cancer: Practical Tools for Living with Uncertainty” for all cancer patients and their families on May 29 from 7-8:30 p.m. in the America Building, Room 2525.
Speakers are Dr. Jim David, a board certified psychotherapist, and Dr. Peter Fagan, associate professor of medical psychology at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.
No registration required. Military ID is required for base access to Walter Reed. For those without a military ID, call the Prostate Center at 301-319-2900 at least two business days prior to event for base access.
For more information, contact retired Col. Jane Hudak at 301-319-2918/2900 or [email protected].
Education fairThe Fort Meade Army Education
Center is hosting the Armed Forces Week Education Fair on Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at McGill Training Center, 8452 Zimborski Ave.
Two dozen colleges will present their certificate and degree plans.
The event will feature a refreshment table.
For more information, call 301-677-6421.
Free classesThe Navy Fleet and Family Support
Center offers a variety of classes at its new facility at 2212 Chisholm Ave.
The free classes are open 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.• Sponsorship Training: Today and
May 22 from 2-3:30 p.m., Building 9804, Room 101A
• Common Sense Parenting: Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The topic is “Helping Emotionally
NEWS & EVENTS
file photo
MASSING OF THE COLORS MAY 18Fort Meade’s annual Memorial Day Remembrance and Massing of the Colors ceremony will be held May 18 at the Fort Meade Pavilion at 2:30 p.m. The free event is open to the public.
EDUCATION
http://www.ftmeade.army.mil May 1, 2014 SOUNDOFF! 15
moviesCommunity news & notes
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 Fridays and Saturdays at 6:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. (The Fort Meade Theater will no longer be open on Wednesdays and Thursdays.)
PRICES: Tickets are $5.50 for adults (12 and older) and $3 for children. 3D Movies: $7.50 adults, $5 children.
Today through May 17
May 2: “Muppets Most Wanted” (PG). While on a grand world tour, The Muppets find themselves wrapped into an European jewel-heist caper headed by a Kermit the Frog look-alike and his dastardly sidekick. With Ricky Gervais, Ty Burrell, Tina Fey.
May 3: “Divergent” (PG-13). In a world divided by factions based on virtues, Tris learns she’s Divergent and won’t fit in. When she discovers a plot to destroy Divergents, Tris and the mysteri-ous Four must find out what makes Divergents dangerous before it’s too late. With Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Kate Winslet.
May 4: “Tyler Perry’s Single Moms Club” (PG-13). When five struggling single moms put aside their differences to form a support group, they find inspiration and laughter in their new sis-terhood, and help each other overcome the obstacles that stand in their way. With Nia Long, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Amy Smart.
May 9 & 11: “Noah” (PG-13). A man is chosen by his world’s creator to undertake a momentous mission to rescue the innocent before an apoca-lyptic flood cleanses the wicked from the world. With Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connelly, Anthony Hopkins.
May 10: Studio Appreciation – Free Screening. Tickets available at the Exchange Food Court. Seating open to non-ticket holders 30 minutes prior to showtime.
May 16: “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” (PG-13). Steve Rogers struggles to embrace his role in the modern world and battles a new threat from old history: the Soviet agent known as the Winter Soldier. With Chris Evans, Samuel L. Jackson, Scarlett Johansson.
May 17: Studio Appreciation – Free Screening. Tickets available at the Exchange Food Court. Seating open to non-ticket holders 30 minutes prior to showtime.
Intense Situations.”• Money and the Move: May 12, 1-3
p.m.• 10 Steps to a Federal Job: May 13, 9
a.m. to noonLearn to understand job vacancy
announcements, how to write your federal and electronic resumes, and how to track your application.
• Anger Management: May 14, 9-11 a.m.
• Meet and Greet: May 15, 5-7 p.m.The event will feature food, prizes and
information about Maryland and Fort Meade.
To register or for more information, call 301-677-9017 or 301-677-9018.
Kids Craft ClubThe Kids Craft Club for toddlers and
preschoolers will meet Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. at the Arts and Crafts Center.
Fee is $5. Cost includes a craft, snack and juice.
Space is limited. Registration is required.
To register or for more information, call 301-677-7809.
Out & About• The U.S. Army Field Band’s Concert
Band and Soldiers Chorus will perform May 9 at 8 p.m. at the Lisner Auditorium, George Washington University, 730 21st St. NW. Washington, D.C.
For tickets or more information, call 202-994-6800.
Other free performances include:• Mixed Performers Concert: Sunday at
7 p.m. at the Church of the Resurrection, 3315 Greencastle Road. Burtonsville.
Members of the Army Field Band join the Living Arts Concert Series to showcase a variety of music, including an emphasis on Hispanic music in honor of Cinco de Mayo.
No tickets required. For more information, call 301-677-6586.
• Cole Bros. Circus will be in Crownsville on Wednesday and May 8 at Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds, 1450 Generals Highway. Performances are at 4:30 and 7:30 p.m.
Advance tickets cost $16 for adult general admission. Reserved seats are
available for $20. VIP seats cost $23.Advance tickets are on sale through
Tuesday at Tara’s Gifts & Parties, 10 Annapolis St. and online at GoToTheCircus.com. Free tickets are available for children ages 12 and younger at GoToTheCircus.com.
For more information, go to GoToTheCircus.com or call 800-796-5672.
• The Chesapeake Chorale will perform May 17 at 8 p.m. at Cresthill Baptist Church, 6510 Laurel-Bowie Road, Bowie.
The concert features Mozart’s “Vesperae solennes de Confessore, (K. 339),” a setting of five vesper Psalms and the “Magnificat,” written when Mozart was assistant concertmaster at the Salzburg Cathedral.
Coffee and a concert preview with the artistic director, Dr. Jesse Parker, will be at 7:30 p.m. Refreshments and a raffle will be held during intermission.
Bring canned goods for the Bowie Food Pantry.
General admission is $15. Tickets for seniors and service members cost $12, and are free for children and students. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online at chesapeakechorale.org.
For more information, call 410-721-5422.
• Meade Rod and Gun Club meets the first Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. at Perry’s Restaurant and Odie’s Pub at 1210 Annapolis Road, Odenton, in the banquet hall in back of the building. The next meet-ing is tonight. Dinner is served at 6 p.m. For more information, call 410-674-4000.
• National Alliance on Mental Illness of Anne Arundel County offers a free support group for families with a loved one suffering from mental illness on the first Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. at the Odenton (West County) Library, 1325 Annapolis Road. The next meeting is tonight. For more infor-mation, visit namiaac.org.
• Retired Officers’ Wives’ Club will hold its May luncheon on Tuesday at 11 a.m. at Club Meade. Reservations are required by today.
Cost of luncheon is $18.This is its final regular meeting of the
year, with the year-end program for the installations of officers for the 2014-2015 season.
The ROWC will celebrate members’ “Everybody’s Birthday Party.”
For reservations, call your area represen-tative or Betty Wade at 410-551-7082. For more information, call Genny Bellinger, ROWC president, at 410-674-2550.
• Fort Meade Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America will meet May 8 at 11:30 a.m. at Club Meade.
Garrison Commander Col. Brian P. Foley is the guest speaker. He will talk about his experience as garrison commander and where he sees the post going from here.
Reservations are required by Sunday. Lunch will be served at noon. Cost is $15. All are welcome.
For reservations, call retired Lt. Col. Wayne Hobbs at 410-799-8331 or email [email protected] by Sunday.
• Families Dealing with Deployment meets the first and third Monday of every month from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Meuse Forest Neighborhood Center. Children welcome. The next meeting is Monday. For more information, call 301-677-5590 or email [email protected].
• Fort Meade E9 Association meets the second Friday of every month at 7 a.m. in the Pin Deck Cafe at the Lanes. The next meeting is May 9. The association is open to active, retired, Reserve and National Guard E9s of any uniformed service. All E9s in this area are invited to attend a breakfast and meet the membership. For more informa-tion, go to e9association.org.
• Meade Branch 212 of the Fleet Reserve Association meets the second Saturday of each month at 10 a.m. at VFW Post 160, 2597 Dorsey Road, Glen Burnie. The next meeting is May 10. Active-duty, Reserve and retired members of the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard are invited.
For more information, call 443-604-2474 or 410-768-6288.
• New Spouse Connection meets the sec-ond Monday of every month from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Community Readiness Center, 830 Chisholm Ave. The next meeting is May 12. The program provides an opportunity for all spouses new to the military or to Fort Meade to meet and get connected. For more information, contact Pia Morales at [email protected] or 301-677-4110.
• Calling All Dads meets the second and fourth Monday of every month from 4 to 5 p.m. at Potomac Place Neighborhood Center, 4998 2nd Corps Blvd. The next meeting is May 12.
The group is for expecting fathers, and fathers with children of all ages. Children welcome. For more information, call 301-677-5590 or email [email protected].
• Single Parent Support Group meets the second and fourth Monday of the month from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at School Age Services, 1900 Reece Road. The next meeting is May 12. Free child care is provided onsite.
