Published for Joint Base Myer-Henderson HallVol. 61, no. 12 March 28, 2014

PentagramBy Jim Dresbach

Pentagram Staff Writer

Heroes honored heroesMarch 25 at ArlingtonNational Cemetery and theWomen in Military Servicefor America Memorialauditorium.March 25 is annually

remembered as Medal ofHonor Day, and 30 MoHrecipients gathered to rec-ognize three U.S. citizenswho made life-changing,courageous decisions overthe past year. The threewere recognizedas the2014recipients of the CitizensService Before Self award,which is designed to recog-nize “everyday citizens.”Honored posthumously

was Sparks, Nev., middleschool teacher MichaelLandsberry, who confront-ed a gunman and allowedhis students to escape tosafety. Landsberry, a former Marine andmember of the Nevada Air National Guard,was fatally shot Oct. 21, 2013. Accepting theCitizen Honors medal and commendation wasLandsberry’s widow, Sharon.California Eagle Scout Connor Stotts was

lauded for rescuing three friends from oceanriptide currents, and former Soldier TroyYocum was honored for his endeavors inassisting military families and veterans strug-

gling with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder anddepression.“These awards serve a critical purpose in our

society to honor the selfless service of everydaycitizens,” said keynote speaker Roger Krone,Boeing Defense, Space and Security president.“Often in today’s world, the word ‘hero’ is usedtoo easily, and its meaning frays in time andbecomes lost. Gathering here at ArlingtonNational Cemetery, the final resting place

for so many who faithful-ly served our nation, werenew its meaning by cel-ebrating the actions of theheroes who are all aroundus.”Before the ceremony,

MoH servicemembersjoined 3d U.S. InfantryRegiment (The Old Guard)and The U.S. ArmyBand at the Tomb of theUnknowns for a wreath-laying ceremony in alate March snow storm.Escorted by Joint ForceHeadquarters-NationalCapital Region/MilitaryDistrict of WashingtonCommander Maj. Gen.Jeffrey S. Buchanan, MoHrecipients Gary Beikirch,Hershel Williams, JamesTaylor and ClintonRomesha placed a wreathof remembrance at thetomb.Yocum, a native of

Louisville, Ky., walked across America tohelp raise $1.3 million to support militaryfamilies and currently is heading a communityprogram to build a retreat in Shepherdsville,Ky., for military families scarred by veteransuicides. He is inspired by all who have wornan American military uniform; and specifical-ly, his grandfather, who suffered from PTSD.“My grandfather was a World War II

•Facebook: www.facebook.com/jbmhh•Twitter: https://twitter.com/JBMHH

•Information hotline: 703-696-6906•JBM-HH webpage: www.army.mil/jbmhh

Community Spotlight p.2Community p.3News Notes p.4

Around DoD p.5Commentary p.6Classifieds p.9

Index When the weather strikes, stay informed!

see MOH, page 7

Heroism defined on MoH Day

By Jim DresbachPentagram Staff

Writer

As of April 1,Andrew Rader HealthClinic’s walk-inTricare Service Centerwill be replacedwith online and tele-phone communicationoptions, and the JointBase Myer-HendersonHall health care staffis ready to help directthose beneficiaries tothe options that willbest meet health careneeds.The assistance is

a part of an on-going

campaign to ensuresuperior customerservice at the clinic.Tricare Service

Center functionsinclude health careenrollment andmedical plan purchas-ing, filing or checkinga claim, viewing refer-rals and prior autho-rizations, finding adoctor or specialist,changing a primarycare manager, cover-age guidelines, plancomparisons and pre-scription manage-ment. After March 31,all of these inquiries

can be done directlyby the beneficiary bylogging on to www.tricare.mil or withthe help of a Tricareagent by calling 1-877-TRICARE (874-2273).“This is an improve-

ment in accessibil-ity,” Rader ClinicCommander Lt. Col.Soo Lee Davis said ofthe revised Tricareoptions. “You can dothis from anywhere atany time. We under-stand that there maybe a small group of

Rader Clinic prepares forself-service Tricare

By Jim GoodwinPentagram Editor

Marine commanders have a newtool to help ensure servicememberswho struggle with suicide receiveneeded follow-on treatment andaccess to resources.The Marine Intercept Program

is intended to complement exist-ing Marine Corps prevention andtreatment programs by provid-ing an added layer of counselingand coordination for those identi-fied with suicide ideations or whohave attempted suicide, accordingto Marine and Family ProgramsDivision officials.

Announced inFebruaryviaMarineAdministrative message 073-14, theprogram is meant to help “close anypotential gaps” in care for thoseidentified via a serious incident orpersonnel casualty report as havingattempted suicide or having suicideideation. Once a Sailor or Marineis identified by a formal commandreport as having a suicidal ide-ation or following an actual suicideattempt, aMarineCorpsCommunityCounseling and Prevention Program(CCP) counselor makes contact withthe identified person. That beginsan “evidence-based safety plan and

New program aids suicideprevention, intervention

see SUICIDE, page 4

News NotesNominations sought for Children’s

HeroesDo you know someone who serves as a volunteer coach, reads books at the

local child care center, organizes the car pool or wakes up extra early or stayssuper late to make sure your child is safe?Joint Base Myer Henderson Hall’s Family Advocacy Program wants to

recognize individuals who have gone above and beyond the call of duty forchildren and to make communities safe for children. Nominations are beingsought for the Children’s Heroes award, which will be presented at this year’sblue-tie affair April 30. Nominations must be submitted no later than April 1to the FAP. For more information or to nominate someone, call 703-696-3512or email karen.a.stpierre.ctr@mail.mil.

Pinwheel paradeThe 3rd Annual Pinwheel Parade will be held at Cody Child Development

Center, Bldg. 243 on the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-HendersonHall, April 1 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Join the Family Advocacy Programas it kicks off Child Abuse Prevention Month and the month of the militarychild. Parents and children are invited. Children not already registered inthe Cody CYS program must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. For moreinformation, call 703-696-3512.

Temporary traffic pattern changes onFort McNair April 5

DominionVirginia Power is scheduled to convert street lights along the2nd Street entry lanes on the Fort McNair portion of the joint baseApril 5.Guests and residents can expect temporary traffic pattern changes at the2nd Street gate between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

MCCS offers new community counselingprogram

The new community counseling program is designed to provide increasedaccess to counseling for Marines, Sailors and their families, and to focuson screening, prevention and intervention of stressors and problems toimprove readiness and quality of life. Individual, couple, family, child andgroup counseling is available. All counselors are independently licensed andcredentialed professionals. Call 703-614-7204 for an initial screening and tomake an appointment.

see RADER, page 4see NEWS NOTES, page 4

PHOTO BY RACHEL LARUE

Troy Yocum, Sharon Landsberry and Connor Stotts pose for photographs during the Citizen HonorsCeremony at the Women in Military Service for America Memorial March 25 in Arlington, Va.Yocum and Stotts received Citizen Service Before Self medals. Landsberry received the medal onbehalf of her late husband Michael.

2 Friday, March 28, 2014 PENTAGRAM

The Pentagram is an authorized publication for members of the Department of Defense. Contents ofthe Pentagram are not necessarily the official views of the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense,the Department of the Army, Department of the Navy, or Joint BaseMyer-Henderson Hall.

The content of this publication is the responsibility of the Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall PublicAffairs Office. Pictures not otherwise credited are U.S. Army photographs. News items should besubmitted to the Pentagram, 204 Lee Ave., Bldg. 59, Fort Myer, VA 22211-1199. They may also bee-mailed to james.m.goodwin3.civ@mail.mil.

Circulation of 24,000 is printed by offset every Friday as a civilian enterprise newspaper by ComprintMilitary Publications. ComprintMilitary Publications is located at 9030 Comprint Court, Gaithersburg,MD20877. Telephone (301) 921-2800. Commercial advertising should be placedwith the printer.

Comprint Military Publications is a private firm in no way connected with the Department of theArmy or Department of the Navy.

The appearance of advertisements in this publication, to include all inserts and supplements,does not constitute an endorsement by the Department of the Army or Department of the Navy ofthe products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made avail-able for purchase, use, or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age,marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser,user or patron. A confirmed violation of this policy of equal opportunity by an advertiser shall resultin the refusal to print advertising from that source.

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http://www.army.mil/jbmhh

Editorial staff

Commander Col. Fern O. Sumpter

Command Sergeant Major Earlene Y. Lavender

Director of Public Affairs Mary Ann Hodges

Command Information Officer Sharon Walker

Pentagram staff

Editor Jim Goodwin (703) 696-5401

Staff Writer Rhonda Apple (703) 696-1363

Staff Writer Julia LeDoux (703) 696-7605

Staff Writer Jim Dresbach (703) 696-5488

Staff Writer Guv Callahan (703) 696-7607

Staff Photographer Rachel Larue (703) 696-7606

Pentagram

Caption This #10If you’ve ever looked at a photo, read the caption underneath and thoughtyou could do better, now is your chance. Each week, “Caption This” willhave a photo taken from around the base. It’s up to you to figure out thebest, funniest or craziest caption that describes what’s going on in the pic-ture. The only rule is you have to KEEP IT CLEAN!“Caption This” submissions can be sent either by emailing them to penta-gramjbmhh@yahoo.com, commenting on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/jbmhh or just stopping by Headquarters Bldg. 59, suite 116 and drop-ping it off. Don’t forget to add the “Caption This” number, your name, rankor position and where you work.Every week the Pentagram staff will pick their favorite. The winner’sname, caption along with the photo, will be printed in the newspaper. Com-pete with your friends and coworkers and see who can come up with thebest one. And if you have a photo you think would make a great “CaptionThis,” send it in.

Caption This

Caption This #9

They only have to be black if they show,right?

Polly Orcutt

PHOTO BY RACHEL LARUE

Commander, Joint Base Myer-Henderson HallCol. Fern O. Sumpter’s vision and philosophy:

With a team of resource management savvy and technically competentDoD professionals, establish JBM–HH as DoD’s premier provider of consis-tent, quality services that enhance readiness and the overall well-being ofour customers.We must be ...- Experts at what we do … constantly improving our skills and knowledge.- Focused … set priorities and complete the mission.- Committed … to the mission and each other, fostering a community of

excellence.- Professional/respectful … remain calm, even when others are not…

count on each other at all times, treating everyone with dignityand respect.

Name? Staff Sgt. Denises VeitiaJob title/where do you work? NCOIC,

Joint Base Myer- Henderson Hall MemorialChapel.Military service? My first duty station

was Korea. Then I was moved to FortLeonard Wood and Germany. I deployed toRomania, Bulgaria and Afghanistan whilein Germany. Then I was selected to workat the Pentagon, and now I’m currentlyassigned to United States Army Garrisonon JBM-HH.What do you like most about working

on/visiting JBM-HH?Having the opportu-nity to work with Soldiers again and contin-ue to provide religious support throughoutthe base.What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? “The only thing

standing between you and what you want out of life is the will to tryand faith to believe it’s possible.”If you won the lottery, what would you do? I would ensure

my parents never pay another bill in their lives, take vacations allover the world making sure they have everything they need.What advice do you have for someone getting stationed at

JBM-HH? Enjoy your time here, sometimes it can be overwhelm-ing like any other assignment, but take advantage of all the thingsJBM-HH and NCR can offer.

Community Spotlight

PHOTO BY RACHEL LARUE

BlackhawkA UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter lands on the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall across from Memorial Chapel March 21. The landing was part of atraining event that took place on the joint base.

By Julia LeDouxPentagram Staff Writer

If you’re heading to see the George WashingtonUniversity Colonials play a home baseball gameat Barcroft Field, you might hear a familiar voiceechoing through the Arlington, Va., park.Capt. Chris Miller, supervisory criminal inves-

tigator and assistant chief of police for the JointBase Myer Henderson Hall police department, ismarking his first year as stadium announcer forthe team.“It is neat, I enjoy it,” he said of the volunteer

position. “I announce the line-ups, who’s comingup to bat next and any changes into the game,” hesaid. Miller also makes service announcementsand announces promotions during the game.Miller said he is keeping every scrap of paper

that he collects in his role as stadium announcerand is sure that he is going to see some of the

Colonial ballplayers make their way to the majorleagues.“What is fascinating to watch is the student

athletes and the five or six guys you see here doeverything for this team,” he said as he lookedaround the press box March 15.The players set up the field themselves, roll the

batting cage and nets on and off and pick up theballs, explained Miller.It’s amazing to me to see what the kids actually

do out here, doing all the prep work, making suretheir classes are taken care of,” he said. “Theyhave to maintain a certain GPA [grade pointaverage] to do this. There is a certain profession-alism to this.”

Miller, who recently celebrated the 30th anni-versary of his high school graduation, is also astudent at GW.“I started taking classes at GW almost three

years ago in the police science program,” he said.He’ll graduate in May with a bachelor’s degree,but how did Miller become the stadium voice ofthe Colonials?A couple of years ago, he saw an announcement

that the Baltimore Orioles were looking for apublic service announcer.“I’ve been told I have a deeper voice,” he said

with a laugh. “I don’t really listen to myself talk,I tried out for the Orioles.”Though he says he did hear from the Major

League Baseball organization and believes hemade the top 10 or 20 candidates for the position,ultimately he did not land the job.Fast forward to earlier this year. Miller was

looking for a class grade of his on the GWwebsite when a window popped up on his com-puter screen, announcing the university waslooking for stadium announcers to cover baseball,lacrosse, and volleyball games.“Next thing I know, I’m watching baseball

games from the best seat in the house,” he said.The Colonials play Division 1 baseball, the

highest level of college baseball.“I get to see very competitive baseball from a

great seat,” said Miller, who is a lifelong fan ofthe game.”Miller lauded the support he receives from the

joint base’s Directorate of Emergency Services.“I’m very proud of the DES for letting me par-

ticipate in this,” he said. “I have had to take alittle bit of time off and come in a little bit earlyto make up for some of the time, but I’ve beencompletely supported by the DES staff.”

PENTAGRAM Friday, March 28, 2014 3Community

Job vacancy announcements

Cashier, Army Installation ManagementAgency

This is an intermittent position with severalvacancies at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall.The position is a nonappropriate fund flexiblevacancy that operates cash registers, acceptscash, personal checks and credit cards to payfor pool entrance, swimming lessons and poolpasses. The incumbent may be requried towork during inclement weather and before orafter scheduled work hours, holidays, specialevents and weekends. Salary range is $8 to $10per hour. The position closes April 30. For fulldetails, or to apply, visit USAJobs.gov.

Play ball! JBM-HH assistant police chiefis stadium announcer for the Colonials

PHOTO BY JULIA LEDOUX

Capt. Chris Miller, supervisory criminal investigatorand assistant chief of police for the Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Police Department, makes stadiumannouncements during the George WashingtonColonials’ March 15 home game at Barcroft Park inArlington, Va., against Monmouth.

• Headlined by BaconBrothers,JimBreuer,other musicians

By Rhonda ApplePentagon Staff Writer

Retired Army Maj. Ben Richardsstood before thousands March 22at George Washington University’sLisner Auditorium, appearingto be momentarily awe-struck bythe standing ovation and roaringapplause as he took in the long-awaited moment. His moment —being recognized for what he saidmost in the military deem a “thank-less job” — had finally come.Surrounded by his family, friends

and thousands of supporters, theWounded Warrior was awarded thenation’s oldest military award, thePurple Heart, by retired Army ViceChief of Staff Gen. Peter Chiarelli.“Receiving this award and vali-

dating the fact that I am a WoundedWarrior and not just a combat-injured Soldier is an enormous,

substantial difference to me,” saidRichards.After serving 16 years fol-

lowed by a medical discharge forPost Traumatic Stress Disorder,Richards was also diagnosed withTraumatic Brain Injury, resultingfrom a suicide car bomb impactinghis armored vehicle in Iraq. Leavingthe Army was difficult for Richards,who grew up dreaming of attendingWest Point and serving as an officer.“Taking off my uniform for the

last time was one of the hardestthings I ever did,” Richards said.The award ceremony was the

perfect opening for the first-everStand For The Troops benefitconcert, headlined by actor KevinBacon and brother Michael’s band,The Bacon Brothers, along with“Saturday Night Live” comedian JimBreuer. They were joined by musi-cians Tom Prasada-Rao; Buskin andBatteau; and the Bucky Pizzarelliand Ed Laub Duo.The event was founded by Eilhys

England Hackworth and her latehusband, Army Col. David H.

Hackworth. The organization raisesawareness for servicemembers withTBI and Post Traumatic StressDisorder.“Commanders are responsible

for setting the kind of environmentwhere people are going to get thehelp they need. No one wants to be22 and diagnosed with a disorder,

Former Soldier awarded Purple Heart at benefit concert

see MEDAL, page 8

By Jim DresbachPentagram Staff Writer

A total of 12 multi-kilometer road races plusthree Army 10-Miler qualifying races are sched-uled for the streets, roads and avenues of FortMyer, Henderson Hall and Fort McNair this Aprilthrough December.Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall’s Directorate

of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreationand Marine Corps Community Services SemperFit – Henderson Hall are offering monthly runsand walks. A pair of fitness tests will take place theweek of March 31 – the rescheduled Spring Salute5k on the Henderson Hall portion of JBM-HH andthe first-ever Cherry Blossom Race Along the River3.5k run and 1.5k walk at Fort McNair.April 4 is the date for The Race Along the River

and Henderson Hall’s Spring Salute has beenmoved to April 2. Due to the postponement, SemperFit staff have extended registration until March30. The starting gun for both races will fire around6:30 a.m.According to JBM-HH Fitness and Sports

Specialist Todd Hopkins, the Fort McNair raceis the first time FMWR will conduct a road raceat the 28-acre, 223-year-old post in southwestWashington D.C.“This race comprises a run and walk going along

the river and past the cherry trees on the installa-

tion,” Hopkins said.On-site registration will take place for the river

run from 5:30 to 6:15 a.m. at the Fort McNairOfficers Club, or runners and walkers may elec-tronically be linked to register at www.jbmhhM-WR.com. Awards will be presented to the largestparticipating military unit and the overall maleand female winners.The Marine Oorah Series also includes the

popular Iwo Jima 7k Race (May 21), which takes

participants past theMarine CorpsMemorial, June25’s Chesty’s 5k, the Devil Dog 7k (Sept. 24) andthe Remembrance 5k race slated for Oct. 22.The dates for Army 10-Miler qualifications have

also been announced by FMWR. Three 10k quali-fiers will be conducted June 6, July 18 and Aug. 1to fill teams for the 30th annual race which is beingrun on Oct. 12.“We will hold three JBM-HH Army 10-Miler

qualifiers for active-duty military [servicemembers]to fill our 40 slots for this year’s Army 10-Miler,”Hopkins said.Hopkins mentioned that general performance

standards to qualify for the October run are asfollows: men who run a 10-mile course in a 60 to 70minute range and women can meet qualification byfinishing in a range from 65 to 85 minutes.Other MWR race dates include May 2’s Cinco de

Mayo/Military Spouse Appreciation 5k Run and 1Mile Walk, the Firecracker/Sponge Cake Challengeon July 3, Halloween’s Demon Dash, the JBM-HH5k Turkey Trot scheduled for Nov. 14 and theOperation Santa-Ugly Sweater 5k to be run Dec. 5.The Navy Mutual Aid Association 3k fun run kicksoff Oct. 8.To register for Oohrah Run Series races, go

to www.mccsHH.com/OohRahRunSeries.html. Tosecure a spot in the Race Along the River run, go tohttp://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=edtoyteab&oeidk=a07e8txi51q370993d9.

Joint Base road race season to come to life

PHOTO BY RACHEL LARUE

Participants in Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall’sShamrock Shuffle 5k run and 1 mile walk pass theFort Myer Fitness Center March 14. Approximately 40people attended the first race of the season.

PHOTO BY RHONDA APPLE

The Bacon Brothers, Michael (left) and Kevin, (right) headline the first Stand ForThe Troops benefit concert March 22 at George Washington University’s LisnerAuditorium. The band performed along with Saturday Night Live comedian Jim Breuer,Buskin and Batteau and other artists, to raise awareness for Post Traumatic Stressand Traumatic Brain Injury.

4 Friday, March 28, 2014 PENTAGRAM

Roman Catholic Lent/Easter schedule 2014All Roman Catholic Lent/Easter services for the

Fort Myer and Fort McNair portions of the jointbase are at Memorial Chapel unless otherwiseindicated. Additional services will be published inupcoming editions of the Pentagram.March 28 and April 4 and 11: Stations of the

Cross at 6 p.m., followed by a penitential supper(meatless soup and bread) in the fellowship hall at6:30 p.m.March 30 – April 2: Lenten retreat at Memorial

Chapel. March 30, first session at 6 p.m. (no meal).March 31, meal at 6 p.m. and second session at 6:45p.m. April 1, meal at 6 p.m. and penance service at6:45 p.m. April 2, meal at 6 p.m. and final session at6:45 p.m.

IMCOM change of commandLt. Gen. David Halverson assumes command of

the U.S. Army Installation Management CommandApril 8 during a 10 a.m. ceremony on MacArthurField, Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston.Halverson takes over for Lt. Gen. Michael

Ferriter, who has served in the position sinceNovember 2011. Halverson comes to IMCOM fromthe U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command atJoint Base Langley-Eustis, Va., where he served asdeputy commanding general. Halverson will alsotake over the role of the Army’s assistant chief ofstaff for installation management.

TRICARE self service closing at RaderOn April 1, the TRICARE Service Center at

Andrew Rader Army Health Clinic will no longerbe providing walk-in service. TRICARE servicesthat were previously offered by the TSC will nowbe accessed through TRICARE’s web site at www.tricare.mil. At www.tricare.mil, beneficiaries will beable to access all services previously provided by thelocal TSC.Those beneficiaries who wish to receive

enrollment assistance by phone can call 1-877-874-TRICARE (1-877-874-2273). Also, if you are inneed of updating your email or mailing addressesin DEERS and/or need to view your eligibility orenrollment information, visit http://milconnect.dmdc.mil. ***See associated story on page 1.

Music for LentMemorial Chapel on the Fort Myer portion of the

joint base will host a concert series on Thursdays at11:30 a.m. during Lent. The concerts run throughApril 1 and each last approximately 25 to 30minutes.

Commander’s race seriesThe second race of the 2014 JBM-HH

Commander’s race series moves across the PotomacRiver to Fort McNair for the inaugural CherryBlossom Race Along the River 3.5k run and 1.5kwalk April 4. Race begins at 6:30 a.m. at the FortMcNair Officers Club, Bldg. 60. Registration isfree and the first 90 to register will receive a racet-shirt. You will be able to register online at www.jbmhhmwr.com until midnight March 30. Race dayregistration will be accepted at the Fort McNairOfficers Club from 5:30 to 6:15 a.m. For furtherinformation or questions, contact Todd Hopkins at703-696-0594 or todd.a.hopkins.civ@mail.mil.Be on the lookout for registration for the Cinco de

Mayo 5k run and 1 mile walk on May 2 and PatriotTwinkie challenge 5k run on July 3.

Spring Salute 5k rescheduledDue to inclement weather, this event has been

rescheduled for April 2 at the same start time. If youhave already registered for the race, you don’t haveto do anything. Your registration will be kept on file.If you are unable to attend, please call 703-614-5959or email Akida.jordan@usmc.mil and we will cancelyour registration.Due to the postponement, MCCS will accept

additional registrations until March 30.

Pre-retirement seminarThe next pre-retirement seminar will be April 1

in Bldg. 243 (Town Hall) on the Fort Myer portionof the joint base from 8 a.m. to noon. For moreinformation, call 703-696-3520.

Spring education and career fair scheduledMark your calendar for the MCCS spring

education and career fair April 3, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.at the Cpl. Terry L. Smith Gymnasium on theHenderson Hall portion of the joint base. Local,national and international educators and employerswill be present to meet with prospective studentsand employees and career experts will be on siteproviding free resume reviews. Breakfast and lunchrefreshments will be provided courtesy of eventsponsors. For more information, visit www.mccsHH.com/EducationCareerFairSpring2014.html or call703-614-6828.

Spring cleanup: shred eventThe Directorate of Environmental Management

will host a spring cleanup shredding event.Personnel are encouraged to bring materials forshredding during this event, but are limited to fiveboxes worth of material for shredding. The eventwill take place at Bldg. 29, 9 – 10 a.m., and Bldg.62, 10 – 11 a.m., April 2, on the Fort McNair portion

News Notes

the population that we servethat wouldn’t have gotten theinformation, especially here atRader, where we serve a largenumber of retirees, who mayalso be uncomfortable seekinghelp on the phone or online.”In those cases, where bene-

ficiaries arrive in person, thereis a plan to redirect them orhelp them as much as possible,said Davis.“Say somebody walks in, and

they haven’t been informed,or they weren’t sure what thewalk-in Tricare Service Centerclosing was all about. Our ben-efits advisor and patient advo-cate will work with the benefi-ciary to show them where theycan go online or what telephonenumber they can call,” addedRader Deputy Commander ofAdministration Maj. MichaelRonn. “If they have a ques-tion or two, our folks will beable to help them, whether it’swith online navigation or whatquestions to ask the Tricareservice agent on the phone.”Improvements, upgrades

continue at RaderIn order to provide “legend-

ary customer service,” Davismentioned that clinic enhance-ments have been implement-ed to improve the patient’soverall experience. Theseimprovements include promot-ing a secure medical messag-ing system called RelayHealthand an improved pharmacyqueuing system.“We want to improve the

patient experience from themoment they make an appoint-ment to the moment theyleave the clinic,” said Davis.“There are a couple of areasthat we noticed where there’sroom for improvement. Firstis how patients communicatewith their healthcare team. Asecure messaging system is awonderful tool to improve theconvenience and accessibil-ity from a beneficiary to theirhealthcare team.”

With the secure messagingsystem, Rader patients canregister for access and beginusing the online tool to requestappointments, get lab resultsand renew prescriptions thatare out of refills, among otherservices.“The messaging system

really helps to empower thepatient and is a wonderfulalternative to calling on thephone,” Davis said.Already boasting quick pre-

scription filling and refill-ing, Davis wants to improvethe experience for prescrip-tion seekers even more.Rader implemented a doublequeuing system to reduce theamount of time standing andwaiting in a line. With themulti-step program, a patienttakes a numbered ticket andthen takes a seat. When theirnumber is called, prescriptioninformation is shared betweenthe Rader pharmacy staff andthe patient. The patient againtakes a seat and waits for theprescription to be filled. Once

the prescription is filled, thepatient is called to the windowto get the prescription.The previous service process

required customers to standto place prescription orders,which during peak periodscreated long lines, long periodsof standing and a large numberof complaints, according toDavis.“We have a lot of retirement

age beneficiaries here andsome are uncomfortable stand-ing for long periods of time,”Davis said. “Our wait timesare about the same, but com-plaints about the pharmacyexperience have reduced sig-nificantly since the change wasimplemented.”Davis said the clinic is also

currently conducting a cam-paign to boost enrollment sinceadding two primary care man-agers, Drs. Savithri-ChandanaVeluri and Lucy Hsieh.Davis said the addition of

these two physicians equatesto “lots of room” for new pedi-atric family members, as well.

PHOTO BY RACHEL LARUE

The Tricare Service Center in Andrew Rader U.S. Army Health Clinic onJoint Base Myer-Henderson Hall will be replaced with online and telephonecommunications options April 1. Tricare services will still be accessibleonline at www.tricareonline.com or by phone at 1-877-TRICARE (874-2273).

Rader, from page 1

assessment of suicide risk,” accordingto Lt. Cm dr. Sam J. Stephens of theCommunity Counseling and PreventionProgram.From there, those identified by a

command generated report are connectedwith professional counselors – graduate-level educated, state-licensed providers –who provide continuous “caring contacts”and coordination of care services, accord-ing to Stephens.“The CCP counselor does not duplicate

or replace – but rather augments – otherbehavioral health services by providingcare coordination whenever needed,” saidStephens, who is also a U.S. Navy psy-chologist, via email. “They are equallycapable and skilled in counseling as anybehavioral health provider you would find outsideof the installation gates world-wide.”Local-level careAlthough new, the program’s principle of

urgent, continuous communication to foster long-term care stems from a similar approach takenby the Corps’ Wounded Warrior Regiment, whichbegan the practice of offering regular contactto Marines who experienced suicide ideation orprevious suicide attempts. Marine and FamilyPrograms Division at Headquarters U.S. MarineCorps transferred that continual contact and careconcept to the local level, implementing the CCPat major Marine Corps installations.In other words, the counselor working with an

individual Marine or Sailor is more than just afriendly voice at the other end of a 1-800 hotline.“The individual accepting services receives

regularcontact fromacaringvoice,” saidStephens.“They are reminded that they are important, theyare reminded that there is hope, and they have apartner in developing a strategy to stay safe.”Locally, the program is managed by the Marine

and Family Services Program office on theHendersonHall portion of the joint base. The localprogram has two CCP counselors to support thoseassigned to Henderson Hall and Headquartersand Service Battalion, Headquarters U.S. MarineCorps. The Marine and Family Programs officehere can be reached at 703-614-7204.While the program is not intended to replace

the Corps’ current suicide prevention programs,it is meant to compliment the guidance and direc-tion provided in Marine Corps Order 1720.2, theMarine Corps Suicide Prevention Program.“We would like those with suicidal thoughts

to know: there is hope, getting help works, lifechanges, do not give up,” he said.

Communication, collaboration keys tosuccessThe program provides a systematic, collabora-

tive approach to intervention and prevention, asdetailed in the Marine administrative message.Specific roles and responsibilities are listed inthe message, which charges Headquarters U.S.Marine Corps for contacting the appropriatelocal-level CCP and unit commander within 24hours following receipt of a serious incident orpersonnel casualty report. Battalion and squad-ron commanders are directed to provide assis-tance in ensuring the assigned CCP counselormakes contact with the identified servicemember.Moreover, CCP counselors recommend

courses of action to support at-risk Marinesand Sailors, including collaboration withoutside agencies, such as military units andbehavioral health service providers.In fact, communication is the key ingredient

to ensuring success of the program, accordingto Stephens. Counselors are in contact withthe identified servicemember a minimum ofsix times, according to the Marine adminis-trative message.“Communication…has been purpose-

fully built in to all aspects of MIP,” saidStephens. “Maintaining communication withthe command is necessary to keep Marineswhere they are valued.”To that end, Stephens encourages com-

manders and other unit leaders to improvethe chances of successful intervention by com-pleting serious incident and personnel casu-alty reports in a timely manner. In turn, suchtimely reporting can help decrease stigmasabout suicide, encourage help-seeking andfoster a “highly collaborative approach” to theprogram, he said.

Suicide, from page 1

PHOTO BY SARAH CHERRY

The Marine Corps announced the Marine Intercept Program Feb.21. The program goes hand-in-hand with the Suicide PreventionProgram, providing follow-up care and counseling for Marineswho have attempted suicide or had suicidal ideations.

News Notes, from page 1

see News Notes, page 5

PENTAGRAM Friday, March 28, 2014 5

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By Rhonda ApplePentagram Staff Writer

A policy memorandum signed byJoint Base Myer-Henderson HallCommander Col. Fern O. Sumpterhas solidified a new requirementthat public access defibrillators beinstalled in public buildings acrossthe joint base.Commander’s Policy ES-10

governs that directors and com-manders are responsible for ensur-ing that their individual agencies,organizations and units are trainedin the use of automatic externaldefibrillators (AED). The order wassigned by Sumpter Feb. 10, formal-izing the program that includesboth the installation of and trainingof personnel to use the defibrilla-tors.The facility manager training was

completed March 24 for the Fort

Myer and Henderson Hall portionsof JBM-HH. Training will be held forthe Fort McNair portion of the jointbase in two to three weeks however,a date has yet to be determinedaccording to Capt. James Angerettof the joint base Directorate of Fireand Emergency Services.The Pentagram will publish a

complete training schedule as itbecomes available.So far, units have been installed

in the Fort Myer Bowling Centerand Community Activities Center,Angerett said. Unit installation isexpected to be completed over thenext few weeks.JBM-HH Fire and Emergency

Services assistant chief of train-ing Jon Culberson is working on aschedule to train all available per-sonnel in CPR and AED procedures.“It will make us much safer as a

community,” Angerett said.

Defibrillator installation,training continue on JBM-HH

PHOTO BY RACHEL LARUE

A new automated external defibrillator hangs on the wall in the Fort Myer CommunityCenter on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall March 25. A new joint base policy memo-randum directs that directors and commanders are responsible for ensuring their indi-vidual agencies, organizations and units are trained to use the defibrillators.

News Notesof the joint base; at Bldg. 29. 9 – 10 a.m., on the Henderson Hall portion; atBldg. 59, 10-11 a.m. on the Fort Myer portion; and at Bldg. 321 from 11 a.m.– noon on the Fort Myer portion. For additional information, contact MarkLuckers at 703-696-2012.

Child abuse prevention trainingChild abuse prevention training will be held April 4 from 11 a.m. to 12:30

p.m. and from 4:40 to 6 p.m. at Cody Child Development Center, Bldg. 243on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base. The training is open to CodyCDC caregivers and professionals. The course reviews current policies andprocedures for identifying and reporting suspected child abuse. For moreinformation, call 703-696-3512 or email karen.a.stpierre.ctr@mail.mil.

Helping children manage angerThis course, to be held April 7 from 1 to 2 p.m. at Cody Child Development

Center, Bldg. 243 on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base, teaches parentshow to support children as they learn to manage anger through play thatpromotes the use of anger management skills. “How to take the Grr out ofAnger,” by Elizabeth Verdick and Marjorie Lisovskis, will also be discussedand provided as a resource. For more information or to register, call 703-696-3512 or email karen.a.stpierre.ctr@mail.mil.

Tour of Holocaust museumThe JBM-HH Equal Opportunity Office has coordinated a free trip and

tour of the U.S. Holocaust Museum in Washington D.C., April 9, 10 a.m. – 1p.m. Those desiring to attend must RSVP by April 7. A bus will depart Bldg.405 on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base at 9:30 a.m. the day of the tour.To register or for more information, contact Sgt. 1st Class Adrienne Robinsonat Adrienne.d.robinson2.mil@mail.mil , or call 703-696-2964; or contact Sgt.1st Class Michael Swinton at michael.l.swinton.mil@mail.mil, or call 703-696-8729. Uniform for this event is civilian attire.

DAU acquisition symposiumThe Defense Acquisition University will host an all-day acquisition training

symposium April 8 at its Fort Belvoir campus. The theme is achieving betteroutcomes in austere times, improved processes, reduced over head. Theevent offers training sessions tied to better buying power 2.0 initiatives. Theforum provides four continuous learning points for continued DoD acquisitioncertification.

Job fairArmy Career and Alumni Program, Army Community Service, Virginia

Employment Commission and JBM-HH will hold a job fair April 10 from 10a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Community Activity Center, Bldg. 405, on the Fort Myerportion of the joint base. Veterans, military spouses, active duty, Reserve,National Guard and Department of Defense civilians are welcome. Jobseekers should register at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/XML2F8V/. Formore information, call 703-696-3047/9603 or 703-897-0438.

SHARP trainingJFHQ-NCR/MDWwill host a presentation by Monika Korra April 11 from

9:30 to 10:45 a.m. at Comny Hall on the Fort Myer portion of JBM-HH.Korra, a native of Norway, was one of her country’s promising high school

distance runners and was recruited by Southern Methodist University to runcross country track. In December of 2009, Korra took a break from studyingand with a friend decided to attend a party thrown by college friends. Whilewalking home from the party at about 1:30 a.m., Korra was abducted by threemen and raped repeatedly. Through her presentation, Korra will share herstory and the steps that she took towards healing.Her firsthand account supports the Army’s efforts to aggressively work

to eradicate the heinous crime of sexual assault through its formations andcivilian work requirements.For more information, contact Staff Sgt. James Brown, victim advocate, at

703-217-0115 or via email at james.e.brown934.mil@mail.mil.

2014 Cherry Blossom FestivalThe 2014 National Cherry Blossom Festival will be held until April 13

in Washington, D.C. A signature event during the festival, the SouthwestWaterfront Fireworks Festival will be held Saturday, April 5, 1-9 p.m., at600-700 Water Street SW, Washington, with a fireworks show at 8:30 p.m. onthe Washington Channel. These events are free and open to the public. Formore information, visit www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org.

Policy regarding news notes submissions:News notes submissionsmust be less than 100 words, contain all pertinent details — to include thefive “W’s”— as well as a point of contact, phone number and/or website foradditional information. Further, news notes must be submitted no later thannoon,Wednesdays, for consideration for publication in that week’s Pentagram.Priority will be given to those announcements of events and deadlinesoccurring during the publication week. Please send your news notes to thePentagram at pentagramjbmhh@yahoo.com.

COURTESY PHOTO BY KARIN MARKERT

Snow falls in Arlington National Cemetery near the Memorial Amphitheater March25 during a wreath-laying ceremony activities at the Tomb of the Unknowns inrecognition of Medal of Honor Day. Between October 2013 and March 2014, theOffice of Personnel Management has closed federal agencies in the Washington,D.C., area five times due to inclement weather.

News Notes, from page 4

Snow, snow and more snow

6 Friday, March 28, 2014 PENTAGRAM

By Petty Officer 2nd Class Kayla Jo FinleyDefense Media Activity

Throughout the 90’s many rates began toopen up for females in the Navy. More womenwere being allowed on ships and more womenwere performing jobs that were once only filledby men. Even though jobs were becoming opentowards females, they continued to find them-selves in a male dominated world. Both malesand females had to find ways to adjust whileworking in the same environment.The women who joined the Navy during this

time, had to chance to experience a change inprogress and hold a rate that no other femaleshave had before. Jessica Melton was one of thesefemales.Not unlike most recent high school graduats,

Jessica found herself debating her next movein life. Fortunately for her, a high school friendwho was leaving for the Navy, encouraged herto enlist. Not long after that in 1997, Jessicatook her friends advice and left her hometownin Missouri to attend basic training.After her completion of basic training,

Jessica first assignment was to be aboard theTiconderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USSChancellorsville (CG 62). Shortly before beingstationed aboard Chancellorsville, the ship hadgone through an overhaul to make accommoda-tions for females – for the first time.The ship had one berthing for all the females

aboard. Twenty females had three toilets, twoshowers and three sinks. Although living inclose quarters, the females were able to live inharmony.“We all got along,” said Jessica. “We all had

a strong sense of camaraderie and were alwaysthere for one another.”

Although the females got along, someremainedhesitant about their presence on the ship.“At first some guys weren’t as accepting of

females aboard, but they didn’t say anything,”said Jessica. “The guys also went through train-ing before we came aboard, so they were awareof what the chain of command would or wouldnot tolerate.”

Jessica said that over time she began to see agradual change of in the growth of equality forfemales.“Over time the guys started to realize that

we weren’t going anywhere,” said Jessica. “We(females) were accepted once we started to provethat we were able to get the job done and weweren’t causing any problems.”JessicastartedhertimeaboardChancellorsville

as an un-designated seaman assigned to the

deck department. In her division, there were18 junior Sailors, five being females and therest were male. This was the only division thatJessica found herself working with females.It was while serving in deck department, thatJessica developed an interest in becoming adamage controlman.“I found firefighting exciting,” said Jessica. “I

enjoyed being a lead hoseman in drills; it was allan adrenaline rush for me.”Along with firefighting, damage controlmen

are required provide damage control train-ing, maintain equipment and ensure shipboardsafety.Jessica also saw this as a way to advance

in her career. While serving in deck depart-ment, Jessica began the process to cross rate– meaning to switch from being un-designatedto having her primary job of damage control-men. After completing a book full of questions,Jessica was able to cross rate, making her oneof the first females to hold an enlisted engineer-ing rate.In her new division as a damage controlman,

Jessica found herself as the only female. Jessicasaid she was considered one of the guys and stillhad camaraderie among her new shipmates.“I wasn’t left out, just because I was a female,”

said Jessica. “For the most part I was treatedthe same. But, at times it seemed like I wasgiven higher expectations. I worked hard andmet those expectations.”Meeting the expectations was an example of

why females could and should be engineers inthe Navy.Over time females working alongside males

was the new way of life for the Navy. Both malesand females grew from their experiences andgained a new respect for one another.

From DOD live: One of the first: A female in a male-dominated Navy

GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATION BY PETTY OFFICER 2ND CLASS KAYLA JO FINLEY

Throughout the 90’s many rates began to open up forfemales in the Navy. More women were being allowedon ships and more women were performing jobs thatwere once only filled by men. Jessica Melton was oneof those females.

By Cory HancockJFHQ-NCR/MDW Public Affairs

U.S Secret Service WashingtonField Office Special Agent in Charge,Kathy A. Michalko laid a wreath atthe Tomb of the Unknown Soldierduring an Army full honors wreath-laying ceremony in Arlington NationalCemetery, March 19.The wreath laying was part of an

ongoing engagement programbetweenJoint Force Headquarters-NationalCapital Region Military District ofWashington and its interagency part-ners. (Laying a wreath at the Tombof the Unknown Soldier is an honorusuallybestoweduponmilitary leadersand visiting foreign dignitaries.)“The decision of theMilitary District

of Washington to recognize the SecretService with the honor of partakingin such a distinguished event high-lights the strength and significanceof the relationship between our agen-cies,” said Michalko. “I am also proudof the work that personnel in theWashington field office do every day.Their collective but individual effortsto building professional relationships

with our partners are a key part of thesuccess of our mission. I am honoredto represent the Secret Service at thisevent.”The U.S. Secret Service’s mission

is to safeguard the nation’s financialinfrastructure andpayment systems topreserve the integrity of the economy,and to protect national leaders, visit-ing heads of state and government,designated sites and national securityevents.“Every time I visit Arlington

National Cemetery, it is a poignantreminder of all those that made theultimate sacrifice to secure the free-doms that I enjoy every day,” saidMichalko. “I felt very humbled to beable to pay tribute to all the heroesthat rest here.”The U.S. Secret Service was estab-

lished in 1865 and its original missionwas to suppress the counterfeitingof U.S. currency. Their mission hasevolved over time, to include the pro-tection of national and visiting foreignleaders and criminal investigations.These dual missions have been man-dated by Congress. The U.S. SecretService has more than 150 offices both

in the United States and abroad.“TheDistrictofColumbiaisthehome

of the president and the vice president,the two most significant persons thatthis agency is entrusted to keep safe.In addition, as our nation’s capital,it is the location for historic events ofnational significance,” said Michalko.

“The Military District of Washington,along with our law enforcement part-ners, is important in our ability toprovide a safe environment for ourprotectees, citizens, and visitors to theNational Capital Region.”

Secret Service honors fallen American heroes

PHOTO BY CORY HANCOCK

U.S. Secret Service Washington Field Office Special Agent in Charge Kathy A.Michalko lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier during an Army fullhonors wreath-laying ceremony in Arlington National Cemetery, Va., March 19.

By Rhonda ApplePentagram Staff Writer

Female musicians from The U.S. Army Band“Pershing’s Own,” made history March 20, perform-ing a first-ever chamber music concert at the WomeninMilitaryService forAmericaMemorial atArlingtonNational Cemetery, VA., in honor ofWomen’sHistoryMonth.The all-female ensemble included: Master Sgt.

MariaLuisa de laCerdaRohde, piccolo section leader,CeremonialBand;Sgt.1stClassJulieAngelisBoehler,principal timpanist, Concert Band/Orchestra; Sgt. 1stClass Kirsten Lies-Warfield, trombonist, CeremonialBand; Sgt. 1st Class Stacie Thompson, clarinetist,Ceremonial Band; Staff Sgt. Michelle Acton, saxo-phonist, Ceremonial Band/Saxophone Quartet; StaffSgt. Meredeth Rouse, English horn, Concert Band/Woodwind Quintet and Staff Sgt. Sidonie Wade, per-cussionist, Ceremonial Band.About 50 guests attended the lunchtime concert,

welcomed by retired U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. WilmaL. Vaught, president of the board of directors of thememorial’s foundation. Vaught gave a short biogra-phy about each Soldier musician, telling the audiencesomething unique about each performer, includingtheir most memorable experiences as a member ofTUSAB.“Playing for this event was pretty meaningful. I

know Sgt. 1st Class Boehler made an effort to getsome of the women from the Ceremonial Band out toplay here today,” said Lies-Warfield. “We’re usuallybusy doing ceremonies, which are important, but verydifferent from getting out and playing music of ourownmaking to a live audience who can respond.”

I really enjoyed the concert, hearing these womenperform and hearing their stories was wonderful,”said Army wife Lisa Deacon.Lies-Warfield, Thompson and Acton performed

“As I Went Walking By,” by JohnMundy, “L’HommeAux Bras Ballants,” by Yann Tiersen; “SpringtimeMantleth Every Bough,” by Thomas Morely; “ComeSirrah, Jack Ho!” by Thomas Welkes; a Macedonianfolk tune, “Katusha Mome,” and Lies-Warfield’s poi-gnant ode to military spouses, “His Wife.”“I was really happy that I was able to take the

opportunity and compose a piece for this event, makethis offering to servicemembers’ spouses and recog-nize them as the individuals they were,” said Lies-Warfield.She said her inspiration for composing “His Wife”

was the sight of all the tombstones with only firstnames of women in Arlington National Cemetery.“This was all that defined them in relationship totheir husbands, the veterans,” said Lies-Warfield. “Iwanted to recognize these women as individuals.”During a recent funeral ceremony at ANC, Lies-

Warfield said she actually saw a tombstone inscribed“Dorothy, his wife,” and thought about her as shelistened to the hymns being played. “I imagined hersinging along,” she said.The second half of the program included a perfor-

mance of Vincent Persichetti’s “Parable XV for SoloEnglish Horn,” by Rouse; “SYRINX for unaccom-panied flute,” by Claude Debussy performed by dela Cerda Rohde and a rousing finale “Snare DrumDuet,” by Alexander Lepak, performed by BoehlerandWade.“It was an honor to hear these talented women

perform,” said Lucerchia Metters, a disabled Army

veteran and business owner. “Women are the back-bone of the military. Behind every great man is agreater woman.”March is National Women’s History Month. The

Department of Defense recognized women’s servicethroughoutMarch,hostingnumerousevents through-out the National Capital Region.Currently, about 202,400 women make up 15

percent of the U.S. military’s active duty personnelaccording to Joy Crabaugh, a spokesperson for theDepartment of Defense’s Personnel and ReadinessOffice. There are about 74,500 women serving in theArmy and Air National Guard and 80,400 womenserving in allmilitary branches of theReserve, includ-ing the Coast Guard.

Women musicians perform in honor of Women’s History Month

PHOTO BY RACHEL LARUE

Staff Sgt. Michelle Acton, saxophone, performs withfemale members of The United States Army Band“Pershing’s Own” in honor of Women’s History Monthduring a chamber music concert at the Women inMilitary Service for America Memorial in Arlington, Va.,March 20.

PENTAGRAM Friday, March 28, 2014 7

By Jim GaramoneAmerican Forces Press Services

The unemployment rate for Iraq- andAfghanistan-era veterans dropped in 2013, accord-ing to Labor Department statistics announcedMarch 20.The unemployment rate fell to 9 percent last

year for veterans who served on active duty sinceSeptember 2001. The jobless rate for all veteransalso edged down to 6.6 percent.Labor Secretary Thomas E. Perez said the drop

for all vets was promising.“Today’s veterans’ employment report for 2013

from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows anencouraging drop in overall veterans’ unemploy-ment from 7 percent in 2012 to 6.6 percent,” hesaid in a news release.“All of the things are moving in the right direc-

tion,” said Keith Kelly, the assistant secretaryof labor for veterans’ employment and trainingservice.“We’ve had about 48 months in the general

arena of job creation and employment with nearly9 million new jobs created. If you look at theunemployment rate for veterans, it’s going downfrom 9.9 to 9 percent. That’s about a 10 percentreduction,” he added.Kelly said veteran employment has been a

focus of the administration since it took office.First Lady Michelle Obama and Jill Biden, wifeof Vice President Joe Biden, have made theirJoining Forces campaign a centerpiece of their

efforts to improve job opportunities for veterans.He urged servicemembers departing the mili-

tary to take advantage of the transition assistanceprograms available at all bases and installations.For women veterans, the statistics show a sig-

nificant reduction in 2013 unemployment, from8.3 percent in 2012 to 6.9 percent in 2013, and adecrease from 9.9 percent to 9 percent for all GulfWar-era II veterans, Perez said.“Our nation’s veterans and their families have

made countless sacrifices on behalf of our nation,”he said. “Who deserves opportunity more thanthose who have put their lives on the line defend-ing it?”As of the end of 2013, about 2.8 million veter-

ans had served since September 2001.The 2013 unemployment rate for both male

and female Gulf War II-era veterans was higherin 2013 than for nonveterans. Female veteranswere unemployed at a rate of 9.6 percent, whilethe unemployment rate for female nonveteranswas 6.8 percent. The unemployment rate for maleGulf War II-era veterans was 8.8 percent, whilethe rate for male nonveterans was 7.5 percent.“This report shows that the private and public

sectors are making progress on veterans’ employ-ment,” Perez said. “But much more needs to bedone. I urge all employers to renew their commit-ment to veterans, so that those who served andsacrificed can realize their highest dreams. Thebest way to honor our veterans is to hire them.”Kelly, a Vietnam veteran himself, urged ser-

vicemembers to begin planning early for theirpost-service lives. The Labor Department hasmany programs for veterans, he said, includingtraining programs in trades, as well as appren-ticeship programs in fields such as welding andbricklaying.The atmosphere is welcoming for veterans

in businesses and the public sector Kelly said,adding that he sees prospects improving evenmore in the months ahead.

Veterans unemployment rate dropped in 2013

PHOTO BY CPL. TIMOTHY CHILDERS

Cpl. Tyrone Stackfield, motor transportation operatorwith 1st Marine Logistics Group, conducts area androute reconnaissance with his fire team during a supersquad competition at Camp Pendleton, Calif., March12. The unemployment rate for Iraq- and Afghanistan-era veterans dropped from to 6.6 percent for all veter-ans last year, according to Labor Department statisticsannounced March 20.

veteran, and when Iwas one, he took his ownlife,” Yocum explained.“He suffered from post-traumatic stress for 40years. Now, my grand-father was always myhero, but growing up,I had so many peopletelling me athletes andactors are famous andthe heroes. I never feltthat way. I always feltthat veterans are realheroes.”Since the award’s

inception in 2008, 24people have received thehonor. Nominees consid-ered are those who havecommitted an act of“extraordinary heroism”clearly demonstrating “awillingness to place hisor her own life at riskfor others,” according tothe Congressional MoHFoundation website.

MOH, from page 1

Of Honor, of Valor

PHOTO BY RACHEL LARUE

Maj. Gen. Jeffrey S. Buchanan, Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Regionand Military District of Washington commanding general, right, and Medal ofHonor recipients, from the left, Gary Beikirch, Hershel Williams, James Taylorand Clinton Romesha render honors during the playing of “Taps” during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National CemeteryMarch 25. The wreath-laying was part of a larger Medal of Honor Day recognitionheld at the cemetery.

Members of The United States Army Band “Pershing’sOwn” wait for the start of a wreath-laying ceremonyat the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington NationalCemetery March 25. A wreath was laid by four Medal ofHonor recipients in recognition of Medal of Honor Day.

Editor’s note: Last edition, ThePentagram ran a front-page articledetailing President Obama’s award-ing of some 24 Medals of Honor toU.S. Soldiers and veterans of threewars - World War II, the KoreanWar and the Vietnam War - duringa ceremony at the White House. Theevent, which saw three living Soldiersreceive the prestigious award, wasground-breaking because it meantthe hereoric actions of Soldiers ofminority descent, including African-Americans, Hispanics, and JewishSoldiers, were upgraded from lesservalor awards to the Medal of Honor,the nation’s top award for combatheroism. Due to space constraints,we were unable to publish more thanone photograph with the article. Assuch, we felt compelled to publisha few more key images of this his-tory-making event from the officialU.S. Army photo essay taken duringthe ceremony. To review all thephotos, and the individual stories ofheroism, please visit the U.S. Army’swebsite at: http://www.army.mil/article/122102/Soldiers_receive_long_overdue_Medals_of_Honor/.

President Barack Obama awards the Medal ofHonor to Sgt. Santiago J. Erevia during a ceremonyat the White House March 18 in Washington, D.C.Erevia earned the Medal of Honor for his coura-geous actions while serving as radio telephoneoperator during a search and clear mission nearTam Ky, Republic of Vietnam May 21, 1969.

Right: President BarackObama awards 24 Medalsof Honor during a formal cer-emony at the White HouseMarch 18. The ceremony rec-ognized the heroism of threeliving Soldiers, as well as 21other Soldiers whose actionsspanned three wars: WorldWar II, Korea and Vietnam.

Below: Nancy Weinsteinaccepts the Medal of Honor onbehalf of her late husband Sgt.Jack Weinstein from PresidentBarack Obama during a cer-emony at the White House inWashington, D.C., March 18.

PHOTOS BY E.J. HERSOM

8 Friday, March 28, 2014 PENTAGRAM

with PTSD,” said Chiarelli. “That’s why I call itpost traumatic stress. I refuse to call it PTSD.”After a late-afternoon sound-check with their

band, Kevin and Michael Bacon talked about theimportance of raising awareness for war injuriesand supporting the troops. Kevin and Michaelcredit their values to their father, a World WarII Navy veteran.“This issue of post traumatic stress disorder

and traumatic brain injury is a really, reallyserious thing and is something I think needs tobe addressed in the way people are treated whenthey come home and the types of body armor andhead gear that they have in the field. This seemslike the focus of this organization, so we’re defi-nitely supportive of that,” said Kevin.“We have to give credit to David Buskin, who

is a very old musician friend of ours and reallystuck his neck out, reaching out to the music com-munity for the talent at this benefit,” he added.“Amplifying what Kevin said, I think we need

to do a better job when our servicemembers comeback [from battle]. I think there needs to be a lotmore focus of the awareness of the difficulties alot of these warriors are having with post trau-matic stress,” said Michael. “The suicide rates

are appalling.Since laughter is the

best medicine, Breuerdidn’t stand still, as heworked the crowd intofits of laughter withhis frenzied and ener-getic routine, before theBacon Brothers tookthe stage.Breuer comes from a

deep history of Armyand Navy veterans,including a great grand-father who served inthe Civil War, a grand-father who served inthe Spanish-AmericanWar; his father anduncles served duringWorld War II and hismom’s first husbandwas a World War Iveteran.“I’m the first of four generations to break the

chain of going in the military and going intostand-up comedy instead,” he said with a laugh.

Quickly returning to his more serious, non-publicpersona, Breuer confided “I pay tribute to vet-erans by secretly paying for their meal if I seesomeone dining out, wearing a Vietnam Veteranball cap [or other military insignia].”Jamming with their band, the Bacon Brothers

opened with their hit song “Grey Green Eyes,”and thrilled the audience with a set filled withjam-band dance tunes and poignant ballads,including music from a new album, due out in acouple of months. Other songs included favorites“New Year’s Day,” “Wild Life,” and “Giving itUp.”Mid-set, Kevin and the band took a break,

while Michael performed an instrumental cellosolo, featuring an emotionally-charged poem readby Jenny Pacanowski, an Army veteran who hasbooks published focusing on her journey withpost traumatic stress.The band closed the show, inviting all the

performers on stage and asking the audience tosing along to the collective group’s cover of JamesTaylor’s “Shower the People.”Chiarelli said an alternative to getting help for

these types of injuries is becoming dependent onalcohol and drugs and masking the symptoms.About 8 percent of Americans suffer from post

traumatic stress in their lives, he said. “Thisis not just a Soldier problem, or a servicemem-ber problem,” he said. “It’s a problem for allAmericans.”

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Medal, from page 3

PHOTO BY RHONDA APPLE

Retired Army Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Peter W. Chiarelli makes opening remarks at thefirst Stand For The Troops benefit concert March 22 at George Washington University.He awarded the Purple Heart to retired Army Maj. Ben Richards (standing with his wifeand children), and was joined by the organization’s staff and volunteers.

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Efficiency...................................$934-$955One Bedrooms..........................$1010-$1045Two bedrooms...........................$1215-$1300Three Bedrooms Plus Electric.....$1350-$1395Townhome.................................$1400

• Park right at your door in this park-like setting.• Walk to elementary and high school or Army NationalGuard Readiness Center.

• Take the express bus to the Pentagon, Ft. Myer,Henderson Hall or Ballston in 12 minutes.• Cats welcome. No dogs.

(703) 521-3000Hours: Mon. - Fri. 9-5 • Call for Saturday hours

Please refer to ad when calling

BARCROFTAPARTMENTS1130 South George Mason Drive • Arlington, VA 22204

At Columbia Pike and So. George Mason Drive

A month. All utilities paid.Carpeting optional.

Some Restrictions Apply

All prices subject to change.

FOR RENTCOBB ISLAND

Beautiful waterfronttwo story housewith 4 bedroomsand 3 bathrooms, 2living rooms, wraparound porch, pri-vate pier and pri-vate gated en-trance. $2000 amonth plus $2400security deposit.

301-904-6036

MYRTLE BEACH: Condo3br 2ba, Sleeps 8. FreeGolf, Wifi, HDTV, Tennis& Amenities. $785/perweek. 301-977-4227

MELANIN INSTITUTECongregate Housing

A place to grow & feel supported.We serve our VETS living with a

mental illness in a safecomfortable home environementwith access to heath care, self

help programs and more!Contact: Thelma (Dir)301-275-3330

Pharmacy/PhlebotomyTech TraineesNeeded NowPharmacies/ hospi-tals now hiring.No experience?Job Training& Placement

Assistance Available1-877-240-4524

CTO SCHEV

Dental/MedicalAssistantTrainees

Needed NowDental/Medical

Offices now hiring.No experience?Job Training& Placement

Assistance Available1-877-234-7706

CTO SCHEV

VETERANSNEEDEDUse your GI

Benefits NOW fortraining inHealthcare.

JOB PLACEMENTASSISTANCEOffered.

Call Now1-888-395-

8261

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