andrews_032213

AN INDEPENDENT PUBLICATION OF COMPRINTMILITARY PUBLICATIONS AT JOINT BASE ANDREWS,MD.DCMILITARY.COM FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2013 | VOL. 2 NO. 11

Afternoon Teaat The Clubadvocateswomen fortechnology

6District Heightsteen grantedwish to meet boyband

3 Disney DreamersAcademy inspiresCheltenhamstudent

7

Team Andrews,

The 89th CommunicationsSquadron is hosting a blooddrive to honor our fallen, SeniorAirman John E. King, II, 8 a.m.to noon March 22, in the BaseTheater. In order to properlystaff the event and eliminatedonor wait times, the medi-cal staff prefers participantsschedule an appointment.To sign up follow these steps:1. Click on www.militarydo-

nor.com.2. First-time users must reg-

ister by clicking “create a pro-file” at the bottom of web site.3. Fill in asterisked items as

a minimum and click “submit.”4. Answer the three security

questions and click “submit.”5. Click on “Donate Blood”

(third option down).6. In the “Code” section, type

in “AAFB” to register for Senior

Airman King’s event, then clickon “Search.”7. Click on the “3/22/2013,”

and choose a time slot by click-ing on “Schedule.”Walk-ins may be accepted,

but appointments are preferred.

Blood Drive to honor SeniorAirman John E. King, II

Senior Airman John E. King

BY CHRIS BASHAMSTAFF WRITER

For many women newly diag-nosed with cancer, the prospectof treatment can feel almost asdevastating as the disease itself.Chemotherapy and radiation canhave visible side effects such ashair loss, skin and nail colorchanges, weight gain or loss andother changes in the skin thatcan make a woman feel like shedoesn’t recognize her own imagein the mirror. Although side ef-fects are generally temporaryand resolve themselves oncetreatment is completed, the na-ture of extended cancer treat-ment can mean living with thoseside effects for months or longer.The American Cancer Society

partners with local hospitals toprovide small group and indi-vidual classes for women with acancer diagnosis, aimed at help-

ing them disguise some of thosevisible side effects of chemother-apy or radiation while restor-ing optimism and confidence inwomen undergoing treatment.Oncology nurse Teresa Barnesoffers Look Good...Feel Betterclasses at Medstar SouthernMaryland Hospital Center inClinton, Md., with the assistanceof local cosmetologists and hairreplacement specialists.“I’ve been hosting the classes

for a little over ten years, and anoncology nurse for a long time,”Barnes said. “It’s really reward-ing for me. Patients come in sadabout the side effects but aftertwo hours they’re happy, mak-ing appointments to go to lunchwith each other or with their hus-bands.”Some women in the classes

have completed their treat-ment, while others have just be-gun or not even started. It’s an

environment where questionsare welcome, stories are madeto be shared, and women areencouraged to try new things--whether it’s a shade of lipstickthey might never have chosenfor themselves or a whole newbeauty routine. Each patientleaves the classes with a totebag full of high-end cosmeticsdonated by the National Cos-metology Association, hats andscarves from the MontgomeryCounty-based Liza’s Lids Foun-dation, and tips on how to makethe most of their appearance ata difficult time.Though most women sign up to

learn tricks of the cosmetic tradefrom professionals, it’s often thecasual conversation betweenwomen in treatment that has thegreatest impact.“’Blend your foundation to

Look Good, Feel Better softens cancer treatment for women

PHOTO/CHRIS BASHAM

Oncology nurse Teresa Barnes watches Shavawn Lee of Ocular Illu-sions Non-Surgical Hair Replacement Center in Clinton, Md. teachDeborah Webster how to incorporate a colorful scarf into a turbanmade from a T-shirt. see CANCER, page 4


The days are longer, springis in the air, and schools are fullof excited talk about this year’sprom. But what if financial hard-ship or homelessness make goingto the prom seem out of reach?The Priceless Gown Project, anonprofit organization that pro-vides donated, new and gentlyused prom gowns to girls in needhas been creating real life Cin-derella stories in Baltimore Citysince 2004. Four years ago, PGPexpanded to the Washington area,in partnership with the PrinceGeorge’s County Department ofSocial Services and local formalwear and beauty-oriented busi-nesses around the county.“It’s the perfect example of

public/private/community part-nership,” said Lavette Simms,who manages Community Educa-tion and Outreach programs forPrince George’s County Depart-ment of Social Services. “Workingtogether, we can give these girlsthe whole prom experience.”More than 120 girls registered

to participate in the annual gown

Priceless Gown Projectsends at-risk girls tothe prom in style

PHOTO/CHRIS BASHAM

Prom-going girls, along with their mothers and friends, look through racks of formal gowns sorted by sizeand color.

see DRESS, page 7

PHOTOS/CHRIS BASHAM

Miss Annapolis Teen 2013 Taylor Diggs helps girls find the perfect gown.


Growing up in Florida as thedaughter of an Air Force vet-eran, Amy Seaton always knewshe wanted to pursue a careerin marine biology or anotherenvironmental science. Afterearning her degree in environ-mental studies, now Staff Sgt.Seaton came to the Air Forceherself to work in bioenviron-mental engineering.Much of her work involves

safety testing of water samplestaken on Joint Base Andrews,whether in on-base buildings orfrom aircraft on the flight line.Classified as “industrial hy-giene,” Seaton said her depart-ment serves as “the OSHA andEPA of the Air Force,” evaluat-ing personal protective equip-ment, chemicals used on worksites on base, industrial venti-lation systems and other equip-ment, “to make sure all is suffi-cient for occupational hazards,from dermatitis to hearing loss.We’re the prevention wing ofthe medical career field.”Seaton said that over the

year and a half she has so farbeen stationed at JBA, shehasn’t had anything which shecould call “a typical day.” Shemight inspect eyewash sta-

tions or survey new equipment,evaluate existing ventilationsystems, do gas mask and res-pirator fit testing or serve asan emergency responder shouldfire and rescue workers deter-mine that a suspicious packageor an accident may include asuspected chemical involve-ment.“If it appears to have chemi-

cals involved, we get called in,”Seaton said.Seaton calls her position “a

unique job.We get to learn whatother people do, meet peopleand get to know the bigger pic-ture of how the whole Air Forceoperates, and protect them.”Though retirement from

the armed services is at leasta decade away for Seaton, shealso knows that the career pathshe enjoys so much today hasa great future beyond the AirForce.“It’s an easy transition for

post-retirement to outsideagencies,” Seaton said.Although she always knew

she’d be working in a scientificfield of some sort, Seaton ac-knowledges that many womenfeel shut out of those careersbefore they even finish theireducation.

JBA bioengineer encourageswomen to pursue STEM careers

see CAREER, page 7

2 Friday, March 22, 2013Andrews Gazette

HOTTICKETSAround Town

Andrews Gazette is published by Comprint Military Publications,9030 Comprint Court, Gaithersburg, Md., a private firm in no wayconnected with the U.S. Air Force or any branch of the UnitedStates military. The appearance of advertising in these publications,including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement

by the Department of Defense, the Department of the Air Force or the prod-ucts and services advertised.

Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase,use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin,age, martial status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other nonmerit factor of the purchases, user or patron.

COMPRINT MILITARY PUBLICATIONS

Maxine Minar, [email protected]

John Rives, [email protected]

Chris Basham, [email protected]

Deirdre Parry, page [email protected]

Bobby Jones, [email protected]

March 23All Star Concert “Tap on Fire”Duke Ellington Theater, 3500 R Street N.W, Washing-

ton, D.C.8 p.m.See --and hear-- local and national tap dancing talent

as part of the D.C. Dance Collective’s 5th annual D.C. TapFestival. Other events and classes round out the weekend.For information, visit www.dctapfestival.com.

March 22-24Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey presents:

Barnum 200601 F Street N.W., Washington, D.C.Various showtimesClowns, contortionists, trained animals, and other per-

formers celebrate the circus’ birthday. For information,visit www.verizoncenter.com.

March 22-24Cathy Rigby is Peter PanLyric Opera House, 140West Mount Royal Avenue, Bal-

timore, Md.Various showtimesEnjoy the classic story of a boy who never grows up. For

information, visit www.lyricoperahouse.com

Every SaturdayD.C. TV and Movie Sites TourBus tour leaves from Union Station10 a.m.See more than 30 locations from 50 movies and TV

shows filmed in Washington, D.C. For information, visitwww.trustedtours.com.

COURTESY OF THE RETIREEACTIVITIES OFFICE

Changing your Arrears ofPay Beneficiary?Your Arrears of Pay (AOP) Benefi-

ciary is the person who will receiveyour final pro-rated paycheck whenyou pass away. The Defense Financeand Accounting Service will also con-tact this person to help close your ac-count. Should you divorce, remarry,or lose a member of your family, youmay need to change your AOP Ben-eficiary. Complete and mail a Des-ignation of Beneficiary InformationForm (DD 2894) to DFAS Retiredand Annuitant Pay. Failing to keepthis information current can causeundue stress and financial burdensfor your family during their time ofloss.

GI Bill should benefit youThe GI Bill is a registered trade-

mark and the Department of Vet-erans Affairs is its sole owner.President Obama directed VA, theDepartment of Defense, and theDepartment of Education to under-take a number of measures to “stopdeceptive and misleading” promo-tional efforts that target the GI Billeducational benefits of service mem-bers, veterans, and eligible familymembers. A key component of theorder was to register “GI Bill” as atrademark. VA also obtained therights to the GIBill.com website inits proactive approach to eliminatefraudulent marketing.

TRICARE offers Rx optionsTRICARE beneficiaries have ma-

ny pharmacy options, including mili-

tary pharmacies, home delivery and56,000 network pharmacies. Militarytreatment facility pharmacies fillprescriptions free of charge, up to a90-day supply for most medications.Not all medications are available atMTF pharmacies. Registered usersmay also request refills at www.tri-careonline.com. Home delivery canbe used when traveling or movingto another TRICARE region in theUnited States and its territories.Beneficiaries can get up to a 90-daysupply for most medications withminimal out-of-pocket costs. Benefi-ciaries can sign up for automatic re-fills or request them by mail, phoneor online. The home delivery optionis recommended for prescriptionsneeded on a regular basis. Beneficia-

Retiree Corner


Every once in a while, I amknocked out of my comfortable hab-its by something that reminds methat times have changed--and I amnot always able to keep up. Usually,that involves a call to Tech Support.People complain about tech sup-

port all the time: the hold times, theoften challenging language barrier.But I don’t mind tech support at all.I LOVE tech support. What I hate isthe fact that I need tech support atall.As I’m frantically begging Jim V,

whose avatar indicates he is a friend-ly and pudgy man from, perhaps, thePhilippines, to do whatever he can tosave me from myself, all I can thinkis, “I can’t believe I need this guy’shelp. I can’t believe I am using tech-nology every day but I don’t reallyunderstand it.”This has got to be a relatively new

phenomenon.For most of history, things didn’t

change quite so quickly. That’s why

parents and grandparents could passdown all you needed to know abouthow to do your job (right there in thefamily store), grow your food, care foryour children, and clean your house.They knew stuff, because they wereexperienced, and you didn’t, becauseyou were young, and so they helpedyou learn it all until you could passit down to the next generation.These days, it’s all backwards.

Most of my middle-aged friends turnto their children for advice on howto use the computer, the TV, the cellphone. I can drive my car, but I can’ttake it apart and put it together likemy father could have back in theday, because it’s all computerized.And even if I dared try that withsome other piece of glitchy technol-ogy, today the mere act of unscrew-ing the back of something to pop outthe works and fix it would void thewarranty.I have a vast storehouse of knowl-

edge passed down to me from thosewho came before, and I am thank-ful for it. But what do you do whenyou’re confronted with a problem

that no one in your past has had totackle, or when those experiencedpeople are not able to pass downwhat they’ve learned?My son is quick to give credit

where it is due: he will tell anyonewho asks about the man who taughthim how to field-dress a deer, how toshoot, how to catch frogs and squir-rels. A coworker of his at a restau-rant where my son worked as a teen-ager took him under his wing andtaught him all the things that hethought any young man should know-- things I didn’t know, myself. Whenanother of my sons needed to learnhow to tie a necktie, he turned to theInternet. A few minutes of YouTubevideos and he has a skill he can passdown to his own sons --or, if nothingelse, he can tell them to Google it,when the time comes.I’m beyond grateful for the people

and resources that help me fill in thegaps in my knowledge or help mysons learn things I haven’t been ableto teach them myself.Jim V, I owe you one.

CommentaryWhere do you go for support?

see RETIREE, page 5

1037952B

3Friday, March 22, 2013 Andrews Gazette

BY JAMIE ANFENSON-COMEAUPRINCE GEORGE’S GAZETTE

The three finalists vying to becomePrince George’s County schools superin-tendent said they’re still interested in theposition despite uncertainty over whatthe job may actually entail.County Executive Rushern L. Baker

III (D) has announced his intention toput forth legislation in the General As-sembly to give his office the power to hireand oversee a superintendent, instead ofhaving the superintendent continue toanswer to the school board.The exact form of Baker’s proposal is

still being worked on and has not yet beenreleased, according to Christian Rhodes,the county executive’s education policyadviser. Should it go into effect, Rhodessaid Baker may choose one of the threefinalists or restart the search process.“This is too important,” Rhodes said.

“The county executive wants to makesure we get this right.”All three candidates met individually

with Baker prior to the public meeting at-tended by over 100 people at the SasscerAdministration Building in Upper Marl-boro, and each said their meeting wentwell.“Overall, I thought it was a very good

experience,” said candidate Eric J. Be-coats, the current superintendent of theDurham, N.C., school system.Becoats, 45, who also served as co-

interim superintendent of the GuilfordCounty School System in North Carolina,said he has never served under the struc-ture Baker is proposing.“But I am an A-type personality per-

son, so regardless of who I work for, I

want to make sure I understand whatour objectives are, our goals, and I wantto make sure I meet those goals and thosetargets,” Becoats said.Becoats, a Baltimore native and Balti-

more city public school system adminis-trator from 1992 to 1997, said he wouldwelcome the opportunity to return to hishome state of Maryland.“I think [Prince George’s] is a district

that has made some strides from an aca-demic standpoint, and what I would wantto do is continue to enhance efforts forstudents and to expand those successeson a larger scale,” he said.Becoats said that as superintendent

in Durham, he has reached out to com-munity groups and individuals to create

advisory councils, and that is a model hewould like to bring to Prince George’s.Interim Superintendent Alvin L. Craw-

ley, 54, said the potential change in whohe would report to has not deterred himfrom seeking the position.Crawley was made interim superin-

tendent after William Hite resigned lastJuly to become the superintendent forthe Philadelphia school system. He previ-ously served as deputy chief of program-ming for the District of Columbia PublicSchools Office of Special Education.“I came into this district as the interim

superintendent with the understandingthat the board would go through a searchprocess and my term would be limited,”Crawley said. “Certainly, I have an inter-est in being the new superintendent, butI know that things happen and whatev-er decision is made, I hope it would bemade in the best interests of the PrinceGeorge’s County Public Schools.”Crawley said stable leadership makes

a difference in the success of a school dis-trict.“I’ve lived in this area for 18 years,” he

said. “I love living in this area and beinghere.”Crawley said if he is selected for the

job, his second-year priorities would be tofurther strengthen the instructional pro-gram, improving delivery of professionaldevelopment and furthering the system’scapital improvements.Harrison A. Peters, chief of schools for

the Far Southside K-12 network in Chica-go, said his school system has been underthe authority of the mayor for quite sometime. Chicago has had mayor-led schoolsystems since 1996.The possibility of a change in leader-

ship did not give him second thoughtsabout the job, Peters said, noting he hasserved under four superintendents in lessthan three years.“When you work ... for Chicago Public

Schools, one of the things that is constantis change,” Peters said.Peters said he discussed with Baker

his body of work and whether he wouldcommit long-term to the county. If giventhe job, he said he would work to promotetransparency and parental engagement.Peters, 38, noted he has “hopped

around a bit,” with posts in Florida andNorth Carolina prior to coming to Chi-cago in 2010, but said he would love tomake his home in Prince George’s County.“One of my dreams, one of my goals, is

to be the superintendent of a large schooldistrict,” said Peters, who currently workswith 36 schools serving 22,216 students.“For me, that journey ends in PrinceGeorge’s County if I’m hired.”

This story originally appeared in theMarch 20 edition of the Prince George’sGazette.

Despite takeover talks, Prince George’s schools post finalists still interested

PHOTO/JAMIE ANFENSON-COMEAU

Superintendent candidate Eric J. Becoats,currently superintendent of the Durham,N.C. school system.

BY LINDSEY ROBBINSPRINCE GEORGE’S GAZETTE

Fourteen-year-old Chloe Coffey ofDistrict Heights recently got to live thedream of many teenagers: she met her fa-vorite boy band, Mindless Behavior.“They’ve been one of my favorite groups

since they came out. I bought their firstCD and went to their concert,” said Chloe,who met the four-member band March 10through the Kids Wish Network, an in-ternational charity based in Florida. KidsWish Network works to provide positivememories for children ages 3 to 18 whohave gone through life-altering situa-tions.Chloe, her three siblings and her fa-

ther, William Coffey, have sickle cell ane-mia, a hereditary disease that warps theshape of red blood cells, causing patientsto experience episodes of throbbing painthroughout the body and shortness ofbreath. The disease affects up to 100,000Americans annually, according to theCenters for Disease Control and Preven-tion.The nonprofit organization paid to fly

Chloe and four other family members toCalifornia to meet Mindless Behavior inUniversal City. Chloe’s mother, NatayaCoffey, said it was the family’s first tripto California. The charity covered theirfour-day hotel stay and meals.The hip-hop/R&B group of four teen-

agers recently released a new album,“All Around the World,” and has servedas the opening act for Justin Bieber, theBackstreet Boys and Janet Jackson. Theyalso star in a documentary/concert mov-

ie, “Mindless Behavior: All Around TheWorld,” released at select theaters March15.Chloe described meeting the group as

“overwhelming,” saying they hugged her,signed her poster and accepted a card shemade for them. Chloe said she was espe-cially excited to tell her friends since theyalso like the group.“They seemed like cool people and had

energetic behavior,” Chloe said about thegroup.Nataya Coffey said the meet-and-greet

at a restaurant, where Mindless Behav-ior was premiering its new documentary,was so “crazy,” she never saw Chloe meetthe group because of all the security andfans — although Chloe’s father got closeenough for pictures.“I got the joy of it, because it was some-

thing I’m not able to provide for her. Shewas just so happy to meet her boy bandidols,” William Coffey said.Mindless Behavior representatives did

not return requests for comment.Chloe also got a trip to the Universal

Studios theme park, where she got tomeet many of her favorite television starsfrom the Disney Channel, Nataya Coffeysaid.“It was an awesome experience for all

of us,” Coffey said.Chloe’s siblings Amia, 8, and William

Jr., 16, also received $1,000 shoppingsprees through the charity in late Febru-ary. Amia chose to go to Toys“R”Us, whileWilliam chose a spree at Westfield An-napolis mall.Chloe’s oldest sibling, 19-year-old Jen-

ell Coffey, was not eligible for the wishdue to her age, but she said she will re-ceive a wish through an unrelated charityfor adults.Nataya Coffey said she first reached

out to Kids Wish Network because shewanted to bring a “different kind of smile”that she could not provide.Rhonda Erlo, the family’s Kids Wish

coordinator, said that having multiplefamily members have wishes granted isnot common but sometimes happens incases involving hereditary diseases.The charity has granted 81 wishes to

Maryland children since 2001, Erlo said.It granted 300 worldwide in fiscal year2012, she said.


District Heights teen granted wish to meet boy band

PHOTO/WILLIAM COFFEY

Chloe Coffey meets with band Mindless Behavior in Los Angeles as part of her wish.

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BY DEBBIE GILDEAAIR FORCE PERSONNEL CENTER

PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Some Airmen will be able to transferall or a portion of their Post-9/11 GI Billbenefits to their family members withoutincurring a four-year active duty servicecommitment thanks to a program phase-in extension implemented this month.When initially implemented, the

Post-9/11 GI Bill education transfer pro-gram was phased in to enable Airmennearing retirement to accept a 1-, 2-, or3-year active-duty service commitment.In some cases, no additional commitmentwas required. The phase-in period expiredJuly 31, but many Airmen were unable totake advantage of the opportunity beforethe expiration date.

“Air Force leaders want to make sureall eligible Airmen have the opportunityto share this benefit with their families,”said Bruce Houseman, the Air Force Per-sonnel Center education services andbenefits chief. “The initial expirationdate caught some members by surprise,so the phase-in period has been extendedthrough July 31, 2013.”Members must apply to transfer their

benefits no later than July 31 to qualifyunder these graduated service obliga-tions, and as in the past, some memberswho transfer benefits will not incur anassociated ADSC, while others will incurbetween one and four years.- Members on active duty who were

eligible for retirement on Aug. 1, 2009,can transfer benefits without incurringan ADSC.

- Active-duty members eligible for re-tirement after Aug. 1, 2009, and beforeAug. 1, 2010, will incur one additionalyear of service from the date of their re-quest.- Members eligible to retire after Aug.

1, 2010 and before Aug. 1, 2011 will incurtwo additional years of service from thedate of their request.- Members eligible for retirement af-

ter Aug. 1, 2011, and on or before Aug. 1,2012, will incur three additional years ofservice from the date of their request.- Members who are retirement eligible

after July 31, 2012, will incur a four yearactive-duty service commitment fromthe date of their request if they want totransfer their Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits tofamily members.“Eligible Airmen can transfer all or

some of their benefit to one or more fam-ily members, but no matter how muchyou transfer, you will incur the ADSC as-sociated with your retirement eligibilitydate,” Houseman said. “The ADSC beginswith the approved application, so if youplan to transfer benefits, don’t wait untilyou’re near retirement.”For more information about transfer-

ring Post-9/11 GI Bill education bene-fits to family members, go to myPers athttps://mypers.af.mil, and enter Post 9/11GI Bill in the search window. To applyto transfer benefits, go to MilConnect atwww.dmdc.osd.mil/milconnect, the virtu-al MPF self-service actions section acces-sible via myPers, or the Air Force Portaland follow the instructions.

AF extends Post-9/11 GI Bill benefit transfer phase-in period

your hairline.’ Well, that counts me out,”said Deborah Webster, who attended a re-cent Look Good, Feel Better class just daysafter her final chemotherapy treatment.“I’m embracing my baldness.”Webster, Barnes, and the cosmetologists

providing hands-on makeup tutorials helpwomen in the classes realize that embrac-ing change brought on by their cancer and

its treatment is not the same as just sur-rendering to it. Look Good...Feel Better isabout accepting those changes and thenworking around them so that though awoman might lose her hair for a time, shenever has to lose her femininity, her dig-nity, or her enthusiasm.To register for an upcoming Look Good...

Feel Better class at MedStar SouthernMaryland Hospital Center, call 301-877-5700. The free classes are held on the thirdMonday of every other month.

CANCER, from page 1

PHOTOS/CHRIS BASHAM

Lucretia Johnson of Ocular Illusions Non-Surgical Hair Replacement Center in Clinton,Md. demonstrates how to care for a wig.

Lucretia Johnson of Ocular Illusions Non-Surgical Hair Replacement Center in Clinton,Md., left, talks DeborahWebster through the steps of a cosmetics routine designed tocamouflage the side-effects of chemotherapy as oncology nurse Teresa Barnes looks on.


BY CLAUDETTE ROULOAMERICAN FORCES PRESS SERVICE

Federal civilian employees could seetheir Thrift Savings Plan contributions re-duced if furloughs take effect.The Thrift Savings Plan is a retirement

savings and investment plan for federalemployees and members of the uniformedservices, including the Ready Reserve.“Employees who have selected their TSP

contribution to be a percentage of their paywill see smaller contributions during thefurlough period due to their reduced pay,”said Navy Cmdr. Leslie Hull-Ryde, a De-fense Department spokeswoman.For example, an employee who earns

$1,000 of basic pay every two-week payperiod and contributes 10 percent of it tothe TSP would make a $100 TSP contribu-tion during a normal pay period. However,if the employee is furloughed for two daysper pay period, his or her basic pay woulddecrease to $800. As a result, the TSP con-tribution would be $80 per pay period.Employees who contribute a set dollar

amount won’t see that amount change witha reduction in pay, Hull-Ryde said. For thisreason, now is a good time to review TSPcontribution amounts to see if they are ap-propriate, TSP officials said.Basic pay reductions also will affect the

matching funds contributed by the DefenseDepartment and other agencies. Accordingto a TSP news release, any reduction in paywill proportionally decrease the matchingfunds contribution, regardless of whetheremployees contribute a percentage of theirpay or a set dollar amount.The furloughs may cause financial hard-

ship for some employees, and in those cas-es they may consider making a hardshipwithdrawal from their TSP fund. Suchwithdrawals have several restrictions:

-- If you take a hardship withdrawal,you will not be able to make any TSP con-tributions for six months after having re-ceived your funds.-- You may withdraw only your contri-

butions and the earnings associated withthem, and the total amount cannot exceedyour financial hardship.-- You must pay income tax on the tax-

able portion of any withdrawal, and youmay also be subject to a 10 percent earlywithdrawal penalty tax.-- If you are a Federal Employees Re-

tirement System participant, you will notreceive agency matching contributions.-- A hardship withdrawal cannot be re-

paid, so your TSP account is permanentlyreduced by the amount of your withdraw-al.A better option may be taking a loan

against your TSP, officials said. Loans canbe repaid -- plus interest -- but the ac-count continues to accrue earnings evenas the loan is paid back.TSP officials recommend that employ-

ees think carefully before decreasing orstopping their traditional TSP contribu-tions. Those contributions are subtractedfrom pre-tax income, and terminating thecontributions could increase income taxliability. Roth TSP contributions are sub-tracted from employees’ after-tax income,and changes will not affect tax liability.“One of the great things about your

TSP contributions, no matter how small,is that the earnings compound over time.If you stop your contributions, even for ashort time, you’ll miss this opportunityaltogether,” the news release said.Federal Employees Retirement Sys-

tem participants would, in effect, be los-ing free money by stopping their contri-butions, because matching contributionsalso would stop, officials said.

Furlough to affect thriftsavings plan contributions

ries using a retail network pharmacy canget up to a 30-day supply. Certain vaccinesare covered for zero copayment at partici-pating network pharmacies. Call 1-877-363-1303 or visit www.express-scripts.com/tricare to find a participating pharmacy.TRICARE provides a pharmacy benefit toeligible uniformed service members, retir-ees and family members, including benefi-ciaries age 65 and older. For more informa-tion, visit www.tricare.mil/pharmacy or

contact Express Scripts customer serviceat 1-877-363-1303.

The Retiree Activities Office is open 10a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday.Visit the office in Building 1604 at Cali-fornia and Colorado Avenues or call us at301 981-2726. Our e-mail address is raoan-drews.af.mil. Call the office before your visitto ensure a volunteer is on duty. The RAOhas a website at www.andrews.af.mil, clickon “Retirees” for a wealth of informationon retiree subjects, including past copies of“Retiree Activities Corner.”

RETIREE, from page 2

1037892B1036123B


BY STAFF SGT. AMBER RUSSELL11TH WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Col. Bill Knight, 11th Wing/Joint BaseAndrews commander, leaned into Women’sHistory Month with an Afternoon Tea,March 8, featuring live music, refresh-ments and a guest speaker from the Inter-national Center for Research on Women,held at The Club here.The theme of the event, “Women in-

spiring innovation through imagination,”emphasized empowering women throughtechnology.For more than 35 years, the Washington

D.C. based organization, ICRW, has pro-moted women’s empowerment and genderequality. With offices in India and Kenya,the steadfast organization conducts empiri-cal research to address an array of issuesdealing with women’s lives in low-and-middle income countries. The organizationseeks to help disadvantaged families breakthe cycle of poverty and improve their liveli-hoods.Payal Patel, ICRW, gender and develop-

ment specialist and speaker, discussed Sci-ence, Technology, Engineering and Math-ematics (STEM) in relation to women glob-ally, with Team Andrews attendees.“As a social scientist, my interest is

exploring how technology can afford newopportunities for poor women around theworld,” said Patel. “Technology is a sub-stantial driver of economic growth world-wide, as it affords opportunities for em-ployment and entrepreneurship.”According to Patel’s research, having

access to information yields economic em-powerment and women are underrepre-sented in the field of technology.“There is a positive association between

the number of cell phone users in a coun-

try and that country’s economic growth,”she explained. “In the arena of informationand communication technology, a recentstudy found 300 million fewer women thanmen in low-and-middle income countriesare mobile phone subscribers. We need toradically re-think women’s role as technol-ogy users and involvement in the processof developing and promoting technology.

Closing the gender divide means engagingwomen in the design process, marketingdirectly to women and involving women inthe selling process as well.”In Patel’s six years of experience as a

social scientist, she has contributed to thesuccess of several projects. One exampleincludes her research in the Women andTechnologies project.Patel co-authored a paper funded by

ExxonMobil on gender disparities in ac-cessing technologies, and the role of tech-nologies in creating economic opportuni-ties for low-income women.“The fact of the matter is there are al-

ways going to be pockets of resistance inobtaining gender equality; it’s a part of the

process,” she said. “We are constantly mak-ing progress along that spectrum as wom-en everywhere are fighting to expand theirrights, opportunities and possibilities.”After her brief on empowering women

through technology, Col. Greg Urtso, 11thWing/JBA vice commander, bestowed theguest speaker with a gift basket and gaveclosing remarks.“Every individual should be given the

opportunity to achieve their highest poten-tial,” said Urtso.Refreshments and live music entertain-

ment by Holly Montgomery, guitarist andvocalist, ensued closing out this WHMevent.

Afternoon Tea at The Club advocates women for technology

U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTOS/ STAFF SGT. NICHELLE ANDERSON

Tech. Sgt. Emily Wellington, U.S. Air ForceBand vocalist sings the national anthemduring a Women’s History Month event atJoint Base Andrews, Md., March. 8. Thetheme of the event, “Women inspiring inno-vation through imagination,” emphasizedempowering women through technology.

Payal Patel, ICRW, gender and development specialist and speaker discusses Science,Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in relation to women globally duringa Women’s History Month event.

BY VIRGINIA TERHUNEPRINCE GEORGE’S GAZETTE

Members of three community theatercompanies performing in Prince George’sCounty wonWATCH awards on Sunday forsome of their 2012 productions.The Washington Area Theatre Commu-

nity Honors awards, which annually recog-nizes outstanding work by community the-aters in the Washington, D.C., area, wereannounced at the Birchmere in Alexandria.The Tantallon Community Theatre in

Fort Washington won for OutstandingChoreography by Taurean Maray Barberfor “The Color Purple.”“Taurean is without a doubt the most

talented choreographer I’ve worked with,”said Charla Rowe, Tantallon founder anddirector of musical, which sold out perfor-mances.“His choreography told a story in every

scene, from working with the little childrento the nightclub scene to the scene in Af-rica,” Rowe said.“The dancers would leap and collapse ....

the show was just beautiful and magnifi-cent and heart-rending,” she said.Tantallon was also recognized in the

Outstanding Cameo in a Musical cate-gory for Brenda Parker’s performance as“Church Soloist.”“Her talent — you could tell from the

first note,” said Rowe.2nd Star Productions, which performs in

Bowie, won for Outstanding Set Paintingin a Play by Jane B. Wingard for “BloodyMurder.”Actor Fred Nelson won Outstanding

Lead Actor in a Musical for 2nd Start as“Tevye” in “Fiddler on the Roof.”Also recognized was Laurel Mill Play-

house with Stephen Deininger as “Tateh”in “Ragtime” winning Outstanding Fea-tured Actor in a Musical.“He sings so well, and he’s just got such

charisma on the stage,” said Maureen Rog-ers, who produced the show.

“He also directed it musically,” she said.“He had quite a lot on his plate, and itcame out just beautifully.”Based in Baltimore, Deininger said he

has been performing with Laurel Mill forabout three years. This is his first WATCHaward.Judges panels for WATCH awards

are made up of fellow performers, whomDeininger said he admires.”It’s important that it’s adjudicated by

one’s peers,” he said. “Being respected inturn is very rewarding.”A total of 126 productions from 2012 [83

plays and 43 musicals] were judged with33 community theater companies partici-pating.

Deininger, who directs plays in Bal-timore, also said he enjoys working withyounger people who are just starting inthe theater. When accepting his award, hebrought with him on to the stage SophiaRiazi, who played his daughter in “Rag-time.”“She was in every scene with me, she

was integral to my performance,” he said. Iwould not be in my right mind to accept anaward without her.”For a complete list of winners by theater

company and by category, visit www.wash-ingtontheatre.org.


Three theater companies in county win WATCH awards for 2012 productions

BY TIMOTHY SANDOVALPRINCE GEORGE’S GAZETTE

Some residents with intellectual andphysical challenges are learning how tomake movies thanks to new workshopsstarted by the Arc of Prince George’s Coun-ty.Participants learn to take photos, shoot

and edit film, and create simple narrativesusing iPads, said Pierre Walcott, execu-tive director of The Creative Edge Studioof Prince George’s, a community group offilmmakers focused on increasing film-re-lated educational opportunities.The group, an affiliate organization of

the nonprofit Hyattsville Community De-velopment Corp., worked with officials atthe Arc, a nonprofit group that providesservices to the county’s intellectually andphysically disabled citizens, on the pro-gram.“It’s a lot of fun,” Elizabeth Booher, 42,

who lives in Largo and described herselfas having an intellectual disability, saidof the workshops. “I have never used [aniPad] before … I learned a lot about how to

take photos and put it together.”The workshops run Mondays and Fri-

days with 10 participants from the Arc’sday programs in Laurel, Temple Hills andLargo. The day program offers educationaland recreational activities.The workshops started as a pilot pro-

gram in January and will run until May,Walcott said. Arc officials will assess

whether to continue the program after-ward, he said.Participants do not have to pay to take

part in the workshops. They are chosenbased on their level of interest and wheth-er they would be good candidates to workwith the iPads, said Kim Njowusi, directorof the Laurel day program.Walcott said he wanted to ensure that

people with mental and physical disabili-ties were involved in The Creative Edge’sgoal of increasing community involvementin filmmaking.“We want a community where nobody is

excluded,” Walcott said. “We have to findways to bring everybody in to share in thecommon experience...We believe everybodyhas a story to tell.”Walcott said he hopes to have a show-

case event when the program is completedfor families and friends to see some of thefilms.Jessica Neely, director of family services

for the Arc, said the workshops are part ofthe Arc’s Transformation Project, which in-cludes activities aimed at getting those inthe day programs active in the community.

The Arc pays The Creative Edge to con-duct the activities, but officials declined toprovide further details about the fundingof the program or the costs involved. Neelysaid the foundation preferred to keep itsfunding anonymous.On March 8, Booher created a stop-mo-

tion film: a series of images of objects puttogether in sequence to create the illusionthat they are moving. Booher took photosof a toy monkey going to a vending ma-chine, inserting a quarter, getting a sodaand drinking it.Andrew Millington, a Hyattsville-based

filmmaker and member of The CreativeEdge, said the project allows participantsto think independently about what type offilms they want to create.“When a person sees her image and sees

it captured for the first time ... that does alot for their self-esteem,” he said.


Workshop opens world of filmmaking to those with disabilities

PHOTO/DAN GROSS

Jacob Poole works with small bendablefigures to make an animated film at Arc ofPrince George’s County in Laurel.

PHOTO/RAPHAEL TALISMAN

Tantallon Players’ Demetrius Durrell of Landover as “Mister” and Andrea Gerald of FortWashington as “Celie” starred in the Tantallon Community Players’ “The Color Purple.” Theproductionwon aWATCH award for Outstanding Choreography by TaureanMaray Barber.

WATCH Awards 2012Prince George’s County

2nd Star Productions (Bowie)Outstanding Set Painting in a Play— Jane B.Wingard—“BloodyMurder”Outstanding Lead Actor in aMusical— FredNelson as “Tevye”— “Fiddler on the Roof”

Laurel Mill Playhouse (Laurel)Outstanding Featured Actor in aMusical—Stephen Deininger as “Tateh”— “Ragtime”

Tantallon Community Theatre (Fort Washington)Outstanding Cameo in aMusical—BrendaParker as “Church Soloist”— “The ColorPurple”Outstanding Choreography— TaureanMarayBarber— “The Color Purple”

Montgomery CountyDamascus Theatre CompanyOutstanding Cameo in aMusical— ChrissyBarnett Miller as “Jolene Oakes” in “DirtyRotten Scoundrels”

Kensington Arts TheatreOutstanding Direction of aMusical— a tiebetween Craig Pettinati of Kensington ArtsTheatre for “Sunday in the Park with George”and Christopher Dykton of The Arlington Play-ers for “A little Night Music”Outstanding Costume Design in aMusical—Eleanor Dicks— “Sunday in the Park withGeorge”Outstanding Sound Design in aMusical—Kevin Garrett— “Sunday in the Park withGeorge”Outstanding Light Design in aMusical—Kevin Boyce— “Night of the Living Dead, TheMusical”Outstanding Special Effects— Jordan Rose& Doe B. Kim— “Sunday in the Park withGeorge”


BY STAFF SGT. AMBER RUSSELL11TH WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Getting fit-to-fight at TeamAndrews just became more con-venient.As part of an Air Force Servic-

es Transformation Initiative testconcept, JBA is one of six instal-lations to implement 24-hour-a-day, 7-day-a-week fitness center.Patrons of the West Fitness Cen-ter have had access to unmannedhours in the tacticle componentarea since March 14.Registration began that day

for all authorized users of the

fitness center, 18 years and old-er. You must have a valid ID cardin order to register. Dependents,16-17 years old must registerand be with their registeredsponsor to enter. Additionally,the restrooms will not be openduring the new operating hoursof 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.“The purpose of the initiative

is to boost morale and provideaccess to the gym for servicemembers who work unconven-tional shifts, such as securityforces members,” said 2nd Lt.David Smith, Force Support Ser-vices sustainment flight officer

in charge.The Office of the Secretary of

Defense Military Communitiesand Family Policy director andAssistant Secretary of the AirForce for Manpower and ReserveAffairs approved the ServicesTransformation initiative to testunsupervised fitness and sportscenter after-hours use.“Test installations include

Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash.,Scott AFB, Ill., F.E. WarrenAFB, Wyo., Tinker AFB, Okla.,and Little Rock AFB, Ark.,” saidSmith.The West Fitness Center tac-

tical area will be open and un-manned, however, member’ssafety still comes first.“Entry access and surveil-

lance systems will provide pa-trons security and safety in theirpursuit to get fit in off hours,”he said. “Emergency equipmentsuch as a defibrillator, first-aidkits will be readily available, aswell as phones with emergencynumber lists, and clear proce-dures for fire department ac-cess.”With safety measures in

place, test installation com-manders will also conduct and

document operational and riskmanagement assessments.Additionally, written stan-

dards will be in place for patronsto understand guidelines for un-supervised use of the facility, ex-plained Smith.Tanya Sites, WFC recreation

assistant, welcomes 24/7 accessto the West Fitness Center.“I think this will be good be-

cause we have a lot of people,military and their dependents,who will be able to use the gymat their convenience,” said Sites.For more information, contact

the WFC at 301-981-7101.

Get Fit at the West Fitness Center - 24/7

giveaway, held March 16 at Jericho Cityof Praise Church in Landover, Md. Thiswas the second year Jericho City of Praisehosted the giveaway; last year’s event at-tracted just 50 girls, invited to the eventbecause they are homeless, in foster care,or otherwise identified by their school orthe Department of Social Services as beingfinancially at risk. Though the event beganat 8 a.m., some girls were already in line by5 a.m., to ensure they were among the firstto browse the racks of gowns.Each girl received a numbered ticket,

and with it a time slot to shop for the per-fect gown. Once they’d chosen their gownand tried it on, they could add coordinat-ing accessories, get a prom-worthy cosmet-ics tutorial, win gift cards and other raffleitems donated by local formal wear stores,participate in etiquette classes to preparethem for a formal evening and enjoy a per-formance by Lil Key, a 12-year-old, Balti-more-based, inspirational rapper with afocus on young people getting ahead in lifeby pursuing an education.Though many girls came to the event

with a parent, guardian, or sibling in tow,no one had to shop alone. Miss AnnapolisTeen 2013, Taylor Diggs and Miss Balti-more Teen 2013 Olivia Dumer lent theirexpertise to the gown shopping experience.

“Picking out gowns is my specialty,” saidDumer, “and it’s great to give back to ourpeer group.”Though both girls are experienced pag-

eant participants, “Picking out gowns is alot easier to do for other people than it is todo for yourself,” Diggs said.The Priceless Gown Project collects new

and gently used gowns and other prom-oriented accessories from businesses andindividuals throughout the year. Each sea-son, staffers evaluate the gowns on handto cull dresses that are out of style. Cato-nya Lester, Vice President of the PricelessGown Project, said that gowns in sizes 18- 24 are especially in demand.For information, visit www.priceless-

gownproject.org.

DRESS, from page 1

“Glam Guru” Melissa Michelle gives a girla prom-worthy makeup tutorial.

“Most women are intimidat-ed because they think scientificfields are heavily populated withmen, but here my department ismostly women, and at my last du-ty station we were half women,”Seaton said. “I love it. It’s abouttaking that first step.”Seaton asserts that women

“can have a big impact. It’s noteasy, but if you’re heart’s in ityou’ll succeed. Once they under-stand it and take hold of it and go,I don’t think science is a ‘guy’ fieldanymore, because of the schools.They’re doing a lot to get all kidsinvolved.”The key for young women and

anyone interested in consideringa career in bioengineering or re-lated fields, Seaton said, is to findsomething you’re “passionate”about.“I was not sure at first (about

switching from marine biology tobioengineering), but I realized Iliked it. Once you meet that learn-ing curve you can do really well onthe outside,” Seaton said. “There’sso much to learn.”

CAREER, from page 1

PHOTO/CHRIS BASHAM

Staff Sgt. Amy Seaton sets up the HAPSITEChemical Identification System to check chemi-cal samples. Joint Base Andrews’ bioengineersuse the HAPSITE and other equipment to deter-mine what chemicals are in potentially hazard-ous substances, both in the lab and on site.

TEAM WINS LOSSES TOTAL GAMES WIN %

779 MDG 11 0 11 100%

11 SFS 9 2 11 82%

NAFW 10 3 13 77%

89 COMM 7 3 10 70%

AFDW 5 7 12 42%

VAQ 209 3 8 11 27%

NGB 1 11 12 8%

ONI 0 12 12 0%

JBA INTRAMURAL BASKETBALL STANDINGS

TUESDAY/THURSDAY

TEAM WINS LOSSES TOTAL GAMES WIN %

VR-1 10 1 11 91%

VR-53 8 2 10 80%

11 CES 8 4 12 67%

459th ARW 7 4 11 64%

FRCMA 3 7 10 30%

89 APS 3 8 11 27%

744 COMM 2 9 11 18%

11 LRS 2 10 12 17%

JBA INTRAMURAL BASKETBALL STANDINGS

MONDAY/WEDNESDAY

Raven Coit has always been in-terested in “the way people think,the thoughts and feelings of peo-ple. I just really want to help peo-ple who are mentally challenged,and give back to the community,”the 17-year-old Frederick Doug-lass High School senior said. Af-ter spending a few days with newmentors at the Disney DreamersAcademy, Raven has narrowedher focus more tightly. She hopesto become a clinical psychologistor a psychiatrist, thanks to in-depth discussions she had withprofessionals in the health care

field while participating in DDA,a joint partnership between Es-sence Magazine, Walt DisneyParks and Resorts and the SteveHarvey Show.Raven’s experience with the

program inspired her to look ata more medically-oriented careerpath, so that she can prescribeand perhaps even create naturalremedies to cure mental healthissues. Raven is shown with acertificate she received at theprogram which included an herb-al remedy she mixed and turnedinto a pill.

Disney DreamersAcademy inspiresCheltenham student

PHOTO/CHRIS BASHAM


JBA BuzzHow is your military career shaping up?

Senior AirmanBenjamin God-frey, 11th Con-tracting Squad-ron contractingspecialist

Airman 1stClass CalebStanton, 89thCommunica-tions Squadronradio operator

Navy AviationOrdnanceman2nd Class EltonMcLaughlin,Fleet ReserveCenter Mid-Atlantic Wash-ington

Staff Sgt. PeterPease, 811thSecurity ForceSquadron Ra-ven

“Mymilitary careerhas been excellent!Even with the budgetcuts, I’m still doingeverything I want do.So, when one doorcloses, another dooropens.”

“Pretty good so far. Istarted out at KadenaAir Base, then PCS’dhere to Andrewsin 2010, and wasdeployed to Kuwaitin 2011, then returnedback to Andrews,where I became aRaven. My career isdefinitely moving in agood direction.”

“It’s shaping uppretty good. Every-thing that I’ve learnedcoming through theranks from E-1 to E-5has helped me to bean effective LeadingPetty Officer.”

“My career’s beengood and bad...The bad part nowis because the AirForce is gettingsmaller, so I haven’tbeen able to work inmy career field.”

For more news from other bases around the Washington, D.C. area,

visit www.dcmilitary.com.

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MMIISSSS MMIILLLLEERRMMIISSSS MMIILLLLEERRMISS MILLERPPaallmm && TTaarroott CCaarrddPPaallmm && TTaarroott CCaarrddPalm & Tarot CardSSppiirriittuuaall RReeaaddeerr && AAddvviissoorrSSppiirriittuuaall RReeaaddeerr && AAddvviissoorrSpiritual Reader & AdvisorTroubled? Worried? Can’t find answers

to those unsolvable problems?

II hhaavvee hheellppeedd mmaannyy ppeeooppllee ttoo lliivvee aa hhaappppyy && ssuucccceessssffuullI have helped many people to live a happy & successfullliiffee II ccaann hheellpp yyoouu nnoo mmaatttteerr wwhhaatt yyoouurr pprroobblleemm iiss..life I can help you no matter what your problem is.

330011--885566--33444433330011--885566--33444433301-856-3443


BY MATHEW B. TULLY

Unfortunately, honesty is not the re-quired policy when it comes to interroga-tions. Depending on the circumstances,an interrogator can make promises toa service member, or lie about evidenceagainst him or her, with the goal of se-curing a confession. This fact makes it allthe more important for service membersto assert their rights to remain silent andto counsel if they are questioned by lawenforcement authorities about allegedmisconduct.Generally, a confession is not admis-

sible at court-martial if the service mem-ber was not informed of his or her Article31 warnings, which include notification ofthe offense he or she allegedly commit-ted and of the fact that anything he orshe says can be used against him or herin criminal proceedings. Service mem-bers can waive their rights and answer

an interrogator’s questions, but for theirresponses to be admissible they must beprovided voluntarily, as opposed to in-voluntarily. Under the Military Rules ofEvidence, an involuntary statement isone that has been obtained in violationof the service member’s Fifth Amendmentdue process rights or “through the use ofcoercion, unlawful influence, or unlawfulinducement.”There is little question that promises

can be coercive or influential. When itcomes to the interrogation of a servicemember, the important question is wheth-er any lies told by an interrogator causedthe accused to involuntarily confess to acrime. As the U.S. Court of Appeals forthe Armed Forces noted in U.S. v. John S.Freeman (2007), “promises are consideredonly a factor in the equation; they are notof themselves determinative of involun-tariness.”This case involved an Air Force Air-

man who was convicted at general court-martial of making a false statement andassault with a means or force likely tocause death in violation of Articles 107and 128 of the Uniform Code of MilitaryJustice. The government secured a confes-sion from the Airman during a 10-hour-long interrogation. He appealed the find-ings, claiming the court-martial judgeshould have suppressed the confessionbecause it was obtained through the useof coercion, unlawful influence, or unlaw-ful inducement. Specifically, the Airmanaccused his interrogators of lying thatthere was a witness who saw the accusedthe night in question and his fingerprintswere found at the scene of the crime. Theinterrogators told the Airman they’d in-form his commander about the incidentregardless of his level of cooperation, andthey threatened that his failure to cooper-ate would prompt them to refer the mat-ter to civilian authorities who could im-

pose harsher penalties. Despite all this,the court found that under the “totalityof the circumstances” this confession wasprovided voluntarily.If NCIS is investigating you for mis-

conduct, don’t try to explain your wayout of the situation. More often than not,anything you tell authorities will comeback to haunt you. Assert your rights andtalk to a military law attorney before youtalk to military police. If you have alreadymade a statement, an attorney could at-tempt to get it thrown out by showingthat authorities failed to provide you withyour Article 31 warnings or your confes-sion was provided involuntarily.

Mathew B. Tully is an Iraq and Afghan-istan War veteran and founding partner ofthe law firm Tully Rinckey PLLC. E-mailquestions to [email protected]. The information in this column isnot intended as legal advice.

Ask the LawyerMay anNCIS agent lie tome so I’ll confess?

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Come Celebrate Easter Sunday.Delicious cuisine, great service, nice ambience, andfresh home made dishes prepared daily.

www.mamastellasrestaurant.com • 301-868-3057

Buffet & Salad BarMon-Fri 11:30am-2:30pm

Daily Pasta SpecialsExtensive Wine Selection

Banquet Facilities

7918 Branch Ave.Clinton, MD 20735

Sun-Thur 11am-10pmFri-Sat 11am-11pm

uu

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fromThe Staff at Mama Stellas!

Lunch

Easter Dinner Specials:• Roast Leg of Lamb with roasted potatos

•Baked Ham with mashed potatos & green beans

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IslamicPrayer Room in Chapel 1 AnnexDaily Prayer Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m.

- 4 p.m.Prayer Service Friday, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

JewishKiddush/Sabbath dinner Friday, 6 p.m.All are welcome. To RSVP and for loca-

tion contact: Rabbi,Capt. Schechter at 240-671-2270 or sar-

[email protected] can find a complete listing of Yom

Kippur services in the National CapitalRegion through www.jewishindc.com.

Protestant:Sunday ServicesChapel 2, Traditional Service 9 a.m.Base Theater, Contemporary Service 10

a.m.

Gospel Service 11:30 a.m.Tuesday Family Night at Base TheaterFamily meal 5 p.m.Christian Education and AWANA Kid’s

Program 6 p.m.

Roman CatholicReconciliation by appointment, call 301-

981-2111Daily and Saturday Mass have been

temporarily suspended.Chapel 1, 1345 W. Perimeter Road.Mass Sunday, 8:30 a.m.Chapel 2, 3715 Fetchet Ave.Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults

(RCIA) classes Monday, 6 p.m.For information, pastoral counseling

and religious accommodation of all faithtraditions call 301-981-2111 or visit thechapel office at 1345 W Perimeter Road.

Religious Serviceson base

BY CAPT. ANTHONY WADE CHAPLAIN11TH WING AIR FORCE DISTRICT

OF WASHINGTON

It was a very long day, but a very goodday. The Air Force Office of Special In-vestigations agents and their supportingSecurity Forces Airmen conducted fiveseparate operations in record time. Theywere able to “roll up” eighteen “bad guys”-- suspected IED makers, drug dealers,money men. Then, these tired profession-als gathered to celebrate.They sat together in a plywood smok-

ing hut, drawing on an assortment ofcigars, and telling stories about the pre-vious day’s operation. As their chaplain,I was privileged to join them in the cel-ebration. I sat quietly focused, listeningto Airmen describe details of their work.There is value in sharing our experi-

ences; there is connection in the commonhumanity of one person reaching out toanother.There is value in the telling. When you

share joyful events or news with friendsor loved ones, you can celebrate with oth-ers and the joy is doubled. In darker mo-ments, in the struggles of life, the trag-edies of human existence, you can turn toa close friend and lighten the emotionalburden you bear. “Venting” to someoneyou trust can be healing, can help youmove through the experience, growingand strengthened for life ahead. As youexpress yourself to one another, wres-tling with your experiences and feelings,you can begin to find meaning even if itdoesn’t all make sense. There is hope foryou in the sympathy of a fellow humanheart.You turn to friends, maybe to a co-

worker. You talk with your spouse. Andyou can talk to a chaplain. Most of us arepretty good listeners. When you talk with

a chaplain you own the conversation; thechaplain is bound to keep your confidenc-es.Just as there is value in the telling,

there is value in the listening. You canshare a friend’s joy in the birth of a child,a promotion, or an award or decorationreceived. Also, by sitting quietly with fo-cused attention, deeply hearing, listen-ing to a friend’s heartache, you too arestrengthened. You are connecting withanother human being on a deeper level,moving outside of yourself in caring con-cern. Listening – really listening – to afellow human being is part of what itmeans to be a good wingman.There is indeed value in the telling and

in the hearing. When you express your-self, and when you patiently listen to thejoys and sorrows of others, both speakerand listener are strengthened in the expe-rience. In connecting with another personon a deeper level, the inner strength ofboth are built up and sustained.For thousands of years, men and wom-

en have shared their stories with one an-other: women carding wool and sharingtheir hopes and fears; ancient huntersgathered by the fire, recounting the de-tails of the day’s hunt. With all our mod-ern communications technology – smartphones and social networking – what westill need as humans is what humanshave always needed: a deeper connectionwith other humans – a connection madein the telling and hearing of our stories.It had been a very long day, but it

had been a very good day. As the AFOSIagents and SF Airmen told their storiesand listened to one another, whetherthey realized it or not, they strengthenedtheir connection with one another andstrengthened the cohesion of their team,preparing them for other long days tocome.

Chaplain’s ThoughtThere is value in sharing life

For more news from other bases around the Washington, D.C. area,

visit www.dcmilitary.com.

CAPTION THIS

Send your silly captions for this week’s photo to [email protected]. The funni-est ones will be used in a future edition of the Andrews Gazette.

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andrews_032213

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