soundoff jan 9, 2014

donateCFC fundraising drive wraps up on Wednesday

page 13

UPCoMInG eVentStUeSday, 9:30 a.M.: Kids’ Craft Club - Arts & Crafts CenterWedneSday, 5:30-7 P.M.: Exceptional Family Member Program Bowling - The LanesJan. 17, 7-10 P.M.: Karaoke Night - The LanesJan. 23, 11:30 a.M.-12:30 P.M.: Martin Luther King Jr. Observance - McGillJan. 27, 9 a.M.-1 P.M.: National Blood Donor Month Blood Drive - McGill

on tIMeNew Post Exchange, Express on track for 2014 grand openings

page 3

Soundoff!́vol. 66 no. 1 Published in the interest of the Fort Meade community January 9, 2014

Photo by brandon bieltz

navy Petty officer 3rd Class Hans J. lueth braves the cold while on guard Tuesday afternoon at the Reece Road gate. Monday night and all day Tuesday, Directorate of Emergency Services personnel as well as borrowed military manpower braved the coldest arctic air the area has faced in two decades — a polar vortex that paralyzed air travel, closed roads and schools, and impacted almost the entire country with subfreezing temperatures. For more information on protecting yourself in frigid weather, see Page 4.

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil� SOUNDOFF! January 9, 2014

Commander’s Column

Cont ent sNews............................. 3 Sports..................................10

CrimeWatch................. 6 Movies.................................15

Community................. 13 Classified.............................16

Editorial StaffGarrison Commander Col. Brian P. foleyGarrison Command Sgt. Maj. thomas J. latterPublic affairs officerChad t. Jones [email protected], Command informationPhilip H. Jones [email protected] Editor & Senior Writer rona S. Hirsch Staff Writer lisa r. rhodesStaff Writer Brandon Bieltzdesign Coordinator timothy davis Supplemental photography provided by the Baltimore Sun Media Group

advErtiSinGGeneral inquiries 410-332-6300or email [email protected]

If you would like information about receiving Soundoff! on Fort Meade or are experiencing distribution issues, call 877-886-1206 or e-mail [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Printed by offset method of reproduction as a civilian enterprise in the interest of the personnel at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland, by The Baltimore Sun Media Group, 501 N. Calvert St., Baltimore, MD 21278, every Thursday except the last Thursday of the year in conjunction with the Fort Meade Public Affairs Office. Requests for publication must reach the Public Affairs Office no later than Friday before the desired publication date. Mailing address: Post Public Affairs Office, Soundoff! IMME-MEA-PA, Bldg. 4409, Fort Meade, MD 20755-5025. Telephone: 301-677-5602; DSN: 622-5602.

Everything advertised in this publication must be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, marital status, handicap or sex of purchaser, user or patron. A confirmed violation or rejection of this policy of equal opportunity by an advertiser will result in the refusal to print advertising from that source.

Printed by The Baltimore Sun Co., LLC, a private firm, in no way connected with the Department of the Army. Opinions expressed by the publisher and writers herein are their own and are not to be considered an official expression by the Department of the Army. The appearance of advertisers in the publication does not constitute an endorsement by the Department of the Army of the products or services advertised.

www.ftmeade.army.milYou can also keep track of Fort Meade on Twitter at twitter.com/ftmeademd

and view the Fort Meade Live Blog at ftmeade.armylive.dodlive.mil.

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Happy New Year to all!It’s hard to believe the year 2014 is upon us.

I hope everyone in our Team Meade commu-nity had a restful, safe and enjoyable holiday break.

We are now plunging headlong into what will be another eventful year full of challenges and accomplishments.

We will undoubtedly be challenged by lack of resources, but remain confident that our government and leadership will continue to compromise and make decisions that will preclude taking extreme measures such as furloughs again.

There will be further resource cuts across our military. But I pledge a coordinated effort by Fort Meade leadership to ensure those cuts are focused and not blindly enforced in the too-often-used “salami slice” methodology.

As we make our argument for focused cuts, we will remind senior Army and DoD lead-ers that Fort Meade is, and will remain, the “Cyber Center of Gravity” for our Depart-ment of Defense. It is also the Center of Grav-ity for our defense against insider threat, for DoD public affairs and media outreach …

The list of vital missions performed by our 115 resident organizations goes on and on.

So as DoD and the Department of the Army contemplate further cuts, we will argue that resources must be focused toward those organization that are performing vital nation-al security missions.

The risk to our nation from the cyber domain is real and just about limitless. If you use the Internet, get money from an ATM, and enjoy the comfort of electricity and running water, you enjoy the benefits of a cyber domain

that must be defended.

The people defending our nation in this domain, 24 hours a day, live and work on Fort Meade. Our installa-tion must be resourced to better enable them to do their jobs.

It is our job as the garrison staff to quantify the needs of this installation. To do that, we need the help of our partner organizations. We will work together with all to ensure the needs of Fort Meade are coordinated and voiced by the senior leaders who live and work here.

So thank you all again for your hard work and dedication to our great nation.

As we move through the winter, please con-tinue to be safe. Plan extra time to get to your destinations, walk carefully to avoid slipping on wet and frozen surfaces, and take a few moments to enjoy the beauty of Fort Meade after a fresh snowfall.

As we begin the new year, also remember those less fortunate, and please consider using the Combined Federal Campaign to give to your organization(s) of choice.

The 2013 campaign was extended until Wednesday, so we all have one more week to give.

Here’s to an eventful year ahead!

Fort Meade: The nation’s ‘Cyber Center of Gravity’

COL. Brian P. FOLeyGarrison Commander

Commander’s Open DoorGarrisonCommanderCol.BrianP.Foleyhasanopendoorpolicy.Allservicemembers,retirees,governmentemployees,familymembersand

communitymembersage18orolderare invitedtoaddress issuesorcon-cernstothecommanderdirectlybyvisitingFoley’sofficeonMondaysfrom4 to6p.m.atgarrisonheadquarters inHodgesHall,Bldg.4551,LlewellynAvenue.

Visitors are seen on a first-come, first-served basis. No appointment isnecessary.

Formoreinformation,call301-677-4844.

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil January 9, 2014 SOUNDOFF! �

News

Story and photos by Brandon BieltzStaff Writer

After more than a year of construction, the end is in sight for the Army and Air Force Exchange Service’s two construction projects on Fort Meade.

The Exchange and the Express near the Route 32 gate are both slated to open this year. The Express is scheduled to be com-pleted in late February, while the AAFES staff is aiming for a summer grand opening of the Exchange.

“It is exciting to get brand new facilities,” said Rita Inchaurregui-Powell, store manager of the Exchange and acting general manager of the Fort Meade facilities. “We’ve been in this building for so many years and it’s been pieced together, so going into a brand new building. And to be able to offer new fixtures and the new department-store look — it’s really exciting to us.”

Construction on the 8,420-square-foot Express began last spring. The facility, which will feature six gas pumps, an Arby’s and pizza restaurant, was built on the former softball field on Mapes Road across from the Defense Information School.

While installation of the fixtures for the Arby’s will start in the coming weeks, AAFES is soliciting contracts for the pizza restau-rant.

“It’s coming along very well,” Inchaur-regui-Powell said. “They’re right on time as far as opening. All the merchandise and fix-tures have been ordered for that facility. We’re just waiting to get an exact date from the construction company when we can open.”

Once the new facility opens in late Febru-ary or early March, the Trading Post across from DINFOS will close as the new Express will offer a similar mini mart in the 4,985-square-foot store. The Express on MacArthur Road will remain open as a 24-hour store.

Initial plans for the Express mirrored the hours of the Route 32 gate. The post and AAFES are currently working to determine the most effective hours of operation.

“We’re looking at the traffic flow to see how we can best benefit the community,” Inchaurregui-Powell said. “So the hours of operation have not been established yet; we’re still looking at them.”

AAFES’ long-term project, the Exchange, is expected to open during the summer after construction began in December 2012. The $37 million project will replace the current 130,000-square-foot facility.

“Everything is on time; they’ve already installed the skylights,” Inchaurregui-Powell

Exchange, Express to open this year

A construction crew works outside the nearly completed Express on Mapes Road near the Route 32 gate on Monday. The $5.6 million project will feature six gas pumps, an Arby’s and pizza restaurant. BELOW: The front of the new 167,000-square-foot Exchange nears completion. The facility is expected to open during the summer after construction began in December 2012.

said. “They’re starting to drywall — you can actually see the walls now. They’re getting ready to lay the concrete on the food court. Otherwise, all the concrete is complete.

“Construction is right on time. You can now see offices and spaces, and you see where each concession is going to be. It’s really nice.”

The new 167,000-square-foot Exchange will feature a pharmacy and a larger food court with six vendors. Starbucks, Domino’s Pizza, Charley’s Grilled Subs and Subway are confirmed to be in the food court. Inchaur-regui-Powell said AAFES is also conferring with Boston Market and Denny’s Express.

Once the new Exchange opens, the current facility will close and prepare for demolition. The gravel parking lot will continue to serve as the main parking lot.

“We will keep this store open until the day of the grand opening on the new store,” Inchaurregui-Powell said. “Then we have probably two to three weeks to get out of here so that we can demolish this building and make a parking lot.”


News

By Lisa R. RhodesStaff Writer

It was 15 degrees below zero in Baltimore early Tuesday morning, thanks to a cold winter blast.

The deep freeze was brought on by a polar vortex, a circulation of strong, upper-level winds that normally surround the northern pole in a counterclockwise direc-tion, bringing temperatures to their lowest in almost 20 years.

According to The Baltimore Sun, tem-peratures dropped to at least 3 degrees by 6 a.m. at Baltimore-Washington Interna-tional Thurgood Marshall Airport. With winds gusting to 30 mph, it felt 20 degrees colder. A wind chill advisory was in effect through 6 p.m.

Fort Meade’s Installation Safety Direc-tor Kirk Fechter said that in frigid weather such as this, it is important to pay attention to the wind chill.

“It is very important to consider the wind chill,” he said. “We tend to only pay attention to the temperature. But depending on the wind chill, within 30 minutes you can get frostbite.”

When the wind chill dips below 0 degrees Fahrenheit, frostbite and hypothermia are the most prevalent dangers.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, frostbite is an injury to the body that is caused by freezing. Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and color in affected areas. It most often affects the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers or toes.

Frostbite can permanently damage the body. Severe cases can lead to amputation.

The risk of frostbite is increased in people with reduced blood circulation and among people who are not dressed properly for extremely cold temperatures.

The CDC also reports that when the body is exposed to cold temperatures, it begins to lose heat faster than can be produced. Prolonged exposure to cold will eventually use up the body’s stored energy. The result is hypothermia, or abnormally-low body temperature.

Body temperature that is too low affects the brain, hindering the ability to think clearly or move well. This makes hypo-thermia particularly dangerous because a person may not know it is happening and won’t be able to do anything about it.

Cold FactsTake time to stay warm and safe in frigid temperatures

The young and the elderly are especially vulnerable.

Fechter said that in cases of frostbite and hypothermia, people should get to the nearest emergency room. Both conditions are life-threatening.

“Don’t take a chance,” he said.Fechter also urges people to take precau-

tions with their vehicle.“In the cold, it’s highly likely that a car

will break down,” said Fechter, noting that a car’s battery is likely to have trouble in frigid temperatures.

Fechter advises motorists to warm up their vehicle before driving.

When taking a car on the road, Fechter said to make sure to have a working cell phone and additional clothes in case the car is stranded and time passes before help arrives.

The Installation Safety Office offers the following tips for staying safe and warm in frigid weather:

Keep your body warm• Keep moving by exercising large

muscles (arms, legs).• Drink water or warm noncaffein-

ated/nonalcoholic fluids to prevent dehy-dration.

• Avoid alcohol (as it gives the body a false sense of warmth).

• Avoid tobacco products (as they decrease blood circulation to the skin).

• Eat full meals to maintain energy.• Limit the amount of time outside on

extremely cold days

Wear proper clothing• Wear high-technology apparel that

allows moisture to go through the cloth-ing without leaving moisture on the skin.

• Wear several layers of loose cloth-ing to allow the blood to circulate to the extremities. (Layers can be removed to prevent sweating.)

• Keep clothing in good condition, clean and dry. Change wet, damp clothes immediately.

Protect feet• Carry an extra pair of socks, and

change damp socks immediately. Use foot powder to help absorb moisture.

• Wear overshoes to keep boots and socks clean and dry.

• Avoid tight socks and boots, ensuring not to overtighten boots or shoes.

Protect hands• Wear gloves/mittens to avoid frostbite

injuries.• Keep gloves/mittens clean and dry.

Change damp gloves immediately.• Warm hands under clothes if they

become numb.• Avoid skin contact with snow, fuel or

bare metal that has been exposed to the cold for extended periods.

Protect head, face and ears• Wear a hat. It reduces the amount of

body heat that escapes from your head. (As much as 70 percent or more of the body’s heat is lost through an uncovered head.)

• Cover face and ears with a scarf to prevent frostbite injuries and to retain body heat.

• Warm face and ears by covering them with your hands. Do not rub face or ears.

• Wear sunscreen.Fechter said that when it comes to safety

in brutally cold weather, common sense is best.

“Be smart and stay inside,” he said.

photo by brandon bieltz

Security Officer Justin Bridges checks IDs during the freezing cold on Tuesday afternoon at the Reece Road gate. The chances of frostbite and hypothermia increase as temperatures plunge below zero.


News

By Lisa A FerdinandoArmy News Service

Not only are synthetic drugs dangerous, but they can cost a Soldier his or her military career.

The Drug Enforcement Administration said users of synthetic drugs have suffered vomiting, anxiety, seizures, hallucinations, loss of consciousness, organ damage and even death.

Soldiers can face disciplinary action that could include a discharge if they test posi-tive for synthetic drugs including “Spice” and “bath salts,” said Dr. Les McFarling, the director of the Army Substance Abuse Program.

The DoD expanded its urinalysis drug testing to include synthetic cannabinoids, or synthetic marijuana, said McFarling. The random testing began Dec. 16, he said.

The Army prohibited the use and posses-sion of all synthetic cannabinoids in 2011. Bath salts, which are synthetic cathinones, were banned in 2012, McFarling said.

The Army can do “probable cause” testing or “competence for duty” testing for synthetic drugs, he said.

Soldiers who use synthetic drugs are encouraged to self-refer for treatment to the Army Substance Abuse Program or to a mili-tary medical facility, McFarling said.

Service members who do not self-refer and subsequently test positive, can face action deemed appropriate by their commander under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, he said.

“The same rules that apply with any other drug, including THC (the active ingredient in marijuana), cocaine or any other illicit sub-stance, now apply to synthetics,” said Buddy Horne, the civilian and military drug testing manager for the Army.

The use of synthetic drugs in the Army is believed to have decreased, Horne said, after the DEA began classifying chemicals used

Synthetic drugs dangerous, can end a military career

Dec. 18, Shoplifting: The sub-ject was observed by video surveillance at the Exchange removing a container of make-up and departing the store without rendering proper pay-ment.

Dec. 20, Shoplifting: AAFES loss prevention personnel at the Exchange stated that the subject was observed via surveillance camera selecting multiple items throughout the Exchange and failing to render proper pay-ment.

Dec. 23, Shoplifting: AAFES loss prevention personnel at the Exchange observed the subject remove the $38 price tag from a pair of sun-glasses and replace it on another pair sunglasses priced at $189, and exit the store without render-ing proper payment.

Dec. 26, Simple assault: The victim stated that she was assaulted in the courtyard near Taylor Lane. She was taken to Howard County Gen-eral Hospital for evaluation and treatment of a concussion.

Dec. 31, Larceny of private funds: The victim stated that he parked in the parking lot in front of Gaffney Fitness Center and placed his cell phone and wallet on the driver’s-side floor board of his vehicle prior to exiting and locking the vehicle. When he returned, he noticed money was removed from his wallet and that a Dominican-made cigar was removed from the glove box.

Jan. 2, Driving with suspended registration, driv-ing under the influence of alcohol, driving while impaired by alcohol: A unit responded to a pos-sible single vehicle accident. An investigation revealed that the vehicle had run off the road. The driver was examined by Emergency Medical Services for a possible head injury, but he refused further medical treatment. The officer detected a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage from his breath. The driver agreed to take the Standard-ized Field Sobriety Tests. which he failed. The driver refused to provide a breath sample.

CommunityCommunityCrime Watch

Compiled by the Fort Meade Directorate of Emergency Services

For week of Dec. 16-22:• Moving violations: 30• Nonmoving violations: 4• Verbal warnings for traffic stops: 26• Traffic accidents: 7• Driving on suspended license: 0• Driving on suspended registration: 0• Driving without a license: 0

For week of Dec. 23-29:• Moving violations: 16• Nonmoving violations: 0• Verbal warnings for traffic stops: 31• Traffic accidents: 2• Driving on suspended license: 0• Driving on suspended registration: 0• Driving without a license: 0

For week of Dec. 30-Jan. 5:• Moving violations: 11• Nonmoving violations: 0• Verbal warnings for traffic stops: 33• Traffic accidents: 7• Driving on suspended license: 0• Driving on suspended registration: 1• Driving without a license: 0

Compiled by the Fort Meade

Directorate of Emergency

Services

to make the drugs as Schedule I substances, prohibited under the Controlled Substances Act, or CSA.

Congress in 2012 permanently placed 26 substances into Schedule I of the CSA.

For example, Horne said, the Army took 10,000 negative drug tests from across the force and then tested them for synthetic can-nabinoids, coming up with 250 positives, or a 2.5 percent positive rate, in 2012.

In 2013, the Army tested a brigade combat team, approximately 2,500 Soldiers, and came up with 18 positives for synthetic cannabi-noids, he said.

“We feel the impact of the legislation has helped curtail the use of this,” Horne said. “It’s getting harder and harder to get.”

The chemical structure of synthetic can-nabinoids is similar to THC and produces a psychoactive response in the brain, the Army

said in a policy message.Bath salts are comprised of a class of dan-

gerous substances perceived to mimic drugs such as cocaine, LSD and methamphetamine, according to the DEA.

In addition to the possible loss of a military career, the message to Soldiers, especially the younger and more easily influenced members in the 18- to 25-year-old range, is just to stay away from these unregulated substances, said Horne.

Synthetic drugs contain chemicals that were never meant for human consumption and can produce any number of unanticipat-ed, violent reactions that can have permanent consequences, said Horne.

“It’s just overall very dangerous,” he said.Editor’s note: For more information or

assistance, call the Fort Meade Army Sub-stance Abuse Program at 301-677-7121.

drug enforCement administration photo


News

By 1st Lt. Iris YaoLegal Assistance Attorney

With tax season fast approaching, it’s never too early to start planning.

Although the IRS will be delaying the 2014 filing period due to the recent government shutdown, it’s wise to start thinking about your taxes now.

The original start date of Jan. 21 for filing will be delayed to sometime between Jan. 28 and Feb. 4.

Nevertheless, get organized now so fil-ing your taxes this year will be a smooth process.

Tax Tip 1: Start gathering all of your paperwork now.

Create a tax folder to store all of your materials such as your W-2 form, receipts, documentation showing credits and exemptions, and any questions you may have for your tax preparer,

Every year there may be new tax laws that affect you. Take some time to research any changes that can impact you and your family.

The earlier you start preparing, the sooner you will be ready to get your taxes done at the Fort Meade Tax Center.

Avoid the rush toward the end of the filing period and get your refund even sooner this year.

Tax Tip 2: If you’re deployed, or deploy-

Start preparing now for 2013 tax returnsing, don’t stress about the filing deadline.

The IRS and most State Departments of Revenue extend the deadline to file taxes for service members deployed to a combat zone.

If you are deployed to a combat zone prior to the April 15 filing deadline, you will receive a 180-day extension plus any days in a combat zone prior to the dead-line. For example, if you deployed to a combat zone on March 1, you will have an extra 180 days plus the 46 days between March 1 and April 15.

But make sure your spouse or fam-ily member is collecting and organizing pertinent papers and forms so that upon your return, you are not scrambling to gather tax materials to meet the extended deadline.

Not only are service members entitled to an extended filing deadline. Military pay is exempt from taxes as well. If you are enlisted or a warrant officer, your military pay — including hostile fire or imminent danger pay — will be excluded from your taxable income.

If you are a commissioned officer, the monthly exclusion is capped at the highest enlisted pay.

Tax Tip 3: Support the Fort Meade Tax Center and your fellow service members by volunteering at the Tax Center this year.

The Fort Meade Tax Center will open Jan. 27 through April 15 for tax assistance and electronic filing at 4217 Roberts Ave., in the rear of the first floor of the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate.The Tax Center is a free service available to all active-duty personnel, retirees and dependents in the Fort Meade area.The office is staffed by volunteer service members and operates under the IRS Volunteer Information Tax Assistance (VITA) program.All clients will be required to show military, retiree or dependent identification. The following is a short list of documents you should bring at the time of your appointment:• Social Security cards for yourself, spouse and all dependents (if available)• All income documents such W-2 for wages, 1099 for interest and miscellaneous

income• If direct deposit to your bank institution is desired, bring a check or other document showing account number and routing symbol.In addition, bring documents or other information substantiating tax credits of deductions for:• Dependent child care (including taxpayer ID or Social Security numbers for child care provider)• Interest on education loans• Rental income and expenses• Itemized expenses• Education credits• Power of Attorney, if signing for your spouse• Any other document applicable to your tax situationTo schedule an appointment, call the Tax Center at 301-677-9762.

Fort Meade Tax Center to open

As a volunteer, you give back to your Team Meade community by helping Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Guardsmen get their taxes filed at no charge.

The Tax Center opens Jan. 27. Sched-uling of tax appointments will start this month.

Remember, it’s never too early to start preparing for the upcoming tax season.

The Tax Center is still in need of vol-unteers for both administrative and tax preparation positions. Even if you can’t volunteer this tax season, you should still get your taxes filed for free at the Fort Meade Tax Center.

Editor’s note: To volunteer, or if you have questions about volunteering, contact 1st Lt. Iris Yao at the Legal Assistance Division at 301-677-9755.

Flexible SchedulingOnline � Hybrid � Accelerated

Convenient LocationsColumbia � Gateway � Laurel � Mount Airy

Support ServicesCredit for Prior Learning � Military Assistance

Counseling and Career ServicesFinancial Aid

Career ProgrammingWorkforce Training

Certi cations � Degrees

Learning at home.Learning in the classroom.

Learning for success.

If you want to maintain, stay competitive,or advance in your career,

choose Howard Community Collegefor learning that works for you!

Visit hcclearningworks.comto take the next step.

Spring semester begins January 25

Noncredit classes are ongoing

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil January 9, 2014 SOUNDOFF! �

News

By Army Emergency ReliefArmy News Service

Army Emergency Relief has opened its scholarship application period for the 2014-15 school year.

Applications from spouses and depen-dent children of Soldiers will be accepted until May 1, officials said.

This year, scholarships will be awarded based solely on financial need, said Tammy LaCroix, manager for Army Emergency Relief, or AER’s scholarship programs.

Army Emergency Relief is a private nonprofit organization dedicated to pro-viding financial assistance to Soldiers, active duty and retired, and their families. Since its incorporation in 1942, AER has provided more than $1.5 billion to more than 3.5 million Soldiers, families and retirees.

In previous years, some scholarships

were awarded based on scholastic achieve-ment and leadership, LaCroix said. For instance, if students could demonstrate leadership such as serving as class presi-dent, leading a Scout troop or serving in an ROTC leadership position, that in itself was worth a $500 scholarship. If their grade point average was above a 3.5 GPA, that could be worth another $500.

Those types of $500 scholarships have been eliminated, however, so that larger awards to needy family members can be granted.

“What we’re trying to accomplish is help the neediest of our Soldiers,” LaCroix said.

Last year, AER awarded 4,629 scholar-ships, totaling more than $10 million to spouses and children of Soldiers. That included scholarships to 1,148 spouses and awards to 3,481 children.

Those scholarships are helping send students this year to about 1,400 schools, ranging from Harvard to Alabama State to American Military University. Some of the students are attending university classes online and a few are going to vocational or cosmetology schools, LaCroix said.

About 9,000 applications were received last year online, LaCroix said, adding that the number kept her and another staff member quite busy.

“Last year was our first year using a new online application process,” LaCroix said. “By upgrading the scholarship application software, we were able to streamline the entire process and more efficiently serve our applicants.

“Applicants are able to create their own profile, submit their documentation online, and check their status. This proved to be a huge time saver for both the applicants

and the scholarship staff.”The most common reason for applicants

to be turned down was incomplete packets, LaCroix said. Application packets should include school transcripts, the Student Aid Report from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid known as FAFSA, and the Soldier’s Leave and Earnings Statement.

More information on the application process and necessary documentation is available on the AER website at aerhq.org. The entire application package must be submitted by May 1.

Only spouses and dependent children of active-duty Soldiers are eligible for the scholarships, LaCroix said. This includes dependents of activated Army Reserve and National Guard troops, as long as they will remain on active duty for the 2014-15 school year.

AER now accepting scholarship applications

By Chanel S. WeaverPublic Health Command Public Affairs Office

One of the most common reasons many people do not exercise is because they don’t have time in their schedule.

But a group of personnel at the U.S. Army Public Health Command have discovered a way to incorporate fitness into the day by approaching work differently. While many people scour build-ings looking for a meeting space, these people conduct their meeting outdoors — and they walk while they talk.

All are members of the USAPHC’s Health Pro-motion and Wellness Portfolio.

“We like to call it our outdoor boardroom,” said Col. Heidi Warrington, program manager for the Army Public Health Nursing Program.

These “outdoor boardrooms” are becoming a popular meeting place within the USAPHC, espe-cially since they allow employees to take a break from the monotony of sitting at a computer for eight hours.

“When we step out of the office, and walk and talk, it breeds collaboration and allows us to brainstorm freely,” said Lauren Kropp, a program evaluator at the USAPHC.

Regular physical activity — along with adequate sleep and healthy nutrition — are the three pillars of Army Medicine’s Performance Triad. Personnel

who include these essentials to their daily routine are able to optimize their health.

Maj. Kari Bruley, an Army Public Health nurse, said being outdoors causes USAPHC employees to stay focused on the mission.

“The ‘outdoor office’ lends itself to free thinking with few interruptions or boundaries, all the while exercising the body and mind,” Bruley said.

In addition to the opportunities for contempla-tion and collaboration, these outdoor walking meetings allow USAPHC employees to build and sustain good health.

“After 45 minutes to one hour of walking and talking, we find that we have walked over two miles,” said Maj. Lakisha Flagg, an Army Public Health nurse.

“Walking and talking have become a collegial venue for us to incorporate physical activity while comfortably and creatively working through both routine and complex mission requirements,” Bruley said.

The outdoor meetings can also be conducted solo.

Dr. Steven Bullock, program manager for the Public Health Assessment Program, holds daily running meetings by himself.

“I typically run each day with my voice recorder,” he said. “While I am running, I record myself as I reflect on the day’s events and dictate the things I

have remaining to do that day.”He said the solo outdoor running allows him to

prioritize his actions, and helps him to be more efficient at accomplishing tasks.

“I run in all sorts of weather — rain or shine, sun or snow,” Bullock said. “I really think it is a good use of my lunch hour to increase physical activity and avoid sitting for long periods of time.”

Many USAPHC employees say they are grateful to work for an organization with such flexibility.

“I enjoy incorporating walking into my day,” said Wana Jin, a program evaluator. “I haven’t experi-enced this emphasis on health and wellness in other places where I’ve worked.”

Laura Mitvalsky, who manages the Health Pro-motion and Wellness Portfolio at the USAPHC, encourages her employees to be active during the day. Many of her staff members wear pedom-eters to see if they can meet Army Surgeon Gen-eral Patricia D. Horoho’s recommendation to take 10,000 steps daily.

Lauren Shirey, Public Health accreditation lead and program evaluator, said she enjoys incorporat-ing walking into her day.

“It’s great to work for an organization where we can accomplish the mission and support our health and wellness goals at the same time,” Shirey said. “Anyone is capable of leading a healthy lifestyle if they think outside of the box.”

Outdoor boardroomsArmy Public Health Command employees exercise during meetings

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil10 SOUNDOFF! January 9, 2014

SportS

By Brian LepleyU.S. Army Recruiting Command

SAN ANTONIO — Future NCAA and NFL players weren’t the only stars at the 2014 U.S. Army All-American Bowl on Saturday.

Senior general officers, the U.S. Army Field Band, the Old Guard Drill Team, Medal of Honor recipients and the Gold-en Knights were all part of the Army’s biggest marketing and outreach event staged each January in San Antonio.

The West team beat the East 28-6 in the high school senior national all-star game in the Alamodome. The game, however, concludes a week of activity that publi-cizes the Army’s recruiting efforts.

Maj. Gen. Allen Batschelet, command-ing general of U.S. Army Recruiting Command, said he has personally felt America’s appreciation of its Soldiers dur-ing the last dozen years of war. He also knows that these patriotic feelings don’t always equal recruiting contracts.

“As the wars wind down, patriotism is no longer the prime motivator to join the Army,” Batschelet said. “With a bet-ter economy, youth have other options to consider. So we have to find better ways to communicate how Army service helps with paying for a college education, job skills and personal development that will affect the rest of your life.”

The U.S. Army All-American Bowl’s outreach impact helps accomplish that. In San Antonio during the week leading up to the bowl are 100 players, their parents and coaches, 125 U.S. Army All-American band members and their parents, and 100 VIP guests of the Army from across the U.S. The guests are civic, education and business leaders — the type of community influencers the Army seeks to become advocates.

The Golden Knights take a select few of these guests on tandem jumps. All of them tour Fort Sam Houston, meet AIT Soldiers, and attend workshops with Army luminaries that this year included the Vice Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. John Campbell; Sgt. Maj. of the Army Raymond Chandler; and Gen. Robert Cone, commanding general of Training and Doctrine Command. These senior Army leaders and other general officers hosted the guests in suites for the game on Saturday.

“Bowl week is a great public relations and partnership development effort on the part of Army leadership,” said one of this year’s VIP guests, Dr. Mickey Burnim,

Alamo City hosts Army’s All-American outreach effort

president of Bowie State University. He thinks Army leadership is smart to

engage in events like the U.S. Army All-American week.

“The Army is an attractive and viable alternative for young people looking for a way to help finance their college educa-tion,” he said. “It’s a great start on a career track that provides lots of flexibility and opportunities.”

Dr. Mark Church, superintendent of Franklin County Schools in Rocky Mount, Va., steers young people toward the Army from personal experience. His son and daughter both enlisted after graduating college.

“U.S. Army All-American Bowl week is a great opportunity for community and Army leaders to talk and build rela-tionships,” he said. “With educators and recruiters working together, we can reach the right kids.”

Broadcast nationwide live on NBC, U.S. Army All-American Bowl reaches more than a million households. Social media exposure has grown exponentially the last few years as many of the players have Twitter and Instagram accounts that buzz on their selection day and during bowl week.

The personal outreach from the U.S. Army All-American Bowl began last fall. Each of the 100 players and 125 band musicians had a selection ceremony in their high school.

The media interest in these events, and the game itself, creates months of sustained publicity for the U.S. Army brand.

“We pay a lot of money to pull this all together, and it’s important to us that the All-American Bowl be productive, that we’re getting a good value for the money we invest,” Batschelet said.

Negative media perceptions about mili-tary service (PTSD, personnel cuts, bud-get sequester) shape public opinion and become obstacles for recruiters. Marketing efforts like the U.S. Army All-American Bowl week and national advertising allow the Army to tell its side of the story.

The information campaign is critical since such a small population of 17- 24-year-olds are eligible to enlist.

“In today’s youth population of 17- 24-year-olds, about 75 percent of them are not qualified for weight, for moral issues or for cognitive/education issues,” Batschelet said. “The propensity of these young adults to enlist is also declining.

“These are the factors that point to our desire to provide the most accurate information to a young person and their decision-influencers. We need to overcome their lack of information, their concerns and their questions.”

Photo by SPc. Victor blanco

U.S. Army Field Band Staff Sgt. Randall Wight sings the National Anthem before kickoff of the 2014 U.S. Army All-American Bowl on Saturday at the Alamodome in San Antonio. The All-American Bowl is the premier high school football all-star game, providing a national platform to showcase how Army service is a viable alternative for young people to help finance their college education or start a career.

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil January 9, 2014 SOUNDOFF! 11

SportS

Sports ShortsRunning Clinic

Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Center Physical Therapy, the Community Health Promotion Council, and the Army Wellness Center will host a running clinic on Jan. 31 from 8 to 10:30 a.m. at the Fort Meade Army Wellness Center, 4418 Llewellyn Ave.

The free program is open active-duty service members, retirees, family members and DoD civilians of all running ability levels.

The clinic will include a health care screening, skills and drills to improve running techniques as well as demonstrations.

Space is limited. Registration is required.For more information or to register, call 301-677-2006.

Spring SportsRegistration for spring sports is underway at Parent Central Services, 1900

Reece Road.Spring sports include soccer, swimming, baseball, softball, track, flag football

and basketball.Participants can register at the CYSS Central Registration Office at 1900 Reece

Road or online at https://webtrac.mwr.army.mil/webtrac/meadecyms.html.For more information, call 301-677-1149 or 1156.

EFMP BowlingThe Exceptional Family Member program is sponsoring its monthly

bowling event on Wednesday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Lanes.Exceptional family members will receive a free game and shoe rental. Other

family members will receive discounted games and shoe rental.To register, call LaToya Travis at 301-677-4473 or email latoya.travis@

us.army.mil.

Dollar DaysDollar Days at the Lanes is every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.Bowlers receive a game of bowling, shoe rental, a hot dog, hamburger,

small fries, pizza slice or small soda for $1 each.For more information, call 301-677-5541.

Texas Hold ‘emTexas Hold ‘em no buy-in games are played Mondays and Wednesday at 7

p.m. at the Lanes.Games are free and open to the public. For more information, call 301-677-5541.

By Brandon BieltzStaff Writer

Starting at the end of January, Gaffney Fitness Center gym-goers can get guid-ance from trained fitness professionals.

Body Spirit, the contractor that leads the center’s aerobics programs, will pro-vide personal trainers at Gaffney begin-ning Jan. 21. The paid service includes one-on-one or two-on-one sessions.

“It’s to help increase fitness and offer something different here to mix it up to help people if they’re kind of hitting a rut in their routines,” said Beth Downs, sports specialist with the Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recre-ation. “They can use the trainers to try to get some new ideas to help them get back on track.”

The company is offering several pack-ages that range from $40 to $600, from a micro-fit assessment to 12 one-on-one training sessions with one of the two personal trainers. The sessions include a health screening, measurements and an “exercise prescription.”

Two-on-one sessions also will be avail-able.

While the sessions will be conducted at Gaffney, the FMWR is not directly providing the service. The gym staff will serve as the go-between for the clients and trainers.

Downs said those interested should

Body Spirit to offer trainers at Gaffney

contact the fitness center. The staff will then pass the client’s information onto the trainers.

“The trainers are the ones who estab-lish the contact to come out for that initial assessment,” Downs said. “We don’t deal directly with the clients. We just have the facility offering the time and the equip-ment.”

Downs said there has been a request for trainers in the past and expects the pro-gram to be successful on Fort Meade.

“I think it’s good to provide something different for our patrons to change the pace a little bit,” she said.

Personal trainer prices• Micro-fit assessment: $40

• 60-minute individual session: $60

• Two-on-one session, 60-minute session: $100

• Six one-on-one 60-minute sessions: $320

• Eight one-on-one 60-minute sessions: $400

• Six two-on-one 60-minute sessions: $580

• Twelve one-on-one 60-minute sessions: $600

file photo

www.quickscores.com/ftmeadesports.

• Basketball• football

• Softball• Soccer

Find schedules, scores, standings and upcoming seasons for

All-Army athletics, new sports and special events at

And more, plus


SportS

This is few days later than I like to say this, but Happy New Year, Team Meade!

And despite the strong legal opinion by our SJA, Lt. Col. Rose Bennett, that any positive predictions for the upcoming year will only serve as a jinx, there is nothing but good signs that 2014 is going to be a banner year for the Nation’s Preeminent Center for Information, Intelligence and Cyber Ops.

I mean, we’re only nine days into 2014, and we’ve already had a snow day and survived a polar vortex.

Plus, people were so nice and understand-ing on Facebook after the PAO’s information faux pas during Monday’s power outage in Potomac Place, that I can only assume things are golden.

Things are looking up for me as well. After starting the year by officially turning old — I had my 40th birthday on Jan. 2 — I got to go skiing for the first time in my life. And by skiing, I mean partying in the village like a Muslim P-Diddy: King-size bed in the room, a bath tub so big it could float a boat, a hot tub outside, lift tickets dangling from my neck like gold chains, and a poutine shack right around the corner so I could spend the cold Mont Tremblant nights with gravy dribbling down my chin while cheese curds melted in my mouth.

And even though I probably won’t walk across the stage Ric Flair style, bit.ly/1gE2wDP, and pick up a master’s degree like I did in 2013, I have already learned a few valuable lessons that will help me way more during the next 40 years of my life than a piece of paper.

1) Even if your mother looks you in the eye and tells you that she loves you, get a second source to confirm it before you publish it.

I first learned this lesson when I was a private going through AIT at DINFOS. But I forgot it Monday night when I posted that McGill Training Center was open for families without power 30 minutes before it was actu-ally opened.

2) Just because you dominate the bunny hills at a ski resort, it doesn’t mean you are ready to take on the mountain.

I guarantee if you put a clock on it, I spent way more time sitting on the mountain, humbled, bruised and potentially concussed, than I did skiing on it.

But all that time freezing my fanny on the snow did provide a perfect landscape to see all that laid before me, and from my multiple perches, I contemplated several things: What

I’ve done; What I’m going to do; Did I just break my spleen? And for you: What the 2014 sports year is going to look like.

Judging off the six games I’ve watched so far — Cotton Bowl, Chiefs/Colts and Saints/Eagles NFL playoff games, NHL’s Winter Classic, the BCS Championship game and Tuesday night’s MSU/OSU B-ball game — the competition in 2014 is going to be outstanding.

So, I’m going to focus on some other aspects of the upcoming year:

1) Dennis Rodman’s outburst on CNN will lead to his permanent deportation to North Korea bit.ly/KEed2s, or even better, Mars.

2) One major sporting event will be ended before there is a final outcome because of delays caused by the officials reviewing plays.

Do you remember when the last two min-utes of a basketball game used to last five minutes because of free throws? Well, now, with how officials are reviewing everything, you can multiply that delay by a gazillion.

There is something more than ironic about officials taking five minutes to review an eight-second violation.

3) The top three sporting events of 2014 will be the Winter Olympics (even without Lindsay Vonn); The World Cup (Brazil will host, Spain will win); March Madness (Three Big Ten teams will make the Final Four, including Michigan).

4) Champions: The Detroit Tigers will win in baseball, the Heat will three-peat in the NBA.

5) Add on: The Dallas Cowboys will finish 8-8. The Redskins and Ohio will still stink.

And personally, I will coach my youngest in youth baseball (See sports briefs on Page 11 for CYSS spring sports registration); the HCI will continue on.fb.me/1lPPwvc; and I will finally beat my 10-year-old in some-thing. on.fb.me/1lPNZFq

If you want to share your predictions for 2014, or if you have questions on this or anything to do with sports, e-mail me at [email protected] or hit me up on Twitter @CTJibber.

Here’s our new year

Chad T. Jones, Public Affairs

Officer

Jibber Jabber - OpiniOn

Have an improvement? Your comments and suggestions will

help maintain the quality of excellence on Fort Meade.

ICE InteractiveCustomer Evaluation

Visit: https://ice.disa.mil


Community news & notes

Fort Meade MARC Shuttle Bus ScheduleDEPARTS

ODENTON MARC

6:22 A.M.

6:47 A.M.

7:09 A.M.

7:42 A.M.

8:20 A.M.

8:52 A.M.

ARRivES AT ADjuDiCATiON

6:32 A.M.

6:57 A.M.

7:19 A.M.

7:52 A.M.

8:30 A.M.

9:02 A.M.

ARRivES AT kiMbROugh

6:35 A.M.

7:00 A.M.

7:23 A.M.

7:55 A.M.

8:34 A.M.

9:05 A.M.

ARRivES AT POST ThEATER

6:38 A.M.

7:03 A.M.

7:28 A.M.

8:00 A.M.

8:38 A.M.

9:08 A.M.

DEPARTS POST ThEATER

2:25 P.M.

3:20 P.M.

4 P.M.

4:35 P.M.

5 P.M.

6 P.M.

DEPARTS kiMbROugh

2:28 P.M.

3:22 P.M.

4:05 P.M.

4:38 P.M.

5:03 P.M.

6:03 P.M.

DEPARTS ADjuDiCATiON

2:46 P.M.

3:25 P.M.

4:10 P.M.

4:41 P.M.

5:06 P.M.

6:06 P.M.

ARRivES AT ODENTON MARC

2:55 P.M.

3:35 P.M.

4:17 P.M.

4:50 P.M.

5:15 P.M.

6:15 P.M.

ARRivES AT DiSA

6:43 A.M.

7:08 A.M.

7:33 A.M.

8:05 A.M.

8:43 A.M.

9:13 A.M.

ARRivES AT DMA

6:48 A.M.

7:13 A.M.

7:38 A.M.

8:10 A.M.

8:48 A.M.

9:18 A.M.

TRAiN DEPARTS MARC FOR

uNiON STATiON3:00 P.M.

4:09 P.M.

4:37 P.M.

5:11 P.M.

5:40 P.M.

6:47 P.M.

TRAiN DEPARTS MARC FOR

PENN STATiON3:51 P.M.

-

4:39/4:56 P.M.

5:09/5:35 P.M.

5:55 P.M.

6:18/6:48 P.M.

TRAiN ARRivES AT MARC FROM uNiON STATiON

6:18 A.M.

6:42 A.M.

7 A.M.

7:37 A.M.

8:16 A.M.

8:47 A.M.

TRAiN ARRivES AT MARC FROM PENN STATiON 5:50/6:18 A.M.

6:41 A.M.

6:53 A.M.

7:13/7:28/7:42 A.M.

8:05 A.M.

8:30 A.M.

DEPARTS DMA

2:15 P.M.

3:05 P.M.

3:45 P.M.

4:25 P.M.

4:50 P.M.

5:45 P.M.

DEPARTS DiSA

2:20 P.M.

3:15 P.M.

3:55 P.M.

4:30 P.M.

4:55 P.M.

5:55 P.M.

The deadline for Soundoff! community “News and Notes” is Friday at noon. All submissions are posted at the editor’s discretion and may be edited for space and grammar. Look for additional community events on the Fort Meade website at www.ftmeade.army.mil and the Fort Meade Facebook page at facebook.com/ftmeade.

For more information or to submit an announcement, email Philip Jones at [email protected] or call 301-677-5602.

ID Card Section updatesThe Fort Meade Personnel ID Card

Section at 2234 Huber Road will no longer accept state-issued identity documents that display the phrase: “Not For Federal Identification Use.”

RAPIDS has been upgraded.For lost or stolen ID cards, the following

documents are now required: two forms of ID, a military police report, counseling statement or civilian official memorandum.

For more information, call 301-677-3342.

MLK Day observanceThe Fort Meade commemoration of

the 2014 Martin Luther King Jr. Day observance will be held Jan. 23 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at McGill Training Center, 8542 Zimborski Ave.

The free event is open to the public.The keynote speaker is Pastor Johnny

Green, a retired member of the Air Force.All Fort Meade service members

and civilian employees are encouraged to attend with supervisory approval and without charge to annual leave. Administrative leave is authorized.

For more information, call the Fort Meade Equal Opportunity Office at 301-677-6687 or the Equal Employment Opportunity Office at 301-677-6298.

Dental program changesThe Tricare Retiree Dental Program

instituted the following changes on Jan. 1:• The annual maximum has increased

from $1,200 to $1,300 per person per year.• The dental accident benefit has

increased from $1,000 to $1,200 per person per year.

• The orthodontic benefit has increased from $1,500 to $1,750 per person per

lifetime. (No age limit on this benefit.)• Enrollees with Type 1 or Type

2 diabetes are now covered for three cleanings per year.

The new contract year is Jan. 1 through Dec. 31.

In addition, the monthly premiums have decreased. To find rates or other program information, visit the new TRDP website at http://trdp.org.

Club Meade lunch service begins

Club Meade is offering an all-you-can-eat daily lunch buffet or order from the menu on weekdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Buffet themes are: Monday - seafood; Tuesday - Asian; Wednesday - Southern; Thursday - barbecue; Friday - soup and salad.

The buffet is open to all.Lunch service is no longer available at

the Conference Center.For more information, call 301-677-

6969.

NEWS & EVENTS

CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

CFC wraps upLess than a week remains in the

annual Combined Federal Campaign charity fundraiser. The final day to donate is Wednesday.

The largest workplace charity program in the world, the CFC helps federal employees and service members donate to thousands of charities through one-time donations and payroll deductions.

To donate, visit http://cbacfc.org.



Blood driveIn observance of National Blood

Donor Month, the Armed Services Blood Program will sponsor a blood drive on Jan. 27 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at McGill Training Center.

To learn more about the Armed Services Blood Program, or to schedule an appointment, visit militaryblood.dod.mil.

To interact directly with an ASBP staff member or for the latest news, visit www. facebook.com/militaryblood.

Jummah prayers Individuals interested in participating

in Jummah prayers on Fort Meade should call 301-677-1301.

Fort Meade has a room available at Argonne Hills Chapel Center, 7100 Rockenbach Road.

The community also is seeking individuals who would like to join in a morning prayer on Fridays.

Mobile Training TeamThe Office of the Secretary of the

Army has approved revisions to the Officer Evaluation Reporting System.

These enhancements are scheduled for implementation in April.

The U.S Army Human Resources Command Mobile Training Team will provide hands-on training on the revised Officer Evaluation Reporting System from March 3-7, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Smallwood Hall, Building 4650.

All Army commands supported by Fort Meade are required to send a representative to complete this Train the Trainer course and train other human resource professionals and officers within their units.

Units must select a primary and alternate officer/HR professional to attend this weeklong training.

To reserve a seat, call Jannette Bolling at 301-677-2903 or email [email protected], or call Jolynda Thompson at 301-677-7036 or email [email protected].

For more information, call Richard Lee, chief of the Military Personnel Division, at 301-677-4209 or email [email protected].

Free classesThe Navy Fleet and Family Support

Center offers a variety of classes at its new facility at 2212 Chisholm Ave.

The free classes are open to DoD identification cardholders, including active-duty service members, retirees and their family members, DoD civilian employees and contractors.

Registration is required for each class.• Common Sense Parenting: Friday,

11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Topic is “Parent as Teachers.”

• Retiree brief: Monday, 8-11:30 a.m. The class is open to those within two years of retirement eligibility. Information will be provided on Tricare, the Johns Hopkins Family Health Plan, and the Navy Mutual Aid Financial Planning/Survivor Benefit Plan.

• Car Buying: Monday, 1 to 2 p.m.• 10 Steps to a Federal Job: Tuesday, 9

a.m. to noon. Learn about understanding job vacancy announcements, writing your federal and electronic resumes, and tracking your job application.

• Small Business Association: Jan. 21-22, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Stress Management: Jan. 22, 9 a.m. to noon

• Transition, Goals, Plans, Success (TGPS) Workshop: Jan. 27-31

• Career Exploration: Jan. 28, 9 a.m. to noon

• Time Management: Jan. 29, 9-11 a.m.• Medical Record Review: Have your

medical records reviewed by Ms. Johnson of AMVETS. Appointment required.

To register or for more information, call 301-677-9017 or 301-677-9018.

ACS classesArmy Community Service offers a

variety of classes at 830 Chisholm Ave.The free classes are open to DoD ID

cardholders including active-duty service members, retirees and their family members, DoD civilian employees and contractors.

Registration is required for each class.• Marriage Enrichment Group:

Tuesday to Feb. 18, 1 to 3 p.m.• Banking Basics: Tuesday, 9-11 a.m.• Debt Management: Jan. 21, 9-11

a.m.• 1st Term Financial Readiness: Jan.

28, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.To register or for more information,

call 301-677-5590.

Story TimeThe Children’s Library at Kuhn Hall

offers pre-kindergarten Story Time on Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

The free event features stories, songs or a finger-puppet theme.

• Today: “Snow Happy” winter theme• Jan. 16: “Warm, Wooly and

Wonderful” — stories, songs and fingerplays about sheep

• Jan. 23: “Silly Stories and Giggles”• Jan. 30: “Ice is Nice” — focusing on

penguins and polar bearsFor more information, call 301-677-

5522.

Teen Center eventsThe Fort Meade Teen Center is

featuring the following events for grades nine to 12:

• Taco Night: Friday, from 6-10 p.m.Teens make their own tacos.• Pizza & Movie Night: Jan. 17, from

6-10 p.m.Teens play for the cost of their own

meal.• Checkers Tournament: Jan. 31, from

3-5 p.m.Teens play a freestyle/unrestricted

tournament.For more information, call 301-677-

6054.

Kids Craft ClubThe Kids Craft Club for toddlers and

preschoolers will meet Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. at the Arts and Crafts Center.

Remaining sessions are: Feb. 11, March 11, April 15 and May 6.

Fee is $5 per session. Cost includes a craft, snack and juice.

Space is limited. Registration is required.

To register or for more information, call 301-677-7809.

Out & About• The U.S. Naval Academy Band’s

Brass Ensemble will perform Jan. 22 at 7 p.m. at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen, 5200 N. Charles St., Baltimore.

The Naval Academy Band has provided music for the Brigade of Midshipmen and surrounding community since 1852.

The Brass Ensemble performs original

EDUCATION

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

YOUTH

RECREATION

Get to work on time. Know the hours of operation for

Access Gates on Fort Meade

Gate 1: Rockenbach Road5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

weekends; closed holidays

Gate 3: Reece Road and Maryland Route 175

(Demps Visitor Control Center gate) 24-hour access

Demps Visitor Control Center, Bldg. 902 Reece Road7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.,

Monday through Friday

Gate 4: Mapes Road and Maryland Route 175

CLOSED until further notice

Gate 5: Llewellyn Avenue and Maryland Route 175

6 to 8 a.m., Monday through Friday for inbound traffic;

3 to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday for outbound traffic

Gate 7: Mapes Road and Route 32

5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday;

9 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekends and holidays

NEWS & EVENTS



works for brass, orchestral transcriptions, and arrangements by ensemble members.

Concerts are free and open to the public with no tickets required.

For more information, visit the band’s website or Facebook page, or call 410-293-1262.

• Shen Yun will perform Jan. 16, 17 and 18 at 7:30 p.m. and Jan. 18 and 19 at 2 p.m. at the Modell Performing Arts Center at the Lyric, 140 W. Mount Royal Ave., Baltimore.

The production features classical Chinese dance, a live orchestra, dazzling costumes and animated backdrops.

Tickets range from $50 to $180. For tickets, call 1-888-974-3698 or 410-547-7328, or email [email protected].

• The Horse World Expo 2014 will be held Jan. 17 from noon to 8 p.m., Jan. 18 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Jan. 19 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium.

The event will feature mounted demonstrations, seminars, a daily roping contest, a musical equine variety show, a 4H art contest, pony rides and vendors. All activities are indoors.

Daily admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 6 to 12. Pets are not permitted. For more information, visit horseworldexpo.com or call 301-916-0852.

• Leisure Travel Services is offering its next monthly bus trip to New York City on Saturday, with discounts to attractions. Onboard prize giveaway will be offered. Bus cost is $60. For more information, call 301-677-7354 or visit ftmeademwr.com.

• Fort Meade E9 Association meets the second Friday of every month at 7 a.m. in the Pin Deck Cafe at the Lanes. The next meeting is Friday. The association is open to active, retired, Reserve and National Guard E9s of any uniformed service. All E9s in this area are invited to attend a breakfast and meet the membership. For more information, go to e9association.org.

• Meade Branch 212 of the Fleet Reserve Association meets the second Saturday of each month at 10 a.m. at VFW Post 160, 2597 Dorsey Road, Glen Burnie. The next meeting is Saturday. Active-duty, Reserve and retired members of the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard are invited.

For more information, call 443-604-2474 or 410-768-6288.

• New Spouse Connection meets the second Monday of every month from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Community Readiness Center, 830 Chisholm Ave. The next meeting is Monday. The program provides an opportunity for

all spouses new to the military or to Fort Meade to meet and get connected. For more information, contact Pia Morales at [email protected] or 301-677-4110.

• Single Parent Support Group meets the second and fourth Monday of the month from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at School Age Services, 1900 Reece Road. The next meeting is Monday. Free child care will be provided on site.

For more information, email [email protected].

• Bully Proofing Support Group meets the second and fourth Monday of the month from 4 to 5 p.m. at Potomac Place Neighborhood Center. The next meeting is Monday. The group is geared for school-age children and parents. For more information, email [email protected].

• Marriage Enrichment Group, sponsored by Army Community Service, meets the second and fourth Monday of every month from 3 to 4 p.m. at the Community Readiness Center, 830 Chisholm Ave. The next meeting is Monday. For more information, call Celena Flowers or Jessica Hobgood at 301-677-5590.

• NARFE Chapter 1519 will meet Tuesday at 1 p.m. at Holy Trinity Parish Hall, 7436 Baltimore-Annapolis Blvd., Glen Burnie. The meeting will be canceled if there is inclement weather and schools are closed.

To join this chapter or for more information, please attend this meeting. The organization is in dire need of personnel wishing to become active members of the chapter and to attend meetings.

For more information, call Diane Shreves, publicity chairman, at 410-760-3750.

• Military District of Washington Sergeant Audie Murphy Club meets the third Wednesday of each month from noon to 1 p.m. at the Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Dining Facility in Virginia. The next meeting is Wednesday. All members and those interested in joining the club are welcome. For more information, contact Master Sgt. Erica Lehmkuhl at [email protected] or 301-833-8415.

• Prostate Cancer Support Group meets at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda on the third Thursday of every month. The next meeting is Jan. 16 from 1 to 2 p.m. and 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the America Building, River Conference Room (next to the Prostate Center), third floor.

Spouses/partners are invited. Military ID is required for base access. Men without a military ID should call the Prostate Center 48 hours prior to the event at 301-319-2900 for base access.

For more information, call retired Col. Jane Hudak at 301-319-2918 or email [email protected].

• Meade Area Garden Club will meet

movies

The movie schedule is subject to change. For a recorded announcement of showings, call 301-677-5324. Further listings are available on the Army and Air Force Exchange Service website at www.aafes.com.

Movies start Wednesdays to Saturdays at 6:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.

PRICES: Tickets are $5.50 for adults (12 and older) and $3 for children. 3D Movies: $7.50 adults, $5 children.

Today through Jan. 24

Today: “Frozen” (PG). A young queen’s icy powers trap a kingdom in eternal winter. With Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Jonathan Groff.

Friday: “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” (PG-13). The 75th Hunger Games may change Panem forever. With Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrel-son, Donald Sutherland.

Saturday, Sunday & Wednesday: “The Hob-bit: The Desolation of Smaug” (PG-13). Bilbo and company encounter the fearsome dragon, Smaug. With Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage. (3D Saturday)

Jan. 16, 17: “Homefront” (R). A former DEA agent encounters trouble in a small town. With Jason Statham, James Franco, Winona Ryder.

Jan. 18, 19, 22: “Tyler Perry’s A Madea Christ-mas” (PG-13). Madea dispenses her unique form of holiday spirit on a rural town when she’s coaxed into helping a friend pay her daughter a surprise visit in the country for Christmas. With Tyler Perry, Chad Michael Murray, Tika Sumpter.

Jan. 23, 24: “Out of the Furnace” (R). When Rodney Baze mysteriously disappears and law enforcement doesn’t follow through fast enough, his older brother Russell takes matters into his own hands to find justice. With Christian Bale, Casey Affleck, Zoe Saldana.

Chaplain’s WordNO COINCIDENCE

“Coincidence is God’s way of

remaining anonymous.”— Albert Einstein,

Physicist

Jan. 17 at 10 a.m. at the Jessup Community Hall at the corner of Route 175 and Wigley Avenue.

Jim Heins will present the program, “The Netherlands When the Tulips Are Not in Bloom.” Reservations are not required. Refreshments will be served.

Those interested in the club may attend one program before being asked to join for the annual fee of $20.

If Anne Arundel County Schools are closed or opening late due to inclement weather, the meeting will be canceled.

For more information, call Membership Chairman Jennifer Garcia at 443-949-8348 or Club President Sharon Durney at 410-761-5019.

• Families Dealing with Deployment, Unaccompanied Permanent Change of Station, Temporary Duty meets the first and third Monday of every month from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Meuse Forest Neighborhood Center. The next meeting is Jan. 20. For more information, email [email protected].

• Fort Meade Homeschool Co-op will meet Jan. 24 and Jan. 31 at 10:30 a.m. at Potomac Place Neighborhood Center. For more information, go to its Facebook page at Fort Meade Homeschool Group and Co-op.

• Society of Military Widows meets for brunch the fourth Sunday of the month at 1 p.m. at the Lanes. The next meeting is Jan. 26. For more information, call Betty Jones at 410-730-0127.

• Women’s Empowerment Group meets Wednesdays from 2 to 3:30 p.m. to provide a safe, confidential arena for the support, education and empowerment of women who have experienced past or present family violence.

Location is only disclosed to participants. To register, call Tina Gauth, victim advocate, at 301-677-4117 or Samantha Herring, victim advocate, at 301-677-4124.

• Spanish Christian Service is conducted Sundays at 1 p.m. at the Cavalry Chapel located at 8465 Simonds St. and 6th Armored Cavalry Road.

For more information, call Elias Mendez at 301-677-7314 or 407-350-8749.

MEETINGS

soundoff jan 9, 2014

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