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5K run /walk gives hope to families of missing people
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Air Force vet brings dream to life: Mission accomplished
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Veterans’ Court approved for Prince George’s County
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Presidential Airlift Group reign as 2014 Volleyball Champs
FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014 | VOL. 3 NO. 21
PRINCE GEORGE’S 21ST ANNUAL SENIOR HEALTH AND FITNESS DAY
BY STAFF SGT. AMBER J. RUSSELL
459TH AIR REFUELING WING
Raised in an era where many people believed children should be seen and not heard, Lashanda Jones, 459th Air Refueling Wing chief of finance, said she harnessed her talent for writing as a means for self-expression. “I was a quiet child, and I started writing when I was a teenager,” Jones said. “I wrote a lot of poetry and songs to express myself.” As an adult, her passion and talent for writing smoldered beneath her drive to succeed in the United States Air Force. The single parent with a plan for the future became a commissioned officer in 1997 and served for eight years active-duty and four years in the Reserve. “I started writing stories when I was organizing morale events as a lieutenant,” Jones said. “I would create silly stories to get unit members chattering back and forth and make them want to compete with different units and teams. People would tell me then, ‘you’re a good storyteller; you should write a book.’” Jones’ said she conquered her insecurities and accepted writing as her mission. Her flame for writing now burns bright for the world to see. She revisited her childhood passion and published her first book, “Kele Vorel and Courtney Queen,” in April 2014. The youthbased book is the first in a seven-part series, titled, “Kele Vorel and friends of God.” The main character, Kele Vorel’s “friends of God” come into her life based on the circumstances the young girl faces, Jones said. The non-denominational, Christian-based book encourages children to
see DREAM, page 3
My Hero; My dad JROTC grad wins National Essay Contest BY AMBER J. RUSSELL
11TH WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS
Court for Prince George’s County thanked local veterans for their past, present, and future service to the county and country. “You’re deserving of our thanks for the rest of your lives,” Judge Shelia R. Tillerson Adams said. Medals and certificates were presented to 150 participants who served in various branches of the military. The United States Air Force Brass Quintet played music, adding more cheer to the morning ceremony’s patriotic theme. An official citation from the
Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Cadet, Lt. Kristina Franke was presented with an award on May 15, at the Arlington Career Center in Arlington, Va., for winning the Armed Services YMCA National Essay Contest. “Our annual essay contest allows children to express their love, appreciation and admiration for their military heroes,” retired U.S. Navy Capt. Mike Landers, CEO of ASYMCA said. “Their essays also serve to remind us of the sacrifices our men and women in uniform, and their families, make each day for our country.” Kristina began her essay by defining what being a hero means to her. “I define a military hero as a brave man or woman who steps up to the challenge of protecting their country and their loving families,” Kristina wrote.. “They make the ultimate sacrifices for everyone before themselves.” Having endured nine of her hero’s deployments, she can speak on sacrifice from a first-hand perspective. Kristina’s military hero is her father. “He may be my military hero, but he is also my number one father in the whole world,” she revealed as she read her essay to a classroom of AFJROTC students, her leadership and her parents. “My father does so much for the Air Force and for his family.” The Yorktown High School senior competed with 11th to 12th grade
see VETERANS, page 6
see HERO, page 3
PHOTO/BOBBY JONES
Senior citizens have fun exercising with various weighted hula hoops during an aerobics class. An estimated 600 residents attended the event which included free heart monitoring, diabetics analysis, lower leg thrombosis evaluation and massage therapy sessions. More photos on page 5.
Veterans honored by Circuit Court for Prince George’s County BY ANDREA BLACKSTONE STAFF WRITER
PHOTO/ANDREA BLACKSTONE
Charles Payne III wears a Vietnam veteran hat while attending the veterans appreciation and muster ceremony with his grandfather, Kenneth Cunningham, who served in the military.
Col. William M. Knight, Commander of the 11th Wing and Joint Base Andrews, Maryland attended the 5th Annual Veterans Appreciation Ceremony and Muster on May 24, along with others who paid tribute to veterans in Prince George’s County, before Memorial Day Weekend. The event began with a processional of judges on the courthouse lawn in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. Shelia R. Tillerson Adams, Administrative Judge, and other judges of the Circuit
Military families among the first to ride the Capital Wheel BY ANDREA BLACKSTONE STAFF WRITER
PHOTO/ANDREA BLACKSTONE
All eyes were focused on the Capital Wheel, during a patriotic light show.
An official announcement of the opening of the Capital Wheel took place during a VIP event on May 22 at National Harbor. Children and adults were entertained while waiting for darkness to cover the sky. Various activities led up to a light show featuring 1.6 million LED lights, which are fully programmable. In addition to views of the Potomac River, the Washington Monument and U.S. Capitol are two landmarks which are reportedly visible from the top of the observation wheel. Up to eight passengers can ride in each of 42 gondolas for 12 to 15 minutes. Jon Peterson, Senior Vice President of The Peterson Companies, opened
the event by welcoming everyone. Peterson acknowledged special guests who attended through United Service Organizations (USO). Ranna Armstrong— the center manager of the Warrior and Family Center at Fort Belvoir— offered remarks. “On behalf of the troops, and their families joining us here today, I want to thank Peterson Companies for asking us to be a part of this very special grand opening event. The fact that you chose local military members and their families to be the first to ride this amazing wheel back here speaks volumes about your support for our Nation’s Troops and their loved ones. I also want to thank Peterson Companies for their partnership and support of USO-Metro
throughout the entire year.” Armstrong reminded that one of the largest concentrations of military members in the world is in this region. She also stated that USO-Metro is the largest chartered USO center in the world. Thirty military families from Joint Base Andrews, Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Ft. Belvoir, Ft. Myer, and Marine Corps Base Quanitco headed to the dock toward the 180-foot-tall Capital Wheel. Guests tested out the observation wheel in their own gondola, during the inaugural ride. “One hundred-twenty days ago there was nothing out on that pier. What we’ve done in one hundredtwenty days is a great accomplishment,” Jon Peterson said. Peterson requested a
round of applause for the contractor. He also credited Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker, III with helping the county to become a better place. Peterson made specific mention of National Harbor, Tanger Outlets, and the Capital Wheel. County Executive Baker congratulated USO-Metro for their work, then shared how the nonprofit organization supported his military family. “My Dad did 30 years. What a lot of folks don’t know is during his second tour he was severely wounded in Vietnam. It was the USO that allowed my brothers and sisters and I—and my Mom—to do a video while he was recuperating in Hawaii.” County Executive Baker
see WHEEL, page 7
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Andrews Gazette
HOT TICKETS
Retiree Corner COURTESY OF THE RETIREE ACTIVITIES OFFICE
Dental Coverage
Around Town June 1
Finding Nemo 165 Waterfront St., National Harbor, Md. 6:00 p.m. The 2014 Movies on the Potomac at National Harbor season runs from May 25 through Sept. 28. Meet at the Plaza’s big screen. Bring lawn chairs and enjoy this free event. Visit http://nationalharbor.com/event/movies-onthe-potomac-animated-academy-award-winners/ for more information.
June 6-8
Capital Jazz Fest 2014 Merriweather Post Pavilion, 10475 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, Md. The Capital Jazz Fest will feature nearly 30 national acts on two stages. The Woods Stage will showcase alternative soul and classic soul. The 2014 talent lineup includes Incognito, Kem, Dianne Reeves, Rick Braun, Chaka Khan, The O’Jays, Rachelle Ferrell, John Legend, Faith Evans, Michael Franks, Joe and others. Visit www.capitaljazz.com for more details.
June 7
2014 MCOP Charity Softball Classic Bowie Baysox Baseball Club, 4101 Crain Highway, Bowie, Md. 7 p.m. rain or shine. Gates for VIP open at 5 p.m. NFL Celebrity Players will play against the Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team (WWAST). The fundraiser will benefit charities such as The Yellow Ribbon Fund, Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team, Connected Warrior Foundation and Disabled Sports USA. Special guests will attend. visit www.MCOPRO.com for more information.
COMPRINT MILITARY PUBLICATIONS
Andrews Gazette is published by Comprint Military Publications, 9030 Comprint Court, Gaithersburg, Md., a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force or any branch of the United States 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 products 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 non merit factor of the purchases, user or patron.
Maxine Minar, president mminar@dcmilitary.com John Rives, publisher
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Friday, May 30, 2014
Andrea Blackstone, editor ablackstone@dcmilitary.com Deirdre Parry, page design dparry@gazette.net Bobby Jones, photographer bjones@dcmilitary.com
The Tricare Retiree Dental Program (TRDP) offers comprehensive dental coverage to retired service members and family members, retired National Guard and Reserve members and family members, Medal of Honor recipients and family members and survivors. Coverage includes diagnostic and preventive services, like exams and cleanings, at 100 percent. Emergency services and basic restorative services, like fillings, are covered at 80 percent. The annual deductible is $50 per person, each benefit year, and $150 per family per benefit year. The annual maximum benefit is $1,300 per person per year for enhanced enrollees. The annual maximum for orthodontia is $1,750. Premiums must be deducted through a monthly allotment from retirement pay. Electronic payment is available only as an alternative for beneficiaries who do not receive retired pay or whose retired pay is insufficient to cover the allotment amount. There is a 12-month commitment for initial en-
rollments. After a year, beneficiaries can continue on a month to month basis, if no additional family members have been added to the plan. If a beneficiary and spouse are already enrolled, adding a child or any other family member resets the 12-month period. For full information, visit www.tricare.mil/TRDP.
Another Joint Base
Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick has changed the name of the Massachusetts Military Reservation to Joint Base Cape Cod. It is the largest of the state’s six military installations in geographical size. Covering approximately 22,000 acres on upper Cape Cod, the area encompasses Otis ANG Base; the 6th Space Warning Squadron at Cape Cod AFS; Army National Guard’s Camp Edwards training area; and Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod.
‘Candy Bomber’ Remembered
More than 160 children and service members gathered in Hondo, Tex., to see retired Col. Gail Halvorsen — the “Candy Bomber” - take to the skies once again in a vintage C-47
Skytrain. Colonel Halvorsen was a C-47 pilot in support of the 194849 Berlin Airlift when he fastened candy rations to tiny parachutes for local children. He would wiggle his wings — earning him the nickname “Uncle Wiggly Wings.” Heike Jackson was 6-years-old. “He was our savior,” she said. “We had nothing to eat.” Now in her 70s, Jackson attended the reenactment. “To see that wonderful man alive is amazing. ... It’s a full circle somehow,” said Jackson, who brought candy to the event. Colonel Halvorsen, 93, said, “I did it for the children, to see the smiles on their faces.” The Retiree Activities Office is open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. Visit the office in Building 1604 at California and Colorado Avenues or call us at 301-981-2726. Our e-mail address is rao(at)andrews. af.mil. Call the office before your visit to ensure a volunteer is on duty. The RAO has a website at www.andrews. af.mil; Under “Helpful Links” click on “Retirees Activity Office” for information on retiree subjects, including past copies of “Retiree Corner.”
How to start a book club BY SHARON LUCAS
My name is Sharon Lucas, and I am a book club advocate. After feeling overwhelmed for several years by my responsibilities as a wife and working mother, I realized I needed to do something just for Sharon. Because I loved to read, I decided a book club was just what I needed! I set a date, chose a book, invited five friends, and asked each of them to invite a friend. The Reading Divas Book Club was born on a Sunday afternoon in the summer of 1998. For almost 16 years, we have met monthly to discuss a book, dine, and share what’s going on our lives. As a book club advocate, people often ask for my advice on starting and managing a book club.
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If you’re a military spouse who is seeking ways to cope with the deployment of a loved one, or you’re adjusting to a move to a new base, a book club may be a great option. Book clubs meet both in-person and online. If you’ve never before belonged to a book club, or if you’re not quite sure if you’re ready to start one, consider joining an established club first. Starting or joining an in-person book club in your community is an excellent way for a military wife to develop friendships in a new place or extend her reach in the community. You can start your own book club by following these simple steps. Decide on the date, time and place of the first meeting. Choose a book. Invite everyone you know. Ask
friends to bring a friend. If you are new to the area and don’t yet know a lot of people, ask for permission to post or leave flyers in the PX, the daycare center, local schools, libraries and nearby churches. Starting an online book club is a great way to stay connected with family and friends who live in other places. Pull out your contacts and send electronic invitations to people around the world with whom you want to stay connected. Ask for feedback to fine-tune specifics such as when and how you will meet—via phone, Skype, Facebook, or teleconferencing. Twitter and Facebook chats are very popular, as is tuning into Blog Radio to listen
see BOOK, page 7
JBA, USSS HOLD JOINT EXERCISE
U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTOS/STAFF SGT. ROBERT CLOYS
Col. Bill Knight (left), 11th Wing and Joint Base Andrews commander, observes a jointtraining exercise between the United States Secret Service and 811th Security Forces Squadron Protective Services on The Courses at Andrews. The two-day training was the first large-scale contingency response exercise between Joint Base Andrews and the USSS.
HERO, from page 1 DOD dependents from across the nation. Her parents surprised her with the news that she won the high-level award. Furthermore, it would be presented to her in front of AFJROTC leadership and peers. “I was shocked to find out I won,” Kristina said. Master Sgt. John Franke, 11th Security Forces Group superintendent of resources, and his wife Stephanie said they could not be happier with their daughter and her success. “As a parent, I feel proud she put such a range of emotion in her words,” Master Sgt. Franke said. “She wrote in an efficient and structured way that motivated the listener to share her perspective. I read the essay before, but hearing her read it out loud compounds the emotion she put into it. She did a great job putting what she believed in her essay and communicating her feelings.” Mrs. Franke recognized the difference in her daughter since she began her AFJROTC journey at the Arlington Career Center. “I am definitely very proud of my daughter; she has come very far,” she said. “It’s amazing because she used to be very shy. This program and her dad have really helped her to succeed. She has been in JROTC for three years. Kristina ended her freshman year as a staff sergeant and skipped 10th grade all together. She became a master sergeant in 11th grade.” Kristina is now a Lt. group deputy commander, in charge of two groups, or about 100 people, at the AFJROTC unit VA821 at her school.
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U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO/STAFF SGT. AMBER J. RUSSELL
Master Sgt. John Franke and his daughter, Air Force JROTC Cadet Lt. Kristina Franke, hold her certificate of achievement for winning the Armed Services YMCA National Essay Contest on May 15 at the Arlington Career Center, Va.
“My dad has helped me get to where I am now,” Kristina said as she read her story aloud. “If he didn’t help me with my leadership skills and motivation skills I wouldn’t be reaching for my goals or trying to improve myself and also wouldn’t be helping other high school cadets reach their goals and find the best in them.” Her hero acknowledged her strength and likened them to his own. “As an NCO and as a cop, you have to take charge and control over some stressful situations; she is setting a tone of taking control over a conversation and guiding it with her words. I think that is really powerful.” Her strong qualities were recognized by leadership within the AFJROTC program as well. “After my first two years in the program, I received the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Sons of the Union Award for showing great skills and patriotism,” Kristina said. In addition, the young leader received decorations
for mentoring youth with the Kitty Hawk program there. “As a master sergeant, part of my job is mentoring,” Franke said. “I’m proud knowing she is putting out messages about respect, honesty and integrity. She has not only been mentored well, but can mentor others. This shows her leadership ability.” Kristina has been earning college credits through a dual enrollment program and will be attending George Mason University in the fall to pursue her dream of becoming a social worker. “I think the experience you had with this program is going to launch you into your future career,” Giselle Schnieder, ASYMCA program director, said to Kristina. “You were able to overcome your shyness; you’ve learned leadership and communication skills; and with the values you already have, you are going to be an incredible social worker.”
DREAM, from page 1 apply the lessons of faith they learn in the home and at church when conflicts arise in their lives. “When I write, I focus on the issue first,” she said. “The friends’ characters evolve as the stories play out.” The first story addresses bullying. “When people are hurting, they tend to hurt other people,” Jones said. “If we can recognize that being mean might not be a person’s nature, and there might be something deeper, then we can show them kindness and allow them room to see where they’re wrong. We can possibly win them over.” The main characters in the stories, meant to inspire and encourage, are 8-12 year old girls, she said. They tell the adventures of a young girl and her friendships, which are based on acceptance, vulnerability and a friend-like love that young readers can relate to. She said her passion for getting positive imagery out to young girls, and women alike, was also her mission. “You know the saying, ‘It takes a village to raise a child?’” Jones asked. “Well, the fact that most of us don’t know our neighbors, the way people used to, does not really change that truism. The smartest parents still have to contend with external influences. I suggest that you can build your child’s ‘village’ by enforcing positive media.” As chief financial officer to the wing commander, it rests on Jones’ shoulders to observe positive and negative trends when it comes to government travel card spending. She said her keen analytical skills of pin-pointing, “what’s happening, why and what we
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U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTOS/AMBER J. RUSSELL
LaShanda Jones, holds a copy of her first published childrens’ book, “Kele Vorel and Courtney Queen” on May 19 in front of the Joint Base Andrews, Md., 459th Air Refueling Wing playground. Jones, a retired Air Force veteran, is the chief of finance at the wing.
need to do to fix it,” can also apply to her ability to analyze the nature of people, particularly females. “I’m passionate about how we, as females, treat each other,” Jones said. “Women take care of everyone else before themselves. We tend to lose our identity in our families and jobs; we become what we do. I have observed that our nature to nurture contradicts our interaction with one another.” “Competitiveness, conniving and vindictiveness among women have always been my pet peeve. This is not who we have to be. I think one of the best ways to learn to treat others better is by learning to love ourselves.” Her book defines the nature of girls, growing to become women, in a worthy light. One critic said, “The author aptly captures the nostalgia and whimsy of childhood innocence. The communication style of the protagonist is colorful and hopeful. Additionally, she tackles heavy topics, such as death, and discusses cancer in a non-threaten-
COURTESY PHOTO
Lashanda Jones, Joint Base Andrews, Md., 459th Air Refueling Wing chief of finance, published her first book, “Kele Vorel and Courtney Queen,” in April 2014.
ing way for young readers. The ability for the author to explore adult topics in an innocent way showing how death and loss can influence young readers is paramount.” “Kele Vorel and Mona Cloud meet Lily Flowers,” is the next book in the series, and is going through the publishing process now.
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5K run /walk gives hope to families of missing people BY ANDREA BLACKSTONE STAFF WRITER
Six hundred and twelve registrants on a mission gathered at National Harbor on May 24. In honor of National Missing Children’s Day on May 25, and to raise awareness about the hundreds of thousands of missing people of color throughout the United States, the second annual Hope Without Boundaries 5K Run/Walk was sponsored by Black and Missing Foundation, Inc. (BAMFI). FOX 5 Morning News Anchor Allison Seymour served as the race marshal. The event opened with a prayer for the missing, their family members, and participants who offered community support. Strangers and friends lifted each other through a common purpose of giving hope and solidarity. Andre Thomas, a D.C. resident, arrived alone to participate in the Hope Without Boundaries 5K Run/Walk but said that he still felt very comfortable. Chums, Inc. is a social organization that stands with BAMFI by adopting their cause as a yearly project. Event volunteers drove from as far away as Raleigh, North Carolina and Florida, although local participants were plentiful. “This is my very first walk, and I’m ready,” Michele Curtis said. The Upper Marlboro, Maryland resident found out about the event from someone who attends her church. Curtis also said that she read up on the organization and feels that it is a worthy cause to support. May 24 was the organization’s sixth year anniversary. BAMFI was founded by Natalie Wilson and Derrica Wilson. The women combined their public re-
PHOTOS/ANDREA BLACKSTONE
Runners take off while poised to begin the Hope Without Boundaries 5K Run/Walk that was hosted by Black and Missing Foundation, Inc.
lations and law enforcement expertise to provide resources, tips, tools and educational training about personal safety. BAMFI also offers a free clearinghouse which highlights profiles and provides information about missing people of color. “We need to stop being silent on things that matter. Someone knows something as to what happened to our family. This is a movement. A movement of hope, and a movement of empowerment. When you go home, when you go back to your community, I ask you to empower each other and take action. Let’s find our missing,” said Natalie Wilson. Derrica Wilson said her involvement in the foundation is a labor of love and reminded that the organization has brought closure and reunions to over 125 families across the country. Money raised will benefit families of the missing. Funds will be used for flyer
distribution, victim recovery, financial support and burial assistance. Relatives of missing people were also in attendance. Several individuals stood up and shared stories of their struggle to find missing loved ones. Some of them distributed business cards, wore personalized t-shirts, and passed out flyers to keep the word circulating about unsolved cases. A button was affixed to Rasheeda Khadar’s shirt. Even 9-month-old Jameel attended with his mother and 11-year old sister, Balquees. Within a group of seven walkers, two sisters were from Rockville Maryland. The other two reside in Ft. Washington, Maryland. It has been fourteen years since her 21-year-old son went missing in August. “About two years ago our cousin, Ali Khadar, went missing. Two or three people from Black and Missing organization came and
helped us to try to find out how to go about finding a missing person, and helped us with getting the word out. Unfortunately, they did find him, but he was dead. We’re just here to support the organization,” Rasheeda Khadar said. Brenda Adams held a large photo collage. Her sister, aunt, mother, niece and other son rallied around her. It has been fourteen years since her 21-year old son went missing in August. “It’s like he just vanished off of the earth. It’s hard but I have to keep my faith. ” Michael Muse, a local musician from Ft. Washington, Maryland, is still hoping to receive a tip about his son’s whereabouts. The single father last saw his nineteenyear-old son, Christian, in 2012. He said that his son’s disappearance on July 15 was mysterious, and that the youth never touched his bank account. “We’re here today to show a sign of hope and faith that he is still with us. We just want him back. If anybody recognizes him, please call the numbers that you see on the shirts,” he said, tearfully.
After crossing the finish line, two runners from Waldorf who help to raise money once a month for charities victoriously pose together.
Volunteers and supporters pause to take a photograph with Natalie Wilson (left) and Derrica Wilson (far right), founders of Black and Missing Foundation, Inc.
John Howard also addressed the crowd. His two young boys were returned home safely. “I just wanted to say never give up. Never give up. I started up my own thing with hope, helping others push every day, because they helped me when
no one would help me. Never give up on your loved one. My kids were found 30 miles from my house in Largo.” Eric Cathey lives at National Harbor and was the first to finish the Hope Without Boundaries 5K Run/Walk.
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PRINCE GEORGE’S SPORTS AND LEARNING COMPLEX HOSTS 21ST ANNUAL SENIOR HEALTH AND FITNESS DAY
Seniors dance to some up tempo music during an aerobics class.
Karen Hill, Med Star National Rehabilitation Network, uses a gage to the balance of Betty Belin.
A medical member uses a wrist blood cuff to monitor the blood pressure of a Prince George’s County senior citizen.
PHOTOS/BOBBY JONES
Marguett Garcia, a fitness specialist, conducts a hula hoop aerobics class for Prince George’s County residents during a Senior Health and Fitness Day held at the PG County Sports and Learning Complex May 21.
Prince George’s County seniors walk laps around the indoor track.
Janet Morris, licensed massage therapist, manipulates back muscles in a senior citizen.
Senior citizens use hula hoops to stretch their spine during a cool-down session.
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Veterans’ Court approved for Prince George’s County BY ANDREA BLACKSTONE STAFF WRITER
Circuit Court Judge Shelia R. Tillerson Adams proudly announced that the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County received approval from the Court of Appeals of Maryland on May 14 to establish a veterans’ court in Prince George’s County. The Honorable Beverly J. Woodard will reportedly be the presiding judge for the court. She will be supported by Julisa Robinson (Director of the Office of Problem Solving Courts for Prince George’s County Circuit Court) and a team of partners who will help facilitate successful operation. Hundreds of local veterans who qualify for the program are expected to be assisted with obtaining services through the first veterans’ court in Maryland. “Through this court, the team will be able to address cases that will stem from post-traumatic stress syndrome, drug and alcohol abuse, and mental illness. They will ensure that veterans get the services they need and work with the veterans through recovery. These services will
PHOTOS BY BOBBY JONES
Col. William Knight, 11th Wing/Joint Base Andrews commander, returns salute to retired Army National Guard veteran, Kenneth Greenhouse during a Veterans Appreciation ceremony honoring veterans at the Prince George’s County Circuit Courthouse May 22.
Prince George’s County politicians, military and circuit court representatives from the Maryland General Assembly display a citation honoring Veterans Appreciation Day at the Prince George’s County Circuit Courthouse May 22.
go a long way to restore pride, dignity, and family relationships. We will support our veterans once we get them here in veterans’ court. We will see them through,” said Judge Tillerson Adams. Mentorship will play a critical role. During the Annual Veterans Appreciation Ceremony and Muster that was held in Upper Marlboro, Judge Shelia R. Tillerson Adams explained
that models around the country prove to be successful, because of mentors of veterans who work with the court. Each veteran who comes into the court will be paired with a veteran who successfully transitioned back into society. A call for volunteers to partner with the court immediately followed the announcement. “We need our veterans to assist us to make this court successful.”
Tech Sgt. Aaron Paige, tenor vocalist with the Singing Sergeants, pays honor to U.S. flag, by singing the National Anthem.
A Prince George’s County Sheriff blows taps at the conclusion of a Veterans Appreciation ceremony honoring veterans at the Prince George’s County Circuit Courthouse.
VETERANS, from page 1
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Maryland General Assembly was given to the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland, in recognition of honoring veterans. Numerous Vietnam veterans were in attendance. Francis Gilbert Jr. worked as a dog handler and sniper. Gilbert said that he was invited to come from southern Maryland. The Honorable Shelia R. Tillerson Adams challenged everyone to find a way to support our wounded warriors and their families. She remarked that part of the fight of the wounded warrior is adapting to a new way of life. “We owe them our support now, and our gratitude.” Jon Dansicker, who served eight years in the Marine Corps, stood next to a mobile operation with several colleagues. He currently supports veterans through a community outreach program at Baltimore Vet Center. Dansicker said that he recently attended three area events. The Vets Center helps with readjustment counseling for veterans who may be experiencing any issue resulting from the combat experience, such as PTSD.
PHOTO/ANDREA BLACKSTONE
Francis Gilbert, Jr. “Buck” proudly displays memorabilia that reminds others of his sacrifice and service in Vietnam.
“We came to support Prince George’s County’s veterans today, honor the fallen, and honor all of those here,” Dansicker stated.
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WHEEL, from page 1 also remarked that he will be happy that people will be spending their money to ride and enjoy the latest attraction at National Harbor. Milton Peterson, CEO of Peterson Companies, spoke about being a developer in search of great ideas. The concept of the Capital Wheel reportedly evolved during a trip that he took with his wife. “We happened to be staying at a great hotel on the Place de la Concorde—a very fancy place—okay? On the other side of the Place de la Concorde is the Louve. I saw this wheel. I
said, ‘Wow. Isn’t that neat?’ I rode in it and said, ‘If this is befitting of being in the Place de la Concorde, how about National Harbor?’” After finishing the story, Peterson stated, “The only thing that we have left to do now is to go round and round. So, welcome. Let’s take a ride.” The Capital Wheel will be available for a variety of events. Wolfgang Puck can cater a day or night of VIP treatment. The cost for adult riders is $15 per ride plus tax. The military rate is $13.50 plus tax. For more details, visit www.thecapitalwheel.com. The Capital Wheel officially opened at National Harbor May 23.
PHOTO BY BOBBY JONES
The first riders on the Capital Wheel take pause for a photo memory during their maiden ride on the National Harbor’s newest attraction May 23.
PHOTO/ANDREA BLACKSTONE
Jon Peterson introduces his father, Milton Person, while sharing a happy moment before kicking off the Capital Wheel’s LED light show.
PHOTO BY BOBBY JONES
Denzel Hines, Capital Wheel greeter, gets a sign of approval from young rider after riding the Capital Wheel.
BOOK, from page 2 to author interviews. I enjoy and am a member of Book Browse, an online book club and magazine, and several Facebook chats. You can check out Book Browse at www. bookbrowse.com. There are numerous places where you can go to find books and get help with reading selections. If you don’t have a “book budget,” your first stop should be your local public library. You can check out a book or download an eBook. Don’t overlook “freebies” that are available on Amazon.com and sales at local dollar stores. Several years ago, I began hosting literary events to help close the gap that has been created by the shuttering of many of our brick and mortar bookstores. Attending such events, which are often free, is an excellent way to meet authors and network with other readers. Whether you start an in-person or online book club, be prepared to facilitate the first meeting by guiding not only the book discussion, but also the discussion to choose a regular meeting day and time. You should also be prepared to establish a hosting rotation, and decide on the genres of books the members prefer to read. Remember to also announce the date, time, and book for the next meeting. You can either choose a book in advance, or once people confirm their participation, ask someone to choose a book and host the next meeting. Sharon Lucas is a retired sales manager, avid reader, and book club advocate. She founded www.realdivasread. com and is hard at work planning the 2014 Black Authors & Readers Rock Weekend that will be held in October in Bowie, Maryland. Email her at onereadingdiva@ gmail.com.
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PHOTO/ANDREA BLACKSTONE
Three entertainers wow the crowd, making the wait time to right the main attraction easier to endure.
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PRESIDENTIAL AIRLIFT GROUP REIGN AS 2014 VOLLEYBALL CHAMPS
Security Forces Police Blotter The Security Forces Blotter is intended to keep members of the Joint Base Andrews Community informed and aware of the crimes and offenses that occur throughout the base each week. If you have any information that may help the Security Forces solve a crime or prevent a criminal act, please contact BDOC (Base Defense Operations Center) at 301-981-2001, CRIME STOP LINE 981-2677 (COPS, or the investigations section at 301-981-5656).
The Presidential Airlift Group won the 2014 Joint Base Andrews Volleyball Championship Game against 11th Security Forces Squadron May 20. Members from top left: Terrance Clagget, Oscar Garza, Eric Smith, Michael Moon and Michael Kirkendall. Bottom from left: Vance Makanui and Angie Henderson
COURTESY PHOTO
May 16 at 2:29 p.m.: An individual contacted Security Forces stating they found damage to their house after returning from vacation. The damage consisted of a broken window and a broken handle. Statements were completed and Liberty Park Maintenance completed repairs. May 18 at 12:13 a.m.: There was a loud noise complaint on Hall Court. The residents were briefed on quiet hours. Field interview cards were completed. May 18 at 11 a.m.: There was an attempted entry at Virginia Gate. The individual came through the ID checkpoint with valid credentials and misunderstood the directions given by the Gate Guard to the Commissary. The individual then entered the installation through the outbound lane. Statements were completed and a citation was issued. May 19 at 8:20 p.m.: There was a report of suspicious individuals taking photographs at the Main Gate. Field Interviews were completed with the four individuals with passports. The individuals were escorted off the installation. May 21 at 10:30 a.m.: A 2002 Ford F150 was towed from the MWR to Andrew’s Towing Impound due to vehicle being abandoned. May 21 at 11:02 a.m.: Security Forces was notified of a victim displaying seizure like symptoms. Medical transported the victim to Malcom Grow for further medical evaluation. May 21 at 2:51 p.m.: An individual contacted Security Forces to report possible stolen property at the Temporary Lodging Facility. The subject took headphones from a desk during duty hours. The victim did not want to press charges and received their property back.
Death Notice ATTN ALL PERSONNEL: Lt. Col. Christopher Cutler regretfully announces the death of Col. Joann Richardson. Anyone having claims against or indebtedness to the estate of Col. Richardson contact Lt. Col. Christopher Cutler, Summary Court Officer at 703-681-6987.
Caption this
Send your silly captions for this week’s photo to ablackstone@dcmilitary.com. The funniest ones will be used in a future edition of The Andrews Gazette.
From May 23 edition: “Don’t become a crash text dummy!’ David Anspach AFDW
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