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Heritage Park concert rocks joint community
DCMILITARY.COM
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The meeting that saved lives; a hero out of uniform
AN INDEPENDENT PUBLICATION OF COMPRINT MILITARY PUBLICATIONS AT JOINT BASE ANDREWS, MD.
Air Force model project brings unity in the community
FRIDAY, JULY 25, 2014 | VOL. 3 NO. 29
Air Force focuses fourth Local teen CEO wins McDonald’s round of VERA/VSIP on youth award, inspires others headquarters reductions COURTESY OF SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE PUBLIC AFFAIRS In an effort to lead its force management actions with voluntary programs, the Air Force announced a fourth round of civilian workforce shaping measures beginning July 21. This follows the recent Air Force announcement on headquarters organization and staffing reductions. Those changes are designed to eliminate redundant activities and improve efficiencies while also satisfying previous secretary of defense direction to reduce management headquarters costs and staff levels by 20 percent. Voluntary early retirement authority and voluntary separation incentive pay will be used to realign and rebalance the civilian force during the round IV program. Round IV is largely focused on Headquarters Air Force-assigned civilian employees, primarily located in the national capital region. Civilians at some major command locations who could be impacted by these changes will also participate. The remaining MAJCOMs will participate in a subsequent round. Civilian employees will receive VERA/VSIP inter-
est surveys from their local civilian personnel sections on or about July 21 and responses are due by Aug. 1, unless an earlier date is established by local CPSs. Applicants approved for this round of VERA/VSIP must separate no later than Sept. 30. “As the Air Force works to streamline the management framework regarding basic organization structures and associated business practices, some civilian positions at the Headquarters Air Force level will be eliminated,” said Heidi Liebel, the acting chief of the civilian force policy division. “The Air Force is committed to minimizing the adverse impacts of restructuring on our civilian employees, hence the use of VERA/VSIP to offer voluntary early separation or retirement incentives.” There will be at least one more round of civilian workforce management as soon as all the MAJCOMs have the final details of all the changes associated with the 20 percent headquarters management review and reductions associated with realigning and consolidating functions under the Installation and Mission Support Center. “The Air Force recog-
see VERA/VSIP, page 4
Silver Line opens to riders July 26 BY ANDREA BLACKSTONE STAFF WRITER
Phase 1 of the Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project includes five new stations. When traveling east, Silver Line trains will join the existing Orange Line west of East Falls Church, then travel through downtown D.C. to Largo Town Center in Md.
Although there have been delays in the announcement of the opening of the Silver Line rail line, Metro will begin offering passenger service Saturday, July 26. “Simulated service ” began July 20 and reportedly allowed Metro to help “familiarize employees and finalize train schedules under real-world conditions.” Approximately 11.4 miles of new of track has been laid in the first phase of the regional line that is also known as the Dulles Corri-
see SILVER LINE, page 8
PHOTO/ANDREA BLACKSTONE
Gabrielle, CEO of Jewelz of Jordan, displays her fashion jewelry and book during Prince George’s County’s 1st International Festival July 12. The 14-year-old Marylander is reportedly the youngest member of her local Prince George’s County Chamber of Commerce. BY ANDREA BLACKSTONE STAFF WRITER
Gabrielle Jordan Williams is a 14-year-old Marylander who is arguably mature beyond her years. Gabrielle is homeschooled and completed the eighth grade. The multitalented teen is already the CEO of her own business, Jewelz of Jordan. She started the enterprise at the age of nine. Additionally, the entrepreneur is an author, speaker and philanthropist who believes that leadership is the basis of everything. Her #1 bestselling book, “The Making Of A Young Entrepreneur: A Kid’s Guide To Developing The Mind-Set For Success” was self-published in 2011. Gabrielle is reportedly the youngest member of her local Prince George’s County Chamber of Com-
merce. She was recently the recipient of McDonald’s Community Choice Youth Award. Gabrielle was formally recognized July 5 during the 11th Annual McDonald’s 365Black Awards show. The starstudded event celebrated African American achievement as a part of the 2014 Essence Festival in New Orleans. The dynamic Prince George’s County resident was nominated by the public and selected as the first-ever female teen honoree. Gabrielle will receive a $10,000 college scholarship, in recognition of the significant impact that she has made while making a difference in her community. “As an entrepreneur, you have to be a leader. I recommend that when you are doing anything, you have to be confident. Con-
see INSPIRE, page 7
PHOTO/JACKIE HICKS
Gabrielle is the CEO of Jewelz of Jordan. Her #1 bestselling book, “The Making Of A Young Entrepreneur: A Kid’s Guide To Developing The Mind-Set For Success” was self-published in 2011. She was recently the recipient of McDonald’s Community Choice Youth Award.
Nonprofit gears up to offer free entrepreneurship classes for local veterans BY ANDREA BLACKSTONE STAFF WRITER
PHOTO BY INTROVERTED PICTURES
Lt. Col. Arvonette “Deano” Burrell, a course facilitator with Capitol City CDC, leads a veterans entrepreneurship symposium June 27.
Starting a business can be an exciting yet overwhelming. Many budding entrepreneurs wonder if they are on the right track, especially during the early stages of planning. A local resource that offers insight into business start-up is available for those who have served our country. The Capitol City Community Development Corporation (Cap. City CDC) was founded by Loumis Taylor two years ago. Taylor and his professional team provide expertise with planning, tracking and managing, career counseling, mentoring, skills assessment, development train-
ing, industry certification and business ownership seminars for government clients. They share over 20 years of combined experience working with commercial and government agencies. Cap. City CDC is a resource that is intended to help veterans establish business strategies beyond business plans. The local nonprofit organization strives to position veterans to reach their longterm goals of establishing a business and position themselves for other career opportunities. Taylor was reportedly inspired to focus on supporting veterans, due to a strong affiliation through his past in ROTC, and the groups’ desire to encourage
economic empowerment. Cap. City CDC aspires to become the premier veteran-based training and service provider offering veterans education, training, certification, career and entrepreneurial opportunities. Training in the Kauffman FastTrac NewVenture for the Veteran Entrepreneur module will be available free of charge to the veteran community in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, including those transitioning into civilian life, through Cap. City CDC. Every Wednesday from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m., beginning July 30, 2014, the ten-week course will be offered until October 1, 2014. Cap. City CDC and Kauff-
see VETERANS, page 8
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Andrews Gazette
HOT TICKETS
Commentary
‘Mommy isn’t coming home, sweetie’
July 25-26
Bethesda Outdoor Movies 9-11 p.m. On the sidewalk in front of Cornucopia, 8102 Norfolk Ave. Bethesda, MD 20814 Friday night they will be playing Pitch Perfect and Saturday’s movie will be Top Gun. A limited number of chairs will be provided and attendees are invited to bring their own lawn chairs. Admission is free. For more information http:// www.bethesda.org/bethesda/bethesda-outdoor-movies.
July 26
Bobby McKey’s Kids’ Day 1-3:30 p.m. 172 Fleet St. National Harbor, MD 20745 Spend the afternoon with your family enjoying the renowned dueling piano show at Bobby McKey’s. Ticket Prices (seats and buffet): $18 for guests 12 years old and up; $18 for guests 2 to 11 years old. Buffet includes (pizza, wings, fries, hot dogs, fruit & house salad, mac & cheese, cookies). For more information call 301-602-2209 or visit http://www.bobbymckeys.com/events/view/all-ages-family-dueling-piano-show-this-afternoon-doors-1pm-show130pm-2218.
July 26
Pirate Fest 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Lake Fairfax Park, 1400 Lake Fairfax Drive, Reston, VA $10 in advance, $12 at the gate Activities include shanty singalongs, knot tying, flag making, treasure hunt, boat ride and a moon bounce. The event also aims to be educational with lessons on the science of floating. For more information at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/lakefairfax/.
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. mminar@dcmilitary.com John Rives, publisher
jrives@dcmilitary.com
Deirdre Parry, page design dparry@gazette.net Bobby Jones, photographer bjones@dcmilitary.com
BY AIRMAN 1ST CLASS MADISON SYLVESTER
319TH AIR BASE WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS
As a young child, you don’t think much if someone doesn’t show up when they’re supposed to because you have better, more important things to worry about; like bugs and dolls. They’re just another shape flashing around you in your own little world. Occasionally, a child will stop and ask a question about the sky, their toys or where their parent is. The answer always seems to be, “Oh honey, they’re right over there,” and life goes on without a hitch. When I stopped playing one night in 1998 and asked the question, “Daddy, when is Mommy coming home?” it brought everyone around to a sudden halt. My father cleared his throat and blinked a few
times, obviously taken by surprise that his 3 year old was asking this question so early. He replied quietly, “Mommy isn’t coming home sweetie. She’s living with the angels now.” My mother was killed in a headon collision March 24, 1997, as a result of drinking and driving. That wasn’t the beginning of her relationship with alcohol; however, her decision to drive home after drinking this night was not her first time doing so. It was a regular thing. Consumption of alcohol, or rather the inability to stop consuming it, had ruined my parents’ relationship. Already in the process of divorce, they had been fighting that particular day over my mother breaking into my grandparents’ liquor cabinet. The attempt to lie was immediately wiped away with the first
glance of her. So she decided that she would leave, she tried to bring me along with her but my father was able to wrestle me away. My dad wasn’t worried, he thought she would take a walk down the street to calm down; he thought he had the keys. Little did he know, she had a spare set made. Almost running him over in his attempt to stop her, she sped off. My father got remarried to a wonderful woman six months later and because I didn’t understand, I didn’t act like anything was wrong. It wasn’t until I was five years old that I really, fully understood where my mom had gone. People had stopped sugarcoating things and telling me that I was too young to get it. Never wanting to upset the
separate services, each proud of who they are,” he said. “Some of that pride is reflected in the uniform you wear.”
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While e-cigarettes have been advertised as a safer alternative to conventional cigarettes, studies have found potentially harmful ingredients in the product, including nitrosamines, diethylene glycol and animal carcinogens, according to Dr. Oh. He cautions airmen against using e-cigarettes. “Not enough is known about the long-term safety of e-cigarettes to definitely state that they are safe,” he said. The Food and Drug Administration categorizes ecigarettes as a tobacco product. They may also be sold to minors. Air Force policy includes e-cigarettes under the definition of tobacco, the first military service to do so.
see COMMENTARY, page 3
Retiree Corner Uniforms are Distinctive
Having separate military services brings perspectives to the table that are the epitome of “jointness,” according to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey said that he hopes the military services retain their own unique field uniforms. There have been suggestions for the military to adopt a single field uniform. Legislators point to cost as an issue. The chairman said he believes the uniforms affect and express the unique cultures of the services. The uniforms reflect the differences in the services, the chairman said. “I have to tell you,” he added, “when I sit with the service chiefs, it is extraordinarily important and beneficial that we have four different views and that those views can be molded into military advice that we can provide to our elected leaders.” The difference in perspectives and experiences of the services are valuable, and a single viewpoint would be a disservice to the nation, the chairman said. “It is a very healthy thing to have four
Medicare Fraud Calls
Fraudulent telephone calls involving Medicare cards seek verification of personal information to receive new Medicare cards. Medicare does not call beneficiaries for such information. If you are aware of such calls, notify the Medicare Fraud line at 1 800 633-4227.
E-Cigarettes Create Concerns
Electronic cigarette use is a popular alternative to traditional cigarettes, but is of concern to Air Force health care providers. The batteryoperated products—known as ecigarettes—are designed to deliver nicotine, flavor and other chemicals as a vapor that is inhaled by the user. “Airmen are using e-cigarettes at a level comparable to the civilian adult population,” said Col. (Dr.) John Oh at the Air Force Medical Support Agency, citing data from
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 301 9812726. Call before your visit to ensure a volunteer is on duty. The RAO has a website at www.andrews.af.mil.
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Around Town
Maxine Minar, president
Friday, July 25, 2014
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Andrews Gazette
Friday, July 25, 2014
HERITAGE PARK CONCERT ROCKS JOINT COMMUNITY
Col. Bill Knight, 11th Wing and Joint Base Andrews commander, left, thanks members of the 11th Civil Engineer Squadron for their dedication and hard work on the newly constructed Heritage Park on Joint Base Andrews, Md.
U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTOS/TECH. SGT. BRIAN FERGUSON
Members of the 11th Security Forces Squadron give a working dog demonstration to spectators at the Joint Base Andrews Heritage Park Concert, July 12. The concert series was designed to show appreciation to the local community for their support and showcase JBA’s dedicated Airmen. This was the second of three concerts scheduled for this summer.
Spectators are given a tour of a UH-1N Huey helicopter from the 1st Helicopter Squadron at the Joint Base Andrews Heritage Park Concert.
COMMENTARY, from page 2 woman I now called Mom, I waited until I had my father alone to ask again, “Daddy, what really happened to mommy?” Judging from the look on his face, he had thought he had some time before any real explanations had to be given. I quickly apologized seeing the distressed look and got up to rush to another room but he stopped me and said, “No, it’s okay, I just didn’t think I would have to do this so soon ... Your mother had a problem.” A problem. That’s what we hear today when someone invites alcohol into their lives for too long. A problem. A mistake. What my mother had was not simply a problem; my mother had a disease. One that nobody cared to diagnose because that would mean their own failure. She would get sad and drink, she would get mad and drink, and soon she had made any emotion an excuse to drink. I grew older with conflicting images of her. “She was a wonderful mother; she loved you, so full of life and laughter,” collided with “Your mother was a liar, a cheater and a drunk.” Yes. I had a woman who married my father, gave me a little sister, and took on the task of taking care of me too. But there was always a hole that couldn’t be filled in me. I had questions that people felt too guilty about to answer. Did I do something so wrong that she needed to drink again? If she really loved me, how could she be so
Senior Master Sgt. Ryan Carson, a vocalist for “Max Impact,” performs during the Joint Base Andrews Heritage Park Concert.
careless? I was grieving years after everyone else had moved on. However, I learned to deal with my own hurt and turned it into understanding and proactivity. My mother was not the only person to ever have alcoholism. I was not the only person ever to lose someone this way, nor would I be the last. I would not allow myself to be a victim, but instead became an advocate. The one thing that I took away from my own loss was that I never wanted anyone else to go through the same experience. My family brushed her addiction under the rug because addictions are ugly, they’re taboo, and deep down inside they didn’t want to admit that their daughter, sister and granddaughter wasn’t okay. But the truth of the matter is that she wasn’t and others aren’t either. I urge you to help your wingmen. If you notice that their weekend fun is turning into everyday fun, say something. If you suspect that they’re having hard times, say something. Even better than that, do something. Don’t let them get in that car after they’ve been drinking. We have so many resources that can help prevent the loss of another brother or sister in arms. Most people are not willing to look at their own reflection and say “I have a problem. I need to stop.” Help them. Love them. Support them. This disease is long-standing in my lineage. I will be the one to end it. Will you do the same with our Air Force family?
For more news from other bases around the Washington, D.C. area,
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visit www.dcmilitary.com.
Members of the 11th Security Forces Squadron give a working dog demonstration to spectators at the Joint Base Andrews Heritage Park Concert.
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Andrews Gazette
Friday, July 25, 2014
Belvoir hospital, Malcolm Grow clinic team up BY KRISTIN ELLIS
FORT BELVOIR COMMUNITY HOSPITAL, PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE
Obstetrics patients at Malcolm Grow Women’s Health Clinic will soon have their labor and delivery procedures performed at Fort Belvoir Community Hospital or Walter Reed National Military Medical Center to better utilize military resources. Previously, obstetric patients at Malcolm Grow delivered at Southern Maryland Hospital. Beginning Aug. 1, obstetrics services will be consolidated in the National Capital Region, which is expected to save the military health system more than $2 million per year. Expectant mothers will receive care from a health care team of joint military and civilians staff working with a patient family centered care approach, according to Navy Cmdr. Stuart Shippey, director for surgery at Belvoir hospital. “In addition, our delivering mothers benefit from our babyfriendly policy: That skin-to-skin contact, infant rooming-in and breast-feeding support following delivery to optimize bonding with and health of their babies,” said Shippey. Expectant mothers will receive their routine prenatal care at Malcolm Grow’s 779th Medical Group. When it’s time for delivery, a military or civilian obstetrician, along with a nurse midwife or medical resident will
PHOTO BY SEAMAN TINA STAFFIERI
Sgt. Desiree Magginnis helps new mother Amrita Thomas learn how to best care for her newborn son Ryan Thomas in the Mother-Baby Unit at Fort Belvoir Community Hospital.
be present for the delivery at Belvoir hospital. “Our labor and delivery department is designed to take on more than what we’re doing,” said Army Lt. Col. Amy Asato, labor and delivery interim chief. “Belvoir hospital is averaging 120-140 deliveries each month, but we are capable of up to 200.” Transferring obstetrics care to the military network will bring an additional 25 to 30
GSSAP and ANGELS contribute to space neighborhood watch The Air Force plans to launch two operational satellites and one experimental satellite into near-geosynchronous Earth orbit July 23. According to Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James, “these operational and experimental systems will enhance the nation’s ability to monitor and assess events regarding our military and commercial systems. In essence, they will create a space neighborhood watch capability.” The two operational satellites are part of the Air Force’s Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program, or GSSAP. The GSSAP satellites will provide U.S. Strategic Command with space situational awareness data allowing for more accurate tracking and characterization of man-made orbiting objects. The satellites will drift a safe distance away from the geosynchronous equatorial orbit, or GEO, belt while surveilling the area to further enable spaceflight safety. As space becomes increasingly congested, contested and competitive, it is imperative to protect the systems in space on which the world depends. Air Force Space Command commander, Gen. William Shelton said, “we support the peaceful use of space for all countries but we believe it is necessary to increase our ability to detect and attribute any threatening or disruptive actions.” The experimental satellite
program, known as Automated Navigation and Guidance Experiment for Local Space, or ANGELS, is led by the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Space Vehicles Directorate headquartered at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico. This science and technology satellite will conduct safe research activities around the upper stage of its Delta IV launch vehicle. ANGELS will test new space situational awareness techniques and technologies while performing safe, automated spacecraft operations to support and enhance future U.S. missions. AFRL commander Maj. Gen. Thomas Masiello said, “the experiments conducted with ANGELS will allow the United States to safely operate future space situational awareness satellites in a more efficient, effective and autonomous manner.” Although the two GSSAP spacecraft and the AFRL ANGELS experimental spacecraft will launch on the same United Launch Alliance Delta IV booster out of Cape Canaveral, Florida, the missions and objectives are distinctly different. As the Air Force continues to develop cutting-edge and essential space programs, James said “this launch is a remarkable accomplishment in the Air Force development of technologies to ensure the safe and responsible use of space.”
VERA/VSIP, from page 1
in a lower graded position. In that regard, the HAF and other participating bases will begin their preparations for submitting their requests for approval to use reduction-in-force procedures in an effort to place employees in continuing permanent positions. “We are committed to using voluntary separation programs as much as possible before pursuing involuntary options,” Kelly said. “As we progress toward the end of the fiscal year, it is apparent the HAF will need to rebalance skills of the workforce into vacant positions.” For additional information about civilian employment, voluntary separation programs and other personnel actions, visit the Air Force Personnel Service website at https://gum-crm.csd. disa.mil.
nizes the invaluable contributions of our civilian workforce, but also must manage the fiscal constraints under which the Department of Defense is operating,” said Brig. Gen. Brian Kelly, the director of force management policy. “We are focused on fine tuning the force while taking care to minimize the effect on our current permanent civilian workforce and their families.’’ The processes available to rebalance or reskill the work force include using reduction-in-force procedures to determine overage employee priority placement rights into vacant positions, as well as providing the flexibility to waive qualifications and provide retained grade and pay if placed
more deliveries per month to Belvoir hospital. Private rooms at Belvoir hospital are large, spacious and tastefully decorated to provide state-of-the-art comfort and services. They overlook a wide expanse of greenery and gardens, offering calm, soothing environment to enhance the birthing experience. The facility provides generous patient parking and also specific
parking in the front of the hospital for expectant mothers. “Once you exit the public elevators, you will be greeted by hospital staff and directed to the unit. ‘Wow!’ is often used to describe [Belvoir hospital’s] labor and delivery suites and services,” said Air Force Maj. Molly George, Malcolm Grow Women’s health clinic chief. After delivery, babies will
room with their mothers in the mother-baby unit. Infants delivered before 36 weeks may be transferred to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Malcolm Grow Ob/Gyns will begin performing inpatients gynecologic surgeries at Belvoir hospital in July, “further adding to the utilization of this new and very capable facility,” Shippey said. “Our patients will stay within the military system at a beautiful state-of-the-art facility, we’ll have an influx of staff, and overall increase the access to service for our gynecology patients,” said Asato. “It’s a win for everyone.” Enrollees who prefer to deliver their baby at a facility closer to home may use the TRICARE standard option. In the event an urgent delivery is necessary, enrollees should go to the closest civilian or military emergency room. Tours of the labor and delivery unit at Belvoir hospital are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5 p.m. Call 571231-3442/3446 to schedule a visit. They also offer a 36-week childbirth preparedness class. This class starts in the Women’s Health Clinic located in Oaks Pavilion on the first floor behind the waterfall and in the back hallway.
Keep that smile! BY DR. MELISSA HOLT
779TH DENTAL SQUADRON DENTIST
Boil-and-bite mouth guards help to protect teeth from sports injuries. Military beneficiaries may pick up a mouth guard, free of charge, at the Joint Base Andrews West Fitness Center or at the 779th Dental Clinic, 1601 California Avenue, on Joint Base Andrews. Appointments are not necessary, simply walk-in and request a mouth guard at the front desk. According to the Journal of American Dental Association, nearly 15 million Americans are involved in dental injuries annually - this is the equivalent of every member of the United States Air Force suffering from at least two dental injuries a year, over a 20 year career. Summer time brings summer sports - basketball, skateboarding, biking, soccer, football, tennis - and many potential mouth injuries, all of which can be prevented with a simple, inexpensive sports guard. “People forget how easily teeth can be harmed from sports injuries. The recovery time can be years,” said Dr. Bowers-Evangelista, 779th Dental Squadron Endodontist. An endodontist is a dentist who specializes in root canal treatments. “It’s not just the popular sports
AIR FORCE PHOTO
Captain (Dr.) Melissa Holt, 779th Medical Group Dentist fits a mouth guard for Airmen Maria Bettina Inocencion. Mouth guards help to protect teeth from sports injuries. Military beneficiaries may pick up a mouth guard, free of charge, at the Joint Base Andrews West Fitness Center or at the 779th Dental Clinic, 1601 California Avenue, on Joint Base Andrews. Appointments are not necessary, simply walk-in and request a mouth guard at the front desk.
you have to worry about. I have seen patients lose teeth from getting hit in the face with a bowling ball and even from being flung off a mechanical bull,” said Dr. Dennis Holt, 779th Dental Squadron Endodontist. Custom mouth guards will be available for active duty members in the fall of 2014. Military beneficiaries will call the main dental
clinic at, (240) 857-5029, to schedule an appointment to have an impression taken of their mouth. The mouth guard will then be fabricated by in-house dental staff and fitted to the individual’s mouth. Obtaining a mouth guard can save you from painful, unwanted, and unnecessary dental trauma. Stop by and pick one up today.
Concert band welcomes newest member BY MASTER SGT. BROOKE EMERY
The United States Air Force Band welcomes our newest member, Technical Sgt. Kaitlin Taylor. She will serve as second oboe in the Concert Band, a position she previously held at the Air Force Academy Band (Peterson Air Force Base, Colo.) since 2013. Taylor hails from Henderson, Ky. She earned a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Cincinnati, College-Conservatory of Music in 2010 and a Master of Music from the Yale School of Music in New Haven, Conn. in 2012. During her time in college, she performed professionally with numerous prestigious musical ensembles, including New World Symphony, Louisville Orchestra, Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra, National Repertory Orchestra, CCM Spoleto Opera and Classical Music Festival in Italy, and the Texas Music Festival. Taylor’s arrival is especially exciting for the Concert Band, because it marks the first time in five years the ensemble has been able to operate with a full,
U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO BY TECHNICAL SGT. JOSH KOWALSKY
The newest member of the Concert Band, oboist Technical Sgt. Kaitlin Taylor (center) poses during a rehearsal break with fellow section members Master Sgt. Tracey MacDonald (left) and Technical Sgt. Emily Snyder (right).
three-member oboe/English horn section. When asked what this development means for the future of the ensemble, principal oboist Master Sgt. Tracey MacDonald remarked, “The addition of Kaitlin will make a huge difference in the variety and quality of music we will be able to select for public performance. We can’t wait to start working with her!”
When asked about how she feels upon the occasion of joining The U.S. Air Force Band, Taylor stated, “I am so excited about playing with the wonderful musicians of the Air Force Band! I feel so fortunate to have this amazing opportunity in the Air Force to serve and do what I am passionate about for a living.”
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Andrews Gazette
Friday, July 25, 2014
The meeting that saved lives; a hero out of uniform BY STAFF SGT. BRENT SKEEN 459TH AIR REFUELING WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS
To say that May 19 started out like any other day would be a lie. Master Sgt. Lonnie McBride, law office superintendent for the Judge Advocate General’s office at the 459th Air Refueling Wing here, was getting ready to leave for a meeting in Newark, Delaware for his civilian position as a software consultant for Neocase. The meeting started at 9 a.m., and Newark was more than a two-hour drive from his home in Alexandria, Va. “It was a meeting I typically don’t have,” McBride said. “But if it wasn’t for that meeting I was supposed to attend that morning — I would have perished that day. Me and 16 others would have certainly perished that day. There is no doubt in my mind.” McBride stepped out of the door of his third floor condo, dressed in his business attire, overnight bag in hand. It was 6:35 a.m. Leaving after 7 a.m. would be a nightmare, due to the distance and traffic in Washington D.C. and Baltimore. Still, his window of comfort to arrive to his meeting on time was ticking away. He turned right and walked down the stairs. Inside the stairwell, he noticed something; white smoke and the faint sound of an alarm. “Not a ton of white smoke, but some white smoke,” McBride recalls. “At first, I didn’t put much thought into it. People are up, making breakfast. Someone probably burnt toast to set off someone’s alarm — no big deal.” McBride continued down the stairwell toward his car that was parked in front of the condo that housed 12 units. “Right when I’m coming up to my vehicle, I had this strange feeling -I swear to God—It came over me like, something’s not right,” McBride said. “Because the thought prior to that was like ‘no big deal, probably a toaster oven, I’m just going to get in my car and go about my business - and I need to hustle, because I’m already starting to push it, because it is at least a two hour drive to Newark’.”
U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO/ STAFF SGT. KATIE SPENCE
Master Sgt. Lonnie McBride, law office superintendent, Judge Advocate General’s office, demonstrated heroic acts by saving members of his community from a burning building, May 19. McBride will retire in August after 20 years of service.
But McBride couldn’t shake that feeling. “I had to identify this source of this - just so I can feel right about the situation,” McBride said. “I needed to make sure that everything is okay.” He put his bags in his car and headed back to the building to locate the source of the smoke. He walked through the hallway of the first floor. He looked for smoke escaping through the seals of the doors or the vents on the wall that lead to the unit’s dryer and oven fan. There was nothing noticeable. He went upstairs to do the same for the second floor, and then the third. Still nothing. All the floors were checked and McBride did not see a source from where the smoke was coming from. “It must be fine,” he said. “But I still had a bad feeling about this.” He turned around and headed back down the stairs. But this
Band wins big at group level
U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO
The Band’s National Tours team is presented with a certificate for winning team of second quarter for the 11th Operations Group. BY MASTER SGT. JAKE MCCRAY
The month of July was kind to The U.S. Air Force Band as four members took home awards at the 11th Operations Group level for the second quarter. The winners were Technical Sgt. Megan Neal for Non-Commissioned Officer of the Quarter, Senior Master Sgt. Regina Coonrod who received the award for Senior Non-Commissioned Officer of the Quarter, Master Sgt. Jennifer Cox as Volunteer of the Quarter. Additionally, National Tours/TDY Team took home the Team of the Quarter for that rating period. All of these Airmen musicians won the title at the squadron (Band) level, and moved on to the next level at the group (the organization above the band). At that point, they competed with members from the Honor Guard, Chaplaincy and 11th Operations Group staff.
This quarter was unique in that the Band took home an unusually large percentage of awards. This was due in part to a new level of scrutiny that the awards packages underwent prior to submission. Each awards package was meticulously edited for style and content, with 12 band members contributing to the editing process which lasted for hours. The 11th Operations Group commander, Col. Richard Lindlan, even commented that this group of awards packages were some of the best he had ever seen. The awards announcement comes amidst a flurry of Summer activity within the Band, following promotion announcements, the normal day to day operations of concerts, ceremonies and funerals, and the Summer leave to which all members eagerly look forward. Congratulations to our quarterly award winners!
time, the bad feeling that McBride had thought about shrugging off reared its ugly head. “I saw a ton of white smoke,” McBride said. “I had to find out where it was coming from. I knew it wasn’t right.” McBride slowly walked down the hallway of the second floor, looking at the door seals and at the vent. He got to the last door on the right hand side and looked up at the vent. White smoke was pouring out, getting heavier by the second. McBride immediately starts banging on the door. Inside the unit was his neighbor, a nurse, who was sleeping on her couch, passed out after a long work shift. As the banging and shouting from McBride continued from one side of the door, the neighbor on the other side slept - unaware of the fire and carbon monoxide building inside her home and threatening her life. McBride’s mind raced. Maybe no one was home; maybe they
were running the dryer while at work, he said. Still, he kept banging — shouting the same warnings over and over through the door. “I said, ‘Hey! There is a fire! Is anyone there? Can I help you?’” McBride said. He looked up at the vent. The smoke was no longer white, but now a pitch black color — thick and heavy, like someone threw a tire on top of a camp fire. The banging continued — harder than ever before. This time, the banging from McBride woke up the sleeping nurse, who awoke to the shocking surprise of seeing her kitchen on fire. “Suddenly, I heard the sound of struggles,” McBride said. Seconds pass, but it felt longer. He heard the person inside struggling at the door to unlock the deadbolt and the handle, he said. “This girl opened the door, it was the wife, and she was covered in black soot,” McBride
said. “Her skin was red like she had first-degree burns.” To make matters worse, opening the door created a backdraft effect. The fire in the kitchen was creating pressure, and when the door opened, the fire raced toward the point where the pressure was released, said McBride. “It was coming at us, so I said ‘You gotta get out of here!’” McBride said. McBride called 911 and told the operator they needed the fire department there right away because there was a major fire at the unit. He gave the dispatcher the necessity information, such as the address, what he saw and what he thought it was, all while trying to control himself from panicking. “I cut it short and hung up,” he said. “I didn’t have time, I had to get back to the building to bang on doors and evacuate the building because it was a massive freaking fire. It was going to spread, and people were sleeping.” McBride started banging on the doors of the first floor, alerting his neighbors to evacuate the building right away. The fire was moving at a rapid pace. Since the smoke was traveling up, and trapped under the breezeway at the top of the building, McBride realized that the third floor needed to be the priority, he said. “I hauled [butt] up to the third floor, and sure enough the third floor is engulfed with smoke,” McBride said. “It’s thick, it’s black, you can’t see, can’t breathe. Nothing.” “It was too late to get to them,” McBride said. “I just had to pray to God that the fire department would arrive in time to save the people on the third floor.” The fire department arrived and McBride informed them which unit the fire originated from, and that there were people trapped on the third floor. The fire was extinguished, and the rescue attempt was successful. The firefighters rescued eight of the third floor occupants using ground ladders from several balconies within the building.
see HERO, page 8
Veterans attend recent concerts BY MASTER SGT. MARC DINITZ
One of the three pillars of The U.S. Air Force Band’s mission is to honor those who have served. As part of the Band’s Summer Concert Series, multiple units recently had the opportunity to perform for WWII veterans, and were even led by one...the Band’s conductor emeritus retired Col. Arnald D. Gabriel. The Concert Band and Singing Sergeants were joined in the audience by Honor Flight Austin at their concert on July 11 at the Air Force Memorial. This group, which arrived from Texas earlier in the day, included eight WWII veterans as well as veterans from the Korean and Vietnam Wars. The Honor Flight Network is a non-profit organization created solely to honor America’s veterans for all their sacrifices. They transport war veterans to Washington, D.C. from all over the country. Top priority is given to senior veterans, mostly WWII survivors, along with others who are terminally ill. The Austin chapter of the Honor Flight Network, which has been operating for two years, has made 18 flights to Washington, D.C., with more than 560 veterans. While a visit to a concert by The U.S. Air Force Band is normally not part of the scheduled itinerary, Honor Flight Austin Chairman Alan Bergeron added it to the trip. “There happened to be a concert that coincided with our trip on the 11th, so we worked it into the schedule,” says Bergeron. “It was a wonderful evening for the veterans who made the trip, and they couldn’t stop talking about the concert the whole next day and even upon our return to Austin.”
PHOTO/MALI WONG-WARREN
Retired Air Force Col. Bob Shawn poses with members of Celtic Aire and Silver Wings after their recent performance at the Smithsonian’s Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va.
The evening was made even more special as Gabriel conducted multiple pieces on the concert, which was entitled “Bella Notte - An Italian Salute.” Gabriel, who served as commander and conductor of The U.S. Air Force Band from 1964 to 1985, was named the first conductor emeritus of the band in 1990. A combat machine gunner with the United States Army’s famed 29th Infantry Division in Europe during WWII; Gabriel received two awards of the Bronze Star Medal, the Combat Infantryman’s Badge and the French Croix de Guerre. On July 6, The U.S. Air Force Band presented Celtic Aire and the band’s country/pop group Silver Wings in a performance at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va. Attending this concert in full dress uniform was retired Air Force Col. Bob Shawn, a 94-year-old, highly decorated WWII veteran. Shawn, who joined the Army
Air Corps in 1940, became an enlisted pilot (which Congress authorized in 1941) and was later commissioned into the officer corps. Awarded 24 medals for his service, he was promoted to general yet retired early as a colonel, and has a personal goal to become the oldest living WWII veteran. Says Senior Master Sgt. Dennis Hoffmann, who performed in the concert, “It is an honor to perform for all veterans who come to our shows, but to have a chance to meet Colonel Shawn and hear some of his stories was a true honor.” Honoring those who have served will always be an integral part of The United States Air Force Band’s mission. If you are a member of a veteran group and would like to attend a future concert by The U.S. Air Force Band, please click here to arrange for your group to be introduced.
6
Andrews Gazette
Friday, July 25, 2014
779th Medical Operations Squadron welcomes new commander tal Health Services, Internal Medicine Clinic with five subspecialties, Emergency Medicine and Lt. Col. Chrystal D. Hender- for 49 Air Force providers of the son assumed comCritical Care Units at mand of the 779th Fort Belvoir CommuniMedical Operaty Hospital and Walter tions Squadron Reed National Military on July 10, 2014, Medical Center along at the Joint Base with the Fort Belvoir Andrews theater. Family Practice ResiLt. Col. Hendency. derson replaces Prior to her arCol Steven T. rival, Lt. Col. HenderLamb and will son served as the comhave direct commander, 42nd Medical mand responsibilOperations Squadron Lt. Col. Chrystal D. ity for the daily and deputy commander, Henderson operations of the 42nd Medical Group, at Family Health Maxwell Air Force Base, Clinic, Pediatrics Clinic, Allergy Alabama. As commander, Lt. Col. Immunization Clinic, Physical Henderson was responsible for esTherapy, Occupational Therapy tablishing policies and maintainand Chiropractic Services, Men- ing standards of practice within BY KATHY CANFIELD
779TH MEDICAL SUPPORT SQUADRON
COL. OBA VINCENT ASSUMES COMMAND
the primary and specialty care clinics for more than 40,000 beneficiaries in the Maxwell/Gunter community, while ensuring the quality and provision of $1.5M in healthcare services. Col. Thomas Cantilina, commander, 779th Medical Group, officiated the ceremony. “It is truly an honor and a privilege to be the commander of the 779th Medical Operations Squadron. This squadron is much larger than the previous one I commanded with a greater array of services offered, but I am definitely up to the challenge. Col Lamb did a superb job and has set me up for success. I have no doubt that the men and women of the 779th Medical Operations Squadron will continue to do great things. I cannot wait to get started!” said Lt. Col. Henderson.
OF 459TH ASTS
779th Medical Support Squadron welcomes new commander Resource Management, Medical Readiness, Information Systems, TRICARE and Patient Administration, Pharmacy, Clinical LabLt. Col. Andrew C. Lattimore oratory, Nutritional Medicine, assumed command and the Commanders of the 779th MediSupport Staff. The cal Support Squadsquadron manages ron at a ceremony a $51 Million anat Malcolm Grow nual Operation and Medical Clinics and Maintenance budget, Surgery Center on $20 Million in War June 25. Reserve Materiel, a Lt. Col. Lattimanpower program more replaces Lt. encompassing 1,300 Col. Christopher personnel, and a 43 Vaughn and will acre medical campus command the more with 562,000 square Lt. Col. Andrew than 350 personfeet of facility space. C. Lattimore nel who support He will also provide the 779th Medical administrative comGroup in Medical mand oversight for Logistics, Facility Management, 50 Air Force medical residents BY MELANIE MOORE
79TH MEDICAL WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER
within the National Capital Region. Prior to his arrival, Lt. Col. Lattimore was the Commander, 436th Medical Support Squadron, Administrator of the 436th Medical Group, and also served as the Deputy Commander, 436th Medical Group, Dover Air Force Base, Delaware. Colonel Thomas Cantilina, Commander of the 779th Medical Group, officiated the ceremony. “This is a special day for me and my wife and we are happy to be back. We look forward to the opportunity to work with the men and women of Team Andrews as will do our part to ensure Malcom Grow Medics continue to be the Face of Air Force Medicine!”
U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO/MAJ. TIM SMITH
Colonel Oba Vincent (right) receives the guidon from Col. Scheid Hodges, commander, 459th Air Refueling Wing, and assumes command of the 459th Aeromedical Staging Squadron, during an Assumption of Command ceremony July 19 at Joint Base Andrews, Md. Vincent comes to the wing from Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, where he served as a medical inspector and team leader with the Air Force Inspection Agency and led health services inspections at Guard and Reserve medical Squadrons across the country.
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7
Andrews Gazette
Friday, July 25, 2014
Air Force model project brings unity in the community BY AMBER J. RUSSELL
11TH WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS
The United States Air Force Personnel Center and the 11th Force Support Squadron are bringing the Team Andrews community together with the new Community Commons Project slated for completion early in 2015. The new community commons will reduce operation cost by consolidating the Learning Resource Center [library], Information Tickets and Travel, or ITT, resources and the former Sports Page food operation. “I became involved with the project in October 2013 when it was still in its infancy,” Maj. Kelli Moon, 11th Force Support Squadron operation officer said. “We didn’t really know what the building was going to be. We did know, however, there was a services transformation direction where the AFPC component wanted to have a onestop shop for Joint Base Andrews patrons.” Recently, AFPC decided JBA and Canon Air Force Base will be the two test sites for the Community Commons Project - where people can visit to get information, congregate, relax and simply be themselves. “Being in the National Capital Region and so close to the Pentagon, we are like the model base for the Air Force,” Moon said. “We have to step up our game and look at new innovative ways to bring customers in. Within the last couple of months we have taken this to a whole new level. “ Feedback from base patrons is a cornerstone for the new initiative. Two food surveys have been distributed to base members to solicit input. “Aside from the Air Force survey, [11th FSS] did a separate one to find out what people want,” Moon stated. “The food operation used to just be a sports bar; we’re trying to make this more of a family-oriented place and offer something you can’t get anywhere else on base.” The feedback the unit received from patrons reflected a yearning for more healthy items without losing the ability to serve adult beverages in the evening, she said. The building, which is next to the West Fitness Center and near the Jacob Smart Building, is convenient for getting a healthy snack before or after a workout, or catering special events. According to Cheryl Gritton library manager, the services within the building can integrate to bring the community together, as well as give new base members options for on and off base activities. “We can now plan our programming with the ITT resources center,” Gritton said. “For instance if our summer
U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO BY AMBER J. RUSSELL
The Community Activity Center, building 1442 here, is undergoing a makeover scheduled to be complete by years end. The new community commons will reduce operation cost by consolidating the Learning Resource Center [library], Information Tickets and Travel, or ITT, resources and the former Sports Page food operation.
reading program is studying history, we can coordinate tours to museums in the surrounding area, and you can eat at the restaurant before or after the event.” Team Andrews families will also be able to take advantage of an expanded game room with up to 12 TVs and a variety of video game consoles. The computer room will be larger as well. The new multi-purpose room can now divide three ways to accommodate large conferences. There will also be a coffee kiosk, smoothie bar and Wi-Fi throughout the building. Leo VanWart, 11th FSS community support flight chief, is also charged with the responsibility of making the land-
scape of building 1442 a safe haven for members of the Armed Forces and their dependents. “Our intention is for this to become a location of esprit de corps, meant to provide a morale boosting experience, VanWart said. I think the new name should reflect that; and base members should have a say in what to call it. “Now’s the time to let people know where we’re at with this project,” he said. “There is a dual purpose we are working toward - Building a community and taking care of the community.” For further questions regarding this base togetherness initiative, contact the 11th FSS office, (301) 981-9333.
PHOTO BY ANDREA BLACKSTONE
a book and becoming an author, and becoming an entrepreneur speaking. I should be able to start a business.’” The philanthropist often illustrates her philosophy about the importance of giving back. Gabrielle said that she decided to donate a dollar of every retail book sale to an organization of her choice. The philanthropist reportedly feels humbled by giving back. She believes in being a part of a solution, because more problems exist than we can count. Gabrielle is service-oriented and wants to help overcome problems in this world. She is also the Youth Ambassador for a nonprofit organization called Tigerlily Foundation, which offers hands-on support to young women between the ages of 15 to 40, before, during and after breast cancer. “I tell kids you don’t have to wait to be a leader tomorrow. A lot of people say leaders of tomorrow. Be a leader today. Inspire people today. Go after your dreams today. Work hard today. The world needs your unique value today. The world needs what you have,” Gabrielle said. In November, Gabrielle will be traveling to California and New York to speak. She will be receiving another award in New York. As Gabrielle builds the entrepreneurial life of her dreams, she manages to maintain normalcy. Despite being positioned for radio, television and online interviews, she balances her tremendous writing and jewelry making gifts with other hobbies like cooking and boxing. “When it comes to success for me, I don’t think it’s really about having a lot of money. Success is really the mindset. I talk about mindset a lot. I say everything starts in your mind. When I am describing success, I believe that it’s a state that you feel like you have reached a level, but you’re ready to achieve more. When you’re reaching multiple goals at a time, and you’re still continuing to grow more and more, you’re not in one position. You’re still moving forward.” The ambitious author is currently working on a new book that is expected to be released in the fall of 2014 or spring 2015. Learn more about Gabrielle at www.gabriellejordaninspires.com and her jewelry business via www. jewelzofjordan.com.
INSPIRE, from page 1 fidence is actually what helps you thrive in leadership. It’s not about me. It’s not about how fearful I am or how much I want to do it. It’s about the lives that I’m going to touch. Every time I don’t feel like doing something, that’s what I have to keep in my mind. That’s what I really focus on,” Gabrielle said. Her mother, Marcella Mollon-Williams, is her manager. Gabrielle is armed with her own public relations professional and marketing director. “I have always been very interested in jewelry. At 7 years old, I taught myself how to make jewelry by going onto YouTube. Later on, I found out that there are six generations of entrepreneurs in my family before me on my mom’s side. I felt like I really wanted to continue this legacy of being an entrepreneur, so I decided to create a jewelry business,” Gabrielle said. Gabrielle sells her creations made of gemstones and precious metals from her website, during events and at a local design studio. The founder of Jewelz of Jordan says that professional women can wear her jewelry from the boardroom to the ballroom, although she wears some of her pieces casually. Penning her first book increased opportunities to pursue more business endeavors. “It started out with a competition in my school called Write A Book. I was 11 years old and already had my business at that time. I decided to write a book about entrepreneurship for kids. I wanted to share with kids how they could get started in a business or go after dreams and goals that they had set for themselves.” The young author made it to state level of the competition, but she did not win the main prize, which was getting the winning book placed in a library system. Gabrielle persevered and added more chapters to her manuscript. Her mother helped her to self-publish her book that is geared toward youth. The response to “The Making Of A Young Entrepreneur: A Kid’s Guide To Developing The Mind-Set For Success” has been extremely favorable. Children and adults have reportedly been inspired to take action to live their dreams, because of the key messages that they have gleaned from Gabrielle’s book. July 12, the experienced keynote speaker stood in front of a stage spreading her inspirational message, informing
Gabrielle, founder of Jewelz of Jordan, speaks to festival attendees during Prince George’s County’s 1st International Festival July 12. The entrepreneur is also a philanthropist, author and accomplished speaker.
attendees of Prince George’s County’s 1st International Festival that it’s all right to be afraid to start a venture, although it is critical not to get stuck in fear. “There will be people that need your unique value. It’s for you to bring out and use it in the world to inspire and motivate. I saw there was a need. Even kids were asking me all of these questions. I said, ‘Who knows how many other times fear will overtake me? How many kids would I get the opportunity to inspire?’ Even though I was afraid, I decided to move forward anyway,” Gabrielle said. “I started speaking at schools. I started speaking at churches. I had such a great response. Kids were coming up to me and telling me that they were inspired, and that they wanted to start a business. I was also even more inspired because adults were coming up to me telling me that they quit their business, but because they heard me speak, because they read my book, ‘I’m going to get started again. You’re a young, little 11-year-old girl, and you are already writing
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Andrews Gazette
VETERANS, from page 1
PHOTO BY INTROVERTED PICTURES
President and CEO of the DC Chamber of Commerce, Harry Wingo, speaks with a veteran at Capitol City CDC’s Veteran Entrepreneurship Symposium on June 27 at the 93rd Annual Convention of the Disabled American Veterans D.C. Chapter.
man FastTrac NewVenture partnered to offer a scholarship that covers the full cost of the class for veterans. This may be the last time the scholarship will be offered by Cap. City CDC, so interested veterans are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity. Four classes have been offered thus far. Ret. Lt. Col. Arvonette “Deano” Burrell, is a facilitator of Cap. City CDC’s Veteran Entrepreneurship course, and Program Manager for Special Initiatives for the Development of Veteran Owned Businesses. “We’ve received well over 50 evaluations from past students, and generally speaking, the students strongly agreed with the course materials, and they thought the course and instructor was effective. What I like is that we’re putting veterans in the mix. We want them to be entrepreneurs, so they can empower themselves, empower their families and empower their communities. Making entrepreneurs is my special way of giving back to the community,” he said. Affiliates provide the FastTrac NewVenture for the Veteran Entrepreneur course, including Cap. City CDC. The organization began offering the entrepreneurial training courses in 2013. As a part of the course, veterans in the early stages of business development are able to test the feasibility of their concept before launching them. Immersive instruction helps entrepreneurs assess their abilities as entrepreneurs, evaluate the viability of a business idea, create a business concept and plan, define strategies for
Friday, July 25, 2014
establishing and marketing a business, analyze pricing for a product or service, and understand capital needs and financial statements. Burrell will facilitate instruction and presentations, along with invited guest speakers and local entrepreneurs who will share lessons learned in starting and operating a business. Registered participants will have access to a variety of activities, examples, concepts and audio and video clips featuring successful entrepreneurs. Students can expect be challenged to evaluate their entrepreneurial goals, and investigate business feasibility and concept development. “What I like about the class is that we have an opportunity in helping veterans take the first step in becoming entrepreneurs. We at Cap. City CDC believe that more veterans entrepreneurs are needed, especially in Ward 7. In the process of creating their business plan, they become subject matter experts on their business and industry. We use 10 modules for the course. One module a week gives students a chance to do the research,” Burrell said. “They understand that they have to make time to do the research, so that they can become experts. We help them change their paradigm, and let them know that they don’t have to be rocket scientists to create a good business plan. If we can help change their mindsets and thinking, we can help them change their paradigm.” Cap. City CDC is located at 4645 Nannie Helen Burroughs Ave. N.E., Washington, D.C. 20019. Registration will remain open until July 30. Interested veterans may register at http://capitolcity.affiliate.fasttrac.org or contact Michael ElShengo at 1-202-800-7966 for more information about the free course.
SILVER LINE, from page 1 dor Metrorail Project. Five new stations—McLean, Tysons Corner, Greensboro, Spring Hill and Wiehle-Reston East— are expected to open to the public at noon. The Silver Line will operate between Wiehle-Reston East Metro Station in Va. and Largo Town Center Metro Station in Md., making stops through downtown D.C. The first train leaving Wiehle-Reston East Metro Station is scheduled to head toward Largo Town Center Metro Station, during the unveiling of the new stations. According to www.silverlinemetro.com, in the first couple of years, Metro estimates that the Silver Line will eventually attract 50,000 riders travelling to and from the new stations each day. Customers who ride the Orange Line are eventually expected to switch to the Silver Line, due to convenience. Large employers and shopping areas like Tysons Galleria are located near the new metro stops in Va. Riders will now have direct access to Tysons Corner and Reston without having to change trains at StadiumArmory Metro Station in Washington, D.C. Metro reported that riders will be in walking distance of the economic centers and other attractions near four clusters of stations around Tysons Corner. “The Silver Line will provide new connections to several of the region’s most dynamic and rapidly growing economic centers. Coupled with integrated bus service, the Silver Line’s high-quality, high-capacity transit service will give riders new, traffic-free access to employment, entertainment,and shopping opportunities,” the official Silver Line brochure informed. Prior to first train leaving at noon, an opening-day ceremony will be held in Reston, Va. Transportation representatives are scheduled to be present at Largo Town Center Metro Station to inform potential users in Prince George’s County of the Silver Line’s opening. Metro says that the Silver Line will bring a net increase in rail service and allow shorter wait times. Trains will be scheduled to run every six minutes during rush hour. There will reportedly be a 50 percent increase in availability of trains at the Largo Town Center Metro Station. During off-peak times, trains will be scheduled to run every 12-20 minutes. Metro reported that customers will notice an increase of trains running on weekends at Morgan Boulevard and Largo Metrorail Stations. After the Silver Line begins service, Metro users who ride Blue and Orange Lines may notice service reductions. Service changes during peak times are outlined on www. wmata.com under Alerts & Advisories for Orange and Blue lines. Early construction of Phase 2 of the Silver Line is underway. Another 11-mile section of new track will extend the Silver Line into Loudon County, Va. When fully completed, service will also run to Washington Dulles International Airport. Completion of the expansion is expected to occur in 2018. For more information about the Silver Line, visit www. silverlinemetro.com. Riders may also sign up and customize MetroAlerts at www.wmata.com/MetroAlerts to be notified of Metro service disruptions and delays.
HERO, from page 5
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While the firefighters were trying to put out the flames, McBride called his clients in Newark. “I said, ‘I am not going to be able to make it to this meeting - I am literally watching my house on fire,’” he said. The cause of the fire was from a faulty wire connected to an overhead light inside a kitchen cabinet. The constant flow of electricity ignited the wood cabinet, and on the stovetop there was a pot of cooking oil. “So, when it hits that, it goes from a cabinet on fire to a ball of flames,” McBride said. “And she’s laying there.” “If not for the banging of the door, she would have died,” McBride said. “Carbon Monoxide would have gotten her, and the whole building would have gone up.” “The only reason why I discovered that fire out of sure coincidence is because my clients set a meeting for 9:00 A.M.,” McBride said. “We all would have died.” McBride credited his reaction to the fire to the 20 years of training he received in the Air Force and Air Force Reserve. “I absolutely, without a doubt feel that the way I reacted to the fire was in large part due to the training I received in the Air Force,” he said. “One of the things they train us is to remain calm, assess the situation, and think about what you need to do and prioritize.” “You are able to control the panic that wants to overtake you,” McBride said. “You are able to control that and allow your Air Force training to really go through those steps.” “I am extremely thankful — I am alive, McBride said. “This has had a fundamental change in my life. I am more appreciative of every day.”
Friday, July 25, 2014
Andrews Gazette
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Friday, July 25, 2014