Joint Base Journal Vol. 5, No. 29
July 25, 2014
News and information for and about the premier Joint Base and its region www.facebook.com/jointbase
J OINT B ASE A NACOSTIA-B OLLING
www.cnic.navy.mil/jbab
JohnStone delivers roots-style reggae hits at Slip Inn SHAWN MILLER
NDW PUBLIC AFFAIRS
Metro-area band JohnStone headlined the annual Reggae Fest sponsored by Warfighter and Family Readiness (WFR) at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB), July 18. A summer rendition of the “polar vortex” brought cooler temperatures and a crowd of fans to the deck at the Slip Inn along the Potomac River for a night of original music and covers of reggae hits. Alice and Willy Brinkley traveled from Richmond, Va. for their second Reggae Fest at JBAB after enjoying last year’s event headlined by Stable Roots. “They sound great; they’re very smooth,” said Alice. “We come up here sometimes just to get away and see something different.” JohnStone guitarist and vocalist Andre White said it was the band’s first show at JBAB as a group, although some of the members had played other events there previously. “It’s a fantastic experience for the band to be able to come over here
See REGGAE, Page 5
U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY SHAWN MILLER
Andre White, guitarist and vocalist for JohnStone, performs during the annual Reggae Fest at the Slip Inn aboard Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB), July 18. JohnStone has been playing in the national capital region for more than a decade, and released their debut album, Eyes Open, in 2005.
Boating, swimming responsibly key to summer safety BY SHAWN MILLER NDW PUBLIC AFFAIRS
U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY SHAWN MILLER
Boaters prepare for a day on the water at Point Patience Marina aboard Naval Recreation Center (NRC) Solomons, June 30. Boating and swimming carefully play a key role in personal safety during the “101 Critical Days of Summer,” running through Labor Day.
As the “101 Critical Days of Summer” reaches past the halfway point of the season, boating and water safety remain key to responsibly enjoying vacations and recreation before September rolls around. Whether on a boat or personal watercraft, or swimming at a beach or in a pool, safety experts urge everyone to use common sense as a baseline. Joint Base AnacostiaBolling (JBAB) Safety Specialist Dean McKinsey highlighted alcohol use as one of the main factors leading to injuries and fatalities. “Balance is one of the first things you lose when you consume alcohol, and when you combine this with the rocking of a boat, the chance of falling overboard increases,” McKinsey
noted in a safety presentation he provides to personnel at JBAB. Alcohol consumption is particularly dangerous when combined with outdoor activities in the summer sun because perspiration removes water from the body while leaving the alcohol in, which can lead to quicker impairment and dehydration. Wayne Walker, a safety specialist at Naval Air Station (NAS) Patuxent River, compared alcohol consumption on the water to drinking and driving. “You don’t drink and drive a boat, either; and life jackets are like seat belts,” Walker said. “When you’re underway, wear your life jacket.” Beyond refraining from mixing alcohol and boating, the U.S. Coast Guard’s Boating Safety Resource Center (BSRC) offers a number of tips for enjoying
a day on the rivers, lakes, or ocean without mishap. According to the BSRC website, 70 percent of all boating incidents are cause by operator error. The BSRC offers a number of boating safety courses for users to study before going afloat. Before setting off, all boaters are encouraged to file float plans to properly prepare for emergencies, whether in a small canoe or large yacht. For more information on resources or to download and print a float plan, visit www.uscgboating.org. “Safe boating starts before your first trip out on the water,” McKinsey stated in his safety presentation. “Do not wait until an accident happens to educate yourself as well as your family on the rules and responsibilities of safe boating.”
See SAFETY, Page 3
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Miscellaneous items related to your health, your career, your life and your community information, email angeladowns@me.com MFSC moves to Building 13 or visit www.facebook.com/NWCA37.
The Military and Family Support Center (MFSC) supports individual and family readiness through a full array of programs and resources which help military families to be resilient, well-informed and adaptable to the Navy-Air Force environment. Until recently these program and services were available at two separate locations. Now everything is conveniently located in Building 13 on Brookley Avenue. To view a full list of programs and services or for more information visit www.mywfr.com or call MFSC at 202.767.0450.
JBAB Cub Scouts Attention all boys grades 1st through 5th interested in scouting. Please contact the JBAB Cub Scouts, Pack 343, at jbabcubscouts@yahoo.com for more information. Each den holds their own meetings each month along with one pack event. Boys will earn badges together and can work on individual achievements as well. Come join us for popcorn, camping and so much more.
Air Force Wives’ Club Thrift Shop The Air Force Officers’ Wives’ Club Thrift Shop is located at 13 Brookley Ave and is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Donations are accepted during business hours only. Profits from the AFOWC Thrift shop go toward college scholarships and other military charitable organizations. For more information about the AFOWC or its Thrift Shop call 202-5636666 or email afowcthriftshop@verizon.net.
Joint Base Gate Hours Arnold (Main) Gate: 24/7 South (Joint Visitor’s Center) Gate: 24/7 Firth Sterling (North) Gate: Mon-Fri - 5 a.m.-7 p.m. Bellevue (Housing Area) Gate: Mon-Fri 5 a.m.-9 a.m. and 3 p.m.-7 p.m.
Navy Wives Clubs of America The D.C. Metro chapter of Navy Wives Clubs of America, Eleanor Roosevelt #37, hosts meetings every second Thursday of the month to discuss and plan volunteer activities in the local military and civilian communities. Military spouses of all branches are welcome to attend. For more
Post Office weekday closure 2-3 p.m. Due to fiscal challenges, the Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB) Post Office is operating with one postal agent and will be closed for lunch from 2-3 p.m., MondayFriday. Saturday hours remain unchanged. If you have questions, comments or complaints please contact the U.S. Postal Service.
JBAB Cyclists on Facebook Basically a forum for all JBAB riders to get together. We organize group rides over lunch and during commuting hours. Visit us online at www.facebook.com/groups/jbabcyclists. For more information, email austin. pruneda@afncr.af.mil.
Boys and Girls Club volunteers The Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington needs volunteer coaches for their youth baseball league for 10-year-olds and 12-year-olds. For more information or to sign up, call 512-560-5548 from 7 a.m.5 p.m. or email Michael.martinez@afncr. af.mil.
Immunization Clinic The 579th Medical Group Immunization Clinic will be open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 1:30 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. On Thursdays, the clinic will be open from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 1:30 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. The clinic closes at 12 p.m. for training the first Wednesday of each month. For more information, call 202-404-6724.
Toastmasters Club seeks members The Bolling Toastmasters Club is available for everyone on JBAB as a place to practice your leadership skills. Toastmasters clubs are where leaders are made, and leadership starts with good communication. The program is self-paced, and it works. The Bolling Toastmasters Club meets Wednesdays from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. at the JBAB Chapel Center. Visitors are welcome. For more information, call Jim Queen at 301452-6931.
Joint Base Journal JOINT BASE ANACOSTIA-BOLLING WASHINGTON, D.C. PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE: PHONE: 202-767-4781 EMAIL: JOSEPH.CIRONE@NAVY.MIL This commercial enterprise Navy newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. military services, retirees, DoD civilians and their family members. Contents of Joint Base Journal do not necessarily reflect the official views of the U.S. government, Department of Defense, U.S. Navy or U.S. Air Force and does not imply endorsement thereof. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense, the Navy, Air Force, Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling or Comprint
Joint Base Journal
Chaplain’s Religious Enrichment Development Operations CREDO offers a variety of programs aimed at improving the quality of communication, adding resiliency, and training service members in valuable life skills. Open to all Active Duty Service Members and their immediate family members, the following workshops and retreats are available in July: MER - Marriage Enrichment Retreat - Couples enjoy a free weekend at the Hilton Hotel in Crystal City where they learn and apply marriage skills such as communication and problem solving in a fun, small group atmosphere. Using personality inventories, participants learn that the differences in our marriages can be ways to enhance and complete one another in the marriage journey. Marriage Enrichment Retreats on July 25-27, Aug. 8-10, Aug. 22-24 and Sept. 5-7. PREP -Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program gives prospective and married couples effective and proven communication and relationship skills needed for the stresses of today’s military relationships. PREP is offered in partnership with the Military and Family Support Center covering such topics as Communication Danger Signs, Fun and Friendship, Forgiveness, and Supporting One Another. TThese classes will be held at the Chapel Annex aboard JBAB, Aug. 20 and Aug. 27. For more information or to register, please contact the CREDO offices at 202-767-5901or 5900, e-mail at CREDO.NDW.fcm@navy.mil, or drop by the JBAB Chapel and inquire within.
Win a 2014 Harley-Davidson! DAWN POWELL MWR MARKETING
Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB) Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) and Harley-Davidson of Washington, DC are gearing up this summer to give away a brand new 2014 Sportster 1200 Custom! Yes, it’s true and it’s free! Enter now through Sept. 12. The Harley-Davidson will be given away on stage, Sept. 20 at the Freedom Live Concert featuring Little Big Town. There are numerous ways to enter to win throughout the summer! 1. Participate in the following MWR special events: - Acoustic Nights: July 27 & Aug. 29, Slip Inn - Operation Magic: Aug. 8, Bolling Club - Club Member Appreciation: Aug. 8, Slip Inn - Jazz Fest: Aug. 15, Slip Inn - Millie Jackson; Aug. 30, Bolling Club 2. Download the free MWR Smartphone Application, ABSalute, available at Apple and GooglePlay Stores 3. “Like,” “Follow” and “Retweet” through our social media channels 4. Visit the Harley-Davidson Fort Washington Showroom located at 9407 Livingston Rd. Ft. Washington, DC 20744 You will also receive free automatic entry into the giveaway with a race entry for the 2014 Navy-Air Force Half Marathon & Navy 5 Miler and with every Freedom Live ticket purchase. Participants must be a Department of Defense (DoD) ID cardholder, 18 years of age or older and must be present to win. Spend the summer with MWR and you could drive away on a New 2014 Sportster 1200 Custom! For complete rules and details visit www.mywfr.com or Facebook.com/mywfr.
Military Publications of the products or services advertised. Published by Comprint Military Publications, a division of Post-Newsweek Media, Inc., 9030 Comprint Court, Gaithersburg, MD, 20877, a private firm in no way connected with DoD, the U.S. Navy or the U.S. Air Force, under exclusive contract with Naval District Washington. The editorial content of Joint Base Journal is edited and approved by the Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling Public Affairs Office. Tenant commands and others are encouraged to submit news, high-quality photos and informational items for publication. All submitted content must be received by noon on the Friday prior to publication. E-mail submissions to Joseph.Cirone@navy.mil. To place display advertising, call 240-473-7538. To place classified advertising, call 301-670-2505. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, gender, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user or patron.
Capt. Frank Mays, USN
Col. Michael E. Saunders, USAF
Joseph P. Cirone
CMSgt Richard J. Simonsen Jr., USAF
Commander
Public Affairs Officer 202-404-7206
Vice Commander
Senior Enlisted Leader
Lt. Cmdr. Jim Remington, USN Public Affairs Projects
JOINT BASE JOURNAL Shawn Miller Photojournalist
COMPRINT MILITARY PUBLICATIONS Maxine Minar President John Rives Publisher Deirdre Parry Copy/Layout Editor
Joint Base Journal
WFR Events
Movie Under the Stars
July 25 | 8:30 p.m. | Marina Parking Lot Bring your lawn chairs and comfy blankets and enjoy a family friendly movie! Cast your movie vote at Facebook.com/mywfr.
Pool Splash
Aug. 1 | 8-11 p.m. | Base Pool Party poolside with live music by KERQ, a full cash bar and free hot dogs and burgers! Patrons are welcome to bring their own food and beverages to the pool area. Please refrain from any glass containers.
Millie Jackson Concert
Aug. 30 | 7 p.m. & 10 p.m. | Bolling Club Ballroom Enjoy an intimate concert with Millie Jackson! Tickets are on sale now at the Bolling Club. $50 per person, includes dinner buffet & show. Seating is limited.
Bolling Club Theisen St., Bldg. 50 202.563.8400
Happy Hour Trivia
July 30 | 6-8 p.m. | Bolling Club, Wings Bar & Grill Test your trivia skills and win prizes!
Champagne Sunday Brunch
July 27 | 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. | Bolling Club – Washington Dining Room Enjoy the BEST Champagne Brunch in the Capital Region, featuring mimosas, bloody marys and screwdrivers.
Daily Lunch Buffet
Tuesday – Friday | 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | Bolling Club – Washington Dining Room Club Members: $9.95; Non-Members: $12.95 For parties of 10 or more, $1 will be added to each person’s meal
Slip Inn Arnold Ave., Bldg. 2482 202.767.5840 Hours of Operation Monday – Friday: 11 a.m. *Kitchen closes at 8 p.m. Tiki Bar Hours: Wednesday - Friday: 4 p.m.-Close
July Lunch Special
Spicy Italian Sausage - $8 The cousin of our sweet Italian sausage is here every Wednesday in July from 11 a.m.1:30 p.m.
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Walker advised boaters to always keep an eye on the weather, both before and during a trip. He advised using radar applications, whether by larger equipment on vessels or on a phone or tablet for individuals. “In this part of the country, a storm can come up the river and get you in a minute,” Walker added. Besides personal safety, boaters and personal watercraft users are also urged to look out for the safety of wildlife and the environment in the diverse ecosystems of local waterways by using caution along shores and shallow sections where wakes from watercraft may cause erosion and damage to vegetation and natural habitats.
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Party on the Patio
Aug. 1 | 5-9 p.m. | Slip Inn Patio Gather with old friends and new as we rock the Potomac with DJ entertainment.
Potomac Lanes Bowling Center McChord St, Bldg. 1310 202.563.1701/1702
Summer Sundays
Every Sunday in July $1.50 games from 12-5 p.m. (price per person) Bowl 2 games, shoe rental, pizza and drinks for only $20. 5-8 p.m. Available to all active military personnel and their families. Each additional person is $5.
Fall Bowling Leagues
Fall leagues are now forming. There are leagues every day of the week. Call Potomac Lanes for more details.
Vote for your Favorite Dog
It’s back! Potomac Lanes EATZ will introduce a new gourmet hot dog every week in July. During the fourth week, vote for your favorite and you’ll be entered to win a free meal! The winning dog will also be added to the menu.
Information, Tickets and Travel Chappie James Blvd. Bldg. 4570 202.404.6576 New Hours of Operation Monday – Friday: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday & Federal Holidays: Closed
Liberty Center Defense Blvd, Bldg. 72 202.685.1802 ELIGIBILITY: E1-E6 Single and Unaccompanied Active Duty Military
Liberty Paintball Trip
Aug. 2 | 9 a.m. | Pev’s Paintball Park Pull out a camouflage suit, grab a gun and get ready for some paintball action! Join Liberty as we head out to Pev’s Paintball Center for some action where you will have to duck, roll and run for your life as you fire back at the opposing team. $45 (Includes Gun, Mask, Air and Extra Paint) $25 w/ Personal gun (Includes Extra Paint, Mask and Air) Stay Connected with Social Media! Facebook: www.facebook.com/mywfr Twitter: @mywfr Instagram: @jointbase For those who prefer a dip in the pool or at the beach, the Navy Safety Center offers guidance for swimmers. When accompanying children, parents or guardians are advised to always have a designated watcher or lifeguard who knows CPR and has emergency supplies readily available. For personal pools, ensure that proper fencing, gates and drain guards are installed, and remove portable ladders when not in use. When on a trip to the beach, the National Weather Service encourages vacationers to plan for local weather and surf forecasts, as well as being aware of beach hazards such as rip currents. For more information, visit www.ripcurrents. noaa.gov. For more safety news, tips and links to resources, visit www.safetycenter.navy. mil.
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Navy promotes Michelle Howard to 4-Star Admiral FROM DEFENSE MEDIA ACTIVITY The United States Navy promoted Michelle Janine Howard to the rank of four-star admiral July 1 during a ceremony at the Women in Military Service for America Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery. Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus presided over the ceremony and administered the oath of office. Adm. Howard is the first female four-star in the 238 year history of the United States Navy. “Michelle Howard’s promotion to the rank of admiral is the result of a brilliant naval career, one I fully expect to continue when she assumes her new role as vice chief of naval operations, but also it is a historic first, an event to be celebrated as she becomes the first female to achieve this position,” said Mabus. “Her accomplishment is a direct example of a Navy that now, more than ever, reflects the nation it serves — a nation where success is not borne of race, gender or religion, but of skill and ability.” “Michelle’s many trailblazing
U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY CHIEF MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST PETER D. LAWLOR
Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus, left, and Wayne Cowles, husband of Adm. Michelle Howard, put four-star shoulder boards on Howard’s service white uniform during her promotion ceremony at the Women in Military Service for America Memorial. Howard is the first woman to be promoted to the rank of admiral in the history of the Navy and will assume the duties and responsibilities as the 38th Vice Chief of Naval Operations from Adm. Mark Ferguson. accomplishments in her 32 years of naval service are evidence of both her fortitude and commitment to excellence and integrity,” said Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan Greenert. “I look forward to many great things to come from the Navy’s newest
4-star Admiral!” Howard, the Deputy CNO for Operations, Plans, and Strategy, will relieve Adm. Mark Ferguson III as the 38th Vice Chief of Naval Operations. Howard is a 1978 graduate of Gateway High School in Aurora,
Colo. She graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1982 and from the Army’s Command and General Staff College in 1998, with a Masters in Military Arts and Sciences. Howard’s initial sea tours were aboard USS Hunley (AS 31) and USS Lexington (AVT 16). While serving on board Lexington, she received the Secretary of the Navy/Navy League Captain Winifred Collins award in May 1987. This award is given to one woman officer a year for outstanding leadership. She reported to USS Mount Hood (AE 29) as chief engineer in 1990 and served in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. She assumed duties as first lieutenant on board the USS Flint (AE 32) in July 1992. In January 1996, she became the executive officer of USS Tortuga (LSD 46) and deployed to the Adriatic in support of Operation Joint Endeavor, a peacekeeping effort in the former Republic of Yugoslavia. Sixty days after returning from the Mediterranean deployment, Tortuga departed on a West African training cruise, where the ship’s Sailors, with embarked Marines and U.S. Coast Guard
detachment, operated with the naval services of seven African nations. She then took command of USS Rushmore (LSD 47) on March 12, 1999, becoming the first African American woman to command a ship in the U.S. Navy. Howard was the commander of Amphibious Squadron Seven from May 2004 to September 2005. Deploying with Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 5, operations included tsunami relief efforts in Indonesia and maritime security operations in the North Arabian Gulf. She commanded Expeditionary Strike Group Two from April 2009 to July 2010. In 2009, she deployed to CENTCOM theater, where she commanded Task Force 151, Multi-national Counter-piracy effort and Task Force 51, Expeditionary Forces. In 2010, she was the Maritime Task Force commander for BALTOPS, under 6th Fleet. She was the 2011 USO Military Woman of the Year, and the 2013 NAACP Chairman’s Image Award recipient.
Just dive in! MWR scuba program introduces first-time divers to ocean wonders BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 2ND CLASS ASHANTÉ HAMMONS NSAB PUBLIC AFFAIRS STAFF WRITER
Imagine a world filled with schools of fish, sea turtles, sharks, coral reefs and other amazing sights around you. It is a breathtaking and absolute change from walking on shore. Instead of wondering what lives in the ocean, you are in the ocean, among these creatures. How can you visit this wondrous place in person? By learning how to scuba dive with the Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) program at Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bethesda. “After my initial training in 1979, the first time I got to really scuba dive was down in Key West,” said Joe Lodmell, MWR scuba instructor at NSA Bethesda. “To jump in the water, and see the schools of fish in every imaginable color was incredible! We spent 45 minutes swimming between the coral heads, [and I was] absolutely amazed at the color and variety of sea life. There were lobsters, nurse sharks, anemones and all kinds of critters [in the ocean]!” That enthusiasm for diving inspired Bryan Jackson, NSA Bethesda MWR aquatic fitness manager and fitness trainer, to ask Lodmell to be an MWR scuba instructor. Jackson described Lodmell as a ‘dive master’ since “he’s been teaching scuba for 15 years.” Jackson said he wanted an instructor who would teach a longer course for three weeks instead of weekend courses, off base. “All the classes off base were weekend classes,” said Jackson.
“The instructors sent the students books for the course and they studied all week. On Saturday, the students showed up to do classroom [work] for eight hours. Then, on Sunday, they went to the pool for eight hours and they’re done. That was it.” “I didn’t learn that way and I have never been a fan of that way of teaching,” Jackson explained. “I mean, that’s not really my idea of learning. When Joe came in to teach the class, people just loved it,” said Jackson, smiling. “I said to Joe, ‘As long as you are willing to teach here, let’s continue [scuba courses].’” For the past three years, Lodmell has taught scuba diving at NSA Bethesda for active duty, dependents, Department of Defense employees and contractors every Tuesday and Thursday evening starting at 6 p.m. Students hear about the course through Jackson, MWR events or emails. “I got information from him,” said Air Force 2nd Lt. Logan Clemons, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU), pointing to Army 2nd Lt. Dean Miller, who was with Clemons. “We are getting stationed in Hawaii.” “That’s how I found out about this course, too,” said Air Force 2nd Lt. Armando Aguilera, USU student. “I’m also getting stationed in Hawaii. I thought this would be a good time to learn scuba before I go.” Aguilera and Miller agreed. While in class, students ask questions about assigned reading or the scuba experience. Lodmell even reviews information not covered in the book. “You go down to Hawaii and you sign up with a scuba shop
U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 2ND CLASS ASHANTÉ HAMMONS
Air Force 2nd Lt. Armando Aguilera, left, dives into the pool as Army 2nd Lt. Dean Miller waits his turn to dive in the Building 17 Fitness Center pool at Naval Support Activity Bethesda. and you want to go on a dive trip,” said Lodmell. “You ask yourself, ‘What’s my experience going to be like? What should I think about when I go on my first dive trip? How should I prepare? What should I pack?’” Lodwell added that students and instructors often discus these questions and other necessities for a dive trip. He emphasized that divers should be rested, nourished and hydrated before going on a dive trip. Divers should also be aware of sea sickness because a boat ride to some dive spots could take a couple of hours. “Once we’re done with class time, we go to the pool and do the real stuff,” said Lodmell. “The first week of class is for swim evaluation and some snorkeling skills. After that, students move right
into scuba: tanks, regulators, buoyancy compensator and all the way through.” Before the students dive into the water, each person checks their gear several times. Then, students and instructors check each other’s gear. One by one, they step off the diving board and dive into the pool. They surface and face the instructors standing on the deck. As each diver takes one arm to form a half circle in order to place their fingertips on the crown, they signal that they’re okay and submerge deeper into the water. Finally, the instructors join them in the water. They have joined the ranks of scuba divers worldwide. “Being a scuba instructor is fantastic!” said Lodmell. “I tell my students on the first night about how excited I am for them, because they
still get to see their first sea turtle! They still get to see their first shark! How exciting is that? I love to share those firsts with my students.” According to Jackson, scuba diving can change your life as well as your travel plans. It is not just another hobby; rather, it becomes a lifestyle. “When you become scuba certified, every vacation after that becomes a dive vacation,” said Jackson. “You realize you spent the time, the effort [and] the money to have the equipment. Now you get to explore this new world and you want to take advantage of it as much as you can.” For more information about MWR scuba courses, contact Bryan Jackson at Bryan.jackson2@ med.navy.mil.
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Navy ombudsmen connect commands, families BY SHAWN MILLER NDW PUBLIC AFFAIRS
For spouses and families of active duty and reserve Sailors, adjusting to a military routine requires a support network. The Navy Family Ombudsmen Program, a Navywide initiative to improve mission readiness through family readiness, fulfills that role and helps to connect commanding officers with family members of Sailors in their units. “Ombudsmen are trained to assist Navy families to successfully navigate the unique challenges of the Navy lifestyle,” said Paul Grossman of the Naval District Washington (NDW) Fleet and Family Support Program (FFSP). “The service provided by an ombudsman in support of Navy families enables service members to focus on mission readiness, knowing that their families have a reliable safety net.” Ombudsmen are command volunteers who are spouses of active duty or selected reserve members, Grossman explained. Once appointed, they serve as a liaison between the command and other families, and regularly distribute information to and from commanding officers and family members regarding health, morale and welfare. Each ombudsman also has an appointed point of contact, which is generally the command master chief. The ombudsman should meet monthly with their point of contact and commanding officer,
COURTESY PHOTO
The Navy Family Ombudsman Program trains volunteer military spouses to act as liaisons between commanding officers and families of Sailors. Ombudsmen communicate and distribute information to and from commands and families on a variety of issues, such as health, morale and welfare. Grossman added. “This allows the commanding officer to be informed of any potential issues within the command so they can be corrected quickly,” he said. “This is also an opportunity for the commanding officer to inform the ombudsman
of any events coming up that may impact the families, including exercises or command family gatherings.” Beyond serving as an information hub, ombudsmen also offer referrals for families and other spouses, act as spokespersons
and often facilitate smoother transitions for Sailors and families during permanent change of station (PCS) moves. “A spouse may call the ombudsman looking for a job, needing an emergency babysitter, or wondering where they can board
a pet for the weekend,” said Grossman about some of the everyday issues ombudsmen help solve. “The ombudsmen have a strong network among themselves. If there is a question or a need that an ombudsman can’t answer, they look to other ombudsmen or the ombudsman coordinator for assistance.” Ombudsmen are also trained in dealing with issues such as sexual assault, domestic violence, child abuse, and suicide, Grossman said. “It is rare an ombudsman has to answer these calls, but they are prepared if the time ever comes,” he added. Ombudsmen coordinators are located at each Fleet and Family Support Center, and provide oversight of the program for each installation. If a military spouse is interested in becoming an ombudsman, he or she should contact the local command master chief. The Navy Family Ombudsman Program was introduced in 1970 by then-Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Elmo Zumwalt, who adapted the program from a 19th century Scandinavian custom designed to give private citizens an outlet to express concerns to government officials. To learn more about the ombudsman program, visit http://1. usa.gov/1w0XQ0m. For more news and information from around JBAB, visit www.facebook. com/jointbase.
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and show some love to people who are in the military and give their lives to keep us safe,” said White, a native of Kingston, Jamaica. “This couldn’t have gone better.” JohnStone has been playing in the national capital region for more than a decade, and released their debut album, “Eyes Open,” in 2005. WFR is scheduled to host a number of other upcoming events at the Slip Inn, including Acoustic Nights, July 27 and Aug. 29, and a Jazz Fest, Aug. 15. Other nearby events on the base include a “Movie Under the Stars” night at the Marina Parking Lot on July 25, Operation Magic at the Bolling Club, Aug. 8, and Millie Jackson in concert at the Bolling Club, Aug. 30. For country music fans, general admission and VIP tickets are now on sale for the Little Big Town and CeeLo Green concert presented by Freedom Live at JBAB set for Sept. 20. For prices and ticket information, visit www.freedomlivendw. com.
JohnStone guitarist Andre White plays roots-style reggae hits during the annual Reggae Fest at the Slip Inn aboard Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, July 18. White said it was the band’s first show at JBAB as a group, although some of the members had played other events there previously.
U.S. NAVY PHOTOS BY SHAWN MILLER
Alice Brinkley of Richmond, Virginia dances along to reggae music as JohnStone lead guitarist and vocalist Andre White gets the crowd going during the annual Reggae Fest at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB), July 18.
A crowd of fans pack the deck of the Slip Inn aboard Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB) for the annual Reggae Fest, July 18. Metroarea reggae band JohnStone performed original songs and covers of other hits as part of the show sponsored by Warfighter and Family Readiness (WFR).
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