Pentagram Vol. 63, No. 2 January 14, 2016
www.army.mil/jbmhh
Published For Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall
Tax season is here
Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Consolidated Tax Center preps for 2016 By Guv Callahan Pentagram Staff Writer It’s that time of year again! The Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Consolidated Tax Center will open Jan. 19, providing free individual income tax preparation and e-filing services to service members, retirees and their families. Located in Building 205 at 101 Bloxon Street on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base, the consolidated tax center made its debut in 2015, combining the Fort Myer and Henderson Hall tax centers into one location. The consolidated tax center will be staffed by Soldiers, Marines and civilian volunteers, all of whom are IRS-trained and certified tax preparers, said Philip Jussel, senior paralegal for Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region and the Military District of Washington. The facility will provide costfree federal and state income tax return preparation and e-filing for military personnel, their families and other eligible cli-
see TAX SEASON, page 4
TAX TIME Submitted photo
The Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Consolidated Tax Center opens Jan. 19 to help service members, retirees and their families prepare and file tax returns. The center is located in Bldg. 205 at 101 Bloxon Street on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base.
New year, new season for resolutions and lifestyle changes
see RESOLUTIONS, page 4
Spin and Zumba return to Smith Gym
photo by Arthur MondalE
Service members take advantage of weight room amentities inside the Cpl. Terry L. Smith Gymnasium on the Henderson Hall portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Jan. 4. The weight room features power stations, benches, among other equipment. Staff members are available to assist individuals with physical conditioning, according to Derek Soloway of Marine Corps Community Services Henderson Hall Semper Fit Division.
Already encountering the winter blues? Professionals: Behavioral health treatment strengthens, not weakens, service members’ resilience, readiness By Arthur Mondale Pentagram Staff Writer Editor’s note: This is the second in a three-part series of articles designed to generate awareness and provide resources for people suffering from seasonal affective disorder and depression. America’s involvement in conflict overseas has changed a lot of things—from budget battles on Capitol Hill to an increase in combat veterans serving. It has
CIF has new hours for New Year
The Central/Ceremonial Issue Facility, Bldg. 313 on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base, has new hours effective Jan. 1, actually increasing customer service time by one hour. For a complete list of the new hours, visit www.slideshare.net/ JBMHH/cif2016. For more information, call 703-696-3344.
By Arthur Mondale Pentagram Staff Writer The Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Commander’s Race Series and the OohRah Run Series are both on hiatus until the spring, but patrons can visit the Fort Myer Fitness Center or the Cpl. Terry L. Smith Gym to witness that individual health and wellness certainly are not. Both locations are busy round the clock with people armed with a sweat towel, bottled water and a resolution. “Over the holiday, I visited one of my husband’s relatives who is in a nursing home because of her weight, and that’s scary,” Robyn Waters, a military spouse said. Waters was joined by a group of
News Notes
also evolved matters surrounding behavioral health, including a decrease in negativity with regard to service members seeking behavioral health help. “That’s the change I’ve seen that’s outstanding,” said U.S. Public Health Service Lt. Cmdr. Jeff Showalter, chief of Behavioral Health at Andrew Rader U.S. Army Health Clinic. “Leaders are coming [to Behavioral Health] themselves, many of whom had two, three or four
deployments who come in at the urging of their partner.” Factors like this highlight the collaboration and communication between service providers, including medical professionals and religious support personnel, to provide help to those who seek it. At Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Andrew Rader U.S. Army Health Clinic’s Behavioral Health staff and joint
see DEPRESSION, page 6
The Cpl. Terry L. Smith Gym on the Henderson Hall portion of the joint base offers Zumba Wednesdays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and Spin Wednesdays from 6 to 7 a.m. For more information, call 703-614-6332.
MOPH meets Jan. 16
The Greater Washington D.C. Chapter 353, Military Order of the Purple Heart will start off the New Year with its monthly meeting Jan. 16 at American Legion Post 176, 6520 Amherst Ave., Springfield, Va., starting at 1 p.m. The Warrior Café will be open prior to the meeting should anyone wish to come early and eat lunch. All recipients of the Purple Heart are invited, especially our new recipients. For more information, contact MOPH Commander Gordon Summer at gordon.summer53@ gmail.com or William Lee at wlee95678@outlook.com.
Single parenting group meet – Jan. 19
parents to network and share parenting tips over a cup of coffee Jan. 19, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Starbucks inside the Fort Myer Exchange. For more information or to register, call 703-696-3512.
AOWCGWA luncheon set for Jan. 21
Movement, innovation, imagination: These are the hallmarks of a Synetic Theater production. From wordless Shakespeare to swashbuckling adventures, the Synetic Theater’s productions provide theatergoers with a unique experience. Join the Army Officers’ Wives Club of the Greater Washington Area for a dynamic presentation by the Synetic Theater and learn more about this unusual company Jan. 21 from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Fort Myer Officers’ Club on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base. Those interested can make luncheon reservations online at AOWCGWA.org. Deadline for reservations is Jan. 12.
Baby Bundles – Jan. 22
Army Community Service’s Family Advocacy Program presents Baby Bundles, an interactive training session for new parents on newborn care, home safety and changes in family dynamics. The class is held Jan. 22, noon to 2:30 p.m. at the ACS classroom in Bldg. 201 (202 Custer Road) on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base. Attendees receive a free baby layette for completing the class. To register or for more information, please call 703-696-3512.
Army Community Service offers an opportunity for single
see NEWS, page 4
Index
History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . News notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dress for success. . . . . . . . . . . . TRICARE update. . . . . . . . . . . . . SFL-TAP schedule. . . . . . . . . . . .
page 2 page 3 page 4 page 5 page 7 page 8
Thurs. 48 | 32
Local forecast
Fri.
50 | 38
Sat.
49 | 30
Sun.
38 | 18
For more weather forecasts and information, visit www.weather.gov.
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Thursday, January 14, 2016 Pentagram
Thanks from Korea
photo by Cpl. Cody W. Torkelson
A Soldier from the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) displays a challenge coin he received from Republic of Korea Maj. Gen. Kyoung Soo Shin, defense attaché to the United States, Embassy of the Republic of Korea, during a luncheon hosted by Shin for Old Guard Soldiers Jan. 6 at the Fort Myer Officers’ Club. Shin hosted the lunch to thank Old Guard Soldiers for their support during ceremonies at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Korean War Memorial last year. He also spoke on the importance of the relationship between the United States of America and the Republic of Korea.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., birthday JBM-HH operations and services holiday hours American Clipper Barber Shop
Open 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. For more information, call 703-271-8177.
Andrew Rader U.S. Army Health Clinic
Closed Jan. 18. For more information, call 703-696-3460.
Andrew Rader U.S. Army Health Clinic – Dental clinic
Closed Jan. 15 and Jan. 18. All dental sick-call and emergencies should report to Logan Dental Clinic, Fort Belvoir Community Hospital for support Jan. 15. For dental emergencies Jan. 18, report to the Fort Belvoir Community Hospital Emergency Room. For more information, call 703-696-3460/3461.
Car Wash (MCCS)
Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Cpl. Terry L. Smith Gymnasium
Open 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, call 703-614-7214.
Java Café (MCX Henderson Hall)
Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 571-483-1962.
Marine Corps Exchange, Vineyard Wine & Spirits and NEX Uniform Center
Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call 703-9798420. NOTE: Any Marine Corps Community Services activities not listed here are closed.
Veterinary Treatment Facility (Fort Myer)
Closed. For more information, call 703-696-3727.
Almost all activities on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall will be closed Monday, Jan. 18, the federal holiday commemorating the birth of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Most military personnel will have a training holiday Friday, Jan. 15. The following facilities and places of busi¬ness have reported open or closed hours for Jan. 18. Unless otherwise noted, this list applies to Jan. 19. This list is not all encompassing; please check with the facility you wish to visit for more details.
This week in military history Jan. 14
1865:
Jan. 15
1943: Jan. 16
1991: Jan. 17
1955: Jan. 18
1911
Compiled by Jim Goodwin Editor, Pentagram U.S. Army 1st Sgt. William Elise of Company K, 3d Wisconsin Calvary, would receive the Medal of Honor for his actions this day during combat at Dardanelle, Ark., according to the This Day in Military History website. Born in England but claiming residence in Wisconsin, Elise remained at his post after “receiving three wounds, and only retired, by his commanding officer’s orders, after being wounded the fourth time,” according to the award citation. The Pentagon was dedicated on this day, according to the This Day in Military History website. Before the Pentagon was built, the U.S. Department of War was headquartered in the Greggory Building, a temporary structure erected during World War I along Constitution Avenue on the National Mall. Operation Desert Shield became Operation Desert Storm as the Allied Coalition launches an air campaign against targets in Iraq and occupied Kuwait to liberate Kuwait and enforce the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council, according to the This Day in Military History website. The operation included more than 415,000 U.S. troops. The USS Nautilus (SSN-571), the first nuclear-powered submarine, casts off lines at 11 a.m. and sends the message, “underway on nuclear power,” according to an entry on Navy.mil. Eugene Ely lands on the deck of the USS Pennsylvania, the first ship to be equipped with a landing deck and arresting system, while it was anchored in San Francisco harbor, becoming the first pilot to land on the deck of a ship, according to an online U.S. Air Force history. Just several months earlier, Ely was the first person to take off from an anchored ship when he took off in his airplane from the USS Birmingham in Hampton Roads, Va.
Courtesy Library of Congress
Jan. 19
The United States offers Saddam Hussein immunity from prosecution if he leaves Iraq. Then-Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld recommends during a television interview that provisions be made to allow “senior leadership in that country [Iraq] and their families could be provided haven in some other country” in order to avoid war, according to the This Day in Military History website.
Jan. 20
The second battle for Khe Sanh begins when Marines from 3d Battalion, 26th Marines attack a North Vietnamese battalion, according to the Marine Corps History Division website. The enemy battalion was located between Hill 881 South and Hill 881 North; more than 100 enemy troops were killed in the battle.
2003:
1783:
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Eugene Ely lands his aircraft on the deck of the USS Pennsylvania Jan. 18, 1911, while it was anchored in San Francisco harbor, becoming the first pilot to land on the deck of a ship, according to an online U.S. Air Force history.
Flickr: Flickr.com/photos/jbm-hh
The Pentagram is an authorized publication for members of the Department of Defense. Contents of the Pentagram are not necessarily the official views of the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, the Department of the Army, Department of the Navy, or Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall. The content of this publication is the responsibility of the Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Public Affairs Office. Pictures not otherwise credited are U.S. Army photographs. News items should be submitted to the Pentagram, 204 Lee Ave., Bldg. 59, Fort Myer, VA 22211-1199. They may also be e-mailed to james.m.goodwin3. civ@mail.mil. Circulation of 24,000 is printed by offset every Thursday as a civilian enterprise newspaper by Comprint Military Publications. Comprint Military Publications is located at 9030 Comprint Court, Gaithersburg, MD 20877. Telephone (301) 921-2800. Commercial advertising should be placed with the printer. Comprint Military Publications is a private firm in no way connected with the Department of the Army or Department of the Navy. The appearance of advertisements in this publication, to include all inserts and supplements, does not constitute an endorsement by the Department of the Army or Department of the Navy of the products or 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, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. A confirmed violation of this policy of equal opportunity by an advertiser shall result in the refusal to print advertising from that source.
Twitter: @jbmhh Col. Michael D. Henderson Commander Command Sgt. Maj. Randall E. Woods Command Sergeant Major Mary Ann Hodges Director of Public Affairs Sharon Walker Command Information Officer
Slideshare: slideshare.net/jbmhh Jim Goodwin Editor james.m.goodwin3.civ@ mail.mil Lorraine Walker Graphic Designer lwalker@dcmilitary.com Nell King Photographer nking@dcmilitary.com
Julia LeDoux Staff Writer jledoux@dcmilitary.com Guv Callahan Staff Writer wcallahan@dcmilitary.com Delonte Harrod Staff Writer dharrod@dcmilitary.com Arthur Mondale Staff Writer awright@dcmilitary.com
Community
Pentagram
Thursday, January 14, 2016
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Military tuition assistance: Benefits and limits By Delonte Harrod Pentagram Staff Writer Editor’s note: This is the first in a three-part series focusing on higher education funding options available to service members, retirees and veterans. Military Tuition Assistance covers many education expenses for those in uniform seeking higher education, but there are limitations to the benefit, according to education counselors on the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall. Financial aid other than military service-provided TA is available for service members to use, according to Cherlin Charles Ngala, a guidance counselor intern at the Fort Myer Education Center. Ngala also said the best option for service members seeking higher education could be to use their elected VA benefits because “they may be eligible for more than one.” “Service members could be eligible to use the Post-9/11 GI Bill, the Montgomery GI Bill and the Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP),” said Ngala. She added that each service member’s eligibility for VA benefits are different based upon individual circumstances. TA limitations are specific to individual services. For example, in the Marine Corps, only active duty service members are eligible to receive TA. In other branches, some reservists are eligible to use TA. Under current Army and Marine Corps tuition assistance program policies, TA can be used to pay for post-graduate degrees, up to 39 graduate semester hours. In addition, there are also limits on how the assistance is applied to educational costs. TA pays up
to $250 per credit hour and service members can only receive up to $4,500 per year in TA. “The military branch or component, rather than the VA, determines the percentage level of tuition reimbursement,” according to the Veterans Benefits Administration webpage. “If an individual is taking very expensive courses, tuition assistance, even at the 100 percent level, may not cover the entire cost of the courses.” Regardless, enlisted service members within one year of the end of their enlistments can still take advantage of military-provided tuition assistance. “If they are separating within a year, it’s still possible for them to take advantage of TA,” explained Ngala. “We’ll help them get set up through www. goarmyed.com to register for classes [and] get connected to a school, so they can start using it towards their college credit.” Marines can use TA to fund college classes as long as the classes are completed at least 60 days before their end of service date, according to Bart MacMillan, education and career specialist at Marine Corps Community Services Henderson Hall’s Education Service Center Class. For Marine Corps officers, classes must end two years before end of active service, he said. Another limitation of TA is that it can only be used to fund college education. It cannot be used to pay for certifications, not even those related to Military Occupational Specialties (MOS), according to Karen Powell, one of JBM-HH’s education guidance counselors. But TA can be used to attain language-related training after receiving a master’s degree, according Jo Boston, guidance counselor
PHOTO BY Nell King
Service members, veterans and military retirees have a number of financial aid options they may be qualified for beyond military service-provided tuition assistance, according to Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Education Center officials.
at Fort Myer Education Center. “A lot of times [service members] use the certificates to supplement their degree programs,” explained Powell. “For example, [service members] may already have a bachelor’s and they are getting ready to transition to the civilian workforce. They ask themselves, ‘What is going to help me get a leg up in the competition?’ They use a certificate to supplement their degree.” However, service members can use their GI Bill to help pay for preparation courses, classes that equip service members for certifications. VA benefits, such as the Montgomery GI Bill and Post-9/11 GI Bill can be used to pay for “licensing and certifications as well as supplemental education and training,” according to the www.goarmyed. com section on “credentials.”
Still, if service members pay out of pocket for their certifications, Boston said they can be reimbursed via the GI Bill. Service members can use the GI Bill to pay for certifications in the automotive industry, medical field, graphic design and other various vocations, according to the VA’s benefit website. Service members will even be reimbursed—according to the same website—if they choose to take multiple tests, the same test numerous times, and even if they fail the tests for certifications. However, there are stipulations: VA benefits only cover the cost of a test up to $2,000. Service members can also use scholarships to pay for college courses. JBM-HH guidance counselors recommend that service members pursue scholarships by applying to them via
college and universities or base education counselors. For more information on various tuition assistance and education programs available to service members and veterans, visit the following websites: DoD Tuition Assistance Decide program: https://dodmou.com/ U.S. Army tuition assistance program overviewhttp://go.usa. gov/cnSyC Marine Corps Community Services Henderson Hall Education Service Center http:// mccshh.com/education.html or call 703-614-9104. For information on the Department of Veterans Affairs GI Bill program, visit http:// benefits.va.gov/gibill/handouts_ forms.asp. Pentagram Staff Writer Delonte Harrod can be reached at dharrod@ dcmilitary.com
Local firefighter-turned EFMP participants enjoy author pens children’s books a day of fun, games By Julia LeDoux Pentagram Staff Writer
By Julia LeDoux Pentagram Staff Writer
In his workday life, Jon Nordstrom is a firefighter on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall. In his off-duty time, he’s a devoted family man who relishes his roles of husband, father and uncle. He’s also earned the title of award-winning author, with two published books to his credit and two more on the way. Nordstorm’s writing career was born out of a dream and an unfathomable family tragedy. About five years ago, Nordstrom said he had a dream, a nightmare really, that involved a grandmotherly figure draped in black robes that flowed out behind her. In his dream, the figure’s robes helped lull children to sleep. Although the dream ended up being a nightmare, it planted an idea into Nordstrom’s mind about soothing children to sleep, a story that would eventually become his first book, “Sometimes Sleep.” Then came Oct. 31, 2010. Halloween that year began as a joyful day for Nordstrom, his wife and daughters. They trick-or-treated in their neighborhood
photo by Nell King
Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall firefighter Jon Nordstrom poses with one of the books he has illustrated and authored Jan. 12 at the fire station on the Fort Myer portion of JBMHH. Nordstrom, an award-winning author, has written and illustrated two children’s books and is currently working on a third.
and had a great time hanging out with friends, until the phone call came. On the line was Nordstrom’s father-in-law, who told them that their beloved 11-year-old nephew, Nathan, had been killed.
see AUTHOR, page 5
HHH
The USO Warrior and Family Center at Fort Belvoir hosted more than a dozen Exceptional Family Member Program participants from across the National Capital Region, Jan. 9 for a day of learning, fun and camaraderie. The event included coordination and participation by Marine Corps Community Services Henderson Hall’s EFMP staff. Two Marine Corps families from the Pentagon attended the event. “We are offering them a family social,” explained Marine Corps Community Services Henderson Hall EFMP staff member Andranita Dogan. “It’s a way they can support each other. A lot of times, the problem with that is they don’t have child care, so they can’t come out.” Dogan stressed that the event didn’t provide child care, but volunteers kept the kids occupied and busy while parents talked and learned about resources that are available to them. While their parents networked, the kids enjoyed coloring, drawing, and playing
The United States Army Band CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Photo by Julia LeDoux
Marine Corps Community Services Henderson Hall’s Exceptional Family Member Program staff member Andranita Dogan instructs children on how to play one of the games at the EFMP family social Jan. 9 at the USO Family and Warrior Center at Fort Belvoir.
with a group of active duty and civilian volunteers from across the NCR. “I’ve always been a volunteer in the community,” said Marine 2nd Lt. Vu Pham, who is currently stationed at The Basic School at Marine Corps Base Quantico.
see EFMP, page 5
HHH
Jan. 16
8 p.m.
The U.S. Army Blues Swamp Romp will perform an evening of jazz sprinkled with Cajun sauce at The Mainstay at 5753 Main Street in Rock Hall, Md., 21661. This concert will feature French-Louisiana sound that has influenced American popular music for decades.
Jan. 23
6:30 p.m.
The U.S. Army Blues will perform as part of the Essentially Ellington Regional High School Jazz Festival at Yorktown High School at 5200 Yorktown Blvd., Arlington, Va. 22207
Jan. 23
7:30 p.m.
The U.S. Army Concert Band will perform in the Mid-Atlantic Music Invitational featuring Mike Mower’s Sonata Latino at Yorktown High School in Arlington, Va.
Jan. 24
3 p.m.
The U.S. Army String Quartet will perform “Beethoven and the Americans: An Eclectic Program” at Metropolitan Memorial United Methodist Church in Washington, D.C. This recital will feature chamber music including works by Charles Ives, Elliott Carter and George Gershwin.
Jan. 30
3 p.m.
The U.S. Army String Quartet will perform “Beethoven and the Americans: An Eclectic Program” at Metropolitan Memorial United Methodist Church in Washington, D.C. This recital will feature chamber music including works by Charles Ives, Elliott Carter and George Gershwin.
Jan. 31
3 p.m.
The U.S. Army Blues Swamp Romp will perform a new CD release concert at Brucker Hall on the Fort Myer portion of JBM-HH.
Jan. 31
4 p.m.
The U.S. Army Chorus will kick-off a year of concerts and events in honor of the 60th anniversary of the group’s founding in 1956 with a special performance at the Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Camp Hill, Pa.
Performances are free and open to the public, unless otherwise noted. All outdoor concerts are subject to cancellation or location change due to weather considerations. Call 703-696-3399 for up-to-date information on concert cancellations or location changes. For additional details and a full calendar of performances, visit www.usarmyband.com/event-calendar.html.
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Thursday, January 14, 2016 Pentagram
TAX SEASON
NEWS
from page 1
ents throughout the 2015 tax season. Tax center staffers will also help with itemized deductions and certain self-employment income and expenses. Change in services Jussel noted that the tax center will not be able to provide some services that it did last year. “Across DoD, we are not going to be able to do some returns that we did last year,” he said. During the 2016 tax season, only individual tax returns, not business tax returns, can be prepared, according to Jussel. This is because regulations prohibit government assistance to most business interests, and because the IRS considers tax preparation part of the cost of running a business. Exceptions will be made for child care providers operating on-post or on-base child care facilities, he said. Retired reservists who are not yet drawing their pensions, or “gray area” retirees, will also be ineligible for services this year, according to Jussel. Reserve component Service Members who are not on active duty for more than 29 days will not be able to use the tax center, and activated reserve members will need to bring a copy of their active duty orders. Additionally, because of changes in tax law, people earning more than $300,000 per year are not eligible and should seek services with other tax preparers, Jussel said, recommending that those taxpayers seek the services of a full-time tax professional. Jussel stressed that if a customer is active-duty, then the tax center will do their tax returns no matter what. “I want to make sure people understand, if they’re active duty, it doesn’t matter how much money they make–we’ll take care of them,” he said. But high-ranking customers with high incomes and complex returns will be better served with a financial planner, according to Jussel. “They’re making so much money, that when we start doing their tax returns, they start losing a lot of benefits,” Jussel said. “We’re doing simple tax returns, and if you’re making over $250,000, you have a complex tax return. We don’t want to do returns for people and have them not get their maximum benefit. Those folks need to go see a financial planner.” New laws, new requirements Finally, Jussel said that the Affordable Care Act could impact some taxpayers this year, but not many. The ACA requires every American to have “minimal essential coverage,” he said. Active duty service members are covered through the military; most family members and retirees are covered by Tricare; and many other retirees are covered by either Medicare of Medicaid. “The people who may not qualify are family members who got married during the year and weren’t covered by Tricare all year,” Jussel said. “Those are not common, but we are very good at dealing with their Affordable Care Act Issues.” The tax center will be open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. beginning Jan. 19.A grand open-
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Marine Corps physical fitness tests – Jan. 22 and 29
photo by Rachel Larue
Army Spc. Coltin Jenkins, tax preparer, works with customers of the Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Consolidated Tax Center in Bldg. 205 on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base March 17, 2015. The tax center opens Jan. 19, 2016, for business and will be open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The last walk-in will be taken 30 minutes before closing at 4 p.m. To schedule an appointment, call 703-696-1040.
ing ceremony is scheduled for Jan. 20. In the event of inclement weather, customers should consult the JBMHH CTC webpage page at http://go.usa.gov/cnu9J, the JBM-HH Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MYERTAXCENTER or the OPM weather page at www. opm.gov/status. CTC clients will be seen on a walk-in basis. Check the CTC Facebook page for updates. The last walk-in will be taken 30 minutes before closing at 4 p.m. Based on IRS Publications 4491 and 4012, the following financial situations are out of the Tax Center’s scope, and clients should seek civilian professional tax assistance. • Income and expenses related to paid household employees • Medicare tax • Business or self-employment (excluding on-post child care providers) • Cost of goods sold • Expenses for employees or 1099 • Use of home as a business • Actual vehicle expenses costs – not mileage • Depreciation • Entity issues – partnerships, s corporations, LLCs • Capital gains and losses issues • Inherited property from a person who died before 2010 unless the taxpayer knows the basis • Taxable sale other than stock, mutual funds or house • Sale of rental home including depreciation issues • Basis issues related to gifts, inheritances not using FMW • Retirement income from SIMPLE or SEP IRAs • Retirement IRA rollovers which are not tax free • Retirement ROTH IRAs with excess contributions • Any partnership schedule or form K-! • Self-employment insurance deductions • Foreign income or foreign tax credits over $300 • Taxpayers who require a Form 1116 For more information on the JBM-HH CTC, call 703-696-1040 or post your questions on the JBM-HH CTC Facebook page. Pentagram Staff Writer Guv Callahan can be reached at wcallahan@dcmilitary.com.
Exercise to temporarily halt traffic on Fort Myer – Jan. 26
At 6 a.m. on Jan. 26, traffic on Carpenter Road on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base will be impacted by a training exercise conducted by Soldiers from the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard). Traffic traveling on or near the intersections of Carpenter Road and Sheridan Avenue, Carpenter Road and McNair Road and the exit from the Exchange onto Carpenter Road will be temporarily stopped for several minutes as aircraft land and later depart the field adjacent to the Exchange and Memorial Chapel. Adjust your morning commute accordingly to avoid traffic on this date. For more information, call 703-696-2801/3525.
ASAP Quarterly Substance Abuse Training – Jan. 27
The Army Substance Abuse Program office will offer quarterly substance abuse training for all active duty Soldiers Jan. 27 in the Town Hall, Bldg. 243, on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base. This training is being offered to all Soldiers who need to acquire their four hours of annual substance abuse training. The first training session will be 9 a.m. to noon; the second from 1 to 3 p.m. For more information call 703-696-3900. Incapacitated adult dependency class – Jan. 28 The Marine Corps Community Services Henderson Hall Exceptional Family Member Program presents a briefing on incapacitated adult dependency determination Jan. 28, 10 to 11 a.m., in Pentagon Conference Room B9. An incapacitated son or daughter of active duty or retired service members may be eligible at this information session. Register by Jan. 27 by calling 703-693-5353 or emailing efmpHH@ usmc-mccs.org.
Viewing of film “In Plain Sight” – Jan 29
Army Community Service’s Family Advocacy Program presents a screening of the film “In Plain Sight,” which features the stories of six female abolitionists fighting against sex trafficking in the United States. The viewing takes place 1 to 3 p.m. on Jan. 29 at Memorial Chapel on the Fort Myer portion of JBM-HH. There will be a briefing following the film by Melissa Yao, anti-trafficking specialist from The Samaritan Woman. To register or for more information, call 703-696-3512.
Magic show and dinner — Jan. 30
resolutions
The Fort McNair Officers Club will present Illusions by Nick in the Crystal Ballroom Jan. 30. See beautiful, original illusions, feats of mentalism and engaging demonstrations of magic. Enjoy a dinner buffet prior to the magic show. Cost for the show and dinner is $29.95 per person. Children 12 and under, $9.95. Doors open at 5 p.m., dinner buffet is at 7 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m. To make reservations, contact the Fort McNair Officers Club at 202-484-5800.
from page 1
friends at the Fort Myer Fitness Center on Jan. 4 to signup for a five week weight loss challenge and competition called Strive for Five. Following weigh-in day, and over the next five weeks, participants receive fitness and weight loss challenges via email, and using the “honor system,” must achieve them. The first week’s challenge is to drink 64 ounces of water per day; the second week’s challenge is to cut out sugar from their diet; the third week’s challenge is cutting alcohol consumption; the fourth week’s challenge is to participate in at least 30 minutes of exercise every day. The final week’s challenge tasks participants to commit to seven days of “clean eating” (unprocessed foods). “There needs to be guidelines, because I don’t want people to lose confidence in achieving their goals early into the New Year,” said Mark James, Fort Myer Fitness Center fitness coordinator. “This is a lifestyle change and the scales will tell the truth.” In regards to the weight loss challenge rules and results, the challenge is not based on pounds, but a percentage of weight lost. “There’s a formula that we use,” James said. “You take how much weight the person lost and divide it by the initial starting weight and that will give you a number and you multiply that by 100 which will give a percentage.” The final weigh-in and announcement of the top male and female winners will be Feb. 8. “What I want to do is beyond a competition,” Waters said, acknowledging that all registered participants, including herself, should consider themselves winners in their own right. “And it doesn’t matter if I lose a quarter of a pound a week, as long as I’m going in the right direction.” Waters was joined at the scale with friends Judy Buchholz and Mona Murphy. “In the last three years I’ve lost 25 pounds, and I’ve kept it off,” Buchholz said. “Five more pounds during this challenge would be all I’d want to lose. That would be great.” “As a group we’ll all encourage each other,” Murphy said. “It’s a very motivated group.” At the Cpl. Terry L. Smith Gym on the Henderson Hall portion of JBM-HH, staff members are just as motivated and busy working with active duty service members who are not only entering the fitness facility with a resolution but a physical injury as well; Marines and Soldiers who are currently being treated by a medical provider who want to take a more active role in their physical training and conditioning. The facilities athletic training room is staffed by reconditioning and prevention specialists who train Marines and Soldiers who suffer from muscle and skeletal
Henderson Hall’s Headquarters and Service Battalion holds regular physical fitness tests (PFT) for Marines to meet semi-annual training requirements. The next tests will be held Jan. 22 and 29, 8 a.m. at the pull-up bars located just outside the Cpl. Terry L. Smith Gymnasium on the Henderson Hall portion of JBM-HH. Marines who desire to participate in these two events should be in appropriate clothing, which includes green on green fitness attire, running shoes and white socks. For more information, contact the battalion’s training section at 703-693-8343.
FMWR & USO Super Bowl party Feb. 7
photo by Arthur Mondale
From left, Mark James, Fort Myer Fitness Center fitness coordinator, logs the initial weigh-in for a long line of Strive for Five weight loss challenge participants Jan. 4 at the Fort Myer Fitness Center on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall. The fiveweek weight loss challenge ends Feb. 8. James said the challenge should serve as a “lifestyle change” for all participants and the “scales will tell the truth” on the final weigh-in day.
injuries who are committed to staying fit. “This is a great resource and place for people to come to get assistance,” said Derek Soloway, MCCS Henderson Hall Semper Fit Division. “People have met their clinical goals with their medical providers; my job is to get them to meet their tactical goals. That’s where my program fills in the gap.” In response to the barrage of resolutions, Soloway said service members and their families should expect more health and wellness promotions during the month of January; Smith Gym will re-instate tobacco cessation classes, spin classes and Zumba. “We’ve got a lot of things coming down the pipe and this is about building a better fighting force,” he added. “We’re busy improving people’s health, they’re quality of life and they’ll perform better. And who doesn’t want that.” But Soloway reminds guests and regulars that regardless of the type of resolution they may have, should they falter Smith Gym is committed year-round to support “tactical athletes on the job, in recreation, and in sports management.” More information on scheduled classes and hours of operation is available on the Cpl. Terry L. Smith Gym website at www.mccshh.com/smithgym.html. Or call 703-614-7214. Information, scheduled classes and hours of operation for both Fort Myer and Fort McNair Fitness Centers is available at www.jbmhhmwr.com/fitness-centers-sports. Or call the Fort Myer Fitness Center at 703-696-7868, or the Fort McNair Fitness Center at 202-685-3117. Pentagram Staff Writer Arthur Mondale can be reached at awright@dcmilitary.com.
Are you ready for some football? FMWR and USO will hold the annual Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Super Bowl party at Spates Community Club on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base Feb. 7. Doors open at 5 p.m. Kick off for Super Bowl 50 is at 6:30 p.m. Enjoy Super Bowl 50 on five televisions, along with door prizes, food and fun for all eligible FMWR patrons. For more information, call 703-696-0594.
Engineers Week program Feb. 23
In recognition of Engineers Week, the Pentagon will host a program for Department of Defense employees in the National Capital Region. This year’s theme is Engineers Make a Difference. The event will be held Feb. 23 from 1 to 3:30 p.m. in the Pentagon Auditorium. As it becomes available, additional information, including this year’s featured speakers, will be posted on the Environmental, Sustainability and Energy Branch website at http://go.usa.gov/cn6ex. For more information, contact Dr. Sri Susarla at sridhar.susarla.civ@mail.mil.
Winter weather news, information
Winter weather is on the way. In the event of weather-related closures, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall personnel follow the guidance of the Office of Personnel Management. OPM determines the open or closed status for all government agencies and installations located inside the Washington, D.C. beltway. Questions regarding duty status should be directed to supervisors. Partner organization personnel should inquire within their chain of command. For OPM guidance, see www.opm.gov/status. An upto-date OPM status is also available by calling 202-6061900 around the clock. Also, see www.facebook.com/ jbmhh and www.jbmhh.army.mil for the winter weather link, activated when necessary; call the commander’s information hotline at 703-696-6906, which is updated often in emergencies or inclement weather situations. See www.weather.gov for a forecast.
see NEWS, page 7
Pentagram
Thursday, January 14, 2016
Dress for success
5
Experts help service members dress the part to land post-military service employment By Delonte Harrod Pentagram Staff Writer When it comes to landing a new job after military service, personal image can mean everything. Just ask U.S. Army Col. La’Tonya Lynn, who is retiring after 29 years of military service. The Army veteran attended a professional imaging and attire class on the Henderson Hall portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall last month. The class was part of a transition workshop for senior military leaders who are retiring from the service. Lynn, who is no stranger to wearing civilian business attire, said she learned a thing or two about the dynamics of dressing the part for different professional occasions, such as job interviews, including how to coordinate her business attire with her skin tone. “There are various color pallets based on one’s own natural complexion that will give them a warmer presence during the interview and that can highlight those color pallets for casual wear,” said Lynn, who added that the workshop added to her knowledge about business attire wear. U.S. Army Col. Patrick Bond, who attended the same class, learned that he needs a wardrobe change. “I have to [buy more clothes] that are of the latest fashion and make sure I am not dated with a lot of my suits,” said Bond, who characterized the class as a “reality check.” Both Bond and Lynn, who work at the Pentagon, are senior service members transitioning out of the military. They attended the class last month, which was led by image consultant, entrepreneur and tailor Sofio Barone. The “dress for success” class is part of a week-long seminar called the Senior Leadership Transition Readiness Seminar, one of several transition courses offered by Marine Corps Community Services Henderson Hall’s Career Resource Management Center. The course is specifically designed to cater to the “executive-level leadership and high-profile positions” of senior military leaders, according to the center’s webpage. The seminar is open to enlisted members of the paygrade E-8 and above, warrant officers-4 and above, as well as officers in the paygrade of O-5 and above.
photo by Delonte Harrod
Image consultant and tailor Sofio Barone, left, changes Marine Corps Lt. Col. John Sarno’s attire from a purple to a blue tie to demonstrate color coordination during a professional imaging and attire class Dec. 18, 2015. Barone’s class teaches retiring senior military leaders how to stand out during job interviews by being the best dressed person interviewed. “Ninety percent of your body is covered by clothes, so it matters what you wear,” said Barone. The professional image class is a part of a week-long seminar called the Senior Leadership Transition Readiness Seminar, one of several transition courses offered by the Marine Corps Community Services Henderson Hall’s Career Resource Management Center.
“Image is important,” explained Stephanie Hechtkopf, program manager for the center’s Personal and Professional Development Branch at Henderson Hall. Army Community Service Employment Readiness Program Manager Judy Joyner agrees. “Being dressed in the appropriate attire for work has an impact on your progression in the work place,” she said. “You want the client or the boss to concentrate on what you are saying and not [on] the bold color, wild design, jewelry, the fabric or the way the clothing fits your frame.” During the December class, Barone spoke to attendees—mostly colonels and lieutenant colonels— about the types of professional attire; non-verbal communication considerations; perceptions and the proper wear of clothing accessories.
The class is critical to rounding out the week’s course load, reinforcing to retiring senior leaders the importance of appropriate dress, according to Hechtkopf. In short, appropriate attire could help a transitioning service member get an edge up on the competition when seeking career opportunities after military service. “[Some] service members are used to being in a uniform,” said Hechtkopf. Likewise, some service members may not have experience in selecting, or wearing, appropriate civilian business attire, she said. That’s where these “dress for success” classes, which are also offered at Soldier for Life-Transition Assistance Program seminars and through Army Community Service on the Fort Myer portion of JBM-HH, come in.
AUTHOR
EFMP
“We lost our nephew in a car crash,” Nordstrom explained. “I had a really hard time sleeping. My daughter had an even harder time sleeping. I came to the conclusion that I wanted to do something to immortalize Nathan and to help my daughter sleep.” That led to Nordstrom to ask his oldest daughter what helped her to sleep. He began illustrating what she told him and then put words about the drawings to paper. “The illustrations came pretty quickly,” he said. “‘Sometimes Sleep’ was absolutely therapy for me in coping with the loss of my nephew.” The self-taught illustrator draws on paper with ink and marker before editing his work with computer software. Nordstrom, an Air Force veteran who has been a professional firefighter for 15 years, did most of the work on ‘Sometimes Sleep’ at the Fort Myer Fire Station during his off-duty hours. The book took him more than two years to complete, and he initially self-published it. He now has found a publisher who has re-issued it. “Sometimes Sleep” has been awarded both the Gelett Burgess Award and Mom’s Choice Award for Excellence. “The biggest thing is we got Nathan’s name out,” he said. “We’ve done different charities, and we donated numerous books. Now it’s a celebration of joy.” Nordstrom said his eldest daughter also served as the catalyst for his second book, “Shimmer.” Father and daughter were discussing the water cycle when she answered a question about it incorrectly. That led to “Shimmer,” a tale about a water droplet who is trying to find his place in the world that at the same time teaches kids about the water cycle, which describes the continuous movement of water on, above and be-
“I really enjoy volunteering, especially with kids. I really enjoy being around them. It makes my day a little brighter.” EFMP is a mandatory enrollment program that works with military and civilian agencies to provide comprehensive and coordinated community support, housing, educational, medical and personnel services to military families with special needs. JBM-HH has two EFMP program: one is managed by MCCS Henderson Hall for
from page 3
from page 3
PHOTO BY Nell King
“Sometimes Sleep” is a children’s book written and illustrated by Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall firefighter Jon Nordstrom. Nordstrom says he added as much detail to his drawings so that children would find something new in the book every time they picked it up to read.
low the Earth’s surface. “I love to make kids laugh,” he said. “This book teaches kids while making them laugh.” Nordstrom’s third book, which he is at work on now, is about a mouse who, appropriately enough, lives in a fire house. He said his daughters review all his work and that he takes “great stock” in their opinions. “Kids will tell you the absolute truth,” he said with a laugh. “They are great editors.” Pentagram Staff Writer Julia LeDoux can be reached at jledoux@dcmilitary.com.
“[The training] gave me some different ideas, so I will try some different things,” added Lynn. The Career Resource Management Center also offers similar classes for junior officers and enlisted personnel who are transitioning out of the service, said Hechtkopf. There are also classes for military retirees, she said. To learn more, visit the center’s listing of available courses online at www. mccshh.com/crmcclasses.html. For a listing of transition seminars and classes offered by the JBM-HH SFLTAP office, visit http://go.usa.gov/cnJwA. For similar classes offered by ACS, call 703-696-3510. Pentagram Staff Writer Delonte Harrod can be reached at dharrod@dcmilitary.com
Marine Corps families assigned or attached to Headquarters and Service Battalion on Henderson Hall. The other is managed through Army Community Service on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base. Both programs frequently work together to host joint events, often combining efforts with the Fort Belvoir EFMP as well. To learn more about the MCCS Henderson Hall EFMP, visit http://mccshh.com/ efmp.html. To learn more about the ACS EFMP, visit www.jbmhhmwr.com/exceptional-family-member-program. Pentagram StaffWriter Julia LeDoux can be reached at jledoux@dcmilitary.com.
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Thursday, January 14, 2016 Pentagram
DEPRESSION from page 1
joint base chaplains have seen a spike in service members seeking help. But each resource has a different responsibility helping people cope. “It’s not our job to diagnose depression: we don’t have the medical insignia on our collar, we have a cross on our collar,” said U.S. Navy Lt. Chad Goddard, chaplain for Headquarters and Service Battalion on the Henderson Hall portion of JBM-HH. “But we can still identify the signs of depression when we see them. I’ll say ‘Let’s go talk to a behavioral health doctor about this or a family health counselor.’ Chaplains are a very good clearing house.” Depression, seasonal affective disorder and adjustment disorder 101 Particularly, during the winter months service members could be facing depression, or variants of seasonal affective disorder and adjustment disorder, Showalter explained. Life altering changes like a new duty location, a new financial hurdle, or a major relational issue are examples of times of transition that are significant contributors for depression and stress, he said. “This is the time [of year] we see perhaps an elevation in the number of referrals,” Showalter said. “The hallmark of a major depressive episode is that an individual experiences depressed mood, most of the day, nearly every day. Still, referrals to behavioral health do vary throughout the year, but the winter holidays “could be a variable in seeking help,” explained Showalter. Further, Showalter defined additional hallmarks of a major depressive episode as when an individual experiences “diminished interest or pleasure in all, or almost all, activities most of the day, nearly every day; weight loss or gain (of at least 5 percent) in a month; insomnia or hypersomnia; fatigue or loss of energy nearly every day; feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt; diminished ability to think or concentrate and/or recurrent thoughts of death / suicidal ideation. “These symptoms must be continuous for the span of [two weeks] to meet diagnostic criteria for a Major Depressive Disorder,” said Showalter. “While financial and personal stressors could poten-
Photo by Arthur Mondale
Ken Little, left, a registered nurse and case manager with Andrew Rader U.S. Army Health Clinic, reviews documents with U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Jeff Showalter, the clinic’s chief of Behavioral Health, Dec. 1 on the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall. In response to service members who fear stigmas associated with behavioral health, Showalter says people of all ranks have sought counseling. “Leaders are coming themselves, many of whom had two, three or four deployments who come in at the urging of their partner,” he said.
tially progress toward clinical depression, they are more often transient and resolve without the need for behavioral health intervention.” Showalter said that service members who suffer from depression, or variants of depression, will then experience “a loss in pleasure and activities; they’re isolating more; hypersomnia, insomnia, increased weight and depressed mood.” A recurrent depression is best treated with medication and therapy, said Showalter. In the event that treatment was unsuccessful in restoring a service member to being fit for full duty to include deployment, then referral to the Medical Evaluation Board would be warranted. The Behavioral Health Service at Rader Clinic is staffed by three psychologists, two social workers, and a psychiatrist ready to assist with symptoms of depres-
A Practical Management Education for an Increasingly Technical World
sion or other psychiatric conditions. Currently, only active duty personnel are eligible for behavioral health services, according to Showalter. “We see any and all people who are assigned [to Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall regardless of rank],” he said. Informed consent and confidentiality within Behavioral Health Service members are immediately advised of the confidentiality agreement associated with seeking help within Behavioral Health, according to Showalter. This is the first conversation the service member will have with a Behavioral Health rep, before discussing matters related to what originally brought them to Behavioral Health. Service members are also advised of the type of matters that would require confidentiality to be broken. “There are only a few instances where information would go back to their [the patient’s] command,” Showalter said. “For instance, if the service member said they were going to kill themselves or somebody else or that a child or elderly person was being abused—in those instances, absolutely I’m going to have to break their confidentiality to protect those other people—or to protect them [the service member].” But there are other circumstances which could result in a break in confidentiality to include a person who is a
danger to him or herself, or someone who may be psychotic. Only in these circumstances is confidentiality broken, he said. Still, Showalter advises people with an aversion to seeking treatment at Behavioral Health to metaphorically liken it to a physical injury left untreated. “It is likely to worsen,” Showalter said. “The condition could become worse than it was. Some conditions don’t go away on their own…We want to talk with people about what might be helpful, what has proven helpful in the past, so we can put together the best treatment plan possible,” Showalter said. Service members who want support from Behavioral Health at Andrew Rader U.S. Army Health Clinic should call 703-696-3456. Counseling, therapy and medication treatments are offered. Upon entry, service members complete an “intake process” to determine individual treatment needs. They are later paired with specialty providers who best suit those behavioral health needs, according to Showalter. Additionally, Marine and Family Programs at Henderson Hall provides a wide variety of counseling services within its Community Counseling Program (CCP). Call 703-614-7204 to learn more. Pentagram Staff Writer Arthur Mondale can be reached at awright@dcmilitary.com.
For more JBM-HH event photos from this issue, visit us online at:
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Pentagram
Thursday, January 14, 2016
NEWS
from page 4
Passengers must have photo ID too
As a reminder, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall requires that all passengers 18 years of age and older, in vehicles accessing gates at Fort Myer, Henderson Hall and Fort McNair must present valid photo identification. This requirement applies to all gates and to those travelling as passengers with drivers who possess an AIE pass or DoD ID card. Have ID cards ready to present to gate guards in order to expedite entry onto any portion of the joint base. For more information about this policy, call the Directorate of Emergency Services at 703-696-3525/2801.
National Capital Region is ‘no drone zone’
The District of Columbia and cities and towns within a 30-mile radius of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport are a “No Drone Zone.” This includes the Fort Myer, Fort McNair and Henderson Hall portions of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall. It also includes Arlington National Cemetery. Operating an unmanned aircraft in this area for any purpose is against the law. For more information see www.faa. gov/uas/no_drone_zone/dc.
Need help? Know someone who does? Suicide is preventable
The Veterans Crisis Line connects veterans and their loved ones in crisis with qualified, caring Department of Veterans Affairs responders 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. For free, confidential support call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1, chat online www.veteranscrisisline.net/ChatTermsOfService.aspx, or send a text message to 838255. More folks care than you might think.
Win your personal battles
The United States Marine Corps challenges Marines (and all service members) to win personal battles. Help is available through online chat or phone for anonymous, peer-to-peer counseling 24/7. This service of the U.S. Marine Corps is available with online chat at www.DSTRESSLINE. com or call 877-476-7734.
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2016 scholarship applications now being accepted
In partnership between the Fort Myer Thrift Shop and Army Officers’ Wives’ Club of the Greater Washington Area, applications are now being accepted for the 2015-16 school year. Applications must be received and/or postmarked by March 25. Information about the scholarship program and applications to include the eligibility requirements are now available on the following web sites at www.fortmyerthriftshop.org or www. aowcgwa.org under “scholarships” and “community grant” links. In 2015, the partnership awarded $105,500 for scholarships. Dedicated volunteers and staff generously give of their time, working numerous hours every year at the Thrift Shop to raise funds for deserving students through scholarships. The Thrift Shop is a 501c(3) tax exempt organization that raises funds for both scholarships and community grants through donations and consignments. Tax receipts are available for all donations made to the Thrift Shop.
Fort Myer ID center now accepting web-based appointments
The DEERS/ID card section on the Fort Myer portion of JBM-HH now accepts appointments online. Appointments can be made by visiting http://go.usa.gov/cY5qV online. Available appointment dates are annotated in green on the site. Customers merely select the available date and appointment time, input a few details, and click “submit.” This new system will allow customers to lock in an appointment online instead of walking in to the office in hopes of an available time slot. While the new web appointment system can be used now, the earliest appointments available are at month’s end. Those who are unable to access the website can still call the DEERS/ID card section to make an appointment at 703-696-2188.
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Travel/ Transportation
TRICARE Pharmacy copays change Feb. 1 Courtesy of TRICARE Military pharmacies and TRICARE Pharmacy home delivery will remain the lowest cost pharmacy option for TRICARE beneficiaries when some TRICARE pharmacy copays change in 2016. On Feb. 1, 2016, most copays for prescription drugs at home delivery and retail network pharmacies will increase slightly. The 2016 National Defense Authorization Act, or NDAA, requires TRICARE to change its prescription copays. All drugs at military pharmacies, and generic drugs through home delivery, are still available at no cost to beneficiaries. Copays for brand name drugs through home delivery increase from $16 to $20, for up to a 90-day supply. At retail pharmacies, generic drug copays go from $8 to $10, and brand name drug copays go from $20 to $24 dollars, for up to a 30-day supply. Copays for non-formulary drugs and for drugs at non-network pharmacies will also change.
Leisure Travel Services, a Community Activities Center program
Leisure Travel Services (formerly Information, Tours and Travel) in the Community Activities Center conducts tours and trips for DoD ID card holders, including military and civilian personnel. LTS is in Bldg. 405 on the Fort Myer portion of JBM-HH and is open Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. LTS is closed Mondays and federal holidays. The Community Activities Center is open Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from noon to 8 p.m., and closed Mondays and federal holidays. For more information, call 703-696-3469/70.
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Courtesy of TRICARE
Military pharmacies and TRICARE Pharmacy home delivery will remain the lowest cost pharmacy option for TRICARE beneficiaries when some TRICARE pharmacy copays change in 2016. On Feb. 1, 2016, most copays for prescription drugs at home delivery and retail network pharmacies will increase slightly.
Beneficiaries can save up to $208 in 2016 for each brand name prescription drug they switch from retail pharmacy to home delivery. Home delivery offers safe and convenient delivery of your prescription drugs right to your mailbox. To see the new TRICARE pharmacy copays, learn more about the TRICARE Pharmacy benefit, or move your prescription to home delivery, visit www.tricare.mil/pharmacy.
Legacy Toastmasters Club offers free meetings every Tuesday, 5:15 to 6:30 p.m. at the Pentagon Main Cafeteria (directly under CVS and Dunkin’ Donuts in the Pentagon) on a first come, first served basis. This Pentagon-based Toastmasters Club provides training and practical experience in improving public speaking, listening and leadership skills. For more information, contact Carl Sabath at carl.e.sabath.civ@mail.mil or via phone at 703-695-2804 or Bert Romero at joseh.h.romero6@mail. mil or via phone at 703-695-3443.
News Notes submissions
Send your submissions for the Jan. 28 edition of the Pentagram via email at pentagramjbmhh@yahoo.com no later than noon, Jan. 20. Submissions must be 100 words or less and contain all pertinent details. Submission of information does not guarantee publication.
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Thursday, January 14, 2016 Pentagram
Soldier for Life-Transition Assistance Program seminars and workshops Reservations are required. Spouses are encouraged to register and attend. Call the SFL-TAP office, 703-696-0973 or log-in at www.acap.army.mil. Available to all registered clients who have completed DD2648/2648-1 and initial counseling. Location of seminars and workshops are in the SFL-TAP Bldg. 404 on the Fort Myer portion of JBM-HH unless otherwise noted.
Retiring transition assistance program 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Jan. 14-15 • Feb. 8-12 or 22-26
Business franchise opportunities • Feb. 19
ETS TAP 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Feb. 1-5
Finding and applying for federal jobs 9:30 a.m. to noon • Jan. 27 • Feb. 24*
Entrepreneur track boots to business 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. • Mar. 22-23
Federal resume 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. • Jan. 21 • Feb. 18
Accessing higher education 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Feb. 16-17* Career technical training 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Feb. 16-17 Smart investments 1 to 3 p.m. • Jan. 27 • Feb. 24*
Credit scores from good to excellent 1 to 3 p.m. • Jan. 28 • Feb. 25*
TRICARE benefits in depth 10 a.m. to noon • Jan. 21 • Feb. 18
Home buying 10 a.m. to noon • Jan. 26 • Feb. 23*
Marketing yourself for a second career 1 to 3 p.m. • Jan. 26 • Feb. 23
Debt free 10 a.m. to noon • Jan. 28 • Feb. 25*
Capstone (Every Friday by appointment) 9 to 11 a.m. • Jan. 15, 22, 29
*Located in Education Center Bldg. 417, room 108/**218
Find us online:
ENJOY A WHOLE YEAR OF SAVINGS
www.DCMilitaryHcom
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ADVERTISE WITH US 301-921-2800
SPECIAL INTRO RATE ON
BALANCE TRANSFERS
2.99
% INTRO APR
FOR 12 MONTHS*
Save more when you transfer your high-rate balances to a Navy Federal credit card with a special 2.99% intro APR on balance transfers for 12 months. After that, a variable rate between 7.99% APR and 18% APR applies.* > No balance transfer fees > Available to new and existing cardholders Make the switch and start saving today! Offer ends Feb. 29, 2016. navyfederal.org 1.888.842.6328
SPECIAL RATES FOR MILITARY AND FEDERAL EMPLOYEES
Barcroft Apartments is now offering its garden apartments with 10% discount for military personnel & month to month leases available.
Efficiency................................$979-$1005 One Bedroom........................$1070-$1105 Two Bedrooms.......................$1315-$1400 Three Bedrooms Plus Electric......$1500-$1545 Townhome.......................................$1500 All prices subject to change.
A month. All utilities paid.
• Park right at your door in this park-like setting. • Walk to elementary and high school or Army National Guard Readiness Center. • Take the express bus to the Pentagon, Ft. Myer, Henderson Hall or Ballston in 12 minutes. • Cats welcome. No dogs.
PLEASE CALL (703) 521-3000
HOURS: MON. - FRI. 9-5 Call for Saturday hours
Federally insured by NCUA. *Currently, rates range from 7.99% APR to 18% APR, are based on creditworthiness, and will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate.
On 2/1/16, rates will range from 8.24% APR to 18% APR due to an increase in the Prime Rate. ATM cash advance fees: None if performed at a Navy Federal branch or ATM. Otherwise, $0.50 per domestic transaction or $1.00 per overseas transaction. Foreign transaction fees: 0.80% of transaction amount if in U.S. dollars, 1% of transaction amount if must convert to U.S. dollars. Foreign transaction fees do not apply to Visa Signature® Flagship Rewards or GO REWARDS®. A $49 annual fee applies to the Visa Signature Flagship Rewards Card. Balance transfer offer: Applicant must “Apply by” 2/29/2016. Offer excludes Navy Federal Business and Home EquityLine Platinum credit cards. Offer valid for balances transferred from other card-issuer accounts requested at the time of application. No reward points or cash back on balance transfers. Navy Federal reserves the right to refuse duplicate balance transfer requests. Maximum total transfer amount is limited to your approved credit line and cannot exceed $30,000. Balance transfers using convenience checks are excluded from this offer. If you transfer a balance with this offer, interest will be charged on purchases made with your credit card unless your purchases have a 0% APR, or you pay the entire balance (including any transferred balances) in full each month by the payment due date. Limit of one promotional offer at account opening. © 2015 Navy Federal NFCU 13459 (12-15)
BARCROFT APARTMENTS 1130 South George Mason Drive • Arlington, VA 22204 At Columbia Pike and So. George Mason Drive Some Restrictions Apply
EQUAL HOUSING
OPPORTUNITY