Vol. 61, no. 17 May 2, 2014
Pentagram
Published for Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall
Odierno honors civilians at ‘Salute’ Story by Staff Sgt. Jennifer C. Johnson JFHQ-NCR/MDW Public Affairs
Four civilians were awarded Outstanding Civilian Service Awards during a special Twilight Tattoo called ‘Salute from the Chief,’ hosted by Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, 38th Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army in Conmy Hall at the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, April 28. Odierno recognized Dr. Barbara Van Dahlen, Give an Hour Program founder; Mike Duke, former WalMart CEO; Roger Goodell, National Football Foundation commissioner and Cheryl Jensen, Vail Veterans Program founder and executive director, for their exceptional service in support of the United States
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Army. “I am thankful for what our military and our wounded warriors have done
for our country,” said Jensen. “It isn’t just about taking care of our military when they initially return,
SPC. CODY W. TORKELSON
Sewer repair on Fort Myer portion of joint base
Old Guard pays tribute to MoH recipient The 3d U.S. Infantry Division (The Old Guard) will induct a former Old Guard Soldier into the ranks of its distinguished member of the regiment May 2. Capt. Humbert R. “Rocky” Versace, a Vietnam War POW/MIA and posthumous Medal of Honor recipient who served in The Old Guard in 1961, will receive the distinction during a ceremony at 1 p.m. on Summerall Field on the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall. In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved to Conmy Hall. For more information, call 703-704-4204 or email FoRV59@gmail.com.
Military Clothing and Sales Store to make move The Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Military Clothing and Sales Store, currently in Bldg. 313 on the Fort Myer portion of JBM-HH, will close at 2 p.m. May 2, remain closed May 3 and reopen May 5 at 9 a.m. in their new location inside the Army/Air Force Exchange on Fort Myer, Bldg. 450. The hours for the clothing sales section of the store are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Call them at 703-696-7196. The alterations section is open from 9 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Call them at 703-741-0777.
Grant Hall open house JBM-HH announces a public open house of Grant Hall’s historic third floor courtroom, located on the Fort McNair portion of the joint base in southwest Washington, D.C., from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 3. Members of the public are invited to the open house, which is free to attend. Be advised that the third floor courtroom is only accessible by walking up two flights of stairs. Due to the historic nature of the structure, the building has no elevator. For more information, visit www.army.mil/article/124261. see NEWS NOTES, page 4
Index Commentary Kids, Family, Fun Around DoD
orable men and women have all taught us lessons about service,” said Odierno. “Their
By Rhonda Apple Pentagram Staff Writer
An emergency sewer repair project is taking place along Pershing Drive on the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall. This project is scheduled to be complete by May 4. Traffic may be rerouted or temporarily stopped at the corner of Pershing Drive and Sheridan Avenue during this repair project. For more information, call 703-696-3290.
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but also 10 years from now. We can’t forget the sacrifices they’ve given.” “These four hon-
see SALUTE, page 8
Local leaders get details on AR 670-1 revisions
News Notes
Community Spotlight Community News Notes
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Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, chief of staff of the U.S. Army, congratulates Cheryl Jensen, Vail Veterans Program founder and executive director, after awarding her the Outstanding Civilian Service Award during the “Salute from the Chief” Twilight Tattoo performance in Conmy Hall, Joint Base Myer Henderson-Hall, April 28.
steadfast commitment to our Soldiers has been unwavering.” Outstanding Civilian Service Awards are the third-highest public service honor the U.S. Army can bestow upon a civilian. Every year, Odierno honors a select few that have shown an outstanding contribution to Soldiers and their families. “A woman came up to me at dinner last night and she was a spouse of a former wounded warrior that went through the Vail Veterans Program and she said, ‘I just want to thank you— you saved my marriage,’” said Jensen. “It’s those moments that make me realize what I’m doing is worth it.” “They [awardees] reach out for the simple yet profound
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A Department of the Army official fielded questions, clarified regulations and provided guidance on enforcement of revised uniform and grooming standards for all Soldiers during a training session at Spates Community Club at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall this week. The April 25 session at the Fort Myer portion of the joint base saw a packed ballroom of about 150 to review the details – some deemed controversial in recent media reports – of revisions to Army Regulation 670-1, released Army-wide March 31. Arguably, the hottest detail discussed was changes to acceptable hair
styles for female Soldiers. Recent changes to unauthorized female hair styles – to include changes to authorized lengths and types of particular hair styles, including corn rows, braids and twists – touched off an online petition in opposition to the changes. Likewise, the revised standards have drawn criticism in media reports, but uniform policy Sgt. Maj. LeeAnn Conner explained that only three formal requests from Soldiers asking the Army to reconsider the new grooming standards were received by the Army Uniform Policy Board. In fact, the changes implemented stemmed from recommendations from several see LEADERSHIP, page 4
JBM-HH adds to team in fight on sexual assault By Guv Callahan Pentagram Staff Writer
As government officials and the Department of Defense focus on combating and ending sexual assault and harassment in the military, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall has welcomed two new authority figures in the fight against the problem. Col. Carol K. Joyce, officer in charge of the United States Marine Corps’ Victims’ Legal
Counsel Organization (VLCO), and Yolanda King, the new sexual assault response coordinator for the joint base, have both set up shop on JBM-HH and are already working to stop what officials have called the number one problem facing the military. From her office on the Henderson Hall portion of the joint base, Joyce oversees a new DoDmandated Marine Corps program that provides victims of sexual assault
and other crimes with free legal counsel. The program, which stood up Nov. 1, 2013, and became fully operational Jan. 1, connects victims with experienced Judge Advocate Corps lawyers who discuss cases with full confidentiality, provide legal advice and look out for victim’s legal interests in court. Joyce stressed that the 15 Marine lawyers she leads are “voices for the victims,” sepasee ADVOCATE, page 4
It’s back! Twilight Tattoo on JBM-HH
Twilight Tattoo is an hour-long military pageant featuring Soldiers from The 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) and The U.S. Army
Band “Pershing’s Own.” The next tattoo is scheduled for May 7 at 7 p.m. For more information, see TUSAB’s schedule on page 3.
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PENTAGRAM
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CPL. SARA A. MEDINA
Lay low
Marines with Fox Company, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, perform a simulated vertical assault exercise during Ssang Yong 14, at Old Army Tank Battalion, Pohang, South Korea, April 2. Exercise Ssang Yong is conducted annually in the Republic of Korea to enhance interoperability between U.S. and ROK forces by performing a full spectrum of amphibious operations while showcasing sea-based power projection in the Pacific.
Community Spotlight • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Name (rank): Yolanda M. King Job title/where do you work: Sexual Assault Response Coordinator/ Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall. Military service: Will retire after 24 years of service on 1 June 2014. Favorite sports team: All teams Chicago! Favorite book: The Bible. Favorite food: Delicious food. Favorite band/music artist: Will listen to all types of music, preference is Gospel. Favorite movie: Imitation of Life with Mahalia Jackson. Favorite place you’ve ever traveled to or been stationed: Izmir, Turkey. What do you like most about working on/visiting JBMHH? The history that this area holds. What are your goals for the year? Enhance education to help combat sexual harassment and sexual assault while improving the advocacy support to survivors. What’s your favorite attraction to see in the NCR? The National Mall. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? Do not apologize for who you are! What advice do you have for someone getting stationed at JBM-HH? Do not be afraid to make a difference!
Commander, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Col. Fern O. Sumpter’s vision and philosophy: With a team of resource management savvy and technically competent DoD professionals, establish JBM–HH as DoD’s premier provider of consistent, quality services that enhance readiness and the overall well-being of our customers. We must be ... - Experts at what we do … constantly improving our skills and knowledge. - Focused … set priorities and complete the mission. - Committed … to the mission and each other, fostering a community of excellence. - Professional/respectful … remain calm, even when others are not… count on each other at all times, treating everyone with dignity and respect.
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http://www.army.mil/jbmhh
Caption This
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BY
SGT. ALVIN WILLIAMS JR.
Caption This #15
If you’ve ever looked at a photo, read the caption underneath and thought you could do better, now is your chance. Each week, “Caption This” will have a photo taken from around the base. It’s up to you to figure out the best, funniest or craziest caption that describes what’s going on in the picture. The only rule is you have to KEEP IT CLEAN! “Caption This” submissions can be sent either by emailing them to pentagramjbmhh@yahoo.com, commenting on our Facebook page www.facebook. com/jbmhh or just stopping by Headquarters Bldg. 59, suite 116 and dropping it off. Don’t forget to add the “Caption This” number, your name, rank or position and where you work. Every week the Pentagram staff will pick their favorite. The winner’s name, caption along with the photo, will be printed in the newspaper. Compete with your friends and coworkers and see who can come up with the best one. And if you have a photo you think would make a great “Caption This,” send it in.
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 Friday 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.
Caption This #14 “Captain, let me show you how this is done.” - Larry Woosley
Editorial staff Commander Command Sergeant Major Director of Public Affairs Command Information Officer
Col. Fern O. Sumpter Earlene Y. Lavender Mary Ann Hodges Sharon Walker
Pentagram staff Editor Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Photographer
Jim Goodwin Rhonda Apple Julia LeDoux Jim Dresbach Guv Callahan Rachel Larue
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Community
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Cody Child Development Center helps kids, families get fit By Julia LeDoux Pentagram Staff Writer
Cody Child Development Center welcomed dozens of kids and their parents to a day of family fun and fitness April 26. Various fitness stations were set up outside the CDC on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base, and a disc jockey played music at the start line to pump up participants as they made their way around the circuit. “It’s really fun,” said Christine Crawford, who participated in the event with her husband, Maj. Dan Crawford of the National Guard Bureau and daughters Allison, 5 and Clara, 8. Allison and Clara attend the CDC and Christine and Dan were recently discussing ways to
work a monthly fitness day into the family’s schedule. “I saw this event and signed us up,” said Christine with a smile. “We’re into stuff like this,” added Dan. At the first station, participants completed 20 jumping jacks. Station two featured 10 plyometric jumps, followed by 20 sit ups/crunches at station three. Balance was the name of the game at station four, where participants were asked to do an airplane/balance stick for 20 seconds. Station five featured cobras for 20 seconds, followed by five crab kicks on each leg at station six. A 20-second plank was called for at station seven, followed by 10 burpees at station eight to finish the event.
“We came just to have some fun, to get some fitness in and for her to have some fun and run around,” said Air Force Lt. Col Kim Black, who attended the event with her daughter, Kenna, 3. JBM-HH Command Sgt. Maj. Earlene Y. Lavender was also on hand, helping participants navigate the course. “It’s a great event for the entire family,” she said. Participants were given a “passport to fitness” booklet and, after completing each station, received a stamp next to the station in the booklet. Those who completed all the stations received a goody bag at the end of the event. See accompanying photos on page 7.
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RACHEL LARUE
Shannon Coolbaugh, center, and her son Tobin, 3, try one of the workout stations with Jalessa Robinson, right, during Family, Fitness and Fun Day at the Cody Child Development Center on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall April 26. During the event, there was a 1-mile course with various workout stations.
Historic crossing at the Rappahannock commemorated By Leah Rubalcaba JBM-HH Community Relations Officer
Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall’s Commander, Col. Fern O. Sumpter, served as keynote speaker April 26 at a ceremony commemorating the 150th anniversary of the United States Colored Troops crossing the Rappahannock River in Culpeper, Va., in May of 1864. The ceremony took place next to the exact location by the river where the U.S. Colored Troops, members of the 4th Division, 9th Corps, crossed and entered Culpeper as part of Gen. Ulysses S. Grant’s Overland Campaign. This historic event marked the first time colored troops joined the Union Army’s main fighting force and helped lead the fight for freedom during the closing engagements of the Civil War. The ceremony began with the presentation of the colors by a color guard unit from the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard). Dressed in their traditional ceremonial uniforms, they marched through the audience in stark contrast to the period Civil War uniforms and dresses worn by re-enactors from the 23rd Regiment U.S. Colored Troops, the 54th Massachusetts Regiment, and the Women of the American Civil War Era living history organizations in attendance. “I am forever grateful to the brave men of the U.S. Colored Troops … Soldiers who blazed a trail for all African-Americans serving today,” said
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LEAH RUBACALBA
Members of the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) present the colors at a ceremony, April 26 commemorating the 150th anniversary of the United States Colored Troops crossing the Rappahannock River into Culpeper, Va., in May of 1864. Master of Ceremonies, Howard Lambert (right), is co-founder of the African American Heritage see RIVER, page 7 Alliance of Virginia and also appeared in the 1989 movie, “Glory.”
Bench-press competition gains popularity By Jim Dresbach Pentagram Staff Writer
The entry numbers continue to grow when Marine Corps Community Service Henderson Hall’s Semper Fit staff announces a bench-press competition. For the second weight-lifting exhibition, 14 men and seven women took to the bench and barbell at Cpl. Terry L. Smith Gymnasium April 25. The number of women entered nearly quadrupled from the first competition, which was held Jan. 10. “When I saw the numbers, I was definitely excited that we had more women,” said Cliff Holcomb, Headquarters and Service BattalionHenderson Hall facility manager. The women’s winners were Megan Cummings, master’s category; the lightweight title was claimed by Denises Veitia and the female heavyweight championship went to Keisha Lewis.
In addition to an increase in entries, the Semper Fit staff estimated an approximate crowd of 50 spectators, who watched and cheered friends and family at the event. “We have more competitors this time. As long as we stay consistent with the rules, we’ll have more people coming in and either take part in their first competition or try to best their previous lifts,” said Recreation Manager Rudy McGriff. Eight classes were filled with lifters and Marine Staff Sgt. Matt Reep claimed a pair of first place finishes, while Tony Hawkins (lightweight), Eric Corbin (heavyweight) and welterweight return competitor Cedric Reed earned competition titles. “The first [competition], that was my first-ever [weight-lifting] meet. I didn’t know exactly what to expect,” PHOTO BY RACHEL LARUE Reed said. “I think there was more Army Spc. Keisha Lewis participates in the bench-press competition in the Cpl. Terry networking to get the word out about L. Smith Gymnasium on the Henderson Hall portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall this competition.” April 25. Lewis won first place in the women’s heavyweight category.
Twilight Tattoo and The U.S. Army Band schedule for May 2014 May 3 at 12 p.m.: The U.S. Army Band Downrange will perform at the Virginia Gateway Shopping Center in Gainesville, Va. Enjoy an afternoon with The U.S. Army Band’s energetic and dynamic party band. This group’s unique musical interpretations of tunes from the Beatles, Stevie Wonder, Earth Wind and Fire, Katy Perry, Keith Urban, John Legend, and other popular artists of the ‘80s, ‘90s, 2000s, and today, will have you dancing in the streets! May 4 at 2 p.m.: The U.S. Army Woodwind Quintet presents a delightful mixture of light classical repertoire at the Women’s Club of Chevy Chase, Md. May 8 at 6 p.m.: In 2014, we celebrate 10 years since the dedication of the National World War II Memorial. Thanks to the support and commitment of many, the Memorial now stands as a lasting reminder of the nation’s enduring gratitude to our “Greatest Generation” who - through sacrifice, valor, dedication and determination - preserved our freedom, saved this nation, and literally saved the world. Join the U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” for an early-evening concert of patriotic favorites to honor these heroes in this hallowed space. May 9 at 8 p.m.: The U.S. Army Field Band and Soldiers’ Chorus are scheduled to perform a concert in the Lisner Auditorium at George
Washington University in Washington, D.C. Join the U.S. Army Field Band and Soldiers’ Chorus as they tell the story of America’s Army. Together, the Concert Band and Soldiers’ Chorus offer one of the most diverse programs by any concert ensemble, featuring marches and patriotic favorites, orchestral masterworks, new works for band, a capella vocal arrangements, Broadway musicals, opera, and much more. The concert is free, but tickets are required. All tickets are now available on The U.S. Army Field Band website at www.ArmyFieldBand.com. Simply click the “get tickets” button under the schedule tab and enter the amount you would like. The Lisner Auditorium at George Washington University is located at 730 21st Street N.W. Washington, D.C. For more information, please call 202-994-6800. 2014 Twilight Tattoo dates (subject to change): May 7, 14, 21, 28 June 4, 11, 18, 25 July 9, 16, 23, 30 August 6, 13, 20 All performances are free and open to the public, unless otherwise noted. This schedule is subject to change without prior notice. All outdoor concerts are subject to cancellation or location change due to weather considerations. Please 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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Sailor killed in Norfolk shooting buried at ANC By Jim Dresbach Pentagram Staff Writer
At an April 7 Naval Station Norfolk memorial service for Master-at-Arms Second Class Mark A. Mayo, U.S. Navy Chaplain Commander Denis Cox stated that “It is good, fitting and proper that he will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery.” That day came April 25. The Department of the Army shared its Arlington National Cemetery soil for the burial of Mayo, a member of the Naval Station Norfolk security detachment who was fatally wounded after he placed himself between a fellow Sailor and an armed assailant March 24. Preceding the Section 60 burial, Mayo was posthumously awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal during a private ceremony at the cemetery.
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At Mayo’s gravesite, Cox spoke again and reminded those in attendance of the selfless act Mayo performed that March evening. “Every heart here today knows of the sacrifice Mark Mayo made that day,” Cox said. “When he raised his hand and took that oath, he knew he may have to
Leadership, from page 1 uniform policy panels, the largest of which consisted of some 200 female Soldiers and was led by an African-American female Soldier. “Regarding hairstyles, their guidance was to be consistent with the other services and to set a standard which could not be used to create a faddish or other unauthorized hairstyle,” Conner said. “The regulations for women’s hairstyles in AR 670-1 were created by a panel of your peers - women Soldiers.” Conner told the audience that once the Army Uniform Policy Board received formal requests for review, in addition to hairstyles, other grooming standards were also under review. In addition to hair grooming standards, Conner engaged attendees with examples of other correct and incorrect grooming standards, including fingernails, cosmetics, jewelry, tattoos, ear piercing, sunglasses, backpacks and handbags, umbrellas and other policy changes. The session echoed sentiments by the Sergeant Major of the Army, Raymond F. Chandler III, about the revised standards, who called on all Soldiers to “revisit training on standards and discipline” during a recently released public service announcement Advocate, from page 1 rate from prosecuting attorneys. Whereas prosecutors seek justice and want to secure a conviction, the Marine Victim Legal Counsel (VLC) are there to protect the rights of a victim throughout the judiciary process. “We are the third party coming into the courtroom saying, ‘Your honor, we do not believe the prior sexual behavior of this individual is relevant in this case,’ or ‘We do not believe that the prior medical records relating to this victim at a time when she was only 3 years old are relevant to this case, and we want to be heard,’” Joyce said. VLCs also work with commanding officers on behalf of victims regarding how to proceed once an allegation has been made. The lawyers advise victims on the consequences of transferring to different posts and help commanders handle any collateral offenses that may have occurred during an alleged assault. For instance, if a victim was drinking underage at the time of an assault, the VLC would work to make sure that the offense was handled appropriately but didn’t overshadow the case. “Too many times victims believe that if they did something wrong, then nobody’s going to believe them with regards to the offense,” Joyce said. “VLCs can get them past that.” Under the DoD mandate, the military services were ordered to establish their own organizations to provide legal service to sexual assault victims. While other branches have more limited requirements for victims to be eligible for these legal services, the Marine Corps VLCO helps victims of sexual assault and other crimes, as well as victims who are under 18 years of age. “We wanted to make it so that any crime victim would know they could go to us,” Joyce said. The VLCO has taken 314 cases
BY JIM
DRESBACH
The family of U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Mark A. Mayo (right) follows his flag-draped casket to his eventual gravesite at Arlington National Cemetery April 25.
make the ultimate sacrifice.” Following a rifle volley salute, the playing of taps and flag presentations to Mayo’s parents, family members concluded the ceremony with the release of doves into the Arlington sky. Mayo was born in Washington, D.C., and grew up in Hagerstown, Md.
on the Center for the Army Profession and Ethic website. “Our Army has always prided itself on military appearance, its uniforms and proper grooming,” said Chandler. “These changes support that commitment. Each of us must ensure we not only know the regulations, but also the underlying reasons for their implementation. By doing so, we can better understand why they play such an important part in our Army profession.” Additionally, Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel has directed the service secretaries and military chiefs to review their respective grooming standards, according to Rear Adm. John Kirby, the Defense Department’s press secretary, during a briefing to reporters at the Pentagon April 29. “During the next three months, each service will review their hairstyle policies as they pertain to African-American women to ensure standards are fair and respectful of our diverse force, while also meeting our military service’s requirements,” said Kirby. “After he [Hagel] gets these reviews, after a thorough review of the service recommendations, he will make whatever appropriate adjustments to DoD policy are necessary.”
since Nov. 1, 2013. According to Joyce, roughly 60 percent of those have been sexual assault cases. According to Pentagon data from earlier this year, there were 5,400 reports of sexual assault in the military in 2013, compared to 3,374 in 2012. The numbers are unofficial, taken from a report containing data on sexual assaults involving military personnel in and out of uniform and from before they entered the military. The annual sexual assault report will be published later this year. “[DoD officials] directed us to stand up these organizations because we weren’t taking care of our own,” Joyce said. These services are available to active duty and reserve component servicemembers, as well as dependents, retirees and some civilian federal employees. “[VLCs] are there to instill confidence in the victim, to move forward on a case and know that there’s someone there to speak on their behalf,” Joyce said. “When they [victims] want to exercise their right, clearly they’re more empowered with an attorney.” As the new SARC on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base, King will oversee a team of victim advocates who will act as another support system for victims of sexual assault. King began on JBM-HH on April 7. She previously served in Europe as the Sexual Harrassment/Assault and Prevention (SHARP) coordinator for Bavaria and Franconia, stationed on U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria in Grafenwoehr, Germany. King has experience as a victim advocate, a sexual assault response coordinator and a program coordinator. She has covered seven installations and managed 23 SARCs and more than 160 victim advocates. She has personally overseen more
News Notes News Notes, from page 1 Wine festival May 3 The Vineyard Wine and Spirits will hold its 6th annual spring wine festival, Henderson Hall Uncorked, May 3 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Vendors will be present to provide tastings of over 100 wines. Door prizes will be awarded. New this year, stop by the “Kentucky Derby tent.” For more information, visit www.mccsHH.com or call 703-979-8420. Construction to start on Bldg. 12 Construction will start on the Marine and Family Program building, Bldg. 12, on the Henderson Hall portion of the joint base. The project will add over 900 feet of space to the front of the building. Patrons are asked to be careful entering and exiting the parking lot due to the construction adjacent to the driveway and to obey all signage in and around the construction site. Construction will begin between May 5-9. Any concerns may be addressed to Marine Corps Community Services Operations at 571-4831947. MCX opening early weekdays The Marine Corps Exchange will open at 7 a.m. weekdays beginning May 5 for patrons’ shopping convenience. Weekend hours remain the same, Saturdays 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, visit www.mccsHH.com or call 703-979-8420. Sign up for the Home Run Derby Registration is now open for the Home Run Derby scheduled for June 6 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the softball field. Register through June 3 online at www.mccsHH.com/SmithGym.html. Complete rules are available online. Prizes will be awarded to the top three challengers. Spectators are welcome to cheer. Free hotdogs while supplies last. For more information, call 703-696-4730. Iwo Jima 7k race registration now open Registration is open for the Iwo Jima 7k race, to be held May 21 at 6:30 a.m. Awards and gift certificates will be presented to the top three overall finishers, male and female. Details and a link to registration are at www.mccsHH.com. Conversion from heating to air conditioning The Directorate of Public Works is conducting the annual change-over from heating to air conditioning throughout JBM-HH for the upcoming summer season. All facilities should have their air conditioning system operating properly by May 5. In general, heat and air conditioning emergencies are defined as instances in which indoor temperatures are below 55 degrees or above 90 degrees. If you have such an emergency, call 703-696-3263/6465. For additional information, call 703-696-3820. Auto skills center closure The auto skills center, located in Bldg. 227 on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base, will be closed through May 6. For more information, call 703-6963387.
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RACHEL LARUE
U.S. Marine Corps Col. Carol K. Joyce, officer in charge of the Corps’ Victims’ Legal Counsel Organization, poses for a photograph in her office on the Henderson Hall portion of Joint Base MyerHenderson Hall April 9. The VLCO started taking cases Nov. 1, 2013.
than 40 cases. As the SARC for JBM-HH, King coordinates support for survivors with their victim advocates and with the SHARP partners – that could be criminal investigation command, medical, behavioral health and more, she said. But at day’s end, King’s primary duty is to help victims. “When SHARP came on board, I fought to be part of the program,” she said. “I like to help people and I feel that that’s in my wheelhouse to assist others. And to help the survivor of a sexual assault find that new normal and get back to a place where they feel that they’ve regained some sense of control … that speaks to me.” To contact the Marine Corps’ VLCO in the National Capital Region on Marine Corps Base Quantico, call 703-784-4514. To contact the 24-hour SHARP hotline on the Fort Myer and Fort McNair portions of the joint base, call 202-498-4009. See page 2 for more information on Yolanda King.
Sunrise photo opportunity at ANC As part of the celebration of Flickr’s 10th birthday, Arlington National Cemetery will host a sunrise photo shoot at the cemetery May 4 from 5 to 7 a.m. The event is free and open to the public. Register online at http://www.arlington cemetery. mil/Events/Calendar.aspx. Select May 4 #Flickr10 Photo Walk. This is an opportunity for both professional and amateur photographers to capture the cemetery at sunrise. There will be two vantage points to capture sunrise photos: The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Memorial Amphitheater and the flag pole in front of Arlington House. Participants must select a location to capture the sunrise. Raising resilient children A positive parenting program seminar on raising resilient children will be held May 5 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in Bldg. 12’s conference room on the Henderson Hall portion of the joint base. Topics to be covered include recognizing and accepting feelings, building a positive outlook, developing coping skills and dealing with stressful life events. To register or for more information, call 703-614-7206. Registration closes May 5. Transparenting This two-part seminar, set for May 5 and 12 from 9 to 11 a.m., is designed to provide parents who are separated and divorced with the tools to ensure that they are able to continue supporting and encouraging their children despite the breakup of the family unit. You must attend both sessions, to be held at the Army Community Service classroom in Bldg. 201 on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base, to receive a certificate of completion. Registration is required. For questions, call 703-696-3512. Java Café: new look, menu, hours The Java Café on the Henderson Hall portion of JBM-HH offers expanded seating, additional menu items, and, by customer request, longer hours beginning May 5. The café sports a new look, with seating see NEWS NOTES, page 5
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News Notes expanded into the MCX. New offerings include healthy snack trays, vegan and vegetarian options, warm sandwiches and a salad topping bar to complete a bowl of romaine or spring mix. The Java Café extends operating hours to weekdays 7 a.m. – 4 p.m., Saturdays 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Sundays 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. A Grand Refresh Celebration begins with a ribbon-cutting May 5, at 9 a.m. For details, visit www.mccsHH.com/JavaCafe.html. Outdoor play group This playgroup is designed for preschool age children to provide time for play, physical activity and socialization for parents. It meets May 5, 12, 19 and 26 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Virginia Highlands Park, 1600 South Hayes Street, Arlington, Va., by the restrooms, weather permitting. Pre-registration is encouraged. For questions, call 703-696-3512. Lunch and learn Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation will host three lunch and learn sessions in May. The sessions will focus on smart phone tutorials. Sessions are May 7, 14 and 21 and are held from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Spates Community Club on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base. For more information, or to register, email patricia.m.jacobs@ us.army.mil. Indoor play group This groups offers play, songs and story time for preschool children up to 5 years old. It meets May 7, 14, 21 and 28 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at Sequoia Plaza, third floor, 2100 Washington Blvd., in Arlington. Enhance children’s social and cognitive skills while parents support each other through sharing ideas, parenting experiences, concerns and information. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. For more info, call 703-696-3512. Executive level resilience course Command teams, senior noncommissioned officers (E-7 and above), senior Department of the Army civilians and military spouses in the Military District of Washington are invited to attend a Comprehensive Soldier and Family Fitness executive level resilience course May 7 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Bldg. 405 on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base. The CSF2 program mission is to improve the physical and psychological health and resilience and enhance the performance of Soldiers, their families and DA civilians. To RSVP, contact Azusa Johnson at 703-696-
8163 or via email at azusa.t.johnson.civ@mail.mil or Master Sgt. David Yomes at 703-696-8165 or david.m.yomes.mil@mail.mil.
hands-on demonstrations as well as tables with information available. For more information, call 703-696-0828.
Prostate cancer support group meets The prostate cancer support group meets at Fort Belvoir Community Hospital the second Tuesday of every month. The next meeting will be May 8 from 1 to 2 p.m. and 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the urology clinic, Sunrise Pavilion, second floor. Spouses/ partners are invited. For more information, contact retired Col. Jane Hudak at 301-319-2918/2900 or email jane.l.hudak.ctr@health.mil.
Slice of summer golf tournament Get in on the JBM-HH slice of summer golf tournament May 16 at 2 p.m. at the Fort Belvoir Gunston golf course. Format will be four-person teams playing a best ball. Individual player registration is $70. Team registration (four players) is $280 per team. Awards will be given based on the group or team’s overall score. See what’s included in registration feels and get more information at: www.jbmhhmwr.com.
Your personality communicates This training is designed to help you develop a better understanding of your personality; provide tools to enhance communication skills and tips for overcoming personality challenges. The training takes place May 8 from 1:30 to 4 p.m. at the community activities center. Bldg. 405 on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base. Each participant will receive an individual personality assessment and training materials. Registration is requested. For questions, call 703-696-3512. Survival skills 101 Missing the tools to survive in this world? In this 4-part series, held May 8, 15, 22 and 29 from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. in Bldg. 201 on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base, you will learn how to use your strengths to improve your personal and professional life. Lean how to manage difficult emotions; effectively communicate with others; and enhance conflict resolution skills. Registration is required. For more information, call 703-696-3512. Screen on the green Henderson Hall’s family readiness office announces its next family movie night at Marine Barracks Washington D.C. Sign up today at http:// www.signupgenius.com. Scroll down and select Henderson Hall Family and complete your registration. Bus transportation will be available from Henderson Hall to the Barracks. Email the family readiness officer to reserve a spot on the bus. Fortyfive spots are available. Safety day JBM-HH will host, in coordination with the 3d Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), its annual safety day May 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Summerall Field. This free event is open to the entire joint base community. There will be many
Cruising
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BY JIM
DRESBACH
Face of America bicyclists cruise past Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall’s Brucker Hall during a 110-mile excursion from Arlington to Gettysburg April 26. More than 500 wounded warriors teamed with active-duty servicemembers and emergency response workers and pedaled the two-day course through the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia.
Take-back
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RACHEL LARUE
From left, Army Substance Abuse Program Prevention Coordinator George Suber, Employee Assistance Program Manager Carol Frazelle and Andrew Rader U.S. Army Health Clinic pharmacy non-commissioned officer in charge Sgt. Stuart Arnett collect unwanted, unused and expired prescription and non-prescription medications outside of the commissary on Joint Base MyerHenderson Hall April 25. The collection was part of National Drug Take-Back Day, in which communities organized take-back programs to collect medications. 1036469B
Volunteers needed for TAPS good grief camp The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors is in need of volunteers for this year’s TAPS good grief camp supporting children of fallen military members over the Memorial Day weekend. Each mentor will be matched with a child who has lost a loved one while serving in the military. The camp will be held over the Memorial Day weekend and there is mandatory training prior to the camp on May 21 and 22. For more information about the camp and volunteer requirements, log onto www.taps.org/GGCMentors or call 1-800-9598277. Presidential Support Battery conducting crew drills The Old Guard’s Presidential Support Battery will conduct crew drills, which include the firing of blank rounds, every Tuesday morning from 7 to 8 a.m. at Arlington National Cemetery. This is a recurring event that will occur weekly unless mission needs dictate otherwise. Call 703-696-3290 for more information.
Policy regarding news notes submissions: News notes submissions must be less than 100 words, contain all pertinent details — to include the five “W’s” — as well as a point of contact, phone number and/or website for additional information. Further, news notes must be submitted no later than noon, Wednesdays, for consideration for publication in that week’s Pentagram. Priority will be given to those announcements of events and deadlines occurring during the publication week. Please send your news notes to the Pentagram at pentagramjbmhh@yahoo.com.
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ACAP, MCCS offers financial planning By Rhonda Apple Pentagram Staff Writer
Editor’s Note: This is the first article in a series about ACAP financial-related services and other programs beneficial to our servicemembers. Financial planning today, whether through a monthly budget or longterm investment, can be vital to longterm success, such as retirement. The Army Career and Alumni Program, or ACAP, on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall offers seminars, workshops and one-on-one financial counseling for servicemembers and their spouses. In fact, the ACAP office on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base caters to outgoing servicemembers by providing free services. “This office caters to a unique demographic,” said Carlos Rodriquez, ACAP transition services manager.
“Servicemembers come here because [they know] we care about them. They will feel comfortable sitting with our financial counselor and talking privately and freely.” ACAP provides a five-day Armymandated Department of Labor transition assistance program workshop to help Soldiers and their spouses prepare for life beyond the service, whether they are ending their enlistments or retiring from a military career. The five-day workshop is divided into sections, covering topics on individual transition plan, job-seeking strategies, networking, resume building, interviewing techniques and financial planning. Angel Love, financial counselor, provides five hours of financial training PHOTO BY PETTY OFFICER 2ND CLASS LATUNYA HOWARD the first day of each transition assis- A Naval Support Activity Mid-South Sailor takes a moment to decide which credit card tance workshop held on the Fort Myer to use to complete his purchase at the local commissary. see FINANCIAL, page 9
JBM-HH Tax Center closes out busy year By Julia LeDoux Pentagram Staff Writer
The efforts of the Soldiers and volunteers who staffed the Joint Base MyerHenderson Hall Tax Center were lauded during an April 30 ceremony at Bldg. 205 on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base. Maj. Gen. Jeffrey S. Buchanan, commanding general of Joint Force Headquarters-Military District of Washington, noted the center filed 2,681 tax returns this year, the most prepared at the facility since 2004. “When you look at this year’s work, more than 2,600 returns [were filed and] saved more than $300,000 in tax return fees, you got $2.7 million back in refunds,” said Buchanan. “Our country’s built on the ability to collect taxes and it funds our salaries, frankly, so it’s an important function that you do.
But when we overpay, then people ought to get their money back and you helped them do that.” The facility provided cost-free federal and state income tax return preparation and e-filing for military personnel, their families and other eligible clients throughout the 2014 tax season. It was manned by nine active duty soldiers from JBM-HH and throughout the National Capital Region as well as seven civilian volunteers who received a week of IRS volunteer income tax assistance training at Fort Belvoir. Receiving the Army Achievement Medal were: Staff Sgt. Emily Ross of The United States Army Band; Spc. John Russell of 12th Aviation Battalion; Sgt. Ryan Lambert, Spcs. Russell Gibson, Andrew Carlston and Derrick Allen, all see TAX, page 9
Commentary: Finding light through darkness By Senior Airman Dennis Sloan Joint Base Charleston Public Affairs
Keeping a secret that defines you, that has shaped your life for nearly three years now and is sure to shape the rest, a secret that you go to sleep with every night and wake to every morning is sometimes hard to keep trapped inside. I could probably go my entire life without revealing the sad truth that I was raped, but to stay silent is to allow individuals who prey upon the innocent to flourish. Exactly one day after photographing Airmen proudly marching through the streets of a city receiving joyous responses and unanimous support for their sacrifice of service to the United States of America, I was sexually assaulted by a male Airman. That secret is one that took me nearly a year to even reveal to my mother and I have yet to reveal to the majority of my family or friends. The Airmen I serve alongside everyday have no idea that I’m a victim of sexual assault, until now. Some people may wonder why I would reveal my story in such a public forum, and the truth is I hope this story reaches a person, a son, a friend or even an Airman who has been sexually assaulted, and it allows them some peace in knowing they are not alone no matter how dark their day may seem. In my case, I reported my assault within a matter of days because I knew if I buried the truth it would overcome me and the result would be fatal. I initially filed a restricted report, but once I gained strength and understanding of my situation I then filed an unrestricted report. After being sexually assaulted, many victims,
including myself, are very confused about the situation and blame themselves for what happened. Large amounts of alcohol, isolation and subduing played a huge factor in my sexual assault. You can imagine waking to this reality the next morning as if it were a nightmare, but this nightmare was real and would continue to play over and over again in my head for months following the assault. Filing an unrestricted report opened me up to a world of re-victimization. The Office of Special Investigations called me within hours of filing my unrestricted report to conduct an interview. The interview consisted of me recounting my sexual assault down to the minutest detail. I understood the interview must be done to gather evidence to potentially bring the perpetrator to justice, but no matter how many people warned me of that interview, I could never have been prepared. I am not discouraging victims from filing an unrestricted report, but they shouldn’t walk in blindly. Reliving one’s experience is painful. Yet, by involving law enforcement, you just might prevent another sexual assault. The effects of my sexual assault, filing an unrestricted report and knowing the perpetrator was still at the base I lived on started to pour into my work. Less than six months prior to my assault I was chosen by my office to sit in front of the Below the Zone board with the intent to achieve the rank of senior airman well before others because of my dedication to service and my craft. You can imagine how strange it may seem to leadership that an Airman who was considered one of the best in an office could all of a sudden change. There was a large amount of misunderstanding
Blog: Giving back
PHOTO
BY
SENIOR AIRMAN GEORGE GOSLIN
Senior Airman Dennis Sloan walks on the flightline April 5 at Joint Base Charleston, S.C. A victim of sexual assault, Sloan says his passion for photography keeps him breathing and offers solace from his otherwise painful memories. April was National Sexual Assault and Prevention Awareness Month.
between me and my office. I was not willing to reveal my situation to them and in return it left them with little knowledge of why I was not performing as well, coming in late and almost not there, in a sense, even when I was. I struggled to find sleep every night and even when I did I would wake hourly from a dream relating to my sexual assault. When I would try and do my job my mind was always replaying the incident over and over again. I became isolated and constantly worried people knew about my situation, which caused me a great deal of anxiety. I cannot lie, I did think about suicide for some time, but it never came to that thankfully. One day while photographing the flying squadron at my base I had what I call a moment of clarity. I spent the majority of the day photographing Airmen see COMMENTARY, page 10
By Lance Cpl. Eric Keenan Defense Media Activity
Numb lips, cold body, dizzy and drowsy — sprawled out on a pale blue, cushioned, medical cot. My arms lay outwards at my sides, a large, beeping, metal box extracts my blood from one arm and deposits cool fluid back into the other with its tubular tentacles. Feeling like a test animal, I wait. Slightly uneasy from my vein repeatedly being violated by a sharp needle in attempts to make the blood flow, an eternity seems to pass at a snail’s pace while I nervously and cautiously scan the room. I am careful not to so much as turn or move my arms a fraction of an inch. The portable movie player that lies in my lap displays a menu screen after a movie finished. It’s been three hours, a digital screen reads 9:35 p.m., as I shift my sight from the screen to the machine extracting, pumping and separating the different variants to my blood. A Red Cross worker walks over to my cot, holding a little basket of doctorlike tools, “Almost done, Eric,” she says. Finally done with the process of donating platelets, I stand, stumble and make my way over to a table with various snacks. I am light-headed and woozy, like a meat bag of a boxer after 12 rounds in the ring. This seemingly arduous and morbidly discouraging event wasn’t my first and certainly won’t be my last. I try to donate platelets on my off-time at least once a month. A small needle prick, a movie and a stack of snacks are a small price to pay, even for the most
needle-wary person, to aid those in need. Platelets are one of the three major cells within blood. They make blood clot, preventing excessive bleeding, and are often needed and in high demand for cancer, thrombocytopenic and many other patients. At the American Red Cross, donors choose a movie from a large selection, lies on a comfortable cot with a blanket to prevent getting cold and relax for about three hours while their blood is separated. Apheresis is the process in which blood is drawn from the donor and separated by a machine into its different components, retaining the platelets and returning the red blood cells and a liquid solution into their body. The liquid see BLOG, page 9
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Kids, family & fun Face painting was one of many activities children could participate in during the 7th Annual Children’s Fair at the Henderson Hall portion of Joint Base MyerHenderson Hall April 26. The fair, hosted by Marine Corps Community Services, featured kid-friendly activities, including games, face painting, a toddler climbing area, a treasure hunt, and moon bounces. Meanwhile, dozens of kids and parents learned about and participated in a Family, Fun and Fitness event at the Cody Child Development Center on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base. Both events were part of on-going recognition of the Month of the Military Child. PHOTOS
BY
SGT. ALVIN WILLIAMS JR.
Children play at the “Giant Bubble” station during the 7th Annual Children’s Fair at the Henderson Hall portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall April 26.
A gekko high-fives a child during the 7th Annual Children’s Fair at the Henderson Hall portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall April 26.
River, from page 3 Sumpter during her remarks, citing the fact that she is the first AfricanAmerican female commander of the joint base. Sumpter, a native of Boston, shared the inspiration she drew during her Army career from the Soldiers of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment, the first African-American unit established in the Union Army. These troops trained at Camp Meigs, the location of Boston’s West Roxbury neighborhood, where Sumpter spent her teenage and young adult years. “When I think of those brave and proud African-Americans who volunteered for the Union Army … to fight for their right for freedom … so full of hope… I am honored to call Boston home,” said Sumpter. Sumpter also drew correlations to Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Civil War anniversaries, from the founding of Fort Myer as Fort Whipple in 1863, one of 70 fortifications built to protect the federal city of Washington during the war, to the military tribunal held in the federal penitentiary, now the site of Fort McNair, in 1864 – held to try those who conspired to assassinate President Abraham Lincoln, the man who freed the slaves. Other ceremony remarks included those by Zann Nelson, co-founder of the African American Heritage Alliance of Virginia, who brought to life the memory of some of the local men from Culpeper who volunteered to fight in the Civil War as members of the U.S. Colored Troops. By reading their names out loud and saying something about each man, Nelson personalized their fight for freedom. “These men left Culpeper as slaves and returned as proud Union Soldiers,” said Nelson. The ceremony included Civil War-era musical selections sung by members of the Antioch Baptist Church choir of Culpeper, the laying of a wreath of flowers and a volley of musket fire shot by reenactors from the 23rd Regiment U.S. Colored Troops. Taps was played by Sgt. 1st Class Todd Taylor, bugler with The U.S. Army Band, “Pershing’s Own.” TOP: Civil War re-enactors fire rifles in salute during a ceremony April 26 commemorating the 150th anniversary of the U.S. Colored Troops crossing the Rappahannock River in Culpeper, Va., in May of 1864. The ceremony took place next to the exact location by the river where the U.S. Colored Troops crossed and entered Culpeper as part of Gen. Ulysses S. Grant’s Overland Campaign, marking the first time colored troops joined the Union Army’s main fighting force and helping lead the fight for freedom during the closing engagements of the Civil War. BOTTOM: Lilian Garland, impersonating former slave-turned civic activist and confidante of Mary Todd Lincoln Elizabeth Keckley, poses for a photograph at a ceremony April 26 commemorating the 150th anniversary of the U.S. Colored Troops crossing the Rappahannock River in Culpeper, Va., in May of 1864.
PHOTOS
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LEAH RUBALCABA
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Salute, from page 1 reason that they love their country and have a deep respect for those who serve and for their families who stand by them,” said Odierno. “We are indebted to each and every one of you, and tonight, we are proud to salute you.” Following the award ceremony, a special Twilight Tattoo was performed featuring Soldiers from the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) and The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own.” Audience members experienced a glimpse into American history through performances by the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, and the U.S. Army Drill Team. The Twilight Tattoo is hosted every Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall. These events are free and open to the public. (Left to right) Mike Duke, former Wal-Mart CEO; Cheryl Jensen, Vail Veterans Program founder and executive director; Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, 38th Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army; Dr. Barbara Van Dahlen, Give an Hour Program founder and Roger Goodell, National Football Foundation commissioner stand for a photo during a special Twilight Tattoo called ‘Salute from the Chief,’ in Conmy Hall, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, April 28.
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SPC. CODY W. TORKELSON
White to accept medal of honor in memory of comrades By J.D. Leipold Army News Service
Former Army Sgt. Kyle J. White said that when he accepts the Medal of Honor from President Barack Obama at the White House May 13, he will do so in honor of the five Soldiers and one Marine “who gave their lives in the defense of freedom and the American way of life.” White spoke at a press conference April 24 at the National Guard Center in Charlotte, N.C., near where he now lives. White was 20 when he deployed to Afghanistan. On Nov. 9, 2007, his 14-man unit and squad of Afghan soldiers were brutally ambushed on three sides by Taliban fighters on a path descending from the village of Aranas into a valley. “On May 13th when I’m awarded the Medal of Honor, I will tell their stories and preserve their memories… they
will not be forgotten,” the now27-year-old Seattle native told the press and bloggers. “Their sacrifice and the sacrifices of so many others are what motivate me to wake up each and every day to be the best I can. Everything I do in my life is done to make them proud.” White was asked how strong the memory of the battle is now, after almost seven years, during which time he attained a bachelor’s degree and became an investment analyst for a major bank. “I would say for the first couple of years, memories were more vivid than today. As time goes on certain things you think about it less and less, but at any given moment I can close my eyes and hear the sounds and smell the gunpowder in the air; but six and a half years later, I don’t think about it as much as I used to,” he said. He did share that there were
two things he can always visualize as if it were yesterday — when he looked up from applying a tourniquet to wounded Marine Sgt. Phillip Bocks to see then-Spc. Kain Schilling take an enemy round to his left leg. White rushed to his buddy and for the second time that day applied a second tourniquet to Schilling, the only one he had left, his own belt. White will receive the Medal of Honor for his disregard of his own life while trying to save the lives of a Marine and two fellow Soldiers. His team of 14 U.S. Soldiers and squad of Afghan National Army soldiers were set up and ambushed by a Taliban force, who engaged in a three-prong attack from elevated ground. He will become the seventh living recipient of the nation’s highest military decoration for conspicuous gallantry and valor during actions in Iraq or Afghanistan.
OFFICIAL
PHOTO COURTESY OF
U.S. ARMY
Former Army Sgt. Kyle J. White, shown here in an official portrait prior to his deployment to Afghanistan in 2007, said that when he accepts the Medal of Honor from President Barack Obama at the White House May 13, he will do so in honor of the five Soldiers and one Marine “who gave their lives in the defense of freedom and the American way of life.”
White House launches new tool for vets seeking jobs By Terri Moon Cronk American Forces Press Service
First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, recently launched the Veterans Employment Center, the first online one-stop shopping tool for veterans, transitioning servicemembers and spouses in search of employment. The announcement was made April 23 at a thirdanniversary celebration for their Joining Forces initiative at Fort Campbell, Ky. Joining Forces mobilizes all sectors of American society to support servicemembers, veterans and their families. The Veterans Employment Center is designed to connect veterans and transitioning service members with employers and help translate military skills into the public- and private-sector civilian workforce. “Our service members haven’t always had the time or information they needed to prepare their resumes, to plot their career goals, to meet with employers and get the jobs they deserve. And that’s simply not acceptable,” the first lady said. “As my husband has said, when you’ve fought for this country around the world, you shouldn’t have to fight for a job when you return home. “Starting today,” she continued, “every single
servicemember, every veteran, and every military family will have access to a new online tool that will revolutionize how you find jobs in both the public and private sectors.” The online tool is available at http://ebenefits. va.gov.
PHOTO
BY
CPL. STEPHEN D. HIMES
Lance Cpl. George Redhead crawls through the muddy water of the “pit-and-pond” section of the endurance course April 17 at Okinawa, Japan. A new federal program—the Veterans Employment Center—was recently announced by First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden as a new, online one-stop shopping tool for veterans and spouses in search of employment.
“Our servicemembers transitioning to civilian life, as well as their spouses, deserve the resources they need to be successful,” Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said in a White House news release. “Through this effort, they are getting that help. Our troops and their spouses are proven leaders, highly skilled and hard working. Employers hiring them are getting the best this nation has to offer.” The center is the result of an interagency effort to improve, simplify and consolidate the existing array of employment resources for veterans, officials said. It also will provide a single, comprehensive database of resumes for employers who seek to leverage the skills and talents of veterans, servicemembers and their spouses. The new online resource is the first interagency tool to bring together a wealth of public and private job opportunities, a resume-builder, military skills translator and detailed career and training resources. In connection with Joining Forces, DoD and the departments of Veterans Affairs, Labor and Education and the Office of Personnel Management worked with employers to design and develop the site and incorporate features of existing online employment tools within government. “Veterans deserve an authoritative source for connecting with employers,” said VA Secretary Eric K. Shinseki. “The online Veterans Employment Center see VETS, page 10
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Hagel orders review of grooming standards By Jim Garamone American Forces Press Service
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel informed members of the Congressional Black Caucus that he is ordering the military services to review grooming standards, particularly those for African-American women. Pentagon Press Secretary Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby said Hagel directed the deputy secretary of defense to work with the service secretaries and the military chiefs to review their respective policies. The admiral made the announcement during a Pentagon news conference April 29. Members of the caucus sent Hagel a letter in response to changes to Army Regulation 670-1, Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia. Members of the caucus are concerned the regulation is offensive and biased against women of color. In a response April 30, Hagel told members of the caucus that he has given the services 30 days to “review the definitions of authorized and prohibited hairstyles contained in each of their respective policies and revise any offensive language.” The services have 90 days to review their hairstyle policies as they pertain to African-American women “to ensure standards are fair and respectful of our diverse force, while also meeting our military services’ requirements,” Kirby said. “After a thorough review of the service recommendations, he will make whatever appropriate adjustments to DOD policy are necessary.” For more information about the services’ new grooming standards, see page 1. Financial, from page 6 portion of the joint base. “I teach a variety of topics unique to financial planning,” said Angel Love, JBM-HH ACAP’s financial counselor. In the workshops, all aspects of financial planning are covered, including developing a budget; creating a viable spending plan; credit score familiarity; determining salary after the military; transferring military skills and qualifications when negotiating salary; taxes; residential and cost of living decisions and many other issues. Upcoming retiring transition assistance seminars are scheduled May 5-9 or May 12-16 and June 9-13 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the ACAP Center, Bldg. 404. ETS TAP is scheduled June 2-6 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the ACAP Center, Bldg. 404. To register for the workshops, or for additional information, phone 703-6960973 or email acap.myer@serco-na.com. Headquarters and Service Battalion, Headquarters Marine Corps Henderson Hall also offers a transition readiness seminar through the personal and professional development branch of the Career Resource Management Center on the Henderson Hall portion of the joint base for Marines transitioning out of the service. The Career Resource Management Center offers financial planning services similar to those of ACAP. For dates and times of the seminar on the call 703-614-6828. For information about financial services offered on Henderson Hall, go to http://www.mccshh.com/ Finance.html, or contact Jim Murphy, financial counselor at 703-614-6950.
Quarterly awards
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BY
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Tax, from page 6 of the 3d Infantry Division (The Old Guard) and Pfc. Daniel Swarbrick of the 3d Infantry Division (The Old Guard). “You were able to pull this off because of your willingness to learn and make a difference,” Buchanan told the group. Officer-in-charge of the center Capt. Aaron Matthes and non-comPHOTO BY RACHEL LARUE missioned officer-in-charge Staff Soldiers who worked at the Fort Myer Sgt. David Loyal received Army portion tax center of Joint Base MyerCommendation Medals for their Henderson Hall this tax season received work. awards April 30. “I can’t say how many times a customer walked into my office and Matthes. “Fantastic job. Job well said this was an extremely profes- done.” Matthes also presented a plaque of sional tax center or one of the best tax centers they’ve been to through- appreciation to Loyal and to program out their time in the Army,” said coordinator Philip Jussel. Blog, from page 6 solution aids the return of red blood cells and keeps the donor hydrated, but often leaves him or her feeling a little cold. Due to reduced calcium in the body, many donors get numb lips, which is easily resolved by chewing on some Tums. I often have a guilty feeling that I could be doing more. I’m not deployed, haven’t been yet and might not be for a while, so volunteer work helps me feel like I earned my pay and like I am contributing somehow, someway. Donating platelets fulfills a prideful self-obligation to give back. My fellow Marines joke about how emotionless I sound, look and act on a regular basis. I can’t disagree or argue that, but I am compelled and often very passionate about volunteer work. If I have something to spare and someone is in need, why not give it?
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BY
SGT. SINTHIA ROSARIO
Having a solid financial plan is an important part of the transition from military to civilian life, whether servicemembers are separating from obligated service, or retiring after 20 or more years in the military.
RACHEL LARUE
Staff from the Operations and Maintenance Division Team (Public Works), pose for a photo with Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Commander Col. Fern O. Sumpter, left, and Command Sgt. Maj. Earlene Y. Lavender, right, during a quarterly awards ceremony April 24, in Spates Community Club.
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Vets, from page 8 is the single, federal source for veterans looking for new career opportunities, service members transitioning to the civilian workforce, and spouses and beneficiaries looking to connect with job opportunities.” With this tool, employers will be able to search and view veteran, servicemember and spouse resumes in one location. Resumes are visible to all employers with an active LinkedIn or Google profile. To prevent spam, applicants’ names and email addresses are redacted, and are visible only to employers verified by VA as registered companies with the IRS. The site also is built using open data and an open application programming interface to attract private-sector innovation. “Improving veterans’ employment is an all-hands-on-deck enterprise,” Labor Secretary Thomas Perez said. More than 1 million servicemembers projected to leave the military in the coming years. “OPM’s USAJobs program is excited to be partnering with the VA on making this a robust tool for our nation’s veterans and transitioning service members seeking federal employment,” said Office of Personnel Management Director Katherine Archuleta. “It has been more than four years since President Obama established the veterans employment initiative, and in that time, the executive branch hired the highest percentage of military veterans in more than 20 years –- of the 195,000 new employees hired in [fiscal year] 2012, approximately 56,000 were veterans, equaling 28.9 percent of total hires,” she added. “We can continue to honor and show our appreciation for the dedicated and heroic service of America’s veterans by ensuring that they have every opportunity to continue their service to this great nation as federal civilian employees, Archuleta said. “The veterans employment center helps us honor these men and women by making employment opportunities available when our servicemen and women lay down their uniforms.” At the Fort Campbell event, Biden noted the success of the military spouse employment partnership, which began in June 2011 with fewer than 60 companies. Today, she said, the partnership has 228 partner employers, more than 1.8 million jobs posted on the MSEP career portal, and more than 60,000 military spouse hires to its credit.
Commentary, from page 6 fixing engines, marshalling aircraft and everything in-between. It wasn’t until I returned to my dorm at night that I realized I had not thought once about my sexual assault or even the struggles in my office. I was free for a day. That day didn’t last very long, though. Once I laid my head down that night all of it came roaring back into my brain. A short amount of relief, but still it was a silence I had not heard in so long. That night I decided if I wasn’t sure if I wanted to live, but knew I could not take my own life and that I would give myself to the one thing that silenced it all ... photography. I started slow and when I arrived at my new base, thanks to a humanitarian transfer, I still had some hurdles to overcome, but through counseling and a steady diet of photography I was moving forward for the first time in a long time. Even now, years after being sexually assaulted and dealing with being misunderstood, every time I raise the camera up to my right eye I feel peace, I hear nothing and see everything. Life is definitely different for me now. When I devoted my life to photography nearly three years ago, I wasn’t quite sure what that meant and still don’t, but photography keeps me breathing, keeps me feeling, keeps me alive. I constantly search for the light that brings silence to my pain. Being a victim of sexual assault is not something that is easily described, but to put it into perspective, I was diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder not only from the assault, but the prolonged exposure to a hostile environment at my base that plagues me to this day. I still struggle to find sleep, struggle to communicate with others and most of all I struggle with the idea of sharing my life with another person. The person who raped me had no regard for how the assault would affect me. The crime he committed has little to do with passion and a lot to do with control, manipulation and taking power away from someone. Through this commentary I hope to regain some of that power and control he stripped from me and give other victims of sexual assault some as well. Very few men report being sexually assaulted and I believe that is because they fear how society will view them, how they’ll be judged and how they even may be considered less of a man. So I ask everyone who reads this: I am a male and I was sexually assaulted—do you think less of me?
Re-up
Ping pong champion!
PHOTO COURTESY
PHOTO BY
Andy Finnerty, facilities manager for Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall’s Community Center, presents a trophy to Tech. Sgt. Williams Timmons of the U.S. Air Force Band, April 26. Timmons took first place in a Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation-organized ping pong tournament.
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RACHEL LARUE
1st Lt. Brian Asman administers the Oath of Enlistment to Spc. Richard Murphy, Co. 1/3 U.S. Infantry Battalion (The Old Guard) during a reenlistment ceremony at the National Archives in Washington, D.C., April 30. The ceremony took place in front of the United States Constitution and near the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights.
MITCHELL THOMPSON
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Friday, May 2, 2014
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T6616660B
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Adoption Services
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1042214B
Some Restrictions Apply
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1042279B
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Friday, May 2, 2014
1041815B
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