Pentagram 071014 by DCMilitary.Com

Vol. 61, no. 27 July 10, 2014

Pentagram

Published for Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall

New memo details transition requirements Veterans Opportunity to Work directive distributed Army wide By Jim Dresbach Pentagram Staff Writer

An Army directive issued June 23 to guide Soldiers separating from active duty is now in the hands of commanders and Army Career and Alumni Program (ACAP) personnel. The 16-page memo from Secretary of the Army John M. McHugh outlines steps, procedures and requirements of the VOW (Veterans Opportunity to Work) to Hire Heroes Act and the Defense Department’s-U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Veterans Employment Initiative. According to the Army website, the VOW to Hire Heroes Act mandates ACAP to supply preseparation counseling, a VA benefits briefing and an employment workshop to all Soldiers in transition in order to give them the greatest opportunity for success during their postmilitary careers or education. Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall ACAP Transition Services Manager Carlos Rodriguez noted in a July 7 interview with the Pentagram that with the guideline directive, the Army has now

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dotted every i and crossed all t’s in regard to assisting all Soldiers in transition. “Right now, we are doing what

News Notes Temporary road closure near Andrew Rader Clinic July 11

The traffic loop in front of Andrew Rader Clinic will be temporarily closed to vehicle traffic July 11 until approximately noon in support of a change of command ceremony.

Performance triad brief

Soldiers, Marines and civilians of the Headquarters Command Battalion and Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall are invited to attend a performance triad brief July 14 beginning at 9:30 a.m. in Bldg. 417, room 218 on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base. The brief will educate the force on the importance of health to the success of the Army team. To register contact Sgt. 1st Class Kevin George at kevin.t.george.mil@mail.mil or Staff Sgt. Daniel Cooper at Daniel.j.cooper1.mil@mail.mil or call 703-696-8165.

Community flea market to be held July 26

Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation will host a community flea market July 26 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Community Activities Center, Bldg. 405 on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base. Tables should be reserved by July 15 for $10 per space. For more information or to reserve a table, call 703-696-3470.

Zumba is back

Zumba classes have resumed at the Cpl. Terry L. Smith Gymnasium on the Henderson Hall portion of the joint base. Classes are held from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Mondays and Fridays and evenings from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. DoD identification cardholders are welcome, and the classes are free of charge. For more information, call 703-614-7214.

Feedback requested: on possible library hour change

Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation is looking into changing the hours of operation at the JBM-HH library. Before any decisions are made, they would to hear from you. Take a few minutes to complete a five question survey at https://surveymonkey.com/YFZMDQ5.

Civilian wellness program

Installation Management Command offers a civilian wellness program for eligible JBM-HH employees. Participants who formally enroll in the program and have their supervisor’s permission are able to take part in this six-month wellness program. For more information or for a copy of the enrollment form, contact your supervisor or call the human resources office at 703-696-5779. see NEWS NOTES, page 4

Index Community Spotlight Community News Notes

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SGT. 1ST CLASS KIMBERLY D. CALKINS

U.S. Soldiers assigned to 4th Battalion, 118th Infantry Regiment, South Carolina Army National Guard, fly through the air while tethered from an MH47G Chinook at McCrady Training Center, Eastover, S.C., May 17. A 16-page memo signed recently by the Secretary of the Army outlines steps, procedures and requirements of the Veterans Opportunity to Work to Hire Heroes Act and the Defense Department’s-U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Employment Initiative.

Commentary Twinkie race photos Twilight Tattoo news

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the document says,” Rodriguez said. “This is in place, but this is a way for the Army to say this is now in writing and official.”

The document outlines certain paths for out-processing Soldiers during the biggest see VETS, page 4

Army moving education content to ‘cloud’ By David Vergun Army News Service

Eighteen months ago, the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command began migrating education content to the dotcom cloud, a commercially operated bank of servers. This is a significant step for several reasons. The Army is currently a Common Access Card-enabled, Windowsbased devices operating environment. That means Soldiers can’t access much of the training and education content from home or other places when they’re using non Windows-based mobile devices,

said Helen A. Remily, Training and Doctrine Command’s, or TRADOC’s, capability manager for the Army Distributed Learning Program, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va. The commercial cloud allows them a broader capability to access content via their personally owned devices, such as Apple iOS and Android mobile devices, she added. “Given information-technology advances, Soldiers expect the ability to access learning content regardless of the type of mobile device they own,” she said. “Today’s generation of Soldiers and leaders have a high expectation of persistent access to see CLOUD, page 4

Chairman describes U.S. interests in Iraq By Jim Garamone DoD News, Defense Media Activity

The United States has sent troops back to Iraq because it is in America’s interest for the country to remain stable and to counter Sunni militants from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said July 3. Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey told a

Pentagon news conference that Iraq’s leaders must form an inclusive government that respects the rights of all groups. Iraq can and should be a U.S. partner in countering terrorism, Dempsey said. The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, which has captured large sections of the country’s north and west over the past few weeks, is a regional threat, Dempsey said, but

could become a transnational and global threat in the future. They have “made some pretty significant and rapid advances.” Ye t “they’re stretched right now,” the chairman said, “stretched to control what they have gained and stretched across their logistics lines of communication.” There are currently nearly 800 American see IRAQ, 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 July 16 at 7 p.m. at Whipple Field. See TUSAB’s schedule on page 8.

Thursday, July 10, 2014

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CPL. SARAH CHERRY

Under Old Glory

Marines gather under the American flag during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, in Beaufort, S.C., June 19.

Community Spotlight • • • • • • • •

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Name (rank): Chi-Feng Hsieh Job title/where do you work: Physician at Andrew Rader Health Clinic. Favorite sports team: New England Patriots. Favorite food: Sushi. Favorite movie: Anne of Green Gables. Favorite place you’ve ever traveled to or been stationed: Caribbean. What do you like most about working on/visiting JBM-HH? The staff at Rader Health Clinic. What are your goals for the year? To provide the best care for our patients at Rader Health Clinic and to create a great working environment with my co-workers. What do you like most about living in the National Capital Region? There is always something fun to do and somewhere new to explore. What’s your favorite attraction to see in the NCR? Great Falls Park.

Caption This

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RACHEL LARUE

Caption This #25

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. Commander, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Every week the Pentagram staff will pick their favorite. The winner’s Col. Fern O. Sumpter’s vision and philosophy: 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 With a team of resource management savvy and technically competent best one. And if you have a photo you think would make a great “Caption DoD professionals, establish JBM–HH as DoD’s premier provider of consis- This,” send it in. tent, 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. “Come on fellas, this ain’t Iwo Jima!” - Focused … set priorities and complete the mission. - Committed … to the mission and each other, fostering a community of - Bruce Dickinson excellence. - Professional/respectful … remain calm, even when others are not… count on each other at all times, treating everyone with dignity and respect.

Caption This #24

Pentagram Printed on recycled paper

http://www.army.mil/jbmhh

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.

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 Damien Salas Julia LeDoux Jim Dresbach Guv Callahan Rachel Larue

(703) 696-5401 (703) 696-1363 (703) 696-7605 (703) 696-5488 (703) 696-7607 (703) 696-7606

Community

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Thursday, July 10, 2014

Having their cakes and running, too First-ever Firecracker/Twinkie 5k challenges stomachs By Jim Dresbach Pentagram Staff Writer

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RACHEL LARUE

Participants eat Twinkies during the Firecracker 5k/Twinkie Challenge July 3, on the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall. During the race, participants attempted to eat six Twinkies each at the half-way point before continuing the race.

Caloric intakes took a beating the morning of July 3 as Joint Base MyerHenderson Hall Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation added a spongy wrinkle to its schedule of 5-kilometer races. For the inaugural JBM-HH Firecracker 5k/Twinkie Challenge, runners were tasked to run 2.5 kilometers then eat six sponge cakes at a half-way point station and finally finish off the second 2.5 kilometers before digestive systems were finished off. The reactions at the Fort Myer Officers Club start/ finish line and eating area were less than enthusiastic about polishing off six 150 calorie-filled cakes. “You’re going to see my guts and my glory,” one runner said as he approached the eating stand as spectators encouraged on-coming runners and then watched the multi-milers shift gears and transform into eaters. “I’d rather run another marathon,” one runner said as she stacked a half dozen sponge cakes in her hand. Race winner Xzavier Darensbourg finished the course in 20 minutes and 22 seconds, but roughly two and a half minutes were dedicated to munching on cream-filled cakes that left his stomach in a compromising position. “I feel terrible,” he said. “[Drinking] the water has helped though. That last straight away, I was feeling terrible.” see RACE, page 6

Marines serve up meals for homeless By Julia LeDoux Pentagram Staff Writer

Marines are renowned for their toughness, but some of the Corps’ finest have been showing their softer sides as volunteers with the Salvation Army – National Capital Area Command Grate Patrol homeless outreach program. A group of Headquarters and Service Battalion, Headquarters Marine Corps Henderson Hall Marines have volunteered with the program, which brings an evening meal to those who call the streets of Washington, D.C., home, for approximately seven months. Sgt. William M. Brown, who helps coordinate Marine volunteers for the program, explained that another Marine suggested the battalion’s motor transportation pit volunteer for a community event around last year’s Thanksgiving holiday. “The Marines enjoyed it so much that by word of mouth the volunteer event spread around the base,” he continued. “The battalion now supports the Salvation Army Grate Patrol twice a month.” Begun 20 years ago, the Grate Patrol operates 365-days-a-year and serves approximately 100 to 150 meals each evening to more than 3,000 people each month, according to the Salvation Army. The Grate Patrol is currently staffed by a see VOLUNTEERS, page 8

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RACHEL LARUE

From the left, Lance Cpl. Toni Williams, Master Sgt. Min Ellis and Sgt. Meagan Barragan serve food to people in Washington, D.C., while volunteering with The Salvation Army June 25. The Henderson Hall portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall is looking for more volunteers to help The Salvation Army. For more information, call 703693-8536.

Pentagon hosts 16th annual Iftar dinner By Damien Salas Pentagram Staff Writer

The Pentagon held its 16th annual Iftar dinner July 1, in celebration of Ramadan and in recognition of the 4,500 Muslim Americans in uniform and the additional 1,000 civilians and contractors who work for the Department of Defense. Attending the event were senior defense leaders, White House and congressional staffers, foreign dignitaries, defense attachés, imams, Gold Star families and Muslims who work in the defense community. The Iftar meal, following sundown, is when Muslims break their fasts for PHOTO BY DAMIEN SALAS Gold Star Mother Elsheba Khan receives a standing ovation at the 19th Annual the day during Ramadan. In 1999, the Pentagon Chaplain’s office first hosted Pentagon Iftar Dinner July 1.

such a dinner to show solidarity with and support for the Islamic community. They have done so each year since. “In addition to recognizing and honoring the Muslim faith, tonight is also an opportunity to celebrate the importance of diversity and equality within the Department of Defense, and the values that make our Department strong – integrity, courage, dedication and respect,” said Deputy Secretary of Defense Bob Work. Deputy Secretary Work gave honorable mention to Gold Star Mother, Elsheba Khan, whose son Cpl. Kareem Rashad Sultan Khan, U.S. Army, was killed by an improvised explosive device in Iraq Aug. 6, 2007. “Ms. Khan, I extend my profound see RAMADAN, page 8

Thursday, July 10, 2014

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Vets, from page 1 drawdown since World War II. Rodriguez calls the directive “the small transition bible for the Army,” and it has been administered to help commanders help Soldiers with postmilitary plans. Rodriguez mentioned that it is paramount commanders be stringent in referring those leaving active duty to ACAP offices so directive requirements can be met. “We’re asking commanders to send Soldiers 18 to 24 months out [from leaving the service],” he said. “Send them to us, so they have plenty of time to go step-by-step to meet all these requirements. The idea is to help them early, so they won’t have to rush. There’s a lot of information, good information, here.” The ACAP Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall

office is not only prepared to assist Soldiers but all Military District of Washington servicemembers who have post-military plans. Services provided include job interview workshops, seminars on how to start a small business and college enrollment guidance. To contact JBM-HH ACAP, call 703-6969603 or visit the office at 232 McNair Road (Bldg. 404). The Henderson Hall portion of JBM-HH offers similar services for transitioning servicemembers at the Career Resource Management Center inside Bldg. 29. For information on those services, call 703-6146828 or visit www.mccshh.com. The Pentagram plans a series of stories involving the ACAP workshops and seminars specifically outlined in the directive in upcoming editions.

Cloud, from page 1 learning content from a reliable network, independent of their location.” Gen. David Perkins, TRADOC commander, is behind the program. “During the downsizing of our force, it is critical to develop our leadership effectively,” he said after assuming command in March. Leadership development and technical training are at the heart of TRADOC’s mission, and delivering learning content to develop leadership competencies in the most efficient and effective way is critical, said Remily. That delivery just got a whole lot better. Migrating to cloud Remily laid out the timeline: After conducting a 12-month proof of concept,which concluded in Dec. 2013, TRADOC created a commercial cloud learning environment and migrated all of the non-sensitive distributed learning content for the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., to the commercial cloud. This has been a highly successful endeavor with approximately 5,000 students attending annually as part of their professional military education. This has also produced significant savings for the Army. Within the next three months, the U.S. Army War College at Carlisle Barracks, Pa., will also migrate their learning content to the commercial cloud, and by the end of this calendar year, the U.S. Military Academy, West Point, N.Y., will also migrate content. The future plan is for other Army schools to migrate learning content to the commercial cloud learning environment, Remily said, with discussions underway with the Army School of Music, Army Chaplain Center and School, the Defense Language Institute, and the Army Management

News Notes

News Notes, from page 1

Summer reading program Registration has begun for the JBM-HH’s summer reading program running through Aug. 3. Readers of all ages can participate in the program and this year’s theme is paws to read. The program is hosted by the Fort Myer Library. For more information or to sign up, call 703-696-3555, or go to the FMWR website at www.jbmhhmwr.com/library. Email bulletin sign up New to JBM-HH or the National Capital Region? Have a new employee or servicemember in your office? Sign up for the weekly email bulletin at https://lists.army.mil/mailman/listinfo/ jbm-hh_bulletin. The bulletin provides information on news of interest to the JBM-HH community, including traffic and construction impacts, services, programs and other relevant local news. ACAP schedule updated for July The JBM-HH Army Career and Alumni Program has updated its seminar and workshop schedule for the month of July. To find out more information about transitioning assistance courses, higher education opportunities and career resource workshops, log onto www.jbmhh.army.mil/WEB/ JBMHH/Services/ArmyCareerAlumni.html.

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DAVID VERGUN

The Army is a Common Access Card-enabled, Windows-based operating environment. That means Soldiers can’t access a lot of education content from home or other places when they’re using mobile devices.

Staff College, which oversees the Army’s civilian education system. More will follow. Balancing security, access Remily spent most of her 32-year government career with military intelligence and counter-terrorism fields before coming to TRADOC, so she has an abiding appreciation for information technology, known as IT, security concerns. TRADOC “is working very closely with the [Army’s Chief Information Office] community to help design and field an Army-persistent learning capability that doesn’t compromise the network,” she said. The Army Chief Information Office’s “primary mission is protecting the Army’s network, so they are risk-averse, as they should be,” she continued. “Many of our adversaries are tech-savvy and use technology against us as they don’t have the regulations and laws that we must follow.” On the other hand, Remily said content should be protected only at the level that’s necessary and no more. “There’s no need to over-protect our content as this leads to challenges with accessibility of training and education products

and material. It comes down to balancing accessibility and that of security and risk mitigation, Moving education content to the cloud is actually good news for the Chief Information Office. “Migrating content off of the Army’s network automatically increases the operational network bandwidth because you don’t have large packets of training and education information flowing back and forth across that network,” she explained. There’s a lot of sensitive military occupational specialty-type training that won’t go to the cloud, but in the future, it may be possible to do so as commercial cloud-computing has provisions for CAC-enabled authentication Despite a tight budget, the future for cloud migration looks promising. “The Army must seek solutions balancing national defense information security and the need for Soldiers’ unlimited access to training and education content, products and services through mobile devices and adaptive wireless networks,” said Col. Charles Harris, TRADOC G-6 deputy chief of staff.

Iraq, from page 1 service-members in Iraq, with some protecting the American embassy and other facilities. Other U.S. troops are assessing the situation on the ground and have now opened a second joint operations center in Erbil in northern Iraq after establishing one in Baghdad last month. President Barack Obama ordered up to 300 U.S. special forces to the country last month to provide advice on how best to assist the Iraqi military in their fight against Sunni militants. Meanwhile, Iraqi security forces have stiffened resistance in face of the militants’ gains. “I don’t have the assessment teams’ exact language, but some initial insights are that the ISF is stiffening, that they’re capable of defending Baghdad,” Dempsey said. Iraqi forces would be challenged; however, if they went on the offensive against the militants, he added. Dempsey emphasized the ability of Iraq’s military to defend the country depends on political leaders in Baghdad uniting to form a government of national unity. In addition, what role the United States will play in Iraq going forward, he said, depends on the conclusions of the U.S. military assessment teams, as well as Iraq’s political progress. Currently, U.S. advisors in Iraq are not involved in combat operations, Dempsey said, but he did not rule that out. “If the assessment comes back and reveals that it would be beneficial to this effort and to our national security interests to put the advisors in a different role, I will first consult with

$50 card aimed at thanking military, first responders In conjunction with Thanks-A-Bunch, Passport Nissan in Marlow Heights, Md., is hosting a hero appreciation week through July 14 and will give away $50 dinner cards to military personnel and first responders, including active or retired military personnel, police officers, firefighters and paramedics. See www.thanksabunch.org for more info. To get free dinner cards in the hands of as many servicemembers and veterans as possible, ThanksA-Bunch solicits one local business to run a hero appreciation week where American heroes are honored and can stop by the business location and pick up a $50 dinner card (The only way a dealership, or any business, qualifies as a $50 card giver is to agree to a no-strings-attached arrangement). In the greater Washington D.C., area until July 14, Passport Nissan is handing out free $50 dinner cards, accepted by 18,000 restaurants nationally (and over 250 local participating restaurants) to military personnel and first responders. Passport Nissan is at 5000 Auth Way, Marlow Heights, Md. The phone number is 888-992-9628. This notice is of common interest to the military community and does not imply endorsement of a private or commercial organization by the Department of Defense, the Army or JBM-HH. Play mornings at Virginia Highlands Park This playgroup is for parents and preschool children to provide time for play, physical activity and socialization for parents. The group will meet July 16, 23 and 30 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at playground #1, by the restrooms, weather permitting in Virginia Highlands Park, 1600 South Hayes St., Arlington, Va. For additional information and to register, call 703-696-3512. SOS offers financial education seminar How to navigate the RelayHealth website for those who have Tricare is the topic of a Survivor Outreach Services briefing July 24 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Army Community Service classroom on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base. A subject matter expert will be on hand to guide you through the site step by step. Light refreshments will be served. Contact Jin Lim at 703-696-8847 or jin-sook.lim.civ@mail.mil for more information and to register for the class. Evening classes on communication The Military Family Life Counselor Program at Marine Corps Community Services Henderson Hall holds summer evening classes open to military ID cardholders. All classes are held in Bldg. 12’s conference room Wednesdays from 6 to 7 p.m. On July 16, creating a healthy marriage will examine the rules of healthy conflict and how to grow together. On July 23, power struggles will help identify ways to reduce conflict in the family and ways to gain cooperation. On July 30, healthy relationships: single living will explore what singles are looking for in a healthy relationship. Registration is requested by calling 703-614-7204.

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SPC. JOEL LEMAISTRE

U.S. and Iraqi Soldiers train for an aerial reconnaissance mission near Hawijah, Iraq, May 22, 2010. Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey told a Pentagon news conference July 3 that it is in America’s interest for Iraq to remain stable and to counter Sunni militants from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.

the secretary, we will consult with the president,” he said. “We’ll provide that option and we will move ahead.” Even so, he said U.S. involvement in Iraq does not amount to “mission creep.” Choosing to characterize it instead as “mission match.” “We will match the resources we apply with the authorities and responsibilities that go with them based on the on the mission we undertake, and that is to be determined,” the chairman said.

Local prostate cancer support group meetings The prostate cancer support group meets at the Walter Reed National Medical Center regularly. The Walter Reed group meets the third Thursday of every month. The next meeting will be July 17 from 1 to 2 p.m. and 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the America Building, River Conference Room, third floor of the hospital. A valid Department of Defense identification card is required for base access to Walter Reed. Spouses/partners are welcome to attend sessions at both locations. For more information, contact retired Col. Jane Hudak at 301-319-2918 or via email at jane.l.hudak.ctr@health.mil.

see NEWS NOTES, page 5

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Thursday, July 10, 2014

News Notes News Notes, from page 4 Upcoming National Park Service commemorations The National Park Service is hosting various Civil War Defenses of Washington commemorations throughout July. The Battle of Fort Stevens reenactment at Fort Ward will take place July 12 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and July 13 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site, 4301 West Braddock Road, Alexandria, Va. The free event will include living history lessons, narrated skirmishes and more. For more information, call 703-746-4848 or visit www.alexandria. gov/FortWard. A living history demonstration and 150th anniversary commemoration will take place at Fort Stevens, 13th Street and Georgia Avenue, Washington, D.C., July 10 from 12:30 to 4 p.m. This free event will include 19th century crafts, music and children’s activities, historic talks and walks, as well as Soldiers’ encampments. For more information, call 202-426-7723 or visit www.nps.gov/cwdw. Anger management Individuals will receive information on the basic principles of emotions management, specific information about the impact of unmanaged anger and receive resources on how to recognize and manage the anger triggers in their own lives. Class is held July 18 from 9 to 11 a.m. in Bldg. 201 on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base. Registration is required. Call 703-696-3512 for more information or to register.

at any time. For information about the association and its 93rd meeting in Omaha, Neb. from Sept. 16-20, contact Bob Haynes, secretary-treasurer at 2idahq@comcast.net or call 224-225-1202. Off limits: Potomac’s Great Falls water activities Joint base and Military District of Washington leaders would like to remind readers that the Potomac River — Great Falls stretch of water along the Potomac River that extends from Sycamore Island to Chain Bridge, is off limits to all swimmers, waders and cliff divers due to the strong undertow currents in this area. Undertows are dangerous: the surface of the water can be calm, but beneath the surface, strong water currents pull in opposite directions. The area has caused deaths of servicemembers and their family members in the past. The directive is more than a suggestion — the prohibition of water activities in the Great Falls/ Potomac River Gorge area is the law in Maryland,

Baby sign language Teach your pre-verbal children to communicate by using sign language. This class is for parents of infants six to 18 months old. Feel free to bring a bag lunch. Class will be held July 17 from noon to 2 p.m. in Bldg. 201 on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base. Registration is requested. Call 703696-3512 for more information or to register. Army Ten-Miler team qualifier series The second JBM-HH Army Ten-Miler 10k qualifier will be July 18. FMWR has 40 slots for this year’s Army Ten-Miler Oct. 12. To be eligible for a space on this year’s JBM-HH ATM team, runners must be active duty. If selected as a member of the JBM-HH ATM team, FMWR pays your entry into the 2014 Army Ten-Miler. The last JBM-HH ATM 10k qualifier will be Aug. 1. The team will be formed after the race, which begins at 6:35 a.m. at the Fort Myer fitness center, Bldg. 414. Registration and participation is free. Register online at www.jbmhhmwr.com or you can register the morning of the qualifier from 5:30 to 6:15 a.m. at the fitness center. For more information, call 703-939-1045 or 703-696-0594. Job fair slated for Aug. 13 A job fair, open to all transitioning military veterans and military family members will be held Aug. 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel, 900 South Orme Street, Arlington, Va. Pre-register at www.civilianjobs. com. For more information, call 678-819-4153. Second (Indianhead) Division reunion The Second (Indianhead) Division is searching for anyone who served in the Army’s 2nd Division

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Virginia and the District of Columbia, and a directive against water activities was issued by the Military District of Washington in 1984. According to the National Park Service, some 674 waterrelated accidents and 22 people have drowned at Great Falls since 1972; in 1984, seven Fort Myer Soldiers died there in water-related activities; an Old Guard Soldier drowned in Great Falls waters in 2013. The beautiful Great Falls Park is open, but give the water, including the shoreline and river’s edge rocks, a wide berth. See www.nps. gov/grfa, and while you’re there, check out River Safety, and How Long Can You Hold Your Breath. Death notice Anyone with debts owed to or by the estate of Sgt. Manuel Rivera, Washington Headquarters Service, must contact Lt. Col. Daniel Vinsand, the summary-court martial officer for this Soldier. Rivera passed away June 5. Call Vinsand at 703699-1198. see NEWS NOTES, page 8

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Race, from page 3 Women’s winner Yuko Whitestone was attempting some training and prep work during the latest JBM-HH race. In 2015, she plans to participate in a North Carolina road race involving another type of junk food. “I’m doing a donut run next year, so this is a practice for that,” Whitestone said. “The Twinkies were getting stuck in my throat, and I was gagging. But this is fun and wonderful.” Following the run, FMWR’s Todd Hopkins saluted the runners for holding their own against the Twinkies. “Give yourselves a hand for not losing it. The facial expressions of you coming across [the finish line] were phenomenal,” Hopkins said. “If you ate six Twinkies and finished, give yourself a pat on the back.”

TOP: Yuko Whitestone eats one of six Twinkies at the half-way point of the Firecracker 5k/Twinkie Challenge on the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base MyerHenderson Hall July 3. Whitestone won first place for the women. FAR LEFT: Xzavier Darensbourg, 16, eats Twinkies at the half-way point of the Firecracker 5k/Twinkie Challenge on the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base MyerHenderson Hall July 3. Darensbourg won first place for the men. LEFT: Molly Schiffer, 1, eats Twinkies during the Firecracker 5k/Twinkie Challenge on the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base MyerHenderson Hall July 3. During the race, participants each ate six Twinkies at the half-way point before finishing the rest of the race.

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RACHEL LARUE

Participants in the Firecracker 5k/Twinkie Challenge start the race near the Officers Club on the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall July 3. Those participating in the Twinkie Challenge each attempted to eat six Twinkies at the race’s half-way point.

Commentary: Thank you, for now By Maj. Jeremiah Hammill 821st Support Squadron commander

THULE AIR BASE, Greenland (AFNS) - Capt. Thomas Hammill was a Green Beret who served in Vietnam and Cambodia. I knew him as an uncle and hero; however, society had a different perception of him and the rest of the men and women who fought in Vietnam. Vietnam veterans returned to America and found protests, hate and labels such as “baby killers.” Thankfully, those days are over, but could we return to those perceptions in similar form or fashion today? Today’s military is able to enjoy a society that supports the troops. While that is fantastic, my hope is that we don’t take that for granted. My desire is that we do what is needed, on and off duty, to prove ourselves worthy of the support and adoration we receive from our nation. Today, applause fills airports when servicemembers return from overseas. Today, someone may just pick up your check if they see you grabbing lunch in uniform. Today, you get care packages and letters from school children while you are deployed. Today, professional sports teams and large corporations have military appreciation events. No, none of those things are why we serve. They are the result of a society that trusts us with its freedom and protection. So how do we preserve the trust that is at the core of the relationship between the military and American people? How do we ensure that our service and sacrifice will be met with apprecia-

tion instead of distaste? Well, I believe that falls squarely on our shoulders. Every single one of us has a part to play in building and maintaining this trust. The dreaded acts of a few can stain the reputation of the entire military and erode the trust that has been built over decades. This is especially true in our present information age with social media and smart phones. Bad news

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he dreaded acts of a few can stain the reputation of the entire military and erode the trust that has been built over decades. This is especially true in our present information age with social media and smart phones. – Maj. Jeremiah Hammill

spreads like wild fire. The vast majority of military men and women live their lives in a manner that does nothing but reinforce the reasons why the American people place their trust in the military; however, there is a major issue that we need to attack: sexual assault. We can’t just stand on the sidelines for this one. We all have to be fully engaged. Sexual assault must be stomped out of the Air Force and Department of Defense. Political

leaders have taken a tough stance on the military’s handling and prevention of sexual assaults. It is up to every one of us to fight this disease that has been among our ranks for much too long. It will take more than the occasional sexual assault prevention and response day. It will take outstanding wingmen. It will take work places that promote mutual respect and dignity. It will take personal courage. It will take compassion and support. It will take committed action to prevent sexual assaults and support the victims. Only then will the perception change. No doubt, this issue will be played out in the media. What story will be told? Will it be a story of vulgarity and indifference or will it be a story of a committed and trustworthy military that takes care of its own? We must prove to the American people that their sons and daughters will be safe within our ranks. We must prove to our government officials that we are serious. One is definitely too many. Millions of Americans chose to put on the uniform and defend the United States of America. A great number paid the ultimate price. Let’s honor their service and sacrifice by taking care of our brothers and sisters in arms. Let’s preserve the opportunity for our troops to hear “thank you” instead of disparaging remarks from a society who lost trust. Editor’s note: This commentary was originally published last month on the Air Force website. If you would like to respond or comment to the author, please do so online at www.af.mil/ News/Commentaries/Display/tabid/271/ Article/485244/thank-you-for-now.aspx.

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Thursday, July 10, 2014

DoD, VA improve eBenefits web services By Tim Pearce Warrior Care Blog

The Department of Defense, in collaboration with the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Labor, have integrated the National Resource Directory (NRD) into eBenefits to improve access to health care, benefits information and more at www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits/nrd. You can also enter www.nrd.gov into your browser and be redirected to the new site. Servicemembers, veterans, families and caregivers can now find enhanced self-service capabilities and resources from one site, improving access to information and assistance. The NRD on eBenefits still offers access to more than 16,000 resources that have met quality assurance criteria to ensure that every program and organization listed is acting in good faith and making a positive difference for veterans, servicemembers, wounded warriors, their family members and caregivers. Every

resource is vetted prior to listing and re-checked on an annual basis to ensure it is still compliant with the NRD participation policy. Though most of the functionality of the NRD remains unchanged after the integration, some search functions are a little different. A short, narrated YouTube video provides step-by-step instructions for using the NRD on eBenefits. In addition, existing NRD profiles were not transferred as part of this integration. Users who are eligible for a DS logon can create an eBenefits profile, or use their existing eBenefits profile to access additional NRD functionality. Despite these slight differences the majority of the NRD’s previous capabilities are still available, allowing the NRD to continue to address the needs of servicemembers, veterans, wounded warriors, family members and caregivers by providing direct access to resources. Integrating the NRD into eBenefits is just one step the Veterans Benefits

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Administration (VBA) is taking in coordination with DoD to improve access to health care and benefits for servicemembers, Veterans and their families. eBenefits users can also now seamlessly access MyPay with a single sign on and order prescription refills, secure messaging with physician and

view medical appointments through the MyHealtheVet blue button. An online instructional video and how to use NRD can be found at: http://warriorcare.dodlive. mil/2014/06/16/dod-va-team-up-toimprove-ebenefits-by-migratingnational-resource-directory/.

Belvoir hospital, Malcolm Grow clinic team up to provide world-class obstetrics By Kristin Ellis Fort Belvoir Community Hospital Public Affairs Office

FORT BELVOIR, Va.- Obstetrics patients at Malcolm Grow Women’s Health Clinic will soon have their labor and delivery procedures performed at Fort Belvoir Community Hospital or Walter Reed National Military Medical Center to better utilize military resources. Previously, obstetric patients at Malcolm Grow delivered at Southern Maryland Hospital. Beginning Aug. 1, obstetrics services will be consolidated in the National Capital Region, which is expected to save the military health system more than $2 million per year. Expectant mothers will receive care from a health care team of joint military and civilians staff working with a patient family centered care approach, according to Navy Cmdr. Stuart Shippey, director for surgery at Belvoir hospital. “In addition, our delivering mothers benefit from our baby-friendly policy: That skin-to-skin contact, infant rooming-in and breast-feeding support following delivery to optimize bonding with and health of their babies,” said Shippey. Expectant mothers will receive their routine prenatal care at Malcolm Grow’s 779th Medical Group. When it’s time for delivery, a military or civilian obstetrician, along with a nurse midwife or medical resident will be present for the delivery at Belvoir hospital. “Our labor and delivery department is designed to take on more than what we’re doing,” said Army Lt. Col. Amy Asato, labor and

delivery interim chief. “Belvoir hospital is averaging 120-140 deliveries each month, but we are capable of up to 200.” Transferring obstetrics care to the military network will bring an additional 25 to 30 more deliveries per month to Belvoir hospital. Private rooms at Belvoir hospital are large, spacious and tastefully decorated to provide state-of-the-art comfort and services. They overlook a wide expanse of greenery and gardens, offering calm, soothing environment to enhance the birthing experience. The facility provides generous patient parking and also specific parking in the front of the hospital for expectant mothers. “Once you exit the public elevators, you will be greeted by hospital staff and directed to the unit. ‘Wow!’ is often used to describe [Belvoir hospital’s] labor and delivery suites and services,” said Air Force Maj. Molly George, Malcolm Grow Women’s health clinic chief. After delivery, babies will room with their mothers in the mother-baby unit. Infants delivered before 36 weeks may be transferred to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Malcolm Grow Ob/Gyns will begin performing inpatients gynecologic surgeries at Belvoir hospital in July, “further adding to the utilization of this new and very capable facility,” Shippey said. “Our patients will stay within the military system at a beautiful state-of-the-art facility, we’ll have an influx of staff, and overall increase the access to service for our gynecology patients,”

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SEAMAN TINA STAFFIERI

In a 2012 photo, Sgt. Desiree Magginnis helps new mother Amrita Thomas learn how to best care for her newborn son Ryan Thomas in the Mother-Baby Unit at Fort Belvoir Community Hospital.

said Asato. “It’s a win for everyone.” Enrollees who prefer to deliver their baby at a facility closer to home may use the TRICARE standard option. In the event an urgent delivery is necessary, enrollees should go to the closest civilian or military emergency room. Tours of the labor and delivery unit at Belvoir hospital are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5 p.m. Call 571-231-3442/3446 to schedule a visit. They also offer a 36-week childbirth preparedness class. This class starts in the Women’s Health Clinic located in Oaks Pavilion on the first floor behind the waterfall and in the back hallway.

Five things you (probably) didn’t know about Gen. Joseph Dunford Jr. From Marine Corps News

Editor’s note: President Barack Obama has chosen Gen. Joseph Dunford Jr. as the next commandant of the Marine Corps. The decision is pending Senate confirmation. Dunford has been called “probably the most complete warrior-statesman wearing a uniform today.” Here are five things you might not have known about him. Family tradition He has served 37 years in the Corps (since 1977) and comes from a family devoted to service. His father is a retired Boston police officer and Marine who fought at the Frozen Chosin. His grandfather served in World War I. His mother’s four brothers served in World War II. “You graduated from South Boston High, and you went into the Marine Corps,” Dunford’s father said. Go Sawx! The Boston native graduated from Boston College High School and went to college at St. Michael’s College. He’s a diehard fan of the Red Sox. Two Red Sox caps adorn his wall shelves in his office. What’s in a name? He earned the nickname “Fightin’ Joe” while deployed to Iraq serving under Gen. James Mattis where he led Regimental Combat Team 5 during the initial invasion of Iraq. True gentleman As the leader of NATO’s coalition in Afghanistan, he personalizes letters of condolence for every U.S. servicemember killed in Afghanistan. He attempts to do the same for fatalities from the other 48 nations that make up International Security Assistance Force. World leader He’s been ranked one of the world’s 50 greatest leaders by Fortune Magazine. He said his first battalion commander told him the three rules to success … though he can only remember the first one — surround yourself with good people.

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SGT. REECE LODDER

Gen. Joseph Dunford Jr. has been chosen by President Barack Obama as the next commandant of the Marine Corps. Following Senate confirmation, Dunford will relieve Gen. James F. Amos this fall.

Thursday, July 10, 2014

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Twilight Tattoo returns after July 4 break By Cory Hancock JFHQ-NCR/MDW PAO

Following its Independence Day break, the U.S. Army Military District of Washington’s Twilight Tattoo returns to at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall starting July 9 until the end of the season. The military pageantry coupled with the breathtaking views of downtown Washington D.C. provides a wonderful backdrop to these great performances. Twilight Tattoo is an hour-long, live-action military pageant featuring Soldiers from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) and the U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own.” Audience members from around the world experience a glimpse into American history through performances by the U.S. Army Blues, vocalists from the U.S. Army Band Downrange, the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps and the U.S. Army Drill Team. Twilight Tattoo performances begin at 7 p.m. Pre-ceremony pageantry begins at 6:45 p.m. Performances through Aug. 20 will be located at Whipple Field. If the weather is bad, the performance will be held indoors at Conmy Hall. The history of Twilight Tattoo began more than 300 years ago as British troops were summoned from the warmth and hospitality of local pubs by a

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RACHEL LARUE

Following its Independence Day break, the U.S. Army Military District of Washington’s Twilight Tattoo returns to Whipple Field at Joint Base MyerHenderson Hall starting July 9 until the season’s end.

bugle and drum call to return to the barracks. The familiar tune told tavern owners “doe den tap toe,” or “time to turn off the taps.” The troops knew the call to mean “taps off,” and minutes later they were back in their tents. The modern-day call is known as “Tattoo” and during basic training, the call signals the time to quiet down and hit the bunks. For MDW, the call serves as a tribute dedicated to the vitality of the nation and to the sacrifices of those who forged

Volunteers, from page 3

Ramadan, from page 3

Salvation Army driver, an outreach worker, volunteers from Henderson Hall and 23 other area organizations. Food is purchased and prepared by the volunteer groups. The volunteers are picked up by the Salvation Army driver, who drives them to distribution routes around Washington. On a recent night in late June, the Henderson Hall Marines were assigned to an area around the National Mall. At their first stop on Constitution Avenue, the Marines exchanged smiles, handshakes and conversation with those they served. “Thanks, man,” one gentleman said as he accepted a bottle of cold water and sandwich from a Marine volunteer. Clothes and blankets are also handed out if available. “The thing I took away from the Grate Patrol is how the homeless of D.C. are so appreciative of a small bowl of food and friendly conversation,” said Brown. “The thing I will remember most from Grate Patrol is working with my fellow Marines helping our community.” Henderson Hall Marines are volunteering for the program July 23 beginning at 5:30 p.m. Contact Brown at 703-693-8536 if you would like to volunteer.

thanks for you joining us tonight, and I honor the tremendous sacrifice your beloved son— and you—have given to our country,” said Work. G e o r g e t o w n University chaplain Imam Yahya Hendi delivered a speech on the importance of love and acceptance amongst different religions within the military community as the evening’s guest speaker.

America into the land of the free and the home of the brave. It is for America’s forefathers and fellow Americans that MDW proudly presents Twilight Tattoo. The MDW’s Twilight Tattoo can trace its own history back to the years before World War II. At that time, on the grounds of Fort Myer in Arlington, Va., the 3d Cavalry Regiment (The Old Guard) held military shows during the winter months. The MDW revived the traditional show in 1961 to showcase the talents of its ceremonial units. As Twilight Tattoo grew in popularity, the Army adapted the show, its location and the time of year it was performed to fit the growing needs of the American people. Settling on performances in Washington, D.C., throughout the summer months, has allowed for thousands of audience members to experience the ceremony and pageantry of the United States Army. Be sure to connect with during and after the show using the hashtags: #TwilightTattoo #SelfieWithASoldier. The 2014 Twilight Tattoo season has performances scheduled for each Wednesday evening until Aug. 20. Dates and times are subject to change, so please check the Twilight Schedule online at: http://twilight.mdw.army.mil/schedule. “It is important for our community to support itself,” said Hendi, “but it is also important for all faiths to accept and support one another.” Hendi was one of the Muslim leaders who met with President Bill Clinton during his presidency. He also met with President George W. Bush in the aftermath of the September 11th attacks and continued to meet with him many times during

his presidency. “Our nation and our entire military family are made stronger because of the service and sacrifice of people of all faiths, including the thousands of patriotic Muslim Americans who have served and still serve during this long period of war,” said Work. “They continue a long and noble tradition of generations of Muslim Americans who have defended this country.” News Notes, from pg. 5 New News Note policy! Read in full: 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. News Notes must be submitted no later than noon, Wednesdays, for consideration for publication in the following week’s Pentagram. For

example, information submitted for publication in News Notes on a Tuesday, Aug. 12, will be published in the Pentagram Thursday, Aug. 21. 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.

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Editorial Reporter/Photojournalist

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