Thanksgiving
Board ready
Holiday hours
Soldiers compete for top honor
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page 4
Pentagram
Published for Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall
Vol. 60, no. 45 November 22, 2013
3rd annual Army-Navy Challenge kicks off
WARRIORS
PHOTO
BY JIM
DRESBACH
Wounded Warrior double-amputee, U.S. Army veteran and defensive lineman Alan Lewis rushes through a line of blockers in the second half of the Wounded Warrior Amputee Football Team - NFL Alumni flag football game in Arlington Nov. 16. For more photos, turn to page 6 or visit our Flickr page at www.flickr. com/photos/jbm-hh.
Wounded Warrior Amputee football team debuts in MDW By Jim Dresbach Pentagram Staff Writer
Their journeys and missions have included Iraq and Afghanistan, and at one time or another, Washington D.C., for rehabilitation. But during the afternoon of Nov. 16, Wounded Warrior amputees mustered for a flag football game and received ovations from a standing-room-only crowd at Arlington’s Bishop O’Connell High School. On the other side of the line of scrimmage were Washington Redskins and National Football League alumni, yet more smiles
than scowls were exchanged during the two halves of football as the WWAFT prevailed 28-21. The team, which remained undefeated for the season, is a mixture of veterans who now showcase their abilities despite the loss of a limb or limbs. Though an arm or a leg may have been amputated, former Army cadets, Sailors and infantrymen proved they can still run a pass route, intercept a pass attempt or run down a tailback. see WARRIOR, page 8
It’s that time of year again. The Army-Navy football game is right around the corner, which means it is time for Army and Navy blood donors to face off once again in the annual Army Navy blood donor challenge. During the challenge, which started Nov. 14 and will continue through Dec. 13, 12 Washington metro area blood drive sponsors and donors at three blood donor centers compete against each other to see who wins bragging rights and a trophy for the most units collected for the Armed Services Blood Program. The winning service will be presented their trophy on game day during the third quarter, on the field. “We are certainly looking forward to the game,” said Air Force Col. Richard H. McBride. “But, the real focus of the challenge is to increase awareness of the Armed Services Blood Program’s mission while staying true to the rivalry between the services on the field.” As a tri-service program, the Armed Services Blood Program relies on donations from all the services – Army, Navy, Marines and Air Force – to meet its mission of supplying blood to ill or injured servicemembers, veterans and their family members worldwide. But the rivalry between the Army and Navy this year is a great way to encourage donations. The challenge kicked off Nov. 14 at the U.S. Naval Academy. Ten locations in the Washington metro area have scheduled drives: •UniformedServicesUniversityoftheHealthSciences, Bethesda, Md., Nov. 22 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. •NSWC Carderrock, Bldg. 40, West Bethesda, Md., Nov. 25 from 7 to 11 a.m. •OPM, Ford Meade, Md., Nov. 26 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. •Sail Loft Building 105/112, Washington Navy Yard, Washington, D.C., Dec. 2 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. •Building 9, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Md., Dec. 3 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. •Fort Myer Fitness Center, Fort Myer Va., Dec. 4 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. see BLOOD, page 10
Turkey Trot runners share holiday favorites, fitness tips By Jim Dresbach Pentagram Staff Writer
The plight of temptation overcomes even the best athletes; they battle how to stay active and on pace with constant running regiments during the holidays. A total of 136 Marines, Soldiers and civilians put thoughts of roasted poultry and mashed potatoes on the back burner to run the fifth annual Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Turkey Trot, which started and finished outside Cpl. Terry L. Smith Gymnasium. After a half-hour or less of calorie burning Nov. 15, some runners explained how they ward off the
Index
Community Spotlight p.2 Community p.4 News Notes p.4 Sports p.6 Classifieds p.11
dietary demons and keep each day filled with a multi-mile run. Race winner Joe Galvin finished the five-kilometer race in 15 minutes and 58 seconds, but admitted one holiday traditional sweet can finish him off. “I have trouble staying away from the cookies,” he said with a smile. Female overall winner Margaret Smith crossed the finish line in 17:33, but when a Thanksgiving dessert is brought to the dining room table, she has to use her willpower. “I love pumpkin pie,” she said without hesitation. A gloved and layered HeadquartersandServiceBattalion,
Headquarters Marine Corps, Henderson Hall, Commanding Officer Col. Anthony S. Barnes led by example by sporting extra clothing – a point he made when asked how to keep running into December and January. He also added not to yield to the extra slice of dessert or favorite drink during the holidays. “Everything can be done in moderation,” Barnes said after he finished. Placing second in the men’s category was Brian Daugherty (17:25) and the third male to cross the finish line was J.J. Martin in 17:32. PHOTO BY RACHEL LARUE Rounding out the female top three Runners participate in the 5th annual Turkey Trot were runner-up Yuko Whitestone on the Henderson Hall portion of Joint Base Myer(19:32) and Lisa Hamp (20:46). Henderson Hall Nov. 15.
Turkey meal
Giving thanks
Pg. 4
Pg. 9
Chapel and BOSS team up for pre-holiday bash
Soldiers deliver holiday meal
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Friday, November 22, 2013
PENTAGRAM
PHOTO
BY
RACHEL LARUE
Combat fitness test
Cpl. Maurice Fullenwider does the ammo can lift during the Marine Combat Fitness Test the morning of Oct. 17 on the Henderson Hall portion of Joint Base MyerHenderson Hall. The CFT includes tests such as the ammo can lift and maneuver under fire.
Community Spotlight •Name (rank)? Aqueel Freeman •Job title/where do you work? Company Gunnery Sgt. Henderson Hall. •Military Service? USMC. •Favorite sports team? Atlanta Falcons. •Favorite Book? “The Secret.” •Favorite food? Bananas and peanut butter. •Favorite band/music artist? Charlie Wilson. •Favorite movie? “Major Payne.” •Favorite place you’ve ever traveled to or been stationed? Thailand. •What do you like most about working on/visiting JBM-HH? The leadership and being influenced by higher leaders. •What are your goals for the year? Finish the Marine Corps Marathon in under three hours. •What do you like most about living in the National Capital Region? The history of our country and the National Mall. •What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? As a Senior NCO, believe and trust in your Marines. •If you won the lottery, what would you do? Secure my children’s financial status for the rest of their lives. •What advice do you have for someone getting stationed at JBM-HH? Don’t drive in D.C., take the Metro.
Caption This
PHOTO
BY
RACHEL
LARUE
Caption This #43
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 ... “I think we’re ready to take this - Experts at what we do … constantly improving our skills and knowledge. show on the road!” - Focused … set priorities and complete the mission. - Committed … to the mission and each other, fostering a community of Gayle Hawkins 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 #42
Pentagram Printed on recycled paper
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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 faxed to (703) 696-0055 or e-mailed to courtney.a.dock-abuhl.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 Photographer
Courtney Dock Rhonda Apple Julia LeDoux Jim Dresbach Rachel Larue
(703) 696-5401 (703) 696-1363 (703) 696-7605 (703) 696-5488 (703) 696-7606
PENTAGRAM
Friday, November 22, 2013
Safety tip
Thanksgiving safety tips Food safety starts from the purchase to the preparation, cooking and serving of the turkey and other traditional dishes. Here are some helpful tips to keep your Thanksgiving Day dinner safe, so you can enjoy the company of your family and guests. Foodborne illnesses are caused when we consume food contaminated with certain bacteria or parasites. The risk of food poisoning can be reduced through proper cleaning, separating, cooking and chilling of foods. Don’t invite bacteria to dinner • Using soap and warm water, wash your hands for at least 20 seconds before and after handling food, using the bathroom or touching pets. • Keep the kitchen off-limits to young children and adults that are not helping with food preparations to lessen the possibility of kitchen mishaps. • Wash cutting boards, counters, and utensils often. Use two cutting boards, one for washed produce and one for raw meat and seafood. • Wash fresh vegetables and fruits in drinkable running water. • Separate raw foods from cooked foods to avoid crosscontamination. • Start holiday cooking with a clean stove and oven. • Cook foods to at least the internal temperature that kills harmful bacteria. For example, whole poultry should be at least 85° C (185° F). • Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold. • Cook on the back burners when possible and turn pot handles in so they don’t extend over the edge of the stove. • Never leave cooking unattended. If you must leave the kitchen while cooking, turn off the stove or have someone else
watch what is being cooked. To avoid kitchen fires Holiday fires can turn a joyous occasion into tragedy.Each year more than 4,000 fires occur on Thanksgiving Day. Many, if not most, are home cooking fires. Follow the guidelines below to avoid a fire this holiday season. • Keep potholders and food wrappers at least three feet away from heat sources while cooking. • When cooking, do not wear clothing with loose sleeves or dangling jewelry. The clothing can catch on fire and the jewelry can catch on pot handles, causing spills and burns. • Make sure all stoves, ovens and ranges have been turned off when you leave the kitchen. • Set timers to keep track of turkeys and other food items that require extended cooking times. • Turn handles of pots and pans on the stove inward to avoid accidents. • After guests leave, designate a responsible adult to walk around the home making sure that all candles and smoking materials are extinguished. • Keep Thanksgiving decorations and kitchen clutter away from sources of direct heat. • Move away from the stove anything that could catch on fire, such as paper towels, potholders and curtains. • Establish a safe zone around the stove while cooking, no children or pets within three feet. Just because we get to take a break from dieting on Thanksgiving, doesn’t mean we can throw caution to the autumn winds. Remember these suggestions and have a happy and safe holiday. (IMCOM Safety Gram)
Peer-to-peer PTSD awareness By Staff Sgt. Jennifer C. Johnson JFHQ-NCR/MDW Public Affairs
Thousands of service members and civilians from the Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region and the U.S. Army Military District of Washington and its interagency partners gathered to hear motivational speaker and author Bob Delaney deliver a presentation about post traumatic stress awareness and education in Conmy Hall at Joint Base Myer -Henderson Hall, Nov. 13. Delaney is a veteran referee for the National Basketball Association and shared his personal struggle with post traumatic stress from serving undercover with the New Jersey State police to the audience members. According to NBA Cares’ Hoops for Troops website, Delaney has provided training for the past 30 years to federal, state, county and local law enforcement officers and agents throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. He has helped many to understand and identify symptoms of post traumatic stress and the impact it has on the individual and the ripple effect to family and friends. “Peer-to-peer therapy is the first step to battling post traumatic stress,” said Delaney. “We’re not eliminating post traumatic stress, all we can do is try to understand it, and understand how to live with it.”
JBM-HH Thanksgiving holiday hours Most offices on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall will be closed Thursday, Nov. 28—the federal holiday celebrating Thanksgiving. Some military activities will have curtailed operations both Wednesday, Nov. 26 and Friday, Nov. 29, and many Department of Defense civilians will take leave Nov. 26 and 29. The following facilities and places of business will have altered hours during the upcoming holiday. Unless otherwise noted, this list applies to Nov. 28. This list is not all encompassing. Please check with the facility you wish to visit for more details. •Old Post and Memorial Chapel - Closed. •Rader Health Clinic - Closed. •Rader Dental Clinic - Closed. •Fort McNair Health Clinic - Closed. •Commissary - Open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., holiday hours. •Fort Myer Exchange - Closed Nov. 28; open 4 a.m. to 8 p.m. Nov. 29; open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Nov. 30; open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 1. •Fort Myer Express - Closed Nov. 28; open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Nov. 29; from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Nov. 30; open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Dec. 1 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. •Fort Myer Military Clothing Sales Store - Closed Nov. 28; open 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Nov. 29 and Nov. 30. •Pentagon Military Clothing Sales Store - Closed Nov. 28-Dec. 1. •Fort McNair Express - Closed Nov. 28-Dec. 1. •Subway - Closed. •Flower Shop - Closed. •Barber Shop (Fort Myer) - Closed. •Barber Shop (Henderson Hall) - Closed. •Barber Shop (Fort McNair) - Closed. •Cleaners/Alteration - Closed. •GNC - Closed. •Optical Shop - Closed. •Firestone - Closed. •Marine Corps Exchange, The Vineyard Wine and Spirits - Open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Nov. 27; Closed Nov. 28; Nov. 29 the MCX is open 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. The Vineyard is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. •CYSS - Closed. •Army Community Service - Closed. •Fort Myer Fitness Center - Closed. •Fort McNair Fitness Center - Closed. •Cpl. Terry L. Smith Gymnasium - Open 4 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 27; Closed Nov. 28; open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 29. •Maj. Douglas A. Zembiec Pool - Closed. •Library - Closed. •Recreation Center - Closed. •USO - Closed. •Auto Shop - Closed. •Java Café - Closed Nov. 28; open 5 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 29. •MCCS Henderson Hall Car Wash - Open 24/7. •On the Henderson Hall side of the joint base, the following activities are closed Friday, Nov. 29: Career Resource Management Center, Education Office, Zembiec Pool, and the Marine Club. All other MCCS activities will observe regular hours.
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PHOTO
BY
STAFF SGT. JENNIFER C. JOHNSON
Bob Delaney, motivational speaker and author, visits with Joint Force Headquarters National Capital Region and U.S. Army Military District of Washington staff members and interagency partners to provide a post traumatic stress awareness and education presentation at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Nov. 13.
Delaney highlighted that peer-to-peer therapy can not only prevent growth of post traumatic stress today, but can be a tool to use for the future generations. “We can never lose sight of the fact that we’re all human beings underneath those uniforms,” said Delaney. “When we have awareness and education, we raise the bar and take away those stigmas.” NBA Cares Hoops for Troops is a yearround initiative led by the NBA, its teams and players in collaboration with the Department of Defense, USO and other military and veteran service organizations to honor active and retired servicemen and women and their families. “I enjoyed hearing Mr. Delaney’s presentation and understanding his post traumatic stress formula: experience plus intellectual readiness plus reflection equals growth and development,” said Capt. Jason Halligan, JFHQNCR/MDW aide-de-
camp to the commanding general. “He reminded me how important it is to take time to reflect, something that is not easy to do in our fastpaced world.” In May 2012, Delaney was awarded the Outstanding Civilian Service Award from the Chief of Staff of the Army, Gen. Raymond Odierno, for his outreach and support for post traumatic stress awareness and education for Soldiers and Army families. “I was fortunate to have an experienced mentor who was very understanding of what I was going through when I returned from Afghanistan,” said Halligan. “If it wasn’t for him encouraging me to talk about my experiences, I believe I would have had much more difficulty adjusting back to a state-side lifestyle. I will make a more conscious effort to discuss traumatic events with my peers so that we may ensure we remain resilient and ready for the next mission.”
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Community
Friday, November 22, 2013
Marines, Soldiers gather for early Thanksgiving By Julia LeDoux Pentagram Staff Writer
The calendar may have read Nov. 16, but it sure looked (and tasted) like Thanksgiving at the Community Center on Joint Base-Myer Henderson Hall. The enticing smells of turkey, stuffing, yams and pumpkin pie filled the air as dozens gathered for JBM-HH’s Gospel Service and Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers annual allservice Thanksgiving dinner. “This luncheon started in Memorial Chapel under the leadership of Chaplain Sullivan in 1995 and has been hosted annually ever since,” said volunteer Mona Fobish. “We do this to say thank you to all our servicemembers, past and present. You have fought to keep us and America free and to help uphold the values our country was founded on and we say thank you. You have worn your uniform proudly and fought with dignity.” Soldiers, Marines and their families enjoyed the meal, which was prepared and served by volunteers. Among those dishing out the delicacies were JBM-HH Commander Col. Fern O. Sumpter; Headquarters and Service Battalion, Headquarters Marine Corps Henderson Hall Commanding Officer Col. Anthony S. Barnes; Sgt. Maj. Craig Cressman, H&S Battalion sergeant major; and Chap. (Maj.) Jerald Jacobs, deputy chaplain for JBM-HH. “It’s a great service that you guys are doing for our Soldiers and Marines, and from the bottom of my heart I just want to tell you
PHOTO
BY JULIA
LEDOUX
Joint Base Myer Henderson Hall Commander Col. Fern O. Sumpter serves food to attendees of the Thanksgiving dinner Nov. 16.
thank you,” Barnes said. Volunteer Freda Womack said there was enough food on hand to serve 250 people and that all the food preparation was a labor of love. “Joy, we get joy,” she continued. “People come in and get a good meal and have fellowship. We have a blessed and wonderful time.” Marine Cpl. Jerry Wilkins of H&S Battalion and Sumpter exchanged greetings as he moved down the serving line and she ladled gravy on his mashed potatoes, turkey and dressing. “It’s great,” he said of the meal. “I’ve got a big family, so I’m actually eating like three times for Thanksgiving.” Members of the joint base’s Samoan congregation performed traditional music and dance routines in addition to a sign language interpretation of “God Bless America” during the event.
Exchanges feature holiday sales By Rhonda Apple Pentagram Staff Writer
On Nov. 29, shoppers will be out and about in the wee hours as many stores open extra early for “Black Friday.” Joint Base MyerHenderson Hall’s exchanges are opening early for customers to cash-in on holiday sales. The Army and Air Force Exchange on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base will open be open Nov. 29 from 4 a.m. until 8 p.m.; Nov. 30 from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and 10 am. to 7 p.m. Dec. 1. “Come visit your Myer Main Exchange on ‘Black Friday’ Nov. 29 for some great deals on electronics, jewelry, housewares and small appliances,” said Stacy Firemoon-Saulsberry, main store manager of the Fort Myer Exchange. “There will be timed events from 7 to 9 a.m.; 10 a.m. to noon and noon to 4 p.m. with
prestige purses. We have some great buys for name brand shoes, purses and accessories.” Also on “Black Friday,” in conjunction with JBM-HH MWR, the exchange will be hosting a German-themed Kris Kringle Market with lots of goodies to include: Gluhwein tastings, roasted nuts, seasonal ales and food along with holiday décor, ornaments, beeswax candles, gift wrapping and German Santa statues. There will be a visit from Santa Claus from 1 to 3 p.m. and the store manager said customers should bring their cameras if they want to take photos. She said there will be great deals on surround sound systems, jewelry and fragrance gift sets Nov. 30. The Marine Corps Exchange on the Henderson Hall portion of the base will begin its Thanksgiving sale Nov. 27 at 8 a.m., and the
four-day specials run through Dec. 1. Sale items featured are 20 percent off the entire selection of the latest electronics, to include cameras and wireless speakers, and 20 percent off the trim-a-tree shop for garland, wreaths and trees. The MCX “Black Friday,” Nov. 29 store hours are 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., with ‘doorbusters’ from 5 a.m. to 11 a.m. “Expect great pricing on electronics, housewares and other gifts,” said Doriann Geller, Marine Corps Community Services marketing manager. She said the store will open at 6 a.m. Nov. 30 with “doorbusters” until 11 a.m. “Customers can pick up an ‘our huge sale’ flier for an additional 20 percent off the already low MCX-priced items Nov. 30 from 6 a.m. to noon. Now is the time to purchase those holiday items for yourself and others,” Geller said.
Four Soldiers compete for MDW career counselor of the year By Jim Dresbach Pentagram Staff Writer
By the finish of the fourth weekend of November, one Military District of Washington Soldier will realize he has been bestowed a special honor. The MDW career counselor of the year exams and boards commenced during the six o’clock morning hour of Nov. 22 and out of a quartet of candidates, one would be named the CCOY by midday at Fort McNair. Sgt. 1st Class Patrick B. Burnish, Staff Sgt. Shaun C. Holman, Staff Sgt. Christopher P. McCuiston and Staff Sgt. Paul P. Melendez are vying for the career counselor of the year award. Melendez is an installation career counselor at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Holman is currently assigned to Fort Belvoir while Burnish and McCuiston serve as 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) career counselors. “This is one of those pivotal moments every career counselor should experience,” said Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region and the Military District of Washington Command Career Counselor Sgt. Maj. Willene Orr. “The PT test has not been done in the past, but it begins at 6:15, and then the exam begins at nine. At 10:15, the board starts.” Burnish hails from Canton, Ohio and was a member of the Army National Guard in his home state for nine years. He volunteered to be a career counselor in 2009. He is married and a father of two children. McCuiston calls Ann Arbor, Mich., home and
PENTAGRAM
News Notes Fort Myer Exchange hours The Fort Myer Exchange has extended Black Friday weekend holiday hours and will be open Black Friday, Nov. 29, from 4 a.m.-8 p.m.; Nov. 30 from 6 a.m.-8 p.m. and Dec. 1 from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Thanksgiving meal at DFAC The staff of the dining facility on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base, Bldg. 404, will host two Thanksgiving holiday meals, Nov. 27 and Nov. 28. The Nov. 28 meal will not be quite as elaborate as the Nov. 27 meal, but will still be a Thanksgiving feast. On both of those days, the dining facility will be open to retirees and Department of Defense civilians. Meal times and prices are: Nov. 27: Holiday meal, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., $7.60, with a discounted rate of $6.45 for family members of E-4’s and below. Nov. 28: Brunch, 9 a.m.-noon, $5.25; dinner, 4-5:30 p.m., $6.45. So the DFAC staff is sure to have enough food on hand, call 703-696-2087 to let them know you will be attending. Thanksgiving at O’ Club, Spates Enjoy Thanksgiving feasts Nov. 28, at the Fort Myer Officers Club or Spates Community Club. Note: Thanksgiving dinner at the Fort McNair Officers Club has been canceled. At the Fort Myer Officers Club: a seated dinner in the Fife & Drum Dining Room from noon to 1:30 p.m. and from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Cost is $34.95 for adults (members) and $39 for nonmembers; children under 12 - $17.50. Call 703-524-3037 to make a reservation. Also at the Officers Club, there is a Thanksgiving buffet in the Koran Room at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Cost is $30.95 for adults (members) and $35.95 for nonmembers. Children six to 12 - $15.50; children under five dine free. Call 703-524-3037 to make a reservation. At Spates Community Club Nov. 28, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., there will be a buffet with breakfast and lunch selections. Cost is $19.95 for adults, $11.95 for children six to 12; ages five and under dine free. Call 703-527-1300 to make a reservation for the Spates Community Club buffet. ACAP supports spouses in transition Army Career and Alumni Program offers services to the spouses of military personnel who are transitioning, retiring or ending their term in service out of the military. Some of the services offered to transitioning spouses include one-on-one assistance with a resume; a Veterans Affairs benefits briefing; Department of Labor employment workshop, including the interview process; dressing for success; building a resume and salary negotiation and financial planning. More services include classes on home buying, credit scores, investing, TRICARE, finding and applying for federal jobs and much more. Call 703-696-0973 to register or visit the ACAP Center at 232 McNair Road, Bldg. 404, on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base. Also see www.facebook.com/ ArmyCareerandAlumniProgram. Get rid of that cigarette butt Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death and disease. Tobacco kills. Inhaling or ingesting tobacco releases harmful chemicals into the lungs and blood stream, sending toxins to every organ in the body. Smoking and tobacco use cause cancer, heart disease, strokes, emphysema, bronchitis, airway obstructions and more, not to mention that tobacco smoke stinks. Don’t wait until the new year to start saving your own life when you can do that right now. Your family and friends will thank you for it. See www.army.mil/standto and talk to the Rader Clinic folks who have resources to help military personnel and their family members. See www.ucanquit2.org, a Department of Defense website, and chat with a tobacco cessation counselor. National Click it or Ticket campaign The Directorate of Emergency Services will conduct operation Click it or Ticket through Nov. 28. Throughout the joint base look for safety check points and random inspections. The point is to raise awareness about wearing a seat belt whenever you drive. Click it or Ticket is a handy way to remind yourself to hear that seat belt click into position. For more information, call Lt. Ron Foster at 703-614-1700 or email him at ronald.r.foster. civ@mail.mil,
PHOTO
BY
RACHEL LARUE
(From the left) Staff Sgt. Paul P. Melendez, Staff Sgt. Christopher P. McCuiston, Sgt. 1st Class Patrick B. Burnish and Staff Sgt. Shaun C. Holman pose for a photograph Nov. 19.
joined the Army in 2003. The father of four also served at Walter Reed Medical Hospital and lists winning the career counselor of the year award as one of his top goals. Holman is a Lexington, Ky. native and enlisted in the Army following high school graduation in 1999. He has been assigned to the Military District of Washington as a career counselor since 2012. The staff sergeant is married and has two daughters. Melendez has 11 years of Army service and is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He is married and has two children. His goals include winning the CCOY competition and retiring from the Army as a sergeant major.
1-2-3 Magic The Marine Corps Community Service new parent support program offers a 1-2-3 Magic class Nov. 25 from 1-3 p.m. in Bldg. 12’s conference room. The class, designed for parents with children ages 2-12 teaches consistent and effective discipline techniques and strategies to manage children’s negative behaviors. Call 703-6147204 to register. EFMP workshop The Marine exceptional family member program on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall offers a reimbursement program orientation Nov. 26 from noon-1 p.m. in Bldg. 12 on the Henderson Hall portion of the joint base. This orientation outlines the background, use, requirements, level of need and changes to the respite care policy. The course also is available via WebEx by request. Register by Nov. 25. For registration and more information, call 703-693-5353. Continues on next page
PENTAGRAM
Friday, November 22, 2013
News Notes Continued from previous page Kris Kringle market The Army and Air Force Exchange Service and Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation are joining forces to host a Kris Kringle market Nov. 29 from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. in the Exchange parking lot on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base. Approximately 10 vendors will be on hand to help everyone get in the spirit of Christmas. Gluhwein will be available for sale, along with various food vendors, arts, crafts and novelties, and a Christmas tree vendor. The Exchange will open at 4 a.m. Nov. 29, in conjunction with Black Friday. For more information, call 703-696-8865. Holiday toy program Want to help put a smile on the face of a military child? The JBM-HH ACS volunteer association is sponsoring a holiday toy program in conjunction with the installation chaplains’ holiday food voucher program. Bring new unwrapped toys to the donation box at the Fort Myer Exchange through Dec 16 or to Army Community Service, Bldg 201. For additional information or to arrange a larger donation of toys, call 703-6963510. Servicemembers who may be eligible to receive food vouchers/toys should contact their unit first sergeant at JBM-HH for referral. SOWC meets The Signal Officers Wives Club will host a holiday tea and tour at Cherry Hill Farm in Fall Church, Va., Dec. 2 at noon. Cost is $28 per person, and seating is limited to 20 people. To reserve a spot, call Judy at 703-978-1338. MPD S1 conference The next JBM-HH military personnel division’s S1 conference is set for Dec. 4 from 9 a.m.12:30 p.m. at Town Hall, Bldg. 243, on the Fort Myer side of the joint base. The conference goal is to strengthen existing partnerships between JBM-HH’s military personnel division, unit S1’s, Pentagon human resources personnel and agencies and build consensus on efficient and effective services to customers. For more information, call Douglas Russell or Ronnie Corbitt at 703-696-3695/0008. American holiday festival concerts All tickets have been distributed to The U.S. Army Band’s American holiday festival in Brucker Hall on the Fort Myer portion of the
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joint base Dec. 7, 8, and 15. Walk-ins are welcome 15 minutes prior to start time if space is available. See www.usarmyband.com for details. Monster Jam tickets Witness the excitement of Monster Jam trucks at Verizon Center in January. The MCX Henderson Hall ITT office has tickets available for sale for the following dates: Jan. 24 at 7 p.m. and Jan. 25 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The price is $16.25 per person. Call 571-483-1963 for availability. AOWCGWA luncheon The Army Officers Wives Club of the Greater Washington Area (AOWCGWA) will be holding their December luncheon Dec. 19 in the Koran Room of the Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Officers’ Club from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Christmas and holiday tunes will be performed by Angela Knight. In addition to Knight’s performance, they will be honoring their brides from the 1970s. The event cost is $20. Reservations must be received no later than Dec. 10 and can be made online through Pay Pal at www.AOWCGWA.org or by mailing the reservation form (found online or from the reservation chair) and $20 check made out to AOWCGWA to AOWCGWA Reservations, attn: Mara Work, 2647 S. Kent St., Arlington, Va., 22202. For more information please contact AOWCGWA Reservations at 910-364-5319. Save the date The Navy-Marine Corps Ball committee, benefiting the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, will hold its 2014 Navy-Marine Corps Ball March 22 at the Washington Hilton, 1919 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. For ticket information, call 202-889-8112/8113 or email navmcball@aol.com. Correction In the Nov. 15 Pentagram, “Base varsity hoop team wins Fort Belvoir Veterans Day tourney,” the player’s awards were incorrect. Terrell Moorer was selected as the tournament’s most valuable player and Sean Hackshaw was selected as the tourney’s most outstanding player. Please send your news notes to the Pentagram at pentagramjbmhh@yahoo.com.
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Tips for safely preparing Thanksgiving day meals By Rhonda Apple Pentagram Staff Writer
When asking most people about Thanksgiving memories, the majority reflect on the holiday meal. It’s a special time when families and friends gather and enjoy a big meal – and the focus is on the turkey. Exercising safety measures in the kitchen will ensure a safe turkey dinner and prevent disasters – from poor preparation to cooking properly so no one gets food poisoning. The Centers for Disease Controls (CDC) is a partner with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), which is responsible for the safety of meat and poultry. According to the CDC and USDA FSIS, there are three safe ways to thaw food: in the refrigerator, in cold water, and in a microwave oven. Thawing turkeys must be kept at a safe temperature. The “danger zone” is between 40 and 140°F — the temperature range where foodborne bacteria multiply rapidly. Cook the stuffing outside the turkey in a casserole dish for optimal safety and uniform doneness. However, if you place stuffing inside the turkey, do so just before cooking, and use a food thermometer. Make sure the center of the stuffing reaches a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F. Turkeys should be cooked at an oven temperature no lower than 325 degrees. Ensure the turkey is completely thawed before cooking. The food thermometer must reach a safe minimum internal temperature
of 165°F. Additional information is available on the website at: http://www.cdc.gov/features/ turkeytime/. According to the National Fire Protection Association, cooking fires are the number one cause of home and related injuries. The NFPA lists the following safety tips to ensure a safe holiday season on their website at http://www.nfpa. org/safety-information/for-consumers/holidays/thanksgivingsafety: Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stovetop so you can keep an eye on the food. •Stay in the home when cooking your turkey and check on it frequently. •Keep children away from the stove. The stove will be hot and kids should stay 3 feet away. •Make sure kids stay away from hot food and liquids. The steam or splash from vegetables, gravy or coffee could cause serious burns. •Keep the floor clear so you don’t trip over kids, toys, pocketbooks or bags. •Keep knives out of the reach of children. •Be sure electric cords from an electric knife, coffee maker, plate warmer or mixer are not dangling off the counter within easy reach of a child. •Keep matches and utility lighters out of the reach of children —high in a locked cabinet. •Never leave children alone in room with a lit a candle. •Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test them by pushing the test button.
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Friday, November 22, 2013
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Friday, November 22, 2013
Wounded Warrior football team vs. Redskins alumni PHOTOS
BY
JIM DRESBACH
Their journeys and missions have included Iraq and Afghanistan, and at one time or another, Washington D.C., for rehabilitation. During the afternoon of Nov. 16, Wounded Warrior amputees mustered for a flag football game and received ovations from a standing-room-only crowd at Arlington’s Bishop O’Connell High School. On the other side of the line of scrimmage were Washington Redskins and National Football League alumni, yet more smiles than scowls were exchanged during the two halves of football as the WWAFT prevailed 28-21. For more photos, visit our Flickr page at www. flickr.com/photos/jbm-hh. For the full story turn to page 1.
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Friday, November 22, 2013
Warrior, from page 1 WWAFT captain, leg amputee and Marine veteran B.J. Nieman addressed the crowd before the opening snap. He told fans of the love he and his teammates have for the National Capital Region. “D.C. and the greater D.C. area holds a special place, not only in my heart, but in the hearts of all these Wounded Warriors,” said Nieman, who was injured by an improvised explosive device in November, 2004. “Most of us came through here in our recovery processes. I am so grateful for the help I received at the local military hospitals. We were welcomed by all of you, and it is so great to see you out here to give us support again. This is a dream come true. We really love the opportunity to play on the same field with these guys – the NFL stars.” Pro football notables on hand included Redskins favorites Brian Mitchell, Hall of Famer Sam Huff, Super Bowl championship kicker Garo Yepremian, O’Connell graduate and Cleveland Browns return specialist Eric Metcalf and former Detroit Lions quarterback Eric Hipple.
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“We were blessed with some skills to go on the field and enjoy a game in a free society because of these veterans who actually gave up a tremendous amount for us to have that freedom,” Hipple said right before the 1 p.m. opening snap. “To show up on the same field and play against them is just fantastic. They all look like they’re in shape, so they’ll probably kick our tails. Their ability to adapt and bounce back is encouraging to see.” The amputees’ arrivals on the WWAFT roster hold unique stories but are all filled with adaptation and resiliancy. Some held stellar careers at West Point athletic fields, while others held Division One athletic scholarships. Bobby Donnelly once owned a swimming career at Towson State University before joining the Navy. Now the 31-year-old father of three still owns an active lifestyle and three prostetic right legs to help him stay in shape. “I got injured during a high altitude training jump at night with all my gear on,” said Donnelly, who was injured in 2008 and lost his right leg below the knee in 2010. “I shattered my ankle, and I went through two
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and a half years of trying to save my leg. Eventually, I had to deal with amputation. I’ve been plugging along ever since.” Plugged into a receiver slot during the contest, Donnelly showed an athletic pair of hands that can grab a football. Thanks to a leg designed for running, he can pick up yards after the catch. “I’m custom-fitted, and I get a leg that is fitted for my needs,” he said. “This is basically a running leg with a heel. I’m really active. I do cross-fit training, triathlons, and I have three kids I have to chase around at home. This foot allows me to do everything I want to do on a day-to-day basis. Former Army lineman Seth Nieman stood six foot, five inches tall and weighed in at 300 pounds while playing at West Point. The Black Knight of the Hudson alum, who lost a leg in Afghanistan, is a WWAFT rookie and is amazed at the physical caliber of his teammates. “It’s impressive that a lot of these guys are out here throwing the ball around and getting around and running pretty good,” Nieman remarked during warm-ups.
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Friday, November 22, 2013
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Soldiers ruck to fill Federal benefits open season underway shelves and hearts By Staff Sgt. Luisito Brooks The Old Guard
With the onset of the winter months, many shelters across the National Capital Region will see an increase in people who are looking for a place to go in order to escape the cold. Soldiers of The Old Guard teamed up to ensure that those who are less fortunate would also have a warm meal when they got there. Eighty Soldiers assigned to 1st Battalion, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), carried more than 1,300 pounds of nonperishable food and supplies from Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall to the Father McKenna Center in Washington, D.C., during a Nov. 14 road march. Chap. (Capt.) Matthew Canada, 1st Bn., 3d U.S. Inf. Regt. (The Old Guard), gathered the Soldiers together for a few words of encouragement prior to their journey. “I prayed with them and told them how what they were doing was important,” said Canada. “We wanted to extend a helping hand to fill stomachs and hearts on this trip.” The Soldiers divided up the food and split into four groups. Spc. Jacob Caughey said it was easy to stay motivated throughout the five-mile march. “All I could think about was how all the food we were carrying was going to help someone,” said Caughey, who is an infantryman. “I felt great knowing that we were doing this public service.” Once the Soldiers reached the shelter, Gary Hines, associate director of the Father McKenna Center, said it was exciting to open his door to a sea of Soldiers bearing gifts. The center serves the physical, mental and spiritual needs of thousands of men, women and children who have fallen on hard times. “We are getting into our busiest time of the year so it was amazing how they walked from Fort Myer to bring all those packs of food,” said Hines. “They also helped pick up trash and organized our building. They were great.” Twelve of the 80 Soldiers also stayed behind to help serve during the morning meal. “I know that having green-suiters here would resonate well with the guys,” said Hines. “A lot of them are veterans, and for me, that means a lot.” Hines added the men at the center aren’t forgotten people and the Soldiers helped them realize that. Kith Smith, a former servicemember who is also a frequent guest at the center, said it was really nice to see these Soldiers care for them. “It really made my day,” said Smith. “It made me feel so good on the inside.” After the shelves were stocked, the food was served, and the building was cleaned, the Soldiers and the guests at the center got a chance to sit down and get to know one another a little better. “The Soldiers shared pieces of their stories along with their struggles and deployments. It was so encouraging,” said Canada. “I truly believed that’s when we realized that we are more in common.”
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Federal benefits open season is underway through Dec. 9, with changes effective the first full pay period in January. Open season is the time to think about health, dental, vision and tax-saving needs. During open season, eligible employees can: Enroll in or change federal employees health benefits program covering through the Army Benefits Center-Civilian website at https://www.abc. army.mil or by calling 1-877276-9287. Enroll in dental and/ or vision coverage through the federal employees dental and vision insurance program or change your
SGT. JOSE A. TORRES JR.
Soldiers assigned to 1st Battalion, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), carry more than 1,300 pounds of nonperishable food and supplies during a road march from Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall to the Father McKenna Center in Washington, D.C., Nov. 14.
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existing enrollment through the BENEFEDS website at https://benefeds.com/Portal/ jsp/Loginpage.asp or by calling 1-877-888-3337. Sign up for flexible spending accounts through the flexible spending account program at https://www. fsafeds.com/fsafeds/index. asp or by calling 1-877-3723337. The Office of Personnel Management’s open season website at www.opm.gov/ healthcareinsurance/openseason contains detailed information regarding plan changes, available plans and premiums. All employees are encouraged to review their current enrollment cover-
age and premiums to make sure it will continue to meet their needs in 2014. Changes may not be made outside of the open enrollment season dates unless an employee has a qualifying life event. For information regarding local health fairs, employees should contact their servicing civilian personnel advisory center specialist at 703704-3009. Employees planning on retiring prior to the first full pay period in January and who wish to make an open season election should contact an ABC-C coun selor
for guidance on whether a hard copy enrollment form is required.
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Friday, November 22, 2013
Blood, from page 1 •Building 222, Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, D.C., Dec. 5 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. •Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dowell Community House, Dahlgren, Va., Dec. 9 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. •Recreation Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., Dec. 11 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. •Scales Army Reserve Center, Fort Belvoir, Va., Dec. 13 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. •Additionally, the Fort Belvoir and Pentagon blood donor centers will be participating in the challenge: •Pentagon Blood Donor Center, Room 2D1063, Dec. 2 to 13 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. •Fort Belvoir Blood Donor Center (Fort Belvoir Community Hospital), Dec. 2 to 13, from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Several of the blood drives are open only to indi-
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viduals who have the proper identification and access the facility. Contact the blood donor center prior to the blood drive if you are unsure of whether or not you will be able to donate at that location. All blood types are welcome at any of the blood drives, so come out, donate and help ensure that your service takes home the prize. The will be announced Dec. 14 on the field of the much anticipated Army-Navy football game at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pa. To find out more about the Armed Services Blood Program or to schedule an appointment visit www. militaryblood.dod.mil. To interact directly with one of our staff, see photos or to get the latest news, visit www.facebook.com/militaryblood; www.flickr.com/ militaryblood or www.twitter.com/militaryblood. (From an Armed Forces Blood Program press release.)
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RACHEL LARUE
Sgt. Ian Tracey, 529th Regimental Support Company, gives blood during the Army Navy blood drive on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Dec. 4, 2012 in the Cpl. Terry L. Smith Gymnasium.
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Friday, November 22, 2013
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Friday, November 22, 2013
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