Pentagram Vol. 62, No. 50 December 17, 2015
www.army.mil/jbmhh
Published For Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall
Arlington National Cemetery adorned in wreaths Volunteers, supporters place wreaths at every grave, columbarium at ANC By Julia LeDoux Pentagram Staff Writer For the second year in a row, every single headstone and the columbarium at Arlington National Cemetery is covered with a seasonal green wreath sporting a red bow, thanks to the generosity of the supporters and volunteers of Wreaths Across America. “We are humbled by the outpouring of support that helped ensure that no headstone stood uncovered this year at Arlington National Cemetery,” said Wreaths Across America Board Chairman Wayne Hanson. “Wreaths Across America is honored to be joined in this sacred place by so many veterans, volunteers and family members as we pay tribute to our fallen and remember their sacrifice on behalf of a grateful nation.” Wreaths Across America Founder Morrill Worchester, a wreath maker from Maine, originally donated 5,000 wreaths to the cemetery back in 1992 and arranged for trucks to transport them from Maine to Arlington. Since then, the nonprofit has expanded to include more than
photo by Nell King
see WREATHS, page 4
Ten-year-old Bailey Butler gazes at the wreaths laid at each grave site Dec. 12 at Arlington National Cemetery during Wreaths Across America. The over 248,000 wreaths will be collected Jan. 23 by more volunteers.
Employees have extra time to donate to CFC By Guv Callahan Pentagram Staff Writer Federal employees who are feeling generous this holiday season and want to help somebody in need will have an extra opportunity to do so–the Combined Federal Campaign, the official workplace giving campaign of the federal government, has extended the donation deadline to Dec. 31. Beth Cobert, acting director of the United States Office of Personnel Management, announced the deadline extension in a memo to employees.
see CFC, page 5
This is the final issue of the Pentagram for 2015. The paper will not be published the last two Thursdays in December. The first issue of 2016 publishes Jan. 7. That edition is a year-in-review, reflecting on the best stories, photos and events of 2015 at JBM-HH.The only new content in that issue will be the News Notes section. The first full regular issue of the Pentagram in 2016 will publish Jan. 14. For more information, call Pentagram Editor Jim Goodwin at 703-696-5401.
News Notes photo by Nell King
Federal employees who are feeling generous this holiday season and want to help somebody in need will have an extra opportunity to do so by giving to the Combined Federal Campaign. The CFC is the official workplace giving campaign of the federal government; this year’s deadline for donations has been extended to Dec. 31.
Chaplains expose the pitfalls of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), depression By Arthur Mondale Pentagram Staff Writer Editor’s Note: This is the first in a three-part series of articles designed to generate awareness and provide resources for people suffering from seasonal affective disorder and depression. The holiday season can invoke memories in service members, both joyful and sorrowful. Some of these can be hazardous to a person’s mental and physical health. Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall U.S. Army Chap. (Maj.) Fred Wendel’s mother died in 1996, a week before Thanksgiving. Over the next seven years, he said the holiday season had less to do with high spirits,
see DEPRESSION, page 4
Last Pentagram issue of 2015 – Dec. 17
Ceremonial Gate at Fort McNair to close until Jan. 4
Beginning Dec. 19 Ceremonial Gate on the Fort McNair portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall will be closed to all traffic. All traffic will be directed to the 2nd Street Gate for base access. Ceremonial Gate is scheduled to open after the holiday season on Jan. 4. For more information or questions, contact the Directorate of Emergency Services at 703-696-2801/3525.
Passengers must have photo ID too
photo by Arthur Mondale
U.S. Navy Lt. Chad Goddard, chaplain for Headquarters and Service Battalion on the Henderson Hall portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, left, and U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Adam Blackmon, religious programs specialist, discuss goals for 2016 on Dec. 10. JBM-HH chaplains remain busy earning service members’ trust outside the confines of installation chapels. “It really falls upon the leadership of the unit,” Goddard said. “If the leadership of the unit encourages support from base chaplains and behavioral health as great resources...then we can help more people.”
As a reminder, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall requires that all passengers 18 years of age and older, in vehicles accessing gates at Fort Myer, Henderson Hall and Fort McNair must present valid photo identification. This requirement applies to all gates and to those travelling as passengers with drivers who possess an AIE pass or DoD ID card. Have ID cards ready to present to gate
guards in order to expedite entry onto any portion of the joint base. For more information about this policy, call the Directorate of Emergency Services at 703-696-3525/2801.
Salute a Soldier Holiday Celebration – Dec. 17
The Fairfax-Lee Chapter of the Association of the United States Army cordially invites all military personnel, government civilians, Department of Defense contractors and families to a Salute a Solider Holiday Celebration from 4 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 17 at the Fort Belvoir Officers Club. For more details and to register go to: http:// saluteasoliderholiday2015. eventbrite.com.
HqCmdBn to have minimal manning – Dec. 22
Headquarters Command Battalion, located in Bldg. 417 on the Fort Myer portion of
see NEWS, page 4
Index
Holiday hours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DFAC holiday menu . . . . . . . . . . Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . News notes.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SFL-TAP schedule. . . . . . . . . . . . Winter safety. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . In photos: USMC CFT. . . . . . . . .
page 2 page 2 page 3 page 4 page 6 page 7 page 8
Thurs. 55 | 43
Local forecast
Fri.
47 | 29
Sat.
44 | 26
Sun.
49 | 34
For more weather forecasts and information, visit www.weather.gov.
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Thursday, December 17, 2015 Pentagram
Slinging and rescuing
photo by Nell King
A UH-60 Lima Blackhawk helicopter from the Fort Belvoir, Va.-based 12th Aviation Battalion lifts a high-mobility, multi-wheeled vehicle (HMMWV) during a sling-load exercise Dec. 15 at the Fort McNair portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall. The operation was part of an overall incident response exercise conducted by the U.S. Army Military District of Washington’s 911th Engineer Company (Technical Rescue), a specialty response unit comprised of combat engineers, Army firefighters and heavy equipment operators. The sling load operation tested the battalion’s ability to quickly and securely deliver equipment into Washington, D.C., in response to a simulated emergency, such as confined space and structural collapse rescue at federal facilities in the National Capital Region. To view additional images of this event please visit: www. flickr.com/photos/jbm-hh/albums
JBM-HH Christmas and New Year’s Day Operations and services holiday hours Army Community Services
Closed. For more information, call 703-696-3510.
AAFES Main Exchange
Closed Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 24 and Dec. 31. Open Dec. 26 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more info, call 703-522-4575.
Closed. For more info, call 703-351-6559 (Barber Shop), 703-358AAFES Concessions: Barber Shop, Cleaners, GNC, Optical 9257 (Cleaners/alterations), 703-522-6786 (GNC), 703-528-9122 Shop, Subway, Starbucks (Optical Shop), 703-243-1786 (Subway), 703-527-0101 (Starbucks). Further, Starbucks will be open Dec. 23-24 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Dec. 26 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Dec. 30-31 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. AAFES Express (Shoppette) and service station (gas pumps)
Closed. ***Note: gas pumps are open 24/7. For more info, call 703-696-9241/44.
American Clipper Barber Shop
Closed. For more information, call 703-271-8177.
Andrew Rader U.S. Army Health Clinic
Closed Dec. 24-25 and Jan. 1. For more information, call 703696-3460.
Andrew Rader U.S. Army Health Clinic – Dental clinic
Closed Dec. 25 and Dec. 28, as well as Jan. 1 and Jan. 4. All dental sick-call and emergencies should report to the Fort Belvoir Community Hospital for support during this time frame. For more information, call 703-696-3460/3461.
Auto craft shop
Closed. For more information, call 703-696-3387.
Bowling Center
Open noon to 6 p.m. For more information, call 703-528-4766.
Car Wash (MCCS)
Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Cody CDC
Closed. For more information, call 703-696-3095.
CYSS
Closed. For more information, call 703-696-4942/0313.
Community Activity Center
Closed. For more information, call 703-696-3470.
Fife and Drum Corps Lounge
Closed. For more information, call 703-524-0200.
Firestone
Closed Dec. 25. Open Jan. 1, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 703-522-2584.
FMWR Admin Offices
Closed. For more information, call 703-696-3305.
Fort McNair Fitness Center
Closed. For more information, call 202-685-3117.
Fort McNair Officers’ Club
Closed. For more information, call 703-524-0200.
Fort McNair Five Star Catering
Closed. For more information, call 202-484-5800.
Fort Myer Fitness Center
Closed Dec. 25. Open from 5 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 1. For more information, call 703-696-7867.
Fort Myer Five Star Catering
Closed. For more information, call 703-524-0200.
Fort Myer Officers’ Club
Closed Dec. 25. Open Dec. 31 for New Year’s Eve dinner in the Koran room. Closed Jan. 1. For more information, call 703-524-0200.
Fort Myer Veterinary Treatment Facility
Closed. For more information, call 703-696-3604.
Headquarters Command Battalion
The battalion will operate with reduced manning Dec. 21-23 and Dec. 28-30. The battalion will be closed Dec. 24-25 and Dec. 31-Jan. 1. For more information, call 703-696-6377. See further closings in this week’s news notes section.
Editor’s note: For information about any of the below listed events, call the JBM-HH Religious Services Office at 703-696-6635.
Directorate of Human Resources
Closed Dec. 24-27 and Dec. 31-Jan. 3. See individual DHR office holiday closures and re-openings online at http://goo.gl/7m8ddA.
JBM-HH community events
Java Café
Closed. For more information, call 571-483-1962.
Library
Closed. For more information, call 703-696-3555.
Marine Corps Exchange, Vineyard Wine & Spirits and NEX Uniform Center
Closed. For more information, call 703-979-8420.
Military Clothing Sales (Fort Myer and Pentagon stores)
Closed. For more information, call 703-696-3515 (Fort Myer) or 703-695-6446 (Pentagon).
Military Police Station
Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information, call 703-696-3525.
Old Guard Lounge
Closed. For more information, call 703-524-0200.
Religious Services
See special holiday schedule on right. For more information, call 703-696-3535.
Spates Five Star Catering
Closed. For more information, call 703-527-1300/1302.
Spates Community Club
Closed. For more information, call 703-527-1300/1302.
JBM-HH holiday schedule of religious services
• Dec. 17 Advent concert (organist Alvin Gustin and soprano Rebecca Littig) – 11:30 a.m.; Luncheon – noon; Devotional – 12:25 p.m.
Protestant chapel community • Dec. 24 Christmas Eve Candlelight Service (Combined Protestant congregation) – 7 p.m.
Gospel community • Dec. 20 Advent worship service (Fourth Sunday of Advent) – noon • Dec. 27 Worship service – noon
Catholic Community Advent/Christmas
Most offices on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall will be closed Friday, Dec. 25 and Friday, Jan. 1, both federal holidays. Most military personnel will have a training holiday Thursday, Dec. 24, and Thursday, Dec. 31. Some activities will be open with reduced staffing. The following facilities and places of business have reported open or closed hours for Dec. 24-25 and Dec. 31-Jan. 1. Unless otherwise noted, the list applies to Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. This alphabetical list is not all encompassing; please check with the facility you wish to visit for more details. Stay connected!
www.army.mil/jbmhh
Pentagram
703-696-5401 pentagramjbmhh@yahoo.com
Facebook: Facebook.com/jbmhh
• Dec. 19-20 Fourth Sunday of Advent • Dec. 24 Choral prelude; Chapel and Hand Bell Choir- 4:30 p.m.; Solemn Christmas Mass – 5 p.m. • Dec. 25 Christmas Mass – 9 a.m. • Dec. 26-27 Feast of the Holy Family • Dec. 31 Vigil Mass for the Feast of Mary, Mother of God/Holy Day of Obligation – 5 p.m. • Jan. 1 Mass for the Feast of Mary, Mother of God – 9 a.m. • Jan. 2-3 Feast of the Epiphany • Jan. 9-10 Baptism of the Lord
Flickr: Flickr.com/photos/jbm-hh
The Pentagram is an authorized publication for members of the Department of Defense. Contents of the Pentagram are not necessarily the official views of the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, the Department of the Army, Department of the Navy, or Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall. The content of this publication is the responsibility of the Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Public Affairs Office. Pictures not otherwise credited are U.S. Army photographs. News items should be submitted to the Pentagram, 204 Lee Ave., Bldg. 59, Fort Myer, VA 22211-1199. They may also be e-mailed to james.m.goodwin3. civ@mail.mil. Circulation of 24,000 is printed by offset every Thursday as a civilian enterprise newspaper by Comprint Military Publications. Comprint Military Publications is located at 9030 Comprint Court, Gaithersburg, MD 20877. Telephone (301) 921-2800. Commercial advertising should be placed with the printer. Comprint Military Publications is a private firm in no way connected with the Department of the Army or Department of the Navy. The appearance of advertisements in this publication, to include all inserts and supplements, does not constitute an endorsement by the Department of the Army or Department of the Navy of the products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use, or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. A confirmed violation of this policy of equal opportunity by an advertiser shall result in the refusal to print advertising from that source.
Twitter: @jbmhh Col. Michael D. Henderson Commander Command Sgt. Maj. Randall E. Woods Command Sergeant Major Mary Ann Hodges Director of Public Affairs Sharon Walker Command Information Officer
Slideshare: slideshare.net/jbmhh Jim Goodwin Editor james.m.goodwin3.civ@ mail.mil Lorraine Walker Graphic Designer lwalker@dcmilitary.com Nell King Photographer nking@dcmilitary.com
Julia LeDoux Staff Writer jledoux@dcmilitary.com Guv Callahan Staff Writer wcallahan@dcmilitary.com Delonte Harrod Staff Writer dharrod@dcmilitary.com Arthur Mondale Staff Writer awright@dcmilitary.com
Community
Pentagram
Thursday, December 17, 2015
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JBM-HH sings its way into Advent season By Delonte Harrod Pentagram Staff Writer In only their second week of celebrating and remembering the birth and return of the Messiah (Advent), congregants gathered at Memorial Chapel on the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Dec. 10 to celebrate the holiday season. Before the religious service, spectators were provided a performance by The U.S. Army Voic-
es, a choir from The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own,” including a variety of seasonal hymns. Dr. Randall Sheets, organizer of the advent celebration weeks, music director and ceremonial organist on JBM-HH, said he believes this kind of music “moves us into a more spiritual realm.” “I think it takes us out of the day-to-day world we live in, the commercial world, the
see CONCERT, page 5
photo by Nell King
The U.S. Army Voices perform during the Advent Recital Series at Memorial Chapel Dec. 11 on the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall. The U.S. Army Voices Choir Director, Sgt. 1st Class Jason Gottshall, conducted the group’s traditional Advent-themed performance with eight songs including “Ave Maria.”
Joint base firefighters train to avert disaster By Julia LeDoux Pentagram Staff Writer
photo by Nell King
Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall firefighters are briefed on how to unhook seat belts and learn how to remove a UH-60 Lima Blackhawk helicopter’s windows and doors in an Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting exercise Dec. 9 at the Fort McNair portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall in Washington, D.C. The drill was conducted as part of a Fire and Emergency Services Program assessment of JBM-HH Fire and Rescue Services.
The UH-60 Lima Blackhawk came into view Dec. 9 in the skies over Fort McNair just as the sirens from two Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall fire trucks sounded. As the helicopter from 12th Aviation Battalion’s Bravo Company at Fort Belvoir made a simulated hard landing in a field, joint base firefighters raced from the trucks with hoses and medical equipment as they took part in an aircraft rescue and firefighting, or ARFF drill. The drill was part of a week-long triennial U.S. Army Installation Command Fire and Emergency Services Program assessment. ARFF is a special category of
firefighting that involves the response, hazard mitigation, evacuation and possible rescue of aircraft passengers and crew involved in a ground emergency. Chief Warrant Officer 2 Nate Parks, who piloted the Blackhawk, called the training “excellent.” “You never want to do something for the first time when it’s a real world situation,” he said. “Us landing here and getting with the fire department is just a part of the training we can do and accommodate them to ensure the safety of the entire National Capital Region.” Parks and his crew briefed firefighters on how to unhook seat belts and on how to remove the helicopter’s windows and doors.
see ARFF, page 5
Oldest known living World War II vet visits Tomb of the Unknowns By Spc. Brandon C. Dyer The Old Guard Public Affairs Referred to as a “day that will live in infamy,” Dec. 7, 1941, was the day the Japanese attacked the United States and drew the nation into one of the most destructive events in history. On the 74th anniversary of this day, the oldest known veteran of the war was given the honor to lay a wreath at the World War II Memorial. Frank Levingston, now 110 years old, was on a D.C. tour organized by Austin Honor Flights. In addition to laying a wreath at the World War II memorial, he visited the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and was invited to visit the White House.
Livingston flew from his home in Lake Charles, La. This is the first time Austin Honor Flights has provided a trip to an out-ofstate resident. Upon landing in Ronald Reagan National Airport, Levingston was greeted with a standing ovation. During his visit to the tomb, Levingston grew emotional. “I can’t really express how I feel,” said Levingston. “But I’m very touched to see this.” One of eight children, Levingston was born Nov. 13, 1905, in North Carolina and served in the Army as a private. He fought in the Naples-Foggia Campaign in Italy. After receiving an honorable discharge in 1945, he became a union worker specializing in
see VETERAN, page 5
HHH
Photo by Spc. Brandon C. Dyer
Frank Levingston (center), the oldest known World War II veteran, visits the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery Dec. 7 as part of the Austin Honor Flight visit to Washington, D.C. One of eight children, Levingston is 110 years old. He was born Nov. 13, 1905, in North Carolina and served in the Army as a private. He fought in the Naples-Foggia Campaign in Italy.
The United States Army Band CALENDAR OF EVENTS
HHH
Dec. 19
6 p.m.
The U.S. Army Chorus returns to the Kennedy Center Millennium Stage for an evening of holiday music in Washington, D.C. These musicians will kick-off a year of concerts and events in honor of the 60th anniversary of the group’s founding in 1956. This program will entertain with both religious and popular holiday tunes.
Jan. 14
5 p.m.
The U.S. Army Concert Band and Herald Trumpets will perform at Riverside High School Upper Belmont Place in Leesburg, Va., 20176.
Jan. 16
8 p.m.
The U.S. Army Blues Swamp Romp will perform an evening of jazz sprinkled with Cajun sauce at The Mainstay at 5753 Main Street in Rock Hall, Md., 21661. This concert will feature French-Louisiana sound that has influenced American popular music for decades.
Jan. 23
6:30 p.m.
The U.S. Army Blues will perform as part of the Essentially Ellington Regional High School Jazz Festival at Yorktown High School at 5200 Yorktown Blvd., Arlington, Va. 22207
Jan. 24
3 p.m.
The U.S. Army String Quartet will perform “Beethoven and the Americans: An Eclectic Program” at Metropolitan Memorial United Methodist Church in Washington, D.C. This recital will feature chamber music including works by Charles Ives, Elliott Carter and George Gershwin.
Jan. 30
3 p.m.
The U.S. Army String Quartet will perform “Beethoven and the Americans: An Eclectic Program” at Metropolitan Memorial United Methodist Church in Washington, D.C. This recital will feature chamber music including works by Charles Ives, Elliott Carter and George Gershwin.
Jan. 31
3 p.m.
The U.S. Army Blues Swamp Romp will perform a new CD release concert Back to the Bayou at Brucker Hall on the Fort Myer portion of JBM-HH.
Performances are free and open to the public, unless otherwise noted. All outdoor concerts are subject to cancellation or location change due to weather considerations. Call 703-696-3399 for up-to-date information on concert cancellations or location changes. For additional details and a full calendar of performances, visit www.usarmyband.com/event-calendar.html.
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Thursday, December 17, 2015 Pentagram
WREATHS
news
1,000 fundraising groups in all 50 states, who place wreaths at more than 900 cemeteries, military memorials and other sites across the country, including Arlington National Cemetery. Thousands fanned out across Arlington’s hallowed and sacred ground to place the wreaths on an unseasonably warm Dec. 13, the day designated by Congress as Wreaths Across America Day in 2008. Army veteran Bob Riley stepped back and rendered a solemn salute after laying a wreath on a headstone marked simply “Unknown.” “Whoever this is, he should never be forgotten or his sacrifice not remembered,” he said. Riley, who is from Alexandria, Va., has been volunteering at Wreaths Across America for three years. A more than mile-long convoy of vehicles, including tractor trailers, motorcycles, buses and cars carrying veterans, family members of the fallen and supporters delivered the wreaths in the early Saturday morning, after making the journey to the National Capital Region from Maine. Among the volunteers who reverently placed the wreaths were husband and wife Monica and Edward Thomas from Montgomery County, Md. The couple said it was their first time volunteering at the event and that they planned return in 2016. “This has been wonderful,” Monica said. “Look how many people are here to take part in this.” “I wasn’t in the military, but my grandpa served in World War II,” added Edward. “I feel like I am
JBM-HH, will have minimal manning Dec. 22 due to a special event. For more information, call 703-696-6377. For actual holiday closures, see the Christmas and New Year’s Day Operations and Service Holiday hours on page 2.
from page 1
from page 1
Henderson Hall parking lot closures – Dec. 28-31
photoS by Nell King
Volunteers lay wreaths at grave sites Dec. 12 at Arlington National Cemetery during Wreaths Across America. For the second year in a row, every single headstone and the columbarium is covered with a seasonal green wreath with a red bow, thanks to supporters and volunteers of Wreaths Across America. Sgt. Rachael C. King, stationed at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, prepares to place a wreath on her grandfather’s grave site Dec. 12 at Arlington National Cemetery during Wreaths Across America. King’s grandfather, Petty Officer and Boatswain’s Mate George W. Harvey Jr., was a World War II veteran.
honoring him, along with everyone who is buried here, by doing this.” Also included in the day’s events were wreath laying ceremonies at the gravesite of President John F. Kennedy, the U.S.S. Maine memorial and at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Commander Col. Mike Henderson and his family were also among the volunteers who placed wreaths. “This is fantastic,” said Henderson as he looked around at the volunteers as they moved from headstone to headstone, adorning each one with a
Depression from page 1
optimism and being merry and was more of an annual cycle of grief, loss, sadness and depression. “Let’s just get this dang holiday season over with and get to Jan. 2,” Wendel said he mentally repeated to himself like clockwork over the next seven years: the week prior to Thanksgiving Day until the day after New Year’s. A man of faith for three decades, Wendel said he also shouldered having to uplift and minister to others, while he carried the weight of “expectations” associated with being a high-ranking priest. “What I presented on the outside and what I felt on the inside didn’t match,” Wendel said. “I was so low sometimes I struggled to put on a front that I felt I had to, to get the job done.” Wendel also described the physical toll the holidays took on him. He said the weariness felt as if he had “dug 20 ditches.” Today, Wendel said he’s emotionally stronger and has since recovered, but he advises the base populace that if a priest with a “very strong faith” can struggle with the toxic effects of grief and depression, so can others. “Talking to another person— counselor, psychologist, chaplain, minister, priest, rabbi—just talking to another person can help you get it out,” Wendel said. “Just reach out. None of us have it all together.” Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and depression Chaplains at Joint Base Myer Henderson-Hall don’t often use the term seasonal affective disorder. SAD is the clinical term for a form of winter depression that is the result of the lack of sunlight and the isolation people experience during the colder months, according to Dr. Elspeth Cameron Ritchie, chief of mental health at the Washington, D.C., Veterans Affairs Medical Center. “Seasonal affective disorder is one variant of depression,” Ritchie said. “Sad mood, concentration, lack of energy, a change in appetite and a lack of motivation” are a range of symptoms, Ritchie said. Symptoms of depression include hypersomnia (excessive tiredness), and insomnia (difficulty sleeping) according to U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Jeff Showalter, chief of Behavioral Health at Andrew Rader U.S. Army Health Clinic. “We focus more on the symptoms of depression,” he said. “A person needs two consecutive years of depression beginning at a particular season and lifting at a particular season, spanning
photo by Arthur Mondale
Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall U.S. Army Chap. (Maj.) Fred Wendel can smile again both inside and out during the holiday season. He detailed his bout with grief and depression which lasted for seven years following the death of his mother in 1996, a week before Thanksgiving. In regards to the “emotional rollercoaster and sense of loss” others may face during and after the holidays, Wendel strongly encourages people to “reach out” and disregard labels and self-perceived shame.
over two years to meet diagnostic criteria for seasonal affective disorder. We would need to see a demonstrated pattern of seasonal onset.” And according to both Showalter and Ritchie, stress is a risk factor, as detailed by installation chaplains. “Typically around the holidays I see a spike in stress, overall stress— workplace and family stress,” said U.S. Navy Lt. Chad Goddard, chaplain for Headquarters and Service Battalion on the Henderson Hall portion of JBM-HH. “Stress in the home leads to stress in the workplace and vice versa.” Additionally, chaplains at JBMHH told the Pentagram they experience a spike in counseling following the holidays that is both financial and relational in nature. Suicidal ideations are also common during and after the holidays in light of financial and relational issues. A place of confidentiality Base chaplains make referrals to base resources for service members to get additional help, if a service member wants it. “We are the distribution center, the first place people should come to is in here [chaplain’s office],” Goddard said. “They could walk in and spill their guts all over my office.” Ignorance could be one reason more service members suffering from depression don’t seek counsel from base chaplains, but according to JBM-HH chaplains, trust is another. Chaplains are busy working to earn service members’ trust outside the confines of installation chapels and on deployments. “Earning that trust takes a while,” Goddard said. “We want to keep an eye on service members who are hav-
wreath. “It is an honor to do this.” JBM-HH Command Sgt. Maj. Randall Woods also participated. The wreaths will remain in place until Jan. 23, when volunteers will remove all WAA wreaths from the cemetery. No formal sign-up or registration is required to help with the cleanup. There will be a short volunteer instructional briefing at 8:30 a.m. at the McClellan Arch Gate. Wreath cleanup begins around 8:45 a.m. Pentagram Staff Writer Julia LeDoux can be reached at jledoux@dcmilitary.com. ing a hard time financially, and any that have a special family dynamic or exceptional family member.” Additionally, base chaplains and their staff agree the days leading up to the start of 2016 should serve as a time for both self-examination and reflection. “If service members aren’t feeling optimistic or looking forward to anything that’s a pretty clear sign of depression,” said U.S. Navy Petty officer 1st Class Adam Blackmon, the religious programs specialist at Henderson Hall. “If people notice someone else feeling that way, encourage them to talk to somebody.” Spirituality and faith “Some folks need faith in something, whether it’s God or something else,” Goddard said. Base chaplains and their staff that spoke with the Pentagram agree there is a difference between spirituality and faith. They also said they believe more emphasis should be placed on people’s commitment to something outside of themselves. “If people would say ‘What I’m doing is being done for the good of my county, or my family’ that could give people strength to persevere beyond their current hardships,” Blackmon said. “When a person gets the feeling that ‘I’m involved in something bigger than myself,’ that can be a way to give meaning to your suffering.” Wendel said chaplains can’t force religion, spirituality or ideals on members of the base populace. But there’s a need for support here that military chaplains want to meet, regardless of the time of year or season. “I want people to be less grounded in things and make decisions that help them be better people. To see the importance of relationships and see the bigger picture of life,” Wendel said. “That’s what I hope for people.” For chaplain support, call JBMHH religious services at 703-6966635. For emergencies call 202236-4901. Pentagram Staff Writer Arthur Mondale can be reached at awright@dcmilitary.com.
Correction: The Pentagram erroneously published the wrong holiday hours for the Andrew Rader U.S. Army Health Clinic and the Fort Myer Fitness Center on page 2 of the Dec. 10 issue. The correct holiday operating hours and closures for both of these facilities have been corrected and are located on page 2 of this edition. We apologize for the error.
Construction on and near Henderson Hall’s Southgate Road will cause some parking lot closures around the Marine Corps Exchange, close Gate 1 at Southgate Road and South Orme Street, Arlington, Va., and reroute Gate 1 traffic to Hatfield Gate on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base (on Washington Boulevard at 2nd Street South). During this time, MCX visitors can use the top level of Bldg. 29 parking garage and the parking area behind Marine and Family Programs and Zembiec Pool (flood lot), Henderson Hall. In order to cause the least inconvenience, work is planned for Dec. 28-31, weather permitting. If bad weather prevails, a back-up date of Jan. 4-7 is set. For more a map of those affected areas, go to http://goo.gl/mflT59. For more information, call 703-696-5657.
Most federal employees off early on Christmas Eve
The President has signed an executive order excusing Executive Branch non-Postal Service employees from duty the last half of the scheduled workday Dec. 24 with pay and without charge to leave, except those who, in the judgment of the head of the agency, cannot be excused for reasons of national security, defense or other essential public need. To read the full executive order, go to http://go.usa.gov/cKvsN.
Annual CFC extended through Dec. 31
During the forthcoming holiday season and time of giving, we are asked to remember those less fortunate, and pay it forward to help others. There are a number of ways to participate in this year’s Combined Federal Campaign, which now runs through Dec. 31: Contact your CFC keyworker; login at www.cfcnca.org; or contact JBM-HH Campaign Manager Barbara Edmondson at barbara.c.edmondson.naf@mail.mil or 703-696-3110.
National Capital Region is ‘no drone zone’
The District of Columbia and cities and towns within a 30-mile radius of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport are a “No Drone Zone.” This includes the Fort Myer, Fort McNair and Henderson Hall portions of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall. It also includes Arlington National Cemetery. Operating an unmanned aircraft in this area for any purpose is against the law. For more information see www.faa.gov/uas/no_drone_ zone/dc.
Don’t allow holiday glee make you forget operational security
OPSEC at home: Things often get so hectic around the holidays that sometimes we completely forget about basic security; someone else is looking to take advantage of this hectic time. Remember to: • Be alert to public works crews and other personnel requesting access to your residence. Did you call for service? Verify their identity before allowing entry to your home. • Write down the license plate number of a suspicious vehicle and note the description of occupants. • When socializing at parties, don’t talk “shop” and be wary of attempts to elicit information. • Report suspicious activity to the police or local law enforcement.
Tax center looking for volunteers
The Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Consolidated Tax Center is looking for volunteers for the 2016 tax season. The tax center will be opening on Jan. 19 and will remain open through May. Free training for the 2016 tax season volunteers will be held Jan. 4-8 at the U.S. Army Legal Service Activity building on Fort Belvoir. This will be a classroom environment with training presented by IRS and American Bar Association experts. A second week of training will be provided from Jan. 11-15 at the tax center on the joint base. Volunteers will practice creating tax returns and become certified IRS-trained tax preparers. This is an excellent opportunity for those interested in becoming certified tax preparers. Anyone interested in this opportunity should contact Philip Jussel, senior paralegal, Legal Services Division, at 703-696-0761 or email philip.w.jussel.civ@ mail.mil.
Bring in 2016 with glow bowling – Dec. 31
Bring the whole family to enjoy glow bowling New Year’s Eve Dec. 31, from 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. at the Bowling Center on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base. For $25 per person (five and under are free), you’ll get shoe rental, party favors, food, music, prizes and more. Call the Bowling Center at 703-528-4766 for more information.
Death notice
Anyone with debts owed to or by the estate of 1st Sgt. George D. Mosteller, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center-Warrior Transition Brigade, must contact 1st Lt. Sara Laszaic, the Summary Court Martial Officer for the Soldier. Mosteller passed away Nov. 27. Call Laszaic at 301-538-2832.
News Notes submissions
Send your submissions for the Jan. 7, 2016 edition of the Pentagram via email at pentagramjbmhh@yahoo.com no later than noon, Dec. 30. Submissions must be 100 words or less and contain all pertinent details. Submission of information does not guarantee publication.
Pentagram
Thursday, December 17, 2015
5
CONCERT from page 3
hustle-and-bustle, the craziness that we all have to experience in life when we wake up,” he explained. “One of the great beauties of music is that it moves us out of our day-to-day life.” The concert lasted for 30 minutes, but within that time span, the U.S. Army Voices sang eight songs, including a traditional hymn “O’Come, O’Come, Emmanuel” and a fast-paced hymn titled “African Noel.” “We have members that bring us great pieces of music in various styles,” said Sgt. 1st Class Jason Gottshall, choir director of The U.S. Army Voices. “We selected some of the pieces because they had an Advent theme as opposed to a Christmas theme in anticipation of Christmas and then some pieces that celebrated Christmas itself.” It was the group’s first time performing at the chapel and singing religious songs, according to Gottshall, who also said the group is known for performing patriotic, pop and Broadway-style music. “We loved the opportunity,” he said. “This kind of music is music we don’t get a lot of opportunity to perform in our day-to-day jobs, so an opportunity to present some more classically oriented music in a beautiful space like this—we
photo by Nell King
Army Master Sgt. Leigh Ann Hinton of The U.S. Army Voices, performs during the Advent Recital Series at Memorial Chapel Dec. 11 on the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall. The well attended performance included a total of eight songs, including a traditional hymn “O’Come, O’Come, Emmanuel” and a festive-paced song entitled “African Noel.”
jumped to the challenge when Dr. Randall Sheets asked us.” Attendee Joseph Pukas said the music was beautiful and that his favorite song was “Ave Maria,” written by Franz Schubert in 1825. He said the song was his favorite because he “grew up with it.” Pukas explained that the songs “enlighten” the Advent season and it causes him to remember the old times. Dec. 17 is the next advent celebration, featuring organist Alvin Gustin and soprano artist Rebecca Litig. This event is free and open to all on JBM-HH. Contact Pentagram Staff Writer Delonte Harrod at dharrod@dcmilitary.com
cement finishing. Shannon Levingston-McCowan of Shreveport, La., is Levingston’s great niece and accompanied him during his visit to Washington, D.C. She said her uncle’s 110th birthday last month means a lot to her family, regardless of the fact that his age has made national news coverage. The centenarian Levingston is in good health and takes no medication, said
“You don’t know the nuances that are involved, the things they don’t know, until you actually do it,” he said. “So, working here today with [Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Fire] Chief [Russell] Miller, with the fire department and letting them put their hands on the aircraft is just one way that I really think if [an accident] was to happen, they can do [a rescue] safely and effectively.” Miller said the training did a couple of things for his firefighters. “It’s a requirement of the Fire and Emergency Services program,” he ex-
plained. “It gave us an opportunity to be assessed on aircraft emergency response. It identified our capabilities, our strengths and weaknesses.” A simulated structural fire at Bldg. 434 (the old pool house) on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base Dec. 10 served as the second part of the training. Assistant Fire Chief Jon Culberson. The scenario required responders to put out the fire, ventilate the building and search for victims. “The training is vital,” he said. “We do drills several times a year. We also do live fire evaluations at [civilian and DoD] fire academies where we set fires and put them out.” Pentagram Staff Writer Julia LeDoux can be reached at jledoux@dcmilitary.com.
Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall firefighters begin an Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting exercise Dec. 9 at the Fort McNair portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall in Washington, D.C. The exercise involved a UH-60 Lima Blackhawk and was part of a week-long Fire and Emergency Service Program assessment.
She was also able to shed some light on the good that comes from the CFC, as she and her family have directly benefited from the kindness of a charitable organization. In 2010, Fitzgerald’s nine-year-old son Jacob was diagnosed with cancer. But while Jacob was undergoing treatment, his doctors nominated him and the Fitzgerald family to be a wish family with the Make a Wish Foundation, one of thousands of organizations that can receive donations through the CFC. Thanks to the generosity of the Make a Wish Foundation, the Fitzgerald family was sent on a trip to Disney World after Jacob wrapped up his treatment. Fitzgerald said it was an incredible experience that brought her family closer together and inspired her to join the CFC as a loaned executive in 2012. “I’ve been giving to CFC for my entire career…but after going through my son’s illness, I jumped at the chance to serve as a CFC loaned executive,” she wrote in an email to the Pentagram. “It’s always good to be able to tell a real, personal story when asking people for charitable donations. People are more likely to give when some-
one they know is positively impacted.” Loaned executives are federal employees assigned to help manage local CFC programs for the duration of the giving season. Fitzgerald said that some people might view the CFC as a faceless initiative, a long list of anonymous organizations. But she reminded employees that if they make a donation, that money goes to real people who need real help. “We don’t really put a lot of thought into it until we are touched by somebody on the receiving end,” she told the Pentagram. “And if we stop to think about it, almost all of us have some sort of a story, even if it’s not our own direct family. We might have a neighbor or a relative with Alzheimer’s, or somebody who’s had a heart attack, or somebody who’s on dialysis. We all have a story, we’ve all been touched by somebody who needs something, and there are so many charities in the CFC … There really are faces behind each and every one of these charities.” Sean Urban, recreation assistant at the JBM-HH Community Center and a Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation 2015 CFC keyworker, said donors
have a great deal of control over where the money they donate goes. “The donor can specify exactly what they want their contribution to go towards,” he wrote in an email to the Pentagram. “Those skeptical of the CEO’s salaries for these 501(c)(3)’s that we constantly see in the news, can be specific on the terms of where and what their donation is spent.” According to Sally Carpenter, 2015 CFC loaned executive for the National Capital Region, at this time last year, there were 23 pledges from JBM-HH employees for a total of $5,250. So far this year, there have been 45 pledges for $11,730. “In these final two weeks, I encourage all federal employees to attend campaign events, learn more about the specific charities within the CFC, and give to a cause you support most passionately,” Cobert said in her statement. “And remember, all gifts – large and small – are important and make a difference.” For more information about the CFC, visit www.opm.gov/combined-federal-campaign. Pentagram Staff Writer Guv Callahan can be reached at wcallahan@dcmilitary.com.
from page 3
photos by Nell King
CFC
from page 1
“The CFC remains the largest and most successful workplace charity drive in the United States,” Cobert said in the release. “The 2015 CFC is expected to see a significant milestone as, this year, Federal employees across the country are expected to surpass $8 billion raised since 1961, funds which have helped countless people across our country and around the world.” During the CFC, which runs from Sept. 1 to Dec. 31, federal civilian, postal and service members pledge money throughout the campaign season to support their choice of participating non-profit organizations providing health and human services globally. The 2014 CFC raised $193.2 million, according to the Office of Personnel Management’s website. Pamela Fitzgerald, an Air Force Group Federal Officer, worked on the CFC in 2012 and 2013 and is an advocate for the campaign and the help it provides to others.
Veteran
Levingston- McCowan. Joseph Levingston, his nephew, said it was an honor to see a member of his family recognized in such a way. Austin Honor Flights is a non-profit organization that helps veterans visit the National Capital Region to see the war monuments that have been built in their honor. According to the Austin Honor flights website, there are approximately only 855,070 veterans remaining of the 16 million who served our nation in World War II. Veterans who participate in the Honor Flights program do so for free.
ARFF
Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall firefighters participate in an Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting exercise Dec. 9 at the Fort McNair portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall in Washington, D.C. The exercise involved a UH-60 Lima Blackhawk and was part of a week-long Fire and Emergency Service Program assessment.
Photo by Spc. Brandon C. Dyer
Frank Levingston (center), the oldest known World War II veteran, visits the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery Dec. 7 as part of the Austin Honor Flight visit to Washington, D.C. One of eight children, Levingston is 110 years old and served in the Army as a private. According to the Austin Honor flights website, there are approximately only 855,070 veterans remaining of the 16 million who served our nation in World War II.
And third place goes to...
photo by Nell King
Zak, a service dog for Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall intern Emily Mihalik, accepts third place in the Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall command headquarters ugly sweater contest from Robin Bowen, left, and Vihn Cayton, Dec. 11 on the Fort Myer portion of JBM-HH. Leslie Watts, a JBM-HH employee, and Ryan Guines, USO special events specialist, won first and second place in the contest, respectively.
from page 3
Home for the Holidays
photo by Spc. Daniel Yeadon
Warrior Battalion Soldiers of The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps lead residents at the Armed Forces Retirement Home in holiday carols Dec. 18 in Washington, D.C. Soldiers from the Warrior Battalion — the 4th Battalion of the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) — volunteered at the home to spread holiday cheer.
6
Thursday, December 17, 2015 Pentagram
Generals take second at Operation Santa classic
photo by Arthur Mondale
The Fort Myer Generals men’s basketball team pose for a photo after taking second place following a defeat against the Fort Meade Patriots men’s basketball team, 110-105, Dec. 14 during the championship game of the 2015 Operation Santa Basketball tournament at the Fort Myer Fitness Center. The annual tournament assists Army Community Service’s Operation Santa toy drive. All tournament participants were required to donate at least one wrapped toy which provided enough toys for approximately two dozen families, according to Brandie DeRemer, JBM-HH chief of athletics and fitness.
Soldier for Life-Transition Assistance Program seminars and workshops Reservations are required. Spouses are encouraged to register and attend. Call the SFL-TAP office, 703-696-0973 or log-in at www.acap.army.mil. Available to all registered clients who have completed DD2648/2648-1 and initial counseling. Location of seminars and workshops are in the SFL-TAP Bldg. 404 on the Fort Myer portion of JBM-HH unless otherwise noted.
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Pentagram
Thursday, December 17, 2015
7
Winter safety on and off the roads Do-it-yourself checklist helps motorists winterize vehicles, driving habits By Arthur Mondale Pentagram Staff Writer Editor’s Note: This is the fourth in a fourpart series of articles designed to generate awareness and provide helpful safety tips during the winter. The unexpected unseasonable weather patterns throughout early and mid-December were a much-needed welcome to most drivers at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, but unexpected events on the roadway—not so much. Experts caution drivers to prepare now for bad weather. This could explain why all 17 vehicle bays inside the JBM-HH Auto Crafts Skills Center were filled with vehicles since mid-October with active duty drivers, their spouses, reservists and retirees. Drivers who were doing preventative maintenance on their vehicles to save considerable time and money in preventative maintenance. “You’ve got to inspect your vehicle,” said retired U.S. Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer Mark Fiumara. “The off-base dealers¬—they don’t fix the problems, they throw parts at the problems when they find them—I’m a bit of a fanatic and come here often, do it myself and save 50 to 75 percent on overall costs.” Auto center Manager Milton Hawthorne, who has assisted Fiumara and other drivers for 16 years with do-ityourself repairs, offered to give Pentagram readers a step-by-step guide to winterizing their vehicles and conducting sound preventative maintenance. “A lot of folks just get in their vehicle, hit the gas pedal and drive,” Hawthorne said. “But anything can happen on the road.” Do-it-yourself vehicle inspection Step 1: Maintenance checks “Check your engine, serpentine belt, hoses, brakes, and your wiper blades,” Hawthorne said. And for the serpentine belt, for example, Hawthorne said to thoroughly inspect for cracks, tears and abrasions. “That belt runs everything—the water pump, alternator, power steering—if that belt breaks you’re not going anywhere,” he said. Step 2: Check vehicle fluids “Inspect all your fluids,” Hawthorne said, including antifreeze, transmission
fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and non-freezing windshield wiper fluid. Step 3: Check your oil Hawthorne warns, “Ensure you have oil in your vehicle, enough of it and know whether or not you need to change it.” Drivers should be familiar with the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation of when to change the oil; usually 3,000 miles for vehicles using conventional oil and 6,000 to 7,500 for vehicles using synthetic oil, according to Hawthorne. Failure to change your vehicle’s oil is rough on the engine and could prevent vehicles from functioning properly. Step 4: Check your tires “Look at your wear pattern on your tires and make sure there’s adequate tread—if you have bald tires—prepare to get zero traction and slide,” Hawthorne said. All-season tires are considered safe for drivers in the National Capital Region during the winter, but snow tires are better, according to Hawthorne. Also, be sure to have the correct amount of air pressure in your tire. A failure to do so could add unnecessary wear and tear. “Look inside the front driver-side door, a label will tell you what your vehicle’s tire pressure [Pounds per Square Inch] should be,” Hawthorne said. Also, not all vehicles require that all four tires should have the same PSI; front and rear tire pressure could vary, he said. Step 5: Check your air filter A dirty air filter could pose a risk to the performance of your vehicle’s heat system, and a risk to the driver, according to Hawthorne. “You might be inhaling mold,” he said. Step 6: Check your lights Visually inspect all vehicle lights. “Make sure your headlights work, brake lights, and emergency flashers,” Hawthorne said. Step 7: Check your trunk In addition to a temporary spare tire, your trunk should be packed with a roadside emergency kit: road flares, jumper cables, first aid kit, shovel, ice scraper, flashlight, batteries, blanket, food and water, according to Hawthorne. Winter driving safety JBM-HH Safety’s Ron Foster wants to
see WINTER SAFETY, page 8
photo by Arthur Mondale
Retired U.S. Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer Mark Fiumara inspects his vehicle’s crankcase ventilation system and other key features under the hood of his vehicle Dec. 1 at the Auto Crafts Skills Center on the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall. “My word of advice is if you’re not a mechanic, find a good location like this [Auto Crafts Skills Center] to bring your vehicle,” said Fiumara. Doing so could result in a 50-to-75 percent savings on vehicle costs and repairs, he said.
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Thursday, December 17, 2015 Pentagram
WINTER SAFETY from page 7
remind all drivers in the National Capital Region to be prepared for the unexpected on the roadway this winter. In addition to winterizing vehicles, the U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center offers these tips: -Prepare to drive in adverse weather: Know what type of vehicle brakes you have and what your brakes will do to avoid skids and wheel lock-up.
-Plan your route: Check the weather and adjust arrival and departure times accordingly. -Prevent accidents: Slow down and drive according to road and weather conditions. Increase the distance between your vehicle and other vehicles. On normal, dry pavement, the following distance is three to four seconds; it should be increased to eight to 10 seconds in inclement weather. -Prep for driving in the snow: Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Vehicles function slower on snow-covered
pavement; to include accelerating, turning and stopping. -Prep for driving in snow, uphill: Don’t power up hills, let inertia gained on flatter ground carry your vehicle up a hill, and reduce speed at the crest of the hill, and reduce it further as the vehicle proceeds downward. And avoid stopping as your vehicle maneuvers hills. For more information visit https:// safety.army.mil. Pentagram Staff Writer Arthur Mondale can be reached at awright@dcmilitary.com.
Ammo can lift
Maneuver under fire
New year
photo by Arthur Mondale
Fit for combat, ready for the
Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Auto Crafts Skills Center Manager Milton Hawthorne, left, inspects tire wear patterns and treads on the sides of tires brought in by a customer Dec. 1. The Auto Crafts Skills Center (Bldg. 227), located on the Fort Myer portion of JBMHH offers space, equipment and a two-person staff to assist customers with do-it-yourself maintenance and repairs Wednesday through Sunday. “The amount of people seeking help and doing preventative maintenance increases as seasons change because of the weather,” Hawthorne said.
Movement to contact
photoS by Nell King
U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Brittane Woodard, stationed at the Pentagon, takes the Marine Combat Fitness Test on the field across from Memorial Chapel on the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall. The CFT is intended to keep Marines physically ready for combat operations. The test includes a half mile run, a two minute repetitious 30-pound ammunition can overthe-shoulder lift and a maneuver-under-fire event, which includes low-crawling, carrying a buddy and running a timed course.