Pentagram December 2024 by APG Media of Chesapeake

In this issue

• Tyler Perry, Kerry Washington USO visit

• Joint Graduation ceremony

• TOG Inauguration prep ...and more

JOINT BASE MYER — HENDERSON HALL

Jason Shepherd

JBM-HH Director of Public Affairs

EDITOR’S NOTE

Happy Holidays from America’s Post and thanks for picking up the December 2024 issue of the Pentagram.

In this issue, you will read about the recent visit of Tyler Perry, Kerry Washington, and Ebony Obsidian, from the upcoming film, The Six Triple Eight, who came to Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall to stuff care packages for deployed female service members, led by the USO. The trio also visited America’s Kitchen, the USO Center, and Arlington National Cemetery during their stay here.

Also, during the last month, we celebrated a joint-services graduation ceremony at Memorial Chapel, and the lighting of the base holiday tree, followed by a visit from Santa. We also showcase The Old Guard’s preparation for the upcoming inauguration and explore one of the Joint Base Commander’s more unique jobs. Finally, we look ahead to next year’s Grant Hall tour dates.

The next issue of the Pentagram comes out in March and as always, if you have an idea you’d like to see featured in the issue, please reach out to the Public Affairs Office and share your thoughts with us.

COMMANDER’S CORNER

18 TREE LIGHTING KICKS OFF THE HOLIDAY SEASON

20 TYLER PERRY, KERRY WASHINGTON CREATE HOLIDAY CARE PACKAGES

JBM-HH HOSTS JOINT-SERVICE GRADUATION

THE OLD GUARD PREPARES FOR 60TH PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURATION

GRANT HALL COURTROOM: BUCKET LIST

JOINT BASE COMMANDER MEETS MARINE ONE

YEAR IN REVIEW

On the cover:

U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. Ethan Schofield- Tyler Perry and Kerry Washington participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in honor of the Soldiers of the Six Triple Eight Nov. 20.

CONTRIBUTORS

The Pentagram magazine is an authorized publication for members of the Department of Defense. Contents of the Pentagram magazine 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 and editorial staff from APG Media of Chesapeake, LLC. Ideas and news items for The Pentagram magazine can be sent to Eli Wohlenhaus at ewohlenhaus@dcmilitary.com.

The Pentagram magazine is published by APG Media of Chesapeake, LLC. APG Media of Chesapeake, LLC is located at 29088 Airpark Drive, Easton, MD 21601. Telephone (301) 921-2800. Commercial advertising should be placed with the printer. APG Media of Chesapeake, LLC Publications is a private firm in no way connected with the Depar tment 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.

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Commander Col. Tasha Lowery

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Commander’s Corner

A few weeks ago, several dozen children from around Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall joined me in lighting the tree near the headquarters building, officially kicking off the holidays. It is always one of my favorite events here on the installation, especially when we get to hear the U.S. Army Band’s Brass quintet and the chorus from Cody School Age Center, and of course, get a visit from the jolly old man himself.

The holiday season is a great time to pause and reflect on the wonderful things you have in your life: your health, your family, and your friends. It’s been a long and great year. I encourage you to take some leave and spend some time with those close to you who bring you happiness.

This can also be a tough time of year for those who are away from family and friends. Remember, you are never alone on an installation. You have your peers and leadership in your organizations. You also have great programs such as the Religious Support Office, the Armed Forces Wellness Center, the Military and Family Life Consultants, Army Community Service, and Family, Morale, Welfare, and Recreation that are here for you.

I would also be remiss if I didn’t talk about all the great things that happened this year on the Joint Base. We opened America’s Kitchen, our newest dining facility, and inside, our Armed Forces Wellness Clinic. We’ve updated the Myer Fitness Center to better promote both individual and team fitness goals. We also received approval to renovate Patton Hall, which will begin in earnest early next year and have a brand-new organ in Old Post Chapel. I want to personally thank everyone on this installation who played a part in all our accomplishments in 2024.

I want to close by saying happy holidays and an even happier new year. It continues to be an honor to serve with you here at America’s Post.

Tasha N. Lowery Colonel, AG Commanding

Col. Tasha N. Lowery

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Tyler Perry, Kerry Washington Create Holiday Care Packages for Deployed Female Troops

By U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Tawanya Norwood

Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall – Top Hollywood stars - Tyler Perry, Kerry Washington, and Ebony Obsidian - visited Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall and created special holiday care packages for deployed female service members at Memorial Chapel, Nov. 20.

The United Services Organization (USO) event brought together service members, veterans, and spouses stationed at the base to fill packages with items specifically requested by deployed female service members, such as feminine hygiene products, hair ties, lotion, and so much more.

“I truly appreciate that you all volunteered to come here today to put together these care packages for our female service members currently serving downrange,” said U.S. Army Col. Tasha Lowery, command-

ing officer of Joint Base Myer- Henderson Hall. “Care packages are more than just a gesture of kindness; they’re a reminder that even in the most challenging moments, a piece of home is always with you.”

For Perry, Washington, and Obsidian, they were inspired to participate in the event due to the legacy of the all-black female Army battalion, 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, that played a crucial role in boosting troop morale during World War II.

For the service members that were present, the care package stocking event was a heartfelt reminder of the times they had received similar packages from the USO during their own deployments.

“I was beyond proud to assist in this project that allows women overseas to continue to fight,” said U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jennifer Tamay. “Items such as feminine hygiene products may seem easy to access, but they were surely a luxury overseas.”

As the holiday season approaches, USOs nationwide will continue to collect items and fill care packages for service members. By volunteering your time or donating essential items, you can help bring a touch of home and comfort to those serving overseas.

“Guests like Tyler Perry, Kerry Washington, and Ebony Obsidian participating in these events help shine a light on the USO’s critical programs and remind Americans that the USO remains an active and essential part of supporting the people who serve,” said Sarah Bostic, USO program director assigned to Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall.

To learn more about how you can get involved and support our nation’s heroes, contact your local USO.

JBM-HH hosts joint-service graduation recognition ceremony

By Jason Shepherd BM-HH Public Affairs

Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall- More than 100 graduates from around the National Capital Region joined family and friends in a joint service graduation recognition ceremony Nov. 21 here at Memorial Chapel.

Dr. Wes Smith, director of the Army Credentialing and Continuing Education Services for Soldiers and keynote speaker, congratulated the graduates on balancing military service while meeting their education goals.

“Congratulations for starting this adventure,” he said. “You took aim at your values-based goal, navigated the series of challenges and obstacles, competed in a chaotic world, and earned your degree.”

Smith also shared some statistics from the National Center for Education Statistics to put the graduates’ work into perspective. In 2021, 94% of the American population completed high school; 49% completed at least an associate’s degree; 39% completed a bachelor’s degree, 9% completed a master’s degree, and only 1% of the population completed a doctorate.

During this year’s ceremony, approximately 50 graduates received advanced degrees and 60 received undergraduate degrees or certificates from

37 different academic universities and colleges. The ceremony included service members, including reserve and guardsman, dependents, veterans, and civilians working on the installations.

“In the Army in 2024, about 102,000 Soldiers used tuition assistance to enroll in about 325,000 courses, with about 8,200 earning a degree this year,” Smith added, “and you are a part of that group. It is so great to see firsthand the result of all the hard work that all of you have done.”

Maj. Benjamin Asare, deputy program manager in the Special Victims Counsel Program Office at the Pentagon, received a Master of Law in Military Law from The Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School and served as student speaker during the ceremony.

In his address, he noted the difficulty of serving as student speaker when the graduating class all matriculated to different schools, received different training, came from different services, and earned different honors.

“Our differences are stark,” he said. “The strongest similarity that we all share is that each took the same oath to defend and support the Constitution to be a part of this joint force. This recognition ceremony is a clear depiction of the joint force.”

Joint Base Commander Col. Tasha Lowery was also on hand to congratulate the graduates. Before introducing the keynote speaker, she asked every

family member, friend, or supervisor in the audience to stand up and be recognized.

“Know that those who graduated today could not have done so without your support,” she said. “Your love and encouragement helped every single one of them make it on the stage today, so thank you for all you have done, and will continue to do for them in the future.”

Lowery added that she also understands firsthand how difficult it is to balance military duties with personal endeavors.

“I want to commend each of you for the hard work, dedication, and perseverance that you’ve shown in pursuing your educational goals,” Lowery said. “You all have risen above the obstacles that came your way, and your success is well deserved.”

During the ceremony, each graduate crossed the stage of Memorial Chapel and received their diploma from Ms. TaMekii Clark-Warrington, Education Services Officer for Joint Base MyerHenderson Hall, to the applause of more than 200 well-wishers in the audience. Once every attendee received their diploma, the graduates moved their tassels from the right to the left, signifying the completion of their programs.

According to Clark-Warrington, a different installation in the Military District of Washington hosts the graduation ceremony each year. This year was the largest in recent history and included graduates from Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Fort Belvoir, Fort Meade, and the Pentagon.

“Celebrating the academic achievement of our service members is one of the most rewarding moments of the year,” Clark-Warrington said. “It brings us immense joy to see those we’ve built a connection with walk across the stage to receive their well-deserved recognition. Witnessing them set educational goals, work diligently to achieve them, and ultimately succeed is both heartwarming and a testament to the power of dedication and perseverance.”

The JBM-HH Education Center facilitates access to education institutions and programs, both on-post and online that cater to the needs and schedules of military personnel. The Education Center collaborates with colleges, universities, and vocational schools throughout the United States to offer a variety of flexible learning options, including distance learning programs. For any questions, contact the JBM-HH Education Center at 703-6961653

The Old Guard prepares for 60th Presidential Inauguration

Story by Tech. Sgt. Betty Chevalier

Joint Task Force-National Capital Region

Throughout history, military members have donned uniforms, representing their commitment to a commanding officer and allegiance to their country. Uniforms have evolved, changed and changed again as the U.S. armed forces continues to develop. The U.S. Army’s 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment, known as The Old Guard, embodies the history of uniforms in public ceremonies, such as the upcoming Presidential Inauguration on Jan. 20, 2025.

The Old Guard is comprised of hundreds of Soldiers who wear various dress uniforms dating back to 1784, displaying the Army’s history and professionalism through public events and as the Army’s official escort to the President.

“Uniforms are important to us because not all of the American public has a direct relationship with the U.S. military,” said Capt. Andrew Guay, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment memorial and ceremonies special events officer in charge. “When they come see us do a ceremony, for a lot of people that is their first and only touch point with America’s military, so how we present ourselves is very important.”

The Old Guard uniforms are unique to their unit and even the current ceremonial uniforms are built in-house and held to a higher standard. Each member handmakes their ribbons and presses their uniforms followed by inspection to ensure their presentation is top notch.

“What makes us different here at The Old Guard is we don’t wear the Army Class A uniform off the

U.S. Soldiers with the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) march on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Virginia, Nov. 7, 2024. The Old Guard displays Army uniforms dating back to 1784 during ceremonies, funerals and events. (Department of Defense photo by U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Betty R. Chevalier)

shelf how it comes,” explained Guay. “We modify it significantly to make it look better during ceremonies and also to add certain ceremonial and distinctive unit elements for how we display ourselves.”

1st Sgt. Joshua Jenkins with The Old Guard’s Alpha Company, 4th Battalion, added that nearly all members of the unit will play a role in the 60th Presidential Inauguration. From Soldiers managing uniform inspections to those who will be part of several inaugural events such as a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery and the pass in review at the U.S. Capitol, The Old Guard’s full participation will ensure the unit’s history and professionalism is seen throughout the presidential inaugural period.

“This is kind of a fruition of four years of hard work for everybody here to go and put their skills, their talents, everything we’ve rehearsed on display for a national and international audience.”

Arguably the Guard’s most important part will be the Presidential escort during the parade, which will take place after the newly-elected president is sworn in. The Old Guard will be present at Capitol Hill for the inauguration, then be one of the first to render honors to the commander in chief, followed by the escorting to the White House during the parade, as well as a marching element and supporting a street cordon.

Displaying uniforms ranging from Revolutionary War and Colonial times to the present day for the world to see during the 60th Presidential Inauguration is something The Old Guard takes great pride in, and the unit remains committed to representing the U.S. Army’s professionalism through their appearance.

“[The presidential inauguration] is something that happens every four years. In between, we’re doing a lot of ceremonies, we’re doing a lot of funerals, and this is a point where we are on display,” said Guay. “This is kind of a fruition of four years of hard work for everybody here to go and put their skills, their talents, everything we’ve rehearsed on display for a national and international audience.”

“The level of discipline in the way you wear your uniform, the style of hair you choose, the way you look in your uniform, it really sets a precedence on the American people for what the Army can do and what the Army does,” Jenkins said. “It is what we’ve worn, it’s what our ancestors wore. We are portraying the Army’s heritage to the American public.”

Grant Hall Courtroom: Bucket list of places to visit

If you’re filling your bucket list of places to visit in 2025, you should really consider the Grant Hall Courtroom tour on historic Fort McNair. The courtroom is only open to the public four days a year, so it is imperative to start planning your visit now.

What makes the Grant Hall Courtroom a must stop in 2025? “We are what our history has made us and locations like Grant Hall are paramount to remembering this,” said Darin Weeks, co-founder of the Civil War Breakfast Club Podcast. The duo did a Grant Hall podcast with Grant Hall historians and volunteers in July. Weeks added, “there are few places in America where you can walk in the footsteps of history. Like our battlefields, Grant Hall represents a must visit for those who want to experience history with their own eyes.”

Let’s go back to April 14, 1865, when John Wilkes Booth assassinated President Lincoln at Ford’s Theater in D.C. While the country was mourning its President, the national hunt for Booth and his conspirators was in full swing.

Once the conspirators were captured, nine judges of a military tribunal sat in that very courtroom to decide their fate, including the first woman, Mary Surratt, to be tried, convicted, and hung by the U.S. Federal Government.

After the Civil War, the Federal Penitentiary closed in 1881, and the U.S. Army took possession. The Army had no need for a penitentiary, so it slowly started tearing down sections at a time and reusing the bricks for other buildings on the installation.

Grant Hall has been many things over the years, including quarters for both officers and enlisted. The Army stopped using it for quarters in 1996, and the building was turned over to the National Defense University for office space. By the early 2000s, Grant Hall had fallen into disrepair, and the Army planned to tear it down.

One NDU professor feared that tearing down this historically significant building would be a travesty. He petitioned his congressman to stop the demolition and then secured preservation funds to save the building, with one condition, restore the courtroom on the third floor to its original 1865 appearance.

Story and photos by Susan Leroy JBM-HH Public Affairs

Grant Hall courtroom hosted the Civil War Breakfast Club who interviewed several Grant Hall historians and volunteers,159 years after the hanging of the Lincoln conspirators. Darin Weeks, Co-Founder of Civil War Breakfast Podcast, interviews author, Michael Kauffman during their podcast on July 8, 2024.

Leah Rubalcaba, former JBM-HH Community Relations Chief and long-time tour guide of the site said, “the (restored third floor) courtroom is the only historical site that remains. It’s a reminder of that extraordinary event in our Nation’s history – the military tribunal of civilians prosecuted by a military commission.”

Next April marks the 160th anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. Grant Hall courtroom historical volunteers help make the experience unforgettable for guests who visit the installation. Grant Hall volunteers have a wide range of backgrounds, including a former military historian, a history professor, a college dean, and the author of American Brutus. Their experience and enthusiasm only add to the tour.

Kim Holien, former JBM-HH historian and Grant Hall volunteer said the courtroom is the capstone for any tour of the sites associated with the assassination.

Hall volunteer, Scott Gower speaks to guests in the courtroom where the Lincoln conspirators were tried and convicted in 1865. The courtroom is open to the public four times a year allowing guests to hear how the building played a major role in American history.

“As we approach the 160th anniversary of the Assassination of President Lincoln, it is to be noted that since (the building) was saved in 1998, there has been a movie, The Conspirator, and the discovery of a Union Soldier prison guard’s pocket diary at the Washington Penitentiary,” he added.

Holien also recalled a quote by William Faulkner, “The past is not dead; it is not even past.” He said that quote is quite accurate regarding Grant Hall and President Lincoln’s assassination, as new items are discovered every year including diaries, letters, drawings, and photographs.

Add Grant Hall Courtroom to your list of things to do in 2025. The public tour dates are as follows: February 1, May 3, August 2, and November 1.

Grant

Joint Base Commander meets Marine One at McNair

Part of the responsibilities of the Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Commander is to welcome Marine One when it lands on Fort McNair in Washington D.C. Col. Tasha Lowery greeted President Joe Biden on one such occurrence back on Oct. 10.

President Joe Biden is welcomed by the Joint Base Commander for Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Col. Tasha N. Lowery, right, at Fort McNair, Washington, D.C., Oct. 10, 2024. (Department of Defense photo by Spc. Luciano Alcala)

President Joe Biden and the Joint Base Commander for Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Col. Tasha N. Lowery, walk together on Fort McNair, Washington, D.C., Oct. 10, 2024. (Department of Defense photo by Spc. Santiago Lepper)

President Joe Biden lands at Fort McNair onboard Marine One, Washington, D.C., Oct. 10, 2024. (Department of Defense photo by Spc. Luciano Alcala)

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Tree lighting kicks off the holiday season

By Jason Shepherd JBM-HH Public Affairs

The holiday season officially kicked off Dec. 4 on Joint Base-Myer Henderson Hall as service members and their families gathered for a night of hot chocolate, cookies, and of course, a visit from Santa.

The celebration, sponsored by the Potomac Chapter of the Association of the U.S. Army, included dozens of children who helped Col. Tasha Lowery, the JBM-HH Commander, light the tree by flipping a giant switch.

The event also included holiday music from the United States Army Band’s Brass Quintet and a chorus from the Cody School Age Center.

During her remarks, Lowery asked the audience to reflect on the things that bring them happiness throughout the year.

“I want you all to pause and thing about the wonderful things you have in your life; your health, your family, and your friends,” she said. “May the love and light you share throughout the year return to you in abundance.”

The audience braved freezing temperatures to get

a look at Santa, who came to the event on a firetruck with a police escort right after the lighting of the tree. Children waited patiently in line to take a picture with Santa and share their list of presents.

“I can think of no better way to start the holiday season by lighting this beautiful tree, sharing some hot chocolate, and visiting Santa with all of you,” Lowery said. “I also want to thank each of you for making Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall the best community to live, work, and play.”

Several dozen kids join Col. Tasha Lowery, JBM-HH commander, to flip a switch to light the holiday tree during a celebration here Dec. 4.

Santa meets with children during a tree-lighting celebration here Dec. 4.

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YEAR IN REVIEW: Army expands programs to improve quality of life for Soldiers, families

By Jonathan Austin Army News Service

The Army worked to continuously improve quality of life for Soldiers and their families in 2024.

Changes included enhancing a program to reimburse military spouses for business expenses, connecting soldiers with holistic health teams, authorizing deployment pay, broadening professional writing opportunities and expanding childcare access.

Spouse assistance: The Army expanded support for military spouses by enhancing the reimbursement program for business costs and relicensing fees. The new directive permits reimbursement up to $1,000 for business-related expenses in addition to the already authorized $1,000 for relicensing fees resulting from a relocation.

Qualified relicensing costs cover exam fees, continuing education, certifications, business licenses, permits and registrations. For business owners, reimbursement is available for equipment relocation, new technology purchases, IT services and inspection fees.

Details on qualifying expenses and how to apply for reimbursement are available on the Military OneSource portal at Licensure Reimbursement PCS Moves.

Child care: Military families with small children often struggle to find quality childcare. The Army has partnered with Upwards, the largest childcare network in the United States, to offer subsidized, flexible child care during Reserve or National Guard weekend drills, with plans to expand this service.

Upwards alerts Army families to available spaces through agreements with local community

childcare centers and family childcare providers via a mobile phone app. Care is customized to the Soldier’s needs, accommodating unexpected schedule changes.

Health and Fitness: The Army announced in 2024 that it is expanding the number of Holistic Health and Fitness, or H2F, Performance Teams.

“You’ve got to be able to get to the fight; you’ve got to be able to win the fight; and you’ve got to be able to get home from the fight; and that’s what H2F is about,” said Gen. James Mingus, the Army vice chief of staff. “We know that the return on investment, just from a financial perspective and the data that we have thus far, it’s paying for itself.”

H2F Performance Teams are interdisciplinary subject matter experts who provide injury prevention and human performance optimization at the brigade-level. They include physical therapists, dietitians, occupational therapists, athletic trainers, strength and conditioning coaches and cognitive performance specialists.

Units participating with an H2F team see fewer musculoskeletal injuries, a quicker return to duty, higher ACFT scores, lower substance abuse profiles, and more Soldiers qualifying expert on rifle marksmanship.

Soldiers in combat zone tax exclusion status pay no tax on the ODP, but it is taxable for Soldiers serving outside such locations, Steinrauf said.

Using writing to win: The Harding Project, a grassroots effort to renew professional writing in Army’s journals, was endorsed in 2024 by the Army chief of staff.

“We need to ensure there is shared understanding and shared sense of purpose in how we expand emphasis on professional writing and written communication skills,” said Gregg Thompson, deputy to the commanding general, U.S. Combined Arms Center.

Free of Common Access Card controls or classifications, the Army’s professional journals connect leaders to help win our nation’s wars. Writings can impact policy, share lessons that improve the Army, or influence broader Army debates.

The new directive permits reimbursement up to $1,000 for business-related expenses

Operational Deployment Pay: Soldiers on approved operational deployments now earn $240 per month under the operational deployment pay program approved in 2024.

The change, effective Oct. 1, authorized E-1 to O-6 Soldiers to receive special duty pay in recognition of the greater than normal rigors of operational deployments.

“The Army is dedicated to ensuring that the sacrifices made by our Soldiers and their families are appropriately rewarded. Operational deployment pay represents a significant advancement in this effort,” said Dr. Agnes Gereben Schaefer, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Manpower and Reserve Affairs.

The regulation that governs the pay is Department of Defense Instruction 1340.26, Assignment and Special Duty Pay.

The first group of Harding Fellows were selected in 2024. Handpicked by their branch leadership, the 11 junior officers are the first uniformed editors for the Army’s branch journals in almost two decades.

The Harding Fellowship has been codified as an official Army Broadening Opportunity. The second cohort of fellows will attend graduate school and then report to their branch’s center of excellence to start their assignment as their journal’s editor-in-chief.

Muddy Boots, articles written by nominative command sergeants major, also launched this year. These articles share the experiences, including insights and ideas, of these senior NCOs.

The first article, “Combat Doesn’t Care: How Ready Are You?” was written by Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael R. Weimer and published Oct. 24. Other Muddy Boots articles include “NCOs Enable Continuous Transformation” written by Command Sgt. Maj. Brian A. Hester from Army Futures Command, and “The Crucial Role NCOs Play in Strengthening the Army Profession” written by Command Sgt. Maj. Raymond S. Harris from Training and Doctrine Command.

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