Vol. 61, no. 30 July 31, 2014
Pentagram
Published for Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall
Volunteers, vets help keep ANC beautiful By Guv Callahan Pentagram Staff Writer
More than 400 volunteers gathered in the morning sun at Arlington National Cemetery July 28 for a day of service by professionals from across the landscape and lawn care industry to give back to their nation. Going into its 18th year, the Professional Landscape Network’s (PLANET) annual Renewal and Remembrance program draws volunteers from roughly 100 landscaping companies and 30 different states to volunteer to preserve the cemetery. The volunteers spent the day applying nearly 80 tons of lime to enrich the cemetery’s soil to keep the grass healthy and green. They also aerated 45 acres of turf, and provided care and maintenance to seven of the cemetery’s trees. “For 150 years now, Arlington National Cemetery has been a special place for Americans and thankful people all over the world to come and remember the service, sacrifice and especially the ultimate sacrifice of so many American heroes,” said Arlington National Cemetery Superintendent Jack Lechner Jr., during a brief opening ceremony. “One of the things that goes on here on a daily basis is the care and preservation of the property.” Lightning protection was installed in five other trees near the newly
renamed James R. Tanner amphitheatre. Metal conductors attached to copper wire ran from the tree tops into the ground so that a potential lightning strike would be neutralized by the ground instead of destroying the tree. PLANET President Jim McCutcheon characterized the volunteers’ decision to travel – some hundreds of miles – to Arlington to participate in the project as a “simple decision,” a selfless act to help preserve a national landmark and honor military servicemembers. “The men and women who serve in our military also make those simple decisions – the exact same ones we make every day,” McCutcheon said. “They also made the decision that they were going to serve this country, and in many cases dedicate their lives to that service. Those simple decisions lead to many great things for us. That’s who we’re here to honor today.” Dozens of military veterans were among the volunteers. Tom Warfel, a Marine veteran who served from 2001 to 2005 and served two tours in Iraq, flew into the National Capital Region with his wife over the weekend and then spent the day spreading lime. “For me, being a veteran and my company giving me the opportuniPHOTO BY RACHEL LARUE ty to come out here is just a pleaTyler Pollock, top, and Jesse Tillack, from The Care of Trees, volunsure,” Warfel said as he pushed a cart teer their time during Professional Landcare Network’s Renewal and through the grass of the cemetery’s Remembrance volunteer event in Arlington National Cemetery July 28. Pollock and Tillack installed lightning protection in the tree. see LAWN CARE, page 4
Around DoD: 10 things to know for August Compiled by Guv Callahan Pentagram Staff Writer
1. Obama, Hagel ask for cooperation in Ukraine, MH17 investigation Both President Barack Obama and Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel have been vocal in pushing for cooperation between nations after Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 was allegedly shot down by pro-Russian separatists over Ukraine’s Donetsk province July 17. Obama and members of the international community have expressed outrage over the tragedy, which caused the deaths of 298 people, including one American citizen. Obama announced new economic sancsee 10 THINGS, page 4
PHOTO
BY
SGT. RUPERT FRERE
A British Soldier holds a Black Hornet Nano Unmanned Air Vehicle in Afghanistan. The U.S. Army is currently researching similar technology provide Soldiers a small, easy-to-use technology that enables them to observe everything from individual rooms in buildings to entire villages during combat missions.
When the walls come tumblin’ down By Julia LeDoux Pentagram Staff Writer
Demolition of Bldg. 406 on the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall is underway and on schedule, according to officials. “We’re about 25 to 30 percent right now,” Ramon Nieves, Directorate of Public Works project management branch chief, said as he looked over the site July 25. “We’re getting there.” The building had four wings
and was H-shaped prior to demolition, he said. Rubble from what had been the southeast section of the building is on the ground behind a chain link security fence. The southwest portion of the building is scheduled to be the next section to come down, said Nieves. “The center corridor will stay there for utilities and support of the people doing the demolition,” he added. The demolition of the 179,444 square foot, four-sto-
Index Spotlight Community Civilian wellness Around DoD
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News Notes New DoD leaders Commentary Thrift savings
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News Notes Grant Hall open house Aug. 2
Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall announces a public open house of Grant Hall’s historic thirdfloor courtroom, located on the Fort McNair portion of the joint base in southwest Washington, D.C., from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Aug. 2. The courtroom is the site of the military tribunal, held from May through June 1865, of those thought responsible for plotting to assassinate President Abraham Lincoln. Members of the public are invited to the open house, which is free to attend. Please be advised, however, that the third floor courtroom is only accessible by walking up two flights of stairs. Due to the historical nature of the structure, the building has no elevator. For more information, visit http://www.army.mil/article/124261/.
Flea market cancelled
The flea market scheduled for Aug. 2 has been cancelled due to a lack of vendors. The next flea markets are scheduled for Sept. 6 and Oct. 4. Cost is $10 per table. For more information call 703696-3470.
Back to school savings at Fort Myer Exchange
ry former barracks began the third week of March and is expected to be completed by the end of September. Located on McNair Road between Spates Community Club and the Bowling Center, the building once housed Soldiers and emergency and recovery teams after the Sept. 11, 2001 attack on the Pentagon. The 50-yearold structure has been vacant since 2011. The last groups to use it included a security
The Fort Myer Exchange is helping military shoppers make the grade with competitive prices and tax savings on supplies students need to head back to class as well as special events and savings opportunities for the whole family. As Virginia rolls out sales tax holidays on school supplies the Fort Myer Exchange will match local sales tax discounts to offer an additional 6 percent off select back to school items, effectively doubling the Exchange’s everyday tax-free benefit. Virginia’s sales tax holiday runs from Aug. 1-3. Eligible items include clothing, backpacks and school supplies up
see DEMO, page 4
see NEWS NOTES, page 4
JBM-HH Wet Bulb Globe Temperature updates available online Check online for the latest JBM-HH WBGT updates at www. army.mil/ar ticle/129507. This webpage provides current WBGT conditions on base, associated flag color status and work restrictions,
as well as safety tips to prevent heat stroke and other conditions associated with warmer weather. The WBGT will be only updated in the event of a “red” or “black” flag WBGT reading.