BELVOIR
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January 28, 2021
February is African American History Month
Belvoir units participate in inauguration security By Paul Lara Belvoir Eagle
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ust five days after the Capitol was invaded by a mob, temporarily halting certification of state Electors, several units from Fort Belvoir were on the scene for the rehearsal of inauguration ceremonies. With steel fencing expanding the perimeter, and 25,000 National Guard troops on patrol, members of 212th Military Police Detachment arrived to offer support to several inauguration events, according to Capt. Tevin Radford, detachment commander, who said his 16 team members were ready. “In our line of work, we have to expect everything. We don’t go out there with any specific expectations; we know we are a part of something great, and expect anything,” he said. Radford admitted a heightened concern after the Capitol was stormed, but said the overwhelming security enhancement following the event gave him confidence in mission success. “I had confidence there wasn’t
going to be an incident at the moment, but we were still prepared for something like that,” Radford said. “It was in the back of my mind, but I did have faith that things were taken care of, and proper actions were taken after the incidents the week prior.” Sgt. 1st Class Nichole Oddo, detachment Sergeant, said it was so instructive to be a part of this National Special Security Event, which was coordinated by the Secret Service, with federal, state and local support. “I was at the capitol dock during the ceremony, and just listening to the multiple agency liaisons on the radio – from Park Police; Capitol Police; Metropolitan Police Department; National Guard; and Secret Service – all these agencies had elements on the ground in different positions, and were filtering information to the capitol about what is going on around us,” Oddo said. “Their expedient investigation of anything that could have been in harm’s way was just flawless.” Staff Sgt. Ryan Salazar, operations NCO for the 212th, was See Belvoir, page 4
Photo by Sgt. Devlin Drew
Soldiers with the National Guard watch the 59th Presidential Inauguration near the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Jan. 20. Inauguration security was bolstered by several Fort Belvoir units.
Housing inspections discussed in town hall By Paul Lara Belvoir Eagle
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ol. Joshua SeGraves, Fort Belvoir Garrison commander, and Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Greg Kleinholz updated residents on housing, from an upcoming inspection of all privatized housing, to an extended deadline on the housing survey, during a virtual town hall Jan. 21. SeGraves said that all homes on post will undergo an inspection starting next month. This inspection will not be run by either the Army or the RCI partner, but instead by a third party, RER Solutions. “This inspection begins next month in Woodlawn village, and will conclude sometime in the fall.” SeGraves said. “These inspections are intended to give a more holistic picture of housing on post, and also identify any life, health or safety issues,” adding that they will be as non-intrusive as possible. 3
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Photo by Terry Ruggles
Col. Joshua SeGraves, Garrison commander, left, and Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Gregory Kleinholz at the Jan. 21 Town Hall.
Inspection notifications will be sent in advance via email, and notices will be posted on each door. SeGraves said Fort Belvoir has not met its target on the housing satisfaction survey, so
the link, emailed to every household, remains active, as at least 80 more responses are needed to reach the 40% response. SeGraves also said a new cell tower went operational in November, improving coverage in Dogue Creek and George Washington Villages. SeGraves urged residents to provide their mayors with feedback on that service. Kleinholz said barracks residents now have the Army Maintenance Application (ArMA) website for easier reporting and follow-up on any barracks maintenance, and, once registered, there is a convenient link to the page in Fort Belvoir’s Digital Garrison App. “ArMA is providing Soldiers with real-time updates on maintenance,” said Kleinholz. “Sometimes work orders don’t get filed in a timely status, and a Soldier can now take pictures of the issue, and attach it with their work order,” which speeds up completion compared to paper work orders.
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