BELVOIR
www.belvoireagleonline.com
July 23, 2020
Patriot Pet Care center opens on Belvoir
Photo by Paul Lara
Col. Michael Greenberg, Garrison commander; Katie Boyette, Patriot Pet Care director; and Headquarters Battalion Command Sgt. Maj. Michel Frazer cut the ribbon to open Patriot Pet Care, Friday. By David Fawcett Belvoir Eagle
T
anja Turner will no longer face an extended commute, thanks to the opening of the Patriot Pet Care center on Fort Belvoir. Turner joined a small group of installation staff and pet owners for a ribbon-cutting ceremony July 17. In the past, the Woodbridge resident, who works on base for the directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation, had to factor in an extra 45 minutes sometimes because of rush hour to pick up her cocker spaniel, Cooper, at an off-site facility. But, those days have come to a close. The 5,100- square foot Patriot Pet Care was scheduled to welcome its first customers Monday for anyone’s pets needing grooming. Patriot Pet Care will
Have a story idea? Share it with the Belvoir Eagle! If you have story ideas or tips about interesting people or events, send an email to: fortbelvoirpaoofficial@gmail.com
3
Mil Spouse Licensures
run at 50% capacity after the first week and 100% after two weeks. Besides grooming, Patriot Pet Care provides 48 indoor/outdoor boarding rooms for dogs and 30
cat condos. There is an outdoor play area and training will also be available. “This is really convenient,” Turner said. “My dog should be real tired by the end of the day.” Col. Michael Greenberg, garrison commander, arrived with his two dogs, Skion, a 2-year-old golden retriever; and Sasha, an 8-year-old Chiweenie. “We understand the importance that you want your pets to be safe, in a good place, when you’re gone,” Greenberg said. “... it’s a great asset to be available here on the installation.” George Dickson, FMWR director, noted the idea was conceived over 13 years ago and it’s been a “long journey” to make the pet care facility a reality. In particular, Dickson cited specific challenges the center’s construction faced in the last 15 months, including 375 concrete footers that needed to be removed and finding an old building’s foundation. The pandemic delayed the project more, he added.
“None of these challenges has kept us from getting to this day,” Dickson said. He expects the facility to fill up fast, since there are 1,000 pets among the 2,200 residents on post. Base and nonbase personnel can drop off their animals. Walk-ins are permitted, but must have shot records for their pets with them. Reservations are encouraged. Katie Boyette is Patriot Pet Care’s director. A Virginia native, Boyette was looking for ways to come closer to home, when she saw an ad for the Patriot Pet Care job. Boyette was working in Pittsburgh at the time, but jumped at the chance to move back to Virginia and stay in a field she loves. “It’s proven these are very popular on post and used regularly,” said Boyette, who started in February. “It’s a service that is needed for those getting out of town for pleasure or to support the mission. Their animals will be well cared for.” For more on Patriot Pet Care Center, visit belvoir.armymwr.com
Nursing homes get equipment from DLA gowns; 14.6 million medical masks; and 66.27 million pairs of nitrile gloves, and he Defense Logistics kit assembly and delivery Agency is shipping a in two phases. second, 7-day supply The final shipment of of personal protective phase one went out June equipment to support 10, and shipments for staff and residents at phase two began June 17. more than 15,000 nursing Bill Seltzer, homes nationwide, after administrator of The completing delivery of Waters of Winchester, $67 million worth of a nursing home in Photo by Staff Sgt. Enjoli Saunders equipment last month. Winchester, Tenn., said he Army 2nd Lt. Justin Lee, a platoon leader “We do things, in terms appreciates DLA’s support. assigned to the 104th Medical Company Area of support to nursing “The kits were very Support, Maryland National Guard, April 9, homes and at-risk helpful. There was a with Celia Goughenour, director of nursing populations across the recognition of a lack of U.S., that no one else does, for Crofton Care and Rehabilitation Center PPE at the front end of in Crofton, Md. DLA delivered $67 million of and I know everyone at (the pandemic), and the DLA Troop Support takes personal protective equipment to more than supplies we received helped 15,000 nursing homes around the U.S., with a that solemn obligation us tremendously,” he said. second shipment planned. and responsibility very “It gave us time to get seriously,” said Army The contract is for 1.25 our steady-state supply up to Brig. Gen. Gavin Lawrence, DLA million pairs of protective where it’s needed for everyday Troop Support commander. eyewear; 13.2 million medical operation.”
By John Dwyer III DLA Troop Support
T
4
ETS Sponsorship
8
ACFT Readiness
9
Telework pains