Eagle BELVOIR
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March 7, 2019
Housing Town Hall By Margaret Steele Public Affairs Specialist
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enior leaders met with residents of Fort Belvoir privatized military housing last week to listen to their maintenance and housing concerns. Maj. Gen. Michael Howard, J o i n t Fo r c e H e a d q u a r t e r s National Capital Region and Military District of Washington commanding general, Col. Michael Greenberg, Fort Belvoir Garrison commander, and a team of leaders and housing officials, addressed Belvoir’s residents in two town halls. “The Army used to visit every place where Soldiers and families live and has stopped doing that over the last one or two decades,” Howard said. “The Chief (Army Chief of Staff, Gen. Mark Milley) has directed that we return to doing that, across our Army.” After recent news reports of sub-standard housing and
For residents who believe they're having health issues related to housing conditions, call the Fort Belvoir Community Hospital Rapid Hotline at 571-231-2004. Congressional hearings with advocates and resident-spouses, the Army has launched a phased approach to respond to complaints, through town halls, home visits and barracks inspections. Howard said Army leadership has to fix the lack of trust that has developed with chains of command. “It troubles me greatly that you feel you can’t get the help you need,” he told residents. Leaders are directed and empowered to visit every home in the next 30 days. This effort is
See Housing, page A5
Photo by Terry Ruggles
Col. Michael Greenberg, Fort Belvoir Garrison commander, discusses housing concerns.
Levels of Escalation To Resolve Housing Concerns Level 1. Submit your work order by phone, online or in-person to the The Villages at Belvoir: -Call the 24-Hour Emergency Maintenance Request Line at 703619-3880. -Go to the Villages at Belvoir website at: https://www. villagesatbelvoir.com/ -Visit the Maintenance Facility, Building 1108. Level 2. -Speak with Assistant Community
Director Jennifer Hudson, Management Office, at 703-6193861 -Contact your Chain of Command -Call the Garrison Housing Office at 703-805-3018/3019 Level 3. -Call the Garrison Commander’s Housing Hotline at 571-259-9867 -Submit your concerns to the Interactive Customer Evaluation (ICE) system here: https://ice.disa. mil/index.cfm?fa=card&sp=13153 1&s=336&dep=*DoD&sc=8
Belvoir Firefighter Receives Award For Service By Adrienne Anderson Writer/Graphic Designer
T Photo courtesy of FBES
Capt. Michael Irvine, center left, is a firefighter/medic with Fort Belvoir Fire and Emergency Services. He received Virginia Volunteer Firefighter of the Year for his work with Oak Grove Volunteer Fire Department.
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Fort Belvoir ID Card Office information
he recipients of the 2018 Governor’s Fire Service Awards were announced recently, with Capt. Michael Irvine awarded Virginia Volunteer Firefighter of the Year at the Virginia Fire Chiefs Association Conference. Irvine received the award as part of his work with Oak Grove Volunteer Fire Department. He started as a volunteer junior firefighter with Oak Grove when he was 17. Ten years later, he continues his work with them as well as his duties as a firefighter/medic at Fort Belvoir. He’s worked at Fort Belvoir for four years. He is appreciative of the support he’s received from his peers, he said,
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Black History Month Observance
as it can sometimes be a thankless job. “It still comes as a bit of a shock,” Irvine said. “I don’t do it for the recognition.” Irvine was previously awarded Fort Belvoir Firefighter of the Year during the Mount Vernon-Lee Chamber of Commerce’s 12th Annual Police & Firefighters Tribute in November 2018. “I’m lucky enough to have one of the best jobs in the world helping my fellow man and woman,” he said. His inspiration for becoming a firefighter was his dad who also worked as a firefighter. Irvine said he enjoys helping others and giving back to his community. “Every day Virginia’s Fire Service professionals display an unwavering
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Belvoir Schools “Read Across America”
commitment to protect the citizens of our Commonwealth in times of danger,” said Governor Ralph Northam in a press release. “These brave men and women, like Lieutenant Brad Clark who tragically lost his life last year responding to a vehicle crash, show tremendous strength and dedication, going above and beyond the call of duty, and we are proud to recognize their honorable service.” The Governor’s Fire Service Awards began in 2002. Winners are nominated and then selected by the Executive Committee of the Virginia Fire Services Board. Recommendations are then sent to the governor through the Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security for approval, according to the Virginia Department of Fire Programs website. Daylight saving time begins at 2 a.m., Sunday. Set your clocks forward 1 hour.