Eagle BELVOIR
Hundreds compete in NGA Sports Day Page B1
www.belvoireagleonline.com
September 1, 2016
Fort Belvoir welcomes JAG for Women’s Equality Day observance By Amanda Stewart Staff writer Women’s Equality Day was established in 1971 to mark the anniversary of Aug. 26, 1920, the day the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was passed, giving women the right to vote. But, Lt. Gen. Flora Darpino, the Judge Advocate General of the U.S. Army, told audience members at a Women’s Equality Day observance on Aug. 25, it is about more than that. “Forty-five years ago, they set up Women’s Equality Day and, when they did, it wasn’t to celebrate the fact that we’ve achieved the goal of women’s equality,” Darpino said. “It was really to demonstrate a recognition of the ongoing fight … for gender equality throughout our society.” Darpino was the guest speaker at the Fort Belvoir Equal Opportunity Office’s Women’s Equality Day celebration, held at the Fort Belvoir Community Center. The annual observance gives us a chance to recognize that the fight for gender equality is ongoing in our nation, Darpino said. “It’s all about the fact that we are
Up Front Pence Gate closure
Belvoir’s Pence Gate off Route 1, the gate nearest to the Fort Belvoir Community Hospital, closes at 9 p.m. Oct. 2 for six weeks for the continued upgrading and construction on the Route 1 Corridor. Tulley Gate, also on Route 1, but closer to the Fairfax County Parkway, will serve as the 24-hour access point for entry onto Belvoir during the closure. Drivers entering the installation should expect delays during peak hours and adjust arrival times for work, medical or administrative appointments to lessen the impact of the temporary closure. More information is available from public affairs, 703-805-5001.
Labor Day closure
The Fort Belvoir Claims Office is closed Friday and Monday for Labor Day and resumes normal operations Sept. 6. Photo by Paul Lara
Lt. Gen. Flora Darpino, the Army’s Judge Advocate General, addresses the audience at the Women's Equality Day observance, Aug. 25. still in the middle of a struggle,” she the women Darpino mentioned were, Capt. Kristen Greiner and 1st Lt. said. But, she said, it also gives us a Shaye Haver who, in 2015, became chance to reflect on how far we’ve the first women to earn the Army’s come. In her remarks, Darpino high- Ranger Tab; Air Force Gen. Lori Roblighted achievements of women in inson who, in May, became the first the armed forces this year. Among See EQUALITY, Page A4
Springfield renews covenant with Belvoir
By Adrienne Anderson Staff writer
The Fort Belvoir and Springfield communities honored their partnership at the 15th annual Springfield BridgeWalk Tuesday, with a walk by community and military leaders across Veterans Bridge in Springfield, followed by an Army Community Covenant signing. “From business, civic, political leaders, Fort Belvoir community and local citizens — the spirit of neighborliness and partnership remains strong,” said Col. Angie Holbrook, U.S. Army Garrison Fort Belvoir commander. “We also pay tribute, today, to the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, two of whom came from Springfield.” Leaders signing the covenant included Holbrook; Maj. Gen. Bradley Becker, commander, Military District of Washington/Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region; Sharon Bulova, chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors; and Jeff McKay, Lee District supervisor. Signing the covenant represents the continuing partPhoto by Paul Lara nership between the military and the surrounding civilA ceremonial color guard leads the Springfield ian communities, Holbrook said. BridgeWalk over Veterans Bridge to the covenant See BRIDGEWALK, Page A8 signing Tuesday evening.
Hospital exercise
Fort Belvoir Community Hospital conducts a mass casualty exercise, with an active-shooter scenario, the morning of Sept. 13. Local residents can expect an increase in emergency vehicles and aircraft entering and leaving the hospital and may experience delays entering and leaving the post until 1 p.m. This type of exercise is a training platform for military and civilian medical personnel for a real-world disaster or attack. It also strengthens the relationship and readiness posture of the hospital, Belvoir and the surrounding communities.
Save the dates
• Pooch Plunge, Sept. 10, O Club pool, 703-805-2620. • Commuter Fair, Sept. 13, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Fremont Field. • Suicide Prevention Day, Sept. 15, 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., in Thurman Hall, with speaker Kevin Hines, 703-805-5529. • Who’s the Fittest competition, Sept. 17, Kawamura HPC, 703806-4655. • Belvoir’s Retiree Appreciation Day, Sept. 23, Specker Field House and Barden Education Center, 8 a.m. to noon. Gwendolyn Lott, 703-806-4551. • Oktoberfest, Sept. 29 to Oct. 2, Fremont Field, carnival, German food and entertainment, 703805-3714.