Eagle BELVOIR
Oktoberfest! Keg-tapping, 6 p.m. today 6-10 p.m. Thursday 6 p.m.-midnight Friday Noon-midnight Saturday Noon-8 p.m. Sunday belvoir.armymwr.com
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September 28, 2017
INSCOM welcomes 15th command sergeant major By Jocelyn Broussard INSCOM The U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command, INSCOM, welcomed its 15th command sergeant major during a change of responsibility ceremony at Belvoir’s Nolan Building, Sept. 19. Command Sgt. Maj. Eric M. Schmitz assumed the position as the command’s senior NCO from Command Sgt. Maj. Dayron I. Vargas, during the ceremony officiated by Maj. Gen. Christopher S. Ballard, INSCOM commanding general. Ballard welcomed Schmitz to the INSCOM family with words of encouragement and optimism. “We are genuinely excited for you to be joining our ranks and we look forward to working with you to forge INSCOM’s future,” Ballard said. “Command Sergeant Major Schmitz has led at every level and has solidified a stellar reputation as a multi-functional intelligence operator, a disciplined leader who lives the Army values and standards. He is a Soldier’s Soldier. I know he will serve INSCOM well as its most senior noncommissioned officer.” Schmitz returns to INSCOM after serving as G-2 sergeant major for U.S. Army Forces Command, FORSCOM, at Fort Bragg, N.C. He previously held a variety of leadership positions at INSCOM companies and battalions within the 501st, 66th and 513th MI brigades. “I’m truly humbled to stand here today. My first aspirations as a private were to become a staff sergeant, a drill sergeant and a paratrooper. The selection as the 15th command sergeant major for the U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command is beyond all expectations,” Schmitz said. He thanked Ballard for the opportunity and trust and said he takes the role and the responsibilities inherent in that role seriously. Ballard also expressed his appreciation for Vargas’ many contributions to the command by caring for
its people, both Soldiers and civilians. “You’re leaving INSCOM in some ways better than when you found it,” Ballard said. “We are grateful for your love of Soldiers, your passion for the game, and your easy way of helping those around you see clearly to the heart of the problem and the most common-sense means to solve it. If the Army has a 12th Man … you are it.” Vargas, who is retiring after 32 years of service, was gracious in his remarks. “Over the last two years, it has been my absolute honor leading INSCOM’s Soldiers and civilians. The efforts of the men and women across the entirety of the command have made a mark on the evolution of intelligence for our Army and our nation,” Vargas said. “It has been an absolute honor to serve alongside you and I could not have been more blessed to culminate my 32 years of service as your command sergeant major.”
U.S. Army photo by Jocelyn Broussard
From left, Command Sgt. Major Dayron I. Vargas; Maj. Gen. Christopher S. Ballard, INSCOM commanding general; and Command Sgt. Maj. Eric M. Schmitz during INSCOM’s Command Sergeant Major Change of Responsibility Ceremony. Schmitz assumed responsibility as INSCOM’s senior NCO from Vargas at the Nolan Building on Belvoir, Sept. 19.
Taxpayer? Info sessions available Submitted by Legal Assistance The Fort Belvoir Tax Center provides tax information classes for Belvoir community members beginning in October. The classes focus on information the average taxpayer should know about their own tax situation, with a focus on specific issues that are unique to Service members and their families. One issue that has caused questions for many average military families is the Military Spouse Residence Relief Act and how states apply it. Classes will deal with the variety of income that must be reported to the IRS and which income may be exempt from federal or state tax. Questions often asked of the
tax center’s tax preparers include: • Should we file as married filing joint or married filing separately? • Are my uniforms deductible? • What expenses can I use to reduce my taxable income? • Do I have to report the rent I get from my rental property? These and many other questions will be covered. The instruction also details the documentation taxpayers must keep and how long they should keep prior-year tax returns. Classes start early October. People with questions are asked to call Ralph Joyner at Legal Assistance, 703-805-2856. The Tax Center volunteer staff looks forward to meeting everyone and helping them become more informed taxpayers.
Tax volunteers needed The Fort Belvoir Legal Assistance Office needs volunteers to help prepare state and federal income taxes for the January tax season. Volunteers get training and a chance to help out the military community. Monthly training sessions are conducted through December. Interested volunteers are asked to call 703-805-4370.
Kingman Gate notes Beginning Monday, Kingman Gate will be open for egress only, from 6-8 p.m., weekdays except for federal holidays. Kingman Gate will NOT be open for egress during Oktoberfest. Kingman’s hours remain 6 a.m.-6 p.m. for the weekend. Incorrect information was printed in the Oktoberfest insert in last week’s Belvoir Eagle.