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April 13, 2017
Service members compete for German badge By Adrienne Anderson Staff writer Fort Belvoir Service members competed for the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge last week. The competition culminated in a badge ceremony, Friday at Wells Field House. The initial training had 39 competitors, and 30 earned the badge. Competition events included a 100-meter swim test, a fitness test, pistol qualification and a ‘ruck’ march. “In order to receive this reward, you have to have one thing first, and that’s the opportunity,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Dodson, who spearheaded the event with the help of the German Armed Forces Command. “We need to create these kinds of opportunities for our Soldiers.” He recalled when he had the chance to earn the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge. He was able to compete for it after already having 20 years experience in the military. “Those events would have been a lot easier when I was 23. So, we decided we needed to create that opportunity,” he said. Although hosted by 1st Information Operations Command (LAND), the event was open to all military branches. Pfc. Rachael Depaulo, who won best female during the competition, said receiving the badge was rewarding. “I definitely wouldn’t be able to do it without my (military) brothers and sisters,” she said. “They were there every step of the way and were motivating. It was very invigorating having them around, as well.” The training over the past few months was fun, but
Up Front Protestant Holy Week, Easter services
Photo by Paul Lara
A multi-force gathering participates in a 7.5-mile march along Poe Road April 6 with a 30-lb pack, as the sixth and final event to qualify for the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge.
also strenuous. The most difficult part of the competition was the swimming; however, they trained hard for it. She said everyone cut their times and everyone passed. “During the test itself, you’re pretty much running on adrenaline,” Depaulo said. “We kept pushing each other. It was beautiful outside and, when it started raining, it was just super-Hooah.” For the next set to attempt the German Armed Forces Proficiency badge, it was important to train for it and persevere. Competing for the badge is not something that can be done in one day, she said. “It’s very rewarding once you get to the finish line,” Depaulo said. See more, Page A8.
DAU and ACS partner for event
A Maundy Thursday Protestant service starts at 12:05 p.m. Thursday and a Good Friday service is Friday at 12:05 p.m. Both services are in Fairfax Chapel. An Easter Sunday Protestant Liturgical Service is at 9 a.m. Sunday, also in Fairfax Chapel. Info is available from Chaplain (Capt.) Allen Gunther, allen.e.gunther2.mil@mail.mil, 703806-3394.
Legal closings
Legal Assistance Office is closed today until 1:30 p.m. The Legal Assistance and Tax offices are closed Friday and resume normal business hours at 8 a.m. Monday.
Wear Purple Day
Friday is Wear Purple Day, when everyone is encouraged to wear purple to show support and give thanks to military children for their strengths and sacrifices. April is Month of the Military Child.
Alcohol Awareness Month
In support of Alcohol Awareness Month, April, the Belvoir Army Substance Abuse Program is providing education awareness information tables on alcohol abuse and misuse prevention. Everyone is encouraged to stop by the table at the Fort Belvoir Community Hospital, April 24; or the Belvoir Main Exchange, April 25. For ASAP information, contact the prevention coordinator, 703805-1010.
SHARP training
“Canary in the Coal Mine,” presentations on the debate about rape jokes and exploring rape culture, are scheduled at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., Wednesday at the Fort Belvoir Community Center. Annual SHARP training credit is provided for attending.
Earth Day
For nearly 20 years, employees of Defense Acquisition University on Belvoir have volunteered their time at an annual EFMP Easter Egg Hunt, and this year was no different. About 20 DAU personnel and some of their children helped at the event over the weekend on the DAU campus. Caren Hergenroeder, protocol director at DAU and event coordinator, worked with Kristen Russell, a DAU training technician, for this year’s event. “It’s all about the kids and making an event special for them,” Hergenroeder said. “This pays it forward, in a sense, to Belvoir and its youngest, for the continual support that DAU gets from Belvoir,” said Joe Johnson, DAU chief of staff.
See more photos page A9.
Come and join the Environmental and Natural Resources Division in its celebration of Earth Day, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., April 20 at the Belvoir Exchange. The event includes information about natural resources, wildlife refuges, recycling, wetlands, stormwater and industrial stormwater management, chemical spills and storage tanks, air quality and utilities.