Pax Golden Anchor Page 2
Drill Hall renovations Page 5
Segregation to SES Page 9
VOLUME 70, NUMBER 8
NAVAL AIR STATION PATUXENT RIVER, MARYLAND
FEBRUARY 28, 2013
Dealing with financial fallout from federal budget problems
By Jim Walsh NAS Patuxent River Fleet and Family Support Center financial counselor
Not long ago, Congress reached a temporary resolution to the deficit crisis and avoided toppling off a fiscal cliff by kicking the can down the road and putting off massive cuts, called a sequester, until March 1. Unfortunately, that date is now here and hundreds of families in this area stand to be affected if the president and Congress cannot come up with a plan for responding to the $1.2 trillion in spending cuts scheduled to take effect over the next 10 years. Right now, military members’ pay is exempt, but most government employees face furloughs that could result in losing one day of work per
week, or 20 percent of their pay, for up to 22 weeks starting mid-April. For those who don’t live within a spending plan already, now is the time to develop one and put it into action. Review prior bank statements and debit and credit card records—a period of three months offers a good average—and record spending habits. People already operating within a spending plan and expecting to take a 20 percent pay cut should determine what is in their spending plan they cannot live without and look to see where cuts and adjustments can be made. While we all hope for the best, we should expect the worst. See more on this, in this week’s Chaplain’s corner on page 8. Consider these ideas for finding temporary areas in
FFSC class offers furlough survival tips
Courtesy photo
Federal employees could see a 20 percent pay cut with impending furlough. which to close the pending reduction in salary: 1. Monthly budgets need to be first on this list. If you’re in a relationship where finances are shared, do this together and keep the children—age appropriate— informed to the temporary changes. Make distinctions
of needs from wants with every family member. 2. If you are expecting a large tax refund, is it large enough to cover the shortfall? 3. Change payroll tax exemptions to reflect your
March 6 or 21, 5 to 6:30 p.m. Fleet and Family Support Center, building 2090 Fleet and Family Support Center is providing educational briefings for NAS Patuxent River civilians on how to deal with the possible furlough and government cuts. Many families and individuals are already feeling financially stressed and living with uncertainty or worrying about the impact of budgetary constraints can only add to that tension. “Managing Your Finances and Stress During a Possible Furlough” offers family financial spending plan strategies to help bridge the possible 20 percent cash flow gap federal employees may experience, plus the do’s and don’ts of managing personal credit reports during transition. Also covered will be personal strategies for enhancing resilience as well as stress-management tools and techniques. The briefings are facilitated by FFSC staffers Jim Walsh, personal financial manager, and Linda Schmid, life skills educator. Reservations are required. Linda Jim Call 301-342-4911. Schmid Walsh
See Budget, Page 12
Learning robotics through STARBASE 2.0 By Donna Cipolloni Tester staff writer
Each Thursday after the final class bell, the media center at Spring Ridge Middle School fills up with 24 eager blue-shirted students and their committed NAS Patuxent River mentors for an afternoon of problem solving, learning and just plain fun—all part of a Department of Defense youth program known as STARBASE 2.0. STARBASE 2.0, an extension of STARBASE-Atlantis Academy, is an after-school program that mentors atrisk youth and introduces them to activities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. “Our purpose is to get these kids involved in something at school that gives them a positive attitude toward school and introduces them to activities they may not otherwise have the opportunity to experience,” explained Julie Guy, director of STARBASE-Atlantis Academy at Pax River. This year’s program focuses on robotics and meets two hours after school, each
week, for ten weeks. Using LEGO Mindstorm kits, the kids must first build a robot and then program it to carry out a series of five mini-challenges developed by Guy, an educator by profession. The challenges demonstrate how well the robots have been programmed to accurately perform tasks such as moving forward, stopping, pivoting, traveling a specified distance, maneuvering a maze or being sensitive to light and touch. The students, a mixture of boys and girls from grades 6 through 8, are broken into teams of three and each team works with one or two mentors who direct them, give suggestions and answer questions. “Our volunteer mentors are all Pax River engineers—some civilian, some military,” Guy said. “They encourage the students by pointing out their strengths and giving positive feedback. They push them to realize their own potential so they can nurture it in themselves and set goals to be successful in life.” Jazz Parker, also known by his STARBASE 2.0 call
name, “DJ Jazzy Jazz,” initially got into the program because he “likes building LEGOs and thought it would be neat to try a robot.” Now, after just a few weeks, he has impressed himself with his accomplishments so far. “It was really hard, but I’ve learned a lot already,” he said. While Myla “Elmo” Davis ran her robot through a distance challenge on one side of the room, and other students were busily hunched over computer screens and notebooks on the other side, Myles “Terminator” Davis sat at a desk attempting to modify the wheels on his team’s robot. “The axle is bumping into the chassis, limiting the robot’s ability to turn around,” explained his mentor, Blaine Summers, project engineer with NAWCAD Special Communications Requirements Division. “He’s trying longer
U.S. Navy photo by Donna Cipolloni
shafts to extend the axle below the chassis to see if that will work out the problem.” Summers, like all of the program’s mentors, became involved because he wanted to share his passion and experience with the kids. “We get to teach them about engineering in a fun, collaborative environment,” he said. “They get so caught up in the excitement of the robots, they don’t realize they’re learning and practicing key problem solving and engineering principles.” Guy believes that when the students see the mentors’ enthusiasm, it helps them realize that work can be fun. “The mentors show these kids how the engineering process can be related to real world careers, how school subjects are important to what they can do in their own life, and how math
See Starbase, Page 12
Spring Ridge Middle School STARBASE 2.0 student participant Jose “Dark Eagle” Martinez, lower left, cheers on his team’s robot during a performance challenge last week. STARBASE 2.0 is an after-school program offering opportunities for students to explore hands-on STEM activities.
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NACRA Testbed executes corrosion sensor technology project By John Milliman NACRA Knowledge Management Team Naval Aviation Center for Rotorcraft Advancement (NACRA) Technology Demonstration and Development teams at NAS Patuxent River have joined industry partner Luna Innovations Inc. to test and demonstrate integrated corrosion sensing technology. “We estimate 90 percent of an aircraft’s total ownership cost occurs after delivery,” said Ashley Morgan, NACRA’s technology project coordinator. “More than 30 percent of that is due to corrosion and those costs escalate as the aircraft ages.” But more importantly, Morgan said, the issue is safety. “Corrosion can alter residual strength and structural integrity,” he said. “If you can put sensors in the aircraft structure for early detection and take appropriate corrosion mitigation actions, you can decrease overall downtime and expense, not to mention add a higher degree of safety,” said NACRA’s resident materials expert Dr. Suresh Verma. Enter NACRA’s corrosion sensor project that extends development efforts initiated through the Navy’s Small Business Innovation Research Program. “We installed a combined wired
and wireless corrosion monitoring system provided by Luna with installation design provided by Wyle on our UH-1N testbed helicopter in July 2012 and have been flying it as a ‘ride-along’ with our other project work,” Morgan said. “With this technology installed, we can track environmental exposure and specific conditions at corrosion hotspots as a function of time, using inputs from various environmental and corrosivity sensors.” Specifically, the project measures air and surface temperatures, relative humidity, solution resistance and polarization resistance to predict aluminum corrosive activity. Morgan said the aircraft sensors gathered and stored this environmental data that test engineers sent to Luna for analysis. “Data from the wired sensors and the wireless sensor hub were used to classify corrosivity within the airframe and the environmental measurements were strongly correlated to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather station data,” said Luna’s Dr. Fritz Friedersdorf, director of intelligence systems. “This project and the resulting data contributed to the Air Force ordering a total of 20 of these systems for demonstration on Air Force H-60s,” Friedersdorf said. “The first set will be installed the
U.S. Navy photo by Doug Abbotts
A UH-1N helicopter, testbed for the Naval Aviation Center for Rotorcraft Advancement, flies a mission near the Chesapeake Bay to test and demonstrate integrated corrosion sensing technology. Early detection of metal-killing corrosion could cut total ownership costs for all Department of Defense rotorcraft in the near future. week of Feb. 18, 2013. This would not have been possible without the
Navy’s support and the availability of the NACRA test bed aircraft.”
The project is scheduled to fly on the NACRA testbed indefinitely.
Pax flies Golden Anchor with Retention Excellence Award Commentary by Chief Navy Counselor (SW) David J. C. Waters NAS Patuxent River Command Career Counselor If you’ve been to a naval air station command-level Career Development Board or have come through Command Indoctrination in the past year, you’ve probably heard me say, “Listen, it’s not my job to convince you to stay Navy, it’s my job to help you get the most out of your Navy career.” To illustrate that point, I used to tell a little story about a newly minted Navy Counselor 1st Class who reported aboard USS Ford (FFG 54) determined to earn the ship’s first Retention Excellence Award, or “Golden Anchor,” in years. If we hit various retention and attrition benchmarks and passed our Career Development Review, we could hoist the Retention Excellence Pennant and paint the ship’s anchor gold. That first year we almost made it, but our attrition was half a percentage point above the maximum. So, we requested a waiver from Pacific Fleet (PACFLT), but were
told to, “Keep doing what you’re doing!” and to try again next year. That was when I decided, benchmarks or no benchmarks, we were going to have the best Career Development Program in the fleet, take care of our Sailors, and let the chips fall where they may. It’s a philosophy that served us well and before I left Ford, I was selected for Chief and was pinned with the only golden anchor I’ll ever need. Of course, that story could really be called “A Tale of Two Anchors.” You see, we did earn the Retention Excellence Award on Ford before I left, but just as it has here at Pax River, winning the “Golden Anchor” had more to do with embracing the values of the Chief’s anchor than chasing after benchmarks. People want to reenlist because they feel respected, valued and taken care of. We still call it the Retention Excellence Award and there are still benchmarks to be met, but as time has passed, the emphasis has shifted to the quality of the Career Development Program. Are Career Development Boards being conducted? Are Performance to Serve entries made
U.S. Navy photo by Chief Navy Counselor (SW) David J.C. Waters
NAS Patuxent River hoisted a “Golden Anchor” for retention excellence in 2012. on time? Are sponsors assigned to prospective gains? Are Sailors given quality counsel regarding their career decisions? In short, are we brilliant on the basics? As you might guess, this is an all-hands effort. Earning and wearing a Chief’s anchor means understanding that it’s not about you, it’s about your people. And for the second year in a row, the people of Pax have been rewarded for their brilliance on the basics with the Retention Excellence Award. As I hauled down our old pen-
nant and replaced it with a new one, I was reminded of all the people our “Golden Anchor” represents: The leadership triad who are steadfastly dedicated to ensuring Pax River Sailors have every opportunity possible; the department heads, division officers, Chiefs and Leading Petty Officers who take care of their people every day; the departmental and divisional career counselors on the deckplates who are the front line of career development information; and the Sailors who take responsibility for their careers and
commit to making the absolute most out of their time in the Navy. These days, staying Navy is more challenging than ever. In these very pages we’ve examined the difficulties of advancement and PTS. We’ve charted the shift from “force shaping” to “force stabilization.” As I write these words, we face the possibility of sequestration and all that portends. Not even the Chief Petty Officer Induction is safe. But, despite these obstacles— in the face of these challenges and changes—we are succeeding. Pax River Sailors are volunteering their time, pursuing their education, advancing in their rates, and taking care of each other. They are striving toward those values embodied by the Chief’s anchor because no matter the changes we face—even as we move from Initiation to Induction to CPO 365 Phase II—those “values” remain the same. And we here at Pax are living them out every day. Hoisting the Retention Excellence Pennant onboard this installation reminded me once again of how proud I am to serve at Pax River, and I hope seeing it fly from the yardarm does the same for you. Congratulations on your “Golden Anchor,” Pax—you earned it!
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Lab demonstrates ability for unmanned systems to communicate
By Jamie Cosgrove Program Executive Office Unmanned Aviation and Strike Weapons Public Affairs
Engineers from the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division at NAS Patuxent River recently conducted a demonstration to test new technology, which allows for interoperability between unmanned air systems (UAS). In collaboration with U.S. Army personnel from Huntsville, Ala., the Common Standards and Interoperability (CSI) and the Battlespace Modeling and Simulation groups (AIR 5.4.2) held demonstrations at Pax River’s UAS Integration Lab, known as the UASIL, on Feb. 5 and 22. The demonstrations validated the government-developed interface, or the software and hardware that enables systems to communicate, for inclusion into future UAS. Interoperability, or the ability for systems to “communicate” with one another, is critical, said Rear Adm. Mat Winter, who oversees the Program Executive Office for Unmanned Aviation and Strike Weapons, (PEO(U&W)) after observing the Feb. 22 demonstration. PEO(U&W)’s portfolio includes management of the U.S. Navy’s CSI group. “To truly capitalize on the capabilities of unmanned systems, these assets must operate seamlessly across the air, ground and
U.S. Navy photo
Chris Latham, an interface developer at NAS Patuxent River, demonstrates control of a payload sensor, which resides at the Joint Technology Center/ System Integration Laboratory in Huntsville, Ala. maritime domains while complementing our manned aircraft capabilities,” Winter said. The hourlong demonstration began with a UASIL operator controlling a sensor, or camera, located on a Shadow UAS at the Joint Technology Center/System Integra-
tion Laboratory (JTC/SIL) in Huntsville through the Defense Research and Engineering Network. The operator at the UASIL then relinquished control of the Shadow sensor and took control of a sensor at the UASIL using the same interface. The PEO(U&W) Interface Control Work-
ing Group (ICWG) leveraged NATO and Army work to develop a command and control interface that is Navy-owned and interoperable with Army UAS. Software engineers integrated hardware sensors and stimulators to their existing suite of simulations to develop and implement the interface for the demo. “In today’s operating environment, every UAS speaks a different language, making it impossible for the systems to communicate,” said Capt. Don Zwick, CSI program manager. “NAVAIR ownership and management of the interface not only reduces the effort required to make two systems interoperable, but it also develops a workforce skilled in how UAS, which are essentially flying robots, work internally.” This government-owned technology will reduce cost and development time in the future since today’s defense contractors own the majority of data behind these messages, Zwick said. “This savings is great with regards to cost and schedule, but most importantly it gives the warfighter on the ground access to abundant amounts of information, that to this point wasn’t available,” said Tim Hurley, UASIL manager. Another live demonstration is planned in May at Pax River, which will demonstrate a more advanced command and control technology.
News Briefs On base:
NAS Patuxent River Blood Drive
Today, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Rear Adm. William A. Moffett Building atrium Come donate blood to the Armed Services Blood Program and help save a life. For more information, please contact Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Alysha Arlequin at 301-342-2752.
Burger Burn (hot dogs, too)
Tuesdays, 11 a.m. to 1 pm. NAWCAD headquarters, building 2185 Come support the NAS NAS Patuxent River Recreation Committee.
Sponsor a Wounded Warrior Dinner
Wednesday The Defense Acquisition University Alumni Association hosts a Wounded Warrior Appreciation Dinner on Wednesday at the River’s Edge Catering and Conference Center. Anyone interested in sponsoring a Wounded Warrior for the dinner or a Chopticon High School student who is helping with the event should contact Duane Mallicoat at 240-8957363 or Bill Lankford at 240-895-7330.
Fish Dinner at NAS Patuxent River Chapel
Fridays, 5-7 p.m.; until March 22 Building 401 All are welcome to join the chapel’s Annual Fish Dinners. Menu includes fried tilapia, French fries, potato salad, Cole slaw, macaroni and cheese, green salad, rolls and desserts. Each week one additional food—fried oysters, fried shrimp, shrimp fried rice, shrimp pancit, shrimp lumpia or crab soup—will be made added to the menu. Suggested donation: $8, adults; $6, youths ages 6-12; and free for children ages 5 and younger.
Income Tax Assistance
Weekdays, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. NAS Patuxent River Legal Office The Navy’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance/Electronic Tax Filing program offers active-duty and retired military, family members and some Reservists free self-service electronic tax filing. Stop by NAS Patuxent River Legal Office in building 409 for more details and to pick up a VITA intake form. Appointments are available until 15 April. Call 301342-7643.
US Naval Academy Alumni Association luncheon
Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. River’s Edge Catering and Conference Center The U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association Greater Southern Maryland Chapter is holding its annual spring Leadership Luncheon with guest speaker, Vice Adm. Michael H. Miller, Naval Academy Superintendant, Naval Aviator and a USNA class of 1974 graduate. Open to the Pax River Navy acquisition community, Naval Academy alumni, family and friends. To make a reservation, visit www.navyalumni.org or contact Richard Snyder at richard.l.snyder@ saic.com, 301-862-6434 or 240-298-2279.
NMCRS Quick Assist Loans
Active-duty Sailors and Marines can apply for a Quick Assist Loan (QAL) for up to $500 at the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) Full Service Office. Most QALs can be processed on a walk-in basis in 15 minutes. Active-duty Marines and Sailors must apply in person. QALs are shortterm, interest-free loans available to service members facing a family emergency or other urgent financial situation and are available Sailors and Marines on active duty, have no outstanding loans with NMCRS, and in need of help with basic living expenses or family emergencies.
NAS Equal Opportunity manager
The naval air station command managed equal opportunity manager is Chief Culinary Specialist (SS/DV) Michael Halavin and can be reached at 301-757-0666, michael.halavin@navy.mil or at or at building 1455.
Where’s Gnorman?
Somewhere in this issue we’ve hidden Gnorman the gnome. Be the first to call in his location and receive two free Center Stage Theater movie tickets; good for any Center Stage movie. The same person cannot win more than once a month. Last week’s winner was Tammy Brugger. Contest calls are not taken after 4:30 p.m. Friday. Call the Tester staff at 301-342-4163.
Off base:
St. Mary’s County Commission for Women banquet Deadline: Friday March 14, 6:30 p.m. Dr. James Forrest Career and Technology Center The theme for this year’s annual banquet is: “Women Inspiring Innovation through Imagination: Celebrating
Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.” Tickets are $20 each and are sold in advance only. Register at the Commission for Women’s website, www. co.saintmarys.md.us/voluntr/women.asp, or call the Department of Human Services at 301-475-4200, ext. 1849.
Expanding Your Horizons, Southern Maryland
Saturday Southern Maryland Higher Education Center Expanding Your Horizons events introduce middle and high school girls to careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. This event is designed for female students in grades six through eight and offers fun, challenging, hands-on STEM workshops and keynote speakers. For more information and to register, visit http://run.to/eyhsomd.
College Opportunities Survey
The Southern Maryland Higher Education Council, with the support of the Patuxent Partnership, is conducting a survey to determine the demand for increased college opportunity in Charles, Calvert and St. Mary’s counties. The survey takes 5-7 minutes to complete. Responses are confidential, and nothing on the survey is used for marketing, telemarketing or commercial purposes. The survey will help the Southern Maryland Higher Education Council recommend ways to formulate long- and short-term plans to improve access to higher education in the area. Complete the survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/SOMDEmployerMil.
Scholarships:
Marine Corps Aviation Association John Glenn Squadron
Deadline: March 15. Applicants must be high school seniors in a St. Mary’s, Calvert or Charles county school, or a family member of a Marine Corps Aviation Association member pursuing a STEM-based degree in college and show an intent to work in a career field that supports the Department of Defense. Apply at www.mcaa-jgs.org/scholarship.html.
Common Scholarship Applications
Deadline: March 15 Features 39 different scholarships offered by local businesses, organizations and individuals. The Seventh Annual Scholarship Awards Event is 4-5 p.m. May 17 at the Dr. James A. Forrest Career and Technology Center. Apply at www.smcbeca.org.
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Dr. Biden urges governors to help military spouses By Amaani Lyle American Forces Press Service Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, Monday urged the nation’s governors to get behind the effort to allow military spouses to transfer professional licenses from state to state. Speaking to the National Governors Association at the White House as part of the “Joining Forces” initiative that she and First Lady Michelle Obama have championed, Biden noted that 28 states have passed laws to facilitate license portability for teachers, nurses, social workers and other professionals licensed in one state but who have to move to another when their military spouse gets a new assignment. Military spouses move 10 times more often than their civilian counterparts, Biden said, and 35 percent of those spouses have jobs that require professional licenses. Only 11 states had pro-spouse legislation when she and the first lady spoke to the governors last year and asked for
their help, Biden noted. “And you stepped up,” she added, “because you appreciate how much our military families do for our country every day.” In addition to the 28 states that have passed laws for military spouse license portability, Biden said, 13 more have introduced legislation. Governors of states with a small active-duty military population might think the issue doesn’t affect them, Biden said, but she pointed out that every state has National Guard or Reserve units. “And with so many families—military families transitioning out of the military now and in the next few years —they’ll be focused on finding good jobs, good schools and good communities, whether there is a military base nearby or not, she added. For the sake of military families, Biden told the governors, it’s important that all 50 states enact license portability laws. But that’s just the first step, she said. “We hope all of you will reach out to your bases and your National Guard and Reserve communities [and] talk with the military spouses—I’m sure many of you already
do this—and make sure that these laws are working for our military families,” she said. Military spouses on the job hunt can seek support from the Fleet and Family Support Center at NAS Patuxent River. The FFSC offers free individual résumé coaching which includes writing assistance, résumé and interviewing workshops, and classes on searching and applying for federal jobs by certified trainers. They also help with formatting both private industry and federal employment résumés. The Fleet and Family Support Center can also provide leads for on- and off-base employment opportunities, assist with exploring education and career training options, and direct them to resources for starting their own business. For more information on employment services, or any other life skills service offered free of charge at the Fleet and Family Support Center, visit http://cnic.navy.mil/Patuxent, click on Fleet and Family Readiness and then Support Services, or call the Fleet and Family Support Center at 301-342-4911. (Connie Hempel, NAS Patuxent River Public Affairs, contributed to this article.)
Amazing Newborns
SAPR Refresher Training
Tuesday, 4-6 p.m. Learn infant care from hospital to home. Practice bathing, changing and dressing your baby, and discuss feeding, health care and safety issues. Participants receive a complimentary book, ‘‘Your Baby’s First Year” and CD, ‘‘Heartbeat Lullabies.”
Understanding your Credit Score/Report (Brown Bag)
Hours of Operation Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. All classes and seminars are held at the FFSC unless otherwise noted. Workshops and seminars are open to activeduty and retired military and their family members. Reservations are necessary and can be made at FFSC or by calling 301-342-4911.
Playgroup @ Glen Forrest Community Center
Thursdays, 10-11 a.m. Moms, dads and caregivers are invited to bring their children for playtime at the Glen Forrest Community Center.
Wednesday; 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. In this one-hour workshop learn to become more familiar with the critical elements of your credit report, we’ll explore the major sections of a typical credit, why it’s important to check your report, what to do in cases of inaccurate information, how to decipher your credit score and more.
Command Financial Specialist Training
March 11-15, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Command Financial Specialist training is designed to provide financial education and training counseling and information referral at the command level. To qualify for this CFS training the candidate must be E-6 or above, highly motivated and financially stable. Trained individuals will represent their command and provide education at the command level. No cost, local orders required.
Welcome to Pax
Today, 8-11 a.m. Topics include: Mid- and long-term saving and investing, Thrift Savings Plan overview and retirement planning.
March 12, 1-3 p.m. Take a windshield tour of the NAS Patuxent River complex and attend a class packed with information about the base and surrounding communities. Local information packet provided.
Résumé Writing
Personal Communication (Brown Bag)
Financial Seminar II
Tuesday, 1-4 p.m. This program offers many different trends and techniques for writing the best résumé possible. Don’t get passed over because your résumé lacks keywords or isn’t in the preferred format. Seating is limited.
March 13, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This class provides information on different communication styles and ways to develop more effective speaking and listening skills. Participants will practice insightful, productive and rewarding ways to interact with people.
March 14, 1-2 p.m. Role playing SAPR scenarios offers the advocate practice time which builds confidence and skill level.
How to Create a Budget (Brown Bag)
March 20, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Creating a budget may not sound like the most exciting thing in the world to do, this one hour workshop cover the vital in keeping your financial house in order. Ultimately, the goal is to be able to show where your money is coming from, how much is there and where it is all going.
Stress Management
March 21, 1-2:30 p.m. Stress is a part of life. In this class you will understand how your thought process has an impact on how you deal with stress. Participants will walk away with specific actions to manage stress that they can incorporate into their life.
SAPR Advocate Training
March 25-28, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. A victim advocate is a trained volunteer who provides effective and appropriate support and guidance for victims of sexual assault. This training will prepare volunteers for the initial contact with victims and help them through the investigative, medical and judicial processes that they opt to pursue.
Budgeting for Baby at Bldg. 401
March 27, 10 a.m. to noon The Navy Marine Corps Relief Society will illustrate the hidden costs associated with a growing family. All Navy and Marine Corps service members that attend will receive a new layette worth more than $100.
Ten Steps to a Federal Job
March 29, 1-4 p.m. Learn how to navigate the federal job system. A 137-page training guide is provided.
Naval Air Station Patuxent River • tester@dcmilitary.com • www.facebook.com/NASPaxRiver The name Tester is a registered mark in the state of Maryland. This paper is published by Comprint, Inc., 9030 Comprint Ct., Gaithersburg, Md. 20877, (301) 948-1520, a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. Navy, under exclusive written contract with Naval District Washington. This commercial enterprise newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the military services. Contents of the Tester are not necessarily the official views of, nor endorsed by the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, or the Department of the Navy. The appearance of advertising in this publication,
Capt. Ted Mills
Commanding Officer
Capt. Ben Shevchuk Executive Officer
including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense or Southern Maryland Newspapers and Printing of the products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use, or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user, or patron. If a violation or rejection of this equal opportunity policy by an advertiser is confirmed, the publisher shall refuse to print advertising from that source until the violation is corrected.
Cmd. Master Chief William Lloyd-Owen
Command Master Chief
Connie Hempel
Public Affairs Specialist
Donna Cipolloni Staff Writer
Editorial content is edited, prepared, and provided by the Public Affairs Office. News copy should be submitted by Friday to be considered for the following week’s edition. All material is edited for accuracy, brevity, clarity, and conformity to regulations. To inquire about news copy, call 301-342-4163 or fax the Tester at 301-8639296.
Commercial advertising may be placed with the publisher by calling 301-862-2111.
Breton Helsel and Deirdre Parry
Copy/layout editors
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Tester
Thursday, February 28, 2013
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Drill Hall undergoes improvement projects By Valerie Doster NAS Patuxent River MWR marketing director It has been 14 years since the NAS Patuxent River Drill Hall has had any renovations. Soon, two projects long since due will finally coming to fruition when improvements to the locker rooms, fitness rooms and racquetball courts begin Monday. While these updates are long overdue, some may wonder how they can be done considering the current fiscal environment. According to Hal Willard, fitness and sports director, making these improvements now for Drill Hall patrons is only possible because they are funded with previous years’ money. “The fitness room/racquetball courts renovation is a non-appropriated fund construction project that was awarded in 2011,” Willard said. “We received a $1 million grant and have been waiting on the contract award and final design approval since then.” The locker room project was funded with last fiscal year’s money.
While the renovations mean a short-term inconvenience for Drill Hall patrons, Willard said the end result is sure to be worth the wait. The first project is the women’s restroom and the west side men’s restroom, located on the McDonald’s side of the Drill Hall. This project is scheduled to run Monday to Sept. 4. While this project affects the showers, toilet and sink areas of both bathrooms, locker spaces will still be available. To help relieve the inconvenience, temporary re-locatable trailers for shower and rest room use will be placed in the parking lot directly outside the west entrance. On April 15, the Drill Hall begins preparing for renovations to the south side fitness rooms and racquetball courts. With this project, the racquetball courts will move to a new second level, allowing for expanded fitness centers below. The fitness equipment currently in the Life Circuit Fitness Room and the Total Body Fitness Room, are being moved to the varsity basketball courts for the duration of the project, which is should be complete in September. first 100 children can dye an egg and participate in the hunt. Cost is $4.50 for E1-E5, and $5 for all others. Eligible patrons include: Active-duty, Reservist and retired military, DOD and family members of all ages. Sponsored by Lincoln Military Housing. NAS Patuxent River thanks and appreciates it’s sponsors. However, neither the NAS Patuxent River nor the Federal Government officially endorses any company, product or service.
Rassieur Youth Center For all MWR news, visit http://cnic.navy.mil/Patuxent and click on Fleet and Family Readiness.
Cedar Point Golf Course
Call 301-342-3597 for more information. Junior Golf Clinics Registration March 23, 8 a.m. Registrations must be made in person at the Cedar Point Golf Course; phone and email registrations are not accepted. Clinics are 3-4 p.m. and 4-5 p.m. Saturdays from April 13 to May 11. Parents can choose which session at the time of registration. Payment is due at the time of registration; cash or check only. Cost is $40 per student, which includes all five weeks of instruction.
Drill Hall
Register for a class and get more information at the Fitness and Sports Office or by calling 301-757-1194. Spring Intramural Sports Softball Organizational Meeting: Monday, 1 p.m. in the Drill Hall Bowling Center; In-line Hockey Organizational Meeting: Tuesday, 1 p.m. in the Drill Hall Bowling Center; and Golf Organizational Meeting: March 21, 1 p.m. in the Golf Course Clubhouse. Intramural sports are open to all active-duty, retired and reserve military, and members of the Fitness and Sports Association. 10 Mile Relay Race March 22, 11:30 a.m.; rain date, March 29 The Patuxent River Relay Race is a 10-mile course along the Patuxent River. Teams will be of two to five runners with each member running between 2-8 miles, depending on team size. First, second and third place awards are given for male, female and co-ed divisions. Free for active-duty military without a race shirt, and $12 for everyone else which includes a race shirt. Register at the Sports and Fitness Office or download registration form at www.cnic.navy.mil/ Patuxent, click on Fleet and Family Readiness then Fitness and Sports.
NRC Solomons
For more information on recreational events at NRC Solomons, contact Jennifer Marchant at jennifer.marchant@navy.mil or 410-286-8365. Easter EGGstravaganza March 30, 1-3 p.m. NRC Solomons Large Pavilion Join the fun of Easter at NRC Solomons. An egg hunt and festivities of bubble making, arts and crafts, pictures with Peter Rabbit, music and dancing and more are scheduled. This Easter event is designed for toddlers to youths age 12. Military children receive a free t-shirt to tie-dye, or bring a white t-shirt to make your own spring time tie-dye. The
For more information on Rassieur Youth Center programs and events, call 301-342-1694. Mattapany Day Camp Registration MDC registration is underway. Mondays through Wednesdays are registration days, and Thursdays and Fridays are for payment appointments. The registration breakdown is: current school-age patrons, now; active-duty military, Monday through March 8; DOD civilians, March 1115; and contractors, March 18-22. MDC lasts runs 11 weeks, June 10 to Aug. 16. Registration forms and packets are available online at http://cnic.navy.mil/patuxent, click on Fleet and Family Readiness, Support Services and then Mattapany Day Camp, or stop by the Rassieur Youth Center. Career Launch/Job Ready Night March 12, 6-9 p.m. Center Stage Theater Teens interested in the Career Launch Summer Employment Program must come to gain insight on job opportunities for the summer on NAS Patuxent River. Youths ages 11-14 are eligible to volunteer as Leaders in Training, and youths ages 15-18 are eligible to be employed as Work Wise. Employment packets, available work sites and information will be provided. Meeting is Mandatory if you want to work this summer in either of these programs. Call 301-342-4498 for more information.
U.S. Navy photo by Donna Cipolloni
Cuddihy Road is named in honor of Lt. Cmdr. George T. Cuddihy who lost his life when his airplane came apart in an almost vertical dive on Nov. 25, 1929.
ITT Office
For all your ticket to sporting events, travel and more, call 301-342-3648. Garden Plot Rentals No room for a garden? No problem. Rent your garden space from the ITT Office. Active-duty military and last year’s gardeners may register to rent plots March 11-15. New gardeners may apply for space beginning March 18. MWR garden plots are fully equipped with water outlets for irrigation. Plot size: 30x75 feet. Cost is $30 plus a $15 refundable clean up deposit. Plots to be plowed by April 1, weather permitting. Water at sites will not be available until April 15.
River’s Edge Catering and Conference Center
To make a reservation or for more information, stop by or call 301-342-3656. Easter Brunch Register by March 27 March 31, four seating times 11:30 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Join us for Easter Brunch. This annual event fills up fast so make your reservations today. Cost is: $21.95, adults; $10.95, youths ages 6-16; $3, children ages 3-5; and free for children ages 3 and younger.
Goose Creek Camp Ground Reservations
Reservations begin April 1 and can be made by going to www.dodlodging.net or calling 1-877-Navy-bed (628-9233).
The Liberty program sponsors free or reducedprice events for Pax River active-duty E1-E6. Liberty is a component of the Single Sailor Program. Civilian guests are not allowed to participate unless otherwise stated. If you have any questions, call 301-3424208. Pax River’s Liberty program’s manager, Mindy Mackey, can be reached at 301-342-3565 or at mindy. mackey@navy.mil. Some of the exciting trips being planned are: Bowl with Liberty: March 11, 6-9 p.m. Come to the Bowling Center and bowl for three hours as the Liberty Center covers the cost. Free pizza and soda until 7:30 p.m. or until supplies run out. Open to all active-duty E1-E6 single or unaccompanied military and one guest age 18 or older. Texas Hold ‘em: Tuesdays Game Night: Wednesdays, 6 p.m. Movie and Munchie Night: Thursdays, 6 p.m.
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Wednesday Night Special: Buy any size soda, get a small popcorn free. Wednesday and Friday Liberty Special: Active-duty E1-E6 receive free admission. Thursday Night Special: Buy one ticket, get the second at half-price. Frequent Moviegoer Ticket: After 10 visits, 11th admission is free. Thursday, Feb. 28 6:30 p.m., Zero Dark Thirty
For a decade, an elite team of intelligence and military operatives, working in secret across the globe, devoted themselves to a single goal: To find and eliminate Osama bin Laden. Rated: R (2 hrs, 40 min) Friday, March 1 6:30 p.m., Mama Mama is a supernatural thriller that tells the haunting tale of two little girls who disappeared into the woods the day their parents
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were killed. When they are rescued years later and begin a new life, they find that someone or something still wants to come tuck them in at night. Rated: PG-13 (1 hr, 40 min)
threatened at every turn, Billy finds himself faced with an impossible choice, which could have disastrous repercussions for his career and family. Rated: R (1 hr, 49 min)
9 p.m., Broken City When disgraced cop turned private detective Billy Taggart is hired by NYC’s mayor to tail his wife, he uncovers a city-wide conspiracy of corruption, sex, and murder. With his life
Saturday, March 2 4 p.m., Mama 6:30 p.m., Broken City 9 p.m., The Last Stand
After leaving his LAPD narcotics post following a bungled operation that left him wracked with remorse and regret, Sheriff Ray Owens moved out of Los Angeles and settled into a life fighting what little crime takes place in sleepy border town Sommerton Junction. But that peaceful existence is shattered when Gabriel Cortez, the most notorious, wanted drug kingpin in the western hemisphere, makes a deadly yet spectacular es-
cape from an FBI prisoner convoy. Rated: R (1 hr, 47 min) Free Showing Sunday, March 3 2 p.m., Wreck it Ralph Rated: PG (1 hr, 48 min) Monday and Tuesday No Movies Wednesday, March 6 6:30 p.m., The Last Stand
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Thursday, February 28, 2013
Chaplain’s corner:
Cognitive dissonance: Hope for the best, expect the worst By Al Kaniss Guest contributor Cognitive dissonance is commonly defined as feeling discomfort when simultaneously holding two or more conflicting ideas, beliefs, values or emotional reactions. I first heard the term in connection with Randy Pausch’s “Last Lecture,” in which the now-famous computer science professor said he looked and felt great, but knew he only had a few months to live because he had pancreatic cancer. Indeed, anyone battling a potentially fatal disease has to keep two diametrically opposed goals in mind at the same time: Getting well and getting ready to die; how agonizingly stressful. A great example of handling cognitive dissonance was displayed in Biblical times by three Hebrews boys named Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. In the third chapter of the book of Daniel, these boys
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Al Kaniss refused to obey the king’s order to bow down and worship a golden idol. The penalty for refusing to do so was to be thrown into a blazing furnace. The boys told the king they had faith that God would rescue them from the furnace and from the king, but if God didn’t, they still refused to worship the idol and were willing to suffer the consequences. Wow, talk about faith, and hoping for the best yet at the same time expecting the worst—to be burned alive. The next few months are going to be hard on everyone as our nation’s leaders work to resolve the coun-
try’s current fiscal problems. I think a headline in the local paper said it best: Brace for impact. Certainly, we should remain hopeful that all can be worked out with a return to “business as usual,” but it sure can make one nervous getting email after email with the words “sequestration,” “continuing resolution” and “furlough” in them. Our country has faced seemingly insurmountable problems in the past, most notably the Great Depression, when it looked liked democracy and capitalism were doomed. As President Franklin Roosevelt was being inaugurated, he gave his famous speech about “the only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” He also said the lessremembered, “This great nation will endure as it has endured, will revive and will prosper.” He was absolutely correct. Not only did we recover from the Great Depression, but also from other terrible
times in our history: The Civil War, World War II, the Cold War, the Vietnam War, Watergate, oil embargos and 9/11. There is great reason to hope that we can get through the current financial problems as well. One of my favorite chapters in the Bible is Hebrews 11, often referred to as the “hall of faith.” It’s very inspiring as it recounts a list of Bible heroes who had great faith and the amazing things they accomplished because of it. As we live out the next few months, hoping for the best and at the same time expecting the worst, it’s a good time to lean on God for help, support and encouragement. As with our earthly father, our Heavenly Father is always there to protect us and take care of things. Things may not always turn out exactly the way we want, but history has shown time and again that we can always trust him and that he knows best.
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St. Nicolas Chapel weekly services Catholic Services
Mass: Sunday, 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Weekdays, 11:35 a.m. Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD): Sunday, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Stations of the Cross and Benediction: Friday, 5 p.m. Holy Thursday Mass: March 28, 7 p.m. Good Friday Services: March 29, 3 p.m. Holy Saturday Mass: March 30, 8 p.m. Easter Mass: March 31, 9 a.m.
Protestant Services
Worship: Sunday at 11 a.m. Bible studies: Men’s study Sunday at 6 p.m. Ladies’ study Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, February 28, 2013
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In step with his times
NAVAIR leader traces path from segregated South to SES ranks By Andrea Hein Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division Communications Support
“I think Black History Month is a good month to focus on the diversity of AfricanAmericans, and also diversity in general.”
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bejeweled woman’s high-heel shoe stands out among the books, baseball caps and awards lining the shelves of Jesse McCurdy’s office. A gift from a women’s group thanking him for his contributions, the decorative footwear is a testament to 37 years of government civilian service, McCurdy said. He’s the deputy assistant commander for Research and Engineering at the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), the command’s civilian chief engineer, technical authority and spokesman for all research and engineering performed during design, development and fleet support. McCurdy began his government career with NAVAIR in 1976 as a guidance and control engineer for air-to-air missiles. Since then, he has risen through the civilian ranks holding varied leadership positions in the engineering community. In 1989, McCurdy became the first African-American senior executive service member at NAVAIR. On the eve of his retirement from government service in March, McCurdy shared his journey from the segregated South to his ascension among the elite SES ranks.
Jesse McCurdy Deputy assistant commander for Research and Engineering, Naval Air Systems Command
though we have eight sites where people work, we have national competencies that are actually knitted together and present that sense of community. From the standpoint of people and diversity, we pull those communities together collectively to improve diversity throughout NAVAIR.
U.S. Navy photo by Adam Skoczylas
Scheduled to retire in March after more than 30 years of Navy civilian service, Jesse McCurdy, the deputy assistant commander for Research and Engineering for the Naval Air Systems Command, reTester: What was it like growing up flects on his childhood in the South and his growth in the Navy.
in the South during segregation? McCurdy: Growing up, everything was completely segregated. As long as people stayed in their part of town and went to their schools and churches, there were no issues. It was too expensive to have things like segregated department stores, so everyone went to the same store, though we couldn’t go into the same restroom or drink out of the same water fountain. We were somewhat treated as second-class citizens even though we were spending our money at the department store. Those things were evident and very noticeable for a kid growing up.
Tester: How did desegregation affect you? McCurdy: I was attending Howard University when all the turmoil started in the ‘60s, and I would go home to Birmingham during holidays and breaks. Some of the demonstrations became active and I did get caught up in that a few times. In particular, one summer, the house of a black civil-rights lawyer was bombed, causing a mini-riot between the residents of the area and the police. No one was hurt, but the house was severely damaged. The other incident turned around the whole civil rights movement: the bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church where four little girls were killed. That was about two miles from my parents’ house. When that happened, the federal government stepped in and started to de-
Jesse McCurdy
Title: Deputy assistant commander for Research and Engineering, Naval Air Systems Command Hometown: Birmingham, Ala. Education: Bachelor’s degree from Howard University; completed the Contemporary Executive Development Program at George Washington University, and the Leadership 2000 Program at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and Brookings Institute; completed the U.S. Navy Executive Business Course at the University of California, Berkeley. Major Awards: Named one of the 50 Most Important Blacks in Research Science in 2004; Navy’s recipient of the 2005 NAACP Roy Wilkins Renown Service Award and the Presidential Rank Award in 2006 and 2011 Proudest accomplishment: Being selected for the Senior Executive Service ranks Advice for young professionals: “Come prepared to work hard, prepared to learn a lot, and come with an open mind. Don’t turn down challenges in the workplace; don’t turn down challenges in life, in general. Realize all you try to accomplish is not going to be easy and you are going to have some struggles, but don’t let that discourage you.” segregate everything. There was resistance, but the resistance could only last so long. It took people a long, long time to actually change, but things did start to get better. Tester: What does African-American History Month mean to you? McCurdy: It’s a time to celebrate the accomplishments of African-Americans, but yet a time to show that there is still progress to be made and issues
to address. I think Black History Month is a good month to focus on the diversity of African-Americans, and also diversity in general. Tester: Do you feel a sense of community at NAVAIR? McCurdy: There is definitely a sense of community here. When [the Base Realignment and Closure] brought many of us down to Pax River 17 years ago, we set up national competencies. Even
Tester: What professional accomplishments are you most proud of? McCurdy: I am most proud of being selected to the Senior Executive Service. Sometimes, I take it for granted and others in the SES also take it for granted. It’s an accomplishment that keeps on giving throughout your career once you’re selected. I’ve also been a part of some technical projects like the Tomahawk [Weapon Systems] Program. Since joining the SES, I’ve had some good experiences, primarily as a leader and a technical adviser. It’s been rewarding. Tester: In regards to the current fiscal crisis, how should professionals working for the government weather the storm? McCurdy: I would say, “Just hold on.” There was a gentleman I worked for when I first came to NAVAIR who said, the government goes through these phases; some of them are deeper than others and it’s like a sine wave [a mathematical wave pattern representing repetitive oscillations]. You’re riding high on the wave and then it goes down, so the period of the sine wave can vary, but it’s the same thing. The government goes through deep depressions and budget cuts, but it will come back. I don’t think things will ever be like they have been, so far as that sine wave. I don’t think it will ever get to that amplitude again, but it will go back up, and it will be kind of a new norm. To people who are with the government and who have time in the government, and even new people that are coming in, I would say just hold on, because in the long run it works out.
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Thursday, February 28, 2013
Commands celebrate awards, hails and farewells
U.S. Navy photo by Tara N. Strickland
ADCS Jeron Little reenlists
Courtesy photo
U.S. Navy photo by Gary Younger
Sonja Hamric reaches 20 years
From left, Rear Adm. CJ Jaynes, commander of Fleet Readiness Centers, left, presents Sonja Hamric a with 20-year Civil Service pin during a ceremony Feb. 13. Hamric is a COMFRC program analyst for the Naval Air Systems Command Depot Maintenance System.
Courtesy photo
Farewell AOC(AW/SW) Erik Reed Farewell Cmdr. Jason Stumpf Chief Aviation Ordnanceman (AW/ SW) Erik Reed, left, receives his end of tour award from Marine Corps Col. Roger Cordell, commander of Naval Test Wing Atlantic during a ceremony Feb. 21.
Cmdr. Jason Stumpf, left, receives a token of appreciation for his service at Naval Test Wing Atlantic from Marine Corps Col. Roger Cordell, commander of Naval Test Wing Atlantic, during a farewell ceremony Feb. 21.
James Forde receives Commendation
HM Daniel Frank, HM3 Christine Reed earn Good Conduct medal (Right) Hospitalman Daniel Frank, left, and Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Christine Reed received the Navy Good Conduct Medal during a clinic ceremony Feb. 8 for “faithful, zealous and obedient Naval service,” according to the citation.
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Senior Chief Aviation Machinist’s Mate Jeron Little, left, took his third oath of reenlistment Feb. 14 during a ceremony led by Capt. Michelle Guidry, Tactical Airlift, Adversary and Support Aircraft Program Office (PMA-207) program manager. Little has served in the Navy for 20 years and is currently PMA-207’s Adversary/Multi-Mission Aircraft integrated product team, J85 logistics analyst as well as Naval Air Systems Command’s Fitness Leader.
U.S. Navy photo by Personnel Specialist 2nd Class Jheyson Giraldo
U.S. Navy photo by Personnel Specialist 2nd Class Jheyson Giraldo
(Left) Capt. Mike Vernere, commanding officer of Naval Health Clinic Patuxent River, left, presents James Forde with a Certificate of Commendation during a ceremony Feb. 8. Forde is transferring to the Defense Logistics Agency in Fort Belvoir, Va.
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Thursday, February 28, 2013
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Laser Gives Patients New Lease on Life Laser technology in the medical field is not new. Lasers are used for a multitude of procedures that consumers are generally aware of such as corrective eye surgery, blood vessel treatment, hair removal, microsurgeries such as joint repair, and muscle therapy. In more recent years lasers have been utilized as pain management devices and in the treatment of periodontal therapy. The use of the laser in periodontal therapy may not only cure periodontal disease but help deter the onset of many other diseases that wouldn’t normally be associated with gum disease. Scientists have been studying the dramatic correlations between systemic health and what would logically appear to the layperson as a localized problem. There is no example more glaring than the relationship between one’s periodontal (gum) health and their overall (systemic) health.
and cleans the gums and teeth right down to the root. Both of these procedures are not comfortable for the patient. In fact, many patients opt to not treat, or stop treatment of their disease due to fear and discomfort involved. Thanks to modern laser technology there is now a third option. Periodontal disease can be treated with a laser and a highly trained general dentist. The treatment is minimally invasive. There are no shots, no cutting, and no sewing. A laser is gently used to stimulate the gums and provide a platform for healthy gum growth, possible bone regeneration and a
significant shrinking of the gap between the tooth and the gums. This therapy can restore gums to a healthy state. Dr. Todd Cooper, a general dentist at Tidewater Dental in Lexington Park and Prince Frederick, is one of the only dentists in the tri-county area trained in this technology. He holds the highest level of training and experience, with the Periolase laser, in the area. Since incorporating the laser into Tidewater Dental he has seen dramatic results. He explains that there is a higher compliance rate because the procedure isn’t as uncomfortable as the alternative. In most cases the procedure is
The gums that hug the teeth have a very unique position and arguably a flaw in their human functionality. The gums are one of the only areas that provide an access point to the cardiovascular system of the human body. In other words, there is a gap between the gums and the tooth that leads directly into the jaw. This gap is an access point for potentially dangerous bacteria and germs. The mouth, when not provided with consistent professional care, can become a virtual Petri dish for bacterial infections which can wreak havoc on the gums. Known as periodontal disease, this condition will cause inflammation, recession, and larger gaps between the gums and the teeth. Eventually it can lead to loss of teeth and bone degeneration in the jaw. While these conditions seem localized, the bacterial infection that is thriving in the mouth is passing through the gaps between the gums and the teeth and it has constant access to the whole, internal body. This point of access created by periodontal disease has been linked to heart disease and strokes, diabetes, respiratory diseases, pregnancy problems, osteoporosis among other systemic conditions. Before the introduction of a very specific type of laser into the dental field, the only treatments for periodontal disease were the more severe osseous surgery and scaling and root planing. Osseous surgery is a procedure that involves cutting back the gum tissue around the teeth, removing the tartar build up and the granulation tissue (infected gum tissues that creeps into the craters where bone loss has taken place). The bone is then reshaped to help reduce the gap between the healthy gums and the tooth. A bone graft may be necessary at this point as well. After this the gums are sewn back up and the healing process takes place. Scaling and root planing, a process usually performed by a dental hygienist, requires the area of the mouth being treated (divided into quads, usually) to be numbed first. After the area is sufficiently numbed, the hygienist scrapes 1038860
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also covered by the patient’s insurance as well. Laser technology has provided a new way to cure periodontal disease, a disease that is the leading cause of tooth loss and is estimated to effect upwards of 80% of adults in the U.S. A healthy smile may literally lead to a healthier heart and body. To find out more about periodontal disease visit the National Center for Biotechnology Information website at www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov or schedule a consultation with Dr. Todd Cooper at Tidewater Dental.
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Scoreboard As of Feb. 22
Intramural bowling
WSI Big 10 Goat locker Hang ‘em High Rollin’ Thunder JMWS Wafwots High-n-Low Lucky Strikes Spare Time
59-21 54-26 46.5-33.5 43-37 40.5-39.5 40-40 37-43 28.5-51.5 26.54 25.5-54.5
Intramural basketball Monday/Wednesday division Grind Time VQ-4
8-0 5-2
Tigers P&P Rangers Osprey VX-23/TC-7
BUDGET 5-3 4-3 2-6 0-8
Tuesday/Thursday division Ballsohard U 7-2 Bomb Squad 6-3 Top Notch 5-3 Mag-49 3-5 A/O 2-6 VX-1 2-6
Intramural volleyball
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Monday/Wednesday division Grateful digs 19-5 Shaw Road Redemption 17-7 Notorious D.I.G. 10-14 Need for Speed 2-22
Tuesday/Thursday division Set To Kill 16-5 Servin’ It Up 15-6 Brew Crew 11-10 Great Balls of Fire 10-11 A/O 5-19
Intramural graybeard basketball Lunch Crew W.W.D. Phenoms The Crew Loggies VX-23 Paxsca HX-21 Old but New VX-1
8-0 6-1 5-2 5-3 5-3 3-5 3-5 2-6 1-6 0-7
Continued from 1 family’s size; you will get a lower refund next year, but more needed cash flow this year. 4. Make only minimum payments on debts until shortfall is covered, then pay any extra toward the highest interest debt. 5. Temporarily change your Thrift Savings Plan contributions—or 401K if spouse participates at their work—down to the percent of company’s matching contribution until the pay shortage is filled. The government matches 5 percent. 6. Reduce or stop funding children’s college fund. 7. ROTH IRA? Contributions could be a source, but as with any retirement funding adjustments, this step
STARBASE Continued from 1
and science fit into the work environment,” she said. “They demonstrate that work doesn’t just have to be work, it can also be fun. When the students see the mentors are excited, it helps make them more excited.” There are 76 STARBASE locations nationwide, each at a different military site
should be near the bottom of your options. Same if you’re thinking about a TSP loan. 8. If all bills can’t be covered by minimum payments, contact creditors and ask for a temporary adjustment; they are fully aware of what’s going on and are likely willing to work with you, but the key here is to be pro-active. 9. Most of all, try not to take on any new debt as this will only compound the problem. If you don’t change your lifestyle, you will use your credit card to fund your shortfalls for expenses and the damaging effect is that you will take on new debt and remain in debt longer. It’s key to not just “feel” the pinch of a tightened budget, but to “live” it by making the necessary financial adjustments.
in all branches of the armed services, including 15 Navy STARBASE-Atlantis academies. Opened in fall 2007, the Pax River academy is the Navy’s newest. For information on the Navy academies visit www. netc.navy.mil/community/ starbase/; or to learn more about the DOD STARBASE 2.0 program, visit www. dodstarbase.org.
Annual Dance Banneker High School Class of 1958 Presents
An Evening to Remember
Saturday, March 16, 2013 9:00pm to 1:00am Dance to the Music of the
“Stone Pleasure Band” Hollywood Firehouse Social Hall 24801Three Notch Road • Hollywood, MD
$20 in Advance $25 at the Door Call 240-416-3072 or email jean27m@aol.com SeeYouThere! 1037909
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ATTIRE: CLASSY CASUAL
Tester
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Clinic recognizes civilian, contractor of the year
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Around Town St Mary’s County:
Child Care Provider Training: Every Child Ready to Read
Today, 6-8 p.m. Lexington Park library Childcare providers will learn simple activities they can do every day to help children in their care get ready to read. They will receive two continuing education units. Free. Registration required at 301-863-8188.
Express Yourself Teen Art Contest entries due
Through Friday Youths in grades 6-12 can drop off artwork at any of the three St. Mary’s County libraries. Entries must be a flat 8x11 and original. They can be drawings, paintings, photography, computer-generated or mixed-media. More than one entry can be submitted. Artwork will be displayed in Lexington Park Library Art Gallery Friday to April 15. Winners will be announced at the Awards Ceremony on April 15 at the Lexington Park Library. Prize: Art supplies and bragging rights!
Seusstravaganza
U.S. Navy photo by Personnel Specialist 2nd Class Jheyson Giraldo
The Naval Health Clinic Patuxent River recognized its 2012 Civilian and Contractor of the Year during a ceremony Feb. 15. The awardees were, from left, Mike Morrow as the Senior Civilian of the Year; Kennedi Milan at the Contractor of the Year; and Joyce Prechtl as the Junior Civilian of the Year.
Saturday, 10:30 a.m. Leonardtown library Saturday, 11 a.m. Lexington Park; Charlotte Hall libraries All ages can celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday with stories, songs and activities. Free.
Casino Night
Saturday, 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. Brass Rail Sports Bar Free food and fun. Proceeds benefit Thoroughbred Placement Rescue. Must be 21 years old or older. Call 301-994-9855.
Poetry Open Mic Night
Wednesday, 6:30 p.m. Leonardtown library Poets of all ages can come and share their original poems or favorite ones, or just come to listen.
Calvert County:
Civil Discourse: Ethnic Notions Film Discussion Today, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Calvert library, Prince Frederick
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Ethnic Notions: Black Images in the White Mind takes viewers on a disturbing voyage through American history, tracing the evolution of the deeply rooted stereotypes that have fueled anti-Black prejudice.
Dr. Seuss Celebration
Saturday, 10-11 a.m. Calvert library, Prince Frederick Have you ever eaten green eggs with a slice of ham? Well if you have, this is the place for you to celebrate with a smile for Theodor Seuss Geisel’s Birthday! Kindergarten-grade 5 for interactive learning loaded with fun. Register by calling 410-535-0291 or 301-855-1862.
Writers by the Bay at the Library
Tuesday, 7-8:30 p.m. Calvert library, Prince Frederick Looking for a writer’s group? All writers and would-be writers are welcome to come for critique & camaraderie.
Cinema Café
Wednesday, 6-8:30 p.m. Calvert library, Prince Frederick The Dashwood sisters, sensible Eleanor and passionate Marianne, find their chances at marriage seemingly doomed by their family’s sudden loss of fortune. Based on the Jane Austen novel Sense and Sensibility, this 1995 screenplay was written by Emma Thompson.
First Free Friday
Friday, 5-8 p.m. Calvert Marine Museum This month features the opening of the Youth Art Month Exhibit by students from Calvert County schools in the lobby. Enjoy Harmony Grit performing traditional and contemporary folk, country, and light rock, starting at 6:30 p.m. Free during hours noted.
Art in the Stacks
Month of March Calvert library, Twin Beaches and Prince Frederick Pastels and watercolors by various artists on display.
My African-American Community
Month of March Calvert library, Prince Frederick Photographs and stories by Billy Poe.
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Thursday, February 28, 2013
NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN! Know an outstanding caregiver or non-profit organization that deserves to be recognized? Nominate them for our Wounded Warrior Caregiver of the Year Award presented by DCMilitary Family Life. Write a short essay about an individual or organization that has provided exceptional assistance to a Wounded Warrior during their time of need over the past year. Submissions will be collected and judged based upon their recent sacrifices and contributions made in order to care for Wounded Warrior(s). 5 finalists from each category will be chosen by a panel appointed by Comprint Military Publications and all will be invited to attend an awards luncheon where the winners will be publicly announced. All finalists will appear in the June issue of DCMilitary Family Life magazine. Cash prizes will be donated to the winners and top finalists.
Visit www.dcmilitary.com/award for more information or email your essay to caregiver@dcmilitary.com Enter by March 29, 2013! SPONSORS INCLUDE:
Thursday, February 28, 2013
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Thursday, February 28, 2013