Fort Lee Traveller | May 31, 2018

Fort Lee honors Gold Star Spouses/Families at 8th annual Survivor Outreach Services Butterfly Release

Fort Lee

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SERVING THE COMMUNITY OF FORT LEE, VIRGINIA, SINCE 1941

May 31, 2018 | Vol. 78, No. 15

ULTIMATE SKILL TEST

CASCOM’s best fight for recognition in annual training showdown

SEE PAGES 8-9 VOLUNTEERS BRING WARMTH TO NEWBORNS, SICK, ELDERLY Calling themselves the ‘Yarn Brigade,’ a group of Team Lee spouses, workers and supporters uses its knitting and crocheting skills to benefit others SEE PAGE12

DAHL SALUTES ARMY CIVILIANS Commanding general of IMCOM praises diversity, ingenuity, professionalism of government employees SEE PAGE 2

FRIDAY CONCERT EVENINGS RETURN Outdoor performances at FMWR HideAway club to feature local bands, ample refreshments

CARING CIVILIANS EARN ACCOLADES Seven Army employees receive CWF-sponsored awards for performance, community outreach

SEE PAGE 4

SEE PAGE 10

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Commander’s Corner | Recognizing Excellence

Army Civilians, a valuable resource

It’s

the

Law | Renter Information

Early lease termination requires timely notice Timothy D. Hamilton

move on to their new assignment.

Fortunately, both federal and state law With moving season approaching, many protects military members under these cirmilitary members will soon be seeking to cumstances. To take full advantage of these terminate their residential leases so they can protections, however, military members Chief, Client Services Division, OSJA

Fort Lee

Commanding General...........Maj. Gen. Paul C. Hurley Jr. Garrison Commander...................... Col. Adam W. Butler Public Affairs Officer.............................. Stephen J. Baker Command Information/Managing Editor....Patrick Buffett Senior Writer/Special Assignments.......... T. Anthony Bell Production/News Assistant Editor................... Amy Perry Production Assistant............................... Ray Kozakewicz To reach the Traveller Staff, call (804) 734-7147.

bet, but we should not paint all Army Civilians with the same brush based on limited experiences where a small number have made a bad impression or had a negative impact. Detractors of employing civilians should think through the alternatives. Totally contractors?

Have Soldiers do everything? These solutions are often more expensive and can negatively impact Army readiness in serious ways.

Army Civilians are probably the most efficient and effective way to sustain readiness. Their contributions are priceless; our nation simply cannot purchase their level of loyalty and commitment. They are part of the Army’s DNA. I encourage more Army leaders to learn and understand this important truth sooner than I did.

must give proper written notice to their landlord as soon as possible.

The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act and Virginia law provide that when a military member has to break a residential lease due to their military service, they are not subject to the normal penalties for such a breach of contract. This protection is available to service members on active duty, Army Reserve and National Guard. The protection applies to PCS outside the local area or deployment or mobilization for Reserve or Guard mem-

bers, TDY outside the local area for at least three months, separation or retirement from active duty, or instances where a military member is ordered to move into government quarters. It is important to note that these protections apply even if there is no “military clause” in the residential lease.

To invoke protections under the SCRA or Virginia law the military member must provide the landlord written notice of the anticipated termination. Prior to the actual

The Fort Lee Traveller is an authorized publication for members of the DOD, printed by Gatehouse Media Virginia Holdings, Inc., a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. Government, under exclusive written contract with U.S. Army Garrison, Fort Lee, Virginia. Contents of the Fort Lee Traveller are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government or the Department of the Army. The editorial content of this publication is the responsibility of the U.S. Army Garrison, Fort Lee Public Affairs Office. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement of the products or services advertised by the U.S. Army or Gatehouse Media Virginia Holdings, Inc. Everything advertised in this publication will 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 will refuse to print advertising from that source until the violation has been corrected.

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Cover

FORT SAM HOUSTON, TEXAS – One of the great lessons I’ve learned as commanding general of U.S. Army Installation Management Command is to value the diversity and contributions of Army Civilians.

Before taking command of IMCOM and its 50,000-plus cohort of civilian professionals, I had little experience in leading or working alongside them. I was ambivalent about their role in making our Army ready. I had no appreciation for how vital their leadership is to the continuity and success of everything we do. Now, after witnessing the wisdom, dedication, technical expertise and professionalism of Army Civilians in a personal way, I feel obliged to champion

their service.

After visiting 80 installation communities around the world, I am as familiar with today’s Army as anyone. It is clear to me that our Army could not do all of what it is expected to do without civilians in nearly every command, in some cases side-by-side in theater.

Civilian professionals provide foundational continuity in times of turbulence; design, test and field our weapon systems; play critical roles in supporting Soldiers and their families; maintain our training facilities; and myriad other critical tasks that give Soldiers the freedom to focus on warfighting. Army Civilians are integral to readiness, and a part of the team I have grown to accurately value and appreciate.

Can we improve the system? You

the

Commanding General, IMCOM

On

Lt. Gen. Kenneth R. Dahl

T. Anthony Bell

Staff Sgt. Carlos Graves, Juliet Company, 262nd Quartermaster Battalion, performs a function check on an M20B machine gun during a May 22 range-training event for the CASCOM Ultimate Warrior meet. See story and more photos, Pages 8-9.

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Annual Survivor Outreach ceremony lifts spirits on the wings of butterflies

y d Patrick Buffett l Managing Editor n f “Sometimes, when we remember, it may h bring tears. (At other times,) it may bring ? laughter. But we are always thankful for the e memories because they keep the spirit of d our loved ones alive.” n This passage from Garrison Chaplain Col. Terry Romine’s opening prayer encape sulated the significance of Fort Lee’s eighth o annual Survivor Outreach Services Butters fly Release May 24 at the Memory Garden t near the Army Community Service facility d on Mahone Avenue.

More than 20 Gold Star Spouses and o Families were joined by a sizeable crowd h of community supporters and installation leaders at the event. The garden’s meticulously manicured grass areas and flower tbeds were rimmed with knee-high banners mdepicting images of the fallen. y Brig. Gen. Heidi Hoyle, Chief of Ord-nance, spoke on behalf of the CASCOM tand Fort Lee command teams. “Though oI’m new to Fort Lee, I’m no stranger to what draws us here today,” she said while Areminding everyone that the Memorial tDay observance just days from then would ebring the entire nation together in rememlbrance of the fallen.

“Our generation is one that has seen war in distant places. I’m certain there’s not one among us who has not known loss.

This date for us is real; it’s not just a long weekend or an opportunity for time off,” Hoyle said. “You Gold Star Family members know exactly what I mean, and my heart goes out to you. Your presence here today, your daily courage, your sacrifice in the name of the country and its citizens, is what this is all about. Thank you for all that you do; for what you have done, and for all that you have given to us as a nation.”

The general then recounted a memory of expressed condolences to the father of a

U.S. Army photo by Susan Loden, Fort Lee Army Community Service

Gold Star Family member Joanne Duncan takes a moment to appreciate the beauty of a butterfly before it flutters off during a May 24 ceremony at Fort Lee’s Memory Garden. More than 20 Gold Star Spouses and Families attended the 8th annual Survivor Outreach Services Butterfly Release.

Duncan’s brother was killed in August 1969 while serving in Vietnam.

fallen Soldier in one of the unit’s she commanded. Without scripting or forethought, she simply said “I am sorry for our loss,” and the message was more impactful that she realized.

“He (the father) approached me after the ceremony. ‘What you said,’ he observed, ‘… made it clear my son was not only a member of our family, but also part of the Army Family, and that really touched my heart.’

“So that’s what I leave you with today; the emphasis that each and every one of you is a part of the Fort Lee Army Family,”

she said, speaking directly to the Gold Star attendees. “I hope you continue to feel that each day, and that you can draw strength from us as we do from you.”

Col. Tamatha A. Patterson, the officer in charge of CASCOM’s G-3/5/7 division, spoke on behalf of the Gold Star Families.

Opting to read quickly from a prepared script, she walked the audience through the moments of Sept. 11, 2001, specifically focusing on the plane that crashed into the Pentagon at 9:40 a.m.

“It killed everyone on board … and 124 people in the building. My husband, Maj.

Clifford L. Patterson Jr., was one of those lives lost that day. He was an infantryman working in his functional branch as comptroller, and unbeknownst to me, Cliff’s entire office had relocated in the Pentagon to the side that was hit. He along with (many others) went to work that morning focusing on how to keep our nation safe. No one knew they would pay the ultimate sacrifice by losing their lives that day.”

Getting past the loss was difficult, Patterson observed. She held on to anger amid her grief and blocked out offers of help from others. She said her only anchor was her two sons – Clifford, then age 5, and Cody, 1 – who needed her to maintain a home and sense of stability.

“Eventually, I realized that anger was preventing me from enjoying my life to the fullest,” Patterson said. “I heard a sermon at church about Job, a man who lost everything – his family, his wealth, everything besides his soul – but it did not deter him from his faith, and that became my belief as well.”

Along with the change in perception came the understanding of being given a second chance on life, the colonel related later in her remarks.

“You see, I too could have been killed that day. I was scheduled to go to the Pentagon to pick up a document,” she said with a prolonged pause to settle her emotions. “I got up that morning to drop my boys off – the oldest at kindergarten and my baby at daycare – and when I arrived at my office, the package I was planning to pick up was sitting on my desk. After that, I went about my duties like I always did until approximately 9:40 a.m. when my life changed forever.”

Patterson summed up the lessons learned, noting the importance of looking up old SEE BUTTERFLY CEREMONY, PAGE 13

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Lee Live at Five concert evenings start June 1, 5 p.m., at HideAway Amy Perry

Production/News Assistant Editor

The once-popular Fort Lee Family and MWR Live at Five summer concert series returns to its familiar outdoor venue adjacent to the HideAway club June 1.

Deejay music will kick off the festivities at 5 p.m. The featured band, Trademark, will begin their first set around 6 p.m. The mix of music entertainment will continue until approximately 9:30 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public. The concert series continues every Friday through July 27. There will not be a concert on July 6.

“All the performing bands are local,” said Don Houchins, Outdoor Recreation manager and special events coordinator.

“Trademark is an awesome opening act.

They play soul, R&B and Top 40 – throwing in some Kool and the Gang, Earth, Wind, and Fire, and other dance hits. Red Neck Pool Party is our second featured group (performing June 8 and July 13).

They cover everything from classic rock to country blues, and even a little bit of Motown.”

Guests will not go hungry or thirsty as they “get groovy with the music.” A food vendor on site will be selling carnival-style foods like gyros, chips, burgers, sausages, soda and more. The HideAway bar will be open for those wishing to purchase beer or other adult beverages.

“I think the HideAway is a great location for the concerts,” said Houchins. “There is ample parking and a large stage. The outdoor covered pavilion seats 200 and allows us to continue the party even if it’s raining. We will postpone or cancel the event if weather conditions pose a safety risk (i.e. lightning).”

Recalling the previous iteration of Live at Five, Houchins said its popularity was largely due to its family friendly atmosphere. Parents could bring their children, friends and out-of-town visitors to the event, and the ample accommodations

File Photo

provided plenty of space for dancing and other activities.

“It’s free, it’s fun, and it gets you outside,” he continued. “I know FMWR is proud to bring it back after a six-year hiatus. They did so because they want to provide programs and activities that get the community out and involved at Fort Lee. We have a very supportive leadership staff, and we want to see this program work so we can build on it next year.”

As a reminder to Fort Lee visitors who do not have a DOD identification card or valid post pass, a background check is now required by Army security policy for authorization to enter the installation. These individuals should proceed to the Visitor Control Center adjacent to the Lee Avenue Gate to complete the access control procedure that typically takes around 10 minutes.

Access requests can be submitted in advance. For VCC hours of operation and other helpful information, go to www.lee. army.mil/pmo/access.aspx and click on the “Visitor Access” tab. For questions about the Live at Five concert evenings, call 804-734-1539. In the event of inclement weather, check www.facebook.com/ FortLeeFMWR for delay or cancellation notices.

Traveller High School Graduation Tribute

Submissions are now being accepted from all Fort Lee community members – military, retiree, reservist and contractor – for the Traveller’s 2018 High School Graduation special insert. The product will appear in the June 14 edition of the post newspaper and online at www.fortleetraveller.com.

Parents who want to include their graduate must submit a head-and-shoulders photo of the individual(s) with the first and last name of each student and each parent, the parent’s rank (if applicable), the parent’s status and place of duty, the student’s age and high school, and a telephone number to be used (but not published) if additional information is needed. The photo submitted should be copyright-free (if taken by a studio or commercial vendor); 5-by-7 inches; 200-dpi or greater; and in JPEG Format.

Parents who do not have a photo of their graduate can make arrangements with the Public Affairs Office staff to have one taken.

Materials can be submitted via email to fortleetravellernews@gmail.com. For handdelivery, the PAO is located in the garrison headquarters, building 12010, suite 123, corner of A Avenue and 34th Street.

The submission deadline is June 1, 5 p.m. For questions, contact the Traveller staff at 804-734-6948 or 734-7147.

AAFES to host Job Fair

The Fort Lee Army and Air Force Exchange Service will host a mini job fair June 7, 4:30-5:30 p.m., at the Youth Center, building 10619, Yorktown Drive.

Participants should be prepared for interviews.

For details, call 804-861-3037.

Street Drugs Information Guide Available

The ‘Street drugs’ identification guide has arrived at the installation Army Substance Abuse office.

Since only a limited number of copies are on hand, the publication is available only to leaders first sergeants, company commanders, directorate heads and others.

For details, call 804-734-1730.

Exchange Adds More to BE FIT Website

The Army and Air Force Exchange Service has debuted a fresh look to its BE FIT section of shopmyexchange.com.

Shoppers can find workout plans, healthy recipes and fitness insights at their fingertips.

Monthly refreshes will offer updated recipes, articles and videos. Visitors to the site also can find name-brand gear including apparel, footwear, exercise equipment and fitness trackers, along with advice from the pros – such as how to choose the right exercise shoes.

Sustainment Print Still Available

A memento of the Fort Lee Centennial celebration continues to be available for purchase, with proceeds benefitting the Family and MWR program here.

The official 100 years of sustainment history print – titled “Centuries of Sustaining Freedom” – was drawn by artist Larry Selman. It depicts sustainment professionals and equipment predating World War I to modern day.

For details, call 804-734-6137.

Amy L. Robinson Army News Service

FORT EUSTIS – The secretary of the Army gained a more in-depth understanding of how U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command designs, acquires, builds and improves the Army during his first visit to the command May 18.

Throughout the visit, Dr. Mark T. Esper and his spouse, Leah, spoke to Soldiers, civilians and spouses on a number of topics ranging from readiness to the role of the Army Family.

The day began at 6 a.m. when Esper met with leaders from TRADOC’s Center for Initial Military Training to discuss the readiness of future Soldiers through the use of the Occupational Physical Assessment Test. The OPAT, which tests recruits’ ability to perform the tasks specific to a military occupational specialty, will help put the right Soldier in the right MOS, resulting in a more-ready Army.

“Improving readiness is the benchmark for everything we do; it should guide our decision-making,” Esper said in his initial message to the force.

The secretary also received an update on CIMT’s current efforts to improve the Army Physical Fitness Test as the service transitions from the APFT to the Army Combat Readiness Test. The ACRT is part of the Army’s effort to optimize Holistic Health and Fitness and achieve combat readiness across the Army, and Esper was even able to participate in several ACRT events during the visit.

From there, Esper traveled to TRADOC headquarters to meet with senior leaders and get a more detailed understanding of what it takes for the command to build the Army of the future -- and discuss TRADOC’s continuing role after the creation of Army Futures Command.

“TRADOC plays a very critical role in the Army and where we’re headed,” he said. “The importance of (TRADOC) as it designs the Army and acquires the Soldiers we need to fill that Army -- and build it -will remain vitally important. They will have another peer alongside them in the shape of Army Futures Command to help

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Secretary of the Army Esper: TRADOC critical to the future Army

U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Brandy N. Mejia

(ABOVE) Secretary of the Army Dr. Mark T. Esper conducts a May 18 town hall at Jacobs Theater, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, where he addressed questions from post employees and their family members. The town hall was part of Esper’s visit to U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command where he met with senior TRADOC leaders, did physical training, visited the Army Capabilities Integration Center, met with junior spouses, and observed Army watercraft training and Aviation Maintainer advanced individual training. (BELOW) Esper talks with students and instructors from the 128th Aviation Brigade on Fort Eustis during a May 18 installation tour.

lead our Army into the future.”

The secretary then joined his spouse, Leah, for lunch with the Family Readiness Groups, which was followed by an opportunity for the couple to meet with Army spouses and emphasize the importance of taking care of Soldiers and their families.

“Every time Leah and I travel, we meet

with civilian spouses’ groups and hold town halls, so I can get a good feel on the pulse of the Army and field questions on how we can improve our Army,” Esper said.

Another way the Army secretary continues to get a pulse on the Army is through talking with Soldiers. During his time on Fort Eustis, Esper got a firsthand look at

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how TRADOC is training Soldiers in two domains: sea, when he traveled to 3rd Port to observe Army Watercraft Operator training, and air, when he received an overview of the training happening within the 128th Aviation Brigade.

Gen. Stephen J. Townsend, TRADOC’s commanding general, joined Esper during his visit to the 128th, which falls under TRADOC’s Aviation Center of Excellence. Here, the two talked with Soldiers in Advanced Individual Training and learned how the schoolhouse is using technology to train new Soldiers.

Esper said the role the command plays in recruiting and training Soldiers is vital to the force’s mission effectiveness.

“TRADOC plays a very critical role because the two functions it performs are recruiting those Soldiers and training them,” he explained. “Bringing them into the force, making sure they’re well prepared for assignment to the operational Army -that is vital to our mission effectiveness.”

From the 128th, the secretary and his wife traveled to Jacobs Theater, where they conducted a town hall for Fort Eustis employees and their family members. With a direct opportunity to speak to the Army secretary, questions ranged from budget and personnel cuts to the use of artificial intelligence and robotic technology, in which Esper said the Army must lead the way.

“As far as the use of AI and automated technology or robotics, the answer is simple: We have to be first,” he said. “By 2028, the Army will be sending manned and unmanned autonomous vehicles to the field.

Think about the lives we could’ve saved in Kuwait if we had had this technology. Yes, our budget of 700 billion is a lot, but war is more expensive, and losing the war is even more expensive.”

At the close of his time at TRADOC, the 23rd secretary of the Army thanked the leadership team for all they do, the community for its support, and the Soldiers, civilians and family members who together, continue the pulse of the Army.

“Thank you for all you do for the Army,” Esper said. “I’m proud to serve with you.”

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Korean delegation visits Fort Lee Maj. Gen. Paul C. Hurley Jr., CASCOM and Fort Lee commanding general, (third from right), and members of his headquarters staff pose with Brig. Gen. Jae Pil Jeon, commandant of the Consolidated Logistics School, Republic of Korea, (center), and members of his staff at Mifflin Hall on May 16.

The Korean delegation was given an overview of CASCOM functions and visited various sustainment center elements including the Army Logistics University to understand the how the U.S. Army trains its logisticians and shapes doctrine to ensure their effectiveness downrange. CASCOM regularly hosts similar partner nation visits throughout the year.

Dani Johnson, CASCOM Public Affairs Office

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Recognizing Civilians | Spotlight

Mike Norkus

Hometown: Lexington, Ky. Length of federal service: Served in the Army for 25 years. Has been in civil service for nearly 10 years.

Job title: Training developer in the Collective Training Development Division Job duties: “I develop combined armed training strategies that units use to test their capabilities. My functional expertise is in battalion and company headquarters and headquarters companies, so I develop the training for their staff and battalion.”

What do you love the most about your job? “I like working with the people. I like working with the Soldiers. I like giving a product to the field that they can use.”

What do you consider your greatest achievement? “Army retirement is definitely one them. I spent 10 years enlisted and 14 years as an officer.”

You were recently recognized for your professional dedication and offduty volunteerism – how did that feel to earn the award? “I was surprised. I know there are a lot of people out there doing great things for Soldiers.”

What kind of volunteering do you do? “I teach hunter education classes for the state of Virginia.”

Why do you volunteer? “The reason I got into hunter education is because when I was 14, I was witness to a hunting incident that killed my best friend. Since then, I thought if I can give back some day, I would do it.”

What do you expect from your leaders? “To be knowledgeable. To be truthful. To be a mentor. I want them to be something I aspire to be some day.”

Where would you most like to live?

“I’m going to stay right here. I’m from Kentucky and this place reminds us – my wife and I – the same area we are from near Lexington. Our house is paid for, so we are going to stay right here.”

When and where were you happiest?

“When I was a company commander

in Savannah, Ga., at Hunter Army Air Field. It was great to work with the ranger battalion and ranger support. We had a great time down there. It was a great command.”

Do you have any pet peeves? “Not being on time.”

Which historical figure do you most identify with? “I don’t necessarily identify with this guy – but I read about him and talk about him a lot. Simon Boliver Buckner. He was a Confederate general. He was my great great uncle on my mom’s side. He was a pretty good leader, as far as Confederate leaders go.

He was fair. Unfortunately, he had some not so good circumstances because he was left at Fort Donelson, Ky., to surrender the fort to Gen. (Ulysses S.) Grant. He was a prisoner for about three months and Gen. Grant released him because they were roommates at West Point. The story goes that they went to New York City together and Grant didn’t have enough money to pay for his hotel room, so Buckner paid for the room for him and so he granted him amnesty after three months as a prisoner.”

What is your marked characteristic?

“I like being light-hearted and funny. But when it comes to being serious, you do your business and get it done and over with.”

What do you consider to be your spirit animal and why? “I’m an avid bow hunter. A white-tailed deer. It’s what I hunt the most.”

SEE mike norkus, PAGE 13

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Transportation Artifact of the Month

Contributed Photo

This M29 Weasel Amphibious Truck is on display at the Transportation Museum at Joint Base LangleyEustis. It was introduced in 1942 when the 1st Special Services Force needed transportation into Norway to knock out strategic power plants supplying Germany. The vehicle needed to move quickly and easily through the Norwegian winter snows. It also needed to be air transportable and be able to withstand the effects of being dropped by parachute. The Studebaker Company was given 180 days to produce a warready vehicle. In less than 60 days, a prototype was tested, which emerged as the M29 Cargo Carrier.

It was used in Europe, the Pacific and Alaska during WW II, and by VJ Day, over 15,000 had been built.

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T. Anthony Bell Senior Writer/Special Projects

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ULTIMATE

he three-day brain and brawn battle otherwise known as the CASCOM Ultimate Warrior Competition came to an end here May 23, and its 13 contestants now anxiously await the announcement of winners at a future date.

Ultimate Warrior is an all-encompassing Soldier skills showcase in the same vein as the Sergeant Major of the Army’s Best Warrior meet, held annually in the fall at Fort A.P. Hill. Both competitions test competencies in several areas – fitness, marksmanship, land navigation, first aid, communication and other common tasks – deemed essential to a war-fighter’s success, especially on the battlefield.

The CASCOM meet included subcategory competitions for Soldier of the Year, Noncommissioned Officer of the Year; Instructor of the Year; and Drill Sergeant/Advanced Individual Training Platoon Sergeant of the Year. The sustainment community was well-represented with competitors from the Ordnance, Quartermaster and Transportation branches, the Army Logistics University and the Soldier Support Institute at Fort Jackson, S.C. Sgt. 1st Class Aaron Laudman, the chief coordinator of this year’s 8th annual event, said the Soldiers who stepped up to compete admirably represented themselves and their units.

“The participants were highly motivated and highly qualified,” said the operations noncommissioned officer, CASCOM G3/5/7. “It was a very competitive event.”

So competitive, in fact, only a few points separated the top three participants in one particular category, said Laudman.

Staff Sgt. Joel Demillo, the 2017 CASCOM NCO of the Year and a return competitor, was among the many who said they entered Ultimate Warrior to better themselves as Soldiers and individuals.

“There’s always room for improvement,” said Demillo, a representative of ALU. “Even if you’re at the top of your game, there’s always a little more you can do.”

Ultimate Warrior kicked off with the Army Physical Fitness Test on May 21 and was followed later in the day by tasks relating to medical assistance, communications, and chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear response.

A general military knowledge examination wrapped up the day’s activities.

On May 22, the Soldiers tried their hands at weapons assembly/reassembly and later weapons qualification. Participants completed a 12-mile ruck march later in the evening. Many said it was the most challenging task, including the Ordnance School’s Staff Sgt. Kasim Kennerly, who noted his 5-foot-3-inch stature was no help.

“I had to take a lot more steps (compared to others),” joked the instructor of the year competitor. “It was tough.”

Kennerly completed the event in 2 hours, 55 minutes – well under the 4-hour time limit.

On the final day of competition, participants ventured out into pre-dawn darkness to complete a land navigation course and later donned Army Service Uniforms for board appearances. That event included the presence of CASCOM Command Sgt. Maj. Nathaniel Bartee, who served as president of the board and who likely participated in his last such event. He is scheduled to retire later this summer.

Those who earn the title of Ultimate Warrior in their respective categories will move on to the Training and Doctrine Command level of the competition that will be held in the summer. The Soldier and NCO winners at that level will advance to the Department of the Army meet that brings the best of the best from major commands around the world in a showdown that typically garners national publicity and on-site visits by senior Department of Defense officials.

Staff Sgt. Francisco Tafoya, Romeo Company, 262nd Quartermaster Battalion, performs a function check on an M249 Squad Automatic Weapon during the Ultimate Warrior Competition May 22 at the range training complex. He was one of 13 participating in the annual Soldier skills event.

Troops challenge themselves, others in competition

WARR

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Staff Sgt. Japheth Edwards, Echo Company, 16th Ordnance Battalion, applies a tourniquet to a battlefield casualty training dummy May 21.

Staff Sgt. Carlos Graves, Juliet Company, 262nd Quartermaster Battalion, receives instructions at the communication lane May 21.

Sgt. 1st Class Ian Maharaj, Ordnance School, provides a safety brief to contestants prior to the 12-mile ruck march May 22.

Sgt. 1st Class Miguel Garcia, representing the Soldier Support Institute, Fort Jackson, S.C., makes his way down the road during the ruck march May 22.

RIORS Photos by T. Anthony Bell

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Seven civilians earn accolades for volunteer, charity work F FORT LEE, Va. – Seven DOD Civilian employees representing various organizations across the installation received recognition for their volunteerism and charity work at Fort Lee and in the local community during a recent award ceremony here.

John E. Hall, deputy to the CASCOM and Fort Lee commanding general, presided over the April 25 formalities in the James Madison Room of the CASCOM headquarters building. All honorees received a certificate of appreciation, a DOD Civilian employee pin and a one-of-a-kind Outstanding Civilian Service Award coin in a mahogany commemorative box.

The Fort Lee Civilian Welfare Fund is responsible for the quarterly recognition program and the awards presented.

According to CWF Chairperson Barbara Vonada, the program has taken off with the spring 2018 iteration generating the most nominations to date.

“We have wonderful support from the CASCOM deputy, Mr. Hall, whose announcement of the fall 2017 winners spurred increased interest in the program,” Vonada confirmed.

What makes this award program special, Vonada noted, is the manner in which recipients are singled out and selected.

Nominee recommendations come from colleagues and leaders across post who witness the individual’s dedicated service on the job and in the community. A panel of five senior Fort Lee leaders then review the nominations to select the top recipients.

The award program has recognized 45 DOD

Dani Johnson, CASCOM Public Affairs Office

Seven DOD Civilians from Army organizations across Fort Lee received accolades during an Outstanding Civilian Service Award Ceremony April 25 at the CASCOM headquarters. John Hall, CASCOM deputy to the commanding general, recognized Carl Brown, CASCOM Training and Doctrine Integration Directorate; Dora Conwell-Lynwood, 59th Ordnance Brigade; Kevin Gareau, Fort Lee Police; Dr. Prabha Gupta, Kenner Army Health Clinic;T Jerry Silva, Kenner Clinic; Ronald Sutton, CASCOM G3/5/7; and J.D. Webber, Staff Judge Advocate Office (not present at the ceremony). The Civiliana e Welfare Fund-sponsored award recognizes excellence in civilian service and volunteerism and charity work in local communities.

civilians since its inception in 2015.

Of the spring 2018 recipients, Hall had this to say in the opening moments of the ceremony: “These individuals represent the very best of civilian service. Each year, I am amazed by the unique ways these award recipients find to give back to their communities.”

The 2018 award recipients are: • Carl L. Brown, a TRADOC employee who works with his fraternity to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the American Cancer Society, the Boy Scouts, Read Across America, Salvation Army

and Fort Lee’s Army Community Service.

He also volunteers as a timer at Quest and River’s Bend swim meets, and is an enthusiastic supporter of his son’s school.

• Dora Conwell-Lynwood, a 59th Ordnance Brigade employee, donates food and time to the Colonial Heights Food Pantry, feeds the homeless through a program with Zion City of Refuge Church, works with battered women in Fresh Start, and joins her sorority sisters in an annual breast cancer awareness walk. Conwell is currently training in intervention and prevention services at James House to be

of greater help to people who have suffered violence and abuse, and she routinely volunteers with ACS. • Kevin Gareau, an officer with the Fort Lee Provost Marshal Office, volunteers as a lead firearms and driving instructor at a local police academy. He created a departmentwide physical fitness program for fellow officers and was chosen to represent the TriCities community on the Honor Guard during the fall 2017 Wounded Warrior Ceremony. He also makes it his special mission to work with children, providing them with a

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FLASC honors 2018 scholarship winners

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Contributed Photo

Twelve Fort Lee Area Spouses’ Club scholarship winners pose for a photo following the presentation ceremony at a dinner gathering in the Lee Club May 15. Selections for scholarships are based on “educational excellence, community service and citizenship,” according to the organization’s website. Money for the scholarships is raised through various fundraising efforts include the FLASC-managed Fort Lee Thrift Shop. The scholarship winners listed alphabetically are Tereista Allison, Julianne Anderson, Margaret Bradford, Alexander Davis, Erin Fogg, Abigail Libs, Katherine Loden, Katarina McCann, Colon Mott, Elijah Ozbat, Talia Rice and Madison Stith.

Cadre earn St. Christopher awards

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Dani Johnson, CASCOM Public Affairs Office

The Logistics Noncommissioned Officer Academy recognized six of its own May 18 in a Military Order of St. Christopher award ceremony at the Army Logistics University. St. Christopher – the patron saint of the Transportation Corps Regiment – serves as a symbol of strength, loyalty and safety for transporters charged with “moving the force.” The awardees are Sergeants 1st Class Aurelio Jimenez-Borrero and Earlmetris Jones; and Staff Sergeants Jameel Cherry-Askew, Nelson Escudero-Jara, Chad Vertz and Luis Villarmano-Viedo. Posing with the group is Command Sgt. Maj. Jerome Smalls, LNCOA commandant.

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Jackie Pennoyer

Fort Lee Public Affairs Office

Ask yourself: what would it take to make your community a little bit better?

It is a question Judy Eoff has contemplated frequently in her role as program manager of Fort Lee Army Community Service’s Exceptional Family Member Program and in the long stretches of time she spends outside work with her knitting needles.

Supporting Soldiers and families of extraordinary resiliency through medical and militaryrelated struggles is a routine part of her job at EFMP, but she wondered how her team could widen the aperture of support and more directly reach those in need.

The answer came in the form of an inferred request after hand-stitching and personally delivering almost 650 infant-sized hats to local neonatal intensive care units. Staff members, Eoff said, were grateful for the donations, but suggested the hospital’s older populations — cancer and dialysis patients fighting for their lives — are among the most marginalized and most forgotten by the outside world.

Inspired to weave this type of philanthropy into her program, Eoff, a lifelong knitter, and her colleague Jessica Naccarato, ACS systems navigator, developed the concept for the Yarn Brigade, a small donation-based project open to any willing community member. The initiative involves teaching volunteers how to knit and crochet, donating handmade items and building relationships with local health care facilities frequented by EFMP families.

Since its launch in September 2017, the project has grown into a major community charity operation with dozens of volunteers and generous outpours of support from local groups and non-profit organizations.

“Yarn brigadiers” have donated thousands of hats, blankets and other gifts to more than 40 organizations, Eoff said, including the Virginia Cancer Institute, six local hospitals, American Heart Association, American Red Cross and Fort Lee’s gift-giving initiative Holiday Helper.

The project has also gained traction as far as Kentucky and routinely brings every cross-section of an Army community — children, spouses, active-duty servicemembers, retirees and ordinary citizens — together for a good cause.

Sitting together for a couple of hours, repeti-

Photos by Jackie Pennoyer

A reciprocal force for good:

How two women’s knitting charity helps Soldiers, the sick

(TOP) Judy Eoff, program manager of Fort Lee Army Community Service’s Exceptional Family Member Program, holds a basket of items ready for donation. (ABOVE LEFT) Jessica Naccarato, ACS systems navigator, speaks with Christy Headly, spouse of a retired service member. (ABOVE RIGHT) Christy Headly, with Mylee Scruggs to her left, knits clothing items.

tively winding yarn through tiny pinched loops, Eoff said, has had a surprisingly profound effect on participants. Volunteer Soldiers and spouses alike have reported finding a sense of community in the Yarn Brigade’s bi-monthly meetings through the candid sharing of stories and collective time spent off social media networks.

Grassroots donation group, EFMP outreach channel, community support group, crafting guild and the basis for several new garrison partnerships, the Yarn Brigade has evolved into a program with a multidimensional mission,

Eoff said.

But one thing is for certain, she added: a pair of needles and a couple yards of yarn are all you really need to share a piece of humanity with those most eager for support — the direly sick and, as it turns out, us all.

A project for and by the Army According to Eoff, her first meaningful experience with the possibilities of knitting is integrally linked to the most unlikely of sources: the Army.

As if recounting the details of a little-known legend, Eoff recently wrote in the Yarn Brigade

newsletter of her mother’s volunteer service to the military. Her mother, she wrote, recycled old sweaters and hand-knitted winter socks for American Soldiers during World War II. Years later, Eoff self-identifies as an avid knitter and works day-by-day on the front lines at Fort Lee as the leading advocate for military families with special needs.

“The Yarn Brigade started on a whim,” she said. “We knew we wanted to do something good. Knitting, crocheting — it’s just something we love. We had no idea it would take off like it has.”

But according to Eoff, the idea for an EFMP charity project really solidified after Naccarato delivered the 12 boxes — almost 650 — of her handmade hats. Naccarato visited every intensive natal unit with a 50-mile radius of Fort Lee. “Our hope was to meet with the hospital personnel and tell them who we are and what we do,” said Eoff. “And if they ever had a military family with a preemie or any special needs, we asked them to refer the family to us for more support.”

Naccarato, who has taken the administrative reigns of the program, recording volunteers’ hours, supervising the sessions and working one-on-one with beneficiary organizations and prospective Fort Lee units, said the Yarn Brigade project has required some improvisation and trust in the process.

“It was moments after delivering the hats to the hospitals that we decided to create this initiative,” she said. “We didn’t know if anyone was going to show or if it would mean anything to people. We just switched gears and got right to work.”

Donation project, support group, or both?

Eoff’s eyes glazed stiff, drifting her gaze to the window, as she paused for a time, searching for the words to succinctly describe the mission of the Yarn Brigade project.

“This started as an outreach method, a way to get our information out to a population we weren’t already reaching. But over time, it has morphed and also turned into a kind of support group,” she said. “While people work on their projects, they discuss parenting issues and bereavement struggles.”

By opening the group to knitters and anyone willing to learn, regardless of their military SEE YARN BRIGADE, PAGE 14

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LEASE TERMINATION, continued from page 2

date of termination, the Military member must also provide the landlord a copy of his or her orders or a letter signed by his or her commanding officer confirming the orders.

The date the military member is permitted to terminate the lease is determined by the effective date of the orders and the date written notice is provided. The military member cannot terminate the lease more than 60 days prior to the date he or she needs to leave the area in order to comply with the orders. Within this 60-day period, the military member is entitled to terminate the lease no sooner than “30 days after the first date on which the next rental payment is due and payable after the date on which written notice is given.”

The language of the Virginia statute quoted above governing when a military member can terminate a residential lease is a little confusing. The example below should serve to clear up any confusion and demonstrate why it is so important to provide notice as soon as possible.

Example: Bob and Sarah recently met while waiting to renew their ID cards. As they were waiting (and waiting) they started talking and discovered they live in the same apartment complex and both have orders to report to new duty stations on Aug. 15.

They are both somewhat familiar with the rules for terminating a lease due to PCS and realize they cannot terminate their leases earlier than June 16 (60 days before their report date). But they are a little less clear on when they must give the landlord written notice. Sarah wants to give notice as soon as she can. Bob isn’t that worried because he “has the law on his side.” Sarah gives written notice to the landlord on May 29. Bob waits until June 2 to give his written notice.

In Sarah’s case, since she gave written notice on May 29 and her rent is due on the first of each month, her next regular rental due date is June 1. The soonest she can terminate the lease is July 1 (30 days after the first rental due date following her written notice). If she decides to terminate later in the month, but before the next rental due date, she will be responsible for paying

rent on a pro-rata or daily basis. Sarah has to provide the landlord a copy of her orders or letter signed by her commander before she moves out.

Bob isn’t entitled to terminate his lease as early as Sarah. Since he gave written notice on June 2, his next regular rental due date is July 1. The soonest he can terminate the lease is Aug. 1(30 days after the first rental due date following his written notice). Bob has to provide the landlord a copy of his orders or letter signed by his commander before he moves out.

It is incredibly important to provide written notice of intent to terminate a residential lease as early as possible. In the example above, the four-day delay in providing written notice could cost Bob an entire month’s rent. The landlord might work with Bob and allow him to terminate the lease prior to Aug. 1, but the landlord would be under no obligation to do so.

For questions regarding early termination of a residential lease, contact the Client Services Division at 804-765-1500.

BUTTERFLY CEREMONY, continued from page 3 friends, sitting back and sharing laughs, giving hugs and remembering to express love to family members every chance one gets.

“I will tell you, I still see Cliff’s face,” she said with another pause. “It’s like I’m there on that morning, and we’re putting the boys in the truck … (giving) kisses to each other and he’s walking away. Every year on 9-11, I see his face, and he’s still smiling as he walks away.

“It’s with that memory that I tell you to show your love every day because you don’t know when it’s your last moment.

Be a good friend. Thoroughly choose happiness. There’s so much stuff going on in the world, it’s easy to get down and be depressed. Let the things that don’t matter go, just let them go. Choose to be happy.”

With remarks concluded, the ACS staff distributed tiny paper envelopes containing the hibernating butterflies. Minutes later, the spouses and families would carefully

peel open the packets and watch the tiny creatures wake up and flutter away.

“In this moment, I know he’s looking down on me and smiling,” said participant Joanne Duncan of her “baby brother” Pfc. Stewart Hemp, who died in August 1969 while serving in Vietnam. The 19-year-old Soldier carried two wounded comrades out of the line of fire and was mortally wounded while attempting to rescue a third. The Army awarded him a posthumous Silver Star medal.

“I know he’s proud I got to the point where I can do things like this and share in supporting others,” Duncan continued. “He has been gone a long time, but I still miss him every day – and these moments are so special because they bring that recognition and remembrance, particularly for the Vietnam veterans who for so long had been forgotten.

“All of this (the program, the ceremony and the Memorial Garden, she clarified)

Patrick Buffett

Knee-high banners depicting images of fallen service members add to the reverence of the annual Survivor Outreach Services Butterfly Release May 24 at Fort Lee’s Memory Garden.

More than 20 Gold Star Spouses and Families were joined at the event by a sizeable crowd of community supporters and installation leaders.

means a lot. It is the place where I feel honored and a sense of belonging among the Gold Star Families. They helped me through all the years of missing my brother and coming to terms with his loss. Now, I want to help others in the same way. That’s also what makes this important to me.”

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Mike Norkus, continued from page 7

What is your greatest fear? “Failure.”

What is your greatest extravagance?

“If you ask my wife, it would be my sporting goods equipment. I think it’s my guns. I have an extensive gun collection --primarily hunting guns.”

Which talent would you most like to have? “I would like to be more artistic, so I could draw some outdoor stuff.”

What’s your motto? “Every day is a holiday. Ask anyone around here; I say it every day.”

Who is your role model? “My Sunday school teacher. Just seeing the way he lives his life, I want to be like that.”

What is it that you most dislike?

“Laziness.”

What is something people would be surprised to know about you? “That I’m involved in the outdoors as much as I am.”

What are your future aspirations?

“Retirement. I want to retire and do more things in the outdoors.”

– Compiled by Amy Perry

Decked out in a yellow pantsuit – the color being a favorite of her departed husband – Elizabeth Lent dabbed at tears while speaking about the ceremony and the memories of her “soulmate,” Floyd Lent Jr., a retired sergeant first class who died from health issues in July 2016. “(This ceremony) is comforting because I know he’s honored, not just in my heart or my family’s heart, but the entire Fort Lee’s heart,” she said. “It shows me I’m not alone in my grief. (The survivor outreach program gives me) the opportunity to share what I’m going through with other family members. We can hold each other up, and we can take one step forward every day together.”

The Gold Star Spouse said one word came to mind – “Godspeed” – as her butterfly fluttered away. “We were both very devoted to God, country and family,” she proudly said. “I miss him with all my heart, but I know we had a long journey, and it was a good journey.”

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YARN BRIGADE,

continued from page 12

L ocal A ctivities

for the

F ort L ee C ommunity

Chesterfield Family Movie Night | June 1

A free family movie night is scheduled for June 1, 6 p.m., at the Chesterfield County Fairgrounds, 10300 Courthouse Road.

The Disney movie “The Lion King” will be shown at dusk. There will entertainment for the kids before the movie starts. Vendors will be on site for food and beverage purchases. The rain date is June 2.

For details call 804-748-1992 or email pinneym@chesterfield.gov.

Planters Day Festival | June 2

The Chesterfield Historical Society of Virginia will present its annual Planters Day June 2, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., at historic Magnolia Grange, 10020 Iron Bridge Road, Chesterfield. The event is free and open to the public.

Visitors can experience life on a farm in Chesterfield County during the 1860s. It will include costumed re-enactors, living history, exhibitors, period music, period demonstrations of crafts and trades and period children’s activities.

Magnolia Grange house will be open for tours.

For details, call 804-748-1498 or visit www.chesterfieldhistory.com.

PNB National Trails Day | June 2

Petersburg National Battlefield will host a National Trails Day event June 2, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., at its Eastern Front Unit, 5001 Siege Road, Petersburg.

Visitors can partake in trail projects and participate in ranger-led hikes and activities.

Trail work will begin at 9 a.m. Tours are set to start at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Other activities will include a scavenger hunt, Instagram photo competition and more. For more on National Trails Day, visit www. americanhiking.org/National-Trails-Day/ Info.

To register for trail work, contact Kendra Norrell at kendra@groundworkrva.org.

Richmond Sun Cup | June 2-3

The 15th annual FC Richmond Sun Cup soccer tournament is set for June 2-3 at complexes in Chesterfield County and Midlothian.

The tourney features youth teams from the local area and across Virginia.

For details, call Danny Bonifas at 804796-7045 or visit www.suncup.org.

Shakespeare at Poplar Grove | June 2

Shakespearean theater returns to Thomas.

Jefferson’s Poplar Forest with the production of “Love’s Labour’s Lost,” a romantic comedy set to be performed June 2, 7:30 p.m., on the south lawn of the plantation in Bedford County. Additional productions are June 7-9.

For details, visit poplarforest.org/events or call 434-534-8120.

Sounds of Summer Concert | June 3

Rear View Mirror perform during the Sounds of Summer Concerts on the Appomattox June 3, 5 p.m., at Weston Plantation, 400 Weston Lane, Hopewell.

The event is free.

Visitors can bring lawn chairs, blankets and picnics. Future Sunday concerts are set for June 10 and 17.

For details, call 804-458-4682.

Kayaking on Appomattox | June 5

The kayak season has begun. An excursion on the Appomattox River, coordinated by Family and MWR Outdoor Recreation, is scheduled for June 5, 5:30 p.m., at Roslyn Landing, 265 Charles Dimmock Parkway, Colonial Heights.

All equipment will be supplied with a trip map at the starting point. The cost is $25.

Participants must register at least two days prior to the session and should arrive at the boat dock by 5:15 p.m. Future dates are June 5 and 19.

For details, call 804-765-2059.

affiliation, Naccarato and Eoff have seen the full spectrum of volunteers — Advanced Individual Training students, noncommissioned officers, retired servicemembers, new Army spouses, grade school students, local missionaries and even citizens across states lines — contribute to the initiative. Volunteers range in age between 10 and 70, Naccarato said.

“So many of us want to bring creativity and color into our modern lives,” Eoff reflected.

“And I think the ability to actually make something for someone else in the company of others, when so much of our day is spent in cyberspace, is incredibly rewarding.”

For spouses of retired servicemembers, the program has also emerged as an opportunity to reconnect with the military community and build relationships, according to Christy Headly and Taressa Malotti, former military spouses.

“When you are retired military and don’t really have a sense of home, you often end up in a place without any close-by friends,” Headly, said. “Most of your connections are through social media. But I have made some amazing friends through this program. I look forward to coming together every week.”

The group also makes regular drop-off runs at medical facilities, where they are able to see their functional items go to good use.

“We recently made a donation to the Virginia Cancer Institute,” Naccarato said. “And when we went back a few weeks later, we found all the donations gone. We saw people in the waiting room with the blankets and hats we made.

It is an indescribable feeling to think something as simple as this can make such a difference in all of our lives.”

Bursting at the seams While the project supports over 40 regional organizations and has a massive annual quota of handmade pieces to supply — a figure Eoff puts in the thousands — the brigade has no shortage of talent and helping hands.

The group reveres a certain “phantom” volunteer, Eoff said. The mystery person makes elaborate baby blankets and hat sets for the donation initiative.

“Despite how much she makes, this volunteer doesn’t receive supplies from us or want

any recognition,” she said. “I think that’s pretty exceptional.”

Another famed yarn brigadier, a 70-year-old from Kentucky who learned about the program through an online search, is the grandmother of a former AIT student. She also refused to accept supplies and continues to send handmade items through the mail.

Mylee Scruggs, a 10-year-old and by far the program’s youngest volunteer, is an active-duty Soldier’s daughter at Fort Lee who asked her mother if she could attend the meetings. According to Naccarato, Scruggs has accumulated several service hours and, through her time in the program, learned the art of knitting and crocheting.

Support in the form of money, yarn rolls and other knitting supplies also continue to pour into the organization, Eoff said, but donations of yarn are preferred and always appreciated.

The Fort Lee Area Spouses Club, commonly known as FLASC, remains their most generous donor.

How to get involved Volunteering at the Fort Lee Yarn Brigade is as simple as showing up, Eoff and Naccarato said. The program is open to everyone who knits, crochets or wants to learn. Yarn Brigade staff, however, ask parents to find alternate care for small children. All time used to work on donation projects, including travel time to and from meetings, counts toward official volunteer service.

The Yarn Brigade meets every first and third Friday from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at ACS, bldg.

9023, 1231 Mahone Ave. Eoff and Naccarato also host a meetup group called Sip n’ Stitch for members looking to gather more regularly. During these meetings, participants can work on Yarn Brigade or personal projects.

Sip n’ Stitch meets every second and fourth Thursday from 5 - 7 p.m. at ACS. Donations of yarn, handmade comfort items and knitting supplies are always welcome. All donations should go directly to ACS front desk staff.

For more on EFMP and the Yarn Brigade, call 804- 734-6393/7965, stop by ACS, bldg.

9023, or visit www.facebook.com/FortLeeArmyCommunityService.

For more installation and outside the gate events and activities, visit our online calendar at www.fortleetraveller.com/calendar

www.fortleetraveller.com

accolades, continued from page 10

sense of calm and safety, and enabling them to open up and summon the trust needed to talk and share their concerns.

• Prabha U. Gupta, MD MPH, an internal medicine physician at Kenner Army Health Clinic, volunteered with the Southside Virginia Remote Area Clinic, Emporia, in June 2017. Her contribution enabled the facility to provide much-needed medical attention to 1,300 individuals without access to healthcare. She volunteers with Salvation Army’s Coats for Kids project and Habitat for Humanity, and last winter, she and her family helped create gift packages for approximately 5,000 children who would have otherwise gone without.

Fort Lee

• Jerry Silva, an administrative assistant at Kenner, routinely volunteers with the Red Cross, The Giving Heart, #BagLunchRichmond and We Deliver Together to provide food and resources to the homeless.

Silva also has a long history of deploying to far-flung places ravaged by storms and natural disasters to help provide disaster relief. His latest excursions include Joint Task Force Liberia in 2003; Haiti and Micronesia after a tsunami and typhoon in 2004-05; and, most recently, Houston after Hurricane Harvey, and Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic after hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017.

• Ronald L. Sutton, a TRADOC employee, is an active and engaged member and deacon at Gillfield Baptist Church, a board

member of Gillhaven Manor, and a member of the Virginia State University Alumni Association. He volunteers with Boy Scout Troop 100, the March of Dimes and the Petersburg Christmas Toys for Kids Parade.

He also mentors young college men at VSU and helps organize an annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. memorial breakfast that honors community leaders who exemplify his life and legacy. Sutton never forgets an employee’s birthday and makes sure each is recognized on their special day.

• For nearly a decade, J.D. Webber, a Staff Judge Advocate employee, has been actively engaged in volunteerism with the Special Olympics of Virginia. She donates her time as an assistant coach, and plans, organizes and conducts various Special

Classifieds

Reach more than 10,000 active duty military, civil service employees, retirees, their spouses and the civilian community.

DEADLINE Reader & Display: Thursday 4:00pm (week prior)

CONTACT: Susan Irgens

susanlou.irgens@gmail.com • 757-477-7104

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Olympic fundraisers – most notably the annual Virginia Beach Polar Plunge. She also serves as a guest speaker at Commonwealth Autism of Virginia events in the local area.

The fall 2018 award program will kick off in late July. Primary or alternate CWF representatives for each agency and organization will ensure wide distribution of the email call for nominations. The information also will be announced in the Traveller.

Those with questions can contact their agency representative or send an email to caroline.williams@deca.mil.

Additional CWF information, to include a list of agency representatives and all means of support provided to the Fort Lee civilian workforce, can be found at www.fortleecwf.com.

– CWF and Staff Reports

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