Pentagram 080714

Published for Joint Base Myer-Henderson HallVol. 61, no. 31 August 7, 2014

PentagramBy Julia LeDoux

Pentagram Staff Writer

When you think of Arlington NationalCemetery, what comes to mind?The final resting place of a loved one or

battle buddy? JFK’s gravesite? The TombGuards who stand watch 24/7?How about the Memorial Display Room?Nestled between the Tomb of the Unknown

Soldier and the Memorial Amphitheater inan area that originally and still serves as astaging area for VIPs before they spoke at theamphitheater, the Memorial Display Roomhouses artifacts that bring ANC’s history andmission to life.“If a visitor makes their way through the

welcome center and comes here, you’re goingto get a very good sense of the cemetery andthen specifically the history of the amphithe-ater and tomb,” said ANC Command HistorianSteve Carney.Displays in the welcome center were

changed in January of 2013 and now tell thestory and significance of ANC to the nation, atheme that is continued and expanded uponin the Memorial Display Room.“It puts Arlington National Cemetery in

context,” said Carney. “Here, we pick up fromdown there, the importance of DecorationDay/Memorial Day to the cemetery and thenwe tell the story of this place.”Various exhibits, photographs and arti-

facts in the Memorial Display Room tell ofthe importance of first Decoration Day andlater Memorial Day to the cemetery. Wallmounted panels describe how the holidaythat honors the nation’s war dead began,said Carney. ANC is home to two amphithe-

aters, the Memorial Amphitheater and therecently renamed James Tanner MemorialAmphitheater, where Decoration Day ser-vices were held from 1868 until the Memorial

Amphitheater was dedicated May 15, 1920.“What is known as the old amphitheater

was constructed to support Decoration Day,”Carney said.TheMemorial Display Roomhouses plaques

and other tributes presented in honor of theservicemembers from World War I, WorldWar II and Korea interred at the Tomb ofthe Unknown Soldier and describes how eachunknown was selected.Carney said his favorite display in the room

is theWorldWar I case which contains the flagthat draped the casket of the unknown whenhe was interred at the cemetery Nov. 11, 1921,as well as his Medal of Honor, DistinguishedService Cross and Purple Heart medals. Thecase also contains the unknown’s VictoriaCross and the telegram awarding him thathonor from England’s King George V.“It wasn’t just about telling the story here,

it was about making sure we were protect-ing all of these items,” he said as he gesturedaround the room. “They are all items ofnational historical importance and they areirreplaceable.”The Memorial Display Room also tells the

story of how the Tomb of the Unknown Soldierwas initially conceived, how the sarcophaguswas constructed and has a wall devoted to theTomb Guards.The Memorial Display Room is open during

regular operating hours of Arlington NationalCemetery: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. (April to September)and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (October to March). Thecemetery is open every day of the year. It isonly closed for special events. For more infor-mation, visit the Cemetery’s website at www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/Explore-the-Cemetery.

For additional photos, see page 6.

Memorial Display Room offers history, artifacts

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History p.2Community p.3Twilight Tattoo p.3News Notes p.4

In photos p.6Safety p.6Quarterly awards p.7Around DoD p.8

Index Stay connected!Visit the official JBM-HH social media websites to obtain pertinent news about

local-area events, traffic closures, and other relevant local news.

By Damien SalasPentagram Staff Writer

The Army Career and AlumniProgram (ACAP) demonstrateda new database system July30 that aims to modernize theway command leaders interactwith their units and separatingSoldiers.“Commanders will have 24/7

access to check on the status oftheir units,as opposed towaitingon amonthly report,” saidCarlosRodriguez, Transition Services

Manager on JBM-HH. “Therewill be no excuse for command-ers not to follow up on theirroles and deal with problemareas within the unit.”The new program developed

by technology and manage-ment services contractor Serco,allows commanders to view acomprehensive breakdown ofevery Soldier in their unitsand track specific career readi-ness standards and Veteran’sOpportunity to Work Act (VOW)requirements as they move

towards separation. The com-mander can also compare thesepersonnel statistics with therest of the units on the instal-lation.The database software, which

is approaching the command-er training phase, came aboutin order to make commandersmore successful in ensuringSoldiers arrive for transitionservices with enough time tocomplete VOW Act require-ments, according to Rodriguez.

By Damien SalasPentagram Staff Writer

As 2014 moves into the seasonal doldrums ofAugust, warm weather and increased moisturesupport higher mosquito populations, and alongwith them comes a higher risk of mosquito-borne pathogens.The Army Public Health Command on July

31 released a report showing positive West NileVirus (WNV) detections located in two militarymosquito-trapping sites on the Fort McNairportion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall,which constitutes the first discovery of the viruson the installation in 2014.“The infected areas were found behind the

O-club and Bldg. 59 (Eisenhower Hall) on

Mosquito-borne viruses hit summerpeak, WNV discovered on Fort McNair

see MOSQUITO, page 4

News Notes

Arlington County fair returnsThe Arlington County Fair is underway at

Thomas Jefferson Community Center, 3501Second Street South, just west on Second Streetfrom Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall’s HatfieldGate.The fair’s opening ceremony will begin Aug.

7 at 6 p.m. The ceremony will be supported bymembers of the JBM-HH command team, theU.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, aU.S. Army Color Guard and a vocalist from theU.S. Army Band.Shuttles run every 30 minutes from four loca-

tions, the I-66 parking garage, Ballston metro,Pentagon City metro and the Arlington CareerCenter. Cost is $2 roundtrip, children 12 andunder and seniors over 65 ride free. On Aug. 8from 6 to 10 p.m., active duty servicemembersand their families may ride the shuttle free. Justshow your current active duty military ID at theshuttle fee collection both.For more information about the fair, visit

www.arlingtoncountyfair.us.

Save while filling upServicemembers and their families can save 10

cents per gallon of gas Aug. 8-10 by using theirMilitary Star card at the pump at the Fort MyerExpress facility.

August is NationalImmunization and Influenza

Awareness MonthFrom the U.S. Army Surgeon General Lt. Gen.

Patricia Horoho: Vaccination for influenza is themost important step you can take in the next fewmonths to ensure you are healthy this comingflu season. They are also vital in improving the

see CONGRESSIONAL, page 4 see NEWS NOTES, page 4

New ACAP software to modernizecommand-unit communication

PHOTO BY RACHEL LARUE

Visitors to Arlington National Cemetery enter theMemorial Display Room through the doors above theTomb of the Unknown Soldier July 30. The recentlyrenovated room contains medals, plaques, photo-graphs, other tributes and memorabilia relating tothe amphitheater and the tomb and is on display tothe public.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ARMY NEWS SERVICE

The Army Public Health Command on July 31 releaseda report showing positive West Nile Virus (WNV) detec-tions located in two military mosquito-trapping sites onthe Fort McNair portion of Joint Base Myer-HendersonHall, which constitutes the first discovery of the viruson the installation this year.

2 Thursday, August 7, 2014 PENTAGRAM

The Pentagram is an authorized publication for members of the Department of Defense. Contents ofthe Pentagram are not necessarily the official views of the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense,the Department of the Army, Department of the Navy, or Joint BaseMyer-Henderson Hall.

The content of this publication is the responsibility of the Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall PublicAffairs Office. Pictures not otherwise credited are U.S. Army photographs. News items should besubmitted to the Pentagram, 204 Lee Ave., Bldg. 59, Fort Myer, VA 22211-1199. They may also bee-mailed to [email protected].

Circulation of 24,000 is printed by offset every Thursday as a civilian enterprise newspaper by ComprintMilitary Publications. ComprintMilitary Publications is located at 9030 Comprint Court, Gaithersburg,MD20877. Telephone (301) 921-2800. Commercial advertising should be placedwith the printer.

Comprint Military Publications is a private firm in no way connected with the Department of theArmy or Department of the Navy.

The appearance of advertisements in this publication, to include all inserts and supplements,does not constitute an endorsement by the Department of the Army or Department of the Navy ofthe products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made avail-able 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. A confirmed violation of this policy of equal opportunity by an advertiser shall resultin the refusal to print advertising from that source.

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Editorial staff

Commander Col. Fern O. Sumpter

Command Sergeant Major Earlene Y. Lavender

Director of Public Affairs Mary Ann Hodges

Command Information Officer Sharon Walker

Pentagram staffEditor Jim Goodwin (703) 696-5401

Staff Writer Damien Salas (703) 696-1363

Staff Writer Julia LeDoux (703) 696-7605

Staff Writer Jim Dresbach (703) 696-5488

Staff Writer Guv Callahan (703) 696-7607

Staff Photographer Rachel Larue (703) 696-7606

Graphic Designer Helen Klein (703) 696-3114

Pentagram

Caption This #29Each week, “Caption This” will feature a photo taken on base. It’s up to youto figure out the best, funniest or craziest caption that describes what’s go-ing on in the picture. The only rule is you have to KEEP IT CLEAN!“Caption This” submissions can be sent to [email protected], leftin the comments on www.facebook.com/jbmhh or dropped off at Headquar-ters Bldg. 59, suite 116. Don’t forget to add the “Caption This” number, yourname, rank or position and where you work.The winner’s name, caption and the photo will be printed in the newspaper.If you have a photo you think would make a great “Caption This,” send it in.

Caption This

Caption This #28“Are you sure this is washable?”

- Stephen Brant

PHOTO BY STAFF SGT. LUISITO BROOKS

Commander, Joint Base Myer-Henderson HallCol. Fern O. Sumpter’s vision and philosophy:

With a team of resource management savvy and technically competentDoD professionals, establish JBM–HH as DoD’s premier provider of consis-tent, quality services that enhance readiness and the overall well-being ofour customers.We must be ...- Experts at what we do … constantly improving our skills and knowledge.- Focused … set priorities and complete the mission.- Committed … to the mission and each other, fostering a community of

excellence.- Professional/respectful … remain calm, even when others are not…

count on each other at all times, treating everyone with dignityand respect.

Compiled by Jim GoodwinPentagram editor

Aug. 7, 1990: President George H.W. Bush orders U.S. militaryaircraft and troops to Saudi Arabia as part of a multinational forceto defend that nation against a possible Iraqi invasion.Aug. 8, 1993: In Somalia, four U.S. Soldiers are killed when

a land mine detonates underneath their vehicle. This promptsPresident Bill Clinton to order Army Rangers to capture Somaliwarlord Mohamed Farrah Aidid.Aug. 9, 1942: With the Guadalcanal airstrip secure after heavy

fighting against the Japanese, the Marines’ 1st Engineer Battalioncommenced work on the runway using captured equipment. OnAug. 12, just three days later, the first plane landed on HendersonField — a Navy PBY — which evacuated two wounded Marines.Nearly 3,000 wounded Marines were evacuated from HendersonField during the battle.Aug. 10, 1831: It is thought that William Driver of Salem, Mass.,

was the first to use the term “Old Glory” in connection with theAmerican flag, when he gave that name to a large flag aboard hisship, the Charles Daggett.Aug. 11, 1972: The last U.S. ground combat unit in South

Vietnam, 3d Battalion, 21st Infantry, departs for the U.S.Aug. 12, 1918: The Secretary of the Navy approves acceptance of

women as yeomen in the U.S. Navy.Aug. 13, 1846: Joint expedition led by Cmdr. Robert Stockton

seizes Los Angeles, Calif., from Jose Antonio Castro, ComandanteGeneral of the Mexican Army.

This week in military history...

PHOTO BY CPL. DAN HOSACK

Public performanceGuests watch as Marines from Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., perform during a Tuesday Sunset Parade at the Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Va., July 30.

PENTAGRAM Thursday, August 7, 2014 3Community

By Jim DresbachPentagram Staff Writer

A diverse collection of foliagerepresenting American historyis congregated along ArlingtonNational Cemetery’s Wilson andFarragut Drives. What contin-ues to grow in multiple sectionsof the cemetery in the KearnyMonument area is a living historybook of botany.Beginning as saplings close to

25 years ago, ANC’s 36 Medalof Honor memorial trees rep-resent famous Americans, his-torical events and movements.The collection was planted by theAmerican Forest Society and theMedal of Honor Society in theearly 1990s.The descendants of the

witness trees are associat-ed with American presidents,famous Civil War battles andthe social-changing watershedslike the Civil Rights movement.The memorial trees are locatedthroughout Sections 2, 37, 13, 46,

23 and 24.“In 1992, there was a plant-

ing ceremony; they originallyplanted all the trees around [Gen.Stephen] Kearny’s gravesite,”Arlington National CemeteryHorticulture Division ChiefStephen Van Hoven said. “In1997, those saplings were dug upbecause we obviously can’t havetrees that close together. Manywere transplanted along [WilsonDrive].”Staying near the Kearny

gravesite in the ArlingtonHouse vicinity are tree #1, theMartin Luther King, Jr. WaterOak, and tree #3, the Robert E.Lee sweetgum. The MLK treewas once part of a grove next toBrown Chapel African MethodistEpiscopal Church in Selma, Ala.The sweetgum tree originated onthe Lee family’s Stratford Hallplantation.“Part of our sweetgum was

growing in front of Robert E.

Transplanting historyANC Medal of Honor memorial trees remember branches of America’s past

see MOH, page 5


Medal of Honor tree number seven, a descendant of a Tidal Basin Japanese Cherry, standsin Arlington National Cemetery along Wilson Drive, July 30. The Medal of Honor trees aredescended from trees of historic significance.

By Julia LeDouxPentagram Staff Writer

Headquarters and ServiceBattalion, Headquarters MarineCorps, Henderson Hall has a newoffice in the Pentagon that will helpkeep joint base Marines missionready.“This has been fully capable for

a week,” said Capt. Sean Sullivan,H&S Battalion S-3, during a July 30interview with the Pentagram.Known as H&S Battalion Forward

– Pentagon, the office is located inroom 4A524 and is open from 7:30a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday throughFriday.

The idea for an office forHenderson Hall Marines who workin the Pentagon began to takeshape shortly after Col. Anthony S.Barnes became commanding officerof the battalion last year, explainedSullivan.“Part of the issue has been,

‘How do we provide support toall the Marines down here at thePentagon?’” he said.Prior to the Pentagon office

opening, Marines had to take timeout of their workday to travel “up thehill” from the Pentagon toHendersonHall to take care of administrativeand other tasks, noted Sullivan.

The U.S. Army Band andTwilight Tattoo2014 schedule

Aug. 7-8, 8 p.m.: The U.S. Army ConcertBand and Chorus will perform a specialconcert at the West Steps of the U.S. Capitol inWashington D.C. The event will celebrate oneof the U.S.’s singular symbols, which has manynames: the Star Spangled Banner, the Starsand Stripes, and Old Glory. Music will includesongs performed by the U.S. Army ConcertBand and Chorus, including hits by JohnnyCash, John Philip Sousa and more.Aug. 9, 6:30 p.m.: The U.S. Army Band

Downrange will perform energizing pop, rockand patriotic music at the Fountain PlazaStage in Silver Spring,Md.The Band’s dynamicand energetic party band will perform uniqueinterpretations of tunes from the Beatles,Stevie Wonder, Earth, Wind and Fire, KatyPerry, Keith Urban, John Legend and more.Aug. 10, 7 p.m.: The U.S. Army Blues will

perform at the Music in the Park concertseries at Allen Pond Park in Bowie, Md. TheBand will perform jazz music from the 1920sto present. Come enjoy some cool hot jazz withthe Army Blues.Aug. 14, 8 p.m.: The U.S. Army Rock

Orchestra will perform on the West Steps ofthe U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C. Join theBand as they go back in time to perform clas-sics from the 1980s, including the Police’sSynchronicity album, Journey, Phil Collins andBon Jovi.Twilight Tattoo 2014:There are only two more Twilight Tattoo per-

formances left for 2014: Aug. 13 and 20.Performances are free and open to the public.

Showtime is 7 p.m. at Whipple Field on theFort Myer portion of the joint base. All outdoorconcerts are subject to cancellation or locationchange due to weather considerations. Pleasecall 703-696-3399 for up-to-date informationon concert cancellations or location changes.For additional details and a full calendarof performances, visit www.usarmyband.com/event-calendar.html.

By Guv CallahanPentagram Staff Writer

After undergoing major renovations in 2011,Bldg. 249 on the Fort Myer portion of JointBase Myer-Henderson Hall has been awarded aLeadership in Energy and Environmental Design(LEED) Silver certification from the U.S. GreenBuilding Council (USGBC).Bldg. 249, the operations facility for The Old

Guard’s Alpha and Echo Companies, was origi-nally constructed more than 100 years ago, from1902-1903. During the structure’s extensive reno-vations, which were completed in October 2011,designers and contractors used environmentally-conscious methods that earned the new buildingthe certification.LEEDwas conceived by theU.S.Green Building

Council as a way to recognize best-in-class build-

ing practices and strategies, according to the U.S.Green Building Council’s website. The certifica-tion is designed to ensure that building ownersare environmentally responsible and that theyuse resources efficiently. In order to achieveLEED status, building projects fulfill specificprerequisites and earn points to reach differentcertification levels.Bldg. 249 achieved LEED certification with a

total of 34 points through a variety of methods,said Suzanne Hren, acting chief of the MasterPlanning Division in JBM-HH’s Directorate ofPublic Works.Many of the disposable materials from Bldg.

249’s renovation process were recycled; metalstuds from the walls and other materials removedfrom the structure were repurposed, Hren said.

Renovations noted for energy, environmental efficiency

Marines staff new Pentagon service, support office


Marines work at their desks in Headquarters and Service Battalion Forward in thePentagon, room 4A524, July 30. The new office provides administrative and readi-ness support, like access to relocation assistance, family readiness and S-3 training,closer to Marines working in the Pentagon. see OFFICE, page 6

see HISTORICAL, page 5


Bldg. 249 is located on Sheridan Avenue near the inter-section with Gorgas Road. The building was originallyconstructed from 1902-1903 and underwent renova-tions completed in October 2011. It recently achievedLEED certification.

OFFICIAL U.S. ARMY PHOTO


health of our Soldiers, families and retirees. ArmyMedicine continues to play an important role indeveloping vaccines. Our primary focus in devel-oping vaccines has been to help keep our Soldierssafe from disease when they deploy, thus ensuringa ready and healthy force. Command Sgt. Maj.Donna Brock and I thank all of you who have con-tributed to this work to keep us healthy and forthe contributions you will make tomorrow. Finally,catching the flu can be extremely painful anduncomfortable. Remind your family and friendshow important vaccinations are to their health.Take this important step in making sure yourfamily and friends are ready and resilient thiscoming flu season.

Final dive-in movie night of the summerJBM-HH’s Family Morale, Welfare and

Recreation’s final dive-in movie night for thesummer will be Aug. 9 at the Fort Myer OfficersClub pools. Join us for the final showing of the 2014summer season with the showing of “DespicableMe 2,” rated PG. Gates open at 8:15 p.m. and showtime is 9 p.m. Admission is free, but audiencemembers must provide their own flotation devices,lounge rafts or inner tubes only. In the event ofsevere weather and/or high winds, the showingwill be cancelled. For further information, call 703-939-1045.

Back to school savings at FortMyer Exchange

The Fort Myer Exchange is helping militaryshoppers make the grade with competitive priceson supplies students need to head back to classas well as special events and savings opportuni-ties for the whole family. On Aug. 9, the Fort MyerExchange will host a special back to school event inits mall as part of the year-long Homeward Boundcampaign. The event will include product samples,giveaways and more.

Final Sunset Parade is Aug. 12The Marine Corps’ final Sunset Parade for the

2014 season is Aug. 12, 6:30 p.m., at the MarineCorpsWar Memorial in Arlington,Va.The one hourperformance features “The Commandant’s Own”Drum and Bugle Corps and precision drill by theMarine Corps Silent Drill Platoon. The parade isopen to the public free of charge; however, thereis no parking available at the memorial Aug. 12.Instead, paid parking is available at the ArlingtonNational Cemetery visitor’s center. A free shuttleservice from the visitor’s center to the memorialis provided. For additional details, visit www.bar-racks.marines.mil/Parades/SunsetParade.aspx.

Learn to be a good babysitterDirectorate of Family Morale, Welfare and

Recreation Child and Youth Services is hostinga 4-H teen babysitters program Aug. 11-15 from1 to 4 p.m. each day at Cody Child DevelopmentCenter on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base.Age requirement is 12 to 18 years. All military andDepartment of Defense civilian dependents areeligible to take the class. There are 17 slots avail-able and the class is free. Register and get moreinformation by calling 703-696-0313/4942.

Summerall parking lot closureSummerall parking lot on the Fort Myer portion

of the joint base will be closed Aug. 11 at 9 p.m.and will reopen at the completion of a ceremonythat will take place at Summerall Field Aug. 12.Allcars in the parking lot after the lot has been closedare subject to towing at their owner’s expense. Formore information, call 703-696-3023.

Temporary parking stall lossAs part of the repair project in Bldg. 219 on the

Fort Myer portion of the joint base, there will be atemporary loss of eight parking stalls along ForrestCircle through Aug. 12. The parking stalls willbe fenced off to allow construction to occur at thesouth entrance of the building. For more informa-tion, call 703-696-1204.

Redskins ticketsTheJointBaseMyer-HendersonHallCommunity

Center Ticket Office has Washington Redskinstickets for sale to active duty personnel only.Tickets are sold in pairs only. Cost is $260 per pair.Seats are located in section 129, lower level endzone. Tickets will only be sold in person. StartingAug. 8, tickets will be available to all authorizedpersonnel beginning at 11 a.m. Preseason ticketsto the Cleveland Browns vs Washington Redskinsgame on Aug. 18 at 8 p.m. are also available. Theseats are located in section 129 lower level endzone and will be sold only in pairs. Cost per pairis $260. You may come in person or purchase themover the phone by calling 703-696-3470.

Feds Feed FamiliesJoint Base Myer-Henderson Hall person-

nel support the Agriculture Department’sannual Feds Feed Families food drive. The cam-paign, which runs through August, is a volun-tary effort undertaken by federal employees,who bring nonperishable food items to theiroffices for distribution to local food banks. Bringyour donations to several places on the Fort

News NotesNews Notes, from page 1

see NEWS NOTES, page 5

Fort McNair,” said Richard LaFreniere, chief ofEnvironmental Management on JBM-HH. “PestManagement on the installation is currentlyworking with the Directorate of Public Works toeliminate the problem areas.”Mosquitos breeding in the pools of water

located in various parts of the National CapitalRegion monitored by the Army, Navy and AirForce serve as a canary in a coal mine whenhigh levels of WNV and other viruses arepresent in the area.Standing water in tarps, storm drains and

open trash cans with decaying leaf and debrisheld the mosquitos that tested positive forWNV, according to LaFreniere.“This is what is called a level three response,

which indicates hits of WNV in multiple poolsaround the area, but no cases of human-infec-tion coming from the pools,” he said. “Next,DPW will drain the pools they can, and usewhat are called ‘dunks,’ or environmentally-friendly larvicide tablets, to eliminate the rest.”The mosquito traps around the National

Capital Region remain active and are checkedbi-weekly. Mosquito samples gathered from thesites are ground up and sent to Fort Meade foranalysis, according to LaFreniere.In order to prevent mosquito-borne illness-

es, residents of Joint Base Myer-HendersonHall should take similar precautions the PestManagement team on Fort McNair use to elimi-nate breeding grounds for mosquitos aroundtheir own homes. Recommended precautions todeter mosquito bites include:• Use of insect repellents containing DEET,

picaridin, IR3535 and some oil of lemoneucalyptus and para-menthane-diol prod-ucts to provide longer-lasting prevention;

• Wear long sleeve shirts and pants fromdusk through dawn, which is when mos-quitos are most active;

• Ensure screens on windows and doors arenot torn or otherwise provide openings for

mosquitos to enter residences;• Use of air conditioning;• Empty standing water from outside

containers, such as flowerpots, gutters,buckets, pool covers, pet water dishes, dis-carded tires and bird baths.

Not all mosquito-related illnesses are con-tracted in the United States, but instead comefrom popular tourist destinations and militaryinstallations overseas, according to the Centersfor Disease Control and Prevention.Another mosquito-borne disease, the

Chikungunya Virus, found only in the westernhemisphere before 2013, has been reported inboth local and imported cases in the Caribbeanand imported cases in the U.S., according to theCDC.Contraction of the disease happens typically

overseas, where the virus originates. Symptomsappear three to seven days after the bite occursand include fever and severe joint pain, as wellas headache, muscle pain and joint swelling orrash, according to the CDC.CHIKV transmits through the yellow fever

mosquito and Asian tiger mosquito througha person-to-mosquito-to-person cycle, unlikeWNV, which spreads at a faster rate due to thehigh viral rate amongst birds.Eleven imported incidents of CHIKV, or three

percent of cases reported in the U.S., appearedin Virginia as of July 29, according to the CDC.Although no locally-acquired cases have been

reported among Virginia residents at time ofpress, there is a risk of infected travelers trans-mitting CHIKV to local Asian tiger mosquitoes,a very common mosquito in the region, accord-ing to a report by the Virginia Department ofPublic Health.The CDC does not consider the virus a

nationally-notifiable disease; however, the riskof importing the disease from areas where out-breaks occur is high.For more information on high-risk areas over-

seas, visit http://goo.gl/pEVlXC and for travelsafety tips visit http://goo.gl/6Z6yXF.

Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.),senior member of the VeteransAffairs Committee, sent threecongressional staffers to JBM-HH’s ACAP Center to discussnew software with the capabil-ity of streamlining the sepa-ration process for commandersand Soldiers.“One of the bigger issues is

being able to find a communityof Soldiers who are separatingand reaching out to them toactively push information theyneed,” said Adam Goodwin, leg-islative assistant for Murray.Blast emails intended to

alert thousands of separatingSoldiers nearing their separa-tion dates are ineffective andoften go unnoticed, accordingto Army Capt. Larkin O’Hern,congressional fellow to Murray.“We are interested in how we

can enable transition managersand counselors to take infor-mation coming from outsideemployers looking for specificskill sets and use that to targetspecific groups of Soldiersseeking employment,” saidO’Hern. “We all know that whenan email appears in our inboxand you are number 14,999 onthat list of recipients, the ten-dency is to not read it.”Separationcounselors capture

information during pre-separa-tion meetings to better identifySoldiers’ individual plans afterthey leave the service, in turnmaking it easier for command-ers to pin-point areas that needwork.“What is important to take

away from this tool is that

it is very command directed,meaning that it is for a com-mander and their unit identifi-cation code (UIC),” said RetiredArmySgt.Maj.EdDunn,deputydirector of field operations forSerco. “They can use the tool totarget which individuals withinthe unit have completed certainreadiness standards or VOWrequirements, and get them onthe right track.”The program is meant to

provide commanders with thetools needed to monitor unitsindividually and tomoreaddressSoldiers’ transition assistanceneeds during their final days ofservice and beyond.The Army’s lead in data

collection, noted by Murray’sstaff as being “impressive,” isdealing with complicationsstemming from the consolida-tion of Soldiers’ informationwith other systems within the

armed forces, something thatremains an issue for Serco soft-ware developers, according toJeff Wheeler, Human ResourcesCommand and policy analystfor the ACAP Program.“As we go and build this stuff;

we’re finding issues with theseother systems, so we are helpingthem correct their issues intheir data bases, and that willin turn make it easier for us,”said Wheeler.The software develop-

ment, with no official releasedate at time of press, comeswith the July 31 passage ofa new Veterans Affairs legis-lation in congress, which pro-vides for an overhaul of thedepartment and appointment ofRobert McDonald as secretaryof Veterans Affairs.

For related news on the Army’stransition services, see the articleon page 8.


A mosquito trap sits behind the Officers Club on the Fort Lesley J. McNair portion of Joint Base Myer-HendersonHall July 2, 2013. West Nile Virus has been detected using one of these traps.

Mosquito, from page 1

Congressional, from page 1

PHOTO BY DAMIEN SALAS

Retired U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. Ed Dunn, deputy director of field operations atSerco, demonstrates a new software that will allow commanders accessto daily reports of their units’ progress in the ACAP program on the FortMyer portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall July 30. The brief was forvisiting staff members from Sen. Patty Murray’s (D-Wash.) office.

PENTAGRAM Thursday, August 7, 2014 5

Myer portion of the joint base: The FitnessCenter, the Exchange, Bldg. 203, Bldg. 205and Bldg. 59. On the Fort McNair portion ofthe joint base, bring non-perishable fooditems to Bldg. 39, the Shoppette, the StateDepartment Federal Credit Union, Marshall Hall(Bldg. 62) and Lincoln Hall (Bldg. 64). If youwish to add a collection point in your building,send an email to [email protected] or [email protected] call 703-696-8333. Among the items on themost-needed list are low-sodium or no saltcanned vegetables, canned proteins (tuna, salmon,chicken, beans), canned fruits and soups, condi-ments, multi grain cereals, individually pack-aged snacks and crackers, peanut butter, brownand white rice and pasta. Families also need100 percent fruit juices, paper products, clean-ing supplies and hygiene items - all the thingsany family needs. For a complete list, visitwww.capitalareafoodbank.org. In 2013, DoD col-lected over 1.9 million pounds of food. For moreinformation visit www.defense.gov/home/fea-tures/2012/0612_fff.

ACAP workshop and seminar scheduleThe JBM-HHArmyCareer andAlumniProgram

has updated its seminar and workshop schedulefor the month of August. To find out more informa-tion about transitioning assistance courses, highereducation opportunities and career resourceworkshops, log onto www.jbmhh.army.mil/WEB/JBMHH/Services/ArmyCareerAlumni.html.

Ping pong tourneyThe JBM-HH community center is hosting a

ping pong tournament Aug. 9 beginning at 10 a.m.Registration starts at 9 a.m. For more informa-tion, call 703-696-3470.

Boots to BusinessA boots to business workshop for aspiring mil-

itary-to-civilian entrepreneurs is offered Aug. 11and 12 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Bldg. 29, room104, on the Henderson Hall portion of the jointbase. This workshop provides information on self-employment; learning to evaluate applicable skillsand personality traits needed for self-employment;identifying types of business ownership; research-ing the business market and competition; under-standing the importance of a business plan; andhow to obtain financing. Call 703-614-6826 toregister.

DMV to Go on joint baseThe JBM-HHArmyCareer andAlumniProgram

is sponsoring the Department of Motor Vehicles to

Go mobile unit Aug. 13 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in theparking lot across from the bowling center on theFort Myer portion of the joint base. The service isopen to all ID/CAC holders, to include active duty,family members, veterans with a DD214 and DoDcivilians. No appointment is needed. For moreinformation, call 703-696-9603.

Outdoor play morningsOutdoor play mornings at Virginia Highlands

park, 1600 South Hayes St., Arlington, Va., will beheld from 10 to 11:30 a.m.Aug. 11, 18 and 25. Thisplaygroup is for parents and preschool children toprovide time for play, activity and socialization forparents. The group will meet at playground #1,near the restrooms, weather permitting. For addi-tional questions or to register, call 703-696-3512.

Scream-free parentingThis class introduces parents with kids of all

ages to the proven principles of overcoming theanxieties and stresses of parenting and settingnew patterns of connection and cooperation. Classis held in the Memorial Chapel Fellowship Hallon the Fort Myer portion of the joint base Aug. 13from 10 to 11:30 a.m. For more information or toregister, call 703-696-3512.

Job fair slated for Aug. 13A job fair, open to all transitioning military vet-

erans and military family members will be heldAug. 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the SheratonPentagon City Hotel, 900 South Orme Street,Arlington, Va. Pre-register at www.civilianjobs.com. For more information, call 678-819-4153.

U.S. Army Warrant OfficerAssociation meets

The Lord Fairfax Silver Chapter of the U.S.Army Warrant Officer Association will hold itsmonthly chapter meeting Aug. 13 in the FortBelvoir golf course dining room starting at 5:30p.m. All active, reserve and retired warrant offi-cers are invited and encouraged to attend. Formore information, contact Chief Warrant Officer 4Phyllis Wilson at 703-407-6164.

VA claims assistanceThinking of filing a claim with the Department

of Veterans Affairs? A national service officer fromAmerican Veterans will be in Henderson Hall’sBldg. 29 career management center Aug. 14 and28 by appointment only from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.For assistance, bring your service medical records,private physician’s records, DD Form 214, mar-riage certificate, children’s birth certificates andcopies of your dependent’s social security cards.

The national service officer will consult with youabout the condition for which you are consideringfiling a claim. To make an appointment, call 703-614-6828.

MCX early closingThe Marine Corps Exchange and the Vineyard

Wine and Spirits will close at 5 p.m. Aug. 18 for aprivate event. For more information, call 703-693-5351.

Women’s Equality Day 5k run/1 mile walkJBM-HH’s Equal Employment Opportunity

Office will host a Women’s Equality Day 5k run/1mile walk Aug. 22 at 6:35 a.m. at the Fort MyerFitness Center. The run is free and open to allmilitary personnel, civilian employees, familymembers and retirees. To register, log onto http://conta.cc/1tiH8MM or register the day of the racebetween 5:30 and 6:15 a.m. For more information,call 703-696-2964/8729.

Overture concert to be held Aug. 23Come enjoy the end of summer concert spec-

tacular on historic Summerall Field on the FortMyer portion of the joint base. Complete with livecannon fire by the 3d Infantry Regiment (the OldGuard) Presidential Salute Battery, this favoriteamong Washingtonians of all ages is a must seemusical extravaganza. The audience will enjoy aprogram of music by the U.S. Army Band that willfeature classical, popular and patriotic selections,with vocal highlights and dramatic fanfare. Theevent will happen, rain or shine. For more infor-mation, visit www.usarmyband.com/index.html.

Email bulletin sign upNew to JBM-HH or the National Capital

Region? Have a new employee or servicemem-ber in your office? Sign up for the weekly emailbulletin at https://lists.army.mil/mailman/listinfo/jbm-hh_bulletin. The bulletin provides informa-tion on news of interest to the JBM-HH commu-nity, including traffic and construction projects,services, programs and other relevant local news.

Off limits: Potomac’s Great Fallswater activities

Joint base and Military District of Washingtonleaders would like to remind readers that thePotomac River Great Falls stretch of water alongthe Potomac River that extends from SycamoreIsland to Chain Bridge is off limits to all swim-mers, waders and cliff divers due to strong under-tow currents in the area.Undertows are dangerous. The surface of the

News NotesNews Notes, from page 4

Lee’s boyhood home,”Van Hoven said duringa tour of the area.“They [the transplant-ers] went to that placeand they propagated

either from cutting ora seed from that treeand grew trees, and wegot the little saplings.”Arlington also

is home to descen-dant trees from his-torical American war

battle sites. Separatedby just 20 paces insection 37 are theAntietam Sycamoreand the GettysburgAmerican Sycamore.The current AntietamSycamore’s ancestorwas at the Marylandbattlefield site nearBurnside Bridge,where Confederatesheld off Federal troopsfor nearly three hours.Locating the MOH

memorial trees is rel-atively simple. Eachtree is marked witha metal identificationplaque, which includesits place in Americanhistory, memorial treenumber and species.Additionally, the

cemetery contains twostate champion treesnear the USS MaineMast Memorial. Theempress and yellow-wood trees in sections46 and 23 respectively,are the largest speci-mens of it species inthe commonwealth.“They just happen to

be next to each other.Isn’t that remarkable,”Van Hoven said of thechampion trees. “Thesetrees were probablyplanted around thetime the Maine monu-ment was put up, soright around the turnof the [20th] century.They are around 100years old.”For a location map

and guide of the Medalof Honor memori-al trees, go to www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/docs/MOH_Memorial_Trees.pdf.

MOH, from page 3


Medal of Honor tree number 10, the Helen Keller WaterOak, stands in Arlington National Cemetery alongWilson Drive, July 30. The Medal of Honor trees aredescended from trees of historic significance.

“They don’t just throw it all in a big landfill,” she said.Contractors were able to maintain 75 percent of the building’s existing

walls, floors and roof, Hren said, including old hardwood floors and heavytimber framing.Workers managed to preserve historic discoveries from the renovation

process as well. During the 2011 renovation, combat murals from the 1950swere discovered behind sections of wall and parts of the floor. Sections ofthe mural are encased behind protective glass in the new building’s confer-ence room.New additions to the building also helped it achieve LEED status,

including low-flow toilets and plumbing fixtures that result in a 30percent reduction in water use. Ventilation, insulation and energy-efficientwindows also keep electricity costs down, Hren said.“We kept the best of the historic materials and put in the new materials

that would best serve our functions,” she said.In a letter to Bonsok Escobar, JBM-HH’s director of Public Works,

Council President S. Richard Fedrizzi commended the JBM-HH commu-nity for the accomplishment.“LEED certification identifies Bldg. 249 … as a showcase example of

sustainable design and demonstrates your leadership in transforming thebuilding industry,” the letter reads.The LEED certification is truly an accomplishment, Hren said, because

workers weren’t just knocking down an old building and starting fresh –they were keeping important parts of the original, historic structure.“When you build new, you’re just putting everything up,” she said. “This

was unique. This was a first for Joint Base Myer Henderson-Hall.”Bldg. 249 is the second building on the joint base to achieve LEED certi-

fication; Bldg. 421 received the certification in 2011.

Historical, from page 3


Murals in Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall’s Bldg. 249 are on display before a ribboncutting ceremony Oct. 27, 2011. Bldg. 249 was built in 1903, but the murals dateto the 1950s. The building was recently recognized as being renovated with energyand environmental efficiency.

see NEWS NOTES, page 7


By Master Sgt. Bryan M. Hinzman555th Engineer Brigade

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. - Itwas 3 a.m. on a Sunday when I received a callfrom the brigade staff duty NCO. As a companyfirst sergeant, you dread the middle-of-the-nightphone call because the news is never good. Thiscall wasn’t an exception. One of our Soldiers hadbeen involved in an accident just 200 metersaway from the battalion and brigade headquar-ters. I hung up the phone, crawled out of bed andprepared for the worst.Since I lived only a mile or so from the acci-

dent scene, I arrived within a few minutes tosee a still-smoking car in the middle of the roadwith its right-front tire missing. Fortunately, theSoldier wasn’t injured, and the military policehad already taken him to the station. This iswhere our investigation began.I learned that the day before the accident the

Soldier and others in the squad had been invitedto a party at the squad leader’s house. The squadleader did the right thing and took the Soldier’skeys when he said he would be drinking alcohol.As the party progressed, the Soldier drankheavily and ate very little, and it was obviousto the group that he was very intoxicated. Since

he didn’t have a ride home, at about 1 a.m., theSoldier was given a place to “sleep it off” in oneof the adjoining rooms. Shortly after he went tobed, the party ended and the other guests wenthome.At about 2:30 a.m., the Soldier woke up and

started looking for his car keys. He found themexactly where the squad leader had left them —

in a bowl on the kitchen counter. The Soldier gotinto his car and started to drive to home, whichwas only three miles away, on a road bordered byunit facilities and a housing area.The Soldier was driving about 50 mph in a

25-mph zone when he failed to negotiate a curve.His car left the road, traveled up an embankmentand crashed through a fence in the housing area.Once he passed through the fence, the Soldier’svehicle struck a porch on a family’s home, sever-ing the poles that held up the structure. He alsoran over the family’s lawn mower, BBQ grill anda play house before striking the back porch onanother home. The Soldier then attempted to goback through the damaged fence and drive away.An MP said the Soldier was still trying to driveaway when he arrived on the scene, but the carwouldn’t move due to the front tire being rippedfrom the vehicle.After I’d looked over the accident scene, I made

some phone calls to the chain of command. I alsophoned the platoon leader and platoon sergeantand asked them to meet me at the MP station.Once there, I was informed that the Soldier’sblood alcohol concentration was .21, more thandouble the legal limit of .08. At that point, theSoldier was still in no condition to answer ques-tions, so I told the platoon sergeant to take himto a temporary room in the barracks and ensurehe was monitored.The next day, I questioned the Soldier about

his reasons for drinking and driving. Hisresponse was, “I thought I could make it homebecause it was so close.” We then learned fromthe Soldier that the party had taken place at hissquad leader’s house. At that time, the platoonleadership called in the squad leader to get hisstory. He told me he’d taken the Soldier’s keysto ensure he couldn’t drive and placed them ina bowl in his kitchen. While the squad leader’sintentions were good, his plan to keep theSoldier from driving drunk ultimately failedbecause he did not take into account all of therisk factors or implement true risk mitigationmeasures. Leaving the keys in plain sight made

them too easy for the Soldier to find. Had theybeen secured out of sight, this incident maynever have occurred.Unfortunately, the squad leader did what is

done all too often in our Army — perform a riskassessment that only scratches the surface ofthe hazard and fails to delve into the thingsthat truly cause accidents. Had he taken time touse proper risk management, the Soldier neverwould have been able to gain access to his keys.While the outcome of this accident was bad,

it could have been much worse. The Soldier wholived in the first home that was struck told mehe had almost let his children camp out in thebackyard that night. Had he, the children’s tentwould have surely been hit by the intoxicatedSoldier. It was also fortunate that there wasn’tanyone else driving or walking on the streetwhere the accident took place, and that theintoxicated Soldier was not injured.In the end, the damage caused by this accident

was limited to the monetary and disciplinaryaction taken on the Soldier and the squad leaderwho hosted the party. This accident could havebeen prevented with better risk management.I hope that this incident serves as a reminderthat we can’t just scratch the surface with ourrisk management measures.We must dig deeperto ensure we’ve done everything in our power tostop a preventable accident.

“Ithought I could makeit home because it was

so close.” – Soldier who drove whileintoxicated.

Commentary: Scratching the surface

GRAPHIC COURTESY U.S. ARMY COMBAT READINESS/SAFETY CENTER

“There’s a huge impact to come to Henderson Hall [from the Pentagon],”he said.The battalion’s office at the Pentagon provides a wide range of adminis-

trative support to Marines, continued Sullivan.“If a Marine needs to get something adjusted with his pay, if a Marine

needs to update his service record to get a set of orders done, or check in orcheck out, he can get it done here,” he said. “We’re kind of experimentingwith what we can do out here. We’re trying to maximize our capabilities.”Gunnery Sgt. William Hart, who works out of the Pentagon office, said

the new facility is already a hit with the Marines who have utilized its

services.“They don’t have to go up the hill,” he said. “We’re trying to provide as

much capability here as possible.”In addition to administrative support, the Pentagon office also provides

career progression and relocation assistance to Marines. Office numbersare:• Consolidated administration: 703-693-5208• Supply administration: 703-693-5192• S-3 training: 703-693-5186• Family readiness officer: 703-693-5196• Relocation assistance: 703-693-5197

Office, from page 3

Memorial Display Room, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

ABOVE LEFT: Warren G. Harding, 29th president of the United States, stands next tothe casket of the World War I Unknown before the servicemember was buried in thetomb at the Memorial Amphitheater Nov. 11, 1921.ABOVE RIGHT: Visitors to Arlington National Cemetery look at displays in the MemorialDisplay Room, between the amphitheater and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier July 30.The recently renovated room contains medals, plaques, photographs, and memorabiliarelating to the amphitheater and the tomb and is on display to the public.RIGHT: Attendees watch speakers give remarks during a ceremony in Arlington NationalCemetery at the Old Amphitheater May 30. During the ceremony, the Old Amphitheaterwas renamed the James Tanner Memorial Amphitheater. ANC is home to two amphithe-aters: the Memorial Amphitheater and the James Tanner Memorial Amphitheater, whereDecoration Day services were held from 1868 until the Memorial Amphitheater wasdedicated May 15, 1920. The Memorial Display Room is open during regular operatinghours of Arlington National Cemetery: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. (April to September) and 8 a.m.to 5 p.m. (October to March).

PHOTO COURTESY LIBRARY OF CONGRESS PHOTO BY RACHEL LARUE



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News Noteswater can be calms, but beneath the surface, strong water currents pull inopposite directions. The area has caused deaths of servicemembers and theirfamily members in the past.The directive is more than a suggestion – the prohibition of water activi-

ties in the Great Falls/Potomac River Gorge area is the law in Maryland,Virginia and the District of Columbia, and a directive against water activitieswas issued by the Military District of Washington in 1984. According to theNational Park Service, some 674 water-related accidents and 22 people havedrowned at Great Falls since 1972; in 1984, seven Fort Myer Soldiers diedthere in water-related activities; and Old Guard Soldier drowned in GreatFalls waters in 2013. The beautiful Great Falls Park is open, but give thewater, including the shoreline and river’s edge a wide berth. See www.nps.gov/grfa and while you’re there, check out River Safety and How Long CanYou Hold Your Breath.

Pentagram seeks to spotlight community membersThe Pentagram is seeking nominations of JBM-HH’s workers, residents

and students to feature in the Community Spotlight portion (page 2) of thenewspaper each week. Individuals can nominate themselves, or someoneelse. Those nominated must currently work, reside, or attend school at any ofJBM-HH’s posts or facilities (Fort Myer, Fort McNair, Henderson Hall), andeither submit a photograph or be willing to have one taken for publication.Please note that children under the age of 18 will require guardian/parentalpermission. Additionally, each nominee will be asked to answer and submita short form of questions to help introduce the individual to the Pentagram’sreadership. This is an especially great way to highlight new workers, excep-tional achievement, or unique personal stories. For more information or anyquestions, email the Pentagram staff at: [email protected].

News Note policy! Read in full:News Notes submissions must be less than 100 words, contain all per-

tinent details — to include the five “W’s” — as well as a point of contact,phone number and/or website for additional information. News Notes mustbe submitted no later than noon, Wednesdays, for consideration for publica-tion in the following week’s Pentagram. For example, information submittedfor publication in News Notes on Tuesday, Aug. 12, will be published in thePentagramThursday,Aug. 21. Priority will be given to those announcementsof events and deadlines occurring during the publication week. Please sendyour news notes to the Pentagram at [email protected].

PHOTO BY JIM GOODWIN

Sharon L. Gray (right), of the Andrew Rader Army Health Clinic, hugs Col. FernO. Sumpter (left), commander, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, after receiv-ing the Commander’s Award for Civilian Service for 29 years of federal serviceduring an awards ceremony July 31, on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base.For additional photos from the ceremony, visit the JBM-HH Flickr page at www.flickr.com/photos/jbm-hh.

35 years of serviceNews Notes, from page 5

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By Cpl. Samuel EllisHeadquarters

U.S. Marine Corps

Most special duty assignment payrates are scheduled to be revised tomeet budgetary constraints begin-ning Oct. 1. Most Marines reportingto special duty assignments afterthe effective date will receive alower rate than in previous years.Special duty pay adjustments

will affect Marines serving asrecruiters, drill instructors, combatinstructors and embassy secu-rity guards, among other billets;however, Marines who startedserving in special duty assignmentsbefore Oct. 1 will be grandfatheredand will not experience any paychanges.Some special duty assignment

pay allowances will increase after a12-month introductory period. Forexample, after serving one year asa drill instructor a Marine’s specialduty pay will increase from levelthree, $225 to level four, $300.According to 1st Lt. John

Krahling, compensation chief forthe Marine Corps, the decision torestructure the pay program wasnot taken lightly.

“We spent significanttime evaluating all rele-vant factors before makinga final decision on thechanges,”Krahling said. “Asthe Department of Defenseand Marine Corps moveinto a more resource-con-strained environment, wemust fully evaluate each ofour programs by weighingtotal costs and benefits ofthe current programs.”By making the adjust-

ments, the Marine Corpswill save an estimated$35 million over the nextfive years. According toKrahling, the Corps isdoing its best to reducethe budget while trying

to maintain the integrity of theprogram and attract future Marinesto the special assignments.“We’ve gone to great lengths to

make sure none of the existingprograms go away,” Krahling said.“Every billet and assignment thatreceives special duty pay will con-tinue to.”Krahling said only 4 percent

of the Manpower Personnel payaccount is discretionary. Most ofthe pay categories that make up themanpower account are mandatedby law and are therefore non-dis-cretionary. That leaves bonuses andspecial pays, such as special dutyassignment pay, to make up themajority of the levied cost savingsand reductions.For a full list of details, look for a

forthcoming MARADMIN messageposted to www.marines.mil thisweek.About 20-25 Henderson Hall

Marines are assigned to specialduty assignments annually, accord-ing to Gunnery Sgt.WilliamA.Hart,Henderson Hall’s career planner.

Special duty pay changesto take effect Oct. 1

OFFICIAL U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO ILLUSTRATION

Most special duty assignment pay rates are sched-uled to be revised to meet budgetary constraintsbeginning Oct. 1.

By a senior Army spokesperson

As mandated by Congress, the Army is continuing to draw down itsend-strength to 490,000 active-component Soldiers by the end of FiscalYear 2015. As part of the incremental and deliberate approach, theArmy will notify roughly 500 majors over the next month that theymust leave the service as the result of the decision of recent Officerseparation boards and enhanced selective retirement boards.Given that the Army has some 60,000 Soldiers forward deployed on

any given day, it is unavoidable that a number of the Soldiers chosen forseparation will be serving overseas, including Afghanistan.The Army recognizes that this is a particularly challenging time and,

as such, have instituted a process by which these Soldiers will be noti-fied.For example, the first general officer in the individual’s chain of

command will notify each officer in person; the same manner in whichroughly 1,100 captains were notified earlier this summer. Also, officersserving in Afghanistan, or other overseas areas, will be returned to theU.S. within 30 days of their notification to begin their transition fromactive duty, ensuring they have the maximum time and resources avail-able for a successful transition.The Army has a solemn responsibility to best ensure a smooth transi-

tion for officers and non-commissioned officers. Accordingly, a numberof programs have been developed to provide Soldiers opportunities andoptions as they prepare to return to civilian life. For example:• Encouraging Soldiers to continue their military service by joining

the Army National Guard or Army Reserve;• Shifting Gears, a partnership between the Army, Raytheon and

General Motors which will enable transitioning soldiers to receivetraining and eventually be placed in service technician positionsat GM dealerships.

• In August the Army will hold its third transition summit at FortBragg, N.C.

These summits are conducted jointly, on military installations, withthe National Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroesoffice and the Army’s Soldier for Life program with participation bysenior representatives of the Department of Labor and Department ofVeterans Affairs. The goal of these summits is to improve competitiveemployment for transitioning Soldiers and veterans.These are a few of the opportunities available to Soldiers to assist

in transition to civilian life. Additionally, many installations conducta variety of Soldier for Life programs and host transition workshopspartnering with various industries to assist transitioning Soldiers infinding jobs and accessing valuable resources to set them up for successin their post-Army career.These cuts will reduce the Army to an end strength of 490,000 by the

end of 2015.In addition, as a result of future budget restrictions previously passed

by Congress, the active Army will further reduce its end-strength by20,000 Soldiers in both 2016 and 2017.

Army helps transitioningSoldiers during drawdown

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For more information on volunteering for the local Honor Flight program,visit facebook.com/honorflightdca or honorflightcr.org

Area military families are invited to join the DCMilitary Family Life staff in honoring our World War II veterans on Saturday, September 13.

There are 2 separate groups arriving into Reagan National Airport on September 13, and there are several ways you can participatethroughout the day:

Group 1:• Welcome 90 veterans at the US Airways, Terminal A at 10:02am to salute and cheer their arrival.• Salute these veterans as they visit the World War II Memorial on the National Mall from 2:30pm – 3:45pm.• At the end of the day, you can help bid farewell after their full day of touring as they return to Reagan National Airport at 6:30pm.Group 2:• Welcome 25 veterans at the AirTran Airways, Terminal C at 11:05am to salute and cheer their arrival.• Salute these veterans as they visit the World War II Memorial on the National Mall from 12:30pm – 1:30pm.• At the end of the day, you can help bid farewell after their full day of touring as they return to ReaganNational Airport at 6:30pm.

Look for a special pullout banner in the August 15th issue of DCMilitary Family Life, or visit DCMilitary.com/honorflight to download a special welcome banner to customize and hold as you greet our veterans. Ourphotographers will be on hand to snap a photo of your family with your personal banner for future publication.

Help DC Military Family Life and Comprint honor our veterans and meet other military families while you arevolunteering. It will be the perfect way to spend a Saturday in D.C.

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For more information on volunteering for the local Honor Flight program,visit facebook.com/honorflightdca or honorflightcr.org

Area military families are invited to join the DCMilitary Family Life staff in honoring our World War II veterans on Saturday, September 13.

There are 2 separate groups arriving into Reagan National Airport on September 13, and there are several ways you can participatethroughout the day:

Group 1:• Welcome 90 veterans at the US Airways, Terminal A at 10:02am to salute and cheer their arrival.• Salute these veterans as they visit the World War II Memorial on the National Mall from 2:30pm – 3:45pm.• At the end of the day, you can help bid farewell after their full day of touring as they return to Reagan National Airport at 6:30pm.Group 2:• Welcome 25 veterans at the AirTran Airways, Terminal C at 11:05am to salute and cheer their arrival.• Salute these veterans as they visit the World War II Memorial on the National Mall from 12:30pm – 1:30pm.• At the end of the day, you can help bid farewell after their full day of touring as they return to ReaganNational Airport at 6:30pm.

Look for a special pullout banner in the August 15th issue of DCMilitary Family Life, or visit DCMilitary.com/honorflight to download a special welcome banner to customize and hold as you greet our veterans. Ourphotographers will be on hand to snap a photo of your family with your personal banner for future publication.

Help DC Military Family Life and Comprint honor our veterans and meet other military families while you arevolunteering. It will be the perfect way to spend a Saturday in D.C.

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