Soundoff July 9, 2015

!"#&$"%%!PUBLISHED IN THE INTEREST OF THE FORT MEADE COMMUNITY THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2015 | 67th Year Number 27

FTMEADE.ARMY.MIL

PHOTO BY NATE PESCE

HHaappppyy BBiirrtthhddaayy,,AAmmeerriiccaa!!

(Left) HayleyEpperson, 6, ofSevern, putsbunny ears on7-year-old AlexiaSimon during FortMeade’s annualRed, White andBlue Celebrationheld July 2 atMcGlachlin Pa-rade Field. Opento the public, thesix-hour eventfeatured freechildren’s attrac-tions, food ven-dors and live mu-sic topped off byfireworks.For completecoverage,see Pages 10-13.

JUNIOR OLYMPIC DREAMS

Meade youth excelin track and fieldPAGE 14

Today, 7 p.m.: Ramadan Iftar observance - Argonne Hills Chapel CenterWednesday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.: Fort Meade Farmers’ Market - The PavilionJuly 31, 5:30-9 p.m.: "Magic of Motown" Dinner & Dance - Club Meade

Aug. 1, 7 p.m.: Jazz Ambassadors Summer Concert - Consititution Park

UPCOMING EVENTS WOMEN IN UNIFORM

Post author sharesservicewomen’s storiesPAGE 6

2 NEWS THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2015 | SOUNDOFF!

!"#&$"%%!EDITORIAL STAFF

Garrison CommanderCol. Brian P. Foley

Garrison CommandSgt. Maj. Rodwell L. Forbes

Public Affairs OfficerChad T. Jones [email protected]

Chief, Command InformationPhilip H. Jones [email protected]

EditorDijon Rolle [email protected]

Assistant Editor & Senior WriterRona S. Hirsch [email protected]

Staff WriterLisa R. Rhodes [email protected]

Staff WriterAlan H. Feiler [email protected]

Design CoordinatorTimothy Davis [email protected]

Supplemental photography providedby The Baltimore Sun Media Group

DEADLINES

Community noticesFriday, [email protected]

CIRCULATIONIf you would like information about receiving Soundoff! on Fort Meade or are experi-

encing distribution issues, call 877-886-1206 or e-mail [email protected] hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday through Sun-

day, 8 a.m. to noon.Printed by offset method of reproduction as a civilian enterprise in the interest of the

personnel at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland, by The Baltimore Sun Media Group, 501N. Calvert St., Baltimore, MD 21278, every Thursday except the last Thursday of the yearin conjunction with the Fort Meade Public Affairs Office. Requests for publication mustreach the Public Affairs Office no later than Friday before the desired publication date.Mailing address: Post Public Affairs Office, Soundoff! IMME-MEA-PA, Bldg. 4409, FortMeade, MD 20755-5025. Telephone: 301-677-5602; DSN: 622-5602.

Everything advertised in this publication must be made available for purchase, use orpatronage without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, marital status, handicapor sex of purchaser, user or patron. A confirmed violation or rejection of this policy ofequal opportunity by an advertiser will result in the refusal to print advertising fromthat source.

Printed by The Baltimore Sun Co., LLC, a private firm, in no way connected with theDepartment of the Army. Opinions expressed by the publisher and writers herein aretheir own and are not to be considered an official expression by the Department of theArmy. The appearance of advertisers in the publication does not constitute an en-dorsement by the Department of the Army of the products or services advertised.

Guaranteed circulation: 11,285

ftmeade.army.mil orftmeadesoundoff.com

Like Fort Meade on Facebookat facebook.com/ftmeade

Follow Fort Meade on Twitterat twitter.com/ftmeademd

View the Flickr photostreamat flickr.com/photos/ftmeade

Get text alerts from Fort Meadeby texting “Follow FtMeadeAlert” to 40404

And view the Fort Meade Live Blogat ftmeade.armylive.dodlive.mil

ADVERTISING

General Inquiries [email protected]

Death Notices: [email protected]

Hello again,TeamMeade.Firstandforemost, Iwant to

thank all who worked so hardto make our IndependenceDay celebration on July 2anotherhugesuccess.Theraincleared up just in time, and itwas a beautiful evening of funand fireworks for all.

The amount of work thatwent in behind the scenes tosetup, teardown,andkeepourcommunity safe was tremen-dous, and we all owe thegarrison staff and Team Meade partnerswhocontributed abig thankyou!

As I approach theendofmysecondyearasgarrisoncommander, I realize it’s timetore-state the key tenets of my leadershipphilosophy for thenewly arrived.

Thesepasttwoyearshaveflownby,andIremain incredibly thankful to be workingwith this wonderful team and communityfor a third year.

So if commands came with a theme,mine would be about caring. I believe thatto be effective, you first have to care aboutyourself. You have to care about those youloveandaboutournation. Ialsobelieveyouhave to care about our military, ourprofession and the organization you are apart of.

If you truly care about all of these things,I believe you will be effective at whateveryoudo.

When we are motivated, we are betterpeople, better workers. Caring, and know-ingwhy you are doing something, are bothkey enablers ofmotivation.

If you know why you are doing some-thing, be it cutting grass or creatingstrategicplans, youaremuchmore likely topush forward with a sense of purpose anddrive to successfully accomplish the task athand.

Iencourage leadersatevery level tokeepemployees informed, and to do our abso-lute best to explain and communicate alldecisions made at every level within theorganization.

Our garrisonmission is to provide a safeand secure environment, and high-qualitysupport services and infrastructure forthose who live and work on this in-stallation.

People who are able to get to workwithout traffic frustration, know theirchildren are well cared for in school andday care, and quickly receive service or

assistance of any kind when neededare better able to focus completelyon their jobswhile atwork.

A focused workforce results instronger partner organizations, all ofwhom perform vital missionstoward our national defense. AstrongerFortMeademeansastrong-erU.S.military anda safer country.

I also deeply care about diversityandworking in a respectful, friendlyenvironment free of harassment ofany kind. Diversity is wonderful andsomethingwe should all embrace.

I often wonder how incredibly dull theworld would be if we all shared the samelikes,dislikesandopinions.Diversitymakesthe world an interesting place. We do nothave to share others’ likes, dislikes andopinions, but we should respect and bethankful for them.

Lastly, I believe good leaders promoteprofessional development. I believe every-one — military and civilian — deservesroutine,writtenperformance feedback.

I believe praising people when they aredoing a good job increases their commit-ment and effectiveness, and that mostpeople honestly appreciate it when theyreceive suggestions for improvement.

I providewritten performance feedbackfor thoseI rate, andencourageall leaders todo the same.

Continue to have a great summer andplease be safe in all youdo.

My wife, Lee, our children Mary Claireand Liam, and our dog Buddy all remaindeeply honored to serve in the TeamMeade community.

This has been our most enjoyable andrewarding assignment in 25 years, and welook forward to the year ahead!

COMMANDER’S COLUMN

Caring for, communicatingwith the Fort Meade workforce

GarrisonCommanderCol. Brian P.Foley

Garrison Commander Col. Brian P.Foley has an open door policy.All service members, retirees, gov-ernment employees, family mem-bers and community members age18 or older are invited to addressissues or concerns to the com-mander directly by visiting Foley’soffice on Mondays from 4 to 6 p.m.at garrison headquarters in HodgesHall, Bldg. 4551, Llewellyn Avenue.Visitors are seen on a first-come,first-served basis. No appointmentis necessary.

SOUNDOFF! | THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2015 NEWS 3

The annual Fort Meade Summer Con-cert Series begins Aug. 1 at ConstitutionPark.

The free concert series features fourdistinct performances taking place everySaturday inAugust at 7 p.m.

“It is extremely gratifying to play forthe local community,” said Sgt. 1st ClassLauren Curran, musician. “Fort Meade isourhome,and it’s anhonor tosharemusicwith the people that make it a great placeto live andwork.

“Weare sure to see familiar faces in theaudience. Fort Meade is a tight-knitmilitary community that appreciates themusic we play to honor veterans andcelebrate America.”

In inclement weather, concerts will becanceled and not rescheduled. Allweather callswill bemadebynoonon theday of the concert and posted online atArmyFieldBand.com.

“This is amust-see concert series,” saidLt. Col. Paul Bamonte, deputy command-er of the Army Field Band. “We have thebest musicians in the world playing avariety of music that has something for

everyone. From patriotic marches to popandrock,we’vegot it covered—and it’s allfree!”

Theconcert series isopen to thepublic.Visitors should enter Fort Meade via themain gate at Route 175 and Reece Road.All privately owned vehicles are requiredto be licensed, registered, inspected andinsured.

SummerConcert Series schedule:

• Aug. 1: “100 Years of Billie Holiday”performed by the JazzAmbassadors

• Aug. 8: “Army Goes to the Movies”performed by the Concert Band andSoldiers’ Chorus

• Aug. 15: “Kings of the Highway:America’s Road Music” performed byTheVolunteers

• Aug. 22: “Finale Concert with ‘1812Overture,’ Continental Color Guard andthe Presidential Salute Battery” per-formedby theConcertBandandSoldiers’Chorus

Editor’s note: For more information onthe Army Field Band and future perform-ances, visit ArmyFieldBand.com.

Free Summer ConcertSeries at Fort Meade

Eugene Cedras (right) plays the cowbell, while Master Sgt. Marva Lewis singsduring the 2013 Fort Meade Summer Concert Series.

PHOTOS COURTESY U.S. ARMY FIELD BAND

Staff Sgt. Paul White, saxophonistwith the Jazz Ambassadors, deliversthe smooth sounds of jazz during theSummer Concert Series finale lastAugust at Fort Meade’s ConstitutionPark. This year’s four-week series be-gins Aug. 1.

Jazz Ambassadors kick offfour-week concert seriesbeginning Aug. 1

By Jonathan AgeePublic Affairs OfficerU.S. Army Field Band

Fort Meade recently launched a newweb page aimed at providing an easy wayfor newsmakers to stay informed aboutevents and issues associated with theinstallation.

“The Press Center gives media a directconnection to the Public Affairs Office sothatwecanensuretheyget the informationthey need,” Fort Meade Public AffairsOfficer Chad Jones said. “It’s also a greatplace to find out what is happening on theinstallation.

“If you’re looking for a story, the FortMeade Press Center is a good place to

start.”ThePressCenter,whichcanbeaccessed

from the installation’s website at ftmea-de.army.mil, features upcoming events thatmedia are invited to cover and an inquiryform, which can be used by media to getanswers to questions for stories they maybeworkingon.

Community members can use the formtorequesteventassistancesuchas theneedfor a color guard, anthem singer and othersupport.

The form also can be used to requestcoverage of an event or issue in theSoundoff!

The Press Center makes it easier to find

media advisories andpress releases, aswellas downloadable photos and video footagefeaturingFortMeade.

“ThePressCenter is a two-waycommu-nicationplatform,” Jones said. “It allowsusto target the right markets for the rightstories and helps us track media queriesand responses.”

Designedasacrisis communication tool,the Press Center can be accessed from anycomputer, tablet or smart phone, a featurethat is vital to keeping public affairsoperations open

“In the past, we relied on Facebook,Twitter and text alerts to update residentsandcommunitymembersabouteventsthat

happened on weekends or times whenwe’re unable to get to the installation, likethe severe snow events we had a few yearsago,” Jones said.

“While we’ll still use social media, thePress Center allows us to update in-formation from anywhere at any time. Ithasalreadyproven itself tobeauseful tool.”

Media that would like to be included onFort Meade’s media list should visit thePressCenterandcompleteaninquiryform.

Formore information, visit www.ftmea-depresscenter.com or contact Mary Doyleat 301-677-5592 or [email protected], or Veronica Castro at 301-677-1465or [email protected].

Fort Meade launches Press Center websiteFortMeade Public Affairs Office


Wearing a black T-shirt bearing thelikeness of rock guitar legend JimiHendrix, Cheyenne Graham stood on acrowded sidewalk outside of McGillTrainingCenter.

The 14-year-old watched closely as apair of teenage boys participated in apushups challenge overseen by Staff Sgt.Ryan Elliott of the Glen Burnie office oftheBaltimoreRecruitingBattalion.

“It’s cool being here,” Cheyenne, anArundel High School freshman, said ofFort Meade. “There’s a lot of cool thingsabout a military base. But I don’t seemyself going into themilitary.

“Iwant to be either a film director or achoreographer. But right now, I camehere because I’m looking for a summerjob— just something to do.”

Cheyenne was one of approximately85 Anne Arundel residents between theagesof14and24whocametoFortMeadeon June 30 as part of a two-dayinternship orientation.

The pre-employment gathering wassponsored by the Anne Arundel Work-force Development Corporation’s Sum-mer YouthWorks Program. The programcoordinates six-week paid internships atbusinesses and companies around thecounty for participants.

The internships — none of which willtake place at Fort Meade this summer —are funded by federal, state and localsources through theAAWDC.

On the orientation’s first day, theparticipants — who come from disad-vantaged backgrounds — went to OriolePark at Camden Yards for a tour and tohear from members of the Oriolesorganization about their work environ-ment.

On the secondday, they receiveda tourof FortMeade before hunkering down atMcGill to hear from staffmembers of theBaltimore Recruiting Battalion and othergarrison personnel about professional-ism, leadership and ethics in the work-place.

This was the first time that AAWDCheld a teen internship orientation at FortMeade.

The speakers, including CommandSgt. Maj. Charles N. Orange of theBaltimore Recruiting Battalion, spoke ofprofessional opportunities for servicemembers and civilian employees at FortMeade.

“We’renot tryingtopushtheminto themilitary but help them see that Fort

Meade is a major employer in the area,”said Shannon McGarry, the AAWDC’sdirector of youth programs.

“This is the age where everything isopen to you, but you need to know youroptions. They need to get real-worldexperience. So we’re trying to help thembuild up their resumes and get themmotivated.”

Besides information-gathering at FortMeade and Camden Yards, the partici-pants go out on job interviews withvariousbusinessesaspartof theprogram.

Those who are hired will receiveinternships — at $8.50 an hour for 30hours aweek—with such local organiza-tions as the Hilton Baltimore BWIAirport Hotel, Mid-Atlantic System, andA New You and Eccentrics The SpaSanctuary salons.

The bulk of the program’s participantscome from the Brooklyn Park and GlenBurnie areas, according toMcGarry.

After thebriefings atMcGill, the groupvisited tables that offered materials andinformationonArmycareers in thecyberand medical fields. Among the offeringswere customized fauxArmydog tags.

At the same time, they were invitedoutside toparticipate inpullups, pushupsand situps challenges, aswell as cornholeand football tosses.

Later in the day, the group toured theNational Cryptologic Museum beforereturning toMcGill for a pizza lunch.

Nathan Douglas, an Annapolis HighSchool sophomore, said the visit to Fort

Meade made him consider a militarycareermore seriously.

“I’ve always thought about it,” saidNathan, 15. “I have an uncle in the AirForce. So maybe I’ll do something likethatdowntheroad. ... It’s impressive tobe

here and see everything.”Nathan,who lives inAnnapolis, saidhe

learned about the internship programwhile surfing the Internet.

“I thought itwould be a good opportu-nity to get a first job and someexperienceout there,” he said, noting that he had aninterview at a local summer camp thefollowing day.

A Northeast High School senior, Pasa-dena residentZachBarnett saidhemightget a clerical job with the Anne ArundelCounty Police Department this summerthrough the program.

Although his father is a retired Navyofficer who worked at Fort Meade, Zachsaid he probably will not seek a militarycareer. His dream, he said, is to become afilmdirector.

“It’s really interesting here,” the 18-year-old said of Fort Meade. “It’s like acity here, and it’s been helpful to learnabout jobs and stuff.”

Femi Kamson, a junior at the SEEDSchool ofMaryland inBaltimore, agreed.

“It’s been very helpful,” said Femi, 17,who lives in Glen Burnie. “I’ve learned alot about leadership skills, so it’s been funand interesting.”

Editor’s note: For information about theAAWDC or the Summer YouthWorksProgram, call 410-987-3890 or visit http://aayouthworks.org/.

Local youths attend internship orientationBy Alan H. FeilerStaff Writer

Command Sgt. Maj. Charles N. Orange of the Baltimore Recruiting Battalion isamong the speakers during an orientation at Fort Meade for Anne ArundelCounty summer jobs and internships.

PHOTO BY ALAN H. FEILER

OnJuly 25, ArmyCommunity Service celebrates its 50th birthday.Fort Meade’s ACS is celebrating all year by partnering with garrison events, and

will have a display booth atNationalNightOut onAug. 4.ACS provides critical services and programs for active-duty service members,

DoDcivilian employees, retirees and their families.ACS offers 12 core programs and “a variety of services aimed at assisting unit

commanders in maintaining the readiness of individuals, families and communitieswith the Army by promoting self-reliance, resiliency and stability during war andpeace,” according to anACSbrochure.

All of the programs and services are offered at no cost.Formore information aboutACS services, call 301-677-5590.

FILE PHOTO

Army Community Service to celebrate 50th birthday

SOMEOF THECOMFORTS THATMAKE THIS PLACEUNIQUE:Crownmolding

Wainscoting

9-foot ceilings

Built-in bookcases*

Walk-in closets

Screened-in porches*

Theater & media room

Mondrian-style swimming pool

5,000 SF health club

Full elevator service

*In select apartments

MORETHANJUSTFOURWALLS Experience apartment living in a

whole new way. Spacious layouts.Thoughtful interiors. Amenitiesto suit your every whim. At NovusOdenton, you’ll discover there’sa lot that makes living here feelless like an apartment and morelike home.

For more information,visit NovusOdenton.comor call us at 410.874.2051.

Heroes on the Water is a nonprofitorganization that traditionally allows vet-erans freedom from the stresses associatedwith combat and the physical rigors ofrehabilitation.

But the outdoor program also affordsthe same opportunity to active-duty serv-icemembers.

The 704thMilitary IntelligenceBrigadetook advantage of this opportunity, thanksto the generosity of the Heroes on theWater-Maryland chapter.

SeveralSoldiersenjoyedsometherapeu-tic relaxation time, kayaking and fishing onthe SevernRiver inAnnapolis on June22.

The majority of participants had neverkayakedor fishedbefore.

“This experience is a great moralebuilder for the troops,” said Staff Sgt.Joseph“Joey”Cote, platoonsergeant at the704thMIwhohelpedorganize the outing.

“Most [participants] have never been onthewater, and this gives themtheopportu-nity to experience somethingdifferent thatthey probably wouldn’t do on their own

time,” he said. “And it’s good team-building.”

What appeared to be a timeout just forfun went much deeper as the day tripprovided a therapeutic environment andgave the Soldiers an opportunity to simplyrelax and interfacewithnature.

HOW operates on the premise thatthere is an effective benefit from thephysical therapy of paddling and fishing,occupational therapy learning a lifetimesport or activity, and mental therapy fromrelaxing in nature with no distractions orperformance expectations.

HOW is divided into local chaptersnationwide. TheMaryland chapter, whichis in its second year of operation, is madeup of volunteers from across Marylandwho come together for meetings andmonthly statewide kayaking and fishingactivities offered January throughNovem-ber.

“We operate on 100 percent donationsand 100 percent volunteers,” said James“Coop” Cooper, director of the Marylandchapter and a veteran who works as aDepartment of the Army civilian for the780thMI.

“We offer the same opportunities for allactive-dutymilitarymembers thatweoffertoallveterans.Lastyearwestartedoutonlydoing our scheduled, once-per-monthevents on Saturdays that were open toanybodywhohadworn theuniform.

“An active-duty unit from [Maryland]approached our national director at aspecial operations convention and asked ifwe could do an event just for them,”Cooper said.

“It went so well that we advertise toactive-duty units that they can sign up likeeveryone else for our open events, or theycan contactmeand request a special event,

just for them. It can be on a weekend or aweekday.”

After thekayaking,Soldiersweretreatedto a picnic lunch at the Jonas Green StatePark inAnnapolis, providedbyHOW.

Cote said that word of mouth will helpbringmore Soldiers to theprogram.

“It’s a great thing going on here and,hopefully, word will get around and moreunitswill take advantage of the opportuni-tyHeroes on theWater offers,”Cote said.

Editor’snote:Formore informationaboutthe Heroes on theWater-Maryland chapter,go to www.facebook.com/HeroesOnThe-WaterMarylandChapter.

704th MI Soldiers benefitfrom Heroes on the Water

Harry Steiner, volunteer and kayaking guide for Heroes on the Water-Marylandchapter, adjusts the foot position of the kayak for a 741st Military IntelligenceBattalion Soldier to launch from the Jonas Green State Park on the Severn Riverin Annapolis on June 22.

PHOTO BY TINA MILES

By TinaMilesPublic Affairs Office, 780th MI Brigade

SOUNDOFF! | THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2015 NEWS 5


Tanya Biank dedicated her secondbook on military life to her older sister, acolonel.

Col. Maria Biank works for a U.S.Cyber Command unit located at DefenseInformation Systems Agency head-quarters.

“I’m very humbled by it,” the colonelsaid.

Thebook, “Undaunted:TheReal Storyof America’s Servicewomen in Today’sMilitary,” is a nonfiction narrative aboutfour servicewomen and the challengesand rewards of their military service.Published by Penguin Books/NewAmerican Library in 2013, the book wasreleased in paperback last year.

TheBianksistersare thedaughtersofaretiredArmy colonel.

Tanya Biank is also the author of“Under The Sabers,” published in 2006.Thecriticallyacclaimedbookbecametheinspiration for the popular televisionshow “Army Wives,” which aired on theLifetimecablechannel from2007to2013.The series endedwith a two-hour specialthat aired lastMarch.

“I’ve been there to pinmy sister’s rankfrom second lieutenant to colonel,” saidBiank, who lives in Heritage Park withher husband and two children. “Whenshe was a young lieutenant, she and herfemale lieutenant friends were like mybig sisters.

“Over the past 25 years, I’ve watchedtheir lives in the military unfold inextraordinary ways. I knew their experi-ences were emblematic of what so manyservicewomen experience. They werethe impetus for me to write ‘Undaunted.’”

Biank started working on the bookproposal for “Undaunted” in 2009 andembarked on several years of researchthat included interviews with service-women— and servicemen— from all themilitary branches to establish commonissues and experiences that led to thethemes for the book.

In writing “Undaunted,” Biank fo-cused on the “unique issues and circum-stances” that servicewomen face in-cluding balancingmarriage,motherhoodand the military mission; the impact ofdiscriminatory labels in the workplace;blurred gender roles; and finding theright balance between femininity andmilitary bearing.

The servicewomen in the book rangefrom their early 20s tomid-50s, and theirranks range from junior enlisted to

general officer.“Undaunted” covers a five-year period

in their lives.“What they have in common is a drive

and determination to succeed and reachtheir goals despite significant and, insome cases, extraordinary obstacles,”Biank said. “I found that their experi-ences were similar to what so manyservicewomen face.”

Biank started writing books aboutmilitary life in the early 2000s. Shewas areporter for The Fayetteville Observer inNorth Carolina at the time and hadbrokenthestoryabout themurderof fourArmy wives in Fayetteville near FortBragg.

A literary agent called Biank to ask ifshe was interested in writing a bookabout Army spouses after she appearedon TV’s “Good Morning America” inAugust 2002 to discuss themurders.

Biank, who majored in journalism atPennsylvania State University, said shealways wanted to write a book and had

thought aboutwriting amilitary novel.“Under The Sabers,” which is also a

nonfiction narrative, is based on the livesof four real women married to Soldiersstationed at Fort Bragg.

In regard to her new book, Biank saidshe learned that “our nation’s service-women are not only courageous on thebattlefield, but also off the battlefield.

“Most of all, I learned that strength isoftenborneout of struggle and that beinga strong woman is not a masculine trait,”she said.

Biank is married to Col. Michael A.Marti. The family arrived at Fort Meadetwo summers ago.

She frequently travels for speakingengagements and has done several localbook signings including at Fort Meade’sOfficers’ Spouses’ Club’s ScholarshipAward Dinner in May and at a paneldiscussion on women writing about war,moderatedbyJudyWoodruff of the “PBSNewsHour,” also inMay.

“I’m very proud of Tanya for telling

these important and sometimes over-looked stories, especially during a time ofwar,” Maria Biank said. “Tanya has aninnate ability to vividly describe theexperiences of our military spouses andservicewomen in a way someone notassociated with the military can easilyunderstand.

“She brings their individual experi-ences to life. She trulyhas a gift for tellingthose stories.”

Biank said there is interest in “Un-daunted” from producers and that she isworking on a new project currentlyunderwraps.

But through her present work, Biankhopes to educate the American publicabout the true lives of servicemembers.

“My hope is that readers will comeaway with a belief that all servicemembers, regardless of gender, shouldbeallowed to pursue their goals and reachtheir full potential,” she said. “Thatmakes for not only a bettermilitary, but abetter culture, country and society.”

Military spouse writes book about servicewomenBy Lisa R. RhodesStaff Writer

Tanya Biank (left), author of the book “Undaunted: The Real Story of America’s Servicewomen in Today’s Military,” standswith her older sister Col. Maria Biank in her home in Heritage Park. Biank dedicated the book to the colonel.

PHOTO BY LISA R. RHODES


Serving a Variety of Businesses & ProfessionalsServing a Variety of Businesses & Professionals24 Hours 7 Days a Week24 Hours 7 Days a Week

A Personal Answering Service, Inc.410-284-9100

Melissa Mignini, Ownerwww.thanksforcalling.com

Live Customized Message ServicesVirtual Office Assistance

Call Screening • Appt. Scheduling • Order Taking

Confidential, Ethical, Professional

• Career skillsand credentials

• Online, classroom,or hybrid formats

• Acceleratedcourse options

• Support services

After spending fourteen years in theNavy as a digital communicationsanalyst, JUSTIN came to HCC withan ultimate goal of becoming asoftware engineer. At the college,he found a supportive environmentwhere he was able to meet fellowveterans who could relate to thechallenges of balancing civilian lifeand higher education.

Learning ThatWorks for You

howardcc.edu

REGISTER NOW!Fall credit semester beginsAugust 22

Noncredit classes are ongoing

The National Disability Forum will beheld Wednesday from 1 to 3 p.m. at theInternationalTradeCommissionBuilding,Main Hearing Room, 500 E. St. SW,Washington,D.C.

Registration is requiredonlinebyFridayat https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Na-tional_Disability_Forum_Summer_2015.

Telephone conferencing will be avail-able for participants not attending inperson.

Participant call-in number: 800-289-0436.

Participant Pass code:182396#The forum will focus on youth with

disabilities who receive Supplemental Se-curity Income, or SSI. Youthwith disabili-ties is one of the most vulnerable popula-tions that the Social Security Adminis-tration serves.

Approximately 1.3 million children re-

ceive SSI, and about one-third live inpoverty despite these benefits.

Policymakershaveexpressedan interestin improving services and policies thatwould help these children transition suc-cessfully to adulthood.

The forum will feature a panel dis-cussion, “Transitioning SSI ChildhoodBeneficiaries to Successful Adulthood,”among experts from federal agencies andthenonprofit sector.

Topics include:• How SSI youth fare during the

transition years• Services available across the federal

government to support them•Possible improvements in policies and

services for these children and theirfamilies.

The event will feature opening remarksbyVirginiaReno, thedeputycommissionerforRetirementandDisabilityPolicy for theSocial SecurityAdministration.

Formore information, go to socialsecur-ity.gov.

National Disability Forumfocuses on SSI youthsByMatthew BaxterPublic Affairs SpecialistSocial Security Administration

American Water is continuing itsannual Water Main Flushing Pro-gramonMonday.The purpose of the program is to

provide the best quality water avail-able to customers by removing anybuildup of sediment that may haveoccurred in thewater lines.Flushing may result in some tem-

porary discoloration and the pres-ence of sediment in the water. Theseconditions are not harmful andshould be of very short duration.During the hours between 8 a.m.

and 4 p.m., limit your use of water tohelp prevent discoloredwater reach-ing service lines to your residence.If you notice an increase in dis-

colored water at your residence,flush all faucets inside for15minutes.If thewaterdoesnotclearup, contactthe Water Treatment Plant at 443-591-0909.This number is monitored daily —

24/7—365 days a year.Areas that may be affected from

planned flushing through July 24:

•LlewellynAvenue•CooperAvenuebetweenMapes

RoadandLlewellynAvenue•Mapes Road between Hawkins

Drive andCooperAvenue•EnglishAvenue•Paradise FieldLane•UptonAvenue•WashingtonAvenue•BucknerAvenue•Butler Street•McKayStreet•Croft Place•EskridgeAvenue•FaithDrive•Hartel Street•GardnerLane• SheaLoopStreets adjacent to Mapes Road

and Llewellyn Avenue may see atemporary change in their waterduring flushing activities.Signs will be posted ahead of any

flushing activities to notify custom-ers.

Water main flushing continues

Every day your local USO provides moments that count in the lives of our troops and theirfamilies. From a hot cup of coffee, to a place to relax while traveling and critical services suchas emergency housing, the USOMetropolitan Washington-Baltimore is dedicated to servingthose who serve.

Take a moment to support our troops and their families by donating to your local USO atUSOMetro.org.

Scooping up her 1-year-old son, KeturahBlakeman rushed toward the bandstand atMcGlachlin Parade Field with her threeother young boys to dance to the music ofthe JazzAmbassadors.

A dance teacher who has taught ballet,jazz and hip-hop, Blakeman couldn’t helpherself. After all, the U.S. Army Field Band

Spectators facing Constitution Park gaze at the colorful fireworks display that drew cheers and applause after the daylong celebration.

PHOTO BY STEVE RUARK

‘Happy Birthday,America’

Meade communitygathers for annualRed, White andBlue Celebration

By Rona S. HirschAssistant Editor

Visitors walk past the variety of food vendors that included gyros, barbecue,tacos, crabcakes, kettle corn, funnel cake, frozen smoothies, Good Humor icecream and a vintage Good Humor truck that children could climb aboard.

PHOTO BY NATE PESCE

10 COVER STORY THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2015 | SOUNDOFF!

SOUNDOFF! | THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2015 COVER STORY 11

ensemblewas performingDixieland jazz.So as the smooth sounds of the trumpet,

trombone, clarinet, banjo, bass and drumsblended in the “hot” jazz standard “SweetGeorgia Brown,” Blakeman leaped to herfeet.

“Just having fun,” she said smiling.The Meuse Forest resident was among

the many fans tapping their toes andswaying to the music of the Jazz Ambassa-dors; Til September classic rock band; andDJ Teddy, aka Platoon Sgt. Teddy Wade of55th Signal Company (CombatCamera).

The live entertainment was part of anarray of activities at Fort Meade’s annualRed,White andBlueCelebrationheldJuly 2from4 to10 p.m. and open to the public.

“It’s just us giving back to the community—not justFortMeade,”GarrisonCommand-er Col. Brian P. Foley said. “This gives anopportunity to the private citizens ofMaryland to come here and share awonderful night with us — a great night forthe kids and adults, and great fireworks.”

Throughout the day, thousands of com-munity members on and off post streamedonto theparade field for theearly Independ-ence Day celebration capped off by a30-minute fireworks display.

In addition to the live entertainment, thesix-hour event featured free children’sattractions — including a zip line, rockclimbing wall, mechanical bull, teacup rideandan inflatableobstaclecourse—aswell asa variety of food vendors ranging frombarbecue, chicken teriyaki, and lobster macand cheese to funnel cakes and tall fruitdrinks.

Despite the threat of rain, crowds steadilyfilled the parade field, which was dottedwith blankets and lawn chairs, picnicbaskets and coolers.

As children jumped and flailed to themusic of DJ Teddy, cotton candy vendorswalked through the field, hawking lightsabers and glow sticks.

“This is great for the family, the commu-nity — getting the community out,” saidSharon DeCastro, head bagger at the FortMeade Commissary, who attendedwith herhusband, Sgt. 1st Class Arnold DeCastro ofthe 818th Maintenance Company, and theirtwo sons.

“I come to all the activities they alwayshave here,” the Meuse Forest resident said.“It’s a great environment, so nice for us tocome out here and have a great time with

Dan Leavy (left) and Ken Davis perform with their classic rock band Til September led by vocalist Maj. Scott Willens. Theroster of live entertainment also featured DJ Teddy and the Jazz Ambassadors, which performed two sets prior to the fire-works.

PHOTO BY NATE PESCE

"The fireworks weregreat. It’s what keeps youcoming back."Staff Sgt. Mark Blakeman,704th Military Intelligence Brigade

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Carlos Jaime of Odenton takes a spin on the teacup ridewith his 5-year-son Christopher.

PHOTO BY NATE PESCE

See CELEBRATION, page 12

Wearing a harness, Naomi Johnson, 9,of Fort Meade leaps on the Extreme AirBungee Jumper. The free children’srides were open for four hours.

PHOTO BY NATE PESCE

12 COVER STORY THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2015 | SOUNDOFF! SOUNDOFF! | THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2015 COVER STORY 13

our family and friends.And,wedon’thave topay!”

DeCastro was joined by her neighborCarrie Warfel, wife of Staff Sgt. CharlesWarfel, an instructor at the Defense In-formation School, and their four children.

“They always put on a really good show,”CarrieWarfel said.

After zooming down the zip line, 13-year-old Julius Warfel checked out the otherattractions.

“There’s really good food and really funrides,” said the rising eighth-grader atBrooklyn Park Middle School. “It’s reallyenjoyable to get out and have an active timeinstead of staying home andwatchingTV. ”

Popular attractions drew long lines ofeager children. Harnessed youngsters gig-gled on the Extreme Air Bungee Jumper,while braver souls mounted the fierce-lookingmechanical bull and shrieked as thebeast spinned faster and faster before ridersfell onto a cushionedmat.

“I flew off, but I stayed on a good amountof time,” 12-year-old Grace Miskovsky of

Heritage Park said proudly.Sharingpinkcottoncandywithher friend

Mackenzie Dunivent, 14, of Midway Com-mons, Grace had also climbed the rockwall.

“That was really, really fun,” said Grace,who is entering MacArthur Middle School.“[The celebration is] good for children.There’s lots to do. Everybody should comeondown.”

Relaxing in a chair at the edge of theparade field, retired Sgt. Robert Whitelistened to the music as his young familymembers gathered nearby.

“I come every year,” saidWhite, a formercontractor for the Directorate of Logisticswho resides in Glen Burnie. “After beingassigned toFortMeade15 years, I decided toparticipate in all the events here.

“I bring all my nieces and nephews andgranddaughter. I’m looking forward to thefireworks. It’s just exciting. And the food isgreat.”

Stephanie Owen, whomoved toHeritagePark two months ago, attended with herhusband,NavyPettyOfficerMatthewOwenof Navy Information Operations CommandMaryland, and their two young children.

Saniyah Ruffin of Pittsburgh bravesthe mechanical bull ride. The 6-year-old visited Fort Meade with family tocelebrate the holiday and visit heruncle, Air Force Staff Sgt. VernonYoung of the Defense Media Activity.

PHOTO BY NATE PESCE

“We’rehavingareallygoodtime; it’sverykid-friendly,” Owen said. “We love fire-works. ...July4thismyfavoriteholiday.Oneday a year we see people who care aboutour country and come out. It’s nice to seeeveryone put aside they differences andhave fun.”

As darkness fell and the Jazz Ambassa-dors wrapped up its second set, fireworksemerged from Constitution Park. Theensemble performed “God Bless America”and “Proud To Be An American” beforedeclaring “HappyBirthday,America.”

As the fireworks took center stage,crowds cheered and clapped to the cascad-ing shapes that lit the cloudy sky.

“Oh, man, this is real cool!” shouted onechild.

“Incredible!”commentedanearbyadult.But it was the finale — the rapid

explosions of color — that brought theloudest applause.

“Really good,” said Blakeman’s husband,Staff Sgt. Mark Blakeman of the 704th

Military Intelligence Brigade. “The fire-works were great. It’s what keeps youcomingback.”

Editor’s note:Toviewanddownloadmorephotos, visit www.flickr.com/photos/ftmeade/.

Children toss glow sticks under a cloudy, darkened sky moments before the fireworks show.


Fireworks explode during the Red, White and Blue Celebration on July 2. Theeagerly anticipated display topped off the six-hour event that drew thousands toMcGlachlin Parade Field.


‘Happy Birthday, America’CELEBRATION, From page 11

Retired Col. Gorham L. Black III, a for-mer Fort Meade garrison commander,salutes during Retreat at McGlachlinParade Field.

PHOTO BY NATE PESCE

Sgt. Jason Phillips of Glen Burnie pulls his daughter 4-year-old daughter Amelia(center) and her friends Addison Huffman (left), 4, and Ashlyn Huffman (ob-scured) 1, in a wagon along McGlachlin Parade Field.


It’s been another strong season for theHighsteppersYouthTrack andField team.

Thanks to anarmyofdedicatedcoaches,parents and supporters, these blue-and-gold dynamos are heading back to theJuniorOlympics nextmonth.

TheHighsteppers is FortMeade’sChild,Youth and School Services’ outdoor trackand field club for youths age 7 to18.

The clubwas established onFortMeadein 1984 by Will Gaither and formerOlympianretiredMaj.CharlieGreene,whowas the 100-meter bronze medalist and4x100-meter relaygoldmedalist in the1968Olympics inMexicoCity.

Designed to introduce youths to the joyof competition, the Highsteppers also getsthem in shape for other sports, said headcoachBruceHunter.

Power, flexibility, speed, endurance,strength — track and field addresses all ofthose qualities that are needed to play anysport.

“It is a great conditioner for every sportyou can thinkof,”Hunter said.

Building self-esteem and getting teammembers to improve their personnel bestare also positive benefits that participantsgain frombeing apart of the club.

“In almost every instance, the kids comeaway with a greater confidence in theirabilities,”Hunter said. “AndI like to think ithas a carryover inother things that theydo,a carryover into the classroom.”

Eleven-year-old Highstepper EmilyRankincompetes in the long jumpandracewalk events.

“It’s a great team to be around,” Emily

Members of the Highsteppers take a practice run at the Gaffney Fitness Center track before the team’s competition atNortheast High School in Pasedena on June 25.

PHOTOS BY DANIEL KUCIN JR.

Highsteppers coach Bruce Hunter speaks to the runners after practice. Membersof the track and field team for youths age 7 to 18 will compete in the AAU JuniorOlympic Games, which will be held Aug. 1- 8 in Norfolk, Va.

Thirteen-year-old Daniel Sherrodpractices shot put. The season beganthe first week of April and ends withthe Junior Olympic Games in August.

Highsteppersreflect onstellar season,Olympic hopes

Ten-year-old Ciara Thomas practicesthe shot put on June 24.

By Veronica CastroPublic Affairs Office

14 SPORTS THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2015 | SOUNDOFF!

said. “It’s very supportive andkind.”This year’s team includes several mem-

bers advancing to the JuniorOlympics. Butfor the coaches, it’s not about that.

“We constantly preach to the kids — aswell as the parents — that success is morethan just winning or placing in a competi-tion,” Hunter said. “It is also aboutestablishing a personal record. We tell thekids, ‘You’reasuccess, you’reachampion in

our books if you improve every time you goout andcompete,’ ”Hunter said.

HighstepperRobbieHamilton,17, agrees.“Don’tworryaboutnotbeinggoodwhen

you first come out,” he said. “The point oftrack is to make yourself better. So it’s anindividual sport, so you’re always trying toimprove yourself.”

Thecoachesnoted that they’ve also seensome of the members’ health improve

while being apart of the club.Assistant head coach Olivia Hunter

spoke of one team member who hadasthma and was not going to continueparticipating. That all changed when hewent to seehis physician forhis physicals.

The doctor said, ‘Young man, I don’tknow what you’re doing, but [you] bettercontinue doing it,’ ” Olivia Hunter said.“Each timehewould come forhis physical,

his medication for his asthma was beingdecreasedor removed.”

That same youth became a medalist,which is reserved for the top eightcompetitors in eachevent.

Being in the top eight is no small feat.The season starts with 16,000 youths fromthe continental United States and PuertoRico who compete to go on to the nationalchampionship.

Out of those participants, the competi-tion is whittled down to 4,000 to 5,000youthswhocompete in trackand field.Thetop eight in each event go on to the AAUJunior Olympic Games, whichwill be heldAug.1-8 inNorfolk,Va.

Last month, the team participated in aregionalmatchthat resulted in32membersadvancing to theJuniorOlympics.

Almost 2,000 youths participated in theRegion3meetheldJune25-28atNortheastHigh School in Pasadena. Region 3 iscomposed of athletes from the state ofMarylandandNorthernVirginia.

But it’snot just theathletes thatmaketheHighsteppers the successful team they are.

“Wehavededicatedcoacheswhoarejustout here dedicated to the team,” saidDedraShears, a team mom. ”We have a team ofdedicated teammoms who are out here toassist not only the kids, but the parent andthe coaches. And then you have the kidswho seriously want to excel. They want todowell.”

Editor’s note: Youths interested in being apart of theHighsteppers should call CYSS at301-677-1179. A physical is required beforejoining the team.

The season begins the first week of Apriland ends with the Junior Olympic Games inAugust.

To view and download more photos, visitwww.flickr.com/photos/ftmeade/.

The Highsteppers take a team photo after practice at Gaffney Fitness Center’s track. Several members are advancing to the Junior Olympics.

The Highsteppers train before their competition at Northeast High School in Pasadena. Nearly 2,000 youths participated inthe Region 3 meet held June 25-28. Region 3 is composed of athletes from Maryland and Northern Virginia.

SOUNDOFF! | THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2015 SPORTS 15

16 SPORTS THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2015 | SOUNDOFF!

My boss, “The Jibber,” gaveme a chance to write a sportscolumn thisweek—anoppor-tunity I found too hard to passup.So here it is, sports fans. I

hope you enjoymy viewpoint.ButbeforeIcansharemy“twocents” on all things sports, youshould probably know a littleaboutmy sports philosophy.Likemost sports fans, Ihave

my favorite teams, my favoritesports. But unlike a lot ofpeople, I’m just not a diehardsports fan.Don’t get me wrong. I love football,

college and the pros. I think I lovebasketball evenmore.MarchMadness,countme in!NBAplayoffs— I’m tunedin from April until a champion iscrowned in June. I casually watchmajor leaguebaseball until theplayoffsstart. But once they start, I’m all in.What separatesme frommost fans is

that I’m at an age now where I try torationalize nearly everything I do. Andthat include sports. If it doesn’t makesense tome, I have ahard timedoing it.So when one of my teams loses a biggame, instead of getting mad andwalking around the house pouting likemy son Aaron or my nephew Gary, Isimply say to myself, “They’re notpayingme.”There’s no shouting at the TV,

cussing at players and coaches whocan’t hear me or worse, could care lessabout how I feel about theirgame. There’s no kicking the dog ortossing the potato chips across thefloor.Therefore, there’s no real reason for

me to get or stay mad. I have used thisrationale for years now and it seems toalwayswork.At best, I’mupset for about five or10

minutes. I’llwatch thepost-gamepressconference (or maybe not), then I getback to living a happy life. My teamlost. Whatever! If they paid me, trustme it would be different. You’d see mewith bumper stickers on my car, teamflags flying in the breeze, and mewearing colorful T-shirts boastingaboutmy favorite team.I know this rationale or sports

philosophy doesn’t work for every-body, but itworks forme.I consider myself a full-time profes-

sional commentator. I love watchinggreat plays and analyzing great games.But I’m not going to let a team losing a

game ruinmyday..........................It’s post Fourth of July. If

you take away major leaguebaseball—aprofessional sportthat seems to last forever eachyear — right now is supposedto be the most boring sportsperiod during the year.There’s no football, basketballor hockey.But as a tennis fan, I’m just

fine and I’m having a greattimewatchingWimbledon, oras the English prefer to call it,

The Championships at The All Eng-landLawnTennis Club.It’s been a great summer for Ameri-

can women. World No. 1 SerenaWilliams is still on track for a calendaryear Grand Slam. Serena won theAustralian Open in February and theFrenchOpen lastmonth.Meanwhile,AmericansCocoVande-

weghe andMadison Key both reachedtheWimbledon quarterfinals onMon-day. It’s been a long time since threeAmerican women have reached agrand slam quarterfinal. Unlike USA’smen’s tennis, it appears USA’s womentennis ismoving in the right direction.A win Tuesday over Victoria Aza-

renka put Serena in the semifinal foryet another high-drama match withMaria Sharapova. Despite the factMaria has lost the past15 or16matchesagainst Serena, this match should be agood one. Both women are playingexcellent tennis.Speaking of women’s sports, let me

give a quick shoutout to the U.S.women’s national soccer team for itsvictory Sunday over Japan in the 2015Women’s World Cup. With the win,America gets another chance to showhow inclusivewe can be.Whowould have thought that there

had never been a ticker-tape parade indowntown New York for a femalesports team?This subject was trending on NBC’s

“Today” show Tuesday morning. theNewYork Citymayor’s office exploredthe logistics and talked with the team,the U.S. Soccer Federation and otherpartners about a parade.It was finally decided Tuesday

evening, according to The New YorkTimes, to throw a ticker-tape paradeFridaymorning in lowerManhattan.I just started writing and I’m out of

space. Imayhave to lobby theboss forafewmore column inches nextweek.

JIBBER JABBER - OPINION

A summer like no other

Philip H.JonesCOMMANDINFORMATIONCHIEF

Body toneGaffney Fitness Center is offering a

full-body resistance-training class onTuesdays from 5:15-6:15 p.m.

Cost is free and open to all authorizedusers age 18 and older.

For more information, call 310-677-2349.

Hip-Hop Indoor SpinGaffney Fitness Center is offering Hip-

Hop Indoor Spin, a high-energy cardiovas-cular workout, on Wednesdays from 5:15-6:15 p.m.

This class combines cycling with up-beat hip-hop and R&B music.

Cost is free and open to all authorizedusers age 18 and older.


Youth Sports fall registrationRegistration for fall sports is underway.Fall sports include: NFL Flag Football,

tackle football, volleyball, tennis, soccerand cheerleading.

Youth Sports is seeking volunteercoaches for every sport.

To register or for more information, goto ftmeademwr.com or call 301-677-1179or 301-677-1329.

Cosmic BowlingThe Lanes at Fort Meade offers Cosmic

Bowling on Saturday nights from 7-11 p.m.For more information, call 301-677-

5541.

Zumba classesZumba is offered Wednesdays from

noon to 12:45 p.m., Tuesdays and Thurs-days from 7-8 p.m., and Mondays andWednesdays from 5:30-6:30 p.m. atGaffney Fitness Center.

The free class, which incorporatesLatin dance, is open to all authorizedusers age 18 and older.


Football referees wantedCYSS Youth Sports is looking for volun-

teer NFL Flag Football referees for ages6-12.

If interested or for more information,call the Youth Sports office at 301-677-1329 or 301-677-1179.

EFMP walking groupExceptional Family Member Program

families are invited to join the EFMP walk-ing group on the second and fourth Mon-day of each month from 8:30-9:30 a.m.at the Arundel Mills Mall, at the entrance

between Best Buy and Old Navy.Registration is required.To register, call 301-677-4473.

Fort Meade Run SeriesThe annual Fort Meade Run Series

continues with the following events:Football Fanfare 5K: Sept. 19, 8 a.m.,

Constitution ParkGhosts, Ghouls & Goblins 5K: Oct. 24, 8

a.m., The PavilionTurkey Trot 5K: Nov. 21, 8 a.m., Murphy

Field HouseReindeer Run 5K: Dec. 19, 8 a.m., Mur-

phy Field HouseAll runs are open to the public and

include a 1-mile walk.Preregistration for individuals costs

$15. Registration on event day costs $25.Preregistration costs $45 per family of

three to six people and $60 on the day ofthe event.

Preregistration for groups of seven to10 runners costs $85.

All preregistered runners will receive aT-shirt.


Youth Sports seeksvolunteer coaches

Volunteer coaches are needed forbaseball, softball, tennis, lacrosse,basketball, track, NFL Flag Football, andsoccer.

All volunteers will receive free trainingand will be certified through the NationalYouth Sports Coaches Association.

All volunteers must complete a back-ground check.

Apply at the Child, Youth and SchoolServices’ Youth Sports & Fitness Office at1900 Reece Road.

For more information, call 301-677-1179or 301-677-1329.

Dollar DaysDollar Days at the Lanes are offered

every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Bowlers receive a game of bowling,

shoe rental, a hot dog, hamburger, smallfries, pizza slice or medium soda for $1each.


Tae kwon doChild, Youth and School Services offers

tae kwon do classes for youths of all agesTuesdays and Thursday at the YouthCenter.

Classes are broken into different agegroups. Cost is $45 for ages 4 to 6 and$85 for ages 7–17.


SPORTS SHORTS

SOUNDOFF! | THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2015 COMMUNITY 17

The deadline for Soundoff! community“News and Notes” is Friday at noon. Allsubmissions are posted at the editor’s dis-cretion and may be edited for space andgrammar. Look for additional communityevents on the Fort Meade website atwww.ftmeade.army.mil and the Fort MeadeFacebook page at facebook.com/ftmeade.

For more information or to submit anannouncement, email [email protected] or call Editor Dijon Rolle at 301-677-6806.

NEWS & EVENTS

70th ISRW change of commandThe 25th Air Force commander invites

community members to attend the 70thIntelligence, Surveillance and Reconnais-sance Wing change-of-command ceremonyWednesday at 9 a.m. at McGlachlin ParadeField.

Col. Kevin D. Dixon will relinquish com-mand to Col. Thomas K. Hensley.

SFL-TAP Employer DaySoldier for Life-Transition Assistance

Program (formerly Army Career and AlumniProgram) is offering “Employer Day,” a minicareer fair, on July 23 from 1-3 p.m. at McGillTraining Center, 8452 Zimborski Ave.

This event is open to SFL-TAP Soldiers,their spouses and retirees.

Dress professionally, bring copies of yourresume, provide contact information foremployers and be prepared for a possibleinterview.

The following employers are participat-ing: Department of Homeland Security-Immigration and Customs Enforcement;BCT LLC, Jasint Consulting and Technolo-gies; Johns Hopkins Health System; Leidosscientific, engineering and systems in-tegration services; L-3 Communications;Microsoft; Philadelphia Fire Department;PKW Associates; RCJ Consulting; SecretService; and the Squires Group.

For more information, go to the SFL-TAPCenter at 8501 Simonds St., Room 105 orcall the office at 301-677-9871.

Office closureEffective July 29, the Directorate of

Human Resources’ Military Personnel Divi-sion and ID Card Section, located at 2234Huber Road, will close the last Wednesdayof each month from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. fortraining.

Clark Road closureClark Road, between 27th Street and

Rockenbach Road, will be closed Wednes-day in both directions and will not reopen.

This is a programmed closure to supportthe construction of the new access controlpoint at Rockenbach Road.

A connector road from Ernie Pyle Streetto Rockenbach Road is under constructionand is expected to be completed aroundthe first week of September.

ACS Needs Assessment SurveyWhat programs would you like ACS to

provide? Are your expectations of ACSofferings being met? What services havebeen the most beneficial to you?

Make your opinions count by taking abrief ACS Needs Assessment Survey facili-tated by the Directorate of Family andMorale, Welfare and Recreation and In-stallation Management Command.

The survey provides a unique opportuni-ty to measure usage and helpfulness ofindividual ACS programs and services andidentify emerging needs related to theArmy way of life.

The confidential survey is available atwww.armymwr.com/ACS-survey throughAug. 30.

RAB meeting tonightThe next Fort Meade environmental

Restoration Advisory Board meeting istoday at 7 p.m. at the Courtyard Marriott,2700 Hercules Road, Annapolis Junction.

All community members are invited.RAB meetings are held to keep the public

informed of Fort Meade’s environmentalcleanup and restoration program, and toprovide opportunities for public involve-ment and open discussion.

Anyone who would like to learn moreabout the restoration program or become aRAB member is encouraged to attend.

For more information, call 301-677-7999or visit www.ftmeade.army.mil/director-ates/dpw/environment. (Click on the RABlink.)

Summer Concert SeriesThe U.S. Army Field Band will present its

weekly Summer Concert Series from Aug.1-22 at 7 p.m. at Constitution Park.

The Saturday evening concerts are freeand open to the public.

Aug. 1: The Jazz Ambassadors: “OneHundred Years of Billie Holiday”

Aug. 8: Concert Band and Soldiers’ Cho-

rus: “Army Goes to the Movies”Aug. 15: The Volunteers: “Kings of the

Highway: Road Music”Aug. 22: Finale concert featuring the

Concert Band and Soldiers’ Chorus: “Tchai-kovsky’s 1812 Overture”

For more information, go to armyfield-band.com or call 301-677-6586.

Dental rep at KimbroughA representative from the Tricare Retiree

Dental Plan (Delta Dental) will be availableWednesday from 10 a.m. to noon at Kim-brough Ambulatory Care Center in thepharmacy waiting area.

Dinner and dance“Magic of Motown” dinner and dance will

be held July 31 from 5:30-9 p.m. at ClubMeade.

The event is open to Club Meade mem-bers and nonmembers, civilians and mil-itary, all ranks and services.

Advance tickets are recommended.Cost is $23 for Club Meade members

and $25 for nonmembers.Tickets purchased at the door cost $27

for club members and $30 for nonmem-bers.


Farmers’ marketThe Fort Meade Farmers’ Market is open

every Wednesday through Sept. 9 from 10a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Pavilion.

The farmers market features a variety offresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, breads andhot lunch options.

For more information, call 301-677-3579or 301-252-8688.

EDUCATION

Financial, Employment ReadinessArmy Community Service offers Fi-

nancial Readiness and Employment Readi-ness classes to all ranks and services and toDoD civilian employees at the CommunityReadiness Center, 830 Chisholm Ave.

Registration is required for each class.Financial Readiness:Banking Basics: Tuesday, 9-11 a.m.Car Buying: July 21, 9-11 a.m.Basics of Investing: July 28, 9-11 a.m.First Term Financial Readiness (online):

July 28 or Aug. 25, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.Thrift Savings Plan: Aug. 11, 9-11 a.m.Home Buying: Aug. 18, 9 a.m. to noonEmployment Readiness:Social Media for Job Seekers: July 23, 8

a.m. to noon, McGill Training CenterTo register or for more information, call

301-677-5590 or go to fortmeadeac-s.checkappointments.com.

NEWS & NOTES

See NEWS & NOTES, page 18

RAMADANOBSERVANCEFort Meade and the National Security Agency will host the installation’s annual

Ramadan Iftar program today at 7 p.m. at Argonne Hills Chapel Center, 7100RockenbachRoad.

This year’s event features guest speaker Rep. Andre Carson of Indiana’s 7thDistrict, and a traditional breaking of the fast andmeal.

For more information, call Chad Jones, director of the Fort Meade Public AffairsOffice, at 301-677-1301.

FILE PHOTO

18 COMMUNITY THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2015 | SOUNDOFF!

Free classesThe Navy Fleet and Family Support

Center offers a variety of classes at itsfacility at 2212 Chisholm Ave.

The free classes are open to DoD IDcardholders including active-duty servicemembers, retirees and their family mem-bers, DoD civilian employees and contrac-tors.

Registration is required for each class.Stress Management: Today, 9:30-11:30

a.m.TGPS Workshop (Transition, Goals, Plans

and Success): Monday to July 17 or July27-31, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

DTAP Brief: July 20, 1-2:30 p.m.Common Sense Parenting: July 20, 9-10

a.m.Topic: “Parents Are Teachers”Ten Steps to a Federal Job: July 21, 9 a.m.

to noonCareer Technical Training: July 22-23, 8

a.m. to 4 p.m.Anger Management: July 30, 9:30-11:30

a.m.Medical Records Review: Appointment

requiredTo register or for more information, call

301-677-9017 or 301-677-9018.

YOUTH

‘Blackbeard The Pirate’Missoula Children’s Theatre drama camp

for grades one to 12 will be held July 20-25from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Registration costs $55.The camp will present a free perform-

ance of “Blackbeard The Pirate” on July 25at 3 p.m.

To register or for more information, go toParent Central Services at 1900 ReeceRoad or call 301-677-1196.

Vacation Bible SchoolVacation Bible School, for ages 4 through

fifth grade, will be held Aug. 3-7 from 9 a.m.to noon at Argonne Hills Chapel Center,7100 Rockenbach Road.

Registration is being conducted throughJuly 31. Registration tables are located atthe Main Post Chapel and the Chapel Cen-ter.

Vacation Bible School is open to all de-nominations postwide. This year’s theme isWeird Animals: “Where Jesus’ Love is One-of-a-Kind.”

This year’s VBS is limited to the first 40preschool children and 125 elementary-agechildren.

For more information, call Marcia East-land at 301-677-0386 or Sheila Stewart at301-677-6038.

Weekly playgroupChildren ages 4 and younger are invited

to a weekly playgroup held every Fridayfrom 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Family Advo-cacy Center, 2462 85th Medical BattalionAve.

The playgroup features a variety of en-gaging activities to build strong parent-child relationships.

Space is limited. Registration is requiredfor each session.


RECREATION

Out & About• The Annapolis Irish Festival will be

held Friday from 4-10 p.m. and Saturdayfrom 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Anne ArundelCounty Fairgrounds, 1450 Generals High-way.

Tickets cost $15 on Friday and $25 onSaturday.

Service members with a valid military IDand one guest will be admitted for free onFriday.

The event will feature national and re-gional music groups, Irish step dancers,competitions, and vendors offering Irishcrafts, foods, clothing and jewelry.

Leprechaun Land is free for children andopen Saturday only from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Parents must purchase tickets to thefestival to accompany children in Lepre-chaun Land, which will feature a bouncycastle, face painting, balloon sculpturesand hats, activities and culture, and a mu-sic show with Seamus Kennedy.

No coolers, pets, outside beverages orfood, or pop-up tents are permitted.

For a complete schedule, go to annapo-lisirishfestival.com.

• The 13th Annual Common Ground onthe Hill Roots Music & Arts Festival willbe held Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. andSunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the CarrollCounty Farm Museum, 500 S. Center St.,Westminster.

A free event will be Saturday from 9 p.m.to midnight.

The event celebrates the commonground of the traditional arts includingbluegrass, old-time, Americana, West Afri-can, Celtic, Native American, rock andworld music on four stages; a beer garden;juried arts and crafts, arts and food ven-dors.

Tickets for adults cost $30 on Saturdayand $25 on Sunday. Tickets for all weekendcost $50.

Tickets for children ages 6-12 cost $10per day.

All-weekend passes for seniors andteens ages 13-17 cost $45; tickets for Sat-urday cost $25 and tickets for Sunday costs$20.

For more information, call 410-857-2290or go to commongroundonthehill.org.

• Maryland Battle of the Beast is beingheld through Sept. 30 at the J Bar W Ranch,10530 Green Valley Road, Union Bridge, rainor shine.

Gates open at 5 p.m. Event ends about9:30 p.m.

Event includes full rodeo, bull riding,barrel racing, wild cow milking and muttonbustin’.

Little Wranglers Rodeo is held 5:30-6p.m. Free with admission.

Tickets cost $15 for adults and $5 forchildren ages 6-12.

Food available for purchase (cash only).Bleacher seating; bring a blanket to sit incomfort.

For more information, call 301-898-9841or go to jbarwranch.com.

• Sunset Serenades are presentedWednesdays at 7 p.m. at Centennial ParkSouth, 10000 Route 108, Ellicott City.

Bring a blanket or lawn chair and picnic..Wednesday: Slick Hampton - jazz fusionJuly 22: Shotgun Shack - classic rockJuly 29: Jenee - R&B, soulAug. 5: Soul Island Rebels - eclectic blues

funk & rootsAug. 12: Higher Hands - funky soul fusionRefreshments are available for sale. Boat

rentals available at Centennial Park, cashonly.

The Community Action Council of How-ard County will collect nonperishable fooditems for the Howard County food bank atall Sunset Serenades concerts.

For a recorded announcement aboutcancellation due to inclement or heat-related weather, call 410-313-4451 after 5p.m. on the day of the performance.

For more information, call 410-313-4700.• Artscape, America’s largest free arts

festival, will be held July 17 and July 18 from11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and July 19 from 11 a.m. to 8p.m. in Baltimore.

The annual event features more than 150fine artists, fashion designers and crafts-people; visual art exhibits, outdoor sculp-ture, art cars, and photography; live con-certs on outdoor stages; a full schedule ofperforming arts including dance, opera,theater, film, experimental music and theBaltimore Symphony Orchestra; familyevents such as hands-on projects, demon-strations, children’s entertainers and streettheater; and an international menu of foodand beverages throughout the festival site.

Artscape takes place in the Mount RoyalAvenue and Cathedral Street, CharlesStreet, Bolton Hill, and Station North Artsand Entertainment District neighborhoods.

For more information, go to artscape.org.• The 37th Anniversary of the Mont-

pelier Summer Concert Series in Laurel ishelds Fridays through Aug. 7.

Bring a picnic and blanket or chair andenjoy free performances on the west lawn

of the Montpelier Mansion grounds.Concerts are held from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.Friday: Four Star Combo (rockabilly,

honky tonk)July 17: Shakespeare in the Park featuring

“ Romeo and Juliet” (Rain location: Deer-field Run Community Center, 13000 Laurel-Bowie Road, Route 197)

July 24, 7:30-9:30 p.m.: The Tribe(rhythm and blues, jazz, soul, funk)

Aug. 7: Jazz Caravan (blues, swing, Mo-town)

In the event of heavy rain, concerts willbe canceled. Call 301-953-7882 after 5 p.m.the day of the concert for verification.

MEETINGSFort Meade E9 Association meets the

second Friday of every month at 7 a.m. inthe Pin Deck Cafe at the Lanes. The nextmeeting is Friday.

The association is open to active, retired,Reserve and National Guard E9s of anyuniformed service. All E9s in this area areinvited to attend a breakfast and meet themembership. For more information, go toe9association.org.

Meade Branch 212 of the Fleet Re-serve Association meets the secondSaturday of each month at 10 a.m. at VFWPost 160, 2597 Dorsey Road, Glen Burnie.The next meeting is Saturday. Active-duty,Reserve and retired members of the U.S.Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard areinvited. For more information, call 443-604-2474 or 410-768-6288.

Marriage Enrichment Group, spon-sored by Army Community Service, meetsthe second and fourth Monday of everymonth from 3-4 p.m. at the CommunityReadiness Center, 830 Chisholm Ave. Thenext meeting is Monday. For more informa-tion, call Celena Flowers or Jessica Hob-good at 301-677-5590.

Military District of Washington Ser-geant Audie Murphy Club meets the thirdWednesday of each month from noon to 1p.m. at the Joint Base Myer-Henderson HallDining Facility in Virginia. The next meetingis Wednesday.

All members and those interested injoining the club are welcome. For moreinformation, contact Master Sgt. EricaLehmkuhl at [email protected] or301-833-8415.

Air Force Sergeants AssociationChapter 254 meets the third Wednesdayof every month from 3-4 p.m. in the audito-rium of the Airman Leadership School,8470 Zimborski Ave. The next meeting isWednesday. For more information, call831-521-9251 or go to AFSA254.org.

Prostate Cancer Support Group meetsat Walter Reed National Military MedicalCenter in Bethesda on the third Thursdayof every month. The next meeting is July 16from 1-2 p.m. and 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the

NEWS & NOTES, From page 17

SOUNDOFF! | THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2015 COMMUNITY 19

America Building, River Conference Room(next to the Prostate Center), third floor.

Spouses/partners are invited. Military IDis required for base access. Men without amilitary ID should call the Prostate Centerat 301-319-2900 at least four business daysprior to the event for base access.

For more information, call retired Col.Jane Hudak at 301-319-2918 or [email protected].

Meade Rod and Gun Club will meet July16 at 7 p.m. at Perry’s Restaurant andOdie’s Pub at 1210 Annapolis Road, Oden-ton, in the banquet hall in back of the build-ing. The club usually meets the first Thurs-day of the month. Dinner is served at 6 p.m.For more information, call Charisma Woo-ten at 240-568-6055.

Calling All Dads, for expecting fathersand fathers with children of all ages, meetsthe first and third Monday of every monthfrom 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the Family Advo-cacy Program Center, 2462 85th MedicalBattalion Ave.

The next meeting is July 20. Children arewelcome. Registration is required. For moreinformation, call 301-677-4118.

Families Dealing with Deploymentmeets the first and third Monday of everymonth from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the FamilyAdvocacy Program, 2462 85th MedicalBattalion Ave. Children welcome. The nextmeeting is July 20.

The group is for families experiencing anupcoming or current deployment, or whohave recently returned from deployment.For more information, call 301-677-5590 oremail [email protected].

Retired Enlisted Association meets thethird Tuesday of the month from 7:30-8:30p.m. at Perry’s Restaurant, 1210 AnnapolisRoad, Odenton. The next meeting is July 21.For more information, visit trea.org or callElliott Phillips, local president, at 443-790-3805; Charles M. Green, local president at443-610-4252; or Arthur R. Cooper, pastnational president, at 443-336-1230.

The Enlisted Association is seekingmembers to join its ranks in an effort toincrease membership. The membership isopen to any enlisted person eligible forretired pay from an active or Reserve com-ponent of the U.S. Armed Forces, either forlength of service or permanent medicaldisability, and is eligible for regular mem-bership including life membership.

Active-duty, Reserve and National Guardenlisted personnel are eligible for regularmembership only. A retired member ad-vanced to commissioned or warrant officerstatus, either through recall to active dutyor on the retired list, will remain eligible forregular membership as long as dues arekept current.

For more information about becoming aTREA member, go to trea.org or call CharlesGreen, the local chapter president, at 443-

610-4252 or email [email protected]’s Empowerment Group meets

Wednesdays from 2-3:30 p.m. to provide asafe, confidential arena for the support,education and empowerment of womenwho have experienced past or presentfamily violence.

Location is only disclosed to partici-pants. To register, call Samantha Herring,victim advocate, at 301-677-4124 or Kath-erine Lamourt, victim advocate, at 301-677-4117.

Moms Walking Group, sponsored byParent Support, meets Thursdays from8:30-9:15 a.m. at the Family AdvocacyProgram, 2462 85th Medical Battalion Ave.To register, call 301-677-3617.

Project Healing Waters meets Thurs-days from 6-8 p.m. at the Soldiers andFamily Assistance Center, 2462 85th Medi-cal Battalion Ave.

The project is dedicated to the physicaland emotional rehabilitation of woundedwarriors and veterans through fly fishing, flytying and outings.

For more information, call Larry Vawter,program leader, at 443-535-5074 or [email protected].

Dancing with the Heroes, free ballroomdance lessons for the Warrior TransitionUnit, meets Thursdays at 6 p.m. at ArgonneHills Chapel Center in the seminar room.

Participants should wear loose clothing,comfortable shoes with leather soles. Nosuper high heels or flip-flops.

Spanish Christian Service is conductedSundays at 1 p.m. at the Cavalry Chapellocated at 8465 Simonds St. and 6th Ar-mored Cavalry Road.

For more information, call Elias Mendezat 301-677-7314 or 407-350-8749.

Couples Communication meets everyMonday from 2:30-3:30 p.m. at the FamilyAdvocacy Program Center, 2462 85th Medi-cal Battalion Ave.

The session is aimed at helping couplesdevelop tools to enhance their relationship,gain problem-solving strategies, and createa long-lasting relationship. For more in-formation, call 301-677-4118.

Cub Scout Pack 377 invites boys in firstthrough fifth grades, or ages 7 to 10, toattend its weekly Monday meetings at 6p.m. at Argonne Hills Chapel Center.

For more information, email CubmasterChristopher Lassiter at [email protected] or Committee Chairperson MarcoCilibert at [email protected].

Boy Scout Troop 377 meets Mondaysfrom 7-8:30 p.m. at Argonne Hills ChapelCenter on Rockenbach Road. The troop isactively recruiting boys ages 11 to 18. Formore information, email Lisa Yetman, [email protected]; Scoutmaster EdSmith at [email protected]; or Wen-dall Lawrence, committee chairperson, [email protected].

To see what the troop offers, go towww.troop377.retiredguy.net.

Catholic Women of the Chapel meetsevery Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. for prayer andBible study in the Main Post Chapel, 4419Llewellyn Ave. Monthly programs are heldMondays at 6:30 p.m. The group is open toall women in the community ages 18 andolder — active duty, retiree and civilian —for prayer, faith fellowship, and service. Formore information, email Mariana Yinh [email protected].

American Legion Post 276 is open toveterans and active-duty service membersat 8068 Quarterfield Road in Severn. Break-fast may be purchased beginning at 9 a.m.Lunches may be purchased from 11:30 a.m.to 2:30 p.m. Happy Hour is 4-6 p.m. Dinnermay be purchased at 6 p.m. on Fridays andthe fourth Sunday of every month.

Membership discounts are offered foractive-duty military. For more information,call 410-969-8028 or visit americanlegion-post276.org.

Odenton Masonic Center, located at1206 Stehlik Drive, invites the community,local military, fire/emergency services andlocal businesses to enjoy its breakfast andspecialty dinners.

The center offers a fundraising “all-you-can-eat” breakfast every second Sundayfrom 7-11 a.m. Fundraising specialty dinnersare held the third Friday of the month from5-7 p.m.

Menus vary and are listed on the center’swebsite at odentonlodge209.net.

Society of Military Widows meets forbrunch the fourth Sunday of the month at 1p.m. at the Lanes. The next meeting is July26. For more information, call Betty Jonesat 410-992-1123.

Monthly Prayer Breakfast, hosted bythe Garrison Chaplain’s Office, is held thefirst Thursday of every month at 7 a.m. atClub Meade.

The next prayer breakfast is Aug. 6.There is no cost for the buffet. Donationsare optional. All Fort Meade employees,family members, and civilian and militarypersonnel are invited.

For more information, call 301-677-6703.National Alliance on Mental Illness of

Anne Arundel County offers a free sup-port group for families with a loved onesuffering from mental illness on the firstThursday of every month at 7 p.m. at theOdenton (West County) Library, 1325 An-napolis Road. The next meeting is Aug. 6.For more information, visit namiaac.org.

Fort Meade TOP III Association meetsthe second Wednesday of each month at 3p.m. at the Courses. The next meeting isAug. 12. The association is open to all AirForce active-duty and retired senior non-commissioned officers. For more informa-tion, call Master Sgt. Jonathan Jacob at443-479-0616 or email [email protected].

Themovie schedule is subject to change.Fora recordedannouncement of showings,call 301-677-5324. Further listings areavailable on the Army and Air ForceExchange Service website at www.aa-fes.com.

Movies start Fridays and Saturdays at6:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.

PRICES: Tickets are $6 for adults (12and older) and $3.50 for children. 3DMovies: $8 adults, $5.50 children.

Today throughJuly 25

Friday & Sunday: “Tomorrowland”(PG). Bound by a shared destiny, a teenbursting with scientific curiosity and aformer boy-genius inventor embark on amission to unearth the secrets of a placesomewhere in time and space that existsin their collective memory. With GeorgeClooney, Britt Robertson,HughLaurie.

Saturday: “Poltergeist” (PG-13). Afamily whose suburban home is hauntedby evil forces must come together torescue their youngest daughter after theapparitions take her captive. With SamRockwell, Rosemarie DeWitt, KennediClements.

July 17, 19 & 25: “Jurassic World”(PG-13).Anew themepark is built on theoriginal site of Jurassic Park. Everythingis going well until the park’s newestattraction — a genetically-modified giantstealth killing machine — escapes con-tainment and goes on a killing spree.With Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard,Ty Simpkins.

July 18: “Pitch Perfect 2” (PG-13).After a humiliating command perform-ance at LincolnCenter, theBardenBellasenter an international competition thatnoAmericangrouphaseverwon inorderto regain their status and right toperform. With Anna Kendrick, RebelWilson,Hailee Steinfeld.

MOVIES

TNS

Soundoff July 9, 2015

News & Politics

Transcript of Soundoff July 9, 2015