Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
!"#&$"%%!́PUBLISHED IN THE INTEREST OF THE FORT MEADE COMMUNITY THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2016 | 68th Year Number 22
FTMEADE.ARMY.MIL
Sarai Izzard stands up to cheer duringMeade High School’s graduationceremony on Monday at the ShowPlace Arena in Upper Marlboro.
PHOTO BY JEN RYNDA/BALTIMORE SUN MEDIA GROUP
GGrraadduuaattiioonn DDaayyGGrraadduuaattiioonn DDaayyMMeeaaddee HHiigghh SScchhoooollggrraadduuaatteess 443388 ssttuuddeennttssiinn tthhee CCllaassss ooff 22001166PPGG 99--1122
MMeeaaddee HHiigghh SScchhoooollggrraadduuaatteess 443388 ssttuuddeennttssiinn tthhee CCllaassss ooff 22001166PPGG 99--1122
PAYING TRIBUTE
Services held fordeputy fire chiefPAGE 3
Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.: Fort Meade Farmers Market - Pavilion
Today, 4-6 p.m.: Right Arm Night - Club MeadeSaturday, 8 a.m.: Army Birthday 5K Run &1-Mile Walk - PavilionJune 16, 1-7 p.m.: Teen Center10th Anniversary Party - Teen Center
UPCOMING EVENTS SILVER HEROIC ACT
Meade policemanrecognized for servicePAGE 4
2 NEWS THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2016 | SOUNDOFF!
!"#&$"%%!́EDITORIAL STAFF
Garrison CommanderCol. Brian P. Foley
Garrison Command Sergeant MajorRodwell L. Forbes
Public Affairs OfficerChad T. Jones [email protected]
Chief, Command InformationLarry Whitley Sr. [email protected]
EditorGanesa R. Robinson [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: 12,339
www.ftmeade.army.milor ftmeadesoundoff.com
JOIN THE CONVERSATION
Like - facebook.com/ftmeade
Follow - twitter.com/ftmeademd
View - instagram.com/ftmeademedia
View - flickr.com/photos/ftmeade
Watch - youtube.com/FortMeadeMD
Get text alerts from Fort Meadeby texting “Follow FtMeadeAlert”to 40404
ADVERTISING
General Inquiries [email protected]
Death Notices: [email protected]
G reetings, TeamMeade.I would like to start
off by thanking our Di-rectorate of Emergency Servicesfor what they do on a daily basisfor the safety and well-being ofthe people at Fort Meade. Theyput their lives on the line eachand every day to provide safety,security and protection for thepatrons on and off the installa-tion.
My humble prayers go out tothe family and friends of DeputyFire Chief Bruce Smith in theirloss. It was very rewarding to hear aboutthe life he lived and how much of animpact he had on those who had thepleasure of knowing him and who weretrained by him.
My “brother in arms” — you will neverbe forgotten.
So as you see the security guards at thegates, thepolice and firedepartment in thecommunity, take the time to thank themfor their service and treat themwith greatdignity and respect.
Summer is right around the corner, andit’snotonlya time forvacations, barbecuesand outdoor events, it is also the peak PCSmoving season formilitary families,whichwill last until mid-August. I encourage theFort Meade community to welcome in-coming families and assistwhere needed.
Sponsorship is of the utmost impor-tance. Please take the time to make sureservice members, civilians and their fami-lies know the resources and servicesavailable to them: Family and Morale,Welfare and Recreation; family programs;and spouse employment services.
If you need any assistance with thesponsorship program, call the SoldierSponsorship Hotline at 1-855-528-3423 orgo to www.ftmeade.army.mil/director-ates/dhr/mpd/sponsorship.html.
Remember, your first impression can bea lasting impression.
June is National Safety Month. As part
of DoD’s “101 Critical Days ofSummer Safety,” remember thateveryonehasarole inmakingoursummertime fun and safe. Thetime period between MemorialDayandLaborDay is called “TheCritical Days of Summer” be-cause of the number of off-dutydeaths and injuries.
The DoD reports that 81 per-cent of the noncombat fatalitiesin 2015 total took place over thesummer. As we are enjoying thewarm weather and participatingin summer activities, I ask that
each of you keep safety in mind and becautious this time of yearwhen traveling.
Congrats to all who have and willgraduate this month. I know it seems as ifit has been an eternity, but youhave finallyarrived. I wish you the best in your futureendeavors and that you will fulfill yourpurpose and destiny, which will continuetomake this nation great.
If you are still unclear about what youare going to do next, please visit themilitary recruiters, Army CommunityService’s EmploymentReadiness Programor Soldier for Life TAP for resume/jobpreparation assistance with finding a job.We have a number of services andprograms to help you make the rightdecisions for your future employment.
Last, but not least, on June 14 the Armywill celebrate 241 years of selfless serviceto the nation. Selfless service is at the coreof what it means to be a Soldier — puttingthewelfare of others ahead of oneself.
Thanks to each of youwho have servedthe Army in any manner. We couldn’t dowhatwedowithout your support.
This year, we will celebrate the Army’sbirthday with several events including a5K run and 1-mile walk on Saturday at thePavilion. I encourage you to join us as wecelebrate our great nation.
From “Team Forbes” to you, have ablessedand fruitful summerand justknowthat “The best is yet to come!”
COMMANDER’S COLUMN
Celebrating Soldiers
GarrisonCommandSgt. Maj.Rodwell L.Forbes
GarrisonCommanderCol. BrianP. Foley has an opendoor policy.All service members, retirees, government employees, family members and
community members age 18 or older are invited to address issues or concerns tothe commander directly by visiting Foley’s office onMondays from 4 to 6 p.m. atgarrison headquarters inHodgesHall, Bldg. 4551, LlewellynAvenue.
Visitors are seen on a first-come, first-served basis. No appointment isnecessary.
Formore information, call 301-677-4844.
Commander’s Open Door
SOUNDOFF! | THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2016 NEWS 3
C asey Green will never forget herformer instructor — Fort MeadeDeputy Fire Chief Bruce Stephen
Smith Jr.—andhis profound impact onherlife.
“Hewas themost wonderful person I’veevermet,” said a tearful Green, a firefighterand emergency medical technician at theMarylandCityVolunteer FireDepartment.
“I knew him through our Fire 1 class atAnne Arundel. From the first day, he gaveme tough love, but the best kind. He justtouched a lot of lives all over, from here totheEastern Shore and elsewhere.”
Green was among the more than 300people who attended a memorial servicefor Smith on June 2 at the Argonne HillsChapel Center. Also on hand were leadersand representatives of several regional firedepartments and emergency service or-ganizations.
A 25-year veteran of Fort Meade Fire &Emergency Services, Smith died May 30after sustaining injuries in a vehicularaccident in the Eastern Shore town ofStevensville.
ABaltimore nativewho lived in Stevens-ville, Smith would have turned 45 nextmonth.Heworkedonposthisentirecareer,while volunteering for fire companies inAnneArundel andQueenAnne’s counties.
He also mentored budding firefightersthrough the Maryland Fire and RescueInstitute.
Smith started his professional career atFort Meade on April 22, 1991, as a rookiefirefighter at age 19 and worked his way upthe organization.
At the memorial service, Smith’s helmetand firefighting jacket were exhibited on apedestal along with enlarged photos ofSmith and a flowerwreath.
Mourners in uniform wore badgesadornedwith black strips.
“We celebrate Bruce’s life today,” Garri-son Commander Col. Brian P. Foley said.“We know Bruce is OK and looking downonus, smiling that big smile of his.”
Foley praised Smith for his positivedemeanor; commitment to firefighting andthe Fort Meade community; and devotionto family, friends and colleagues.
“He was the most loving son, father,grandfather and brother anyone couldwant,” Foley said. “And he was a hard-charging leader who helped his depart-ment be the best in the Army in 2011, andagain in 2014 and 2015.
“Wewill all miss you, Bruce, but wewillhonor you by continuing to grow andadhere to the principles you instilled in usby continuing to save lives and be the bestfire department in the U.S. Army. We willnever forget you. Your legacywill live on.”
Lt. Col. Jeffrey E. Winegar, formerdirector and provost marshal of the Direc-torate of Emergency Services, describedSmith as a vigorous and passionate individ-ualwho enjoyed telling firefighting stories.
“When you talked with Bruce, you feltyou knew him for the longest time,”Winegar said. “He was a dedicated profes-sional and there for everyone else. Brucemade it happen.”
Winegar said Smith possessed an unpar-alleled knowledge of firefighting and emer-gency services that he passed down togenerations of firefighters andEMTs.
“Hewas a fixture in the community, andthe lives he touched were countless,”Winegar said. “His presence made youbetter.
“It was my honor to serve with Bruce toprotect lives.He’ll bemissed.”
Fire & Emergency Services Chief Ed-ward J. Rouvet said bidding farewell to
Smithwas the toughest goodbye of his life.He said he and Smith served as the
leadership team of the fire departmentsince 2007 and strongly complementedeach other.
“He was the hammer. Bruce always gotthe job done,” Rouvet said. “We were theperfect partnership, a great team. I neverhad toworry about anythingbecauseBrucewas there. We would not be the firedepartmentwe are todaywithout Bruce.
“Hewasmypal. I’ll nevermiss anyoneasmuch as I’llmiss Bruce.”
During his remarks, Chaplain (Col.)Warren E. Kirby Jr. offered prayers forSmith’s family, friends and colleagues.
“People were transformed by his exist-ence,”Kirby said. “Lifewill notbe the same,and it should not be the same. For Bruce,the journey had just begun.
“We now have to navigate through thatloss. We need to understand and acknowl-edge his journey is over.”
ButKirbyrecalled thatSmith thoroughlyenjoyed his life and profession.
“He [once] said tome, ‘Chaplain, it don’tget better than this,’ ” Kirby said.
During amoment of silence led byKirby,
horns from emergency vehicles parkedoutside the Chapel Center sounded inunison to pay tribute to Smith.
That sound was broken by a perform-ance of “Amazing Grace” by the Mont-gomeryCountyFirefightersPipes&Drumsgroup.
At other times during the program, thetrio also performed “Londonderry Air,”“Scotland the Brave,” “The Minstrel Boy,”“JohnnyScobie”and“HighlandCathedral.”
“I didn’t know [Smith] well, but I didknow him,” said bass drummer BrianHagberg. “We’re all one big brotherhoodand stand for each other. Itwas anhonor tobe here.”
Smith is survived by his parents Bruce S.Smith Sr. and Gail; his brother Douglas; hischildren Christopher, Laura, Krysten andBrook; and his grandchildren, Hailey andHarper.
On Friday afternoon, the family con-ducted anothermemorial service for Smithat the Kent Island Volunteer Fire Depart-ment inChester,Md.
Memorial donations may be sent toGrasonville Volunteer Fire Department,4128Main St, Grasonville,Md. 21638.
IN MEMORIAM DEPUTY FIRE CHIEF BRUCE S. SMITH JR.
Fort Meade pays tribute to fallen firefighterBy Alan H. FeilerStaff Writer
Members of Fort Meade Fire & Emergency Services and Grasonville Volunteer Fire Department carry and salute an urncontaining the remains of Deputy Fire Chief Bruce S. Smith Jr. at Friday’s memorial service at the Kent Island Volunteer FireDepartment in Chester, Md.
PHOTO BY SPC. KIARA FLOWERS
4 NEWS THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2016 | SOUNDOFF!
O n Oct. 20, 2015, Police Cpl.BenjaminHamilton saved a life.
A member of the Fort MeadePolice, Hamilton was honored for hisbravery by the Baltimore Federal Execu-tive Board with the Silver Heroic ActIndividual Award.
“I felt goodabout receiving theaward,”Hamilton said. “I was able to do some-thing to save a life. The acknowledgmentof the awardwas like icing on the cake.”
The awardwas presentedMay 6 at the49th Annual Excellence in Federal Ca-reerAwards program inBaltimore.
“Theceremony ispresently the largest,interagency awards program in the na-tion that honors public service in Ameri-ca,” according to the organization’s bro-chure. “It highlights the most extraordi-nary contributions made by men andwomen that serve theAmerican public.”
On that day in late October, a dispatchemergency call came into theFortMeadePolice at 4:30 p.m. The caller, aMelwoodemployee, said that another Melwoodemployee was sitting in the garage in themotor pool at Building 69 and wasthreatening to take his own life.
The distressed employee, a man in his30s, had his foot on the gas on a forkliftandwas trying to suffocate himself.
“He [the caller] told me the guy won’tcomeout andwill fight anyone coming inthe building,” Hamilton said. “I wentinside to introduce myself. I told him toturnoff the equipment and talk about thesituation.”
Theman said he would not cut off thegas. Hewanted to end his life because hewas about to lose his job.
Hamilton opened the garage door tolet someof thesmokeout.Themansaid ifanyonedared tocutoff theequipment,hewould start a fight.
“If you want to fight, let’s go outside.We’ll have more room,” Hamilton toldtheman. “There’smore freshairoutside.”
Hamilton told the man he was takingoff his firearm belt, then asked him tocome forward so he could check him forweapons.
Themandid.Hamilton then cuffed the man and
called thepolicedesk to ask forparamed-ics.
In the meantime, Hamilton tried tocalm themandown.
“I told him it’s not worth you losing
your life, and your family feeling badbecause you killed yourself,” Hamiltonrecalled.
But the man was insistent on goingthroughwith the suicide.
He said working for Melwood was hislife.
But Hamilton continued to offer himassistance andwords to console him.
“Wejustwant togetyousomehelpandhave you go to the hospital,” Hamiltonsaid. “The hospital will be able to helpyou copewith the situation right now.”
Hamilton thenasked theman ifhewastaking any medication. The man said hewas but did not take any that day.
Hamilton prodded him with morequestions.
“Do you think your mother wants tosee you in this situation?” Hamilton
asked theman.“No,” he replied.Hamilton then asked if themanwould
allow emergency personnel to transporthim to a hospital to get help. The manfinally relented.
As the paramedics arrived, the manasked Hamilton to stay by his sidebecause he felt comfortablewith him.
The Fort Meade Police requested anemergency psychiatric petition so theman could be evaluated.
Hamilton later learned that he re-ceived the help he needed.
A fewmonths later, Hamilton reachedout to the man’s supervisor at Melwoodand discovered he didn’t lose his job. Hestarted taking his medication again andwas transferred to another Melwood jobsite.
Hamilton, who has been a FortMeadepolice officer for nine years, attended theaward ceremony with his wife, Gwendo-lyn, a cancer survivor.
“My wife was there with me,” Hamil-ton said. “Shewas proud to see that Iwasacknowledged for someof the things thatI have done.
“It means a lot to be recognized, thatmyfamilycansee thehardwork that Ido.It is a reminder that when the day comesfor me to pass, my grandchildren willknow that their grandfatherwas a hero.”
Lt. Rolenn Land, Hamilton’s supervi-sor, is proud aswell.
“He’s one ofmybest,” Land said.Hamiltonwas promoted to corporal in
April.“Itwasapromotionwellearned,”Land
said.
Police corporal recognized for heroic serviceBy Lisa R. RhodesStaff Writer
Fort Meade Police Cpl. Benjamin Hamilton holds his Heroic Act Individual Award presented by the Baltimore Federal Execu-tive Board on May 6. Hamilton’s wife, Gwendolyn, and Fort Meade Police Chief Capt. Thomas Russell share their congratu-lations.
SUBMITTED PHOTO
6 NEWS THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2016 | SOUNDOFF!
A bout a month ago, Larry Whit-ley Sr. received an email fromArmy Public Affairs Associa-
tion President Doug Coffey inquiring ifhe was attending the organization’sAnnual Recognition Dinner and 241stArmyBirthdayObservance.Whitley, command information chief
of Fort Meade’s Public Affairs Office,told Coffey he wasn’t sure. A day later,Coffey asked if they could speak on thephone.“He called and said, ‘I asked you to
come because you’ve been selected forthe Joe Galloway Lifetime AchievementAward,’ ”Whitley recalled. “Iwas totallysurprised. So, of course, my wife and Irearranged our calendar to be there.”A veteran Army public affairs special-
ist and retired sergeant major, Whitleywas presented the award on June 2 atthe Hilton Mark Center Hotel in Al-exandria, Va. Approximately 200 peopleattended the gala, including Brig. Gen.Malcolm B. Frost, chief of public affairsfor theArmy at the Pentagon, andAPAAChair AmeeRoberson.The award, which was established in
2010, isnamedafter thewarcorrespond-ent who co-wrote the 1992 best-seller,“WeWere Soldiers Once ... And Young,”about the first U.S. large-unit battle inVietnam. On May 1, 1998, Galloway wasdecorated with the Bronze Star with Vfor valor for rescuing wounded Soldiersunder fire in the la Drang Valley inNovember 1965. His is the onlymedal ofvalor theU.S. Armyawarded to a civilianfor actions during theVietnamWar.“Larry has been a friend, mentor and
advisor to many of us in public affairs,”Coffey said. “From his role as sergeantmajor to his role as a board director ofthe Army Public Affairs Association, hisadvice has always been invaluable.”Whitley, a co-founder of the APAA,
said he was honored and humbled toreceive the award.“I did a lot of work, but there were a
whole bunch of people that helped memake it happen,”he said. “Youhave tobea team and understand organizationalstructure and leadership and the impactfor theend-user, andhave theminvolvedin the process to get them what theyneed.A native of Grand Rapids, Mich.,
Whitley lives in Laurel with his wife,Leann Montague-Whitley, a retiredmaster sergeant.AVietnam- andColdWar-era veteran
who began working at the Fort MeadePAO in March, Whitley was drafted bytheArmyin1971whilestudyingatAlbionCollege inMichigan.Hewas trainedas ajournalist at the Defense InformationSchool, then based at Fort BenjaminHarrison in Indianapolis.“I didn’t know anything about jour-
nalism,” Whitley said. “But my parentsalways said, ‘Do your best,’ and that’swhat I’ve always tried to do. I tookadvantage of the opportunities putbeforeme. Itwas just the right fit.”Throughout his nearly 26-year Army
career, Whitley served in a variety ofpublic affairs capacities, rising to therank of sergeant major and eventuallyserving as senior enlisted advisor to the
chief of Army Public Affairs, Office ofthe Secretary of theArmy.Whitley also served as the lead
proponent for the public affairs dis-cipline for the Army. The job focused onmoving aspects of the public affairsdiscipline to ensure successful op-erations into the 21st century.Actions included updating the train-
ing curriculum for public affairs practi-tioners; professional development ofpublic affairs people; and developingpublic affairs force structure with mod-ernized equipment and updated man-ning and doctrine.During his career, Whitley worked at
various times at the Pentagon for 13years, serving in myriad public affairs
roles. He worked in radio and televisionbroadcasting; community and govern-ment relations; newspaperwriting, edit-ing and design for Army News Service;organizational development; and equip-mentmanagement.“I’ve pretty much done it all,” said
Whitley,whoearnedabachelor’s degreein history and English from ColumbiaCollege in Missouri and a master’s inmanagement from Webster Universityin St. Louis.Among the highlights of his career, he
said,wereworking for themedia sectionat SupremeHeadquarters Allied PowersEurope, as part of NATO, in Mons,Belgium; and with the 11th ArmoredCavalryRegiment inGermany.“My job at SHAPE was significant to
me,” Whitley said. “We had an interna-tional staff and handled all the mediarelations for the Allied Command Eu-rope.“We developed a communications
platform that allowed us to manage themajorcommandmessagesonsignificanttopics that kept public affairs officersNATO-wide aligned and equipped torespond to general questions.”Whitley was promoted to sergeant
major during his assignment with theArmed Forces Radio and TelevisionService Broadcast Center in Sun Valley,Calif. In that role, he oversaw program-ming for broadcast networks overseas insupport of 24/7 operations.“There are certain things that are
important— focuson themissionandbeconcerned about people, and give themwhat theyneedtobesuccessful,”hesaid.“In Army public affairs, it’s all about theSoldiers. You do that, you can’t gowrong.”After retiring from the Army,Whitley
worked for a decade in communicationsfor the Boeing Co. He subsequently ranhis own public relations firm andworked at Northrop Grumman Aero-space Systems.Prior to being called to Fort Meade,
Whitley was retired for four years andliving inConway, S.C.“Things are changing with public
affairs, just like the Army is changing,”he said. “You have to have a vision toshow how best the organization shouldchange tomeet the needs.“In my career, I never sought awards
or applied for them,” Whitley said. “Iwas just abusyguy, andIwas justgettingit done for my Army. This award isspecial because is comes frommy peers– people who have demonstrated excel-lence in the craft for our nation.”
PAO official receives lifetime achievement awardBy Alan H. FeilerStaff Writer
Fort Meade Public Affairs Office Command Information Chief Larry Whitley Sr.was presented the Joe Galloway Lifetime Achievement Award on June 2 by theArmy Public Affairs Association at the Hilton Mark Center Hotel in Alexandria, Va.
PHOTO BY MESHACK ADUWU
SOUNDOFF! | THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2016 NEWS 7
D uring a recent meeting of theCommunity Health and Preven-tion Team, the focus was on
activating the surveillance and trappingprocess for the localmosquitopopulation.
As yet, there have been no officialreports of infection with the Zika virusoriginating in the continental UnitedStates.However, enhancedmeasuresnowin place address environmental concernswhile providing the community withinformation about the current Zika virussituation and appropriate preventivesteps to diminish vulnerability tomosqui-to bites.
“We are looking at surveillance, mos-quito egg (larval) habitat reduction, larvaltreatment and continuous adult popula-tion monitoring,” saidMick Butler, direc-tor of the Directorate of Public Works’environmental division. “Past efforts ofthis nature showwe canhave a successfulprogram without a major, widespreadmosquitopesticide-applicationprogram.”
Members of the CHPT discussedeffective ways people can protect them-selves frombecomingvictimsofmosquitobites.
“The residents are key to any effectivepreventionwith regard tominimizinganypotential impact if Zika-carryingmosqui-toes are discovered in our area,” said Dr.Anne Burnley, Preventive Health Man-agement leader at Kimbrough Ambula-tory Care Center. “People should strive toavoidmosquito bites in order to avoid anyinfections through those bites.”
Preventivemeasures include:• Apply insect repellent containing
DEET (look for: N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) to exposed skin outdoors.
Even a short time outside can be longenough to get amosquito bite.
• Apply sunscreen before applyinginsect repellent.
• Cover crib, stroller and baby carrierwithmosquito netting.
• Clothing can help reduce mosquitobites.
When possible, wear long sleeves, longpants and socks when outdoors. Mosqui-toes may bite through thin clothing, sospraying clothes with repellent contain-ing permethrin or DEET will give extraprotection.
• Don’t apply repellents containing
permethrin directly to skin. Do not sprayrepellent containing DEET on the skinunder your clothing.
• Do not use insect repellent on babiesyounger than 2months old.
• Spray insect repellent onto yourhands and then apply to a child’s face.
• Be aware of peakmosquito hours.The hours from dusk to dawn are peak
mosquito-biting times. Zika virus capablemosquitoes’ peak biting timeframe isduring daylight hours. Consider avoidingoutdoor activities during these times—ortake extra care to use repellent andprotective clothing.
• Mosquito-proof your area: Drainstandingwater.
A teamofpreventivemedicineandpestmanagement professionals at FortMeadehave been trained in the surveillance,trapping, containment and testing ofmosquitoes as part of the InstallationManagement Command’s plan to protectand preserve.
“Our team is prepared and focused onpreventive measures, but we need every-one’s help in eliminating standing waterwhere mosquitos breed.” Butler said.“The best way to prevent diseases spreadby mosquitoes is to protect yourself andyour family from mosquito bites byapplying repellents during mosquito sea-son. We need to know what to do andthen do it.”
Take the sting out of mosquito bitesSafety precautions reducerisk of Zika virusBy LarryWhitley Sr.Chief, Command Information
PreventingMosquito Bites• When used as directed,
Environmental ProtectionAgency-registered insect repellentsare proven safe and effective evenfor pregnant and breastfeedingwomen.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and longpants.
• Treat clothing and gear withpermethrin or purchasepermethrin-treated items.
• Treated clothing remainsprotective after multiple washings.See product information to learnhow long the protection will last.
• If treating items yourself, followthe product instructions carefully.
• Do NOT use permethrin productsdirectly on skin. They are intendedto treat clothing.
• Stay in places with air conditioningor that use window and doorscreens to keep mosquitoes outside.
• Sleep under a mosquito bed net ifyou are overseas or outside.
• Always follow the product labelinstructions.
• Reapply insect repellent.
• Do not spray repellent on the skinunder clothing.
• Use a repellent with one of thefollowing active ingredients: DEET,picaridin, IR3535, and oil of lemoneucalyptus or para-menthan-diol.
• Do not use products containing oilof lemon eucalyptus orpara-menthane-diol on childrenyounger than 3 years old.
For more information, go tocdc.gov/zika/pdfs/ control_mosquitoes_chikv _denv_zika.pdf.
8 NEWS THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2016 | SOUNDOFF!
F or the first time in the 65-yearhistory of theMissUSAPageant, amilitary service member won the
coveted title on Sunday inLasVegas.The 2016 newly crowned Miss USA is
26-year-old Miss District of Columbia,Deshauna Barber, an Army Reserve logis-tics commander for the 988th Quarter-master Detachment based in Rockville.The first lieutenant formerly served at the1015th Quartermaster Company near FortMeade.
Barber works as an IT analyst for theU.S. Department of Commerce in Wash-ington,D.C.
She plans to use her reign asMiss USAas a platform to support veterans’ causesand tackle the issue of suicide andpost-traumatic stress disorder amongservicemembers.
Barber, who resides in Northeast D.C.,comes from a military family. A “militarybrat” born in Columbus, Ga., she movedfrequently due to her father’s militarycareer as an Army master sergeant,according to her bio on the Miss USAwebsite.
Barber accepted a commission into theArmy Reserve in 2011 after graduatingwith a bachelor’s degree in businessmanagement from Virginia State Univer-sity. She also earned a master’s degree inmanagement information systems andservices from the University of MarylandUniversity College.
Hermother as well as two siblings alsohave served in the Army. Her father wasdeployed to Iraq.
“I consider it to be a family tradition,”Barber said in an interview before thepageant. “It’s something that runsthrough our veins — patriotism andservice for this country.”
During the pageant’s question-and-answersegment,Barberarguablygave thestrongestanswerof thecompetitionwhenasked about the military’s decision toopen all combat roles towomen.
“We are just as tough asmen,” she said.“As a commander of my unit, I’mpowerful, I am dedicated and it isimportant that we recognize that genderdoes not limit us in theUnited States.”
During an interview on ABC-TV’s“Good Morning America,” on Tuesday,the newly crowned winner spoke aboutbreaking the mold for not only Miss USAcontestants, butmembers of themilitary.
“I’m being able to say that no onepageantgirldoes thesamethingorhas thesamebackground,andI’malsosaying that
no one Soldier has the same backgroundand does the same thing,” Barber toldGMAco-anchorRobinRoberts.
“We can be feminine, we can be inbeauty contests, we can be models. Sothere’s stereotypesonbothsides that I feellike I’m breaking by even being here andbeing able to compete forMissUSA.”
As Miss USA, Barber will compete inthe Miss Universe pageant representingtheUnited States in January.
SocialMedia SalutesSince the pageant, there has been a
continuous outpouring of congratulatorymessages, hashtags and social mediasupport from themilitary community.
ReneeHamilton@ReneeH4MVA2016:"Congrats to our fellow sister in arms@RealMissDCUSA on winning the@MissUSAcrown!#WomenVets#Wom-enVeterans
Patrick J. Murphy @MurphyUSA:“Congrats 2 1LT Barber #MissUSA2016!Powerful response to Q on women incombat: “As tough as men...gender nolimit”
Miss District of Columbia Deshauna Barber reacts as she is crowned Miss USA2016 during the Miss USA pageant on Sunday in Las Vegas.
PHOTO BY ETHAN MILLER/GETTY IMAGES
Army Reservist crownedMiss USA 2016By Ganesa R. RobinsonEditor
Barber currently serves as logisticscommander for the 988thQuartermaster Detachment Unit.
PHOTO COURTESY INSTAGRAM.COM/MISSDCUSA
• May17,Assault consummatedbya battery: The victim stated that sheand her husband were involved in analtercation that turned physical whenhe grabbed and shoved her on the bed.During that altercation, he attempted toprohibit her frommaking a callwithhercellphone, which resulted in her phonestriking her in the face.
• May19, Larceny of private prop-erty: The victim stated that a woodenbench had been taken from her frontporch.
• May 31, Larceny of private prop-erty: AAFES security personnel at theExchange stated that he observed, viasurveillance camera, the subject shop-lifting. Investigation revealed that thesubject concealed property on his per-sonandexited thestorewithout render-ing payment.
• June 5, Shoplifting: AAFES lossprevention personnel at the Exchangestated that she witnessed the subjectselecting makeup items and placing itunder her shirt and pants. The subjectthen left the store without renderingpayment for themerchandise.
COMMUNITY CRIME WATCH
Compiled by FortMeadeDirectorate of EmergencyServices
Moving violations: 14Nonmoving violations: 11Verbalwarnings for traffic stops: 23Traffic accidents: 3Driving on suspended license: 0Driving on suspended registration: 0Drivingwithout a license: 1
For week of May 9-15
Moving violations: 18Nonmoving violations: 0Verbalwarnings for traffic stops: 44Traffic accidents: 7Driving on suspended license: 3Driving on suspended registration: 0Drivingwithout a license: 1
For week of May 16-22
Moving violations: 5Nonmoving violations: 0Verbalwarnings for traffic stops: 28Traffic accidents: 7Driving on suspended license: 1Driving on suspended registration:1Drivingwithout a license: 0
For week of May 30-June 5
GRADUATIO
NCLASS
OF
2012 M
EA
DE
HIG
HS
CH
OO
LC
LA
SS
OF
20
16
Bryant, Jerry Bunville III,DequainC. Burley, JahMaleW.Burley, Ashanti Z. Butler,CoreyD. Butler
SpencerR. Calfo, CortlandW.Campbell, Alexandra L.
JudithL. Abbott, IndiaM.Addison, AdeolaO. Ajani,EstherAlas, KacieC. Allen,Brandon J. Altman, AilinA.Alvarado,DevoraA.Alvarado, PaigeK. Anderson,Tyler E. Antczak, Luis E.Archila, ZacharyC.Armstrong,HaileyM.Arnold,MarcosArredondo,BrookeA. Ashburn,BrieannaP. Autry, EstefanyA. Avalos, DorothyA. Awuah
GeraldD. Babcock III, AdiaY. Bailey III, BriaK. Bailey,Patsy L. Bailey, LaShayeD.Banks, AaronD. Barnes,PabloE. Barrera, Adam I.Barrett, Taylor P. Battle,Victoria A. Beagle, BrandenC. Beasley, LeenikaC.Belfield-Martin, AyanaM.Bell, JazzlynM.Bender,AndréA. Berry, DevinD.Bethea, Shamar P.Billingslea,HillardA. Black,JenevaR. Blackwell, TristanS. Blakely, TaijW. Bond,TaiwiadeE. Bond Jr., LucasJ. Boulter, LillianL.
Braga-Flores, DevonR.Bristow,Kahlil A. Broderick,EvanT. Broennimann,DominiqueM.Brooks,MarcelineBrooks,NicholasI. Brooks, FisherT. Brown,KaylaN. Brown, TianaM.
Carter, DevinM.Cartwright,DannyR.Castillo-Bonilla,Alia R. Cenales, ChristopherJ. Chambers, JaylaR.Cheeks, Alexis J. Clark,SamuelM.Clemmons,AyanaD.Collins, TaylorN.
Collins, Garfield B.Commodore, ShawnT.Cook,Michael J. Coolie,Noah S. Coon,KaylahM.Cooper, AureliaM.Couture,JerryCrockett, JohnDale P.Cunanan
ChristinaX.Dang,HannahS.Daniel, AlexR.Dannett,RodneyDansler II, BriannaS.Davis, DarronA.Davis,DontrellM.Davis,MaliyahDavis, TonyT.Davis, JordanA.Deinlein, TylerT.DeJesus, DiegoA.Deleon,Brianais L.Delgado, JasminN.Devine,MohamedA.Diallo, Sean J.Diaz, KaraM.Diaz-Copeland, ApocalipsisM.Diaz-Rodriguez, EmoriD.Dickens, TrevonR.Dicks,Alodehiha S.Dimalanta,Taylor S. Doolittle, JadeG.Dotimas, RivionC.Douglas,Kyndra S.Duffield, KeithR.Duffin, AlyssaM.Dunivent,SamuelA.Dupuy,NicholasD.Dusablon
Meade High School graduates gather before the start of the ceremony Monday afternoon at the Show Place Arena in UpperMarlboro.
Photos by Jen Rynda, Baltimore Sun Media GroupMore graduation photos online at ftmeadesoundoff.com and flickr.com/photos/ftmeadeAll information in this section appears as provided by the Anne Arundel County Public School System. Because of publication deadlines, some students’ names might havebeen provided prior to final review of requirements. Some students listed might not have completed all requirements to graduate.
SOUNDOFF! | THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2016 GRADUATION 9
Graduate Alexander Nguyen stands up and cheers at the end of the ceremony.
10 GRADUATION THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2016 | SOUNDOFF! SOUNDOFF! | THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2016 GRADUATION 11
GRADUATIO
NCLASS
OF
2012 M
EA
DE
HIG
HS
CH
OO
LC
LA
SS
OF
20
16
Kavante J. Green,Marquis-AntonioC.Green, ThomasD.Green Jr., BriannaT.Greene,JeffreyH.Greene Jr., KiaN.Greene, LeahM.Greene, SeanG.Greenway, EmmaJ.Griebner,MarcanthonyGriffin, SavannaM.Grimes, OmarA.Gutierrez-Mejia,Daniel Guzman
JamalR.Hager, KatelynM.Halcome,OmarG.Hall, RobertN.Hamilton,De’JanaeT.Hampton,Mitchell D.Hansford,Dante L.Harrington, Ariel B.Harris, KeiraM.Harris, SeanA.Harris,AnthonyL.Hawthorne, ShaquaneA.Heckstall, KikoraA.Henson,ThomasL.Henson III, EthanM.Hernandez, Gladis S.HerreraRosales, Karla S.Herrera-Aquino,Alexis P.Hiatt, Eric J.Hierl,ClarenceL.Hilderbrand,HurbrellJ.Holmes, TeannahR.Holt, TrinaM.Howard,WilliamR.Huff,HydiaM.Hughes, FrederickE.Hunt
TristanEaston, Jerrel A. Elder II,GraceA. Elekwachi, JoshuaC.Elekwachi,Mercy I. Elekwachi,KarriemA. Eskridge Jr., RutD.Estrada-Arqueta, JewelleC.Evans, JohnC. Evans IV, EtiosaE.Eybuomwan
Olumide Fagboyegun,ChristopherW. Faria, DavitaM.Fennell, KhaaliqA.Fields-Monroe, KatherineM.Flores, SidneyL. Floyd, CodyL.Flynn, JamalA. Fobbs, JuwanT.Fobbs, JoeY. Foughty, PhilipA.Fralin II, JocelynM.Frazier-Trochez
AleenaM.Gaines,Nicholas L.Gaines, Timothy J. Gallagher,HaileyM.Gardellini, Bria S. Gates,TobiasM.Giles, ChristopherM.Glesner, JasonK.Glover, Starr E.Gonzalez-Pena, BryanM.Gonzalez-Ramirez, Qua’YanaA.Gordon, Christopher J. Graham,LilyN.Grantham,DerrickA.Granthum, JamesR.Green Jr.,
JerzayO, Ingram,AustonP.Iverson,KenyaG. Ivey, Sarai K.Izzard
BrittneyL. Jackson, JeffreyJackson III, Joshua I. Jackson,Josiah J. Jackson,Kodie I.Jackson,MarcosA. Jacobs, TiaraA. James, KatyE. Jandres, Erik L.Johns, CameronG. Johnson,ElyssaK. Johnson, Rafael L.Johnson Jr., ReginaldO. JohnsonIII, Tessa L. Johnson, TyreseR.Johnson, Bre’AnaP. Jones,
DaNasia L. Jones, Denelle L.Jones, JustinA. Jones, TriannaN.Jones
Bofoe F.Kamanda, Rainolf A.Kanu, JacksonB.Kaspar, RamahKhalil, Gurkanwar S. Khangura,JustinKim, SangY.Kim,MaiyahB.Kosh, JaimeeC.Kraus
Ophelia R. Lake, KathyaM.Lamourt, DaedrickR. Lashley,CiaraM. Lattimore, ZackeryM.Leal, AlexusN. Leary,Jordan S. Lee, ZacharyR.Lindrose,NianLiu, AnjaK.Lovejoy, KelyynD. Lovelist,TamayaR. Lowe,Michael A.Lyons
TajonM.Magruder, Lucas F.Maldonado, Ali A.Malik, B’nai C.Manderson, JoshuaE.Marbury,JonathanB.Marsh,Michelle R.Martin, CharlyeD.Mason,SabrynaM.Matthews, BryannaL.McClung, KaylaM.McDonald,Kaitlin S.McGowan,KianaM.McKinney, JonathanM.McLaren,NiaD.McLaurin,MicahO.McMillan,Deven S.McNeal,Miranda S.Meca,NelsonB.Melgar-Orellana, EliasMendez-Hernandez, BrandonMilbourne, JulianX.Milligan,ShakiraN.Minor,MakenzieT.Mitchell, Yasmeen J.Molake,Deezya J.Monroe, StephanR.Montero, JoshuaA.MontgomeryII, DennisW.Moore III, Taylor S.Moore, ThomasM.Mooring,AntonioC.Moreno,NoeE.Moreno, KeithC.Morgan II,ChristianB.Mostoles, Savilla J.Motiram,Donyae I.Moye,
Garrett S.Murphy
InfinityN.Navarro, ShareceM.Netter, AlexanderT.Nguyen,JenniferNguyen, Erika L.Nolan
AndreaD.Ocloo, JehanF.Odeh,Daniella A. Odutola, JessicaH.Oh,MadinaT.Olatunji, AndreaM.Orellana, OlufemiO.Osimokun,ElijahR.Osorio
JennyD. Pacheco-Negrete,
HannahP. Parra, DejaM. Parris,KirinN. Patel, PujahPatel, Toral P.Patel, DanitaA. Payne,DanteA.Payne, LaurenA. Pearson,MarilynY. Perez, JoseR. PerezRios, EricA. Perrault, AutumnJ. Pierce,CheyenneL. Pierce, ColetteA.Pierce, JoscelineB. Pineda,DericV. Pitcher,NiaA. Pitt, AmirahA.Pitt-Bey,Hirvin J. Polanco,Rebecca Polanco, TylerK. Pollard,CameronM. Pope, Ayana S.Powell, Alexis T. Prescott, ErykahD. Price, JasmineL. Prince,MiysharieC. Pritchett, KeitynL.Pruett
JoshuaT.Qualls, Richard S.Quarles Jr., TaquanE.Quarrels,Amari A. Queen
Janill Ramirez, JayleensoleRamirez, JoseM.Ramirez, DahliaL. Ramos,Nathaniel G. RandolphV, ChristopherRenner, Eddie J.Reyes, JeremyReyesVega, AaronC. Richardson,Michael T. Ridley,ZacharyT. Ritenour, ReyesM.Rivera, Pearl E. Rivers, Aumoni F.Robinson, AutumnD.Robinson,KevinR. Robinson Jr., Tyrell D.Robinson,NeenaM.Rodriguez,JosueP. Rodriguez-Ramirez,JacksonX. Rolle, Ja’HahgiN.Romeu, ChristopherR.Rosa-Garcia, TaylorC.Rosenstock,N’DeaR. Rouege,JasmynA. Rowlett, ByronE.Ruiz-Pineda, AlexisN. Rustin
KathleenE. Sampson, VeronicaA.Samuel, Karla E.Sanchez-Martinez, ErikaSanchez-Palacios,Maria J.Sanchez-Palacois,MarlianK.Santana-Figueroa, Carolina S.Saravia,HaileyN. Sauter, LeandraG. Savage, JasmineA. Savoy, KhalilSavoy,MonaeA. Savoy, AshleyN.Scardina,MaryC. Scherer, TarellJ. Schmidt, Jonothan J. Scruggs,DylanA. Seaba, Tony J. Segal,BriannaK. Shade,NadineA.Shaker, CharisO. Shanklin,Jamont’e T. Sheppard,DavidM.Sherrod, Aliyah Short, CarsenL.Short, GianniC. Siebold, Leah J.Simmons, JosephE. Sirko Jr.,Aysia S. Smith, Jada J. Smith,KaylaN. Smith, PhilipM. Smith,RickyA. Smith III, TaylorA.Smith, VictoriaD. Smith, AniyhaA. Solomon, JonathanE. Sotelo,Danyelle J. Spaar, AntonioD.Spangler, Jermaine P. Spraggins,ChynnaC. Stanton, JackR.Stephenson, Roland Stridiron,AhmedM. Suleiman
Nassir A. Tabb,MarquisG.Taliaferro, AimanTariq, Erykah S.Taylor, ShevonY. Taylor, Paris A.Tharpe, JordanA. Thomas, TreyeA. Thomas, KaitlynE.Thomas-Franz, Aubrey J.Thompson, AnaisG. Thornton,HollyK. Tibbs, KeyonteD.Tillman, LeonardoToledo,DariqTrotter, BinhT. Truong,Michaela L. Tuohey
Shawn Cook dances after his name is read during the ceremony. Meade High graduated 438 students Monday.
Indya Williams-Martin has a moment with fellow graduateMichael Coolie before the start of the graduation.
Graduate Bria Gates receives a hug from faculty member Stephanie DiTucci. Neena Rodriguez acknowledges the crowd as her name is called during Monday’s ceremony.
An empty seat in memory of Jaelin Ashe is placed in the front row of the graduationceremony. Jaelin died in 2012 while he was a freshman.
Jose Perez gets a hug from his friend’s mother LesliePearson after the graduation ceremony.
Christian S.Umar,MilagroD.Urrutia Serpas,Ti’AjahL.Uzzell
JoseE. Vargas-Aldana,Denise L. Velasquez,EduardoVera-Vera, Paul Verna, Scott L.Villenueve,HaMyN.Vuong
TaeyonC.Waite, DanaE.Walker, Denise E.Walker, TamarA.Wallace, TymarinX.Ward,Noelle J.Ware, DecarloA.Waters, JacquelineA.Weldon, AlexisN.Welsh, CourtneyB.West,
Jada J.Whidby,DashawnT.Whitley,NaQuanO.Wilds, JaVeada J.Wiley, Aquia S.Williams,Christopher J.Williams,DonaldL.Williams,JordanP.Williams, TiaraWilliams, TimothyL.Williams Jr., Tre’ B.Williams, IndyaE.Williams-Martin, Kelcie L.Willis, KirstenH.Wood, Vasile I.Woodland, AmilkaWurie
MelvinT. Young, RaymondK.Young
Kayla I. Zellous, Eric Zhau
Alexis Clark (left), Teannah Holt and Denelle Jones walk up to the Show Place Arena inUpper Marlboro before the start of the Meade High graduation ceremony on Monday.
Diploma in hand, Khaaliq Fields-Monroe walks outside after the graduation ceremony at the Show Place Arena in Upper Marlboro.
Principal John L. Yore hands a diploma tovaledictorian Eric Zhau.
GRADUATIO
NCLASS
OF
2012 M
EA
DE
HIG
HS
CH
OO
LC
LA
SS
OF
20
16
12 GRADUATION THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2016 | SOUNDOFF!
Jasmine Smiley poses for a photo withher younger brother, graduate DavidSherrod, after the ceremony.
SOUNDOFF! | THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2016 SPORTS 13
A s you’ve heard, thesportsworldhas lost atrue icon, a legend.
“TheGreatest.”Muhammad Ali, born Cas-
siusMarcellus Clay Jr., on Jan.17, 1942, in Louisville, Ky., wasthe eldest son of Cassius Mar-cellus Clay Sr. and OdessaGradyClay.
To some, he was just achampionship fighter. But toothers, Ali was a beacon ofhope, justice, equality, humanrights, a civil rights activist, ahero. The people’s champ.
Perhaps abit lost in all of theglory and showmanship, combinationof quick, powerful jabs, foot speed,constant braggadocio and self-promo-tion, stood an individual who at thepeak of his career and stardomstood onhis elevated platform to stand up for hisreligious beliefs, which led to himjoining theNation of Islam in1964.
Citing his beliefs, Ali refusedmilitaryinduction as a conscientious objectorand was stripped of his heavyweightchampionship title and banned fromboxing for three years during the primeof his career.
Facing public disgrace, ridicule andshame, Ali was willing to take thatwhich made him rich and famous andgive it up for something he believed in.
On June 4, 1967, at a summit inCleveland,Aliwas on stagewith severalall-time great athletes — Bill Russell,Lew Alcindor (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar),Jim Brown and others — in support ofthe champ. He clearly vocalized hisstance on the Vietnam War and hisreligious beliefs.
This single act represents a qualitythat people like myself aspire to — thewillingness to believe in something, amovement greater than what we cansee with our eyes, a belief that we allaspire to be better, a self-worth andappreciation for our fellowman.
Athletes tend to be viewed by thepublic as rolemodels, peoplewe look tofor entertainment.We envy the lifestylein some aspects, and we live a life ofdreams and hopes through our sportsheroes.
Simply put, during the reign andjourneyofMuhammadAli, people of allraces, faiths andwalks of life learned toidentifywith his fight for human rights,civil rights, religious freedom and his
belief in a peaceful humanityin thisworld.
Ultimately, his legacywouldbe further cemented in 1984 asthe champ became a victim toParkinson’s diseasee, whichseverely impaired Ali’s motorskills and speech. But he re-mained active as a humanitari-an and goodwill ambassador.
In spite of the Parkinson’s,Ali remained in the publicspotlight, traveling the worldto make humanitarian, good-will and charitable appear-ances. He met with then IraqileaderSaddamHussein in1990
to negotiate the release of Americanhostages. In 2002, he traveled toAfghanistan as a United Nations “Mes-senger of Peace.”
It was this work that I believe setshimapart fromotherAmericanathletesand solidifies his name and legacy, andhisproclamationas “TheGreatest ofAllTime.”
His final life achievements werecrystallizedwith the following:
• The honor of lighting the caldronduring the opening ceremonies of the1996 SummerOlympics inAtlanta
• In 1999, voted the BBC’s “SportingPersonality of theCentury”
• Sports Illustrated named Ali“Sportsman of theCentury”
• Presidential Medal of Freedomawarded in a 2005 White Houseceremony
• The $60 million Muhammad AliCenter, anonprofitmuseumandcultur-al center focusing on peace and socialresponsibility, opened inLouisville
• RingMagazine namedAli “Fighterof theYear” five times.
• Inducted into the InternationalBoxingHall of Fame in1990
• Appeared on the cover of SportsIllustrated 38 times, second only toMichael Jordan.
Here are two famous Ali quotes tocontemplate:
“Hewho isnotcourageousenough totake risks will accomplish nothing inlife.”
“Themanwho views theworld at 50the same as he did at 20 has wasted 30years of his life.”
Sources: cleveland.com/sports/in-dex.ssf/2012/06/gathering_of_stars.htmland .history.com/topics/black-history/muhammad-ali
JIBBER JABBER - OPINION
‘The Greatest’
Sgt. 1stClassDerrickChambersSENIOR EQUALOPPORTUNITYADVISOR
Fort Meade Run SeriesThe 2016 Fort Meade Run Series offers
themed races through December.Each race, sponsored by Fort Meade’s
Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfareand Recreation, includes a 1-mile walk.
All runs start at 8 a.m. and are open tothe public.
• Army Birthday 5K: Saturday, Pavilion• Football Fanfair 5K: Sept. 17, Constitu-
tion Park• Ghosts, Ghouls & Goblins 5K: Oct. 22,
Pavilion• Turkey Trot 5K: Nov. 19, Murphy Field
House• Reindeer Run 5K: Dec. 10, Murphy Field
HouseRegistration fee is $25 per person and
$60 per family of three to six people.Register online at meade.armymwr.com/
us/meade/programs/run-series.For more information, call 301-677-3318.
Gaffney lower level closedThe downstairs (basement) level at
Gaffney Fitness Center will close for floor-ing repairs from June 13-17.
The Combative room and punching bagroom will be closed during this time.
Spin classes will be canceled during thistime.
Several aerobics classes will be relocatedto Murphy Field House. Others will be can-celed per the instructor.
See the adjusted aerobics schedule forrelocated classes and times.
During the duration of the project,classes relocated to Murphy Field Housewill be free of charge.
For more information regarding the aero-bics program, call Sylvia at 301-677-2349.
Nominations open for BaysoxMilitary Heroes Night
Nominations for the Bowie Baysox Mil-itary Heroes Cards Set must be submittedonline by 5 p.m. Wednesday.
During Military Heroes AppreciationNight on Aug. 26, the Baysox will distributea 20-30 card set to the first 1,000 fans ages18 and older featuring active and retiredmembers of the U.S. Armed Forces receivedthrough the nomination process.
The cards will feature photographs andinformation about their military careers.The Baysox will honor these veterans and/or their families in special ceremonies be-fore and during the game.
Baysox fans living in the Maryland andWashington, D.C., region who have family orfriends in the military can help the Baysoxhonor their service by nominating them forthis special card set.
Nominations will only be acceptedthrough the online form on baysox.com.
The Baysox staff will randomly select20-30 nominations to be included in theMilitary Heroes Card Set.
Questions about the nomination processcan be directed via email to [email protected].
The nomination form can be found onlineat: milb.com/content/page.jsp?ymd=20160531&content_id=72248234&fext=.jsp&sid=t418&vkey=.
Now hiring: lifeguards, watersafety instructors
The Directorate of Family and Morale,Welfare and Recreation is hiring lifeguardsat the rate of $11 per hour and water safetyinstructors at $13 per hour at Gaffney Fit-ness Center.
DFMWR provides flexible schedules andoffers year-round employment opportuni-ties.
Apply online at usajobs.gov.For more information, call 301-677-7916
or go to meade.armymwr.com.
Youth baseball campBaseball camp for ages 6 and older will
be offered July 5-8 from 9 a.m. to noon atthe Youth Sports Complex.
Cost is $85.Registration is conducted June 24
through Child, Youth and School Services.For more information, call 301-677-1149.
Youth volleyball campYouth volleyball camp for children ages 6
and older will be offered July 11-15 from 9a.m. to noon at the Youth Center.
Cost is $85.Registration will be held Monday to July 1
through Child, Youth and School Services.For more information, call 301-677-1149.
Youth Sports registration
Registration is underway for summerYouth Sports.
Cost for each six-week session is $20.Spaces are limited.
Summer sports include:• Ready, Set, Run: 5K Training for boys
and girls ages 8-13 - meets Mondays andWednesdays or Tuesdays and Thursdaysfrom June 20 to Sept. 17
• Autobahn Team indoor cart racing forboys and girls ages 8-14 - meets Tuesdaysfrom June 21 to July 26
• Beach Volleyball for boys and girls ages9-14 - meets twice per week from June20-July 25
• NFL Flag Football for boys and girlsages 6-13 - meets Friday nights from June24-July 29.
To register, go to the Youth Sports &Fitness Office, 1900 Reece Road or go on-line to meade.armymwr.com.
SPORTS SHORTS
14 COMMUNITY THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2016 | SOUNDOFF!
The deadline for Soundoff! community“News and Notes” is Friday at noon. Allsubmissions are posted at the editor’sdiscretion and may be edited for space andgrammar. Look for additional communityevents on the Fort Meade website atftmeade.army.mil and the Fort MeadeFacebook page at facebook.com/ftmeade.
NEWS & EVENTS
New way to submitannouncements
Community members can advertisetheir upcoming event, meeting or class onthe Soundoff! community announcementspage by visiting www.ftmeade.army.miland clicking on the Press Center tab.
Once you are in the Fort Meade PressCenter, click on PA services, story or pro-motion request and electronic inquiryform.
Inquiry forms should be submitted atleast two weeks before the date of theevent, meeting or class.
VCC hoursThe operating hours at the Demps
Visitor Control Center are Monday toFriday from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
All individuals who do not have a DoD-issued identification card must go to theVCC for a day pass.
Visit the VCC at least 10 business daysin advance to apply for a long-term accesspass.
Visitors who arrive on post when theVCC is closed must be escorted on post byan authorized DoD cardholder. This in-cludes weekends and federal holidays.
For more information, call the VCC at301-677-1064.
To find out how to preregister, go togoo.gl/xyTzhg.
VCC closed June 22The Demps Visitor Control Center will
be closed for staff training on June 22 from7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
If you require access during this time,proceed to the vehicle inspection stationby following the perimeter road behind theVCC.
For more information, call the VCC at301-677-1064.
Change of commandCol. William J. Hartman will relinquish
command of the 780th Military Intelli-gence Brigade to Col. John D. Branch on
June 17 at 9:30 a.m.The change-of-command ceremony will
take place on Soccer Field #1, located atthe corner of Chamberlin Avenue and 4thStreet.
In inclement weather, the ceremony willbe held at the DeKalb Reserve Center, 1251Annapolis Road (Route 175).
Iftar dinnerThe 7th Annual Fort Meade Ramadan
Iftar, hosted by the Fort Meade garrisoncommander and the Fort Meade Muslimcommunity, will be celebrated June 17 from7:30-9:30 p.m. at Argonne Hills ChapelCenter, 7100 Rockenbach Road.
The keynote speaker is Sandy Stanar-Johnson, director of the National SecurityAgency’s Equal Employment Opportunityand Diversity office.
Doors open at 7 p.m. Food will be servedat 8:40 p.m.
RSVP by Tuesday via email [email protected].
Families are invited. Provide full name ofall attending family members.
For more information, call Chad Jonesat 301-677-1301; Hanif Sangi at 703-945-7172; or Hassaan Mansoor at 586-438-1985.
Hiring commissary baggersThe Fort Meade Commissary is accept-
ing applications for up to 15 baggers.Positions are open to family members
of active-duty service members betweenthe ages of 15 and 19.
Interviews will be conducted June 20from 9 a.m. to noon at Club Meade, 6600Mapes Road.
Applicants must come in person andpresent a valid military dependent ID cardand Social Security number.
For more information, call 301-677-5502.
Right Arm NightRight Arm Night is today at 4 p.m. at
Club Meade.The event will feature free food, music,
dancing and prizes.Bring the entire unit or office. Reserve
unit tables.Table reservations will not be held after
4:30 p.m. unless a representative ispresent at the table prior to deadline.
To reserve a table, call 301-677-6969.
R&B NightCelebrate R&B Night at the Brass
Lounge on Friday from 7 p.m. to midnightat Club Meade.
Doors open at 4 p.m.The nightclub ambience will feature
food and drink specials.There is no cover charge.The event is open to all ranks and serv-
ices and civilian employees.For more information, call 301-677-
6969.
Farmers marketThe Fort Meade Farmers Market is open
Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.through Oct. 12 at the Pavilion.
Pick up local produce or fresh bakedgoods, eat lunch at one of the seven foodtrucks and browse the assortment ofvendors.
The farmers market is open to thepublic.
Individuals without DoD-issued ID cardsmust obtain a Fort Meade gate accesspass from the Demps Visitor Control Cen-ter, 902 Reece Road.
Frequent visitors are encouraged topreregister for a long-term pass. You willneed your driver’s license or approvedphoto ID and be asked to provide yourSocial Security number at the VCC.
For more information, call 301-677-3579or 301-252-8688.
‘Wing-It Thursdays’The Brass Lounge at Club Meade offers
“Wing-It Thursdays” every Thursday inJune from 4-8 p.m. to all ranks and serv-ices, and DoD ID cardholders.
Cost is 50 cents each. Dine-in only.Carry-out is not available.
For more information, call 301-677-6969or go to meade.armymwr.com.
International menuat Club Meade
Club Meade is open for lunch service onTuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdaysfrom 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and now offers avariety of international-themed buffetsthat vary daily.
Menu includes All-American buffet ofhamburgers, hot dogs and apple pie onTuesday; Mexican buffet on Wednesday;and French buffet on June 16.
Cost is $7.95 for members and $8.95 fornonmembers.
For more information, call 301-677-6969.
EDUCATION
EFMP Chew and ChatThe Exceptional Family Member Pro-
gram will offer the Chew and Chat pro-gram “Picky Eaters vs. Feeding Disorder”on Tuesday from noon to 2 p.m. at theHeritage Place Community Center.
Learn techniques to improve your child’seating habits.
Several specialists will be present toanswer questions and offer advice.
To register or for more information, call301-677-5590 to register.
Financial, EmploymentReadiness
Joint Services offers workshops andbriefings by Army Community Service atthe Community Readiness Center, 830Chisholm Ave., and the Navy Fleet andFamily Support Center at 2212 ChisholmAve., unless otherwise noted.
The free classes are open to active-dutyservice members and family members,DoD civilian employees and retirees.
Registration is required for each class.To register, go to fortmeadeacs.check-
appointments.com or call 301-677-5590.Military• Pre-Separation Brief: June 16, 9-11:30
a.m., FFSC• Pre-Deployment Brief: June 16, 10-
11:30 a.m., FFSC• TGPS (Transition, Goals, Plans, Suc-
cess) Workshop: June 20-24, 8 a.m. to 4p.m., FFSC
• TGPS: Career Technical Training: June22-23, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., FFSC
Financial• Thrift Savings Plan: Tuesday, 9-11 a.m.,
ACS• Home Buying: June 21, 9 a.m. to noon
or 1-4 p.m., ACS• Consumer Awareness: June 28, 9-11
a.m., ACS• 1st Term Financial Readiness: June 28,
8 a.m. to 4 p.m., ACSEmployment• Salary Negotiation: June 16, 9 a.m. to
noon, ACS• Social Media for Job Seekers: June 28,
9 a.m. to noon, ACSFor more information, call ACS at 301-
677-5590 or FFSC at 301-677-9017/9018.Soldier For Life• Career Technical Training: Wednesday
and June 16, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.For more information, call 301-677-9871.
YOUTH
Vacation Bible SchoolVacation Bible School, for ages 4
through sixth grade, will be held Aug. 8-12from 9 a.m. to noon at Argonne Hills Chap-el Center, 7100 Rockenbach and Grandearoads.
Registration is open to the first 130children.
Registration closes July 1.Register online or at registration tables
set up at both the Chapel Center and theMain Post Chapel.
To register online, go to Caution-http://www.groupvbspro.com/vbs/ez/ftmea-devbs2016.
For more information, call Marcia East-land at 301-677-0386 or 301-677-6035.
NEWS & NOTES
SOUNDOFF! | THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2016 COMMUNITY 15
Teen Center eventsThe Teen Center offers the following
activities in June:• Movies on the Lawn: Friday, 6 p.m.
Bring a blanket or chair for an eveningof movies and snacks.
• Water Balloon Tag: Tuesday, 4-6 p.m.Challenge your friends to an epic water
balloon battle on the lawn. Bring extraclothes and shoes.
• Funnel Cake Cooking: Tuesday, 5 p.m.• Paint & Snack: June 16, 4 p.m.
Learn to paint or practice your skill witha guest artist.
• For or Against Tug-o-War: June 16, 4p.m.
• Gaming Tournaments: Wednesdays, 4p.m.
Each week’s tournament features adifferent game.
Show where you stand on world topics.For more information, call 301-677-
6054.
Babysitter’s Certification CourseA Babysitter’s Certification Course will
be offered June 30 and July 1 from 9 a.m.to 4 p.m. at the School Age Center.
The free course, for ages 12 and older,also will provide first aid and CPR certifi-cation.
Registration is required by June 17.Spaces are limited.
For more information or to register, call301-677-1156 or 301-677-1149.
Youth Center eventsThe Youth Center offers a variety of
activities for students in grades six toeight.
• 8th Grade End- of-Year Party: June 16,6 p.m.
Celebrate the completion of middleschool with music, games, refreshments,door prizes, rewards and recognitions.
• Father Figure Day: June 16, 6:30 p.m.Dads are invited to an evening of wings,
basketball games and contests.For more information, call 301-677-
1437.
RECREATION
Out & About• Honfest Bawlmer, which celebrates
Baltimore’s working women, will be heldSaturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sun-day from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Baltimore’sHampden neighborhood on 36th Street.
The 23rd annual event features 36 liveartists on three different stages, foodvendors, craft vendors, the coronation ofthe 2016 “Best Hon” and dancing in thestreet.
For more information, go to honfest-
.net.• St. Nicholas Greek Folk Festival will
be celebrated today from noon to 11 p.m.;Friday and Saturday from noon to 11 p.m.;and Sunday from noon to 10 p.m. at Greek-town Square, 701 Ponca St., Baltimore.
The free event will feature authentic,homemade cuisine; Greek music; and adisplay of traditional attire. For more in-formation, go to greekfolkfestival.org.
• Musicians from the Annapolis Sym-phony Orchestra will present an interac-tive concert Monday at 6 p.m. at Linthi-cum Community Library, 400 ShipleyRoad.
The family-friendly concert allows chil-dren and adults to learn about classicalmusic in a fun, hands-on way. Participantsare encouraged to ask questions.
For a listing of Anne Arundel CountyPublic Library’s events, go to aacpl.net.
• Sensory Storytime will be held Sat-urday from 10-10:45 a.m. at Crofton Com-munity Library. The program is designedfor special needs children ages 3-7 withautism spectrum disorders, sensory in-tegration issues or other developmentaldisabilities.
Registration is required. Space is limited.To register or for more information, call410-222-7915 or 301-261-3909.
• Ask a Master Gardener will be of-fered Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at theOdenton Regional Library and CroftonCommunity Library.
Ask gardening questions and bring yourbug, weed or plant in a sealed plastic bagfor identification and analysis.
To register or for more information, call410-222-7915 or 301-261-3909.
• Annapolis Regional Library willpresent the program, “Courageous Con-versations Discussion Series: GrowingThrough Grief: What the Sacred Sorrow ofGrief Can Teach Us,” on Monday from7-8:30 p.m.
For a listing of Anne Arundel CountyPublic Library’s events, go to aacpl.net.
• Leisure Travel Services will offer itsnext monthly bus trip to New York City onSaturday from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Cost is $60.Discounted tickets to attractions will beprovided. For more information, call 301-677-7354.
• Six Flags America tickets are nowavailable at Leisure Travel Services, locatedat 6530B York Ave.
For more information, call 301-677-7354.
MEETINGS• Fort Meade E9 Association meets
the second Friday of every month at 7 a.m.in the Pin Deck Cafe at the Lanes. The nextmeeting is Friday.
The association is open to active, re-tired, Reserve and National Guard E9s ofany uniformed service. All E9s in this areaare invited to attend a breakfast and meet
the membership. For more information, goto e9association.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.
• Single Parent Support Group meetsevery second and fourth Monday of themonth from 5:30-7 p.m. at School AgeServices, 1900 Reece Road. Children wel-come. The next meeting is Monday. Formore information, call 301-677-7823.
• 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 in-formation, call Celena Flowers or JessicaHobgood at 301-677-5590.
• Glen Burnie Chapter of NARFE 1519(National Association of Active and Re-tired Federal Employees) will meet Tues-day at noon at the Holy Trinity Parish Hall,Glen Burnie.
A picnic lunch will be served. A briefmeeting will follow.
The luncheon is for members who haveregistered and prepaid, but the meeting isopen to all members and prospectivemembers of NARFE.
For more information, call Don Bender,co-president, at 410-787-0390.
• Military District of WashingtonSergeant Audie Murphy Club meets thethird Wednesday of each month fromnoon to 1 p.m. at the Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Dining Facility in Virginia.The next meeting is Wednesday.
All members and those interested injoining the club are welcome. For moreinformation, contact Master Sgt. EricaLehmkuhl at [email protected] 301-833-8415.
• Air Force Sergeants AssociationChapter 254 meets the third Wednesdayof every month from 3-4 p.m. in the audi-torium 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 Groupmeets at Walter Reed National MilitaryMedical Center in Bethesda on the thirdThursday of every month. The next meet-ing is June 16 from 1-2 p.m. and 6:30-7:30p.m. in the America Building, River Confer-ence 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 businessdays prior to the event for base access.
The movie schedule is subject to change.For a recorded announcement 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 at 6:30 p.m,Saturdays at 6 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.PRICES: Tickets are $6 for adults (12 andolder) and$3.50 for children. 3DMovies: $8adults, $5.50 children.
Today throughJune 19
Friday & Sunday: “Captain America:CivilWar” (PG-13).Political interferencein the Avengers’ activities causes a riftbetween former allies Captain Americaand Iron Man. With Chris Evans, RobertDowney Jr., Scarlett Johansson.
Saturday:FREESCREENING:“Cen-tral Intelligence” (PG-13). After hereunites with an old pal through Face-book, a mild-mannered accountant islured into the world of internationalespionage. With Dwayne Johnson, KevinHart, Aaron Paul. Tickets available at theExchange Food Court. Seating open tonon-ticket holders 30 minutes prior toshowtime.
June17&19:“MoneyMonster”(R).AfinancialTVhost andhisproducer areputin an extreme situation when an irateinvestor takes over their studio. WithGeorge Clooney, Julia Roberts, JackO’Connell.
MOVIES
ZADE ROSENTHAL/MARVEL
CLAIRE FOLGER
