Sound offdec 25 2013

UPCOMING EVENTSfrIday, 6-8 P.M.: CYSS Holiday Party for grades 6-8 - Youth CenterdEC. 30, 10 a.M.-3 P.M.: Youth Winter Craft Day - Arts & Crafts CenterdEC. 31, 5-8 P.M.: New Year’s Eve Family Party - The LanesdEC. 31, 9 P.M.-1 a.M.: New Year’s Eve Prime Time Party - The Lanes8 a.M.-5 P.M. UNTIl JaN. 3: Dump Your Plump registration - Gaffney

yEar IN rEVIEwSoundoff! looks back at 2013 in a special pull-out section

pages 13-24

Soundoff!́vol. 65 no. 50 Published in the interest of the Fort Meade community December 19, 2013

Happy Holidays!Soundoff! will not publish Dec. 26

or Jan. 2. Soundoff! will return

Jan. 9.

photo by nate pesce

Families gather together with lit candles at McGlachlin Parade Field during the garrison’s annual tree lighting ceremony on Friday. The 25-year tradition is sponsored by the Religious Services office and featured holiday music, hot chocolate and a surprise visit from Santa Claus. For the story, see Page 10.

ringing in the holiday

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil� SOUNDOFF! December 19, 2013

Commander’s Column

Cont ent sNews............................. 3 Sports..................................30

CrimeWatch................. 8 Movies.................................29

Community................. 28 Classified.............................32

Editorial StaffGarrison Commander Col. Brian P. foleyGarrison Command Sgt. Maj. thomas J. latterPublic affairs officerChad t. Jones [email protected], Command informationPhilip H. Jones [email protected] Editor & Senior Writer rona S. Hirsch Staff Writer lisa r. rhodesStaff Writer Brandon Bieltzdesign Coordinator timothy davis Supplemental photography provided by the Baltimore Sun Media Group

advErtiSinGGeneral inquiries 410-332-6300or email [email protected]

If you would like information about receiving Soundoff! on Fort Meade or are experiencing distribution issues, call 877-886-1206 or e-mail [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

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, 501 N. Calvert St., Baltimore, MD 21278, every Thursday except the last Thursday of the year in conjunction with the Fort Meade Public Affairs Office. Requests for publication must reach 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, Fort Meade, MD 20755-5025. Telephone: 301-677-5602; DSN: 622-5602.

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

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

www.ftmeade.army.milYou can also keep track of Fort Meade on Twitter at twitter.com/ftmeademd

and view the Fort Meade Live Blog at ftmeade.armylive.dodlive.mil.

Soundoff!́Guaranteed circulation:

11,285

The holiday season is a time for many differ-ent things.

Many take this time to spread joy through giving. Most also spend the holidays celebrat-ing with family and friends, often traveling to do so.

The holiday season is also a time for physical, emotional and spiritual renewal.

I also use this time to pause and be thankful. I am thankful this year to be a part of Team Meade and thankful for all the hard work of everyone who is a part of our Fort Meade fam-ily.

Your dedication has brought to close another successful year in 2013.

To everyone who has extended a helping hand this past year, whether in a professional capacity or as a volunteer, thank you. Thank you for choosing to go the extra mile to make a difference for service members, civilians and families.

Let’s all enjoy what the season offers, wher-ever we are. If possible, find a way to enjoy time with friends and loved ones.

And as we celebrate, let’s also remember those who are deployed and extend extra support to their families. Being apart for the holidays can be especially difficult on spouses and children.

Let’s keep in mind that the mission of our fellow service members can be complex — a job that is 24 hours a day, seven days a week. While some can rest briefly, others may not.

The holidays can also be especially stressful and a challenging time for our wounded veterans or those suffering from depression. Please find time during the holidays to check in with the warriors, family members and others you know who may be stressed during the holidays to find out how they’re doing and to offer support.

For those who need assistance, Fort Meade provides a num-ber of Soldier and family sup-port services. If you are unsure of where to go, start with Army Community Ser-vice or the Gar-rison Chaplain’s Office.

Just remember that even the smallest gesture of support can mean a lot to those in need of care.

Let’s also keep in mind that a successful 2014 begins by ending 2013 on a safe note.

As you celebrate the holidays, plan your time with safety in mind. Don’t drink and drive. Just as important, don’t text and drive. I can’t think of a text message or cell phone call important enough to risk a vehicle accident.

Lastly, I ask you to find time during the holi-days to take care of yourself. Eat well, exercise and rest. Take this time to rejuvenate your body, mind and spirit, and prepare to tackle whatever challenges the New Year has in store.

Here’s to a happy, healthy holiday season. From my family to you and yours, we wish all a happy holiday season and a prosperous New Year.

I look forward to starting 2014 with each member of Team Meade — ready, resilient and committed to enhancing the lives of our service members, families and civilian workers.

Have a safe and happy holiday and a blessed new year.

Wishing all a safe and happy holiday season

COL. Brian P. FOLeyGarrison Commander

Commander’s Open DoorGarrisonCommanderCol.BrianP.Foleyhasanopendoorpolicy.Allservicemembers,retirees,governmentemployees,familymembersand

communitymembersage18orolderare invitedtoaddress issuesorcon-cernstothecommanderdirectlybyvisitingFoley’sofficeonMondaysfrom4 to6p.m.atgarrisonheadquarters inHodgesHall,Bldg.4551,LlewellynAvenue.

Visitors are seen on a first-come, first-served basis. No appointment isnecessary.

Formoreinformation,call301-677-4844.

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil December 19, 2013 SOUNDOFF! �

News

By Lisa R. RhodesStaff Writer

The sacrifice and service of Spc. Hilda I. Clayton, the first combat documentation and production specialist to be killed in Afghanistan, was recognized in an emo-tional ceremony at the Defense Information School on Dec. 13.

A plate bearing Clayton’s name was unveiled in the DINFOS Hall of Heroes during a 20-minute ceremony that left sev-eral of the Soldier’s comrades in tears.

Clayton, who was assigned to the 55th Signal Company (Combat Camera), 21st Signal Brigade, was killed July 2 during a deployment to Afghanistan. She was docu-menting an Afghan National Army training exercise when a mortar system failed.

Clayton was 22.“This is a bittersweet day,” said Col.

Jeremy Martin, commandant of DINFOS. “We come to honor one of our own. Spe-cialist Clayton volunteered to serve her country in uniform, and she offered what President Lincoln so aptly referred to as ‘the last best measure of devotion’ in support of our country.”

The DINFOS Hall of Heroes, established in 2006, honors men and women killed in combat while serving in a public affairs or visual information job specialty.

Before Clayton’s induction, 107 name-plates hung in the hall. Each nameplate includes the service member’s name, rank, service branch, date of death and the name of the conflict in which he or she died.

Maj. Kyle Yates, commander of Combat Camera, was the guest speaker.

Other guests included Clayton’s husband, Spc. Chase Clayton, a supply specialist with Combat Camera; Ray B. Shepherd, director of the Defense Media Activity; and Roger King, executive officer at DMA.

Navy Lt. Todd DeLaney, command chaplain of DINFOS, gave the invocation.

In his speech, Yates called Clayton a “commander’s Soldier” — someone who not only is “trainable, but also most impor-tantly, possesses all of the qualities that a commander cannot teach or train into them,” he said.

“Hilda epitomized what it means to be a commander’s Soldier.”

Yates described Clayton as eager to not

‘A Bittersweet Day’DINFOS, 55th Signal Co. pay tribute to fallen Soldier

photos by steve ellmore

Tech Sgt. Joshua Strang, a basic still photography instructor at the Defense Information School, unveils the plate bearing the name of Spc. Hilda I. Clayton in the Hall of Heroes. Clayton, the first combat documentation and production specialist to be killed in Afghanistan, was inducted into the hall on Dec. 13 in an emotional ceremony at DINFOS.

only do her job, but “to do it better than she had ever done before, and better than her fellow Soldiers to her left or right.”

Clayton was a “quiet professional” who “let her actions do the talking — and they did,” Yates said. “You could not rest your laurels around Specialist Clayton.”

Clayton was born May 21, 1991 in Augusta, Ga. After attending cosmetology school at Augusta Technical Community College, she earned her license to practice cosmetology.

Clayton joined the Army on Sept. 21, 2011 as a 25V, combat documentation and production specialist. She attended basic combat training at Fort Jackson, SC., and later completed Advanced Individual Train-ing at DINFOS.

While at DINFOS, she completed the basic still photography and video documen-tation courses.

Clayton and her husband met in elemen-tary school in Augusta. They decided to join the Army — she as a combat photog-rapher and he as a supply specialist. The couple married on Dec. 29, 2011.

Clayton was later assigned to Combat Camera. In April, she was deployed in sup-port of the Department of the Army across Regional Command-East during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. She was deployed to support the Combined Joint Task Force 101.

Clayton was then forward-deployed as the Combat Camera asset covering the 4th Bri-gade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division.

In his remarks, Yates said Combat Cam-era held its first Best COMCAM competi-tion in June. The weeklong competition is dedicated to identifying the “best Combat Camera team through the completion of tough, arduous and exhausting tasks, while also documenting each task of the competi-tion through the collection of photographs and videos, and creating final multimedia products of the highest standards,” Yates said.

Beginning with this year’s competition, the best combat camera team will have its name inscribed on the Spc. Hilda I. Clayton Best COMCAM Award.

“This is not something that we simply do in honor of her, but something done to sig-nify how she embodied the best of Combat Camera,” Yates said. “[Clayton] left a legacy for all of us to follow.

“As we unveil her nameplate on the Wall of Heroes, all who walk by from now on will see her sacrifice and legacy, and that it

lives on.”After Yates’ speech, Tech Sgt. Joshua

Strang, a basic still photography instruc-tor at DINFOS who taught Clayton and served as emcee, tearfully unveiled Clayton’s nameplate.

Later, several Soldiers from Combat Camera huddled together in front of the wall and cried.

Staff Sgt. Kaily Brown, a squad leader at Combat Camera, said Clayton trained with her deployment team late last year. She was Clayon’s platoon leader when she arrived at the unit in 2012.

Brown said Clayton was “very squared away” as a Soldier and was always “doing the right thing.”

“She was one of those Soldier’s that you could rely on to get the job done,” Brown said.

Brown’s team was in Afghanistan when Clayton was killed. They attended the memorial service conducted there.

“We were able to get some closure,” Brown said.

But Friday’s ceremony, she said, “stirred back up the emotions and feelings that took us back to when we lost her.”

Brown said Clayton’s induction in the DINFOS Hall of Heroes was a proper way to honor Clayton.

“It would have made her proud,” Brown said.

courtesy photo

Spc. Hilda I. Clayton


News

Story and photo by Steve EllmoreNew Media Manager

Miguel Vela III softly described the hor-rific car crash after a night of drinking 10 years ago that not only took his left arm, but the life of the other driver.

Vela’s gripping testimony underscored the consequences of drinking and driving dur-ing the Army Substance Abuse Program’s Drunk and Drugged Driving (3D) Preven-tion Seminar.

More than 75 service members attended the daylong event held Friday at McGill Training Center.

The event’s theme was: “Take a stand against impaired driving.”

Vela, a spokesperson for Mothers Against Drunk Driving, was one of several speakers at the seminar.

The event also featured presentations from the Maryland State Highway Admin-istration Annapolis; a Fort Meade road safety briefing by the Directorate of Emer-gency Services; holiday safety tips by Kirk Fechter, director of the Installation Safety Office; and Samson Robinson, the Fort Meade Substance Abuse Program preven-tion coordinator.

In the event’s literature, organizers remind-ed service members that “buzzed” driving is drunk driving: “Don’t turn your holiday into a tragedy.”

During his presentation, Vela detailed the moments leading up to the crash.

After drinking at a nightclub in Waldorf in July 2003, the Upper Marlboro resident

Sobering seminar highlights dangers of drunk, drugged driving

Mothers Against Drunk Driving spokesperson Miguel Vela III speaks before a crowd of service members during the 2013 Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Seminar held Friday at McGill Training Center. Bela lost his left arm in a vehicular crash while driving drunk.

Defense Commissary Agency Public AffairsApplications for the 2014 Scholarships

for Military Children Program is now available at commissaries worldwide and on the Internet at militaryscholar.org.

Applications must be turned in to a commissary by close of business Feb. 28. Packages must be hand-delivered or shipped via U.S. Postal Service or other delivery methods, not emailed or faxed.

This year’s award amount has risen to $2,000. The program awards at least one scholarship at each commissary with qualified applicants.

An applicant must be a dependent, unmarried child, younger than 21 —or age 23 if enrolled as a full-time student

at a college or university — of a ser-vice member on active duty, Reserve or National Guard member, retiree or survi-vor of a military member who died while on active duty, or survivor of a retiree.

Applicants should ensure they and their sponsor are enrolled in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System database and have a military ID card.

The applicant must attend or plan to attend full time an accredited college or university in the fall of 2014 or be enrolled in studies designed to transfer to a four-year program.

Fisher House Foundation, a nonprofit organization that helps service members and their families, administers the pro-

gram. Scholarship Managers, a national, nonprofit, scholarship management ser-vices organization, manages and awards the scholarships.

Commissary partners and the general public donate money to the program. Every dollar donated goes directly to funding the scholarships.

Since inception of the program in 2001, more than $11.3 million in schol-arships have been awarded to 7,412 mili-tary dependents from more than 71,000 applicants.

For more information, students or spon-sors should call Scholarship Managers at 856-616-9311 or email [email protected].

Scholarships for Military Children program now open

said he had three choices of roads to take home.

Rather than drive his usual route, “I was craving McDonald’s and took Rosaryville Road instead,” he said. “But the McDonald’s was closed, so I continued down that road.”

Vela recalled driving around the corner of the winding road before colliding head-on with another vehicle.

His presentation included stark police

photos of the scene and of the smashed vehicle belonging to his victim.

As the audience viewed the images on a large screen, a stillness fell over the room.

“We have a guy here who took someone else’s life and lost an arm,” Fechter said after the event. “It makes you wonder why people still drink and drive.”

For more information, visit trafficsafety-marketing.gov.

Get to work on time. Know the hours of operation for

Access Gates on Fort Meade

Gate 1: Rockenbach Road5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

weekends; Closed holidays

Gate 3: Reece Road and Maryland Route 175

(Demps Visitor Control Center gate) 24-hour access

Demps Visitor Control Center, Bldg. 902 Reece Road7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.,

Monday through Friday

Gate 4: Mapes Road and Maryland Route 175

CLOSED until further notice

Gate 5: Llewellyn Avenue and Maryland Route 175

6 to 8 a.m., Monday through Friday for inbound traffic;

3 to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday for outbound traffic

Gate 7: Mapes Road and Route 32

5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday;

9 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekends and holidays


News

Story and photo by Brandon BieltzStaff Writer

Kneeling in the middle of McGill Training Center last week, Spc. Thomas McDonough shuffled through a red plastic bag looking for “something that lights up, something that makes noise” and “some-thing smart” for his two young daughters.

The Soldier from the 741st Military Intel-ligence Battalion was not disappointed.

“My daughters are going to love this,” McDonough said as he sorted through toys and clothes.

The girls are among the more than 500 Fort Meade youngsters who will benefit from the annual Project USO Elf program, which assists military families by providing gifts for their children during the holidays.

More than 270 families are being assisted by the program this year.

“I have two kids, and it’s hard to pay for all the gifts for two kids with only specialist pay,” McDonough said.

Service members who are E-5 and below are registered for the program by senior enlisted leaders of their respective organi-zations. The families then create a wish list for their children that are filled by corporate sponsors.

The sponsors typically donate gifts worth $50 to $75 for each youngster.

“It helps stretch their dollars at Christ-mastime,” said Laura Dexter-Mooty, Fort Meade’s USO-Metro coordinator. “...The corporate sponsors are more than gener-ous.”

Dexter-Mooty said she believes some families depend on the program to provide Christmas presents for their children.

“There’s a couple of big families that have really been taken care of well,” she said.

When families arrived Dec. 11 to pick up their bags of toys, volunteers from the USO and corporate sponsors spent 90 minutes distributing packages and wrap-ping presents.

Kurt McIntrye, a strategic market ana-lyst with ATK Defense Group, attended the program for a second year, handing out cookies and hot chocolate.

“One of our major core values is to give back to the community,” he said. “Any-time that we work with the USO, it’s very rewarding for us. ... It gives us a chance to give back to those who have offered it all.”

McDonough, who has promoted the program to fellow Soldiers in his unit, said he hopes more service members will partici-pate next year.

“I think it’s great,” he said.

Project USO Elf provides gifts for Meade children

Volunteer Joe Basile carries a bag of presents and a bike for a Fort Meade youngster during Project USO Elf on Dec. 11 at Murphy Field House. The annual program assists military families by providing toys for their children during the holidays. This year, the program is providing gifts for more than 500 children.

By 1st Lt. Amber A. HornKimbrough Ambulatory Care Center

‘Tis the season for increased no-show rates at Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Center.

As everyone starts to get into their annual holiday routines of eating tur-key, binge shopping, and taking leave to visit relatives, keeping or canceling your appointments becomes increasingly more important.

A “no-show” is defined as an individ-ual who misses or is late to an appoint-ment without canceling or rescheduling. Kimbrough has one of the highest rates — 9 percent — of no-shows in Army Medical Command, which equates to more than 2,000 missed appointments

per month.When you do not keep or cancel a

previously scheduled appointment, you are not only hurting your own health and medical readiness. You also are prevent-ing another service member or family member from using that appointment, further harming their health and medi-cal readiness.

Consequently, Fort Meade units are ranked last in MEDCOM for Periodic Health Assessment compliance.

Recent data shows that the number of patients who do not show up for an appointment increases considerably dur-ing holiday months, making it harder for other patients who need appointments to obtain one.

If you are unable to make it to your appointment, please cancel as soon as possible so that a fellow service or family member can use that appointment slot.

If your appointment is within 24 hours, the easiest way to cancel is to visit tricareonline.com. All pending future appointments are listed in each patient’s “Appointment Center,” where you can set up text and email reminders. Oth-erwise, call 301-677-8800 to talk to a representative or leave a voice message to cancel.

Give the gift of much-needed health care by canceling your appointment online or by calling. Remember: An appointment missed by you, is an appointment missed by two.

Help reduce KACC patient no-shows


News

By A.J. ColkittLegal Assistance Intern

Even though you thought you were a savvy consumer, you fell victim to a scam and are out lots of money.

Although you reported the situation to the police, you’ve learned that the scammers are located in a foreign country and you have no way of recouping your money.

You are then contacted by a “govern-ment agency” to help recover the money you lost in the scam. Your prayers have been answered!

Wrong. This corporation or so-called “government agency” is yet another scam to get even more money out of you.

These scams are very tricky.How did they know you had lost money

to a scam? A popular norm around the world of con men is the “sucker list.” The people who scammed you in the first place will put your name and informa-tion on a list and sell that list to fellow tricksters.

Of course, this is hard to pass up for people trying to make a dishonest buck, so they are passed on frequently.

The scams that promise to get your money back are particularly popular among “double jeopardy” scams. You want to get your money back, but how do you know if this is a scam or not?

There is one obvious way to tell if the person on the other end of the phone is on the level or not. If they ask you for money or a donation in advance, then you instantly know it is a scam.

The Telemarketing and Consumer Fraud and Abuse Prevention Act prohib-its all real — and fake — businesses from requesting money from the customer until seven business days after they have recovered and returned the money you have lost. If anyone tells you otherwise, end the call immediately.

Another trick these scammers use is the “do-it-yourself” kit for getting back your money — you don’t have to go through the crooked company to get your money back. All you have to do is use the kit that they supply. Simple, right?

But in fact, the Federal Trade Com-mission recently reached a settlement with Business Recovery Services LLC for selling kits that didn’t work, priced at $499, and making false claims about the product.

Don’t be fooled by double jeopardy money scams

If you are a victim of such scams or have been contacted by a “company,” go to ftc.gov. You also should call the Fort Meade Directorate of Emergency Services, Investigations Section at 301-677-6540.

For more information, go to ftc.gov or call the Fort Meade Legal Assistance Office to schedule an appointment to speak with an attorney at 301-677-9504 or 301-677-9536.

Dec. 2, Larceny of non-appro-priated funds: The manager of Club Meade stated that money was discovered missing from the bank money bags gathered on Nov. 28.

Dec. 12, Theft of government property: AAFES loss preven-tion personnel stated that over the course of several months, she has obtained evidence that the subject stole at least 30 Exchange gift cards reportedly valued at $2,800, which were used to make purchases at off-post establishments.

Dec. 15, Assault - consummated by a battery: The victim stated that she and her husband were in a verbal argument that turned physical when he grabbed her by the neck and attempted to strangle her.

CommunityCommunityCrime Watch

Compiled by the Fort Meade Directorate of Emergency Services

For week of Dec. 9-15:• Moving violations: 26• Nonmoving violations: 2• Verbal warnings for traffic stops: 33• Traffic accidents: 4• Driving on suspended license: 1• Driving on suspended registration: 0• Driving without a license: 1

Follow Fort Meade on Twitter.com/ftmeademd

MILITARY PERSONNEL!Let me help you purchase your next vehicle.Work with experienced Military Spouse Sales Professional.

Melissa Link410-349-2582

BMW-MINI of [email protected]

Mention this ad for a $$ Discount!USAA Friendly

Flexible SchedulingOnline • Hybrid • Accelerated

Convenient LocationsColumbia • Gateway • Laurel • Mount Airy

Support ServicesCredit for Prior Learning • Military Assistance

Counseling and Career ServicesFinancial Aid

Career ProgrammingWorkforce Training

Certifications • Degrees

Learning at home.Learning in the classroom.

Learning for success.

If you want to maintain, stay competitive,or advance in your career,

choose Howard Community Collegefor learning that works for you!

Visit hcclearningworks.comto take the next step.

Winter term begins January 2SpringsemesterbeginsJanuary 25Noncredit classes are ongoing

Connect with Fort Meade atFacebook.com/ftmeade

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil10 SOUNDOFF! December 19, 2013

Cover Story

By Lisa R. RhodesStaff Writer

The early chill of winter was the evening setting for Fort Meade’s annual tree lighting ceremony on Dec. 15 at McGlachlin Parade Field.

The garrison’s Religious Services Office hosted the event, which traditionally includes a performance by an ensemble of the U.S. Army Field Band and an early Christmas visit from Santa Claus.

“It helps to bring in the holidays and it’s exciting to see Santa,” said Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Henry of the 29th Intelligence Squadron, who came with his wife, Jessie, and their two children Olivia, 5, and Colin, 2.

The hourlong ceremony began promptly at 5 p.m. after the garrison’s military retreat ceremony.

Chaplain (Maj.) Scott Thompson, chaplain resource manager for Fort Meade, welcomed the audience. Garrison Chaplain (Col.) Carl Rau’s invocation gave thanks for the joys and blessings of the holiday season and included a reminder of the sacrifice made by service

Festivities shine at garrison tree lighting ceremony

members who are away from their loved ones.

The Federal Brass Instrumentalists, an ensemble of the Field Band, played a medley of favorite Christmas songs including “We Wish You A Merry Christmas,” “Joy To The World,” “Hark, The Herald Angels Sing,” and “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.”

A combined choir made up of Fort Meade’s Cub Scout, Girls Scout and Boy Scout troops led the audience in the singing of “Jingle Bells” and “Frosty the Snowman.”

Before the ceremony began, staff from the Religious Services Office distributed raffle tickets to adults, while Fort Meade’s USO-Metro provided free cups of hot chocolate for everyone.

Several chaplain assistants also distributed candles that were lit later in the evening.

Mariela Pepin, the newly crowned Miss Maryland Teen USA, picked the winning raffle tickets from a decorated holiday box.

Mariela, 17, is the daughter of Sgt. 1st Class Charlie Pepin, who is stationed in Hawaii, and Edna Solis, a management program analyst at First Army Division East G-8.

A graduate of Meade High School and a freshman at Towson University, the 17-year-old was crowned on Nov. 3.

“It’s special,” Mariela said of the event. “I’m so happy to see the people and to help out. ... It’s so exciting. I never thought I’d be here wearing a crown and a sash.”

The Fort Meade Commissary, Club Meade and the Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation donated gift cards for the raffle prizes.

Garrison Deputy Commander John Moeller thanked the many garrison agencies that sponsored the event and wished the audi-ence a happy holiday.

“I hope you all have a good time tonight,” he said.

Whether one celebrates Hanukkah, Christ-mas or Kwanzaa, this time of year “is all about family and friends, so enjoy,” Moeller said.

After the chaplain assistants helped people to light their candles, the Field Band musicians and the children’s choir led everyone in singing “Silent Night.”

Moeller then asked for a volunteer to pull

photos by nate pesce

People gather around the newly lit Christmas tree on Friday at McGlachlin Parade Field. The Religious Services Office sponsors the annual ceremony for the Fort Meade community.

RIGHT: Three-year-old Avery Dearborn sits on Santa’s lap in the gazebo at McGlachlin Parade Field.

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil December 19, 2013 SOUNDOFF! 11

Cover Story

the switch to light the tree.Frechena Russ, 20, daughter of Sgt. 1st

Class Buffie Hall, noncommissioned officer in charge of the garrison chapel, stepped up.

As the tree lit up, a Fort Meade fire truck made its way down English Avenue and dropped off Santa Claus at the gazebo.

Master Sgt. Lee Comboy of the 70th Intelli-gence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing, stood on line for Santa with her children, Phoebe, 9, and Zachary 2.

“I’m very impressed with how generous the garrison is this year,” said Comboy, who also attended a holiday party hosted by Fort Meade’s Exceptional Family Member Pro-gram with her special needs daughter, Shelby.

Comboy said that with people busy shop-ping or overly involved in the material aspects of Christmas, the annual tree lighting is truly a festive event for families.

“That’s what the real holiday is all about,” she said.

LEFT: A combined choir of Fort Meade’s Cub Scout, Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops sing “Jingle Bells” and “Frosty the Snowman” before the tree lighting.

BELOW RIGHT: Chaplain (Maj.) Scott Thompson and Mariela Pepin, the newly crowned Miss Maryland Teen USA, stand on the stage at the gazebo as they call out winning raffle ticket numbers during the garrison’s annual tree lighting ceremony.

photos by nate pesce

Sgt. Kevin Paul, a musician with the Federal Brass Instrumentalists, an ensemble of the U.S. Army Field Band, plays the trumpet during a medley of Christmas songs at the ceremony.


News

photos by phil grout

brunch with santaSanta was the guest of honor Saturday at the “Brunch with Santa Claus” held at the Fort Meade Con-ference Center.The annual event, sponsored by Child, Youth and School Services, included a brunch buffet, an activity, and a small gift for each child. Right, Columbia sib-lings Sophie Levine, 6, and her older brother John, 9, chat with Kris Kringle.Above, 3-year-old Madison Long of Severn gets a sur-prise visit at her table from Santa.

By Lisa YoungHealth EducatorU.S. Army Public Health Command

Simple changes to at-work habits can have a positive impact on staying healthy.

Whether trying to manage a chronic condition or maintain a healthy lifestyle, the tips below can make a difference in your overall health and make your work-day more enjoyable.

Eat better at work• Pack your lunch and keep healthy

snacks on hand.Skipping breakfast decreases metabo-

lism. So if you don’t have time to eat breakfast, pack your breakfast as well.

Healthy snacks can help you resist the sugary foods that often plague the office.

Good alternatives are cut-up vegeta-bles, fruit slices, light popcorn, low-fat whole-wheat crackers with peanut butter, and low-fat soup in a cup.

Burn calories at work• Make office exercise a part of your daily

routine by adding active activities or 10-min-ute “exercise blasts” to your office routine.

Multiple increments of exercise can add up to the 30 minutes of moderate exercise per day that is recommended for health benefits.

• Look for opportunities to stand such as while talking on the phone.

• Walk to other offices as a substitute for local emails and phone calls.

• Organize a walking group or schedule walking meetings. Do laps inside your build-ing or take your walking meetings outdoors.

• Take a one-minute “cardio burst” to march or jog in place, do jumping jacks, simulate jumping rope, or walk up and down the stairs.

• Turn breaks into a short, fitness routine. Store resistance bands or small hand-weights in a desk drawer.

Try these exercises:• Arm curls: Hold weights at your sides,

palms facing upward, bend your elbows, bring your hands up. Keep your arms by your side, lower your hands slowly and repeat.

• Side leg lifts: Stand straight, lightly brace yourself on a desk. Tighten your abdominal muscles and the muscles on your outer thigh. Raise your leg to the side, knee straight, foot flexed. Do 12 repetitions, then repeat with the other leg.

• Oblique crunches: Sit up straight in a chair, clasp your arms behind your head with your elbows back. Tighten your abs as you bring your opposite knee up toward your opposite elbow. Alternate sides.

• Quad lifts: Sit in a chair with your abs contracted, extend your leg with your foot up, knee straight. Raise your thigh off the chair, lower and repeat. Alternate legs.

Stretch more at workFor people whose jobs require them to

sit for long hours, taking a few minutes to do stretches can relieve stress, increase productivity and make you feel better.

Fit these stretches, along with relaxed breathing, into your schedule.

• Neck stretchesClose your eyes. Let your chin drop

down to your chest until you feel a stretch along the back of your neck. Slowly bring your shoulders up toward your ears, then relax them down. Take the right ear to the right shoulder, then roll your head forward and then the left ear to the left shoulder.

Keep the shoulders relaxed and do not hurry. Take three to five rolls and then switch directions for another five rolls.

• Back stretchBring both feet flat on the floor. Bring

your hands onto your knees. On an inhale, arch the back and look up toward the ceil-ing. On the exhale, round the spine and let your head drop forward. Repeat for five breaths.

• Seated forward bendPush your chair back from your desk.

Bring both feet flat on the floor. Interlace your fingers behind your back. Straighten your arms, drawing the interlaced fingers down. Fold at the waist, bringing your interlaced hands over your back. Rest your chest on your thighs and release your neck.

• Seated spinal twistSit sideways in your chair, feet flat on the

floor. Twist towards the back of the chair, holding the back with both hands. Repeat the other way.

Resources• Best healthy snacks in your supermarket,

Web MD, webmd.com/food-recipes/features/the-best-healthy-snacks-in-your-supermarket

• Exercise at Your Desk, Web MD Fitness & Exercise, webmd.com/fitness-exercise/fea-tures/exercise-at-your-desk

• Exercises recommended by experts whose jobs involve studying motion and preventing obesity, washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/health/workout-at-work/

• Mayo Clinic Desk Stretches: How-to video collection, mayoclinic.com/health/office-stretches/MY00921

• Break Pal - Fitness at Your Desk (daily web-based exercise reminders), breakpal.com/

tips to stay healthy at work


News

By David VergunArmy News Service

Beginning Friday, Soldiers will be eli-gible for expedited pre-flight screening at airports, meaning they’ll be able to get into the express line where they don’t need to remove their shoes and belts or take laptops out of their baggage.

All service members, including those in the Reserve, National Guard and Coast Guard, will be eligible for TSA Precheck, as the program is known.

Those in the Guard and Reserve do not need to be in an activated status, and service members do not need to be in uni-form, said Mark Howell, Transportation Security Administration spokesman.

Not eligible are personnel in the Indi-vidual Ready Reserve, military retirees, and Army and Defense Department civil-ians, he said.

Currently, about 10 airports allow ser-

vice members to show their Common Access Cards and go into the expedited pre-check line, he said. On Friday, “that’s going away,” Howell said.

Instead, service members will need to enter their CAC identification number into the “Known Traveler” field when booking airline tickets.

All airlines have this field on their forms, he said, adding that the Defense Travel System also has a Known Traveler field where the CAC ID number can be added.

Soldiers should consult with their DTS representative for more information.

Once the Soldier books an airline ticket, the airline sends the CAC ID number and the Soldier’s information to TSA’s Secure Flight office, a program that maintains a criminal and terrorist watch list, he said.

When the Soldier prints out the board-ing pass at the airport, a “TSA Secure Flight” logo will appear at the top. That

informs TSA personnel to allow the Sol-dier to get into the expedited, pre-flight line, he said.

Essentially, the only thing Soldiers need to do, he said, is to ensure they enter their CAC number when booking either through DTS or online for non-official travel, he said.

TSA does all the behind-the-scenes security legwork.

A caveat to the program, Howell said, is that nonmilitary spouses are not eligible, nor are their children, except for those ages 12 and under.

However, Howell said, TSA will soon offer them and the general public the same pre-check benefits that service members get. But there will be an $85 fee to be eli-gible and it’s only good for five years.

TSA is excited about extending the program now to service members, he said, because about 25 percent of TSA’s work-

force are military veterans, including How-ell, who is an Army veteran.

“In the future, we’d like to facilitate expedited pre-flight screening for more and more Americans,” he said, as TSA is “becoming more like a risk-based, intel-ligence-driven organization.”

TSA is working on various ways to expedite travelers, but new initiatives are not yet ready to be announced publicly, he said.

“It’s better for us and it’s better for the traveling public, who won’t have to wait as long,” he said.

For more information on the TSA Pre-check Program, go to http://www.tsa.gov/press/releases/2013/11/13/dodtsa-partner-provide-military-tsa-precheck-100-airports-0.

For more information on the TSA Secure Flight, go to http://www.tsa.gov/stakehold-ers/secure-flight-program.

Soldiers to get expedited airport security screenings

By Latonia StallworthArmy Substance Abuse Programand Capt. Latisha IrwinChief, Military Justice, Fort Meade

Spice originated in Europe around 2006 and found its way into the Army shortly afterwards.

Spice is a synthetic drug. Synthetic can-nabinoids, or SCs, are created to mimic the effects of marijuana.

The Army has been combating the problem in several ways. In 2011, Secre-tary of the Army John McHugh banned the use and possession of all SCs. In 2012, McHugh approved Army Directive 2012-14, which further prohibited SCs and included “Bath Salts,” a synthetic drug that mimics cocaine.

In April, McHugh approved Army Directive 2013-10, which allowed testing for SCs and Bath Salts where there was probable cause or command directed.

Now the Army will test for SCs in its urine analysis tests.

The DoD will expand military drug testing of the more commonly abused synthetic drugs beginning with Spice and Bath Salts.

The chemical makeup of synthetic can-nabinoids is similar to tetrahydrocannabi-nol, or THC, and produces a psychoactive response in the human brain like THC does.

Spice is an analog concoction created by modern chemistry. Analog chemicals are existing drug molecules that share struc-

tural and pharmacological similarities with the original compound — marijuana.

Soldiers who are using SCs are encour-aged to voluntarily seek medical treat-ment and rehabilitation immediately at the Army Substance Abuse Program on a self-referral basis.

The projected date for implementation is January 2014.

The DoD and Army policies, including the local garrison policy, state that indi-viduals who do not self-refer for treatment and who subsequently test positive for use of illegal or unauthorized substances may be considered in violation of the Uniform Code of Military Justice for drug mis-use/abuse.

Some of the possible UCMJ offenses are:

• Article 112a: Wrongful use, posses-sion, manufacture or introduction of a controlled substance if the SC is listed as one of the synthetic compounds in Schedule I

• Article 92: Failure to obey order or regulation for violating the local policy

The maximum punishment for these offenses respectively are five years confine-ment, dishonorable discharge and total forfeiture of pay, and two years confine-ment, dishonorable discharge and total forfeiture of pay.

The ASAP stands ready to assist Sol-diers if needed.

For more information or assistance, call 301-677-7121.

Army to test for synthetic drugsBeware of last-minute travel scamsBy A.J. ColkittLegal Assistance Intern

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. The decorations are out, holiday songs are on the radio, and everyone seems a little more chipper (outside of the parking lots).

It really makes you miss your family that’s out-of-state. You really want to see them, but airfare during the holidays is sky high.

Just when you think all hope is lost, you get a letter or a phone call saying that you have received free airline tickets to anywhere you want to go. Simply act now and they are all yours. The company name looks legitimate, and so do the tickets.

Could this be a holiday miracle?Sadly, what you are holding in your hands is a nightmare disguised as a dream come true.

Scammers this time of year will prey on people looking to be home for the holidays.There are a few questions you need to ask yourself:The first question is: “What airline is this?”Be wary of look-alike names of companies that sound official. Last year there was a

scam company called US Airlines. This sounds like a familiar company, but it’s a company dedicated to simply decking their halls with your money.

Another question to ask is: “Why do I need to act right now?”Some scams will pressure you into acting fast in order to claim your “prizes.” What’s the

rush? Well, the more time you wait, the longer you have to think about it. Scammers don’t want you to think about it.

A hard question you don’t want to ask but need to is: “Why me?”If it came out-of-the-blue, warning bells should be going off. Why would a big company

have any interest in giving a random person airline tickets — for free?Even if you entered a sweepstakes, it is near impossible to get a prize like this with no

strings attached.The last question you need to ask is: “What strings are attached?”Chances are, the “company” will ask you for your personal information, credit card num-

ber, Social Security number, or anything of the like. They may even ask you for a small fee.Do you hear what I hear? Scam!For more information about tricky scams, go to the Federal Trade Commission website

at ftc.gov.If you are a victim, you can report your encounter at ftc.gov or call the Fort Meade Legal

Assistance Office to schedule an appointment to speak with an attorney at 301-677-9504 or 301-677-9536.


Community news & notes

The deadline for Soundoff! community “News and Notes” is Friday at noon. All submissions are posted at the editor’s discretion and may be edited for space and grammar. Look for additional community events on the Fort Meade website at www.ftmeade.army.mil and the Fort Meade Facebook page at facebook.com/ftmeade.

For more information or to submit an announcement, email Philip Jones at [email protected] or call 301-677-5602.

WRNMMC shuttle serviceThe free shuttle service between Fort

Meade and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda has a new pick-up location.

The shuttle now picks up riders at the Burger King parking lot located on Rose Street, off Mapes Road, at the following times: 6 a.m., 8 a.m., 10 a.m. 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.

The shuttle departs WRNMMC at 7:10 a.m., 9:10 a.m., 1:10 p.m., 3:10 p.m. and 5:10 p.m.

Jummah prayers Individuals interested in participating

in Jummah prayers on Fort Meade should call 301-677-1301.

Fort Meade has a room available at Argonne Hills Chapel Center, 7100 Rockenbach Road.

The community also is seeking individuals who would like to join in a morning prayer on Fridays.

Financial classThe Navy Fleet and Family Support

Center offers free classes at its new facility at 2212 Chisholm Ave.

Classes are open to DoD identification cardholders, including active-duty service members, retirees and their family members, DoD civilian employees and contractors.

Registration is required for each class.• Car Buying: Jan. 13, 1 to 2 p.m.For more information, call 301-677-

9014, 301-677-9017 or 301-677-9018.

Holiday partyA Child, Youth and School Services

holiday party for grades six to eight will be held Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Youth Center.

For more information, call 301-677-1437.

Youth Winter Craft DayThe Arts & Crafts Center is

sponsoring Youth Winter Craft Day on Dec. 30 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

All youths must be registered by Dec. 24 and accompanied by an adult.

The event will feature work stations with different crafts for various age groups, from toddlers to teens, and snacks.

Cost is $5 per craft.For more information, call 301-677-

7809.

Movie NightMovie Night for grades six to eight

will be held Jan. 3 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Youth Center.

For more information, call 301-677-1437.

Kids Craft ClubThe Kids Craft Club for toddlers and

preschoolers will meet Jan. 15 at 9:30 a.m. at the Arts and Crafts Center.

Remaining sessions will be: Feb. 11, March 11, April 15 and May 6.

Fee is $5 per session. Cost includes a craft, snack and juice.

Space is limited. Registration is required.

To register or for more information, call 301-677-7809.

Out & About• The Moscow Ballet Company will

perform “The Nutcracker” on Saturday at noon, 4 and 8 p.m. at the Hippodrome Theater, 12 N. Eutaw St., Baltimore. Tickets range from $28-$175. For more information, go to nutcracker.com.

• Symphony of Lights, a 20-minute drive-through spectacle of more than 70 larger-than-life holiday light displays benefiting Howard County General Hospital, is open nightly from 6 to 10 p.m. through Jan. 5 at Symphony Woods in Columbia.

The display is closed Dec. 31 for the “Midnight at 7” event.

Symphony of Lights features a series of animated and stationary light displays on a 1.4-mile scenic drive. Visitors can listen to seasonal music on the Symphony of Lights

FM radio frequency.Midnight at 7 is a New Years Eve cel-

ebration for families on Dec. 31 beginning at 5 p.m. and culminating with fireworks at 7 p.m. (weather permitting).

Admission is $20 per car or van up to 8 passengers; $45 for commercial vans and minibuses seating nine to 24 people; and $125 for buses exceeding 24 passengers. Tickets can be purchased at the main gate. Private walk-throughs are available for groups.

Coupons for $5 off are available at www.hcgh.org/symphonyoflights and on Face-book (www.facebook.com/symphonyofli-ghtsfestivities).

For more information, call 410-740-7666 or go to www.hcgh.org/symphonyoflights.

• Leisure Travel Services is offering its next monthly bus trip to New York City on Jan. 11, with discounts to attractions. Bus cost is $55. For more information, call 301-677-7354 or visit ftmeademwr.com.

• Prostate Cancer Support Group meets at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda on the third Thursday of every month. The next meeting is today from 1 to 2 p.m. and 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the America Building, River Conference Room (next to the Prostate Center), third floor.

Spouses/partners are invited. Military ID is required for base access. Men without a military ID should call the Prostate Center 48 hours prior to the event at 301-319-2900 for base access.

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

• Fort Meade Homeschool Co-op will meet Friday at 10:30 a.m. at Potomac Place Neighborhood Center. Additional meetings will be held Jan. 24 and Jan. 31. For more information, go to its Facebook page at Fort Meade Homeschool Group and Co-op.

• Society of Military Widows meets for brunch the fourth Sunday of the month at 1 p.m. at the Lanes. The next meeting is Sunday. For more information, call Betty Jones at 410-730-0127.

• Single Parent Support Group meets the second and fourth Monday of the month from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at School Age Services, 1900 Reece Road. The next meeting is Monday. Free child care will be provided on site.

For more information, email [email protected].

• Bully Proofing Support Group meets the second and fourth Monday of the month from 4 to 5 p.m. at Potomac Place

Neighborhood Center. The next meeting is Monday. The group is geared for school-age children and parents. For more information, email [email protected].

• Marriage Enrichment Group, sponsored by Army Community Service, meets the second and fourth Monday of every month from 3 to 4 p.m. at the Community Readiness Center, 830 Chisholm Ave. The next meeting is Monday. For more information, call Celena Flowers or Jessica Hobgood at 301-677-5590.

• Monthly Prayer Breakfast, hosted by the Garrison Chaplain’s Office, is held the first Thursday of every month at 7 a.m. at Club Meade.

The next prayer breakfast is Jan. 2.There is no cost for the buffet; donations

are optional. All Fort Meade employees, family members, and civilian and military personnel are invited.

For more information, call Diana Durner at 301-677-6703 or email [email protected].

• Meade Rod and Gun Club meets the first Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. at Perry’s Restaurant and Odie’s Pub at 1210 Annapolis Road, Odenton, in the banquet hall in back of the building. The next meeting is Jan. 2. Dinner is served at 6 p.m. For more information, call 410-674-4000.

• National Alliance on Mental Illness of Anne Arundel County offers a free support group for families with a loved one suffering from mental illness on the first Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. at the Odenton (West County) Library, 1325 Annapolis Road. The next meeting is Jan. 2. For more information, visit namiaac.org.

• Families Dealing with Deployment, Unaccompanied Permanent Change of Station, Temporary Duty meets the first and third Monday of every month from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Meuse Forest Neighborhood Center. The next meeting is Jan. 6. For more information, email [email protected].

• Fort Meade TOP III Association meets the second Wednesday of each month at 3 p.m. at the Courses. The next meeting is Jan. 8. The association is open to all Air Force active-duty and retired senior noncommissioned officers. For more information, call Master Sgt. Jonathan Jacob at 443-479-0616 or email [email protected].

• Women’s Empowerment Group meets Wednesdays from 2 to 3:30 p.m. to provide a safe, confidential arena for the support, education and empowerment of women who have experienced past or present family violence.

Location is only disclosed to participants. To register, call Tina Gauth, victim advocate, at 301-677-4117 or Samantha

NEWS & EVENTS

EDUCATION

YOUTH

RECREATION

MEETINGS


Community news & notes movies

The movie schedule is subject to change. For a recorded announcement of showings, call 301-677-5324. Further listings are available on the Army and Air Force Exchange Service website at www.aafes.com.

Movies start Wednesdays to Saturdays at 6:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.

NEW PRICES: Tickets are $5.50 for adults (12 and older) and $3 for children. 3D Movies: $7.50 adults, $5 children.

Today through Jan. 5(CLOSED Christmas Day

and New Year’s Day)

Today, Saturday & Jan. 2: “Free Birds” (PG). Turkeys embark on a mission to take themselves off the menu. With Owen Wilson, Woody Har-relson, Amy Poehler. (3D Today)

Friday: “Ender’s Game” (PG-13). A young man leads a galactic battle to save Earth’s people. With Harrison Ford, Asa Butterfield, Ben Kingsley.

Saturday & Dec. 26, 28: “Thor: The Dark World” (PG-13). Thor must battle an ancient enemy. With Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston. (3D Thursday & Dec. 26)

Dec. 27, 29: “The Best Man Holiday” (R). College friends reunite over the Christmas holiday. With Morris Chestnut, Taye Diggs, Regina Hall.

Jan. 3: “Delivery Man” (PG-13). An under-achiever finds out he’s fathered 533 children through anonymous donations to a fertility clinic 20 years ago. With Vince Vaughn, Chris Pratt, Cobie Smulders.

Jan. 4: “Frozen” (PG). A young queen’s icy powers trap a kingdom in eternal winter. With Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Jonathan Groff.

Jan. 5: “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” (PG-13). The 75th Hun-ger Games may change Panem forever. With Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hem-sworth, Woody Harrelson, Donald Sutherland.

Herring, victim advocate, at 301-677-4124.• Spanish Christian Service is conducted

Sundays at 1 p.m. at the Cavalry Chapel located at 8465 Simonds St. and 6th Armored Cavalry Road.

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

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

For more information, email Cubmaster Christopher Lassiter at [email protected] or Committee Chairperson Marco Cilibert at [email protected].

• Boy Scout Troop 379 meets Mondays at 7 p.m. at Argonne Hills Chapel Center on Rockenbach Road. The troop is actively recruiting boys age 11 to 18. For more information, email Lisa Yetman, at [email protected] or Wendall Lawrence, Scoutmaster, at [email protected].

• Military Council for Catholic Women is open to all women ages 18 and older for prayer, faith, fellowship and service at the Main Post Chapel. Mother’s Prayer & Apologetics meets Tuesdays from 9:45 a.m. to noon when Anne Arundel County schools are in session. Monthly programs are held Mondays from 6:30 to 9 p.m.

For more information, email Beth Wright, president, at [email protected] or call 305-240-1559.

• American Legion Post 276 is open to veterans and active-duty service members at 8068 Quarterfield Road in Severn. Breakfast 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 from 4 to 6 p.m. Dinner may be purchased at 6 p.m.

on Fridays and the fourth Sunday of every month.

Membership discounts are offered for active-duty military. For more information, call 410-969-8028 or visit americanlegionpost276.org.

• Fort Meade E9 Association meets the second Friday of every month at 7 a.m. in the Pin Deck Cafe at the Lanes. The next meeting is Jan. 10. The association is open to active, retired, Reserve and National Guard E9s of any uniformed service. All E9s in this area are invited to attend a breakfast and meet the membership. For more information, go to e9association.org.

• Meade Branch 212 of the Fleet Reserve Association meets the second Saturday of each month at 10 a.m. at VFW Post 160, 2597 Dorsey Road, Glen Burnie. The next meeting is Jan. 11. Active-duty, Reserve and retired members of the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard are invited.

For more information, call 443-604-2474 or 410-768-6288.

• New Spouse Connection meets the second Monday of every month from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Community Readiness Center, 830 Chisholm Ave. The next meeting is Jan. 13. The program provides an opportunity for all spouses new to the military or to Fort Meade to meet and get connected. For more information, contact Pia Morales at [email protected] or 301-677-4110.

• NARFE Chapter 1519 will meet Jan. 14 at 12:30 p.m. at Holy Trinity Church Hall. For more information, call Diane Shreves, publicity chairman, at 410-760-3750.

• Military District of Washington Sergeant Audie Murphy Club meets the third Wednesday of each month from noon to

1 p.m. at the Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Dining Facility in Virginia. The next meeting is Jan. 15. All members and those interested in joining the club are welcome. For more information, contact Master Sgt. Erica Lehmkuhl at [email protected] or 301-833-8415.

• Retired Enlisted Association meets the third Tuesday of the month from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Perry’s Restaurant, 1210 Annapolis Road, Odenton. The next meeting is Jan. 21. For more information, visit trea.org or call Elliott Phillips, the local president, at 443-790-3805 or Arthur R. Cooper, past national president, at 443-336-1230.

• Air Force Sergeants Association Chapter 254 meets the fourth Wednesday of the month from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the multipurpose room of Building 9801 at the National Security Agency. The next meeting is Jan. 22. For more information, call 443-534-5170 or visit afsa254.org.

Fort Meade 2013 Holiday Religious Services & ActivitiesDATE SERVICE TIME LOCATIONDec. 24 “Happy Birthday Jesus” Mass (for children) 5 p.m. Chapel CenterDec. 24 Christmas Eve Midnight Mass 10 p.m. Chapel CenterDec. 24 Protestant Christmas Eve Candlelight Service 7 p.m. Post ChapelDec. 24 Episcopal Christmas Eve Carols/Service 10:30/11 p.m. Post ChapelDec. 25 Christmas Day Mass 12:15 p.m. Post ChapelDec. 31 New Year’s Vigil Mass 5 p.m. Post ChapelDec. 31 Gospel Watch-Night Service 10 p.m. Chapel CenterJan. 1 Mary, Mother of God Noon Post Chapel

Times of the regular weekend Protestant and Catholic services during the day will remain the same (if not noted).

For more information about religious services, call the Garrison Chaplain’s Office at 301-677-6703.

Chaplain’s WordHAPPINESS COUNTS

“For every minute you are angry, you lose 60 seconds of happiness.”— Ralph Waldo EmersonAmerican essayist, poet


SportS

photoS by phil grout

REINDEER RUNABOVE: Phil Blong crosses the fin-ish line of Saturday’s Reindeer Run 5K at Murphy Field House. Blong won the race with a time of 16:43. The first woman to finish was Jen-nifer Gannon at 20:01.

TOP RIGHT: Runners begin the Reindeer Run 5K on Saturday at Murphy Field House. More than 400 participants registered for the race and many wore reindeer antlers and other festive holiday attire.

RIGHT: A dog wearing antlers watches the Reindeer Run 5K. Saturday’s race was the final event in the post’s annual Run Series that featured seven runs.


By Brandon BieltzStaff Writer

At the start of every new year, that nagging resolution of hitting the gym regularly and losing weight strikes fear in the hearts of many.

Rest easy.For the sixth con-

secutive year, the Gaffney Fitness Cen-ter’s annual Dump Your Plump weight-loss competition is here to help.

“The goal is to get a kickstart on the new year, a kickstart on your New Year’s resolution,” said Katie Harrington, the event’s organizer.

The eight-week competition will begin Jan. 6 and end Feb. 26, with contestants aiming to lose the most body fat to win weekly and overall prizes. Registration for the competition opened at Gaffney on Dec. 2 and will continue through Jan. 3.

Dump Your Plump is open to all Fort Meade and National Security Agency service members, their families, DoD civilians and contrac-tors.

Last year, 114 competitors lost more than a total of 800 pounds col-lectively during the eight-week competition.

Competitors can sign up as individuals or in teams of four. They can create their own weight-loss programs and go to any gym.

During the competition, contestants must weigh in weekly on Mondays, Tuesdays or Wednesdays. The private weigh-ins measure the percentage of weight lost, not total pounds.

Missing a weigh-in, however, can hurt competitors’ chances for the weekly awards or the overall winners at the end of the eight weeks.

A pound is added for failure to weigh in. Missing a total of four or more weigh-ins eliminates the competitor. Missing more than two consecutive weigh-ins also will result in elimination.

This year, Dump Your Plump is teaming up with the Army Wellness Center to help contestants sustain their program and weight loss. The addition, Harrington said, makes the program “more focused on health and wellness fitness, not just pure weight loss.”

At the start and end of the competition, the Wellness Center will wel-come walk-ins from the competition to use the BOD POD, which mea-sures body mass. The readings will give participants a base line at the start and a more detailed assessment at the end of the competition.

The Wellness Center also will host three classes: nutrition on Jan. 15, fitness on Jan. 27 and stress management on Feb. 12.

“This is a good way to help people get focused,” Harrington said. “This is something that people can use to get information and get healthy as opposed to just focusing on trying to dump a whole bunch of weight.

“It’s more of being able to maintain a healthy lifestyle,” she said.

The weight is over: Dump Your Plump to begin Jan. 6

SportS

I had just dropped the kids off at school on Tuesday morning and was heading to work when I finally got sick and tired of listening to commentators explain how the Cowboys’ revolutionary “Pass Out The Game Clock” tactic wasn’t as dependable as the standard “Run Out the Clock” approach to holding a lead.

So I turned the radio to one of the pop stations my daughter programmed into the Camry just in time to hear the DJ mention an article which read that any individual is nothing more than the average of the five people he hangs out with most.

I thought it was a completely new thesis that put a little science to the old adage, “You’re the company that you keep.” But after some research, I discovered that the idea was a decades-old hypothesis from old-school motivational speaker Jim Rohn. bit.ly/19w70ul

The thing about the radio segment, and Rohn’s hypothesis, that kept my ADD at bay long enough to hear the entire piece was how people could use this law of averages to help improve themselves. Before, my thought on the subject was that you hang out with who you hang out with. Your boss is your boss, your wife is your wife, your best friend is your best friend and your enemies are your enemies.

However, if you were willing to make an honest assessment of how you’re doing and who you’re doing it with, and then were willing to make some calculated decision based off those assessments, you could move closer to your goals simply by dropping some friends or changing some habits.

For example, if you are overweight — or if the Fort Meade Wellness Center confirms it — and you want to be skinny, and if you noticed that when a lot of your colleagues sit around the house, they are literally sitting around the house.

Then, according to the theory, you could lose weight simply by dumping your plump friends in favor of some who are fit. The thought being, if you are around fit people, you are naturally going to do more things that fit people do - eat right, exercise, etc.

The other thing the segment revealed is that there is a formula for who a few of the people should be:

1. A younger, motivated person who could keep you energized and also take your advice

2. An older mentor who could impart knowledge and give you something to aspire to

3. A confidant or peer that you can bounce ideas off of without fear of being wrong or foolish

I didn’t catch who the other two should be, but knowing me and how I am motivated, I’d want at least one person who makes me feel good about where I’m at and another person who is great at whatever they do.

In my life, I think I have most of those things cov-ered. My counselors at camp are young and keep me on my toes; I have been plenty blessed to be around some

great bosses; Mary Staab at DPTMS is a peer of mine who will tell me how it is; I have a few family members who make me feel com-pletely squared away; and of course, my wife is pretty great at most things.

But with this being the holiday season, and a time where dreams come true, I couldn’t help but let my mind wander a bit and try to figure out who would make up my crew in the sports world.

• Younger: AJ McCarron - QB, AlabamaA few years ago, this would have been Tim Tebow.

He had the passion, the winning, the intangibles, the manners. Well, AJ seems to have all those things, plus, unlike Tebow, he’s still relevant, has an actual shot at being an NFL quarterback, and when all else fails, unlimited access to Katherine Webb. bit.ly/19y63Sw

• Older: Mike Krzyzewski - Coach, DukeI really wanted to go with Iron Mike Ditka after

I heard him say, “If God had wanted man to play soccer, he wouldn’t have given us arms.” But then I remembered, he coached the Bears, and if I’m tak-ing an honest assessment, there is no better leader in sports than Coach K.

• Confidant: Derek Jeter - Shortstop, New York Yankees

I am not sure if I could consider any current or former professional athlete a peer, but the Captain and I did grow up in Kalamazoo, we played on the same Little League fields and love Michigan.

Plus, if we were boys, he would be able to talk to me about more than just winning rings, i.e. Jessica Alba, Mariah Carey, a former Miss Universe and Teen USA.

• My ego pick: Mike Tyson circa 1997I don’t care how bad things may get in my life, I

know if I was hanging out with ’90s Mike, I’d always be able to say, “At least I’m not that guy.” Not to mention, whether it is ’87, ’97, ’07 or 2017, as long as I’m with Iron Mike, I know ain’t nobody gonna mess with me. bit.ly/IVmdLz , bit.ly/1eox9iS

• Greatness: Whether in my dreams or in my kitchen, I’d probably still choose my wife. But if you pushed me to pick someone else, and I already had Jeter in the posse, of course it would be Justin Ver-lander - Pitcher, Detroit Tigers. Great 12 to 6 curve, great 100 mph fastball, great mustache and he has been great for the D.

Happy holidays, Team Meade. We’ll see you in January for the Jibber Year in Review.

Until then, if you have comments on this or anything to do with sports, contact me at [email protected] or hit me up on Twitter @CTJibber.

The company you’d keep

Chad T. Jones, Public Affairs

Officer

Jibber Jabber - OpiniOn

file photo

Documents

Sound offdec 25 2013