Fort Meade SoundOff for July 19, 2012

Good handsNew commander set to take charge of Medical Activity

page 6

UPCoMInG EVEnTsToday, 7-10 P.M.: Karaoke Night - The Lanes’ 11th Frame LoungefrIday, 7 P.M.-MIdnIGhT: Chicago Steppin’ - Club MeadeWEdnEsday, noon-3 P.M.: Army Community Service Birthday - The LanesJUly 27, 7-10 P.M.: Deck Party - The LanesJUly 30, 8 a.M.-1 P.M.: Armed Forces Blood Drive - McGill Training Center

KId sMarTGeek Squad hosts two-day technology camp to improve skills

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Soundoff!́vol. 64 no. 29 Published in the interest of the Fort Meade community July 19, 2012

photo by nate pesce

A sunset silhouette of C.J. House, 8, jumping to catch a pass while warming up with members of the Fort Meade Cougars youth football team, is a subtle reminder that the start of football season is less than a month away. The Cougars are preparing to kick off their season in August as part of Child, Youth and School Services’ fall youth sports.

summer drills build skills

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil� SOUNDOFF! July 19, 2012

Commander’s Column

Cont ent sNews............................. 3 Sports..................................14

TroubleTicket............... 4 Movies.................................19

Community................. 16 Classified.............................20

Editorial StaffGarrison Commander Col. Edward C. rothsteinacting Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. debra McGarityPublic 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 Patuxent Publishing Co.

advErtiSinGGeneral inquiries 410-332-6300

allison thompson 410-332-6850 [email protected]

Michele Griesbauer 410-332-6381 [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 Patuxent Publishing Co., a subsidiary of 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: 301-677-1361; DSN: 622-1361.

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 Patuxent Publishing Co., 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.

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

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True to the maxim that “an ounce of preven-tion is worth a pound of cure,” we can all do more to prevent crime from happening in our neighborhoods.

As garrison commander, the safety and secu-rity of our post community is my top priority.

Our police and force protection personnel have initiated many measures to ensure the safety of the community, including random patrols in marked and unmarked vehicles and foot patrols in the housing neighborhoods.

And while Fort Meade is one of the safest places to live, work and visit in the region, there are things we can all do to help keep our communities safe.

It starts with everyone taking responsibility to remember the basics of personal security. That means doing simple things such as locking doors, securing valuables and ensuring windows are locked when you leave your home.

According to crime prevention specialists, crime of opportunity is one of the main issues on military installations. Opportunity crimes mainly occur in three areas of the installation: barracks, parking lots and family housing.

Here are a few home security tips:• Set timers on lights when you’re away from

home so your house appears to be occupied.Did you know you also can alert the Fort

Meade Police to check on your home while you are on vacation or an extended leave of absence?

• Keep spare keys with a trusted neighbor, not under a doormat or planter, on a ledge or in the mailbox.

• Illuminate or eliminate places an intruder might hide: the spaces between trees or shrubs, stairwells, alleys, hallways and entryways.

If you live in post housing, call your des-

ignated neigh-borhood center to discuss your concerns.

• Do not leave items such as bicycles, chil-dren toys and sporting goods unsecured out-side.

• Do not leave cell phones, iPods, GPS sys-tems, purses or wallets in plain view and in unlocked vehicles.

• Close your garage door. An empty garage says, “You’re not at home.” Thieves can easily steal bikes, lawn mowers and other valuables. Burglars can close the garage door and take their time breaking into your home.

To learn more about how you can help keep our neighborhoods safe, I encourage everyone to attend Fort Meade’s annual National Night Out on Aug. 7 from 6 to 9 p.m. at McGlachlin Parade Field.

This free event is sponsored by the Director-ate of Emergency Services and Picerne Military Housing. National Night Out is designed to heighten crime-prevention awareness, generate support for anticrime programs and strengthen partnerships between emergency responders and the neighborhoods their serve.

This is a great event and I hope to see you there.

We may not live in a perfect world but we all can take steps to make our communities safer and prevent many crimes from becoming a reality.

An ounce of preventionis a home security cure

COL. Edward C. rOthstEin

Garrison Commander

Commander’s Open DoorGarrisonCommanderCol.EdwardC.Rothsteinhasanopendoorpolicy.All service members, retirees, government employees, family members

andcommunitymembersage18orolder are invited toaddress issuesorconcerns to thecommanderdirectlybyvisitingRothstein’sofficeonMon-daysfrom4to6p.m.atgarrisonheadquartersinHodgesHall,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 July 19, 2012 SOUNDOFF! �

News

By Picerne Military HousingDuring the spring and summer, the

weather brings a lot of rain and thunder-storms. Oftentimes, this can lead to power outages.

At this time, responsibility for util-ity management and maintenance on Fort Meade is split between the Baltimore Gas & Electric Co. and the Fort Meade Director-ate of Public Works.

Picerne Military Housing, however, is the residents’ liaison and service provider for all housing needs including utility service coordination.

All residential power outages should be reported to the appropriate neighborhood office. This will allow staff to determine if the outage is widespread or specific to the home, and coordinate the responsible provider to restore power.

As the installation’s privatized partner for utilities, BGE is in the process of upgrading gas and electric lines to all facilities on post. Fort Meade will have dual service providers through the ongoing utility upgrades.

At the completion of the upgrade proj-ect, BGE will be responsible for all utilities on Fort Meade.

BGE has privatized utilities in most office areas and is now in the process of

privatizing lines for the homes on post. This effort will end with a great result of new underground infrastructure that should help to solve a large portion of the current outage issues experienced on post.

As utilities continue to privatize in the neighborhoods, responsibility for utility services will transfer to BGE. As such, it is important for residents to report power outages to their neighborhood staff as they have the most current information

to coordinate restoration efforts with the appropriate provider.

Picerne will make every effort to make sure that residents receive the most updated and accurate information on the status of outages and repairs.

In the event a neighborhood office loses power, the phone system also may be affected.

If the office cannot be reached, resi-dents should call the following toll-free

numbers to report outages and mainte-nance emergencies. Calls to the toll-free number will directly connect residents to the emergency on-call service.

Heritage Park and Normandy Bluffs

• Heritage Park: 1-866-860-2403• Normandy Bluffs: 1-866-866-3709• Office: 410-672-2000

Midway Common• Level One: 1-866-524-2404• Office: 410-672-2301

Meuse Forest • Level One: 1-866-861-1935• Office: 410-672-2475

Utilities need coordinated response

By Army & Air Force Exchange ServicePublic Affairs

The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is constantly seeking opportunities to improve on the Exchange benefit.

As part of this effort, the DoD’s oldest and largest Exchange service relies on an ongo-ing Customer Satisfaction Index to provide localized, real-time snapshots of the job that Exchange facilities are performing to improve the value of the support provided to service members and their families.

The survey, which addresses customer ser-vice, pricing, sales associate availability, mer-chandise assortment and many more key issues, is administered at one-fourth of Exchange main stores twice a year.

Fort Meade shoppers’ opportunity to par-ticipate in the 2012 Customer Satisfaction Index is coming to the Exchange from Aug.

4 to 25.During this time, service members and their

families are encouraged to visit the Exchange to provide feedback on locally available ser-vices. Beyond improving the Exchange benefit, shoppers who participate also will receive a coupon worth $5 off their next purchase at the Exchange.

“We want to hear from as many Fort Meade shoppers as possible,” said Jonathan Bright, general manager of the Meade Consolidated Exchange, which includes AAFES operations on Fort Meade, Aberdeen Proving Ground and Dover Air Force Base, Del.

“Efforts like the CSI are critical to not only improving the shopping experience, but also bolstering the dividend the Exchange annu-ally delivers to the community,” Bright said. “Healthy Exchange operations produce greater returns for military quality-of-life programs.”

Satisfaction survey aids PX performance

By Army & Air Force Exchange ServicePublic Affairs

The Fort Meade Exchange facilities will mark the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s 117th birthday on Wednesday with a host of savings and specials.

In 1895, the War Department issued General Order 46, directing command-ers to establish an Exchange at every post.

To celebrate the Exchange’s birthday, shoppers using their Military Star Card to fill up at the Express gas station from Wednesday through July 27 will receive a discount of 17 cents per gallon.

The Military Star Card also will pay dividends at the food court on Wednes-day as diners can take 20 percent off orders at Exchange-operated restau-rants such as Burger King, Anthony’s Pizza and Charley’s grilled subs.

Express patrons also will receive free 20- and 30-ounce fountain drinks and 20-ounce Fresh Java until 1:17 p.m. Wednesday.

The birthday savings can be used online at shopmyexchange.com.

The website will offer a one-day sale on hundreds of products including a 40-inch Sharp AQUOS 1080 LCD TV for $717, up to 25 percent off name-brand watches and 66 percent off select fine jewelry.

AAFES celebrates 117th birthday with specials

file photo

Connect with fort Meade at facebook.com/ftmeade


News

July 11, Increasing speed when overtaken by passing vehicle, driv-ing under the influence of alcohol, driving while impaired by alcohol, driving with suspended registra-tion: The Directorate of Emer-gency Services was notified of a traffic stop for a vehicle that was driving erratically. The driver appeared to be impaired by alcohol. Police offi-cers offered the driver standardized field sobriety tests, which he refused. The driver submitted to a breath test, which yielded a result of .13 percent blood alcohol content.

July 13, Larceny of private property: An investigation revealed that someone went into an unsecured vehicle and removed a wristwatch, iPod and a BlackBerry cell phone, as well as $25 in cash.

July 13, Larceny of private property: The victim stated that person(s) unknown

removed his bicycle from an unsecured shed at his quarters.

July 14, Larceny of private property: The victim stated that person(s) unknown removed two, 24-inch bicycles from the

front porch of his quarters. The girls’ bicycles were unsecured and unat-tended.

July 15, Aggravated assault, with a box-er’s fist: An investigation revealed that the victim had several lacerations to his face, and both eyes were almost swollen shut. The victim stated he was drinking the night before with friends and woke up in the morning in his barracks with lacerations on his face and swollen eyes.

July 16, Larceny of private property: Unknown person(s) removed an unse-cured bicycle from the front porch.

CommunityCommunityCrime Watch

Compiled by the Fort Meade Directorate of Emergency Services

Trouble Ticket

Youth Services Sports Complex needs renovations

Renovate the Youth Services Sports Complex

Actual use of fields is expected to be this fall after the grass matures

Have you noticed an issue on post and wondered if anything is being done to fix it? Email concerns and

issues to [email protected]. Each week, Soundoff! will

address issues identified on post and describe what is being done to

solve them.

Issue: Plan: Status:

McGill Training Center HVAC is inoperative

(except in the ballroom)

Install a new HVAC Survey work has begun; full install set for completion September; portable A/C

units being used in classrooms

Chaplain’s Word: CREATED BEAUTY

“You are God’s created beauty and the focus of

His affection and delight.” — Janet L. Smith

By Wendy PoulsonSocial Security District ManagerGlen Burnie

Each year, Social Security announces the top baby names for boys and girls, based on Social Security card applica-tions for babies born in the previous year.

This year, the most popular babies in the playpen are Jacob and Sophia, fol-lowed by Mason and Isabella. You can visit them in their online “crib” at www.socialsecurity.gov/babynames.

At the website, you also can see other lists of popular baby names. For exam-ple, you can search for the 1,000 most

popular names of a decade, the five most popular names of the past century, or search for the most popular names in your state.

You can even get popular baby names for twins. Plug in any name — including your own — to see where it comes in on the list.

But Jacob and Sophia’s page isn’t just about baby names. Find out about get-ting a Social Security number for your baby and what every parent should know about Social Security. Learn about ben-efits for children and grandchildren and plan your family’s financial future.

You also can link to information

about having a healthy pregnancy, taking care of your newborn and childproofing your home.

Need to read up on childhood immu-nizations, food stamps or other nutrition assistance programs for families with children? The links are there, along with more information than there are gifts at a baby shower.

When people think about Social Security, they often think of the retire-ment years. But Social Security is there throughout your life — from the day a child is named.

For the listing of popular baby names, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/babynames.

America’s most popular baby names

On the lookout for theftThe Directorate of Emergency Services is actively working to keep neighborhoods

safe.Families residing on post should remember to ensure that windows and doors to

homes, cars and garages are locked at all times, regardless of time of day.Although the crime rate in military housing is lower than off post, it is important to

remember that Fort Meade is not immune to crime. To protect your family and belongings, remember to take an active role in deterring crime.

Remain aware of your surroundings and immediately report any suspicious activity to the Fort Meade Police at 301-677-6622 or 6623.


News

mand and a partner in the Walter Reed health care system. MEDDAC is charged with providing medical and environ-mental services for 140,000 active-duty and retired service members and their families, as well as occupational health services to civilian employees.

The organization’s area of responsibili-ty includes Maryland and Pennsylvania.

MEDDAC’s roots extend back to the Camp Meade Hospital, which was orga-nized in 1917 and was part of the original post. In July 1961, Kimbrough Army Hospital was established. Eight years later, the hospital was reorganized and redesignated to MEDDAC.

As a result of the 1995 Base Realign-ment and Closure Commission, Kim-brough Army Hospital was downgraded to an outpatient facility. Its emergency room closed in 1996, when Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Center was estab-lished.

In 2007, the Warrior Transition Com-pany A, Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Center was created. Four years later, the company was designated as the Warrior Transition Unit, Fort Meade, and was reassigned to the Warrior Transition Bri-gade at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda.

Last week’s change of command cer-

emony began with the invocation by Chaplain (Maj.) Dean Darroux, director of pastoral ministries, and music by the U.S. Army Band of Fort Myer, Va.

Brig. Gen. (P) Joseph Caravalho Jr., commanding general of the U.S. Army Medical Command’s Northern Regional Command, later presented Moores with the Legion of Merit for “exceptional meritorious service, unrelenting focus and exemplary performance of duty.”

In his welcome to Jaghab, Caravalho called the new commander an “incredible officer with energy, vision and compas-sion” who will “write the MEDDAC’s next chapter of greatness.”

Jaghab earned his bachelor’s degree in nutrition and dietetics from Drexel Uni-versity in Philadelphia and his Master of Science degree in education and counsel-ing from the Long Island University at West Point, N.Y. He received a second master’s degree in strategic studies from the Army War College at Carlisle Bar-racks, Pa.

After completing his dietetic intern-ship at the former Walter Reed Army Medical Center in 1989, Jaghab was chief of Nutrition Care Assessments at Kimbrough Army Hospital. He later served in the same capacity at the 46th Combat Support Hospital in Nasriyah,

By Lisa R. RhodesStaff Writer

Col. Danny B. N. Jaghab assumed command of the U.S. Army Medical Activity, Fort Meade, and Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Center in a change of command ceremony on July 12.

Jaghab, former commander of the Rodriguez U.S. Army Health Clinic at Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico, took the reigns of leadership from Col. Leon E. Moores, who served as the commander of Fort Meade MEDDAC for two years.

Moores will serve as the special assis-tant to the university president of the Uniformed Services University in Wash-

ington, D.C., on Sept. 1.“I am proud to follow the path of

great commanders of this MEDDAC,” said Jaghab, a registered dietitian, to the Soldiers and audience at the ceremony. “I promise you all that I will continue the great traditions for patients and staff alike.”

Before the ceremony ended, Jaghab and Command Sgt. Maj. Larry D. Lipsey of Kimbrough signed the Army Medicine Healthcare Covenant, pledging quality health care to all beneficiaries within the Fort Meade region.

Fort Meade MEDDAC is subordinate to the Northern Regional Medical Com-

Kimbrough Care Center gets new commander

Brig. Gen. (P) Joseph Caravalho Jr., commanding general of the U.S. Army Medical Command’s Northern Regional Medical Command, passes the guidon to Col. Danny B.N. Jaghab, incoming commander of U.S. Army Medical Activity, Fort Meade, and Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Center.

photos by nate pesce

Col. Leon E. Moores, outgoing commander of U.S. Army Medical Activity, Fort Meade, and Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Center, and incoming Commander Col. Danny B.N. Jaghab salute before their change of command ceremony on July 12 at McGlachlin Parade Field.

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil July 19, 2012 SOUNDOFF! �

News

Iraq; Keller Army Community Hospital at West Point, N.Y.; the nutrition clinic at Walter Reed; and the DeWitt Army Community Hospital at Fort Belvoir, Va.

Caravalho praised Jaghab for his leadership of the Rodriquez U.S. Army Health Clinic, which received the Sur-geon General’s 2011 Excalibur Award for innovation, efficiency and effectiveness in delivery of health care.

“You may see big boots ahead of you,” Caravalho said to Jaghab. “But I have absolutely no doubt you will take this command to unimagined new and excit-ing heights.”

Caravalho credited Moores for his ability to “deliver world-class health care, while skillfully optimizing business prac-tices.”

Under Moores’ leadership, MEDDAC received more than $10 million in perfor-mance-based reimbursements from the Army Medical Command during the past two fiscal years for increasing productiv-ity, patient satisfaction and higher output of evidence-based practices.

Caravalho also praised Moores for initiating the “Your Best Self” profes-sional development program for MED-

DAC staff.“You have truly led the Fort Meade

MEDDAC into this new era of Army medicine, and I salute your accomplish-ments,” Caravalho said. “It has been my distinct honor to serve with you.”

During his speech, Moores called the Fort Meade MEDDAC “a spectacular assignment,” and said Jaghab “will lead you far better than I could do.”

Moores said he was proud that “by every statistic we measure, our MED-DAC provides some of the safest, highest quality health care, resulting in some of the best patient satisfaction ratings in the entire Army medical department.”

In his brief remarks, Jaghab said he was “truly honored” to serve the com-mand.

“Coming to this MEDDAC brings me full circle in my career and my life,” he said.

Col. Danny B.N. Jaghab, former commander of the Rodriguez U.S. Army Health Clinic at Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico, holds his 6-year-old daughter Jennine after the ceremony.

photo by nate pesce

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News

PHOTOS BY NATE PESCE

SHOW TIMEFort Meade residents gather on lawn chairs and blankets at Burba Lake’s Pavilion 1 to enjoy “Kung Fu Panda 2” at the Movies on the Lawn presented July 12 at sunset. The free event for active-duty service members and their families was sponsored by USO Metro Fort Meade, which also provided free popcorn and drinks.

Anne Rutherford and Jo-Ann Geary of USO Metro Fort Meade work the free snack table set up for movie night.

Two-year-old Catherine Ortiz munches on a bag of free popcorn during the showing of “Kung Fu Panda 2” at Burba Lake.

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil10 SOUNDOFF! July 19, 2012

News

sional experience and community-ser-vice hours through volunteering.

The challenge is coordinated by Marie Miles, Fort Meade’s Army Vol-unteer Corps coordinator at Army Community Service.

“Colonel Rothstein has been extreme-ly supportive and he’s excited about the program,” Miles said.

Several post organizations, includ-ing the Family Pet Care Center, Thrift Shop, Army Substance Abuse Program, Public Affairs Office, Soldier Family Assistance Center, ACS and the Lanes, are hosting the volunteers for the sum-mer.

Ten youths also will be selected to participate in disaster-preparadeness training.

Each organization determines the amount of hours and days the volun-teers will serve.

“We want the young people to know that working can be fun, and for them to develop good habits of commitment and responsibility,” Miles said.

In addition to volunteering, ACS will provide participants with a free class in financial management and an opportu-nity to create a professional portfolio.

The volunteer program began with an orientation session where partici-pants learned about the importance

of customer service and professional conduct and dress.

Victoria Smalling, 15, a sophomore at Thomas Stone High School in Wal-dorf, and Voya Coleman, 16, a junior at Manor New Technology High School in Manor, Texas, are volunteers at ACS. The teens assist staffers with clerical work, special events and other projects.

“I feel it’s a good thing,” said Victo-ria, daughter of a DoD civilian employ-ee. “You’re able to get a feel for a real working environment. You get to meet new people, and it looks excellent on your college application.”

Voya, daughter of a retired Air Force service member, said participating in the program inspires her to come to work every day.

“I love it,” she said. “It’s fun doing different mini-projects and helping other employees.”

Mike Sinek, manager at the Lanes, said five youths are volunteering at the bowling center during the summer.

“We’re introducing them to customer service and how to deal with custom-ers,” he said. “It’s a real eye-opening experience for them.”

To volunteer or for more information, call Army Community Service at 301-677-5590.

Story and photos by Lisa R. RhodesStaff Writer

More than 20 youths will spend seven weeks of their summer volunteering at various organizations on post, thanks to a new initiative spearheaded by

Garrison Commander Col. Edward C. Rothstein.

The Youth Summer Leadership Chal-lenge, which started June 25 and ends Aug. 10, provides youths age 12 to 18 with the opportunity to gain profes-

Youth volunteer program kicks off for summer

(Left) Victoria Smalling, 15, a volunteer at Army Community Service through the installation’s new Youth Summer Leadership Challenge, makes a flyer for the Army Family Teen Building Program at ACS. Voya Coleman, 16, stands beside the billboard she created as an ACS volunteer to advertise the youth volunteer program, an initiative started to help youth ages 12 to 18 gain professional experience and community service hours. More than 20 teens are volunteering at various garrison organizations for seven weeks.

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http://www.ftmeade.army.mil July 19, 2012 SOUNDOFF! 11

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By Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Abdul-Rasheed MuhammadU.S. Army Public Health Command

Muslim Soldiers and their families around the world will observe the Holy Month of Ramadan (the Month of Fast-ing), which begins this year on Friday and is observed continuously for 30 days.

After Ramadan ends, Eid-ul-Fitr (the Celebration of Fast Breaking) takes place on the first day of the succeeding month, the month Shaw’wal. The first day of Shaw’wal begins this year on or about Aug. 18.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It’s also the month in which the first verses of the Qur’an were revealed to Muhammad by the angel Gabriel in the year 610 A.D.

Accurate dates cannot be given beforehand since the Islamic calendar is a lunar one, and the actual date of observance is determined by viewing the crescent moon every month. There is a

10-day difference between the lunar and solar calendars each year.

Fasting during Ramadan is the fourth of the Five Pillars that Islam is based upon. It is obligatory for every healthy and able-bodied man and woman to observe the fast. This spiritual act increases the sense of unity and brother-hood for Muslims all over the world.

Ramadan is the month in which every day is a day of fasting. The period of fasting is from dawn, approximately one hour before sunrise, until just after sunset. During these hours, one may not eat or drink.

Muslims believe that fasting is an act of pure submission to God’s command, which is given in the Qur’an. Fasting has many benefits, but its true significance is to develop a sense of complete obedience to the one who created all people and gave them physical and spiritual needs and the means to fulfill those needs.

While many benefits to a person’s health come through fasting, such as

the elimination of fatty substances from the blood and a decrease in the harmful activity of intestinal microbes and uric acid, it should be emphasized that all these benefits are not the main objective of fasting.

Muslims fast solely because God com-mands them to do so as devout and obedient servants to his will and through his grace to learn self-restraint and dis-cipline of morals that will ultimately benefit the total person.

At the completion of Ramadan, Eid-ul-Fitr takes place. Eid is a day of thanksgiving and rejoicing for the ful-fillment of the obligations of fasting according to God’s command. On the morning of Eid, at some time after sunrise and before midday, a special congregational prayer is offered, fol-lowed by a sermon from the imam of the community.

A period of marked joy and happi-ness follows the prayers, with a large feast and festival given sometime during

the day. The celebration continues with related festivities for three days.

This year, Muslim Soldiers and family members will meet in various locations throughout the world for the purpose of daily fast-breaking, or Iftar, and congre-gational prayers.

Each weekend throughout Ramadan, a special Iftar program will be held at various mosques and military installa-tions.

We pray for those who will fast — as well as those who have the intention to fast but cannot due to various exemp-tions from fasting — that all may suc-cessfully complete the prescribed period, and gain the greatest of rewards in this life and the hereafter.

The Fort Meade Islamic community has a designated room (Room 120) at Argonne Hills Chapel Center on Rockenbach Road for daily prayers during Ramadan and Jummah services.

For more information, call Chad Jones at 301-677-1301 or 240-328-4103.

Ramadan observed with month of fasting

By Allison PompeyU.S. Army Public Health Command

The obesity epidemic has grown con-siderably in recent years, particularly in children and adolescents. In fact, one in every three American children is over-weight or obese.

Like other childhood health conditions such as diabetes and asthma, obesity in children requires some form of lifestyle intervention. Numerous studies have found that overweight children and teens are much more likely to become over-weight adults unless they make positive lifestyle changes in eating and physical activity.

Parents and guardians are key deci-sion-makers who affect the lifestyle needs when it comes to the nutrition, physical activity and health of their children.

While the problem of obesity is largely due to inactivity coupled with poor diet, several other factors also contribute to the problem. Those factors include cul-ture, a family history of obesity, medica-tions, medical illness, stressful life events/changes, low self-esteem and depression or other emotional problems.

Children who are overweight are at greater risk of developing complications such as diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. Additionally, these children

are at an increased risk of developing emotional problems such as depression and anxiety.

Although the risks and complications associated with childhood obesity are burdensome, they are not necessarily permanent. Families can do a number of things to combat obesity. By mak-ing healthy eating and regular exercise a family activity, parents can improve the chances of successful weight control and positively affect their children’s health in a big way.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends families start with one of the “5-2-1-0” behaviors and set specific goals to improve their health:

• 5 - Eat at least five fruits and veg-etables every day.

• 2 - Limit screen time (such as tele-vision, computer, video games) to two hours or less per day. Children younger than 2 should have no screen time at all.

• 1 - Strive for one hour or more of physical activity every day.

• 0 - Drink fewer sugar-sweetened drinks. Try water and low-fat milk instead.

In addition to the 5-2-1-0 goals, adopt family activities such as eating breakfast every day; limiting fast food, take-out food and eating out at restaurants; and

Combating childhood obesity: A family affairpreparing foods at home and eating meals together as a family.

Turn family time into fun, active time by taking a family bike ride or hike, going to the park and throwing a ball back and forth, or taking a family martial arts class together.

Choose to be healthy. Use 5-2-1-0 goals every day.

Remember, small changes can make a big difference in the long run. Maintain a lifestyle for your child that supports healthy eating and active living.

Discuss your child’s weight with a doc-

tor at least annually. A registered dieti-tian can assist with developing goals for healthy eating and physical activity.

Go online to www.kidseatright.org for reliable, scientifically-based health and nutrition information to help children grow healthy.

For more information on childhood obesity, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at cdc.gov/obe-sity/childhood.

Editor’s note: Allison Pompey is a pub-lic health researcher for U.S. Army Public Health Command.

Find the FoRt MeadeReligious schedule

atwww.ftmeade.army.mil.

Look for the “Community” tab then click on “Religious Services” for

schedules, events and contact information.


News

By Brandon BieltzStaff Writer

With a screwdriver in hand, Trevyur Mos-ley began to install the CD drive of a desk-top computer that had been disassembled into several pieces spread on a table.

Gazing into the shell of the machine, the 11-year-old thought about what makes the computer operate.

“This is the first time I ever actually done this,” he said. “It makes you wonder what’s in it.”

Trevyur was one of the nearly 120 young-sters from the Fort Meade community who participated in the Geek Squad Summer Technology Academy at the Youth Services building. The two-day camp for youth ages 9 to 16 was sponsored by Best Buy and Camp Fire USA.

Child, Youth and School Services and the Army Community Service Employment Readiness Program hosted the event to kick off CYSS Summer Camp’s “Technology Week.”

“This Geek Squad Academy was a won-derful opportunity for our kids to get hands-on training and experience with technology,” said Francisco Jamison, a CYSS adminis-trator. “With STEM [Science, Technology, Engineering and Math] education being a major focus of our educational system today, this was a no-brainer for CYSS to participate.”

During the daylong camp sessions, par-ticipants engaged in a variety of technol-

ogy-based activities, from building a PC to creating music. Throughout the day, groups moved between four stations that each introduced a technology skill by Best Buy employees.

“We hope the youth learn about the inner workings of a computer and other techno-logical devices, as well as participating in the fun activities that the Geek Squad has set up for them to learn through experience,” Jamison said.

The Geek Squad runs 40 similar camps throughout the country, including six at military installations as part of the “Joining Forces Initiative.”

Since the academy was only two days, instructors packed a lot of information into a short period. On the first day, participants learned the basics. On the second day, they built on the fundamentals.

“They get a lot of hands-on experience,” said Norma Villa, a Geek Squad field lieu-tenant, who travels the country working

Geek Squad camp provides hands-on technology skills

with the organization’s camps. “We find that when you get hands-on experience on some-thing, that’s when the kids take to learning it the best.”

In the Youth Services building’s computer lab, youngsters learned about programming by using a computer game. The game is designed with some programming flaws, which participants fix in order to play. They tweaked the game to change level designs and make the character jump higher or pick something up.

“The idea behind the flaws is they learn how to go into the video game to actually fix the flaws and in that instance they learn how to make their own video games,” Villa said.

The programming portion of the academy was Trevyur’s favorite part of the camp.

“It’s fun,” he said. “You have games and stuff and a different variety of things to do.”

Youngsters also learned about digital photography by using a digital camera, cookie trays and magnets to create a stop-motion movie on the first day. The follow-ing day, participants were taught to extend the camera’s shutter speed to write with

‘It’s one of the few summer camps where the kids get to do what they want.’

Jacob Ralston, age 13

Zalika Hyde, 11, and Tyrek Scott, 12, assemble a desktop computer Monday afternoon at the Geek Squad Summer Technology Academy held at the Youth Services building. Nearly 120 youngsters from the community participated in the two-day program.


photos by Jen Rynda

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: A group of young ladies create a stop-action video using photos they took with digital cameras. The group used cookie trays and magnets to make the movie.

Zalika Hyde, 11, tightens the screws of a computer as he puts the machine together during the PC Building class Monday afternoon at Youth Services. During the Geek Squad academy, youngsters learned about the computer’s inner-workings.

Kayla Hall, 12, Makayla Cropper, 12, and Mina Gaston, 11, work on their digital photography project during the two-day technology camp sponsored by Child, Youth and School Services and the Army Community Service Employment Readiness Program.

flashlights.In the program’s popular digital music

class, students used recording software to create their own song.

In the PC Build portion of the camp, youngsters examined the inner-workings of a computer.

“Kids get to learn how to actually build a computer,” Villa said. “They take differ-ent components from the computer and see that it all comes together to make one giant machine.”

At the end of the academy, participants

were inducted into the Geek Squad as hon-orary “Junior Agents.”

Many of the youngsters said they enjoyed working with the computers to learn more about the technology.

Jacob Ralston, whose parents Isaac and Danielle Ralston work at the National Secu-rity Agency, said the academy provides a unique experience that allows participants to work on useful skills they enjoy.

“It’s one of the few summer camps where the kids get to do what they want,” the 13-year-old said.


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Six years ago, Kenny Wilson began training in Jiu Jitsu. His training slowly evolved into fighting at amateur mixed-martial arts events throughout the area.

Although Wilson now focuses on strik-ing forms of martial arts, in order to remain a well-rounded competitor he con-tinues to hone his ground fighting skills with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu courses at Gaffney Fitness Center.

“It flows right into my MMA training,” he said.

The free class for men and women meets three times a week in Gaffney’s Combatives Room to train in the century-old form of martial arts. The combative sport and self-defense system is taught by experienced instructors who don brown and blue belts.

Promoting the concept that smaller and weaker fighters can defend against a bigger and stronger foe, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu uses leverage, joint-locks and chokeholds to defeat the opponent.

“It’s basically what happens when you get thrown to the ground — how you fight with a person on top of you,” said instruc-tor Deke Richardson.

For two hours on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, more than a dozen stu-dents train in the fundamentals and basic skills of the sport, while the more expe-rienced participants work on advanced techniques and moves.

The format of the class allows all levels of ability to work out and learn the skills, Wilson said.

In pairs, students learn a number of techniques — from takedowns to choke-holds — under the supervision of the veteran instructors. Instructors teach each technique by demonstrating the various ways their opponent would react to the move and how to block the defense.

Participants are also taught to defend and reverse the various attacks.

“It’s a good class for people who want to get into it and people who are already into it,” Wilson said. “It’s good for all walks of Jiu Jitsu.”

While those such as Wilson have been training for years, several students are new to the sport. Instructor and student Mike McDonnell said participants work together and improve each other’s skills — passing off tips during training.

“You learn just as much teaching,” he said.

To help each other develop into better fighters, students are not separated by skill level, but train against each other. Toward the end of class, participants spar, or “roll,” with each other as newer students compete against experienced fighters.

On Monday night, Mike Jernigan took on Wilson for a four-minute round. Jerni-gan, who started learning Jiu Jitsu about two months ago, said this method of training has helped him learn the sport quickly.

“I didn’t know anything, so I got my butt kicked a lot,” Jernigan said. “But it’s full immersion. They just throw you in with all the guys who have been here for a couple years. After a little while you start picking up on it and you learn the moves.”

Fighters take to mat in Jiu Jitsu at Gaffney

With the sport’s growing popularity, there are a variety of schools in the area that draw more seasoned students. But Wilson said the courses at Gaffney are equal to the other schools — without the

cost.“This is one of the best classes I’ve

been to,” he said. “We get a pretty good group of people here that would rival pretty much any school in the area.”

Students John McCormick (top) and Kenny Wilson spar, or “roll,” during a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu class Monday night at Gaffney Fitness Center. Experienced instructors teach the century-old form of martial arts three days a week in the gym’s Combatives Room.


SportS

Sports ShortsRunning club

Gaffney Fitness Center plans to form a running club that will meet once a week at the facility.

Those interested in joining should contact Angie Wanner at 301-677-3318 or email [email protected].

Texas Hold ‘emTexas Hold ‘em no buy-in games are played Mondays at 7

p.m. at the Lanes.Games are free and open to the public. For more information,

call 301-677-5541.

Intramural flag football meetingA coaches meeting will be held July 31 at 1 p.m. at

Murphy Field House for those interested in forming an intramural flag football team for the fall.

Each team is asked to send one representative to the meeting. Letter of intent to play is due by Aug. 10.

For more information, call 301-677-3318.

Wholy FitWholy Fit, a devotional exercise program combining

physical fitness, Scripture memorization, worship and prayer is offered Tuesdays and Fridays from 6 to 7 a.m. at Argonne Hills Chapel Center.

The program aims to promote healthy lifestyles, increased energy, strength, flexibility and stress management

For more information, call Sgt. 1st Class Buffie Hall at 301-677-7842 or Kay Snow at 703-855-9318, or visit wholyfit.com.

Youth Fall SportsFall sports registration is under way at Parent Central

Services, 1900 Reece Road.Youth sports are available for ages 3 to 18 years old. Fall

sports include cheerleading, flag football, tackle football, swim and soccer.

Participants ages 9 and older are encouraged to register as early as possible, especially those interested in tackle football.

For more information or to coach, call 301-677-1156 or 301-677-1149.

Team River RunnerThe Fort Meade chapter of Team River Runner meets

the first and third Thursday of the month from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Gaffney Fitness Center indoor pool. The next meeting is today.

The program — open to active-duty Soldiers and retirees with an injury or disability during service — aims to help individuals find health, healing and new challenges through white water boating and other paddling sports.

For more information, call 570-236-7927 or email [email protected].

For more Fort Meade sports, visit www.quickscores.com/ftmeadesports.

I must be getting old because those stinking “My Wish” segments on “SportsCenter” are tearing me up.

When they first aired I couldn’t help but chuckle because they seemed so cheesy. Then, a few years later, the segments were just depressing, so I turned the TV off as soon as they started.

But now that I’ve got kids, I’m compelled to watch. And I sob, literally. I went through 10 tissues watch-ing Wednesday’s segment featuring a little boy with sickle cell who got to spend a day with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Anyway, I’d like to pivot from my softness so I can put a laser focus on yours. I haven’t received one single submission for a guest Jibber. Kind of pathetic if you ask me, but you have a few more weeks to save your reputation and send in a column that could be pub-lished either Aug. 23, Aug. 30 or Sept. 6 — that is, if it is good enough.

Speaking of good enough, bowling center manager Mike Sinek stopped by the PAO on Tuesday, bearing lunch menus for the journalists working the court pro-ceeding here. And while the reporters where deciding on tuna salad or a cheeseburger, Mike asked me to decide something that had nothing to do with food or bowling: Dream Team or Team USA.

With the Olympics eight days away, this has become a popular topic around the water cooler. Even our presi-dent got involved with the debate. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvQms_pRbsw

Now I’m not one to disagree with the commander-in-chief, but he, along with most people I’ve spoken with about this, seem confident that the Dream Team would win. But being the consummate contrarian, it’s only natural that I’d see things differently.

I will explain why I think Team USA would beat the Dream Team. But before I do, let me be clear that Team USA is not, nor ever will be, the Dream Team, which is clearly the most influential group of athletes ever assembled. The cultural significance that the Dream Team had, as well as its influence on the game of bas-ketball, will never be matched.

However, its skills on the court can be.As I’ve said before, the most overlooked aspect in

any present-versus-past sports debate is athleticism. In his prime, Michael Jordan was a supreme athlete. Leb-ron James, in his prime, is better. And Kobe Bryant is just as good, even though he is slightly past his prime. That’s not a knock on “His Airness.” It is just a fact. Science is better, diets are better, workouts are better, kids start working out earlier, which combine to make athletes better.

Let’s look at the point guard position. Magic John-son is my favorite player of all time, but nobody can tell me that post-HIV, post retirement, 32-year-old Magic and John Stockton would be able to do anything with Chris Paul, Deron Williams and Russell Westbrook.

And if you think that is a mismatch, what about Bron

Bron versus 30-something, broke back Larry Bird? As much as I disliked Scotty Pippen as a player, he was clearly the best pure athlete on the Dream Team outside of Jordan. But if you looked at it honestly, he probably wasn’t as good of an athlete as Andre Iguodala.

Obviously, athleticism is not the only factor. On the court, as much as everybody wants to complain that the current NBA isn’t as skilled as the former NBA, there is no doubt that Team USA is a better shooting team than the Dream Team.

Chris Mullin and Larry Bird aside, who else on the Dream Team had a consistent jump shot?

And before you start asking about Michael, think about this: In the 91-92 NBA season, Jordan shot 27 percent from the 3-point line. This season, Lebron shot 36 percent. Kobe shot 30 percent. Forward Kevin Love was in the 3-point shootout at the All-Star Game. Fact is, almost everybody in today’s NBA shoots jump shots.

Now, all this doesn’t mean that the players on Team USA are more accomplished or will have better careers than the members of the Dream Team, which had 11 Hall of Fame players on its 12-man roster.

To be honest, I only see four or five HoFers on the Team USA roster: Bryant, James, Durant and Chris Paul. Anthony Davis. Carmelo Anthony and Deron Williams have an outside shot at getting in as well.

I’m also not saying that there aren’t certain areas where the Dream Team would dominate Team USA — most notably, the center position and rebounding. Plus, I think the Dream Team has a certain “old school” toughness that Team USA would have a hard time dealing with.

So, if I had to choose a winner in a one-game, win-ner-take-all scenario where both teams were completely fresh and injury-free, I’d put my money on the Dream Team. I’d also probably take them in a game-seven scenario.

However, in an Olympic-style tournament, where both teams would have to go through the current international competition — competition that is much tougher now than what the Dream Team had to deal with in 1992 (ironically enough, because of the influence the Dream Team had on international basketball) — I’d have to go with Team USA in the Gold Medal game.

And if the teams were to play in a traditional seven-game format, I’d pick Team USA in six.

Borderline blasphemy I know. It actual hurts a bit to write this column, but now that I’m older, more mature and cry at sappy television features, I know that some-times, truth hurts.

If you have comments on this or anything to do with sports, contact me at [email protected].

In their dreams

Chad T. Jones, Public Affairs

Officer

Jibber Jabber - OpiniOn


Community news & notes

The deadline for Soundoff! community “News and Notes” is Friday at noon. All submissions are posted at the editor’s dis-cretion 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.

SAVE AwardThis year’s contest for the Securing

Americans Value and Efficiency Award will be held through Tuesday.

The winner will present his or her idea to President Barack Obama.

The president established the SAVE Award in 2009 to seek cost-cutting ideas directly from federal employees.

Over the past three years, federal employees have submitted more than 75,000 ideas, which have made an impact.

Agencies are saving hundreds of mil-lions of dollars, rooting out redundancy and waste, and making government more efficient, effective and accountable.

Submit your innovative idea at white-house.gov./save-award.

Islamic prayer roomThe Islamic prayer room at Argonne

Hills Chapel Center on Rockenbach Road will be open Mondays to Fridays for Dhuhr prayers during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Prayers begin at 1:15 p.m.For more information, call Chad

Jones at 301-677-1301.

ACS birthdayCelebrate the Army Community Service

birthday on Wednesday from noon to 3 p.m. at the Lanes.

Free bowling and shoes will be offered to the first 250 people. Prizes and giveaways will be awarded.

The event also will feature birthday cake and information about ACS programs.


704th MI change of command

Col. Karen H. Gibson will relinquish command of the 704th Military Intelligence Brigade to Col. Anthony R. Hale in a change of command ceremony Tuesday at 9 a.m. on McGlachlin Parade Field.

In inclement weather, the ceremony will be held at the Pavilion.

Kimbrough early closureKimbrough Ambulatory Care Center

will close Aug. 10 at noon so the staff may participate in Organization Day activities.

Bagger-licensing hoursBagger-licensing renewals for the

Fort Meade Commissary will be issued Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Fort Meade Public Affairs Office at 4409 Llewellyn Ave.

Those who come to the office outside of this block of time will be able to leave their information. Badges will be issued as time permits.

SNCO Induction Ceremony

Meade Top III will present the 2012 Air Force SNCO Induction Ceremony on Aug. 10 at 6 p.m. at the BWI Hilton Hotel in Linthicum Heights.

Tickets are $45. Child care will be available.

For more information, call Master Sgt. Lazarus Brown at 301-677-0051 or Mas-ter Sgt. Matthew Cook at 443-479-9983.

Car seat checkThe Fort Meade Fire Department and

State of Maryland will host a free car seat check on Aug. 20 from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Demps Visitor Control Center parking lot at the intersection of Route 175 and Reese Road.

No appointment necessary.To ensure proper fit, bring the vehicle

and car seat owner’s manuals and the child that will be using the seat.


Summer Concert SeriesThe U.S. Army Field Band will

present its annual Summer Concert Series every Saturday in August at 7 p.m. at Constitution Park.

Admission is free; no tickets required.• Aug. 4: The Concert Band and

Soldiers’ Chorus, featuring symphonic and choral selections: The 65-member instrumental ensemble will be joined by the 29-member Soldiers’ Chorus to perform Broadway show tunes, opera, Americana and classical works.

• Aug. 11: Jazz Ambassadors, America’s Big Band, will perform a mix of big band swing, bebop, Latin, contemporary jazz, standards, Dixieland and patriotic selections.

• Aug. 18: The Volunteers, Army’s premier touring pop/rock band, will perform a blend of popular American music, including rock ‘n’ roll, pop and country.

• Aug. 25, combined concert featuring all four performing components

In the event of inclement weather, the first three concerts will be canceled and not rescheduled. The final concert will be performed at McGill Training Center and will feature a variety of selections from The Volunteers.

For more information or up-to-date inclement weather information, visit ArmyFieldBand.com.

VTF productsThe Fort Meade Veterinary Treatment

Facility at 2018 Annapolis Road is under-going renovations through August.

Through July 27, VTF will only sell pet products through its side entrance while the front entrance and clinic are under construction.

VTF will resume seeing patients on July 30.

For medical emergencies, see your nearest civilian veterinarian. The closest military vet clinics are:

• Andrews Air Force Base VT, at 240-857-2651

• Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall VTF, Va., at 703-696-3604

• Fort Belvoir VTF, Va., at 703-805-4336


EFMP presentationThe Exceptional Family Member

Program will present the program “Tricare, Other Benefits, and Autism Safety” on Aug. 8 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Army Community Service, 830 Chisholm Ave.

Lt. Col Scott Campbell’s presentation will feature a discussion on autism, dollar limits for ABA therapy under Tricare ECHO, an autism ABA demonstration, safety precautions and tips on community involvement.

Registration is required. The event is

NEWS & EVENTS



open to service members and civilians.For more information, email theresa.

[email protected] or call 301-677-7836.

Karaoke NightThe 11th Frame Lounge at the Lanes

hosts free Karaoke Night on the third Thursday of the month.

The next event will be today from 7 to 10 p.m. The public is invited.


Dance partiesClub Meade is sponsoring several dance

events.Special menus will be available. There is

no cover charge.• Chicago Steppin’, Friday, 7 p.m. to

midnight.Free dance lessons will be offered from 7

to 8 p.m.• Country - Top 40 Night, July 27, 9 p.m.

to 2 a.m.For more information, call 301-677-6969.

Deck PartyThe Lanes will sponsor a Deck Party

on July 27 from 7 to 10 p.m.The free event will feature games,

prizes and music. A special food and drink menu will be available for purchase.


Talent show auditionsAuditions will be conducted Aug. 8

from 5 to 6:30 p.m. and Aug. 13 and 15 from 12:30 to 2 p.m. at McGill Training Center for the annual “Fort Meade’s Got Talent” show.

Contestants must participate in auditions to be selected for the finals.

The talent show will be presented Sept. 8 at 7 p.m.

To register, call 301-677-7552.

Relationship enrichment workshop

“Learning How To Love,” a marriage and relationship enrichment workshop for couples and singles, will be held July 27 from noon to 4 p.m. at the Community Readiness Center, 830 Chisholm Ave.

The workshop, hosted by the Army Community Service Family Advocacy Program, will feature marriage coaches, authors and speakers.

Topics will include: “Things that can harm your marriage,” “Understanding the key differences,” “How to communicate better,” “Recovering from hurt and pain,” and “Affair-proofing your marriage.”

To register or for more information, call ACS at 301-677-5590 or 301-677-4357.

Bible 101 lecture The Gospel Congregation at Fort

Meade is sponsoring a Bible 101 lecture series addressing some of the fundamentals of the Bible on July 27 from 7 to 9 p.m. and July 28 from 8 a.m. to noon at Argonne Hills Chapel Center.

Chaplain (Maj.) Dean Darroux, director of pastoral ministries, will address the following issues: “How to read the Bible with a 1st-century perspective,” “The formation of the Cannon of Scripture,” “The effects

of early Christological controversies on the text of the New Testament,” “How infallible is the Bible when its authors were fallible?” and “How do we understand scriptural authority?”

To register, call Paula Henry at 410-951-8744 or 410-951-8803.

Childbirth ed classesKimbrough Ambulatory Care Center

is offering childbirth education classes Aug. 2 and 3, focusing on what to expect during labor and how to cope.

Classes are free and open to all active-duty service members, their beneficiaries and DoD civilians.

To enroll, call Public Health Nursing at 301-677-8435.

Parenting workshopThe Scream Free Parenting workshop,

“Five Truths Every Parent Needs to Know,” will be held Aug. 21 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and Aug. 22 from 9 to 11 a.m. at Meuse Forest Neighborhood Center.

Join Hal Runkel, author of “Scream Free Parenting,” to learn about his scream-

file photo

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT AUG. 7The Fort Meade Directorate of Emergency Services and Picerne Military Housing are partnering to bring the 29th annual National Night Out to the post community on Aug. 7 from 6 to 9 p.m. on McGlachlin Parade Field, rain or shine.Beginning at 5 p.m., an hourlong parade of emergency vehicles will travel through Fort Meade’s residential neighborhoods.The Fort Meade Department of Fire and Emergency Services, most recently named the Army’s Small Fire Department of the Year, will par-ticipate in a variety of activities at the event that includes police dem-onstrations, inflatables, a boot camp obstacle course, laser tag, face painting, raffles and child identification services.Free hot dogs, cotton candy and funnel cakes will be provided.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

EDUCATION

ESC Scholarship Award for military spouses

Applications are being accepted for the Enlisted Spouses Club Scholarship Award for military spouses.

Applicants must be spouses of active-duty enlisted service members E-1 through E-9 who are assigned to the Fort Meade area; spouses of E-1 through E-9 service members who reside in the area but whose sponsor is assigned outside the Fort Meade area; spouses of retired service members E-1 through E-9 of the armed forces residing in the Fort Meade area; widows or widowers of deceased armed forces personnel E-1 through E-9 whose status has not changed by remarriage and who lives in the Fort Meade area; or spouses of Reservists or National Guard E-1 through E-9 who reside in the area.

Applicants are required to be a volunteer in the military community; to qualify as a full-time student with proof of enrollment at any NRAA accredited college, business or vocational school, showing you will take a minimum of 12 credits each semester for the academic year the scholarship is being granted; qualify as a part-time student with proof of enrollment at an NRAA accredited college, business or vocational school.

The military sponsor or spouse must be assigned to Fort Meade, the National Security Agency, detachment units at Fort Meade or NSA, or live on Fort Meade or within the area.

For a complete application package, visit www.ftmeadeesc.org.

For more information, email scholarshipdirectoratftmeadeesc.org.

free approach to parenting and principles to help you stay calm and connected with your children.

Free child care is provided for children registered with Child, Youth and School Services.

Advance registration is required by calling 301-677-3617 or emailing [email protected].

Joint Financial Readiness Classes

Joint Financial Readiness Classes are being offered at the Community



Readiness Center, 830 Chisholm Ave.Classes are open to active-duty and

retired service members, Reservists and members of the National Guard (on duty), family members with identification cards and DoD civilians.

• Developing Your Spending Plan: Today, 1 to 3 p.m.

• First Term Financial Readiness: Tuesday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

To register, call ACS at 301-677-5590 or the Navy Fleet and Family Support Center at 301-677-9014.

Career, financial classesThe Fleet and Family Support Center

offers free classes at the Community Readiness Center, 830 Chisholm Ave., 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.• Career Exploration: Tuesday, 9

a.m. to noon: Using various assessment tools and techniques, learn about your personality preferences, values and interests and how to use them for achieving personal and professional success.

• Get Ready! Employment Orientation: July 26, 9 a.m. to noon: Learn about job readiness resources available through Fort Meade’s Employment Readiness Programs and Anne Arundel Workforce Development’s Kick Start Program, including websites, classes, job listings, employment support groups and a tour of the resource center.

• DTAP (Disability Transition Assistance Program): July 30, 9 a.m. to noon, for those medically separating or retiring.

• Medical records review: Have your medical records reviewed by Mr. Thornton of AMVETS. Appointment required at 301-677-9017.

For more information, call 301-677-9017 or 301-677-9018.

MFTB coursesArmy Community Service and Army

Family Team Building are offering Family Team Building classes at Potomac Place and Meuse Forest neighborhood centers.

• “Grow Skills for Military Life,” Level 2, on Aug. 9 and 10, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

• Instructors Course, MFTB instructor

training, Sept. 9 and 10, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Bring a brown bag lunch.Registration is required. Limited child

care is available.To register or for more information, call

301-677-5590 or email [email protected] or [email protected].

StorytimeThe Medal of Honor Memorial

Library offers pre-kindergarten Storytime on Thursdays from 9:30 to 10 a.m. and 10:30 to 11 a.m.

• Today: “ Don’t be a Square,” about shapes

• July 26: “Beach Party,” about the beach and ocean


Drama CampSummer SKIES is offering PROPS

Drama Camp for grades one to 12 from Monday through July 28 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Cost is $40 and includes breakfast, snack and a T-shirt.

Performances will be July 28 at 3 and 5:30 p.m. at McGill Training Center. Admission is free and open to the public.


Sky Vacation Bible SchoolSky Vacation Bible School will be

held Aug. 6 to 10 from 9 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at Argonne Hills Chapel Center.

The free program is for children ages 4 years old through fifth grade.

VBS features games, crafts, music and adventures. Snacks and lunch are included.

Registration is limited to the first 200 children. Registration tables will be set up until Monday at the Chapel Center and the Main Post Chapel.

Volunteers are needed to sign up immediately.

For more information, call 301-677-0386 or 301-677-6038.

Summer reading programChildren of all ages are invited to the

Medal of Honor Memorial Library to register for this year’s “Reading Is So Delicious” summer reading program that ends Aug. 25.

Participants will receive a reading log and a goodie bag.

A summer reading program event, Mad

Science of Central Maryland, will be held Aug. 7 at 10 a.m. at Burba Cottage.


Out & About• The 31st annual Artscape will be held

Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Mount Royal Avenue and North Charles Street, Baltimore.

America’s largest free arts festival features a full schedule of performing arts, including live concerts on three outdoor stages, dance, opera, theater, street theatre and classical music performances; fine arts and crafts in the Artists’ Market; art cars; film; and food and beverages for purchase throughout the site.

Children’s activities include a Storytelling Corner, crafts projects and workshops at the Cohen Plaza. Gamescape showcases videogames and the creative people who make them.

For a complete schedule, visit www.artscape.org or call 1-877-BALTIMORE.

• The Bowie Baysox will sponsor the Baysox Family Campout on Aug. 3 at Prince George’s Stadium after the Baysox take on the Trenton Thunder at 7:05 p.m.

A fireworks show will be presented fol-lowing the game.

Those who purchased the camping ticket pack will head onto the field to set up camp-ing gear and view a family movie.

Tickets for the campout are $10 and include a box seat ticket to the game. Fami-lies also may purchase food voucher options for $5.50 per voucher or $7.75. Participants must pre-register for tent space at the time of their ticket order.

Staked tents, grills, open flames and cook-ing equipment are prohibited.

Tickets can be ordered online at www.baysoxshop.com or by calling Chris Rogers at 301-464-4813.

• The Bowie Baysox will sponsor a pre-game children’s concert featuring the Roc-knoceros on Aug. 4 at 4:15 p.m. before the team takes on the Trenton Thunder at 6:35 p.m.

After the game, a fireworks show will be presented. Fans also can meet and get auto-graphs from former players in the All-Amer-ican Girls Professional Baseball League.” Children may run the bases.

Tickets for the concert are $12 in advance or $14 the day of the concert and include a general admission seat for the game.

Tickets can be ordered by calling 301-464-4865 or online at www.baysox.com.

• The Blue Star Museums program is offering free admission for all active-

duty, National Guard and Reserve service members and their dependents through Labor Day. More than 1,800 museums are registered. For more information, visit bluestarfam.org/Programs/Blue_Star_Museums or dodlive.mil/index.php/2012/06/blue-star-museums-all-summer-long.

• Retired Enlisted Association meets the third Thursday of the month from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Argonne Hills Chapel Center. The next meeting is tonight. For more information, visit trea.org or call Mary Gray, the local president, at 410-916-5385 or Arthur R. Cooper, national president, at 443-336-1230.

• Society of Military Widows meets for brunch the fourth Sunday of the month at 11 a.m. at Club Meade. 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 8 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, call Rikki Ford, Parent Support coordinator, at 301-677-3617 or email [email protected].

• Air Force Sergeants Association Chapter 254 meets the fourth Wednesday of the month from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the Roost, 9827 Love Road. The next meeting is Wednesday. For more information, call 443-534-5170 or visit afsa254.org.

• Spouse PTSD Support Group meets Wednesdays from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Soldier and Family Assistance Center, 2462 85th Medical Battalion Ave.

The support group, sponsored by Behavioral Health Care Service, the Religious Support Office and the Army Substance Abuse Program, is for spouses whose loved ones are exhibiting symptoms of PTSD. Learn valuable tools and resources to understand PTSD and how to cope.

To join or for more information, call 301-677-8870.

• Fort Meade Homeschool Co-op meets Fridays at 9:30 a.m. at 1900 Reece Road. For more information, call Laura Edens at 443-510-4715 or email [email protected].

• 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 Kimberly Smith at [email protected].

EDUCATION

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

YOUTH

RECREATION

MEETINGS


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. Tickets are $4.50 for adults (12 and older) and $2.25 for children.

Today through Aug. 12

Friday & July 26: “Prometheus” (R). A clue that seems to hold a secret about the origins of the human race triggers a journey into space — and a challenge to save Earth. With Noomi Rapace, Michael Fassbender and Charlize Theron.

Saturday-Sunday: “Snow White and The Hunts-man” (PG-13). An evil queen dispatches a huntsman to kill Snow White, but his heart is not in the job. With Kristen Stewart, Charlize Theron and Chris Hemsworth.

Wednesday & July 27, 28, 29: “Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted” (PG). The gang joins a traveling circus in an effort to elude those trying to catch them, and get back to New York. With Ben Stiller, Chris Rock and David Schwimmer.

Aug. 1, 4, 5: “Rock of Ages” (PG-13). In 1980s Los Angeles, people chase their rock and dreams and overcome obstacles in this musi-cal drama. With Alec Baldwin, Tom Cruise, Julianne Hough, Diego Boneta, Russell Brand, Paul Giamatti, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Malin Akerman, Mary J. Blige.

Aug. 2-3: “That’s My Boy” (R). A young man’s estranged father (Adam Sandler) tries to recon-nect with him. With Andy Samberg, Leighton Meester, Vanilla Ice, James Caan.

Aug. 8, 11, 12: “Brave” (PG). A Scottish princess longs for a different life, and must undo a curse to discover happiness. With Kelly Macdonald, Emma Thompson, Billy Connolly.

Aug. 9-10: “Ted” (R). A grown man (Mark Wahlberg) has a teddy bear (Seth MacFarlane) as his companion. With Mila Kunis, Giovanni Ribisi.

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

Access Gates on Fort MeadeDemps Visitor Control Center,

Bldg. 902 Reece Road7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.,

Monday through Friday

Gate 1: Mapes Road and Route 32

5 a.m. to 9 p.m., 7 days a week

Gate 2: Mapes Road and Maryland Route 175

5 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday;

closed weekends and holidays

Gate 3: Rockenbach Road5 a.m. to 9 p.m.,

7 days a week

Gate 6: 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: Reece Road and Maryland Route 175

(Demps Visitor Control Center gate) 24-hour access

News & Politics

Fort Meade SoundOff for July 19, 2012