Top Banner
AN INDEPENDENT PUBLICATION OF COMPRINT MILITARY PUBLICATIONS AT JOINT BASE ANDREWS, MD. DCMILITARY.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2016 | VOL. 5 NO. 2 AIR FORCE NEWS New commander starts, Page 4 myPAY IRS form available, Page 6 COMMENTARY Make a difference, Page 2 By HANNAH TROYER Editor It was love at first sight. Navy Petty Officer Third Class, Lau- ra Bailey, finished breakfast at the Southside Diner in Baltimore when she saw him – an energetic, lovable Pit-bull mix up for adoption through a mobile adoption facility. “The rest is history. He is a love,” Bailey said. “I walked over to him and he pretty much just leaned into me. He’s just the sweetest dog; and he was so sweet when I first met him. He’s even sweeter now that we’ve gotten to know each other and build that trust, but he just stole my heart.” But Sam, as he is now affectionate- ly called, was not planned. Bailey was set to leave for three weeks of training in October in a mere two months. Bai- ley would support a two-week training exercise called Operation Bush Mas- ter, a combat zone readiness train- ing military medical students at The Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences participate in once a year. With no close family members near- by, Bailey decided to deploy Sam — to Germantown, Md. While trying to figure out what to do with Sam for three weeks, Bailey re- membered a commercial featured on the Armed Forces Network for Dogs on Deployment – a nonprofit that helps single servicemembers place their dogs or cats with boarders at no cost for the duration of their training or deployment. Bailey made an account with the website and determined what she was looking for in a possible boarder for her furry family member – a person who would make him feel safe, loved and a part of the family. “I really didn’t know much about it, but I didn’t really have anything to lose at that point, Bailey said. “I looked into and it sounded almost too good to be true. It didn’t cost any mon- ey. Honestly, I didn’t know what to ex- pect really. I registered hoping for the best and got a message from Karen.” Karen White, Germantown, is the Rockville coordinator for Dogs on De- ployment and a registered boarder. She had been a part of the organiza- tion for a few years but never boarded a dog until Sam. “I felt like it was something I needed to do,” White said. “When you register to be a boarder you don’t ever have to take an animal, but you see the ani- mals in need in your area that you can do a search criteria for. She was close, needed it and it felt like I needed to just do it.” Following Dogs on Deployment protocol, the two women talked and scheduled a meet-and-greet to deter- mine how Sam got along with Karen, her husband, Bob, and their dogs. Bailey said she was put at ease and felt that Karen and Bob were the right people to care for Sam. “When I walked into their house, it was really welcoming, but they also really seemed to know what they were doing with dogs,” Bailey said. I wanted someone who had dog experiences be- cause it’s one thing to call a friend and have them watch your dog. It’s anoth- er to leave them. Since they had dogs, I knew they would know exactly what Organization stands for the love of pets HANNAH TROYER Dogs on Deployment Rockville Coordinator, Karen White, laughs with Dogs on Deployment mem- ber, Laura Bailey and her dog Sam. By boarding Bailey’s dog, White and Bailey formed a bond. US conducts B-52 bomber overflight in South Korea STAFF SGT. BENJAMIN SUTTON A U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, conducted a low-level flight in the vicinity of Osan Air Base, South Korea, in response to recent provocative action by North Korea Jan. 10. see BOMBER, page 3 see DOGS, page 4 By BOBBY JONES Staff Photographer A combined dozen of Army, Air Force, Marine and Navy veterans stood proudly at their workstations as a stream of potential employers canvassed their job applications and greeted them during a Veterans Curation Program (VCP) Meet and Greet at their Al- exandria laboratory Nov. 12. With other locations in St. Louis, Mo., and Augus- Veterans Curation Program uncovers careers BOBBY JONES Jesse D. Brent, an archaeological laboratory technician identifies faunal animal bone collec- tions with Sonny Trimble VCP founder, and Di- rector, Center of Expertise for Archaeological Curation and Collections Management at U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. see CAREERS, page 3
8

Andrews 011516 flipbook

Jul 25, 2016

Download

Documents

DCMilitary.Com

 
Welcome message from author
This document is posted to help you gain knowledge. Please leave a comment to let me know what you think about it! Share it to your friends and learn new things together.
Transcript
Page 1: Andrews 011516 flipbook

an independent publication of comprint military publications at Joint base andrews, md. dcmilitary.com friday, January 15, 2016 | Vol. 5 no. 2

Air Force NeWSNew commander starts, Page 4

mypAyIRS form available, Page 6

coMMeNTAryMake a difference, Page 2

By HannaH TroyerEditor

It was love at first sight.Navy Petty Officer Third Class, Lau-

ra Bailey, finished breakfast at the Southside Diner in Baltimore when she saw him – an energetic, lovable Pit-bull mix up for adoption through a mobile adoption facility.

“The rest is history. He is a love,” Bailey said. “I walked over to him and he pretty much just leaned into me. He’s just the sweetest dog; and he was so sweet when I first met him. He’s even sweeter now that we’ve gotten to know each other and build that trust, but he just stole my heart.”

But Sam, as he is now affectionate-ly called, was not planned. Bailey was set to leave for three weeks of training in October in a mere two months. Bai-ley would support a two-week training exercise called Operation Bush Mas-ter, a combat zone readiness train-ing military medical students at The Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences participate in once a

year.With no close family members near-

by, Bailey decided to deploy Sam — to Germantown, Md.

While trying to figure out what to do with Sam for three weeks, Bailey re-membered a commercial featured on the Armed Forces Network for Dogs on Deployment – a nonprofit that helps single servicemembers place their dogs or cats with boarders at no cost for the duration of their training or deployment.

Bailey made an account with the website and determined what she was looking for in a possible boarder for her furry family member – a person who would make him feel safe, loved and a part of the family.

“I really didn’t know much about it, but I didn’t really have anything to lose at that point, Bailey said. “I looked into and it sounded almost too good to be true. It didn’t cost any mon-ey. Honestly, I didn’t know what to ex-pect really. I registered hoping for the best and got a message from Karen.”

Karen White, Germantown, is the Rockville coordinator for Dogs on De-ployment and a registered boarder. She had been a part of the organiza-tion for a few years but never boarded a dog until Sam.

“I felt like it was something I needed to do,” White said. “When you register to be a boarder you don’t ever have to take an animal, but you see the ani-mals in need in your area that you can do a search criteria for. She was close, needed it and it felt like I needed to just do it.”

Following Dogs on Deployment protocol, the two women talked and scheduled a meet-and-greet to deter-mine how Sam got along with Karen, her husband, Bob, and their dogs.

Bailey said she was put at ease and felt that Karen and Bob were the right people to care for Sam.

“When I walked into their house, it was really welcoming, but they also really seemed to know what they were doing with dogs,” Bailey said. I wanted someone who had dog experiences be-

cause it’s one thing to call a friend and have them watch your dog. It’s anoth-er to leave them. Since they had dogs, I knew they would know exactly what

organization stands for the love of pets

HannaH Troyer

Dogs on Deployment Rockville Coordinator, Karen White, laughs with Dogs on Deployment mem-ber, Laura Bailey and her dog Sam. By boarding Bailey’s dog, White and Bailey formed a bond.

us conducts b-52 bomber overflight in south Korea

STaff SgT. Benjamin SuTTon

A U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, conducted a low-level flight in the vicinity of Osan Air Base, South Korea, in response to recent provocative action by North Korea Jan. 10.

see BomBer, page 3

see dogs, page 4

By BoBBy JonesStaff Photographer

A combined dozen of Army, Air Force, Marine and Navy veterans stood proudly at their workstations as a stream of potential employers canvassed their job applications and greeted them during a Veterans Curation Program (VCP) Meet and Greet at their Al-exandria laboratory Nov. 12.

With other locations in St. Louis, Mo., and Augus-

Veterans curation program uncovers careers

BoBBy joneS

Jesse D. Brent, an archaeological laboratory technician identifies faunal animal bone collec-tions with Sonny Trimble VCP founder, and Di-rector, Center of Expertise for Archaeological Curation and Collections Management at U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

see Careers, page 3

Page 2: Andrews 011516 flipbook

Andrews Gazette2 Friday, January 15, 2016

Andrews Gazette is published by Comprint Military Publications, 9030 Comprint Court, Gaithersburg, Md., a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force or any branch of the United States military. The appearance of advertising in these publications,

including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense, the Department of the Air Force or the products and services advertised. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, martial status, physical handicap, political affilia-tion or any other non merit factor of the purchases, user or patron.

Comprint military publiCations

maxine minar, [email protected]

John Rives, [email protected]

Matthew Getz, page [email protected]

Hannah Troyer, [email protected]

Bobby Jones, [email protected]

Hot tickets Commentary

January 16DMV’S Got TalentHarmony Hall Regional Center, 10701 Livingston

Road, Fort WashingtonTanya Lewis is hosting DMV’s Got Talent at 8 p.m.

Tanya is an all-around entertainer, actress and co-medianne and her performance will have you crack-ing up. Tanya will be joined by singers Willie Blount, Martina Green, Souls 4 Real, Maharold Peoples Jr. and Virtuoso Horns as well as dancer, Marvin Hodge. To find out more information and costs, visit www.arts.pgparks.com or call 301-203-6070.

January 18-Feburary 29, weekendsWhat Remains: The Archaeological Discoveries of

African American Life in Prince George’s CountyHarmony Hall Regional Center, 10701 Livingston

Rd., Fort WashingtonThis year’s Black History Month exhibit focuses

on African American life in Prince George’s County from the late 1600s to early 1900s. Archaeologists conducted research and recovered artifacts from sites including Mt. Calvert Historical and Archae-ology Park, Northampton Slave Quarters and Ar-chaeology Park, Cherry Hill Cemetery, Montpelier Mansion and Riversdale House Museum. Using ar-tifacts, interactive displays and images, the exhibit illuminates spirituality, home life, children and con-sumerism. The cost of this event is free. To find out more information, visit www.arts.pgparks.com or call 301-203-6070.

January 22NextLOOK: Clown CabertJoe’s Movement Emporium, 3309 Bunker Hill Rd.,

Mount RainerClown is an evolving art form which celebrates a

universal sense of fun. Through performance, work-shops, and audience interaction, Clown Cabaret keeps the tradition alive with laughter. In The Heist, a trio of menacing gangsters conspires to execute the Greatest Robbery of the 21st Century: a piggy bank. A film noir motif carries the story without dialogue, making the show accessible to audiences regardless of language or age. The Heist is a robust physical comedy. Presented by The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center. The event is at 7 p.m. Attendees are en-couraged to pay what they wish to attend. To find out more information, visit www.theclarice.umd.edu or call 301-405-2787.

By Chief Master sgt. Mike Heath

30th Medical Group

Will you make a difference in someone else’s life today? We have all heard someone say, “Take care of your people and their families.” Have you ever stopped to think why we hear this so often?

As Airmen, our number one re-sponsibility is to accomplish the mission. However, without smart, dedicated, hard-working people and the unconditional support of their families, the mission would not get accomplished. This philos-ophy is not new. In fact, it’s been a fundamental concept in our Air Force culture for many years, but are we truly putting forth our best effort on a daily basis to be involved in the lives of our people and understand the needs of our Airmen?

Genuinely caring for your Air-men is essential and helpful when providing honest and realistic performance appraisals. Mentor those whose development with which you are charged. Make sure they can do your job some-day. Teach them from your expe-

riences — the good, the bad and the ugly.

Share your successes and fail-ures and tell them how you han-dled them. Make it a teaching moment so you can make them better leaders.

Taking the time to develop Air-men is not an easy task and it’s not something that can be done only online or by computer based training. It takes human interac-tion, patience, effort, and an abili-ty to evolve. Enable and motivate people to accomplish the mission. Give a sense of accomplishment and make sure they are recog-nized for it. If done properly, no doubt you will instill confidence in others and ensure the success of tomorrow’s leaders.

It’s not about you. It’s about other people. When you take care of your people, help them accom-plish their goals and live up to their potential, and great things will happen. Not only will the mis-sion get accomplished, but inno-vation and excellence will ensue. These things can happen when you realize it’s not about you and you take care of your people. You

and I share a common blessing in that we are members of the finest country in the world. I have faith that you will endeavor to make our country even better in the future by making a difference in someone else’s life today.

I was entrusted with the in-credible responsibility to be a supervisor more than 25 years ago. I started something that first morning as I prepared for work. As I was so proudly putting on my Air Force uniform I looked into the mirror and said, “Will you make a difference in someone else’s life today?” I have asked that question every day since. When I get home at the end of my duty day, as I take off my uni-form, I look in that mirror again and ask myself, “Did you make a difference in someone else’s life today?” Sometimes the answer is no, so what do I do the next day? Try harder!

So I ask you; will you make a difference in someone else’s life today? If you do, it could inspire an Airman for a lifetime.

Make a difference

Increased CopaysMilitary pharmacies and Tri-

care Pharmacy Home Delivery will remain the lowest cost phar-macy option for Tricare benefi-ciaries with the new pharmacy copays changes, effective Feb. 1. Most copays for prescription drugs at Home Delivery and re-tail network pharmacies will in-crease slightly. All drugs at mil-itary pharmacies, and generic drugs through Home Delivery, are still available at no cost to bene-ficiaries. Copays for brand name drugs through Home Delivery increase from $16 to $20, for up to a 90-day supply. At retail phar-macies, generic drug copays go from $8 to $10, and brand name drug copays go from $20 to $24 for up to a 30-day supply. Copays for non-formulary drugs and for drugs at non-network pharma-cies will also change. Beneficia-ries can save up to $208 for each brand name prescription drug they switch from retail pharma-

cy to Home Delivery. To see the new Tricare pharmacy copays or move your prescription to Home Delivery, visit www.tricare.mil/pharmacy.

Help WantedVolunteers are needed at Retir-

ee Activities Offices at Joint Base Andrews, Md. and Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, D.C. A main-stay on each base for more than 25 years, the Retiree Activities Office supports military retirees and their families living in the national capital area. Volunteers are asked to contribute five hours a week on the day of their choice. Office visitors and callers normal-ly have questions in such areas as health care, legal matters, casual-ty assistance and finance. Office files, computer outlets and phone directories provide a wealth of information. The Air Force oper-ates 106 RAOs around the world from its Personnel Center at Ran-dolph AFB, Texas. Interested per-sons are asked to call the RAO

at Andrews, 301-981-2726, or at Bolling, 202-767-5244, for more information.

ID CardsMost Department of Defense ID

card issuing facilities have ended walk-in service and are requir-ing customers to schedule an ap-pointment. The goal is to regulate customer traffic and wait times. Local offices information: Joint Base Andrews, call 301-981-1776; Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, 202-433-4012 (Anacostia) or 202-404-3281 (Bolling). For a list of all ID card issuing facilities, go to www.dmdc.osd.mil/rsl/appi/site?execution=e1s1.

The Retiree Activities Office is open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. Please consider joining the volunteer staff. Vis-it the office in Building 1604 at California and Colorado Avenues or call 301-981-2726. Call to en-sure a volunteer is on duty. The RAO website is www.andrews.af.mil.

Retiree Corner

For more news from other bases around the Washington, D.C. area,

visit www.dcmilitary.com.

Around Town

Page 3: Andrews 011516 flipbook

Andrews GazetteFriday, January 15, 2016 3

By DoD NewsA U.S. B-52 Stratofortress from An-

dersen Air Force Base, Guam, con-ducted a low-level flight in the vicin-ity of Osan Air Base, South Korea in response to a recent nuclear test by North Korea, according to a U.S. Pacif-ic Command news release.

The B-52 was joined by South Kore-an F-15 fighter aircraft and U.S. F-16 Fighting Falcons, the release said.

“This was a demonstration of the ironclad U.S. commitment to our allies in South Korea, in Japan, and to the defense of the American homeland,” Adm. Harry B. Harris Jr., the PACOM commander said. “North Korea’s nu-clear test is a blatant violation of its international obligations. U.S. joint military forces in the Indo-Asia-Pacif-

ic will continue to work with all of our regional allies and partners to main-tain stability and security.”

The bilateral flight mission demon-strates the strength of the alliance be-tween the U.S. and South Korea and the resolve of both nations to maintain stability and security on the Korean Peninsula, the release said.

Headquartered in Hawaii, PACOM is responsible for all U.S. Air Force, Army, Navy and Marine Corps forces over half the Earth’s surface, stretch-ing from the waters off the west coast of North America to the western bor-der of India and from Antarctica to the North Pole.

The B-52 is a long-range strategic bomber and part of the command’s continuous bomber presence in the Indo-Asia-Pacific. Upon completion of the flight over South Korea, the B-52 returned to Guam.

Senior AirmAn KriStin HigH

Lt. Gen. Terrence O’Shaughnessy, the deputy commander of United Nations Command Korea and commander of the U.S. 7th Air Force, Lt. Gen. Wang-keon Lee, the South Korean Air Force Operations Command commander and members of the U.S. and South Korean air forces pre-pare to watch a low-level pass from a U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam.

bomber, from page 1

The Security Forces Blotter is intend-ed to keep members of the Joint Base Andrews Community informed and aware of the crimes and offenses that occur throughout the base each week. If you have any information that may help Security Forces solve a crime or prevent a criminal act, please contact BDOC (Base Defense Operations Cen-ter) at (301) 981-2001, CRIME STOP LINE 981-2677 COPS or the investi-gations section at (301) 981-5656.

Jan. 05 at 11:08 a.m.: Security Forc-es responded to a vehicle accident at the Executive Airlift Training Center. Further investigation revealed the driver entered the parking lot and struck another vehicle causing minor damages.

Jan. 06 at 1:36 a.m.: Security Forc-es responded to the Main Gate for an individual suspected of driving un-der the influence of alcohol. Security Forces made contact with the indi-vidual and attempted to conduct field sobriety tests, but the individual be-came resistant and refused the tests. The individual was apprehended and charged accordingly.

Jan. 08 at 11:44 p.m.: Security Forc-es responded to the Firestone for an individual suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol. Security Forc-es made contact with the individual

and initiated field sobriety tests which confirmed the individual was unfit to drive a vehicle. The individual was ap-prehended and charged accordingly.

Jan 09 at 5:12 p.m.: Security Forces received an anonymous notification via LiveSafe regarding traffic at the Main Gate. Security Forces respond-ed back explaining the reason for the traffic.

AS A REMINDERPlease remember, while driving on

the installation you must have a val-id driver’s license, proof of insurance, vehicle registration and proper Mili-tary Identification or approved instal-lation access credentials. All creden-tials must be up to date and presented when requested.

For reporting any emergencies or non-emergencies please feel free to utilize the “LiveSafe” App. “LiveSafe” is an anonymous reporting app that can be downloaded for free on your smart device.

There has been an increase in at-tempts to enter the installation with a controlled dangerous substance in the vehicle. All vehicles entering the installation are subject to be searched; anyone caught attempting to bring controlled dangerous substances on the installation will be charged and may lose their base privileges.

Security Forces Police Blotter

ta, Ga., the VCP provides vocational rehabilitation and training for recently separated veterans using archaeologi-cal collections administered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Hired as archaeological techni-cians, the veterans go through a five-month program – with salary – and are trained in data entry, report writ-ing, digital photography and scanning technologies. Their efforts support the Corps’ mission of archiving, document-ing and recording important archeo-logical materials. The program helps veterans learn transferable technically skills for government or private jobs.

“Our job is to hire post 9/11, honorably discharged, sergeant and below veter-ans to work in the center,” Gina Foring-er, owner of Environmental Research Group said. “Our primary goal is to find vets who need it the most, like service disabled to the degree that they’re un-employable. When they go through this program, they become employable. It’s a life transformation for them.”

“This (program) was something that even I couldn’t imagine where I could hire 30 veterans at a time and have them gainfully employed in a train-ing program and getting paid. For my company, this is a dream come true.”

The classes – provided twice a year – help veterans from all types of mili-tary backgrounds and skills to handle artifacts – including learning how to sort artifacts and index, Excel soft-ware and digital photography at the forensics level.

But they’re also learning about office professionalism.

“They’re learning what to wear to work every day and act in a civilian professional environment. They don’t teach that in the Army,” Foringer said. “We know how to fight, deploy, bunk down in a field site and make our-selves at home one night at a time.”

During the open house tour the tech-nicians spoke candidly about their training experience at the center and

demonstrated some of their newly ac-quired methods in rehabilitating ar-chaeological collections.

William Milline, a former tank com-mander in the Marines soon to gradu-ate from the VCP, said the program is helping him find employment. He re-cently got out of the service in July and entered the program in November.

“The program is something that has really helped me with my transition into civilian life,” Milline said. “This program helped me with understand-ing everything again, by talking with normal people again and not (using) military jargon.”

After his graduation in February, Milline will work for the Veterans Af-fairs Academy doing procurement and writing review contracts.

Sonny Trimble, VCP founder and Director of the Center of Expertise for Archaeological Curation and Col-lections Management at U.S. Army Corps of Engineers wants to support the troops who protected him while excavating mass graves in Iraq.

He met with each employee at the Alexandria site on the first leg of his trip to all of the VCP facilities.

“The whole point of this lab is to sup-port combat members who couldn’t get jobs when they returned home,” said Trimble. ““I got very close to those sol-diers and Marines that kept me alive out in the desert.”

For more information about the Vet-erans Curation Program, please visit their website at http://www.veterans-curationprogram.org/.

Careers, from page 1

BoBBy JoneS

Christi Moore, an archaeological laborato-ry technician at Alexandria VCP, examines a color slide of a vintage Rolls Royce during an archive training session.

Page 4: Andrews 011516 flipbook

Andrews Gazette4 Friday, January 15, 2016

to do with him.”A contract was signed between the two parties

that outlined what to do in certain circumstances so no questions were left unanswered during the three weeks.

Sam felt at ease, too.“He was a part of our family for three weeks. He

slept in the bed with my husband and I and the other dogs and snored away with everyone else and couldn’t have been happier,” White said.

Sam is one of more than 850 dogs nationwide that have been successfully deployed through Dogs on Deployment since its creation in 2011 by a dual mil-itary couple.

Monica Ruiz, Falls Church, Va., has boarded five of the 850 dogs and has been a boarder since Nov. 2012 when her own dog had to be put down. Ruiz’s deployments range from one to nine months and is currently boarding a German Shepard for a service member. The deployment is scheduled to last a year.

Ruiz shares the same sentiment as White when it comes to bonding with the boarded pets – and their family members.

“Being a volunteer boarder has been one of the best things of I’ve done in my life,” Ruiz said. “It’s really hard to say goodbye to a dog who has become such a huge and important part of my life. But, see-ing the joy on the owners’ faces and the excitement

of the dogs to be with their people again makes it all worthwhile. The joy of that reunion – and knowing that I’ve played a part in making it possible – is why I do what I do.”

And while the three’s deployment processes went seamlessly, too often, service members are unaware of the service the organization provides.

“You see all the time someone serving turning in a pet into a shelter, and it just breaks your heart because once they relinquish ownership of their an-imal there’s not much we can do about it,” White said. “But if they had known about us beforehand, we could have helped them.”

As a coordinator, White spends lots of time attend-ing local events to get the word out and raise dona-tions for the organization. White, Bailey, and Ruiz realize the organization is “definitely filling a need” and “takes a huge weight off service members shoul-ders,” according to Ruiz.

“Pets are family. And especially for us single folks, our friends go off on deployments and they leave their (spouses) and children behind and that’s tough,” Bailey said. “But they get to come home to them. Us single folks come home to sometimes a dog or a cat. And he is my family.”

Since Sam’s deployment, White and Bailey haven’t been able to hang out in person, but are now Facebook friends and keep tabs on each other’s everyday lives.

If she were to deploy or go through weeks of train-ing again, Bailey said she would chose Karen again

“in a heartbeat.”“I don’t think any of the boarders sign up to do it

to be anything but supportive of the troops,” White said. “You’re doing it for the pure love of country, man and dog. It’s corny, but it’s true.”

“It’s a huge service for the country- putting their lives on the line — and I just think the least you can do is watch their dog or cat. They should be able to come home to everyone they love.”

People interested in deploying their pet or board-ing a pet should visit https://dogsondeployment.org for more information.

By Senior AirmAn KriStin Kurtz459th Air Refueling Wing Public

The 459th Air Refueling Wing wel-comed a new commander during a change of command ceremony held in Hangar 10, here Jan. 10.

Major Gen. John C. Flournoy Jr., commander, 4th Air Force, was the presiding officer of the ceremony in which Col. David A. Owens Jr., as-sumed command of the 459 ARW.

“I can’t think of a more qualified officer, aviator and family man that I’d rather see leading this wing,” said Flournoy. “He is the perfect choice to lead the men and women of the 459th Air Refueling Wing into the future.”

Owens comes to the wing from the 445th Airlift Wing at Wright Patter-son Air Force Base in Ohio where he served as the commander of the oper-ations group. He was responsible for a equipped C-17 flying squadrons, an Operations Support Squadron and an Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, as well as safe the execution of over 5,000 annual flying hours

As the wing transitions to new lead-ership, the outgoing commander, Col. Thomas “TK” Smith Jr., shared part-ing words for his former Liberators.

“Don’t forget, your commanders can’t make a difference without your followership and commitment to mak-ing us a World Class Air Force,” said Smith. “You continue to show this is not a second job but truly a profession. Every citizen in this country is indebt-ed to you for this military profession you’ve embraced.”

Owens echoed the appreciation for

the Airmen of the 459 ARW.“I am honored, truly honored to give

you my very best. You bring such a tremendous capability to this great nation and I think you for that,” said Owens. “I hope you don’t think you are working for me, you are working for the American people. I am working for you.”

New commander takes reins of 459 ARW

U.S. Air Force photo/Senior AirmAn KriStin KUrtz

Maj. Gen. John C. Flournoy Jr. (left), 4th Air Force commander, passes the 459th Air Refueling Wing flag to Col. David A. Owens (right) during the change of com-mand ceremony here Jan. 10. Ow-ens took command of the 459th ARW from Col Thomas “TK” Smith Jr.

By KAthy CAnfield779th Medical Group

Malcolm Grow Medical Clinics and Surgery Center (MGMCSC) will be closed for observance of the Martin Luther King holiday on Monday, Jan. 18.

There will be no scheduled appoint-ments, pharmacy or laboratory ser-vices.

Prescription refills requested before noon on Jan. 15 will be available for pickup after noon on Jan. 19. Pre-scription refills requested after noon on Jan. 15 will be available for pickup after noon on Jan. 20.

The Emergent Care Center (ECC) will remain open to provide emergency and urgent care services. Emergency Care is defined as a threat to life, limb or eye sight, such as severe bleeding, chest pain or broken bones. Urgent Care is defined as care for an illness or injury that requires treatment within 24 hours but is not life threatening. Examples include: earache, toothache, rising fever, joint sprain or urinary tract infection.

TRICARE Prime enrollees are re-quired to use the MGMCSC ECC or other military treatment facility emergency room for urgent care un-less outside the local area. Visits to civilian urgent care centers require

prior authorization. Failure to do so could result in you incurring the cost for the visit.

The Nurse Advice Line (NAL) is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for free medical information and advice for TRICARE beneficiaries. To reach the NAL call 1 (888) 999-1212, option 1-4.

If your condition is not urgent and you can wait for treatment, please contact the appointment line at 1-888-999-1212 on Tuesday to schedule an appointment.

Center closes for MLK holiday

monicA rUiz

Piper, a 2-year-old German Shepard, is Moni-ca Ruiz’s fifth dog she has boarded since Nov. 2012. Piper gets along well with Ruiz’s lab, Sa-sha.

PETS, from page 1

For more news from other bases around the Washington, D.C. area,

visit www.dcmilitary.com.

Page 5: Andrews 011516 flipbook

Andrews GazetteFriday, January 15, 2016 5

By Senior AirmAn mAriAh hAdden-hAm

11th Wing Public Affairs

Bare feet shuffle across blue mats as airmen and soldiers find themselves in a battle of vigilance and reflexes during the Basic Combatives Course at Fort Belvoir, Va., Jan. 4-8.

The course supports the “total sol-ider concept” producing well-round-ed, skilled and more confident service members with approximately 10 stu-dents participating in the course at a time and 12 classes graduating per year.

“A ‘total soldier concept’ means that it’s not about knowing how to shoot a gun or fly a plane, you need to know how to do everything,” Sgt. 1st Class Ralph Alfonso, U. S. Army Combatives School director and instructor said. “Students leave here upon graduation with the ability and knowledge to go back to their units and teach them combatives as well.”

According to ‘History of the Modern Army Combatives Program’, the first U.S. Army Combatives Manual was published in 1852 and was a transla-tion of a French bayonet fighting man-ual.

Meanwhile, Air Force Strategic Air Command under General Curtis E. LeMay implemented a Judo program in 1950, sending 13 instructors to Ja-pan in 1952 to the first Kodokan, a premier Judo school in Tokyo.

While most branches have their own combatives programs, many eventual-ly died out. In 1995, the commander

of the 2nd Ranger Battalion ordered a re-invigoration of combatives training. While adjustments were made to the original program, by 2002 the program gained so much popularity that it be-came Army-wide training requirement.

Since the creation of the program, service members from all military branches have attended the course and returned to their units with what the instructors refer to as a ‘perish-able skill’.

“Combatives need to be practiced regularly,” Alfonso said. “The skill is

like a muscle, it needs to be worked and trained to perform at the best of its ability. Students who take the knowledge back to their units, and train with them regularly are keeping those skills current.”

Students learn to clinch, conduct take downs, maintain distance be-tween the enemy in order to utilize ei-ther their primary or secondary weap-on system, grapple and submit and escape tactics to move themselves to a more dominant position in the event of a physical altercation.

The course is geared towards combat situations where service members will need to access the situation, close the distance, gain and maintain a domi-nant position and finish the fight. In all, the students learn more 30 tech-niques, but new skills aren’t all the students take away.

“We show our students how realistic training – such as grappling – places the students in uncomfortable, stress-ful situations, and have them work through the feelings of fight or flight,” Staff Sgt. Dennis Jones, USACS mil-itary District of Washington master combatives instructor said. “By the end of this course, the soldiers and air-men should leave with the confidence to close with, engage and destroy the enemy.”

Any service member who wishes to participate in the course just needs to provide their most recent physical fit-ness assessment, fill out a safety ques-tionare and complete a combatives in-jury screening form.

“Some of our Ravens have taken the course, including myself, and I would definitely recommend it to other ser-vice members,” Staff Sgt. Gabriell Viera, 811th Security Forces Squad-ron executive aircraft security team leader said. “A price can’t be placed on the skills we have been taught, and I’m grateful to have gone through this learning experience with my team.”

For more information about United States Army Combatives School go to http://www.hqbn.belvoir.army.mil/combatives.asp.

Airmen get combative, test skills

Senior AirmAn mAriAh hAddenhAm

Senior Airman David Hoch, 11th Security Forces Squadron response force leader, applies an arm bar on a classmate during the Basic Com-batives Course at Fort Belvoir.

Prince George’s County Memorial Library System is rolling out themed children’s areas called Discovery Cen-ters. The Discovery Centers-which each have different themes such as castles or space-promote literacy by encouraging learning through cre-ative play.

“As we renovate library branches, we’re designing and building colorful Discovery Centers that appeal to chil-dren much like children’s museums,” Michael Gannon, chief operating offi-cer of the library system said. “They’re destinations for families where chil-dren can visit with their parents and grandparents.”

Prince George’s County Memorial Library System offers six Discovery Centers with two more under con-struction and three more in develop-ment. All are free as part of the library system.

The Discover Centers feature col-orful carpeting and walls, props and displays and child-friendly reading spaces. A bridge crosses a carpet moat in Beltsville Branch’s Discovery Cas-

tle area; a teddy-bear astronaut sits in a spaceship in Fairmount Heights Branch’s Discovery Space; and a child-size circus tent stands in Hillcrest Heights Branch’s Discovery Circus.

Other Discovery Centers include Discovery Treehouse at the Glenarden Branch, Discovery Glen at the South Bowie Branch and Discovery Farm at the Spauldings Branch.

In addition, the library system is building Discovery Reef at the New Carrollton Branch, scheduled for com-pletion in late 2016 or early 2017, and Discovery Island at the Laurel Branch. Scheduled for completion in the fall of 2016, Discovery Island will include lighted dinosaur footprints, a glass floor exposing a full-size ve-lociraptor skeleton replica and two children’s seating areas, one within a large dinosaur rib cage and the other decorated with volcano lava and light effects.

Discovery Centers planned for the future include Discovery Town at the Bowie Branch, Discovery Village at the Hyattsville Branch and Discovery

Bay at the Surratts-Clinton Branch.“We’re designing our Discovery Cen-

ters to be bright, fun and irresistible to children, but they also serve a pur-pose,” Gannon said. “Outfitted with books, technology and early-literacy

tools, they stoke children’s curiosity and help them learn to read, a basic ability that’s absolutely essential to their success as adults.”

- Prince George’s County Memorial Library System

Prince George’s library introduces Discovery Centers

CourteSy Photo

The children’s area of the South Bowie library branch was recently re-modeled into a “discovery center” to encourage kids to visit and read.

Page 6: Andrews 011516 flipbook

Andrews Gazette6 Friday, January 15, 2016

www.LevisRestaurant.com

Delicious NorthCarolina BBQ'& Soul Food

Proudly Serving theJoint Base Andrews Community

Clinton Location6410 Coventry Way

Phone: (301) 868-7001Mitchellville LocationPhone: (301) 336-5000

Monday - Saturday 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.Sunday 12 Noon - 9:00 p.m.

Extended Bar Hours for Nightly Entertainment

• Catering• Banquet Room• Full Bar• Karaoke & Live Jazz and More!

10%MILITARYDISCOUNT

AMU HELPEDME REACHHIGHER”

AMU ALUM AND VETERAN WES O’DONNELL (MBA 2011)

Veteran, author, and entrepreneur Wes O’Donnell gained the right tools andconfidence from AMU to publish a book, start a healthcare solutions company, andlaunch a successful digital media group. Join the #1 provider of education to theArmed Forces* and gain knowledge that’s relevant to what you do today and whatyou want to do tomorrow. Reach higher at www.AMUonline.com/comprint

*As reported by Military Times, July/August 2015

By Senior AirmAn DylAn nuckollS11th Wing Public Affairs

Americans will be heading to poll-ing booths for several elections in 2016, including primaries, caucuses and the general election in early No-vember.

For service members and their fam-ilies, that means making sure they’re registered to vote in time for the up-coming elections.

One of the main avenues to receive help in the voting process on Joint Base Andrews is the Installation Vot-ing Office.

“The mission is to provide informa-tion and assistance for voting reg-istration issues and absentee ballot procedures,” Installation Voting Office Director Cheryl Gritton said. “All mil-itary and civilian personnel, as well as voting age dependents, contractors and any other civilians who have ac-cess to the office (can receive help.)”

The voting office can assist members of JBA with every step in the voting process, so that all members need to do is fill in which candidates to vote for, according to Gritton.

“People who decide everything, from

where new roads go, to what dogs are scary, are elected. People who affect your life every day are elected, so you have to vote for the people who will make your life better,” Gritton said. “Voting is the true power.”

The voting office is located on the second floor of the Community Com-mons.

An option for online users is the Fed-eral Voting Assistance Program and can be accessed by fvap.gov.

The site lists all the information to get through the voting process as well as connect members to their state vot-ing website.

DOD members can also contact their unit voting officers for information.

It is important for members to reg-ister to vote and request an absentee ballot because it takes time for local voting offices to process absentee bal-lot applications and ballots according to Todd Braun, Installation Voting As-sistance officer.

The election in November includes electing the U.S. president as well as 34 U.S. senators, 435 U.S. representa-tives, 12 state governors and several state and local elections.

Installation VAP helps members vote

By SecretAry of the Air force Public AffAirS commAnD

informAtion

All active-duty, Guard, Reserve, re-tiree and civilian Airmen will need proof of health care coverage when fil-ing their federal tax returns for 2015.

“This is the first year that Affordable Care Act requires health care valida-tion for filing their taxes and Airmen need this information,” Robert W. Burke, the Air Force Accounting and Finance office director, finance divi-sion said.

Under the ACA, U.S. citizens and legal residents are required to obtain and maintain a minimum standard of health care insurance called mini-mum essential coverage. The proof of minimum essential coverage will be

provided by the Department of Trea-sury Internal Revenue Service Form 1095. TRICARE is one of many health providers qualifying for this coverage.

In January 2016, Defense Finance and Accounting Service is required to provide each employee with the IRS Form 1095 for employment during 2015. A hard copy form is scheduled to be mailed to each employee and the form will also be available electroni-cally through myPay under the taxes section.

“The Air Force would like to stress the importance for Airmen to elect to receive the form electronic only,” Burke said. “This action will save the Air Force $200,000 and cause no envi-ronmental impact.”

IRS Form: 1095 available on myPay

By SeAn kimmonSAir Force News Service

A day after the Air Force flew a B-52 Stratofortress over South Korea in the wake of their northern neighbor’s nu-clear bomb test, Air Force officers dis-cussed the service’s nuclear capabili-ties with policymakers.

The hour-long discussion – part of an ongoing series – touched on North Korea’s Jan. 6 test and why the Air Force responded with a show of force. It also delved further into the U.S. military’s triad system, which de-ters a nuclear attack using strategic bombers, missile silos and subma-rines.

Organized by the Air Force Legis-lative Liaison Office at the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill, the Air Force 101 sessions inform poli-cymakers on various topics.

“We don’t write policy. That’s not our job,” Maj. Justin Ballinger and a legis-lative liaison said. “What we do is edu-cate how the policy and legislation af-fects us and what we can do with what is given to us.”

The bi-monthly sessions cover “air-power from the ground up” and hot topics such as a briefing on cyber se-curity that had officers talk about pol-icies related to Air Force missions.

“They spoke on the things that the current legislation allows us to do and some of the things that we’re hand-cuffed with,” Ballinger said.

The sessions by the liaison office – which Ballinger described as an arm of the executive branch – also save time and energy to highlight Air Force matters.

“The more folks we can reach out

Sessions aim to improve legislation for Air Force missions

see sEssIONs, page 7

Page 7: Andrews 011516 flipbook

Andrews GazetteFriday, January 15, 2016 7

to and educate, the better returns we get when it comes to responsiveness for policy and other issues,” he said.

At the latest session, three Air Force officers spoke to about 60 policymakers on nuclear operations — an issue recently thrusted into the spotlight.

“It gives us an opportunity to build that initial foundation for a lot of them,” Maj. Nathan Perry, the chief of airborne capabilities for Air Staff 10 that handles the service’s nuclear mission said. “If a handful of them left this door smarter than they were when they walked in on nuclear deterrence, then mission accomplished.”

To Perry, who has flown B-2 Spirits, the session was a unique chance for him and others to commu-nicate in person with policymakers who may alter the future of nuclear operations one day.

“For us to be able to say that we are credible and reliable all the time,” he said of nuclear deterrence, “we have to be able to correspond about it, talk about it and prove it.”

Allowing Capitol Hill staffers to interact with Air-men who’ve had prior experience on a specific issue may also indirectly shape new policy.

“Being over here talking and sharing our experi-

ence, we absolutely influence the process,” Maj. Ste-phen Bonin, a senior emergency actions officer with the National Military Command Center who once served as a missile maintainer said.

The goal of the sessions is to improve the decision making of policymakers.

“I can’t tell you what the composition of the triad should be or how many weapons we should have,” Bonin said, “but I can tell you all the information so you can make an informed decision.”

Eric Mattson, a Hill staffer who works for U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer of Washington, said the session helped expand his knowledge on nuclear capabili-ties.

“As I work here there may be a time when I will work with this kind of policy,” Mattson said. “I think it’s important for us as policymakers to know what can be done better.”

One aspect that the Air Force is pushing to mod-ernize is its aging aircraft, of which many are part of the triad system. In October, Air Force officials awarded a multibillion-dollar contract to build 100 long-range strike bombers to replace legacy bomb-ers, such as B-52s that are more than 50-years-old.

Bombers play a critical role in nuclear deterrence since they’re easily visible, unlike submarines or in-tercontinental ballistic missiles.

The low-level flyover of the B-52 and fighter air-

craft only a few hours from the demilitarized zone of the Korean Peninsula was a prime example.

“That’s what the bomber portion gives you,” Per-ry said. “It allows the whole world to see that we’re getting it done. It’s definitely a game of chess and it takes a lot of work.”

SESSIONS, from page 6

Sean KimmonS

Maj. Nathan Perry, the chief of airborne ca-pabilities for Air Staff 10 that handles the Air Force’s nuclear mission, discusses nuclear operations with policymakers during an Air Force 101 session at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington, D.C., Jan. 11.

[email protected]

Classifieds Call 301-645-0900

ApartmentsUnfurnished

Equal Housing All Real Estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to indicate any preference, limitation, or discrimination based on sex, handicap, familial status, or nation-al origin or an intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimina-tion. We will not knowing-ly accept any advertising for Real Estate which is in violation of the law. All per-sons, are hereby informed that all dwellings adver-tised are available on an equal opportunity basis. If you believe you have been discriminated against in connection with the sale, rental, or fi nancing of hous-ing, call the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development at 1-800-669-9777.

Townhousefor Rent

Prince Frederick, Large 4BR 3.5BA, garage, w/d, upper, lower deck, $1850/mo. 301-392-1912/240-474-0894

Help WantedFull Time

ACCOUNTING & PAY-ROLL TRAINEES NEED-ED! Online career train-ing can get you job ready now!! NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED! Financial aid if qualifi ed! HS Diploma/GED required.

1-877-253-6495

CONSTRUCTIONCarpenter

Wanted with experience in restoration. On-Call duty re-quired. Must have valid driver’s license, own tools, transporta-tion & 10 years experience.

Email resume to [email protected]

CONSTRUCTIONDrywall/Painter

Insurance Restoration Co. is currently hiring. On call duty required. Must have own tools, transportation & valid driver’s license.

Email resume to [email protected]

CONSTRUCTIONSuperintendent

Strong construction knowledge with restoration experience. Must be able to multi task & run several job locations in DC/ Baltimore area. On call is mandatory. Excellent benefi ts pack-age includes vehicle +

401k Send Resume

[email protected]

Local ConstructionCompany Is in need of Clerical Administration Assistant. Must have at

least 2 years’ experience in the following: Commu-nication (Written & Verbal) Microsoft Excel (Spread-sheets) Book Keeping,

Answering phones. Must be reliable and de-

pendable. Please send resume with references to [email protected]

Help WantedFull Time

MEDICAL BILLING TRAIN-EES NEEDED! Train at home to process Medical Billing & Insurance! NO EX-PERIENCE NEEDED! On-line training at Bryan Uni-versity! HS Diploma/GED & Computer/Internet needed.

1-888-734-6711

Misc. ServicesA PLACE FOR MOM. The nation’s largest senior liv-ing referral service. Contact our trusted, local experts today! Our service is FREE/no obligation. CALL 1-800-217-3942

ACCESS YOUR LAWSUIT CASH! In an Injury Law-suit? Need cash Now? Low rates. No Credit Checks/Monthly Payments. Call Now 1-800-568-8321.CHILDREN’S BOOK – Looking for some whole-some reading material for your young reader? Check out Richard the Donkey and His LOUD, LOUD Voice at www.Richard TheDonkey.comHERO MILES - to fi nd out more about how you can help our service members, veterans and their families in their time of need, visit the Fisher House website at www.fi sherhouse.orgNEW YEAR, NEW AIR-LINE CAREER. Get FAA approved certifi cation at campuses coast to coast. Job placement assistance. Financial Aid for qualifying students. Call AIM 888-686-1704SOCIAL SECURITY DIS-ABILITY BENEFITS. Un-able to work? Denied ben-efi ts? We Can Help! WIN or Pay Nothing! Contact Bill Gordon & Associates at 1-800-290-8321 to start your application today!

Travel/Transportation

CRUISE DEALS availablefor a limited time. Royal Ca-ribbean,Celebrity, Carnival and Nor-wegian. Hurry as these of-fers won’t last!Call 877-270-7260 or go to NCPTRAVEL.COM to re-search.

THINKING ABOUT ACRUISE? Let us help you match your needs and wants with your budget. Royal Caribbean, Celebri-ty, Carnival and all major cruise lines. Hurry – great offers available for a limited time! Call 877-270-7260 or go to NCPTRAVEL.COM toresearch.

Wanted to BuyCash for unexpired DIA-BETIC TEST STRIPS or STOP SMOKING PROD-UCTS! Free Shipping, Best Prices & 24 hr payment! Call 1-855-440-4001 www.TestStripSearch.com. Habla Espanol.CASH PAID for unexpired, sealed DIABETIC TEST STRIPS! 1 DAY PAYMENT & PREPAID shipping.HIGHEST PRICES! Call 1-888-776-7771. www.Cash4Diabetic Supplies.com

Small collector pays CASH for Coins/Collec-

tions/Gold. Will come to you.

Call Al at: 301-807-3266

AutosMercedes-Benz CLK55

AMG 2002, 83K miles, au-tomatic, V8 engine, 370HP,

one owner, garage kept, military family.

Mint Condition, $12,500. 571-338-0927

Wanted to BuyAutos

CARS/TRUCKS WANTED! Top $$$$$ PAID! Running or Not, All Years, Makes, Models. Free Towing! We’re Local! 7 Days/Week. Call Toll Free:

1-888-416-2330CASH FOR CARS: All Cars/Trucks Wanted. Running or Not! Top Dollar Paid. We Come To You! Any Make/Model. Call For Instant Of-fer: 1-800-864-5960

Call 1-888-220-1230 to place your web ad today!

www.dcmilitary.com/classifieds

Property ManagerProperty Manager- Property

Management Company looking for o� ce manager

in St. Mary’s County. Excel-lent bene� ts including free health insurance and free

apartment. O� ce and com-puter experience necessary. Fax resume to 410-268-6779

Or Email to: [email protected]

Page 8: Andrews 011516 flipbook

Andrews Gazette8 Friday, January 15, 2016

1% CASH BACKLive the dream here with

The journey of alifetime starts here.

andrewsfcu.org800.487.5500 U.S.00800.487.56267 International

*1.00% cash back is calculated based on loan amount and will be rounded to the nearestwhole dollar, up to a maximum of $350. Offer available for New and Used Auto loans,including auto loan refinances (refinances of existing Andrews auto loans do not qualifyfor promotion). Loan is subject to credit and collateral approval. Other restrictions mayapply. Cash back will be issued as a deposit credit to the Base Share Savings account ofthe primary borrower; deposit will be posted to account within 30 days of loan closing.Loan must be disbursed by February 29, 2016 to receive 1% cash back offer. Offer, rateand term are subject to change without notice. Membership with Andrews Federal CreditUnion is required to obtain loan and promotional offer.

on low-rate auto loans