Fort Meade Soundoff April 3, 2014

standardsArmy regulation tightens grooming, uniform policies

page 3

UPCOMInG EVEntsFrIday, 6:30 a.M.: Sexual Assault Awareness Run - McGlachlin Parade FieldaPrIl 10, 11:30 a.M.: Holocaust Remembrance Observance - McGill Training Ctr.aPrIl 12, 9-11 a.M.: Breakfast with the Easter Bunny - The Conference CenteraPrIl 12, nOOn-3 P.M.: Easter Egg Hunt - Youth CenteraPrIl 20, 7-8 a.M.: Postwide Ecumenical Easter Sunrise Service - Chapel Center

ChaMPIOns22nd IS, NIOC win post intramural basketball titles

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Soundoff!́vol. 66 no. 13 Published in the interest of the Fort Meade community April 3, 2014

’s Happy Day

Fort Meade youngsters walk off the field after participating in the Baltimore orioles’ opening Day celebration on Monday afternoon. Eighty children from the installation participated in the event by holding flags in the outfield as the orioles entered the stadium for the first game of 2014. For the story, see Page 10.

photo by steve ruark

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil� SOUNDOFF! April 3, 2014

Commander’s Column

Cont ent sNews............................. 3 Sports..................................10

CrimeWatch................. 3 Movies.................................15

Community................. 14 Classified.............................17

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

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

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

Printed by offset method of reproduction as a civilian enterprise in the interest of the personnel at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland, by The Baltimore Sun Media Group, 501 N. Calvert St., Baltimore, MD 21278, every Thursday except the last Thursday of the year in conjunction with the Fort Meade Public Affairs Office. Requests for publication must reach the Public Affairs Office no later than Friday before the desired publication date. Mailing address: Post Public Affairs Office, Soundoff! IMME-MEA-PA, Bldg. 4409, Fort Meade, MD 20755-5025. Telephone: 301-677-5602; DSN: 622-5602.

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

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

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

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

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Hello again, Team Meade.We have a busy spring ahead and lots of

momentum building for improvement on and off the installation.

We will start filling potholes soon, and the command sergeant major and I will be prioritiz-ing roads for repavement this week.

We also are coordinating for a team from Installation Management Command to visit in May and conduct an assessment of growth and our associated resource needs.

Off the installation, the State Highway Administration will start working on the Route 175 Mapes and Reece Road intersections in late spring.

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and we have a full schedule of events planned to train, educate and raise awareness in our battle to stop sexual assault and harassment of any kind.

As we go through the month, I ask everyone to consider how they treat co-workers, friends and acquaintances in general. Do you treat oth-ers in the same manner you wish to be treated yourself ? Do you respect others’ preferences even if you do not share them? If not, consider using this month as a catalyst for change.

Every person deserves the right to live and work in an environment free of the fear and stress created when one someone invades another’s personal space without being invited. Regardless of the location or circumstances, we must always be mindful and respectful of the people around us.

When in doubt if your words or actions

are offensive to another per-son, ask that person. When offended by another’s words or actions, tell them. If the person chooses not to respect your preference, then tell some-one else and request help as needed to correct the situation.

There are proper ways to express attrac-tion for another person without harassing or harming them. Always ensure the attraction is mutual before pursuing further.

Before expressing attraction in the first place, ask yourself if there is already someone else in your life who would be hurt or offended by your actions if they knew.

So I invite all to participate in as many of our events this month as you can. Highlights include our installation Resiliency Run on Fri-day at 6:30 a.m. departing from McGlachlin Parade Field, and a presentation by Monika Korra, sexual assault survivor and CEO of the Monika Korra Foundation, on April 11 at 1:30 p.m. at McGill Training Center.

Hope to see you all there.We are looking forward to a busy and sunny

April. The Easter Bunny is right around the corner.

Sexual Assault Awareness Month

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

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

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

Formoreinformation,call301-677-4844.

COL. Brian P. FOLeyGarrison Commander

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil April 3, 2014 SOUNDOFF! �

News

By David VergunArmy News Service

The number, size and placement of tattoos have been dialed back under the revised Army Regulation 670-1, which tightens Army grooming standards and uniform policy.

The revised regulation was published Monday, outlining the new standards. Effective dates for the various changes can also be found in All Army Activity message, or ALARACT 082-2014.

Sgt. Maj. of the Army Raymond F. Chandler III addressed why the changes were made:

“The Army is a profession, and one of the ways our leaders and the Ameri-can public measure our professionalism is by our appearance,” he said. “Wearing of the uniform, as well as our overall military appearance, should be a matter of personal pride for all Soldiers.

“Every Soldier has the responsibility to understand and follow these stan-dards,” Chandler said. “Leaders at all levels also have a responsibility to inter-pret and enforce these standards, which begins by setting the example.”

TattoosTattoos cannot be located anywhere

above the lines of a T-shirt or located anywhere below the wrist bone.

Visible band tattoos cannot be lon-ger than 2 inches wide. There can be no more than one visible band tattoo. Sleeve tattoos on arms or legs are not allowed.

Each visible tattoo below the elbow or knee must be smaller than the size of the wearer’s extended hand. There cannot be more than four total tattoos below the elbows or knees.

Soldiers who currently violate these revisions can be grandfathered in as long as commanders validate their cur-rent tattoos.

Also, each year commanders much check each Soldier for new tattoos that might be prohibited. The checks will be done when Soldiers are in their physi-cal fitness uniform and do not include tattoos that might be hidden by shorts or T-shirts.

Prohibited tattoos also include those that could be deemed extremist, inde-cent, sexist or racist.

UniformsSoldiers on official travel and travel-

ing by commercial carrier are no longer allowed to wear the Army Combat Uniform. Instead, they must either wear civilian attire or the service uniform.

The only ACU exceptions are when Soldiers are deploying, on rest and recu-peration leave to and from theater, and when authorized by commanders for emergency leave or casualty assistance duties.

Identification tags must be worn at all times while on duty in uniform unless otherwise directed.

Soldiers may carry plain, black umbrellas only during inclement weath-er when in service, dress and mess uniforms. However, umbrellas are not allowed in formations or when wearing field or utility uniforms.

Revisions also cover the wearing of badges and tabs, carrying of bags; sew-ing on of name tapes, U.S. Army tape and grade insignia; wearing of insignia representing regimental affiliation; and windbreakers, all-weather coats and other garments.

Male groomingFancy-style haircuts, including

the “tear drop,” “landing strip” or “Mohawk,” and “horseshoe” are no longer authorized.

Sideburns cannot extend below the bottom of the ear opening and can-not be flared or tapered to a point. The length of the sideburn hair cannot exceed one-eighth of an inch.

A mustache cannot extend past the corners of the mouth, and no portion can cover the upper lip line or go higher than the lowest portion of the nose.

Fingernails cannot extend past the tip of the finger. Nail polish cannot be worn.

Female groomingHair must be neatly and inconspicu-

ously fastened or pinned.Bangs are now authorized, as long as

they don’t fall below the eyebrows.“Bulk of hair,” measured from the

scalp up, as opposed to the length of hair, will not exceed 2 inches, except for a bun, which can protrude 3 inches from the scalp. The bun cannot be wider than the width of the head.

Hair needs to be properly secured, cannot be unbalanced or lopsided, and parting of hair must be in a straight line.

Army tightens personal appearance, tattoo policy

Photo by Staff Sgt. Xaime hernandez

A Soldier displays his tattoos on Monday, the day new regulations on tattoos and other appearance standards went into effect. This Soldier’s tattoos no longer conform to the new regulations, but he could be grandfathered in under the older uniform regulations.

Hair extensions and wigs are now authorized as long as they have the same general appearance as the natu-ral hair and conform to all other hair regulations.

During physical training, women can now wear the full length of their hair in one pony tail that’s centered on the back of the head.

Fingernails cannot exceed one-quar-ter inch from the tip of the finger. Only clear nail polish is authorized with all uniforms.

OtherSoldiers cannot mutilate their bodies

in any manner such as tongue bifurca-tion.

Tooth caps or veneers of any unnatu-ral color, design, shape or texture can-not be worn.

Jewelry or objects cannot be attached to, through or under the skin or other body part. This applies to all Soldiers on or off duty. The only exception is

that female Soldiers can wear autho-rized earrings.

Commanders can authorize the wear-ing of sunglasses in formations or field environments. Glasses of any type can-not be worn on top of the head.

Soldiers cannot walk in such a way as to interfere with saluting, giving saluta-tions or in a manner that detracts from a professional image. Examples include walking while eating, using electronic devices and smoking.

All restrictions that apply to cigarettes also apply to tobacco-free cigarettes.

Personnel in civilian clothing, wheth-er on duty or off duty, on or off post, must dress in a way that does not detract from the profession.

The wearing of wireless and non-wireless devices such as earpieces while in uniform is prohibited.

However, hands-free devices used in a vehicle or bicycle are allowed as long as they are not prohibited by policy or civilian law.

Connect with fort meade atfacebook.com/ftmeade


News

By Lisa R. RhodesStaff Writer

One of the goals of military public affairs professionals should be to become a trusted adviser to their commander on all strategic matters.

This is the message Rear Adm. John Kirby, press secretary at the Pentagon, shared with an audience of public affairs students at the Defense Information School on March 27.

“The most important strategic skill you need to develop is being a good adviser and counselor,” Kirby said. “... If your advice is only on communications, then I think you’re selling yourself and the command short. Your advice should be on all manner of decisions that the com-mand has made. ... Be in the room, have a vote.”

Kirby’s presentation was part of the Commandant’s Lecture Series, developed two years ago by Col. Jeremy Martin, commandant of DINFOS. The event also was a DINFOS’ 50th anniversary commemoration event.

In his remarks, Martin called Kirby “the most consequential public affairs officer of his generation.”

Kirby, who is the chief spokesperson for the Department of Defense, spoke to the students about what he considers to be public affairs truths and myths for military professionals.

One truth is the importance of prepara-tion when interacting with the media.

“Preparation really does matter. In fact, it is the game,” Kirby said. “If you don’t prepare, and you aren’t prepared for every interaction you’re having with the media — whatever the attributes of your envi-ronment — you’re probably gonna fail. You’re certainly taking much higher risks than you need to be.”

Kirby said that the press desk for the Office of the Secretary of Defense pre-pares a press binder for him to review before the two press conferences the DoD holds each week. The binder contains information on topics likely to be covered by the Pentagon press corps and other newsworthy items.

The admiral said he reviews the con-tents with the press team and takes the binder with him to the podium at each press conference.

“I’ve got a cheat sheet,” Kirby said. “And it’s perfectly OK to do that. And it’s perfectly OK for you to tell your boss to do that. Nobody expects everybody to have every single answer.

Pentagon press official speaks at DINFOS

photo by richard corral

Rear Adm. John Kirby, press secretary for the Pentagon, talks about the importance of social media before an audience of public affairs students at the Defense Information School on March 27. The presentation was part of the DINFOS Commandant’s Lecture Series.

“But talking it through, gaming it out, writing it down, matters a lot. Preparation counts. It is 80 to 90 percent of success in public relations,” he said.

Military public affairs professionals also must be skillful users and monitors of social media.

“People don’t want access to infor-mation, they want access to conversa-tion,” Kirby said. “This is a post-audience world.”

Kirby said that social media commu-nication with reporters and the public must be a conversation — a two-way street — or it can lose its authenticity and credibility.

The days of only standing before a podium to deliver the command message are over, he said.

Military communicators must “be able to play in this environment and it’s an environment that’s constantly changing.”

Kirby said social media is not just a tool for public affairs professionals to disseminate information. It also serves as a resource for reporters to identify pro-spective stories.

A fundamental truth of good public

affairs is good writing, said Kirby.“You’ve got to be a good writer,” he

said. “If you can’t write well, nothing else is going to go right for you. You are not going to be able to succeed.”

Using PowerPoint, Kirby presented a list of books on writing and speaking well.

Kirby said good writers must be able to take complex and difficult ideas and put them into plain English.

Good writers produce work for the ear, not the eye, he said.

For example, Kirby said the Declara-tion of Independence was written for the ear, to be read aloud by town criers in town squares. The document’s purpose was, in part, “to educate and convince an illiterate and skeptical audience,” he said.

In the 1700s, more than two-thirds of the colonists did not know how to read and write, he said.

“We’ve got to write like [Thomas] Jef-ferson wrote the Declaration of Indepen-dence,” Kirby said. “It’s got to be convinc-ing, compelling and in plain English.”

To become a good writer, said Kirby, one also must be a good reader of poetry

and literature.Among the myths of military public

affairs is that the narrative can be con-trolled.

“You can’t control the narrative and you shouldn’t try,” Kirby said. “Yes, the narrative is important — explaining and providing context about what we’re doing in the world matters.”

But, he said, in a fast-changing media environment, public affairs professionals must be flexible and open to contrary views.

Although professionals must not com-promise the deadrock principles of their work, said Kirby, they must be able to accept and respond to contrary views.

While attribution is critical for a pro-fessional’s credibility, Kirby said that to build good relationships with trusted members of the media, there may be times when public affairs professionals decide to “go off-the-record.”

“There’s a place for off-the-record, there’s a place for background,” Kirby said. “... And it’s somewhat of an art. ... It’s something that takes time to devel-op.”

Reporters often don’t want to know just the who, what, where and how of a news item, they want to know the “why” behind the decision-making, Kirby said. “And you sometimes can’t do that from behind the podium or on-the-record.”

Another myth, he said, is that public affairs professionals should only talk to the media when something bad has hap-pened.

“That’s malarkey,” Kirby said. “You are a spokesperson. ... You have to be out there representing the command, and it doesn’t just have to be when there is a problem or distress.”

Kirby said military public affairs pro-fessionals can be effective spokespeople when they have access to their com-mander and the operational decisions being made.

After the presentation, Kirby answered questions from the audience and received a plaque of appreciation from Martin.

Second Lt. Jenny McBride, a student in the public affairs qualification course, said Kirby’s presentation was enlightening.

“I was interested to learn a little bit about his job from the perspective of the DoD and the general scope of military operations. ...,” she said. “To learn that in media relations, there is a time, a place where you can build a relationship with the community.”


News

By Mass Communication Spc. 2nd Class James TurnerNavy Information Operations Command Maryland Public Affairs

Fifteen students from three Fort Meade schools graduated from the garrison’s Sat-urday Scholars program during its 10th anniversary ceremony on March 22.

The event, held at School Age Services on Reece Road, was attended by Garrison Commander Col. Brian P. Foley and Capt. Donald Elam, commanding officer of Navy Information Operations Command-Mary-land.

The students attend Pershing Hill and Meade Heights elementary schools and MacArthur Middle School.

This year marks a decade of an ongoing partnership between Fort Meade’s mili-tary units and Child, Youth and School Services.

Petty Officer 1st Class Jaime Dejesus, military liaison for Fort Meade and a member of NIOC Maryland, organizes and volunteers for the program.

“This is a great opportunity for service members and civilians alike to contribute back to our community,” Dejesus said. “Teachers and parents let us know every year how thankful they are for our services. That is how I know this program is a suc-cess. The impact we have on the children is major and it last forever.”

Eleven Sailors from NIOC Maryland volunteered their Saturdays as tutors for the six-week program. The curriculum helps students in mathematics and reading in order to pass the Maryland Schools Assess-ment exam.

Each student enrolled in the program is assigned a tutor and receives a graduation certificate after completing the six-week course.

The effort gives service members and civilians a chance to help teachers educate local students who typically require one-on-one coaching.

Petty Officer Shaakirah Dalton, a six-time volunteer for Saturday Scholars, said she is a tutor because she loves children.

“Knowing that you have an impact on someone’s life is satisfying in itself,” Dalton said. “The kids that we help are in a critical stage of learning. This program develops the children’s confidence in their studies as well as boosts their self-esteem.

“The children are always shy at first, but by the end of the six weeks, the tutors devel-oped friendships with their students.”

Sheila Brandenberg, creator of the pro-gram at CYSS, said tutors are always

Saturday Scholars celebrates 10 years of service

photo by noah scialom

Elizabeth Patterson, 12, a sixth-grader at MacArthur Middle School and a Saturday Scholar, reads a book before the program’s graduation and 10th anniversary ceremony on March 22 at School Age Services. Fifteen Fort Meade students, who are enrolled in the tutoring program, received their graduation certificates.

needed.“The more volunteers we have, the more

children’s lives we can touch,” Brandenberg said. “The students definitely benefit from the extra attention they receive in the pro-gram.

“The fact that the service members show up in their uniform means a lot, and I think that alone gives the students the extra moti-vation they need to work harder and more diligently.”

For more information on how to volunteer to be a tutor, email Petty Officer 1st Class Jaime Dejesus at [email protected] or Lorian Tarver at [email protected].

Go “blue” for Child Abuse Awareness MonthBy Samantha B. HerringVictim Advocate Coordinator, Army Community Service

April was first declared Child Abuse Prevention Month by presidential proclamation in 1983. Since then, April has been a time to acknowledge the importance of families and communities working together to prevent child abuse.

An estimated 676,596 children were victims of child abuse, and 1,545 children died as a result of abuse or neglect.

The majority of child abuse cases stemmed from situations and conditions that can be prevented when community programs and systems are engaged and supportive.

A community that cares about early childhood development, parental support and maternal mental health, for instance, is more likely to foster nurturing families and healthy children.

In support of Child Abuse Awareness Month, the Family Advocacy Program is ask-ing the Fort Meade community to wear blue every Friday during the month of April.

Becoming a “Blue Crew” signifies our unity and commitment to ending child abuse.

Editor’s note: For more information, call Samantha B. Herring at 301-677-4124 or email [email protected].


News

March 31, Theft of private property: The victim stated that person(s) unknown by unknown means removed one blue water pump and twofloat switches while the items were secured in a Conex stor-age container located on a con-struction site.

April 1, Simple assault: The Directorate of Emergency Services was notified of an assault at Meade High School. Police officers responded. The victim stated that three males had assaulted him on the east side of the school grounds and fled the scene.

CommunityCommunityCrime Watch

Compiled by the Fort Meade Directorate of Emergency Services

For week of March 24-30:• Moving violations: 7• Nonmoving violations: 0• Verbal warnings for traffic stops: 22• Traffic accidents: 5• Driving on suspended license: 1• Driving on suspended registration: 0• Driving without a license: 0

Other events• Joint Service Sexual Assault Aware-

ness Day of Action Community Run: Friday, 6:30-8 a.m. at McGlachlin Parade Field.

Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Thom-as J. Latter will meet with all senior enlisted advisors before 6:20 a.m. at the gazebo area.

The formation will run the designated route as one group.

For more information, call Linda Winkels at 301-677-4719 or email [email protected] ,or call Carol DeBarto at 301-677-5229 or email [email protected].

• April 11: “Breaking the Silence” at 1:30 p.m. at McGill Training Center ballroom, 8452 Zimborski Ave.

The guest speaker is Monika Korra, who was kidnapped and raped in 2009.

The presentation is open all service branches.

While attending Southern Methodist University in Texas on a track scholar-ship, Korra — a Norwegian student

— was abducted and brutally sexually assaulted as she walked back to her dormitory with a friend.

Korra will share her story and the steps that she took toward healing. She talks candidly about what she’s been through and how she recovered.

Korra found her way back to a nor-mal life, and she hopes to inspire others that may have faced challenges in their lives.

• April 23: Denim DayArmy civilian personnel are autho-

rized to wear appropriate jeans to work to promote discussion of the miscon-ceptions that surround sexual violence.

For more information, call Stacey Hale, installation sexual assault response coordinator, at 443-845-0876 or email [email protected].

Each April, the DoD and other organizations across the country com-memorate Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

The Army, Navy and Air Force sex-ual assault response coordinators, or SARCs, and Army partner command Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) personnel at Fort Meade have joined together to plan various events.

• “Got Your Back”: through April 17

This program applies information learned about perpetrators’ motives and behaviors in order to devise suc-cessful bystander-intervention strate-gies, and decrease community tolerance

for sexual violence.This event is open to all service

branches.• Today: 9 and 11 a.m., and 1 p.m. at

McGill Training Center• Wednesday and April 10: 9 and 11

a.m., and 1 p.m. at National Security Agency, Friedman Auditorium

• Monday and Tuesday: 9 and 11 a.m., and 1 p.m. at McGill Training Center

• April 16: 9 and 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. at NSA, Friedman Auditorium

• April 17: 9 and 11 a.m. at NSA, HQ9A135 conference room

• April 17: 1 p.m. at NSA, Friedman Auditorium

Sexual Assault Awareness Month schedule of events

Navy eventsThe Navy Sexual Assault Prevention

and Response Team is offering the follow-ing events for Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

• Friday and April 11, 18, 25: Teal Fridays: All government and civilian employees are encouraged to show their stand against sexual assault by wearing teal each Friday in April.

• Wednesday: Internet Safety: 3:30 p.m., Teen Center

Open discussion with teens on usage and safety while using Internet and mobile applications.

• April 10: Lunch and Learn: “My kid said what?”

NSA OPS 1-2W037-1 at 11:30 a.m.Bring your lunch and learn more about

Internet safety and what you can do to reduce your teen’s risk of sexual assault.

• April 15: Open Mic Night: 6-8 p.m., McGill Training Center ballroom

Share your poetry, music, freestyle (rhyme and dance), or read from your favorite book.

• April 28: NIOC dinner, dessert and discussion: Building 9803 day room - “Getting To Know Your SAPR Team”

For more information, email Kimberly B. Garrett, sexual assault response coor-dinator, NIOC Maryland, at [email protected] or call 301-677-9038 or 410-227-6235.

Resources:• 24/7 Victim Advocate Duty Phone:

301-602-1613.• DoD Safe Helpline: 1-877-995-5247

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil10 SOUNDOFF! April 3, 2014

Cover Story

photos by steve ruark

Hayle Mann, 5, practices holding her flag before the opening ceremony. The youngsters waved their flags as the Orioles’ opening lineup entered the field.

By Brandon BieltzStaff Writer

Donning an orange shirt while waving an orange flag above an orange carpet, Zhi Loman helped signal the unofficial start of spring for more than 46,000 people.

The 10-year-old was one of 80 Fort Meade children who created a sea of orange in the outfield of Oriole Park at Camden Yards as the Baltimore Orioles were wel-comed onto the field for the first game of 2014.

Before a nearly sold-out crowd on Mon-day afternoon, the youngsters helped the Orioles kick off the team’s 60th season on Opening Day.

“It was really fun, exciting and I was a little scared too,” Zhi said of being on the field for the opening ceremony.

The youngsters — children of Fort Meade service members and employees — arrived before game time at 3 p.m. to spend the day with the Orioles organization. That ranged

from participating in the opening ceremony to watching the game with their families.

“I got to meet their mascot, and their mascot gave me a big kiss and gave me a big high-five before we went onto the field to wave the flags,” Zhi said.

During the ceremony, which was in honor of the late author and Orioles’ investor Tom Clancy, the children held bright orange Ori-oles flags as the players ran past them and into the infield for the National Anthem.

Nolan Wilson, who has played catcher for the Fort Meade Cougars for the past two years, was excited to see his “hero” baseball players up close and stand on a Major League Baseball field.

“It felt great,” the 8-year-old said.Nolan’s father, Eric Wilson, said his fam-

ily enjoyed the opportunity to be part of the Orioles’ Opening Day.

“It was awesome, it was exciting,” Wilson said. “The kids had a blast. ... There’s been nothing but smiles all day.”

Fort Meade children celebrate Opening Day with the Orioles

Aklyah McAllister, 5, and Jaydyn Simmons, 5, talk into the microphone in the press area of Camden Yards prior to Monday’s baseball game in Baltimore.

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil April 3, 2014 SOUNDOFF! 11

Orioles pitcher Chris Tillman walks past children of Fort Meade service members and employees prior to Monday’s game.

RIGHT: The Oriole Bird, the Baltimore Orioles’ mascot, hugs Fort Meade children prior to the opening ceremony on Monday afternoon.

Baltimore Oriole Nelson Cruz enters the stadium surrounded by youngsters from Fort Meade during Opening Day. Cruz’s 7th inning home run sent the Orioles past the Boston Red Sox 2-1.

LEFT: Youngsters prepare to walk onto the field at Oriole Park at Camden Yards to participate in the Opening Day celebration with the Baltimore Orioles.


SportS

By Brandon BieltzStaff Writer

Despite stringing together 11 wins leading up to the intramural basket-ball championship, the 22nd Intelligence Squadron stumbled in the title game.

Luckily for the 22nd, the playoffs is a double-elimination tournament.

The team rebounded from its 49-39 loss to the 430th Transportation Compa-ny with a 59-51 win to earn the Division I championship March 26 at Murphy Field House. Navy Information Operations Command Maryland ran away with the Division II title with a 53-31 win over the Defense Media Agency.

Championships in both divisions fea-tured rematches of the semifinal round, in which NIOC and the 22nd IS came out on top and gained an edge for the cham-pionships. With DMA and the 430th qualifying for the championship through the loser’s bracket, they would need to win twice to earn the title.

When NIOC and DMA met in the semifinals, the Sailors bounced back from a halftime deficit with a 29-3 run in the second half to win 48-26. With a 33-31 win over the 34th IS in the loser’s

bracket, DMA found itself facing off against NIOC again for the champion-ship.

NIOC overpowered DMA in the first half, creating a 10-point halftime lead. DMA continued to struggle offensively in the second half as the team was again outscored 27-18, and NIOC won 53-31.

Timothy Taylor led NIOC with 18 points, while Kendric Belfield scored a team-high 11 points for DMA.

In the Division I bracket, the 430th regained its title spot with a win over the 32nd IS. At the start of the championship game, the 22nd and 430th were neck-and-neck, leading to a 21-21 halftime tie.

Keenan Bennett’s 12 points in the sec-ond half powered the 430th to a 49-39 win, forcing a winner-take-all game. Ben-nett scored a game-high 24 points.

The 22nd bounced back from its loss by taking a 29-23 halftime lead with Ryan Dillon and Darren Seifert each scoring 10 points. The 430th was unable to over-come the deficit in the second half as the 22nd won 59-51.

Bennett scored a game-high 25 points for the 430th, while Dillon led the Air-men with 17 points.

22nd IS, NIOC win post basketball championships

photos by nate pesce

Ronald Mims of Navy Information Operations Command Maryland tries to shoot over a Defense Media Agency defender during the Division II intramural championship at Murphy Field House on March 26. NIOC capped off its season with a 53-31 win in the title game.

LEFT: Steven Toma of the 22nd Intelligence Squadron shoots during last week’s Division I intramural championship game. The 22nd IS won the championship with a 59-51 win over the 430th Transportation Company on March 26.


SportS

It would be an understatement to say Sunday was a bad day for basketball in the state of Michigan.

First, Tom Izzo’s Spartans got bullied by UConn, and then, that nonsense 3-pointer by Andrew Harrison lifted Ken-tucky over Michigan. bit.ly/1myM0qZ

Actually, that shot was clutch, but that doesn’t make me feel better about the state of Michigan being eliminated from the tournament or my bracket being eliminated from relevancy.

The fact that Michigan, which lost by 3 points, had 3 points taken from them by the referees doesn’t bring me solace either. The Wildcats got away with a clear basket-interference, and Michigan’s Caris Levert hit a 3-pointer in the second half that was counted as a 2.

Call me a baby, but what’s the purpose of referees using instant replay in college basketball if they stick with bad calls in spite of indisputable video evidence they made a mistake?

Traves-sham-mockeries like the ones described above usually send me into a multiday depression; however, this time, my basketball blues didn’t last a day.

“How did I recover so quickly?” you ask.

Well, part of it had to do with what I’ve learned through the Healthy Chad Initiative. 1.usa.gov/QFrdrS

But more than that, I went to bed Monday night with a sunburn, which I got while spending all day at Camden Yards for Opening Day.

In case you didn’t pick it up from this week’s cover or center spread, more than 80 Fort Meade children participated in the Orioles’ Opening Day ceremony. on.fb.me/1pQ6o78

The event was another great collabo-ration between Team Meade and the O’s, which will again be providing Fort Meade with 500 free tickets to each Sun-day home game this season.

So I’ll save my essay on the importance of civic patriotism and community sup-port for a later date. I’ll also hold off on my article titled, “Herding Cats: How to move 80 children around Camden Yards without losing one of them or your mind.”

Instead, I want to talk about Opening Day. Simply put, it is wonderful.

Unlike football or basketball, base-

ball’s Opening Day doesn’t just mark the begin-ning of a sports season. It marks a new beginning where everything from winter is wiped clean.

I had actually forgotten how great hot dogs smelled until I caught a waft while walk-ing the children around the stadium to get their tickets. My mouth watered and we all made our dinner plans.

Short sleeves also came back into fash-ion Monday, thanks to the sun finally providing some warmth to go with its sporadic winter shine.

And as I people-watched while walk-ing along the 300-level concourse, I noticed how friendly people can be when they are talking baseball with the sun on their arms and a cold drink in their hand.

I am not saying people do not smile during the winter, but it is normally done while rushing to get some place warm. On Opening Day, the smiles are more relaxed because your place of duty is outside, and rushing really isn’t allowed.

Then there’s the field.The lush, emerald green grass con-

fused my eyes after five months of seeing nothing but snow with patches of dingy brown and blah. I stood on the warning track during the player’s introductions, I realized even dirt shines on Opening Day.

Opening Day is like opening a great gift. You cannot replicate the excitement you feel the precise moment you realize how great it is.

And if there is a downside to Opening Day, it is that regardless of how great the baseball season is during the next five months, the grass will never be greener, the dogs will never taste better, nor the lemonade more refreshing then it was on Opening Day.

Thankfully, in baseball there is always next year.

If you have comments on this or any-thing to do with sports, contact me at [email protected] or hit me up on Twit-ter @ctjibber.

Ode to Opening Day

Chad T. Jones, Public Affairs

Officer

Jibber Jabber - OpiniOn

Sports ShortsEarth Day 5K

The installation’s annual Run Series kicks off April 26 with an Earth Day 5K Run at 8 a.m. at Burba Park.

The pre-registration cost for individuals is $15. Cost on the day of the run is $25.The pre-registration cost for groups of seven to 10 is $75.The pre-registration cost is $45 for a family of three to six people. On the day of the

event, the cost is $60 per family. Individuals can register for the entire season for $60.All pre-registered runners will receive a T-shirt.To register, go to www.allsportcentral.com/EventInfo.cfm?EventID=51593.For more information, call 301-677-7916.

Running clinicKimbrough Ambulatory Care Center Physical Therapy, the Community

Health Promotion Council, and the Army Wellness Center will host a running clinic on Friday from 8 to 10:30 a.m. at the Army Wellness Center, 4418 Llewellyn Ave.

The free program is open to active-duty service members, retirees, family members and DoD civilians of all running levels.

The clinic will include a health care screening, skills and drills to improve running techniques, and demonstrations.

Space is limited. Registration is required.For more information or to register, call 301-677-2006.

Old Joe Golf TournamentThe Fort Meade Officers’ Spouses’ Club’s ninth annual Old Joe Golf

Tournament will be held May 2 at Patuxent Greens Golf Club in Laurel.Registration is open to the first 25 teams to register (four players per team).Registration and payment are both due by April 18.Cost is $80 per player and includes greens fees and cart, breakfast, barbecue lunch,

goodie bags, bounce-back card, and unlimited beer, water and sports drinks.For more information email Paige Hansen at [email protected].

Patriots fall short in postseasonThe Fort Meade Patriots had an early exit in the Washington Area Military

Athletic Conference championship tournament last weekend at Fort Belvior, Va., dropping two of three games on Saturday.

After finishing the season with an 8-6 record, the Patriots held the No. 4 seed in the tournament and faced off against No. 5 Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (7-7) in the opening round.

During the regular season, the teams split their two meetings, but on Saturday the Patriots ran away with the game 91-73 to advance.

In the quarterfinals, Fort Meade played the top-ranked Joint Base Myer-Hen-derson Hall (11-3), which beat Fort Belvoir (2-12) in the first round 80-70.

Although the Patriots were one of the few teams to defeat Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall in the regular season, they were unable to put together another winning effort and fell 91-78.

The defeat sent the Patriots to the loser’s bracket to play No. 6 Fort Lee (6-8), with one more loss eliminating the team.

Fort Lee lost in the opening round to Joint Base Andrews (10-4), then elimi-nated the National Security Agency-Bethesda (2-12) in the loser’s bracket.

Fort Meade was narrowly edged by Fort Lee as the Patriots’ season ended with a 63-61 loss.

The top two seeds, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall and the National Capital Region Marines (10-4), advanced to the championship round, with Joint Base Myer-Henderson winning the WAMAC championship 113-95.


Community news & notes

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

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

AER campaignFort Meade’s Army Emergency Relief

fund has collected $37,234 or 41 percent of its $90,000 goal to help those in need.

The AER campaign runs through May 15.

The campaign raises money and awareness for the AER fund that helps active-duty Soldiers, National Guardsmen, Army Reservists, retirees and their families in financial emergencies by providing interest-free loans or grants.

Funds provide financial assistance for a wide range of situations including emergency transportation, rent or car payments, and medical and funeral expenses.

For more information, call Sgt. 1st Class Nathan Kerr at 410-538-2769 or AER Officer Wallace Turner at 301-677-5768.

Gold Star Wives TeaIn honor of Gold Star Wives Day,

Fort Meade’s Survivor Outreach Services Program will host a Gold Star Wives Tea on Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Soldier Family Assistance Center Building, 2462 85th Medical Battalion Ave.

Gold Star Wives Day is designated to recognize the sacrifices of the wives and families of fallen service members who died on active duty or as a result of a service-connected cause.

Gold Star Wives of America Inc. provides service, support and friendship to the widows and widowers of fallen military personnel.

For more information, email Voncile C. Farmer at [email protected].

Holocaust observanceThe Fort Meade Military Community

2014 National Days of Remembrance Observance: “Confronting the Holocaust: American Responses” will be held April 10 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at McGill Training Center, 8542 Zimborski Ave.

The keynote speaker is Nesse Galperin Godin, a Holocaust survivor.

The free event is open to the public and will feature a question-and-answer period with the speaker and food samplings.

The observance is hosted by the Defense Information School and the Defense Information Systems Agency (Equal Employment Office).

All community service members and civilians employees are encouraged to attend with supervisory approval and with-out charge to annual leave. Administrative leave is authorized.

For more information, call Staff Sgt. Melinda Johnson of DINFOS at 301-677-4428 or Sgt. 1st Class Torey Palmore of the Equal Opportunity Office at 301-677-6687.

Vendors needed for Independence Day

The Fort Meade Directorate of

Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Special Events office is seeking food, beverage and novelty vendors to participate in the installation’s annual Third of July celebration.

This is Fort Meade’s largest event of the year.

For more information, call JJ Jordan at 301-677-7785 or email [email protected].

Miss Fort Meade PageantThe first annual Miss Fort Meade Pag-

eant will be held June 7 at the Meade Middle School Auditorium, 1103 26th St.

Girls ages 4-21 are eligible to compete. Contestants must be a resident of Anne Arundel County.

The Miss Fort Meade pageant empha-sizes academic achievement and commu-nity involvement.

Applications and entry fees are due by May 12.

For more information, go to the pag-eant website at univeralsupremebeauty.com or email [email protected].

Family Fun FairFort Meade’s annual Family Fun Fair

will be held April 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at McGill Training Center, 8452 Zimborski Ave.

The free event is open to the public.The event will feature performances

by SKIES classes, a youth skateboard park, pony rides, inflatable and challenge rides, informational health and Youth Services booths, arts and crafts stations, face painting, games, raffle drawings, giveaways and prizes.

For more information, go to ftmeademwr.com.

Romp ‘n Stomp Fun FairThe annual Romp ‘n Stomp Fun Fair

will be held April 29 from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the Youth Center, 909 Ernie Pyle Road.

The event is being held in observance of Child Abuse Awareness Month and the Month of the Military Child.

For more information, call 301-677-5590 or email Colaina Townsend, victim advocate/parent support coordinator at Army Community Service, at [email protected].

Lunch and Learn seriesKimbrough Ambulatory Care

Center hosts a monthly brown bag Lunch and Learn Series on the second Tuesday of the month on the first floor of the Rascon Building, adjacent to Kimbrough.

The next lunch is Tuesday at noon. The topic is resiliency.

The sessions, which are open to the public, are an opportunity to review a presentation and discuss new health topics.

For more information, call Capt. Alyson Rhodes at 301-677-8949.

Moms Support GroupA psychologist from the Behavioral

Psychology Department at Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore will facilitate a workshop focusing on home safety on April 24 from 9:30-11 a.m. at Potomac Place Neighborhood Center, 4998 2nd Corps Blvd.

NEWS & EVENTS

April 20 - Postwide Ecumenical Easter Sunrise Service – 7 a.m., Chapel Center Protestant Services

April 13 – Palm Sunday Episcopal Service – 8:30 a.m., Post ChapelApril 13 – Palm Sunday Traditional Protestant Service – 10:30 a.m., Post Chapel

April 13 – Palm Sunday Contemporary Protestant Service – 10:30 a.m., Cavalry ChapelApril 13 – Palm Sunday Gospel Protestant Service – 11 a.m., Chapel Center

April 16 – Living Last Supper (hosted by Gospel Congregation) – 7 p.m., Chapel CenterApril 18 – Tenebrae Service of Shadows – 2 p.m., Post Chapel

April 20 – Easter Sunday Episcopal Service – 8:30 a.m., Post ChapelApril 20 – Easter Sunday Traditional Protestant Service – 10:30 a.m., Post ChapelApril 20 – Easter Sunday Contemporary Protestant – 10:30 a.m., Cavalry Chapel

April 20 – Easter Sunday Gospel Protestant Service – 11 a.m., Chapel Center

Catholic ServicesApril 4 & 11 – Stations of the Cross & Lenten Supper – 6:30 p.m., Chapel Center

April 13 – Palm Sunday Masses – *Regular Sunday Mass ScheduleApril 17 – Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper – 7 p.m., Chapel Center

April 18 – Good Friday Stations of the Cross – noon, Chapel CenterApril 18 – Good Friday Celebration of the Lord’s Passion – 7 p.m., Chapel Center

April 19 – Holy Saturday Easter Vigil – 8 p.m., Chapel CenterApril 20 – Easter Sunday Masses – *Regular Sunday Mass Schedule

*Regular Catholic Weekend Mass Schedule: Saturday: 5 p.m. Cavalry Chapel; Sunday: 9 a.m. Chapel Center; 12:15 p.m. Post Chapel. There will be no 5 p.m. Mass at Cavalry Chapel on Holy Saturday, April 19. Regularly scheduled noon Mass will be held at the Post Chapel, except April 17 and 18.

Spring religiouS ServiceS on Fort Meade

EDUCATION


moviesCommunity news & notes

Children ages 4 and younger are welcome.

Registration is required at Army Community Service, 830 Chisholm Ave.

For more information, call Colaina Townsend or Michelle Pineda at 301-677-5590.

Resiliency seminarThe Fort Meade garrison will host

a two-day resiliency seminar for Army and joint service military and DoD civil-ian leaders (company level and higher) from May 12-13 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at McGill Training Center, 8452 Zimborski Ave.

Approximately 70 slots are available.RSVP to Linda Winkels at linda.

[email protected] or call 301-677-4719 or Chris Thiel at [email protected] or call 301-677-4381.

For more information, visit csf2.army.mil/exec-course.html.

Breakfast with Easter Bunny

The annual Breakfast with the Easter Bunny will be held April 12 from 9-11 a.m. at the Conference Center.

For more information, go to ftmeademwr.com.

Easter Egg HuntYoungsters are invited to participate

in the Fort Meade’s annual Easter Egg Hunt on April 23 from noon to 3 p.m. at the Youth Center.

For more information, go to ftmeademwr.com or call 301-677-1437.

StorytimeThe Children’s Library at Kuhn Hall

offers pre-kindergarten Storytime on Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. at the Children’s Library in Kuhn Hall, 4415 Llewellyn Ave.

The free event features stories, songs or a finger-puppet theme.

For more information, call 301-677-5522.

Kids Craft ClubThe Kids Craft Club for toddlers and

preschoolers will meet April 15 and May 6 at 9:30 a.m. at the Arts and Crafts Center.

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

Space is limited. Registration is required.

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

Out & About• Believe In Tomorrow Children’s

Foundation’s 18th Annual Port to Fort 6K race is a fun, family-friendly event that will be held April 26 in Baltimore. The 6k race course takes runners and walkers through historic Fort McHenry before ending with a post-race picnic at Coke Field. Event will feature a team challenge for the Biggest Military Team, T-shirts for participants, fundraising prizes and medals for age group winners.

Registration is $15 for service members and their immediate families.

Register online at http://www.believeintomorrow.org/p2f.

• The Arthritis Foundation is sponsoring its annual walk to cure arthritis on May 3 in Quiet Waters Park, Annapolis. Volunteers are needed May 2-3 to help with setup, running the walk and cleanup.

To volunteer, email Elizabeth Schultz, volunteer coordinator, at [email protected].

• America’s VetDogs will host the Fourth Annual Annapolis 5K Run & Dog Walk on April 27 at 8 a.m. at Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis.

The opening program begins at 8:45 a.m. The timed race begins at 9 a.m. The dog walk will follow at 9:05 a.m.

An awards ceremony will take place shortly after the race ends at approximately 10 a.m.

Proceeds benefit America’s VetDogs, a nonprofit that provides guide and service dogs to disabled veterans of all eras at no cost.

Registration will be held through April 14. Cost is $35 for Naval Academy students and alumni, veterans, and active-duty service members, and $40 for civilians. All pre-registrants will receive a free pet first-aid kit and event T-shirt.

Walk-up registration costs $45.To “virtually participate,” supporters can

register for $25, fundraise in their community and take on a 5K run or walk in their hometown. An event T-shirt will be provided. To register online, go to 5K.VetDogs.org.

For more information, contact community fundraising/events manager Jaime McGrade at 631-930-9054 or email Jaime@VetDogs.

org.To learn more about America’s VetDogs,

go to www.VetDogs.org.• The Bowie Baysox will open the season

at home against the Harrisburg Senators today at 6:35 p.m. at Prince George’s Stadium.

Gates will open at 5 p.m. for a Happy Hour event featuring corn hole, free snacks and $2 Budweiser and Bud Light drafts until 6:30 p.m.

Chris Monaghan will perform in the picnic pavilion from 5-6 p.m. and will sing the National Anthem.

Kids Opening Night will be Friday at 6:35 p.m. The game will feature ballpark experiences for children and a Scholastic Book Giveaway to the first 250 youngsters ages 3-12.

Single game tickets are available online at baysox.com or by calling the box office at 301-464-4865.

• Leisure Travel Services is offering its next monthly bus trip to New York City on April 19, with discounts to attractions. Bus cost is $60. For more information, call 301-677-7354 or visit ftmeademwr.com.

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

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

• Families Dealing with Deployment meets the first and third Monday of every month from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Meuse Forest Neighborhood Center. Children welcome. The next meeting is Monday. For more information, call 301-677-5590 or email [email protected].

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

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 Fridays and Saturdays at 6:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. (The Fort Meade Theater will no longer be open on Wednesdays and Thursdays.)

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

Today through April 20

Friday: “About Last Night” (R). Follow two couples as they journey from the bar to the bed-room and are eventually put to the test in the real world. With Kevin Hart, Michael Ealy, Regina Hall, Joy Bryant.

Saturday: “Non-Stop” (PG-13). An air marshal springs into action during a transatlantic flight after receiving a series of text messages that put his fellow passengers at risk unless the airline transfers $150 million into an off-shore account. With Liam Neeson, Julianne Moore, Scoot McNairy

Sunday: “3 Days To Kill” (PG-13). A dying CIA agent trying to reconnect with his estranged daughter is offered an experimental drug that could save his life in exchange for one last assign-ment. With Kevin Costner, Hailee Steinfeld, Connie Nielsen.

April 11: “Stalingrad” (R). A band of Russian soldiers fight to hold a strategic building in their devastated city against a ruthless German army, and in the process become deeply connected to two Russian women who have been living there.

April 12 & 13: “Son of God” (PG-13). The life story of Jesus is told from his humble birth through his teachings, crucifixion and ultimate resurrection. With Diogo Morgado, Amber Rose Revah, Sebastian Knapp.

April 18, 19, 20: “300: Rise of an Empire” (R). Greek general Themistokles leads the charge against invading Persian forces led by mortal-turned-god Xerxes and Artemisia, vengeful com-mander of the Persian navy. With Sullivan Staple-ton, Eva Green, Lena Headey. (3D April 18)

YOUTH

RECREATION

MEETINGS

Fort Meade Soundoff April 3, 2014

News & Politics