Joint Base Journal 9.26.14

Joint Base Journal

www.facebook.com/jointbase JOINT BASE ANACOSTIA-BOLLING www.cnic.navy.mil/jbab

News and information for and about the premierJoint Base and its region

Vol. 5, No. 38 September 26, 2014

INSIDEOmbudsmen andkey spousesrecognized forbridging gap

Page 2

Airman defies odds,fulfills dreams, fliesthe fastest desk in

the Air Force!Page 4

Joint Base goescountry duringFreedom Live

concertPages 6-7

BY ERIC D. RITTER

JOINT BASE ANACOSTIA-BOLLING

PUBLIC AFFAIRS

The last of day of Air ForceAssociation’s Air & Space Con-ference, held Sept. 15-17 at theNational Harbor’s Gaylord Con-vention Center, addressed themissions, personnel, challengesand achievements facing today’senlisted Airmen.

Current Chief Master Sgt. ofthe Air Force, James A. Cody, ad-dressed a packed crowd to de-liver his current and future plansand expectations for leading theenlisted members of the service.Cody first pointed out that it’s nosurprise to anyone that the AirForce has been shrinking in num-bers over the past few years-evenwhile still conducting combat op-erations around the globe.

“We currently have the small-est Air Force in the history ofthe Air Force,” Cody said. “But,

we’re still engaged in the longest-running combat operation in ourcountry’s history. You should beproud of yourselves for steppingup to meet the challenges we’vefaced in that time. With all of thechallenges we’ve faced, it’s al-ways come down to the Airmen.”

He continued to explain whythe Airman has been so importantduring these challenging times.

“Every generation has hadtheir challenges. Everything wedo in the United States Air Forceis done on the backs of our Air-men.” He explained that while themission continues to adapt, theAir Force will be adapting as wellto meet the needs of the Airmen.He said his focus for the near fu-ture will be on topics like mastersergeant promotion boards, in-troducing more distance learningclasses and record reviews to en-

Cody: “This is exciting...it is a turning point”

U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY ERIC D. RITTER

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody addressed a packed crowd at the 2014 Air Force Air andSpace Conference to deliver his current and future plans and expectations for leading the enlisted members ofthe service. See ENLISTED, Page 3

BY JUSTIN CREECH

FT. BELVOIR PUBLIC AFFAIRS

STAFF WRITER AND

JOSEPH P. CIRONE


PUBLIC AFFAIRS

On Sept. 28, the nation rec-ognizes the sacrifices of familymembers who lost a loved oneduring their military service tothe country.

The formal recognition beganin 1936, when President FranklinD. Roosevelt officially designatedthe last Sunday in September asGold Star Mothers Day.

During World War II, Gold StarMothers member Aleta Sullivanlost five sons in a single combataction at sea in 1942 and GundaBorgstrom lost four sons in a six-

month period in 1944 in variouscombat theaters

Borgstrom lost two sons serv-ing in the Army, one in the AirCorps and a Marine. In accor-dance with military procedures, afifth son, also a Marine, was dis-charged from the military, afterthe fourth son died defending thecountry against its enemies.

Sullivan’s loss came when allfive of her sons, Navy Sailors, diedwhen the USS Juneau (CL-52) wassunk during the Battle of Guadal-canal in 1942.

According to the Naval His-tory and Heritage Command,subsequent Japanese torpedostrikes hit the ship, with one strik-ing Juneau on the port side verynear a previous hit. “The ensuingmagazine explosion blew the light

cruiser in half, killing most of thecrew,” according to an officialNavy report.

In honor of the Sullivans, theU.S. Post Office issued a Gold StarMothers postage stamp on Sep-tember 21, 1948. The 3 cent stampis gold and displays a five-pointedstar superimposed on a palm leafwith the words “Gold Star Moth-ers” inscribed below.

The Navy has named two De-stroyers in honor of the brothers.The first in 1943 and the mostrecent, in 1997, commissionedat Naval Station Staten Island,New York with the ship’s motto,“We stick together,” reflecting thebanding of the five brothers whoserved on the same ship together.

The strength of our nationrests largely in our military. The

military recognizes that no onehas given more for the nationthan the families of the fallen.

Even decades later, the sacri-fices of mothers and other familymembers continue to be remem-bered.

Today, the nation recognizesthe sacrifice that all Gold Starfamily members make when a fa-ther, mother, brother, sister, son,daughter, or other loved one diesin service to the nation.

“Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling(JBAB) is dedicated to deliveringon the promise of taking care ofits own by providing support tosurviving families of Soldiers,Sailors, Airmen, Coast Guards-men and Marines,” said JBABCommander, Navy Capt. FrankMays.

“These families are known asGold Star Families. Our Fallenmilitary members have paid theultimate sacrifice and we have acommitment to recognize thatsacrifice,” Mays continued.

President Barack Obama en-courages the American people todisplay the flag and hold appro-priate ceremonies as a public ex-pression of our Nation’s sympa-thy and respect for our Gold StarMothers and Families.

“Last year, JBAB designatedfour Gold Star Family member-only parking spots, one each atits Commissary, Exchange, Mili-tary and Family Service Centerand Clinic, as an example of ourcontinuing commitment to those

Nation pauses to recognize the sacrifices of mothers, family members

See GOLD STAR, Page 2

2 Friday, September 26, 2014 Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling Joint Base Journal

BY NICOLE M. WOODS


PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Master Chief Petty Officer of theNavy (MCPON)Mike Stevens andhiswife, Theresa, Navy Ombudsman atlarge, were keynote speakers duringthe Ombudsman and Key SpouseAppreciation Luncheon held at theJoint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB)Officer’s Club, Sept. 17.

The event recognized Ombuds-men and Key Spouses from aroundthe region for their hard work, dedi-cation and support of military fami-lies in Naval District of Washington(NDW).

The luncheon began with open-ing remarks from host, Rear Adm.Markham K. Rich, commandant,NDW deputy commander, whothanked everyone in attendance,especially the Key Spouses and Om-budsmen. He also pointed out thegreat leadership and support fromthe executive officers, non-commis-sioned officers and master chiefs,who all play an important role inhelping to manage and grow theombudsmen program for the region.

Rich explained how happy he iswith the growth that this programhas had throughout the past year,from a 35 percent registry-rate inJanuary, to a near 80 percent in re-cent months, region-wide.

“The benefits that come fromhaving actively-engaged memberslike you all has been the tremendousdifference this year. So thank you forall of your support,” said Rich.

The Navy Family Ombudsman’sProgram and the Air Force KeySpouse Program are essential to themilitary community, because theybridge the gap between commandleadership and military families.

These programs promote healthyand self-reliant families, while alsoserving as a source of information.

TheOmbudsman andKey Spous-es are volunteers that have been ap-pointed by the commanding officer.They are instrumental in resolvingfamily issues before issues requireany further command attention.

“They are such dedicated profes-sionals who are willing to take on somuch, and in doing so, plays such animportant role in the total successof our military,” said the Stevens.“We love you, and we care about youdeeply, and we are grateful for yourservice. God Bless you to all of ourNavyOmbudsmenandKeySpouses.”

Both Stevens and his wife togeth-er paid tribute to all who have sup-ported the program and concludedtheir speech with giving an award,a gift and a rose to all Ombudsmenand Key Spouses in attendance.

“It is you and those like you, whovolunteer and dedicate your time toensure that the needs and the well-

being of our military families aremet,” said the Stevens.

Sally Fasano, one of the spous-es in attendance, who has been aspouse for more than 26 years and aformer Ombudsman, explained thatit is really important when seniorleaders show their appreciation forthe ombudsman and recognize allthat they do.

“It can be a very tricky job be-cause you never know what cancome up or happen with familiesduring deployments, and these Om-budsmen have volunteered to dowhat they do out of the goodness oftheir hearts,” explained Fasano.

The Ombudsman program heldits first two Regional OmbudsmanAdvisory Boards within the pastsevenmonths, and they plan to holdmany more gatherings on a regularbasis at all installations in the region,according to Rich, whowill continueto visit those gatherings as much aspossible.

Ombudsmen and key spouses recognized for bridging gap

U.S NAVY PHOTO BY LT. CMDR. JIM W. REMINGTON

Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Mike Stevens and his wifeTheresa, recognized and thanked the Ombudsmen and Key Spouses forbeing dedicated professionals during the Ombudsman and Key Spouse Ap-preciation Luncheon held Sept. 17.

families,” Mays concluded.During Sunday religious

services at JBAB, specialprayers will be offered.

Gold Star Mothers andfamily members, and up tofour guests are invited to freebowling and lunch on that day.JBAB’s Bolling Club is also pro-viding a free Sunday brunch toGold Star Mothers and theirguests.

Other military installationsalso share the commitment.Fort Belvoir Army CommunityService (ACS) Survivor Out-reach Services (SOS) is pro-viding transportation for GoldStar Mothers near its instal-lation to Arlington NationalCemetery for the AmericanGold Star Mothers, Inc. GoldStar Mother’s Day ceremony,Sept. 28.

A van will depart from theFort Belvoir ACS building at 11a.m. The day includes a wreathlaying ceremony at the Tombof the Unknown Soldier, Ar-lington National Cemeteryand a reception at the WomenIn Military Service For AmericaMemorial.

“We have 13 Gold StarMothers in our area of opera-tion,” said Kelly Burger, ACSSOS, coordinator. “It’s a smallnumber, but we think it’s anice opportunity for them. Iwent last year, and the cer-emony is really nice.”

American Gold Star Moth-ers, Inc. was incorporated in1929. It began with 25 moth-ers living in the WashingtonD.C. area and soon expanded

to include affiliated groupsthroughout the nation.

Each year the last Sundayin September is designatedas Gold Star Mother’s Day bypresidential proclamation.

“It’s nice because GoldStar Mothers from all over thecountry come together and it’sa beautiful place to have theceremony,” said Burger. “Theceremony honors their expe-rience and recognizes theirloss.”

Burger said many Gold StarMothers live south of Wood-bridge, Virginia, and may benervous about going to a busyarea like Arlington for the cer-emony. Taking advantage ofthe service SOS is providingallows Gold Star Mothers togo to the ceremony with theirpeers.

“It’s providing an opportu-nity for Gold Star mothers tocome together on that day andbe amongst other Gold StarMothers,” said Burger. To bein a group with other motherson that day and be recognizedis what I think is special aboutit.”

Burger understands GoldStar Mothers choose to cel-ebrate the day their own way.However, she wants to makethe day easier for those whowant to attend the ceremony.

“Some may choose not to,”said Burger. “But, we want togive the ones who do an op-portunity and make it as con-venient and comfortable aspossible.”

For more information onthe event, contact 703-805-4590.

GOLD STARn continued from 1

BY SHAWN MILLERNAVAL DISTRICT WASHINGTON

PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Since emergencies often occurwithout warning, while familiesare spread apart for work, schooland other activities, a key messageto this month’s national prepared-ness efforts revolves around devel-oping and practicing a family com-munication plan.

Focusing on being informed,developing plans, and makingemergency kits, National Pre-paredness month is designed toprepare service members, civilianemployees and their family mem-bers for emergencies such as fires,floods, hurricanes, winter storms,or other natural or manmade di-sasters.

Darryl Hart, of the Joint BaseAnacostia-Bolling (JBAB) Emer-gency Management Office, saidhaving a communication plan in-cluded in overall emergency plansis important to keep peace of mindfor personnel and their families.“You want to concentrate on hav-ing a focal point for families tocommunicate, so in the event thatyou’re not able to go back home orsomething happens and you haveto evacuate, you have a commonpoint where you can contact andlet everybody know you’re safe and

able to get out of the incident,”Hart said.

Hart said each member of afamily should make a wallet-sizedsheet or card with emergency con-tact phone numbers and medicalinformation as part of the plan,and to ensure everyone in thefamily keeps a physical copy alongwith information stored in mobilephones or devices.

Ready Navy, the Navy’s emer-gency preparedness program, alsourges service members and theirfamilies to have backup plans incase of power outages preventingthe charging of mobile devices, orwireless networks being down dueto damage or overuse. “Be awarethat in the event of an emergency,phone lines and cell phone towersmay be overloaded or out,” notesthe Ready Navy emergency familyplanning site. “You can try usingtext messaging if normal commu-nication options are not available.It would be good to have a con-tingency plan for reaching eachother.”

Each family member shouldhave a cell phone in case of be-ing separated, or phone cards ormoney for public-use pay phones,if available. Hart said personnelshould carry small battery-pow-ered or hand-crank radios in their

emergency kits if other forms ofcommunication are cut off. Anoth-er important point of a communi-cation plan is choosing optionsfor meeting points and practicingroutes to those points. “It dependson the type of event-you want tohave several options,” Hart noted.

While small events may onlynecessitate a family meeting pointjust outside the affected area,

Hart said in the case of majorevents, such as hurricanes, fami-lies should have a backup plana good distance away from theirhomes, usually inland and to thewest, since many hurricanes causemore damage to coastal areas suchas the National Capital Region.

Part of a good communica-tion plan is extending it beyondone’s immediate family, said Alex

Wilkins, from the JBAB MilitaryFamily Support Center. “It’s alsoimportant for parents to contacttheir schools, or the [ChildcareDevelopment Centers] and theyouth center to find out what poli-cies are in place should a disasteroccur; when they can pick up theirchildren, when they’re not going tobe able to pick up their children,or where their children are goingto be escorted to,” she said.

Other facets of the plan shouldinclude knowing where and whento muster for military personnel,as well as including deployed fam-ily members in the plan so theyknow how to get in contact withloved ones back home after an in-cident, Wilkins added, noting theimportance of rehearsing thoseplans once made.

“It’s like any other plan that youwould do,” she said. “You want tomake sure everyone knows theplan; children know the plan. Re-hearse the plan, so if there’s a fire,everyone knows where they’resupposed to go and what they’resupposed to do; who’s in charge ofgrabbing what.”

For sample plan templates andother family emergency planningresources, visit www.ready.navy.mil, www.ready.gov, or www.fema.gov.

National Preparedness Month: Make a communication plan

U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY GARY NICHOLS

Sailors muster and prepare emergency contact information prior to atropical storm in 2012. As part of National Preparedness Month, servicemembers are being encouraged to develop a cohesive family communica-tion plan in the event of emergencies such as hurricanes, winter storms,or other incidents.

3Friday, September 26, 2014Joint Base Journal Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling

This commercial enterprise Navy newspaper is an au-thorized publication for members of the U.S. military ser-vices, retirees, DoD civilians and their family members.Contents of Joint Base Journal do not necessarily reflect theofficial views of the U.S. government, Department of De-fense, U.S. Navy or U.S. Air Force and does not imply en-dorsement thereof. The appearance of advertising in thispublication, including inserts or supplements, does notconstitute endorsement by the Department of Defense, theNavy, Air Force, Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling or ComprintMilitary Publications of the products or services advertised.

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JOINT BASE ANACOSTIA-BOLLINGWASHINGTON, D.C.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE: PHONE: 202-767-4781EMAIL: [email protected]

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Thursday, Oct. 99:30 - 11 a.m.Hap Arnold Ballroom, Bolling ClubThe Washington Area Top 3 is pleased to sponsor a morning of speed mentoring. Men-

torship is one of the most important factors that provides the framework for the profes-sional development of competent future Air Force leaders. Through mentoring, NCOs willgain inside knowledge and skills required for the development of their future. Modeled af-ter speed dating, speed mentoring provides mentors and protégés with the opportunity to:

- Engage in time-efficient networking- Pose important questions about their future and that of the Air Force- Quickly identify a good mentoring matchPlease RSVP to Senior Master Sgt. Heriberto Diaz: [email protected], 202-231-

1671.

Speed Mentoring ‘Hey NCO, let’s talk’

sure Airmen have access to the best toolsfor their career.

The conference also included a panelof former Command Master Chiefs of theAir Force. One was the 14th CMSAF (ret)Gerald Murray. He put a bit of history be-hind why the enlisted members of the AirForce outperform every other military inthe world.

“Countries like the Soviet Union dur-ing the Cold War, when I served, couldn’tbelieve that a country like ours would al-low an enlisted person to have so much

responsibility to operate million-dollarpieces of equipment and to have sucha professional standard,” he said. “Thatwas our secret weapon at the time, and itscared the devil out of the Soviets.”

Cody capped his presentation withgreat optimism even as the Air Force con-tinues to shrink and change.

“As we move forward, we are goingto do some pretty significant things,” hesaid. “This is exciting because it is a turn-ing point for us. We will evolve the systemsthat have been in place for a long time andthink about what we need them to do inthe future. We are answering the call, andwe are evolving and moving forward.”

ENLISTEDn continued from 1

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

visit www.dcmilitary.com.


1042133


BY MICHELLE L. GORDON


PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Growing up in Port-au-Prince,Haiti, Tech. Sgt. Thony Dorvildreamed of one day joining theUnited States Air Force. “I was thatlittle boy playing in the mud, look-ing up and seeing planes fly over-head,” he said. “When you have ahard life, and you make toys out ofclay or mud, then you see jets, youthink ‘Wow! I want to be a part ofthat’.”

Dorvil’s mother passed awaywhen he was 11 years old. Shortlythereafter, he came to Americawith his father and his three sib-lings. Two months later, his fatherabandoned them. So his 17-year-old sister assumed the role ofmother, and 11-year-old Dorvilbecame the father figure.

“I had an extremely rough life,and it made me grow up fasterthan I would have liked to,” hesaid. “But, because of that, I seelife very differently. In high school,when most teenagers were playingsports and other fun stuff, I wasbusy worrying about paying rentand feeding my family.”

After high school, Dorvil at-tended college, but not wanting todelay his dream of joining the AirForce any longer, he went to see arecruiter. Choosing the Air Forcewas easy he said. He wanted to bearound the jets that he remem-bered as a young boy in Haiti. Al-though his siblings were hesitant

of him choosing a military lifestyle,Dorval said they supported him.

“Like most civilians, theythought, ‘it’s war, and you just goto war every day’. So it took sometime to convince them that I’m notdoing what they see the military

doing in the movies. For the firstfour years of my career they alwaysasked me what I flew, but I’m not apilot. I fly a desk all day - the fast-est desk in the world,” he said witha smile. “You should see me type.”

Dorvil is the Section Chief of

Force Management for the JointBase Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB)Military Personnel Flight (MPF)element. In his current capacityhe’s also the acting superinten-dent and acting first sergeant. TheMPF is the personnel unit for JBAB

and other geographically separat-ed units.

“We take care of everyone’s re-cords to ensure they’re correct andup-to-date. We also handle reloca-tion actions, promotions, careerdevelopment and enhancement,and ID cards for active duty, re-tirees and civilians,” he said. “It’ssimilar to [human resources] inthe business world.”

He may not be flying jets, butDorvil is thankful to be part ofthe Air Force, and he wants to in-spire young kids to achieve theirdreams. He said he often talks tohigh school students about educa-tion and their futures.

“I tell them my motto: decide,discover and defy. Decide to begreat, discover who you are, andthen defy all of the odds,” he said.“More often than not, people willtell you what you can’t do. Defyall of the odds placed against you,and make the best of it.”

After growing up in Haiti andthen losing both parents at the ageof 11, defying odds is somethingDorvil knows all about. He saidhe’s eternally grateful to the coun-try that gave him the opportunityto fulfill his dreams.

“Haiti is a third-world country,and it’s a place with very little orno freedom,” Dorvil said. “Comingto the United States, I saw for my-self freedom, and I wanted to be apart of that, and the people whoprotect it. That’s why I enlisted inthe Air Force. Basically, I joined tosay ‘thank you’.”

Airman defies odds, fulfills dreams, flies the fastest desk in the Air Force!

U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY MICHELLE L. GORDON

Tech. Sgt. Thony Dorvil from Port-au-Prince, Haiti, dreamed of one day joining the United States Air Force. He isnow the Section Chief of Force Management for the Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling Military Personnel Flight.

1042785


BY MICHELLE L. GORDONJOINT BASE ANACOSTIA-BOLLING

PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Air Force Capt. Stacie Wrobel spentmost of her childhood traveling to differ-ent Air Force bases with her dual militaryparents. So to Wrobel, home truly is wherethe Air Force sends her.

“My father was an electrician on theB-2 Stealth Bomber, so we spent most ofmy childhood at Edwards Air Force Basein California,” she said. “He retired whenI was in elementary school though, so Ispent middle school and high school inGoddard, Kansas. Those are the importantyears, so I call Kansas home.”

Wrobel said she knew midway throughher high school career that she wanted tojoin the Air Force. She enlisted five days af-ter graduation and served three years as afinance technician. However, she said shefelt a calling to the medical field. So she leftthe Air Force.

“I was a little disheartened that I didn’tget a medical job when I first came in, soI completed my enlistment, and got out,”she said. “I went to nursing school andcame back in. Initially, I wanted to be adoctor, but I just love the role of the nurse.It’s more hands-on, and they deal with theoverall health of the patient.”

Prior to returning to the Air Force, Wro-bel worked as a nurse in the private com-munity, but she missed the military, so shegot back in and is now a registered nursein the 579th Medical Group Family HealthClinic.

She spends the majority of her day onthe phone helping patients. She listens to

their symptoms and conducts phone tri-age. She also assists with prescription re-fills and referral renewals.

“The Air Force is the community I love,”she said. “Spending time away from it dur-ing nursing school made me realize howmuch I miss it when I’m away from it. Itcomes with some sacrifices obviously, butit’s a wonderful lifestyle.”

Air Force community - feels like home


Capt. Stacie Wrobel from Goddard, Kansas,works as a registered nurse with the 579thMedical Group at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling.

BY LT. CMDR. JIM REMINGTON


PUBLIC AFFAIRS

The Navy’s theme of 2014 Suicide Pre-vention Month is “Every Sailor, Every Day,focusing on ongoing actions to build trustand meaningful connections with peers.”

The theme, though specific in its word-ing to the Navy, is equally applicable toany member of the Armed Forces. Militaryservice presents unique experiences andstressors, but also provides unique re-sources that come to play in the discussionof suicide and suicide prevention.

“One part of that is to know your peo-ple,” said Navy Cmdr. Wesley Sloat, seniorinstallation chaplain at Joint Base Anacos-tia-Bolling (JBAB), a native of Minneapolis,Minnesota. “Socrates said, ‘Know thyself.’There is also the element of ‘know yourpersonnel.’ If you see behaviors in an in-dividual that seem to betray the patternyou would normally expect, that could bea red flag. That could be something to lookinto. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Bea little invasive. It’s okay, because it couldsave a life.”

The reality is that many people, notjust those in the military, have a lot ofdiscomfort discussing suicide or dealingwith it head-on. They are even more un-comfortable with the thought of asking an-other person directly, even when there arewarning signs present, if that individual ishaving thoughts about suicide. But Sloatargues that the fear of asking the question,and the consequences of asking the ques-

tion are a bigger deal in our minds than inreality.

“If someone notices that Joe has beena little despondent lately, I’m going toask about his life. If he says no he’s notconsidering suicide, no harm is done.But it’s amazing how many times some-one is sending out all but searchlights toget some help, but they’re a little crypticand people don’t know how to hone in onthem.”

In training sessions, Sloat teaches peo-ple how to get beyond their mental hurdleswith regard to asking the question. He willhave a participant ask a fellow student tosign over his or her paycheck for the nextsix months. The request he said is typi-cally answered with a sentiment such as“Forget you!”

“Now is Fred mad at you?,” Sloat willask. “No, it doesn’t apply to him, and hedismisses it. If someone is not suicidalthey’re going to dismiss it as an absurdquestion, and they’re probably not go-ing to be offended. At the very least, theymight think you might have read a littletoo much into things. But if they are sui-cidal or feeling that way, you could havepotentially saved a life and the compound-ing effects of a suicide.”

Recognizing the signs is a critical firststep to suicide prevention. Sloat said thatdespondency, withdrawal especially forsomeone who may be very outgoing, orgiving away possessions in an unusuallypeculiar manner are signs that something

Suicide Prevention Month: Consid-erations for military members

See SUICIDE, Page 10


1043237

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Friday, September 26, 2014Joint Base Journal Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling6 Friday, September 26, 2014 Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling Joint Base Journal 7

Joint Base goes country during Freedom Live concert

Fans react to country quartet Little Big Town taking thestage, Sept. 20, during the Freedom Live concert at JointBase Anacostia-Bolling.

Little Big Town’s Karen Fairchild sings during the group’sperformance at the Freedom Live concert at Joint Base Ana-costia-Bolling, Sept. 20.

Little Big Town takes the stage at the Freedom Live concertaboard Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Sept. 20, following open-ing performances by local artists, the Smith Auer band fromWashington, D.C., and Sara Gray from Indian Head, Md.

Kimberly Schlapman of Little Big Town performs during oneof her group’s hit songs at the Freedom Live concert aboardJoint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Sept. 20.

U.S. NAVY PHOTOS BY SHAWN MILLER

Award-winning country music band Little Big Town performs for a crowd of more than 4,000 during a Freedom Live concert at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Sept. 20. The group performed songs from their newly-released album, Pain Killer, including the hit single, “Day Drinking.”

Victor Monterroza climbs atop his new Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 motorcycle at the Freedom Live concert at Joint BaseAnacostia-Bolling (JBAB), Sept. 20, after winning the giveaway contest sponsored by JBAB Morale, Welfare and Recreation(MWR) and Harley-Davidson of Washington, D.C.

Award-winning country quartet Little Big Town takes thestage at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Sept. 20, during a Free-dom Live concert. More than 4,000 service members, civilianemployees, and family members attended the event.

Local country musician Sara Gray, from Indian Head, Md.,opens for Little Big Town at the Freedom Live concert aboardJoint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Sept. 20.

Matt Smith, left, and John Ed Auer, of the Smith Auer Band,open the Freedom Live concert, Sept. 20 at Joint BaseAnacostia-Bolling. Smith and Auer are both active-duty MarineCorps captains stationed in Washington, D.C.

Country music fans pack Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling for a Freedom Live concert featuring award-winning country quartetLittle Big Town, with guest appearances by the Smith Auer Band and Sarah Gray.

Country musicfans line therailings atthe FreedomLive concertaboard JointBase Anacos-tia-Bolling,Sept. 20, asthey wait forthe headlinerperformanceby Little BigTown.


Special Events

OktoberfestSept. 26 | 4 p.m. | Slip InnCelebrate the German way at Oktoberfest featuring live

music by Heidi und Heimat. Also receive a free mug withthe purchase of a beverage, while supplies last.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness MonthRelationships should be respectful, safe and positive. Visit

theMilitary and Family Support Center for more informationon how they can help you build healthy relationships.

Navy Birthday 5K Fun RunOct. 9 | 11 a.m. | Slip InnCelebrate the Navy’s Birthday with a 5K Fun Run that

starts and finishes at the Slip Inn. The first 500 participantsreceive a free t-shirt! The run is hosted by the MCPON. Formore information, contact Fitness Center I at (202) 767-5895.

The event will be followed by:• Awards ceremony for the top finishers (male and female)• Live music by the U.S. Navy Band “Cruisers”• Food and beverage specials• Cake

Bolling ClubTheisen St., Bldg. 50

New phone numbers: (202) 767-6794/6792

Boss and BuddySept. 26 | 3:30-5:30 p.m. | Wings Bar & Grill

12 Weeks of ChristmasEvery Monday | Sept. 29 – Dec. 15 | Any MWR FacilityIn celebration of you, our valued club member, MWR

wants to make this holiday season a little more cheerful. Ev-ery Monday, ANY clubmember, who purchases ANYTHINGfrom ANY MWR facility, is eligible to win extra presents. All

it takes is for you, the clubmember, to make a purchase, putyour full name and phone number on your receipt and dropit in a designated drop box. A drawing will be held everyMonday! If you’re not a club member, sign up today andtake advantage of fantastic specials and price discounts.Applications are available at the Bolling Club or online atwww.myairforcelife.com. Prizes are time sensitive, non-transferrable and cannot be redeemed for cash.

OnthetwelvedayofChristmasmyBollingClubgave tome......12 Lanes of Bowling (Up to 4 people) – Sept. 2911 Champagne Sunday Brunches – Oct. 610 Movie Passes – Oct. 139 Lunch Buffets – Oct. 208 Oil Changes – Oct. 277 Pool Passes – Nov. 36 Two-Piece Slip Inn Chicken Combos – Nov. 105 White House Christmas Tree Ornaments (choose from

an existing inventory of years) – Nov. 174 One-Hour Segway Rentals – Nov. 243 One-Hour Pontoon Boat Ride/Rental – Dec. 12 Free Tire Rotations – Dec. 81 Gourmet Six-Course Dinner at the Bolling Club –Dec. 15

White House Ornament2014 White House Christmas Ornaments go on sale Oct.

1 for $18. Purchase a 2014 ornament and receive any previ-ous year, in stock, for only $8! While supplies last.

Seafood BuffetOct. 1 | 5-8:30 p.m. | Washington Dining RoomFeast on an abundant selection of crab legs, steamed and

spiced shrimp, fried oysters, fish, the Club’s famous friedchicken, and homemade banana pudding, along with doz-ens of assorted cakes and pies.

Club Members: $29.95; Non-Members: $34.95

First FridayOct. 3 | 5 p.m.-1 a.m. | Washington Dining RoomFeaturing D.J. Bob Ski

2-for-1 SteakEvery Thursday | 5-8:30 p.m. | Wings Bar and GrillChoose from a juicy 12 ounce rib eye or sirloin steak!Club Members: $24.95 for two people; Non-Members:

$24.95 per person

Slip InnArnold Ave., Bldg. 2482

(202) 767-5840

Hours of Operation – Effective Oct. 1Weekdays: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.Weekends: ClosedLast food order will be taken at 5:45 p.m.

2nd Annual Blowout SaleMonth of OctoberIn preparation for the winter closure, the Slip Inn is

having a blowout sale all month! Stop in daily to see whatspecial Terri has for you! The Slip Inn will be closed Nov.3 - March 27, but will open for special events. Book yourholiday party today!

Potomac Lanes Bowling CenterMcChord St, Bldg. 1310(202) 563-1701/1702

Book Your Next Occasion with UsWhether you are hosting a command or office holiday

party, bowling is a fun activity that people of all ages canenjoy! Potomac Lanes Bowling Center offers group pack-ages available for all sizes. Eat, bowl and celebrate at thePotomac Lanes Bowling Center and leave the clean up to us!Dates fill up quickly so call (202) 563-1701 for reservations.

Cosmic SaturdayEvery Saturday | 8 p.m.-12 a.m.| Potomac Lanes Bowling

CenterUnlimited bowling and shoe rental for only $15; $12 for

active-duty military personnel and their families.

Auto Hobby ShopBrookley Ave. Bldg. P9

(202) 767-4571

Sept. SpecialsCoolant Flush: $75 (includes coolant)

Warfighter & Family Readiness Events

See WFR, Page 9

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Free vehicle inspection with an oilchange: $30 (includes filter and up to 5quarts of oil)

Information, Tickets & Travel(ITT) Office

4570 Chappie James Blvd. (Located in-side the Commissary)

(202) 404-6576

Hours of Operation – Effective immedi-ately

Weekdays: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.Weekends: Closed

USNA 2014 Football Tickets on Sale• Sep. 27 vs Western Kentucky, $22, gate

price $38• Oct. 11 vs VMI, $22, gate price $38• Oct. 25 vs San Jose State (homecom-

ing), $27, gate price $40• Nov. 16 vs Georgia Southern, $22, gate

price $38ITT has a limited number of Navy tickets

playing at neutral sites (section location up-per end zone)

• Nov. 1 vs Notre Dame (FedEx Field,Landover MD), $75

• Dec. 13 vs Army (M&T Bank Stadium,Baltimore MD), $81

Child and Youth ProgramsArnold Ave, Bldg. 4485

(202) 767-4003

Keystone Club Meet and GreetSept. 26 | 6:30 p.m. | Youth CenterLooking for new members ages 14-18.

The Keystone Club is a unique leadershipdevelopment opportunity. The club focus-es on three areas: academic success, career

preparation and community service. Learnmore about the club at this meet and greetsocial. Refreshments will be served.

Teen Laser Tag TripSept. 27 | 2-9 p.m. | Falls Church, VAEnjoy an evening of dodging lasers with

your peers in a game of laser tag, followedby dinner. Teen members are responsiblefor all cost incurred on this trip. Currentmembership and signed permission slipand wavier is needed for this great event.Cost: $19.99 for three games

Keystone ClubOct. 3 | 6 p.m. | Youth CenterThe Keystone Club is a unique leader-

ship development opportunity for teensages 14-18. The club focuses on three ar-eas: academic success, career preparationand community service.

Torch ClubOct. 3 | 6 p.m. | Youth CenterAges 10-13 are invited to join the Torch

Club! This organization helps develop fu-ture members with leadership and charac-ter development. The Torch Flames havedone several community service projectsthat benefit the JBAB community. Registerat the Youth Center or call (202) 767-4003.

Line Dance ClassOct. 4 | 7-9 p.m. | Youth CenterPut on your boots and learn the latest

line dances.

Winter Sport RegistrationStart Smart BasketballOngoing-Nov. 15 | Youth Center Gymna-

sium, Bldg. 4485Registration is open Oct. 1 – Nov. 22 on-

line at www.MyWFR.com. Cost: $50

MYAC Basketball and CheerleadingJanuary 24-March 22 | Youth Center

Gymnasium, Bldg. 4485

WFRn continued from 8


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BY MICHELLE L. GORDONJOINT BASE ANACOSTIA-BOLLING

PUBLIC AFFAIRS

When the Secretary of Homeland Se-curity spoke at the 2014 Air Force Asso-ciation’s Air and Space conference Sept.17, he discussed the department’s multi-pronged mission, as well as the strategy foridentifying potential threats.

Secretary Jeh Johnson was confirmed asthe nation’s fourth Secretary of HomelandSecurity nearly nine months ago, but this isnot his first experience with either publicservice or national defense. Johnson alsoserved as the General Council for the U.S.Air Force, October 1998-January 2001, aswell as General Counsel for the Depart-ment of Defense, February 2009 until No-vember 2012.

“I left Washington and went back toNew York City in January 2001,” said John-son. “Nine months later was 9/11—whichchanged my life. I came back to Washing-ton in early 2009, and at that point, our na-tional security had changed dramatically.We had Al-Qaeda, and part of my job wasessentially the legality of war and peace. Sofor four years, I had to sign off on a lot ofcounterterrorism operations, and I saw alot of virtue in the air power that was beingdeveloped when I was General Counsel forthe Air Force eight years before.”

Johnson said he once again sees theimportance of that air power in his cur-rent position as the secretary of homelandsecurity—a department that was createdin the wake of 9/11. The department’sfive core missions include: securing andmanaging the nation’s borders, enforc-

ing and administering immigration laws,safeguarding and securing cyberspace,ensuring resilience to disasters, and mostnotably, preventing terrorism and enhanc-ing security.

“The terrorist threat to our homeland

has evolved over the past 13 years since9/11,” he said. “Back then, it was all aboutal-Qaeda and a relatively conventionalcommand and control structure. Now, theterrorist threat is more decentralized, inmany ways, more complex -- ISIL being

the most prominent example on the worldstage right now. We must take the fightto ISIL, and air power will once again bedominant in this fight. The United StatesAir Force will once again be called upon todefend our nation and protect our home-land.”

In addition to detecting and defeatingterrorist activities overseas, Johnson alsodiscussed the importance of border se-curity and immigration, cybersecurity, aswell as federal responses to natural disas-ters. However, he said his biggest concerncontinues to be domestic-based acts of ter-rorism.

“The good news is that over the last13 years, I believe that we have done agood job detecting threats at their earlieststages from overseas,” he said. “However,because of the slick recruitment efforts byterrorist organizations overseas, we needto focus on domestic-based acts of terror-ism -- the lone wolf -- such as the events atthe 2013 Boston Marathon. In many ways,this type of terrorist threat is harder to de-tect, because it can strike at any moment.”

Johnson assured the crowd that histeam will remain ever-vigilant and ready,because, as he said, they, along with theircolleagues in the department of defense,have the most important mission, home-land security and public safety.

“I’ve discovered homeland securitymeans striking a balance every day,” hesaid. “We are doing our best to strike thatbalance and to preserve the things that areworth protecting and worth fighting for.”

Homeland security secretary outlines mission, ‘strikes a balance’


Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson, discussed the department’s strategy for identify-ing potential threats at the 2014 Air Force Association’s Air and Space conference Sept. 17.

is out of the ordinary and may be red flags.“A lot of times, it may just be a sense you

have, but follow that sense. That would bemy advice. Follow that sense, because thereare many people today wishing they couldgo back and revisit one of those feelings andask about it. But unfortunately the personcompleted a suicide before that could bedone,” said Sloat.

Air Force Maj. David Reynolds, clinicalhealth psychologist and commander of themental health flight within the 579th Medi-cal Group at JBAB and a native of Hilton,New York, emphasized the importance ofwhat the Air Force calls “the buddy care sys-tem.” He said in many cases, it is someonewho is known to the person who is strug-gling with issues who has the power to makea difference.

“Typically when we see someone con-templating suicide, they’re not seeing all ofthe other options that you and I might see.They’re not doing the normal problem solv-ing. So what we tell people from a buddycare system is to lend them your problemsolving ability. ‘Have you thought aboutthis? Have you taken it to your commander?Have you talked with so-and-so? Have youtalked to Judge Advocate General?’ Most ofthe times they haven’t. They’re just so fo-cused on that death ideation. They don’t seethe other side of it,” said Reynolds.

When it comes to sensitive issues, how-ever, and concerns about security clearanc-es or continued job success, service mem-bers are often reluctant to seek the help theyneed for fear that it will impact their career.

Senior Airman Leslie Martin, a mentalhealth technician at 579th Medical Groupsaid, “The biggest concern we hear aroundhere especially with so many high profilejobs is a concern about a security clearance.Will I lose my top secret? If they work for the

White House Communications Agency, willI lose my presidential support status?, and Ithink that’s the biggest stigmas here in AirForce District Washington.”

Tech Sgt. Bertha Biag, a flight sergeantin the 579th Medical Group and a nativeof Palm Beach, Florida, and a native ofDubuque, Iowa, agreed and added, “In ad-dition to that, their confidentiality is also anissue for them. They are afraid of who is go-ing to know. Until they discuss any type ofviolation of the UCMJ or they are suicidalor homicidal, we don’t break confidence.”

One of the answers to these concerns,and the need to speak with someone aboutstressors in one’s life is the availability ofmilitary chaplains because of the uniqueconfidentiality they have with service mem-bers.

“Some of these matters are very sensi-tive,” acknowledged Sloat. “Certainly with achaplain you have absolute confidentiality.That’s something that not even Judge Advo-cate General officers or even medical pro-fessionals can offer, because there are legalobligations they must meet. Whereas, witha chaplain, you can come in there withoutit effecting the career path, without it hav-ing to be told to the chain of command,and being able to hash out some of thesedifficulties. Many times personnel will dothat. That way we can catch a stressor be-fore it gets too serious and we can get somehealthy stress management training, some-thing that can get that person some tech-niques to deal with that stress before theyare overwhelmed. Catching things early isalways a good thing, and I would thereforerecommend talking to a chaplain. You canalso talk to these other personnel, but rec-ognize that it may not be 100 percent confi-dential if you do.”

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Joint Base Journal 9.26.14

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