AN INDEPENDENT PUBLICATION OF COMPRINTMILITARY PUBLICATIONS AT JOINT BASE ANDREWS,MD.DCMILITARY.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 16, 2015 | VOL. 4 NO. 2

COMMUNITY NEWSICCI asks the community to ‘share the warmth’

at its inaugural coat drive, Page 5

SPORTS89 APS communicate win over

89 CS, Page 6

COMMENTARYFinding life’s new direction after a

loss , Page 2

2015 MISS AMERICA VISITS JBA

U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO/ AIRMAN 1ST CLASS J.D. MAIDENS

Kira Kazantsev, 2015 Miss America, signs auto-graphs for fans at the Base Exchange Jan. 8 on JointBase Andrews. Kazantsev visited the JBA with theUSO to take photos with the JBA community and signphotographs as a way to give thanks to service mem-bers for their service.

BY AIRMAN 1ST CLASSPHILIP BRYANT

11TH WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS

When the weatheroutside is frightful, anda fire might be quite de-lightful. There is oneplace to go; Andrews Out-door Recreation.

With each passingweek of the winter sea-son the temperatures be-gin to drop and the hiber-nation season begins formany, including Airmen.

The 11th Force Sup-port Squadron’s OutdoorRecreation does its bestto give the Joint BaseAndrews communitythe ability to stay activeeven when snow is on theground.

Outdoor Recreation of-fers Airmen and anyonewith a valid military IDthe opportunity to rentwinter sporting goods,buy lift tickets and gettransportation to themountains for a fractionof the cost at a ski resort.

“Going on a trip you’llpay $25 with us,” saidShelley N. Smoot, an11th FSS recreation spe-cialist. “That includesyour equipment, ski liftticket, and transporta-tion. If you were to go byyourself it’s going to cost

you upwards of $115 toabout $140, and that’snot including transporta-tion costs.”

Smoot negotiates withski resorts for the grouppricing of 30 to 55 peopleand then organizes bustrips from JBA to allowlow prices for those wholook to the winter monthsas a time to shred theslopes.

“The price is the bestpart of the ski trips,” saidSenior Airman MarqueesSchell, a 459th Air Re-fueling Wing crew chief.“The price affords methe opportunity to com-plete things that are onmy bucket list and nowI take family and friendsto share those experi-ences.”

Schell has become a

regular with Smoot andOutdoor Recreation, andhas already signed up forthe upcoming one-day skitrip.

The day trip sign-ups are first open to E-1through E-4 dorm resi-dents for four weeks. Af-terwards, anyone witha valid military ID maysignup.

Slopes for the folks of Andrews

U.S. AIR FORCE/AIRMAN 1ST CLASS PHILIP BRYANT

Airman 1st Ckass Mark A. Claborne, 11th Security Forces Squadron member,poses for a photo with winter gear Jan. 9 at the 11th Force Support Squadron’sOutdoor Recreation. Claborne is renting equipment for a trip he plans to attend.

see SLOPES, page 3

BY BOBBY JONESSTAFF PHOTOJOURNALIST

More than 250 childrenfilled the Rollingcrest-Chillum Community Cen-ter in Hyattsville, Jan.10, anticipating the startof the 5th Annual ThreeKings Day festivities,highlighting the celebra-tion of Hispanic cultureand tradition of the holi-day season.

Known in the Hispanicculture as the Fiesta delDie de los Reyes Magos,the event was sponsoredby the Maryland Nation-al Capital Park and Plan-ning Commission. Thetradition behind ThreeKings Day begins with astory from the Bible. It isa day celebrated in honorof three wise men follow-ing a star and visitingbaby Jesus after his birth.As the story goes, the wisemen brought the baby Je-sus gifts to celebrate thebirth of the son of God.“The Latino tradition isthat the children will put

a little bit of grass andwater under their bedsfor the camels to be ableto eat and drink fromtheir long journey,” saidCarlos Ocasio, MNP&PCParks and Recreationnorthern area specialist.“The kings in exchangeleave some gifts for thekids under their beds inappreciation. There aremore traditions in LatinAmerica, but that’s thetradition that I was raisedwith. And globally, a lot ofother countries celebrateit similarly.”

The event was kickedoff by Andrés Saguaro,an award-winning singer,songwriter and musicianand his wife, ChristinaSamaria, who educatedand entertained childrenand parents alike throughan interactive musical od-yssey across Mexico andSouth America by songand dance.

However, the highlightof the event became ap-parent as a trio of men

Rollingcrest-ChillumCommunity Centerhosts Three Kings’Day celebration

see KINGS, page 3

BY LESLIE C. SMITHSTAFF WRITER

Jan. 13, the AndrewsSpouses Club held itsThrift Fashion Show atThe Courses on JointBase Andrews.

Members modeled ev-erything from couture-style evening wear, tobusiness ready, to casualfun wear – featuring ap-parel available in thethrift store.

Jonée D. Coleman, aprofessional image con-sultant, served as the MCfor the event. Later, Cole-man fielded questionsfrom attendees aboutfashion concerns. She

shared style tips fromthe importance of fit andalterations to key pieceseveryone should have intheir wardrobe.

As a nonprofit, theASC Thrift Shop raisesbetween $20,000 and$45,000 each year togive to local and mili-tary charities as well asscholarships to militaryspouses and children.

In the form of month-ly and special events,the ASC provides oppor-tunities to have fun withother spouses. There areseveral events plannedfor the next few weeks

Andrews Spouses Club holds a thrifty fashion show

PHOTO/LESLIE C. SMITH

Sara Cunningham models a couture-style eveninggown. The fashion show featured affordable lookswith apparel available at the shop. see SHOW, page 7

Andrews Gazette2 Friday, January 16, 2015

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

including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsementby the Department of Defense, the Department of the Air Force orthe products and services advertised.

Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available forpurchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion,sex, national origin, age,martial status, physical handicap, political af-filiation or any other nonmerit factor of the purchases, user or patron.

COMPRINT MILITARY PUBLICATIONS

Maxine Minar, presidentmminar@dcmilitary.com

John Rives, publisherjrives@dcmilitary.com

Deirdre Parry, page designdparry@gazette.net

Leslie Smith, editorlsmith@dcmilitary.com

Bobby Jones, photographerbjones@dcmilitary.com

Burial MedallionVeterans Affairs offers bronze

medallions to attach to privatelypurchased headstones or markersfor veterans not buried in a nation-al or state veterans’ cemetery. Themedallion is furnished instead of atraditional government headstoneor marker for veterans whose deathoccurred on or after Nov. 1, 1990.It signifies the veteran’s branchof service. Next of kin receive themedallion, along with a kit for thefamily or staff of a private cem-etery to affix the medallion to aheadstone or columbarium nichecover. Veterans discharged underconditions other than dishonorable,their spouses and dependent chil-dren can be buried in a VA nationalcemetery. Burial benefits includea burial flag, Presidential Memo-rial Certificate and a governmentheadstone or grave marker. VA op-erates 131 national cemeteries in39 states and Puerto Rico and 33soldiers’ lots and monument sites.More than 3 million veterans areburied in VA national cemeteries.Information on VA burial benefitscan be obtained at www.cem.va.govor by calling 1-800-827-1000.

Quit Smoking ResourcesCigarette smoking causes one of

every five deaths in America, saysthe Centers for Disease Control and

Prevention. Tobacco use is also themajor cause of preventable disease-related illness and death in theUnited States. However, quittingtobacco can be a struggle, that’swhy Tricare has resources avail-able for those ready to quit. QuitTobacco, Make Everyone Proud isa campaign to help military per-sonnel, family members and retir-ees kick the habit. The campaign’swebsite www.info@ucanquit2.orgoffers online resources via a 24/7online chat messenger, cigarettesmoke facts, a help locator and apersonalized outline to help smok-ers in their efforts to quit. Ben-eficiaries who want to quit or whohave relapsed can call to talk witha trained smoking cessation coachwho will assess their cessation pro-cess and recommend appropriatetreatment and the resources to quitsmoking or remain smoke free. Call1-866-459-8766.

Dental CoverageThe Tricare Retiree Dental Pro-

gram (TRDP) offers comprehensivedental coverage to retired servicemembers and family members, re-tired National Guard and Reservemembers and family members,Medal of Honor recipients and fam-ily members and survivors. Cover-age includes diagnostic and preven-tive services, like exams and clean-

ings, at 100 percent. Emergencyservices and basic restorative ser-vices, like fillings, are covered at 80percent. The annual deductible is$50 per person, each benefit year,and $150 per family per benefityear. The annual maximum benefitis $1,300 per person per year. Theannual maximum for orthodontiais $1,750. Premiums must be de-ducted through a monthly allot-ment from retirement pay. Elec-tronic payment is available only asan alternative for beneficiaries whodo not receive retired pay. There isa 12-month commitment for initialenrollments. After a year, benefi-ciaries can continue on a month-to-month basis, if no additionalfamily members have been addedto the plan. If a beneficiary andspouse are already enrolled, addinga child or any other family memberresets the 12-month period. For fullinformation, visit www.tricare.mil/TRDP or call 1 888 838-8737.

The Retiree Activities Office isopen 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Mondaythrough Friday. Visit the office inBuilding 1604 at California andColorado Avenues or call 301-981-2726. Call before your visit to en-sure a volunteer is on duty. TheRAO website is at www.andrews.af.mil.

Retiree Corner

Saturdays and SundaysBumper Cars on IceTucker Road Ice Rink, 1770 Tucker Road, Fort

Washington, Md. 20744Solo riders must be ages 6 & up; riders ages 5 &

under must ride with an adult. Last ride begins 10minutes prior to the end of the session. Rides are ona first-come, first-served basis. Fees are based on 1person per ride; each ride is 4-5 minutes in length.For more information call 301-265-1525; TTY 301-446-6802.

January 16 – February 20(Closed Wednesdays) CMIT Annual Student Art

Exhibit11 a.m.-4 p.m.Montpelier Mansion/Historic Site, 9650 Muirkirk

Road, Laurel, MD 20708Each year, different venues host the annual CMIT

art exhibit. This year, Montpelier will display thework of young artists. The theme for this year’sexhibit is Autumn Landscapes & Scenes; studentshave interpreted this theme and will display a majorart piece from the school year. For more information,visit montpeliermansion@pgparks.com

January 16-24Shot in the DarkFriday, Saturday 8 p.m. and Sunday 2 p.m.Bowie Playhouse, White Marsh Park, Bowie, MDPrince George’s Little Theater Inc. presents A

Shot in the Dark about a good hearted, guilelesschild of nature hauled before the magistrate on acharge of murder, having been found unconscious,nude, and clutching a gun, with her lover dead be-side her. What is most shocking to the magistrate isthe complete frankness with which she describes herlife as a parlor maid and her affairs with both thedead chauffeur and her aristocratic employer. Formore information or tickets, 301-937-PGLT (7458)or pgltinfo@gmail.com

January 17“Artistic Empowerment Centers Black Stage Se-

ries Presents...The Fruit Of His Purpose”3:30 pm-5:30 pmOld Parish House, 4711 Knox Rd., College Park,

MD 20741Come celebrate the life and purpose of Dr. Martin

Luther King, Jr. as we experience the fruit of his laborsharing from the heart through spoken word poetry,dance, writing and song commemorating the 50thAnniversary of the March on Washington, the CivilRights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965 anda host of other great benefits that brought unity tomankind. For more information visit www.cpae.org.

Hot ticketsaround town

BY AIRMAN 1ST CLASSERICA CROSSEN

375TH AIR MOBILITY WINGPUBLIC AFFAIRS

Sometimes it takes a difficultsituation in your life to not only bereminded of the things you are trulygrateful for, but also to serve as acatalyst for change.

That moment for me came dur-ing the beginning of 2012 when mymother died suddenly at just 43years old.

We had just finished observingChristmas and like always, she wasthe absolute fixture in our celebra-tions.

I can still hear the sound of mymom’s laughter, smell the deliciousfood we prepared and see the treetwinkling as it sheltered cheerfullittle packages beneath it. She wouldinitiate “Star Wars” and “Godfather”movie marathons as part of ouryearly traditions, and I never ex-pected that anything could shattermy excitement for this time of theyear.

However, the New Year beganin a tragic way. Mom had collapsedand hit her head, hard. She was ad-mitted into an intensive care unit,slipping into unresponsiveness dueto a brain hemorrhage. My husbanddrove us eight hours to the hospi-tal where I found her on life sup-

port with the haunting beeping andalarms going off in her room. It wasthe worst thing to have to hold herhand and acknowledge that she wastruly gone, never to smile proudly atfuture graduations or hold my chil-dren as a grandmother.

After I lost my mom, I neverthought the holidays could regaintheir happy luster. It was a hardreality to accept that I couldn’t justpick up the phone and talk to her. Iwas so angry with her and confusedas to why she let her health decline,leaving me and my sister without amom.

As you can imagine, as the nextholiday season approached I lookedat it as something to get through.She had represented the together-ness of friends and family, and nowshe was gone. I had to make sense ofit, and I continued to do a lot of soulsearching.

During this process I decided thatwhile I could hold on to her legacyof a great sense of humor and honorthe way she loved me, there were un-healthy lifestyle habits I needed tolet go of. That’s when I decided thatI needed to take care of my body bet-ter and eventually I lost 50 pounds.

After achieving success with thatgoal, I then decided to join the AirForce. I’d been an Air Force spousefor four years, but my mom’s death

made me realize that I shouldn’twait to do the things I felt I neededto do.

With a new outlook on life, I feltI could power through anything.I wanted to make every momentcount and not regret at least trying.I wanted the next holiday season athome to be a time of looking back onwhat I had accomplished that year.

It was the Christmas I spent inbasic training down at Lackland AirForce Base, Texas, that I realized Ihad become part of another familywith new traditions which helpedfill the emptiness from my moth-er’s passing. On Christmas Eve wemarched to the chapel for servicesand as I looked around me, I knewthe other trainees were experiencingdifficulties, too. Some were missingtheir children, some were still tryingto adjust to this new life, and somewere just missing friends and familyback home.

As wemarched under a crisp star-lit Texas sky, our “Lackland Laser”flashlights swung in unison. It madethe ground sway with light, compet-ing with the sky, and it seemed al-most magical. For someone half-waythrough training and with just twodays to go before her 25th birthday,it just made me smile. On Christ-mas, the drill instructors were sur-

CommentaryFinding life’s new direction after a loss

see LOSS, page 4

Andrews GazetteFriday, January 16, 2015 3

At an affordable pricefor many Airmen, skitrips held by OutdoorRecreation give the mili-tary community a way ofenjoying the winter sea-son.

Liberty MountainResort will also hostAndrews Day, March 7,where anyone that showsup with a flyer from An-

drews Outdoor Recre-ation gets 50% off theirequipment and lift tick-ets.

Smoot said, the firstAndrews Day last yearwas a great success.

“Last year, we had250 people before theystopped counting,” saidSmoot.

The second annual An-drews Day hopes to haveeven more people comeout to enjoy the freshmountain powder, with

some already lookingahead to the first trip onJan. 17.

“Now I have some-thing to look forward toevery winter,” said JamalPartman, an 11th FSSski technician.

With each passing sea-son Partman and Smoothave enjoyed each trip forthe past two years.

The winter trips andequipment rentals avail-able through OutdoorRecreation give military

members an outlet to flydown local mountainsand carve through freshpowder without breakingthe bank.

For more informationon the 11th Force Sup-port Squadron, their win-ter trips and their win-ter rentals you can visithttp://www.andrewsfss.com/odr.html or theirFacebook page at https://www.facebook.com/An-drewsODR.

SLOPES, from page 1

clad in kingly silk attire,depicting biblical figures,Gaspar, Melchior andBalthazar entered thecenter’s recreation roompassing out candy to thechildren and later posingfor photographs.

The special guests andlong-time volunteers forthe event were Council-man Will Campos, 2ndDistrict; Pedro Biaggi,107.9 FM radio host; andMd. State Senator, VictorR. Ramirez, (D) District47.

Senator Ramirez hasattended the event sinceits inception in 2010. “I’vebeen a participant for fiveyears and like anythingyou don’t know what toexpect when you startout, but the residentsseem to enjoy it and it’sa time to come together,meet your neighbors andgive back to the com-munity,” said Ramirez.“I think that this centerdoes a great job of givingback. And because theevent is hosted at differ-ent locations it affordseveryone a chance toparticipate in this eventand it makes for a lot ofhappy kids and parents.”

Ramirez noted theThree Kings Day tradi-tion was part of his fam-ily’s culture and tradi-tion growing up. “I thinkit’s good to keep it goingthroughout the genera-tions because it’s a timeof celebration and reflec-tion as well.”

Nydia Ocasio, MCCPand Recreation Commu-nity Relations Specialistnoted the Three King Dayis a celebration of theEpiphany of the ThreeKings in the Catholic re-ligion that is celebratedby the Latino community.

“The importance ofthis event has a dual pur-pose of serving as an out-reach to the Latino com-munity; informing themabout what types of pro-grams the Department of

Parks and Recreation hasto offer, county wide. Ithas been very successfuland my husband, Carlos,is responsible for start-ing this event,” said Oca-sio. “We are originallyfrom Puerto Rico, wherewe celebrate this eventvery big. But we noticedwhen we came here therewasn’t any type of recog-nition here in the com-munity; so my husbandthought would be a goodopportunity for outreach.We wanted also to usethe event to inform theresidents about availablehealth and wellness ser-vices and invite the localpoliticians for support.For me this event is verygratifying and in the endit’s all about social equal-ity for everyone.”

At the conclusion ofthe event, the ThreeKings handed outwrapped gifts to a con-tinuous line of children,while their parents tookphotographs.

More than 300 resi-dents participated in thecultural event and re-ceived ethnic cuisine andrefreshments. The chil-dren also were treated toface painting, candy andballoons.

“For me, Three KingsDay is about celebratingunity, family and educat-ing the children aboutour tradition,” said RosaFenwick of Accokeek.“We look forward to see-ing the Three Kings andwe follow the tradition ofputting the box of grassand water under the bedfor them after their longjourney. This is our sec-ond time coming to thiscommunity center forthis event.”

Carlos Ocasio, MNPPCParks and Recreationnorthern area specialistwanted the local commu-

nity to have same oppor-tunity he had celebratingThree Kings Day as ayoungster in Puerto Rico.

“Five years ago Ididn’t have a budget; butI did the best I could inexposing the traditionto the community,” saidOcasio. “After the localparticipation in the firstobservance, I received abudget from the Parksand Recreation for futureevents because they real-ized it was affecting thecommunity in a positiveway. I also get supportfrom several local spon-sors.”

Longfellow, Maryland National Capital Park and Plan-ning Commission Parks and Recreation mascot isgreeted with hugs for children during the Three KingsDay celebration.

A group of young girls have a balloon sword fight.

Maryland State Senator, Victor R. Ramirez. (D) Dis-trict 47, chats with the local children from Hyattsville.

Pedro Biaggi, 107.9 FM radio host presents a gift toa lucky young girl during the conclusion of the ThreeKings Day event.

PHOTOS/BOBBY JONES

From left, Councilman Will Campos, 2nd District, Pedro Biaggi, 107.9 FM radiohost and Md. State Senator, Victor R. Ramirez. (D) District 47, present gifts duringthe conclusion of the Three Kings Day event.

KINGS, from page 1

1050388

Andrews Gazette4 Friday, January 16, 2015

BY LT. COL.CANDY WILSON

779TH MEDICAL GROUPACUPUNCTURE CENTER

The Acupuncture Cen-ter at the 779th MedicalGroup has many effectiveprograms to relieve pain.A new technique that in-volves electro-stimulationhas been found to be use-ful in relieving nerve painin some patients.

The treatment, referredto as nerve scramblertherapy, works by sendingelectric signals throughthe skin, to stimulatehealthy nerves that arenot affected by pain. Theelectric signals are trans-mitted via adhesive padsthat are placed on the skinand connected to the wiresof the machine. This stim-ulation carries a “no pain”signal to the brain that,essentially, overrides theprevious pain signal fromthe damaged nerves.

Nerve scrambler ther-apy can be extremely ef-fective in treating nervepain disorders, calledperipheral neuropathies.Nerve pain can be causedby trauma, infection, dia-betes mellitus, drug/toxinexposure, cancer treat-ments, and surgical com-plications.

Patients who describetheir pain as burning, tin-gling, itching, cold, likepins-n-needles, or havenumbness or spasms maybe candidates for thetreatment. Restless LegSyndrome (RLS) has alsobeen effectively treated

with electro-stimulation.Patients will typicallyremain connected to theelectric stimulation ma-chine for 45-60 minutesper session. The treatmentis repeated daily until thepain subsides. An averageregimen is ten treatments.

“One patient had painfrom his knees to toes forseven years. After the firsttreatment, he was ableto feel the bottom of hisfeet while walking withno pain in his legs. Afterthe second treatment hewas pain free and had nosymptoms of numbness orburning. No further treat-ments were required,” saidDr. Thomas Piazza, a phy-sician acupuncturist atthe Air Force AcupunctureCenter at the 779th Medi-cal Group.

“A young man with RLSwas treated for two weeksand is now spasm free andenjoys a full night’s sleep.Another patient, with sur-gically induced restlesslegs, was also relieved ofpain after only three treat-ments. If the pain returns,the treatment can be re-started,” said Piazza.

“It doesn’t work on ev-eryone but it’s one moretool in our toolbox to treatspecific types of nervepain,” said Piazza.

Patients who wouldlike additional informa-tion should contact theirprimary care managerto discuss whether nervescrambler treatment maybe an option. A referral tothe Acupuncture Center isrequired to receive care.

The Acupuncture Center treats nerve pain without needles

A new technique that involves electro-stimulationhas been found to be useful in relieving nerve painin some patients. Dr. Richard Niemtzow treats thefeet by placing the pads on a non-painful area,which may be higher on the leg. The placement isusual for peripheral neuropathy (depending how fardown the pain is). If the pain is in the foot, we wouldNOT put the pads there. This stimulation carries a“no pain” signal to the brain that, essentially, over-rides the previous pain signal from the damagednerves.

BY TECH. SGT.NATALIE STANLEY

SECRETARY OF THE AIRFORCE PUBLIC AFFAIRS

COMMAND INFORMATION

Air Force membersnow have access to www.HOMES.mil, a new offi-cial Defense Departmentwebsite designed to mod-ernize the way all servicemembers search for hous-ing when relocating.

Effective Dec. 29,2014, HOMES.mil waslaunched for public ac-cess to provide servicemembers seeking housingat their assigned location,and to landlords, ownersand property managersto access for marketingrental properties.

“The Air Force remainsfully committed to provid-ing members access tosafe, affordable, adequateand non-discriminatoryhousing,” said SheilaSchwartz, HeadquartersAir Force facilities man-agement division housinglead.

HOMES.mil featuressearch and display op-tions as well as Googlemaps and will allow us-ers to save listings, viewphotos and research hous-

ing areas. The user is alsoable to compare up to fourdifferent properties atone time.

Air Force membersmay create an accountin HOMES.mil using the“create account” link onthe home page. Once reg-istration is completed, themember will receive anautomatic welcome emailto HOMES.mil and canbegin using the system.

The website empow-ers service members withinformation and tools tomake smart decisions onhousing property listings.

“We will continue toprovide referral and relo-cation services to servicemembers, their familiesand DoD civilians throughelectronic, telephone andface-to-face customer in-teraction,” Schwartz said.

The Air Force hous-ing public website is stillavailable and providesa venue for members toobtain specific installa-tion information on fam-ily, unaccompanied andprivatized housing.

For questions or moreinformation, membersand their families shouldcontact or visit their localmilitary housing office.

AF, DOD switch HOMES

prisingly nice to us, andwe had an elaborate, re-laxed meal that day.

Two days later, myflight sang “Happy Birth-day,” which helped to liftmy spirits as did the dailyletters unfailingly sentby my husband. He knewwhat I was going through,but better yet he knewsomething that I was justrealizing: hope and grati-tude can buoy us throughany difficulties. Moreover,the Air Force family thatI always knew was there,but never quite relied onuntil that point, came

through for me when Ineeded it most.

Now as I approach eachholiday season, I pause toremind myself that thereis always something to bethankful for and to chal-lenge myself to keep set-ting--and achieving--newgoals for myself.

Sometimes it’s thosedifficult circumstancesthat help us change andgrow the most. I still missmy mom, yet the memo-ries and traditions I willalways carry with me.However, she also gave mean opportunity change thecourse of my life -- some-thing that I’m very thank-ful for this year.

LOSS, from page 2

1050385

1050387 1042243

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Train online in healthcare, technology,or administration and prepare to earn

$30,000-$50,000/year.

Visit CareerStep.com/spouseor call 1-866-203-1822 today!

Andrews GazetteFriday, January 16, 2015 5

BY LESLIE C. SMITHSTAFF WRITER

The Institute for Cre-ative Community Initia-tives (ICCI) is holding itsinaugural coat drive to ben-efit Shepherd’s Cove Emer-gency Shelter for womenand children in CapitolHeights, Md. – the onlyshelter for women and chil-dren in the county. Havingkicked off in December, thecoat drive is nearing its endand the community is urgedto bring any coat donationsto their offices by Jan. 28.Coats can be dropped off atHCD International head-quarters located at 4390Parliament Place, SuiteA, Lanham, Md., between8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Mon-day through Friday. Cur-rently the organization hascollected approximately 200coats.

Five years ago, Drum-mond saw the challengesfacing youth and started anonprofit, “with the intentof trying to build communi-ties up from the grassrootslevel by engaging youth andyoung adults from an inter-nal perspective. The visionof ICCI really started someyears ago when I startedHCD International, whichis amanagement consultingfirm that is really dedicatedto improving healthcare forall populations – all Ameri-cans – especially those invulnerable communities.”

It was the idea of Drum-mond, a physician’s assis-tant, and her husband, aphysician, to give back. “Weare just really passionateabout the community andthe health of the commu-nity; and we wanted to seehow we could improve thesustainability of the com-munity.”

“We need to really startwith the youth and familyin trying to promote well-ness.Wellness really beginswithin – self esteem, hav-ing a job and an educationso you can have the meansto buy good food and un-derstand the importance ofhealth. So we look at it froma very raw context of popu-

lation health; how do youimprove the health of a par-ticular population in a com-munity. And we know thatin vulnerable communities,often times, the resourcesaren’t necessarily there fora number of reasons whichwe call the social determi-nants of health: perhapsless education, food deserts,health literacy issues.Thereare a myriad of issues – noone particular piece – butwe know as a country ev-eryone should have a rightto health care; and if we aregoing to improve the qual-ity of healthcare across ourcountry we have to figureout how do we go into thesecommunities, that are often

compromised for one reasonor another, and contributeto improving them.”

Always looking to con-tribute to the community,the ICCI is involved in ef-forts to better support sus-ceptible individuals andcommunities through men-toring, education and train-ing.

“We focus on providingto youth, young adults andfamilies in vulnerable com-munities with strategies tohelp them adopt healthylifestyles,” said Emily Wil-son, Project Manager forICCI.

“We have three maingoals. The first is to counseland support at-risk youth,counseling them aboutsubstance abuse, teenagepregnancy, literacy, domes-tic violence, and buildingself-esteem. Secondly, wewant to assist individualsand families in gaining em-ployment through provid-ing skills training; and ourthird goal is to mentor at-risk youth throughout theMetropolitan DC area.”

The organization hasprovided a multitude ofprograms, such as summerinternships and a county-wide conference titled GirlCode. Girl Code hostedmore than 40 girls with afocus on issues and topicsof concern for girls such ashealthy relationships, body

image and safe usage ofsocial media. ICCI also con-ducts an after school pro-gram at Charles HerbertFlowers High School forgirls; meeting bi-weekly, itprovides a venue for whichgirls can discuss issues theyare dealing with currently.

With an aim to influ-ence and build youth andyoung adults, the organiza-tion focuses programs andresources to adolescences.“The youth initiative plansto provide learning experi-ences that will help youngadults develop necessarylife skills that will enablethem to succeed in schooland the real world, as wellas plan for the future. Theinitiative will also help tobuild character and con-fidence as they embracehealthy lifestyles. We alsohave our program partici-pants give back to the com-munity by having themcomplete community ser-vice projects in order topromote social responsibil-ity. We also look to educateyouth and young adultsabout the dangers andconsequence of engagingin risky health behaviors,”saidWatson.

The coat drive was bornout of the “HCDI 5C”: Cus-tomer, Client, Communica-tions,Culture, and Commu-nity. Living the communityarm of the 5C, the organi-

zation is always lookingfor ways to give back to thecommunity. Drummond re-flected on a recent visit tothe shelter when she spokeof the importance of giv-ing back, “There were kidsthat wanted a chance, wantan opportunity; moms anddads that love their kidsjust like I do and for what-ever reason just didn’t havea chance. What we can dois try to keep people warmand give them a coat. Wejust want to give back es-pecially at a time when theworld is in such turmoil…it’s just a timewhere I thinkthat Christ is calling us tobe the keeper of our brotherand this is our way… Wejust want to show love; andthe best way we can do thatis right where we are.”

The organization wel-comes volunteers, as wellas companies and organi-zations with an interest inpartnering, for their events.Anyone interested can con-tact the organization at301-552-8803. You can alsocontact the organization tobe placed on their mailinglist. Also, keep apprised ofupcoming events via Twit-ter (@ICCIEmpowerment).Formore information aboutICCI, visit iccinitiatives.org.

ICCI asks the community to ‘share the warmth’ at its inaugural coat drive

PHOTO/LESLIE C. SMITH

Pictured are Emily Watson, Project Manager, andJean Drummond, Founder of ICCI. The organizationlooks to provide youth, young adults and families invulnerable communities with strategies to help themadopt healthy lifestyles.

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Andrews Gazette6 Friday, January 16, 2015

BY BOBBY JONESSTAFF PHOTOJOURNALIST

The 89th Aerial PortSquadron team came intothe Intramural Basket-ball game with a dismal1-win and 3-loss seasonrecord, determined to winagainst the competitive89th CommunicationsSquadron’s 4-win and 0season record. “We’re notgoing to lose this game tothem,” contested DavidWilson, 89 APS powerforward, who tossed in 11points during the tightgame.

Staffed with only fiveplayers, the 89 APS teamhad to endure the rotationof full bench and fresh re-placements throughoutthe game against the 89CS.

The combined tena-cious play of the 89 APS’Dustin Moore, center;Seth Summey, forward;David Wilson, power for-ward; and Jeremy Greenewas instrumental in theteam’s point spread in thesecond half. Moore ledthe squadron high with18 points, with Greenand Wilson contributing

13 and 11 points respec-tively.

In the end, Wilson’sprediction would ring

true as the 89 APS beatthe 89 CS 54 to 47, elevat-ing their season to 2 winsand 3 losses.

89 APS communicate win over 89 CS

PHOTOS/BOBBY JONES

David Wilson, 89 APS, power forward, contributes two points to his game winningprophecy during the second half.

Dustin Moore, 89 APS center and game leadingscorer with 18 points, crashes the backboards with alayup during the waning moments of the game. The89 APS beat the 89 CS 54 to 47.

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including a day trip toPort Tobacco Playersand a Murder MysteryDinner at Mamma Stel-la’s Restaurant.

The ASC is open tospouses of all ranks ofthe military from anybranch and Departmentof Defense members onJoint Base Andrews andthe surrounding area,welcoming spouses ofactive duty, retired,guard/reserve and de-ceased. For more infor-mation, visit www.an-drewsspousesclub.orgor visit their Facebookpage.

Andrews GazetteFriday, January 16, 2015 7

BY AIRMAN 1ST CLASSJ.D. MAIDENS

11TH WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS

The Air Force hasjobs for everything; fromhigh-profile careers likethe fighter pilot to theunsung heroes that keepthe flight line clear ofsnow and debris. One ofthe most overlooked jobsin the Air Force is theChaplain Assistant.

“People underestimatehow important beingthe enlisted liaison is,”said Keesha Green, 11thWing Headquarters Cha-pel chaplain assistant.“There’s a misconceptionthat we’re just chaplainsecretaries.”

Chaplains and chap-lain assistants work inReligious Support Teamsthat give briefings, holdinvocations, run Sundayservices and organizeretreats among otherthings. Chaplain assis-tants also assist in the

day-to-day administra-tive activities requiredby the chapel and talk towalk-ins before directingthem to a chaplain.

“We definitely staybusy,” Green, the NCO incharge of appropriatedfunds, said. “The chap-lain assistant is kindof a jack-of-all-trades,there’s an administrativeside and a financial sidealong with being a spiri-tual medic.”

The chaplain assis-tant’s primary missionis to support the chapel’smission: maintaining thecommunity’s spiritual re-siliency.

“They offer assis-tance to Airmen any waythey can,” said ChaplainCapt. Aaron Reynolds,11th Wing chaplain. “It’seasy to downplay whatthey do, but it’s a big job.Our mission wouldn’tget completed withoutthem.”

Approachability is

one of the chaplain as-sistant’s most importantcontributions to the suc-cess of the chapel mis-sion.

“Stripes speak tostripes,” Green said.“There can be a stigmato speaking with a chap-lain since they’re offi-cers. It’s easier to breakthe ice with an enlistedmember.”

The complete confi-dentiality that comeswith speaking to a chap-lain is also carried overto the chaplain assistant.

“You can’t find thiskind of confidentiality,on our level, anywhereelse,” said Green.

Though the job isstressful, Green feels iscan be very rewarding.

“I joined because Iwanted to do somethingdifferent, to network andhelp people,” said Green.“This career field lets medo exactly that.”

Chaplain assistants:Assisting chaplains

PHOTO/LESLIE C. SMITH

Cathy Friday, Promise Sandlin, with daughter Bella,and Jonée D. Coleman pictured after the Thrift Fash-ion Show. The ASC Thrift Shop raises funds for localand military charities as well as scholarships.

SHOW, from page 1

ATTN ALL PERSONNEL: 1Lt Sonata Thomas regretfully announces thedeath of Lt Col Bryan K. Hasty. Anyone having claims against or indebtednessto the estate of Lt Col Bryan K. Hasty shall contact 1Lt Sonata Thomas, Sum-mary Court Officer at 240-857-6215.

ATTN ALL PERSONNEL: Capt Catherine D. Nicholson regretfully announc-es the death of Major Gregory Keith McCoy. Anyone having claims against or in-debtedness to the estate of Major Gregory Keith McCoy contact Capt CatherineD. Nicholson, Summary Court Officer, at 210-551-3855.

Death Notices

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Andrews Gazette8 Friday, January 16, 2015

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