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AN INDEPENDENT PUBLICATION OF COMPRINT MILITARY PUBLICATIONS AT JOINT BASE ANDREWS, MD.DCMILITARY.COM FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2014 | VOL. 3 NO. 42

AIR FORCE NEWSCFC offers chance to support

charities across nation, Page 5

SPORTSMilitary brides-to-be will receive free

wedding gowns, Page 7

COMMENTARYAirman wages war against breast

cancer, Page 2

BY 11TH CIVIL ENGINEERSQADRON

The 11th Civil Engi-neer Squadron will initi-ate an installation-wide“No Heat/No Cool” periodin anticipation of switch-ing from cooling to heat-ing modes on heating,ventilation and air condi-tioning units from Oct. 15to Nov. 15 on Joint BaseAndrews.

HVAC technicianswill complete all equip-ment serving and startuppreparations during thisperiod.

Team Andrews will al-so save a combined totalof $57,302 in energy and

natural gas consumptionon base. These savingscan potentially be re-invested into base opera-tions.

During the downtime,only Mission Critical Fa-cilities, Command andControl Facilities, ChildDevelopment Centers,Critical Server Rooms,Critical Utilities andHousing will be exempt.

Patience and under-standing from base resi-dents while this is be-ing accomplished will begreatly appreciated. Con-tact 11 CES CustomerService at 301-981-5151with any questions.

‘No Heat, No Cool’underway at JBA

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

The 11th Civil Engineering Squadron will initiate aninstallation-wide “No Heat/No Cool” period in antici-pation of switching from cooling to heating modes onheating, ventilation and air conditioning units fromOct. 15 to Nov. 15 on Joint Base Andrews.

BY LESLIE C. SMITHSTAFF WRITER

Wanda Petty, presidentand CEO of National Re-source Society for WomenVeterans Inc. (NRSWV), a21-year US Army veteran,couldn’t just sit by and seea need and do nothing.

Petty, not only a womanveteran but a woundedwarrior, took her three-year journey at the WalterReed Army Medical Cen-ter as a lesson and now aplatform to help others.

“In that process I wasaround a lot of vets thatwere returning from Af-ghanistan and other plac-es and they didn’t know

what they were going to door where they were goingto go. We were all walkingin fear; that was trauma-tizing in itself. Becauseof that I had to find somekind of strength and it wasmy faith that helped me tostay strong in this.

“I truly believe itwasn’t by chance that ithappened it was so I couldhave that insight to seewhat is really needed andbe able to focus my passionon those who need it anddeserve it.

“I began to talk towomen who had been in aslong as I had -- 6 to 16, 28years -- they had not pre-pared to make the transi-

tion. Many had children,some were facing foreclo-sure and having a lot ofhardship; many could notdo the normal things likedrive their kids back andforth to school.”

Petty not only saw theneed in women veteransbut also women in mili-tary families. “The needkept coming up. I saw thatparticular need of havingthis struggle of not beingable to make that transi-tion and that wonderingof what they were goingto do next and not hav-ing a plan. Then I noticedthe spouses became moreof the caregivers -- someof those were active duty

spouses as well as spousesthat were civilians. Andthey weren’t prepared totake on that role as a care-giver but they also weren’tprepared to take on therole as head of the house-hold.

“I came up with idea--what can I do to helpthem realize there washope; that even thoughthey were going throughall of this, there was hope.I began to form the Na-tional Resource Society forWomen Veterans.

“After that it was like aforecast was downloaded;I could see the things that

Inspirational, educational describe organization’s resolution

PHOTOS/LESLIE SMITH

Wanda Petty and Dwayne Burgeois, Veteran ServicesManager Prince George’s County Community Col-lege, address runners before the Fun Run for Home-less Veterans during the colleges National Day ofService and Remembrance on Sept. 11, 2014. TheNational Resource Society for Women Veterans wasthe recipient of funds raised from this year’s event.see VETERANS, page 6

BY ANDREABLACKSTONESTAFF WRITER

The Prince George’sCounty Office of theSheriff hosted the inau-gural lighting ceremonyof “Purple Light Nights”in Maryland on Oct. 9,2014 in Upper Marlboro.The evening event wasdevoted to increasingprevention of domes-tic violence and raisingawareness of a nationalproblem with a unifiedvoice.

The “Purple LightNights” campaign wasfirst established in 2006in Covington, Wash.,by the state’s DomesticViolence Task Force (CD-VTF). The campaign hasgrown into a global move-ment that has grownto include participationfrom 23 states, Canadaand Guam. Purple lightbulbs that were donat-ed by Home Depot andWalmart were distrib-uted at the close of theprogram. Citizens were

asked to use the purplelight bulbs to light theirporches throughout Oc-tober, during observanceof Domestic ViolenceAwareness month.

The significance ofthe color purple was ex-plained by mistress ofceremony and assistantsheriff, Lt. Col. Regina A.Taylor, who oversees theDomestic Violence Inter-vention Division of thePrince George’s CountyOffice of the Sheriff.

“The Purple Heart

has been presented tosoldiers who have beenwounded while servingour country. For sur-vivors of domestic vio-lence who are invariablywounded, both physicallyand emotionally, purpleis meant to be a symbolof courage, peace, surviv-al and the dedication toending violence. Takingup those same themesto end the tragic cycle ofdomestic violence is thegoal of the ‘Purple Light

Purple Light Nights launchesin Maryland during DomesticViolence Awareness Month

PHOTO/ PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY OFFICE OF THE SHERIFF

The bottom level of the County Administration Building in Upper Marlboro, Md. displayed purple lights toraise awareness of domestic violence, as a part of the inaugural launch of the “Purple Light Nights” cam-paign Oct. 9.

see PURPLE, page 5

Andrews Gazette2 Friday, October 17, 2014

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, [email protected]

John Rives, [email protected]

Deirdre Parry, page [email protected]

Leslie Smith, [email protected]

Bobby Jones, [email protected]

BY STAFF SGT. AMANDA DICKHEADQUARTERS PACIFIC AIR FORCES

PUBLIC AFFAIRS

“You have cancer.” The threewords no one, no matter their age,wants to hear. I happened to re-ceive these words at the age of 29.

Though I knew from the momentI found the lump in my breast it wascancer, I was in no way prepared tohear those words Oct. 4, 2013, -- theday that forever changed my life.

Breast cancer runs in my fam-ily. Both my mother and her sisterare breast cancer survivors. Mygrandmother survived both breastand ovarian cancers, but sadly suc-cumbed to brain cancer.

With such a high risk of cancerin my family, I’ve always been su-per conscious about this issue. Ifound the lump while conducting aroutine breast self-examination.

When found, my lump was thesize of a pea. By the time I hadsurgery three months later, it hadgrown to just smaller than the sizeof a lime. Because the lump wasfairly small (by cancer standards)and found early, and the cancerhadn’t spread to my lymph nodes, Iwas diagnosed as Stage 2a.

On the day of diagnosis, I alsofound out I have the BRCA1 gene,which puts me at an even higherrisk for breast and ovarian cancers.

Because of family history andthis cancer gene, I decided to have

a bilateral mastectomy. For me,the surgery wasn’t that bad, andI didn’t have much pain once thedrains were taken out a week af-ter surgery. The worst part wasnot feeling like a woman anymorebecause of the removal of certainbody parts, something I’m stillstruggling with today.

In January 2014, I began the

process of chemotherapy. Let metell you, it was not fun! On thenight of my very first treatment, Isat on the floor of the bedroom infront of a trash can, rocking backand forth trying not to throw up,feeling like I was dying and callingout for my mommy. My poor dog

Commentary:Airman wages war against breast cancer

COURTESY PHOTO

Staff Sgt. Amanda Dick celebrates her last chemotherapy treatmentMay 9 with her family at Tripler Army Medical Center, Hawaii. Accordingto the American Cancer Society, about one in eight women in the U.S.are diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.

Thank You Colonel MoserFor almost two decades Col.

John Moser was the guiding handfor many of the benefits and ser-vices enjoyed by military retireesand their families living in theNational Capital Area. He servedas director of one of the most suc-cessful programs among 106 AirForce Retiree Activities Offices(RAO). He joined the Bolling staffin 1995. His Retiree AppreciationDay programs featured the likes ofpresent and past Secretaries of theAir Force and Chiefs of Staff.Work-ing with the director of ResidencyTraining at the Dental Clinic, an-nual screening examinations forretirees more than doubled duringhis tenure.

It was not unusual for an incom-ing wing commander to be unawareof an “RAO.” This was short-lived.Col. Moser liked to reel off namesof former 11th Wing commandersnow wearing stars. “Just a goodteacher, I guess,” he would say. Heexpanded his curriculum to includeNavy brass with the designation ofJoint Base Anacostia-Bolling in2010.

When the RAO at Andrewsfound itself without a director sev-eral years ago, Col. Moser hardlyhesitated before adding it to his “to

do” list. “We’re all part of the 11thWing,” he said. “We’re volunteers,a non-profit organization.” Onedisappointment was the loss ofmailing his Still Serving newslet-ter (See below). He had some con-solation in that he cajoled enoughpeople to delay the inevitable by ayear. But, all good things eventual-ly end. Col. Moser, 89, died October5. This year’s Retiree AppreciationDay, Oct. 25 at the Andrews Club isdedicated to his memory.

“Still Serving” OnlineThe seemingly never-ending in-

creases in postal fees has canceledhome delivery of “Still Serving,”the popular newsletter publishedby Retiree Activities Offices at Bol-ling and Andrews. The 11th Winghad mailed copies to nearly 30,000Air Force retirees and survivingspouses in the National CapitalArea since 2004. Faced with reduc-tions in the Defense budget, homedelivery was among necessary cutsin operational expenditures. Pub-lished in February, June and Octo-ber, “Still Serving” remains avail-able on websites of the two bases:Andrews – www.Andrews.af.mil,linking to Retiree Activities Of-fice; at Bolling, the Navy makes itavailable through its page on DoD’s

video center – tinyurl.com/jbab-news under “other publications.”Those without home computers areencouraged to seek assistance offriends, family members and pub-lic outlets, such as neighborhoodlibraries and senior centers. Simi-lar fiscal challenges have hit homedelivery of the Afterburner, the na-tional Air Force retiree newsletter.

Life Insurance MilestoneThe VA life insurance program

is a century old. The War Risk In-surance Act, foundation for VA lifeinsurance protection, was enactedin 1914. VA has provided life insur-ance for more than 57 million ser-vice members and veterans. Thenation’s 9th largest life insuranceenterprise has six programs andsupervises Servicemembers’ GroupLife Insurance and Veterans’ GroupLife Insurance. For information onVA life insurance policies, call 1800 419-1473.

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 ensurea volunteer is on duty. The RAO hasa website at www.andrews.af.mil.

Retiree Cornersee COMMENTARY, page 9

October 18American Indian Festival10 am to 4 pmPatuxent River Park16000 Croom Road, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772Celebrate rich and diverse culture of Native

American Indians while enjoying live entertain-ment, storytelling, weaving, food sampling and in-teractive exhibits and a raffle For more informationvisit http://www.pgparks.com/American_Indian_Festival/Entertainment___Activities.htm

October 18Masquerade Tea1:30 pmMontpelier Mansion9650 Muirkirk Road, Laurel 20708Admission includes gratuity and self-guided tour

- $29/person, $25 Friends of MontpelierWhether you decide to come in costume, incogni-

to or your best finery or just as you, you are sure toenjoy a fine assortment of foods and loose eaf teas.Reservations and advance payment required.

October 2010:15 am & 12:00 noonArithmeticklesPublick Playhouse6600 Kenilworth Avenue, Riverdale, MD 20737301-699-2255Math leaps out of the textbook and into everyday

life in this unique and interactive show. Fast-pacedcomedy, mime, theatrical effects and creative num-ber games make multiplication, division, fractions,and geometry fun and exciting.

October 21 -2656th Annual Washington International Horse

ShowVerizon Center, Washington, DCTicket prices start at $10 with packages avail-

able. A special Military night will be held on Oct.24. Children 3-12 are free for daytime performancesbefore 5 pm.

Tickets available through Ticketmaster or calling1-800-745-3000

The WIHS is the country’s leading metropolitanindoor horse show with much champion sport andfast-paced entertainment to enjoy. There are numer-ous event days planned with numerous activities forattendees.

Hot ticketsaround town

Andrews GazetteFriday, October 17, 2014 3

BY BOBBY JONESSTAFF PHOTOJOURNALIST

The Suitland CommunityCenter celebrated HispanicHeritage Month during an ed-ucational event entitled “Uno,Dos, Tres Con Andrés” at theDistrict Heights facility Oct.12.

Sponsored by the MarylandNational Capital Park andPlanning Commission, theevent featured Andrés Salgue-ro, an award-winning singer,

songwriter and musician, whotook his audience filled withchildren on a musical bilin-gual odyssey across Mexicoand South America, throughsong and dance.

Accompanied by his wife,Christina Sanabria, the chil-dren learned how to play mu-sical instruments used in Lat-in music, Spanish grammar, tocount in Spanish, as well aslearned colors, and discoverthe various Hispanic cultures.

The children also were en-

tertained by playing a peek-a-boo game from under a large,colorful parachute, while Sal-guero played his guitar.

He performed various bi-lingual songs from his newalbum, encouraging childrenof all ethnic backgrounds to beproud of their heritage.

Through cross-culturalsharing, Salguero’s intent was

to celebrate the Latino heri-tage by teaching the childrenseveral Hispanic songs, dancesand traditions along with giv-ing geography lessons of thevarious cultures throughoutSouth America.

At the conclusion of theevent the children and parentswere treated to refreshmentsand ethnic cuisine.

Suitland Community Center celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

PHOTOS/BOBBY JONES

Andrés Salguero, an award winning singer, songwriter and musician, sings to a group of childrenduring a parachute game.

Andrés Salguero leads a line of children like the Pied Piper, dur-ing a sing along session at a Hispanic Heritage Month event atthe Suitland Community Center in District Heights Oct. 12.

Andrés Salguero and his wife,Christina Sanabria, lead agroup of children through aLatin dance.

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BY MAJ HOWARD CRISP779TH MEDICAL GROUP DIRECTOR

OF IMMUNIZATION SERVICES

It is time to get your flu vaccine.All active duty military members

and eligible beneficiaries can receivetheir shots at the main immunizationclinic at Malcolm Grow Medical Clin-ics and Surgery Center. There may belong wait times.

Children empanelled to the pediat-rics clinic may also receive their vac-cine through the pediatrics clinic.

The flu vaccine is mandatory for allmilitary members and must be admin-istered no later than Dec. 15.

Each year seasonal flu epidemics oc-cur throughout the United States andfive to 20 percent of the populationwill be infected, causing an average of226,000 hospitalizations and 36,000deaths annually.

“Anyone can become ill from the fluvirus, but there are particular groupswho are more vulnerable to the illness.Pregnant women and those youngerthan five or older than 65 are at a par-ticularly high risk. Those with chronicheart, lung, kidney, liver, blood or met-abolic diseases, or a weakened immunesystem are also at high risk,” said MajTroy Baker, 779th Medical Group Chiefof Allergy Services.

The timing of flu activity is unpre-dictable and varies each flu season.Flu activity most commonly peaks inthe U.S. during winter months, but fluillness can occur at any time.

“Influenza vaccine is updated ev-

ery year to best match the predictedcirculating virus strains. Individualswith an egg allergy should see theirprimary care manager or an allergyprovider prior to receiving the vaccine,”said Baker.

Please take advantage of this oppor-tunity to receive your flu vaccine nowand protect yourself and your lovedones.

For more information call the FluLine at 240-857-7426 or contact the Al-lergy/Immunology and ImmunizationsClinic at 240-857-7427.

The flu vaccine is the best protection

AIR FORCE PHOTO/STAFF SGT. JARIMARIS GARCIA

Chief Master Sgt. Michelle R. Thor-steinson-Richards, command chief forthe 79th Medical Wing received herflu mist on Sept. 25, 2014 by Staff Sgt.Sierra Johnson from 779th MedicalGroup Immunization Services Clinic.The flu vaccine is mandatory for allmilitary members and must be admin-istered no later than Dec. 15.

THE CAPITAL WHEEL GOES PINK

PHOTO/BOBBY JONES

The Capital Wheel Goes Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month The NationalHarbor’s iconic 180-foot, 42-climate controlled gondola Capital Wheel lit up thePotomac River waterfront with pink lights on Oct. 10-13 in observance of BreastCancer Awareness month. The Capital Wheel donated a portion of the ticket pro-ceeds to the INOVA Life With Cancer Family Center for all guests wearing pinkclothing or wearing a pink ribbon.

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BY MASTER SGT. TAM-MIE MOORE

AIR FORCE DISTRICT OFWASHINGTON PUBLIC AF-

FAIRS

The 2014 CombinedFederal Campaign hasbegun, providing mem-bers of the National Capi-tal Region the chance toconveniently donate tointernational, regionaland now even hometowncharities.

“The CFC is a greatprogram and this year ithas gotten even better,”said Master Sgt. AlfredToney AFDW CFC coor-dinator. “In the past youcould only support CFCcharities in the regionyou currently lived in,but that limitation is nowgone. Through Univer-sal Giving, you can nowsupport charities outside

of your donation region.Now you can continuefunding CFC-approvedorganizations you aidedat prior assignments. You

can even donate to a CFC-approved organization inyour hometown.”

More than 2,700 lo-cal, national and inter-

national charitable orga-nizations participate inthe CFC, which requiresparticipating charities tomeet established stan-dards and pass annualreviews.

“Charities that applyto receive funds throughthe CFC are required tosubmit an extensive re-view of their financial andgovernment practices pri-or to acceptance,” accord-ing to the CFC webite.“This eligibility review

has helped set standardsfor participation in givinginitiatives that transcendthe community.”

These organizationsrange from charities de-signed to help make achild’s last wish cometrue to those that supportstruggling veterans.

Donating to a CFCcharity has never beensimpler according toToney.

“There is no need tofill out a paper form any-

more,” said Toney, whoworks in AFDW currentand future operations.“You simply can go onlineand process your dona-tion. In fact, making adonation electronicallysaves CFC processing feesand Universal Donationscan only be made online.”

To obtain a director-ate’s donation code, con-tact a CFC representa-tive. For more informa-tion about CFC, visitwww.cfcnca.org.

CFC offers chance to support charities across nation

U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO/STAFF SGT. MATT DAVIS

Senior Airman Daniel Spaulding, Air Force District ofWashington contracting specialist, participate in a 5KFun Run to kick off the Combined Federal CampaignOct. 6 on Joint Base Andrews. The National CapitalArea CFC runs Oct. 6 through Nov. 17 raising moneyfor a variety of charity organizations.

Nights Campaign,’” Tay-lor said.

Chaplain KendalWade encouraged domes-tic violence victims tobreak their silence. Herecited Romans 12: 2, be-fore reminding domesticviolence victims “it is notyour fault.” Some womenwho attended the eventnear the County Admin-istration Building helpedto reduce the stigma ofspeaking up by wearingpurple hats and cloth-ing items to offer a mes-sage of hope. They oncewalked a journey that in-volved domestic violence,although the bulk of theexperience is now behindthem.

“I wanted to be herebecause I wanted toproudly wear my sweat-shirt and have a face tothis epidemic. We quicklytalk about HIV, we talkabout breast cancer, wetalk about colonosco-pies. As soon as we wantto talk about domesticviolence, we’re shunned,we’re quieted. I’m hereto be out and proud thatI am here and that I sur-vived an abusive attackfrom an abuser,” PennyC. Nicholas said.

Carolyn Bell Murphyfounded an organizationbased in Upper Marl-boro that helps domes-tic violence victims to“exercise independencewhen the need arises.”Murphy supports womenwho may benefit from ex-

ploring employment op-tions, receiving scholasticscholarships, temporaryhousing and other re-sources when they striveto escape abusive rela-tionships.

“I’m here representingWomen of Excellence Inc.It’s an organization that Istarted 16 years ago afterI left my abuser. I am soexcited about the launchtonight. I hope that wecan keep this momentumgoing,” Murphy said.

Other recurring mes-sages that were evidentincluded the need to stopblaming domestic vio-lence victims, the need totreat domestic violenceas a community problemand taking steps to inter-vene.

“To rid our commu-nity of domestic violence,we must be active at thepoint where we can besuccessful at prevention.That is where you and Icome in as a community.We must not be reluctantto communicate aboutdomestic violence,” Sher-iff Melvin C. High said.“We must be an exampleat work and at play ofhealthy relationships, sothat our young peoplesee and know that theonly good friendship is ahealthy friendship.”

Betty Hager Francis,the deputy chief adminis-trative officer for CountyExecutive Rushern BakerIII, applauded the sherifffor having the first Pur-ple Nights event in thestate of Maryland.

“The county executive

is working very collab-oratively with all of ourpublic safety agencies— including the sheriff,the state’s attorney, andof course our police de-partment, together withour health and humanservices agencies to re-ally stem the tide of do-mestic violence in PrinceGeorge’s County,” Francissaid. “Domestic violencehas no place here. Thefamily is supposed to bea place where people aresupposed to be safe andhappy, not where theyhave to be afraid.”

The Family CrisisCenter of Prince George’sCounty provides com-prehensive domestic vio-lence services for countyresidents and partnerswith Prince George’sCounty Office of theSherriff. The center runsthe only shelter in thecounty that is devotedexclusively to victims ofdomestic violence andtheir children. Accord-ing to Shirley Shreffler,Director of Family CrisisCenter, statistics predictthat one in four womenwill be abused by theirintimate partner in theirlifetime.

“If you want to see theface of domestic violence,take a look around you.Look at the woman thatis standing to the rightof you, to the left of you,in front of you or behindyou. These are the facesof domestic violence. Itaffects all of us,” Shref-fler said.

PURPLE, from page 1

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really needed to happen. I designed my organizationbased on the skills I had from military which weretraining, recruiting, as well as wellness.

“What helped me, tremendously, was that I had pre-pared 10 years out -- my career was based on what Iwas going to do when I left the military. I designed it; Ijust created a career path. I knew the things I wantedto study and prepared myself so when I got out I couldbe a Realtor.”

Petty would later take her training and experi-ence as a Realtor® and help others to make their waythrough the maze of the market.

“Being a Realtor, I kept having women come to mewith financial issues. I became a housing counselor; sothat was biggest motivator ... I then started volunteer-ing. The housing market had just plummeted; peoplewere struggling wondering what they were going to do.Again, it was people not being prepared; so I took thechallenge to learn about it because no one had answerson what to do.While I was doing that I recognized a lotof veterans were coming up to me.To me this was whereour market was so overlooked.We’re not being educatedin our position … when you’re a vet and you go overseasfighting a war and your spouse is unable to handle theoverload it becomes very stressful.

“I wanted to learn that part and the more I sawthat it was veterans that were really being involvedand affected. I just felt I needed to do something. Istarted out having foreclosure prevention summitsfor women veterans and women in military families.Then women kept coming to me with different issues… I spoke with my mentor with whom I was a re-cruiter, and he told me ‘Wanda there really is a prob-lem with women veterans’ -- because he worked atMCVET (Maryland Center for Veteran Education andTraining) in Baltimore -- and he told me there wasa problem with women veterans becoming homeless.And, I just couldn’t imagine it; and I just put two andtwo together -- with the war that was going on andthe trauma they were experiencing and just work-ing with them in the housing sector, not being ableto handle that I could kind of imagine why. So I feltthere was something I needed to do and it just kindof evolved from that aspect.”

The pieces of the puzzle kept coming together, “I dovea little deeper into it; and, because of my backgroundin human resources management, I started research-ing about employment and veterans. And that’s whereI really got started with the National Resource Society

for Women Resources. Employment just kind of keptringing up time and time again.”

In her experiences she recognized often the problemwas financial, with problems stemming mostly throughlack of employment.

“I felt if I brought a solution to that piece of the em-ployment for the vets, we would be able to help themprogress. There have been quite a few that have beenemployed through the system I have worked previously,using my network. I’m in the process of honing thatsystem and Employ Vets stemmed from that. It’s a hu-man resource management company geared strictlyto helping veterans make that transition and placingthem with companies that want to hire veterans.” Pettywas recognized for her work in helping to develop thisbusiness being named a Count Me In award recipientfor Employ Vets.

The organization has serviced more than 1,000 wom-en with clothing, resume translation, connecting to jobs;more than 50 women last year alone were employed byjust connecting to employers. “I created my organiza-tion with helping to get employment, housing and toprepare training for starting a business or getting re-sumes together and finding another job,” Petty said.

NRSWV’s focus is not just job search and financialissues, but rather a holistic approach.

“The mind is important, the transformation of mindwhen reintegrating back into society. It is a differentmindset than just going duty station to duty station-- different mindset. You never had to interview for ajob when you get to a duty station in the military; youknow what your next job is and knew you were goingto get paid but when you leave the military it’s a bigdifference. When leaving the military you didn’t knowwhere you were going to go and if there was going to bea paycheck.

“I wanted to help them through the process to helpthem figure out what is it they could do to move for-ward,” Petty said.

“We hold food banks.We have resources; we connectto community partners in the area and around the na-tion.We have women in Florida,Washington state, Tex-as, Ohio, all over the world -- even overseas. They callus and we connect them to our vast network of partnersin communities nationwide. We are able to refer themto those resources. They can feel they are connected.”

NRSWV currently has a program underway calledB.R.I.D.GE.S. – a seven-point transitional program that“helps women discover the vision for their future: buildresiliency; be inspired; design her life; gain knowledgeof opportunities, employ her, and support with keepingher family safe.”

The program consists of “conference calls and onlineservices. So anyone from anywhere can connect to itbecause it’s limiting when it’s put in one area... Everymonth you receive a free coaching call, must be member,but that level is free. There is a paid membership thatallows for additional coaching sessions but base mem-ber ship is free. That call will help give you direction, aswell as an assessment.”

Coaching is provided by certified life and careercoaches from the Coaching Confederation.

“We want to help get them from where they are towhere they want to be.”

“Jobs will be placed in the woman veteran’s careernetwork vets; all members have access to career thenetwork -- that is completely free. They can receive freetraining in project management, procurement training,as well as have access to logistics training.”

As the organization looks toward the future, they arealways looking for avenues in which to help this par-ticular part of the veteran population.

“This year we held a resource expo – SHE VETResource Expo. There were employers and local com-munity resources along with three guest speakers andworkshops; and we are currently working on the nextone planned for May. It is a combination of everythingwe do all in one location at one time. We are looking totake it on road -- Atlanta, LA, and of course in Wash-ington, DC.”

A Resiliency Retreat for Women Veterans’ retreatwill occur on Saturday and Sunday on the campusof Howard University. It is geared to help those thathave experienced trauma, loss, grief, or are experi-encing transition and don’t know how to handle it.“To help them become awaken; to let go of the thingsthat might be holding them back,” Petty explained.(For more information, www.whiteswansconsulting.com)

The organization is currently seeking volunteers; afew needs are administrative, case manager, certifiedcoaches, a photographer, someone to handle the socialnetworking that can get word out, writers for the blogand a magazine soon to publish.

All skills are needed, Petty added, “Anyone who hasa heart and passion for this, can’t do this unless havepassion and heart passionate about wanting to help sis-terhood grow and keep their children safe and help heracknowledge herself so she can be her best.”

For more information or to volunteer, visit NRSWV.org or email [email protected] .

VETERANS, from page 1

BY SSGT THERESA MATHIS779TH MDG PUBLIC HEALTH TECHNICIAN

The 779th Aerospace Medicine Squadron, PublicHealth Flight recently identified mosquitos infectedwith the West Nile Virus (WNV) in samples of watertaken at Joint Base Andrews.

The WNV is a potentially serious illness caused bythe bite of an infected mosquito. Symptoms includefever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting,diarrhea, or rash.

Less than one percent of infected people will de-velop a serious or fatal, neurologic illness. In extremecases, the WNV can cause encephalitis, an infectionof the brain.

“The good news is that most people infected withWNV will never show any symptoms and the con-dition will resolve on its own. Individuals with acompromised immune system are more susceptibleto the disease. In the event a person does developsymptoms, they should report to the nearest emer-gency room,” said Maj. Carl Erickson, 779th Aero-space Medicine Squadron, Public Health Flight Com-mander.

The best way to avoid being infected is throughprevention.

Apply 30 percent DEET insect repellent on ex-

West Nile Virus identifiedin mosquitos at JBA

see WEST NILE, page 910500301043152


BY ANDREABLACKSTONESTAFF WRITER

Operation WeddingGown is a nationwideevent that is underwayto help military brides inneed to receive free wed-ding gowns. The nonprof-it organization, BridesAcross America (BAM),partners with bridal sa-lons like Lefty’s Bridal& Boutique, twice a yearto help address uniquechallenges that can makeplanning a wedding dif-ficult for servicemen andservicewomen.

Lefty’s Bridal & Bou-tique, located at The Bou-levard at the Capital Cen-tre, is playing a role inmaking weddings dreamsof military brides-to-bebecome a reality on Nov.15, free of charge. BAMhandles event registra-tion, before contactingLefty’s Bridal & Boutiquewith names of partici-pants who will receive adonated bridal gown atthe bridal salon locationin Prince George’s Coun-ty.

Additionally, any-one can donate weddinggowns for military brides-to-be, but they must to bein good condition and canbe dropped off as soon aspossible at Lefty’s Bridal& Boutique. Donatedwedding dresses will becleaned and prepared forviewing in November.

“This year, I thought

it was very importantto become involved inthe project,” Lefty said.“We’re always trying todo whatever we can tohelp the community. Themilitary community defi-nitely has a special placein my heart. They dedi-cate so much of their livesto make sure that we’resafe. I feel like we havean obligation to do whatwe can to make themhappy. We have quite abit of brides scheduledfor appointments. Someof the brides-to-be comefrom different places.One young lady called mefrom Guam. They’re call-ing me overseas. I sup-pose they will be in townduring that weekend. Youdon’t have to be from acertain location in orderto participate.”

Lefty has an abun-dance of experience help-ing brides of all sizes findtheir perfect weddingdresses. The entrepre-neur has been in businessfor 30 years. She earneda degree in fashion designand previously workedas a costume designer,before she decided to be-come a part of the bridalindustry.

Lefty created customwedding gowns for Sole,wife of singer-songwriterGinuwine, and for ac-tress Kellie ShanygneWilliams, who formerlyplayed Laura Winslow onthe television show “Fam-ily Matters.” Lefty’s full-

service bridal salon car-ries wedding accessoriesthat brides need for theirbig day. She also providesattire for pageant partici-pants and socialites whowear formal attire.

In addition to Lefty’sexpert knowledge, givingback to military membersand families is extra spe-cial to her because herfather, godfather, father-in-law and a host of oth-er family members andfriends served in the mili-tary. Lefty’s community

involvement has includedsending Christmas cardsto military members andother activities that allowher to thank those whoserve.

Through OperationWedding Gown, Leftyand five other staff mem-bers will help addressthe difficulty of planninga wedding when deploy-ment has been or willbe an intervening fac-tor. BAM requires thatqualified brides or fiancésmust have been deployed

within the past five yearsor have an upcomingdeployment scheduled.Other qualifiers requirethat brides must plan awedding in the next 18months, or have had acivil ceremony and areplanning a formal event.

Lefty’s Bridal & Bou-tique will offer additionalbridal support on Nov. 15.Participating vendors willprovide additional servic-es at her bridal salon toenhance the overall expe-rience of each bride-to-be.

“Other services are go-ing to be given away aswell. We have a florist.The seamstress at mystore is going to donatealteration services. Wehave a couple of give-aways that we’re doing.

The brides are so excited.A lot of the brides haveexpressed their apprecia-tion, because they will beable to receive the gownof their dreams and it’sfree,” Lefty said.

Brides-to-be who areregistered with BAM be-fore Nov. 15 may havemore dress size and colorselections options – dueto the ability to plan fortheir arrival – althoughLefty will try to accommo-date individuals who findout about the event late.

Qualified participantsmay attend the event,although registration isstill required. A $20.00tax-deductible donationthat participants pay toBAM covers the cost ofregistration for each par-ticipating bride-to-be, al-though individuals whoare experiencing financialhardship may contact theorganization to discusswaving the fee.

Potential participantsmay review a list of quali-fications and instructionsvia www. Bridesacrossa-merica.com/qualify.html.Lefty’s Bridal & Boutiqueis located at 801E Shop-pers Way in Upper Marl-boro, Maryland. Learnmore about Lefty’s Bridal& Boutique by visitingwww.leftysbridal.com.Call 301-420-2922 or findLefty’s Bridal & Boutiqueon Facebook via www.facebook.com/leftysbrid-al2 to receive OperationWedding Gown updates.

Military brides-to-be will receive free wedding gowns in November

PHOTO/JACKIE HICKS

A customer of Lefty’s Bridal & Boutique is photo-graphed in her wedding gown along with her husband.

PHOTO/JACKIE HICKS

Lefty and her husband,Tai-Rhon McBride, havebeen business partnersfor 30 years. Lefty’s Bridal& Boutique is a family-owned business locatedin Prince George’s Coun-ty. The couple partneredwith Brides Across Amer-ica (BAM) to help providefree wedding gowns forqualified military brides-to-be on Nov. 15.

10431591043156


BY AIRMAN 1ST CLASSRYAN J. SONNIER

11TH WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS

The Marine TransportSquadron Andrews bas beenhosting a joint professionalmilitary education course onJoint Base Andrews, Oct. 5-18.

The Corporals Course wasdesigned to provide studentsthe basic knowledge andskills necessary to be success-ful small-unit leaders. Thiscourse is focused around in-structor mentoring throughapplication, instead of rolememorization and testing. AllE-4 service members than canpass an official Marine CorpsPhysical Fitness Test, are eli-gible to attend the course.

“All services have uniquecapabilities and cultures thatthey bring to the joint team,and the Corporals Course edu-cates these young leaders onthe importance of integratingthese strengths into a unifiedand cohesive team” Col. BradHoagland, JBA/11th Wingcommander, said. “Military op-erations increasingly requirethat service-members work ina joint environment, both herein the National Capital Regionas well as across the joint ex-

peditionary environment thatwe operate in.”

Hoagland believes that with

more than 17,000 people work-ing and living on JBA, it isnecessary that all members re-

ceive appropriate training andeducation for the joint force tooperate more effectively.

“This is an exciting andchallenging course that teach-es new Corporals basic Ma-rine Corps leadership skills,”Sgt. Christopher Doyal, MTSAtraining chief, said. “Studentswill receive at least 125 hoursin lectures, guided discussionsand practical application inwarfighting, career progres-sion, land navigation, swordand guidon manual, promotionsystems and much more.”

As the chief instructor, Doy-al is entrusted with being arole model and mentor to helpmold students for future lead-ership roles.

“In the Marine Corps, westress the importance of the‘Strategic Corporal’ - a Corpo-ral who understands the mis-sion and is capable of makingtactical decisions,” Doyal said.“Marine Corporals lead fromthe front; instilling leadershipand confidence in young lead-ers is what this course is allabout.”

Students will be evaluated,throughout the course, in amastery/non-mastery design.To get a mastery score, the

student needs to earn an 80percent, or better, on the writ-ten exams.

The course will end with aMarine Corps obstacle course,land navigation and a fieldmess night. The next morningwill consist of a run, followedby a graduation that evening.

“It is a challenging coursethat will get everyone out oftheir comfort zones - mentallyand physically,” Doyal said.“Each graduate will have moreto offer his or her commandingofficer.”

Upon completion of thecourse, graduates will havethe skills to become leaderswithin their units.

“It is an accomplishment tocomplete one of the most de-manding leadership coursesthe U.S. Marine Corps offersto junior enlisted at local com-mands,” Sgt. John Reppert,MTSA operations chief, said.“I feel that these memberscan help spread the lessonslearned on leadership andhave an understanding thatthe rank they hold is morethan just a pay-grade; it is aprivilege in becoming a ju-nior leader within their com-mands.”

Marines host Joint PME Course

U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO/AIRMAN 1ST CLASS RYAN J. SONNIER

Sgt. Jerald Scandrett, Marine Transport Squadron Andrews’administration chief, instructs students on the proper move-ments of a guidon during sword and guidon training Oct. 9 atJoint Base Andrews. The students are from three different units;MTSA, Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 452, and theFleet Logistics Support Squadron 1. The training is part of thefirst joint Corporals Course here. It is designed to provide stu-dents with the knowledge and skills necessary to be successfulsmall-unit leaders.

1043237

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dcmilitary comH


was lying on the bed with a pitiful lookof terror, because he had no idea whatwas going on.

After the first treatment, I cut myhair short in preparation for it fallingout, and because my head ached likeneedles were being stabbed into myscalp. After the second treatment, myhair did start falling out. I could lit-erally run my hands through my hairand clumps would be in-between myfingers.

During the five months of chemo, Inever felt as bad as that first night,but the nausea stuck around anddrugs never fully helped the queasi-ness go away. In fact, the only thingI could find to help my nausea waseating, and thankfully, I never had is-sues with food tasting like metal, asso many chemo patients do. However,because food was the only remedy thathelped my nausea, I gained weight.The five months of steroids didn’t helpeither.

Throughout eight treatments of che-mo, I went through a cycle of feelinglike crap during “chemo week,” thenstarting to feel better the next weekonly to shock my body with a treat-ment, starting the process over again.The further along in my treatments Igot, the fewer “good days” I had.

I finished chemotherapy May 9 andstarted the process of reconstructionin September. Though the big fight isover, I still have the fight of gettingback in shape and losing the weightI gained as a result of the drugs. This

will help me pass my physical fitnesstest and not lose the technical ser-geant stripe I was selected for.

When I found out I had cancer, I wasleft with a couple of decisions. First, doI stay in the Air Force or get out? Thatdecision was easy to make; I love theAir Force and my job and knew I want-ed to stay in. Second, do I stay in Eng-land, go back to the U.S. to be treatedat Walter Reid, or fly home to Hawaiiwhere my parents lived and be treatedat Tripler Army Medical Center? Thiswas a tougher decision.

I loved being in England and the“family” I had there, however, nothingcould come close to being with my par-ents, who I knew I would need. I even-tually went with the Hawaii option,and my leadership in England workedvery hard to get me here, despite thegovernment shutdown going on at thetime. And really, who doesn’t want togo through something like this on abeautiful, tropical island?

Having living proof of a breast can-cer survivor in front of me, I was ableto draw comfort from my mom, as shehad gone through the experience about11 years before at Tripler. My dad wasmy constant companion throughoutchemo; he took me to every treatmentand kept me company. By my side tocuddle with me after each treatmentwas my trusted dog, Captain JackSparrow. I really could not have sur-vived chemo without him!

Throughout the whole experience, Ihave tried to remain positive; it’s partof who I am. I’m the type of personwho always tries to find something tomake me smile or crack jokes to liftthe mood. I’m the type of person who

finds that “silver lining” in life. I’m thetype of person who doesn’t give up andkeeps on fighting. It never occurred tome to be any other way. I never for onesecond thought I wasn’t going to sur-vive cancer.

There’s no way I personally couldhave gone through this whole ordealwithout my faith in God. God is thereason I was positive, and God gaveme the strength to weather the storm.

As I reflect back on this past year,I’m thankful I can still wake up in themorning and go to work, hang out withfriends and enjoy the company of myfamily. I’m a firm believer of the man-tra, “Everything happens for a reason,”so I find it interesting that I was di-agnosed with breast cancer during themonth of October, which happens tobe National Breast Cancer AwarenessMonth.

As we move into this month, takethe time to learn your family historyand the risks and symptoms of breastcancer. According to the AmericanCancer Society, about one in eightwomen in the U.S. are diagnosed withbreast cancer in their lifetime.

The National Cancer Institutestates that five to 10 percent of breastcancer cases can be linked to gene mu-tations. For those who have the BRCA1gene, the risk for breast cancer beforeage 70 is 55 to 65 percent; it’s 45 to 47percent for BRCA2.

This is why early detection is key.Johns Hopkins Medical reported,

“40 percent of diagnosed breast can-cers are detected by women who feel alump, so establishing a regular breastself-exam is very important.”

In order for self-exams to be useful,you should be familiar with your body,specifically in regards to look and feel.This will help alert you to any changesthat could potentially be cancer.

Breast self-exams are only the be-ginning for early detection.

The U.S. Preventative Services TaskForce recommends women 40 andolder get a mammogram every one totwo years, and women under 40 whohave a family history of breast cancershould talk with their health care pro-fessional about screening.

According to the National CancerInstitute, “when breast cancer is de-tected early, the five-year survival rateis 98 percent.”

I don’t know about you, but I’mhopeful with these odds!

However, breast cancer isn’t limitedto women. According to the AmericanCancer Society, the lifetime risk formen in the U.S. to develop breast can-cer is one in 1,000. The organizationalso estimated more than 2,000 menwere diagnosed with invasive breastcancer in 2011.

From the moment the words wereuttered, I never had a doubt I wouldn’tsurvive and come out the other sidewinning. I now join the estimated 2.8million breast cancer survivors in theU.S. I am a survivor.

COMMENTARY, from page 2

posed skin when you are outside anduse permethrin based sprays to treatyour uniforms and clothes. Keep win-dows and doors closed unless they areprotected by a screen.

In addition, eliminate areas ofstanding water around your homesuch as bird baths, flower pots, gut-ters, garden equipment, toy pools,etc. to reduce the chance of mosquitosbreeding in these areas.

For more information call the JointBase Andrews Public Health office at(240) 857-5498 or visit the Centers forDisease Control and Prevention web-site at: http://www.cdc.gov/westnile/.

WEST NILE, from page 6

Mosquitos have been identified asbeing infected with the West Nile Virusin samples of water taken at Joint BaseAndrews. In the event a person doesdevelop symptoms, they should reportto the nearest emergency room. WestNile Virus is a potentially serious illnesscaused by the bite of an infected mos-quito. Symptoms include fever, head-ache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting,diarrhea, or rash.

1043158

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1043157


BY BOBBY JONESSTAFF PHOTOJOURNALIST

More than 40 Montgomery Countyresidents benefited from a “50+ VitalLiving Through Volunteering Work-shop” presented at the Silver SpringLibrary Oct. 6.

The hour-long workshop presentedlocal county residents with volunteeropportunities.

The federal grant program wassponsored jointly by the Silver SpringLibrary, Vital Living Network (VLN),Jewish Living for the Aging and theMontgomery County Volunteer Center(MCVC).

Kathleen Stobie, Retired and SeniorVolunteer Program (RSVP) director, atthe Montgomery County Center wasamong the guest speakers.

“RSVP is a federal program, which ispart of Senior Core and I get to workwith people age 55 and better, lookingfor volunteer opportunities,” Stobie said.“What we do is partner with 30 differentnon-profit organizations in MontgomeryCounty, so when people come to me look-ing for volunteer opportunities, my firstpath is to direct them to my partners.”

Stobie explained that participantswho don’t find a particular volunteerproject of interest during the workshopcould try logging into the MontgomeryCounty Volunteer Center website, whichhas a searchable data base of more than800 registered non-profit organizationsfor additional options. The center alsohas advisers on the staff to help volun-

teers with selecting a non-profit orga-nization to which to donate their time.During her presentation Stobie gavelessons on how to access and search thedata base.

She noted, “The website is not justlimited to people 50 plus, however, thisparticular workshop is only for people

50 plus, because it is being partiallysponsored by the Vital Living Network.The VLN is a group of senior-facingindividuals who are trying to look forways to keep resident seniors vital inMontgomery County so they will con-tinue to live and retire here,” Stobiesaid. “So that’s part of the goal of theVLN, to make this community attractiveso people will want to stay here for alifetime. I’m biased, because I feel thatone way to remain vital is to volunteer.”

Deborah Missal, Montgomery CountyCenter Pro Bono Consult Program Man-ager, targeted audience members’ whomight have specialized skills to offer thecenter.

“Say for instance, you might be a re-tired accountant, who wants to donateyour accounting skills; and we have anon-profit organization in need thatsends us projects…What we would do ismatch the two of you up,” Missal said.

Missal noted the MCVC receivesseveral volunteers who are in betweenjobs, have time on their hands, and haveprofessional training and expertise.“We advise them if they take on a probono consultant project, they can putit on their resume. It helps to bridgethat gap in their resume, while show-ing a potential employer their initiativeand also keeps their skills from gettingrusty in the interim,” Missal said. “Thevalue of volunteering goes past just do-ing something good for someone else.”

Shelley Casy, a Montgomery Countyresident, who recently relocated fromFlorida, was impressed with the volun-

teer workshop. “I was impressed thatthere are so many volunteer opportuni-ties available in this county, in termsof targeting people over 50,” Casy said.“I would have thought there would bemore organizations like this in Florida.I have volunteered my entire life, invarious capacities, including clothingsupport, school-based support, advocacyplanning, advisory boards and commu-nity volunteerism. I feel that volun-teerism is vital to the community. That’swhy I’m here.”

Dave Silverman, a retired Verizontechnician noted, “This will be my firsttime looking at volunteering. I’m justtrying to find something that interestsme. It looks like they have a lot of infor-mation available here today.”

During the workshop, the speak-ers covered a wide range of long- andshort-term volunteer opportunities forthe participants, including animal shel-ters, meals on wheels, medical facilities,mentoring or tutoring students, packingbag lunches at shelters, donating skilledlabor to time-sensitive projects or mak-ing quilts for a Hospice along with nu-merous other opportunities.

At the conclusion, the workshop wasfollowed by a question-and-answer ses-sion for participants. Various informa-tion pamphlets on volunteering werealso made available.

For more information about vol-unteering opportunities visit: www.montgomeryserves.org, Email: [email protected] or call:(240)777-2600.

Montgomery County supports 50+ Vital Living Through Volunteering Workshop

PHOTO/BOBBY JONES

Kathleen Stobie, Retired and SeniorVolunteer Program director, Mont-gomery County Volunteer Center,addresses a room of potential volun-teers during a ‘50+: Vital Living ThroughVolunteering Workshop’ presented atthe Silver Spring Library Oct. 6.


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