Soundoff November 20, 2014

Final wishWife’s request reunites veteran with son buried at Meade

page 4

UPCOMinG EVEnTsFriday, 7 P.M.: Karaoke Night - The LanessaTUrday, 8 a.M.: Turkey Trot 5K Run & 1-Mile Walk - Murphy Field HousenOV. 27, 11 a.M.-1 P.M. & 2:30-4:30 P.M.: Thanksgiving Day Buffet - Club MeadenOV. 27, 11 a.M.-2 P.M.: Thanksgiving Day Meal - Freedom InndEC. 12, 5 P.M.-6 P.M.: Holiday Tree Lighting - Parade Field

naTiOns UniTECeremony honors German and Italian POW’s buried at Meade

page 3

Soundoff!́vol. 66 no. 46 Published in the interest of the Fort Meade community november 20, 2014

Show oF appreciation

Photo by Daniel Kucin Jr.

Children enjoy carnival rides during Military Family Appreciation Day on nov. 8 at the Child, Youth and School Services Sports Complex. The event was sponsored by the Fort Meade Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation as part of Military Family Appreciation Month. For more, see Page 12.

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil� SOUNDOFF! November 20, 2014

Commander’s Column

Cont ent sNews............................. 3 Sports...................................14

CrimeWatch............... 11 Movies..................................17

Community................. 15 Classified..............................20

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Soundoff!́Guaranteed circulation:

11,285As we enjoy the last vestiges of this year’s

beautiful fall foliage and head out the door each day into the brisk, clear, autumn air, we are vividly reminded that we are quickly approaching the holiday season — the time of year when we give thanks for our many bless-ings, and also give to others in a spirit of love and fellowship.

The annual season of giving through the Combined Federal Campaign has been underway since Sept. 15. This year’s theme is “Together We Serve, Together We Give,” which is indicative of the inherent commitment we as federal employees display daily to our country, our peers and our communities.

CFC provides us with an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those in need — to help sustain community, state, national and international health, educational, environ-mental and human services.

For more than 50 years, through contribu-tions to the CFC, federal employees in the Chesapeake Bay area have supported wounded warriors, responded to disasters, supported medical research, fed the hungry, housed the homeless, cared for animals, strengthened com-munities, and supported other acts of charity and goodwill.

Last year, in one of the most unpredictable fiscal climates in a generation, our Chesapeake Bay Area Campaign was simply amazing. We endured crippling government furloughs and a complete government shutdown, but we more than proved our resiliency as federal profes-sionals by raising more than $6 million for CFC charities.

This was the third largest total of all CFC regions in the United States.

This year’s campaign offers more choices than ever through “Universal Giving,” which expands the number of charities represented to more than 24,000. Universal Giving offers the opportunity for federal personnel in our campaign area to not only pledge to CFC charities in our local community, but also pledge to CFC charities in other local com-munities as well.

If you are interested in donating to a hometown cause or any of a variety of chari-ties throughout the U.S., you now have the opportunity to do so. Those local charities approved outside of our campaign area will not be printed in this year’s guide, but are easily searchable on our website at cbacfc.org, using the “Charity Search” feature.

One doesn’t have to go far to find people in need. Many of our family members, friends and neighbors will, at some point, benefit from the services of charities participating in the CFC. Whether it’s advances in medical research, support for our aging parents, the

environment, or support for the families of our injured and fallen warriors, we all have some-thing to gain by supporting the program.

When we think about CFC, we should think about community. The CFC acronym also translates to “Caring for Community.” Wheth-er it’s local, regional, national or international, the fabric of our giving is kneaded together by community. When we give through the CFC, we are caring for our communities — no mat-ter where they are.

As we head into the second and final leg of this year’s campaign, I encourage the leaders of our outstanding Fort Meade garrison to emphasize CFC in their communications in support of our efforts to achieve 100 percent contact: to provide the outstanding federal, military and contract employees on our gar-rison an opportunity to give to the charity of their choice.

Our 26th president, Theodore Roosevelt, issued these insightful words in a Thanksgiv-ing proclamation over a century ago: “Let us remember that, as much has been given us, much will be expected from us, and that true homage comes from the heart as well as from the lips, and shows itself in our deeds.”

“Together we serve, together we give.”

Editor’s note: Col. Jeremy Martin is the cam-paign chairman of the Chesapeake Bay Area Combined Federal Campaign.

’tis the season For Giving

Col. Jeremy m. martin DinFoS Commandant

Commander’s Open DoorGarrisonCommanderCol.BrianP.Foley

hasanopendoorpolicy.All service members, retirees, govern-

mentemployees,familymembersorcom-munitymembersage18orolderareinvitedtoaddressissuesorconcernstothecom-mander directly by visiting Foley’s officeon Mondays from 4 to 6 p.m. at garrisonheadquarters in Hodges Hall, Bldg. 4551,LlewellynAvenue.

Visitorsareseenona first-come, first-served basis. No appointment is neces-sary.

For more information, call 301-677-4844.

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil November 20, 2014 SOUNDOFF! �

News

By Lisa R. RhodesStaff Writer

In September 1943, the first shipment of more than 1,500 Italian and 58 German prisoners of World War II arrived at Fort Meade for internment.

According to the Fort Meade Museum, at times Camp Meade housed more than 2,000 POWs.

By the end of the war, two Italian POWs and 33 German POWs were buried in the Main Post Cemetery.

On Sunday, Fort Meade acknowledged these service members during its annual German and Italian Wreath-Laying Cer-emony.

In his remarks, Garrison Commander Col. Brian P. Foley said that at the time the POWs were buried, they were consid-ered enemies.

“But it is far more accurate to say that our nation was in conflict with their lead-ers than we were in conflict with these men — these soldiers and sailors who are buried here,” Foley said.

The solemn event was held as part of Volkstrauertag, the German National Day of Mourning, a public holiday in Germany observed two Sundays before the first day of Advent. The holiday commemorates all those who died in armed conflicts or as the victims of violent oppression.

Since 2011, honoring the POWs who died at Fort Meade has been a joint cer-emony.

The 30-minute event took place in chilly weather, with the Defense Information School Joint Color Guard posting and retiring the colors. Garrison Chaplain (Col.) Warren Kirby gave the invocation and the benediction.

Trooper 1st Class Jenna Turner, bugler for the Maryland State Police, played Taps at the end of the event. A luncheon was later held at Club Meade.

Prior to the ceremony, members of the Fort Meade German Wives’ Club placed daisies and carnations on the German graves, as well as German flags. Two Italian flags were displayed at the respec-tive graves of the Italian POWs as well. Honoring the German POWs has become a key activity for the club.

During the ceremony, Foley spoke of the shared truce between the United States, Germany and Italy that exists today.

“Those of us who are service men and women of all branches share a bond that does not know national borders,” he said. “We share a bond of selfless service towards our fellow citizens, a bond of

sacrifice, and often a bond of suffering that brings all men and women together — regardless of language, nationality or government.”

Foley said that today, the United States, Germany and Italy are united in a com-mon cause, as he did when he served alongside Italian and German service members in the mountains of Afghanistan in 2002.

“Today we fight together as brothers and sisters in arms, dedicated to keeping our world safe from terrorism and mind-less ideology,” Foley said.

According to the Fort Meade Museum website, the German and Italian POWS worked on farmland in the surrounding area and built bridges on post.

The most prominent of those buried on the installation is Werner Henke, a Ger-man submariner. The captain is the sole German navy officer buried along with the enlisted German soldiers.

At the time that Henke’s U-boat was sunk by U.S. forces on April 9, 1944, he was the leading U-boat ace of active U-boat commanders. Henke, who was captured by U.S. naval forces, was shot while trying to escape from a secret inter-rogation center at Fort Hunt, Va.

Capt. Juergen Looft, German military attaché, said the German National Day

of Mourning is “a day of silence and contemplation, one of sympathy and com-miseration.”

He said the day is set aside to remember the victims of violence and war — chil-dren, women and men of all nations.

“We remember the soldiers who died in the two world wars and the people who lost their lives through acts of war as prisoners, expellees or refugees,” Looft said. “We remember those who were per-secuted and killed because they belonged to another nation or to another race or whose lives were not deemed worth living owing to illness or disability.”

Col. Rodolfo Sganga, Italian military attaché, said that as an Italian soldier it was an honor to pay tribute to his fallen Italian comrades and “to pay respect to all the soldiers who gave their lives for their countries, for their beliefs and for their people, regardless of what flag they were serving.”

Sganga recalled Italy’s history during World War II when “a dictatorship decid-ed to plunge honest and generous people in a tremendous and bloody war.”

He said that during that time, more than 50,000 Italian soldiers were brought to the United States as POWs.

Sganga spoke of peace as a “precious but fragile gift” and said a brief prayer for

Fort Meade pays tribute to German and Italian POWs

Garrison Commander Col. Brian P. Foley (far left); Capt. Juergen Looft, German military attaché; and Col. Rodolfo Sganga, Italian military attaché, participate in Fort Meade’s annual German and Italian Wreath-Laying Ceremony on Sunday. The event acknowledges the 33 German and two Italian prisoners of World War II who are buried in the Main Post Cemetery.photo by nate pesce

both of the Italian POWs buried here.After the remarks, Foley, Looft, Sgan-

ga and Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Rodwell L. Forbes slowly walked to the wreaths representing Germany’s and Ita-ly’s fallen.

Looft and Sganga moved their respec-tive wreaths into place, with help from two foreign exchange students at Arundel High School.

Emelie Plentz, 17, from Germany, and Elena Puddu, 17, from Italy, were invited by the high school to participate in the event.

Plentz said she was grateful that the American people “reach across the Atlan-tic” to build relationships with the Ger-man and Italian people.

She said the study of World War II is “very present” in Germany in order to learn lessons for the future.

Puddu said the ceremony was “a good thing” and an important occasion to meet and honor people from her country.

Maria Vann, vice president of the Ger-man Wives’ Club, said she has been com-ing to Fort Meade for decades to decorate the graves of the POWs.

“It’s a tradition,” Vann said. “I grew up during the war, so it’s important to me.”

Editor’s note: More photos are available at www.flickr.com/photos/ftmeade.


News


Sabina Bubczyk’s request for the burial of her late husband, Spc. Class 5/Sgt. (P) Christian David Bubczyk Sr., was hon-ored Oct. 23 when the garrison conducted a funeral for the veteran at the Main Post Cemetery on Rock Avenue.

The couple’s infant son Jesse Chris-topher was buried in the cemetery on March 31, 1955. Bubczyk was buried with his son.

Bubczyk, a veteran of World War II and the Korean War, was buried with his dog tags and given military honors by Soldiers from the 902nd Military Intel-ligence Group.

Sabina Bubczyk, who was not well enough to attend the funeral, requested that a single rose be placed with her hus-band on her behalf.

Mary Staab, director of the Director-ate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security, which planned and executed the burial, said burial at the Main Post Cemetery is unusual because it has been closed since the late 1960s.

In addition to Bubczyk’s infant son, a number of children of service members are buried in the cemetery.

“The service members and spouses of these children may request and are eli-gible to be buried with their children as subsequent burials, although the cemetery remains closed,” Staab said. “It is only subsequent burials, those associated with someone already buried in the Main Post Cemetery, that are permitted.”

Sabina Bubczyk contacted the garrison and requested the burial for her husband, while also providing the necessary docu-mentation and details for the funeral.

Several garrison organizations helped to coordinate the burial, including the Directorate of Public Works, Casual-ty Assistance Office, Religious Support Office and Headquarters Command Bat-talion.

The last burial at the Main Post Cem-etery took place in the late 1960s.

Veteran buried with infant son in post cemetery

PHOTO BY SPc. LaVance STinSOn

Father (Maj.) George L. Okoth, Fort Meade’s Catholic priest, renders final respect with a solemn salute of farewell to Spc. Class 5/Sgt (P) Christian David Bubczyk Sr. during his funeral on Oct. 23 at the Main Post Cemetery. The veteran of World War II and the Korean War was buried alongside his infant son Jesse Christopher, who was buried in the cemetery on March 31, 1955.

Better Opportunities for Single Service Members is the voice for the single Soldier, Marine, Seaman and Airman. For more information, contact the Fort Meade Garrison BOSS Representative Cpl. Victoria M. Johnson at 301-677-6868.


News

By Mass Communication Spc. 2nd Class David R. Finley Jr.U.S. Fleet Cyber CommandU.S. 10th Fleet Public Affairs

Fort Meade Sailors participated in Habitat for Humanity during the Ches-apeake’s 2014 Veterans Day Build in Baltimore on Nov. 8.

A team of more than 75 active and retired service members from the Bal-timore area, including seven U.S. Fleet Cyber Command/U.S. 10th Fleet Sail-ors, assisted in the reconstruction of 10 homes on McCabe Avenue.

“The Veterans Day Build is a great opportunity for veterans to give back to

the local community,” said Chief Petty Officer Jamie Marlow, FCC/C10F vol-unteer. “I think military volunteers have skills and are willing to work hard to get the job done.”

Marlow strongly supports Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake and has volunteered with the organization for the past four years, he said.

“Volunteering with Habitat for Human-ity invigorates and inspires me to be part of something greater than myself, just like my military service,” Marlow said.

Habitat for Humanity of the Chesa-peake’s mission is to provide individuals and families in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City, Baltimore County and Howard County with the knowledge and opportunity to purchase a decent, afford-able home.

“It is good to give back and let the community know we are committed to helping them,” said Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Carlos Shelmire, an FCC/C10F volunteer.

Sailors build homes for Veterans Day

Photo by Mass CoMMuniCation sPC. 2nd Class david R. Finley JR.

Seaman Khindell Shelley participates in an improvement project for Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake’s 2014 Veterans Day Build in Baltimore on Nov. 8.

Wednesday — DECEMBER 3 — 7PM

Arundel High School Auditorium • Gambrills, Maryland

Saturday — DECEMBER 6 — 7:30PM

Sunday — DECEMBER 7 — 3PM

Meyerhoff Symphony Hall • Baltimore, Maryland

Concert Band & Soldiers’ Choruswith special guests, The Volunteers

Friday — DECEMBER 12 — 7PM

Harford Technical High School - Amoss Center • Bel Air, Maryland

Saturday — DECEMBER 13 — 3PM & 7PM

Centennial High School Auditorium • Ellicott City, Maryland

Jazz Ambassadors

ArmyFieldBand.com • (301) 677-6586

Habitat for Humanity depends on vol-unteers to complete its projects and keep building costs down.

“It is rewarding to know our work on this project will directly support fami-lies in finding affordable housing,” said Seaman Khindell Shelley, FCC/C10F volunteer.

U.S. Fleet Cyber Command reports directly to the chief of naval opera-tions as an Echelon II Command and is responsible for Navy networks, cryp-

tology, signals intelligence, information operations, electronic warfare, cyber and space.

U.S. Fleet Cyber Command serves as the Navy component command to U.S. Strategic Command and U.S. Cyber Command, and the Navy’s service cryp-tologic component commander under the National Security Agency/Central Security Service, exercising operational control of Fleet Cyber Command mis-sion forces through 10th Fleet.

‘It’s good to give back ...’Carlos shelmire navy Petty officer 1st Class



When Dovie Thompson was a child, her grandmother shared with her stories of Native American myths and legends to share with future generations.

Over the years Thompson, who is a Lakota/Kiowa Apache American, studied and taught Native studies and became a professional storyteller.

Thompson recounted her heritage as guest speaker for Fort Meade’s annual National American Indian Heritage Month Observance held Nov. 13 at McGill Train-ing Center.

The hourlong event, sponsored by Fort Meade’s Equal Opportunity Office and the 902nd Military Intelligence Group, also featured a cultural display and catered lunch.

“It was a wonderful event,” said Sgt. 1st Class Thomas Duffner of the 741st MI Battalion. “It was so well done and engaging.”

The observance began with a rendition of the national anthem by Terry R. Click-ner, a special agent with the 902nd MI. The invocation was delivered by Chaplain (Maj.). Rick Stevenson, the chaplain for the unit. Stevenson read a Native Ameri-can prayer translated by Native American Chief Yellowheart.

During her presentation, Thompson dis-cussed her heritage. Her family once lived on the Ogala/Lakota Pine Ridge Indian reservation in South Dakota and later migrated to Chicago.

“I was taught to speak of those who came before,” she said. “Without those who came before, I would not be here and would have nothing to say.”

Thompson said her grandmother, also named Dovie, taught her folktales from her paternal ancestors to teach her about human nature and Native culture.

Her grandmother was the first in the family to speak English, wear American

clothes and live in an American-style home. She married a Scottish-American.

Despite her accommodation of Ameri-can culture, Thompson said her grand-mother “was not American.”

“She said, ‘I have jewelry that is older than this country,’ ” Thompson said of her grandmother. “And she was right. The necklace she gave me when I came of age was 8,000 years old.”

Thompson recalled that as a child, she integrated the public schools in Fort Worth, Texas, but her classmates did not know it.

“Their history books said we were extinct,” Thompson said.

Her grandmother, she said, told her: “Don’t be angry. Teach.”

Thompson earned a bachelor’s degree in Native studies from Rockford University in Illinois and went on to teach high school. She also became a social worker in Native American community centers.

Later, she taught Native studies and Native literature at the University of Hart-ford in Connecticut.

Thompson eventually left formal teach-ing and became a storyteller. She said that her grandmother considered stories to be the “kindest and most respectful way to correct ignorance.”

Thompson then told the audience a folktale about a trickster named the Camp Swallower that disguised itself as a baby in the woods in order to terrify a local Native village.

She also told the story of a spider that disguised itself as a handsome man to steal the wisdom of a village sage.

After she finished, Thompson thanked the service members in the audience for their commitment and sacrifice.

“I want to thank you all for what you do for this land,” Thompson said. “You are people who care for the land and for the land’s people.”

After the presentation, Col. John Bonin, commander of the 902nd MI, and Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Rodwell L. Forbes presented Thompson with a plaque of appreciation.

Members of the audience had an oppor-tunity to view posters of noteworthy Native Americans and displays of Native Ameri-can cultural artifacts, while dining on a Native American lunch provided by Ange-la’s Catering in Baltimore.

Tony Devlin, director of the Army Coun-terintelligence Center at the 902nd MI, said he enjoyed the presentation.

“I enjoy Native American stories,” he said. “It was great.”

Storyteller shares Native American folktalesNews

photo by nate pesce

Dovie Thompson, a Lakota/Kiowna Apache American and professional sto-ryteller, shares a Native American folktale during her guest speech for Fort Meade’s annual National American Indian Heritage Month observance on Nov. 13. The hourlong event was held at McGill Training Center and featured posters of noteworthy Native Americans, displays of cultural artifacts and a catered Native American lunch.

‘I was taught to speak of those who came before. Without those who came before, I would not be here ...’

Dovie thompson native american storyteller

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil10 SOUNDOFF! November 20, 2014

News

By Shari RosenStaff Writer

LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter are just a few of the social media platforms that job seekers can use to expand their career search, according to Fort Meade’s Army Community Service staff.

About 25 community members, includ-ing military spouses and transitioning service members, gathered Nov. 13 at the Soldier and Family Assistance Center to learn more about employing these social media sites in their job search.

“Hopefully, [I will] find new ways to find a job since I’ve been looking since I first got here,” said Marsha McKinney, a military spouse who has lived in Odenton since April.

The three-hour course was led by Ana Brown, ACS Employment Readiness spe-cialist, and Rose Holland, ACS Employ-ment Readiness manager.

The first half of the course, taught by Brown, focused on the uses of LinkedIn, a professional social media network. The second half of the workshop, led by Hol-land, explained the various ways to utilize Facebook and Twitter in the job hunt.

“This class is very informative,” said Master Sgt. Wayne Aragon of the White House Communications Agency. “I’m learning a lot in terms of how to navigate the website [LinkedIn]. I wasn’t really familiar on how LinkedIn worked, so I’m getting a lot of knowledge from it.”

The course began with a YouTube video “Social Media Revolution 2014,” which detailed statistics about social media’s prevalence. For example, 80 per-cent of recruiters use social media for recruitment, and Facebook added 200 million users in less than a year after the website launched in 2004.

“Some of us are staying behind. We aren’t catching up,” Brown said. “We decided to create this class to cultivate interest toward this [social media] phe-nomenon.”

For 90 minutes, Brown detailed aspects of LinkedIn that job seekers can leverage to help with their search. She said that a LinkedIn profile picture should look professional and that LinkedIn users should utilize key words in their profiles to attract recruiters.

“Your [LinkedIn] summary needs to

reflect your strengths, what you are capa-ble of doing,” Brown said.

Holland mentioned there are different LinkedIn guidelines that apply to tran-sitioning service members. She said she saw the LinkedIn profile of a Reservist who had been searching for work for eight months.

“If you were not connected to the mili-tary, you would not understand anything in his profile,” Holland said.

Service members should make sure the general public can easily understand their profiles, Holland said. Transitioning service members should not use profile pictures in which they are in uniform because employers will assume they are still on active duty.

“I would suggest [using] a civilian email [address] if you are transitioning,” Hol-land said.

In the second half of class, Holland focused on Facebook privacy settings.

“Recruiters are going to look on Face-book, so you need to know what your Facebook page shows,” Holland said.

She also spoke about utilizing Face-book, Twitter and Pinterest to search

for jobs and to create visually appealing resumes.

“When you are job hunting, you have a product you are selling,” Holland said. “It is you as a professional. In our work-force, we have three generations, maybe four. You need to be able to relate across generations.”

At the end of the course, Holland and Brown described other available ACS resources available for job seekers.

“[The course was] really good,” said Sgt. Amy Christopherson of the 704th Military Intelligence Brigade. “They are awesome instructors. I’ve taken a few courses with them before, so they are real-ly knowledgeable and they work together really well, so they keep it kind of lively.

“I think [social media] may be the link, the piece I was missing [in the job search],” she said.

Editor’s Note: If you need assistance finding employment, please contact the Army Community Service Employment Readiness Program at 301-677-5590 or visit their office, which is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., at 830 Chisholm Ave.

Linking Networking Websites To Job Search

ACS social media workshop aids job seekers

By Lauren A. ShireyProgram EvaluatorU.S. Army Public Health Command

The change in season brings a greater risk of seasonal influenza, more commonly known as the flu.

Although the flu can occur at any time of year, there is usually a large increase in the number of people affected October to May.

Flu can cause serious problems and has the potential to threaten Army mission and readiness. Each year, more than 30,000 peo-ple in the United States die and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized because of seasonal flu.

Signs and symptoms of the flu include: fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, chills and feeling tired or having low energy. Some individuals also may experience vomiting and diarrhea.

People also can be infected with the flu and have symptoms like these without fever.

The flu is an illness caused by one or more viruses. It spreads easily, either when some-one with the flu talks, coughs or sneezes and droplets containing the person’s germs come into contact with your mouth, nose or eyes. You can also contract the flu if you touch something that has the flu virus on it and then touch your eyes, mouth or nose.

Seasonal flu is not the same as the stom-ach flu, although they can have similar symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. Sea-sonal flu is a respiratory disease and not a stomach or intestinal disease.

By taking just a few steps, you can prevent the flu. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend taking the fol-lowing three actions to fight the flu:

1. Get the flu vaccine each year. This is the best way to prevent the flu,

and it is required each year for active-duty service members, National Guard, Army Reserve and health care personnel who pro-vide direct patient care in military Medical Treatment Facilities.

The vaccine is also recommended for all other beneficiaries age 6 months and older. Caregivers of young children should receive the vaccine, especially those who care for infants younger than 6 months old. Adults age 65 and older, pregnant women, children and those with chronic health conditions like asthma or diabetes are at higher risk for seri-ous problems from the flu and should get the vaccine as soon as it becomes available.

2. Stop the spread of germs in everyday activities.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds. When you do not have access to soap and water use an alcohol-based hand rub.

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you sneeze or cough, and throw the used tissue away.

• Cough or sneeze in your upper sleeve or elbow when you don’t have any tissue.

• Avoid touching your mouth, nose or eyes.

• Disinfect commonly used surfaces and

objects such as doorknobs and toys.• Keep away from people who may be

sick.• Stay home from school, work or other

group settings if you are sick, except to obtain medical care or to get items that you need.

• Maintain good health habits by living the Performance Triad, a top priority of the Army surgeon general, which includes getting at least seven to eight hours of sleep every 24 hours, being active and eating healthy.

• Take antiviral medicine if your health care provider gives it to you.

This medicine cannot cure the flu. How-ever, it can make the illness shorter and can also prevent more serious problems.

Antiviral medicine must be prescribed by a health care provider. The medicine works best when started within two days of get-ting sick. Follow your health care provider’s instructions for taking the medicine.

Nothing to sneeze at: Tips to prevent the flu

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil November 20, 2014 SOUNDOFF! 11

News

Nov. 13, Larceny of private property: The victim stated that she noticed she was missing three diamond necklaces from her jewelry box, which was left secured and unattended in the master bedroom of her quarters.

Nov. 15, Simple assault: The Directorate of Emergency Services was notified of a domestic assault. The subject and victim were involved in a verbal altercation, which became physi-cal when the subject attempted to restrain the victim by striking her with an open hand several times.

By Jane M. WinandChief, Legal Assistance Division

As we near the end of fall, the car-buy-ing season is in full swing.

The Legal Assistance Division often gets questions from service members, retirees and family members about the purchase of motor vehicles.

Many clients have heard it is possible to sign a contract to buy a car and then take the car back to the dealer within three days of the purchase and cancel the contract.

This is simply not true and could result in a costly mistake.

There is a three-day cooling off period rule for terminating or canceling certain types of contracts. Federal law gives a buyer the right to cancel consumer pur-chase contracts for up to three business days following a door-to-door sale. This typically involves buying items from a seller at a place other than the seller’s permanent place of business. A good example of this is the salesman that goes door-to-door hawk-ing home security systems or replacement

windows for your home.The rule does not protect sales made

by mail, online or telephone. Further-more, sales of motor vehicles are specifi-cally exempted from the cooling-off period rule.

The cancellation must be in writing and placed in the mail before midnight of the third day after the sale. It is advisable to send the cancellation by certified mail as proof it was sent within the requisite time.

The seller is required to provide the buyer with a cancellation form. If the form is not provided, you may send a cancella-tion notice that you write yourself.

However, if you go to the seller’s place of business, such as a car dealership, the cooling-off period rule does not apply. Even a tent sale, a common practice of car dealers, is considered the dealer’s per-manent place of business and the rule does not apply.

If you buy a car and then decide not to keep it, you have several options. One

option is to find a buyer for the vehicle. It is imperative that this new purchaser obtains his own car loan so that you can pay off your loan.

Occasionally, a car owner is desperate and transfers the car to a purchaser with the “understanding” that the purchaser will make the car payments each month. Unfortunately, if the purchaser misses a payment or two, as often happens, the original car owner is still responsible for the loan.

The loan company will still expect pay-ment from the original owner, even though he gave possession of the vehicle to the new purchaser.

Another option is to voluntarily surren-der the vehicle to the loan company. The company takes possession, cleans up the vehicle and resells it. Proceeds from the sale will be credited to the amount still owed on the loan. However, repossessed cars are typically sold at auction, and the sale prices are not very high. Consequently, there is often a deficiency balance; proceeds from

the sale do not fully pay off the car loan.The original owner is responsible for

payment of the loan balance, even though he no longer has the vehicle. As an exam-ple, you still owe $15,000 on a car loan when the vehicle is repossessed and the car is sold for $10,000. You must pay the loan company the difference of $5,000.

If you fail to pay this amount, the loan company can file a lawsuit against you and also place an adverse entry on your credit report. Even if you do pay, the voluntary repossession still goes on your credit report and will have a negative impact on your credit worthiness.

The bottom line is that you should give a contract serious thought and ask ques-tions before you sign. If you feel pressured, don’t sign.

If you have questions about a contract, call the Fort Meade Legal Assistance Division to schedule an appointment with an attorney at 301-677-9504 or 301-677-9536.

It pays to understand terms of contracts

By BethAnn CameronHealth EducatorU.S. Army Public Health Command

Did you know that just 20 minutes after a person quits smoking, the heart rate and blood pressure drop?

Did you know that after 12 hours, the carbon monoxide level in the blood drops to normal?

This year, the Great American Smoke-out Day is today. The annual event is held on the third Thursday of November by the American Cancer Society to encourage smokers to make a plan to quit or to go smoke-free for 24 hours.

About 42 million Americans still smoke cigarettes. Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States, accounting for more than 480,000 deaths each year or one out of every five deaths.

According to the recent Department of Defense Survey of Health-Related Behav-iors, at least 24 percent of military person-nel reported smoking cigarettes.

Smoking is especially hazardous for our Soldiers. Tobacco use decreases Soldier readiness by causing impaired night vision, respiratory illnesses, delayed wound-heal-ing, increased surgical complications and accelerates hearing loss.

Tobacco not only stains your teeth, but also causes tooth decay, gum disease

and various types of cancers. Smoking decreases oxygen in the muscles leading to decreased physical performance.

Breathing secondhand smoke also affects the health of other people. Secondhand smoke contains more than 250 chemicals that are harmful, leading to serious health effects such as heart disease, stroke and lung cancer. It causes health problems in infants and children such as asthma, bron-chitis and other lung diseases.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over the past 50 years, 2.5 million adults who were non-smokers died from secondhand smoke.

Join people around the world today to support quitting tobacco for the Great American Smokeout. If you smoke, make a pledge to quit. If you don’t smoke, help someone to quit.

Here are a few tips to help you prepare for the day:

• Plan ahead.• Change your daily routine for that day

to help you break the habit such as taking a different route to work.

• Get rid of all tobacco in your house or vehicle.

• Remove cigarettes, ashtrays, lighters and matches in your house, vehicle or other locations.

Plan alternatives or substitutes for

smoking:• Chew sugar-free gum or carrots or

suck sugar-free hard candy.• Picture something pleasant in your

mind.• Go for a run.If you feel an urge to smoke, use the

four Ds:• Delay the urge. Count to 100 or 200.

Wait 15 minutes.• Drink water. Water flushes out the

nicotine toxins.• Deep breaths — deep breathing relieves

stress.• Do something else. Distract yourself.

Talk with a friend or co-worker.All of us should take this day to quit

or help others to quit in order to attain a tobacco-free lifestyle.

Do you want to help someone else to quit? Frustration, anxiety, irritability and mood changes are normal reactions when a person quits smoking, so:

• Be encouraging.• Be available to listen.• Be understanding.Although the Great American Smoke-

out encourages quitting for one day, quit-ting on this day can be the first day of committing to a tobacco-free life. Commit to quit and take an important step toward a healthier life.

The Great American Smokeout: Commit to quitResources are available to help you quit

and remain tobacco-free.For more information on tobacco-

reduction and cessation, visit:• U.S. Army Public Health Command,

http://phc.amedd.army.mil/topics/healthy-living/tfl/Pages/default.aspx

• U Can Quit 2, http://www.ucanquit2.org

• American Cancer Society, http://www.cancer.org/Healthy/StayAwayfromTobac-co/index

Community Crime Watch

Compiled by the Fort Meade Directorate of Emergency Services


News

UPPER LEFT: Jamie Beatty is greeted by the Chick-fil-A mascot.

UPPER RIGHT: Five-year-old John Barfuss spins a Chick-fil-A wheel for prizes as Spc. Jason Barfuss of Normandy Bluffs, Natalie Barfuss and Nicole Barfuss look on.

FAR RIGHT: Seven-year-old Jayden David and 2-year-old Donovan Davidplay with Ashley Thomas.

HOME FRONT HEROESPhotos by DANIEL KUCIN JR.

Community members gather Nov. 8 at the Child, Youth and School Services Sports Complex to enjoy games, face painting, a moon bounce, balloon artists, prizes and free Chick-fil-A sandwiches during Military Family Appreciation Day. The event was part of a series of activities sponsored by Fort Meade’s Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation during Military Family Appreciation Month. Each year the Department of Defense observes the month of November as Military Family Appreciation Month.

The designation recognizes the commitment and ongoing sacrifices made by the families of service members around the world.

RIGHT: Artist Diane Riccobene paints 4-year-old Braden Livingston’s face during the popular family event.


News

By Shari RosenStaff Writer

More than 90 vendors from surround-ing communities set up shop at Fort Meade’s Officers’ Spouses’ Club’s 15th annual Holiday Bazaar on Saturday and Sunday at the Pavilion.

Attendees of the two-day event had the opportunity to shop for holiday gifts; eat treats at the Sweet Shop hosted by the Retired Officers’ Wives’ Club; take photos with Santa Claus; and enjoy choral and instrumental performances by members of the Meade High School music depart-ment.

“I like the environment in here,” said Coast Guard Capt. Lane Johnson of U.S. Cyber Command.

The OSC will use the proceeds from the bazaar for community welfare grants and scholarships.

Guests who brought a donation to the event participated in multiple raffle drawings for both door prizes and vendor prizes.

“It is a phenomenal opportunity for our vendors to interact with military families, particularly those whose crafts may reflect patriotic or military-themed designs that are so appealing to the Fort Meade community,” said Shannon Alt, OSC publicity chair.

One of the many vendors, Bonnie Jean Davis, owner of Big Hook or Needle, a knitting and crochet shop, has been attending craft shows for the past 23 years.

“[I enjoy] just meeting people and get-ting the youngsters interested in knitting and crochet,” said the Annapolis resident.

“Right now, I’m working with a couple of alpaca farms in the area and I’m helping to design with them also.”

Some of the vendors are also Fort Meade employees like Caecenia McLean of Ink and Stone, who was selling bejew-eled gift cardholders and note cards, as well as jewelry.

“It’s better than when I was here a few years ago, that’s for sure,” said McLean, a National Security Agency employee, referring to the number of vendors par-ticipating and customers who purchased her products.

McLean said she needed to create more gift cardholders due to her success during the first day of the bazaar.

“The aim of our bazaar is for families to have a wonderful shopping and com-munity experience while getting in the holiday spirit,” Alt said.

OSC Holiday Bazaar spreads cheer with shopping, sweets, music and Santa Claus

photo by SENIoR AIRMAN kEl RApISoRA

Shoppers enjoy the Officers’ Spouses’ Club’s 15th annual Holiday Bazaar held Saturday and Sunday at the Pavilion. The event featured more than 90 local venders, the Sweet Shop hosted by the Retired Officers’ Wives’ Club, photo opportunities with Santa Claus and musical performances by the Meade High School music department.

‘It is a phenomenal opportunity for our vendors to interact with military families.’

Shannon Alt oSC pulicity chair


SportS

Peeps, there are certain milestones in every man’s career that signify success. For example, I thought I was the “bees knees” when I got my own office with a TV.

Then, a commander gave me an entire building, and I had to start walking into my office sideways just to fit my head through the doorway.

And now, my ego may need its own zip code because Mr. Jones got himself a ghostwriter.

As a long-time ghost writer, I know one of the rules is to not let people know you aren’t the one doing the writing. It is like showing the audience what’s under the curtain during a magic trick. However, writing something people enjoy without getting the proper credit stinks.

So, I can’t put my name to this week’s dose without giving proper credit to Ms. Shari Rosen, who needed something to do while waiting for her photo cutlines to come in. So without further adieu, here’s this week’s Jibber.

A ruling finally came down — suspen-sion without pay for the rest of the 2014 NFL season for Minnesota Vikings run-ning back Adrian Peterson.

Peterson was accused of child abuse in September when photos and text messag-es surfaced, evidence that he had beaten his 4-year-old with a switch.

I wrote about this topic in my column earlier this year, when the accusations against Peterson first took place. While I agree that Peterson needs to be punished for his actions, there seems to be some ambiguity in the nature of the punish-ment.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell wrote in a letter to Peterson:

“The timing of your potential rein-statement will be based on the results of the counseling and treatment program set forth in this decision.”

The use of the phrase “results of counseling” seems rather vague. How can someone notice the immediate “results” or “consequences” of counseling? Dif-ferent individuals respond to counseling and treatment in a variety of manners. This means that Goodell’s belief in a set of identifiable counseling and treatment results, which correspond to allowing Peterson to rejoin the league, seems far-fetched and psychologically unsound.

There is no standard set of norms for how someone reacts and responds to counseling and treatment.

Goodell also wrote that Peter-son “overstepped the bounds of acceptable cor-poral punish-ment.”

To put the words “accept-able corporal punishment” together in one sentence immediately baffles me.

How can Goodell determine which forms of corporal punishment are “acceptable”? Can any forms of corporal punishment really be deemed “accept-able”?

The term punishment implies the inflic-tion of a penalty “as retribution for an offense.”

Therefore, according to Goodell, there are times when an individual can physi-cally harm another in retribution and it is considered acceptable. This concept can be compared to trying to delineate accept-able forms of killing and acceptable forms of sexual assault.

Peterson should be punished; this much is clear. The nature of his punishment, on the other hand, remains a bit hazy and could use some immediate clarification.

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

Overstepping the bounds

Chad T. Jones, Public Affairs

Officer

Jibber Jabber - OpiniOn

Compiled from DMFWR staff reportsThe installation’s intramural Division

One flag football playoffs are in full swing.

Navy Information Operations Com-mand’s Men of War has been victorious in the first three rounds of the playoffs, earning a spot in the Division One cham-pionship game, which will be played today at 6:30 p.m. at Mullins Field.

Men of War, which finished the regu-lar season as the third-place team in the division, defeated the 29th Intelligence Squadron’s Black Knights, 20-6, in Round Two of the playoffs, eliminating the divi-sion’s second-place team.

In the third round of the playoffs, Men of War defeated the 704th Military Intel-ligence Brigade’s Underestimated 27-26 on Nov.13.

The Underestimated entered the play-offs as the division’s top-seeded team and received a bye in the first round of the playoffs. The 704th produced a second round win against the Marine Crypto-logic Support Battalion’s Casuals.

Due to the tournament’s double elimi-

nation rule, the 704th will face NIOC in the Division One championship game.

Despite the loss, the 704th’s Underesti-mated continues to feel confident entering the division’s championship game.

“We were missing a lot of key play-ers for that game,” said Staff Sgt. James T. Lee, coach of Underestimated when asked about last week’s loss to NIOC. “Everyone is going to be back this week and I expect [the team] to be at our full strength. Men of War won’t be able to adjust to our team.”

During the regular season, the 704th defeated NIOC, 18-12.

Meanwhile the Division Two flag foot-ball champion is still up for grabs. Due to Monday’s rain, scheduled games were canceled and rescheduled this week.

As of press time, the division’s top-four remaining teams were the 94th Intel-ligence Squadron/34th IS, Blue Knights (29th IS), Cyber Spartans (10th Fleet) and 704th MI.

Read next week’s Soundoff! for com-plete results of the Division One and Division Two championship games.

NIOC faces 704th MI in intramural Division One football championship

For all your varsity and intramural sports schedules, scores and standings, visit www.quickscores.

com/ftmeadesports.

Run SeriesThe Fort Meade Run Series

continues with the Turkey Trot 5K Run and 1-Mile Fun Walk on Saturday at 8 a.m. at Murphy Field House, followed by the Reindeer Run on Dec. 13 at 8 a.m.

Registration cost is $25 per person and $60 per family.

To register or for more information, call 301-677-7916 or go to ftmeademwr.com.

CYSS winter sportsRegistration for winter sports is

underway.Participants can register at the

Central Registration Office at 1900 Reece Road or online at https://

webtrac.mwr.army.mil/webtrac/meadecyms.html.

For more information, call 301-677-1149 or 301-677-1156.

Volunteer coaches neededVolunteer Youth Sports coaches

are needed for winter sports including basketball, wrestling and futsal.

All volunteers will receive free training and will be certified through the National Youth Sports Coaches Association.

Volunteers must submit and complete a background check.

Apply at the Youth Sports & Fitness Office at 1900 Reece Road.


Sports Shorts


Community news & Briefs

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

For more information or to submit an announcement, email [email protected] or call Editor Dijon Rolle at 301-677-6806.

RAB meetingFort Meade will conduct a

Restoration Advisory Board meeting tonight at 7 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Express BWI, 7481 Ridge Road, Hanover.

RAB meetings are held to keep the public informed and involved in Fort Meade’s environmental cleanup and restoration program and to provide opportunities for public involvement.

Major topics include an overview of northern areas of interest, site-wide progress review, and updates on the Operable Unit 4 system performance and Nevada Avenue area.

The public and media are invited. In order to foster communication and open discussion, video recording devices are prohibited from the meeting room.

Those interested in learning more about the restoration program or in becoming an RAB member should attend the meeting.

For more information, call 301-677-7999 or visit http://www.ftmeade.army.mil/environment/ (Click on RAB link).

Kimbrough town hallDr. (Col.) Michael J. Zapor, deputy

commander for Clinical Services at the Fort Meade Medical Department Activity, will conduct a mini town hall tonight at 6 p.m. in the Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Center lab reception area.

The purpose of this forum is to disseminate information, answer questions and discuss concerns regarding Kimbrough.

All beneficiaries are invited.

Reece Road gate closureThe Reece Road access control

point will be closed to all traffic for approximately four weeks starting Saturday.

The closure is part of the installation’s ongoing road improvement projects.

During this period, the Mapes Road/Route 175 gate will be open and serve as the installation’s 24/7 access control point.

Additionally, the Llewellyn Avenue gate will be open Mondays to Fridays from 5:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. for visitors, businesses and all non-DoD ID cardholders.

Individuals seeking long-term passes will be directed to the Demps Visitor Center.

While the Llewellyn gate is open, DoD ID cardholders are encouraged to use the installation’s other ACPs: Mapes/Route 175, Mapes/Route 32 and Rockenbach Road gates.

The Llewellyn gate will be closed weekends. When Llewellyn is closed, visitors enter through the Mapes/175 gate.

For more information, go to http://www.ftmeade.army.mil/directorates/des/vcc/vcc.html#gatehours.

OSC evening luncheonThe Fort Meade Officers’ Spouses’

Club will sponsor an evening luncheon tonight from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at the Conference Center, 6800 Taylor Ave.

The holiday-themed event, “Make It/Bake It/Fake It,” is open to OSC members, spouses and guests.

Cost is $18.If you are crafty, make something! If

you are a baker, bake something! If you are a shopper, buy something!

RSVP at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/osc-november-luncheontickets-14026267945.

For more information, go to http://www.fortmeadeosc.org/events/[email protected].

Holiday concertsThe U.S. Army Field Band will

perform “Sound the Bells: A Holiday Celebration” on Dec. 3 at 7 p.m. at Arundel High School, 1001 Annapolis Road, Gambrills.

The annual concert will feature the Concert Band & Soldiers’ Chorus and The Volunteers.

“Sound the Bells” also will be performed Dec. 6 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 7 at 3 p.m. at Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St., Baltimore.

The Jazz Ambassadors will perform “Sound the Bells” on Dec. 13 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Centennial High School, 4300 Centennial Lane, Ellicott City

All concerts are free and open to the public.

For tickets or more information, call 301-677-6586.

Holiday wellness challengeNeed motivation to stay on track

during the holidays?Join the Army Wellness Center’s

Holiday Challenge to stay on track and enter to win a prize.

The challenge ends Jan. 30.Rules for participation:• Schedule an appointment with AWC

at 4418 Llewellyn Ave.• Visit the AWC for a follow-up and

show us progress towards your goals.• Double your chances of winning —

visit the AWC for a third appointment.For more information, call 301-677-

2006.

Thanksgiving at Club Meade

Enjoy a Thanksgiving Day buffet Nov. 27 at Club Meade.

Two seating times are available: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 2:30-4:30 p.m.

The buffet is open to the public. Reservations are recommended.

Cost is $21.95 for members; $26.95 for non-members; and half-price for children ages 10 and under.

Reservations are required.Dinner includes: a carving station with

roast turkey, glazed ham and roast top

CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

NEWS & EVENTS

Holiday Tree LightingFort Meade’s Tree Lighting Celebration will be held Dec. 12 from 5-6 p.m.

at McGlachlin Parade Field on English Avenue, near the gazebo.The annual event will feature the U.S. Army Field Band and a sing-along

with the Fort Meade community Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.Visit with Santa and enjoy festive refreshments.For more information, call the Religious Support Office at 301-677-6703.

file photo



round of beef; Seafood Newburg; roast chicken; Beef Burgundy; glazed sweet potatoes; mashed potatoes and giblet gravy; tuna, chicken and seafood salads; steamed shrimp; vegetable, fruit and cheese display; and assorted pies and cakes.

For reservations or more information, call 301-677-6969.

Karaoke NightThe next Karaoke Night is Friday at 7

p.m. at The Lanes.For more informaiton, call 301-677-

5541.

Cooking Matters Commissary Tour

The next Cooking Matters Commissary Tour & Challenge is Monday from 6-7 p.m. at the Fort Meade Commissary.

Tours are open to all eligible commissary patrons.

Cooking Matters is designed to help consumers stretch their food budget, shop smarter and make healthier choices.

Hands-on store tours are offered every hour and teach participants the skills to compare foods for cost and nutritional value.

Participants also learn how to plan and budget for healthy, affordable and delicious meals for their families.

Select tours will receive a $10 coupon.To sign up for the event, go to http://

cmatscommissaryfm.eventbrite.com.For more information, email

[email protected].

Financial, Employment Readiness

Army Community Service offers Financial Readiness classes to all ranks and services and to DoD civilian employees at the Community Readiness Center, 830 Chisholm Ave.

Registration is required for each class.• First Term Financial Readiness:

Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.To register or for more information,

call 301-677-5590 or go to fortmeadeacs.checkappointments.com.

Free classesThe Navy Fleet and Family Support

Center offers a variety of classes at its

facility at 2212 Chisholm Ave.The free classes are open to DoD

identification cardholders including active-duty service members, retirees and their family members, DoD civilian employees and contractors.

Registration is required for each class.• Pre-Deployment Brief: Today, 10-11:30

a.m.• Ten Steps to a Federal Job: Monday, 9

a.m. to noon• Medical Record Review: Have your

medical records reviewed by an AMVETS representative. Appointment required.

To register or for more information, call 301-677-9017 or 301-677-9018.

EFMP holiday partyThe Exceptional Family Member Pro-

gram’s children’s holiday party will be held Dec. 10 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at Potomac Place Neighborhood Center, 4998 2nd Corp Blvd.

The party will feature crafts, food, fun and a visit from Santa.

Registration is required by Dec. 2.To register, call 301-677-9014.

StorytimeThe Children’s Library offers pre-

kindergarten Storytime on Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. at Kuhn Hall, 4415 North County Emergency Outreach Network Llewellyn Ave.

• Today: “Feed Your Mind at the Library” - Storytime about foods


Romp ‘n StompRomp ‘n Stomp playgroup for

children age 5 and younger and their parents meets Tuesdays from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Youth Center gym at 909 Ernie Pyle St.


Out & About• The 21st Annual Symphony of

Lights in Columbia will offer two Military Appreciation Nights on Dec. 1 and Dec. 8 from 6-10 p.m. at Symphony Woods.

Drive through the 1.4-mile

spectacular display of 70 larger-than-life, animated and stationary light creations, rain or shine.

Complimentary sliders from Mission BBQ will be provided Dec. 8 from 6–10 p.m., while supplies last.

Active duty, Reserve and retired military members and their dependents will receive $10 off admission cost (with government-issued ID). Proceeds benefit Howard County General Hospital.

For more information, go to hcgh.org/symphonyoflights or call 410-740-7666.

• Glen Mar United Methodist Church is sponsoring a “Walk to Bethlehem” Dec. 5-7 from 5-8 p.m. at the church, 4701 New Cut Road, Ellicott City.

Inclement weather date is Dec. 8.Drop in anytime for this free event.

Led by guides, participants will journey through outdoor settings where actors, clad in period costumes, portray scenes leading to and immediately following Jesus’ birth.

Live farm animals will enhance the rustic settings.

Following the outdoor theatrical production, a Temple scene and a 1st-century marketplace will be on display.

For more information, go to glenmarumc.org and click on Events or call 410-465-4995, ext. 410.

• Leisure Travel Services is offering its annual Christmas Spectacular Trip to Radio City Music Hall in New York City on Dec. 11.

Cost is $149 and includes bus and show ticket. Bus boards at 6:30 a.m. and leaves at 7 a.m. Bus departs New York at 7 p.m. Show starts at 2 p.m.

The next LTS monthly bus trip to New York City is Dec. 13, with discounts to attractions. Bus cost is $60.

For more information, call 301-677-7354 or visit ftmeademwr.com.

• Prostate Cancer Support Group meets at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda on the third Thursday of every month. The next meeting is today from 1-2 p.m. and 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the America Building, River Conference Room (next to the Prostate Center), third floor.

Spouses/partners are invited. Military ID is required for base access. Men without a military ID should call the Prostate Center at 301-319-2900 at least two days prior to the event for base access.

For more information, call retired Col.

Jane Hudak at 301-319-2918 or email [email protected].

• Meade Area Garden Club will meet Friday at 10 a.m. at the Jessup Community Center at the corner of Route 175 and Wigley Avenue.

The club’s annual bake sale will be featured at the meeting.

The guest speaker is Sarah von Pollaro, founder of Urban Petals Floral Design who creates one-of-a-kind floral designs for events, then donates them to nonprofit organizations the following day.

All are welcome; reservations not required. Refreshments will be served. For more infor-mation, call Sharon Durney, club president, at 410-761-5019 or Jenny Garcia, member-ship chair, at 443-949-8348.

• Society of Military Widows meets for brunch the fourth Sunday of the month at 1 p.m. at the Lanes. The next meeting is Sunday. For more information, call Betty Jones at 410-992-1123.

• Marriage Enrichment Group, sponsored by Army Community Service, meets the sec-ond and fourth Monday of every month from 3-4 p.m. at the Community Readiness Center, 830 Chisholm Ave. The next meeting is Mon-day. For more information, call Celena Flow-ers or Jessica Hobgood at 301-677-5590.

• Calling All Dads meets the second and fourth Monday of every month from 4-5 p.m. at Potomac Place Neighborhood Center, 4998 2nd Corps Blvd. The next meeting is Monday.

The group is for expecting fathers, and fathers with children of all ages. Children welcome. For more information, call 301-677-5590 or email [email protected].

• Air Force Sergeants Association Chapter 254 meets the fourth Wednesday of the month from 3:30-4:30 p.m. in the multipurpose room of Building 9801 at the National Security Agency. The next meeting is Wednesday. For more information, call 443-534-5170 or visit afsa254.org.

• Families Dealing with Deployment meets the first and third Monday of every month from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at Meuse Forest Neighborhood Center. Children welcome. The next meeting is Dec. 1. For more information, call 301-677-5590 or email [email protected].

• Retired Officers’ Wives’ Club will sponsor its holiday luncheon Dec. 2 at 11 a.m. at Club Meade. The event will feature the ROWC’s Holiday Fashion Show with jewelry to complement holiday fashions worn by ROWC models.

Cost of the buffet luncheon is $20. Reservations are required by Wednesday. Call your area representative or Betty Wade at 410-551-7082.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

MEETINGS

RECREATION

NEWS & EVENTS

YOUTH



Bring family and friends as we usher in the holiday spirit with music, gifts and prizes. Bring your checkbook to begin your holiday shopping.

Regular membership is extended to spouses, widows and widowers of retired officers and to retired officers of all military branches. Annual dues are $25.

Members may bring guests to the luncheons, which are held on the first Tuesday of each month, except June, July, August and January.

For more information, call Genny Bellinger, ROWC president, at 410-674-2550 or Jean Simmons, membership chair, at 410-721-7761.

• Monthly Prayer Breakfast, hosted by the Garrison Chaplain’s Office, is held the first Thursday of every month at 7 a.m. at Club Meade.

The next prayer breakfast is Dec. 4.There is no cost for the buffet; donations

are optional. All Fort Meade employees, family members, and civilian and military personnel are invited.

For more information, call 301-677-6703.• Women’s Empowerment Group meets

Wednesdays from 2-3:30 p.m. to provide a safe, confidential arena for the support, education and empowerment of women who have experienced past or present family violence.

Location is only disclosed to participants. To register, call Samantha Herring, victim advocate, at 301-677-4124 or Katherine Lamourt, victim advocate, at 301-677-4117.

• Moms Walking Group, sponsored by Parent Support, meets Thursdays from 8:30-9:15 a.m. at Potomac Place Neighborhood Center. To register, call Colaina Townsend or Michelle Pineda at 301-677-5590.

• Project Healing Waters meets Thursdays from 6-8 p.m. at the Soldiers and Family Assistance Center, 2462 85th Medical Battalion Ave.

The project is dedicated to the physical and emotional rehabilitation of wounded warriors and veterans through fly fishing, fly tying and outings.

For more information, call Larry Vawter, program leader, at 443-535-5074 or email [email protected].

• Dancing with the Heroes, free ballroom dance lessons for the Warrior Transition Unit, meets Thursdays at 6 p.m. at Argonne Hills Chapel Center in the seminar room.

Participants should wear loose clothing, comfortable shoes with leather soles. No super high heels or flip-flops.

• Spanish Christian Service is conducted Sundays at 1 p.m. at the Cavalry Chapel located at 8465 Simonds St. and 6th Armored Cavalry Road.

For more information, call Elias Mendez at 301-677-7314 or 407-350-8749.

• Couples Communication Group, sponsored by Army Community Services, meets every Monday from 2:30-3:30 p.m. at the Community Readiness Center, 830 Chisholm Ave.

For more information, call Celena Flowers or Katherine Lamourt at 301-677-5590.

• Cub Scout Pack 377 invites boys in first through fifth grades, or ages 7 to 10, to attend its weekly Monday meetings at 6 p.m. at Argonne Hills Chapel Center.

For more information, email Cubmaster Christopher Lassiter at [email protected] or Committee Chairperson Marco Cilibert at [email protected].

• Boy Scout Troop 379 meets Mondays at 7 p.m. at Argonne Hills Chapel Center on Rockenbach Road. The troop is actively recruiting boys ages 11 to 18. For more information, email Lisa Yetman, at [email protected] or Wendall Lawrence, Scoutmaster, at [email protected].

• Catholic Women of the Chapel meets every Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. for prayer and Bible study in the Main Post Chapel, 4419 Llewellyn Ave. Monthly programs are held Mondays at 6:30 p.m. The group is open to all women in the community ages 18 and older — active duty, retiree and civilian — for prayer, faith fellowship, and service. For more information, email Mariana Yinh at [email protected].

• American Legion Post 276 is open to veterans and active-duty service members at 8068 Quarterfield Rd. in Severn. Breakfast may be purchased beginning at 9 a.m. Lunches may be purchased from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Happy Hour is 4-6 p.m. Dinner may be purchased at 6 p.m. on Fridays and the fourth Sunday of every month.

Membership discounts are offered for active-duty military. For more information, call 410-969-8028 or visit americanlegionpost276.org.

• Odenton Masonic Center, located at 1206 Stehlik Drive, invites the community, local military, fire/emergency services and local businesses to enjoy its reasonably priced breakfast and specialty dinners.

The center offers a fundraising “all-you-can-eat” breakfast every second Sunday from 7-11 a.m. Fundraising specialty dinners are held the third Friday of the month from 5-7 p.m.

Menus vary and are listed on the center’s website at odentonlodge209.net.

• Swinging Squares Square Dance Club dances the first and third Saturday of the month from 7:30-10 p.m. through May at Meade Middle School. The next dance is Nov. 15. Admission is $6. Square dance attire is optional.

The movie schedule is subject to change. For a recorded announcement of showings, call 301-677-5324. Further listings are avail-able on the Army and Air Force Exchange Service website at www.aafes.com.

Movies start Fridays and Saturdays at 6:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.

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

Today through Nov. 30

Friday & Sunday: “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day” (PG). Alexander’s day begins with gum stuck in his hair, followed by more calamities. Though he finds little sympathy from his family, he begins to wonder if bad things only happen to him. But he discovers his mom, dad, brother and sis-ter all find themselves living through their own terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. With Steve Carell, Jennifer Garner, Ed Oxenbould.

Saturday: “Addicted” (R). A gallerist risks her family and flourishing career when she enters into an affair with a talented painter and slowly loses control of her life. With Sharon Leal, Boris Kodjoe, John Newberg.

Nov. 28: “Gone Girl” (R). With his wife’s disappearance having become the focus of an intense media circus, a man sees the spotlight turned on him when it’s suspected that he may not be innocent. With Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike, Neil Patrick Harris.

Nov. 29: “Dracula Untold” (PG-13). As his kingdom is being threatened by the Turks, young prince Vlad Tepes must become a monster feared by his own kingdom in order to obtain the power needed to protect his own family, and the families of his kingdom. With Luke Evans, Domonic Cooper, Sarah Gadon.

Nov. 30: “The Book of Life” (PG). Manolo, a young man who is torn between fulfilling the expectations of his family and following his heart, embarks on an adventure that spans three fantastic worlds where he must face his greatest fears. With the voices of Diego Luna, Zoe Saldana, Channing Tatum.

movies

Dance classes are offered Thursday nights at 7:30 p.m. at Meade Middle School. Each class costs $6.

For more information, call Darlene at 410-519-2536 or Carl at 410-271-8776.

• Meade Rod and Gun Club meets the first Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. at Perry’s Restaurant and Odie’s Pub at 1210 Annapolis Road, Odenton, in the banquet hall in back of the building. The next meeting is Dec. 4. Dinner is served at 6 p.m. For more information, call 410-674-4000.

• National Alliance on Mental Illness of Anne Arundel County offers a free support group for families with a loved one suffering from mental illness on the first Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. at the Odenton (West County) Library, 1325 Annapolis Road. The next meeting is Dec. 4. For more information, visit namiaac.org.

• New Spouse Connection meets the second Monday of every month from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Community Readiness Center, 830 Chisholm Ave. The next meeting is Dec. 8. The program provides an opportunity for all spouses new to the military or to Fort Meade to meet and get connected. For more information, contact Pia Morales at [email protected] or 301-677-4110.

• Fort Meade TOP III Association meets the second Wednesday of each month at 3 p.m. at the Courses. The next meeting is Dec. 10. The association is open to all Air Force active-duty and retired senior noncommissioned officers. For more information, call Master Sgt. Jonathan Jacob at 443-479-0616 or email [email protected].

• Fort Meade E9 Association meets the second Friday of every month at 7 a.m. in the Pin Deck Cafe at the Lanes. The next meeting is Dec. 12. The association is open to active, retired, Reserve and National Guard E9s of any uniformed service. All E9s in this area are invited to attend a breakfast and meet the membership. For more information, go to e9association.org.

• Meade Branch 212 of the Fleet Reserve Association meets the second Saturday of each month at 10 a.m. at VFW Post 160, 2597 Dorsey Road, Glen Burnie. The next meeting is Dec. 13. Active-duty, Reserve and retired members of the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard are invited.


• Retired Enlisted Association meets the third Tuesday of the month from 7:30-8:30 p.m. at Perry’s Restaurant, 1210 Annapolis Road, Odenton. The next meeting is Dec. 16. For more information, visit trea.org or call Elliott Phillips, the local president, at 443-790-3805 or Arthur R. Cooper, past national president, at 443-336-1230.


Community

The military friendly and military advanced education seals are more than adistinction. Anne Arundel Community College offers comprehensive resources andfinancial benefits to veterans, active duty members of the military and dependents.

AACC makes it easy to attend class in your own neighborhood! We offer morethan 200 academic and enrichment programs and several convenient locationsin which to attend, including Meade High School, AACC at Arundel Mills, GlenBurnie Town Center and the Arnold campus. Contact our military advising teamat the AACC Fort Meade Army Education Center to register,apply for financial aid and receive free advice.

LEARN ABOUT:» How to earn college credit for military experience.

» Opportunities for spouses and dependents toreceive up to $4,000 in financial assistance.

» Interest-free tuition payments.

» Online, weekend and evening classes.

» Scholarship programs.

» Transfer options that allow you to completea four-year degree.

Active military and civilians with DOD clearanceare both welcome.

Fort Meade Army Education Center8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday through Thursday;8:30 a.m.–3 p.m. Friday

Advising hours:9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Tuesday andWednesdayor call 410-672-2117

Claudia Velazquez, Coordinator of College Services

Getting the right education answersshouldn’t be a hostile encounter.

www.aacc.edu

REGISTER NOW FORWINTER AND SPRING CLASSES!

Turkey skin, turkey necks, gravy and other high-fat Thanksgiving food can make dogs and cats very sick, and in some cases, kill them.

Emergency visits to veterinary offices and hospitals skyrocket over the Thanks-giving weekend, and so do vet bills, accord-ing to news releases from the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Many emergency visits involve seri-ous and potentially fatal conditions due to eating foods they should not have received. Emergency veterinary clinics see huge increases in potentially deadly con-ditions over the Thanksgiving weekend, including gastroenteritis, poisonings and pancreatitis.

A holiday bill for these conditions can average $1,000.

Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the digestive tract that can be caused by eating food that a dog or cat is not accus-tomed to. Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas, which can be caused by eating too much fatty food like turkey

skin and gravy, even in small amounts.Table scraps and food refuse should

be disposed of carefully so pets cannot gain access to them. Part of the problem is that holiday fare for people is much richer and fattier than what pets generally eat every day.

Some of the ingredients in the family dinner can be poisonous for pets includ-ing onions, garlic, raisins and grapes. Desserts can be deadly if the ingredients include chocolate or the artificial sweet-ener xylitol.

If you feel bad because your dog or cat isn’t getting special food for Thanksgiv-ing, find them a special toy or pet-specific treat.

If your pet shows signs of sickness or if you have any questions, call the Fort Meade Veterinary Treatment Facility at 301-677-1300.

Editor’s note: This article was origi-nally published from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Be wary of table food shared with pets during holidays

Have an improvement? Your comments and suggestions will

help maintain the quality of excellence on Fort Meade.

ICE InteractiveCustomer Evaluation

Visit: https://ice.disa.mil

Documents

Soundoff November 20, 2014