fort meade soundoff march 14, 2013

WWII HeroRetired veteran awarded French Legion of Honor

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UPCoMING eVeNTSToday, 7-9 P.M.: Trivia Night - The Lanes (Registration at 6:30 p.m.)frIday, 7-10 P.M.: St. Patrick’s Day Party - The LanesSUNday, 6-8:30 P.M.: Model Passover Seder - Argonne Hills Chapel CenterMarCH 21, 3-6 P.M.: Youth Job Fair - McGill Training CenterMarCH 23, 11 a.M.-2 P.M.: Brunch with Easter Bunny - The Conference Center

IN STrIdeNIOC Seahawks fly by 29th IS Black Knights with 69-50 playoff win

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Soundoff!́vol. 65 no. 10 Published in the interest of the Fort Meade community March 14, 2013

1st lt. Joanna Sampson, of 48th Combat Support Hospital, plays with her 2-year-old daughter Zoe, who trades her pink headband for her mother’s Army headgear, at the unit’s deployment farewell luncheon Saturday at McGill Training Center. The 48th CSH is deploying to Kuwait for a nine-month assignment in support of operation Enduring Freedom. See the story on 0.

duty calls

photo by sarah pastrana

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil� SOUNDOFF! March 14, 2013

Commander’s Column

Cont ent sNews............................. 3 Sports.................................... 8

CrimeWatch................. 7 Movies.................................14

Community................. 12 Classified.............................16

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

advErtiSinGGeneral inquiries 410-332-6300

allison thompson 410-332-6850 [email protected]

Michele Griesbauer 410-332-6381 [email protected]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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“When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us.”

Helen Keller (1880-1968)

As we continue to celebrate the many contribu-tions of women in our society during Women’s History Month, I share with you this quote from Helen Keller that illustrates a spirit of optimism even in the face of unpleasant or bad news.

The Helen Keller story is an American story about the remarkable achievements of a woman who found a way to deal with adversity. Rendered deaf, blind and mute at 19 months old by illness — perhaps scarlet fever or meningitis — she learned to read in several languages and to speak, and eventually graduated from Radcliffe College in 1904.

I’m focusing on Helen Keller’s optimism as a way to find a positive in another negative situation. Last week, the Army and the Marines announced that funding for service members to receive tuition assistance will no longer be available. The Air Force announced earlier this week that it is also suspend-ing its tuition assistance program.

As we all know, these announcements are related to sequestration budget cuts. They may be painful but they are not showstoppers.

Certainly, the tuition assistance program suspen-sions will force some service members to re-think how they go about financing their higher educa-tion. However, I urge service members to continue to see the positives of off-duty education programs and keep in mind that achieving higher education goals are a part of their professional and personal self-development.

Let me remind you that the TA program was not the only source of financial assistance for vol-untary off-duty education programs.

Soldiers can continue to access their Veter-ans Affairs education benefits, which include the Montgomery GI Bill-Active Duty or Selected Reserve, or use other funding sources such as the Post-9/11 GI Bill, federal grants and federal finan-cial aid, scholarships or state tuition assistance for Army National Guard Soldiers.

I also want to remind service members that the Fort Meade Army Education Center is a valuable

resource. AEC support includes education and vocational coun-seling, academic testing, cre-dentialing and transcripts of a Soldier’s training and experience.

Contact the Fort Meade AEC to learn more about ways to continue and achieve your higher education goals.

On another note, I want to publicly congratulate Gen. John F. Campbell who was sworn in as the Army’s 34th vice chief of staff on Friday by Sec-retary of the Army John McHugh.

Gen. Campbell becomes vice chief of staff at a particularly difficult time. Like his predecessor, Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, one of Gen. Campbell’s priorities is to focus on programs and policies that maintain, and where possible, improve care for Soldiers, Army civilians and Army families.

The announcement about the Army’s suspen-sion of its tuition assistance program makes Gen. Campbell’s job, like the missions of so many other military leaders, a little bit harder.

Like Helen Keller, Gen. Campbell also sees the positives. In his open letter to the force this week, he acknowledged that 12 years of war has chal-lenged Soldiers, families, and civilian workers.

He also commented on how the force — and that includes military families — have handled sacrifices and demonstrated selfless service and teamwork to accomplish missions at home and abroad.

Gen. Campbell and I are both convinced that despite the challenges and the fiscal constraints for the foreseeable future, our military family will con-tinue to find opportunities that will help prepare and sustain us for the future.

I know these are tough times. I thank you for what you have done and what you do every day and what you will continue to do for Fort Meade and our nation tomorrow.

Have a great week!Editor’s note: See Page 4 for information about

other sources of financial assistance.

Finding the positives

COL. Edward C. rOthstEin

Garrison Commander

ConnectwithFortMeadeatFacebook.com/ftmeade

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil March 14, 2013 SOUNDOFF! �

News

By Brandon BieltzStaff Writer

As a 25-year-old second lieutenant serving in the forests of Germany, Alfred Shehab didn’t realize the scale of the World War II battle raging around him.

“As a platoon leader, I didn’t have any idea of the scope of the attack,” Shehab said. “All I was concerned about was my 1,600 to 1,300 yards.”

He also didn’t know that nearly seven decades later, his efforts in the infamous Battle of the Bulge would lead to a display case of medals — awarded by both the United States and foreign countries.

In February, the 93-year-old retired lieu-tenant colonel and Odenton resident who is a familiar face on Fort Meade added to his collection of medals. The French Embassy in Washington, D.C., awarded Shehab the French Legion of Honor (Chevalier).

“The people of France wanted to be sure that those in the American Army that fought for the liberation of France were recognized,” Shehab said.

The medal — the highest honor in France — has been awarded to World War II vet-erans whose wartime service records show they played a direct role in the liberation of France.

“We are proud to reward the ones that freed us,” Col. Jacques Aragonès, deputy military attaché for the French army, said at the ceremony. “They left a part of their youth in France.”

Shehab’s name was submitted for the award by retired Lt. Col. Ruth Hamilton, Shehab’s significant other.

“I thought he was deserving of getting the award,” she said. “The documentation sup-ported it, and why not go for it?”

Shehab, who grew up in Cape May, N.J., in the summers and in Brooklyn, N.Y., the remainder of the year, was desperate to join the war in Europe, first attempting to fight for the Finnish army and then for France. After both attempts were halted by his father, Shehab joined the U.S. Army in 1942 at the age of 22.

“There was a fellow in Japan and another one in Germany,” he said as his reason for enlisting. “They wanted to change my life and I didn’t agree with them, and the only way we could do anything about it was to fight. So I joined the Army.”

After training at Fort Knox, Ky., Shehab was commissioned as a cavalry officer. He later joined the 38th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron in Europe and led a platoon in “B” Troop. The main mission of the 30-member platoon was to scope out enemy troops and report back.

One of the memories Shehab recalled of his time with the 38th was listening to American jazz on the radio of an armored car at night.

“You’re standing in the middle of the woods surrounded by Germans and you’re listening to the songs you listened to when you were dancing on the piers of Cape May,” he said.

On Dec. 15, 1944, Shehab’s role in the Bat-tle of the Bulge began as his platoon was set up in a hunting lodge near the Siegfried Line. That night, enemy paratroopers were dropped on his location. Shehab said he sat in a chair shooting down the paratroopers as his men then went to pick them up. Turns out, he said, each paratrooper carried a bottle of rum.

“I didn’t have any problem getting volun-teers to go out and find these fellas,” Shehab joked.

The next morning is considered the official start of the battle, which continued until Jan 25, 1945. The major German offensive near the end of the war was to split the Allied line of American and British troops.

“We held, but everything below us caved in,” Shehab said proudly.

According to an article in the Cape May Star and Wave published May 24, 1945, Shehab’s troops defended a “front of 9,000 yards and standing alone between a full-scale German attack and vital road nets leading to Eupen and Leige, [Belgium], this thinly spread force held its ground in the face of five attacks ranging in strength from reinforced battalions to combined elements of two infantry regi-ments.”

Although the Allies won the Battle of the Bulge, there were nearly 90,000 American casualties — including 19,000 dead.

After the war, Shehab remained in the mili-tary until 1963. He said his best years in the Army were with the 14th Cavalry Regiment when the unit controlled the border between East and West Germany.

“There was a 10-meter strip between East and West Germany,” Shehab said. “To look over at the East side, there’s a man plowing with a horse and a plow. To the West side,

War and remembrance

Odenton veteran awarded French Legion of Honor

there was a man plowing with a tractor. That was the difference between the two. ... It was two completely different ways of life.”

Shehab’s 21-year military career also was highlighted with a stint in Lebanon as a special assistant because his cousin Gen. Fouad She-hab commanded the Lebanese army. Fouad would eventually become president of Leba-non.

“On the way up to his office he said, ‘I’m delighted to see you. How is your family? And why the hell did you bring your whole Army with you?” Shehab recalled.

He later served with the Second Army at Fort Meade, where he retired. Shehab has lived in Odenton ever since.

On Feb. 13, Shehab was joined by several other World War II veterans who had trav-eled from across the country to the French Embassy for the presentation of the presti-gious French Legion of Honor.

“I felt a sense of recognition,” Shehab said. “This medal represents the appreciation of France for the people of the United States in helping to liberate France. What I see is,

‘thank you.’ ”Although the medal rests in a display case

in his den, Shehab said the recognition from the people of Belgium towns and villages means more than an award.

Several years ago, veterans of the Battle of the Bulge returned to Belgium and found monuments to the American Army in nearly every town they visited, said Shehab.

“That really helped us understand the American participation in World War II,” he said.

To this day, Shehab still receives letters from young Belgians asking about the Battle of the Bulge.

Shehab said he is glad people continue to remember the battle and World War II. By bringing the war to the public’s attention, he hopes it educates those not in uniform on the harshness of war.

“We want the country to understand the cost of war and, more importantly, the cost of our liberty and freedom,” Shehab said. “That’s what the uniform means — freedom and liberty.”

Retired Lt. Col. Alfred Shehab poses after being awarded the French Legion of Honor at the French Embassy in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 13. The 93-year-old Odenton resident was awarded the medal — the highest honor in France — for his role in liberating France during World War II.

Submitted photo


Fort Meade will celebrate Earth Day on April 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Burba Park. Everyone is invited. Individuals, vendors and local businesses interested in managing an exhibit, demonstrating a product or sponsoring an event can call or email Suzanne Teague at 301-677-9185 and [email protected] or Linda North at 301-677-9648 and [email protected].

News

Army News ServiceOn March 8, funding for tuition

assistance was curtailed and Soldiers cannot submit new requests for tuition assistance, said Lt. Gen. Howard B. Bromberg, deputy chief of staff, G-1.

Secretary of the Army John McHugh approved the tuition assistance stop-page. It affects Soldiers from both the active and Reserve components.

The Air Force and the Marines also have joined the Army in dropping tuition assistance due to sweeping, federal budget cuts.

Soldiers currently enrolled in cours-es approved for TA are not impacted and will be allowed to complete their funded course work.

This suspension in funding “is necessary, given the significant bud-get execution challenges caused by the combined effects of a possible

yearlong, continuing resolution and sequestration,” according to a state-ment from the G-1 Public Affairs Office.

The suspension “will remain in effect until the fiscal situation matures,” Bromberg said in the statement. “The Army understands the impacts of this action and will re-evaluate should the budgetary situation improve.”

John Anderson, education services specialist at the Fort Meade Army Education Services Division, said the Army leadership is aware that the TA program is important to Soldiers.

“While TA assistance is in suspen-sion, we recommend that Soldiers continue to update their GoArmyEd portal so that when TA is restored, they can begin enrolling in courses immediately,” Anderson said.

Army Education Services, located at

8601 Zimborski Ave., provides adult continuing education programs and services for active-duty and Reserve service members assigned to or living near Fort Meade.

Adult family members, retirees and other government civilians are eligible for the division’s services.

“Soldiers should continue to come to us to discuss degree programs, test-ing facilities and general counseling,” Anderson said.

Any future changes to the TA fund-ing will be posted on goarmyed.com.

TA funding, which comes from the Army’s budget, is the only education funding affected at this time. Soldiers can continue their education through alternative programs.

Anderson said Soldiers with more than two years of service can use their GI Bill while they are on active duty.

Soldiers also can pursue their edu-cational goals with Veterans Affairs education benefits, which include the Montgomery GI Bill-Active Duty, Montgomery GI Bill-Selected Reserve, Reserve Education Assistance Pro-gram and the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

For more information, Soldiers can go the GI Bill funding website at gibill.va.gov/benefits/index.html.

Anderson suggested that Soldiers consider applying for federal student aid at the U.S. Department of Educa-tion website, fafsa.ed.gov., and taking the College Level Education Program tests at the Army Education Center.

National Guard Soldiers also may be eligible for state tuition assistance benefits.

Editor’s note: Soundoff! reporter Lisa R. Rhodes contributed to this story.

Ed Center helps find funds for schools

Submitted by Freedom Inn Dining FacilityThe Freedom Inn Dining Facility is

now in compliance with DoD policy requiring that the point of sales cash sys-tems record government Common Access Cards.

All military and federal civilian employ-ees must pro-vide their CAC to dine at the Freedom Inn. DoD civilians and other fed-eral employees are only autho-rized to dine at the facility on Mondays and Fridays.

Subsistence-in-Kind (SIK) diners must pro-vide a valid meal card or other document authorizing them to eat at the dining facility without paying cash.

The diner must hand the CAC to the

headcounter, who will verify the diner against the CAC and meal card or other document if applicable, and place the CAC in the card reader.

The diner must enter his or her PIN.The POS will

lock the CAC if the diner entered the PIN incor-rectly after three attempts. The system will warn the headcounter after two incor-rect attempts.

The head-counter will pro-cess the transac-tion and return the CAC to the diner.

Military retir-ees are required to show their retired ID card.

Members of federal agencies on the installation who do not have a CAC will be required to show their agency’s approved ID card.

CAC now required at Freedom Inn


News

By Capt. William BiggersLegal Assistance Attorney

In these uncertain financial times, it has never been more important than right now to take a look at your funds and start planning for possible troubles.

With the recent fiscal cliff, govern-ment furloughs and the debt ceiling debate just around the corner, any number of events can impact your monthly budgets and even retirement savings.

Despite these dangers, most of these problems can be mitigated through proper financial planning and prepa-ration. These tips should help you weather any financial storm:

• Take a look at your budget imme-diately.

Not only do you need to look at your monthly budget and see where you can cut down on expenses and increase your savings, you need to start looking immediately.

It is human nature to simply ignore a problem in hopes that it will go away. But summon up all your strength, realize that difficult financial times are nearly certain to occur, and start planning right now.

Nothing is gained from waiting.• Differentiate between want and

need.Once you’ve gotten over the hurdle

of opening up your bank account and adjusting your budget, it’s important to make a distinction between what you want and what you need.

Start reducing everything you spend in a month on things you simply want. Take all the money you save on these items and start stockpiling the money in your savings.

It is better to oversave now, than the alternative.

• Contact your creditors right away.Call your loan holders, mortgage

companies and other financial entities that you owe money to and let them know that you might be facing a reduc-tion in income that will affect your ability to repay these items.

Often there are loan modification programs or refinancing options that will lower your interest rate and make it easier for you to make your monthly payments.

The only way to know if your lender has these programs is to ask.

• Build up your credit options.It is never advisable to pay bills or

other expenses on credit when you don’t have the liquid assets to pay off that purchase when it comes due.

However, for some people, this type of financial liquidity simply is not an option. There may come a point in time when you no longer have cash or other options to pay for what you need.

When this occurs, it will be neces-sary to have access to credit, but more importantly, access to the right credit.

While certain options like payday advances and car title loans might look attractive, the fine print reveals that the interest rates on these borrowed mon-ies are astronomical. These options are almost always bad credit options.

There are, of course, some good credit options such as a fixed low-interest loan from your bank or even a Thrift Savings Plan secured loan. One of the most attractive aspects about a TSP loan is that all of the interest you pay on the loan goes back into your TSP account.

For more information on these types of loans, visit tsp.gov/planparticipa-tion/loans/loanBasics.shtml.

• Know your rights against credi-tors.

If you do find yourself in financial difficulties and are having trouble pay-ing your bills on time, you need to make sure you understand your rights.

The Fair Debt Collections Practices Act establishes certain legal protec-tions against abusive debt collection practices. Immediately see a Legal Assistance attorney if you’re being harassed by creditors.

For more information or if you have concerns about financial plan-ning, call the Army Community Ser-vice Financial Readiness Program at 301-677-5590 or schedule an appoint-ment online at FortMeadeACS.check-appointments.com.

If you have issues with creditors or other legal concerns, you may schedule an appointment with a Legal Assis-tance Division attorney at the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate at 301-677-9504.

Better to plan ahead for financial uncertainties

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News

March 8, Assault - consummated by a battery: The victim was walking home from school when he was struck on the mouth and about the head by an unknown juvenile assailant, causing a laceration to the inner, upper-right lip and a bruise to the upper-right fore-head.

March 9, Theft of private property: The victim arrived at the RV lot and noticed several items missing from his RV including: two hoses used for drinking fresh water, his tool kit with a socket set and wrenches, an outdoor charcoal grill and the emergency breakaway cable.

March 10, Failure to pay just debt: The subject hired a taxi cab but upon arrival at Fort Meade, he exited the taxi, retrieved the keys to his vehicle and fled the area without rendering proper payment.

March 10, Destruction of private property: The victim noticed visible signs of vandal-

ism and damage to his vehicle, which was parked and secured in his driveway. Profane words were carved into the paint, causing extensive damage.

March 8, Larceny of private property: The victim stated that unknown person(s) by unknown means removed her iPad3 from her room.

CommunityCommunityCrime Watch

Compiled by the Fort Meade Directorate of Emergency Services

By Capt. William BiggersLegal Assistance Attorney

The Fort Meade Joint Installation Tax Center has been busy providing free tax preparation for all active-duty service mem-bers, their dependents, retired military mem-bers, and Reserve and National Guard mem-bers on active orders for 30 days or more.

We’ve been so busy that our appoint-ments are booked until the beginning of April. However, there are still some military members in need of a tax appointment. With the filing deadline only a month away, it doesn’t seem fair to turn clients away and force them to spend hundreds of dollars to get their taxes done.

The Tax Center will be doing two things to prevent this from happening.

First, the center will add new appoint-ments to the schedule including more week-end and evening hours. We receive more

than 100 calls a day about appointments, so schedule one today before they fill up.

Second, the Tax Center will institute a new walk-in policy in order to meet the high demand for its services. If you qualify to file a 1040 EZ tax return only, then you may walk in Monday through Friday from 8 to 9 a.m. to get your taxes done.

Who is eligible to file a 1040 EZ?If your filing status is single or married

filing jointly, you do not claim any depen-dents, and your taxable income is less than $100,000, then you can file this type of return. For all other types of returns, call to schedule an appointment.

Don’t pay to get your taxes done when you’re entitled to get them done here for free.

For more information about your taxes or to schedule an appointment, call the Fort Meade Tax Center at 301-677-9366.

Tax Center adds more appointments

Follow Fort Meadeat Twitter.com/ftmeademd

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SportS

Story and photo by Brandon BieltzStaff Writer

Heading into the playoffs, the Seahawks from Navy Information Opera-tions Command Maryland were hitting their stride.

After defeating both the top-ranked 7th Intelligence Squadron on Feb. 28 and their first playoff opponents — the 29th IS Black Knights — a week later, the Seahawks entered the playoffs with confidence, said Reauthtie Yun.

“We’re feeling good,” he said. “We’re just playing hard.”

The team’s confidence continued to build as the Seahawks defeated the Black Knights 69-50 in the opening round of the Division II intramural basketball playoffs Monday night at Murphy Field House.

Yun led the Seahawks to the playoff victory with a 17-point performance.

Monday’s game was a rematch of a late-season matchup in which the Seahawks defeated the Black Knights 52-36 to give the Seahawks an even 7-7 record to close the season.

The Seahawks started the season slow, dropping the first four games. But the team turned the tide by winning seven of its last 10 games.

While the Seahawks were finding its stride, the Black Knights were losing grip of its season as the team lost five of its last six games. The skid resulted in the 6-3 team to drop below .500 with a final 7-8 record.

Early on in Monday’s game it seemed the Black Knights’ struggles were going to continue into the playoffs as the Seahawks jumped out to an early 17-8 lead follow-ing a 9-0 run. The Black Knights were unable to stop the Seahawks’ balanced offensive attack of strong play in the paint and shooting from the perimeter.

But at the midpoint of the first half, the Black Knights defense tightened up and its offense began hitting its shots. The Black Knights pulled within two points with two minutes remaining in the half, but the Seahawks closed the half on an 8-0 run for the 32-22 lead.

Jason Rossel’s 10 points in the first half kept the Black Knights in the game, but with two Seahawks — Yun and Kris Balfour — each scoring nine points, the Black Knights struggled to hold on.

The Seahawks opened the second half continuing its late, first half dominance with a 7-0 run to extend its lead to 39-22. But the Black Knights pulled itself back

Seahawks fly by Black Knights

Jason Rossel of the 29th Intelligence Squadron Black Knights shoots during Monday’s intramural basketball game at Murphy Field House. The Black Knights fell 69-50 to the Navy Information Operations Command Maryland Seahawks in the opening round of the playoffs.

into the game late in the half with a 9-0 run to cut the lead to 49-41.

Despite the late-game push, the Black Knights were unable to overcome the deficit. The Seahawks won 69-50.

Rossel’s 17 points, Andre Snowden’s 16 and David Jenkins’ 15 were not enough to overcome the powerful attack of the Seahawks. The Seahawks offense was led by Yun’s 17 points, Gregory Calazado’s 15 points and Balfour’s 14.

Yun said the victory gave the team even more confidence heading into the

remainder of the tournament. The team, he said, just needed to continue to do what it was doing.

“Just keep playing,” he said.The defeat sent the Black Knights

into the loser’s bracket, with one more loss ending its season. With their backs against the wall, players said they can turn their game around and make a run for the championship.

“It will definitely motivate us,” Snowden said. “If we leave it on the floor, we’ll be able to make a run at it.”

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SportS

Sports ShortsYouth coaches needed

Coaches are needed for needed for soccer and baseball youth teams.The Fort Meade Highsteppers Track and Field Club is seeking a pole

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

Mixed martial arts classGaffney Fitness Center is offering free, mixed martial-arts classes every

second and fourth Saturday of the month at 10 a.m.The next class is March 23.Classes include lessons in Brazilian Jui Jitsu and Muay Thia and are

taught by certified instructors.For more information, call 301-677-3867.

Spring sports registrationRegistration for spring sports is under way at Parent Central Services,

1900 Reece Road.Spring sports include soccer, T-ball, baseball, softball, track, indoor

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

Earth Day 5K RunThe installation’s annual Run Series kicks off April 20 with an Earth

Day 5K Run at 8 a.m. at Burba Park.The pre-registration cost for individuals is $15. Cost on the day of the

run is $25.The pre-registration cost for groups of seven to ten is $75.The pre-registration cost is $40 for a family of three to six people. On

the day of the event, the cost is $60 per family.An individual can register for the entire season for $60.All pre-registered runners will receive a T-shirt.For more information, call 301-677-7916.

Old Joe Golf Tournament The Fort Meade Officers’ Spouses Club is sponsoring the 8th Annual

Old Joe Golf Tournament on April 12 at Eisenhower Golf Course, 1576 Generals Highway, Crownsville.

Shotgun start will be at 8:30 a.m.Cost is $70 for active-duty service members, retirees and family

members, and $75 for everyone else.Registration and payment are due by March 29.Registration includes green fees and cart, putting contest, continental

breakfast, barbecue lunch, two beverage tickets, door prizes, snacks and player goodie bags.

Proceeds benefit the Fort Meade OSC Scholarships and Welfare Programs.

For more information, email Lorin Neslony at [email protected] or visit fortmeadeosc.org.

EFMP bowlingThe Exceptional Family Member program is sponsoring its monthly

bowling event on Wednesday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Lanes.Exceptional family members will receive a free game and shoe rental.

Other family members will receive discounted games and shoe rental.To register, call 301-677-4473 or email [email protected].

For more Fort Meade sports, visit quickscores.com/ftmeadesports.

Guess who got to spend some quality time with the wife Sunday night?

That’s right, it was me, C-H-A to the D.Of course, it’s only fair to say that quality time

isn’t what it used to be, so get your mind out of the gutter.

First, some people — most notably Mrs. Jones — would argue that “Whoopee” in ’70s TV-icon Bob Eubanks’ sense of the word bit.ly/13SX5wp should not be considered quality. Nor does it take a lot of time.

Second, being a father of three kids under 10, I know the consequences of traditional quality time. That’s why our quality time is usually spent above the sheets watching television while the kids are asleep.

On Sunday, it was the CNN documentary “Escape Fire: The Fight to Rescue American Healthcare.” The film was well done, revealed the flaws in our health care system and, more than anything else, got me thinking about my own health.

I came to realize there is truth to the adage, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Basically, science has proven the more time you spend exercising, eating right and generally living a healthy lifestyle now, the less time you’ll spend in a hospital bed recovering from a heart attack or some other issue later.

At that moment I took my wife’s hand and we rededicated ourselves to getting fit. We even sealed it with a kiss. Then we went to bed.

Then, morning came.And as I hit snooze for the third time, I remem-

bered how hard change could be and that I might need some help. So I reached out to someone with recent success in getting fit: Your “Dump the Plump” champion, Matt Wise.

Matt, known by most people as “Matty,” dumped 55.6 pounds and dropped 26.81 percent of his body fat during the eight-week annual competition.

I wanted to know how and why he wanted to lose the weight. I assumed he had an epiphany or was motivated by a life-changing experience.

Actually, it was something more basic than that.

“I wanted to lose the weight in order to win the contest, and I mean that,” said Wise, who works at the Youth Center for CYSS. “I am motivated by competition, and last year my team lost. So this year I really wanted my team to win, and I knew I had to lead by example.”

If you are thinking you’ve heard this type of bravado come from a Wise man before, you’re right. Matt is the son of our friend Doug Wise of the infamous DPTMS clan.

Regardless of his motivation, the fact is Matty

enjoys life when there is less of him around.

“I feel very good about losing the weight this year. … I feel much more fit than I ever have,” he said.

Despite the success, Wise, like most of us who constantly battle with weight and fitness, knows it is often easier to lose the weight than to keep it off.

This was Matt’s fourth year participating in the competition. Most years, his starting weight was upward of three bills. However, after 2012, the rugby player was able to keep most of his weight off, which is why he started this year at 263.

“To keep it off, I just try to eat healthy most of the time and work out four to five times a week [mostly running and weight lifting],” Wise said. “When I was heavier and playing rugby, I was stronger. But now, I just feel healthier. I can run faster and farther, I can do more push-ups and pull-ups. In general, I just feel better.”

Of course, I couldn’t let this interview finish without asking two obvious questions: How were you able to succeed with a dad like Doug? And ... why do the Steelers stink?

Take Matty’s reply for what it’s worth.“Being Doug’s son is the greatest thing ever,

even better than being a Steelers fan, if you can believe that. To have a role model like him has been a blessing. His intelligence, competitive tenacity, manly physique, protective and nurturing manner, natural leadership and humility — all of which are only surpassed by my brother and myself — make him one the greatest men in his-tory and the single-best father in history.

“His awe-inspiring devotion to his family, God, country and Pittsburgh sport franchises have given me the strength and courage to overcome any obstacle. I doubt anything like that could be said of a Cowgirl or Red Wings fan.”

Looks like someone’s helping with the mort-gage payment.

Don’t forget, March Madness is here and it’s time for the annual Fort Meade/Picerne Military Housing tournament challenge.

Brackets will be posted on the Facebook page and blog Monday morning. Turn in your submis-sions to Bryan Spann at [email protected] NLT noon Thursday and see if you’ve got what it takes to win the grand prize, courtesy of our friends at Picerne.

I will see you in two weeks, but until then …If you have comments on this or anything to do

with sports, contact me at [email protected].

Quality time

Chad T. Jones, Public Affairs

Officer

Jibber Jabber - OpiniOn

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil10 SOUNDOFF! March 14, 2013

Cover Story

Command Sgt. Maj. David Harrienger of the 48th Combat Support Hospital entertains his grandson Kane Backus with a balloon during the unit’s farewell luncheon after a formal deployment ceremony Saturday at the Post Theater.

By Lisa R. RhodesStaff Writer

Members of the 48th Combat Sup-port Hospital said goodbye to their loved ones on Saturday after the unit held a deployment ceremony at the Post Theater.

About 180 Soldiers will deploy for a nine-month assignment in Kuwait in support of Operation Enduring Free-dom.

The 48th CSH is headquartered at the Capt. John Smathers Reserve Cen-ter on Route 175. The Army Reserve unit consists of more than 900 Soldiers with the mission of providing deploy-able hospitalization and outpatient ser-vices. It has the medical capability of a 248-bed hospital, providing operating rooms, emergency medical triage and treatment facilities, intensive care units, minimal care wards and neuropsychia-try services.

The 45-minute deployment ceremony, which also was attended by family mem-bers and friends, included the reading of a farewell letter from Sen. Barbara A. Mikulski by Denise Nooe, a repre-sentative from the senator’s office, and remarks by senior military leaders.

The ceremony ended with the casing of the unit’s colors and a rendition of the Army Song.

“I want you to know I am grateful for your service to our country and the sacrifice for you and your families,” Nooe said on behalf of Mikulski. “... Please know that we are proud of you and praying for your safety.”

Nooe presented Col. Thomas A. Johnson Jr., commander of the 48th CSH, with a folded American flag that was flown over the Capitol at Mikulski’s request in honor of the unit.

Maj. Gen. Dean Sienko, commander of the 3rd Medical Command (Deploy-

ment Support), which consists of all of the Army Reserve’s deployable medical assets east of the Mississippi River, spoke about the importance of the deployment.

He said that although combat opera-tions have ended in Iraq and combat operations are likely to end in Afghani-stan next year, the U.S. “will always have a need for a strategic military pres-ence overseas.”

The deployment to Kuwait will make the 48th CSH available to support the Third U.S. Army/Army Central Com-mand/U.S. Army Forces Central Com-mand.

Sienko said the U.S. Army Forces Central Command’s areas of operations include multiple nations where there is “considerable instability” includ-ing Iran, Syria, Yemen, Lebanon and Egypt.

“Should our nation need to respond

48th Combat Support Hospital deploys to Kuwait

militarily or want military operations other than war, it will call on Third Army, it will call on Army Central, and it can very well call on the 48th Combat Support Hospital,” Sienko said.

Although Kuwait is in a period of peace, said Sienko, “you never know when things will suddenly get hot.”

He reminded the Soldiers that they will need to stay focused and be pre-pared to respond.

“In this business, there is no second chance,” Sienko said. “So this will be a challenge. This will be a challenge for the Soldiers and it will be a challenge for the family members. But this can be a very positive experience in all of your lives. You are likely to be stronger, more resilient and forever proud of what you have done.”

In his remarks, Johnson thanked family members for “loaning us your Soldiers for awhile.”

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil March 14, 2013 SOUNDOFF! 11

Johnson said it was his job to “remind our Soldiers to contact you all, to write, to email. There’s no excuse for your Sol-dier not to contact you. There’s nothing better than getting a letter in the mail and a few Girl Scout cookies.”

After the ceremony, the Soldiers and their family members attended a catered luncheon at McGill Training Center.

At the event, Sgt. Brian Black, a physical therapy technician, held his 4-month-old daughter Addison before eating lunch with his wife, Crystal, and mother-in-law. This is Black’s first deployment with the unit.

“I’m a little sad, but eager to get the mission done,” he said. “It’s kind of hard to leave your new family.”

The couple, who live in Norfolk, Va., said extended family will be a big help during the deployment.

“It’s bittersweet,” Crystal Black said. “The sooner he goes, the sooner he

comes back home.”Sgt. Duane McGill, a combat medic

and the unit’s noncommissioned officer-in-charge, attended the luncheon with his fiancé Spc. Sascha Flander of the 48th Alpha Company at Fort Storey, Va.

“I feel good about it, I’m happy to go,” McGill said of the deployment. “We have a good group of Soldiers. We’re looking forward to the mission.”

Flander said the couple plans to marry when he returns.

“I’m counting down the time to when he gets back home,” she said.

photos by sarah pastrana

LEFT: Sgt. Brian Black spends time with his 4-month old daughter Addison during the 48th Combat Support Hospital’s deployment farewell luncheon on Saturday. Family members and friends gathered at McGill Training Center for a catered lunch.

Lt. Mary O’Neill and Spc. Raul Lopez attend the farewell luncheon for members of the 48th Combat Support Hospital. Neither O’Neill nor Lopez are part of the deployment.

Spc. Creshenda Jackson (right) hugs Master Sgt. Renate Hylinski on Saturday. About 180 Soldiers of the 48th Combat Support Hospital are deploying to Kuwait for a nine-month assignment.


Community news & notes

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

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

MPD closuresThe Identification Card Section at

2234 Huber Road will discontinue all Saturday hours of operation.

The ID Section will be closed Monday and Tuesday for a systems upgrade.

The entire Military Personnel Division will be closed Tuesday for mandatory training.

The Administrative Support Division will be closed Tuesday from 8 a.m. to noon for mandatory training. Services include the Mail/Distribution Center, Forms and Publications.

For more information, call Vynette Johnson, chief of ID Card Branch, at 301-677-3342 or 301-677-9601.

Thrift ShopThe Post Thrift Shop will be open

for sales only on Wednesday from 6 to 9 p.m.

For more information, call 410-672-3575.

Tech ExpoA Technology Exposition, hosted by

U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command, will be held April 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Fort Meade Conference Center.

This is an opportunity for the organizations and units structured under the Fort Meade garrison, Defense Information Systems Agency, National Security Agency, U.S. Cyber Command and other tenant units to see the latest in emerging technologies, network with industry experts, and share ideas and future goals.

The expo will feature demonstrations and presentations from a variety of companies.

For more information, visit ncsi.com/techexpos/2013/fortmeade/.

Model sederA Model Passover Seder will be

conducted by Rabbi Levi Finkelstein on Sunday from 6 to 8:30 p.m. in the Argonne Hills Chapel Center Fellowship Room, 7100 Rockenbach Road.

There is no charge.A model seder is a simulation of the

Passover seder, teaching children and adults alike about the Passover traditions.

The Passover seder is a Jewish ritual feast that marks the beginning of the Jewish holiday of Passover. It is a ritual performed by a community or by multiple generations of a family, involving a retelling of the story of the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt.

Seder customs include drinking four cups of wine, eating matzah, the partaking of symbolic foods placed on the seder plate, and reclining in celebration of freedom.

Seating is limited to 125.For reservations, call 301-677-6035.

Free chamber concertThe U.S. Army Field Band will

present a Chamber Concert Series mixed performance on Wednesday at 7 p.m. on Fort Meade at Devers Hall, 4214 Field Band Drive.

The free concert is open to the public. No tickets are required.

The repertoire covers a wide spectrum of chamber music literature ranging from classical vocal works to an original jazz composition.

For more information, call 301-677-5789 or visit ArmyFieldBand.com.

Parents Night OutThe next Parents Night Out will be

Friday from 6:30 to 10 p.m.The fee is $10 for the first child and $5

for each additional child ages 6 weeks to 12 years old.

The program is open to active-duty service members and Reservists on active-duty status, DoD personnel, retirees and Fort Meade DoD contractors.

Register early; spaces are limited.For more information, call 301-677-

1149 or 301-677-1156.

Karaoke NightThe next Karaoke Night is March

21 from 7 to 10 p.m. in the 11th Frame Lounge at the Lanes.

The event is held the third Thursday of the month.

For more information, call 301-677-5541 or visit ftmeademwr.com.

Lunch and Learn The Safara Group will present a free

Lunch and Learn Financial Seminar on Tuesday and March 23 from noon to 2 p.m. at the Conference Center, 6800 Taylor Ave.

Topics include: How to go from debt elimination to wealth creation; the VA Loan and Home Equity Conversion Mortgage Loan; TSP/401K - retirement plan alterna-tivess; and Good Debt vs. Bad Debt.

Seating is limited. RSVP by today.To register, call 732-800-1477.

ASIST WorkshopThe next Applied Suicide Intervention

Skills Training, or ASIST, Workshop will be offered April 10 and 11 at the Cavalry Chapel at 8465 Simonds St. and 6th Armored Cavalry Road.

The ASIST Workshop is open to all military, adult family members and DoD civilian employees. Contractors are welcome on a space-available basis.

During the two-day workshop, participants will learn specific skills to help them identify those at risk and how to better listen to and care for those having thoughts of suicide.

Participants will view powerful videos on suicide intervention. They will learn suicide first aid and how to recognize invitations for help; how to reach out and offer support; how to apply a suicide intervention model; and how to link people with community resources.

For more information, email [email protected].

BOSC scholarshipsThe Belvoir Officers’ Spouses’ Club is

accepting applications for its scholarship program through April 12.

The scholarship program is open to spouses and dependents of all ranks —active duty, retired or deceased — in all branches of military service including Guard/Reserves with a valid military iden-tification card.

Eligible applicants or their military spon-sor must reside in the greater Washington, D.C., area. All applicants, spouses and chil-dren/dependents, must enroll at either an accredited college/university or an accred-ited/licensed vocational/technical program for the 2013-2014 academic year.

Spouses also may be eligible if they are currently in an accredited program. Child/dependent applicants (up to age 23 with valid military ID card) must be both high school graduates and rising freshmen in an accredited program for the 2013-2014 academic year.

Those who previously received BOSC scholarships or who are pursuing a second degree (technical, second undergraduate or graduate) are not eligible to apply.

Applications for the BOSC scholarships are available on Fort Belvoir at the Officers Club, Education Office, Army Commu-nity Service, Soldier and Family Assistance Center, the Belvoir Federal Credit Union or online at belvoirosc.org.

Applications are also distributed to all high school counselors in the greater Wash-ington, D.C., area. Incomplete packages will not be considered. Application package requirements are available at belvoirosc.org.

Packages should be postmarked by April 12 and mailed to:

NEWS & EVENTS

Company Commander/First Sergeant CourseThe U.S. Army Military District of Washington Company Commander/First

Sergeant Course will be offered April 15 to 18 at National Defense University, Fort McNair, Washington, D.C., Lincoln Hall, Room 3305.

The final list of individuals recommended to participate is due to the MDW J/G37 Office by April 5.

The course introduces new and prospective company leaders to potential challenges of command, avenues and resources available to assist them, and overall concerns within the National Capitol Region.

MDW Regulation 350-5, Company Commanders and First Sergeants Training, requires all JFHQ-NCR/MDW company commanders and first sergeants to attend this training.

Individuals interested in participating in this training should contact their unit S3 or installation Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security.

Course allocations will be made IAW Chapter 6, MDW Reg 350-5.For more information, call Michael Egly at 202-685-2910 or email michael.

[email protected], or David Stone at 202-685-1923 or email [email protected].

EDUCATION


Community news & notes

BOSC Scholarship CommitteeP.O. Box 322Fort Belvoir, VA 22060An awards reception will be held May

22 at 6:30 p.m. at Fort Belvoir in Quarters One.

For more information, contact Jennifer Wilder, BOSC scholarship chair, at 703-532-1383 or [email protected].

Financial Readiness classesArmy Community Service offers

Financial Readiness classes at the Community Readiness Center, 830 Chisholm Ave.

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.• Money Management: Today, 1 to 3

p.m.• First Term Financial Readiness:

March 26, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m• Consumer Awareness: March 28, 1

to 3 p.m.To register or for more information,

call 301-677-5590. To schedule an appointment, visit fortmeadeacs.checkappointments.com.

Career, relationship classesThe Fleet and Family Support Center

offers the following free classes at the Community Readiness Center, 830 Chisholm Ave.:

Registration is required for all programs.

• Stress Management: Today, 9 to 11 a.m.

• Sponsorship Training: Tuesday, 1 to 3 p.m.

• Anger Management: March 21, 9 to 11 a.m.

• Building Healthy Relationships: March 22, 9 to 11 a.m.

For more information, call 301-677-9014, 301-677-9017 or 301-677-9018.

Mob/Dep programsThe Mobilization/Deployment

Program will offer the following programs at the Community Readiness Center, 830 Chisholm Ave.

Registration is required.• Pre-deployment Brief: Friday, 9:30

to 11 a.m.• Family Readiness Group

Roundtable: Wednesday, 9 to 11 a.m.• CARE Team Training: March 25, 9

a.m. to 3 p.m.For more information, email Pia

file photo

youth job fairThe Fort Meade Youth Job Fair will be held March 21 from 3 to 6 p.m. at McGill Training Center, 8452 Zimborski Ave. The event, for ages 16 to 21, is open to the public. More than 35 businesses and schools will be represented. Bring resumes. For more information, call the Army Com-munity Service Employment Readiness Program at 301-677-6658.

Morales, Mobilization/Deployment Pro-gram manager, at [email protected] or call 301-677-4110.

Summer leadership campThe Navy-sponsored Drug Education

For Youth is now accepting applications for the free, two-week summer leadership camp for ages nine to 12 from July 9 to 19 on Fort Meade.

Participants will learn the basics on drug use and prevention, alcohol, tobacco, peer pressure and gangs. All gear, training material and field trips will be provided by DEFY.

Availability is limited. Applications will be taken until April 30.

To download an application, visit http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/support/nadap/Documents/DEFY/Youth%20Application%202010.pdf and forward it to the DEFY mailbox at [email protected].

For more information, email Chief Hankins at [email protected], CTN2 Vassell at [email protected] or [email protected].

Easter Bunny brunchBrunch with the Easter Bunny will be

held March 23 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Conference Center.

Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny will visit from noon to 1 p.m.

Cost is $13 for adults and $8 for ages 4 to 10. Children ages 3 and under attend free.

Tickets are on sale at the Youth Center.


Easter Egg HuntFort Meade’s annual Easter Egg Hunt

will be held March 30 at noon at the Youth Center.

The free event will feature contests, activities, treats and door prizes.

Bring your own basket for the egg hunt.


Grilling and Chilling NightChild Youth and School Services

will offer the next Grilling and Chilling Night on March 22 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Youth Center.

Cost is $5 for meal.

For more information, call 301-677-1437.

Out & About• Bowie Baysox’s 14th annual Free

Family FunFest will be held March 23 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Prince George’s Stadium, rain or shine.

The event features free rides and games in Louie’s Kids Park, music and games on the concourse, and displays from local businesses and organizations. Attractions include the Phillips Wharf Environmental Center Fishmobile, a traveling marine science program about the Chesapeake Bay.

Single game tickets will be on sale. For more information, visit baysox.com.

• The Laurel Museum will present a free Civil War re-enactment on April 13 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the grounds of American Legion Post 60 at 2 Main St., Laurel. The re-enactment is part of the exhibit, “Laurel Station: A Living History Program” and will feature the 2nd Maryland Infantry and 28th Massachusetts, 3rd USV.

The “living history” day will take place on land that was part of the encampment of Union troops stationed in Laurel from 1861 to 1865. Visitors can explore a Civil War encampment, participate in a drill, and watch a firing demonstration and an afternoon skirmish.

Author J. David Wonderling will sign and sell copies of his book, “Living History of the Civil War.” For more information visit laurelhistoricalsociety.org.

• Glen Mar United Methodist Church in Ellicott City will sponsor a Family 5K Run/Walk on April 20 at 9 a.m. The course will cover streets surrounding the church. The event will benefit the Howard County Food Bank. Participants are asked to bring nonperishable foods to the event.

Registration is limited to 350 people. To register, visit glenmarumc.org. For more information, contact Connie Ballenger at [email protected] or 410-796-0290.

• The Retired Officers’ Wives’ Club is sponsoring a bus trip to the Sight and Sound Theater in Pennsylvania to see the presentation of “Noah” on April 16.

YOUTH RECREATION

CONTINUED ON PAGE 14


Community news & notes movies

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

Movies start Wednesdays to Saturdays at 6:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. NEW PRIC-ES: Tickets are $5 for adults (12 and older) and $2.50 for children. 3D Movies: $7 adults, $4.50 children.

Today through March 31

Today, Saturday & Wednesday: “Beautiful Crea-tures” (PG-13). Supernatural love story set in the South, regarding the tale of two star-crossed lovers. With Alden Ehrenreich, Alice Englert, Jeremy Irons.

Friday & Sunday: “Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunt-ers” (PG-13). Siblings with a haunted past hunt witches for a living. Jeremy Renner, Gemma Arterton, Famke Janssen. (3D) .

March 21, 22: “Parker” (R). A thief with a unique code of professional ethics is double-crossed by his crew and left for dead. Assuming a new disguise and forming an unlikely alliance with a woman on the inside, he looks to hijack the score of the crew’s latest heist. With Jason Statham, Jennifer Lopez and Michael Chiklis.

March 23: Studio Appreciation FREE Screening. Tickets available at the Exchange food court. Seating open to non-ticket holders 30 minutes prior to showtime.

March 24, 27, 28: “Identity Thief” (R). A victim of identity theft fights back. With Jason Bate-man, Melissa McCarthy and Jon Favreau.

March 29, 31: “A Good Day to Die Hard” (R). John McClane joins forces with his son to battle Russian villains. With Bruce Willis, Jai Courtney and Sebastian Koch.

March 30: “Safe Haven” (PG-13). A young woman with a dark past falls in love with a widower. With Josh Duhamel, Julianne Hough and David Lyons.

Cost is $100, which covers the bus, a smorgasbord lunch at Hershey Farms Restaurant, and show ticket.

The bus will leave Ridgeview Plaza at 8:30 a.m. lunch and return at approximately 5:30 p.m. For more information or reservations, call Joan Fiscus at 410-465-0492.

• Staff Sgt. Joel Klenke, of the U.S. Army Field Band, will perform a free, solo clarinet recital on March 24 at 6 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church, 6800 Oakland Mills Road, Columbia. For more information, call 301-677-5789 or visit ArmyFieldBand.com.

• Leisure Travel Services is offering its next monthly bus trips to New York City on March 23 and April 20, with discounts to attractions. Bus cost is $55. For more information, call 301-677-7354 or visit ftmeademwr.com.

• Fort Meade Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America will host its next luncheon today at 11:30 a.m. at the Conference Center.

The guest speaker is Sgt. Maj. Alfred J. Rivera, USAF Superintendent, 305APS/Det 1, BWI, who will brief on space available travel on Air Mobility Command aircraft (military and military-chartered commercial aircraft) at BWI and other area locations.

The public is invited, but reservations are required. Cost of the luncheon is $15. For reservations, call T. Wayne Hobbs at 410-799-8331.

• Meade Area Garden Club will meet Friday at 10 a.m. at the Jessup Community Hall at the corner of Rout 175 and Wigley Avenue. Jim Heins, a volunteer coordinator for the C&O Canal Association, will pres-ent the program “C&O Canal: The Park That Almost Wasn’t.”

No reservations required. Refreshments will be served. Those interested in joining the club may attend one program before paying the annual fee of $20.

The meeting will be canceled if Anne Arundel County Schools are closed or open late due to inclement weather. For more information, call Pat Loosarian, member-ship chairman, at 410-519-6443 or Sharon Durney, club president, at 410-761-5019.

• Families Dealing with Deployment meets the first and third Monday of every month from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Meuse Forest

Neighborhood Center. The next meeting is Monday. For more information, call Rikki Ford, Parent Support coordinator, at 301-677-3617 or email [email protected].

• Retired Enlisted Association meets the third Tuesday of the month from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Perry’s Restaurant, 1210 Annapolis Road, Odenton. The next meet-ing is Tuesday. 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.

• Society of Military Widows meets for brunch the fourth Sunday of the month at 1 p.m. at the Lanes. The next meeting is March 24. For more information, call Betty Jones at 410-730-0127.

• Marriage Enrichment Group, spon-sored by Army Community Service, meets the second and fourth Monday of every month from 3 to 4 p.m. at the Commu-nity Readiness Center, 830 Chisholm Ave. The next meeting is March 25. For more information, call Celena Flowers or Jessica Hobgood at 301-677-5590.

• Single Parent Support Group meets the second and fourth Monday of the month from 6 to 8 p.m. at School Age Services, 1900 Reece Road. The next meeting is March 25. Free child care will be provided on site.

For more information, call Rikki Ford, Parent Support coordinator, at 301-677-3617 or email [email protected].

• Bully Proofing Support Group meets the second and fourth Monday from 4 to 5 p.m. at Potomac Place Neighborhood Center. The next meeting is March 25. The group is geared for parents of children ages 5 to 12. For more information, call 301-677-5590.

• Air Force Sergeants Association Chap-ter 254 meets the fourth Wednesday of the month from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the Roost, 9827 Love Road. The next meeting is March 27. For more information, call 443-534-5170 or visit afsa254.org.

• Retired Officers’ Wives’ Club will hold its next monthly luncheon on April 9 at 11 a.m. at the Conference Center. The program includes the club’s annual fashion show featuring fashions from the Exchange modeled by ROWC members. Bring your friends, neighbors or spouses.

Cost is $15. Reservations are required by March 30 at noon. For reservations, call your area representative or Betty Wade at 410-551-7082.

Membership dues are $25 per year, but is now $12.50 for the meetings this spring. Members may bring guests at any time to the luncheons, which are held on the first Tuesday of each month except June, July, August and January.

For more information, call Lianne

Roberts, ROWC president, at 301-464-5498.

• Women’s Empowerment Group meets every Wednesday from 2 to 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 Tina Gauth, victim advocate, at 301-677-4117 or Samantha Herring, victim advocate, at 301-677-4124.

• Military Council for Catholic Women is open to all women ages 18 and older for prayer, faith, fellowship and service at the Main Post Chapel.

Mother’s Prayer & Apologetics meets Tuesdays from 9:45 a.m. to noon when Anne Arundel County schools are in ses-sion. Monthly programs are held Mondays from 6:30 to 9 p.m.

For more information, email Beth Wright, president, at [email protected] or call 305-240-1559.

• Fort Meade Homeschool Co-op meets Fridays at 9:30 a.m. at 1900 Reece Road. For more information, call Kelli Stricker at 410-674-0297 or email [email protected].

• 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 Tom Johnston at [email protected] or Committee Chairperson Elizabeth John-ston 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 age 11 to 18. For more infor-mation, email Lisa Yetman, at [email protected] or Wendall Lawrence, Scout-master, at [email protected].

• American Legion Post 276 is open to veterans and active-duty service members at 8068 Quarterfield Road 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 from 4 to 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.

• 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. The next meet-ing is April 4 in the banquet hall in back of the building. Dinner is served at 6 p.m. For more information, call 410-674-4000.

RECREATION

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

MEETINGS


Religion

March 31 - Postwide Ecumenical Easter Sunrise Service – 7 a.m., Chapel Center

Protestant ServicesMarch 20 – Living Last Supper (hosted by Gospel Congregation) – 7 p.m., Chapel Center

March 24 – Palm Sunday Episcopal Service – 8:30 a.m., Post Chapel

March 24 – Palm Sunday Traditional Protestant Service – 10:30 a.m., Post Chapel

March 24 – Palm Sunday Contemporary Protestant Service – 10:30 a.m., Cavalry Chapel

March 24 – Palm Sunday Gospel Protestant Service – 11 a.m., Chapel Center

March 28 – Holy Thursday Protestant Service – 11:30 a.m., NSA

March 29 – Good Friday Protestant Service – 11:30 a.m., NSA

March 29 – Tenebrae Service of Shadows – 2 p.m., Post Chapel

March 31 – Easter Sunday Episcopal Service – 8:30 a.m., Post Chapel

March 31 – Easter Sunday Traditional Protestant Service – 10:30 a.m., Post Chapel

March 31 – Easter Sunday Contemporary Protestant – 10:30 a.m., Cavalry Chapel

March 31 – Easter Sunday Gospel Protestant Service – 11 a.m., Chapel Center

Catholic ServicesMarch 15, 22 – Stations of the Cross & Lenten Supper – 6:30 p.m., Chapel Center

March 24 – Palm Sunday Masses – *Regular Sunday Mass Schedule

March 28 – Maundy Thursday Service – 11 a.m., NSA

March 28 – Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper – 7 p.m., Chapel Center

March 29 – Good Friday service – 11 a.m., NSA

March 29 – Good Friday Stations of the Cross – noon, Chapel Center

March 29 – Good Friday Celebration of the Lord’s Passion – 7 p.m., Chapel Center

March 30 – Easter Food Basket Blessing – noon, Chapel Center

March 30 – Holy Saturday Great Easter Vigil – 8 p.m., Chapel Center

March 31 – Easter Sunday Masses – *Regular Sunday Mass Schedule

*Regular Catholic Weekend Mass Schedule: Saturday: 5 p.m. Cavalry Chapel; Sunday: 9

a.m. Chapel Center; 12:15 p.m. Post Chapel. There will be no 5 p.m. Mass at Cavalry Chapel

on Holy Saturday, March 30. Regularly scheduled noon Mass will be held at the Post Chapel,

except March 28 and 29.

Jewish ServicesMarch 28 – Passover meal – 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m., Chapel Center

Spring religiouS ServiceS on Fort Meade

Chaplain’s WordCONTAGIOUS ATTITUDES

“A positive attitude will have positive results because attitudes are contagious.”

— Zig Ziglar, motivational speaker

Find the Fort MeadereligiouS Schedule

atwww.ftmeade.army.mil.Look for the “Community” tab then click

on “Religious Services” for schedules, events and contact information.