AAPGPublishedP in the interestG of the people of AberdeenNNEWS Proving Ground,E MarylandWS www.teamapg.com THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014 Vol. 58, No. 12 Tax benefits for education explained

Office of the SJA, Client Services Division Tax credits and deductions can help taxpayers with their expenses for higher education. A tax credit can reduce the amount of income tax they may have to pay and a deduction can reduce the amount of income that is subject to tax, thus generally reducing the amount of tax owed. Education credits and deductions are claimed on Form 8863, Edu- Photo by Sean Kief cation Credits and Form 8917, (From left) Outgoing Command Sgt. Maj. David M. Puig, Brig. Gen. JB Burton and incoming Command Sgt. Maj. Harold E. Dunn Tuition and Fees Deduction. IV salute during the 20th CBRNE Command Change of Responsibility ceremony at APG South (Edgewood) March 19. American Opportunity Credit Under the American Recovery 20th CBRNE welcomes and Reinvestment Act, more par- ents and students qualify for a tax credit, the American Opportunity credit, to pay for college expenses. new senior enlisted advisor The American Opportunity cred- it originally modified the exist- By DEBORAH INCE the APG South (Edgewood) recreation ed over the ceremony and led the passing ing Hope credit for tax years 2009 APG News center March 19. of the sword signifying the transition of and 2010 and was later extended enlisted leadership. The responsibilities of the senior Puig, who served the command for two through 2017, making the benefit years, leaves APG to assume the position Burton had nothing but praise for his available to a broader range of tax- enlisted advisor for the 20th CBRNE of command sergeant major of Redstone outgoing command sergeant major. payers, including many with high- Command transitioned from Command Arsenal in Huntsville, Ala. He said that Puig’s exceptional lead- er incomes and those who owe no Sgt. Maj. David M. Puig to Command Sgt. Maj. Harold E. Dunn IV during a Brigadier Gen. JB Burton, command- ership and counsel, unmatched technical See EDUCATION, page 14 Change of Responsibility Ceremony at er of the 20th CBRNE Command, presid- See DUNN, page 14 Chief of Chaplains promotes power of prayer

By ALAN FEILER Army Public Health Command offered a scripture read- APG News ing and Col. Warline Richardson of the U.S. Army Test More than 300 attendees to the APG National Prayer and Evaluation Command introduced Rutherford. Luncheon at Top of the Bay March 19 listened to a The APG Praise Band provided musical selections message encouraging prayer and spiritual guidance and Renesha Robinson of CECOM, LRC sang the during times of anxiety over personal and worldly mat- national anthem. ters. Army Chief of Chaplains Maj. Gen. Donald L. Rutherford talked about the “anxious times” we live Rutherford assured APG Soldiers, civilians and con- in and how faith can provide the “survival skills” need- tractors that they are making a difference regarding the ed to overcome adversity. He alluded to Gen. George strength of Army and its missions. Washington who recognized the need for a faith-based The program included remarks by Gary Martin, act- Army as the nation’s first commander in chief in 1775. ing director of the U.S. Army Communications-Elec- See PRAYER, page 12 tronics Command. Prayers for the Nation, Families and Workforce were offered by Chaplain (Col.) William Senior Command CSM Kennis Dent and Michelle Sean Lee, Maryland National Guard State Chaplain; Gibson, wife of Acting Senior Commander Col. Charles Col. Jonas Vogelhut of PEO C3T; and Chaplain (Maj.) Gibson, bow their heads in prayer during the APG James Collins, APG installation deputy chaplain. National Prayer Luncheon at Top of the Bay March 19. Chaplain (Lt. Col.) David Bowerman of the U.S. Photo by Rachel Ponder ARL thanks Maryland National Guard for support

but also for the Twenty-five civilians from ARL recent- Several MDNG crew members said military. This is ly completed what turned out to be “one of they were happy to support the event. where we [the the best” greening courses the organization “I and the aircrew were honored to military] get to has planned and executed. The event took receive the group plaque and the indi- feel like we are place at APG in January and included an vidual certificates from Sgt. Maj. Harris contributing and aviation orientation by the MDNG and a on behalf of the ARL staff,” Pilot and making a differ- UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter ride. Chief Warrant Officer 5 David Eppler, ence,” said ARL Vishal Bhagwandin from ARL’s 29th Combat Aviation Brigade. “We are Sgt. Maj. Chris- Weapons and Materials Research Direc- happy the course participants enjoyed topher Harris. torate, said, “My favorite experiences their Black Hawk experience.” “Our Soldiers are so used to being were the Blackhawk helicopter ride and ARL Staff Sgt. Kirt Wheatley who is a part of something that’s bigger than driving the M1 Abrams tank – oppor- an avid woodworker created the plaque By JOYCE M. CONANT them. We learn as much from each par- tunities I thought I would never have!” that Harris presented to the group. ARL ticipant as they do from us.” Harris wanted to ensure the crew “It’s a great feeling to be able to put The U.S. Army Research Laborato- “I wanted to make sure this event at the Maryland Army National Guard your side talents to work by designing ry recently recognized the Maryland left the participants talking about it knew how much they were appreciated. and creating the plaque for those at the “I wanted to personally thank the Mary- Maryland Army National Guard who National Guard for its support of ARL’s for a long time and encouraging oth- land Army National Guard for their pro- were so supportive to ARL’s greening greening course during a ceremony at ers to participate and get to know the fessionalism and dedication in making this course,” said Wheatley. “The course APG South (Edgewood). Warfighters that they help provide the event so memorable. We couldn’t have participants were so excited about the “The greening course is not only technological edge for.” That’s exact- been successful without their support,” time they spent in the Blackhawk heli- a special event for the participants, ly what many of the participants felt. said Harris. “One team – one mission!” copter, as was I.” ONLINE INDEX IN THIS ISSUE WEATHER www.teamapg.com Pg 2 ...... Street Talk facebook.com/ Pg 15 ...... At your service Thursday APGMd Pg 8 .... Mark Your Calendar twitter.com/ Pg 9 ...... Crossword Partly cloudy USAGAPG chance of rain 0% Pg 11...... APG News history flickr.com/photos/ usagapg/ Pg 14...... Did you know? ICE system http://ice.disa.mil/ Facebook, http://on.fb.me/HzQIow More inside ATEC remembers Kelly Keck PAGE 2 Health fair features free SHARP briefing educates APG ID Theft Prevention PAGE 6 screenings leaders 24 Receive Medal of Honor PAGE 7 Contracting cutoff dates for Fiscal Year 2014 PAGE 15 Page 3 Page 5 45° 37° 2 APG News • March 27, 2014 ATEC hosts memorial for Wounded Warrior Kelly Keck

Were you named Story and photos by ing guest speaker Tammy YVONNE JOHNSON Duckworth, the U.S. Con- after anyone? APG News gresswoman from Illinois Aberdeen Proving who is an Iraq War veter- Ground leaders, Soldiers, an and double amputee. civilians and guests of the “He was not only an U.S. Army Test and Eval- example for Wounded I was named uation Command gathered Warriors, Kelly knew how after the song in the headquarters atri- others who thought they “Joanna” by um March 24 to remember couldn’t make it felt and [the band] Kool Wounded Warrior Kelly worked to be an example & the Gang. My of achievement to others middle name, Keck, who died suddenly like him. That’s why we Terrelle, is from March 13. Tammi Terrell, Keck’s funeral was called him ‘Special K.’” the Motown held March 18 in Havre de Fred Posadas who singer. Needless Grace. His interment will along with Steve Johnson to say, my mom 1st Lt. Joanna be at Arlington National of American Legion Post really likes music. Moore Cemetery at a later date. 128 arranged the Patri- KUSAHC Maj. Gen. Peter D. ot Guard flag detail, said Utley, ATEC commander, Keck served as junior vice gave remarks during the commander of the post. Service of Remembrance “Kelly was pure mili- which featured personal tary,” Posadas said. “He reflections by friends and never called me by my first I was named coworkers, a gun salute, name; he always called after my father, me ‘sergeant major.’ That and my father the playing of Taps and a was named flag detail by members of (From left) Army Test and Evaluation Command Cols. Dennis Smith was the respect he had after his father. American Legion Post 128 and Orlando Ortiz salute the memorial to the late ATEC civilian and for the military and for I am not a big Patriot Guard. Wounded Warrior Kelly Keck during a Service of Remembrance in his Wounded Warriors.” fan of sharing Utley said that Keck honor March 24. Keck died suddenly March 13 and will be interred The group also served names. It is too was a devoted husband to at Arlington National Cemetery on a later date. as flag bearers during confusing. his wife, Oxana Keck, and Keck’s funeral. Clark Justus a loving father to his young daughter, Zoya Kelly Keck. He Kelly Freeman Keck III leaves behind his mother, Sandra Spencer Sharp, three sib- Keck joined the Marine Corps in 1994 and served as an air- JPME lings, Elliott “Spencer” Keck, Peter Matthew Kellogg, and craft mechanic until his discharge in 1998. In 2001, he gradu- Wendy Kellogg. His wife, mother, father Jack Keck, and ated from Morehead State University in Morehead, Ky., with a 8-year–old niece Robin Mitchell were in attendance. degree in social work. He joined the Army in 2005 and trained to be a medic at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. Keck was the first Wounded Warrior intern to serve as an Keck served as an Army combat medic for the 1st Infan- Equal Employment Opportunity specialist for ATEC. Original- try Division, 3rd Brigade, Special Troops Battalion from 2007 I was named ly hired under a provisional appointment in June 2010, he was after Elizabeth until he was medically retired in 2010. in the Bible [the later converted to career conditional in July 2010. In September 2008, while in an up-armored vehicle con- mother of John From the very beginning, Kelly played a major role in the voy in Afghanistan, the lead vehicle was damaged by a road- the Baptist]. Equal Employment Opportunity Office, Utley said. side bomb. As he rushed to aid fellow Soldiers, Keck stepped “Kelly served as the victim advocate for Sexual Harass- on an anti-personnel landmine and subsequently lost part of his ment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) incidents right leg and left hand. throughout ATEC. He independently developed and published Keck met Dr. Victoria Dixon, the ATEC EEO director in a flow chart of the sequence of events for the EEO complaint 2009, while recuperating from his injuries at the former Wal- Elizabeth process, and he had a major role in the mandatory SHARP ter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Months Portillo training for the ATEC workforce. later, he began working in the ATEC EEO office as an intern. Freestate “Kelly has always been there for others, either as a social Keck’s awards include the Bronze Star, Army Commenda- ChalleNGe worker, a combat medic, or a disability program manager. And tion, Joint Service Achievement, Army Achievement and Pur- Academy on quite a number of occasions, including today, his senior ple Heart medals as well as Afghanistan campaign and Global leadership and his co-workers at ATEC have gathered together War on Terrorism medals. to honor and pay tribute to him,” Utley said. In May, Keck would have received a Silver Excellence in We are equally grateful for being given the rare opportuni- Federal Service Award from the Baltimore Federal Executive I was named ty to know a true American Soldier and citizen like Staff Sgt. Board. Keck’s father will accept the award on his behalf. after one of the Kelly Keck. Each of us will remain eternally grateful for the most holy cities time we had with him. “ in India. Honors bestowed on Keck during his time with ATEC included the awarding of the Combat Action Badge by former ATEC Commander retired Maj. Gen. Genaro Dellarocco, who also was in attendance, and the Purple Heart Medal. Addition- ally he received a quilt from Quilts for Heroes, a local nonprof- Dwarka Singh it organization founded by Carol Hanson in 2005 to honor and Retired military comfort America’s Wounded Warriors. In March 2013 Keck received the keys to a new wheelchair accessible home featuring 3,500 square feet of maneuverable space. He was often sought as a guest speaker for Wounded I was named Warrior causes and was a member of American Legion Post after Raisa 47, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8126 and the Military Order Gorbachev, of the Purple Heart. the wife of the Co-workers and friends like ATEC’s Carl Weimer and Jody former Soviet Jackson, as well as Dr. Victoria Dixon, director of the ATEC leader Mikhail EEO Office, remembered Keck as a people person who loved Gorbachev. the military and embraced diversity. My mom said “Working with Kelly was amazing and fun,” Jackson said. she thought “He was a visionary who always had a way of looking at Raisa, who 1st Lt. Raisa things from a fresh perspective.” was a former Velez (From left) Fred Posadas and Steve Johnson and other model, was very HHC Garrison “He didn’t have to come here but he wanted to be with us,” Patriot Guard members serve as flag bearers during the beautiful. Raisa said Dixon, who noted that Keck was inspired to work with Service of Remembrance for Kelly Keck at the ATEC head- means rose. the office after attending an ATEC-sponsored EO event featur- quarters building March 24. APG SEVEN DAY FORECAST Thurs Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed

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printer shall refuse to print advertising from that source. 298-7274; send a fax to 410-278-2570; send e-mail to Editor Editorial content is prepared, edited and approved by the [email protected] or contact Acting Assistant AAPGPG NNEWSEWS APG Public Affairs Office. The APG News is printed by The Editor Alan Feiler, [email protected] or 410-278-1148, Baltimore Sun Media Group, a private firm in no way con- or Reporter Rachel Ponder, [email protected] or The APG News, a civilian enterprise newspaper, is an nected with the Department of the Army, under exclusive 410-278-1149. authorized publication for members of the U.S. Army. written contract with APG. The civilian printer is responsible for Deadline for copy is Thursday at noon for the following Contents of the APG News are not necessarily official commercial advertising and mailing. To obtain a yearly sub- Thursday’s paper. views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. government, Depart- scription, which costs $16, the price for weekly mailing, or for ment of Defense, Department of the Army or the U.S. problems with incorrect mailing addresses, contact Customer Staff Army Garrison, Aberdeen Proving Ground. The newspa- Service at 139 N. Main Street, Suite 203, Bel Air, MD 21014, Acting APG Senior Commander ... Col. Charles Gibson per is published weekly by the APG Public Affairs Office, or call 410-838-0611. APG Garrison Commander .. Col. Gregory R. McClinton ATTN: IMAP-PA, Building 305, APG, MD 21005-5001, The appearance of advertising in this publication, including in- Public Affairs Officer ...... Kelly Luster 410-278-1153. Printed circulation is 5,200. serts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Editor ...... Pat Beauchamp Everything advertised in this publication shall be made avail- Department of the Army or The Baltimore Sun Media Group able for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, of the products or services advertised. Acting Assistant Editor...... Alan Feiler color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical For advertising matters, call The Baltimore Sun Media Group, Contract Photojournalists...... Rachel Ponder handicap, political affiliation or any other nonmerit factor of 410-332-6300. Send articles or information for publication ...... Deborah Ince the purchaser, user or patron. If a violation or rejection of this to the APG Public Affairs Office, Building 305, IMAP-PA, Graphic designer/Photographer ...... Molly Blosse equal opportunity policy by an advertiser is confirmed, the APG, MD 21005-5001; call the editor at 410-278-7274, DSN Website ...... www.apgnews.apg.army.mil March 27, 2014 • APG News 3 Health fair features free screenings, information

By RACHEL PONDER call 410-612-1781. APG News APG Health Promotion Officer Wen- More than 200 people attended the dy LaRoche from the U.S. Army Public Resiliency Health Fair hosted by Kirk Health Command, said having a variety U.S. Army Health Clinic and the Com- of services and providers under one roof munity Health Promotion Council allows for participants to get the most out March 19 at the APG North (Aberdeen) of their time. recreation center. “The vendors continue to amaze me, The free event featured demonstra- they are committed to improving the well- tions from 45 on- and off-post vendors. being of the population,” she said. “I tru- Attendees discussed and learned about ly believe that the Health Fair is a stress such health topics as asthma, hearing pro- reliever. Many attendees come into the tection, diabetes, Lyme disease, car seat health fair in groups of two or more. It’s a safety, tobacco cessation, stress manage- place to walk around, look at the resourc- ment, and took advantage of free vision, es available, and feel at ease, as you seek blood pressure and spinal screenings and information in a friendly atmosphere.” mini massages. Senior Command CSM Kennis Dent Robin Stokes-Smith from Health- agreed that the event provided valuable Link, a division of the Community information. Outreach Department of the Univer- “This is a good opportunity for attend- sity of Maryland Upper Chesapeake ees to think about their health and see what Health, talked to attendees about car Photo by Molly Blosse services are available to them in the com- seat safety. HealthLink gives free Jennifer Kordonski, from Optimal Spine Chiropractic, shows Becky Doanco, from munity,” Dent said. “The APG Command monthly infant, child and booster car Kirk U.S. Army Health Clinic, a healthy spine during the Resiliency Health Fair at Group thanks the vendors and attendees seat safety checks. For more informa- the APG North (Aberdeen) recreation center March 19. for taking time out to be here.” tion about free health screenings, visit Singh, who organized the health fair, www.uchs.org. land Poison Center number, 1-800- Public Health Nurse Sue Singh. thanked the vendors and the Freestate Cindy Scott from the Army Substance 222-1222, by the phone. “Some risk factors like activity level ChalleNGe Academy for helping the event Abuse Program gave away free “Mr. Yuk” Debbie Ostrowski, registered nurse and weight can be controlled, and some run smoothly. stickers in honor of “National Poison and director of Upper Chesapeake risk factors, like gender and age cannot be “The Freestate ChalleNGe Academy Prevention Week,” which was the third Medical Center’s Diabetes and Endo- controlled,” Chase said. cadets were instrumental in assisting at the week in March. Scott said the stickers are crine Center, with the assistance of Dottie Ruff from the Harford Coun- fair,” Singh said. “They assisted the ven- designed to warn children that an item can Bethany Chase, a Stevenson University ty Health Department showed attendees dors by transporting their material and be dangerous if ingested, and should not be nursing student, gave attendees a Type the difference between a healthy lung helping with setting up and tearing down handled by children. 2 Diabetes risk assessment. Chase and smoker’s lung. The Harford County when the fair was completed.” “This is a fun way to teach children said her goal is to determine the main Health Department offers free tobacco ces- For more information about upcom- about safety,” she said. “It empowers risk factors for the APG population sation classes. Nicotine patches, lozeng- ing CHPC events, visit http://www.apg. them.” for a school project. Ostrowski plans es or gum may be available at no cost to army.mil/APGHome/sites/commander/ She recommends keeping the Mary- to share their findings with KUSAHC those who qualify. For more information CHPC/healthpromotion.cfm.

DPW Environmental Division Notice of Reporting Violation to Consumers of Edgewood Area Drinking Water Supply APG E. coli Reporting Violation – January 2014 Aberdeen Proving Ground is committed to the health and safety of our Soldiers, their Families, and our civilian and contractor workforce. Routine testing of the drinking water supplies at both APG North (Aberdeen) and South (Edgewood) indicate that the water is absolutely safe to consume. The purpose of this article is to provide notifica- tion to consumers of the APG South drinking water supply about a reporting violation under State of Maryland Drinking Water Regulations. At least ten buildings at APG South are tested monthly for the total coliform bacteria group to verify the safety of the drinking water supply. The presence of coliform can be an indicator that the water is contaminated and the presence of E. coli, a specific type of coliform bacteria, indicates that there is a possibility of fecal contamination. In January 2014 a water sample collected from Bldg. E832 tested positive for total coliform bacteria and E. coli bacteria presence. As required by regulation, three repeat samples were collected and tested after the initial positive test result was received. All three repeat samples were negative for the presence of either total coliform or E. coli bacteria. The results of the repeat samples verified that the APG South water supply was safe to use in January. Further, the Maryland Department of Environment (MDE) has concurred that our water system is in compliance with both the MDE and the Environmental Protection Agency drinking water standards. Although all three follow-up test results were negative, APG is required to notify the MDE of any E. Coli-positive test results by the end of the business day in which those test results are received. In this case, APG failed to comply with that requirement. APG has taken corrective action to ensure that all reporting requirements are met in the future. In addition, APG increased the amount of chlorine added to the drinking water supply in the affected area near Bldg. E832 in an effort to more thoroughly disinfect the water. Monthly sampling will continue to ensure the drinking water supply is safe. For questions or concerns, contact Richard Wiggins, Directorate of Public Works, Environmental Division, 410-436-3808 [email protected]. 4 APG News • March 27, 2014 KUSAHC no-shows cost clinic dollars

By GERRY LANE enue lost is $75.32 per visit, costing the we want our patients to be informed of CARE Online at www.tricareonline. Kirk U.S. Army Health Clinic clinic almost $242,000 annually. the many resources they have to cancel com. Another way to cancel an appoint- Meeting the health-care demands of the “For a facility of this size, we are appointments to reduce no-show rates.” ment is to call 410-278-KIRK(5475). Aberdeen Proving Ground community is talking about a substan- Options for cancel- Community support for keeping medi- already a challenging job, but officials at tial amount of money” ling appointments are cal costs down is a key to the program’s Kirk U.S. Army Health Clinic, KUSAHC, said Lt. Col. David R. $242,000 simple. The Audio- efforts to reduce unnecessary revenue loss said patients who miss appointments are Zinnante, KUSAHC care phone system attributed to missed appointments. adding to that challenge. commander. revenue lost is designed to call “The clinic also faces a challenge not One of the primary concerns with Unlike the public sec- patients with a remind- only from this lost revenue but revenue left missed appointments is that they limit tor, military treatment annually due er 72 hours before on the table when patients don’t complete access to care for multiple patients. facilities do not charge to missed appointments. APLSS (Army Provider Level Satisfac- The phrase used to emphasize this patients for no-shows. “It’s very easy for tion Survey) surveys,” Townsend said. ”I dilemma in the military health system “Our mission is to appointments patients to select to don’t think our patients know how impor- is “an appointment missed by you is an inform our beneficia- confirm or cancel an tant their feedback is to the clinic. We val- appointment missed by two. ries of the cost impact appointment at the ue all feedback; we want to know what we This means that patients who miss an to the facility and the And that’s a rate time of the remind- do well and what we need to improve on. appointment, also prevent another patient lower access for oth- of only er call,” said Bar- When we do well we are rewarded with from seeing the provider at that time, er patients when they 4.3% ry Hershey, chief of funds to improve the clinic.” and that both patients will still need an don’t cancel appoint- Managed Care. “This APLSS surveys are a way patients appointment. ments” said Robert gives us time to can rate their experience with their PCM During the past 12 months, KUSAHC Townsend, KUSAHC public affairs offi- rebook the appointment” Team. While 650 patients receive an had a no show rate of 4.3 percent. While cer. “We all know things come up. I have All beneficiaries of KUSAHC can book APLSS survey every month, only about that doesn’t seem high, the average rev- five boys, things always come up, and or cancel their appointments via TRI- 20 percent actually complete them. CHPC meeting highlights health initiatives for APG, community

By RACHEL PONDER is to make sure that we include the sur- Sexual Assault Awareness 5K Run, 6:30 located on the third floor of KUSAHC, is APG News rounding counties. The plan is to have to 8:30 a.m., at Capa Field in APG South launching a new healthy habits sleep class. APG leaders and community members all counties represented. We want to (Edgewood) April 3. SAAM activities are Oliphant said ‘Eat, Move and Sleep’ make met March 18 for the quarterly Commu- work together to meet a common goal -- listed on the APG website, http://www. up the Performance Triad, a pilot program nity Health Promotion Council meeting healthier community.” apg.army.mil/ and will be announced in by the Office of the Surgeon General and APG News in Bldg. 6002. Daniel Coulter from the Cecil Coun- the . Army Medicine. For more information The meeting was chaired by Acting ty Health Department said a work- Capt. Richard Mozeleski, command- about AWC programs, call 410-306-1024. Senior Commander Col. Charles Gib- ing group has highlighted several er of Headquarters and Headquarters Cindy Scott, from the Army Substance son. In his opening remarks, Gibson health improvement priorities for Cecil Company, U.S. Army Garrison, briefed Abuse Program, said May 14 will be said Team APG continues to receive County. These include better access to attendees on the Ready and Resilien- Employee Health and Fitness Day. This recognition and praise for the pro- behavioral health and substance abuse cy Campaign (R2C), the Army’s holistic event will be part of the Installation’s treatment and reducing child abuse and approach to total health care. Mozeleski gramming and services offered on the Armed Forces Week activities. The day childhood obesity. talked about the standardized metrics that installation. will include a “Bike to Work” event in the Bari Klien, who represents the Upper were recently established to measure the “You do a lot of great work here when morning and distracted/drunk driving sim- Chesapeake Medical Center, the Harf- effectiveness of R2C. it comes to integrating and synchroniz- ulation activity. ord County Health Department and the He said several upcoming resiliency ing our capabilities amongst Team APG, Ending the CHPC meeting were brief- non-profit agency Healthy Harford, also events are scheduled. For more informa- ings from various working groups rep- and our communities and I are grateful for attended the gathering. tion, see the APG website and APG News. resenting physical wellbeing, spiritual that,” he said. Klien said the Maryland State Police The CHPC has added a new team that health, suicide prevention and risk reduc- After Gibson’s remarks, leaders Barrack D in Bel Air, off of Route 1, has is critical to Resiliency, the Comprehen- and subject matter experts briefed the a permanent collection box for unused, sive Soldier Fitness 2/Master of Resil- tion. Each discussed how the working audience. unwanted and expired medications. This iency Team. Program Lead and 1st Sgt. groups were helping to build resiliency APG Health Promotions Officer Wen- box allows residents to drop off medica- Thomas Cruz, from the 308th Military through events and programming dy LaRoche said CHPC’s goal is to con- tions at any time. For more information, Intellegence Battalion, mentioned that The next CHPC meeting is tentative- tinue recruiting APG and community call 410-879-2101. APG has 28 Master of Resiliency trained ly set for June 25. For more information leaders into the CHPC process. APG Garrison SHARP representative professionals, Soldiers and civilians. on upcoming CHPC events, visit http:// “It’s great to hear what our surround- 1st Lt. Raisa Velez shared that several Deputy Commmander for Nursing/ www.apg.army.mil/APGHome/sites/ ing communities are doing to make our activities are planned during April, which Health Services Lt. Col. Leonetta Oli- commander/CHPC/healthpromotion. communities healthier. We get to share is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The phant, from Kirk U.S. Army Health Clin- cfm or call LaRoche at 410-278-1153, or best practices,” LaRoche said. “The goal events will kick off with an Installation ic, shared that the Army Wellness Center, e-mail [email protected]. SHARP mobile training teamMarch 27,briefs 2014 • APG News 5 APG Army, organization leaders

Story and photo by DEBORAH INCE APG News U.S. Army Sexual A mobile training team from the Harrassment/ Department of the Army’s Sexu- Response & al Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention Prevention (SHARP) program briefed mobile training senior Aberdeen Proving Ground leaders team member Robin Linton about sexual assault awareness, response briefs APG Army and prevention during a March 12 brief- and organization ing at the U.S. Army Research Labora- leaders during a tory conference center. The briefing was March 12 SHARP part of a SHARP mobile training team training session visit that lasted from March 3 to 14. at the U.S. “You have a duty to act when a sex- Army Research ual assault is reported,” said Robin Lin- Laboratory ton, SRI contractor and a member of the conference SHARP mobile training team who led center. the training session. The SHARP program promotes vic- program. Increasing public awareness how to handle complaints and maintain inal Investigation Command, 20th tim advocate training and teaches lead- around issues related to sexual violence a positive work environment.” CBRNE Command, the post chapel, and ers and volunteers how to respond to and harassment will assist in recognizing SHARP’s training program has four the U.S. Army Research, Development victims of sexual assault. correct and incorrect behavior.” main functions. The program involves and Engineering Command made up a As stated on the organization’s web- The March 12 training session cov- supporting Army commanders in creating leader panel and attendees were encour- site, the program’s goal “is to eliminate ered an array of topics regarding sexu- and conducting sexual harassment and aged to ask questions during the two- sexual harassment and sexual assaults by al harassment and assault in the military, assault reduction campaigns; develop- hour SHARP PowerPoint presentation. creating a climate that respects the digni- including the sexual harassment for- ing and implementing such campaigns at “The best way for organizations to ty of every member of the Army Family mal complaint process, reporting options a unit, command, installation or brigade reduce the risks of sexual assault and ... [and] exists so the Army can prevent for victims and victim advocates, the level; responding to a sexual harassment harassment in the workplace is to start sexual harassment and sexual assaults impact that sexual assault and harass- or assault claim; and training Soldiers, with a solid training and prevention pol- before they occur.” ment has on the Army, and SHARP pro- civilians, commanders and other person- icy and to follow it up by taking steps to Each military unit and civilian orga- gram implementation. nel on how to prevent and respond to inci- ensure that their leadership has a work- nization on the installation is required to “SHARP training helps the employ- dents and counsel victims. ing knowledge of how to deal with inap- have victim advocates who serve as sub- propriate behaviors and allegations,” ject matter experts on how to respond to ees and leadership of APG to quickly Emphasizing the need for SHARP sexual assault claims. learn and apply the important elements training, Linton said, “A victim of sexual Owolabi said. “SHARP awareness is a “Sexual assault and harassment in of carefully and correctly handling assault is not going to remember every- highly participatory training and focus- the workplace is a serious problem that sexual assault/harassment issues and thing you teach them, but you can try.” es directly on improving skills to han- affects many employees and organi- complaints,” Owolabi said. “This Army and organization leaders from dle any sexual assault/harassment issue zations,” Installation Sexual Assault interactive training covers a detailed across APG attended the session. Senior or complaint with greater confidence.” Response Coordinator Theresa Owola- overview of what sexual assault and leaders from major post organizations To learn more about SHARP, visit the bi said. “Training and development harassment is, explains legal defini- such as the APG Garrison, Kirk U.S. website at http://www.preventsexual- helps in optimizing the sexual assault tions, discusses prevention, and shows Army Health Clinic, U.S. Army Crim- assault.army.mil/.

Leave Donations Employees eligible for donations in the Voluntary Leave Transfer Program Gregory, Lisa Cwiertnie, Victoria L Rodriguez, Pedro Fike, Curtis Sweeney, Joseph To participate in the Voluntary Leave Program, use forms OPM 630, Application to Become Kennedy, Sandra Armstead, Richard Blethen, Matthew Doran, Kemi Blethen, Lena a Leave Recipient Under the Voluntary Leave Lamar-Reevey, Kellie Martino, Rose Malczewski, Stephen Lowry, Teresa Cobb, Joyce Transfer Program; OPF 630-A, Request to Donate Annual Leave to Leave Recipient Under the Vol- Nunley, Dana Birch, Garfield Robinson, Lisa Rushworth, Robert Arty, Jennifer untary Leave Transfer Program (within agen- cy); and OPM 630-B, Request to Donate Annual Solomon, Je’Neane Crawford, Curtis Stewart, Kathleen Torrise, Carmen Robinson, Jennifer Leave to Leave Recipient Under the Voluntary Rogers, Christopher Gaddis, Lonnie Chang, Jennifer Young, Trier Sumic, Angie Leave Transfer Program (outside agency). For info, contact Cathy Davis at 410-306-0152 or Williams, Demetria Winne, Janeen Little, Angela Sherrod, Irving Evans, Doretha [email protected]. Clark, Lyra McClintick, Jill Bruner, Stephen Bailey, Sharon Small, Errol Urban, Brenda Smith, Deborah Eberhardt, Joanne Hoffman, William Trulli, Wayne 6 APG News • March 27, 2014 Seminar promotes ID theft prevention

Story and photos by YVONNE JOHNSON APG News Aberdeen Proving Ground civilians received tips on protecting their identifica- tions and repairing credit during an Identi- ty Theft financial seminar at the Mallette Conference Center March 20. Keosha Pointer, a human resourc- es specialist with the U.S. Army Com- munications-Electronics Command and Army Wellness Center coordinator hosted the event. Michael Ches, a financial education advisor with the APG Federal Credit Union reviewed ways to reduce the threat of identity theft, monitor credit ratings, recognize when a theft has taken place, and understand the plan of response. Ches demonstrated the need to reduce the amount of personally identifiable information people normally carry in their wallets and handbags by leading a Theft ID Bingo game in which players received points for each item in their wallets con- taining their name, address, phone number, spouses’ name, social security number, birth date, credit cards, insurance informa- tion and other personal information. “The goal is to get you thinking how much personal information you carry around with you all the time,” Ches said, Financial Education Advisor Michael Ches shares facts about the high cost of Identity Theft during a lunch hour Financial “so you’ll understand the need to limit Seminar at the Mallette Conference Center March 20. Similar seminars and outreach programs are frequently hosted by the what you carry on your person.” Army Wellness Center. “There’s not a lot identity thieves can do with just your name, but you add all that other information and “A lot of things other credit services that statistics show that those closest to Robert Blackwell, a CECOM inventory they’ve got you.” advertise as free really are not,” he said. them are the ones most likely to misuse management specialist. He said that obtaining a credit report Ches focused on the perils of social their identity. In the event of suspected A CERDEC computer engineer and every year is crucial to monitoring cred- media, cautioning listeners that sharing too ID theft, victims should immediately close team lead, Matthew Cannon, said he was it ratings and recommended using www. much information on Facebook, for exam- their accounts, file a police report and one of thousands notified about the TAR- annualcreditreport.com to gain credit rat- ple, like revealing their address through report the incident to the Fair Trade Com- GET department store data breach. Though ings from the “Big 3”: EQUIFAX, Experi- photos of their house and sharing vaca- mission he said. he wasn’t targeted he did sign up for free an and TransUnion. tion plans, can increase their risk. He said Ches distributed a pamphlet containing credit monitoring. information about credit reports, dealing with “I came because I was curious to learn Retired Chief debt, avoiding scams, and more identity theft more,” he said. “I did learn something Warrant Officer prevention and response tips. He encouraged new. I don’t use social media a lot but it’s 4 Dan Singh listeners to challenge any negative or unfa- important to be cognizant [of the risks].” checks his wal- miliar entries on their credit reports. Dan Singh, a retired chief warrant offi- let for person- He said the class is one of several in cer, said he learned about the seminar ally identifiable an outreach program coordinated through through his wife, Sue Singh, a Kirk U.S. information while AWC and offered free of charge to APG Army Health Clinic nurse. playing ID Theft “I learned a lot of new stuff that I can Bingo during the organizations. Feedback from the semi- ID Theft Financial nars is always positive, he said. apply and share,” he said. “I’m retired now Seminar hosted “This is one of the ways we give back and spending time with my grandkids but by the Army to the community.” I’ve got my life savings and you can nev- Wellness Center Attendees said they appreciated the er be too careful.” at the Mallette lunch hour event. Check the APG News “Mark Your Cal- Conference “I came here to learn about the social endar” page and APG social media sites Center March 20. media aspect and I learned a lot,” said for future financial seminars. Tech superiority key to military success, says Pentagon leader

By ALAN FEILER do,” Brown said. “This assures the pro- APG News gram has leadership and the expertise Speaking at the Army Alliance’s annu- and capability to conduct a thorough and al luncheon March 21 was more than good DT&E program.” just an opportunity to explore nation- The TRMC, he said, oversees 26 al security matters, said Dr. C. David major test capabilities across the coun- Brown, deputy assistant secretary of try, including APG where ATEC over- defense for Development Test & Eval- sees the Army’s portion of the major uation (DT&E) and director of the Test range and test facilities. “We’ve got a lot Resource Management Center (TRMC). of cool initiatives that reach across all of “Actually, it was also an opportuni- the test capabilities,” Brown said. ty for me to come up here to fix some He said the Pentagon is currently plumbing in our house in Havre de heavily involved with APG regarding Grace,” joked Brown, a retired Army DT&E programs and the TRMC, as well officer who worked at APG for more as development of test vehicles and tac- than three decades. “I now know why tical command communications. plumbers get paid more than I do.” As far as looming budget concerns, In his talk to approximately 200 mem- Brown joked that almost everyone he bers of Team APG and Army supporters knows at DoD these days sounds like at the Bayou Restaurant in Havre de Eeyore, the gloomy donkey character in Grace, Brown spoke about the respon- the Winnie the Pooh stories. But he cau- sibilities and challenges of both of his tioned there is some good news for the areas of responsibility. Army and APG. At TRMC, the center and its subordi- Research and development, as well as nate organizations focus on the health, engineering and manufacturing, and test- development and funding of DoD’s ing and evaluation, appear to be areas Major Range and Test Facility Base, the in which funding will continue at a lev- nation’s infrastructure for conducting Dr. C. David Brown, deputy assistant secretary of defense for Development Test & el pace, Brown said. “We can’t forget effective tests and evaluations, of which Evaluation (DT&E) and director of the Test Resource Management Center (TRMC), the next force and the force after next,” APG is a component. discusses funding for research, development, engineering, manufacturing, and he said. “If we need to, we can always On the DT&E side, Brown said he test and evaluation during the Army Alliance annual luncheon in Havre de Grace ramp up the warfighters; we can’t recov- engages major defense acquisition pro- March 21. er from a loss of technological edge. And grams and helps them develop strong when we look at our potential adversar- test ranges and brings them under cen- Under the DoD 5000 process, DoD is DT&E elements. ies in the future, we’re talking about a tralized management. now working more closely with indus- “Congress, a little while back, real- war of technologies. Since assuming his position last Sep- try partners on testing plans, Brown said. ized that DoD had kind of lost its focus tember, Brown, an engineer, said he has When programs receive funding and “Our military has always depended on DT&E,” he said. “There was a lot pushed for early involvement in testing schedules and start engineering, manu- on technological superiority,” he said. of emphasis on operational tests and systems and programs. “Many times, facturing and developing, “we can’t do “So we have to make sure that while evaluations, but they noticed when pro- I’ve said, `If I could only have been there that without a good test and evaluation we may not have the technology in the grams were getting to the operation- sooner, it would’ve been easier or cheap- master plan as well. So this is our focus,” hands of the warfighter, it has to be on al tests, somehow they weren’t ready er to fix,’” he said. “I’m determined to Brown said. the shelf and ready when the warfight- for it and failing. And that’s a really help [program managers] know what Cyber remains a high priority through- er needs it.” bad time to find out something doesn’t they can do early on so they can make out DoD, but the certification process Brown thanked Team APG for con- work. You want to find out something improvements to systems, find problems now requires a six-step process to help ducting its mission in an exemplary doesn’t work early on so you can fix and lay out a good plan.” program managers understand the threat fashion. “It’s you folks and your work- things right then.” Brown said there are now key ear- of cyber attacks, he said. In addition, force that not only sustain Aberdeen As a result, Brown said, Congress ly “milestones” in the DoD acquisition they need to engineer their systems for Proving Ground but all of the major passed the Weapon Systems Acquisition process, including a new T&E master cyber survivability, Brown said. range and testing facility bases,” he Reform Act of 2009, which created his plan that is more comprehensive than Also in DoD 5000, he said program said. “Please go back and tell all of office as deputy assistant secretary of the previous T&E strategy. “You have shops have certified chief T&E pro- your workforce that inside `the build- defense for DT&E. to make sure the technology you’ve fessionals in key leadership positions. ing,’ there are people there that know In 2002, Congress wanted a collective chosen for the program now is mature “That ensures the engineering does what what’s going on out at the ranges and oversight outfit for the nation’s test rang- and that you understand the program it needs to do to bring the requirements that what will ensure our technological es as an entity to support DoD’s DT&E risks and you have a plan to address to the warfighter but also the test and edge for our force and the next force endeavors. That led to the creation of the those risks. That’s all part of having the evaluation program to make sure the is these great people out on our rang- TRMC, which monitors and funds the right information,” he said. engineering system does what it needs to es like at Aberdeen Proving Ground.” March 27, 2014 • APG News 7 Soldiers receive long overdue medals

By J.D. LEIPOLD AND LISA FERDINANDO Army News Service Twenty-four U.S. Army veterans from three wars -- World War II, Korea and Vietnam -- received upgrades to the high- est military decoration for uncommon bravery and gallantry at a White House ceremony March 18. President Barack Obama presented posthumous Medals of Honor to Fami- ly members and representatives of 21 of those Soldiers, and draped the sky-blue ribbon and five-pointed star-bearing med- als around the necks of the three living vet- erans from the Vietnam War: , Master Sgt. Jose Rodela, Sgt. 1st Class Melvin Morris and Sgt. Santiago J. Erevia. Each of the 24 had received a Distin- guished Service Cross for the same fear- less actions for which they were now receiving long overdue upgrades to the Medal of Honor. “This ceremony is 70 years in the mak- ing and today, we have the chance to set the record straight,” Obama said. More than a decade ago Congress man- dated a review to ensure heroism of veter- ans wasn’t overlooked due to prejudice or discrimination. During that review, the 24 Photo by J.D. Leipold Soldiers -- Hispanic, Jewish and African American -- were identified as deserving (From left) Sgt. 1st Class Melvin Morris, Master Sgt. Jose Rodela, and Sgt. Santiago J. Erevia, along with 21 other veterans of the Medal of Honor. from World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, had their Distinguished Service Cross medals upgraded to Medals “This is the length to which America of Honor that were awarded during a presentation ceremony at the White House March 18. Of the 24, only Morris, Rodela will go to make sure everyone who serves and Erevia are living. The three served in the Vietnam War. under our proud flag receives the thanks and Medal of Honor. with the situation. As sad as it is, it After so many years, Kravitz said that they deserve,” he said. “So with each One Family member present was was a beautiful action, and the fact he let go of the hope for the Medal of generation, we keep on striving to live up rock star and actor Lenny Kravitz, that he is now going to get this hon- Honor for his uncle. He said he was to our ideals of freedom and equality, and who reflected on the life and legacy of or just makes it end properly,” said surprised when he received the news. to recognize the dignity and patriotism of his uncle and namesake, Pfc. Leonard Kravitz. “He’s getting his due. He’s “I would have loved for it to have every person, no matter who they are, what Kravitz, one of the posthumous Medal a hero and that’s happened when my father was alive,” they look like, or how they pray.” of Honor recipients. what he wanted he said, about Sy Kravitz, who died in Obama invited each living Soldier to “He’s a hero,” said Kravitz. “It’s a to do.” 2005. Sy, who was an NBC news pro- the stage, one at a time. Dressed in uni- wonderful thing to be here today to Though Leon- ducer and Pfc. Kravitz were brothers. forms they could have worn in their 20s, be a part of this and to see him get ard Kravitz was “But things happen when they’re they now were filling them out in their his honor. It’s part of who I am. I am awarded the Dis- supposed to happen, and you know, it’s 70s with a full complement of ribbons and Leonard Kravitz.” tinguished Ser- a beautiful day,” said Kravitz, whose badges that testified to their skills as young Private First Class Leonard Kravitz, vice Cross, the late mother was the actress Roxie Roker. Soldiers. Their citations were read, their who was Jewish, was 20-years-old nation’s second- “He was so young when he died. Medals of Honor were draped and hand- when he was killed in Yangpyong, highest award Kravitz My grandmother didn’t talk about him shakes exchanged. Korea, in 1951. He is recognized for for valor, a child- much, but that was her baby son. It was “These are extraordinary Americans. his actions March 6-7, 1951 when he hood friend, Mitchel Libman, spent his quite devastating for the whole Fami- They are exemplary Soldiers,” the presi- voluntarily remained at a machine gun life campaigning for the private first ly,” he said, adding that everything told dent said. position to provide suppressive fire class to receive the nation’s highest to him about his uncle was positive. Sons, daughters, nephews, broth- for retreating troops after his unit was military honor for valor, said Kravitz “All the stories were always so ers, wives, friends and representatives of overrun by enemy combatants. Congress considered a bill nick- wonderful. I even got to know one of the 21 Soldiers who were not present to He did not survive, but his actions named the “Leonard Kravitz Jewish his childhood friends who would tell receive the long overdue recognition each are credited with saving the entire War Veterans Act” in 2001, and final- me stories about him,” he said. were called to the stage to hear their Sol- platoon. ly directed a review of Distinguished Lenny Kravitz’s sister, Laurie dier’s citation read aloud for a final time. “Just to know that he died that way, Service Cross awards as part of the Wenger, received the award on behalf Each was presented with a framed citation he made the choice to stay and to deal Defense Authorization Act. of Pfc. Kravitz. Unmanned vehicle demo showcases technology

Story and photo by AMAS development aligns with BRUCE J. HUFFMAN Army goals for the Future Force. At TARDEC Public Affairs an Association of the United States Working closely with Lockheed Mar- Army breakfast in Arlington, Va., Jan. tin and a conglomeration of Army tech- 23, Army Chief of Staff Gen. Raymond nology, acquisition and user community Odierno talked about the Army Mod- stakeholders, the U.S. Army Tank Auto- ernization Strategy and the difficult motive Research Development and decisions ahead. Engineering Center successfully demon- “What is that leap-ahead technology strated an unmanned military convoy at that we need that could make a real dif- Fort Hood, Texas in January. ference for our Soldiers on the ground?” From a rooftop in the Fort Hood train- Odierno asked. “What is the technology ing area, military and industry VIPs saw that allows us to decrease the weight so firsthand how the Autonomous Mobili- we can be more expeditionary? I need ty Appliqué System, or AMAS, enabled tactical mobility for the future. We need two driverless Palletized Loading Sys- to move towards mobility and try to tem prime movers and an M915 tractor determine how we sustain survivability trailer truck to seamlessly interact with a while increasing mobility.” manned Humvee gun truck escort. The In his just-released CSA Strategic convoy negotiated oncoming traffic, fol- Priorities, Odierno added that we must lowed rules of the road, recognized and prioritize Soldier-centered moderniza- avoided pedestrians and various obsta- VIPs watch the Autonomous Mobility Applique’ System demonstration from the tion and procurement of proven tech- top of a building in the BOAZ Military Operations in Urban Terrain training site cles, and then used intelligence and deci- nologies so that Soldiers have the best at Fort Hood, Texas. sion-making abilities to re-route their weapons, equipment and protection to direction through a maze of test areas to accomplish the mission. ware components, the common appliqué sions, these additional safety features complete both complex urban and rural Another AMAS demonstration kit’s intelligence and autonomous deci- could theoretically increase Soldier per- line haul missions. with more vehicles and more complex sion-making abilities can be installed in formance. The robotic mode frees up As the ground systems expert with- practically any mil- the vehicle crew notional scenarios is scheduled for lat- in the U.S. Army Research, Devel- itary vehicle, trans- to more closely er this year. opment and Engineering Command, forming an ordinary watch for enemy “We are very happy with the results, TARDEC develops, integrates and sus- vehicle into an The vehicles threats, while still but the AMAS must undergo more test- tains the right technology solutions optionally manned leaving them the ing before it becomes deployable,” said to address ever-changing threats and and systems are version. option of manu- TARDEC AMAS Lead Engineer Ber- shifts in strategic, technological and AMAS can also ally taking con- nard Theisen. fiscal environments. Flexibility and replaceable, but keep personnel trol of the vehicle “The vehicles and systems are adaptability are vital to future systems, out of harm’s way nothing can replace when necessary. replaceable, but nothing can replace the and AMAS is designed to provide a and provide Sol- “The AMAS life of a Soldier. These systems keep wide range of military vehicle plat- the life of a Soldier. Soldiers safe and make them more effi- forms with optionally-manned capa- diers on manned hardware and cient,” he said. bilities that will increase safety and missions with These systems software per- TARDEC is the ground systems provide the warfighter with addition- increased situation- formed exactly al flexibility. al awareness and keep Soldiers safe as designed and expert within RDECOM. It provides “We’re not looking to replace Sol- other safety bene- and make them dealt successful- engineering and scientific expertise diers with robots. It’s about augment- fits. For instance, ly with all of the for Department of Defense manned ing and increasing capability,” said Col. AMAS also fea- more efficient. real-world obsta- and autonomy-enabled ground systems Chris Cross, chief of Science and Tech- tures collision mit- cles that a real- and ground support systems; serves as nology at the Army Capabilities Integra- igation braking, Bernard Theisen world convoy the nation’s laboratory for advanced tion Center. lane-keeping assist TARDEC AMAS Lead Engineer would encoun- military automotive technology; and Equipped with GPS, Light Detecting and a roll-over ter,” said AMAS provides leadership for the Army’s and Ranging systems, known as LIDAR, warning system, Program Manag- advanced Science and Technology Automotive radar, a host of sensors electronic stability control and adap- er David Simon, with Lockheed Martin research, demonstration, development and other high-tech hardware and soft- tive cruise control. During manned mis- Missiles and Fire Control. and full life cycle engineering efforts.

See more photos from events around APG http://www.flickr.com/photos/usagapg/ 8 APG News • March 27, 2014 MARK YOUR CALENDAR THURSDAY TUESDAY THROUGH APRIL 2 est to the local community every Sat- COLLEGE FELLOWSHIP urday and Wednesday at 7:50 a.m. MARCH 27 APRIL 8 during “Inside APG: Creating One SUICIDE AND SUBSTANCE DEFENSE ACQUISITION APPLICATIONS BEING Community Without a Gate,” a month- ABUSE TRAINING UNIVERSITY TRAINING ACCEPTED ly radio series on 970 WAMD. For APG ASAP will present “Skip” John- SYMPOSIUM The U.S. Army Acquisition Support more information about the series, Center is currently accepting applications to schedule or request an interview, son, HQ AMC, G-1 Wellness, Substance The Defense Acquisition University for the 2014-15 SSCF program through call the Garrison Public Affairs Office Abuse/Suicide Prevention program (DAU) will host an all-day Acquisition April 2, 2014. The SSCF Program is a at 410-278-1150. For previous inter- manager at the Redstone Arsenal, who Training Symposium at its Fort Bel- 10-month educational opportunity con- views, follow these links:http://youtu. will give 2-hour combined training class- voir campus (Scott Hall). The theme ducted under the auspices of the Defense be/a8vuMdxmG50; http://youtu.be/ es (one hour on substance abuse and is “Achieving Better Acquisition Out- Acquisition University (DAU) at Huntsville, one hour on suicide prevention). comes in Austere Times - Improved se7hTkwnbO8 Ala, Warren, Mich, and APG. The training sessions will be held Processes, Reduced Overhead”. ARMY WELLNESS CENTER The SSCF program prepares govern- at APG South (Edgewood) Conference The event offers training sessions OFFERING SERVICES AT APG Center, Bldg. E4810. from, 9 to11 a.m. tied to the Better Buying Power 2.0 ment civilians at the GS-14/15 levels or SOUTH CLINIC and 1 to 3 p.m. initiatives. In a period of fiscal chal- equivalent for senior leadership roles by For more information, call Cindy provides training in leadership and acqui- The Army Wellness Center (AWC) is lenges and technological opportuni- now seeing clients at the APG South Scott at 410-278-4013, Ken Gesch at ties, the training will focus on learn- sition. Program components include com- 410-278-7779, or the ASAP Main Num- pletion of DAU’s Program Management (Edgewood) Clinic, Bldg. E4110 twice ing hard skills - training in the latest a month. Clients will now have the ber at 410-278-DRUG/3784. USD (AT&L) policy, practices and tech- Course (PMT 401), courses in leadership, applications of acquisition to national opportunity to have their metabo- niques that attendees can take back lism and body composition assess- defense issues, research in acquisition MONDAY to the workplace and apply. The train- ment done without having to drive to topics, mentoring, and a distinguished ing symposium also will be available APG North (Aberdeen). Service mem- MARCH 31 via VTC at many DAU regional cam- speaker program. bers and their Family members, retir- POWERFUL WOMEN SMALL puses. The forum provides four Con- For complete program information and ees and Army civilian employees can BUSINESS CONFERENCE tinuous Learning Points (CLP) for con- application requirements, visit: http://asc. make an appointment at the AWC or tinued DoD acquisition certification. army.mil/web/career-development/pro- Join Army Community Service and can be referred by their unit or pri- For more information and to reg- grams/defense-acquisition-university- other partners for this conference in mary health care provider at Kirk U.S. ister, go to www.dauaa.org and click Top of the Bay’s Chesapeake Room, senior-service-college/announcement/. Army Health Clinic. Clients can reach on “Training Events.” 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. For APG specific program informa- their goals by making a positive, long- Topics will include five drivers for- tion, please visit: http://www.dau.mil/ lasting change in their health and well- mula to starting a small business, con- FRIDAY sscf/Pages/apg.aspx being. For more information or to tracting with the federal government, For more information about the pro- schedule your appointment with the exporting your business, and network- APRIL 11 gram, please contact Jim Oman at james. AWC please call 410-306-1024. ing with other agencies. SOCIETY OF ITALIAN [email protected] or 410-272-9470. CYSS PARTNERS WITH This event is open to all veterans, AMERICAN BUSINESSMEN THROUGH APRIL 23 HOMESCHOOLERS retirees, active duty, Reserve/National FIRST ANNUAL SPRING GALA APG Child, Youth and School Ser- Guard, civilians and spouses. TOILETRIES DRIVE Don’t miss this opportunity to vices is trying to establish a partner- For more information, contact CECOM, RDECOM, PHC, ACC Gar- make history and be a part of some- ship with authorized users who home- Employment Readiness Program at rison APG, JPEO-CBD, 29th CBRNE thing very special and unique here school their children in the Aberdeen 410-278-9669/7572. Command, ATEC, MRICD, Kirk and in Harford County. This event will be and Edgewood areas. CYSS is willing CMA are collecting toiletries to ben- held from 7 p.m. to midnight in the to open its facilities during the week so efit Harford County’s Sexual Assault FEDERAL WOMEN’S Richlin Ballroom, 1700 Van Bibber homeschooled children can have access and Spouse Abuse Resource Center Road, Edgewood, Md. For tickets or to classrooms, the computer lab and PROGRAM WORKSHOP (SARC), a non-profit agency that pro- more information , contact Elio Scac- gym on a scheduled basis. For more The Aberdeen Proving Ground vides 24/7 shelter to victims of domes- information, call 410- 278-7571/7479. Federal Women’s Program will host cio at 410-206-8818. tic violence, sexual violence, child PUBLIC HEALTH COMMAND its 24th Annual Training Workshop at abuse and stalking. Items request- Bldg. 6008, Mallette Auditorium, 8 FRIDAY ed include toothpaste, toothbrushes, SURVEY a.m. to 3 p.m. Topics to be discussed body/hand soap (bar or liquid), lotion, Your input on the health status of the include “Time Management and APRIL 25 toilet paper, tissues, deodorant, anti- APG Community to include health con- Organization Skills,” “Effective Pre- STUDENT EARTH & ARBOR DAY bacterial, shaving cream, shaving cerns, adequacy of services offered, and sentation Techniques,” and “Under- CELEBRATION razors, towels and washcloths, loo- access & utilization of services are all standing Sharepoint: Making It Work fas. For more information or donation important to help shape the plans for APG will host its ‘Student Earth & for You.” For a complete list of class- locations, contact your unit’s SHARP 2014. What matters most to you? What Arbor Day Celebration’ with the theme es, and to register, go to www.apg. SARC or VA for information. are you health goals and how can our “The Wonders of Water” at the APG army.mil/apghome/sites/100. Sever- community help you achieve these goals? North (Aberdeen) youth center, Bldg. al educational and food vendors will TUESDAYS THROUGH Please take 10-15 minutes out of your 2522 on Bayside Drive. also be available. For more informa- MAY 20 time to provide useful feedback. All feed- tion, contact Teresa Rudd, FWP chair- The event will feature interactive dis- back is welcome and appreciated. plays and hands-on Earth Day science AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE CLASS person, 410-436-5501, and Elizabeth https://usaphcapps. activities provided by the event spon- Young, FWP vice chairperson, 410- American Sign Language basic and amedd.army.mil/Survey/ sors and the Maryland Master Gardeners 278-1392. advanced classes begin Feb. 25 and se.ashx?s=251137456E6E1E53 (with worm composting), LEAP: Science is run through May 20, 11:30 a.m. – 12: 30 FUN! (Harford County Public Library), the p.m. in Bldg. E3330-31, Room 270, APG FRIDAY NIGHT OPEN HERB CONTAINER GARDEN American Rescue Dog Association, the South (Edgewood). Bring your lunch. RECREATION FOR TEENS CLASS Anita C. Leight Estuary, and Scales & Tails Class is free. Text book (encouraged, The APG North (Aberdeen) Youth Cen- Herb Container Garden Class (afternoon only). This event is sponsored but not required) is “A B C, A Basic ter, Bldg 2522, invites all high school stu- (course number 25773) will be offered by Team APG STEM, APG Garrison, Cor- Course in American Sign Language”. dents out to its free Friday Night Open at Harford Community College, Havre vias Military Housing, the Maryland Sec- To register or for more information, Recreation for Teens, every Friday from 6 de Grace Hall, room 206, 6 to 9 p.m. tion of the American Chemical Society, call Beth Ann Cameron, 436-7175, Pat p.m. to midnight. Teens are invited out to Want fresh herbs? Grow them your- the National Defense Education Program, Reeves at 436-2917 or Randy Weber at meet new friends, shoot some hoops or self! Learn how to grow a variety of and the Senior Science Society. 436-8546. just play some pool. Bring up to two non- different herbs in containers as well Arbor Day is officially celebrated the CORVIAS 2014 GRANT AND DoD friends to join in the fun. For more last Friday in April nationwide, but on information, call 410-278-4995. as in garden beds, and when and how SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS to harvest your crop. The class will the first Wednesday in April in Maryland. YOUTH CENTER OPENINGS Earth Day is officially celebrated April 22 AVAILABLE cover multiple uses of different herbs. The Aberdeen and Edgewood pro- nationwide. The Corvias Foundation has announced Gain hands-on experience planting herb grams currently have immediate open- The event will be open to school seeds, and leave the class with a plant- that applications for the 2014 Our Future ings for the 2013-2014 school year at groups, civilian and contractors working ing. This Harford Community College Scholarships and the 2014 Our Family their School Age & Youth Services facili- on post and the public from 9:30 a.m. to class will be taught by Master Gardener Educational Grants are now available. ties. Openings are available in both loca- 12:30 p.m. The afternoon activities are volunteers from the University of Mary- Applications for the 2014 Our Fam- tions for eligible users. For more informa- restricted to Child, Youth and School Ser- land Extension, Harford County. ily Educational Grants must be submit- tion, call 410-278-7571/7479. Registration is required. Cost is $19 vices and APG housing residents from ted by May 8, 2014. Grants are given in PIANO & GUITAR LESSONS per person. Register online at www. 1:30 to 4 p.m. the amount of up to $5,000 to spouses of harford.edu. For more information call active-duty service members at the instal- Each class is a one-on-one, 30-min- ute session for seven or eight weeks, 443-412-2376. Walk-in registration is lations listed above. Applicants may be FRIDAY – SUNDAY once a week. Parents choose a time available at Harford Community Col- in any stage of the educational process. between 3 and 9 p.m. when they regis- lege, Edgewood Hall, Entrance 3. MAY 2-4 Recipients will be notified by July 10. SECOND INDIANHEAD ter their children. Open to all DOD ID Families do not have to reside in on- cardholders. To register, visit Central WEDNESDAY DIVISION ASSOCIATION post housing to qualify. Eligible service Registration or call 410-278-7479/7571. REUNION members stationed at these installations For information, email lauren.e.kateley. APRIL 1 can serve in any branch of the military. FIRE MARSHALL TRAINING Attention, 2nd Infantry Division Vet- [email protected] or call 410-278-4589. erans. The Penn-Jersey Branch of the To apply, go to http://corviasfounda- REPORT POWER OUTAGES TO Training for building Fire Marshalls Second Indianhead Division Association tion.org. For more information, call 401- CORVIAS MILITARY LIVING will be held 1 to 3 p.m. at the APG will have its annual reunion in Lancaster, 228-2836 or email info@corviasfounda- South (Edgewood) Conference Cen- Pa. at the Continental Inn. All veterans tion.org During severe weather, all residen- tial power outages should be report- ter, Bldg. E4810. of the Army’s 2nd Infantry Division are CPR, AED CLASSES Training will be conducted by the invited, especially those in the nearby ed to the Neighborhood Office at SCHEDULED 410-305-1076. This will allow staff APG Fire Department Fire Prevention states of Delaware, Maryland, New York, to determine if the outage is wide- Branch and will review what the post Virginia, West Virginia, and the District The APG Fire and Emergency Ser- spread or specific to the home and requires of tenants to assure fire safe- of Columbia. For more information, call vices Division of the Directorate of coordinate the responsible provider ty in the buildings they occupy and for Jack Woodall at 610-274-1409 or send an Emergency Services has released its to restore power. which they are responsible, including email to [email protected]. schedule for CPR and automated what is required to conduct monthly external defibrillator (AED) classes for In the event a neighborhood office inspections and detailed fire extin- ONGOING 2014. Two classes will be held the third loses power, the phone system may guisher inspections. FINRA FOUNDATION MILITARY Wednesday of each month at 9 a.m. also be affected. If the office cannot For additional information, contact SPOUSE FELLOWSHIP FOR and 1 p.m. in the same location. be reached, residents should call the following toll-free numbers to report William J. Bond, fire protection inspector, THE ACCREDITED FINANCIAL April 16, Edgewood Conference Center Fire Protection Division, Bldg. 4314, outages and maintenance emergen- COUNSELOR® PROGRAM May 21, APG North (Aberdeen) chapel cies. Calls to the toll-free number 410-306-0093 or william.j.bond1.civ@ June 18, Edgewood Conference Center mail.mil . The Association for Financial Counsel- will directly connect residents to the July 16, APG North (Aberdeen) chapel ing and Planning Education® (AFCPE®), emergency on-call service. THURSDAY in partnership with the National Military Aug. 20, Edgewood Conference Center APG: 1-866-958-5412 APRIL 3 Family Association and the FINRA Inves- Sept. 17, APG North (Aberdeen) chapel Patriot Village: 1-866-871-6257 Oct. 15, Edgewood Conference Center NH Office: 410-305-1076 SAAM KICKOFF – A 5K RUN/ tor Education Foundation, is pleased to announce the FINRA Foundation Mili- Nov. 19, APG North (Aberdeen) chapel WALK tary Spouse Fellowship for the Accredit- Dec. 17, Edgewood Conference Center Sexual Assault/Awareness Month ed Financial Counselor® Program appli- Class size is limited to 30 partici- starts with the SAAM Kickoff – a 5K Run/ cation period. This program provides up pants. For more information or to Walk set for 6:30 to 8 a.m. at Capa Field to 50 military spouses with the education register, contact Mike Slayman, assis- in APG South (Edgewood). Afterward, necessary to enter the financial coun- tant chief of EMS, at 410-306-0566 or sign the APG Sexual Assault Awareness seling career field. Visit www.Military- e-mail [email protected]. Proclamation and form the APG Teal Family.org for more information. Look- INSIDE APG More events can Human Ribbon. Be sure to wear Teal, the ing for Job search information, contact MORE be seen at www. SAAM official color. Sign up at http:// the ACS Employment program 410-278- APG commanders and subject mat- ONLINE apgnews.apg.army. apgsaam5k.eventbrite.com. 9669/7572. ter experts will discuss topics of inter- mil/calendar. March 27, 2014 • APG News 9 Army plans baseline assessment for NIE 15.1

Army News Service Staff evaluated for potential participation in The Army will evaluate its tactical NIE 15.1. network baseline during the Network The Army’s goal in limiting the capa- Integration Evaluation 15.1 in fall 2014 bility gaps released for 15.1 is to seek in order to set conditions for future net- specific solutions while not interfering work development and refine focus areas with the Network Baseline Assessment. for industry innovation. “The reduction in new candidate sys- The Network Baseline Assessment tems for NIE 15.1 will allow the Army will evaluate the performance of current to get a clear picture of the brigade’s integrated network capabilities in a vari- networked systems and begin to estab- ety of operational scenarios, while pin- lish the baseline we will build upon,” pointing remaining capability gaps that said Kim Bowen, Integration Planning need to be filled to meet the Army’s Division Chief for the Army’s System future mission command needs. of Systems Engineering and Integra- In a change from previous Network tion Directorate. “This information will Integration Evaluations, known as NIEs, support the early release of a detailed the Army will then begin to fix in place Sources Sought notice for future NIEs identified capability gaps for two subse- as well as provide industry additional quent NIE cycles, lengthening the time time to prepare candidate solutions for period for vendors to propose solutions. those events.” While the original NIE process was built While setting the conditions for NIE to quickly meet needs from theater, with 15.1, the Army is simultaneously pre- Photo by Amy Walker, U.S. Army PEO C3T paring to execute NIE 14.2 in spring the transition out of Afghanistan the NIE 15.1, part of a series of semi-annual field evaluations designed to accelerate refined process will allow the Army to 2014, which will feature increased and improve the way communications technologies are delivered to Soldiers, will be more deliberate in determining and Joint and multinational participation take place in October-November 2014 at Fort Bliss, Texas, and White Sands Missile filling network capability gaps for future in conjunction with the Joint Staff-led Range, N.M. capability set fielding. BoldQuest exercise. By periodically examining the net- The Network Baseline Assessment work baseline and identifying gaps will be informed by results from NIE which will then be addressed in two 14.2 as well as from the recently con- consecutive NIEs, the Army will cluded NIE 14.1, which indicated that increase industry’s lead time in devel- after delivering groundbreaking com- ACRONYM OF THE WEEK oping and proposing mature capability munications technologies to Soldiers solutions, and better leverage that inno- in Afghanistan, the Army should now vation to deliver enhanced communica- focus tactical network development tions to Soldiers. efforts on simplifying tools and appli- SoSE&I NIE 15.1, the eighth in the series of cations, right-sizing command posts semi-annual field evaluations designed and increasing operational flexibility to accelerate and improve the way com- for future missions. System of Systems Engineering and Integration munications technologies are delivered Since their launch in 2011, the NIEs to Soldiers, will take place in October- Directorate have evaluated more than 170 systems November 2014 at Fort Bliss, Texas, and and helped integrate, refine and validate White Sands Missile Range, N.M. Under the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, In addition to the Network Baseline Capability Set 13, or CS 13, the Army’s Assessment, the Army will also evaluate first integrated network package pro- Logistics and Technology, the SoSE&I Directorate provides coor- a limited number of new solutions pro- viding mobile communications down to posed by government and industry. The the dismounted Soldier. CS 13 has been dinated SoS analysis, engineering, and architectural and integration Army released a Government Call for fielded to four brigade combat teams, products to facilitate how the Army efficiently shapes, manages and Mature Solutions notice, Jan. 16, and a including two now deployed to Afghan- Sources Sought notice to industry, Jan. istan, and fielding and training is now synchronizes the fielding of integrated materiel capabilities. For underway for the follow-on CS 14. 17, seeking emerging capabilities to be information, visit http://integration.army.mil/ .

create Army chaplain program bile at APG 16. In ‘64, he spoke at APG about 12. Always maximize the ______, The APG Crossword visiting the Soviet Union advises Chaplain Rutherford 18. Lenny redid “American Woman” 14. Nearby historic town where Dr. by the Guess ___ C. David Brown has a residence 19. The American ______15. “Joanna” was a 1983 hit by ____ credit is a tax credit for parents and & the Gang students 16. Site of last week’s Army Alliance 20. Famously wrote that “April is the annual meeting cruelest month” 17. APG rifle champ back in ‘64 21. RDECOM’s ground systems 23. Academy cadets who helped out expert at Resiliency Health Fair 22. The APG ______Band per- 26. Dutch theologican referenced formed at the National Prayer Lun- by Army chief of chaplains at prayer cheon luncheon 24. ARL Staff Sgt. Kirk Wheatley is 27. Roderick “____” Johnson speaks an avid ______at APG this week about suicide pre- 25. APG Health Promotions Officer vention _____ LaRoche 29. Acronym for unmanned aerial/ 28. Nickname of acting APG Senior aircraft system Commander 30. Rock star whose uncle received 31. In ‘64, APG was a big winner at posthumous Medal of Honor the ______Championships in Miami 33. Thanked Maryland National 32. Holy city in India Army Guard for its support 35. Famed car show in Sacramento, 34. Eleven percent of APG’s civilian Cal. workforce lives in this county 37. Course at APG South (Edge- 36. Motown great _____ best known for singing with Marvin Gaye wood) 38. City vigorously protected by Solution to the March 20 puzzle Batman 39. Mr. “___” stickers were distribut- ed at the Resiliency Health Fair

Answers to this puzzle may be found in this edition of the APG News, or may be Down common knowledge. The completed puzzle will be published in next week’s paper. 2. Acronym for the group that held its quarterly meeting March 18th 7. Prayer Luncheon was held at __of Across 3. Earn more money than Dr. C. the Bay 1. Portrayed Batman in the old ‘60s David Brown (or so he joked) TV series 10. April is ______Assault Aware- 5. Gorbachev’s name means rose 4. Introduced MacIntosh computer ness Month 8. Presenter of recent Medals of 30 years ago 11. Half of APG’s civilian population Honor 6. “___, Move and Sleep” is a pilot lives in this county program 13. Founding Father who helped 9. ______Robinson made a Batmo-

Accessing Higher Education Track The Higher Education Track classes are two-day training events, eight hours per day. The purpose is to help active duty and reserve Soldiers determine career, personal and academic goals; help Soldiers contribute to the selection of a higher education institution; present infor- mation about funding factors for selection of higher education institutions; and provide facts about admissions. This class is only for Soldiers that are transitioning from the military and cur- rently going through the Army Career and Alumni Program (ACAP) process. The 2014 training dates are April 16 – 17 and Sept. 17 – 18. Contact the ACAP/Transition office (410) 306-2303 or Army Education Center (410) 306-2042 for assistance with class registration 10 APG News • March 27, 2014 Army, industry focus on next-gen network

By CLAIRE HEININGER PEO C3T Thirty years ago, Apple introduced the Staff Sgt. Shelby Macintosh computer with a splashy Super Johnson, squad leader, Bowl commercial and the bold promise Company C, 2nd that information technology could change Battalion, 30th Infantry the world -- if it was easy to use and acces- Regiment, 4th Brigade sible by all. Combat Team, 10th Now, the Army wants to unlock the Mountain Division (Light same potential for its next-generation tac- Infantry), observes the tical communications network. area around Forward From touchscreens and mission apps Operating Base for Soldiers to wireless networking for Torkham, Afghanistan, command posts, Army senior leaders while wearing the new Capability Set 13 have outlined their vision for a power- communications suite. ful, yet simple to operate tactical network The Army is building on designed to support a more expeditionary lessons-learned from force and a generation of Soldiers who are CS 13 to continue to digital natives. improve and simplify “We absolutely must change,” said the tactical network Brig. Gen. Daniel P. Hughes, program to meet evolving executive officer for Command, Con- operational needs from trol, Communications-Tactical, or PEO today through 2025 and C3T, the organization that provides the beyond. Army’s tactical network. “How many Photo by Staff Sgt. people have been to an iPhonetraining Jerry Saslav course? We’ve got to get to the point where the Army network is intuitive and omnipresent for our Soldiers.” long-term impact for the end user. consolidating hardware such as comput- today as part of the Network Integration 2025 and beyond During the day-long seminar, Army ers, wires and servers, reducing power Evaluation, or NIE, process. Speaking to more than 250 representa- officials described technology goals for requirements, leveraging wireless net- The NIE, a series of semi-annual field tives of large and small businesses during each phase of the roadmap, covering working solutions and converting many exercises that began in 2011, to rapidly a recent Tactical Network Industry Semi- detailed focus areas from radios and smart- hardware systems into software applica- integrate and improve network systems nar at APG, the leaders stressed the need phones to satellites and cyber security -- all tions will enable units to set up and tear for fielding, will also play an important to partner with industry and continuous- with the theme of providing intuitive sys- down their command posts more quickly role in supporting the future network by ly inject next-generation technologies into tems that offer the same seamless commu- and operate them more effectively. providing a realistic operational environ- the Army network to meet evolving opera- nication and collaboration as the devices Along with industry innovation, the ment to gather test data and Soldier feed- tional needs from today through 2025 and Soldiers use in their daily lives. roadmap will leverage the expertise back on emerging technologies. The next beyond. To retain information dominance of the Army Science and Technology, event, NIE 14.2 in May, will focus on val- More touchscreens against adaptive adversaries and emerging known as S&T, community. The vision idating the CS 15 network baseline and threats, a smaller Army will not only need For example, in the area of mission for the future network has been shaped feature increased participation by joint a robust, versatile and rapidly deployable command applications, the Army is seek- not only by trends in commercial com- and coalition forces. tactical network -- it will need a network ing to standardize maps, messaging and munications technologies, officials said, Operational relevance that is intuitive for all Soldiers to use. icons across the tactical formation so but also by ongoing Army S&T efforts in “That’s what makes the NIEs so criti- After fielding the advanced, integrated Soldiers experience a familiar interface the areas of cyber security and anti-jam- cal and so important for modernization,” tactical communications suite known as from handheld devices to vehicle plat- ming, next-generation communications said Col. Greg Baine, chief of brigade Capability Set 13, or CS 13, to select bri- forms to command posts. The Army will waveforms, dismounted and mounted modernization integration for the Brigade gade combat teams, known as BCTs, sup- also incorporate more touchscreens and navigation, and integrated, commander- Modernization Command. “It adds in that porting the advise-and-assist mission in voice and gesture recognition capabili- centric mission command. operational relevance to what it is we’re Afghanistan, the Army’s focus is to extend ties, enabling commanders and Soldiers “As budgets get moderated, science looking for.” similar networking capabilities to addi- to request, receive and act on information and technology within the Army is being After completing six NIEs and success- tional BCTs by fielding the follow-on CS more quickly during operations when time upheld,” said Robert Zanzalari, associate fully fielding CS 13, the Army has listened 14 and subsequent capability sets, while is of the essence. director of the Communications-Electron- to feedback from industry partners and is applying Soldier feedback to drive further And because tomorrow’s Soldiers ics Research, Development and Engineer- implementing a new construct for NIE. technology improvements. are today’s middle school and high ing Center. “There is a need to continue to The approach gives industry additional school students, that is exactly what invest in the basic technologies we need.” The Roadmap they expect, said Jennifer Zbozny, chief time to propose solutions to more focused To meet these objectives, the Army engineer for PEO C3T. Key venues for industry capability gaps, which will be determined requirements, acquisition and research and “Everything they do is electronic, and By outlining needs and synchronizing by periodic network baseline assessments. development communities have developed it’s very intuitive to them -- they just capability gaps now, the roadmap will help “We will take every third NIE and a Network Modernization Roadmap with know,” she said. “That’s really the audi- make the most of those investments and put the entirety of the network in the three interconnected phases: Network 2.0 ence we are building for.” facilitate smoother technology transitions field and assess it holistically,” said Col. (fiscal years 2014-15), Simplified Tactical Officials also discussed other key from research and development centers to Mark Elliott, director of the Army’s Army Reliable Network (STARNet, fiscal goals to increase network capacity and programs of record, officials said. G-3/5/7 LandWarNet-Mission Com- year 2016-20) and the Network After Next versatility in support of future missions, Army laboratories will also serve as mand Directorate. “Whereas in the past (NaN, 2020 and beyond). The roadmap is including advancing alternatives to sat- key venues for industry to bring their we gave industry about six to eight a blueprint for industry and government to ellites for beyond line of sight commu- proposed solutions for evaluation and months between when we would ask focus development efforts and bring for- nications, improving radio and antenna integration with other network systems. you to bring us a capability to the time ward innovations to fill capability gaps. designs, streamlining network manage- Industry partners will receive detailed, we put it in the field, we’re now trying It will also help direct the Army’s limit- ment and configuration tools, and reduc- timely feedback from the laboratories to give about an 18-month timeframe to ed modernization resources to investments ing the footprint of Tactical Operations about their capabilities’ performance and help industry get after some things that that will have the greatest short-, mid- and Centers, or TOCs. Simplifying TOCs by areas for improvement, just as they do take a little more lead time.” ARL research fellow explores virtual humans research

Story and photo by ORLI BELMAN technologies and for the strategic applica- quickly leveraged for training. For exam- vulnerable populations,” said Dr. Jona- Institute for Creative Technologies tion of those technologies to address the ple, ICT developed the Virtual Human than Gratch, ICT associate director for vir- At the University of Southern Califor- needs of Soldiers today and tomorrow.” Project, widely regarded as the most com- tual humans research. “We are excited to nia Institute for Creative Technologies, ICT scientists are leaders in the fields prehensive effort devoted to creating explore whether imbuing machines with researchers specializing in the art and sci- of artificial intelligence, graphics, virtu- computer-generated characters that look, some of the virtual human capabilities ence of creating an immersive experi- al reality and computer and story-based behave and communicate like real people. developed in our lab can help support the ence work with the U.S. Army Research learning. Los Angeles, a hub of high-tech Basic research leads to insights into how vision of improving performance in Sol- Laboratory to advance interactive sim- and creative industries, inspires problem- people relate to one another and to their vir- dier-robot teams.” ulation-based solutions for training Sol- solving research that draws from and con- tual counterparts. Applied research leads to ICT’s Mixed Reality Lab, known as diers, teaching students, treating patients tributes to the region’s innovation and capabilities that improve software func- MxR, works with ARL HRED’s Simula- and more. provides powerful techniques and technol- tionality, including sensing systems that tion and Training Technology Center to In 1999, the Army and USC joined ogies to enhance can infer a user’s investigate how ICT’s head-mounted dis- together to establish the Institute for Cre- Army training and emotional state. plays can be incorporated to reduce the ative Technologies, or ICT, as a University education. Our partnership with Advanced proto- costs and increase realism in the Dis- Affiliated Research Center, or UARC, that Current ICT type development mounted Soldier Training System. would combine the creative talents of the and ARL collab- ARL provides an requires exper- Army-funded research from MxR con- film and game industries with world-class orations expand imenting and tributed to the development of the Oculus university research in engineering, educa- how scientif- essential sounding assessing training Rift, a new virtual reality headset poised to tion and cinematic arts. The goal: to make ic breakthroughs system value and transform the landscape of virtual reality simulations more effective through the can bolster Army board and test bed impact. ICT vir- entertainment and training with low-cost, study and development of emerging dig- efforts to empow- tual humans have high fidelity virtual reality displays. The ital technologies and engaging narrative- er, unburden and for making sure our deployed across MxR group’s work in this area is ongoing driven experiences. strengthen Sol- the country, get- with the continued development of a suite Today, transitioned prototypes from this diers. They include investigations are ting young peo- of open-source immersive viewers. ple excited about ICT’s graphics lab works closely with forward-looking lab can be seen through- studying new uses relevant to current and out the Army, including video games for ICT-developed science, provid- the entertainment industry. Paul Debevec, ing information the lab’s director, received a Scientific and designed to prepare Soldiers in negotia- virtual humans, future Army needs. on Army careers Engineering Academy Award in 2010 for tions and stability operations, virtual role head-mounted dis- plays and pho- and supporting the development of the Light Stage sys- players programmed to provide practice in Dr. Randall W. Hill Jr. to-real digital veterans reinte- tems, which can relight and recreate a dig- conducting sensitive interviews and virtual ICT executive director. characters. grating to civilian ital face down to level of individual pores reality systems developed to enhance ther- “We want to life. Additional and fine wrinkles. The Light Stage tech- apies for post-traumatic stress and trau- make sure that our innovations help save characters will be soon used in efforts to nologies have contributed to films like matic brain injuries. time, resources and lives,” said Dr. Randall address depression, suicide and sexual “Gravity” and “Avatar” and are also used “The missions we ask our Warriors to W. Hill Jr., ICT executive director. “Our harassment and assault prevention. to create realistic characters for ICT’s perform put them in extreme circumstanc- partnership with ARL provides an essen- A new effort is also exploring how Army training prototypes, like the Emer- es. It is vital that we bring the best capa- tial sounding board and test bed for mak- ICT’s natural language, nonverbal behav- gent Leader Immersive Training Experi- bilities, based on the best science to them ing sure our investigations are relevant to ior recognition, cognition and emotion ence, which was installed at the Maneuver in training, on the battlefield, and as they current and future Army needs. Also, our modeling research can help further ARL’s Center of Excellence in Fort Benning, Ga. reset for the next mission -- or for the status as a UARC allows us to serve as a human-robot interaction research pro- A laptop version will soon be available at return to family,” said Dr. Laurel Allen- strategic resource that can be easily tasked grams and enhance future connections the Army’s MilGaming web portal. der, director of ARL Human Research and by DoD organizations seeking to solve between virtual human and HRI research. “We are in an exciting time and place Engineering Directorate. “The research problems with immersive experiences.” “Human-robot teams are beginning to develop and deliver engaging training,” conducted at the ICT in collaboration with ICT’s projects span basic and applied to emerge across a range of potentially Hill said. “I look forward to continued the Army is critical for building the strong research and advanced prototype develop- high-stakes situations including military work with the Army and seeing what the scientific basis for simulation and training ment. Discoveries made in the lab can be operations, first-responders and caring for next 15 years will bring.” March 27, 2014 • APG News 11

This Week in APG News history

By ALAN FEILER, APG News

50 Years Ago: March 26, 1964 Clockwise from top left: APG chaplains representing three religious denom- inations announced the upcoming Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Passover observances and reli- gious ceremonies to be held on post.

Lt. Frederick B. Bywater, a graduate of the Basic Officer Course at the Ordnance Center and School, recently spoke about his visit to the Soviet Union during the summer of 1960.

The APG rifle team returned from Florida after win- ning 123 awards during three winter rifle champion- ships at the Sawgrass Championships in Miami. Sgt. 1st Class Larry D. Tobalado won 18 awards and the APG team walked away with 54 individual awards.

25 Years Ago: March 29, 1989 Clockwise from top left: Members of the 139th Infantry recently modeled uni- forms and outfits worn by Soldiers and civilians during the Civil War and other historical periods. The group also performed drills at the Noncommissioned Officer Dining Out at APG.

Spec. Larry McKenzie and Sgt. Joseph Gilbert were among the APG Soldiers who unloaded food at Grove Presbyterian Church in Aberdeen and at other locations around the county to benefit needy Harford families.

Approximately 70 faculty and staff members of Edgewood High School received an inside look at the Army Chemical, Research, Development and Engineering Center and other tenant activities at APG during a teachers’ in-service day event.

10 Years Ago: March 25, 2004 Clockwise from left: Anastasia Phillips from the Aberdeen Youth Center and Wyndell Williams of the Edgewood Youth Center competed in the Maryland Boys and Girls Clubs of America competition and awards ceremony in Annapolis March 10.

Kirk U. S. Army Health Clinic recently implemented a new call center system to simplify the appointment- setting model for patrons. The goal is to increase access to KUSAHC’s primary care appointments, said Dave Bish, access claim agent.

(Seated, from right) APG Garrison and Deputy Installation Commander Col. Mardi U. Mark and DoD police officer George Martin, president of the Fraternal Order of Police, signed an agreement lay- ing out procedures and regulations for the APG civil- ian police officers in the former Directorate of Law Enforcement and Security.

Want to make a difference in how services are rendered at APG? Tell us how we are doing. Visit http://ice.disa.mil. Click on “ARMY” then “Aberdeen Proving Ground.” 12 APG News • March 27, 2014 Turning base camp waste into energy

By BOB REINERT USAG-Natick Public affairs One 150-person base camp in Afghan- istan can produce as much as 1,000 pounds of solid waste a day. That waste can become one big head- ache, according to Amy Klopotoski, the Contingency Basing Science and Tech- nology lead in the Expeditionary Basing and Collective Protection Directorate of the Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center, or NSRDEC. “The waste generated on base camps, it’s a big challenge and a problem, because Soldiers are either burning it -- which is hazardous to your health, the environment, the host nation -- or you have to backhaul it,” Klopotoski said. “Soldiers have to leave the protected camp to backhaul this waste to some oth- er location for it to be processed. “So it’s a logistics burden, it’s a safety hazard, it’s a health hazard, and quite a bit of waste is generated on these camps. So it is a continuous problem.” Klopotoski would like to turn a neg- ative into a positive, and solve another Photo by Senior Airman Julianne Showalter problem simultaneously, by converting Converting solid waste to energy would eliminate the need for burn pits, which are hazardous to health and the environment. that waste into energy that could help power U.S. base camps overseas. size that would be deployable and would dures to assess these systems. U.S. Pacific Command area of opera- “You can thermo-chemically process work at base camps. In addition to establishing test proce- tions. “A lot of their island nations have [the waste] so that you reduce the vol- “It’s sort of been growing as an effort dures and assessing technology, JDW2E a lot of the same challenges that some of ume of it,” Klopotoski said. “It can be because people see the benefit,” said will conduct a workshop to solicit Sol- our contingency bases do,” she added. reduced up to 90 percent of the volume Klopotoski. “You look at the technology dier input, she said. Given waste-to-energy conversion, of the waste, so it basically turns it into that exists today, and you feel pretty con- “To find the right technology, you solar technology and smart power man- an ash. Then you can actually use it as fident that we can get this capability into need to know what is acceptable or not agement, Klopotoski said she can envi- an energy source so that you can provide a deployable package.” acceptable in the field. How would Sol- sion a day when base camps could be energy to the camp. Klopotoski said that JDW2E, which diers prefer it to be used and operated, or energy self-sufficient, taking vulnerable “That cuts down on the fuel depen- includes Natick’s Product Manager Force how might they use it? convoys off dangerous roads. dence of the camp itself. Fuel, it’s a logis- Sustainment Systems, is looking for sys- “There’s such a wide mix of things “You’re attacking two problems,” tics burden for the Soldiers, as well.” tems that require no specialized training that come up in a waste stream on a base Klopotoski said. “It’s the waste problem, NSRDEC serves as technical manag- and are durable and transportable. camp. You want a system that can accept and it’s also the fuel-consumption prob- er of the Joint Deployable Waste to Ener- “It’s a new capability that doesn’t exist, anything. You don’t want to have Sol- lem. If we can get this to work, which gy group, or JDW2E, which is looking so there aren’t really test procedures,” diers sifting through stuff.” we feel pretty confident that we can, at how to take technology now available Klopotoski said, adding that another part Klopotoski said that JDW2E is striv- that could tackle two of those pretty big on a municipal scale and shrink it to a of the effort is establishing the test proce- ing to get a prototype for testing to the problems that currently exist at camps.” Environmental engineers test water filters

By JANE GERVASONI with Jeffrey Dunn, a project engi- U.S. Army Public Health Command neer from the Natick (Mass.) Soldier In the United States, people take safe Research Development and Engineer- drinking water for granted. Warfighters ing and the Aberdeen Test Center at on the battlefield do not have this luxury. Aberdeen Proving Ground to test the performance of individual water puri- The U.S. Army Public Health Command fiers, according to Lundquist. has been working across services to Lundquist said ATC tested the devic- address the need for water production and es for their ability to withstand expo- quality surveillance at remote, austere sure to environmental conditions such locations, according to Art Lundquist, an as freezing and thawing, vibration, com- environmental engineer in the Drinking pression and shock. The ATC pass/fail Water and Sanitation Program. standard for these tests was based on “We have been supporting the acqui- visual inspection of the devices--were sition communities since 2005 through they damaged or broken? the research, development, testing and The DWSP then used an evaluation evaluation phases to ensure the end process developed in the program to products are protective of warfighter determine if the devices were still able to health,” he said. provide safe drinking water after being At large bases, bulk water produc- subjected to the physical and environ- tion is managed by military occu- mental stressors. pational specialty-trained personnel “We pumped contaminated water operating complex water treatment through each candidate filter then ana- systems. Smaller, remote bases often Photo by Graham Snodgrass lyzed the water to see if coliform and do not have the personnel to staff these Art Lundquist, Drinking Water and Sanitation Program environmental engi- Escherichia coli bacteria from the con- production facilities, nor do they need taminated water had been filtered out,” potable water in the large quantities neer, tests individual water purifiers to determine whether they meet Army requirements. explained Lundquist. “The data was then supplied by this equipment. provided to ATC to document water “The current solution to ensure mil- remote environments. fiers are an option that helps ensure Sol- purifier performance and to assist deci- itary personnel have clean, safe drink- “The U.S. military lacks a materiel diers on missions have safe water to drink. sion-makers in determining if the candi- ing water often involves transporting solution for producing water at the unit “For individual warfighter use dur- dates meet Army requirements.” bulk and bottled water to remote bas- level; however the commercial market ing emergencies, or while on short- The DWSP evaluation provided a es in deployed locations,” explained offers numerous options that purport to term planned missions, the Army has cost-effective means to document the Lundquist. fill this gap,” Lundquist said. “The ser- an established program and is evaluat- integrity of the filter after the environ- This option has disadvantages with vices are evaluating commercial prod- ing individual water purifiers that are mental testing. DWSP will continue to regard to packaging, transport, time, ucts and developing requirements to designed to work with personal hydra- provide technical support to acquisition personnel and force protection. How- feed into a future program for fielding tion systems,” said Lundquist. programs targeting safe water produc- ever, there are other options for pro- new equipment.” Drinking Water and Sanitation Pro- tion in remote environments to help pro- viding safe drinking water in austere, In the meantime, individual water puri- gram personnel have been working tect the health of warfighters. Prayer luncheon speaker encourages resilience

Continued from Page 1 education, it goes on and on. You have teach you wisdom so that you can live idea you have, and a thousand more. to look over your shoulder all the time. instead of just surviving.” The challenges we face now are far “What was going on in 1775 was You never know what’s next.” “Think about the noble, the reputa- reaching. So focus on the true, noble, that young patriot forces were going The answer, he said, is finding the ble, the authentic, the compelling and reputable, authentic, compelling and against the mighty British Empire,” faith to overcome negative inclinations the gracious – the best in the world gracious, to make a difference to all of Rutherford said. “[And] Gen. Wash- and develop the strength and resiliency and not the worst,” he said. “Things those we touch and teach every day.” ington thought, `For this to happen, we to Soldier on. Focusing on the positive to praise, not things to curse. Instead Attendees warmly applauded Ruth- need chaplains onboard.’ and minimizing the negative is integral of worrying, take time to pray, let- erford and Martin and CECOM Com- “‘The blessing and protection of to inner strength and resolve, he said. ting God know your concerns. Before mand Sgt. Maj. Kennis Dent thanked Heaven are at all times necessary, but Rutherford said he learned from Hen- you know it, God’s holiness will set- him for his message. especially so in times of public dis- ri Nouwen, a Dutch theologian, Jesuit tle over you. Col. Fred Hughes of the U.S. Army tress and danger,’” Rutherford quoted priest, altruist and academic, that people “We’re not always free to deter- Research, Development and Engi- Washington. need to create space around themselves mine what’s going to happen to us,” neering Command called Rutherford’s “Today, we use words like anxi- to become more spiritually connected. he added, “but we are free to respond message “inspirational and timely.” ety; fear,” he said. “The thing about “How do you create space around to what’s happening to us. We have a “The Army is going through a peri- the most capable leaders and Soldiers you, so that God can speak in your own choice. The person who maximizes the od of change, but we’ve had hard times is they’re able to go out and deal with life?” he said. “You have to bring home positive is in a better position to cope before” he said. “This was well-timed this anxiety.” that part of you that was left behind. with whatever comes their way.” to the times we’re living in.” “Everyone sometimes feels over- That’s not easy. Your grown-up self Rutherford told audience members Michelle Scott of ATEC said she whelmed by the complexities of life, becomes very childlike sometimes. that as Soldiers and civilians, they are was impressed with the luncheon’s he said. “You have anxiety at work – You want to feel safe. Sometimes, you making a difference. turnout and sense of fellowship. promotion boards, retention boards, feel loneliness.” “This is as important now as in any “It was tremendous to be with a force reductions, personnel issues, “People are often afraid to confront time,” he said. “Our nation and our community of people with similar being apart from your Family, finan- their fearful, lonely side,” he said. world needs all of the leadership – our beliefs at APG,” she said. “You see cial anxieties, the economy, security, “Let it teach you something. Let it collective leadership – and every good you are not alone.” 14 APG News • March 27, 2014 Dunn proud to lead CBRNE Soldiers

Continued from Page 1 (EOD) Group at Fort Campbell, Ky. Dunn holds a bachelor’s degree in bio- proficiency, motivation and sincere care logical sciences from Mount Scenario for Soldiers, civilians and their Families College and is working toward an MBA ensured the command’s success and abil- from the University of Incarnate Word. ity to accomplish all assigned missions Dunn is a native of Fredericksburg, Va. in an unparalleled manner. His military education includes the “The 20th CBRNE Command and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Course, the Army will continue to benefit from Combat Engineer Course, Air Assault Command Sgt. Maj. Puig’s leadership School, NBC Officer Course, Defense for years to come,” Burton said. Packaging of Hazardous Materials After relinquishing responsibility, Transportation Course, Joint Nucle- Puig offered parting remarks. ar EOD Course, Global Anti-Terrorism “Leadership, at its very heart, is tak- Operational Readiness Course, Access ing care of your Soldiers; if you take and Disablement of Improvised Nukes care of your Soldiers, the rest comes Course, Primary Leadership Develop- easy,” he said. “So as I close this chap- ment Course, Basic Noncommissioned ter of my career, I can look back over Officer Course, Advanced Noncommis- the last two years and know that I’ve sioned Officer Course, First Sergeant done all I can to provide what I feel has Course, Pre-Command Sergeant Major always been in the best interest of this Course, and Pre-Command Course. He entire command. I am absolutely proud is a graduate of the United States Army to have served with all of you. Liberty Sergeants Major Academy. we defend.” Photo by Sean Kief Dunn’s awards and decorations Burton welcomed Dunn’s charac- (From left) Brig. Gen. JB Burton, commander of the 20th CBRNE Command, include the Bronze Star Medal, the ter and military leadership experience looks on as incoming Command Sgt. Maj. Harold E. Dunn IV holds the change of Defense Meritorious Service Med- to APG. responsibility sword handed to him by Burton during the command’s change of al, the Meritorious Service Medal, the “Command Sgt. Maj. Dunn is a Sol- responsibility ceremony in APG South (Edgewood) March 19. Army Commendation Medal, the Army dier’s Soldier, a leader’s Soldier and a ensuring the care and development of opportunity to pay back, continue to Achievement Medal, the Southwest Asia great leader,” he said. “He comes to this Soldiers, civilians and Families and develop the formation and increase its Service medal, Afghanistan Campaign command with a tremendous reputation strengthening the command. He said he capabilities in support of the Army in medal, Iraq Campaign medal, the Glob- across the EOD, CBRNE and the Army. hopes to make a positive impact on the this operation.” al War on Terrorism Expeditionary med- He is a master trainer, prolific writer and installation. Command Sgt. Maj. Harold E. Dunn IV al, the Global War on Terrorism Service a candid professional. He is grounded “I could not be more proud than to Dunn comes to APG with years of medal, the Noncommissioned Officer in the fundamentals of war fighting and serve our nation’s CBRNE command military experience, having served at Professional Development ribbon (4) leadership and has tremendous experi- Soldiers, civilians, and families who Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan, Fort Combat Action Badge, Master EOD ence in dealing with interagency, multi- enable the incredible effectiveness of Campbell, Ky., Fort Bragg, N.C., Fort Badge, Senior EOD Badge, and Basic national and special operations forces. this unit,” Dunn said. “It gives me an McCoy Wis., Andrews Air Force Base, EOD Badge, and Air Assault Wings. He is exactly the right Soldier/Leader at opportunity to give back to the orga- Md., and in Hawaii. He previously Dunn is a member of the Sergeant this time in this command’s history.” nization that helped me grow and be served as command sergeant major of Audie Murphy Club and Order of Samu- Dunn said his goals at APG include the Soldier that I am and just really an the 52nd Explosive Ordnance Disposal el Sharpe (Ordnance). Education credits can lead to tax savings

Continued from Page 1 Lifetime Learning credit. time Learning credit may be particular- income is more than $80,000 ($160,000 ly helpful to graduate students, students if filing a joint return). tax. It also adds required course materi- Lifetime Learning Credit who are only taking one course and  You were a nonresident alien for als to the list of qualifying expenses and The Lifetime Learning credit helps those who are not pursuing a degree. any part of the year and did not elect allows the credit to be claimed for four parents and students pay for post-sec- Generally, Lifetime Learning cred- to be treated as a resident alien for tax post-secondary education years instead ondary education. For the tax year, indi- it can be claimed if all three of the fol- purposes. of two. Many of those eligible qualify viduals may be able to claim a lifetime lowing requirements are met: 1) You pay  You or anyone else claims an edu- for the maximum annual credit of $2,500 learning credit of up to $2,000 for qual- qualified education expenses of high- cation credit for expenses of the stu- per student. ified education expenses paid for all er education. 2) You pay the education dent for whom the qualified education The full credit is available to tax- students enrolled in eligible education- expenses for an eligible student. 3) The expenses were paid. payers whose modified adjusted gross al institutions. There is no limit on eligible student is either yourself, your Student-activity fees and expenses income is $80,000 or less, or $160,000 the number of years the lifetime learn- spouse or a dependent for whom you for course-related books, supplies and or less for married couples filing a joint ing credit can be claimed for each stu- claim an exemption on your tax return. equipment are included in qualified edu- return. The credit is phased out for tax- dent. However, a taxpayer cannot claim If you’re eligible to claim the life- cation expenses only if the fees and payers with incomes exceeding these both the American Opportunity cred- time learning credit and are also eligible expenses must be paid to the institu- levels. These income limits are higher it and Lifetime Learning credits for the to claim the American opportunity cred- tion as a condition of enrollment or than under the prior Hope and existing same student in one year. Thus, the Life- it for the same student in the same year, attendance. you can choose to claim either credit, but General Rule you cannot claim both. When figuring an education credit or If you pay qualified education the tuition and fees deduction, use only expenses for more than one student in the amounts you paid and are deemed the same year, you can choose to take DID YOU KNOW? to have paid during the tax year for the credits on a per-student, per-year basis. qualified education expenses. An insti- (You can claim the American Opportu- tution may choose to report on Form The Caped Crusader’s classic car nity credit for one student and the Life- 1098-T either payments received during used to cruise around APG? time Learning credit for another student calendar year 2013 (box 1), or amounts in the same year.) It was in the late ‘50s when Forrest Robinson billed during the calendar year 2013 first started fiddling around with fiberglass, as Tuition and Fees Deduction (box 2), for qualified education expens- well as chicken wire, plywood, burlap bags You may be able to deduct qualified es. However, the amounts in boxes 1 and molding plaster. “I was fascinated with education expenses paid during the year and 2 might be different than the amount what you could do with fiberglass, you know?” for yourself, your spouse or your depen- actually paid and are deemed to have Robinson, a 76-year-old Army veteran and dent. You cannot claim this deduction if been paid. Additionally, Form 1098- machinist from Westmoreland, N.H., recently told The Keene (N.H.) Sentinel. “I your filing status is married filing sepa- T should give you other information wanted to make something and I figured, why not make a car?” rately or if another person can claim an for that institution, such as adjustments And that’s just what Robinson did. exemption for you as a dependent on his made for prior years, the amount of After joining the Army and being stationed at APG in the mid-‘60s, he and or her tax return. The qualified expenses scholarships or grants, reimbursements, his wife, Violette, used to commute back and forth a lot from their home to the must be for higher education. or refunds, and whether the student was post. He already had a car, created from a ‘56 Oldsmobile chassis, that he’d pretty The tuition and fees deduction can enrolled at least half-time or was a grad- much built from scratch. Like a lot of folks at that time, Robinson was wild about reduce the amount of your income sub- uate student. ject to tax by up to $4,000 and is taken the “Batman” TV series. So while here, he decided on a whim to fashion his car Figuring the Education Benefi ts as an adjustment to income on line 34 of after the iconic Batmobile driven by actor Adam West on the show and designed To determine the amount of qualified Form 1040. This deduction may be ben- by George Barris. expenses, have a discussion with your eficial to you if, for example, you can- Nearly five decades later, Robinson’s Batmobile earned first-place honors in the tax preparer to determine the qualified not take the Lifetime Learning credit 64th annual Sacramento Autorama in California Feb. 14-16, 2014, one of the most education expenses paid. Remember to because your income is too high. prestigious car shows in the U.S. include amounts paid for books, supplies You may be able to take one of Bam! Pow!! You read that correctly, first-place honors! and equipment needed for a course of the education credits for your education Robinson’s Batmobile, it turns out, has quite a story. In ’66, to make a few study if calculating the American Oppor- expenses instead of a Tuition and Fees extra bucks, he rented out the car to Green Acres Ice Cream, which had a line of tunity credit. For the Lifetime Learn- deduction. You can choose the one that Batman ice cream flavors and drinks. A year later, Robinson sold it to a buddy for ing credit or Tuition and Fees deduction, will give you the lower tax. less than $200. The car was eventually abandoned and rusted away in a field for these expenses are only included if they Generally, you can claim the Tuition more than four decades. must be paid to the institution as a con- “Oh, I forgot about it, that’s for sure,” Robinson told The Keene Sentinel. and Fees deduction if all three of the fol- dition of enrollment or attendance. Once But then, someone discovered the car in a wooded area about five years ago lowing requirements are met: 1) You pay you determine the qualified education and – naturally -- sold it on eBay. It went through a succession of owners until qualified education expenses of high- expenses paid on the student’s behalf in Mario Borbon of Borbon Restorations in Sacramento heard about the mystery er education. 2) You pay the education 2013, subtract any tax free educational vehicle. He and his investment partners, Alicia and Sid Belzberg, owners of a toy expenses for an eligible student. 3) The assistance (box 5) received in the 2013 car exchange in New York, bought the car, restored it, and a couple of months eligible student is yourself, your spouse, academic period. The difference is the ago connected with Forrest Robinson’s daughter, Karen, through the magic of or your dependent for whom you claim amount used to compute the education Facebook. (Guess there was no Bat-Signal to shine in Gotham City’s night sky, eh?) an exemption on your tax return. credits or tuition and fees deduction. “I had only seen pictures of the car from pictures my parents had ... and You cannot claim the tuition and fees Tax TA) for watched the progress on Facebook,” Karen Robinson, who attended the deduction if any of the following apply: You can also use the IRS’s Interactive Sacramento car show, told The Keene Sentinel. “When I saw it, I was just in tears.  Your filing status is married filing Tax Assistant tool to help determine if I was so embarrassed, I didn’t want to cry, but it was overwhelming.” separately. you’re eligible for educational credits or She said famed car designer John D’Agostino is working with the Belzbergs  Another person can claim an deductions. For more detailed informa- to take the Batmobile on a world tour. “If it comes to New York,” said Forrest exemption for you as a dependent on tion on Tax Benefits of Education, see Robinson, “maybe then I would go see it.” his or her tax return. You cannot take the IRS Publication 970. This information And yes, it all started at APG. (Holy restored relics, Batman!) deduction even if the other person does is a provision of the annual tax program Alan Feiler, APG News not actually claim that exemption. provided by the Office of the Staff Judge  Your modified adjusted gross Advocate, Client Services Division.

Visit us on facebook https://www.facebook.com/APGMd March 27, 2014 • APG News 15

Pubescent pianists

Kathi Workman, piano teacher for the Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation SKIES Unlimited program, recently held a recital for her students. The students are enrolled in the SKIES Unlimited program at APG and in other schools throughout Harford County. Front row (from left): Havish Budhi, Ava Barrett, Malina Ly, Emily Rosada-Torres, Jason DSilva. Second row (from left): Anna Barrett, Angeliz Rosada-Torres, Natalie Briceland. Third row (from left): Laura Hughes, Erica Orjih, Workman, James Hughes, Lanna Ly. For more information on SKIES Unlimited programs, contact the Parent Central Office at 410-278-7571.

Courtesy photo

ultimately provides timely analysis and ment major and enter civil service to data trends so that government leaders support national defense,” he said. and organizations can make informed McKeon adds that he enjoys the decisions,” McKeon said. critical thinking involved in his line McKeon has two bachelor’s degrees of work. from the College of William & Mary “I enjoy being able to solve complex in government and Hispanic studies problems, helping to create efficien- and has been a government contractor cies within the organization, interact- Brian McKeon strategic communications analyst for five years. ing with current and former service He said his desire to enter this line members and knowing that, even in a of work stemmed from wanting to small way, my efforts and those of my As a contract strategic communica- lyzing data and communicating with enter the civil service arena. coworkers help unburden, protect and tions analyst Brian McKeon provides stakeholders. “Having witnessed the events empower the Soldier.” contract support to the U.S. Army His company applies technology of 9/11 and the subsequent wars in For more information about RDE- Research, Development and Engi- that streamline processes, ensures data Afghanistan and Iraq during my high COM missions supporting the Warf- neering Command (RDECOM), ana- integrity, delivers visual analytics and school years, I wanted to be a govern- ighter, visit www.army.mil/rdecom

Edgewood Contracting Division establishes early cutoff dates for 2014 procurement requests ECD news release ing this year’s peak period to compen- processing. or to this date. The Edgewood Contracting Division sate for the lag in distribution of funds. “Purchase requests for actions that ***Customers submitting “short- (ECD) – a contracting division under the Therefore it is extremely important that are not GFEBS enabled must contin- of-award” requirements must consider Army Contracting Command – Aberdeen customers be as diligent as possible ue to be submitted electronically to the whether funding will materialize. Time Proving Ground – provides contract sup- in identifying their needs early in the ECD using the SHARED MAILBOX: spent processing these actions can be bet- port for APG South (Edgewood). cycle,” said Mixon. usarmy.APG.acc.mbx.edgewood-con- ter utilized on funded actions. The following guidance is published Resources are stretched thin for the [email protected],” said Mixon. “ECD will make every effort to to highlight the established Fiscal Year contracts team and customers therefore Notwithstanding any prior approved accommodate those customers whose 2014 cutoff dates for submission of it is equally as important to submit com- milestones, the cutoff dates for all pro- procurement packages are submitted purchase requests for those customers plete procurement packages. curement requests are as follows*: after the established cut-off dates,” said receiving contract support through ECD. Mixon said, “Incomplete packages  Noncommercial items over Mixon, “however, there is no guarantee Advance planning in identifying and delay the process and create inefficiency. $150,000 – May 30** that the award will be processed prior to submitting PRs on or before the pub- It is essential this year that upfront coor-  Services over $150,000 – May 30** Sept. 30. lished cutoff dates greatly enhances the dination with the appropriate Contract-  Commercial items less than $6.5 For more information, contact: ability of the ECD to meet customer ing Officer takes place,” said Mixon. million – May 30 Chief, Edgewood Contract- needs. This will ensure that all purchase request  Delivery orders and task orders ing Division: Debra R. Abbruzzese The peak processing time for most packages contain the necessary docu- under existing contracts – June 3 at [email protected] contracting offices is between July 1 ments and approvals to avoid delays in  GSA schedule procurements – June 410-436-2554; and September 30 of each fiscal year. processing awards and make maximum 3 Steven Austin, Branch A “Last year ECD processed 344 pro- use of available customer dollars.  Short-of-Award actions – May (ECBC, ACWA & CMA Custom- curement actions valued at approxi- Mixon stressed that customers should 30*** ers) at [email protected] mately $132.2 million during the July ensure that all procurement requests pro- * All actions that require a justification 410-436-2449; through September time period,” said cessed through GFEBS contains the nec- and approval document prior to process- Thomas Dickson, Branch B (JPEO- Ruby Mixon, Chief of ECD Policy essary information in the description. ing must be submitted by May 2. CBD Customers) at thomas.a.dickson4. Office. “Due to the slow start in the dis- Identifying the Branch Chief as well as ** There may be instances where [email protected] 410-436-8621; or tribution of customer funding this fiscal the Contracting Officer if known will this date may not be adequate for com- Diane Street, Branch C (JPEO-CBD year it is anticipated that the number of assist routing the actions to the correct plex actions. These actions must be Customers) at diane.l.street.civ@mail. actions will significantly increase dur- contracts team as quickly as possible for coordinated with the Branch Chief pri- mil 410-436-3750

Contracting cutoff dates for Fiscal Year 2014 Tenant Contracting Division ments with their respective branch chiefs during the third quarter in order to The Army Contracting Command-Aberdeen Proving Ground (ACC-APG), tenant discuss acquisition methods and identify those documents, reviews, and approvals and garrison contracting divisions, have established their Fiscal Year 2014 (FY 14) cut- required to accompany the procurement package. off dates for submission of Acquisition Packages to include purchase requests (PRs) **Customers submitting short-of-award PRs, especially for services require- and accompanying acquisition documentation. ments, must consider whether funding will materialize. A substantial amount of Early planning and customer support continues to remain the key to a successful effort is expended to prepare these pending actions and they must be prioritized after year-end by identifying and submitting these packages BY OR BEFORE the date list- PRs that are funded and PRs that are subject to the availability of funds. Short-of- ed below. This greatly enhances the ability of the ACC-APG tenant and garrison con- award actions, if not funded in FY14, should be funded immediately in FY15 as a tracting divisions to meet customer needs. Any packages which might be accepted bona fide need. after the cutoff date shall be handled on a best effort with no guarantee of award. Subject-to-availability-of-funds (SAF) will only be accepted by the Tenant/Gar- The following schedule has been established for the submission of acquisition pack- rison contracting division branch chiefs. APG activities should consider maximiz- ages for FY 14. This cutoff date is for the PR and ALL supporting documentation and ing use of their government purchase cards to execute small dollar transactions for approvals. Incomplete acquisition packages will not be accepted by the tenant/garri- authorized items rather than submitting a purchase request to the contracting office. son divisions. Failure to include the necessary documentation could result in delay, ALL acquisition packages must be submitted electronically and at a minimum untimely, or non-award of requests. shall include the following: Cutoff Date: (to include but not limited to the actions listed below) May 15. Funded purchase request, statement of work/description of requirement/pur-  Noncommercial items over $150,000* chase description, independent government cost estimate (IGCE), service acquisi-  Noncommercial items between $2,500for services; $3,000 for supplies; $2,000 for tion strategy (Greater than $150,000 inclusive of options), service contract approval, construction and $150,000 COR nomination completed in VCE-COR tool, quality assurance surveillance plan  Commercial items under $150,000 (QASP), NEC approval (IT hardware, software and services), evaluation factors,  Commercial items over $150,000 complete sole source justification (Less than $150,000 and J&A for greater than  Services under $150,000 $150,000, if appropriate), Antiterrorism/Operations Security (AT/OPSEC) cover  Services over $150,000 sheet, and market research. Who to contact:  Delivery orders and task orders under existing contracts  Chief, Tenant Contracting Division: Cynthia H. Phillips, cynthia.h.phillips.civ@  GSA schedule procurements mail.mil, 443-861-4812  Short-of-award over $2,500**   Mission Branch: Alison Gannon, [email protected], 443-861-4832 Maintenance for FY 2014 – (FY14 Contract Modifications and Options for Exist-  Technology Branch: Jason VanLuven, [email protected], 443-861-5355 ing Maintenance Contracts)  Contract Support Branch: Thomas Boyle, [email protected], 443-861-5351 * There may be instances where this date may not be adequate for com-  Chief, Garrison Contracting Division: Lt. Col. Derek Draper, derek.j.draper.mil@ plex actions. It is therefore required that these actions be coordinated with the mail.mil, 443-861-5073 branch chiefs prior to this date. The ACC-APG tenant/garrison contracting divi-  Facilities Branch: Kimmie Edwards, [email protected], 443-861-5339 sions encourage customer activities to coordinate their projected FY-end require-  Supply & Services Branch: Debbie Dean, [email protected], 443-861-4625

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