AAPGPublishedP in the interestG of the people of AberdeenNNEWS Proving Ground,E MarylandWS www.TeamAPG.com THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2014 Vol. 58, No. 48
Maj. Gen. Bruce T. Crawford, APG senior commander and commanding general of the U.S. Army Communications- Electronics Command, administers the oath of service to Soldiers during the Team APG “Why We Serve” program at the Myer Auditorium Nov. 25. Photo by Sean Kief
APG remembers “Why We Serve”
By RACHEL PONDER lished,” said Maj. Gen. Bruce T. Crawford, APG senior munity, like suicide and sexual assault. APG News commander and commanding general of the Communi- “We have many challenges ahead,” Crawford said. cations-Electronics Command (CECOM), who served “The chief among those challenges is ridding ourselves More than 750 Soldiers and DOD civilians reaf- as host and guest speaker. of anything that threatens our very values and brings firmed their respective oaths of service to the nation The theme for the event was “Restoring our Com- discredit upon our beloved military family. during the “Why We Serve” program at the Myer mitment to the Profession.” Crawford encouraged “The oath we all took to support and defend our Auditorium Nov. 25. attendees to reflect on what it means to be a trusted mil- nation is the very essence of responsibility and account- “I consider the oath to be the very foundation on itary professional. He said that as professionals, it is which our values as trusted professionals are estab- critical to address issues that weaken the military com- See SERVICE, page 14 Hagel No business like snow business APG Garrison Public Affairs Yes, it’s that time of year again. It’s dark when you resigns as leave for work—it’s dark when you head home from work. Lethargy sets in as days get shorter. Walking to your car is sometimes a painful experience as Jack Frost stings your cheeks and numbs your fingers. defense According to the calendar, winter doesn’t officially arrive for another three weeks. However, winter weath- er is already gripping parts of the country and as Old Man Winter has shown us in the past, he is fickle. secretary As the APG Directorate of Public Works gears up for what some predict will be another winter like last year, By TECH SGT. JAKE the APG workforce should also prepare. RICHMOND Sound preparation begins with being informed about Defense Media Activity potential delays or closures affecting the installation. Praising Defense Secretary While it is important to know where to go to get the Chuck Hagel’s “class and integ- information, it is also important to understand how the rity,” President Barack Obama decision is made. announced Nov. 24 that Hagel will See WINTER, page 12 leave his post. The president said Hagel has Top of the Bay custodian William A. Johnson shovels agreed to remain in his position ice and snow while sprinkling salt on the sidewalks until a successor is nominated and walkways surrounding the restaurant after a and confirmed. For that, Obama snow storm last March. said, he is “extraordinarily lucky File photo and grateful.” “When I asked Chuck to serve as secretary of defense, we were entering a significant period of New MRMC commander visits MRICD transition,” Obama said. That tran- sition included the drawdown in By CINDY KRONMAN Afghanistan, the need to prepare MRICD our forces for future missions, and The U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical tough fiscal choices to keep our Defense welcomed Maj. Gen. Brian C. Lein, commanding gen- military strong and ready. eral of the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command, Last month, Obama said Hagel MRICD’s parent organization headquartered at Fort Detrick, came to him to discuss the final Maryland, Nov. 17. quarter of his presidency. It was This was Lein’s first visit to the institute since he assumed com- then that Hagel initially deter- mand of MRMC in September. He was accompanied by Sgt. Maj. mined that, having guided the Ervin V. Fantroy III of MRMC’s G-3. department through this transi- tion, it was an appropriate time See MRMC, page 12 for him to complete his service, Sgt. Erik Eaton shows a bone marrow extraction device to the president added. Maj. Gen. Brian C. Lein, commander of the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command. See HAGEL, page 14 Photo by Darrell Jesonis ONLINE INDEX IN THIS ISSUE WEATHER www.TeamAPG.com/ Pg 8...... Crossword APGNews Pg 9.....All Things Maryland Thursday facebook.com/ APGMd Pg 9...... At Your Service twitter.com/ Pg 10...... Mark Your Calendar Mostly Sunny chance of rain 0% USAGAPG 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 Chaplain assistant fulfills Future Soldiers to generate Service dogs help veterans with PTSD PAGE 4 desire to serve their own power Engineer puts muscle into after-hours hobby PAGE 6 Changes to active-duty Roth TSP contributions PAGE 7 DOD releases MyBiz+ for civilian employees PAGE 8 Page 3 Page 5 44° 33° 2 APG News • December 4, 2014 Drive safely on winter roads
APG Safety Office he best advice for driving in bad winter weather is not to drive at all, if you can avoid it. Don’t go out Do you have Tuntil the snow plows and sand trucks have had a chance to do their work, and allow yourself extra time to reach your destination. a favorite If you must drive in snowy conditions, make sure your car is prepared and that you know how to handle road conditions. holiday song? Driving safely on icy roads Decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop. You should allow at least three times more space than I like them all! The usual between you and the car in front of you. day after Thanks- Turn on your lights to increase your visibility to other giving I preset the motorists. radio in my car Keep your lights and windshield clean. to a station that Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to plays nonstop hol- lock up, ease off the brake. iday music. Listen- Use low gears to keep traction, especially on hills. ing to music puts Don’t use cruise control or overdrive on icy roads. me in a holiday Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and infrequent- mood. Scott Barnes ly traveled roads, which will freeze first. Even at temperatures Retired Air Force above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges. Don’t pass snow plows and sanding trucks. The drivers have limited visibility, and you’re likely to find the road in Do not spin your wheels. This will only dig you in deeper. front of them worse than the road behind. Turn your wheels from side to side a few times to push Don’t assume your vehicle can handle all conditions. snow out of the way. Even four-wheel and front-wheel drive vehicles can encounter Use a light touch on the gas to ease your car out. “What Child is trouble on winter roads. Use a shovel to clear snow away from the wheels and the This,” because If your rear wheels skid... underside of the car. the tune and the Take your foot off the accelerator. Pour sand, kitty litter, gravel or salt in the path of the words are so love- Steer in the direction you want the front wheels to go. If wheels, to help gain traction. ly. Holiday songs your rear wheels are sliding left, steer left. If they’re sliding Try rocking the vehicle. (Check your owner’s manual remind me of first — it can damage the transmission on some vehicles.) Shift my husband that right, steer right. from forward to reverse, and back again. Each time you’re in passed away, If your rear wheels start sliding the other way as you because we used recover, ease the steering wheel toward that side. You might gear, give a light touch on the gas until the vehicle gets going. have to steer left and right a few times to get your vehicle com- If you become stranded... to listen to them Silvia Meranski together. This Civilian spouse pletely under control. Do not leave your car unless you know exactly where you is absolutely my If you have an anti-lock braking system (ABS), do not are, how far it is to possible help, and are certain that leaving favorite time of pump them. Apply steady pressure to the brakes. You will feel will improve your situation. year. the brakes pulse — this is normal. To attract attention, light two flares and place one at each If you have standard brakes, pump them gently. end of the car a safe distance away. Hang a brightly colored If your front wheels skid... cloth from your antenna. Take your foot off the gas and shift to neutral, but don’t If you are sure the car’s exhaust pipe is not blocked, run I like “Jingle Bells” try to steer immediately. the engine and heater for about 10 minutes every hour or so As the wheels skid sideways, they will slow the vehicle depending upon the amount of gas in the tank. and “Rudolph the Red-Nosed and traction will return. As it does, steer in the direction you To protect yourself from frostbite and hypothermia use Reindeer.” Those want to go. Then put the transmission in “drive” or release the woolen items and blankets to keep warm. songs are fun to clutch, and accelerate gently. Keep at least one window open slightly. Heavy snow and sing. If you get stuck... ice can seal a car shut.
Lily Idler “Get Your Give Online” this week Family member Age 5 By AMANDA ROMINIECKI Donating online has so many benefits that the DOD is mov- APG News ing away from paper enrollment, and by 2016, that will be the umans like things to be simple. So much so that we only way to enroll, said Giselle Whitfield, a DOD-loaned exec- have countless phrases to describe things that are utive from the Army Acquisition Support Center, Fort Belvoir, I like the religious Heasy: a cakewalk, a walk in the park, a cinch, easy- Virginia. Christmas songs. peasy, child’s play, a breeze, a piece of cake, as simple as A-B- This year’s Combined Federal Campaign contributions for “The First Noel” C, easy as pie … the list goes on. the entire DOD are 85 percent ahead of last year’s pace at this is my favorite. It is We like convenience, and now it is more convenient than time in the drive. a classic. ever to donate to the Combined Federal Campaign. All it takes While an 85 percent increase seems high, the goal of $11.3 are a few simple clicks and keystrokes, making it easier than million is just 30 percent attained according to the Army News ever to help those in need. You don’t have to lift a finger, Service. except to type and move your cursor. Team APG has logged $200,000 in donations, but the instal- The third annual CFC “Get Your Give Online” runs this lation’s goal of $650,000 is also only 30 percent attained. Michelle Idler This week’s “Get Your Give Online” is the perfect oppor- Military Spouse week, through Dec. 7. The week-long campaign encourages federal employees to participate in the CFC through the con- tunity to log on to myPay and pledge your support to help a venience of donating online via myPay. variety of causes, from veteran assistance to cancer research to After logging into myPay, click the “Combined Federal animal rescue. Campaign” link under the “Pay Changes” section. From there, Even a small donation can make a difference. Many fami- you designate the amount you would like to donate each pay lies don’t have a lot of extra income after monthly expenses, period and browse more than 24,000 approved charities to myself included, but imagine if each of the 400,000+ federal My favorite holi- support. employees donated $5 a pay period. The impact of those char- day song is “Silent This year, the CFC has made giving back even more impact- itable donations would be astonishing. Night.” ful through “Universal Giving.” Federal employees can now Join me in skipping that morning coffee just once a month donate to any approved charity across the U.S., regardless of and instead putting that money toward helping a family put where you currently reside, meaning you can help an organiza- food on the table, funding research toward a cure for a rare tion in the town where you grew up or assist a local nonprof- cancer or reaching at-risk youth in a nearby city. it down the street. For more information about the Chesapeake Bay Area Com- Unlike the traditional paper pledge, donating online to the bined Federal Campaign, visit www.cbacfc.org. Log on to CFC can be done at home or any place with internet access. myPay to make your bi-weekly donation by visiting https:// Kevin Alexis Users also have access to digital catalog lists of all 24,000+ mypay.dfas.mil by Dec. 15. Family member charities, as opposed to just 4,000 in the print catalog. Remember, it’s easy as pie. Or a piece of cake. APG SEVEN DAY FORECAST Thurs Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed
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printer shall refuse to print advertising from that source. Editor Amanda Rominiecki at amanda.r.rominiecki.civ@mail. Editorial content is prepared, edited and approved by the mil, contact Assistant Editor Yvonne Johnson, 410-278-1148 APG Public Affairs Office. The APG News is printed by The or email [email protected], or contact Reporter Baltimore Sun Media Group, a private firm in no way con- Rachel Ponder, 410-278-1149 or email rachel.e.ponder2.ctr@ The APG News, a civilian enterprise newspaper, is an nected with the Department of the Army, under exclusive mail.mil. 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, APG Senior Commander ..Maj. Gen. Bruce T. Crawford 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 ...... Amanda Rominiecki 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. Assistant Editor...... Yvonne Johnson 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 to ...... Stacy Smith the purchaser, user or patron. If a violation or rejection of this the APG Public Affairs Office, Building 305, IMAP-PA, APG, Graphic Designer/Photographer ...... Molly Blosse equal opportunity policy by an advertiser is confirmed, the MD 21005-5001; send a fax to 410-278-2570; contact the Website ...... www.TeamAPG.com/APGNews December 4, 2014 • APG News 3 Chaplain assistant fulfills desire to serve
Story and photo by YVONNE JOHNSON Maj. William Bruns. APG News “That is a great advantage,” he said. Carlos Vazquez has always known “As a chaplain assistant, I have a direct that in one capacity or another, he would line to the command sergeant major where spend his life serving others. as other Soldiers have to go through their The 40-year-old staff sergeant is chains of command. This allows me to be the chaplain assistant to the command the voice for Soldiers who don’t have the chaplain of the U.S. Army Communi- courage to speak for themselves.” cations-Electronic Command. A native Noting that he and Kim work as a of the tough and rugged South Bronx, team, he added that the information they Vazquez said he receive, while grew up wanting not classi- to become a New My greatest fied, is consid- York City police ered “privileged officer. pleasure is knowing communication.” He amend- “It can be det- ed that goal after I can speak up for rimental to every- deciding to join thing we represent the Army when the little man; that if we don’t take friends who I can provide help that seriously,” he entered the ser- said. As the chaplain assistant to the command chaplain of the U.S. Army Communications- vice suggested Vazquez when needed for the Electronics Command, Staff Sgt. Carlos Vazquez provides religious support to he join the Mili- serves and coor- more than 11,000 Soldiers, family members and civilians worldwide. tary Police. Look- lowest ranking up. dinates religious ing for the right support (RS) for feel, Vazquez still We have a greater more than 11,000 Vazquez is looking forward to his next was pretty difficult.” hesitated. impact than most Soldiers, fami- assignment as the Chaplain Assistant Some of the advantages to his voca- “I wanted to ly members and Operations Non-Commissioned Officer tion are that “we touch every denomi- look further and people realize and I government civil- for the U.S. Army North Command. nation,” he added. “Every chaplain has heard about this ians world- wide. Vazquez has served at battalion and their own preference as to how to do MOS,” he said. take pride in that. He advises the brigade levels at Fort Riley, Kansas and certain things and you make adjustments “I didn’t know command on all through two deployments to Iraq and just as you would for any superior.” much about it, chaplain assistant Afghanistan. His said that while all of The greatest joy is mentoring young- Staff Sgt. Carlos Vazquez I’ve just always matters and RS his assignments have held their specific er assistants, he said. wanted to serve CECOM chaplain assistant operations, and challenges he was most challenged when “My preference is sharing my expe- and help others.” is responsible for shortly after returning from a 2005-2006 riences. My responsibility is as a sus- With more than 17 years of service, RS to Tobyhanna Army Depot, Penn- deployment to Iraq he received orders tainer. Over the years I acquired a lot of Vazquez is happy with his choice. He sylvania; the Information Systems Engi- for an unaccompanied assignment to the mentors who shared their experiences said he’s learned over the years how neering Command in Fort Huachuca, 2nd Infantry Division in South Korea and I learned from them,” he said. chaplain assistants can make a difference Arizona; the Central Technical Support “I was still in the process of process- “My greatest pleasure is knowing I in the lives of fellow Soldiers on and off Facility (CSTF) at Fort Hood, Texas and ing that first deployment in my mind, but can speak up for the little man; that I can the battlefield. at other sites. I had a duty to continue to mentor and provide help when needed for the low- Vazquez works for CECOM Chap- While he is working on a home- counsel other Soldiers and that took pre- est ranking up. We have a greater impact lain Lt. Col. Young Kim and coordinates land security degree to support his post- cedence,” he said. “I simply had to learn than most people realize and I take pride regularly with CECOM Command Sgt. military career goals after retirement, to apply the things I tell other folks. It in that.”
See Something Installation Watch Card Do Not Awareness is key! Everyone is a sensor. Discuss any aspect of military operations or planning. Discuss military capabilities or limitations. Cut along dotted lines Do: Observe and Report Discuss FP measures, capabilities, or posture. and fold in middle for use Unusual or suspicious activity or suspected surveillance. Disclose any information related to unit deployments. Unusual questions or requests for information relating to Report any suspicious activity immediately as wallet reference Card. capabilities, limitations, or operational information. Unusual vehicles operating in or around the Installation. to the APG Police. Unusual phone calls, messages, or e-mails. APG North 410-306-2222 Provided by the INTEL DIV/DPTMS Unusual contacts on or off post. APG South 410-436-2222 Unusual aerial activity near or around the Installation. Off post in Md. call 1-800-492-TIPS or 911 Say Something Any possible compromise of sensitive information. Your call may save lives! 4 APG News • December 4, 2014 Service dogs helping veterans with PTSD
Story and photo by DAVID VERGUN said. If the veterans experience a hor- ARNews rible nightmare, the dogs are trained to Some veterans suffering from post- wake them up. traumatic stress disorder have special Phillips brought along his own psy- buddies to rely on – specially trained chiatric service dog, Goose. The dog, Labrador and golden retrievers. half lab, half Australian shepherd, is These dogs were bred to retrieve a demonstration dog that travels with waterfowl and game birds for hunt- him to events like this all up and down ers, and that instinct suits them well to the East Coast. retrieve things for veterans, said Miami Goose is so well disciplined that Phillips, a volunteer with a nonprofit that Phillips placed a yummy dog biscuit provides these dogs to veterans suffer- on his nose and paw and the salivating ing from post-traumatic stress disorder, pooch didn’t move until he was given known as PTSD. the command to eat. Phillips was at a recent Combined This is actually an important thing Federal Campaign drive at the Pentagon to learn, he said. If the dog goes with a promoting one of many organizations vet to a restaurant, you wouldn’t want the dog to jump up on the buffet coun- relying on CFC. ter and savage the food. The dog has to He said his organization has 86 psy- show discipline. chiatric service dogs that are helping The biscuit trick resulted in a small veterans with PTSD. They are specially crowd of admirers, but Phillips wasn’t bred and trained in Wilmington, North finished. Carolina and at seven state prisons in He then pulled out a set of reading West Virginia. At the prisons, inmates cards. When “wave” was shown, Goose train the dogs. waved. “Sit,” “roll,” and so on, produced Each dog gets a lot of training, Phil- the desired behavior. lips said. After about two years, the dog Phillips, his wife and Goose travel to is ready. If the veteran is missing arms, three to five organization events in their for example, the dog is trained to push sailboat, plying the Intracoastal Water- elevator buttons and turn on and off light way and inland rivers. They plan to sail switches. to a marathon event in the Florida Keys. The dog can even fetch a bever- He said that CFC is very important age from the refrigerator, Phillips said, to his organization. About 25 percent explaining that a veteran without arms of the charity’s money comes from CFC can hold a laser pointer in his teeth and donations. The overhead is less than five point it at the fridge, which the dog percent, he said, meaning that nearly all will open. He then points it at the can of the money goes directly into helping or bottle. Miami Phillips, a volunteer with a nonprofit that provides dogs to veterans suffer- veterans and training the dogs. But retrieving things, pushing but- The training for veterans is pret- tons and flipping switches are just part ing from post-traumatic stress disorder, gives instructions to Goose, a psychiatric service dog, during a visit to the Pentagon in November. Phillips was promoting ty intense as well, he said. All have to of the training. his organization as well as the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC). come to the training center to train and Since they’re psychiatric service pick up their dogs. Since many are afraid dogs, they get additional training on to leave the perceived safety of their helping veterans with severe cases of “If you’ve ever been late for a flight leg with their paw, he explained. The homes, volunteers have to fly or drive PTSD. or a date, you’ve probably had a mild tapping sends a message to the vet from many of them to the site. These cases, which can come from panic attack,” he said. “Now, multiply the dog: “pay attention to me,” not to Once they get to the site, they don’t traumatic brain injury, combat stress or that by 100 and you’ll begin to see what whatever you’re thinking or feeling. get to choose their dog, he said. The sexual assault, are so severe, that when these vets experience.” If that doesn’t work, he said the dogs dogs choose them. Trainers look to see veterans get a panic attack, they some- The dogs are trained to recognize the are trained to go and find someone to the body language in the dogs and in the times curl up on the floor in a fetal posi- onset of a panic attack. When they alert help the vet. vets and see which veteran the dog goes tion and start crying, he said. to this, they begin tapping the vet on the The dogs even sleep with the vets, he up to and bonds with.
Come and follow us https://twitter.com/USAGAPG December 4, 2014 • APG News 5 Future Soldiers to generate their own power
By JEFF SISTO number of batteries Soldiers must carry NSRDEC Public Affairs to power electronic devices. Wearable technologies may provide Lightning Pack’s Rucksack Harvest- U.S. Soldiers with on-the-move, por- er relies on the weight of the back- table energy and reduce the weight of pack to produce kinetic energy when gear they carry into combat. the backpack oscillates vertically in Researchers at the Natick Soldier response to the Soldier’s walking or Research, Development and Engineering running stride. As the backpack is dis- Center, or NSRDEC, based in Natick, placed vertically, a rack attached to the Massachusetts, are developing Soldier- frame spins a pinion that, in turn, is borne energy-harvesting technologies. attached to a miniature power genera- During the Maneuver Fires Integra- tor. It is capable of producing 16 to 22 tion Experiment, or MFIX, a combined, watts while walking, and 22 to 40 watts multi-phase joint training exercise held while running. in September 2014, at Fort Benning, Bionic Power’s Knee Harvester col- Georgia, researchers tested prototype lects kinetic energy by recovering the energy-harvesting technology solutions. power generated when walking. The “My initial impression is that they articulating device is attached to both fulfill a need for instant power gen- the upper and lower part of each leg and eration on long-range missions when extracts energy when the knee is flexed. displaced from traditional resupply Through software control, the knee har- methods,” said Sgt. 1st Class Arthur H. vester analyzes the wearer’s gait and Jones, an infantryman with the Maneu- harvests energy during the phase of ver Center of Excellence who partici- the stride when negative work is being pated in the demonstration. performed. This attests that the Sol- A sharp rise in Soldier-worn pow- dier is exhibiting less metabolic activ- er capabilities has resulted in a dramat- ity descending when compared with ic increase in the number, variety and descending without wearing the device. weight of batteries carried by warfight- The MC-10 photovoltaic, or PV, ers in the field. Solar Panel Harvester operates by con- This weight prompted NSRDEC verting sunlight into electrical ener- researchers to begin developing and gy. The panels, which cover a Soldier’s evaluating small, lightweight, efficient, backpack and helmet, are constructed on-the-move, portable energy-harvest- from thin gallium arsenide crystals that ing and distribution systems that elim- provide flexibility to the panel’s materi- inate the need to carry extra batteries. al and allow it to conform to a Soldier’s Energy harvesting works by capturing gear. Under bright sunlight conditions, small amounts of energy that would oth- with the PV panel facing the sun, the erwise be lost as heat, light, sound, vibra- backpack panel is capable of deliver- tion or movement. It uses that energy to ing 10 watts while the helmet cover recharge batteries and provide power for panels provides seven watts of electri- cal power. electronic devices such as a Soldier’s Photos by David Kamm At MFIX, NSRDEC researchers col- communication equipment, sensors, or Top: A Soldier conducts dismounted maneuvers wearing Lightning Pack’s Rucksack lected power-management data and Harvester, Bionic Power’s Knee Harvester and MC-10’s photovoltaic Solar Panel battlefield situational displays. assessed user feedback from the Sol- Researchers first demonstrated the Harvester, during an energy-harvesting technology demonstration held at Fort Devens, diers wearing the technologies. Once Massachusetts, by the Natick Soldier Research Development and Engineering Center. concept to Army and government repre- the energy-harvesting technologies are sentatives at Fort Devens, Massachusetts, validated, the next step will be to sync Inset: A helmet cover equipped with MC-10’s photovoltaic Solar Panel Harvester in April 2014. The demonstration consist- with the Integrated Soldier Power Data material was used at an energy-harvesting technology demonstration held at ed of experienced Soldiers wearing three System as a way to distribute the energy Fort Devens, Massachusetts, by the Natick Soldier Research Development and energy-harvesting devices while travers- to a Soldier’s electronic devices. Engineering Center. ing a four-mile course that included hard Additionally, “MFIX is looking at new surfaced roads, lightly wooded areas, concepts with energy-harvesting devices harvesting technologies that generate experiment will inform us of the pow- open fields and hilly terrain. and how they fit in a tactical environ- Soldier power on the move,” said Hen- er harvester efficiency by comparing The technologies, which included ment,” said Noel Soto, project engineer, ry Girolamo, lead, Emerging Concepts energy harvester equipped Soldiers and wearable solar panels, and backpack Power and Data Management Team of and Technologies, Warfighter Direc- non-energy harvester equipped Soldiers and knee kinetic energy-harvesting the NSRDEC Warfighter Directorate. torate, who has been involved with the and states of charge from the energy devices, are now being tested through “MFIX is an important opportunity effort since 2011. harvesters versus discharge from non- MFIX as ways to reduce the weight and that allows us to quantify the energy- “The MFIX Data collected in the energy harvester equipped Soldiers.” 6 APG News • December 4, 2014 Engineer puts muscle into after-hours hobby
ByYVONNE JOHNSON APG News n APG civilian who put her weight behind achieving all Ashe can in bodybuilding recent- ly won two prestigious awards in local competitions. Courtney White, a computer engineer with the U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command’s Army Evaluation Center won first place in her class during the U.S. Bodybuilding Federation figure competi- tion in Parkville, Maryland Oct. 18. A week later, White took second in the Figure Open category during the Orga- nization of Competitive Bodybuilders (OCB) Yorton Cup figure competition in Laurel, Maryland on Oct. 25. Heralded as the most prestigious competition in Nat- ural Bodybuilding, each year, top pro- fessional and amateur competitors from around the world compete for champion Above: Courtney White works on per- status at the end of the competition season. fecting her fitness routine at the Hoyle Gym in APG South (Edgewood). Now in her off-season, White says she Photo by Yvonne Johnson is focused on building more muscle mass. Weighing just 125 pounds, she works out Left: APG civilian Courtney White poses Monday through Thursday each week, with the first-place trophy she won dur- usually at the APG South (Edgewood) ing the U.S. Bodybuilding Federation Hoyle Gym. figure competition in Parkville, Maryland Training for one competition can take Oct. 18. months or weeks, White said. Her prepara- Courtesy photo tions for the two competitions began in the late spring. She said that along with focus- ing on specific body parts, such as legs, service, White holds a computer engineer- back or shoulders, she spent the 16 weeks ing degree from the University of Dela- prior to the competitions focused on her ware. She acquired her master’s degree in diet. White said she keeps a ledger detail- Business Administration through ATEC ing her exercises and goals. educational programs. The Harford Coun- “You may need to change directions ty native interned with the U.S. Army as you put on muscle mass,” she said. Research Laboratory while in college. “You’re also putting on body fat and you An accomplished vocalist as well, may need to adjust your goals to get rid of White frequently sings the national anthem the excess.” during ATEC and other installation events. Along with restricting herself to five White said that bodybuilding goals, like meals a day of mostly proteins such as lean so many other things in life, are enhanced cuts of white meats, fish, vegetables and when people seek greater knowledge and some fruits, she consulted the Army Well- mentors. ness Center with metabolism concerns. “There are people who specialize in Lauren Lynch, the AWC health advisor, metabolic rate to make her body more effi- cess in increasing her metabolic rate and in training,” she said. “They do body fat com- said White first underwent a metabolic test cient at burning fat while at rest.” improving her overall health.” position and work out a regimen tailored which measures the resting metabolic rate In addition, each month, Lynch used Another important element of compe- specifically for you,” she said. (RMR), or the number of calories the body the BodPod – which measures body fat tition involves stage presence, White said. She thanked the friends she regular- burns while at rest each day. percentage – to measure White’s body “Competition is as much a judgment of ly works out with at Hoyle, and the AWC “To effectively lose excess body fat composition. poise and presence as it is for symmetry, staff for their help and support. without losing muscle, it is extremely “The accuracy of the BodPod was a true she noted. “Your poses must be correct so “I learned a lot of things about my important to eat the right amount of calo- asset to Courtney’s progress and reaching you have to constantly practice in front of metabolism that I never realized,” she ries each day for your body,” Lynch said. her specific body fat goals prior to her mirrors. There are no mirrors on stage so said. “One of the most important things to “I administered this 15-minute test on competitions,” Lynch said. “This led to you have to know how it feels.” remember is that you never know every- Courtney and we worked on increasing her her success in the competition, to her suc- A government civilian with 10 years of thing; you never stop learning.” Army cyber branch offers Soldiers new opportunities
retention, leader development, and talent joining the career field will be desig- In order to be eligible, applicants must management needed to produce world- nated as military occupational specialty be able to obtain a top secret clearance class cyberspace professionals,” said Lt. 17C, cyber operations specialist, while and be able to pass and maintain a coun- Gen. Edward Cardon, the commanding warrant officers will become 170A cyber ter-intelligence polygraph and National general of Army Cyber Command. operations technicians. The process for Security Agency access. She added that warrant officers and NCOs to transfer a bachelor’s degree in a science, technol- Warfi ghting domain to career field 17 is under development. ogy, engineering or mathematics disci- Cyber CoE officials say the nation’s According to Col. Jennifer Buckner, pline would be a plus. military networks evolved from provid- commandant of the U.S. Army Cyber “Beyond that, we’re still developing ing communication systems and servic- School, within the Cyber CoE, the branch standards,” Buckner said. “So my advice es to a warfighting weapons system. will form in two phases, with a target is, if you can meet the basic require- All of cyberspace is now considered a of bringing almost 1,200 officers, war- ments, feel you have something to offer Fort Gordon Public Affairs warfighting domain and an operation- rant officers and enlisted Soldiers into to our Cyber branch and are motivated to oldiers who want to defend the al environment in the branch during join what will truly be an elite corps of nation in cyberspace, as part which the Defense the first phase, professionals in our Army, then go ahead of the Army’s newest and most Department will S through 2016. In and apply.” technologically advanced career field, conduct cyber- Every day, the second phase, Once accepted into the career field, now have an Army branch to join that space operations. the cyber branch officers, warrant officers and enlisted Sol- will take its place alongside infantry, This new warf- newspaper headlines will incorporate diers will fill a wide variety of positions artillery and the other Army combat ighting domain electronic war- with cyber mission force units and tradi- arms branches. brings the need underscore the fare Soldiers in tional Army formations, including: cyber Army Secretary John McHugh and for a new type the 29-series Mil- operator, analyst and planner positions. Chief of Staff Gen. Raymond Odier- of Soldier capa- importance of itary Occupation- The branch will also include traditional no approved the creation of the Cyber ble of understand- cyber defense to al Specialty. leadership, command and staff positions. branch in September, as one of the first ing cyberspace “Much of the official steps in establishing a 17-series as an operation- Assignment opportunities national security. infrastructure career field specifically dedicated to al environment, Although a significant number of of the branch is managing the careers and professional just as an infantry- The creation of the cyber positions will be located at Forts still under devel- development of officers. The remainder man understands Gordon and Meade as the majority of opment,” Buck- of the 17-series career field management the land domain branch lays the cyber elements are assigned there, cyber ner said. “For program is expected to be implemented and a pilot the air Soldiers will have assignment opportu- foundation for a example, for the by October 2015, with both enlisted and domain. nities across the force. The Army’s total time being, offi- warrant officer career paths. “Every day, force approach to cyber includes signifi- professional cyber cers selected for “This is a historic development for our newspaper head- cant growth in the Army National Guard the branch will Army, for the Soldiers who are already lines underscore force to best protect and Army Reserve’s cyberspace capabil- attend either sig- defending the nation in cyberspace, and the importance of ities and capacities. nal or military for those who will do so in years to cyber defense to the nation. “We believe the branch will attract intelligence offi- come,” said Maj. Gen. Stephen G. Fog- national security,” high quality talent to the Army and many cer education arty, commanding general of the Cyber said Col. Grego- Col. Gregory Conti of those people, once they experience courses. How- Center of Excellence. “Creation of the ry Conti, direc- the opportunities available in the cyber Director, Army Cyber Institute ever, the Army Cyber branch acknowledges the criti- tor of the Army branch will choose to stay,” Conti said. U.S. Military Academy at West Point. needs outstand- cal role that our cyber warriors play in Cyber Institute at “I think membership in the cyber ing young men the armed forces of today and tomorrow, the U.S. Military branch presents an exciting, cutting- and women with these qualifications and it will provide us with the structure to Academy at West Point. “The creation edge opportunity for the right Soldiers,” now, so we will start to build the branch make certain that the highly skilled Sol- of the branch lays the foundation for a Buckner said. “It will be a unique gath- with the available institutional train- diers who are selected for these positions professional cyber force to best protect ering of professionals, using skills that ing and plan to evolve to cyber-specific are well-trained, professionally devel- the Nation.” have become associated with the bad courses in fiscal year 2016.” oped and appropriately assigned.” The Cyber branch already reached a guys in our popular culture. But we’ll To support these goals, both the U.S. milestone accepting the first six officers Cyber CoE be wearing the white hats -- good Sol- Army Cyber Center of Excellence, or for duty as cyber operations officers, As the proponent for the Army’s diers, doing good work in cyberspace CoE, at Fort Gordon, and the Human in the 17A area of concentration. Five newest career field, the Cyber CoE is for a great nation. I can’t think of a more Resources Command created personnel of the six will be assigned to the 780th developing the accession standards and interesting and rewarding opportunity to career management and proponent offic- Military Intelligence Brigade (Cyber), at strategies for filling positions in the serve than that.” es to lead and shape the future develop- Fort Meade, Maryland., with the sixth branch. Although the Army is current- For information on joining the Cyber ment of this new Army career field. assigned to the Cyber Protection Brigade ly accepting applications from second branch as an officer, contact the Human “The establishment of a Cyber at Fort Gordon. lieutenants through colonels, the Cyber Resources Command Cyber branch at Branch shows how important and criti- CoE is still working on firm standards (502) 613-5398/6614. Enlisted and war- Two phases cal the cyber mission is to our Army, and for entry into the branch, Buckner said. rant officer branch contact information By October 2015, enlisted Soldiers allows us to focus innovative recruiting, In order to be eligible, Buckner said. will be released as it is established. December 4, 2014 • APG News 7 Be alert during holiday shopping
By VERONICA DUDLEY ing to get money put back into a bank U.S. Army Public Health Command account, and the problems that a low- er-than-expected balance can cause in “You better watch out, you better terms of fees and refused checks or not cry, you better not pout, I’m tell- payments, make some online shoppers ing you why. Holiday thieves are com- reach first for credit cards. ing to town!” While debit cards and credit cards The holidays were never meant to each have advantages, each is also bet- be marked by stress and anxiety. But ter suited to certain situations. Since all too often, the most wonderful time debit cards are a direct line to your of the year becomes less about spend- bank account, there are places where it ing time with loved ones and more may be wise to avoid using them. about protecting yourself from being a Here are ten places and situations victim of identity theft. where it can pay to leave that debit One of the first things consumers card in your wallet: should do to protect themselves dur- 1. Online shopping ing the holiday season is to enroll in 2. Purchasing big-ticket items a credit/debit card credit-monitoring 3. Situations where a deposit is service. Taking this step will provide required early warning notification if unusual 4. Paying at restaurants activity occurs with your account. Courtesy photo 5. Purchasing from a new, non Be alert while shopping: Make chain-related merchant sure your card is returned after every 6. Situations that involve buying purchase and that sales vouchers are now and paying later for the correct purchase amount before heck your account often: Reviewing 7. Making recurring payments you sign them. Keep copies of your 8. Paying for future travel sales vouchers and ATM, debit or cred- your recent account activity is fun- 9. Paying at a gas station or hotel it card receipts in a secure place. Don’t damental to credit card safety, and 10. Conducting business at a check- volunteer any personal information C out or ATM that looks suspicious when you use your credit card; only it can easily be done online or by phone. Finally here are some general tips display your personal identification from law enforcement officers about as requested by a merchant. Don’t put how consumers can take steps to your driver’s license number on your damental to credit card safety, and it’s your card was lost or stolen, the most reduce the risk of being victimized checks. Review your statements regu- easy. You can do it online or by phone. you’ll have to pay is $50 -- and many during the holidays: larly to ensure there are no suspicious If your credit card issuer offers email credit card issuers waive that charge as Avoid carrying large amounts of charges. Contact your bank immedi- or mobile alerts about unusual activity, long as you notify them promptly. cash ately if you see a charge you don’t sign up to receive them. If you’ve been Use safe payment options: Cred- Carry purses close to your body. recognize. a victim of fraud or identity theft in the it cards are generally the safest option Put wallets in front pockets or inside Use caution when shopping online: past, consider signing up with a credit- because they allow buyers to seek your coat. Never leave your purse Select one credit card with a low cred- monitoring service. a credit from the issuer if the prod- unattended in shopping carts. Don’t it limit to use for all your online pur- Report lost cards and suspected uct needs to be returned for any rea- overburden yourself with packages. chases. Immediately after you make fraud right away: If you lose your son or if an item ordered online wasn’t Park in areas with good lighting a Web transaction, completely close credit card or suspect fraudulent activ- received. Credit cards may have a lim- Keep car windows closed. your browser. To maximize Web trans- ity, contact your bank or credit card it on the monetary amount you will Hide shopping bags and valuables action safety, use a recent version issuer right away. Your credit card be responsible for paying. Additional- in your trunk. of your Web browser. Web address- issuer can block your card and account ly, credit cards are easier to replace if Lock your car and take your keys es starting with “https” and Web pag- number so no one else can use it and stolen or when fraudulent activity has with you. es with a padlock symbol in the lower then give you a new card and account been identified. Debit cards are associ- Use ATMs in well-lit, populated right corner are safest. number. Remember: Speed is of the ated with your personal bank account, areas. Try to visit ATMs during day- Check your account often: Review- essence. According to U.S. law, once but the protections don’t relieve con- light hours. Avoid ATMs where people ing your recent account activity is fun- you notify your credit card issuer that sumers of hassle: the prospect of try- are loitering for no reason. Gap in VA health care eligibility closes
Department of Veteran Affairs gible for MST-related counseling and The Department of Veterans Affairs care. Veterans also do not need to have (VA), under authority from the Veter- reported such incidents to the Depart- ans Access, Choice, and Accountability Veterans Corner ment of Defense or possess docu- Act of 2014, announced Dec. 1 expand- mentation or records to support their ed eligibility for Veterans in need of assertion of having experienced such mental health care due to sexual assault trauma. The determination of whether or sexual harassment that occurred dur- Veterans Corner is a new, recurring feature in the APG News. It address- a Veteran’s condition is MST-related is strictly a clinical determination made ing their military service. This trauma es the topics that matter most to the veterans in our community. For more by the responsible VA mental health is commonly known as military sexual information about local veterans affairs services, visit www.maryland. trauma (MST). provider. Finally, Veterans need not be This expansion, which primarily per- va.gov. To suggest veteran-related topics for the Veterans Corner series, enrolled in VA’s health care system to tains to Reservists and National Guard email [email protected]. qualify for MST-related treatment, as members participating in weekend drill, it is independent of VA’s general treat- gives the authority to offer Veterans the with Ruth Moore, a Navy Veteran and riences of MST. Recognizing that MST ment authority. appropriate care and services needed MST survivor for whom the Ruth Moore survivors may have special needs and In addition to treatment programs, VA to treat conditions resulting from MST Act of 2013 is named. Ms. Moore will concerns, every VA health care facility also provides training to staff on issues that occurred during a period of inactive be working with VA to ensure that sur- has an MST Coordinator who serves as related to MST, including a mandato- duty training. vivors are treated fairly and compas- a contact person for MST-related issues. ry training on MST for all mental health “VA simply must be an organization sionately, and that Veterans with MST Every VA medical center and Commu- and primary care providers. VA also that provides comprehensive care for can access fair compensation exams and nity-based Vet Center offers MST-relat- engages in a range of outreach activi- all Veterans dealing with the effects of access health care practitioners who are ed outpatient counseling. ties to Veterans and conducts monitoring military sexual trauma,” said VA Secre- trained in understanding and working Currently, all VA health care for of MST-related screening and treatment, tary Robert A. McDonald. “Our range with MST issues. mental and physical health conditions in order to ensure that adequate services of services for MST-related experiences VA works closely with trauma sur- related to MST is provided free of are available. are constantly being reexamined to best vivors to ensure a full continuum of charge. Veterans do not need to have Veterans can learn more about VA’s meet the needs of our Veterans.” health care services are provided to a service-connected disability or seek- MST-related services online at www. Secretary McDonald met last week assist Veterans recovering from expe- ing disability compensation to be eli- mentalhealth.va.gov/msthome.asp. Changes to active-duty Roth TSP contributions
By ABIGAIL C. REID percentage of pay. change in myPay. you pay taxes on the money you save Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board When the You’ll see a spe- before it goes into your TSP account. cial TSP section So you pay no income taxes when you If you are an active-duty member change will take called “Tradition- take it out, and your earnings can also of the Army, Air Force or Navy mak- place: al TSP and Roth be tax-free if you have reached age 59 ing dollar-amount Roth contributions to The new require- TSP”—click there. and a half or have a permanent disabil- your TSP account, these deductions will ment will take effect stop Jan. 31, 2015 unless you act. Jan. 1. You will have Then, in the “Con- ity and five years have passed since the tribution from Roth year of your first Roth contribution. How your election require- 30 days to change TSP” section, you As a member of the uniformed ser- ments will change: your Roth election can enter the per- vices, you can make Roth contribu- An upcoming change in myPay will from a dollar amount centage of your pay tions from tax-exempt pay, basic pay, require you to designate your Roth con- to a percentage of tributions as a percentage of your pay, your pay. If your new that you’d like to incentive pay, special pay, and bonus not a dollar amount. If you don’t com- Roth election is not contribute (10 per- pay. If you make Roth contributions ply with this change, then the Defense received by Jan. 31 cent, for example). from tax-exempt pay earned in a com- Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) then DFAS will not be able to process Finally, click “Save” at the bottom of bat zone, you won’t pay taxes on will not be able to process your Roth your Roth contributions until you update the screen. your contributions, and you’ll have the contributions. This change affects your them. Why Roth contributions might opportunity for tax-free growth. Roth contributions only; your traditional How to make the change: be good for you: For more information, visit www. contributions are already designated as a Starting Jan. 1, you can make the When you make Roth contributions, tsp.gov
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.” 8 APG News • December 4, 2014 Introducing MyBiz+ for DOD civilians
DCPAS that are intuitive, interactive and can be With the Nov. 16 launch of MyBiz+, personalized. DOD civilian employees have a new, Moving forward, the redesign will interactive online destination for their continue with the integration of man- human resource-related information. ager-centric products and functionality. The Defense Civilian Personnel Advi- Supervisors and managers can expect sory Service has reintroduced the online enhanced capability and collaboration to self-service tool that has served employ- support their job responsibitlies. ees and managers for years to access Some of the new features and prod- information that is important to them as ucts include: MyBiz+. Easy to understand descriptions of MyBiz+ is the redesigned source for data elements all employees, supervisors and manag- Civilian Career Report, a custom ers to view and update their personal and report created by the employee HR related information. MyBiz+ bene- SF-50 retrieval, including employ- fits all employees by providing a vari- ment at other DOD components ety of interactive tools to manage career navigate and easy to understand. https://compo.dcpds.cpms.osd.mil. Personalization of MyBiz+ homep- information and plan for the future. MyBiz+ is available to all DOD civil- The initial redesign of MyBiz+ pro- age view The new site is based on the princi- ian employees and access is the same vides a foundation that is employee- For more information and for a MyBiz+ ple of simplicity: easy to access, easy to as before through the DCPDS Portal at centric, coupled with design features tutorial, visit www.cpol.army.mil. Army Emergency Relief releases new app
Army News Service Courtesy photo “Our analytics have been telling us Army Emergency Relief released an that more and more of the visitors to our app which will provide Soldiers and website are using mobile devices,” said families instant access to AER infor- Shields “In October 2013, 24 percent mation 24/7. of the visits to our website came from This app will provide basic informa- mobile devices. That grew to 40 percent tion about AER, explain the specifics in October 2014. of both the assistance and scholarship “We know that many of our Soldiers application process, as well as explain and families use their smart phones as loan repayment procedures, said Retired their computer, as well as their primary Col. Guy Shields, AER’s chief of Com- means of communication,” he continued. munications and Public Affairs. “We believe that making AER informa- Highlights of the app are the “Fre- tion available to them in a format that quently Asked Questions” buttons in they are familiar with will help expedite each category. These FAQs address the assistance process.” the vast majority of questions that are In addition to providing loans and received at AER Headquarters every grants for emergency travel, initial rent day. Another key feature of the app will deposits and vehicle repairs, AER con- be the “AER News” button, which will tinues to be the organization of choice be the “live” Twitter feed of @aerhq for Soldiers’ unique financial needs to that will provide the latest AER news, include household and appliance repair, updates and financial management tips. family dental care and initial home fur- The app is available for both iPhones nishings, he said. at the Apple App Store, and for phones AER is a private, non-profit organi- that use the Android operating system, zation dedicated to providing financial at Google Play. Soldiers will be able assistance to Soldiers, active and retired, to go to their respective app store and and their families. Since its incorpora- download the AER app for free. Simply tion in 1942, AER has provided more enter “Army Emergency Relief” in the than $1.6 billion to more than 3.6 million search field. Soldiers, families and retirees.
this caused by UVB rays. 7. Snow appears white 18. In 2011, this world’s larg- because of its ______struc- The APG Crossword est ______was flavored to ture. taste like a birthday cake. 10. Snowflakes usually have 19. In 1913, Georgetown, in this many sides. this state set the record of 63 inch- 11. A warm winter wind. es of snow in a single day. 12. Sufferers of this disorder 20. The town of Bethel, Maine have an abnormal fear of snow. constructed one reaching 113 feet 14. A Canadian sled. high in 1999. 16. Eagle River, Wisconsin is 23. This condition exits when known as the “______Capital of a person has no reference points the World.” because of too much snow 17. This city sees the greatest 24. This is the snowiest sea-lev- number of snowy days each year, el city in the world. on average. 27. In December 1904, this city 21. The world’s largest indoor saw the most snowfall of 26 inches ski resort is located here. in a single day in Wisconsin. 22. As long as the atmospheric 28. Damage to the skin and temperature is ______freez- possibly deeper tissue due to the ing, snowflakes can form. cold is known as ______25. The greater amount of this 30. He recorded “Frosty the in the air, the more it is likely to Snowman” in 1950. snow. 31. This is the first sign of 26. This weather event exits frostbite. when winds are 35 miles per hour 32. On average, one inch of with blowing snow. rain is equal to about this many 29. Site of the first Winter inches of snow (three letters). Olympics in 1924 Down Solution to the November 26 puzzle 1. They have 100 words for By YVONNE JOHNSON, APG News snow. 2. If you exhibit mental con- No two ways about it, winter is the coldest season of the year! From Wisconsin winter fusion, lack of coordination and wonderlands to Japanese mountain ranges, let’s see how cold weather savvy you are! slurred speech it’s likely you are suffering from this. 3. In February 1996 the town Across the ground in every state but this of Couderay in this state recorded 4. The deepest snow on earth one. the all-time coldest temperature of can be found in the mountains on 11. Wind chill is a measure of -55 degrees. this Japanese island. the ______effect that the 5. This lowers the freezing 8. Snowmobile inventor Carl wind has on the body. point on roads. Eliason hailed from this Wisconsin 13. Students in university rolled 6. Bismark, North Dakota city. a record-setting 23-foot snowball holds the record for creating the 9. In February 2010, MSNBC in circumference in 2011. highest amount of these snow reported the presence of snow on 15. Snow blindness is a burn of beings at one time.
Leave Donations Employees eligible for donations in the Voluntary Leave Transfer Program
To participate in the Voluntary Leave Program, Alba, Audrey Donlon, Jacqueline Lloyd-Simpson, Tygar Silva, Christopher use forms OPM 630, Application to Become Ashby, Patricia Dunston, Samuel McCauley, Adrienne Smith, Sonia a Leave Recipient Under the Voluntary Leave Barnes, Jennifer Eberhardt, Joanne McDonald, Scheree Snodgrass, Deananne Transfer Program; OPF 630-A, Request to Donate Annual Leave to Leave Recipient Benysek, Lee Fedorisko, Christine Morrison, Cassandra D. Vincelli, Louis Under the Voluntary Leave Transfer Program Budzinski, David Gaddis, Lonnie Palm, Natalie Weimer, Carl R. (within agency); or OPM 630- B, Request Cannon, Marcy Gilley, Christopher M. Parker, Alonzo D Wyatt, Darlene O. to Donate Annual Leave to Leave Recipient Under the Voluntary Leave Transfer Program Clark, Lyra Henderson, James Robinson, Jennifer (outside agency). Please contact Sue Camp- Cropps, Elizabeth Kennedy, Sandra Rodgers, Christopher bell at 410-306-0266 or sue.a.campbell.civ@ Dill, Dennis James King, Martha Rodriguez, Pedro mail.mil. December 4, 2014 • APG News 9 ALL THINGS MARYLAND Baltimore’s Christmas Village Bringing German traditions to the Inner Harbor
Story and photo by RACHEL PONDER APG News or the second year in a row, West Shore Park in Baltimore’s FInner Harbor has been trans- formed into a German Christmas market. The event, called “Christmas Vil- lage in Baltimore,” is modeled after tra- ditional Christmas markets in Germany, like the famous Christkindl Market in Nuremberg, and features more than 40 vendors. Shoppers can grab a mulled spiced wine at a food stand and shop for unique international gifts, like Russian nesting dolls, African jewelry, Santa Claus dec- orations from Ukraine and hand-paint- ed ornaments from Germany. Many of the vendors feature wearable handmade items like scarfs, gloves, sweaters, jew- elry and ponchos. When it’s time to take a break from shopping, vistors can enjoy live enter- tainment and traditional European treats like German beer, bratwurst, schnitzel, sauerkraut, pretzels, waffles, crepes, fresh roasted nuts and gingerbread cook- ies in the Bavarian Food Court. Face painters and balloon artists also are on hand for children’s entertainment. The market also features a large Käthe Wohlfahrt shop, which specializ- es in hand carved and painted German Colorful wooden Russian Santa Clauses decorate a jewelry case in the “Gifts from Afar” outdoor shop at the “Christmas gifts made by expert craftsmen. Village in Baltimore.” The village, modeled after the famous Christkindl Market in Nuremberg, Germany, is open every day until Dec. 24 at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. “We try to give the authentic Ger- man experience,” said Kali Amburn, Käthe Wohlfahrt marketing manager. open every day until Dec. 24. This Admission is free during weekdays spirit, take the time to strap on some attraction features several themed week- and $5 for adults and $3 for children on skates at the Inner Harbor Ice Rink, see “It’s a nostalgic experience for Soldiers ends, including a German-American the weekends. DOD ID card holders get the city sidewalks and windows come and veteran who have been stationed in weekend, Dec. 6-7, with performanc- 40 percent off admission. alive at the Harbor East Window Won- Germany.” es by local German dance groups and In honor of the Army vs. Navy foot- derland, take a trip on the Holly Jol- The village features outdoor wooden choirs. ball game, special deals and discounts ly Trolley to view holiday lights across huts, a nod to German tradition, and an The market is located in West Shore will be offered to uniformed visitors on the city including the famous 34th Street expansive indoor heated festival tent to Park, between the Maryland Science Saturday, Dec. 13. display or take the kids to see The Polar help visitors warm up as they enjoy the Center and the Baltimore Visitors Cen- For more information, including a Express in a 4-D, multi-sensory experi- food and festivities. ter, and is open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday complete list of vendors, visit http:// ence at the National Aquarium. Visitor information through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. www.baltimore-christmas.com/. For more information, visit www. “Christmas Village in Baltimore” is Friday through Saturday. While downtown and in the holiday itsawaterfrontlife.org.
BY THE NUMB#RS
Lisa M. Waldon, Garrison Training Operations Officer
By STACY SMITH Additionally, Waldon acts as the gar- APG News rison’s Army Training Requirements and As the Garrison Training Operations Resources System representative. She Officer, Lisa M. Waldon is responsible provides allocations for personnel that 1.5 million for managing all military and civilian require attendance at off-post trainings. Tourists visit Hawaii’s Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizo- trainings for approximately 900 person- Waldon also coordinates the installa- tion’s monthly retirement ceremony. She na Memorial annually. nel across all garrison directorates. “I work with approximately 20 train- makes reservations, communicates with ing coordinators and we track all man- retirees, collects awards and assures datory training that comes down from each event runs smoothly. The awards 2,400+ the Department of the Army Headquar- presented vary depending upon con- tribution, but all civilian and military American service personnel lost their lives during the ters and Army Installation Management Command,” Waldon said. retirees and their spouses receive a cer- attack on Pearl Harbor. 1,000 more were wounded. Trainings are conducted yearly, from tificate of appreciation. October until the end of the fiscal year in “It’s a nice event; retirees can bring September, and topics range from secu- their friends, family and coworkers and 350+ rity awareness to the recently completed sometimes we have the Fort Meade Brass Quintet play,” Waldon said. Japanese aircraft bombarded Pearl Harbor on the sexual harassment/assault response and prevention training. Waldon has worked at APG for 26 morning of Dec. 7, 1941. Waldon collects and inputs training years. She said she enjoys the team- data into the digital training manage- work she shares with training coordina- ment system and provides a bi-week- tors because they help her accomplish 73 ly report to the the Directorate of Plans, each training. Waldon’s office is located in the Gar- Years that have passed since the attack on Pearl Har- Training, Mobilization and Security. “Our completion numbers this year rison Training Facility, Bldg. 3147, room bor that led to the U.S. entry into WWII. (FY14) are very high, and I’m very 106. She can be reached at 410-278- proud of that,” Waldon said. 9014 or [email protected]. 15 Military personnel were awarded the Medal of Honor Like us on facebook for their valor during the attack. www.facebook.com/APGMd 8 U.S. battleships were destroyed or rendered Follow us on twitter unseaworthy. https://twitter.com/USAGAPG
By STACY SMITH, APG News www.history.navy.mil, www.nationalww2museum.org, www.ushistory.org, Check us out on flickr www.recreation.gov, www.pearlharborsurvivorsonline.org http://www.flickr.com/photos/usagapg/
How are we doing? E-mail comments and suggestions for the APG News to the editor at [email protected] 10 APG News • December 4, 2014 MARK YOUR CALENDAR
THURSDAY p.m. at the Mallette Mission Training ister, contact Mike Slayman, assistant established by Public Law 112-260. DECEMBER 4 Facility, Bldg. 6008, Classroom 5. chief of EMS, at 410-306-0566 or e-mail The registry provides an opportunity The session will provide helpful tips [email protected]. for veterans to receive information XTEND BARRE on how to eat healthier over the holi- updates and to help VA improve its The CECOM Wellness Program will days and how to deal with holiday stress CPR, AED CLASSES SCHEDULE understanding of deployment-related host an Xtend Barre class taught by without overeating. The session will also FOR 2015 health effects. During deployment, Gulf guest instructor Tracy Robinson 11:30 highlight holiday meal planning, reci- War veterans may have been exposed a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the APG North pe modification, alternate food choices, The APG Directorate of Emergency to smoke from burn pits, oil-well (Aberdeen) Athletic Center, Bldg. 3300, strategies for healthy eating away from Services has announced the CPR/AED fires, and air pollution. Veterans must racquetball court. home, and how to stay active during this class schedule for 2015. Classes are complete an online health questionnaire A fusion of dance, ballet and pilates, holiday season. open to the entire APG community. to participate in the registry. For more the session is open to installation The class is open to installation Jan. 21 – APG North (Aberdeen) Cha- information, visit www.publichealth. employees, contractors and military. employees, contractors and military pel, Bldg. 2485 – 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. va.gov/exposures/burnpits/. Space is limited to the first 18 in atten- members, and seating is limited to the Feb. 18 – APG South (Edgewood) dance. Those who attend should wear first 30 in attendance. Conference Center, Bldg. E4810 – 9 a.m. workout clothes (yoga pants or capris For more information, contact Tif- and 1 p.m. KEYSTONE CLUB with a t-Shirt or tank top, as well as gym fany Grimes at 443-861-7901 or March 18 – APG North (Aberdeen) This free class for high school stu- socks or socks with rubber grips; shorts [email protected]. Chapel, Bldg. 2485 – 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. dents meets every other Friday, 7-9 p.m. are discouraged). April 22 – APG South (Edgewood) at the APG North (Aberdeen) Youth Cen- Conference Center, Bldg. E4810 – 9 a.m. ter, Bldg 2522. This leadership develop- For more information, contact Tif- FRIDAY fany Grimes at 443-861-7901 or and 1 p.m. ment experience provides opportunities [email protected] DECEMBER 12 May 20 – APG North (Aberdeen) for young people ages 14-18. Youth par- ARMY FIELD BAND CONCERT Chapel, Bldg. 2485 – 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. ticipate in activities, in three focus areas: June 17 – APG South (Edgewood) academic success, career preparation & DRAFT EDGEWOOD The Jazz Ambassadors of The U.S. Conference Center, Bldg. E4810 – 9 a.m. community service. With the guidance of ENVIRONMENTAL Army Field Band will perform a free con- and 1 p.m. an adult advisor, Keystone Club aims to ASSESSEMENT OPEN FOR cert of holiday music, jazz, and patriotic July 15 – APG North (Aberdeen) Cha- have a positive impact on members, the favorites 7 to 9 p.m. at Harford Technical COMMENTS pel, Bldg. 2485 – 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. club and community. For more informa- High School - Amoss Center, 200 Thom- Aug. 19 – APG South (Edgewood) tion, call 410-278-4995 The Army has prepared a Supplemen- as Run Road in Bel Air. Conference Center, Bldg. E4810 – 9 a.m. tal Environmental Assessment (EA) for Other U.S. Army Field Band free hol- and 1 p.m. FRIDAY NIGHT OPEN the potential environmental and socio- iday concerts will take place at loca- Sep. 16 – APG North (Aberdeen) economic effects associated with the tions around Maryland and the Balti- RECREATION FOR TEENS Chapel, Bldg. 2485 – 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. proposed amendments to the Edge- more region, including two performanc- The APG North (Aberdeen) Youth wood Area Thermal Energy Strategy. es at the Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, Oct. 21 – APG South (Edgewood) Center, Bldg 2522, invites all high school The Draft EA and Public Notice are 1212 Cathedral Street in Baltimore, 7:30 Conference Center, Bldg. E4810 – 9 a.m. students out to its free Friday Night available for review on the APG Website. p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6 and 3 p.m. Sun- and 1 p.m. Open Recreation for Teens, every Friday Visit www.teamapg.com, click “Instal- day, Dec. 7. Nov. 18 – APG North (Aberdeen) from 6 p.m. to midnight. Teens are invit- lation Policies” on the lefthand naviga- To pre-register or for more informa- Chapel, Bldg. 2485 – 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. ed out to meet new friends, shoot some tion panel and scroll down to “Public tion go to http://armyfieldband.tick- Dec 16 – APG South (Edgewood) hoops or just play some pool. Bring up Notice.” etleap.com/. Conference Center, Bldg. E4810 – 9 a.m. to two non-DoD friends to join in the fun. The environmental assessment is also and 1 p.m. For more information, call 410-278-4995. For more information, contact Mike accessible by typing the following URL SATURDAY your internet browser: https://www. Slayman at 410-306-0566. PIANO & GUITAR LESSONS apg.army.mil/PDFs/Supplemental%20 DECEMBER 20 Each class is a one-on-one, 30-minute Environmental%20Assessment%20 GOSPEL YOUTH CHOIR FIREWOOD AVAILABLE session for seven or eight weeks, once a for%20the%20Edgewood%20 EXTRAVAGANZA Firewood is available to authorized week. Parents choose a time between 3 Area%20Thermal%20Energy%20 patrons at a cost of $20 per level stan- and 9 p.m. when they register their chil- The APG Gospel Service Youth Choir Strategy. dard 8-foot pickup truck bed; $15 per dren. Open to all DOD ID cardholders. will host a Youth Choir Dance Extrava- level standard 6-foot pickup truck bed, To register, visit Central Registration or Comments will be accepted until Dec. ganza at the APG Main Post Chapel from and $5 per car trunk. Checks or money call 410-278-7479/7571. For information, 4 and can be addressed to: 4 to 6 p.m. orders only will be accepted for pay- email [email protected] or USAGAPG, ATTN: Arnold O’Sullivan The children of the Gospel Youth ment. Permits to buy wood are good for call 410-278-4589. 4304 Susquehanna Avenue Choir, ages 6 to 14, will perform songs, ten days, or until an order is filled, which- 3d Floor Suite B dances and a Christmas play. The event, ever comes first. Permits will be issued Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD a celebration of the choir’s first year at on a first come, first- served basis 8 to 3 APG, is free and open to the entire APG More events can 21005-5001 p.m., Monday through Thursday at Bldg. MORE community. be seen at www. E4630 in APG South (Edgewood). For ONLINE TeamAPG.com GARRISON RETIREMENT For more information, contact Trudy more information, contact Kathy Thisse CEREMONY Tisdale at gertrude.s.tisdale.ctr@mail. at 410-436-8789 or Scott English at 410- mil. 436-9804. The APG community is encouraged to attend the Garrison Retirement Ceremo- ny 11 a.m. at the Ball Conference Cen- ONGOING INSIDE APG ter, Bldg. 3074. The honorees include APG commanders and subject mat- Combined Federal Campaign Sgt. 1st Class Kenneth O’Brien and Sgt. ter experts will discuss topics of inter- 1st Class Cesar Velez-Roman, both of DECEMBER TOBACCO CESSATION CLASSES est to the local community every Sat- CECOM. The ceremony’s host, Deputy urday and Wednesday at 7:50 a.m. dur- Team APG Goal PEO Mary Woods, SES, of PEO C3T will The Harford County Health Depart- ing “Inside APG: Creating One Commu- be assisted by PEO C3T executive offi- ment Cigarette Restitution Fund will nity Without a Gate,” a monthly radio cer Maj. Naim R. Lee. host Tobacco Cessation Classes at the series on 970 WAMD. For more infor- Come out and give these two non- APG North (Aberdeen) chapel. mation about the series, to schedule or $585K commissioned officers a congratulatory The classes are free of charge and request an interview, call the Garrison pat on the back and thanks for their ser- open to any adult user who requests Public Affairs Office at 410-278-1150. $520K vice to the nation. assistance in quitting. Nicotine replace- For more information about this and ment products will be offered at no cost For previous interviews, follow these $455K future retirement ceremonies for APG but require a physician referral form that links: http://youtu.be/a8vuMdxmG50; Soldiers and government civilians, con- must be filled out by an individual’s pri- http://youtu.be/se7hTkwnbO8 $390K tact Lisa Waldon, DPTMS retirement cer- mary care physician prior to the class. emony lead, at 410-278-4353 or email Classes will be held 1 to 2 p.m. each REPORT POWER OUTAGES TO $325K [email protected]. Wednesday through Dec. 10. CORVIAS MILITARY LIVING $260K For more information, contact Brenda During severe weather, all residen- TUESDAY Urban at 410-278-2739 or Linda Pegram, tial power outages should be reported $195K Harford County Health Department to the Neighborhood Office at 410-305- DECEMBER 9 instructor, at 410-612-1781. 1076. This will allow staff to determine $130K BLUE CROSS/BLUE SHIELD REP if the outage is widespread or specific to VISIT DECEMBER the home and coordinate the responsi- $65K The Civilian Personnel Advisory Cen- TRICARE INFORMATION ble provider to restore power. In the event a neighborhood office $0 ter has arranged for a claim representa- SESSIONS tive of Care First Blue Cross Blue Shield loses power, the phone system may visit to APG 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the Kirk U.S. Army Health Clinic has also be affected. If the office cannot be APG North (Aberdeen) recreation cen- arranged for a TRICARE representative reached, residents should call the follow- ter, Bldg. 3326, room 120, to discuss to provide information and answer ques- ing toll-free numbers to report outages claim issues and coverage. The represen- tions at APG on the following dates: and maintenance emergencies. Calls tative also will be available in APG South Tuesday, Dec. 9: TRICARE Retire- to the toll-free number will directly con- Visit www.cbacfc.org to make a contribution to the (Edgewood, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., in the ment Briefing – KIRK OTC – 10 a.m. nect residents to the emergency on-call organization of your choice today. JPEOCBD Bldg. E2800, Rooms 103/104. Tuesday, Dec. 9: TRICARE Reserve service. For more information, contact Mary J. Hubbard No appointment is necessary. Select Briefing – KIRK OTC – 11 a.m. APG: 1-866-958-5412 at 410-436-6277 or [email protected] The point of contact for this informa- Wednesday, Dec. 10: TRICARE Infor- Patriot Village: 1-866-871-6257 tion is Teri Wright at CPAC, 410-278- mation Table – APG Retirement Office – NH Office: 410-305-1076 4331 or [email protected]. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12: TRICARE Informa- HOT WORK PERMIT KIRK U.S. ARMY HEALTH CLINIC tion Table – APG ID Card Office – 8 a.m. MORE to 4 p.m. The APG Fire and Emergency Servic- CHANGE OF COMMAND es has a new phone number to request Monday, Dec. 15: TRICARE Informa- a Hot Work Permit. A permit can be The Medical Detachment Command tion Table – APG ID Card Office – 8 a.m. ONLINE obtained by calling 410-306-0001. When Team cordially invites you to the Change to 4 p.m. is a Hot Work Permit required? of Command ceremony during which Tuesday, Dec. 16: TRICARE Informa- Come and follow us A Hot Work Permit is required before Capt. Tammy Bolds will relinquish com- tion Table – APG Commissary – 9 a.m. for news and events performing electric and gas welding, mand of the KUSAHC Medical Detach- to 4 p.m. going on at and around ment to Capt. Steven Brewer Dec. 9 at cutting or soldering operations requiring For more information, contact Kisha the U.S. Army Garri- 4 p.m. at the APG Main Post Chapel, an open flame device, and for outdoor York, TRICARE education specialist, at Bldg. 2485. cooking with a grill, or similar device. son Aberdeen Proving [email protected] Light refreshments will follow in the Please try to give 24 hours notice Ground, visit the garrison twitter Fellowship Hall. prior to the work or event. Leave a mes- site http://twitter.com/USAGAPG Dress code is business casual for civil- CPR, AED CLASSES SCHEDULE sage if there is no answer. The inbox is ians and ACUs for Soldiers. For more FOR 2014 checked throughout the day. information, contact Sgt. Markesha The APG Fire and Emergency Servic- For more information, call 410-306- Bradwell, DSN 306-2438. es Division of the Directorate of Emer- 0001. gency Services has released its schedule THURSDAY for CPR and automated external defibril- AIRBORNE HAZARDS & OPEN lator (AED) classes for 2014. Two classes BURN PIT REGISTRY DECEMBER 11 will be held the third Wednesday of each EATING HEALTHY FOR THE The Department of Veteran Affairs month at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. in the same encourages all Gulf War Veterans – HOLIDAYS location. anyone who served in the Persian Gulf The CECOM Wellness Program will Dec. 17, Edgewood Conference Center area from August 1990 to present- host a Healthy Eating for the Holidays Class size is limited to 30 partici- to sign up for the Airborne Hazards Informational Session from noon to 1 pants. For more information or to reg- and Open Burn Pit Registry which is December 4, 2014 • APG News 11 THIS WEEK IN APG HISTORY
Take a look back in time as the APG News explores what made the headlines around APG during this week 10, 25 and 50 years ago. This week’s APG News masthead is from 1988.
2015 By YVONNE JOHNSON, APG News 10 Years Ago: Dec. 2, 2004
Right: Family Child Care provider Ann Marie Bogues reenacts performing 2010 the Heimlich maneuver on 4-year-old Javon Walker who choked on a lollipop while in her care. Bogues received a Life Saving Award from the Directorate Above: Sgt. Anthony Bingham, left, a non-commissioned of Safety, officer assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Health and 2000 Company, 61st Ordnance Brigade, accepts a Thanksgiving Environment. basket and turkey from Cpt. Kermit Thomas, company commander. The unit raised hundreds of dollars in dona- tions to assist 10 families.
25 Years Ago: Dec. 6, 1989
1990
Right: Marilyn Howard of Army Community Service checks dona- tions for the Emergency Food Locker Program which is available for 1980 Soldiers and their families in need of assistance.
Above: Workers from the Directorate of Engineering and Logistics Operations replace shingles on a roof after a wind storm. Pictured from left are Charles Adams, William Blake, Clyde Sinclair and Malcolm Arnold.
1970 50 Years Ago: Dec. 3, 1964
Left: Center George Strickland of the 5th ETC, 5, and Willie Fitch of the 1960 1st ETC reach for the tip off to kick off the intramu- ral basket- ball season at Russell Gymnasium. Above: Maj. Gen. James Sutherland, left, promotes Master Sgt. Curtis Shellenberger to sergeant major as Shellenberger’s wife Jean helps out and his son Michael looks on.
1950 12 APG News • December 4, 2014 MRMC commander tours labs during visit Continued from Page 1 enlisted personnel. cuss the challenges posed by the Army’s efforts relevant to those objectives. During the discussions, Lein met with downsizing. He first addressed the topic Lein emphasized the importance of The visit to APG began with an office Spc. Robert Haggins Jr. and Sgt. during lunch with MRICD’s offi- family before work as well as of know- call at the U.S. Army Edgewood Chem- Erik Eaton Jr. for a look cers and enlisted Soldiers, ing SHARP (Sexual Harassment/Assault ical Biological Center, before joining at their research activ- where the focus was on Response and Prevention) reporting MRICD Commander Col. Roman Bilyn- ities under studies early retirement pos- procedures and who the organization’s sky and other members of the institute’s overseen by prin- sibilities, the Offi- SHARP representatives were. He was command team for an overview briefing cipal investiga- cer Retention emphatic about the need “to create work on the institute and a tour of the nearly tor Dr. Timothy Boards, Enlist- place free of sexual harassment and sex- completed replacement facility. Varney. Hag- ed Selective ual assault.” During a tour of the institute’s current gins has been Retention, and An iteration of the institute’s Field research facilities Lein spoke with prin- developing a promotion Management of Chemical and Biologi- cipal investigators Dr. John McDonough cellular thera- rates. cal Casualties course, conducted by the and Dr. Shane Kasten about the insti- py for a par- Later dur- Chemical Casualty Care Division, was tute’s efforts to develop medical coun- ticular type of ing a town hall, in progress during the visit. Lein brief- termeasures to nerve agent chemical delayed inju- Lein predomi- ly addressed the students on the impor- warfare agents and the molecular mod- eling activities of the bioscavenger ry to the eye, nately addressed tance of the training they were receiving, program. Kasten, using a three-dimen- which can occur how the chal- noting that several years ago, he was a sional projection system, showed Lein after exposure to lenges the Army is student of the sister course, the Medical 3-D images of two potential bioscav- the chemical agent facing might impact Management of Chemical and Biologi- engers bound to a particular chemical sulfur mustard. the workforce, partic- cal Casualties. nerve agent. Eaton explained his ularly civilians, especially Lein noted that the threat of an event Additionally Jonathan Oyler took Lein invention of a device to extract in terms of future sequestrations involving the use of chemical weap- through MRICD’s chemical surety area, high yields of murine bone marrow for or furloughs, further base closures and ons was broader now than in the past to include the specially designed glove- use in the development of potential ther- realignments and funding for research. as a result of the amount of information box lab, which is set up for research on apeutics. Representing the officers, Capt. He drew attention to the Force 2025 and found on the Internet, which facilitates the effects of, and efficacy of treatments Jeffrey Havens gave an overview of his Beyond initiative and advised the staff to such weapons entering the arsenals of against, inhalation exposure to chemical involvement in the institute’s Absorp- familiarize themselves with the initiative nonstate entities. warfare agents. tion, Distribution, Metabolism, Excre- and to consider how their current proj- For more information about MRCD, The overview of the institute’s tion and Toxicology (ADMET) Center ects relate to the objectives of the initia- visit http://mrmc.amedd.army.mil/. research activities also included discus- of Excellence. tive as well as what changes they might For more information about MRICD, sions on the contributions of officer and Lein took time during the visit to dis- make to keep the science and technology visit http://chemdef.apgea.army.mil/. Winter weather updates on APG Facebook first Continued from Page 1 APG, and the delay or closure of Harf- Where to go for weather updates 2014/2015 The decision to delay or close this ord County schools does not indicate the installation due to inclement weather installation’s operational status. Station Frequency Location is a well thought-out process involving Decision factors include current and communication between key APG ten- forecast weather, the effect of DPW WAMD AM 970 Harford ants and staff and the senior commander, clearance operations (how much has WBAL AM 1090 Baltimore according to Rick DeOliveira, the post’s been plowed, swept or cleared), haz- WCAO AM 600 Baltimore ardous conditions on post, surrounding chief of emergency management and WDEL AM 1150 Wilmington, Del. county conditions, school and local gov- anti-terrorism. WGLD/ESPN AM 1440 Red Lion, Pa. According to DeOliveira, the ultimate ernment closures, installation infrastruc- ture status (power, water, sewage, etc.) WINK FM 103.3 York, Pa. goal of the process is to “ensure the well- WIYY FM 97.9 Baltimore being of our workforce. People are our and the condition of each installation WJZ-FM FM 105.7 Baltimore most valuable resource, and our job is to access control point. The overarching ensure they are safe.” goal is to ensure the workforce can con- WJZ-AM AM 1300 Baltimore The first step in determining the post duct various missions safely. WLIF FM 101.9 Baltimore status is evaluating the forecast, he said. Decisions to delay or close the instal- WPOC FM 93.1 Baltimore lation are made as early as possible Weather information is obtained from WQSR FM 102.7 Baltimore based on the information available. In the National Weather Service, the U.S. WROZ FM 101.3 Lancaster, Pa. Army Aberdeen Test Center (ATC) most cases, leadership attempts to make the decision by 4:30 a.m., before a WSBA AM 910 York, Pa. Meteorological Team, local media, and WSOX FM 96.1 Red Lion, Pa. school and government liaisons. majority of the workforce departs home WSTW FM 93.7 Wilmington, Del. “In addition to the input we get from for APG. The decision is then dissemi- the National Weather Service, our ATC nated throughout various media includ- WXCY FM 103.7 Havre de Grace weather specialists are profession- ing radio, television, and social media WZFT FM 104.3 Baltimore al meteorologists and provide accurate, including Facebook and Twitter, and the WBAL-TV Channel 11 www.wbaltv.com Baltimore APG Snow Line. reliable and specific storm effects to WMAR-TV Channel 2 www.abc2news.com Baltimore According to Kelly Luster, Director APG,” DeOliveira said. WBFF-TV Channel 45 www.foxbaltimore.com Baltimore Weather information is then eval- of Communication for APG, the quick- est way to see the installation status is WJZ-TV Channel 13 http://baltimore.cbslocal.com/ Baltimore uated during a destructive weath- Harford Cable Network 21-Comcast/31-Verizon www.harfordcountymd.gov/hcn/ Harford County er working group meeting hosted by through social media. the installation’s Directorate of Plans, “The message about closures or delay Fox 43 http://fox43.com/ York, Pa. Training, Mobilization and Security, of operations is announced first on our Facebook http://www.facebook.com/APGMd and attended by representatives from Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ Twitter http://twitter.com/#!/USAGAPG Morale, Welfare, and Recreation; Safe- APGMd.) It’s then disseminated fur- ther through Twitter, the APG Snow ty; Police; Fire; Public Works; Human com/USAGAPG Line, radio and television throughout the one be proactive in their approach to Resources; Public Affairs; 20th CBRNE weather emergencies. “You never know or call the APG Snow Line at 410- region,” Luster said. Command; Aberdeen Test Center; Com- when the next Super Storm Sandy is 278-SNOW (7669). munications-Electronics Command; One of the key points to remem- going to hit,” said DeOlivera. “So, we Research, Development and Engineer- ber throughout the process is individu- Other helpful websites include: all need to be prepared with an emer- ing Command and the Communications- als should always refer to their chains of gency supplies kit.” Maryland Emergency Management Electronics Research, Development and command and organizational leadership For more information about emergen- Agency http://mema.maryland.gov Engineering Center. for these decisions, especially if they are cy preparedness, including creating an Pennsylvania Emergency Manage- Representatives develop recommend- unsure about reporting to work. Individ- emergency supplies kit, visit the Federal ment Agency http://www.pema.state. ed courses of action for APG senior lead- ual organizations have the authority to Emergency Management Agency web- pa.us ers based on storm expectations and each release personnel early or delay the start site at www.ready.gov/. Delaware Emergency Management staff element’s capabilities and response of the work or shutdown altogether. To check the installation’s operating Agency http://dema.delaware.gov/ requirements. Regardless of the decision to open status, visit: Harford County Emergency Man- DeOliveira said the closure of federal for normal operations, delay or close APG Facebook page www.face- agement http://harfordpublicsafety.org offices elsewhere, including the Greater due to inclement weather, one recom- book.com/APGMd Cecil County Department of Emer- Baltimore metro area, does not apply to mendation DeOlivera advises is every- APG Twitter page www.twitter. gency Services http://www.ccdes/
WORD OF THE WEEK ACRONYM OF THE WEEK Paradigm HUD Pronounced: PAR-uh-dahym, -dim Department of Housing Part of speech: Noun and Urban Development Definition: 1. A model or pattern for something that may be copied; example, pattern, or an outstand- HUD’s mission is to create strong, ingly clear or typical example or archetype sustainable, inclusive communities and 2. A theory or a group of ideas about how something should be done, made, or thought about quality affordable homes for all. HUD is 3. A philosophical and theoretical framework of a scientific school or discipline with- in which theories, laws, and generalizations and the experiments performed in support of working to strengthen the housing mar- them are formulated ket to bolster the economy and protect Other forms: consumers; meet the need for quality Adjective: Paradigmatic affordable rental homes; utilize hous- Adverb: Paradigmatically ing as a platform for improving quality Uses: of life; build inclusive and sustainable communities free from discrimination, and Her recent book provides us with a new paradigm for modern biography. transform the way HUD does People cite 9/11 as the beginning of a new paradigm in homeland security operations. Julián Castro was sworn in as the 16th Secretary of the U.S. Department of When the teacher moved into administration, she had to do a paradigm shift in terms Housing and Urban Development July 28, 2014. of her viewpoint and goals for the program. By YVONNE JOHNSON, APG News By YVONNE JOHNSON, APG News Source: http://www.merriam-webster.com Source: www.hud.gov/
AAPGPG NNEWSEWS Visit us online at www.TeamAPG.com/APGNews 14 APG News • December 4, 2014 Service, responsibility reaffirmed by Team APG
Continued from Page 1 ability … and whether five months ago or 50 years ago, thinking back to the day you took your oath, there was a sense of pride and enthusiasm because you were instantly a part of something bigger than yourself.” At the conclusion of his remarks, Crawford administered the oath of enlist- ment to four new recruits into the Mary- land Air National Guard. “You really are a part of something bigger than yourselves,” he said. “Wear- ing the uniform and the leadership that goes with it still matters.” The event included remarks from guest speaker Carolyn Collins, deputy director of Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP), Department of the Army, G1. The SHARP program focuses on awareness and prevention, training, victim advoca- cy, reporting, and accountability. Collins said achieving cultural change by eliminating sexual assault and harass- ment is a top priority within the Army. “Sexual assault and harassment is very much an insider threat in the mili- tary,” she said. Program highlights included the pre- sentation of the colors by the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard); opening remarks by Maj. Gen. Peter Photo by Sean Kief Utley, commander of the U.S. Army Leslie Lovick, director of the APG Civilian Personnel Advisory Center, administers the oath of office to civilian employees Test and Evaluation Command; patriot- during the “Why We Serve” event at the Myer Auditorium Nov. 25. ic musical performances from the Team APG group “Togetherness,” and a cake cutting ceremony. After the event, Daniel Young, who Chemical Battalion (Technical Escort) “It helps to be able to put a face with “The performance of our duties, as enlisted into the Maryland Air National called the program “exhilarating.” the name that we see on the memos,” he well as our adherence to ethical stan- Guard during the program, said he appre- “It helped me remember why we said. “She is supporting our community; dards of moral behavior permeates every ciated meeting Crawford and World War serve,” he said. “I enjoyed hearing about that is awesome.” single aspect of our lives and creates the II veteran Francis Sparr. the progression of the SHARP program.” Rosemarie Lamacchia, from CECOM legacy of honorable military and civil “It was a great honor, just to be here Sgt. 1st Class Vernon Walton, from Logistics and Readiness Center, said the service we leave behind for future gen- among these dedicated professionals,” ATEC, said he appreciated the show program was “excellent.” erations of Army Soldiers and civilians,” he said. of support from senior leadership, like “I am so proud of our Soldiers,” she Utley said during his opening remarks. Staff Sgt. Terrence Lewis from the 22D Collins. said. “I love my country.” DID YOU KNOW? Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014 is the 73rd anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Here are some Pearl Harbor facts about this historic “date which will live in infamy.” U.S. Navy Courtesy photo When the USS Utah rolled over, it carried 58 men to a watery grave, where their bodies remain yet today. Interred with these sailors and Marines is the remains of an infant girl. The first ship destroyed at Pearl Harbor was the USS Utah. Courtesy photo Of the 15 Medals of Honor earned during the attack at Pearl Harbor, 10 were Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel shakes hands with President Barack Obama at the awarded posthumously. White House Nov 24. The president announced that Hagel would resign his posi- The proper title of the top American Naval Commander on Pearl Harbor Day tion as defense secretary. was Pacific Fleet Commander. The Pearl Harbor Flag became a symbol of American resolve. It was later flown during historic events, including the United Nations Charter Meeting in San Francisco, California; the Big Three Conference at Potsdam, Germany; and over the Hagel to leave post White House during the surrender of Japanese forces on Aug 14, 1945. The flag also was used as a poster during the war. Though Hawaii was not yet a state on Dec. 7, 1941, Japanese submarines also fired on Fort Stevens, Oregon and oil production facilities near Santa Barbara, as defense secretary California during World War II. Almost four hours before the attack, the minesweeper, USS Condor, spotted a Japanese midget submarine at the entrance of Pearl Harbor. The destroyer USS Ward went in search of the sub but couldn’t find it right away. Continued from Page 1 Privileged to serve The first American shots fired during the attack came from the USS Ward, A steady hand Hagel called his opportunity to serve which fired on and sank another Japanese sub about 6:30 a.m. “Over nearly two years, Chuck has as defense secretary the “greatest privi- lege of my life.” No U.S. aircraft carriers were damaged during the attack because the USS been an exemplary defense secretary,” Enterprise and USS Lexington were ferrying Soldiers to and from Wake and Midway In the meantime, Hagel said, “I will Obama said, crediting Hagel for provid- islands. stay on this job and work just as hard as I Congress declared war on Japan, but the vote was not unanimous. Lifelong ing a steady hand during the moderniza- have over the last couple of years, every pacifist Jeannette Rankin of Montana, and the first woman elected to Congress, cast tion of the administration’s strategy and day, every moment, until my successor is the only dissenting vote. budget to meet long-term threats, while confirmed by the United States Senate.” While Pacific Fleet and Army commanders were relieved of their commands still responding to immediate challenges The United States of America can shortly after being accused of dereliction of duty, they were exonerated in 1999. such as ISIL and the Ebola outbreak in proudly claim the strongest military the The National Park Service and the U.S. Navy will host a joint memorial West Africa. world has ever known, Obama said. ceremony commemorating the 73rd anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor on Hagel said he is “immensely proud” “That’s the result of the investments Sunday, Dec. 7. Online registration to view the live event is required. Sign up at: of what the department has accom- made over many decades, the blood and http://bit.ly/LiveBroadcastDec7 plished during his tenure. treasure and sacrifices of many gener- “I believe we have set not only this ations,” he said. “It’s the result of the Yvonne Johnson, APG News department, the Department of Defense, character and wisdom of those who lead Source: http://www.homeofheroes.com/ (Home of Heroes) but the nation on a stronger course them as well, including a young Army http://www.ahctv.com/ (American Heroes Channel) toward security, stability and prosperi- sergeant in Vietnam who rose to serve as ty,” the secretary said. our nation’s 24th secretary of defense.” Missing the paper? Contact us
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Submit letters to the editor to [email protected] December 4, 2014 • APG News 15 APG SNAPSHOT Take a peek at the events making news in and around U.S. Army Garrison Aberdeen Proving Ground. For complete photo coverage, visit http://www.flickr.com/photos/usagapg/. GETTING IN THE SPIRIT OF THE SEASON
(Clockwise from left) Ayesha Varnadore, on ladder, and 17-year-old Quentin use garland and lights to decorate the entrance of their family’s quarters.
A snowman light waits its turn to added to the holiday display.
Makayla 12, left, untangles candy cane lights for the sidewalk, while Kendall, 15, adjusts lights on the bush.
Photos by Molly Blosse
“WHY WE SERVE” CAMPAIGN KICKS OFF (Top left, clockwise) Communications-Electronics Command Chaplain Lt. Col. Young Kim delivers the benediction during the “Why We Serve” program at the Myer Auditorium Nov. 25.
Attendees applaud World War II veteran Francis Sparr for his dedicated service to the nation. Sparr is a D-Day survivor and a recipient of two Bronze Star and two Purple Heart medals.
(From left) Command Sgt. Maj. William Bruns, APG and CECOM senior enlisted advisor; Carolyn Collins, deputy director of Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP), Department of the Army, G1; World War II veteran Francis Sparr; Sgt. Stephen Murray, U.S. Army Public Health Command Soldier of the Year; and Maj. Gen. Bruce T. Crawford, APG senior leader and CECOM commander, participate in a cake cutting ceremony. Photos by Sean Kief
NCOS TOUR APG LABS
From left, RDECOM Sgt. Maj. Kenneth Agueda; ECBC Sgt. Maj. Jamison Johnson; APG Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Jeffrey Adams and CECOM Command Sgt. Maj. William Bruns learn about the latest helmet technology during a visit to the U.S. Army Research Laboratory.
The APG senior non-commissioned officers toured several research and development facilities across the installation Nov. 20 to learn how technology enables the Army to remain dominant on the battlefield. Courtesy photo