www.teamapg.com THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2014 Vol. 58, No. 3 Free Income Tax preparation available at APG Office of the Staff Judge Advocate, Client Services Division 2014 Aberdeen Proving Ground Installation Tax Program The 2014 Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG) Installation Tax Program is a joint effort of the Client Services Division (CSD), Office of the Staff Judge Advo- cate, and the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Directed by the CSD, the program provides free tax assis- (From left) BlockBusters team members Alexandra Alatzas and Brayden Hill, from Fallston, watch with anticipation as their robot tance each year to qualifying performs a mission during the third annual FIRST LEGO League Challenge at the U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command head- active duty service members, quarters Jan. 18. retirees, and Family members. Active duty service members are those military members current- ly holding an active duty ID Challenge inspires LEGO fun card. Reserve component service members who are not mobilized Story and photo by RACHEL PONDER competed for the top six positions to advance to the Feb. 1 state more than 30 days are not eli- APG News championship that will be held at the University of Maryland Bal- gible for services and should Friendly competition, learning, teamwork and fun were timore County. ATEC, UMBC and Team APG partnered to orga- contact their individual units for emphasized during the third annual FIRST LEGO League (FLL) nize the event. More than 60 volunteers from the APG workforce assistance. Challenge at the U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command head- volunteered to make the event a success. FLL is a LEGO robotics program for 6 - 14-year-olds designed What you should know quarters Jan. 18. about this season’s tax More than 300 students from 18 teams from across the state See FLL, page 12 services Tax services will be provid- ed by two CSD staff members on a part-time basis. Tax prep- School receives national kudos aration will be offered on an appointment basis only for sim- ple tax returns and will require a two-visit process: first visit – Aberdeen High selected ‘School of the Year’ document review; second visit – tax preparation. During the first visit, CSD staff will perform a for increased AP scores review of the taxpayer’s individ- By ALAN FEILER ual tax documents to determine eligibility for service. If eligi- APG News ble, the taxpayer will be provid- For Elasha Colby, it was an extraordinary day to be a student ed with a scheduled appointment at Aberdeen High School (AHS). “The name `Aberdeen’ doesn’t to return for tax preparation at a always seem to mean as much as other schools in this county,” said later date. Elasha, 16, a senior. “So this really means a lot to our school. It’s a great opportunity for us.” Be prepared prior to Elasha was referring to a special ceremony last Friday morn- your arrival ing, Jan. 17, at which AHS was named “School of the Year” by the Tax personnel cannot pre- National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI) for outstanding results pare an accurate return unless on Advanced Placement (AP) math, science and English exams. the taxpayer brings all neces- sary documentation. Inaccurate See ABERDEEN, page 12 tax returns caused by incomplete/ faulty information may incur IRS Aberdeen High’s award-winning dance troupe performs for the penalty and interest assessments. audience celebrating the school’s recent NMSI honors. Documents needed depend on Photo by Deborah Ince each individual situation. Prior to receiving tax services, indi- viduals must first complete three required documents which are Speaker brings King’s words to life extremely helpful in gathering the information necessary to file By RACHEL PONDER an accurate federal and state tax APG News return: 1) Determination for Eli- For an enrapt audience of more than 500 Soldiers, civilians, gibility of APG Tax Servic- retirees, Family members and students, The Rev. Dr. John G. es Sheet, (complete this form Moore Sr. brought new life and meaning to the powerful, time- first, as it lists in detail forms less words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the annual ceremo- NOT acceptable for service; if ny in memory of the slain civil rights leader hosted by Team eligible, 2) IRS Form 13614- APG at the Myer Auditorium Jan. 16. C Intake/Interview & Quality “Today, we celebrate not just a man that truly exempli- Review Sheet, a requirement of fies the Army’s value of selfless service,” Acting APG Senior the IRS, and 3) Client Agreement Commander Col. Charles “Chuck” Gibson said during wel- and Supplemental Question- coming remarks. “Today, we celebrate not just a man but a naire. The required documents movement that can be credited for reshaping the way Ameri- can be accessed online at www. apg.army.mil, Services, APG See KING, page 14 Tax Services, or picked up at the CSD office. The Rev. Dr. John G. Moore Sr. recites portions of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s inspirational speeches during a ceremony honoring King’s life at the Myer Auditorium Jan. 16. See TAX, page 14 Photo by Molly Blosse ONLINE INDEX IN THIS ISSUE WEATHER www.teamapg.com Pg 2 ...... Street Talk Thursday facebook.com/ Pg 8 .... Mark Your Calendar APGMd twitter.com/ Pg 8 ...... At your service Mostly Sunny USAGAPG Pg 9 ...... Crossword chance of rain 10% flickr.com/photos/ usagapg/ ICE system http://ice.disa.mil/ Facebook, http://on.fb.me/HzQIow More inside Winter driving tips PAGE 3 APG bids farewell to Military seeks solutions CECOM LRC mentoring program PAGE 6 departing commander for operational needs Leave donations PAGE 7 Old Guard trains at ATC PAGE 9 Page 4 Page 5 25° 8° 2 APG News • January 23, 2014 OPINION Is being in the Military stressful? Do you prefer reading printed Usually, the career and job-listing website CareerCast.com I think what is a lot more interesting is what happens in that posts enlisted military among the worst jobs in the country. But second or third enlistment period. Sometime in their service, books or e-books? they also have a list of the most “stressful” jobs in the country. members start connecting to other things at work. The military general (like there are a zillion of those) rolled The work starts meaning something. People start looking at in at number two. Firefighters, airline pilots and events coordi- their work and thinking of it as a career–a source of challenge, nators round out the top five. reward and status. I like both. CareerCast determined their rankings based on job demands They might even start thinking of it as a calling — a mean- I like reading that seemed likely to provoke stress, including travel, growth ingful, socially valuable part of the service member’s identity e-books potential, competitiveness, physical demands, hazards, environ- that also provides financial gain and career advancement. because mental conditions and risk to one’s own life or to others’. In my research on long married active duty military couples, they are very While I can see where they are coming from — long deploy- the majority identified their work as a calling. Some thought of convenient. ments, absence from family, physical danger, and responsibili- it as a career. Very, very few thought of it as a job. Having a Tablet ty for other people’s lives are all pretty darn stressful — I think For most of these service members, their work in the military cuts down on these guys have it wrong. meant something to them. For many, it was an inseparable part the amount I think the whole “risk to one’s life” thing, combined with of who they are. of books you Chief Petty Officer Robert low income and a lack of exposure to the 1 percent who actually Sure, there was stress, But for couples in which the ser- need to carry. serve in the military, clouds the issue. vice member identified his work as a calling, there was also For studying, Wilder Because there are worse things than stress at work. increased job satisfaction and increased marital satisfaction. I like to use Navy Recruiting Work-related stress can be created by many factors — from That counts for something. If you haven’t been in the military printed books. District, I think it’s Philadelphia poor pay to tyrannical supervisors to monotonous, uninteresting, yourself (I haven’t) or you haven’t lived with a military mem- easier to flip repetitive work that bores the life out of you. ber for long (I have) you probably can’t see why anyone would through the pages to find what Sociologists have found that work that brings on feelings want a job like that—and you would be quick to put military you need. of powerlessness, meaninglessness and isolation are the worst jobs right at the top of the list of “worst” or “most stressful” jobs kinds of stressors. in the country. When it comes to the military, I’m sure that in the first enlist- But when you have witnessed someone’s work going from ment, there are plenty of opportunities to contemplate power- bill paying job to life-filling calling, you have to look at work in I prefer lessness, meaningless and isolation. the military a little bit differently. printed books. If that is your work life in the military, then your work life is I look at a just a job, just a paycheck. The military doesn’t pay well enough JACEY ECKHART computer to keep you grinding away like that. So you get out. Military Life screen all day. I feel like print is easier on the eyes. Plus, I do not want Living with allergies is nothing to sneeze at to worry about Karen Jobes charging a Increasingly, people today are being diagnosed with food Lobster and P.F. Chang’s certainly do. Military towns tend to DPW Tablet to read. I allergies and sensitivities, and that includes military families. It be home to a lot of chain restaurants. You may think you can am a traditionalist. might be you, your spouse or children, but either way it can be a count on them to be consistent from place to place, but don’t challenge. take anything for granted. For the scores of military families who will be diagnosed and 8. Become intimate with your type of allergies so you can face these challenges this near year, here are 11 basic things that choose the right diet. For example if you’re lactose-intolerant I like to read may help with the transition (regardless of where you PCS to): you know dairy products such milk and milk-based products e-books. I 1. It’s not just foods alone, allergens can be found in man- don’t settle well; vegan don’t eat meat, dairy, eggs, or any pro- like the conve- made products and environmental irritants. Be aware of cessed foods containing animal-derived products. Lacto-ovo- nience of being lotions, laundry detergents and perfumes. I make my own body vegetarian don’t eat beef, pork, poultry, fish, shellfish, or animal able to store lotion with Jojoba oil and organic essence oils such as rose- flesh, but eat eggs and dairy products. Macrobiotic diets con- many books on mary, peppermint, tea-tree, etc. The skin is the biggest organ sist of only unprocessed vegan foods such as whole grains, fruits one device. (and porous), so I go natural here too. Ordering oils online is and vegetables. And, raw vegans only eat unprocessed vegan The colors on my Tablet also an alternative. foods that have not been heated above 105 degrees Fahrenheit; are so vivid. Michael Bryant 2. Choose your food sources wisely. Foods sprayed with pes- some go to 115 degrees (46 degrees Celsius). Gluten-free diets I think that CECOM ticides and highly refined foods with additives (or genetical- exclude (the protein gluten) which is found in grains such as enhances my reading experience. ly modified foods—GMOs) may also affect allergy suffers. Buy wheat, barley and rye. I also like that you can easily organic (if, and when you can) and wash with a fruit and vegeta- 9. Check other symptoms, they might be related. That nag- change the font size. ble wash. Always. ging post-nasal drip, insomnia, migraine or persistent cough, 3. Watch out for seasonings. For example MSG (a processed- irritable bowel syndrome, acid reflux, chronic mucus or bronchi- free glutamic acid) also goes by Aji-no-moto, Vetsin, calcium tis, and other undiagnosed and generic tell-tale signs can also be caseinate, and soy protein isolate. It’s found in nuts, soy sauce, linked to the foods you eat. Get additional testing, if necessary. I prefer to beef bouillon, chips, canned soups and sausages. Read labels. If I worked with a naturopathic doctor off-base, but he worked read print- a product has too many lines of additives, preservatives and col- with my military treatment facility based physician to run tests ed hardback oring etc., I skip it. and follow-ups. It saved me time and money. I was able to get books, because 4. If your child suffers with food allergies, the Centers for a 4-paged diagnosis of what I was allergic to. Tricare doesn’t I think they are Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released guide- cover many alternatives sources but you can find other ways in easier to share. lines (in October) on how to handle student food allergies in which they can work for you. In my Family, schools. Check with your local school district to see if they’ve 10. Get friendly with your local produce manager both on we take turns adopted (or plan on adopting) these measures. and off base. Then you’ll know when the fresh produce comes reading books 5. Eat raw even if it’s only 10-percent daily. You proba- in, and can order special raw organic items such as nuts, seed out loud to Anna Nusca bly do this already: add salads and a rainbow of fresh veggies and grains (especially if you opt for a raw vegan diet). Also, each other and Civilian Family such as carrots, apples and green leafy produce to meals. Light- don’t forget your local farmer’s market and farmers — they’re then have a dis- member ly steamed vegetables work great too. Sometimes I eat bad stuff a great place for fresh, far-raised, organic choices that are usu- cussion about (even though it makes me ill). But my whole focus is on finding ally hormone-free and grass-fed (no GMO grains). Some store what we read. balance in every way and not totally depriving myself of some brands are pumped with saline solutions, and animals are raised treats. Where’s the joy in that, right? You too have to find what on antibiotics and fed animal–by product (among others). works for you. Google where your farmer’s market is and think outside the box. I like print- 6. Don’t eat the same thing every day. Eating the same food Are you in a rural community? Consider looking for a near-by ed books, I over and over again over a period of time means you are more Amish community for affordable, organic produce. am old school. likely to develop food sensitivities. Wait a few days for foods to 11. Do your best and bless the rest. If you’re doing the best I like holding cycle through your system. I know if I’ve been bad one day, that you can (with your budget, resources, and place you live in), a book in my I need to eat “clean” for a few days to compensate. then you can’t worry about (or control) everything. Simply do hands and turn- 7. Choose carefully where you dine out. Some restau- your best to take care of your allergies. Many kids are raised just ing the pages. rants heat up pre-packaged foods (assembled in a factory) and fine with what’s available and adults cope with what they have. I don’t think I have a little control over meals’ ingredients. Find places that Worry less and live more. will ever switch will accommodate your restrictions, and that offer fresh menu to e-books. Elvia Pomerat items. If your allergies are really severe, ask if they clean the CORINNE LINCOLN-PINHEIRO Chapel childcare grill and utensils before cooking your food (separately). Red SpouseBuzz.com APG SEVEN DAY FORECAST Thurs Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed

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printer shall refuse to print advertising from that source. 298-7274; send a fax to 410-278-2570; send e-mail to Editor Editorial content is prepared, edited and approved by the [email protected] or contact Assistant editor APG Public Affairs Office. The APG News is printed by The Yvonne Johnson, [email protected] or 410-278- Baltimore Sun Media Group, a private firm in no way con- 1148, or Reporter Rachel Ponder, rachel.e.ponder2.ctr@mail. The APG News, a civilian enterprise newspaper, is an au- nected with the Department of the Army, under exclusive mil or 410-278-1149. thorized publication for members of the U.S. Army. Contents written contract with APG. The civilian printer is responsible for Deadline for copy is Thursday at noon for the following of the APG News are not necessarily official views of, or commercial advertising and mailing. To obtain a yearly sub- Thursday’s paper. endorsed by, the U.S. government, Department of Defense, scription, which costs $16, the price for weekly mailing, or for Department of the Army or the U.S. Army Garrison, Aberdeen problems with incorrect mailing addresses, contact Customer Staff Proving Ground. The newspaper is published weekly by the Service at 139 N. Main Street, Suite 203, Bel Air, MD 21014, Acting APG Senior Commander ...Col. Charles Gibson APG Public Affairs Office, ATTN: IMAP-PA, Building 305, or call 410-838-0611. APG Garrison Commander .. Col. Gregory R. McClinton APG, MD 21005-5001, 410-278-1153. Printed circulation is The appearance of advertising in this publication, including in- Public Affairs Officer ...... Kelly Luster 5,200. serts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Editor ...... Pat Beauchamp Everything advertised in this publication shall be made avail- Department of the Army or The Baltimore Sun Media Group able for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, of the products or services advertised. Acting Assistant Editor...... Alan Feiler color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical For advertising matters, call The Baltimore Sun Media Group, Contract Photojournalists...... Rachel Ponder handicap, political affiliation or any other nonmerit factor of 410-332-6300. Send articles or information for publication ...... Deborah Ince the purchaser, user or patron. If a violation or rejection of this to the APG Public Affairs Office, Building 305, IMAP-PA, Graphic designer/Photographer ...... Molly Blosse equal opportunity policy by an advertiser is confirmed, the APG, MD 21005-5001; call the editor at 410-278-7274, DSN Website ...... www.apgnews.apg.army.mil January 23, 2014 • APG News 3 Drive safely during winter weather

APG Safety Office 7. Be especially careful on bridg- 5. If you have an anti-lock braking sys- forward to reverse, and back again. Each The best advice for driving in bad win- es, overpasses and infrequently traveled tem (ABS), do not pump them. Apply time you’re in gear, give a light touch on ter weather is not to drive at all, if you can roads, which will freeze first. Even at tem- steady pressure to the brakes. You will feel the gas until the vehicle gets going. peratures above freezing, if the conditions the brakes pulse — this is normal. avoid it. If you become stranded... are wet, you might encounter ice in shady Don’t go out until the snow plows and If your front wheels skid... 1. Do not leave your car unless you areas or on exposed roadways like bridges. sand trucks have had a chance to do their 1. Take your foot off the gas and shift to know exactly where you are, how far it 8. Don’t pass snow plows and sanding work, and allow yourself extra time to is to possible help, and are certain you trucks. The drivers have limited visibility, neutral, but don’t try to steer immediately. reach your destination. will improve your situation. and you’re likely to find the road in front 2. As the wheels skid sideways, they will If you must drive in snowy conditions, 2. To attract attention, light two flares of them worse than the road behind. slow the vehicle and traction will return. make sure your car is prepared, and that and place one at each end of the car a safe 9. Don’t assume your vehicle can han- As it does, steer in the direction you want you know how to handle road conditions. distance away. Hang a brightly colored dle all conditions. Even four-wheel and to go. Then put the transmission in “drive” cloth from your antenna. Driving safely on icy roads front-wheel drive vehicles can encounter or release the clutch, and accelerate gently. 3. If you are sure the car’s exhaust 1. Decrease your speed and leave trouble on winter roads. yourself plenty of room to stop. You If you get stuck... pipe is not blocked, run the engine and should allow at least three times more If your rear wheels skid... 1. Do not spin your wheels. This will heater for about 10 minutes every hour space than usual between you and the car 1. Take your foot off the accelerator. only dig you in deeper. or so depending upon the amount of in front of you. 2. Steer in the direction you want the 2. Turn your wheels from side to side gas in the tank. 2. Brake gently to avoid skidding. If front wheels to go. If your rear wheels a few times to push snow out of the way. 4. To protect yourself from frostbite your wheels start to lock up, ease off are sliding left, steer left. If they’re sliding 3. Use a light touch on the gas to and hypothermia use woolen items and the brake. right, steer right. ease your car out. blankets to keep warm. 3. Turn on your lights to increase 3. If your rear wheels start sliding the 4. Use a shovel to clear snow away 5. Keep at least one window open your visibility to other motorists. other way as you recover, ease the steering from the wheels and the underside of the car. slightly. Heavy snow and ice can seal 4. Keep your lights and windshield clean. wheel toward that side. You might have to 5. Pour sand, kitty litter, gravel or salt in a car shut. 5. Use low gears to keep traction, steer left and right a few times to get your the path of the wheels, to help get traction. Sources: National Safety Council, especially on hills. vehicle completely under control. 6. Try rocking the vehicle. (Check your New York State Department of 6. Don’t use cruise control or over- 4. If you have standard brakes, pump owner’s manual first — it can damage the Motor Vehicles, Washington State drive on icy roads. them gently. transmission on some vehicles.) Shift from Government Information & Services Stick with positive changes in the new year By MOLLY HAYDEN Don’t beat yourself up U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria Public Affairs Perfection is unattainable. Remember Making New Year’s resolutions is an that minor missteps when reaching your easy task. Keeping them, on the other goals are completely normal. hand, can be pretty tough. Don’t give up completely because you But the new year isn’t meant for rein- ate a brownie and broke your diet, or vention, but rather reflection. Glancing skipped the gym for a week because you into the rear-view mirror of the past were busy. Everyone has ups and downs; year can serve as a catalyst to make resolve to recover from your mistakes positive changes in health and lifestyle and get back on track. for the future. Ask for support And according to the American Psy- Everyone needs a cheerleader from chological Association, or APA, not keep- time to time. Accepting help from those ing those resolutions is all in our head. who care about you and will listen The APA offered five easy steps strengthens your resilience and ability to try replacing dessert with something else Talk about it for making changes, and sticking with manage stress caused by your resolution. you enjoy, like fruit or yogurt, instead of Share your experiences with family, them. Follow these steps and your If you feel overwhelmed or unable to seeing your diet as a form of punishment. friends, or your family readiness group. 2014 resolutions can become more meet your goals on your own, consider Consider joining or starting support group reality than fantasy. Change one behavior at a time seeking professional help. Unhealthy behaviors develop over to reach your goals, such as a class at the Psychologists are uniquely trained to Start small the course of time. Thus, replacing fitness center or a group of co-workers understand the connection between the Make resolutions that you think you unhealthy behaviors with healthy ones who aim to quit smoking. mind and body. They can offer strate- can keep. If, for example, your aim is to requires time. Don’t get overwhelmed Having someone to share your strug- gies as to how to adjust your goals so exercise more frequently, schedule three and think that you have to reassess gles and successes with makes your jour- that they are attainable, as well as help or four days a week at the gym instead of everything in your life. Instead, work ney to a healthier lifestyle that much you change unhealthy behaviors and seven. If you would like to eat healthier, toward changing one thing at a time. easier and less intimidating. address emotional issues. 4 APG News • January 23, 2014 APG bids farewell to departing commander

By ROBERT DIMICHELE CECOM Public Affairs The Aberdeen Proving Ground community said goodbye to Maj. Gen. (P) Robert S. Ferrell, former commander of the U.S. Army Com- munications-Elec- Ferrell tronics Command (CECOM), Tuesday night at a dinner event on the installation. Ferrell received Senate confirmation of his third star and new assignment to the position of Chief Information Officer/G-6, Office of the Secretary of the Army Decem- ber 20. He relinquished command Dec. 23. As the Chief Information Officer for the Army, Ferrell is now responsible for deliv- ering world-class enterprise services, for enabling network capabilities, and devel- oping information technology policy and architecture to direct information technol- ogy activities across the Army. As the G-6, Ferrell represents the operational com- manders’ interests in ensuring the network enables a smaller, more capable Army. His promotion ceremony to lieutenant general will be Jan. 24 in the Pentagon. About 120 command, installation and Photo by Jim Foard community leaders turned out to honor the (Right) U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command (CECOM) Acting Director Commander Gary P. Martin pres- ents Monique Ferrell (center), wife of Maj. Gen. (P) Robert S. Ferrell (left), with a Department of the Army Certificate of general’s accomplishments as the CECOM Appreciation for Patriotic Civilian Service Jan. 7, during a farewell dinner for Ferrell at Aberdeen Proving Ground. Mrs. commander and the senior commander of Ferrell received the award for her “selfless contributions to the Soldiers, civilians, and Families of CECOM and Team APG.” Aberdeen Proving Ground. “Tonight we Ferrell received Senate confirmation of his third star at the rank of lieutenant general and new assignment to the position honor and say farewell to a great lead- of Chief Information Officer/G-6, Office of the Secretary of the Army Dec. 20, 2013. He relinquished command of CECOM er, teacher and mentor,” said Col. Charles Dec. 23, 2013. Gibson, CECOM’s Chief of Staff, who provided the opening remarks. nal Corps Regimental Association chap- also recognized for her support of the APG achieved without you.” The mayors of Aberdeen and Havre de ter also presented Ferrell with the Silver community. Gary P. Martin, Deputy to the Ferrell concluded by saying “You have Grace expressed their gratitude for Ferrell’s Order of Mercury Award. The award is the Commanding General of CECOM and now a good thing going at APG. You have the emphasis on local community relations and Signal Corps Association’s highest and is the command’s acting director, present- magic here. Continue that magic. Take his theme of transparency and engagement. only presented to those who stand above ed Mrs. Ferrell with the Department of the care of one another. This will remain a Representatives from the state and federal their peers and have made conspicuous, Army Certificate of Appreciation for Patri- model for the Army--a national treasure.” governments provided proclamations rec- long-term significant contributions to the otic Civilian Service. Mrs. Ferrell received During his closing remarks Martin ognizing Ferrell’s leadership at CECOM U.S. Army Signal Corps. the award for her “selfless contributions said to Ferrell, “In our first conversation, and APG. Ferrell was presented a resolu- Col. Patrick Kerr, commander of to the Soldiers, civilians, and Families of you talked about focusing on a few prior- tion from the President of the Maryland CECOM’s Information Systems Engineer- CECOM and Team APG.” ities: providing support to the Warfight- State Senate, Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr., ing Command at Fort Huachuca, Ariz., During the farewell event, Ferrell said er; taking care of people; partnership with “… in recognition of leading a number of reflected on Ferrell’s unwavering commit- that “the saddest words I heard were for- the community; and positioning CECOM initiatives to foster and build the relation- ment to others. “… I have probably known mer CECOM commander and former for an era of declining resources. All of ships between the installation and the local Gen. Ferrell the longest in this room, since commander of APG.” He thanked every- these were achieved.” communities.” During Ferrell’s command he was Capt. Ferrell and I was Lt. Kerr. He one for their support and attributed his As acting director, Martin now tenure, he received recognition as the Mil- has always been known to look out and take success to that support. “This promotion assumes the senior leadership role for itary Leader of the Year by the Association care of people and that has never wavered. to lieutenant general is our promotion. CECOM until a new commander is of Defense Communities for his communi- His focus, drive, and follow through have Our unconditional relationship allowed named. Gibson has assumed the role of ty outreach initiatives. always been the same.” us to achieve great things no matter what acting installation commander of Aber- Representatives of Aberdeen’s Sig- Monique Ferrell, the general’s wife, was the obstacle. This would not have been deen Proving Ground. January 23, 2014 • APG News 5 Military seeks solutions for operational needs

Army program Soldiers assigned secures critical to Bulldog Battery, Field Artillery Squadron, 2nd component for Cavalry Regiment load a M777A2 artillery, mortar Howitzer during 2CR’s Maneuver ammunition Rehearsal Exercise at Grafenwoehr Training Area, By DAN LAFONTAINE Germany, Feb. 13, RDECOM 2013. The U.S. Army is nearing The Army is nearing completion on completion on a a project to eliminate its dependen- project to eliminate cy on foreign countries for a critical its dependency energetic component in artillery and on foreign mortar ammunition, officials said. countries for a critical energetic Because of changes in the global component in cotton industry, the United States no artillery and mortar longer has a domestic source of qual- ammunition. ity raw material for manufacturing U.S. Army Photo nitrocellulose for combustible car- tridge cases that are used extensively by the military. A domestic source is necessary to ensure a sufficient sup- ply of quality cartridge cases, which ing process results in tight clumps parative Technology Office’s Foreign the FCT program, and we specifically is vital to maintaining readiness of of cotton fibers,” she said. “Several Comparative Technology program in used a domestic source for the pressed the armed forces, according to Army attempts at breaking up these clumps 2010. FCT’s mission is to find and stock,” Klein said. “Their nitrocellu- experts. were unsuccessful. In fact, a study evaluate “here and now” solutions to lose worked in our combustible cases, Kristy Klein, project officer, Office by a leading pressed stock producer meet operational needs regardless of eliminating the safety and perfor- of the Project Manager for Combat showed that cutting actually welded the origin of that technology. mance issues.” Ammunition Systems, and her col- the fibers together.” The U.S. Army Research, Devel- The key to the process was a Ham- leagues immediately began to investi- Klein explained that these clumps opment and Engineering Command mer Mill machine, which fluffed the gate possible technology solutions to inhibit achieving a homogeneous com- manages the FCT for the Army. pressed stock without major damage meet the military’s operational needs. position of the slurry used to manufac- “FCT provides foreign companies to the fibers. The tests of these tech- “The American cotton industry has ture combustible cases, thus causing with the ‘on ramp’ to Army acquisi- nologies were successful, and the changed from producing raw mate- variations in energetic composition tion,” said William “Randy” Ever- Army has subsequently purchased throughout the product. This non- ett, FCT project officer at RDECOM rial that is a loose fiber to a pressed a Hammer Mill machine that will homogeneity caused by the clumps of headquarters. “When a foreign com- stock material,” Klein said. “The pro- enable this manufacturing process for pressed stock within the combustible pany has a mature technology or prod- cesses downstream in our manufac- nitrocellulose to be transitioned to the case results in burning residue in the uct the U.S. Army has a requirement turing facilities are not capable of United States. gun chamber after firing. for, FCT allows program managers handling the physical change. The Two Program Executive Office “It’s a safety issue as the burning to leverage OSD funds for test and pressed stock material could not meet Ammunition offices, PM-CAS and debris could ignite the next round dur- evaluation.” the Army’s needs for combustible Project Manager for Maneuver Ammu- case materials.” ing insertion into the chamber,” Klein The Army leveraged FCT funds to nition Systems, are working closely Since foreign companies are the said. review foreign nitrocellulose man- with BAE Systems, the operating con- only source of nitrocellulose from Another major concern is the poor ufacturers’ processes that utilize baled cotton linters, the Army need- performance in terms of muzzle veloc- pressed stock. Klein’s team evaluat- tractor of the Radford Army Ammu- ed a solution that will allow the use of ity variation, she said. Production ed technologies from companies in nition Plant, to install, prove-out and domestically produced nitrocellulose data have shown the muzzle velocity France and the Czech Republic. commission the Hammer Mill. from pressed stock, which is readi- variance to be four times greater when “How are they breaking down the “The true success is that we’re ly available from domestic sources, using nitrocellulose with clumps. pressed stock? That is, taking some- going to implement the process in the Klein said. To establish a manufacturing pro- thing like pressed cardboard and fluff U.S. and will again be able to use a “The problem in the manufacturing cess using domestic pressed sheet and it again into loose fibers? What pro- domestic source for quality raw nitro- of the combustible cases using pressed alleviate these performance and safety cesses are they using, and what can cellulose material. This would not stock nitrocellulose is that cutting or issues, the Army turned to the Office we do to bring it to the U.S.? We test- have happened without the support shredding the material using the exist- of the Secretary of Defense Com- ed their processed material through from the FCT office,” Klein said. 6 APG News • January 23, 2014 CECOM’s Logistics and Readiness Center offers Mentoring Program

By TRACEY SUEBSINGH provide candid feedback in the sessions gram, scope and set the expectations for CECOM LRC to assist with development. the program. The roles and responsibil- entorship is a pow- One of the big initiatives with- A mentee should also be open and ities of both the mentor and the men- erful tool for person- in CECOM’s Logistics and Readiness honest with the mentor and have a will- tee were clearly defined by the team Mal and professional Center (LRC) is to train and develop ingness to try new things. The mentee to avoid any confusion that may exist development. The relationship members of the workforce. Lane Col- must be receptive to the mentors feed- with the chain of command. Each senior can improve technical compe- lie, LRC’s director, has been committed back and suggestions in order to make leader made a commitment to mentor a tence, leadership skills, self- to developing the LRC since taking over some changes. If either individual is not supervisor outside of the chain of com- awareness and morale for the committed to the relationship, it will mand. The group continues to meet on a leadership of the center. The LRC senior employee. leaders have also taken an interest and never work out effectively. bimonthly basis to discuss the status of are very involved in the implementation The LRC has rolled out a Mentor- the program and make enhancements for of this program. ing Program for supervisors. The over- the program going forward. ferent experiences and ideas to bring to The Mentoring Program quick- all goal of the program is to guide and LRC senior leaders attended vendor the table. All of the mentors were trained ly became a main concern to ensure coach the leaders of the future. Men- training sessions to gain insight on how to assist with the process being standard- the success of the organization for the toring promotes a working relationship to be a successful mentor. Following the ized across the center. The mentors and future. Mentorship is a powerful tool for in which a more experienced profes- training, the mentors began reaching out mentees set their expectations for the personal and professional development. sional guides and coaches a less expe- to their mentees to begin the process. relationship during their initial meeting. The relationship can improve techni- rienced employee. The act of mentoring Mentoring training and coaching was The initial meeting will allow both indi- cal competence, leadership skills, self- is a flexible and fluid face-to-face pro- required for all the mentors in the pro- viduals time to get to know one anoth- awareness and morale for the employee. cess that requires commitment and dedi- gram. In addition to the vendor training, er and break the ice. The mentor will Both parties in the mentoring rela- cation from both the mentor and mentee. a select team of supervisors conduct- ask questions to develop an Individual tionship have significant responsibili- The relationship is based on trusting one ed roundtable sessions to provide tools Development Action Plan and Mentor- ties to make sure the process is effective. another. Mentoring builds confidence to assist with training new mentors due ship Agreements. and encourages the individual to grow to the expansion of the program to the The mentors dedicate their time and After these documents have been cre- beyond the usual expectations. junior workforce. energy to build a relationship with their ated and the initial dialogue has occurred, A team of senior leaders were brought The sessions were beneficial to every- monthly meetings will occur going for- mentees. They come prepared to listen together to define the Mentoring Pro- one in attendance as each person has dif- actively and intently and making them- ward. The mentor will also be available selves available when needed by the by phone or email anytime the mentee feels the need to reach out. The men- mentee either by email or phone. tor will continue to monitor the progress They also provide open and honest and make adjustments of both the Indi- feedback to the mentees. The mentee vidual Development Action plan and the has the benefit of working with a senior Mentorship Agreement going forward. leader to improve upon any skill gaps The LRC currently has approximately or challenges they have in their career. 45 mentors in the program and 105 men- At times, the mentee may just want to tees. A survey will be going out to the bounce ideas off the mentor. The men- workforce soon to seek out additional tee should be prepared for the mentor to candidates with interest in the program. Dempsey makes case for slowing manpower costs

Chairman calls training I have one sacred obligation to the young men and women who of Army personnel a serve, and only one. And that is, that if I ask them, on behalf ‘sacred obligation.’ of the president, to go to places like Afghanistan or some other

By JIM GARAMONE conflict, they must be the best-trained, best-equipped and best-led American Forces Press Service force on the planet. And I don’t want to win, you know, 5-4. The Defense Department must slow the growth of its manpower costs to I want to win 50 to nothing. avoid a crisis in the future, Army Gen. Gen. Martin E. Dempsey Martin E. Dempsey said in an interview last week. The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff told National Public Radio’s Tom Bowman that if military manpower and If the department’s manpower costs pays and slowing increases in housing ident, to go to places like Afghanistan personnel costs continue growing at cur- stay at the current rate, “we will be over- allowances. or some other conflict, they must be the rent levels, there won’t be money for invested in manpower costs,” Dempsey “That’s where the money is,” he said. best-trained, best-equipped and best-led training or modernization. said. The chairman emphasized this is not force on the planet. And I don’t want to Dempsey predicted that if nothing is The Joint Chiefs are recommending a cut, simply a slowing in the growth. win, you know, 5-4. I want to win 50 to done now, manpower costs “will become the department slow the growth in such None of these changes can happen until nothing. a crisis” in the early part of the next costs. “We think we should do it now, fiscal 2015 at the earliest. “To do that, we’ve got to make the decade. not just defer the problem to our succes- Critics have said the Joint Chiefs of appropriate investments in training, At the current rate of growth, the sors,” Dempsey said. Staff are breaking faith with service readiness, leader development and mod- amount of money that the department The manpower package that the members by even contemplating these ernization and manpower,” he said. “But has to spend to sustain the all-volunteer chiefs have proposed has not yet been changes. I can’t have the manpower account so force will place the force out of balance, presented to Defense Secretary Chuck “I have one sacred obligation to the out of proportion that it precludes me the chairman said. There will not be Hagel, but in general Dempsey said young men and women who serve, and from making sure that if they go into enough money for compensation, train- service members should expect small- only one,” Dempsey said. “And that is, harm’s way, they’re ready to go. That’s ing, equipping and readiness. er pay raises, increases in medical co- that if I ask them, on behalf of the pres- the sacred obligation.”

Where to go for weather updates 2014 Reward offered The Aberdeen Proving Ground office of the U.S. Army Crim- Station Frequency Location inal Investigation Command (CID) is offering a $1,000 reward WAMD AM 970 Harford for information leading to the identification, apprehension and WBAL AM 1090 Baltimore conviction of the person(s) responsible for the theft of multiple WCAO AM 600 Baltimore computers and camera equipment, including Apple MacBooks WDEL AM 1150 Wilmington, Del. and an iPad from the basement of Bldg. 3071, APG North (Aber- WGLD/ESPN AM 1440 Red Lion, Pa. deen), belonging to RDECOM. WINK FM 103.3 York, Pa. Anyone with information concerning this theft should contact WIYY FM 97.9 Baltimore the APG CID Office at 410-278-5261/4042, DSN 298 or the APG WJZ-FM FM 105.7 Baltimore Police Department at 410-306-0565, DSN 458. WJZ-AM AM 1300 Baltimore The payout of cash rewards to military and federal employ- WLIF FM 101.9 Baltimore ees for information leading to a conviction is contingent upon WPOC FM 93.1 Baltimore exceptional actions regarding the information provided. WQSR FM 102.7 Baltimore WROZ FM 101.3 Lancaster, Pa. WSBA AM 910 York, Pa. WSOX FM 96.1 Red Lion, Pa. WSTW FM 93.7 Wilmington, Del. You never have to miss an WXCY FM 103.7 Havre de Grace WZFT FM 104.3 Baltimore issue of the APG News WBAL-TV Channel 11 www.wbaltv.com Baltimore WMAR-TV Channel 2 www.abc2news.com Baltimore WBFF-TV Channel 45 www.foxbaltimore.com Baltimore WJZ-TV Channel 13 http://baltimore.cbslocal.com/ Baltimore Harford Cable Network 21-Comcast/31-Verizon www.harfordcountymd.gov/hcn/ Harford County Fox 43 http://fox43.com/ York, Pa. Facebook http://www.facebook.com/APGMd Twitter http://twitter.com/#!/USAGAPG Telephone 410-278-SNOW (7669)

Other helpful websites include: Maryland Emergency Management Agency http://mema.maryland.gov Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency http://www.pema.state.pa.us Delaware Emergency Management Agency http://dema.delaware.gov/ Check out our archives at Harford County Emergency Management http://harfordpublicsafety.org www.teamapg.com Cecil County Department of Emergency Services http://www.ccdes/ January 23, 2014 • APG News 7 Safety is top priority on Chem-Demil ship

Story and Photo By C. TODD LOPEZ Army News Service Joe Wienand pulled his agency’s mil- itary challenge coin from his coat pocket and held it in the air to display its artwork. He pointed to a small dot of green paint on its surface, less than 1/8 inch in diameter. “A spot like that of mustard [chemical agent] would raise a blister that would be very, very big, and painful,” he said. “And nerve agent -- a dot like that would be enough to kill somebody.” Wienand, who is director of the U.S. Army Edgewood Chemical Biological Center at Aberdeen Proving Ground, said the coin was designed with that bit of art- work so he could use it to illustrate the toxicity of the chemicals the center works with. His team, in cooperation with the Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical and Biological Defense, is responsible for designing, constructing, deploying and operating the Field Deployable Hydroly- sis System (FDHS), which will be used aboard the cargo ship MV Cape Ray this month as part of a U.N. mission to destroy bulk chemical weapons from Syria. Those weapons include 700 metric tons of bis(2-chloroethyl) sulfide, or mus- tard agent; methylphosphonyl difluoride, Butch Leilich (left), Anna Kirby, and Jeffrey Gonce, supervisor of the field maintenance branch at Edgewood or “DF,” which is one component in the Chemical Biological Center’s Chemical Biological Applications Risk Reduction Unit, build the fourth of seven Field manufacture of the nerve agent sarin; and Deployable Hydrolysis Systems. O-ethyl methylphosphonothioic acid, or “EMPTA,” a component in the manufac- ture of the nerve agent VX. than July 1, 2013. Jeffrey Gonce, supervisor of the field came up with the FDHS.” Aboard the ship, a team of 46 Army The FDHS was finished June 27. maintenance branch at ECBC’s Chemical Gonce said his team has embraced civilians from both ECBC and JPEO- The FDHS is air-transportable and fits Biological Applications Risk Reduction the mission so far. “They stood up CBD will use the two FDHS systems to inside two 20-foot containers. “It’s a unit, is responsible for a team of 20 Army to the challenge that was put before destroy those chemical agents over the very small chemical plant that you can civilians, eight of whom constructed the them,” he said, adding that when his course of about 90 days. move wherever you need it to be oper- existing three FDHS units already in exis- team ran into difficulties constructing The Cape Ray will sail to a yet- ated,” Wienand said. tence, and who are now building the the FDHS, because in some cases the unnamed port in Italy to rendezvous In building the FDHS, ECBC and fourth. It takes about two weeks to assem- blueprints for the system didn’t match with a Danish ship that will have previ- JPEO-CBD looked at technology and ble a system from off-the-shelf parts. the realities of actual construction, his ously picked up the chemical weapons processes used at APG for destruc- Gonce has 26 years of experience team was able to contribute by impro- at the Syrian port of Latakia. The trans- tion of mustard gas; Newport, Ind., for working in Army facilities that are respon- vising and making the system work. destruction of the nerve agent VX, and sible for destroying America’s own chem- loading of the chemical weapons will “I’m very proud of my team,” Gonce Pine Bluff, Ark., for the destruction of ical weapons stockpile. Design of the take place at the Italian port. said. “I’m very proud knowing that some- precursors and binary components of system, he said, drew on existing chem- Following the transfer, the Cape Ray thing that my team here worked on, I will head out to international waters chemical weapons. ical weapons destruction facilities he was can stand back some day and say we had still to be determined, and the process While these chemical weapons destruc- already familiar with. something to do with that.” of destroying those chemical weapons tion processes, facilities and technologies “We took the plant designs, and we will commence. existed already in the United States, what figured out the common denominators The operational part of the Cape Ray Using the FDHS, Edgewood special- did not exist -- and what was created with between them and shrunk them down mission is expected to take 90 days, ists will mix the chemical weapons with the development of the FDHS -- was a to make one system, a portable sys- though with perfectly calm seas, it could neutralizing agents such as bleach, water, way to make that capability portable. tem,” he said. “We took the three plants take as little as 45. “It will be one less or sodium hypochlorite, to render them The system was designed and built at and three processes and combined them nation on this planet that will then possess unusable as weapons. In some cases, it’s APG by Army civilians within ECBC. together to make one process -- we chemical weapons,” Spencer said. expected the mix ratio will be nine gallons So far, the team there has built three of neutralizing agent for each gallon of completed units -- two are currently on chemical weapon. The resulting mixture the Cape Ray. The team is in the pro- is waste material, called effluent. cess now of building a fourth FDHS, The effluent from the neutralization and will build an additional three -- for process, hazardous waste, will be stored a total of seven systems. in approved containers aboard the ship. “It’s been a very busy year,” Wienand The U.N. has solicited bids to determine said. “It is not our job normally to produce what commercial facilities will receive the things, but in this case it was the only way effluent for disposal. Some 42 bids have to do it quickly enough so we wouldn’t been received. have to put a contract out and wait for Wienand said the ECBC operators people to bid on it and produce it.” aboard the Cape Ray are experienced with Wienand said the decision to go to sea the handling of chemical weapons. He produced some challenges. “It took a lit- also said the systems aboard the ship have tle bit of engineering to figure out how been engineered to ensure crew safety. to ruggedize the system to make sure it “All the material will be monitored is survivable,” he said. “On the shipboard with chemical monitors so if any vapor application, we had to run some spe- gets out we can close the operations, and cial engineering studies to make sure it we can decontaminate,” Wienand said. was effectively braced and bracketed so “These very experienced operators know it wouldn’t have any problems when it is how to handle these materials, and I think transported on ship or operated on a ship.” they are going to do a fantastic job of At ECBC’s Chemical Biological Appli- making this a safe operation.” cations Risk Reduction unit, construction In December of 2012, defense offi- of the fourth FDHS is now underway. In cials at the Pentagon gathered to address a maintenance building, a pre-built frame the concern of dealing with chemical for an FDHS stands nearly empty, save weapons from Syria The U.S. Strate- for two electric motors and pumps on one gic Command subsequently published end, and a bit of brightly-colored plumb- a Joint Emergent Operational Needs ing. Two workers together bolted another Statement that directed JPEO-CBD to part onto the system, which when com- put together such a capability, no later plete will contain nearly 2,000 such parts. Leave Donations

To participate in the Voluntary Leave Program, use forms OPM 630, Application to Become a Leave Recipient Under the Voluntary Leave Transfer Program; OPF 630-A, Request to Donate Annual Leave to Leave Recipient Under the Voluntary Leave Transfer Program (within agency); and OPM 630-B, Request to Donate Annual Leave to Leave Recipient Under the Voluntary Leave Transfer Program (outside agency). For info, contact Cathy Davis at 410-306-0152 or [email protected]. Employees eligible for donations in the Voluntary Leave Transfer Program

Kennedy, Sandra Walker, Cally Williams, Jonathan Lamar-Reevey, Kellie Winne, Janeen Wright, Sameisha Freidman, Mariann McClintick, Jill Young, Trier Nunley, Dana Smith, Deborah Caron, Lois Solomon, Je’Neane Rodriguez, Pedro Corun, Charlene Samler, Jennifer Blethen, Matthew Hoffman, William Brown, Rita Wilding, Jasmine Sweeney, Joseph Hill, Christian Robinson, Lisa Park, Jessica Williams, Demetria Chang, Jennifer Blethen, Lena Urban, Brenda Alexander, Patricia Cobb, Joyce Cwiertnie, Victoria L Eberhardt, Joanne King, Beverly Jones, Michelle Fike, Curtis Shelton, Lena Calahan, Jane Gunter, Angeline Robinson, Jennifer Martino, Rose Humes, Lashonda Sumic, Angie Birch, Garfield Lee, Aileen Small, Errol Crawford, Curtis Lowry, Teresa Whittingham-Fields, Green-Farley, Jessica Poole, Rodney Takeyce Scott, Chandria Torrise, Carmen 8 APG News • January 23, 2014 MARK YOUR CALENDAR

TODAY WEDNESDAY emailed or faxed. This year’s award amount has risen APG SATO TRAVEL JANUARY 23 FEBRUARY 26 to $2,000, and the program awards at LUNCH WITH TUSKEEGEE TEAM APG CELEBRATES BLACK least one scholarship at each commis- RESERVATION AIRMEN HISTORY MONTH sary with qualified applicants. NUMBER CHANGES An applicant must be a Family mem- All are invited to attend the Susque- Join the Team APG celebration of Effective immediately, the local ber, unmarried child, younger than 21 Black History Month at 10:30 a.m. in the reservation line 410-273-1100 for hanna Chapter of the Military Officers – or 23, if enrolled as a full-time stu- Myer Auditorium, Bldg. 6000. The theme CWTSato Travel has been discon- Association of America for lunch at the dent at a college or university – of a for the event is “Civil Rights in America.” nected. The new reservation line is Richlin Ballroom, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., service member on active duty, Reserve For more information contact: SFC 800-296-3074. when four original and documented or National Guard, retiree or survivor Yvette James, EOA, RDECOM, 410-306- “It is especially important that Tuskegee Airmen will discuss their expe- of a service member who died while on 2425, Tracy Marshall, EOA, CECOM, anyone who handles orders for riences. The nation’s first African-Ameri- active duty, or survivor of a retiree. 443-861-436 or Linda Patrick, EEO PHC, any individual or organization can fighter pilots, aircraft mechanics and Applicants should ensure that they 410-436-1023 has the correct number, and it maintenance techs, Tuskegee Airmen and their sponsor are enrolled in the is updated in the Defense Trav- overcame segregation and prejudice to Defense Enrollment Eligibility Report- el System” said APG Transporta- SATURDAY ing System (DEERS) database and become one of the most highly respected tion Officer Nick D. Curcio. The have a military ID card. The appli- fighter groups of World War II. The cost Fax numbers will remain 410-273- MARCH 1 cant must attend or plan to attend an is $25. RSVP to TJ Staffieri at tjs3tjs3@ TALENT HUNT 1181 and 866-209-2035. gmail.com by Jan. 18 or mail checks, pay- accredited college or university, full able to Susquehanna MOAA, to Susque- The Iota Nu chapter of Omega Psi time, in the fall of 2014 or be enrolled hanna MOAA, ATTN: Luncheon, PO Box Phi Fraternity present their annual tal- in studies designed to transfer to a grams currently have immediate open- 243, APG MD 21005. ent hunt from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Ball Con- four-year program. ings for the 2013-2014 school year at ference Center, Bldg. 3074, APG North Fisher House Foundation, a non- For more information, contact Jeff their School Age & Youth Services facil- (Aberdeen). The competition is open to profit organization that helps service Brock, chapter president, at 443-686-1454. ities. Openings are available in both high school students, grades 9 through members and their families, administers locations for eligible users. For more WOA MONTHLY MEETING 12. Students will be able to compete in the program. Scholarship Managers, a information, call 410-278-7571/7479. The U.S. Army Warrant Officer Asso- the areas of Dance, Dramatic Interpreta- national, nonprofit, scholarship man- KEYSTONE CLUB ciation’s Aberdeen-Edgewood “Silver” tion, Instrumental Solo, Vocal Solo and agement services organization, manag- This free class for high school stu- Chapter will hold its monthly meeting Visual Art. Cash prizes will be awarded es and awards the scholarships. Com- missary partners and the general public dents meets every other Friday, 7 to 11:30 a. m. at the APG North (Aberdeen) and the first place winner will advance to the district competition. Admission to donate money to the program; every 9 p.m. at the APG North (Aberdeen) recreation center, Bldg. 3326 room 105. the event is free. dollar donated goes directly to funding Youth Center, Bldg 2522. This unique Lunch will be provided 11:30 a.m. and To enter the talent hunt, or for more the scholarships. leadership development experience the meeting will be held noon to 12:45 information, contact Anthony Dorsey at Since inception of the program in provides opportunities for young peo- p.m. 443-528-5122, Anthony.dorsey@gmail. 2001, more than $11.3 million in schol- ple ages 14-18. Youth participate in For more information contact retired com or Mark Thomas at 443-752-4205, arships have been awarded to 7,412 activities, both in and out of the club, Chief Warrant Officer 4 Owen McNiff [email protected]. military Family members from more in three focus areas: academic success, at 571-243-6561/443-861-1936 or email: than 71,000 applicants. career preparation and community ser- [email protected]. MAY 2-4 For more information, students or vice. With the guidance of an adult advi- SECOND INDIANHEAD sponsors should call Scholarship Man- sor, Keystone Club aims to have a posi- DIVISION ASSOCIATION agers at 856-616-9311 or email them at tive impact on members, the club and THURSDAY community. Participants may bring up REUNION militaryscholar@scholarshipmanagers. com. to two non-DoD friends. For more infor- JANUARY 30 Attention, 2nd Infantry Division Vet- mation, call 410-278-4995. CORVIAS 2014 GRANT AND RESTORATION ADVISORY erans! The Penn - Jersey Branch of the INSIDE APG BOARD Second Indianhead Division Association SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS will have its annual reunion in Lancaster, APG commanders and subject mat- The next RAB meeting will be held on AVAILABLE Pa, at the Continental Inn. All veterans ter experts will discuss topics of inter- Jan. 30 at 7 p.m. at the Ramada Confer- The Corvias Foundation has of the Army’s 2nd Infantry Division are est to the local community every Satur- ence Center in Edgewood. The topic of announced that applications for the day and Wednesday at 7:50 a.m. during invited, especially those in the nearby 2014 Our Future Scholarships and the discussion will be an update on The Bush states of Delaware, Maryland, New York, “Inside APG: Creating One Commu- River Study Area. 2014 Our Family Educational Grants are nity Without a Gate,” a monthly radio Virginia, West Virginia, and the District now available. of Columbia. For more information, call series on 970 WAMD. For more infor- Applications for Our Future Schol- Jack Woodall at (610) 274-1409 or send mation about the series, to schedule or TUESDAY arships must be submitted by Feb.13, an email to [email protected]. request an interview, call the Garrison FEBRUARY 4 2014, and will be awarded to high school Public Affairs Office at 410-278-1150. ONGOING seniors with plans of attending a four- For previous interviews, follow these GARRISON TOWN HALL year university or college in the amount links:http://youtu.be/a8vuMdxmG50; Garrison staff is invited to attend the THROUGH JANUARY 20 of up to $50,000 each. Applications for http://youtu.be/se7hTkwnbO8 Garrison Town Hall at the APG North ESGR ACCEPTING the 2014 Our Family Educational Grants PIANO & GUITAR LESSONS (Aberdeen) post theater at 10 a.m. APG NOMINATIONS FOR FREEDOM must be submitted by May 8, 2014. Grants are given in the amount of up Each class is a one-on-one, 30-minute South (Edgewood) staff may join via AWARD session for seven or eight weeks, once a VTC at the EA Conference Center, Bldg. to $5,000 to spouses of active-duty ser- Employer Support of the Guard vice members at the installations listed week. Parents choose a time between 3 E4810. and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of above. Applicants may be in any stage of and 9 p.m. when they register their chil- Topics to be discussed include: Defense office, is accepting nomina- the educational process. Recipients will dren. Open to all DOD ID cardholders.  Results of the recent climate survey tions for the 2014 Secretary of Defense be notified by July 10. To register, visit Central Registration or  Retirement Planning Class Overview Employer Support Freedom Award. The Families do not have to reside in on- call 410-278-7479/7571. For informa-  Employee Assistance Program Freedom Award is DoD’s highest honor post housing to qualify. Eligible service tion, email [email protected]  DFMWR Spring Trips and Programs to civilian employers for exceptional members stationed at these installations or call 410-278-4589.  Summer Camp Offerings support of their National Guard and can serve in any branch of the military. REPORT POWER OUTAGES TO Reserve employees. A Q&A session will be held dur- To apply, go to http://corviasfounda- CORVIAS MILITARY LIVING ESGR Guardsmen, Reservists or Fam- ing this event. To submit questions tion.org. For more information, call 401- During severe weather, all residential ily members are encouraged to submit 228-2836 or email info@corviasfounda- in advance, email usarmy.apg.imcom. nominations at www.FreedomAward. power outages should be reported to [email protected]. For more infor- tion.org the Neighborhood Office at 410-305- mil by Jan. 20, 2014. Up to 15 award- CPR, AED CLASSES SCHEDULED mation about the Garrison Town Hall, ees will be recognized during a Wash- 1076. This will allow staff to determine contact Lisa McClure at lisa.a.mcclure9. ington, D.C. ceremony on a date to be The APG Fire and Emergency Servic- if the outage is widespread or specific [email protected], (410) 278-0003. announced. es Division of the Directorate of Emer- to the home and coordinate the respon- sible provider to restore power. For more information, contact Beth gency Services has released its sched- ule for CPR and automated external In the event a neighborhood office SATURDAY Sherman, ESGR Public Affairs, at 571- 372-0705 or email OSD.ESGR-PA@mail. defibrillator (AED) classes for 2014. Two loses power, the phone system may FEBRUARY 8 mil. classes will be held the third Wednes- also be affected. If the office cannot be reached, residents should call the fol- ST. BARBARA’S DAY day of each month at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. THROUGH FEBRUARY 28 in the same location. lowing toll-free numbers to report out- CELEBRATION SCHOLARSHIPS FOR MILITARY Feb. 19, Edgewood Conference Center ages and maintenance emergencies. The APG Chapter of the Field Artil- CHILDREN PROGRAM March 19, APG North (Aberdeen) chapel Calls to the toll-free number will directly lery Association will host a St. Barbara’s April 16, Edgewood Conference Center connect residents to the emergency on- Applications for the 2014 Scholar- call service. Day Celebration starting 6 p.m. at Top May 21, APG North (Aberdeen) chapel ships for Military Children Program APG: 1-866-958-5412 of the Bay. Tickets cost $60 per person June 18, Edgewood Conference Center became available Dec. 3 at commis- Patriot Village: 1-866-871-6257 or $600 for table of 10. The celebration July 16, APG North (Aberdeen) chapel saries worldwide or on the Internet at NH Office: 410-305-1076 includes prime rib and crab cake din- http://www.militaryscholar.org. Aug. 20, Edgewood Conference Center ner, awards ceremony and dancing. All Applications must be turned in to a Sept. 17, APG North (Aberdeen) chapel APG THRIFT SHOP NEEDS friends of artillery are welcome. Regis- commissary by close of business Feb. Oct. 15, Edgewood Conference Center VOLUNTEERS ter or receive more information online 28, 2014. Packages must be hand- Nov. 19, APG North (Aberdeen) chapel With just two hours a week to spare, at https://events.brtrc.info/ausa-aber- delivered or shipped via U.S. Postal Dec. 17, Edgewood Conference Center you can serve your community as a vol- deen/2014_St_Barbaras_Day_Ball/. Service or other delivery methods; not Class size is limited to 30 partici- unteer at the APG Thrift Store. Locat- pants. For more information or to reg- ed in Bldg. 2458 behind the Main Post ister, contact Mike Slayman, assistant Chapel, the Thrift Shop offers quality, chief of EMS, at 410-306-0566 or e-mail gently-used items featuring clothing [email protected]. for babies to adults including military CYSS PARTNERS WITH uniforms, appliances, electronics, furni- HOMESCHOOLERS ture, luggage, kitchenware, toys, knick knacks, books, jewelry and collectibles. APG Child, Youth and School Ser- And its dollars go right back into the vices is trying to establish a partner- community. So come spend an hour or ship with authorized users who home- a day, making new friends while helping school their children in the Aberdeen your community. and Edgewood areas. CYSS is willing For more information, or to volun- to open its facilities during the week so teer, call the Thrift Shop during business homeschooled children can have access hours at 410-272-8572. Sheena Haynie to classrooms, the computer lab and Assistant Manager, APG Bowling Center Snack Bar gym on a scheduled basis. For more information, call 410- 278-7571/7479. FRIDAY NIGHT OPEN Sheena Haynie knows what it’s like to work Bowling Center for a year. She is a graduate RECREATION FOR TEENS in fast-paced environments. As assistant man- of Havre de Grace High School. Her father is The APG North (Aberdeen) Youth ager of the APG Bowling Center Snack Bar, a recently retired Air National Guard officer Center, Bldg 2522, invites all high Haynie does a lot to make sure the center runs who was based at Martin State Airport and Air school students out to its free Friday smoothly, including cooking, busing tables, National Guard Base. Night Open Recreation for Teens, every overseeing co-workers and ensuring the center Haynie said her favorite part of her job is Friday from 6 p.m. to midnight. Teens is stocked with food and other materials. interacting with her co-workers. “We make are invited out to meet new friends, “I do it all,” Haynie said, “but I like how each other laugh,” she said. “Everybody here shoot some hoops or just play some MORE everyone [who works at the center] works is really close. This is a family-oriented place, pool. Bring up to two non-DoD friends ONLINE together and gets along. There’s a lot of and we’re a family here.” to join in the fun. For more information, teamwork.” For more information on APG Bowling call 410-278-4995. More events can Haynie previously worked at Top of the Center, visit http://www.apgmwr.com/recre- YOUTH CENTER OPENINGS be seen at www. apgnews.apg.army. Bay and North Side Grill, and has been at APG ation/bowling.html. The Aberdeen and Edgewood pro- mil/calendar. January 23, 2014 • APG News 9 “The Old Guard” trains at ATC

By GEROME Q. BANKS operations overview and preventive main- The oldest active-duty infantry unit tenance training provides knowledge and in the Army, traditionally know as “The understanding of system operation,” said Old Guard,” conducted Mine Resistant ATC test officer, Kimber Hill. “Providing Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle train- hand-on experiences prepares the opera- ing at U.S. Army Aberdeen Test Center in tors to use and maintain the equipment in November. the manor that it is intended.” The Old Guard not only serves as ATC’s knowledgeable MRAP test team the official U.S. Army Honor Guard and consists of a diverse group of test offi- escort to the president but also vigorously cers, data collectors, mechanics, drivers, trains year-round for security and infantry and one combat vehicle tester. The team’s MRAP familiarity is invaluable and many missions. All 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, members have been with the program Old Guard, Soldiers are just as familiar since the vehicle’s inception. While the with time-honored infantry tactics as they Old Guard members did have an MRAP are with ceremonial duties. test team member to guide them through In preparation for extensive instruc- the maintenance and vehicle operation tion at the National Training Center in Fort process, the goal was to have each Soldier Irwin, Ca., Soldiers assigned to the Old execute various PMCS tasks identified in Guard trained on several MRAP platforms the technical manual. including MaxxPro DASH, RG33 and All “Properly and efficiently operating a Terrain Vehicle, the lightest and most agile vehicle makes a huge difference [to the of the MRAP family. mission]. No one wants to be in a com- Performing preventive maintenance bat zone in the middle of a mission with checks and services of the vehicles and a broken down vehicle,” explained Sgt 1st Photo by Erika Jordan learning to operate and effectively maneu- Class Jessie Lopez, ATC’s noncommis- Soldiers from the 3rd US Infantry Regiment look on as Zachary Trigger instructs on ver the MRAP was integral in the learning sioned officer in charge. “That is how ini- the MRAP PMCS process. process for the Old Guard. “Equipment tiative gets lost.” TRICARE centers to close walk-in service

By THOMAS JOHNSON CARE services available to them, via Starting April 1, 189 TRICARE Ser- the internet and by phone. The toll-free vice Centers (TSCs) in the United States number is: 1-(877)-TRICARE. Enroll- will no longer provide walk-in services. ment, billing, PCM change, and general Few, if any, commercial health plans information can now be handled online. provide any type of walk-in services For more Information about TSC and providing this service has been too closings and benefits questions visit expensive for the government. www.tricare.mil The TSC walk-in service cost For access to Electronic Health approximately $51 million dollars a Records and Military Treatment Facil- year; the elimination of this service will ity (MTF) including making and can- save $254 million in the next five years. celling clinic appointments go to: All TRICARE Service Centers www.tricareonline.com will shift to online and phone ser- vice. This shift in mode of service corresponds with the Department of Ohio Air National Guard Senior Airman Defense effort to continue to provide Bruce Moman, an Aerospace medical service journeyman from the 180th quality healthcare without changing fighter wing medical group, takes the benefits, fees, or cost-shares to its 9.6 blood pressure of a patient as part of million beneficiaries. an annual physical health assessment Beneficiaries will still have TRI- U.S. Air Force photo

Across make your New Year’s resolutions stick. 2. One of the opinion articles asks, 7. The ______(two words) trained The APG Crossword “Is being in the Military ______?” with ATC. 5. Researchers from this organization 8. An interview with Frank Kend- 1 recently won an award for food inspec- all, U.S. Defense ______Chief, 2 3 4 tion efforts. appears in this week’s APG News. 10. ______is a powerful tool 5 6. The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff has made a case for slowing for personal and professional develop- 6 ______costs. ment. 9. Tax personnel cannot prepare an 11. An APG military child recently accurate return unless the taxpayer donated this personal item for other 7 brings all necessary ______. children in need.

8 13. ____ industry growth are in a 12. The best advice for driving in bad stage of continuous growth. ______weather is to not drive at all, if 9 10 15. A ______advisory board possible. meeting is scheduled for Jan. 30. 14. ______ground, aerial and under- 16. These centers will close for walk- water vehicles provide Warfighters with 11 12 in service. incredible capabilities. 13 14 17. Aberdeen High School was selected as ‘School of the Year’ by this Solution to the Jan. 16 puzzle 15 1 2 TOGETHER organization. 3 AA 4 18. APG recently bid farewell to this CU A 5 6 commander, Maj. Gen. Robert ______CEXTERNALF 16 Down HILE 7 8 17 OHCSIMMONS 1. ______can be found in foods, 9 CRYAM 10 man-made products and environmen- OEPLIR 11 tal irritants. LD TO TD 12 18 2. What is the top priority on the A E I TUSKEEGEE TB RH DC 13 14 Chem-Demil ship? EXOSKELETON O C 3. Dr. Martin Luther King’s life was RMR ME AEM R celebrated in a presentation entitled 15 Answers to this puzzle may be found in this edition of the APG News, or may be HNEIGHBORHOOD “Echoes of a ______” TA E 16 common knowledge. The completed puzzle will be published in next week’s paper. 4. Change one ______at a time to IEWFC

Accessing Higher Education Track The Higher Education Track classes are two-day training events, eight hours per day. The purpose is to help active duty and reserve Soldiers determine career, per- sonal and academic goals; help Soldiers contribute to the selection of a higher educa- tion institution; present information about funding factors for selection of higher edu- cation institutions; and provide facts about admissions. This class is only for Soldiers that are transitioning from the military and currently going through the Army Career and Alumni Program (ACAP) process. The 2014 training dates are Feb. 19-20, April 16 – 17 and Sept. 17 – 18. Contact the ACAP/Transition office (410) 306-2303 or Army Education Center (410) 306-2042 for assistance with class registration

How are we doing? E-mail comments and suggestions for the APG News to the editor at [email protected] Interview10 APG News • January 23, 2014 with Frank Kendall, U.S. Defense Acquisition Chief

Defense News As the U.S. I’m trying to make a very big point that there’s not just one size or undersecretary of defense for acqui- one way to set up a program. There are some basic things that you sition, technolo- gy and logistics, have to do in almost every program, but beyond that you have to Frank Kendall look at the nature of the product and factors like the operational oversees hundreds of billions of dol- urgency ... then lay out a program that makes sense for that product. lars in procure- ment programs. Frank Kendall He recently rewrote the Pentagon’s acquisition bible, known as “Defense U.S. Undersecretary of Defense for Aquisition, Technology and Logistics Department Instruction 5000.02.” The in 5000.02. Affordability was discussed, new 5000.02 is the emphasis on tailoring bers that are currently in the law, we’re guidance implements Better Buying but this really is much more specific and alternative models for how to struc- still going to have a big problem in the Power initiatives developed by Kendall guidance. Basically it tells the servic- ture programs. I’m trying to make a very next few years. and his predecessor, Ashton Carter. es, and ... the operational communities big point that there’s not just one size What worries you? and the programming communities that or one way to set up a program. There Can you talk about the update they need to do long-term capital plan- are some basic things that you have to I’m particularly worried about [R&D]. to DoD 5000.02? ning before they start down a program; do in almost every program, but beyond I’m particularly worried about sustain- I found a couple of gaps that I that cost is a requirement. We can’t that you have to look at the nature of the ing technological superiority over time, thought we needed to close that were afford to pay whatever people want in product and factors like the operation- and what deep cuts to R&D are going to fairly significant. Also, there were a terms of capabilities. We have to limit al urgency ... then lay out a program that do to that. I’m particularly worried about number of laws that had been passed our reach to stay within our grasp. The makes sense for that product. the industrial base and what deep cuts that needed to be implemented into affordability analysis piece of this gets in production and R&D are going to do. What are some of your the [DoD instruction] somehow. And the programming community and the As I look around the world and I see we had done some things under Better requirements community to sit down and biggest concerns in 2014? what other countries are doing who may Buying Power that I thought needed to figure out what kind of cost constraint My biggest concern, obviously, is or may not be future adversaries, but be reinforced through 5000.02. they’re going to have to live in. execution of a budget and preserving the who certainly would be willing to sell to The gaps have to do largely with the long-term health of the department as we people who might be future adversaries, need for a requirements decision point So they have to justify their go through what is inevitably going to be I’m disturbed by it. I’m very concerned during what is the risk-reduction phase, budget? an incredibly difficult period. The [bud- about eroding technological superiori- the technology demonstration phase. We do a 30-year shipbuilding, we do get] act [passed by] Congress right now ty and where we’re headed. We’re cut- Essentially what we were doing is writ- a 30-year [tactical aviation] plan. This resolves ’14. It does not resolve the out- ting our budget substantially while some ing a draft requirements document makes all the communities look out [to] years. We are still going to be in an envi- of the people we worry about are going when we first came through before that kind of a time frame, the life-cycle ronment with an enormous amount of in the opposite direction. We’ve had 20 Milestone A. That Milestone A kicks of a product. If I’m going to have rough- uncertainty about what [DoD] is going years since the end of the Cold War of a off a number of risk-reduction activities ly this amount of money in my service to to look like long term. Without that, it’s presumption in the United States that we with industry, usually competitively. spend and I have to replace everything in very hard for us to get on the path to a are technologically superior, militarily. I Then we were setting up Milestone B, my current equipment inventory over 30 future posture for the department that we don’t think that’s a safe assumption. In the entry into full-scale development, years, how much can I afford to spend on understand and we’re sure we can get to fact, we’ve gotten complacent about that after the preliminary design review. But a given item? and execute. and we’ve been distracted for the last nowhere in between was there a place We still like that strategy [that DoD 10 years fighting counterinsurgencies. I What else? developed two years ago], but it looks think we’re cutting budgets in the face to finalize the requirements. So we add- I tried to implement cost control, ed a new decision point, which I’ll par- like the resources are going away. In that of growing threats, and that’s something cost management as a higher priority. environment, there’s a tendency to hang we need to recognize. ticipate in for major programs, but it’s “Should cost” is an important part of largely a Joint Requirements Oversight on to force structure, but at the same that. Program managers have a funda- time ... you’re taking big cuts. The mon- Council, Joint Staff, service, require- mental responsibility to understand their ey has to come from somewhere. It tends Visit APG News ments community decision. cost and to act to try to control their costs to come partly from readiness and part- online at Affordability? to drive them down. That’s a cultural ly investment accounts, modernization We’re implementing the affordabil- change that’s going to take a little time. and R&D [research and development] www.teamapg.com ity analysis and affordability caps now Another thing that’s important in the and procurement. Even with the num- Database technology to optimize identification

By JENNA BRADY nizations, that it has the potential to Army News support, much of the data to be queried Data volumes are in a stage of contin- is in the form of textual reports, email, uous growth, particularly in the areas of and analyst notes. science, industry and the military. Thus, In order for relevant, mission crit- the issue of authenticated federated shar- ical information to be federated and ing and the breadth and depth of informa- retrieved from these reports, Natural tion available, as well as the capacity to Language Processing rules were devel- process it in a timely manner, are ongo- oped using the IBM LanguageWare ing challenges as pertaining to informa- tool. tion management. The combination of NLP rules for To satisfy the demand for enhanced parsing raw data, a triplestore and con- information management and fulfill the tent analysis create the capability to tar- desires of the NATO Intelligence Fusion get people, places, organizations, dates, Centre for improved information sharing, times, and measurements as well as the current trend is to move away from improvised explosive devices, weap- large database architectures to more dis- ons, and vehicles when information is tributed database technologies. queried and are able to be linked togeth- The type of database desired is one er by event. that empowers discovery, makes better When it comes to security, Toth said use of network resources, and promotes that the Gaian Database uses a combi- security. nation of Policy Based Access and Ker- Scientists and analysts at APG’s U.S. beros user authentication. Army Research Laboratory in the Com- IBM developed an extension to the putational and Information Sciences standard Kerberos protocol for use with Directorate and Sensors and Electron the Gaian Database, and in order to use Devices Directorate, in collaboration with The Gaian Database is a Dynamic Distributed Federated Database, meaning that the database, a user authenticates when NIFC and IBM researchers in the United its structure combines the capabilities of distributed databases, database federation, they first login, which then negotiates Kingdom, recently completed a Coalition automated discovery and the semantics of data, allowing for controlled access to data with the ticket granting service (domain Warfare Program project to field Gaian and the flow of data through the network of distributed nodes within the database. controller) to obtain the ticket for the Federated Database technology, which web application server. leveraged Gaian Database capability, a Laboratory was developed to provide a of data access and dissemination. Once the user has authenticated, the research product of the ARL and U.K. controlled, repeatable environment for The Gaian Database is a Dynam- application server creates the query Ministry of Defence International Tech- network science experimentation. ic Distributed Federated Database, key for that user, which is then passed nology Alliance. “The NSRL is an ideal facility for meaning that its structure combines the encrypted down a connection of nodes. The goal of the CWP, sponsored by the understanding the real-world limits of capabilities of distributed databases, This key is generated by applying a Office of the Secretary of Defense, was to this capability. Using our virtualized database federation, automated discov- one-way function to the user’s Kerberos develop and transition an extensible capa- experimentation environment, we can ery and the semantics of data, allow- session key, which is then used to create bility of performing distributed federat- subject the Gaian Database, or any oth- ing for controlled access to data and the message integrity codes for the queries ed query and information dissemination er application, to the limitations of tac- flow of data through the network of dis- performed by that user. across a coalition network of distributed tical networks in a repeatable way,” tributed nodes within the database. In terms of benefits to the Army, the disparate data and information sources. said Andrew Toth, computer scientist The nodes discussed have the abili- Gaian Database assists Soldiers in per- Integrated within this capability is the and lead for the Secure Mobile Net- ty to logically connect through a fully forming missions by providing timely development of the associated access- working Team in ARL’s Tactical Net- autonomous process that is biological- information collected from disparate data controlled policies with security measures work Assurance Branch within CISD. ly inspired and have the capability to sources. “By treating everything as a data that govern the sharing/dissemination The project was led by ARL research- access multiple federated data sourc- source and enabling access to that data, of data/information to support coalition ers Tien Pham and Andrew Toth, with es. “The basic concept of Gaian was to the Soldier can have the latest intel to sup- related intel missions. software development and integration answer the question, “What would be port the mission,” Toth said. Much of the continued research con- by IBM U.K. and support from the U.K. required to connect every data source “In addition, the policy enforcement ducted on the Gaian Database occurs Defense Science and Technology Labo- in the world?” To accomplish this, data- mechanism that is an integral part of the in the Network Science Research Lab- ratory and is primarily concerned with base nodes would need automated dis- Gaian Database means the analyst can eas- oratory at ARL’s Adelphi Laboratory data discovery, the federation of vari- covery of other nodes, Toth said. ily share data sources with coalition part- Center. The Network Science Research ous data sources and the safeguarding For the Gaian Database and the orga- ners based on mission needs,” added Toth. Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/APGMd January 23, 2014 • APG News 11 DOD looks 25 years into the future

By JIM GARAMONE American Forces Press Service Strategy and budget realities are two aspects of the Defense Department’s new Unmanned Systems Integrated Roadmap, released Dec. 23, 2013. The report to Congress is an attempt to chart how unmanned systems fit into the defense of the nation. “The 2013 Unmanned Systems Inte- grated Roadmap articulates a vision and strategy for the continued develop- ment, production, test, training, oper- ation and sustainment of unmanned systems technology across DOD,” said Dyke Weatherington, the director of the unmanned warfare and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance office at the Pentagon. “This road map establishes a techno- logical vision for the next 25 years and outlines the actions and technologies for DOD and industry to pursue intel- ligently, and affordably align with this vision,” he continued. Unmanned aerial vehicles have received the most press, but unmanned underwater vehicles and ground vehi- cles are also providing Warfighters with incredible capabilities. Although unmanned vehicles have proved their worth in combat opera- U.S. Army courtesy photo tions throughout the Middle East and Spc. Rocco Scinto inspects the wing of a MQ-1C Gray Eagle unmanned aircraft during a routine maintenance check at the Central Asia, current technologies Gray Eagle hangar at Fort Stewart, Ga., Dec. 11, 2013. must be expanded and integrated into operational requirements.” the U.S. military shifts its focus to the “The road map describes the chal- the sinews of the defense establish- Of course, all DoD programs have Asia-Pacific region and puts the air- lenges of logistics and sustainment, ment, the report says. to face the reality of the budget crunch. sea doctrine into effect. In the future, training and international cooperation It also calls for unmanned systems “Achieving affordable and cost- unmanned vehicles will be required to while providing insight on the stra- to be programs of record in order to effective technical solutions is imper- operate in more complex environments tegic planning and policy, capabili- achieve “the levels of effectiveness, ative in this fiscally constrained involving difficult weather, terrain, ty needs, technology development and efficiency, affordability, commonality, environment,” the report notes. distance and airspace. All this will operational environments relevant to interoperability, integration and other Strategy really drives the technology. require extensive coordination with the spectrum of unmanned systems,” key parameters needed to meet future Unmanned systems will be crucial as allies and host nations, the report says. Weatherington said. Army researchers earn top honors for mission-critical food inspection efforts

ECBC Communications A team of researchers from the U.S. Army Edgewood Chemical Biologi- cal Center received the United States Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack Department of Agriculture Secretary’s and Agriculture Deputy Secretary Honor Award at the 65th Annual Sec- Krysta Harden present the Secretary’s retary Honor Awards Ceremony. The Honor Award to Edgewood Chemical Biological Center, Agent Chemistry team was recognized for partnering with Team U.S. Army, at Aberdeen Proving the USDA to conduct critical chemical Ground, in Maryland Group leader threat agent research to ensure that the Frederic Berg for partnering with nation’s food supply is safe and reliable. the U.S. Department of Agriculture Led by principal investigators Drs. (USDA) to conduct critical chemical Sue Bae and Mark Winemiller, from threat agent research to ensure that the Agent Chemistry Branch, the ECBC the Nation’s food supply is safe and reliable at the 2013 Secretary’s Honor team made significant contributions to Awards in the Jefferson Auditorium at meeting a USDA goal to protect public USDA in Washington, D.C. last month. health by ensuring food is safe. Photo by Lance Cheung. In order to protect public health and ensure food safety, the USDA must be able identify and ensure it can respond to new and emerging sources of food contamination. The USDA lacked the tiative to enhance USDA homeland Through its Memorandum of Agree- award is open to all 26 agencies of the capabilities and facilities to conduct the security and emergency preparedness. ment with USDA, ECBC will continue USDA. Undersecretary for Food Safety, critically needed research that would In the event of an attack against the to provide support to USDA in the event Dr. Elisabeth Hagen, nominated ECBC ensure its mission was accomplished. food supply, ECBC’s efforts have of an intentional food contamination for the award. As a result, the USDA contacted enabled USDA to understand the con- event involving chemical threat agents. The ECBC team supporting this ECBC, which committed to forging a centrations of these chemical threat Thomas J. Vilsack, U.S. Secretary of effort consists of: Dr. Frederic Berg, partnership with the USDA. ECBC’s agents that will result in adverse Agriculture, and Deputy Secretary of Dr. Mark Winemiller, Dr. Sue Bae, Dr. expertise and infrastructure to work with health effects. This will ensure that Agriculture Krysta Harden, presented David Tevault, Dr. Joseph Corriveau, traditional and non-traditional chemical USDA has the ability to determine the award to the team at the December Dr. James Manthei, Jeffry Forster, Ruth threat agents helped USDA meet their what food in commerce is safe, and to ceremony, which was held in Washing- Moretz, Carl Phillips, Bernadita Gav- mission-critical needs. make sure that safe food will contin- ton, D.C. The Secretary’s Honor Award iola, Brian MacIver, Juan Cajigas, ECBC has also played a significant ue to be supplied and available to feed is a prestigious honor awarded by the Michael Sheely, Fu-Lian Hsu, Leslie role in ensuring the USDA met its ini- Americans and the world. Secretary of Agriculture each year. The McMahon, and Dr. Bruce King. Military child donates hair for a noble cause By RACHEL PONDER “She was known for her hair because Left: Karisia Torrales, 10, before APG News it was so long,” said Sgt. Julio Tor- her haircut Jan. 11. An APG military child recently rales. “She said, `If I ever get my hair Right: Torrales shows off her donated 15 inches of her own hair to cut, I want to donate it. I am very donation. She donated 15 inches benefit her peers suffering from long- proud that she decided to do this on of her own hair to benefit chil- her own.” dren suffering from long-term term medical hair loss. medical hair loss. Karisia Torrales, 10, donated her Karisia said she had been thinking hair Jan. 11 to a non-profit organiza- about donating her hair for the past tion that provides hairpieces to finan- two years. She said she wants to help cially disadvantaged children under children who have cancer or who have the age of 21 living in the United lost their hair due to radiation therapy. States and Canada who suffer from “I didn’t think it is fair that they do long-term medical hair loss from any not have hair when I do,” said Karisia. diagnosis. The mission of this organi- Karisia is a fourth grade student at zation is to help these children build Roye-Williams Elementary School in their self-esteem and return to a sense Havre de Grace. She attends the APG of normalcy. North youth center and participates in This was the first time in her life the center’s Skills Mastery and Resis- that Karisia had her hair cut, except for tance Training (SMART) Girls pro- small trims at home. Her parents, Sgt. gram, which teaches important life Julio Torrales from the 22nd Chemical skills to girls between the ages of 8 to Battalion, and her mother, Brenda Tor- 17. She is also involved in Child, Youth rales, said they were extremely proud and School Services Sports programs. and happy to see their daughter partic- Karisia said her eventual goal is to ipate in this selfless act of compassion. pursue a career in the medical field.

See more photos from events around APG http://www.flickr.com/photos/usagapg/ 12 APG News • January 23, 2014 FLL participants learn professionalism,values Continued from Page 1 to inspire students about science, tech- nology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM, while teaching employment and life skills. FIRST is an acronym – For Inspiration and Recognition of Sci- ence and Technology. Children in FLL are challenged to use their creativity to design a solution or modify an existing solution, to solve a real-world problem. During the opening ceremony, ATEC Commander Maj. Gen. Peter D. Utley commended the participating students for their enthusiasm and teamwork. Utley said hosting the event at ATEC was a natural fit because it exposes the students to APG and the Army. “Employees of this command very much enjoy the opportunity to volun- teer and share their experience with America’s youth,” he said. “We want to continue to support events like this in the future.” In the morning, teams presented their research project to judges. Every Sep- tember, FLL releases a real-life scientif- ic challenge. This year’s challenge was called “Nature’s Fury.” Teams were tasked to choose a nat- ural disaster and come up with a solu- tion to help a community prepare, stay safe or rebuild after a natural disas- ter occurs. Photo by Deborah Ince During the Core Values component (Left to Right) Kate Walsh, Jonathan Dinh and Jeff Martini look on as Hickory Robo Squirrels teammate Dylan Hauff makes of the competition, teams were judged adjustments to their LEGO robot in preparation for competition. on how well they work together and their professionalism. During this chal- lenge, teams were asked to choose a card that contained a word and perform utes on a themed playing field using an dents the extra attention they don’t get Project Award: an impromptu skit based on that word. autonomous robot built by computer- in class,” she said. “These are kids that Block Busters “Gracious professionalism is prob- aided design. are highly motivated and highly curi- Robot Design Award: ably the most important value that we “Children do sports to keep their bod- ous. FIRST LEGO League gives them Robot Brothers are trying to instill upon these kids,” ies active, and they do FIRST LEGO the chance to really go beyond the class- said the U.S. Army Research Laborato- League to keep their minds active,” room learning, get real world expe- Core Values: ry’s Drew Wilkerson, who served as the said the Director of Program Integra- rience. Nothing you can learn in the Lego Tornadoes event’s head judge. “The problems that tion at the U.S. Army Edgewood Chem- classroom to replace talking to profes- Judges: we face in today’s society require multi- ical Biological Center (ECBC) Suzanne sionals about the challenges they face.” Lare Flaire B’Dinglebots tasking and people from different back- Milchling at the competition. Joshua Dobbyn from the Lare Flare grounds working together.” Robot Brothers’ coach Julie Henn The four teams that were the top Wilkerson added that it is important from Perry Hall said the experience pro- B’Dinglebots team said he enjoyed the well rounded teams in all 4 areas that the Army supports activities like FLL vided by FIRST LEGO League is invalu- fun of competing with his peers. (Robot, Project, Core Values, and Per- and similar activities to inspire America’s able. She said teams are encouraged to “I like FIRST LEGO League, it formance) also advanced to the state next generation of STEM professionals. talk to professionals in the STEM fields teaches you how to work as a team finals. The teams that advanced to the to conduct research for their projects. “It is a matter of national security,” while having fun,” he said. states are: This year, their team visited the Mary- he said. “We have to be on the cutting Overall Champions land Emergency Management Agency • Robo Chickens edge of science and technology to pro- Robo Chickens tect our way of life.” to learn about their organization’s emer- • Robo Squirrels In the afternoon, teams were tasked gency operation center. Robot Performance Award: • Disaster Masters to perform 15 missions in 2.5 min- “FIRST LEGO League gives stu- Robot Brothers • Robot Brothers Aberdeen HS named ‘School of the Year’ by NMSI

Continued from Page 1 a great honor for both Aberdeen High AHS, which was selected out of 465 School, as the National School of the Year, schools around the country vying for the and Havre de Grace to receive such great honor, was presented the award by NMSI recognition, especially since dependants of and The Boeing Co., the local program Service Members, Civilians and our con- sponsor, at a celebration in the school’s tract workforce played a role in the schools gymnasium attended by more than 500 earning the recognition.” students, faculty, administrators and fam- AHS received the award after students ily members. and teachers achieved unprecedented gains Havre de Grace High School was also in AP scores in 2012-2013. The previous recognized that day by NSMI for produc- academic year marked the first time that ing exceptional AP results. A non-profit AHS participated in NMSI’s Comprehen- organization launched in 2007, NMSI has sive AP program, which provides teach- received national praise for improving stu- er training and support, additional time dent performances and training teachers on task for students, incentives and other from grades 3-12. tools for improving teacher effectiveness AHS is home to the Science and Math- and student readiness in AP and pre-AP ematics Academy magnet program coordi- coursework. Last year, the 52 schools in nated by Harford County Public Schools. the NMSI program for military families Because AHS is a military-impacted experienced a 67 percent increase in pass- Photo by Deborah Ince school and a large percentage of its stu- ing math, science and English AP scores. AHS senior Elasha Colby (behind lectern) receives congratulations from Principal dents come from Team APG families, At AHS, the average first year increase Michael O’Brien (with back to camera). At far right is APG Garrison Commander also in attendance at the ceremony were in the number of passing scores was 137 Col. Gregory R. McClinton. APG Garrison Commander Col. Gregory percent, 19 times the national average. R. McClinton; Gary Martin, acting direc- More than 160 AHS students excelled in tor of the U.S. Army Communications- the NMSI exams. “It’s really impressive to start to trans- Falone said. If President Obama had been Electronics Command (CECOM); Jeffrey “We’re pretty hard on our students,” form the culture of a school, and that’s in attendance, she said he would have told Singleton from the Office of the Depu- said AHS Principal Michael O’Brien. “But what we have here today,” she told APG AHS students that “he’s proud of them for ty Assistant Secretary of the Army for I’ve never worked with a more dedicated News. “What’s so great about this NMSI working hard and we’re counting on them Research and Technology; Jyuiji Hewett, group of educators.” He added, “This cel- program and the implementation by teach- to continue this great country.” APG STEM champion and deputy director ebration would not be possible without ers is that it encourages all kinds of kids Students who pass NMSI exams are of the U.S. Army Research Development Boeing and the National Math and Sci- to try hard. That’s how you get those three times more likely to graduate col- and Engineering Command (RDECOM); ence Initiative, which helped provide that numbers, that increase. A lot more stu- lege than those who do not, according to Command Sergeant Major Lebert Beha- spark.” dents tried these hard classes and stuck Gregg Fleisher, NMSI’s chief academ- rie of RDECOM; and Col. Rich Morales, Among the speakers at the ceremony with it, passed the tests -- all in one year. ic officer. He said the number of pass- executive director of Joining Forces. was Dr. Patricia Falcone, associate direc- ... Hard work pays off, and kids need that ing exams in math, science and English at encouragement. “As you know, APG is a leader in tor for National Security and International AHS increased from 186 to 441 in 2013. Affairs in the White House Office of Sci- “In a democracy in a complex world, STEM, not only in our initiatives to part- “This program has been around for ence and Technology Policy. While speak- all of our citizens really have to have some ner with our communities and education- over 20 years,” he said. “But in the histo- ing of the importance of STEM studies in technology literacy to be able to listen to al institutions, but also within our various ry of this program, there has never been organizations and their daily activities,” today’s global economy, she encouraged arguments and come to decisions and be students to seek well-rounded educations. employees in the global community,” Dr. a one-year increase for a school like the said Col. Gregory R. McClinton. “It’s Aberdeen Eagles did last year. Never. ... We’re thrilled to support this school, this As you know, APG is a leader in STEM, not only in our initiatives to district and this community’s efforts. It’s really fantastic.” partner with our communities and educational institutions, but also APG contractor David Patrick, who within our various organizations and their daily activities. It’s a great works in the PEO-C3T office, attended the ceremony with his wife, Diana. Their son, honor for both Aberdeen High School, as the National School of the Matthew, 15, is an AHS sophomore. Year, and Havre de Grace to receive such great recognition, espe- “He told us about this celebration, and we’re really glad we came. It’s really excit- cially since dependants of Service Members, Civilians and our con- ing for us,” David Patrick said. “We’re very impressed.” tract workforce played a role in the schools earning the recognition. Diana Patrick said she’s proud to be an AHS parent. “We knew Aberdeen would Col. Gregory R. McClinton be the right place for our son,” she said. Deputy Commander, Aberdeen Proving Ground and Commander, U.S. Army Garrison, Aberdeen Proving Ground “It’s just a great program.” 14 APG News • January 23, 2014

Civilian Employee’s Rights National Drug Facts Week to Union Representation (Weingarten Notice) It is required to annually notify employees that are represented by By DEVITA HAMPTON cent report non- medical use of a narcot- tunity to present their findings on Facts a union of their right to union rep- ASAP ic pain killer. about Drugs. resentation at any examination by As a part of our on-going effort to pre- While drugs can put teen’s health and National Drug Fact Week is support- a representative of the agency in lives in jeopardy, many teens are unaware ed by the White House Office of Nation- connection with an investigation if vent drug abuse, APG’s Army Substance the employee reasonably believes Abuse Program (ASAP) is taking a part of the risks of drug use. Not all teens use al Drug Control Policy, the National drugs, however many of them may have Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcohol- that the examination may result in in National Drug Facts Week, Jan. 27 disciplinary action. family members or friends who may be in ism, the U.S. Department of Education’s through Feb. 2. In accordance with the requirements need of assistance with drug abuse. This Office of Safe and Healthy Students, National Drug Facts Week was of 5 USC 7114(a)(2), this notice con- year APG’s Army Substance Abuse Pro- the Substance Abuse and Mental Health stitutes the required notification for launched in 2010 by the National Insti- gram is focusing on youth who receive Administration, and the Drug Enforce- 2014. tute on Drug Abuse, part of the National overwhelming amounts of misinforma- ment Administration. The text of the law is as follows: Institutes of Health. National Drug Facts tion about the facts of drug use, risk to Join ASAP in an open dialogue An exclusive representative of an Week allows teens the opportunity to ask their health, to their success in school, informing our youth of knowledge to appropriate unit in an agency shall questions about drugs and in turn receive be given the opportunity to be rep- and the dangers of driving under the make better informed decisions ,shat- resented at: actual facts from Substance Abuse Coun- influence. This program gives youth tering the myths about drug use. (B) any examination of an employee selors or Substance Abuse Prevention the opportunity to engage in open dia- For more information, contact Devi- in the unit by a representative of the Counselors. According to the National logue about substance use as well as ta D. Hampton at (410) 278-1716 or agency in connection with an inves- Institute on Drug Abuse, about one third display their talents through original art- (410) 278-DRUG tigation if – (i) the employee rea- of high school seniors across the coun- For more information on National Drug sonably believes that the examina- work, poetry, rap, and role playing. Dur- tion may result in disciplinary action try report using an illicit drug sometime ing National Drug Facts Week, middle Facts Week visit http://drugfactsweek. against the employee; and (ii) the in the past year, and more than ten per- school aged teens will have the oppor- drugabuse.gov or call 301-443-1124. employee requests representation. Tax prep guidelines outlined for eligible users

Continued from Page 1 and dependent care expenses, and some itemized deductions on Sched- Document review ule A may also be eligible. Excessive Document review is now available deductions or schedules and forms will and will continue until appointments not be eligible due to length in prepa- are no longer available. Individuals eligible for simple tax preparation will ration and limited appointment times. be required to visit the CSD office Services will include free electron- located in building 4305, third floor, ic filing on eligible tax returns; how- room 317, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays ever, CSD staff must prepare the tax and Thursdays, 9:00 a.m. to11:00 a.m. return in order to electronically file the only, for a complete review of the indi- tax return. Electronic filing enables vidual’s tax documents. Individuals taxpayers to receive their tax refunds will be processed by number sequence much faster by using e-file with direct upon completion of the required doc- deposit into their bank account rather uments. Those individuals determined than having it mailed. to be eligible for service by CSD Limited assistance with state Staff will be provided with a sched- income tax preparation uled appointment for tax preparation Staff members will provide fed- at a later date; ineligible clients will eral and Maryland tax assistance but accounts online. Soldiers and civilians tion http://www.taxslayer.com/Prod- be referred to other professional tax will only provide limited assistance can access their 2013 tax statements by ucts/free-military-tax-filing offers agencies. Tax preparation will NOT be with local and state tax returns from going to https://mypay.dfas.mil. free self-preparation. provided at the time of the document other state jurisdictions. Individuals Those individuals in need of tax review or without a scheduled appoint- Other free resources available residing in one state while working in preparation assistance by appoint- ment. Document review will not be Individuals ineligible to receive ser- another or individuals requiring the ment may contact other nearby mili- provided January 23 and February 11. vices provided by the CSD, or those preparation of multi-state returns may tary installations, such as Fort Meade whose schedules do not permit a two- Appointments receive assistance with preparation of at 301-677-9762 and Dover Air Force visit process or those in need of a Appointments for tax preparation the federal return; however, due to Base at 302-677-3300. An extensive speedy refund, should consider contact- will be scheduled between February 18 the complexity, assistance will not be Income Tax Provider List is also avail- ing our local AARP Tax Aide Office, and April 10, 2014 which will conclude available for preparation of the multi- able on the APG Tax Services website also sponsored by IRS VITA, at 410- tax preparation for the season. Appoint- state returns. Free Maryland state tax for referral to other tax resources. 638-3425. During the tax season, AARP ments will be made on a first come assistance is available in person at any operates seven sites throughout Harford General information - first-scheduled basis until no appoint- of the agency’s 12 taxpayer service County and its services are provided Inquiries regarding income tax ser- ments are available. Appointments will offices or by calling 1-800-638-2937. (beginning in January) by appointment vices may be directed to the CSD not be scheduled over the phone. A list of office locations can be found only on a first come - first scheduled staff attendant at 410-278-1583. Calls at www.marylandtaxes.com. Simple tax preparation basis until no appointments are avail- after normal operating hours, Monday Most individuals who have simple Obtaining W2s online able. Tax savvy individuals can access – Thursday, 8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., or returns with only the following sources Defense Finance and Accounting Ser- www.militaryonesource.mil and www. received when the attendant is assist- of income will be eligible for service: vice myPay is a secure, DFAS-operated irs.gov/freefile to take advantage of ing other clients will be directed to the wages, pension, interest and dividend, Web site that lets active duty, National various free online self-preparation automated information line. On touch- unemployment compensation, student Guard and Reserve military members, programs. For active duty, Reserve, tone phones press number 3 for the Cli- loan interest, and social security pay- civilian employees, and military retirees National Guard, and DOD personnel, ent Services Division then number 6 for ments. In limited circumstances, child and annuitants take charge of their pay www.taxslayer.com Military Tax Edi- income tax preparation information. King remembered during “Echoes of a Prophet”

Continued from Page 1 erful and still relevant today. He can ca lives, conducts business, fights wars, inspire all races and all faiths,” Moore teaches, learns, loves and praises.” said. “With students especially, you Gibson challenged audience mem- have to do something different to get bers to rededicate themselves to King’s their attention.” dream of racial, social and economic After his reenactment, Moore asked justice and equality. the students in the audience to remem- “Dr. King’s example and his endur- ber the acronym DREAM, which he ing legacy offer proof that the con- said stands for “Dedicated, Resilience, tributions of a single person can help Enthusiasm and Attitude and Moti- improve, inspire and transform an entire vated.” More than 300 students from nation,” Gibson said. South Hampton Middle School, Saint During Moore’s presentation, titled Joan of Arc School and Joppatowne “The Echoes of a Prophet” he recit- High School attended the gathering. ed portions of some of King’s most “I am doing a paper on Dr. Mar- inspirational speeches, including “Why tin Luther King Jr. [Moore’s] presen- Jesus Called a Man a Fool,” “I Have a tation helped me connect to what I am Dream,” “The Drum Major Instinct,” learning in school,” Devin Smallman, and “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop.” a seventh grade student from South Screens above the podium, meanwhile, Hampton Middle School, said after flashed iconic images of King during the presentation. “It was interesting to the civil rights movement, including at hear what he said come to life today.” the 1963 March on Washington. Cynthia Phillips from Army Con- Moore, a military retiree and vice tracting Command-APG said the president of Resource, Development presentation was enlightening and and Strategic Partnerships for the Unit- thought-provoking. ed Way of Delaware, said he creat- “[King] challenged others to think ed “The Echoes of a Prophet” to help about what they can do to serve man- keep king’s dream alive. For more kind,” said Phillips. “He talked about than two decades, he has delivered doing things for the right reasons, not “The Echoes of a Prophet” to schools, for selfish gain.” colleges, youth correctional facilities The program also included a recita- and organizational gatherings through- tion of King’s famous quotes by Team out the country, as well as in Germa- APG committee members, Family and ny, Japan and South Korea. Moore friends; a performance of “The Star- said between January and February, he Spangled Banner” by Tiffaney Evans averages between 30 and 40 speaking from the U.S. Research, Develop- engagements. ment and Engineering Command; the “The message of King is so pow- invocation from Chaplain (Lt. Col.) David Bowerman from U.S. Army Tiffaney Evans, from the U.S. Research, Public Health Command; and closing Development and Engineering remarks from the Deputy to the Com- Command, sings “The Star-Spangled Banner” during the annual Dr. Martin manding General Gary Martin. Renee Luther King Jr. observance held at the Sims from the U.S. Army Test and Myer Auditorium Jan. 16. Evaluation Command served as the Photo by Molly Blosse mistress of ceremonies. January 23, 2014 • APG News 15 APG SNAPSHOT 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/. CPR CLASSES OFFERED AT APG

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) classes are offered free by the Directorate of Emergency Services. The classes provide students with a clear understanding of the step-by-step procedures for CPR. For more information call 410-306-0566 or [email protected].

Clockwise starting top left: Pfc. Michael Murphy and Spc. Brandon Versteegh, both from U.S. Army Public Health Command, practice chest compressions during the CPR class at the APG North chapel Jan. 15.

Sgt. Rickey Hines from U.S. Army Public Health Command practices mouth-to- mouth resuscitation on a dummy.

Spc. Lee Roberts from the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense learns CPR techniques from an emergency medical technician.

Assistant Chief of Emergency Medical Services Mike Slayman leads the CPR class.

Photo by Molly Blosse

Photo by Rachel Ponder

Photo by Rachel Ponder Photo by Deborah Ince

Photo by Deborah Ince Photo by Rachel Ponder FIRST LEGO LEAGUE PROMOTES CREATIVE, HANDS-ON LEARNING

Clockwise starting top left (From left) Lego Masters team members Daniel White, Malik Guerrier, Richard Acevedo, Mikey Stevens, Luis Vargas, from the Aberdeen Boys and Girls Club, watch as their autonomous robot performs a task dur- ing the FIRST LEGO League competition at the U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command headquarters Jan.18.

Lare Flare B’Dinglebots team member Josh Dobbyn camps out in his team’s B’Dingle Pack, a combination of an inflatable tent, foam mat, blanket and neck pillow, that can be used in case of natural disasters.

“Members of team Masters of Disaster pose for a photo

(From left) Sgt. 1st Class Edgar Chamale, from Aberdeen Test Center, and 1st Sgt. Paul Cottrell from Headquarters and Headquarters Company U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command fit Hickory Elementary School third grader Luke Photo by Deborah Ince Photo by Deborah Ince McGovern with a pack of U.S. Army gear.