AAPGPublishedP in the interestG of the people of AberdeenNNEWS Proving Ground,E MarylandWS www.TeamAPG.com THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2015 Vol. 59, No. 50 newsbrief EMERGENCY APG South celebrates holiday VEHICLES ALWAYS HAVE RIGHT-OF-WAY season with tree lighting APG motorists are reminded that emer- gency vehicles using their lights and/or sirens always have the right-of-way on roadways – on and off the installation. According to the APG Directorate of Emergency Services, APG follows Maryland traffic laws. By law, drivers must move as close as pos- sible to the edge of the roadway, clear of any intersection, and remain stopped until the emergency vehicle has passed. Drivers cannot pass a mov- ing emergency vehi- cle using its signals. When approaching a stopped emergency vehicle, drivers must move over, if safe to do so, or slow down. Photo by Rachel Ponder Failure to follow From left, Brig. Gen. William E. King IV, commander of the 20th CBRNE Command, and Michael S. Abaie, director of engineering, the “slow down, move Edgewood Chemical Biological Center, look on as military family members Jaten Ross, 5, Spc. Shenelle Ross, of the 20th CBRNE over” law, failure to Command, Diondrey Hudgins, 9, Diniyah Hudgins, 9, and Shallon Davis pull the lever to light the APG South (Edgewood) tree during yield right-of-way, and a holiday celebration at the APG South recreation center Dec. 8. View more holiday photos on page 19. passing emergency vehicles are primary offenses, each punish- able with a $110 fine and one point on the Freestate graduates Class #45 driver’s license. By STACY SMITH APG News inside Military and community leaders, family members, cadre and guests gathered to honor 107 young men TECHNOLOGY and women who successfully com- pleted 22 weeks of rigorous train- ECBC personnel gather ing during the Maryland National over coffee to share proj- Guard Freestate ChalleNGe Acade- ect updates, several earn my (FCA) Completion Ceremony at “Edgy” awards. the APG North (Aberdeen) post the- ECBC| 4 ater Dec. 12. Keynote speaker Maryland Lt. Gov. Boyd K. Rutherford thanked IN MEMORIAM the FCA staff for their hard work and commended the cadets for their A Maryland nonprofit has perseverance. named a service puppy “The 107 cadets before us today in honor of a fallen APG learned teamwork, job skills and nurse. leadership; they learned the value of Service | 8 being active; they learned the prin- ciples of responsible citizenship,” Rutherford said. Maryland Adjutant General Maj. TRAVEL Maryland National Guard photo Gen. Linda Singh, said the academy CID warns holiday trav- Maryland Lt. Gov. Boyd Rutherford congratulates a Freestate ChalleNGe Academy cadet, as benefits Maryland because cadets graduate from the program with the elers to avoid posting from center, Maryland Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Linda L. Singh; motivational speaker Jesse Boyd; FCA Director Charles Rose and FCA Program Coordinator Charles Holloway look on plans, updates & photos during the completion ceremony for Class #45 at the post theater, Dec. 12. See CADETS, page 18 to social media. CID | 12 Leading from the HOLIDAY front: APG SAMC Check out a full listing of hours and closures on chapter inducts post Dec. 24 - Jan. 2. Installation | 17 newest member 20th CBRNE Command Sgt. Maj. Harold Dunn, left, and CECOM Command Sgt. Maj. William Bruns, right, place the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club ribbon and medallion on newly inducted online member, Sgt. 1st Class Jason C. Sweeney, of the U.S. Army Public Health Center, during an induc- www.TeamAPG. tion ceremony at the post theater on APG North com/APGNews (Aberdeen), Dec. 12. The Sergeant Audie Murphy Club is an elite facebook.com/ organization of noncommissioned officers who APGMd have demonstrated performance and inherent twitter.com/ leadership qualities and abilities characterized by USAGAPG those of Sgt. Audie Murphy, the most decorated Soldier of World War II. Induction into the time- fl ickr.com/photos/ honored organization is reserved for the few and usagapg/ exceptional. Read about Sweeney’s journey to become a SAMC Soldier in the Nov. 25 issue of the APG ICE system http://ice.disa.mil/ News online at www.teamapg.com/APGNews. Facebook, http://on.fb.me/HzQIow Photo by Molly Blosse Mark Your Calendar | 6 By the Numb#rs | 7 All Things Maryland | 9 MWR Events | 10 index APG History | 13 Crossword | 16 Did You Know? | 18 Snapshot | 19 2 APG News • December 17, 2015 Happy Holidays, What is the best gift you have from my family to yours ever received? On behalf of my wife Michelle and the girls, Gracyn, Kelsey and Madison, my family would like to wish each of For those of us you a very Merry Christmas! Enjoy this holiday season with “My uncle had your family, friends and neighbors. lucky enough to a stroke three As we find ourselves in the decorating, cookie-baking and months ago gift-wrapping rush that often surrounds the holiday season, I celebrate the season and he was in wanted to take a moment to pause and express my apprecia- a coma. On my tion of the community here at Aberdeen Proving Ground that surrounded by our birthday a cou- has welcomed my family with open arms and works diligently ple weeks ago each day to support our nation’s warfighters. loved ones, enjoy the he was talking I am proud to call myself a member of this great team and and smiling. I grateful for the opportunity to be your garrison command- well-deserved time off, cherish spent time with Janice Muse er. Here at APG, we are the trusted professionals who ensure him in the hospi- Army Materiel America’s service members have the upper hand on the battle- the memories you are bound tal. That was my Command best gift.” field. From research and development, testing and evaluation and acquisition, to garrison, contracting and medical support to make, and take a moment to services – we should all be proud of our contributions to this great nation. Thank you for your hard work over the past year. relax and recharge. “Well since I’m Your dedication has not gone unnoticed. a new dad, I’d For those of us lucky enough to celebrate the season sur- important that we each take a moment to reflect on the global have to say my rounded by our loved ones, enjoy the well-deserved time events of the past year and how they may have impacted our son. He’s so off, cherish the memories you are bound to make, and take a lives. Take pause to give thanks for the freedoms and liber- precious.” moment to relax and recharge. The holiday season is a very ties we are granted as citizens of this country. In today’s ever- special time of year, filled with joy and celebration. Take this changing environment, never take for granted the fact that time to nurture your own resiliency. Slow down, reflect, rest. we remain the land of the free because we are the undisputed We want you to return after the New Year refreshed, resilient home of the brave. and whole. I also need to address some recent reports I have received Pvt. George Also remember that while many find joy this time of year, from our directorates of Public Works and Emergency Servic- Balboa others may succumb to loneliness or sadness. Look to your es. After noticing a slight “thinning out” of the deer population Alpha Battery, 3rd left, look to your right and check in with people. Pick up the on APG, anecdotal analysis has concluded that the deer who Air Defense Artil- phone and call that battle buddy who couldn’t make it home for remain are the slowest of the herd. My only conclusion is that lery (JLENS) Christmas. Drop in on a neighbor who has been distant. This is Santa must have recruited APG’s fastest deer for his sleigh. the time of year to spread cheer – something as simple as say- Rumor has it that a deer spotted with a bright, red nose is miss- ing “I’ve been thinking about you,” can brighten another’s day. ing from the proving ground as well. Tis the season for family get-togethers and parties with DES has also informed me that while Santa does not have friends. Take the time to have fun, revel in the year’s accom- proper government identification, they have processed his “I guess the plishments and celebrate the year to come, but please remem- background check in advance and approved his visitor’s best gift I’ve ber moderation. The entire season, and New Year’s Eve in request. We will work in conjunction with NORAD to track ever received is particular, is notorious for drunk or impaired driving. Keep his movements and ensure his timely access to the installa- love from oth- yourself and your loved ones safe by staying alert. If you tion Dec. 24. er people - my drink, leave the keys with a designated driver or call a taxi, or From my family to yours, I wish you each the same joy, children, my – I learned this one from my daughters – an “Uber.” If you are laughter and gratitude that we experience this time of year. husband.” hosting, provide alternative, non-alcoholic drinks, and offer Happy Holidays, the couch to a friend who has had a bit too much. COL. JAMES E. DAVIS Betsy Weber Regardless of how you celebrate this time of year, it is ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND GARRISON COMMANDER Family member “I can’t think of APG News to return Jan. 7 anything bet- ter than my This issue marks the last of 2015 for the APG News.