Fort Meade SoundOff for July 5, 2012

1. Soundoff!
vol. 64 no. 27 Published in the interest of the Fort Meade community
´
July 5, 2012
cleaning up
storm damage
Photo by Lt. Col. J. Darrell Sides
An uprooted tree rests on a house on Washington Avenue in the historic portion of Heritage Park on Saturday morning. Winds in excess of 60 mph moved across the region
around 11 p.m. Friday and left behind more than 75 downed trees and power outages on post until Monday afternoon. For the story, see Page 10.
Joyful Hot Notes UPCOMING EVENTS
First Army East Army Field Band TODAY, 9:30 a.m.: “Wild About Books” Story Time - Post Library
volunteers support four-concert series Friday, 7 p.m.-MIDNIGHT: Chicago Steppin’ - Club Meade
entertains community Tuesday, 7 p.m.: MLB All-Star Game Party - The Lanes’ 10th Frame Lounge
Special Olympics
July 12, 9 a.m.: Kimbrough Change of Command ceremony - Parade Field
page 12 page 6 July 12, 7:30 p.m.: USO’s Movies on the Lawn: “Kung Fu Panda 2” - Burba Lake

2. Commander’s Column
Soundoff!
Weathering through
´
Editorial Staff Guaranteed circulation:
Garrison Commander 11,285
Col. Edward C. Rothstein
Acting Garrison Command
Sgt. Maj. Debra McGarity When it rains, it pours. consecutive day.
Public Affairs Officer You often hear people using this expression when It was a con-
Chad T. Jones something happens good or bad. After Friday’s versation like this,
Chad.T.Jones.civ@mail.mil storm, I’m using this phrase literally to describe the in which families
Chief, Command Information violent storm that moved through our community. were concerned
Philip H. Jones For most of us, Friday’s storm came without much with helping each
Philip.H.Jones.civ@mail.mil warning. Unless you happened to tune in to the 6 p.m. other, that cama-
Assistant Editor & Senior Writer weather reports and the forecasts of local meteorolo- raderie made me
Rona S. Hirsch gists, you had little or no idea that fast-moving storms proud. These
Staff Writer Lisa R. Rhodes with hurricane-force winds were heading our way. types of conver-
Staff Writer Brandon Bieltz It was the second time this summer that Fort sations and acts
Design Coordinator Timothy Davis Meade has had to react to severe weather. That said, of kindness were COL. Edward c.
Supple­mental photography provided I could not be more proud of the way many of you shared on com- Rothstein
by Patuxent Publishing Co. Garrison Commander
banded together during this difficult situation. munity Facebook
Advertising I believe this most recent storm, which knocked pages and at neighborhood centers.
down trees and disrupted power service to most of Team Meade doesn’t just talk resiliency, we live
General Inquiries 410-332-6300 the post and region, was more damaging than the it.
Allison Thompson tornadoes we experienced June 1 or even during last Another hats off! goes to Queen Waddell, center
410-332-6850 Allison.Thompson@baltsun.com year’s earthquake and hurricane. coordinator of Fort Meade USO of Metropolitan
Michele Griesbauer But like other times when we have had to recover Washington, and four USO volunteers for distribut-
410-332-6381 Michele.Griesbauer@baltsun.com from what nature had dealt us, this community has ing pizza, cold bottled water and snacks to more
found a way to come together. than 100 service members and their families at the
If you would like information about receiving Soundoff! on Fort Meade or are
experiencing distribution issues, call 877-886-1206 or e-mail TP@baltsun.com. We expect the Directorates of Public Works and Freedom Center barracks.
Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday through Emergency Services to be first responders whenever Most likely, this will not be the only severe weather
Sunday, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. we have bad weather, whether it’s a loss of power from we will experience this summer. While we are still
heavy snows in winter or downed power lines due to recovering from this past week’s storm, I want to
Printed by offset method of reproduction as a civilian enterprise in the interest of the near hurricane-force winds in summer. encourage everyone to take ownership for their safety
personnel at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland, by the Patuxent Publishing Co., a subsidiary However, it’s seeing the results of their hard work and well-being. Every family should have a home
of The Baltimore Sun Media Group, 501 N. Calvert St., Baltimore, MD 21278, every Thursday
except the last Thursday of the year in conjunction with the Fort Meade Public Affairs Office. that makes me proud. emergency kit. Your kit should contain essential food,
Requests for publication must reach the Public Affairs Office no later than Friday before the Each time there is a storm, I am thankful we have water and supplies to live on for at least three days.
desired publication date. Mailing address: Post Public Affairs Office, Soundoff! IMME-MEA-PA, such dedicated work crews who immediately assess Keep your emergency kit in a designated location
Bldg. 4409, Fort Meade, MD 20755-5025. Telephone: 301-677-1361; DSN: 622-1361. the damage and take steps to return things to normal. in your home and in an easy-to-carry container in
DPW and DES worked tirelessly over the weekend case you need to evacuate.
Everything advertised in this publication must be made available for purchase, use or patronage
without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, marital status, handicap or sex of purchaser,
on cleanup efforts and in coordinating with the Bal- For more information about how to prepare a
user or patron. A confirmed violation or rejection of this policy of equal opportunity by an advertiser timore Gas and Electric Co. to restore power. home and emergency kit, visit ready.army.mil, red-
will result in the refusal to print advertising from that source. A special thanks to Jonathan Bright, the general cross.com or .fema.org (the Federal Emergency Man-
manager of the Exchange, for opening the Post The- agement Agency website). The best way to handle an
Printed by Patuxent Publishing Co., a private firm, in no way connected with the Department ater this past weekend, allowing families without emergency is to be prepared for one.
of the Army. Opinions expressed by the publisher and writers herein are their own and are power to use it as a cooling station and relief from Lastly, I want to wish everyone a happy Fourth of
not to be considered an official expression by the Department of the Army. The appearance
of advertisers in the publication does not constitute an endorsement by the Department of the sweltering heat. I know that being in an air-con- July. Soundoff! is published one day after this year’s
the Army of the products or services advertised. ditioned theater on Sunday, watching a movie while holiday. As such, it forces me to assume all went well
snacking on popcorn and candy, was very comforting with our post celebration and fireworks.
to families affected. What’s important for me to share with you, despite
At the Post Theater, I listened to families talk about being a day late, is that we all found time to remem-
www.ftmeade.army.mil how they could help each other make it through the ber and celebrate the day our country was born, and
weekend. In one discussion, several families talked honor the determined and patriotic men who were
You can also keep track of Fort Meade on Twitter at twitter.com/ftmeademd about hosting a neighborhood barbecue to help united in the cause of freedom.
and view the Fort Meade Live Blog at ftmeade.armylive.dodlive.mil. families have a positive way to use food that would I hope everyone found time to get together with
soon spoil due to power outages and temperatures family and friends, and enjoyed their time off.
that approached or exceeded 100 degrees for a third Have a great week!
Co n t e n t s
Commander’s Open Door
News.............................. 3 Sports................................... 12
Garrison Commander Col. Edward C. Rothstein has an open door policy. All service members, retirees,
government employees, family members and community members age 18 or older are invited to address
Trouble Ticket................ 4 Movies.................................. 15 issues or concerns to the commander directly by visiting Rothstein’s office on Mondays from 4 to 6 p.m.
at garrison headquarters in Hodges Hall, Bldg. 4551, Llewellyn Avenue. Visitors are seen on a first-come,
Community.................... 8 Classified.............................. 16 first-served basis. No appointment is necessary. For more information, call 301-677-4844.
SOUNDOFF! July 5, 2012 http://www.ftmeade.army.mil

3. News
Mission Growth Initiative helps form partnerships
By Brandon Bieltz and its partners. es,” he said. “The installation also provides The initiative will be conducted in five
Staff Writer “The Mission Growth Initiative is a joint human services, so we want to make sure phases: setup phase, staff assessment phase,
When the 2005 Base Realignment and plan between the Fort Meade Regional we aren’t duplicating support so taxpayers partner agency phase, community phase
Closure process began, the Fort Meade Growth Management Committee and the aren’t paying twice for the same service.” and joint-action phase.
Regional Growth Management Committee Fort Meade garrison,” Menser said. “The The initiative will focus on four main Menser expects the first two years to be
was formed to help oversee the growth and objective is to work together in joint plan- areas. One area is Families/Recruiting and the busiest.
development of the areas outside the gate. ning and share resources to support the Retention, with the goal of retaining highly “We believe it will be an intense first two
Now that the Defense Information Sys- Fort Meade mission.” qualified personnel at Fort Meade. years because the focus of the MGI is to
tems Agency, Defense Media Activity, Bernadette Baldeo, director of the The initiaive also will focus on the establish sustainable connectivity between
and Defense and Military Department installation’s Plans, Analysis and Integra- defense contractor community to connect the Fort Meade staff and the staffs of the
Adjudication Activities have completed tion Office, said strong relationships with regional government, businesses and Fort eight counties and two cities,” he said.
their moves to the installation, RGMC’s the outside community is crucial to the Meade with resource-sharing opportuni- Ultimately, Menser and Baldeo said, the
partnership with Fort Meade is beginning Fort Meade mission. ties. Mission Growth Initiative will help create
a new chapter. “It is absolutely key to our success,” she Another area of focus will be ensuring a better quality of life — key to success
“Even though BRAC is now officially said. “It will actually help avoid mission that the installation’s infrastructure plan- in the missions of the community and the
completed, Fort Meade is going to con- failure in some areas where resources are ning, programs and systems are aligned installation.
tinue to grow,” said Kent D. Menser, chair being cut back.” with those of its partner jurisdictions out- “It’s about the community and Fort
of the RGMC’s Workforce Development By 2014, the group hopes to have estab- side the gate. The initiative also will focus Meade partnering together to make the
Committee. “The team is now focused on lished a formal agenda of issues and oppor- on sustaining operations at Fort Meade in best use of taxpayer resources,” Menser
overall Fort Meade growth.” tunities with Fort Meade and its counter- case of emergencies. said. “It makes the taxpayers get the best
Through the new Mission Growth Ini- parts within the regional jurisdictions.
tiative, the RGMC will serve as a liaison
to solidify planning relations between Fort
Meade and Anne Arundel, Baltimore,
Menser said between 90 and 95 percent
of the installation’s employees reside off
post. Part of the initiative is looking at the
Avoiding obesity outweighs
Carroll, Howard, Montgomery, Prince
George’s, Queen Anne’s and Talbot coun-
ties, and the cities of Baltimore and Lau-
counties and cities where a majority of the
workers from Fort Meade live. Through
the initiative, overlapping or redundancy of
cost of healthy food options
rel. services can be cut to save tax money. By Col. Heidi Warrington are really more expensive is explored in the
The goal of the initiative, which began in “In the counties that they live in, those U.S. Army Public Health Command May 2012 U.S. Department of Agriculture
May, is to provide support to the garrison counties provide all kinds of human servic- Obesity is linked to many serious health Economic Research Service report, “Are
conditions such as diabetes and cancer. Like Healthy Foods Really More Expensive? It
Water Works
other Americans, military warriors, past and Depends On How You Measure the Price.”
present, and their families feel the effects of In the report, authors Andrea Carlson
obesity through negative health impacts and and Elizabeth Frazão compare prices of
out-of-pocket costs. healthy and less-healthy foods using three
For example, the inability to meet ser- different measures: the price per calorie, the
Local swimming pool options vice weight and physical fitness standards
is a common reason for early discharge.
price per unit of edible weight and the price
of an average portion.
for service members and families According to a recent Army study, “Too
Fat to Fight,” 27 percent of all Americans
17 to 24 years of age are too heavy to join
They also calculate the daily cost of meet-
ing the food group recommendations on the
ChooseMyPlate.gov website. For all metrics
With the closure of the Rock Avenue the military. except the price of food per calorie, the
Outdoor Pool, the indoor pool at Gaffney Another major concern is the negative authors find that healthy foods cost less than
Fitness Center will continue to operate effect of obesity on force readiness. less-healthy foods (defined for this study as
its recreational swim Saturdays and We have an opportunity to improve the foods that are high in saturated fat, added
Sundays from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. health and well-being of warriors, military sugar and/or sodium, or that contribute little
through Aug. 17. families and military communities as a to meeting dietary recommendations).
The Columbia Association is offering whole. To achieve this, health promotion The fight against obesity only can be won
special military and DoD rates at five of and wellness initiatives should be focused by promoting environmental changes, well-
its pools. Cost is $4 for adults and $2 for on influencing behavior throughout the “life ness activities, policies that support healthy
children per visit. A valid military or DoD space” - the 525,500 minutes in a year that behaviors and staying engaged in current
Soldiers and retirees, their family members best practices that can help prevent and
identification card is required. file photo
and Army civilians are not seeing a health reduce obesity.
• Talbott Spring, 9660 Basket Ring, Columbia. For information, call 410-730-5421. care provider. For more information on the USDA
• Faulkner Ridge, 15018 Marble Fawn Court, Columbia. For information, call 410-730- One critical component of this complex Economic Research Service report, visit:
5292. issue is ensuring the affordability of and U.S. Department of Agriculture, ers.usda.
• Jeffers Hill, 6030 Tamar Drive, Columbia. For information, call 410-730-1220. access to healthier food options. This initia- gov/publications/eib96/.
• McGills Common, 10025 Shaker Drive, Columbia. For information, call 410-730- tive is aligned with the National Prevention Editor’s note: Col. Heidi Warrington is a
5995. Strategy’s Healthy Eating strategic priority. chief nurse executive for the U.S. Army Public
• Running Brook, 5730 Columbia Road, Columbia. For information, call 410-730-5293. The question of whether healthy foods Health Command.
http://www.ftmeade.army.mil July 5, 2012 SOUNDOFF!

4. N ews
Painful sore throat may not Community
be related to strep infection Crime Watch
Compiled by the Fort Meade Directorate of Emergency Services
By Lt. Col. Patricia McKinney • Avoid close contact with an infected
U.S. Army Public Health Command individual. June 22, Larceny of private prop- June 27, Larceny of private
People often think that any painful sore • Do not share toothbrushes or eating and erty: Unknown person(s) gained property: Unknown person(s)
throat is strep throat and that antibiotics are drinking utensils. access to an unsecured vehicle removed a wallet, handbag, credit
needed to make it better. This is not true. • Wash your hands frequently. and removed a wallet and purse. and debit cards, a wedding band
Strep throat is an infection of the throat • Strengthen your body’s ability to fight and ring, and various other items
and tonsils caused by streptococcal bacteria. off infections with a healthy diet, regular June 22, Driving while under the that were in the victim’s handbag
The throat gets irritated and inflamed, caus- exercise, a good night’s sleep and stress man- influence of alcohol, driving while and wallet, from her unsecured
ing a sudden, severe sore throat. agement. impaired by alcohol: The Director- and unattended vehicle.
Most other sore throats are caused by a • Wipe down your phone. ate of Emergency Services as notified of
virus. Sore throats caused by a virus are also Strep throat cannot be accurately diag- a possible DUI in progress. An investiga- June 29, Shoplifting: AAFES loss-preven-
painful. If you have cold-like symptoms such nosed by symptoms or by a physical exam tion revealed that the driver was observed tion personnel at the Exchange reported
as a runny or stuffy nose and coughing, you alone. Diagnosis is made by swabbing the by an individual outside of his idling that the subject took a pair of sunglasses,
probably do not have strep throat. back of the throat for a culture to identify vehicle, exhibiting signs of intoxication. removed the price tag, concealed the
He admitted to driving from the bowl- glasses underneath her shirt and departed
The most common symptoms of strep the presence of strep bacteria. ing alley. The driver was administered the Exchange without rendering proper
throat are: Sore throats should be treated with anti- standardized field sobriety tests, which payment.
• Sudden, severe sore throat biotics only if the strep test is positive. he failed. He failed to provide sufficient
• Pain when swallowing Penicillin or amoxicillin is usually the antibi- breath samples. June 26, Larceny of private property:
• Fever over 101 degrees F (38.3 degrees otic prescribed to treat strep throat infection. The victim stated that his DVD player
Celsius) Antibiotics should be taken for the entire 10 June 24, Simple assault: The Director- with the cord, a BlackBerry smartphone
• Swollen tonsils and lymph nodes days, even though symptoms are usually gone ate of Emergency Services was notified and Galaxy Sprint Android phone were
• White or yellow spots on the back of a after a few days. of a fight in progress. An investigation stolen from his wife’s vehicle.
bright red throat If antibiotics are not taken for the full revealed that the subjects entered into a
People spread the bacteria by sneezing, course of treatment, the infection may reoc- verbal altercation, which turned physical June 29, Domestic assault: The victim
coughing, shaking hands or close contact cur and stronger antibiotics may be needed when subject one slapped subject two’s stated her husband, while drunk, phys-
with people who are infected. to treat the infection. hands down as he was attempting to ically assaulted her by throwing her
You also can pick up strep by touching Remember, strep throat is not your average communicate. Subject two then struck against the wall, grabbing her about the
subject one with a closed hand in his neck and causing multiple scratches on
objects that were touched by an infected per- sore throat. If you suspect that you may have face.
son (such as phones, doorknobs, tables) and strep throat, see your health care provider. the neck, shoulder and arms.
then touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Editor’s note: Lt. Col. Patricia McKinney
To prevent infection: is an Army Public Health nurse.
Have you noticed an issue on post On the lookout for theft
Trouble
and wondered if anything is being
The Directorate of Emergency Services is actively working to
done to fix it? Email concerns and keep neighborhoods safe.
issues to chad.t.jones.civ@mail. Families residing on post should remember to ensure that
Ticket mil. Each week, Soundoff! will
address issues identified on post
and describe what is being done to
windows and doors to homes, cars and garages are locked at
all times, regardless of time of day.
Although the crime rate in military housing is lower than off
post, it is important to remember that Fort Meade is not immune
solve them. to crime. To protect your family and belongings, remember to
take an active role in deterring crime.
Remain aware of your surroundings and immediately report
Issue: Plan: Status: any suspicious activity to the Fort Meade Police at 301-677-
6622 or 6623.
Youth Services Sports Renovate the Youth Services Actual use of fields is
Complex needs renovations Sports Complex expected to be this fall
after the grass matures
Chaplain’s Word: LIBERTY
McGill Training Center Install a new HVAC Survey work has begun; full
HVAC is inoperative install set for completion “God who gave us life gave us liberty.”
(except in the ballroom) September 2012; portable A/C — Thomas Jefferson
units being used in classrooms
SOUNDOFF! July 5, 2012 http://www.ftmeade.army.mil

5. N ews
country time
Felicia Wallace, Louise Cole and
Meritta Lawson practice their
moves during Country - Top 40
Night on Friday in the Brass
Lounge at Club Meade. The next
event will be July 27 from 9 p.m.
to 2 a.m.
photo by phil grout
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http://www.ftmeade.army.mil July 5, 2012 SOUNDOFF!

6. N ews
Summer Beats
Army Field Band presents annual Summer Concert Series in August
By Brandon Bieltz
Staff Writer
After a year of touring throughout the
world performing for large audiences, the vari-
ous ensembles of the U.S. Army Field Band
always return home in the summer to entertain
the Fort Meade community.
The Army Field Band’s 2012 Summer Con-
cert Series will feature four concerts performed
on consecutive Saturdays in August beginning
Aug. 4 with the Concert Band and Soldiers’
Chorus, followed by the Jazz Ambassadors on
Aug. 11 and The Volunteers on Aug. 18. The
series concludes with a combined performance
on Aug. 25.
“When you’re on tour you get to perform
for hundreds of thousands of Americans that
you’ve never seen before and bring them a slice
of music that, hopefully, they’re very receptive
to and haven’t heard,” said Sgt. 1st Class Erica
Russo, an alto in the Soldiers’ Chorus. “But
when you’re here, you get to perform for your
family and your friends and the Fort Meade
community.”
The free, outdoor concerts will all begin at 7
p.m. at Constitution Park, opposite McGlach-
lin Parade Field off English Avenue.
To kick off the series, the Concert Band will
be joined by the Field Band’s vocal comple-
ment, the Soldiers’ Chorus. The 65-member
Concert Band, the largest and oldest ensemble
in the Field Band, will perform a program of
marches, overtures, popular music, patriotic
selections, and instrumental and vocal solos
with the 29-member mixed choral group.
The following weekend, the Jazz Ambassa-
dors — also called America’s Big Band — will
take the stage to perform big band swing, file photo
bebop, Latin, contemporary jazz, standards, Members of the U.S. Army Field Band’s Jazz Ambassadors entertain a Fort Meade audience during the Field Band’s 2010 Summer
popular tunes, Dixieland, vocals and patriotic Concert Series. The Concert Band and Soldiers’ Chorus will kick off this summer’s Army Field Band’s concert series on Aug. 4
selections. at Constitution Park.
“The Jazz Ambassadors have music that is
so great for everybody,” Russo said. “You’ll look forward to it. We work with so many
have standards that some of the older people great people but don’t necessarily get to work Army Field Band
in the crowd might enjoy, but you have new together.”
arrangements that some of the young people Since the concerts are performed outdoors, Summer Concert Series
might enjoy. inclement weather may force officials to cancel • Aug. 4: Concert Band and Soldiers’
“Whether you’re 2 years old or 72 years shows. But the Field Band won’t lose the entire Chorus
old, you’re going to find something to get up series because of weather, Russo said. If the • Aug. 11: Jazz Ambassadors
and dance to.” first three concerts are rained out, a final show • Aug. 18: The Volunteers
The Field Band’s six-piece pop-rock band, will be performed Aug. 25 at McGill Training • Aug. 25: Combined performance
The Volunteers, will perform a blend of popu- Center featuring The Volunteers. The free concerts begin at 7 p.m. at
lar American music, including rock ‘n’ roll, Russo said members of the Field Band are Constitution Park.
standards, country, jazz and patriotic. excited to bring the entertainment directly to Bring blankets or lawn chairs. Grills, glass
On the final Saturday in August, the ensem- the Fort Meade community. containers, alcoholic beverages and pets are
bles will combine for one final performance to “I can’t really think of a better way to end prohibited.
wrap up the series. the summer than a concert every week by the
“This is rare,” Russo said. “We definitely Field Band,” she said.
SOUNDOFF! July 5, 2012 http://www.ftmeade.army.mil

7. N ews
Concepts Integration Squadron welcomes new commander
Story and photo by Maj. Sonise Lumbaca
Asymmetric Warfare Group PAO
Members of the U.S. Army Asymmetric
Warfare Group bid farewell to Lt. Col. Wil-
liam M. Huff, outgoing commander of the
Concepts and Integration Squadron, and
welcomed the incoming commander, Lt.
Col. Michael Richardson, during a change
of command ceremony Monday.
Huff, originally from Brightwaters, N.Y.,
took command of the squadron in July
2011.
The Concepts Integration Squadron, aka
Dog Squadron, is one of four squadrons that
make up the AWG.
The AWG provides operational advisory
support to Army and joint-force command-
ers globally to enhance Soldier survivability
and combat effectiveness, and enable the
defeat of current and emerging threats in
support of Unified Land Operations.
The Concepts Integration Squadron
rapidly identifies, develops and integrates
nonmaterial and supports material solu-
tion development, which supports the unit’s
group priority efforts to enhance Soldier
survivability and combat effectiveness.
Priority efforts include mobility enhance-
ments such as the Man Portable Line Charge
and increasing the understanding of the
operational environment through the Asym-
metric Operations Work Group. The Con-
cepts Integration Squadron provides the
linkage between global scout observations
of AWG Operational Advisors into Train- Lt. Col. Michael Richardson, incoming commander for the Concepts Integration Squadron of the U.S. Army Asymmetric Warfare
ing and Doctrine Command, the Army and Group, receives the squadron’s guidon from Col. Patrick J. Mahaney Jr., commander of the AWG, at the change of command
across the joint, interagency, multinational, ceremony held July 2. Outgoing Commander Lt. Col. Williams Huff led the squadron for the past year.
public and private communities.
“(The Concepts Integration Squadron) command anytime, any place — especially in in Washington, D.C. Los Angeles; and the Naval Post Graduate
directly works to defeat current and emerg- combat,” he said. Prior to commanding with the AWG, School in California.
ing threats ... threats that are often irregular, In his remarks, Huff spoke highly of his Huff’s previous assignments included the His previous assignments include 2nd
asymmetric and hybrid, and are increas- time served with the AWG and thanked 320th Field Artillery; 3rd Battalion, 75th Engineer Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division;
ingly clever, adaptive, networked,” said Col. members of the Concepts Integration Ranger Regiment; 319th Airborne Field 307th Engineer Battalion, 82nd Airborne
Patrick J. Mahaney Jr., commander of the Squadron. Artillery Regiment; U.S. Army Special Oper- Division; 10th Special Forces Group; 1st
AWG. “The way I see it, they own the meet- “Thanks to the leadership, Soldiers, ations Command; 231st (Airborne) Field Special Warfare Training Group; and troop
ing point where not only concepts are tested [Department of the Army] civilians and con- Artillery; and the 508th Parachute Infantry commander and squadron commander of
and integrated together, but where they are tractors within Dog Squadron that [made Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division. the AWG.
then taken to meet reality.” my time here] special,” Huff said. In a previous assignment with the AWG, During his remarks, Richardson said he
Mahaney, who also was the reviewing A graduate of the U.S. Military Academy Huff served as a troop commander and looks forward to the challenge of command-
officer for the ceremony, praised Huff’s at West Point, N.Y., and College of Naval senior operations officer. ing his new squadron.
leadership. Command and Staff in Newport, R.I., Huff Richardson, who is from Burke, Va., “Thank you for the confidence you have
“Your performance was brilliant and will be headed to the National War College, is a graduate of Gettysburg College in place in me,” he said. “I won’t let you
awe-inspiring, and I would serve under your National Defense University at Fort McNair Pennsylvania; the University of California, down.”
Connect with Fort Meade at Follow Fort Meade
Facebook.com/ftmeade at Twitter.com/ftmeademd
http://www.ftmeade.army.mil July 5, 2012 SOUNDOFF!

8. C ommunity N ews N otes
The deadline for Soundoff! community
“News and Notes” is Friday at noon. All
Chicago Steppin’
submissions are posted at the editor’s dis- Dance at Chicago Steppin’ on
cretion and may be edited for space and Thursday and July 20 from 7 p.m. to
grammar. Look for additional community midnight at Club Meade.
events on the Fort Meade website at www. Free dance lessons will be offered
ftmeade.army.mil and the Fort Meade from 7 to 8 p.m.
Facebook page at facebook.com/ftmeade. Special menus will be available. There
For more information or to submit an is no cover charge.
announcement, email Philip Jones at philip. For more information, call 301-677-
h.jones.civ@mail.mil or call 301-677-5602. 6969.
NEWS EVENTS Latin Club Night
Dance to Latin music at Latin Club
Night on July 13 from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Bagger-licensing hours Special menus will be available. There
Bagger-licensing renewals for the is no cover charge.
Fort Meade Commissary will be issued For more information, call 301-677-
Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 6969.
p.m. at the Fort Meade Public Affairs
Office at 4409 Llewellyn Ave. EDUCATION
Those who come to the office outside file photo
of this block of time will be able to leave
their information. Badges will be issued
as time permits. YARD OF THE YEAR JUDGING
The Meade Area Garden Club, in conjunction with Picerne Military Hous-
Tour MacArthur
Middle School
Notice ing, is once again sponsoring the judging for the annual Yard of the Year Newcomers may tour MacArthur
competition on Fort Meade. Middle School, meet the school’s
Anyone with debts owed to or by the Judging will take place Tuesday, starting at 8:30 a.m., and will continue counselors and administrators, and have
estate of Sgt. Marc G. Williams, Fort until all areas have been judged. Yards will be judged based on neatness, questions answered on Aug. 14.
Meade, Alpha Company, WTB, must use of flowers and plants, use of color, edging, healthiness of plantings Sessions will be offered from 8:30
contact 1st Lt. Anthony Cosentino, the and overall impression of the area. to 10 a.m. and 1 to 2:30 p.m. in the
summary court officer for the Soldier. For more information, call Rita Surber at 410-305-0291. MacArthur Media Center.
Williams passed away on June 21. Parents may sign up for the Parent-
To contact Cosentino, call 202-641- Teacher-Student Association and to
2298. birthday on July 25 from noon to 3 p.m. practical assistance, to a family until volunteer at the school.
at the Lanes. other support arrives. For more information, call 410-674-
Kimbrough change Free bowling and shoes will be To volunteer, email Pia Morales, 0032.
offered to the first 250 people. Prizes and Mobilization/Deployment Program
of command giveaways will be awarded. manager at Army Community Service,
Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Center The event also will feature birthday at pia.s.morales.civ@mail.mil or call
PWOC Bible study
will be closed July 12 until 1 p.m. for cake and information about ACS 301-677-4110. Protestant Women of the Chapel
the change of command ceremony programs. will be host summer Bible study on
of Col. Leon E. Moores at 9 a.m. at For more information, call 301-677- VTF products Wednesdays until July 25 from 9:30 to
McGlachlin Parade Field. 5590. 11:30 a.m. at Argonne Hills Chapel
The Fort Meade Veterinary Treatment Center.
Moores will relinquish command of Facility at 2018 Annapolis Road is under-
the U.S. Army Medical Department CARE Team going renovations through August.
Child care will be provided.
The prayer and fellowship program’s
Activity, Fort Meade, and Kimbrough to
Col. Danny B.N. Jaghab.
volunteers needed From July 16-27, VTF will only sell pet fall kickoff is scheduled for Aug. 29
Volunteers are needed for the Fort products through its side entrance while from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. For more
the front entrance and clinic are under
704th MI change Meade CARE (Casualty Response)
construction.
information, visit Facebook at PWOC
Team. Fort Meade, or email meade@pwoc.org
of command In the event of a casualty, severe VTF will resume seeing patients on or call Kori Yates at 301-262-0756.
injury or disaster within the community, July 30.
Col. Karen H. Gibson will relinquish For medical emergencies, see your near-
command of the 704th Military the garrison commander may activate
est civilian veterinarian.
Spouse and Veterans
a CARE Team based on the affected
Intelligence Brigade to Col. Anthony R.
Hale in a change of command ceremony family’s needs and request for support. The nearest military vet clinics are: Appreciation Day
Fort Meade CARE Teams consist of • Andrews Air Force Base VT, at 240-
July 24 at 9 a.m. on McGlachlin Parade University of Maryland University
three to four responsible, knowledgeable 857-2651
Field. College will sponsor Spouse and
volunteers who have been screened and • Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall
In inclement weather, the ceremony Veterans Appreciation Day on Tuesday
trained and have signed a confidentiality VTF, Va., at 703-696-3604
will be held at the Pavilion. from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Army
agreement. • Fort Belvoir VTF, Va., at 703-805-
Education Center, 8601 Zimborski
4336
ACS birthday The CARE Team will provide up
to four consecutive days of service, For more information, call 301-677-
Ave.
The informal event will feature
Celebrate the Army Community Service including emotional support and 1300.
information about the career-
SOUNDOFF! July 5, 2012 http://www.ftmeade.army.mil

9. C ommunity N ews N otes
relevant undergraduate and graduate
programs offered online and on site YOUTH Children’s Reading Room second Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at
Potomac Place Neighborhood Center due
by University of Maryland University The Potomac Place Children’s to renovations. The next meeting is Monday.
Reading Room is open Tuesdays and
College.
Advisors will be available.
Storytime Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
For more information, visit ftmeadeesc.org
or email membership@ftmeadeesc.org.
As an added incentive, students who The Medal of Honor Memorial For more information, call 301-677-5522. • Spouse Connection meets the second
make an application at the event will Library offers pre-kindergarten Storytime Tuesday of every month from 7 to 8:30
have the $50 application fee waived. on Thursdays from 9:30 to 10 a.m. and Summer reading program p.m. at Potomac Place Neighborhood,
(The is not available for Doctor of 10:30 to 11 a.m. 4998 Second Corps Blvd. The next meeting
Children of all ages are invited to the
Management applicants.) • Today: “Wild about Storytime,” zoo will be Tuesday. The program provides
Medal of Honor Memorial Library to
For more information, call 301-621- themes an opportunity for all spouses in the Fort
register for this year’s “Reading Is So
9882. • July 12: “Zoom! Zoom! Zoom!” Meade community and surrounding area
Delicious” summer reading program that
stories about things that “go” to meet and get connected. For more
ends Aug. 25.
Joint Financial Readiness • July 19: “ Don’t be a Square,” about
Participants will receive a reading log information, call 301-677-4110 or email
shapes amber.e.rustad@us.army.mil.
Classes • July 26: “Beach Party,” about the
and a goodie bag.
• Bridging the Gap deployment support
Summer reading program events will be
Joint Financial Readiness Classes are beach and ocean group, sponsored by Army Community
held at Burba Cottage:
being offered in July at the Community For more information, call 301-677- Service, meets the second Tuesday of the
• July 17, 10 a.m.: “Books, The Magic is
Readiness Center, 830 Chisholm Ave. 5522. month from 6 to 8 p.m. at Potomac Place
Real,” featuring magician Joe Romano
Classes are open to active-duty and • Aug. 7, 10 a.m.: Mad Science of Neighborhood Center. The next meeting is
retired service members, Reservists and Drama Camp Central Maryland Tuesday. For more information, call Sharon
members of the National Guard (on For more information, call 301-677-5522. Collins at 301-667-4116 or email sharon.
Summer SKIES is offering PROPS j.collins@us.army.mil.
duty), family members with identification
Drama Camp for grades one to 12 from • Meade Branch 212 of the Fleet Reserve
cards and DoD civilians.
• Home Buying: Today, 1 to 3 p.m.
July 23-28 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. RECREATION Association meets the second Wednesday of
Cost is $40 and includes breakfast, each month at 7 p.m. at VFW Post 160 on
• Financial Services Account
snack and a T-shirt.
Management: Tuesday, 9 to 11 a.m.
• Consumer Awareness: July 12, 1 to
Performances will be July 28 at 3 and Out About Route 170 in Glen Burnie. The next meeting
is Wednesday. Active-duty, Reserve and
5:30 p.m. at McGill Training Center. • Leisure Travel Services is offering retired members of the U.S. Navy, Marine
3 p.m.
Admission is free and open to the public. monthly Saturday bus trips to New Corps and Coast Guard are invited. For
• Investing 101: July 17, 9 to 11 a.m.
For more information, call 301-677- York City on July 21 and Aug. 18, with more information, call 410-761-7046 or 301-
• Developing Your Spending Plan:
1196. discounts to attractions. Bus cost is $55. 262-6556.
July 19, 1 to 3 p.m
• First Term Financial Readiness: July For more information, call 301-677-7354 • Fort Meade TOP III Association meets
24, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sky Vacation Bible School or visit ftmeademwr.com. the second Wednesday of each month at
For more information, call ACS at Sky Vacation Bible School will be • The Blue Star Museums program 3 p.m. at the Courses. The next meeting
301-677-5590 or the Navy Fleet and held Aug. 6 to 10 from 9 a.m. to 12:45 is offering free admission for all active- is Wednesday. The association is open
Family Support Center at 301-677-9014. p.m. at Argonne Hills Chapel Center. duty, National Guard and Reserve service to all Air Force active-duty and retired
The free program is for children ages members and their dependents through senior noncommissioned officers. For more
MFTB courses 4 years old through fifth grade. Labor Day. More than 1,800 museums information, call Master Sgt. Jonathan
VBS features games, crafts, music are registered. For more information, Jacob at 443-479-0616 or email jajacob@
Army Community Service and Army visit bluestarfam.org/Programs/Blue_ nsa.gov.
and adventures. Snacks and lunch are
Family Team Building are offering Family Star_Museums or dodlive.mil/index. • Spouse PTSD Support Group meets
included.
Team Building classes at Potomac Place php/2012/06/blue-star-museums-all- Wednesdays from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the
Registration is limited to the first
and Meuse Forest neighborhood centers. summer-long. Soldier and Family Assistance Center, 2462
200 children and will close July 23.
• “Navigating Military Life” on July 12 85th Medical Battalion Ave.
Registration tables will be set up until
and 13, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Level I class, for military
July 23 at the Chapel Center and the MEETINGS The support group, sponsored by
Main Post Chapel. Behavioral Health Care Service, the
personnel and spouses and Department Religious Support Office and the Army
Volunteers are needed to sign up
of Army civilians, provides tools to • Meade Rod and Gun Club meets the Substance Abuse Program, is for spouses
immediately.
navigate the military lifestyle. Modules first Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. at whose loved ones are exhibiting symptoms
For more information, call 301-677-
include Expectations of Military Life, Perry’s Restaurant and Odie’s Pub at 1210 of PTSD. Learn valuable tools and
0386 or 301-677-6038.
Understanding Military Acronyms, and Annapolis Road, Odenton. The next meeting resources to understand PTSD and how to
Military Traditions and Customs.
• “Grow Skills for Military Life,” Level Romp ‘n Stomp is tonight in the banquet hall in back of
the building. Dinner is served at 6 p.m. For
cope.
To join or for more information, call 301-
2, on Aug. 9 and 10, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. During the summer, Romp ‘n Stomp more information, call 410-674-4000. 677-8870.
• Instructors Course, MFTB instructor playgroup meets Tuesdays from 9:30 to • Single Parent Support Group meets the • Fort Meade E9 Association meets the
training, Sept. 9 and 10, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 11:30 a.m. at the Boundless Playground. second and fourth Monday of the month second Friday of every month at 7 a.m. in
p.m. The playgroup is for parents and their from 6 to 8 p.m. at School Age Services, the Pin Deck Cafe at the Lanes. The next
Bring a brown bag lunch. children up to 5 years old. 1900 Reece Road. The next meeting is meeting is July 13. The association is open
Registration is required. Limited child For more information, call Rikki Monday. Free child care will be provided on to active, retired, Reserve and National
care is available. Ford, Parent Support coordinator, at site. Guard E9s of any uniformed service. All
To register or for more information, call 301-677-3617 or e-mail rikki.l.ford.ctr@ For more information, call Rikki Ford, E9s in this area are invited to attend a
301-677-5590 or email amber.e.rustad@ us.army.mil. Parent Support coordinator, at 301-677-3617 breakfast and meet the membership. For
us.army.mil or pia.s.morales.civ@mail.mil. or email rikki.l.ford.ctr@us.army.mil. more information, visit e9association.org
• Enlisted Spouses Club will meet the or call 410-551-7953.
http://www.ftmeade.army.mil July 5, 2012 SOUNDOFF!

10. C over S tory
Fierce storm whips through Fort Meade
By Lisa R. Rhodes restored on post, including all of the housing
Staff Writer areas, tenant units and tenant organizations.
At approximately 11 p.m. Friday night, According to the National Oceanic and
high winds and heavy rain struck Fort Meade, Atmospheric Administration, the raging storm
bringing down trees, damaging property and that drenched the Baltimore-Washington area
causing the entire installation to lose electric is a weather system known as a derecho.
power. Derecho is a Spanish word for straight and
“Immediately after the storm, Fort Meade refers to the storm’s powerful straight-line
firefighters and police officers conducted an winds.
initial damage assessment across the instal- Friday night’s storm moved from the west
lation and began removing trees from the side of Chicago and headed east to the mid-
primary routes to facilitate the movement Atlantic region at rapid speeds of up to 80
of emergency vehicles across the post,” said miles per hour at some points. The storm
Lt. Col. J. Darrell Sides, Fort Meade provost gained momentum the further it moved east.
marshal and director of the Directorate of A derecho is unusual for this region, according
Emergency Services. to NOAA.
Two families who reside in Picerne Mili- Derechoes usually form along the top of
tary Housing were temporarily relocated to a a hot air mass and can move at an average
hospitality suite over the weekend due to tree of 70 miles per hour. Meteorologists consider
damage to their homes. At one of the houses, this speed to be associated with a Category 1
which is located on Washington Avenue in hurricane.
Heritage Park, an uprooted tree fell into the Fort Meade’s public address system, known
house, crushing the chimney, busting out two as the “Big Voice,” sounded, informing resi-
windows and causing a structural crack to dents of the storm warning issued by the
one wall. National Weather Service.
“The wife saw the tree falling from her “This shows you that the Big Voice siren is
window and ran into the interior of the house something people should immediately react to
yelling for her husband as it hit,” Sides said. once they hear it as it is a critical form of public
No one was injured in either incident. notification that we don’t use except in a true
Within 45 minutes after the storm hit, crews emergency,” Sides said.
from the Directorate of Public Works worked After the storm hit, Fort Meade Police
until Sunday at 8 p.m. to restore power. patrolled blacked-out neighborhoods with
Angela French Marcum, communications flood lights and made reports of vehicles
manager for Picerne, said the company’s staff damaged by fallen trees.
and contractors were out at 1:30 a.m. Saturday At 10:30 p.m. Friday, the Fort Meade Fire
to respond to emergency maintenance calls Department responded to reports of fallen
from residents. power lines and arching electrical transform-
By 11:20 a.m. on Monday, all power was ers on power poles. Throughout the weekend,
Photo by Jason Kelly
Eric Dominick Coates, a tree climber for Weber Jerman, a subcontractor of Melwood,
decides how to cut apart a downed tree near Mapes Road and Leonard Wood Avenue.
Coates focused on making cuts that avoided, unexpectedly, shifting the weight of
the tree.
RIGHT: Melwood employees prepare to clean up downed tree branches near
McGlachlin Parade Field on Saturday morning. The area had been previously fenced
off in advance of the installation’s Independence Day celebration.
PHOTO BY Marine Pvt. Ronnie Brink
10 SOUNDOFF! July 5, 2012 http://www.ftmeade.army.mil

11. three firefighting units worked to clear roads
and blocked off roads where power lines were
down.
“Most of the firefighters on shift worked
24 hours straight in response to the storm,”
Sides said.
Capt. Dave Biddle, a lead firefighter, said
about 15 Baltimore Gas and Electric Co. power
poles were down and that the fire department
reported them to BGE for repairs.
“I have a highly trained and proficient crew
that can handle anything that comes their way,”
Biddle said. “The post did very well compared
to surrounding jurisdictions off post.”
The amount of time it took for power to be
restored to the housing communities depended
upon whether residents receive their electricity
from DPW or BGE.
Fort Meade is undergoing privatization
of its electricity by BGE. Frank Hood, the
high-voltage operator at DPW, said about 60
percent of the installation is privatized and
receives power from the BGE grid. Most of
the new housing on post and the Defense
Photo by Jason Kelly
Information Systems Agency are powered by
this grid. Andrew Williams, Melwood grounds supervisor, uses construction equipment to move downed trees in Constitution Park on
DPW is responsible for providing electricity Saturday morning. Williams, who began work at 5 a.m. Saturday, was one of dozens of Melwood employees and subcontractors
to the remaining 40 percent. who endured heat indexes exceeding 100 degrees.
By Saturday afternoon, power was restored
to most of the housing areas that receive elec- station, while the substation on Rock Avenue their families by Queen Waddell, center coor-
tricity from DPW. Residents who receive power provides power to the rest of the installation. dinator of Fort Meade’s USO of Metropolitan
from the BGE grid had their power restored by Residents who live near Argonne Hills Washington, and four volunteers.
11:20 a.m. Monday, Hood said. had their power restored by Sunday at 6 p.m. The food, which was donated by Costco
Marcum said Picerne worked with the Hood said the Rock Avenue substation was at the Arundel Mills Mall and the USO, was
installation and BGE immediately after the not affected by the storm. distributed at the Freedom Center barracks
storm and throughout the weekend to restore “BGE supplies power for the state of Mary- from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.
power to the housing areas. land,” he said. “When storms like this happen, “The community members consisted of
BGE also supplies electricity to two govern- BGE powers hospitals first and then the largest single service members, spouses and children,
ment-operated power substations located near number of people who are out of power.” who were extremely excited and thanked our
the NSA and on Rock Avenue. Some housing The BGE grid on Fort Meade only supplies volunteers, who typically don’t work on week-
near Argonne Hills Chapel Center and the power to the installation. As a result, a smaller ends, except for special events, but recognized
NSA barracks are powered by the NSA sub- number of people are affected by a power the severity of the situation,” Waddell said. “I
outage on the installation than are residents in was proud to know that USO-Metro was there
other parts of the county or state, Hood said. to meet the needs of the community.”
DPW and its contractor, Melwood, began Service members and their families in need
to clear roads and grounds immediately after of immediate food assistance can visit the
receiving a request from the installation’s USO-Metro food pantry Monday to Friday
Emergency Operations Center. from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 7007 A Baker St. to
John Houchins, Natural Resources Pro- receive nonperishable food items.
gram manager for the Environmental Division For added respite, the Post Theater played
at DPW, said seven trees blocked roads and “Marvel’s The Avengers” at three different
access on post. But by 7 a.m. Saturday, they showtimes Sunday at no charge.
were removed. Earlier that day, Garrison Commander
Several trees also damaged power lines. Col. Edward C. Rothstein had asked Jonathan
More than 75 trees on garrison-maintained Bright, general manager of the Exchange, if
land were damaged by the storm. Many of the air-conditioned theater would be available
them will either be cut down or pruned, for residents without power.
Houchins said. None of these trees caused any “It was a place for them to go to see a good
Photo by Lt. Col. J. Darrell Sides
property damage. movie and take their minds off of what was
As of Monday, Melwood and two sub- happening,” Bright said. “We take care of the Eric Dominick Coates, a tree climber
contractors were working on storm damage community.” for Weber Jerman, a subcontractor of
clean-up. Editor’s note: Information for residents, who Melwood, cuts branches from a damaged
To help residents without power Sunday, would like to file a claim for spoiled food, is tree on English Avenue. Coates’ work
free pizza, chips and bottled water were pro- available on the Fort Meade Live blog at http:// prepared several trees near McGlachlin
vided to more than 100 service members and ow.ly/bZwPp. Parade Field for later removal.
http://www.ftmeade.army.mil July 5, 2012 SOUNDOFF! 11