1. Sound ff!
vol. 64 no. 47 Published in the interest of the Fort Meade community November 21, 2012
´
turkey trot
Annual 5K, 1-mile walk
provides runners chance to
compete for turkey dinner
page 14
remembrance
Wreath-laying ceremony
pays homage to German,
Italian POWs buried on post
page 8
UPCOMING EVENTS
thursday, noon-2 p.m & 3-5 p.m.:
Thanksgiving Day Buffet - Club Meade
thursday, 11 a.m.-2 p & 3-4:30 p
.m. .m.:
Thanksgiving Day Meals -
Freedom Inn Dining Facility
Nov. 28, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.:
Army Vs. Navy Blood Drive - McGill
Dec. 5, 4 p.m.:
Army-Navy Game Free Tailgate -
photo by lt. col. Sonise Lumbaca Mullins Field
adapt and overcome
Soldiers from the 197th Infantry Brigade participate in an adaptability practical exercise using an obstacle course during the Dec. 7, 5 p.m.:
Asymmetric Warfare Group’s Asymmetric Warfare Adaptive Leader Program hosted at Fort Benning, Ga. The program provides Annual Holiday Tree Lighting
Soldiers with a set of core competencies that are essential to being fully prepared to operate in complex and ambiguous Ceremony - McGlachlin Parade Field
environments. AWG is headquartered at Fort Meade. For the story, see Page 12.

2. Commander’s Column
Soundoff!
Editorial Staff
Garrison Commander
Guaranteed circulation:
11,285
´
Thanksgiving ushers in
holiday celebrations on post
Col. Edward C. Rothstein
Garrison Command
Sgt. Maj. Thomas J. Latter
Public Affairs Officer
Chad T. Jones Thursday is Thanksgiving. ties on the
Chad.T.Jones.civ@mail.mil It is an American holiday which, unlike New horizon as we
Chief, Command Information
Philip H. Jones Year’s Eve and the Fourth of July when people return from our
Philip.H.Jones.civ@mail.mil may go out to celebrate, is commonly celebrated Thanksgiving
Assistant Editor & Senior Writer at home, with family and friends. holiday break.
Rona S. Hirsch As we prepare to give thanks for our bless- On Dec. 5 at
Staff Writer Lisa R. Rhodes ings over the past year, let’s keep in mind that 4 p.m. at Mul-
Staff Writer Brandon Bieltz everyone may not be able to spend the holidays lins Field, we
Design Coordinator Timothy Davis at home. will host the
Supple­mental photography provided Wherever you are Thursday, whether you’re 13th annual flag
by Patuxent Publishing Co. deployed or eating in a dining facility or at football game
home, know you are an important part of our and tailgate COL. Edward c.
Advertising military family. party leading Rothstein
Garrison Commander
General Inquiries 410-332-6300 Thank you for your service to our nation. You up to the annual
Allison Thompson make a difference every day. Army vs. Navy game.
410-332-6850 Allison.Thompson@baltsun.com Be mindful that as we begin our winter On Dec. 6 at 7 p.m., the U.S. Army Field Band
Michele Griesbauer holiday celebrations, plan your holiday time with will host its annual Concert Band & Soldiers’
410-332-6381 Michele.Griesbauer@baltsun.com safety in mind. Chorus at Meade High School.
Don’t drink and drive. Just as important, On Dec. 7, the garrison command will host
If you would like information about receiving Soundoff! on Fort Meade or are don’t text and drive. the annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
experiencing distribution issues, call 877-886-1206 or e-mail TP@baltsun.com. I can’t think of a text message or cell phone at McGlachin Parade Field. Music will be
Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday through call important enough to risk a vehicle acci- provided by the U.S. Army Field Band’s Brass
Sunday, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. dent. Quartet and a sing-along with the Fort Meade
Printed by offset method of reproduction as a civilian enterprise in the interest of the We have all heard about the dangers of community’s Cub, Boy and Girl Scouts.
personnel at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland, by the Patuxent Publishing Co., a subsidiary distracted driving; let’s make sure none of us All of these events are free and open to public.
of The Baltimore Sun Media Group, 501 N. Calvert St., Baltimore, MD 21278, every Thursday become a statistic during the holiday season. I hope you will come out and join the fun.
except the last Thursday of the year in conjunction with the Fort Meade Public Affairs Office. Let’s also keep in mind that some people have Remember, if you have a good idea, an issue
Requests for publication must reach the Public Affairs Office no later than Friday before the a difficult time during the holidays. Not everyone or concern you would like to discuss with me or
desired publication date. Mailing address: Post Public Affairs Office, Soundoff! IMME-MEA-PA,
Bldg. 4409, Fort Meade, MD 20755-5025. Telephone: 301-677-5602; DSN: 622-5602.
is bursting with holiday spirit. Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas Latter,
We also should be concerned about people my door is open to you.
Everything advertised in this publication must be made available for purchase, use or patronage suffering with depression or those who may I have a standing invitation to meet with mem-
without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, marital status, handicap or sex of purchaser, have been depressed in the past. It may take a bers of the Fort Meade community on Mondays,
user or patron. A confirmed violation or rejection of this policy of equal opportunity by an advertiser conscious effort on your part, but please try to from 4 to 6 p.m., at garrison headquarters in
will result in the refusal to print advertising from that source. find a way to help someone reduce stress and Hodges Hall, Bldg. 4551, Llewellyn Avenue.
Printed by Patuxent Publishing Co., a private firm, in no way connected with the Department maybe discover some holiday joy. For more information call, 301-677-4844.
of the Army. Opinions expressed by the publisher and writers herein are their own and are Remember, everything doesn’t have to be Have a great week!
not to be considered an official expression by the Department of the Army. The appearance perfect; don’t worry about things that are out Editor’s note: Tickets are required for the U.S.
of advertisers in the publication does not constitute an endorsement by the Department of of your control. Army Field Band holiday concert. Call 301-677-
the Army of the products or services advertised. One more reminder, we have some fun activi- 6586, see ad on Page 5.
www.ftmeade.army.mil
You can also keep track of Fort Meade on Twitter at twitter.com/ftmeademd Commander’s Open Door
and view the Fort Meade Live Blog at ftmeade.armylive.dodlive.mil.
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 issues or
Co n t e n t s concerns to the commander directly by visiting Rothstein’s office on Mon-
days from 4 to 6 p.m. at garrison headquarters in Hodges Hall, Bldg. 4551,
News.............................. 3 Sports................................... 14 Llewellyn Avenue.
Visitors are seen on a first-come, first-served basis. No appointment is
Trouble Ticket................ 4 Movies.................................. 18 necessary.
For more information, call 301-677-4844.
Community.................. 16 Classified.............................. 20
SOUNDOFF! November 21, 2012 http://www.ftmeade.army.mil

3. News
‘Fort Meade’s Got Talent’ wins 16 awards
By Lisa R. Rhodes
Staff Writer
The installation’s annual talent show
has won first place in the 2012 Army Fes-
tival of the Arts and Recreation Program
competition.
“Fort Meade’s Got Talent” took the
prize in the Variety Entertainment and
Talent Show category, beating out talent
shows from Fort Knox, Ky., and Joint
Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.
The Fort Meade Directorate of Fam-
ily and Morale, Welfare and Recreation
was notified of the win on Nov. 1.
Francisco Jamison, administrator
for Child, Youth and School Services
who produced, directed and hosted the
annual show, said he is “ecstatic” about
the win.
“Truly, this was a labor of love and
a team effort,” Jamison said. “So being
recognized for our efforts feels really
good.”
The show, performed Sept. 6, won a
total of 16 awards in the festival’s indi-
vidual categories, including Outstanding
Production, Outstanding Producer, Out-
standing Artistic Director, Outstanding
Set Design, Outstanding Female Vocal
Soloist, Outstanding Comedy Perfor-
mance and Outstanding Spoken Word
Performance.
Performers were evaluated by a panel
of judges from the Army’s Festival of the
Arts and Recreation Program, as well as photo by noah scialom
judges from the U.S. Army Field Band.
“Fort Meade’s Got Talent” has com- Performers from “Fort Meade’s Got Talent” show dance and sing together onstage at the end of the production on Sept. 6 at
peted in the Army competition for four McGill Training Center. The talent show won first place in the Variety Entertainment and Talent Show category of the 2012 Army
years. Festival of the Arts and Recreation Program competition.
The 2012 production, said Jamison,
“was much improved because we start- development, the fine arts, performing
ed planning the show five months in
advance and enlisted the help of more
community members.”
arts and general recreation,” according
to the festival’s brochure.
In September, 16 youths and eight
Thanksgiving at Freedom Inn
Awards will be presented at an invita- adults performed in “Fort Meade’s Got Join the Fort Meade community in celebrating the annual
tion-only ceremony Tuesday at 3 p.m. at Talent” at McGill Training Center. A Thanksgiving Day meal at the Freedom Inn Dining Facility on
the Youth Center. Garrison Commander record number of about 450 people Thursday.
Col. Edward C. Rothstein will attend attended, the biggest crowd since the
the event. show’s inception in 2008. The Thanksgiving meal will be celebrated formally at lunchtime
“The Festival of the Arts is a wonder- The production featured a stirring between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. An informal dinner will be served from
ful outlet for our Soldiers and their fami- solo of “Someone Like You,” a song 3 to 4:30 p.m.
lies to both showcase their talents and from the Broadway musical “Jekyll and
enjoy the talents, sometimes unknown Hyde”; a solo of the contemporary Both lunch and dinner menus feature turkey, Cornish hens, dressing,
and untapped, that exist in our commu- gospel song “Rain On Us”; a rendition candied yams and seasoned green beans.
nities,” Jamison said. of “Movin’ On Up,” the theme from the Traditionally, the lunch meal is served by senior enlisted and officers
The goal of the Army program is to 1970s TV sitcom “The Jeffersons”; and
“provide opportunities for Soldiers and a magic show. of the participating tenant activities.
their family members and other autho- Jamison said the “expertise and assis- Meal cardholders may dine at both meals. Non-cardholders who
rized FMWR patrons to participate in tance” from the Fort Meade community choose to partake at both meals must pay at each.
garrison community recreation programs helped to make “Fort Meade’s Got Tal-
and special events that promote skill ent” a “top-notch event.”
http://www.ftmeade.army.mil November 21, 2012 SOUNDOFF!

4. N ews
Crews begin cleaning out Hale Hall after 2006 blaze
Story and photo by Brandon Bieltz broke out late in the afternoon in the an intelligence-gathering mission in
Staff Writer brick and mortar facility. More than 1776 that resulted in his capture and
More than six years after a six- 100 firefighters responded to contain
‘The exterior will still be the death. Before his hanging, the 21-year-
alarm fire burned through the roof at the blaze, which wasn’t extinguished way that you see it because old Hale is said to have declared: “I
Nathan Hale Hall, the Directorate of until the following morning. regret I have but one life to give for
Public Works has begun the process While the interior of the building we can’t change the exterior my country.”
of repairing the vacant building that remains mostly intact, the roof was The first step in preparing the build-
had served as the headquarters for the severely damaged by the fire. for its historic significance.’ ing for use is constructing a new roof
902nd Military Intelligence Group. “Only the roof has burned, but struc- after the top floor is cleaned out.
Last month, workers started clear- turally everything is in good shape,” he T.J. Singh, director Architects can then begin designing a
ing the top floor of the building said. “It is in decent shape and it can Directorate of Public Works new roof. Once a roof is up, the rest of
located off Llewellyn Avenue near be renovated and reused.” the work is possible, said Singh.
McGlachlin Parade Field. They are Once complete, the 65,000-square- “Without the roof, the interior of the
expected to complete the cleanup in foot facility will be used as administra- building is exposed to the elements,”
December. tive space. on the base,” Singh said. he said. “With that there is further
The cleanup is the first step to even- With the additions of the Defense Although the building requires mul- deterioration, so I want to ensure the
tually repair and restore the World Media Activity, Defense Information tiple projects to prepare it for use again, building doesn’t further deteriorate.
War II-era building. Systems Agency and Defense Adjudi- Hale Hall is a historic landmark and ... It’s been open for the last six years
“We have started at the top floor cation Activities during Base Realign- cannot be completely demolished. with snow, rain and everything.”
to clean up,” said T.J. Singh, director ment and Closure, and growth of the After renovations, there will not be While the building is structurally
of DPW. “All the furniture and every- National Security Agency, space is at a noticeable difference in the facility’s sound, the interior will be demolished
thing that was damaged over there is a premium on Fort Meade. Preparing appearance. and rebuilt to current building codes.
still sitting over there and needs to be Hale Hall for a new tenant would pro- “The exterior will still be the way It is anticipated that the total reno-
cleaned out before any work can be vide needed space. that you see it because we can’t change vation will cost an estimated $25 mil-
done.” “It is a high priority because we the exterior for its historic signifi- lion, but only the top-floor cleanup
On Oct. 20, 2006, the six-alarm fire have a deficit of administrative space cance,” Singh said. has been funded at this point. Singh
The facility is named for said without a lump-sum fund, which
the Revolutionary War sol- DPW has not received, the restoration
dier who volunteered for will be done in a gradual process.
Connect with Fort Meade at
Facebook.com/ftmeade
Community
Crime Watch
Compiled by the Fort Meade Directorate of Emergency Services
Nov. 17, Possession of controlled Nov. 14, Assault with a danger-
substance (marijuana), possession ous weapon: The Directorate of
of drug paraphernalia: Units were Emergency Services was noti-
notified that the guards at Reece fied of an assault with a knife.
Road directed a vehicle to the An investigation revealed that
inspection area due to the strong the victim and his wife had an
odor of marijuana emanating argument that turned physical
from the passenger side. Units when she assaulted him with a
were given consent from the subject to steak knife.
search the car. During the search, the
following property was recovered: one Nov. 14, Larceny of private property:
baggie containing approximately 10.87 An unknown individual picked up the
grams of marijuana stems; 16 baggies victim’s bag, which was unsecured and
containing marijuana residue; one 6- unattended in the parking lot of the Five
Nathan Hale Hall, the former headquarters of the 902nd Military Intelligence Group, has been vacant ounce Mason jar containing residue; and
since a 2006 fire which severely damaged the building’s roof. The Directorate of Public Works has Hats Dining Facility, and left the area.
two homemade marijuana pipes contain-
started the process of clearing out the top floor of the building to make way for repairs. ing residue.
SOUNDOFF! November 21, 2012 http://www.ftmeade.army.mil

5. N ews
Historian shares story of Native American code talkers
By Lisa R. Rhodes leaders with “security, speed and self-
Staff Writer authentication,” Hatch said.
Thanks to the efforts of Marine Despite the federal government’s
Navajo code talkers in World War II, history of oppression against Native
the United States was able to capture American peoples, Hatch said many
the Japanese-held island of Iwo Jima. Native Americans enlisted to serve in
“We would not have taken this island World War II because they were “angry
if it had not been for the Navajo code at Japan for Pearl Harbor” and angry
talkers protecting our communica- “about the atrocities in Nazi-occupied
tions,” said David Hatch, senior histo- Europe.”
rian at the National Security Agency’s Hatch said although the Navajos
Center for Cryptologic History, quot- were defeated by the Army in the late
ing the chief signals officer for the 19th century and were forced to walk
Marines at Iwo Jima. several hundred miles to a prison where
Hatch shared this, and many other they were held for many years, their
little-known facts about the contribu- descendants still served in the military.
tions of Native American code talkers “These people had every right to
in World War I and World War II, have a grudge against the U.S. govern-
during his lecture for the installation’s ment,” Hatch said.
annual observance of Native American The fact that Native Americans
Heritage Month on Nov. 15. enlisted — and in large numbers — “is
The 90-minute event, held at McGill a testimony to the depth of their feeling
Training Center, was hosted by the for the country,” he said.
780th Military Intelligence Brigade and Among the many falsehoods about
the Fort Meade Equal Opportunity the code talkers is that Native Amer-
Office. icans experienced racial indignities.
Col. Jennifer Buckner, commander photo by sarah pastrana Hatch said although America was “a
of the 780th MI, said the observance deeply racist” society during World War
was held “to honor a small band of Dr. David Hatch, senior historian at the National Security Agency’s Center for II, the code talkers “were not affected
warriors who created an unbreakable Cryptologic History, discusses the role of the Native American code talkers in World quite so much” by racial prejudice.
code in the ancient language of their War I and World War II. Hatch’s presentation was part of the installation’s annual “By and large there was no wholesale
people and really changed the course Native American Heritage Month observance on Nov. 15. or institutional racial episodes in terms
of modern history.” of the code talkers,” he said.
Hatch, who earned a doctorate in In the period between the world underwent signal training and learned The service of the Native American
international relations from American wars, Hatch said, the Germans heard how to use Morse code, string commu- code talkers was an official military
University in Washington, D.C., called stories of the Choctaw communica- nications wire and to operate radios. secret until the 1960s. As a result,
the contributions of Native American tors and sent language professors and They performed regular communica- Hatch said they were not recognized for
code talkers “a story of sacrifice, a sociologists to the United States to tion duties and also served as code their contributions while they served.
story of victory that everyone ought “study” the Plains Indians. But the FBI talkers. In 2002, Congress authorized a gold
to know.” discovered the plan and “ran them off,” All of the Native Americans were medal for the code talkers, but Hatch
The first Native American code talk- Hatch said. assigned to regular combat units. said that many had died before they
ers served in World War I after Ameri- As the U.S. prepared for World Hatch said that in addition to the could be honored. When it comes to
ca’s first infantry unit was unexpectedly War II, the Marines were persuad- Navajo and Comanche peoples, the the code talkers, the recognition of
thrown into combat when a French line ed to recruit Navajos as code talkers Cherokee, Lakota Sioux, Hopi and their efforts came “too little, too late,”
collapsed, Hatch said. after several Navajos in Los Angeles Wenebego also served as code talkers he said.
The unit was under constant shell conducted a demonstration of their in World War II. In addition to the lecture, last week’s
fire and feared that its communications skills for senior Marine leaders in San The first code talkers to serve in observance featured photographic dis-
could be intercepted at the frontline Diego. actual combat were the Sauk and Fox plays of Native American code talkers
by the Germans. By chance, an offi- A Marine commander recommended peoples who fought against the Ger- and various Native American peoples,
cer in the unit heard several National a Navajo code talker program to mili- mans and Italians in North Africa. as well as displays of Native American
Guardsmen from the Choctaw nation tary leaders in Washington, D.C., and The Navajo Marines served through- pottery and dolls, and books about
conversing. the Marines were authorized to recruit out the Pacific, particularly at Guadal- native peoples.
The men were “talking in a language the Native Americans. canal. Hatch said the commanding offi- Col. Deitra Trotter, commander of
he did not recognize,” Hatch said. The Army recruited Comanche code cer at Guadalcanal praised their work, the 781 MI Battalion who is of Black-
The officer came up with the idea to talkers at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. calling it “the best communications foot ancestry, said the presentation
use the Choctaws as communicators in Hatch said because there were many security” the commander ever had. was “wonderful, enlightening and very
defense against the Germans. dialects among the Comanche tribes, The Comanche Soldiers went into educational.”
“The communications were abso- the Native American Soldiers had to combat on D-Day, June 6, 1944. Hatch Trotter said she knew the code talk-
lutely secure, and the regiment was agree to use words that were common said the first message out of Utah ers were important in the war effort,
able to take the Germans by surprise,” in regional dialects. Beach was in Comanche. “but I didn’t know senior leaders came
Hatch said. All the Native American code talkers The code talkers provided military to value them so much,” she said.
SOUNDOFF! November 21, 2012 http://www.ftmeade.army.mil

6. N ews
MATHALON challenges
middle school students
By MacArthur Middle School The teacher who coached the team
Students from MacArthur Middle for the MATHALON is Stephanie
School participated in the 28th annual Rodriguez.
Maryland MATHALON held Nov. 3 at During the MATHALON, students
Meade Middle School. individually answered questions on a
The MATHALON was sponsored written test. Students also worked with
by the Maryland State Department of their school team to answer questions
Education, the Maryland Council of on another written test of challenging
Teachers of Mathematics, the National problem-solving questions.
Security Agency and Anne Arundel The second part of the contest
County Public Schools to “encourage involved mixed teams of math students
experiences in healthy and challenging from various school systems in the state.
mathematics and cooperation among They were given engineering problems
middle school students, to encourage to solve in 20 minutes with limited sup-
creativity in problem solving, and to plies such as straws, cards, paper clips
foster enjoyment of mathematics as a and paper.
rich and rewarding subject.” Many MacArthur Middle School stu-
Participating students included Will- dents received ribbons as a result of
mary Anderson, Jonathan Amao, Alex- their successful teamwork in this inven-
ander Bansbach, Alexander Chu, Trent tion round. They include Trent Dietrich
Dietrich, Emanuel Guy, Daniel Hansen, and Daniel Hansen with a third-place
Arkeem Harkless, Esha Kashmiri and ribbon, and Jonathan Amao and Alex-
Christina Toler. ander Chu with a fourth-place ribbon.
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http://www.ftmeade.army.mil November 21, 2012 SOUNDOFF!

7. N ews
WWII POWs recognized at annual ceremony
By Lisa R. Rhodes
Staff Writer
For a second consecutive year, the
installation held a joint wreath-laying
ceremony to remember the World War II
German and Italian prisoners buried in
the Post Cemetery.
Garrison Commander Col. Edward C.
Rothstein welcomed Capt. Karl Michael
Setzer, naval attaché and defense attaché
of the Federal Republic of Germany,
and Brig. Gen. Pietro Tornabene, mili-
tary attaché from the Italian Embassy
in Washington, D.C., along with service
members, veterans and civilians.
Rothstein said the ceremony was an
opportunity to “pay remembrance, a
moment of homage and silence for those
that lie in our cemetery.”
In September 1943, 1,632 Italian and
58 German prisoners of war arrived at
the installation, according to the Fort
Meade Museum website. They worked on
farmland in the surrounding areas and
built bridges on the post.
Two Italian POWs and 33 German
POWs died on Fort Meade and were
buried in the Post Cemetery on Rock
Avenue. Among them is German subma-
rine commander Werner Henke, who was
shot while trying to escape from a secret
interrogation center at Fort Hunt, Va.
In his remarks at the beginning of the
ceremony, Rothstein cited Psalm 30:5.
“Weeping may remain for a night, but
rejoicing comes in the morning.”
Rothstein said the rejoicing is symbolic
Garrison Commander Col. Edward C. of partnership.
Rothstein shakes hands with Capt. Karl “The strength of our country is our
Michael Seltzer (left), naval attaché and Soldiers,” he said. “The strength of our
assistant defense attaché of the Federal world is our Soldiers and our partner-
Republic of Germany, as Brig. Gen. Pietro ships. The strength of our Soldiering is
Tornabene, military attaché for the Italian our community, and that is what today
Embassy in Washington, D.C., looks brings.”
on during Sunday’s joint wreath-laying Rothstein said the United States, Italy
ceremony for World War II German and and Germany have come a long way since
Italian prisoners buried on Fort Meade. the POWs were laid to rest.
During his service in the Balkans, Iraq
and Afghanistan, said Rothstein, he wit-
LEFT: Thirty-three World War II German nessed the partnership between the U.S.,
prisoners are buried in the Post Cemetery Italy, Germany and more than 40 other
on Rock Avenue, along with two Italian nations that served in harm’s way.
POWs. Members from the German “That solidarity is very important,” he
Women’s Club placed flags and flowers said. “That solidarity has come through
on the German gravesites. Flags and commitment … that commitment to
flowers were also placed on the Italian world peace, that commitment and part-
graves. nership to make things happen for the
good.”
photos by nate pesce
During his speech, Tornabene said his
own remarks emanated “very deep from
my heart” and called the ceremony “a
SOUNDOFF! November 21, 2012 http://www.ftmeade.army.mil

8. N ews
photo by nate pesce
German and Italian military personnel stand beside their respective country’s wreath during the installation’s second consecutive joint wreath-laying ceremony on Sunday
at the Post Cemetery on Rock Avenue.
moment of remembrance and friend- rienced the war, but also for grandchil- Seltzer, might ensure that “tragedies like bouquets of red and yellow flowers tied
ship.” dren,” he said. “Some of us might have those horrific wars will never happen with black ribbons and miniature Ger-
The countries represented at the event experienced mourning the Jews; some again.” man flags at each of the 33 grave sites.
“at one time were enemies; today they might have heard eyewitness accounts; Seltzer also acknowledged the Ameri- Two Italian flags and flowers were dis-
are friends,” said Tornabene who praised others might have investigated their fam- can, Italian and German service members played at the Italian gravesites as well.
the generosity of the U.S. for its ability to ily histories and reasons to mourn. who “stand side-by-side in different areas “Nobody else would do what we do,”
“transform enemies into friends.” “We all remember the images of of the world” and “deserve our gratitude said Isolde Fletcher, president of the
The American, Italian and German bombed cities, endless rows of soldier and our solidarity.” club. “We kind of feel it’s our obligation
service members who serve together in graves, and refugees in search of food Seltzer also spoke of the German and privilege to put flowers down for
other countries are “shaping a better and shelter,” he said. “People who have National Day of Mourning, which was fallen soldiers.”
world and fighting for a better world,” suffered and died, die for a second time initiated in 1919 after World War I and Airman 1st Class Alexander Riedel, a
he said. when we forget them. We have to remem- was re-introduced in Germany in 1952. public affairs writer and editor with the
Tornabene acknowledged Agostine ber them, remember their sacrifice, not After the key remarks, Rothstein, Tor- Air Force production team at the Defense
Maffies and Pasquino Savigini, the two only because we feel sadness, but also nabene and Seltzer saluted both German Media Activity, attended the ceremony
Italian POWs buried on Fort Meade, as because their death has a meaning to and Italian wreaths while Master Sgt. with his wife, Ashley.
well as the German POWS. us, too. Christopher Roussey of the U.S. Army “I never knew there were Germans
In his remarks, Seltzer said those in “Their death testifies to the inhuman- Band’s “Pershing’s Own” played “Taps.” buried here,” said Riedel, who was born
attendance are too young to have “wit- ity and cruelty that humans are capable The ceremony was followed by a and raised in Germany. “[The ceremo-
nessed the drama” of World War II. of. They serve as a symbol and a warn- brunch at Club Meade. ny] is an interesting gesture to still pay
“But loss remains long and lasting ing.” The day before, members of the Fort homage and respect to honor those who
— not only for the generation that expe- The memory of that grim period, said Meade German Women’s Club placed never made it home.”
http://www.ftmeade.army.mil November 21, 2012 SOUNDOFF!

9. Become a Dental Assistant N ews
in just 11 weeks DATS
• Dental Terminology Charting • X-Ray Certification Eligibility • Clinical Externship
• Sterilization of Equipment OSHA Guidelines • Adult CPR • Job Interviewing Techniques
Columbia - Open House - 1/7/2013
Layaway purchases
Classes Begin - 1/16/2013
Century Plaza • 10630 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Ste 410 Columbia, MD 21044
Annapolis - Open House - 1/8/2013
Classes Begin - 1/22/2013
protected by state law
180 Admiral Cochrane Dr., Ste 200 Annapolis, MD 21044 By Jane M. Winand layaway and the balance owed.
Germantown - Open House - 1/9/2013 Chief, Legal Assistance Division If you decide to cancel the layaway
In these tough economic times, you may arrangement, you may do so within seven
Classes Begin - 1/23/2013
19512-A Amaranth Drive, Germantown, MD 20874
be attempting to pay down your credit days of making the layaway agreement
card balance to eliminate debt and reduce with the merchant and you will receive
Westminster - Open House - 1/10/2013 high monthly interest charges. back all the money you’ve already paid.
Classes Begin - 1/24/2013 Perhaps you’ve considered buying If you cancel the agreement eight days
412 Malcolm Drive, Ste 100 Westminster, MD 21157 things through a layaway program rather or more after making the layaway agree-
Tuition is Call To Reserve Your Seat! than charging the purchase on your credit ment, or if you don’t make a payment
only $2800 card. A layaway is an arrangement in within 15 days of a due date, the mer-
DATS Dental Assistant Training School which you agree to purchase an item by chant is allowed to keep the lesser of the
Classes Begin Soon! making a down payment and then fol- money you’ve already paid or 10 percent
Call To Reserve Your Space! 877-777-8719 • www.datsmd.com low-up payments until the item is paid of the full price of the item.
in full. These refund provisions must be speci-
The merchant agrees to hold the spe- fied in the written layaway contract.
cific item or an identical item for you until If the merchant refuses to give you a
you’ve made all the payments. refund, he or she is in violation of the
The Maryland Layaway Sales Act Maryland Layaway Sales Act, which will
requires the merchant to provide you overrule the store’s own refund policy.
State of Insurance.
f
with a written layaway contract that speci- If you have a problem with a layaway
fies all of your rights and obligations. If arrangement, you should first contact the
the merchant fails to provide you with business and give them a chance to solve
an agreement or fails to follow all of the the problem. If that doesn’t resolve the
requirements of the law, you may cancel problem, contact the Maryland Consum-
the agreement and receive a full refund of er Protection Division at 410-528-8662 for
all the monies paid. assistance in resolving the complaint.
The agreement must state the store’s You also may schedule an appoint-
name and address, your name and ment to meet with a Fort Meade Legal
address, a complete description of the Assistance attorney at 301-677-9504 or
item being placed on layaway, the price 301-677-9536.
of the merchandise, the amount of the
I deliver both.
Legal Assistance
initial deposit and the balance still owed,
Take the guesswork out of your insurance. Whether it’s your car, home, the number of payments you must make,
and the date that each payment is due.
Office hours
life, or more, I can help you feel good about your coverage, as well as
the price you’re paying. The agreement must state that you have
a 15-day grace period in which you may
GET TO A BETTER STATE™.
still make a payment after it is due. The hours of operation for the Fort Meade
CALL ME TODAY. In a layaway situation, the merchant Legal Assistance Office are:
must hold either the specific item that you
• Monday: 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m.
selected (or an identical item), and deliver
the merchandise to you on a specific date • Tuesday: 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m.
after you have paid for the item in full. • Wednesday: 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 2
The merchant also must give you a receipt p.m.
each time you make a payment. • Thursday: 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m.
Marie Waring LUTCF, Agent
The merchant must sell you the item • Friday: 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m.
1413 Annapolis Road, Suite 206
Odenton, MD 21113 at the price set in the agreement, even
if the price goes up during the layaway The office is closed for lunch each day
Bus: 410-551-4666
www.mariewaring.com arrangement. A benefit to the buyer is from noon to 1 p.m. The office also closes
that, if the price goes down within the for training every Wednesday at 2 p.m.
10-day period after signing the layaway Power of Attorney drafting and notaries
agreement, the merchant has to sell it to services are available on a walk-in basis
you at the lower price and adjust the bal- during normal hours of operation. Attorney
ance owed accordingly. counseling is provided by appointment
If you request it, within 10 days of only.
State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, State Farm Indemnity Company, State Farm Fire and Casualty Company, the date of the request the merchant For more information, call the Legal Assistance
State Farm General Insurance Company, Bloomington, IL must give you a written statement clearly
State Farm Life Insurance Company (Not licensed in MA, NY or WI), State Farm Life and Accident Assurance Company Division at 301-677-9504 or 301-677-9536.
1101258.1 (Licensed in NY and WI), Bloomington, IL showing the price of the merchandise on
10 SOUNDOFF! November 21, 2012 http://www.ftmeade.army.mil

10. C over S tory
AWG’s adaptive leader
program takes to road
Story and photos said Blaise Cornell-d’Echert, an AWALP
by Lt. Col. Sonise Lumbaca cadre member and retired infantry colonel
Asymmetric Warfare Group who works for the unit. “In other cases,
Public Affairs the Soldiers have an opportunity to recog-
The Asymmetric Warfare Adaptive nize an immediate relevance to their needs
Leader Program is a 10-day program host- when they are on the same installation they
ed by the U.S. Army Asymmetric Warfare are operating at.”
Group. Such was the case when the AWG
The program, which focuses on build- recently launched a mobile training team
ing an adaptive force, is an example of the for the 197th Infantry Brigade at Fort
Army’s larger initiative of instituting the Benning, Ga. In bringing AWALP to a
21st Century Soldier Competencies. The brigade of instructors and those who
ultimate goal is to provide Soldiers with a oversee training, the AWG is able to hit
set of core competencies that are essential the Army “schoolhouse” where military
to being fully prepared to operate in com- learning begins for Soldiers.
plex and ambiguous environments. “There is this expectation to take the
The program, which embodies all nine training where the training is needed; but
of the competencies including adaptability also, to some extent, it’s an opportunity for
and initiative, critical thinking and prob- us to identify the exact needs that exist for
lem solving, has historically operated out individual units,” Cornell-d’Echert said.
of Fort A.P. Hill, Va. However, the AWG “If all we ever did was conduct our
has taken this program on the road in training at Fort A.P. Hill, we would be
order to rapidly affect a change in Army guilty of some of the things that we’re
culture. helping the schoolhouse instructors recog-
“What the AWG is trying to do is nize [with regard to] limiting themselves in
support Army initiatives in developing a the type of training they can conduct.”
capability at all levels of the Army where Traveling to a unit’s home station pro-
there is an understanding of what adapt- vides an opportunity for AWG to keep
ability is, how to leverage its attributes, their finger on the “training pulse,” and
and how it ultimately contributes to the witness the challenges and constraints
Army’s concept of operational adapt- that instructors and trainers are operating
ability,” said Master Sgt. Michael Crosby under, Cornell-d’Echert said.
III, the AWALP noncommissioned officer “The effects are immediate, and we are ers. However, there are additional unique their immediate area and, therefore, isolate
in charge and an operational advisor for able to better evaluate our expectations commander requirements that the AWG themselves from the various untapped
the AWG. and better understand what the capabilities attempts to meet with bringing the training resources on the installation as a whole.
In working with units, the AWG has of the instructors truly are at the school- to the unit. Here they were given the chance to
found that there is not only an advan- house,” Crosby said. “Whereas on the one hand, for the tradi- engage with key people in training develop-
tage to maintaining the traditional 10-day “Part of my job is to conduct company- tional AWALP hosted at Fort A.P. Hill, the ment, range operations, simulations, and
resident AWALP, but also by bringing a wide training and to conduct training for outcome is they understand how to apply the training support center among others.
two- to five-day shortened version to the mobilization and demobilization Soldiers,” adaptability as an outcome to training for “For us, that was an epiphany moment,”
units. This option maximizes the number said 2nd Lt. David Harrell, an AWALP Soldiers and teams in combat environ- Cornell-d’Echert said. “Here’s a great
of Soldiers participating, and more impor- participant and member of Company D, ments,” Cornell-d’Echert said. “In the opportunity to not only demonstrate to
tantly, shapes the program to meet their Demobilization Continental Replacement case of the 197th Infantry, our outcome these instructors a different approach to
needs and requirements. Center. “[What we are learning in AWALP] is to ensure that instructors know how to training, but at the same time broaden
The AWG is also working with the Com- is good because it gives us a way to look at promote adaptability and develop lesson their horizon and make them aware that
mand and General Staff College to devel- training outside of the normal ‘check the plans that create the learning environment there are many different training enablers
op an instructional design course modeled box’ before [Soldiers] leave the country. It that develop outcomes for Soldiers under- resident on an installation that they can
after the principles within AWALP to assist allows us to look at [training] from a dif- going training.” take advantage of.”
the Centers of Excellence of the Army’s ferent angle.” The AWG incorporated an example of “It allows us to see behind the scenes,”
Training and Doctrine Command in incor- While there is a significant difference this into the program by giving members Harrell said. “We are constantly told,
porating the Army Learning Model into in the way the traditional 10-day AWALP of the 197th Infantry Brigade the opportu- ‘This is the standard, meet it.’ I had no
its curriculum. is conducted at home station versus the nity to meet with various training enablers idea how the standard was created, I just
“When it comes to bringing AWALP shortened version brought to units and on Fort Benning. knew that I was supposed to follow it.
to units, versus units sending Soldiers to installations, the main outcome is only The AWG has identified that some [For example], to actually see how a POI
attend it, in some cases, it’s better for the slightly different. Soldiers coming from operational units, and non-POI training was created, how
unit just in terms of time spent away from Both outcomes of the training con- now assigned to institutional units, tend to we have an effect on it. I had no idea that
the unit and the overall cost to the Army,” tinue to focus on building adaptive lead- focus on training and resources only within we could have at the lowest level an effect
12 SOUNDOFF! November 21, 2012 http://www.ftmeade.army.mil

11. Soldiers from the 197th Infantry Brigade participate in an adaptability practical exercise during the Asymmetric Warfare Group’s
Asymmetric Warfare Adaptive Leader Program at Fort Benning, Ga. Since obstacle courses are resident to most Army installations,
AWG members used this training facility to demonstrate how adaptability can be incorporated into training, while simultaneously
invoking intangible attributes such as critical thinking and confidence building.
on POI training, how it’s created, how it’s LEFT: Blaise Cornell-d’Echert (standing), an AWG Asymmetric Warfare Adaptive Leader Program cadre member and retired infantry
approved. ... That’s very good for us to colonel, guides Soldiers from the 197th Infantry Brigade through problem solving during an adaptability practical exercise. The
know as trainers.” condensed AWALP program is an example of the Army’s larger initiative of instituting the 21st Century Soldier Competencies.
This is an aspect that cannot be accom-
plished at the 10-day AWALP at Fort A.P. “This is a training facility that already element of the training. their Soldiers to AWALP, and some of the
Hill because not all installations have the exists, so we look at how can we promote “There was no order to [completing the training scenarios that we conduct at other
same training facilities and support ele- adaptability while simultaneously invoking obstacle course]. All we had was limited installations cannot be accomplished at
ments resident to them, Crosby said. initiative, creative and critical thinking, and conditions and standards: you have to do Fort A.P. Hill, because no two installations
Another example the AWG used was also build a Soldier’s confidence,” he said. this and you cannot do this, and you have are the same,” Crosby said.
incorporating resident training facilities “If problem solving is one of the com- this time, go,” said Staff Sgt. Robert Park, “But what’s relevant in all of this is that
that are common on most installations to petencies we want to develop, sometimes an AWALP participant who is a member with the methodology behind the 21st
accomplish multiple training objectives. we have to demonstrate through practical of Company C, 1st Battalion, 29th Regi- Century Soldier Competencies, AWALP
“One of the 21st Century Soldier Com- application using something as funda- ment, 197th Infantry Brigade. being one of its vehicles, we are able to
petencies is problem solving; it also hap- mental as an obstacle course, that there “So, it was very out of the box, very affect change by helping to incorporate
pens to be an enabler that we’ve identified is another way to do it,” Cornell-d’Echert unordinary for us and it definitely put us in adaptability into unit training regimens.”
that enhances adaptability in an individ- said. a situation where we had a little heightened “[This was] a good opportunity in a
ual Soldier,” Cornell-d’Echert said. “The “Here is a tool, here is an asset that stress. So, it was very much a different take safe environment to try things and not be
Army has created a number of training already exists, and by the mere application on an obstacle course.” afraid to try an idea,” Park said. “And if
facilities that on the surface have a par- of a couple of other training aids such as Through the AWG’s adaptability pro- it failed, we have an idea of what doesn’t
ticular purpose. An obstacle course is a a stretcher, water cans, ropes, and creating gram and various other initiatives, the work and we had a good (After Actions
perfect example.” a scenario for each obstacle, you not only Army is trying to help units recognize that Review) to think about other things we
Without any creative thinking or imagi- turn it into a team building event, you there are different ways to train, and that could have done.”
nation, most would look at an obstacle now have a problem solving activity at the a variety of effects can be created when This method, said Park, would be a
course as a one-dimensional event, said same time.” training differently. good way for any leader to evaluate the
Crosby. AWALP participants agreed with this “We know that not every unit can send unit’s strengths and weaknesses.
http://www.ftmeade.army.mil November 21, 2012 SOUNDOFF! 13

12. S ports
For the5K, 1-mile walk
birds
Turkey Trot
gives runners chance to compete
By Brandon Bieltz finish line in second at 17:49.1. Fifteen-
Staff Writer year-old Zach Brecheen rounded out the
With a free turkey dinner in their grasp, top three with a final time of 19.34.4.
nearly 400 runners darted off the starting “I feel really good; I pushed my hardest
line outside Murphy Field House. and got my fastest time ever,” Alexander
After a 3.2-mile fast-paced tour through said. “I’m quite happy about that.”
the installation, the top finishers in each Alexander’s second-place finish was the
group was rewarded with the centerpiece second consecutive time that he finished
for their Thanksgiving dinner. behind Coover, who also won the Ghost,
“That’s what I was gunning for,” Sarah Ghouls and Goblins 5K on Oct. 27.
Fisher said. The teen from Gambrills said it was a
The annual Turkey Trot 5K and 1-Mile challenge to keep his pace without any
Walk on Saturday was the sixth event runners around him.
in the installation’s seven-run 2012 Run “It’s really difficult,” Alexander said.
Series. More than 350 people pre-regis- “You just want to quit, but you can’t. You
tered for the event. have to keep pushing the pace.” photos by noah scialom
Fisher and Paul Coover finished in the Coover agreed but has learned to chal-
Erica Harkins pins a race number onto her husband, Chris, before the Turkey Trot 5K
top positions for their gender categories. lenge himself when nobody else is around
and 1-Mile Walk on Saturday. The couple and their dog Chewy dressed in the spirit
Coover’s 16:31.4 time sealed his second him.
of Thanksgiving.
consecutive victory after beating out 15- “By nature, being competitive, you’re
year-old Alexander Buchholz by more going to slow down if there’s not some-
than a minute. body running with you,” he said. “After
“I’m really impressed with these races,” enough years of doing it, you learn to
said Coover, who has run in two races this push yourself.”
year. “They’re fun, and it gives people a Much like the men, the top three
chance to do something that they might women finished minutes apart.
not ordinarily do on a Saturday.” Fisher led the women with a final time
When the runners and walkers of 21:20.2, while Lynda Layson finished
approached the starting line Saturday at 22:55.1 for second. Victoria Reed took
morning, temperatures hovered in the low third place at 24:42.6.
40s. But several participants said the brisk Next month’s Reindeer 5K Run and 1-
temperature didn’t affect their run. Mile Walk will wrap up the fourth annual
“It’s a little chilly,” Fisher said. “I can’t series. Coover hopes to compete in the
feel my toes, but other than that, it’s all race and extend his streak to three Run
good.” Series wins.
While most runners geared up in warm “Three in a row has a nice ring to it,”
clothes to run comfortably, Erica and he said.
Chris Harkins dressed up like a Native
American and Pilgrim for the event. Their
Chihuahua, Chewy, also was dressed as a
Native American.
“We wanted to make it fun,” Erica
said.
At the start of the race, Alexander and
Coover pulled away from the pack early.
Shortly into the route, the two were only
a few steps apart. But a half-mile into the
race, Coover separated from Alexander.
By the one-mile mark, there was a large
Dana Blizzard runs with her daughter Rachel during the Turkey Trot 5K and 1-Mile
gap between the first two runners, with
Walk on Saturday morning. Nearly 400 runners competed in the event, which was the
the rest of the pack even further behind.
sixth of seven runs in the 2012 Run Series.
Once Coover hit the two-mile mark,
Alexander was more than a quarter-mile
LEFT: Paul Coover crosses the finish line on Saturday morning’s run. Coover’s final
behind.
time of 16:31.4 sealed his second consecutive victory in the Run Series. Turkeys were
Coover finished the race at 16.31.4 for
awarded to the top finishers in each age group.
first place, while Alexander crossed the
14 SOUNDOFF! November 21, 2012 http://www.ftmeade.army.mil