SoundOff July 31, 2014

1. CANCEled
Completion of
background checks
halts summer VBS
page 3
UPCOMING EVENTS
Today, 7 p.m.: The Volunteers Summer Concert - Constitution Park
Tuesday, 5-9 p.m.: National Night Out 2014 - McGlachlin Parade Field
Tuesday, 5-9 p.m.: NFL Punt, Pass & Kick competition - McGlachlin Parade Field
Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.: Fort Meade Farmers Market - Smallwood Hall lot
Aug. 7, 7 p.m.: The Jazz Ambassadors Summer Concert - Constitution Park
Fond farewell
Garrison chaplain
secretary retires after
37 years of service
page 8
Soundoff!´
vol. 66 no. 30 Published in the interest of the Fort Meade community July 31, 2014
Play Timephoto by Daniel Kucin jr.
“Wildwood Witch” Teah Gibson sings with her cast of cooks during a performance of “Hansel and Gretel,” produced by the Missoula Children’s Theatre, on Saturday at
McGill Training Center. The hourlong musical featured Fort Meade children ages 5 to 17, who were selected for the production during Missoula’s weeklong theater camp.
For the story, see Page 12.

2. http://www.ftmeade.army.mil SOUNDOFF! July 31, 2014
Commander’s Column
Contents
News.............................. 3 Sports...................................18
Crime Watch................10 Movies..................................16
Community..................14 Classified..............................21
Editorial Staff
Garrison Commander
Col. Brian P. Foley
Garrison Command
Sgt. Maj. Thomas J. Latter
Public Affairs Officer
Chad T. Jones
Chad.T.Jones.civ@mail.mil
Chief, Command Information
Philip H. Jones
Philip.H.Jones.civ@mail.mil
Assistant Editor Senior Writer
Rona S. Hirsch
Staff Writer Lisa R. Rhodes
Staff Writer Brandon Bieltz
Design Coordinator Timothy Davis
Supple­mental photography provided
by The Baltimore Sun Media Group
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I don’t like to start these columns or any of my
correspondence to the field with bad news.
Truthfully, our Army is still doing a good job
overall with regard to safety. As of April 28, total
accidental fatalities were down 4 percent from
fiscal 2013.
That’s a great accomplishment, and I don’t
want to take away from it by focusing on the
negative.
But I think it would be a disservice to you and
our Soldiers to gloss over the fact that motorcycle
fatalities are up sharply from this time last year,
that indiscipline is still their leading cause, and that
NCOs continue to make up a disproportionate
share of the deaths.
The Army does a tremendous job in training
Soldiers on motorcycle safety. Civilians in the gen-
eral population don’t have nearly the same training
opportunities as our riders, especially progressive
training courses that build upon basic skills.
There’s simply no excuse for Soldiers killing
themselves via indiscipline on their bikes, and
while it’s true leaders can’t be with their subordi-
nates 24/7, they can set the example and follow the
standards themselves. Honestly, that seems to be
where we’re falling the most short, given that 10
of the 14 motorcycle fatalities reported this year
have been leaders.
Command Sgt. Maj. Leeford Cain, USACR/
Safety Center, recently published a note to the
field addressing this issue, and I’d like to reiterate
a couple of his points.
First, what’s the status of your unit’s motorcycle
mentorship program, and are the right people
leading it?
If you can’t answer that question, perhaps it’s
time to revisit your training and mentor selection.
Check out the new “Leader’s Guide for Selecting a
Motorcycle Mentor” at https://safety.army.mil for
tips on forming the best team possible.
Second, are your leaders disciplined?
The leaders we’ve lost to indiscipline-based
motorcycle accidents aren’t the only ones out
there, but their poor example can have an irrevers-
ible impact on our formations if left unchecked or
written off as “we can’t fix stupid.”
Between training, mentorship and disciplined,
engaged and accountable leadership, we have the
tools we need to reduce motorcycle losses. Each
works and each saves lives.
I encourage you to widely share a letter we
recently received from a junior leader and motor-
cycle rider who had a close call with a reckless driv-
er just after finishing required safety training. It’s
very powerful and speaks to the lifesaving effects
of training, if
the trainee takes
what he or she
learns seri-
ously. The let-
ter is available
at https://safety.
army.mil/Link-
Click.aspx?fileti
cket=cG356XF
6vdk%3dtabid
=2094
The U.S.
Army Combat
Readiness/Safe-
ty Center has also made a major overhaul to
the Travel Risk Planning System, or TRiPS. The
system will offer users a wide variety of functional-
ity and upgrades, including better travel planning
options, improved user email compatibility, and
freestanding applications for smartphones (com-
ing soon).
Please make leaders aware of these changes and
encourage them to use the upgrades as a means
to improve communication with their Soldiers.
TRiPS attached to a DA31 will never make Sol-
diers safe, but it has proven effective when used
by first-line leaders to force dialogue with their
Soldiers and actually assess and mitigate the risk
posed by their travel plans.
Thank you all for the hard work you do every
day in safety that directly impacts readiness — I
know your jobs aren’t easy. It’s not my intent to
be negative here, but I know you want to face the
harsh realities head on.
Our Soldiers’ lives are simply too important to
sugarcoat facts, especially when far too many are
dying for no good reason. Please let me know what
more I can do to help.
Army Safe is Army Strong!
Motorcycle accidents
a harsh reality in Army
BRIG. GEN. TIMOTHY J. Edens
Commanding General, U.S.
Army Combat Readiness/
Safety Center
Commander’s Open Door
Garrison Commander Col. Brian P. Foley
has an open door policy.
All service members, retirees, government
employees, family members or community
members age 18 or older are invited to address
issues or concerns to the commander directly
by visiting Foley’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, first-
served basis. No appointment is necessary.
For more information, call 301-677-4844.

3. http://www.ftmeade.army.mil July 31, 2014 SOUNDOFF!
News
file photo
The RSO staff notified 79 parents and
57 volunteers of this decision on Friday.
“Everyone has been gracious and very
understanding,” said Marcia Eastland,
Protestant Religious Education coordina-
tor and VBS organizer. “The safety of our
kids is what is most important.”
Over the last year, the Department of
the Army has tightened and increased the
procedures and requirements for back-
ground checks for volunteers who work
with children on Army installations all
over the world.
“Volunteers are required to under-
go background checks more than ever
before,” Kirby said.
“There are approximately eight levels
of background checks required of our
volunteers. Our 250 volunteers have com-
pleted all but the one it requires — fin-
gerprinting. This is a new procedure and
one not initially required of the Chaplains
Office.”
Garrison Commander Col. Brian P.
Foley said the cancellation is not due to
the quality or quantity of volunteers.
“It has to do with the evolving proce-
dures put in place to ensure our children’s
safety,” he said.
“Unfortunately, we would not be able
to complete the required background
check procedures that ensure our volun-
teers are properly vetted before Vacation
Bible School was scheduled to begin.”
Kirby said the required fingerprint-
ing should be completed by the end of
August, and the Watch Care program will
be reinstated.
VBS will return next summer.
By Sgt. 1st Class Mark Bell
200th Military Police Command
Army Reserve Soldiers from the Fort
Meade-based 200th Military Police Com-
mand and other major Reserve commands
took time away from their military and civil-
ian jobs to learn a skill that could save lives.
Twenty-five Soldiers, dressed in business
casual, sat in a small room surrounded by
large paper taped to the walls covered in
words and phrases. This was a result of sev-
eral brain-storming activities during a recent,
weeklong Applied Suicide Intervention Skills
Training course.
After completion of the course, Soldiers
were qualified to teach the two-day ASIST
course to service members and civilians.
Brig. Gen. Phillip Churn, commanding
general of the 200th MP, took several min-
utes to talk with course participants and
expressed the importance of the program for
active-duty, National Guard and the Reserve
Soldiers.
“This program is one of my top priori-
ties,” he said. “We must give our Soldiers the
proper education and resources to help our
200th MPCOM families. Some of us may
only wear the uniform one weekend a month,
but they are our family 365 days a year.”
Churn, who commands more than 14,000
Soldiers and the largest military police orga-
nization in the Army, said suicide prevention
and saving lives is a critical mission for every
Soldier.
“We must help our families who live in
44 states, and it starts right here in the class-
room,” he said. “The information you are
receiving today is critical for laying the foun-
dation of a healthy Army Reserve family.”
ASIST is required by the Army for all
personnel whose duties are likely to bring
them in contact with Soldiers, civilians and
family members who are in crisis, said David
Dummer, the command’s Suicide Prevention
Program manager.
He said the Army estimates that these
Soldiers and civilian employees, collectively
referred to as “gatekeepers,” comprise about
10 percent of total personnel.
Since October, Dummer said, the 200th
MPCOM has completed 13 of 17 scheduled
ASIST workshops and taught nearly 400
personnel how to help anyone contemplat-
ing suicide.
“The research-based ASIST curriculum
was designed by LivingWorks, a global lead-
er in suicide prevention,” Dummer said.
“Instructors must follow the LivingWorks
model and are required to meet eligibility
criteria in order to maintain their certifica-
tion.”
At the conclusion of the workshop, Dum-
mer said every brigade and direct reporting
unit under the Fort Meade-based major
Army Reserve command now has at least
one ASIST instructor.
“The remaining training slots were allo-
cated to other commands and organizations
with which the 200th has formed strategic
alliances in the campaign to save lives,” he
said.
One such ally is the Veterans Crisis Line
at 1-800-273-TALK. Reserve Capt. Christo-
pher Maginn is assigned to the Army Reserve
Medical Command and full-time, call-taker
on the hotline.
Along with the ARMEDCOM, the
99th Regional Support Command and
Fort Meade also sent representatives to the
instructor course.
“The 99th and 200th frequently collabo-
rate on suicide prevention, Yellow Ribbon
programs, and related initiatives and have
forged strong partnerships on multiple lev-
els,” Dummer said.
Churn said ASIST workshops are essen-
tially the front-line defense to help Soldiers
and families facing crisis.
“We must take care of our own,” he
said. “We stand shoulder-to-shoulder on the
battlefield and back home in our communi-
ties across this great nation.
“Our Soldiers fight for our freedoms
abroad, and today we take on a battle to
ensure our formations and families have a
voice, and someone is there to listen to them
in a time of need.”
Churn said the Army Reserve is filled with
people who are making a difference in the
lives of their communities.
“As we never leave a comrade behind in
harm’s way, we will never leave an Army
Reserve family behind in a time of need,”
he said.
Reserve Soldiers come together to learn how to save lives
By Lisa R. Rhodes
Staff Writer
On Friday, the Religious Support
Office canceled its summer Vacation Bible
School and temporarily paused all chapel-
supervised, youth-related activities. This
was done to ensure the completion of
background checks required of the RSO’s
volunteer force.
“Unfortunately, this action is necessary
in order to ensure our volunteers have
completed full background checks, and to
protect and ensure the health and welfare
of our children,” said Garrison Chaplain
(Col.) Warren E. Kirby. “We are fervently
working the issue.
“I anticipate and sincerely hope, within
the next four to six weeks, by the time
school starts, that the RSO will return
to normal operations. We hopefully will
be able to continue all presently paused
chapel-related youth activities.”
This year’s weeklong Vacation Bible
School was scheduled for Monday
through Aug. 8. In addition to the can-
cellation of VBS, Watch Care, the RSO’s
day care program for families that attend
Sunday church services, also has been
temporarily suspended.
Vacation Bible School canceled

4. http://www.ftmeade.army.mil SOUNDOFF! July 31, 2014
News
By Navy Mass Communication
Spc. 2nd Class Zach Allan
Fort Meade Public Affairs Office
A first-of-its-kind artifact was donated
to the Fort Meade Museum on Friday.
Judith L. Nowottnick, a seventh grade
history teacher at Arundel Middle School
in Odenton, donated a letter written by
Mamie Eisenhower, wife of former Presi-
dent Dwight D. Eisenhower, describing
the time she and her husband lived on
Camp Meade.
During World War I, Fort Meade was
established in 1917 as Camp Meade, a
cantonment for troops drafted for the
war.
Nowottnick’s mother, Catherine L.
O’Malley, penned the only existing his-
tory book focusing on Odenton. More
than 40 years ago, she wrote a letter to
Mamie Eisenhower requesting informa-
tion on Odenton during the time she and
her husband resided on post.
“This is the only primary-source docu-
ment like this we have ever received about
President Eisenhower’s time on Meade,”
said Fort Meade Museum Director Rob-
ert Johnson. “Because the Eisenhower
Presidential Library exists, that is where
the bulk of papers concerning him go.”
The letter, dated 1970, briefly recounts
the Eisenhowers’ time on post after World
War I. “We had quarters on the part of
the post known as ‘Franklin,’ ” wrote the
former first lady. “My husband was a
Tank Corps officer along with General
George Patton and others.”
Nowottnick also donated a page from
her mother’s manuscript outlining how
she used the information in Mamie Eisen-
hower’s letter.
“I was going to hand this over to the
Odenton Heritage Society,” Nowottnick
said. “But I really felt like it belonged on
Fort Meade.”
It was a decision Johnson was delighted
she made.
“Every service member that spends
time on Fort Meade is important,” John-
son said. ”But when you have a Soldier
that goes on to be commanding general
of the allied forces in World War II and
then to become president, having artifacts
of their time here becomes that much
more important.”
Beginning at the end of August, the
letter will be on display in the Fort Meade
Museum, located at 4674 Griffin Ave.
Hours are Wednesday to Friday from 11
a.m. to 4 p.m.
A piece of history comes to Fort Meade
Submitted photos
A letter written in 1970 by former first
lady Mamie Eisenhower, wife of President
Dwight D. Eisenhower, was donated to
the Fort Meade Museum on Friday. The
letter was initially written to local author
Catherine L. O’Malley.
Sun safety: Protect your
natural body armor
By Lt. Col. Kari Bruley
Army Public Health Nurse, U.S. Army Public Health
Attention sunbathers, golfers and outdoor enthusiasts!
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the
United States, with more than 3.5 million cases diagnosed
annually.
Ninety percent of all skin cancer diagnoses are associated
with sun exposure.
If you think your risk for developing skin cancer is low, the
fact that one in five Americans is diagnosed in their lifetime
may prompt you to better care for your own skin and that of
your family members.
You and your family can still enjoy the great outdoors this
summer while protecting yourselves from excess risks associ-
ated with sun exposure if you simply take a few precautions.
These precautions are extremely important at the beach and
swimming pools since water and sand are known to reflect up
to 80 percent of the sun’s rays, which elevates your overall sun
exposure.
Take the following precautions:
• Wear clothing that covers skin (including a wide-brimmed
hat and sunglasses that advertise ultra-violet radiation protec-
tion).
• Wear protective clothing that contains a UV Protection
Factor of 30 or greater (a UPF 30 garment allows 1/30th of
the sun’s UV radiation to penetrate the cloth).
• Spend periodic time under a UPF umbrella.
• Take advantage of shaded areas when possible, particularly
between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun is the most intense.
(On overcast days, 70-80 percent of UV rays penetrate through
the clouds.)
Use plenty of sunscreen. Here are some tips:
• Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen (UVA/UVB).
• Choose a water-resistant sunscreen.
• Select a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor 30 or higher.
(SPF 30 provides protection from 97 percent of UVB rays.)
• Apply it to the entire body (before you put on a bathing suit
to ensure full coverage) 30 minutes before sun exposure.
• Re-apply every two hours or immediately after swimming,
toweling off or excessive sweating.
• Sunscreen is recommended for use on infants age 6 months
or older.
Proper and routine sunscreen use helps prevent sunburn,
reduce skin cancer risk and helps prevent early signs of skin
aging.
In addition to sun exposure protection, the American Cancer
Society and the Skin Cancer Foundation recommend avoiding
UV tanning booths, examining your skin once per month and
seeing a physician once per year for a professional skin evalu-
ation.
During the monthly self-examination, look for the following:
• Spots or sores that itch, hurt, scab or bleed
• An open sore that does not heal within two weeks
• A skin growth, mole, brown spot or beauty mark that
changes in color or texture; increases in size or thickness; is
asymmetrical or irregular in border; is larger than 6 millimeters
(size of a pencil eraser); or appears after age 21.
Reducing your risk of skin cancer should become a matter
of habit, part of your daily routine.

5. http://www.ftmeade.army.mil SOUNDOFF! July 31, 2014
News
Water main
flushing
continues
American Water is continuing its
2014 Annual Water Main Flushing Pro-
gram on Monday.
The purpose of the program is to
provide the best quality water avail-
able to you, the customer, by removing
any buildup of sediment that may have
occurred in the water lines.
Flushing may result in some tempo-
rary discoloration and the presence of
sediment in your water. These condi-
tions are not harmful and should be of
very short duration.
During the hours between 8 a.m. and
4 p.m., limit your use of water to help
prevent discolored water reaching your
service lines to your residence. Should
you notice an increase in discolored
water at your residence, flush all fau-
cets inside for 15 minutes.
If the water does not clear up, call
the Water Treatment Plant at 443-591-
0909. This number is monitored 24/7,
should you have any additional ques-
tions or concerns.
Areas that may be affected by
planned flushing from Monday through
Aug. 8:
• Reece Road
• Annapolis Road
• Patton Drive
• Sidman Court
• Fox Lane
• Scott Lane
• Cain Circle
• Mackall Court
• Howard Court
• 19th Street
• 20th Street
• 20 1/2 Street
• 21st Street
• H Street
• I Street
• G Line Road
Streets adjacent to Annapolis Road
and Reece Road may see a temporary
change in their water during flushing
activities. Signs will be posted ahead
of any flushing activities to notify
customers.
Public notice
The Supplemental Programmatic Envi-
ronmental Assessment for Army 2020
Force Structure Realignment and Draft
Finding of No Significant Impact are
available for review and comment.
The Army’s proposed action is to
reduce the Army’s active component end-
strength from 562,000, as of the end of
fiscal year 2012, to 420,000.
Installations that were included in the
SPEA are those that could experience
a change in Soldiers and civilians that
exceeds 1,000 personnel.
Fort Meade was one of the 30 analyzed
in the SPEA. No significant environmen-
tal impacts are anticipated as a result of
implementing Army 2020 alternatives,
though socioeconomic impacts at most
installations could be significant.
Alternatives considered in the SPEA
evaluate the greatest force-reduction sce-
narios that could occur as a result of
Army force drawdown. Final decisions
as to which installations will see reduc-
tions or unit realignments have not been
made.
All interested members of the public,
federally recognized Indian tribes, Native
Alaskans, Native Hawaiian groups, fed-
eral, state and local agencies are invited
to review and provide comments.
A copy of the SPEA and Draft FNSI
are available at: http://aec.army.mil/Ser-
vices/Support/NEPA/Documents.aspx
and in the following local libraries:
• Medal of Honor Memorial Library,
4418 Llewellyn Ave., Fort Meade
• West County Area Library, 1325
Annapolis Road, Odenton
The Army will accept comments until
Aug. 25.
Submit written comments or addition-
al information to: U.S. Army Environ-
mental Command, ATTN: SPEA Public
Comments, 2450 Connell Road (Building
2264), Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam
Houston, TX 78234-7664; or by email to
usarmy.jbsa.aec.nepa@mail.mil.
photo by By Navy Mass Communication Spc. 2nd Class Zach Allan
GUARDIAN AWARDSgt. 1st Class James Wilson (center), noncommissioned officer-in-charge of the Kimbrough Ambulatory Care
Center pharmacy, tells how Chief Warrant Officer 3 Cenise Ellison (left) of First Army Division East and Staff
Sgt. Karen O’Sullivan, an instructor at the Defense Information School, saved the lives of himself and Lt. Col.
Michael Yapp after a severe automobile accident on April 18, 2013. Ellison and O’Sullivan each received the U.S.
Army Safety Guardian Award for their quick response after witnessing the accident.

6. http://www.ftmeade.army.mil SOUNDOFF! July 31, 2014
News
By Lisa R. Rhodes
Staff Writer
Diana Lynn Durner was just being
herself.
When Jason Spahlinger struggled to
find the words to describe how much
Durner, the Religious Services Office
secretary, has meant to him, she stood
by his side and placed her hand on his
back.
Spahlinger, a retired sergeant and for-
mer chaplain assistant, was one of several
members of the Fort Meade community
who spoke about Durner’s compassion
and generosity as they bid a bittersweet
farewell during her retirement luncheon
on July 23 at Club Meade.
Durner retires after serving 41 years as
a federal government employee, includ-
ing 37 years as the garrison chaplain
secretary. Since 1977, Durner has served
with 22 garrison chaplains.
Today is Durner’s last day at Fort
Meade. She will officially retire on Oct.
3.
About 140 people attended the 90-
minute event, which included a videog-
rapher who recorded personal messages
to Durner, a slide show of memorable
photos, a recording of Frank Sinatra
songs, and a saxophone solo of “Jesus,
You’re the Center of My Joy” by retired
Master Sgt. Melvin L. Robinson Sr.
The luncheon, which began with the
playing of the popular song “Happy,” by
Pharrell Williams, featured tables with
paper baskets filled with candy, along
with a hand-written message of thanks
from Durner.
“When I walked in this room today,
there were no words to express how I
felt when I saw all of you here,” a tearful
Durner said in her remarks. “My smile
said it all. I am touched by your kind
‘Bedrock’ of Religious Services Office
Diana Lynn Durner, garrison chaplain secretary, retires after 37 years
words and gifts.
“Today felt more like a reunion than a
farewell. I couldn’t be more honored by
today’s ceremony.”
Durner was joined at the event by her
husband, Bill; daughter Jamie Durner-
Knieriem and son-in-law Steve Knier-
iem; her mother Fay Cofflin; her broth-
ers Kenny Cofflin and Gary Cofflin; and
neighbors and friends.
Several chaplains, former chaplain
assistants, RSO colleagues and leaders
of Fort Meade’s religious congregations
spoke of Durner’s grace, kindness and
friendship; her example as a mother
and person of faith; and her unwavering
dedication to her work.
Garrison Chaplain Col. Warren Kirby,
the new installation chaplain, said he
first met Durner 15 years ago when he
was assigned to Fort Meade for train-
ing.
“She is the same sweet, wonderful
person,” Kirby said in his remarks. “I
just want to thank you, from the bot-
tom of my heart, on behalf of the Chief
of Chaplains Office, on behalf of all
the chaplains you’ve worked for and on
behalf of Fort Meade, this wonderful
community.”
A native of Baltimore, Durner applied
for a federal government position after
graduating from Brooklyn Park High
School in 1972.
A year later, she was offered a GS
civilian position at the National Security
Agency and Fort Meade. She chose Fort
Meade, where her mother worked for
35 years.
“I guess I wanted to follow in her
footsteps,” Durner said before the lun-
cheon.
Durner began working at Fort Meade
on Sept. 10, 1973 as a temporary employ-
ee with the 97th U.S. Army Reserve
Command as a clerk typist. In April
1974, she accepted a job as a supply clerk
with the USA Communications Com-
mand Agency.
A few months later, Durner returned
to the 97th Reserve Command for three
years before accepting a promotion as
the secretary to the garrison chaplain.
During the luncheon, Durner received
many awards and gifts including certifi-
cates of appreciation from Gov. Martin
O’Malley, Anne Arundel County Execu-
‘Today felt more like a
reunion than a farewell. I
couldn’t be more honored
by today’s ceremony.’
Diana Lynn Durner
Religious Services Office
secretary
Diana Lynn
Durner shares
a laugh with
Garrison
Chaplain Col.
Warren E.
Kirby during
her retirement
luncheon.
Durner,
who has
served with
22 garrison
chaplains,
was praised
by garrison
leaders,
chaplains, RSO
colleagues,
leaders of
Fort Meade’s
religious
congregations,
and friends, for
her kindness,
generosity and
commitment to
her work.
photos by
phil grout

7. http://www.ftmeade.army.mil July 31, 2014 SOUNDOFF!
News
tive Laura Newman, Garrison Com-
mander Col. Brian P. Foley and the
RSO.
She also received a personal note and
paperweight from the Installation Man-
agement Command Religious Support
Office. In addition, Durner was pre-
sented a flag that was flown over Capitol
Hill and Fort Meade, as well as gifts
from each of the installation’s religious
congregations.
Deputy Garrison Commander John
Moeller, who presented Durner with her
awards, called Durner the “bedrock” and
“anchor” of RSO, and praised her com-
mitment to the Fort Meade community,
citing the many years she worked with
volunteers to sponsor the annual Christ-
mas tree lighting.
“You will always be part of the Fort
Meade family,” Moeller said.
Spahlinger spoke of Durner’s kind
words of encouragement after he was
diagnosed with a serious illness in 2010.
“You are one of the most genuine
people I have ever met in life,” said
Spahlinger, who served as a chaplain
assistant at RSO for six years before he
was medically retired. “You served as a
great support system.”
In an interview before the luncheon,
Durner said working at Fort Meade was
“one of the best decisions I have made
in my life.”
Durner said she has tried to live her
life according to a quote by the late
author and poet Maya Angelou:
“People will forget what you said,
people will forget what you did, but
people will never forget how you made
them feel.”
As a retiree, Durner said she plans to
work in her garden, remodel her Crowns-
ville home and travel with her husband.
In her remarks, Durner thanked the
chaplains and chaplain assistants who
have crossed her path, in addition to Fort
Meade’s diverse ministries, volunteers
and congregation members.
“I will miss working with such com-
passionate, competent and caring indi-
viduals,” Durner said. “I know without
your support and love, I could not be the
person I am today.”
Diana Lynn Durner, the Religious Services Office secretary, listens to the farewell
messages at her retirement luncheon on July 23 at Club Meade. Durner retires after
41 years of federal government service, including 37 years of service for the RSO.
Today is her last day at Fort Meade.
FORT MEADE ARMY EDUCATION CENTER:
8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Thursday;
8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday
Advising hours: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday
and Wednesday or call 410-672-2117
Claudia Velazquez, Coordinator of College Services
www.aacc.edu
Visit our office at the Fort Meade Army Education Center to learn
about AACC’s many education programs for active duty, veterans
and dependents:
• Opportunities for spouses and dependents, including the Military Spouse
Career Advancement Account “MyCAA” program that provides
up to $4,000 in financial assistance to eligible military spouses.
• Transfer options allow you to complete a four-year degree.
• Career advising and workforce training for continued career development.
• Interest-free tuition payment plans and other payment options.
• Online, weekend and evening classes for flexible scheduling.
• Early College Access Program classes for high school students.
• AACC Military and Veteran Resource Center.
• Classes at Fort Meade High School, AACC at
Arundel Mills, Center for Cyber and Professional
Training, Glen Burnie Town Center, AACC’s Arnold
campus and many other locations in the county.
For a challenging education that directly applies to
the real world, look no further than AACC.
SPOUSES WELCOME.
Just one of the ways
we’re “military friendly.”

8. http://www.ftmeade.army.mil10 SOUNDOFF! July 31, 2014
News
Under the SCRA, service members
can suspend or cancel long-term mobile
phone contracts without penalties or
extra fees when deployed for 90 days
or longer. This also applies when per-
manent transfer in a change of duty
results in an inability to use the service
or an inability to satisfy the terms of
the contract.
Service members deployed overseas
for more than 90 days also may suspend
their contracts at no charge until the
end of their deployment without being
required to extend the length of the
original contract term.
They also are entitled to retain their
phone numbers if they plan to resub-
scribe to the service following cancella-
tion and deployment.
Additionally, if the service member is
part of a family plan, the SCRA allows
for individual line cancellations or, in
cases in which the service member’s fam-
ily plans to accompany him or her over-
seas, all lines on the service member’s
plan may be canceled without charge.
To exercise these rights, service mem-
bers must provide their mobile phone
service contractors with copies of their
military orders. Upon receiving a request
for termination or suspension of service,
the telephone service contractors must
comply without imposing an early ter-
mination fee or a reactivation fee for
suspended contracts.
A template letter for request to termi-
nate or suspend a mobile phone contract
under the SCRA is available at http://
statesidelegal.org/interactive-form-cell-
phone-service-contract-termination.
If you believe that your Servicemem-
bers Civil Relief Act benefits have been
reduced or withheld, call the Fort Meade
Legal Assistance Office at 301-677-9504
or 301-677-9536 to schedule an appoint-
ment to speak with an attorney.
Your case may be eligible for Depart-
ment of Justice review, but only if you
have sought help from your local Legal
Assistance Program office first.
Information about possible benefits
and protections, as well as additional
resources and enforcement options, is
available in a pamphlet published at
http://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/
documents/docs/scra_notice.pdf.
By Austin J. Short
Legal Assistance Intern
As a member of the U.S. Armed
Forces, Reserves, National Guard or
other uniformed services, you and your
family are entitled to a number of dif-
ferent legal protections under the Ser-
vicemembers Civil Relief Act if you are
active duty or are called into active-duty
military service.
The SCRA is generally known for
protecting service members with rental
agreements, security deposits, leases,
loan interest rates, mortgages and other
similar issues.
The bill also allows service members
to terminate or suspend their mobile
phone contracts if their military ser-
vice interferes with their ability to use
the phone service. Understanding who
qualifies for these benefits and how to
take advantage of them is important for
any service member faced with a deploy-
ment or transfer, making it difficult or
impossible to continue to use their cur-
rent mobile phone service.
Mobile phone service rights and
benefits for service members
July 23, Larceny of private
property: The victim stated
that unknown person(s) gained
entry into her unlocked vehi-
cle and stole a handicapped
placard while the vehicle was
parked in front of her resi-
dence.
July 23, Shoplifting: AAFES loss prevention per-
sonnel at the Exchange stated that she observed a
woman select and conceal five items of costume
jewelry and attempt to leave the store without
rendering payment.
CommunityCommunity
Crime Watch
Compiled by the Fort Meade
Directorate of Emergency Services
For week of July 21-27:
• Moving violations: 23
• Nonmoving violations: 3
• Verbal warnings for traffic stops: 12
• Traffic accidents: 13
• Driving on suspended license: 0
• Driving on suspended registration: 1
• Driving without a license: 0
On the
lookout
The Directorate of
Emergency Servic-
es is actively work-
ing to keep neigh-
borhoods safe.
Families resid-
ing on post should
remember to ensure
that windows and doors to homes,
cars and garages are locked at all
times, regardless of time of day.
Although the crime rate in mili-
tary housing is lower than off
post, it is important to remember
that Fort Meade is not immune to
crime. To protect your family and
belongings, remember to take an
active role in deterring crime.
Remain aware of your sur-
roundings and immediately report
any suspicious activity to the Fort
Meade Police at 301-677-6622
or 6623.
Learning That
Works for You
hcclearningworks.com
REGISTER NOW!
Fall semester
begins August 25
Noncredit classes are ongoing
• Career skills
and credentials
• Online, classroom,
or hybrid formats
• Accelerated
course options
• Support services
RAJIV
“I came out of HCC’s Certified
Public Accountant program
with the same, if not better,
educational foundation to tackle
the CPA exam material at a
fraction of the cost of 4-year
institutions or graduate programs.”

9. http://www.ftmeade.army.mil12 SOUNDOFF! July 31, 2014
Cover Story
By Lisa R. Rhodes
Staff Writer
The one thing Nathan Crane loves
about the theater is that he can make
people laugh.
“I’m more introverted, but I can be
more extroverted and animated,” said
Nathan, a home-schooled student who
lives in Severn. “You have to be confident
in what you’re doing when you’re on stage.
That’s theater.”
Nathan, 15, and Jace Gibson, 13, a
freshman at Arundel High School, were
the lead actors in the Missoula Children’s
Theatre production of “Hansel and Gre-
tel” on Saturday.
The one-hour musical, performed at
McGill Training Center, featured nearly 50
Fort Meade children and teens.
Each year, Fort Meade hosts Missoula,
which sponsors a weeklong theater day
camp for ages 5 to 17. This year’s camp
was held July 21 through Saturday at
McGill.
During the first day of camp, partici-
pants auditioned for parts. By noon, the
cast and crew were selected by Abbie
Birchwell and Josiah Miller, tour actors
Play TimeFort Meade children
perform ‘Hansel and Gretel’
photos by daniel kucin jr.
Missoula actor/director Josiah Miller portrays Uncle Wally in the children’s theater
production of “Hansel and Gretel.” Fort Meade hosts the traveling theater company
each summer.

10. http://www.ftmeade.army.mil July 31, 2014 SOUNDOFF! 13
and directors for Missoula.
For the remainder of the day and week,
the children participated in daily rehearsals
that led up to Saturday’s performance.
“Our mission is to teach life skills
through the performing arts,” Birchwell
said. “We teach team work and the impor-
tance of responsibility and commitment,
all practical things you need to do well in
life and in the real world.”
Children learn real theater skills such
as how to portray a character, how to sing
before an audience and how to follow a
choreographed dance routine.
Miller said that when selecting actors,
he looks for “children with loud and clear
voices, expressive bodies and faces, and
how well they follow directions.”
Missoula, which is based in Montana,
provides the set design and costumes for
the performance.
Jace, daughter of retired Maj. Matthew
Gibson and a resident of Gambrills, said
she has been participating in Missoula for
more than five years.
“We do Missoula everywhere we move,”
she said. “It’s not really about how big
your part is, but how well you do it.”
Nathan, son of Col. Kenneth Crane,
said that being chosen to portray Hansel
was “overwhelming but fun.”
“[Hansel] sings a lot, I like singing a lot,”
said Nathan during Friday’s lunch break.
“I’m nervous and I’m anxious. ... There
will be no script.”
Jace said that in the course of the
performance, Gretel learns to believe in
herself.
“She’s worried in the beginning. She’s not
very secure in herself,”Jace said. “But in the
end, she knows everything will be fine.”
Miller said he hopes Missoula instills
more self-confidence in participants.
Birchwell said working well with others is
an important skill both cast and crew must
utilize before and during the production.
“We can’t put the show on with one
child,” she said. “No one is better than
anyone else. A lot of it is about team
work.”
Wildwood Witch’s cooks perform during “Hansel and Gretel.” The costumes and set
design are provided by Missoula Children’s Theatre.
BELOW RIGHT: Gretel, portrayed by Jace Gibson (left), and Granny, portrayed by
Shannon Crane, perform during the production of “Hansel and Gretel” on Saturday
afternoon at McGill Training Center. Missoula Children’s Theatre held a weeklong
camp at McGill for auditions and rehearsals, while teaching Fort Meade children life
skills and theater techniques.
LEFT: A forest full of gingerbread cookies
appear during “Hansel and Gretel” on
Saturday afternoon. About 50 Fort Meade
children, ages 5-17, made up the cast
and crew of the hourlong musical.

11. http://www.ftmeade.army.mil14 SOUNDOFF! July 31, 2014
Community News Notes
The deadline for Soundoff! community
“News and Notes” is Friday at noon.
All submissions are posted at the editor’s
discretion and may be edited for space and
grammar. Look for additional community
events on the Fort Meade website at www.
ftmeade.army.mil and the Fort Meade
Facebook page at facebook.com/ftmeade.
For more information or to submit an
announcement, email Philip Jones at philip.
h.jones.civ@mail.mil or call 301-677-5602.
DINFOS Alumni Day
The Defense Information School
is hosting its first Alumni Day on
Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. as
part of the school’s 50th anniversary
celebration.
The theme is “Excellent Pasts Make
Excellent Futures.”
Visiting alumni will be able to observe
classes, talk to instructors and staff,
view the collection of imagery in the
hallways, and see how the school has
evolved in more than 50 years of service.
The main event will feature a panel
of DINFOS graduates discussing how
they used their military training to
achieve success in the civilian world.
The panel discussion will take place
from 12:30-2:10 p.m. in the school’s
graduation room.
Timothy Paynter, director of
communications for Military Aircraft
Systems at Northrop Grumman
Corporation, will moderate the panel
featuring Robert Hastings, former
principal deputy assistant secretary
of defense for public affairs and now
senior vice president, Communications
and Government Affairs and chief of
staff for Bell Helicopter; Joe Wojtecki,
assistant director, Center for Risk
Communication; and Sunny Anderson,
Food Network host and author of a
New York Times best-selling cookbook.
Visitors should enter the school,
located at 6500 Mapes Road, at the
main student/visitor entrance.
For more information, call 301-677-
2173.
Kimbrough town hall
Dr. (Col.) Michael J. Zapor, deputy
chief of Clinical Services for the Fort
Meade Medical Department Activity,
will conduct a mini town hall meeting
on Aug. 21 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the
Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Center
pharmacy lobby.
The purpose of this forum is to
disseminate information, answer
questions and discuss concerns regarding
Kimbrough.
All beneficiaries are invited to attend.
Kimbrough change of
command
Col. Danny B.N. Jaghab will relinquish
command of the U.S. Army Medical
Department Activity and Kimbrough
Ambulatory Care Center to Col. Laura
Renee Trinkle during a change of
command ceremony on Aug. 7 at 10 a.m.
at McGlachlin Parade Field.
In inclement weather, the event will be
moved to McGill Training Center.
Kimbrough change in
hours
Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Center
is modifying its hours of operation on
Tuesday and Aug. 7.
These changes are to facilitate events
associated with its upcoming change of
command.
On Tuesday, Kimbrough will be open
from 7:30 a.m. to noon and closed from
noon to 4 p.m.
On Aug. 7, Kimbrough will be closed
from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and open from 1
to 4 p.m.
Summer Concert Series
The U.S. Army Field Band’s free
Summer Concert Series is performed
Thursdays at 7 p.m. at Constitution Park.
Each week, members of the Army Field
Band and special guests perform a new
lineup of music spanning contemporary
pop to jazz classics.
Final concert is Aug. 23.
• Tonight: The Volunteers
Since its formation in 1981, The
Volunteers has been telling the Army story
through rock, pop, country and patriotic
music.
• Aug. 7: The Jazz Ambassadors of the
U.S. Army Field Band
The 19-member ensemble is the official
file photo
National Night Out on tuesdayThe 31th Annual National Night Out, America’s night out against crime, will be held Tuesday at McGlachlin Parade
Field.
The convoy through the neighborhoods will be from 5-6 p.m.
The event, sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch, is designed to heighten crime- and drug-prevention
awareness; generate support for local anticrime programs; and strengthen neighborhood spirit and police–community
partnerships.
The free event will feature: Child ID services; moon bounces and inflatables; Boot Camp Obstacle Course; face
painting; free hot dogs, cotton candy and funnel cakes; laser tag; rock walls; a DJ; and raffle prizes and giveaways.
Local police demonstrations include K–9 and Force Protection; NSA S.W.A.T; Pentagon Police; driver safety; child
safety seat installation; Anne Arundel County Police helicopter landing; and U.S. Capitol Police.
For more information, go to the Fort Meade Facebook page at www.facebook.com/FtMeade.
NEWS EVENTS

12. http://www.ftmeade.army.mil July 31, 2014 SOUNDOFF! 15
Community News Notes
touring big band of the U.S. Army.
No tickets required. Bring a folding chair
or blanket for seating.
In inclement weather, the performance
will take place at the Pavilion. The decision
will be made at 3 p.m. on the day of each
performance.
For updates, check armyfieldband.
com or the Fort Meade Facebook page at
facebook.com/ftmeade.
All visitors should enter Fort Meade
via the main gate at Route 175 and
Reece Road. Visitors are subject to an
identification check and vehicle inspection.
For more information, call 301-677-6586.
Farmers market
The Fort Meade Farmers Market
is held every Wednesday from 10
a.m. to 2 p.m. through Nov. 12 in the
Smallwood Hall parking lot, across from
McGlachlin Parade Field.
The Fort Meade community will
have access to fresh and local fruits and
vegetables, free-range meats, quality
heirloom vegetables, herbs and annuals,
flowers, jams, baked goods and breads.
For more information, go to
ftmeademwr.com.
Lunch and Learn series
Kimbrough Ambulatory Care
Center hosts a monthly brown bag
Lunch and Learn Series on the second
Tuesday of the month on the first floor
of the Rascon Building, adjacent to
Kimbrough.
The next session will be held Aug.
12 at noon. All sessions are open to the
public.
The topic is Lyme disease and will
be presented by infectious diseases
physician Col. Michael Zapor.
The lecture will be followed by a
question-and-answer session.
For more information, call Maj. Anne
Spillane at 301-677-8463.
AARP driving course
The American Association of Retired
Persons Safe Driving Course, sponsored by
Anne Arundel Community College’s Center
on Aging, will be offered Aug. 12 from 9
a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Learn defensive driving techniques, proven
safety strategies and new traffic laws. Upon
completion, participants could be eligible for
a multi-year discount on their car insurance.
Course fee is $15 for AARP members
and $20 for nonmembers, and includes a
continental breakfast.
To register, call AARP at 410-647-8667.
For more information, visit www.aacc.
edu/aging/events.cfm.
Host families needed
Visiting students, ages 15-18, from
around the world including Germany,
Spain, Switzerland and Thailand are
seeking host families in and around Fort
Meade for the 2014-2015 academic school
year.
Host families are needed for the fall
semester and full school year.
Families interested in hosting this year
must apply by Aug. 15.
Host families (traditional families,
singles, empty-nesters) serve as mentors
and a home base for their student.
Visiting students participate as active
members of the family and integrate into
their host’s daily routines and traditions
just like any other family member.
The sponsoring program, iE-USA,
is a nonprofit organization dedicated to
promoting education and understanding
through intercultural and academic
exchange.
iE-USA is certified by the Council on
Standards for International Educational
Travel and strictly adheres to all U.S.
Department of State Student Exchange
Program regulations and guidelines.
Exchange student participants undergo
an extensive application and orientation
process in their home country prior to
being accepted into iE-USA’s program.
Each student is responsible for his/her own
spending money and full health insurance
coverage.
Host families may review prospective
student profiles online at iE-USA.org.
For more information, contact iE
Maryland representative Joe Bissell at
j.bissell@international-experience.net or
517-388-8948.
Math enrichment
Child, Youth and School Services is
offering summer classes in math enrichment
for CYSS youths entering grades eight to 12.
Session Three: Pre-Calculus, Monday-
Aug. 8
Session Four: AP Physics, Aug. 11-15
All classes meet from 2-4 p.m., with a
break from 2:50-3:05 p.m.
To register, call the Teen Center at 301-
677-6054 or 301-677-6093 or the Youth
Center at 301-677-1437 or 301-677-1603.
Storytime
The Children’s Library at Kuhn Hall
offers pre-kindergarten Storytime on
Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. at
the Children’s Library in Kuhn Hall, 4415
Llewellyn Ave.
The free event features stories, songs or
a finger-puppet theme.
• Today: “Beach Party” - beach and
ocean-themes
There is no Storytime in August.
For more information, call 301-677-
5522.
Out About
• The annual Howard County Fair
will be held Saturday through Aug. 9 at
the Howard County Fairgrounds, 2210
Fairground Road, West Friendship.
Admission costs $5 for ages 10
and older; $2 for seniors; and free for
children under 10.
Armed Forces Day is on the first
Saturday when admission is free with a
valid military ID and includes spouse
and children under age 18.
Senior Day is Tuesday when
admission is free for ages 62 and older.
“Dollar Ride Day” is Thursday,
when rides cost $1 each.
Entertainment includes the Shazam
Magic Show, square dancing demo,
pro bull riding, cowboy shootout, and
several bands.
Hours for rides and games: Monday
to Friday from 2-11 p.m. and Saturday
and Sunday from noon to 11 p.m.
“Kids and Critters” barn hours are
daily from 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., but
closed from 2-4 p.m.
Pig races are at noon, and 3, 6 and 8
p.m. Pony rides are from 10 a.m. to 10
p.m. Bingo hall opens daily at 6 p.m.
For a complete schedule or more
information, call 410-442-1022 or go to
howardcountyfair.org.
• Families Dealing with Deployment
meets the first and third Monday of
every month from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at
Meuse Forest Neighborhood Center.
file photo
SUMMER CONCERT SERIESThe U.S. Army Field Band’s free Summer Concert Series is performed
Thursdays at 7 p.m. at Constitution Park.
• Tonight: The Volunteers
Since its formation in 1981, The Volunteers has been telling the Army story
through rock, pop, country and patriotic music.
• Aug. 7: The Jazz Ambassadors of the U.S. Army Field Band
The 19-member ensemble is the official touring big band of the U.S. Army.
For more information, see the brief below or call 301-677-6586.
EDUCATION
YOUTH
RECREATION
MEETINGS
CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

13. http://www.ftmeade.army.mil16 SOUNDOFF! July 31, 2014
Movies Community News Notes
Children welcome. The next meeting
is Monday. For more information, call
301-677-5590 or email colaina.townsend.
ctr@mail.mil.
• Monthly Prayer Breakfast, hosted by
the Garrison Chaplain’s Office, is held the
first Thursday of every month at 7 a.m. at
Club Meade.
The next prayer breakfast is Aug. 7.
There is no cost for the buffet; donations
are optional. All Fort Meade employees,
family members, and civilian and military
personnel are invited.
For more information, call Diana
Durner at 301-677-6703 or email diana.
l.durner.civ@mail.mil.
• Calling All Dads meets the second and
fourth Monday of every month from 4 to
5 p.m. at Potomac Place Neighborhood
Center, 4998 2nd Corps Blvd. The next
meeting is Aug.11.
The group is for expecting fathers, and
fathers with children of all ages. Children
welcome. For more information, call 301-
677-5590 or email colaina.townsend.ctr@
mail.mil.
• Single Parent Support Group meets the
second and fourth Monday of the month
from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at School Age Services,
1900 Reece Road. The next meeting is
Aug. 11. Free child care is provided onsite.
For more information, call 301-677-5590
or email colaina.townsend.ctr@mail.mil.
• Marriage Enrichment Group,
sponsored by Army Community Service,
meets the second and fourth Monday
of every month from 3 to 4 p.m. at
the Community Readiness Center, 830
Chisholm Ave. The next meeting is Aug.
11. For more information, call Celena
Flowers or Jessica Hobgood at 301-677-
5590.
• Meade Rod and Gun Club meets the
first Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. at
Perry’s Restaurant and Odie’s Pub at 1210
Annapolis Road, Odenton, in the banquet
hall in back of the building. The next
meeting is Aug. 7. Dinner is served at 6
p.m. For more information, call 410-674-
4000.
• National Alliance on Mental Illness
of Anne Arundel County offers a free
support group for families with a loved
one suffering from mental illness on the
first Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. at
the Odenton (West County) Library, 1325
Annapolis Road. The next meeting is Aug.
7. For more information, visit namiaac.org.
• Fort Meade E9 Association meets the
second Friday of every month at 7 a.m. in
the Pin Deck Cafe at the Lanes. The next
meeting is Aug. 8. The association is open
to active, retired, Reserve and National
Guard E9s of any uniformed service. All
E9s in this area are invited to attend a
breakfast and meet the membership. For
more information, go to e9association.org.
• Meade Branch 212 of the Fleet Reserve
Association meets the second Saturday
of each month at 10 a.m. at VFW Post
160, 2597 Dorsey Road, Glen Burnie.
The next meeting is Aug. 9. Active-duty,
Reserve and retired members of the U.S.
Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard are
invited.
For more information, call 443-604-2474
or 410-768-6288.
• New Spouse Connection meets the
second Monday of every month from 7
to 8:30 p.m. at the Community Readiness
Center, 830 Chisholm Ave. The next
meeting is Aug. 11. The program provides
an opportunity for all spouses new to the
military or to Fort Meade to meet and get
connected. For more information, contact
Pia Morales at pia.s.morales.civ@mail.mil
or 301-677-4110.
• Fort Meade TOP III Association meets
the second Wednesday of each month at
3 p.m. at the Courses. The next meeting
is Aug. 13. The association is open to all
Air Force active-duty and retired senior
noncommissioned officers. For more
information, call Master Sgt. Jonathan
Jacob at 443-479-0616 or email jajacob@
nsa.gov.
• Women’s Empowerment Group meets
Wednesdays from 2 to 3:30 p.m. to provide
a safe, confidential arena for the support,
education and empowerment of women
who have experienced past or present
family violence.
Location is only disclosed to
participants. To register, call Samantha
Herring, victim advocate, at 301-677-4124
or Katherine Lamourt, victim advocate, at
301-677-4117.
• Moms Walking Group, sponsored
by Parent Support, meets Thursdays
from 8:30 to 9:15 a.m. at Potomac Place
Neighborhood Center. To register, call
Colaina Townsend or Michelle Pineda at
301-677-5590.
• Project Healing Waters meets
Thursdays from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Soldiers
and Family Assistance Center, 2462 85th
Medical Battalion Ave.
The project is dedicated to the physical
and emotional rehabilitation of wounded
warriors and veterans through fly fishing,
fly tying and outings.
For more information, call Larry
Vawter, program leader, at 443-535-5074 or
email thecarptman@msn.com.
• Dancing with the Heroes, free ballroom
dance lessons for the Warrior Transition
Unit, meets Thursdays at 6 p.m. at
Argonne Hills Chapel Center in the
seminar room.
Participants should wear loose clothing,
comfortable shoes with leather soles. No
super high heels or flip-flops.
• Spanish Christian Service is conducted
Sundays at 1 p.m. at the Cavalry Chapel
located at 8465 Simonds St. and 6th
Armored Cavalry Road.
For more information, call Elias
Mendez at 301-677-7314 or 407-350-8749.
• Cub Scout Pack 377 invites boys in
first through fifth grades, or ages 7 to 10,
to attend its weekly Monday meetings at 6
p.m. at Argonne Hills Chapel Center.
For more information, email Cubmaster
Christopher Lassiter at pack377_cm@
yahoo.com or Committee Chairperson
Marco Cilibert at pack377_cc@yahoo.com.
• Boy Scout Troop 379 meets Mondays
at 7 p.m. at Argonne Hills Chapel
Center on Rockenbach Road. The troop
is actively recruiting boys age 11 to
18. For more information, email Lisa
Yetman, at lisayetman@verizon.net
or Wendall Lawrence, Scoutmaster, at
lawrencewendall@juno.com.
• Military Council for Catholic Women
is open to all women ages 18 and older
for prayer, faith, fellowship and service
at Argonne Hills Chapel Center, 7100
Rockenbach Road. The Catholic Women
of the Chapel meets Tuesdays from 9:45
a.m. to noon when Anne Arundel County
schools are in session. Monthly programs
are held Mondays from 6:30 to 9 p.m.
For more information, email Loretta
Endres at bradanloretta@yahoo.com.
• American Legion Post 276 is open to
veterans and active-duty service members
at 8068 Quarterfield Road in Severn.
Breakfast may be purchased beginning at
9 a.m. Lunches may be purchased from
11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Happy Hour is
from 4 to 6 p.m. Dinner may be purchased
at 6 p.m. on Fridays and the fourth Sunday
of every month.
Membership discounts are offered
for active-duty military. For more
information, call 410-969-8028 or visit
americanlegionpost276.org.
• Odenton Masonic Center, located at
1206 Stehlik Drive, invites the community,
local military, fire/emergency services and
local businesses to enjoy its reasonably
priced breakfast and specialty dinners.
The center offers a fundraising “all-you-
can-eat” breakfast every second Sunday
from 7-11 a.m. Fundraising specialty
dinners are held the third Friday of the
month from 5-7 p.m.
Menus vary and are listed on its website
at odentonlodge209.net.
The movie schedule is subject to change. For
a recorded announcement of showings, call 301-
677-5324. Further listings are available on the
Army and Air Force Exchange Service website
at www.aafes.com.
Movies start Fridays and Saturdays at 6:30
p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. (The Fort Meade
Theater will no longer be open on Wednesdays
and Thursdays.)
PRICES: Tickets are $5.50 for adults (12
and older) and $3 for children. 3D Movies:
$7.50 adults, $5 children.
Today through Aug. 10
Aug. 1: “How To Train Your Dragon 2” (PG).
When Hiccup and Toothless discover an ice cave
that is home to hundreds of new wild dragons
and the mysterious Dragon Rider, the two friends
find themselves at the center of a battle to protect
the peace. With the voices of Jay Baruchel, Cate
Blanchett, Gerard Butler.
Aug. 2: FREE SCREENING - “Teenage Mutant
Ninja Turtles.” Tickets available at the Exchange
Food Court. Seating open to non-ticket holders
30 minutes prior to showtime.
Aug. 3: “Think Like a Man Too” (PG-13). All
the couples are back for a wedding in Las Vegas,
but plans for a romantic weekend go awry when
their various misadventures get them into some
compromising situations that threaten to derail
the big event. With Kevin Hart, Gabrielle Union,
Wendi McLendon-Covey.
Aug. 8 9: “Earth to Echo” (PG). After receiving
a bizarre series of encrypted messages, a group
of kids embark on an adventure with an alien
who needs their help. With Teo Halm, Astro,
Reese Hartwig.
Aug. 10: “Tammy” (R). After losing her job and
learning that her husband has been unfaithful,
a woman hits the road with her profane, hard-
drinking grandmother. With Melissa McCarthy,
Susan Sarandon, Kathy Bates.
MEETINGS
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

14. http://www.ftmeade.army.mil18 SOUNDOFF! July 31, 2014
Sports
NFL Punt,
Pass
Kick
Tuesday
Child, Youth and School Ser-
vices’ Youth Sports will host a
local NFL Punt, Pass and Kick
competition during the
National Night Out on Tuesday
at McGlachlin Parade Field.
The free nationwide skills
competition is open to boys
and girls ages 6 to 15. In five
separate age divisions (6-7,
8-9, 10-11, 12-13, and 14-15),
youngsters compete against
each other in punting, passing
and place kicking.
file photo
By David J. Hilber
Doctor of Optometry
U.S. Army Public Health Command
Sports are an everyday activity for many
Americans and for many Soldiers, Sailors,
Airmen and Marines.
Sports are also a leading cause of eye inju-
ries, but not an activity where use of safety
eyewear has completely taken hold.
The military uses a variety of sports activi-
ties to aid in physical fitness training and to
stimulate competition. Increased participa-
tion in sports has been accompanied by an
increase in injuries in general and eye injuries
in particular.
Sports and eye injuries
Prevent Blindness America, or PBA,
reports that more than 40,000 athletes suffer
an eye injury while playing sports every year.
And, every 13 minutes, an emergency room
in the United States treats a sports-related
eye injury.
PBA has estimated that 90 percent of all
eye injuries are preventable, including sports-
related eye injuries.
In the DoD, during the period of 2000 to
2012, among active-duty service members,
sports accounted for 8 percent overall and 5
percent of inpatient-treated eye injuries where
the cause was reported.
In nearly all of these cases, no protective
eyewear was worn.
Which sports cause the most eye
injuries?
According to PBA, around 6,000 Ameri-
cans report eye injuries each year from basket-
ball — making it the leading cause of sport-
related eye injuries and the leading cause of all
eye injuries among people over the age of 15.
The most common types of eye injuries
from basketball are abrasions caused by fin-
gers.
Water and pool activities are the second
leading cause, followed by guns (air, BB),
which are the leading cause of eye injuries in
people age 14 and under.
Baseball/softball and exercise/weightlifting
round out the top five.
Preventing eye injuries from sports
Just as with military and industrial activi-
ties, it is important to have the right safety
eyewear. With sports it is important to note
that in some cases, specific types of eyewear
are needed to fully protect the eye.
National standards for protective eyewear
developed by ASTM International exist for a
number of sports programs.
Many sports organizations have also devel-
oped requirements to wear protective equip-
ment for participation in their sports pro-
grams.
What protection is generally accepted for
commonly played sports? Here is a partial
list of suggested eye protection from ASTM
International:
• Baseball and softball: Polycarbonate face
shield (attached to helmet) in combination
with sports spectacles with polycarbonate
lenses worn under the face shield for batting
and running bases
ASTM F910-04(2010) covers eye and face
protection for youth players (batting/base run-
ning). ASTM F803-11 covers protection for all
other players (fielding).
• Basketball: Sports eye guard with polycar-
bonate lenses and side shields
Frames without side shields are not recom-
mended because of the possibility of a finger
entering the open spaces in the frame and
injuring the eye.
• Football: Polycarbonate shield attached
over a wire face guard
Sports spectacles with polycarbonate lenses
under the shield will provide additional protec-
tion.
• Ice hockey and field hockey: Protectors
meeting ASTM F513-00(2007) and F1587-
99(2005) standards for eye and face protection
for ice hockey players
ASTM F2713-09 covers players of field
hockey.
• Paintball: Protectors meeting ASTM
F1776-10 apply for paintball players.
• Skiing (Alpine): Protectors meeting
ASTM F659-10 applies to participants in
alpine skiing.
•Racquetsports:ProtectorsmeetingASTM
F803-11 apply to players of racquet sports.
The U.S. Army Public Health Command’s Tri-
Service Vision Conservation and Readiness
Program recommends only protectors with
polycarbonate lenses for racquet sports.
• Soccer: Sports spectacles with polycarbon-
ate lenses are recommended.
Players of any sport with potential to cause
eye injury should wear protective eyewear
designed for that sport.
Polycarbonate lenses must be used with
protectors that meet or exceed the require-
ments of ASTM International.
Individuals with only one functional eye
should always wear sports spectacles with
polycarbonate lenses if there is the slightest
chance of injury to the eye.
Polycarbonate eyewear is 10 times more
impact resistant than other plastics, accord-
ing to the National Eye Institute.
All it takes is a random elbow or swipe
of a fingernail across the eye during that
platoon basketball tournament to take you
out of the action.
Protect your eyes in sports — just like you do in combat

15. http://www.ftmeade.army.mil July 31, 2014 SOUNDOFF! 19
Sports
When I took this staff writer position
at Soundoff! four years ago, I had abso-
lutely no idea what I was getting myself
into.
But fresh out of college and very much
unemployed, I jumped at the opportunity
to actually use my journalism degree and
write for a newspaper.
When I started, I figured I would be
interviewing uniformed service members,
covering community events and writ-
ing military news. And while I worked
plenty of those stories, my job description
changed pretty quickly.
Instead of spending my entire day
asking for ranks and titles, a bulk of my
work time was spent after Retreat, when
fatigues and boots were swapped for foot-
ball jerseys and cleats.
After four years of sitting on Fort
Meade’s bleachers, my last day as the
Soundoff! sports writer will be Friday. I
will be heading to North Carolina, where
I will once again forfeit my weekends and
evenings to cover sports as a freelancer.
If you’re wondering why I’m leaving
a full-time job to freelance in North
Carolina, it can be attributed to my girl-
friend who will be working hard toward
a doctorate at the University of North
Carolina.
I had always agreed to go with her to
whatever school she wanted, so after a
two-month toss-up between UNC and
the University of Wisconsin, I am thank-
fully Chapel Hill-bound with a stack of
boxes.
An interesting part about packing up a
reporter’s desk is the pile of press passes
stuffed in a drawer that serves as a visual
history of the job.
As I sort through my collection, I am
reminded that this job has taken me to
places every kid who wants to be a sports
writer dreams about: Standing at the 50-
yard line of Lincoln Financial Field for
the Army-Navy Game, diving out of the
way of a throwing Robert Griffin III, and
awkwardly saying hello to Bill Belichick
in a hallway at FedEx Field.
I was not expecting to do any of these
things at a military newspaper. But from
the start, I was given plenty of leeway
with this sports section. Chad “Jibber
Jabber” Jones told me if I could find the
slightest tie to Fort Meade, to just go
with it.
That go-ahead gave me the chance to
take our sports
section outside
the gates of Fort
Meade to places
it hadn’t been
before. In turn,
it allowed me to
tell stories that
still hadn’t been
told.
Phil Jones, the
Soundoff! editor,
then gave me the shot to take this oppor-
tunity one step further and move into
high school sports. The paper’s venture
into Meade High sports — and my frantic
attempts to figure out what I was sup-
posed to do — is what I am most proud
of during my time here.
But, as with any newspaper, the stories
I covered were only as good as the people
involved, and it was the members of the
Fort Meade community that made this
job fun and motivated me to work hard.
Spending time with service members
and their families during off-hours let me
see a unique, personal side of military life
that very few get to see. That perspective
always spurred me to produce the best
work I could, because it’s what I felt the
community deserves.
My time spent on Fort Meade’s fields
is what I will miss most. Yes, even those
freezing and raining nights I stood on
the sidelines, not at all prepared for the
weather.
To the coaches and athletes from the
intramural leagues, youth teams and high
school teams: Thank you for taking time
away from your team’s celebration after
a championship win to answer my ques-
tions, and allowing me to pry you for a
quote when you lost.
I also want to thank everybody involved
in the newspaper for taking the time to
break me in as a reporter and help shape
me as a writer. Nobody did this more
than our assistant editor Rona Hirsch,
who edited every single story with me and
bolded EVERY mistake and misstep.
I will always be appreciative of the
efforts of Chad, Phil, Rona, Lisa Rhodes
and Tim Davis to help develop my skills.
I can pretty safely say my next four
years will not be as interesting as my time
at Fort Meade, but I won’t need three lay-
ers of clothing to cover a football game in
October. So I’ll take it.
Farewell from the bleachers
Brandon Bieltz,
Staff Writer
Jibber Jabber - Opinion Sports Shorts
Fall sports
Registration for fall sports is underway at Parent Central Services, 1900
Reece Road.
Fall sports include football, soccer, cheerleading, swim team and flag
football.
Participants can register at the CYSS Central Registration Office at 1900
Reece Road or online at https://webtrac.mwr.army.mil/webtrac/meadecyms.
html.
For more information, call 301-677-1149 or 1156.
Coaches needed
Child, Youth and School Services’ Youth Sports is looking for coaches for
fall sports.
For more information, call 301-677-1329 or 301-677-1179.
Intramural flag football meeting
A coaches meeting for intramural flag football will be held Aug. 6 at 1 p.m.
at Murphy Field House.
A team representative must be present at the meeting to submit a roster.
Only active-duty service members are allowed to compete in the league.
For more information, call 301-677-3318 or email beth.d.downs.naf@mail.
mil.
Dr. Edwin Zaghi
- Board Certified Pediatric Dentistry;
- American Board Pediatric Dentist;
- Fellow American Academy of
Pediatric Dentistry
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DENTISTRY
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• Accepts MetLife/Tricare
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COLUMBIA • 410-992-4400
www.dredwinzaghi.com
Near
Fort
Meade!
Copies
of the
2014
Fort
Meade
Welcome Guide are
available now.
Please call 301-677-
5602 or email philip.
h.jones.civ@mail.mil
to request guides for
your organization.