Fort Meade Soundoff Dec. 20, 2012

Soundoff!
vol. 64 no. 51 Published in the interest of the Fort Meade community
´
December 20, 2012

last year i
was rudolph...

photo by sarah pastrana

Lily and Beani dress for Saturday’s Reindeer 5K Run and 1-Mile Walk at Murphy Field House. The dogs’ owner Kiki Chabries was among more than 500 runners who
participated in the final event in the annual Fort Meade Run Series. For the story, see Page 25.

Safety first A look Back UPCOMING EVENTS Happy Holidays!
DES, post schools Soundoff! Year in Today, 7-10 p.m.: Karaoke Night - The Lanes Soundoff! will
Review highlights Dec. 31, 5-8 p.m. & 9 p.m.-1 a.m.: New Year’s Eve Parties
work together to not publish
Dec. 27
(Family 5-8, Adult 9-1) - The Lanes
keep students safe 2012 stories, photos CLOSINGS: Kimbrough closed Dec. 24, 25, 31, Jan. 1;
and Jan. 3.
Soundoff! returns
page 3 pages 13-24 Commissary closed Dec. 25; Post Theater closed until Jan. 4 Jan. 10.

Commander’s Column
Soundoff!
Editorial Staff
Garrison Commander
Guaranteed circulation:
11,285
´

Celebrate holidays with
Col. Edward C. Rothstein

thanks, support, safety
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 By Garrison Commander Col. Edward C. Rothstein
Philip.H.Jones.civ@mail.mil The holiday season means different things to dif-
Assistant Editor & Senior Writer ferent people.
Rona S. Hirsch No matter how you approach the holidays, I hope
Staff Writer Lisa R. Rhodes you will remember the children and adults whose
Staff Writer Brandon Bieltz lives were tragically cut short in Newtown, Conn.,
Design Coordinator Timothy Davis and their families who will have to somehow make it
Supplemental photography provided through the holidays without them.
by Patuxent Publishing Co. For many of us, the holidays mean celebrating with
family and friends, often traveling to do so. It also
Advertising means being thankful.
General Inquiries 410-332-6300 I am thankful to be a part of Team Meade and
Allison Thompson thankful for all the hard work of everyone who is a
410-332-6850 Allison.Thompson@baltsun.com part of our Fort Meade family. Your dedication has
Michele Griesbauer brought to close another successful year in 2012.
410-332-6381 Michele.Griesbauer@baltsun.com To everyone who has extended a helping hand
this past year, whether in a professional capacity or
If you would like information about receiving Soundoff! on Fort Meade or are as a volunteer, thank you. Thank you for choosing
experiencing distribution issues, call 877-886-1206 or e-mail TP@baltsun.com. to go the extra mile to make a difference for service
Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday through members, civilians and families.
Sunday, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Let’s all enjoy what the season offers, wherever we
Printed by offset method of reproduction as a civilian enterprise in the interest of the are, and enjoy time with friends and loved ones.
personnel at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland, by the Patuxent Publishing Co., a subsidiary As we celebrate, let’s remember those who are
of The Baltimore Sun Media Group, 501 N. Calvert St., Baltimore, MD 21278, every Thursday deployed and extend extra support to their families.
except the last Thursday of the year in conjunction with the Fort Meade Public Affairs Office. Being separated for the holidays can be especially photo by Nate pesce
Requests for publication must reach the Public Affairs Office no later than Friday before the difficult on our spouses and children.
desired publication date. Mailing address: Post Public Affairs Office, Soundoff! IMME-MEA-PA,
Although the holidays are a time of celebration, Garrison Commander Col. Edward C. Rothstein,
Bldg. 4409, Fort Meade, MD 20755-5025. Telephone: 301-677-5602; DSN: 622-5602. his wife Audrey, make friends with a llama at
the season can also be a difficult time for some. That’s
why it’s so important for commanders, NCOs, gar- Picerne Military Housing’s “December in the
Everything advertised in this publication must be made available for purchase, use or patronage
without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, marital status, handicap or sex of purchaser, rison directors and managers to communicate and City” event.
user or patron. A confirmed violation or rejection of this policy of equal opportunity by an advertiser stay connected with service members, civilian workers
will result in the refusal to print advertising from that source. and loved ones. note. As you have heard me say many times, when
Printed by Patuxent Publishing Co., a private firm, in no way connected with the Department For those who need assistance, Fort Meade pro- you celebrate the holidays, please plan your time with
of the Army. Opinions expressed by the publisher and writers herein are their own and are vides a number of Soldier and family support ser- safety in mind. Don’t drink and drive.
not to be considered an official expression by the Department of the Army. The appearance vices. If you are unsure where to go, start with Army Just as important, don’t text and drive. I can’t think
of advertisers in the publication does not constitute an endorsement by the Department of Community Service or the Religious Support Office. of a text message or cell phone call important enough
the Army of the products or services advertised. Just remember, even the smallest gesture of sup- to risk a vehicle accident.
port can mean a lot to those in need of care. From my family to you and yours, we wish you a
A successful 2013 begins by ending 2012 on a safe safe and happy holidays and a blessed new year.
www.ftmeade.army.mil
You can also keep track of Fort Meade on Twitter at twitter.com/ftmeademd
and view the Fort Meade Live Blog at ftmeade.armylive.dodlive.mil.
Commander’s Open Door
Garrison Commander Col. Edward C. Rothstein has an open door policy.
All service members, retirees, government employees, family members
Co n t e n t s and community members age 18 or older are invited to address issues or
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................................... 25
Llewellyn Avenue.
Year in Review............. 13 Movies.................................. 30 Visitors are seen on a first-come, first-served basis. No appointment is
necessary.
Community.................. 28 Classified.............................. 31 For more information, call 301-677-4844.

SOUNDOFF! December 20, 2012 http://www.ftmeade.army.mil

News
DES, schools prepared for emergencies
Story and photo by Brandon Bieltz
Staff Writer
Lt. Col. J. Darrell Sides refers to the
‘The second that somebody
tragic shooting at Sandy Hook Elemen- can make that first 911 call,
tary School in Newtown, Conn., as “a
nightmare scenario that we all dread.” the calvary is coming and it
There is no plan or preparation that
can guarantee the prevention of similar will be there amazingly fast.’
events taking place, said Sides, direc-
tor of the Fort Meade Directorate of Lt. Col. J. Darrell Sides
Emergency Services. Director, Fort Meade Directorate
But DES has recently joined forces of Emergency Services
with the Anne Arundel County Police
Department and security officials with
the school system to design plans to
best respond to emergency situations nadoes to active shooters in the build-
at Fort Meade schools. ing,” according to the press release
Over the past several weeks, DES has issued Friday.
changed its emergency response plans “Our school system and our partners
with coordination from the schools and will continue to do everything we can
the Anne Arundel County Police. to ensure that our children are edu-
In addition to a new system of cated in, and that our staff works in,
responding, Fort Meade police officers environments that are safe, healthy and
are now spending time in the schools to supportive,” the release states.
become familiar with the layout of each In response to Friday’s shootings in
of the facilities and with the staff. Fort Meade Police Officer Reynold D’Haiti stands outside Manor View Elementary Connecticut, Fort Meade Police officers
“We’re doing what we can; we have an School on Monday afternoon. Following the shooting in Newtown, Conn., the Anne were asked by county police to be at
excellent plan,” Sides said. “[But] there’s Arundel County Police Department requested the temporary posting of officers every elementary school on post peri-
no plan that is 100 percent to prevent outside all elementary schools periodically before and after school. odically before and after school for the
something like this from happening.” entire week.
Although seven schools are located plans and altered the DES plans. The Sides said the new walk-throughs are “It was simply to remind the public
on Fort Meade property, the land is large focus of the plan is not only about building relations with the school that we are there, to give them a sense
leased to Anne Arundel County Public responding to the emergency itself, but while learning the lay of the land. of security and that we’re ready for any
Schools, which maintain the buildings. creating an Incident Command System “What that does for them is they type of emergency that needs our assis-
Because of this, federal police and in the area that includes staging areas start learning the floor plan of the tance at our schools,” Sides said.
county police have concurrent jurisdic- and a command post. school, they start getting the feel for Even so, Sides said the possibility
tion at the schools, meaning both can The plan allows all agencies to work what things should look like, and what for similar events still exists but will be
respond to the schools. as one. Sides said DES frequently normal is, and they start learning the more difficult for the offender.
In addition to the two agencies, practices the responses, with officers staff,” Sides said. “The benefit to the “There is absolutely no method that
the school system also contains its learning the correct response locations schools is that they have more law is 100 percent,” he said. “Somebody
own security department that includes for each school. enforcement presence, they start learn- could break into the gold depository at
school resource officers at several After the plans were written, howev- ing who our officers are, and it gives Fort Knox if they wanted to. However,
schools — including Meade High er, another detail needed to be worked them an open door to communicate.” it would be extremely difficult, and I
School and Meade Middle School. out for better preparation. While local enforcement agencies feel that that is the situation here on
Each organization has its own emer- “The one thing that we discovered prepare for the worst, Anne Arundel post. Our schools have numerous secu-
gency response plan. But when Sides as a weakness when we started look- County Public Schools have their own rity measures that are in place. Some
and the supervisor of the Office of ing at our plans for the schools, and security procedures and practices to are very well known by the public,
School Security for the county met a responding to an event at the school, protect students and faculty. A press others are not.”
month ago, they determined that the is that the police officers didn’t really release from Superintendent Kevin Sides pointed out two striking advan-
three plans were not well connected. know the floor plans of the schools,” Maxwell, Board President Andrew tages.
“What we discovered is all three of Sides said. Pruski and school system leaders “One of the advantages that we have
those different bodies of government While some building designs are said schools have intercom systems at at Fort Meade that they didn’t have
had a plan, but the plans weren’t tied simple, Sides said, others are complex. main entrances where visitors must be in Connecticut is we have two police
in real well with each other,” Sides said. A few weeks ago, DES officers buzzed into the building as well as an departments within five minutes of
“We were going to do what we do; they received permission to walk through electronic visitor-tracking system. every school on this post,” he said.
were going to do what they were going Meade High School and Meade Middle Students and faculty also run peri- “The second is that somebody can
to do.” School. Sides is continuing to meet odic emergency drills to “familiarize make that first 911 call, the calvary is
Sides then took the information from with the remaining schools to work students and staff with what to do in a coming and it will be there amazingly
the county public schools’ response out details. variety of situations ranging from tor- fast.”
http://www.ftmeade.army.mil December 20, 2012 SOUNDOFF!

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Retired Gen. George W. Casey focuses on Army’s future
By Lisa R. Rhodes
Staff Writer
Retired Gen. George W. Casey, the
‘If you build yourself up so
former 36th chief of staff of the Army, you are physically, mentally
was the guest speaker for the start of
the 704th Military Intelligence Brigade’s and emotionally strong as
winter Family Readiness Group Leader-
ship Training on Dec. 12. a leader, you will have the
Casey spoke about the impact of cur-
rent international conflicts on the future
courage not only to act but
of the Army, the importance of leader- to pick yourself up when
ship and the value of resiliency before a
packed audience of Soldiers and several you fail.’
military spouses at the Post Theater.
In his remarks, Casey noted the Retired Gen. George W. Casey
National Intelligence Council’s recent
release of the “Global Trends 2030:
Alternative Worlds” report.
“It’s a pretty good piece of work,” he Leaders also must have character.
said, suggesting the audience review the “Leaders with good values build
report online. strong organizations,” Casey said. “They
The country, he said, is now 11 years will do the right thing, when the going
and three months from the Sept. 11 gets tough, for the organization and not
attacks. themselves.”
“We are still a country at war,” he said. To close his presentation, Casey spoke
“The war that we are involved in still is a about the importance of resiliency among
long-term ideological struggle.” Soldiers.
Casey said although there has been photo by sgt. amy lane “If you build yourself up so you
progress in the fight — primarily the Retired Gen. George W. Casey, the former 36th chief of staff of the Army, speaks are physically, mentally and emotion-
deaths of Osama Bin Laden and Ameri- to a packed audience of Soldiers and several military spouses at the 704th Military ally strong as a leader, you will have
can-born Al Qaeda leader Anwar al- Intelligence Brigade’s winter Family Readiness Group Leadership Training on Dec. 12 the courage not only to act but to pick
Awlaki — the turmoil of the war is now at the Post Theater. yourself up when you fail,” Casey said.
being played out in countries such as “What’s important is that you are resil-
Egypt, Yemen, Syria and Pakistan. ient enough to pick yourself up and then
“The good news is we have the battle tible to recruitment by terrorists orga- “Cities are a tough place for the mili- pick the organization back up and move
going on that we need to succeed in this nizations than people who are gainfully tary to operate,” Casey said. forward.”
war,” Casey said. employed,” Casey said. In the future, there is also likely to be Casey said Soldiers must make time
The battle, he noted, is between the The influence and power of technol- a greater demand for limited resources to read, think, exercise and get proper
moderates and extremists in these coun- ogy is a trend that is a “double-edged such as a water, food and gas. sleep.
tries as the people struggle for democ- sword,” Casey said. “The same technol- Casey said the two trends that worry “The clearer you are, the better it is for
racy. ogy that is bringing knowledge to anyone him the most are the use of weapons of the organization,” he said.
While it is unlikely that the U.S. will go with a computer or cell phone can be mass destruction, specifically biological, After his presentation, Casey answered
into another Arab country, said Casey, used by terrorists” to distribute their radiological and chemical warfare, by a wide range of questions from Soldiers
there are trends heading toward the year message. terrorist groups and cyber attacks. regarding ethics training in the Army,
2030 that are likely to exacerbate the ten- Of the 1 billion Facebook users, said He said he is also concerned about standards for physical fitness, the impact
sions in these areas of the world. Casey, 75 percent live outside the U.S. the emergence of non-state actors on of noncombat missions on future troops
The first trend is the increased power of A third trend is the growing popula- the global scene who operate outside and his thought process while he com-
global economies in developing nations. tion of developing countries. traditional military conventions. manded the Multi-National Force in
In a report cited by Casey, of the top 20 “The population of some developing To deal with these pressing and com- Iraq.
economies that had more than 2 percent countries is expected to double in the plex issues, Casey said Army leaders in “I felt his spin on the current events,
growth, only two countries - Sweden and next decade,” Casey said. the 21st century must have vision, cour- with his experience, provided a fuller pic-
Austria - were developed nations. Sixty percent of the population in the age and character. ture than what I would often see on the
The concern is that as the economies Middle East is under age 25, he said. They must have the vision, he said, to news,” Staff Sgt. Jesus Quintero said.
grow in developing nations, there is “All the studies show that when you “anticipate the way ahead” and articulate Sgt. Brad Goddard said Casey shared
increasing maldistribution of wealth. have a large, unemployed, young male a common goal and common purpose to a “pretty good message” with the audi-
In addition, said Casey, 20 percent of population, the countries are more sus- subordinates. ence.
the world’s population control 75 percent ceptible to social strife, war and terror- In making judgments about the future, “I think he had some really good
of the world’s wealth. About 3 billion ism,” Casey said. which involves risk because humans are points, especially about international
people in the world live on less than By 2030, it is expected that 60 percent not perfect, Casey said Army leaders conflicts,” Goddard said. “He has the
$2.50 per day, he said. of the world’s population will live in must have the courage to make tough institutional knowledge from the situa-
These populations are “more suscep- cities. decisions. tion in Iraq.”

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photos by sarah pastrana

Fun and food
with Santa
TOP LEFT: Aidan Hickey, 8, of
Glen Burnie shows off his stuffed
reindeer given by Santa Claus
during the annual Brunch with
Santa sponsored by Child, Youth
and School Services on Saturday
at Club Meade.

TOP RIGHT: Ashley Green gives
her 1-year-old daughter Tamera
Collins a stuffed reindeer from
Santa. In addition to the gifts,
families enjoyed a brunch that
included eggs, bacon, hash
browns and french toast sticks
at CYSS’ annual holiday event.

LEFT: Jaiden Herrero, 3, and his
4-year-old brother Jovanni take
a seat on Santa’s lap at Satur-
day’s Brunch with Santa.


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december Community
is national Crime Watch
3d Month Compiled by the Fort Meade
Directorate of Emergency Services
Samson Robinson, a Dec. 13, Shoplifting: AAFES
prevention coordinator security observed the subject
for the Fort Meade Army open a package of 10 mechani-
Substance Abuse Pro- cal pencils and a package of
gram, provides Staff Sgt. two pens, conceal the contents
in his pocket and exit the store
Joshua Birnbaum, of the without rendering proper pay-
704th Military Intelligence ment.
Brigade, with a pair of
fatal-vision DUI goggles
Dec. 18, Shoplifting: AAFES security observed
as part of an exercise to the subject conceal an iPhone 4 holster case and
help Fort Meade Soldiers two sets of earbuds on his person and exit the
better understand which store without rendering proper payment.
physical functions are lost
when impaired. The exer-
cise was part of a “Drunk,
Drugged, Driving Preven- Connect with
tion Month” event held
Dec. 10 at McGill Training
Fort Meade at
Center. Facebook.com
photo by philip h. jones
/ftmeade

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil December 20, 2012 SOUNDOFF!

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Photos by Sgt. Vanessa R. Hernandez

Thank you for your service
Sgt. Maj. Lorrie B. Nichols cuts the cake with the assistance of her husband, Dion, and son Avante following her retirement ceremony Friday at The
Conference Center. Nichols, who served her last two years of active duty at the Directorate of Public Works, retired after 20 years of service in the
Military Occupational Specialty 56M, chaplain assistant. During the ceremony, Nichols was presented with a citation from President Barack Obama,
a U.S. flag and Meritorious Service Medal, as well as numerous gifts and good wishes from colleagues and friends. She is currently preparing her
thesis for a Master of Arts in homeland security from the American Public University System. Along with their daughter Alleyah, the Nichols will reside
in College Park.


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Toy story
Project USO Elf provides Volunteer Brittany
Brower wraps a
present during

gifts to military families Project USO Elf on
Dec. 13 at McGill
Training Center. The

in time for Christmas
program assists
military families
facing economic
hardships by
providing toys for
Story and photo by Brandon Bieltz go out and open our website to donor reg- their children during
Staff Writer istration,” said Pamela Horton, Warrior and the holidays. More
Last week, McGill Training Center’s back Family Center manager for USO-Metro. than 550 gifts were
room was transformed into an elf work- “Then we start matching up donors with distributed from Fort
shop. children. ... They go shopping for them. Meade for Project
With gifts packaged in bright red bags So all the gifts that are here have been pur- USO Elf on Dec. 13.
and wrapping stations overflowing with chased individually by our donors specifi- Presents were also
colorful paper, the site was a one-stop shop cally for the children in the program.” prepared at Fort
for Christmas preparation. Horton said this year’s program at Fort Belvoir, Va., with a
For nearly four hours on Dec. 13, gifts Meade was bigger than in past years because combined total of
for more than 550 children of area military USO-Metro absorbed Army Community nearly 1,300 gifts
families were prepared and sent home ready Service’s Angel Tree project. By taking over distributed from both
for the holiday. the program, USO was able to request dona- sites.
Project USO Elf, organized by USO- tions and saved ACS 600 man hours.
Metro, assisted the families by providing Beginning Dec. 10, volunteers packaged
gifts for children of service members. gifts and decorated the large room before
USO-Metro also hosted Project USO families arrived three days later. By the time
Elf at Fort Belvoir, Va., to provide gifts for the doors opened, a long line stretched to array of gifts including bicycles, play sets on other things.”
736 children. Between the two distribution the corner outside the facility. and games. Behind a makeshift wall covered Williams, who was registered in Project
sites, nearly 1,300 youngsters received gifts More than 30 volunteers from Alliant in wrapping paper, the gifts were spread out Elf for the past two years, called the pro-
through the program. Techsystems Inc., or ATK, assisted with the in their red bags for the “pickers” to bring to gram a “wonderful opportunity” and had
“I think the program is wonderful. It is event, wrapping gifts or searching for the the families on the other side of the wall. encouraged other service members in his
the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen,” said family’s stash of presents. “When they come back with a tag and a unit to participate.
Spc. Mittchell Williams as his children’s Mike Kahn, ATK senior vice president number, I run down the rows and pick up “It really does help,” he said. “It’s over-
presents were wrapped by an “elf.” and president of ATK Defense Group, said the boxes,” Digiovanni said at the event. “It’s whelming. I was never expecting to get
In its third year, Project USO Elf aims the staff enjoys being able to help and meet- a lot of fun.” anything near this.”
to assist military families facing economic ing with military families. Horton said the minimum value of the Through Project USO Elf, Williams
hardships by providing toys for their chil- “When you see their faces light up, and gift package is $50, but the average value is picked up bicycles and an educational game
dren during the holidays. Service members you see the parents when they open up the more than $100. Project USO Elf, she said, for his 3-year-old son and 6-year-old daugh-
are signed up for the program by senior bags and see what’s inside, it makes all the helps alleviate the financial burdens of the ter. He said his children will be excited when
enlisted leaders of their organizations or can difference,” Kahn said. holiday season. they unwrap the gifts.
request to be registered. Kendall Digiovanni, a volunteer from “It really makes a difference for them,” “I can’t wait to see the look on their
“Once we have all the kids registered, we ATK, spent the evening searching for an Horton said. “They can now concentrate faces,” he said.

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10 SOUNDOFF! December 20, 2012 http://www.ftmeade.army.mil

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Drive and drink responsibly Fort Meade 2012 Holiday
during year-end holidays Religious services, activities
By Beth Ann Cameron • Don’t mix alcohol with other drugs
Health Educator including over-the-counter and prescrip-
U.S. Army Public Health Command tion medications. DATE SERVICE TIME/LOCATION
The holiday season is the time of the • Don’t ride with someone who is
year when drunk and impaired driving impaired. Use other means of transporta- Dec. 24 “Happy Birthday Jesus” Mass (for children) 5 p.m.
accidents are most prevalent. tion such as a taxi, public transportation Chapel Center
Drug and alcohol use impair judgment, or driver who is sober. Dec. 24 Christmas Eve Midnight Mass 10 p.m.
delay reaction times and can result in If you are hosting a party, here are
deadly consequences when driving. some steps to take to help your guests Chapel Center
According to the National Highway drive safely: Dec. 24 Episcopal Christmas Eve Candlelight Service 7 p.m.
Traffic Safety Administration, drugs (such • Plan ahead and designate a sober Post Chapel
as marijuana and cocaine) are involved in driver. Dec. 24 Episcopal Christmas Eve Carols/Service 10:30/11 p.m.
about 18 percent of motor vehicle driver • Collect each guest’s keys upon arrival Post Chapel
deaths. and store in a designated basket.
Drunk driving accidents account for • Serve foods along with alcohol-free Dec. 25 Christmas Day Mass 12:15 p.m.
31 percent of all motor vehicle accidents, beverages such as soda, juice or water. Post Chapel
and thousands of drivers and passengers • If making an alcoholic punch, use Dec. 31 New Year’s Vigil Adoration 4-4:45 p.m.
lose their lives each year because of drunk fruit juice instead of a carbonated drink. Post Chapel
and drugged driving. Alcohol absorbs faster into the blood Dec. 31 New Year’s Vigil Mass 5 p.m.
December is National Drunk and stream when mixed with carbonated
Drugged Driving Prevention Month, a drinks. Post Chapel
time to raise awareness about the conse- • Stop serving alcohol one hour or 90 Dec. 31 Gospel Watch-Night Service 10 p.m.
quences of driving under the influence of minutes before the party actually ends. Chapel Center
alcohol and drugs. If you take a medication that makes Jan. 1 Mary, Mother of God 12:15 p.m.
Most people would never imagine that you drowsy, do not drive. Have someone
their holiday celebration could result in drive you. Post Chapel
a fatality or imprisonment, but the risks During Drunk and Drugged Driving
associated with driving while impaired Prevention Month, recommit yourself to Times of the regular weekend Protestant and Catholic services
can result in tragic consequences for preventing the loss of life by reminding
everyone involved. others to be sober and drug-free, and use during the day will remain the same (if not noted).
The following list includes a few simple safe driving practices on the road. For more information about religious services,
tips for celebrating and driving safely this Drink responsibly, drive responsibly call the Garrison Chaplain’s Office at 301-677-6703.
holiday season: and encourage family members, friends
• Designate a non-drinking driver and co-workers to be safe and responsible
ahead of time. drivers for the holidays and beyond.
• If drinking alcohol at a party or For more information, visit the follow-
other celebration, allow at least one hour ing websites:
between drinks. • National Highway Traffic Safe-
It takes one hour to eliminate one drink ty Administration at nhtsa.dot.gov/
from your body. One drink is equal to a Impaired
12-ounce beer, 5-ounce glass of wine or • U.S. Centers for Disease Control and
1-ounce shot of liquor. Prevention at cdc.gov/Motorvehiclesafe-
• Set limits beforehand of the number ty/Impaired_Driving/index.html
of drinks to have and stick with it. • Mothers Against Drunk Driving
• Alternate drinking alcoholic beverages at madd.org/feature-stories/december/
with soda, juice or water and eat food. december-is-national-drunk.html

Chaplain’s Word
THE NEED FOR SAINTS
“A man can be a saint in a factory as in a monastery, and
there is as much need of him in the one as in the other.”
— Robert J. McCraken

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil December 20, 2012 SOUNDOFF! 11

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Luncheon sheds light on Hanukkah traditions
Story and photo by Rona S. Hirsch
Staff Writer
The miracle of the oil was celebrated
last week at Argonne Hills Chapel Center
with the lighting of the menorah, potato
pancakes and a warm exchange of friend-
ship between colleagues.
The post’s annual Hanukkah luncheon
was held Dec. 11 during the weekly
“Lunch with the Rabbi” program led by
Rabbi Levi Finkelstein on Tuesdays at
Argonne Hills.
Finkelstein was assisted by his grand-
son, Yitzy Halon, a Baltimore student
who led participants in the singing of
holiday songs.
The hourlong event featured an array
of kosher food including fried chicken,
schnitzel, spaghetti and meatballs, bean
salad and cucumber salad. But the big
draw was the potato pancakes, called
latkes, and matzah ball soup.
“If you don’t take a bowl of soup
you’re missing something really good,”
Finkelstein said as diners lined up at the
buffet table. “This is the real deal. We’re
not shooting blanks here.”
About 30 civilian employees and ser-
vice members attended the luncheon.
Guests included Garrison Commander Rabbi Levi Finkelstein (standing) is given a commander’s coin by Garrison Commander Col. Edward C. Rothstein at the annual
Col. Edward C. Rothstein and his wife, Hanukkah luncheon on Dec. 11 at Argonne Hills Chapel Center during the weekly “Lunch with the Rabbi” program. The luncheon,
Audrey; Garrison Chaplain (Col.) Carl also attended by Garrison Chaplain (Col.) Carl Rau (seated) and Installation Safety Office Director Kirk Fechter (seated, center),
Rau; and Kirk Fechter, director of the featured traditional food and music, and the lighting of the menorah at the window (far left).
Installation Safety Office who had studied
Hebrew while earning a degree in near
Eastern languages. In observance of the eight-day holiday used to light the other candles and is set was the victory, then slowly getting back
“It was great,” Fechter said of the that ended Sunday, Finkelstein recited at a different height to differentiate it. our religion. Otherwise, the Jewish people
luncheon. “It was an opportunity to two Hebrew blessings and lit the menorah The menorah is placed by the window to would have been wiped out.”
celebrate Hanukkah and have great food. that rested on the window ledge. publicize the miracle of the oil. Finkelstein also spoke about the Jewish
You don’t get latkes at the Bagel King or Hanukkah, which means rededication Another tradition is to dine on foods prayer group of 10 to 18 personnel who
matzah ball soup. That was fantastic. Got in Hebrew, commemorates the rededica- cooked in oil such as latkes and the attend morning prayers in a small room
to take those opportunities.” tion of the Temple by the Maccabees after contemporary treat, sufganiyot (jelly down the hall every weekday at 6:15 a.m.
Capt. Charles Lewis of the 48th their victory over the oppressive Syrian- donuts). – the only Jewish prayer service conducted
Combat Support Hospital at the Army Greek rule of Israel. After the lighting, Finkelstein spoke daily on an Army installation.
Reserve Center brought four non-Jewish After the victorious Maccabees cleansed about the holiday’s significance, compar- “Is that a miracle or not? You don’t
colleagues to experience the celebration. the defiled Temple, they found only one ing it to Purim when Jews faced physical see that on any other Army base in the
“Because the Army is so diverse, it’s small jar of olive oil bearing the pure destruction in ancient Persia. By contrast, world,” Finkelstein said. “They are com-
always nice to experience the differences seal of the high priest. Although there he said, Hanukkah celebrates victory over mitted on a daily basis.”
in culture and religion,” said Lt. Col. Joel was enough oil to light the Temple’s huge, spiritual annihilation. Finkelstein then expressed gratitude
Guinyard, operations officer for CSH, seven-branched menorah for just one day, “Spiritually, they wanted to wipe out to both Rothstein and Rau for their sup-
which is slated for missions in Honduras the oil miraculously burned for eight days Judaism,” Finkelstein said. “But a small port.
and Kuwait. “You need to know your until a new supply could be made. band of people led by Matisyahu, of the “Hopefully, [the services] will continue
Soldiers, what’s close to them and what In observance of the eight-day holiday priestly class, and his sons fought the [here] until the Messiah comes,” Finkel-
helps them through difficult times.” also known as the Festival of Lights, a Greeks and overpowered them. And when stein said.
“It was fabulous and enjoyable,” said nine-branch candelabra is lit each evening they went into the Temple, they found a As the event winded down, Halon
Capt. Emily Neighbor of CSH. “I’m after nightfall with candles or olive oil small cruise of uncontaminated olive oil played Jewish songs on the piano.
Protestant, so being able to relate to the and cotton wicks. to light the Temple menorah that lasted “I had a wonderful time,” said Barry
same events in Scripture from a new light On the first night, one branch is lit and for eight days until they could make more Greengart, a retired data analyst for the
gives it a new understanding. It is just a on each successive night another light is oil. That’s the miracle of Hanukkah. … National Security Agency, after the pro-
blessing to hear that, to have a personal added until all eight are lit on the eighth “This sheds light on what the war was gram. “It’s nice to get together with every-
‘aha’ moment.” night. The ninth branch, the shamash, is about,” Finkelstein said. “The main part body here and celebrate Hanukkah.”

2012 Year in Review
2012 Year in Review
T
he following is a compilation
of stories and photos that
made news on Fort Meade
throughout the year of 2012.
From the closing of the Courses
and visits by high-profile legisla-
tors and senior military leaders
to historical storms and an award-
winning talent show, it was indeed a year to remem-
ber.

Photo by Noah Scialom

Photo by Pfc. Joshua R. Mckinney

Service members run down MacArthur Road during the Wellness and Remembrance
Joint Service Run on Sept. 21. More than 2,400 service members attended the run in
recognition of 9/11, POWS and MIAs, and to promote resiliency and wellness.

TOP RIGHT: Mercedes Drew sings “Movin’ On Up” during “Fort Meade’s Got Talent”
on Sept. 9 at McGill Training Center. The annual production won first place in the
Variety Entertainment and Talent Show category of the 2012 Army Festival of the Arts
and Recreation Program.

RIGHT: Children participate in Fort Meade’s celebration of the Army’s 237th birthday
at The Mall in Columbia on June 14.

Photo by Jen Rynda


January 2012 Year in Review February
JANUARY FEBRUARY
• Lt. Gen. Carroll F. Pollett transfers • Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Center
directorship of the Defense Information completes renovations to its patient ser-
System Agency to Air Force Lt. Gen. vice center and medical laboratory, and
Ronnie D. Hawkins Jr. during a ceremony addition of new operating rooms and
on Jan. 11. medical teams to accommodate the nearly
• Col. Patrick J. Mahaney Jr., com- 1,500 patients who use the facility daily.
mander of the Asymmetric Warfare • Bettina Pickett, wife of Navy Lt.
Group, breaks ground on an AWG indoor Aaron Pickett, delivers a baby girl in her
gun range behind the old World War I Potomac Place home on Feb. 7 with the
barracks on Rock Avenue on Jan. 18. help of her neighbor, Dori Welsch.
• Yolanda Clark is the new acting prin- • The 780th Military Intelligence Bri-
cipal of Meade High School, taking over gade and Meade Heights Elementary
from Daryl Kennedy, who left to serve as School sign on Feb. 14 a formal agree-
executive director of principal support for ment establishing a partnership in educa-
the Baltimore City Public Schools. tion.
• Radio talk-show host Joe Madison, • Col. Jonathan Sweet, commander of
known as the “Black Eagle,” is the guest the 780th Military Intelligence Brigade,
speaker for the annual Martin Luther breaks ground Feb. 21 on the brigade’s
King Jr. observance on Jan. 12. new headquarters, operation center and
• The Anne Arundel County Board of training facility.
Education votes Jan. 18 to approve the • Pfc. Bradley E. Manning is arraigned
construction of 12 additional classrooms Feb. 23 at Fort Meade on 22 charges,
photo by brian krista at Meade High School. including wrongfully releasing intelli-
Garrison Commander Col. Edward C. Rothstein (third from right) and former Garrison • Defense Information School launches gence, theft of records and aiding the
Command Sgt. Maj. Charles E. Smith (second from right) join Fort Meade Soldiers its first Public Affairs Course for Interna- enemy.
for Military Appreciation at the University of Maryland’s men’s basketball game at the tional Students on Jan. 23. • JoAnne Martin, co-founder of the
Comcast Center in College Park on Feb. 21. • Renovations to the Fort Meade National Great Blacks In Wax Museum
Express, formerly the Shoppette, are com- in Baltimore, is the guest speaker for the
pleted on Jan. 28. post’s Black History Month observance
on Feb. 23.
• Meagan Chesser, 17, a senior at
Meade High School, wins first place in
the high school essay category of the
State of Maryland International Reading
Association Council’s statewide Young
Authors Contest.

photo by Sarah Pastrana

A wax figure of Dr. Dorothy Height, a
former president of the National Council
of Negro Women, stands in the foyer of
Club Meade as part of the installation’s
photo by brian krista
annual observance of Black History
Month on Feb. 23. The figurine was on
Spectators and competitors fill the room as two young fighters battle in the 2012 East Coast National Qualifier karate tournament loan from the National National Great
held Feb. 11 at McGill Training Center. About 250 of the top Taekwondo students in the region attended the event. Blacks In Wax Museum in Baltimore.


March 2012 Year in Review April

Carson Johns,
9, of Monarch
Academy Glen
Burnie harvests
oysters at
the Oyster
Recovery
Partnership
display during
Fort Meade
Earth Day on
April 17 at
Burba Park.
photo by
Jen RYnda

photo by noah scialom

Retired Sgt. Michael Kacer, who lost his MARCH spend six weightless minutes 60 miles above • Master Sgt. Joshua E. Powell, an opera-
• Garrison officials announce the sched- Earth in a privately owned spacecraft. tional advisor for the Asymmetic Warfare
arm in an RPG attack in Afghanistan
uled closing of the Courses in May. • Twenty fifth-graders from Manor View Group, is presented the Soldier Medal during
in 2009, gives a high five of sorts to
• Maj. Savan Becker, a Space Systems offi- Elementary School win silver medals during a ceremony held March 23 at Fort Eutis, Va.,
retired Sgt. Robbie Gaupp during the final
cer and contractor at Fort Meade, is a finalist a mini-Olympic event hosted by first lady for saving the life of a South African soldier
selection held March 11 at Fort Meade for
in Space Race 2012, a Facebook-hosted com- Michelle Obama on March 13 at American during a training exercise in South Africa.
the Army team 2012 Warrior Games.
petition offering the winner the chance to University. • Six longtime employees of the the Direc-
torate of Human Resources are honored in
a retirement luncheon on March 23 at Club
Meade.
• Army Chief of Chaplains (Maj. Gen.)
Donald L. Rutherford speaks at the post’s
National Prayer Luncheon on March 28 at
Club Meade.
APRIL
• Baltimore Gas and Electric Co. begins
upgrades to the electric and gas lines in
Heritage Park, a historic section of the
installation that has the oldest infrastruc-
ture within Fort Meade housing.
• More than 250 children attend the 13th
annual Easter Egg Hunt on April 7 at the
Youth Center. Two days later, several Fort
Meade families participate in the 134th
annual White House Easter Egg Roll.
• Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Center
unveils its technologically advanced surgi-
cal center after a ribbon-cutting ceremony
on April 11.
• The 902nd Military Intelligence Group
conducts a ribbon-cutting ceremony on
April 19 for its new headquarters and Army
Counterintelligence Center complex.
• Halina Silber, a Holocaust survivor
who was included on Schindler’s list, is
the guest speaker at the post’s Holocaust
Remembrance Day on April 19 at McGill
Training Center.
• Col. Thomas A. Johnson Jr. assumes
Photo by Jen Rynda leadership of the 48th Combat Support
Riley Bateman, 6, of Fort Meade, giggles while attempting to spin an oversized hula hoop during the installation’s annual Family Hospital from Col. Corinne M. Ritter on
Fun Day on April 28 outside McGill Training Center. April 21.

May 2012 Year in Review June

A procession
of color guards
participate in Fort
Meade’s Memorial
Day Remembrance
and the 26th
Annual Massing of
the Colors at the
Pavilion on May 6.
Photo by Jen Rynda

MAY rial Day Remembrance ceremony and 26th
Annual Massing of the Colors on May 6
• The Directorate of Family and Morale,
at the Pavilion.
Welfare and Recreation opens a revised
Photo by Nate Pesce • During the National Security Agency’s
jogging trail on May 1 after the closing of
Riley Wharton, 12, of Fort Meade Boy Scout Troop 377, carries an American flag to be Armed Forces Week, five groups of service
the East Campus, a trail around the former
placed among other worn or tattered flags during the troop’s flag retirement ceremony members compete in the annual Super
golf course.
near the Fort Meade RV Park on June 14. Squad on Fort Meade on May 8.
• Gov. Martin O’Malley pays tribute
• The installation’s 2012 Army Emer-
to the military at the installation’s Memo-
gency Relief campaign raises $98,988 as the
fundraising effort ends May 15, collecting
123.7 percent of its $80,000 goal.
• Ten World War II-era letters written to
Fort Meade Soldiers are found on May 24
by Melwood employees in the wall frame of
Bldg. 249 on Chisolm Avenue.
• The Directorate of Emergency Services
unveils its new mobile command post nick-
named “The Beast,” a self-contained com-
munications center with cameras, satellites,
computers and radios.
JUNE
• Sgt. Maj. of the Army Raymond F.
Chandler III meets June 7 with Soldiers and
families during a tour of the post with his
wife, Jeanne, and speaks at a town hall.
• Meade High’s first class of 49 graduating
seniors in the Homeland Security Signature
Program receive their diplomas on June 11.
• The 780th Military Intelligence Brigade
welcomes Col. Jennifer G. Buckner as its new
commander on June 15.
• Garrison Commander Col. Edward C.
Rothstein and Howard County Executive Ken
Ulman celebrate the Army’s 237th birthday
in a cake-cutting ceremony at The Mall in
Columbia on June 14.
• Lt. Col. Marion Bakalorz takes com-
mand of Headquarters Command Battalion
on June 22 from Col. Edmund Barrett.
• On June 29, a fierce storm called a
photo by noah scialom derecho whips through Fort Meade with
Graduates line up to take their seats at Meade High School’s graduation ceremony held June 11 at the Prince George’s Equestrian high winds and heavy rain, causing dam-
Center in Upper Marlboro. age to property and leaving the installation
without electricity.


July 2012 Year in Review August
JULY
• Chaplain (Col.) Carl Rau begins
his tenure as the garrison chaplain on
July 2, replacing Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Sid
A. Taylor, who became deputy garrison
chaplain.
• Col. Danny B. N. Jaghab takes com-
mand on July 12 of the U.S. Army Medi-
cal Activity, Fort Meade, and Kimbrough
Ambulatory Care Center from Col. Leon
E. Moores.
• Lt. Col. Roseanne M. Bennett is
named the garrison’s new staff judge
advocate on July 15.
• The Fort Meade Fire and Emergency
Services is named the Department of the
Army’s Small Fire Department of the
Year on July 17.
• Col. James M. Howell III assumes
command of U.S. Army Dental Activity
during a ceremony on July 18 at Club
Meade from Col. David B. Hembree.
• Col. Yvette Hopkins takes command
of the 902nd Military Intelligence Group photo by lt. Col. j. Darrell Sides

on July 20 from Col. Andrea L. Thomp- An uprooted tree rests on a house on
son. Washington Avenue in the historic section
• The 704th Military Intelligence Bri- of Heritage Park on June 30. Winds in
gade welcomes its incoming commander, excess of 60 mph moved across the
Col. Anthony R. Hale, in a ceremony on region June 29 at around 11 p.m. and left
July 24 from Col. Karen H. Gibson. behind more than 75 downed trees and
power outages on post, the aftermath of
AUGUST the band of storms called a derecho.
• Maj. Gen. Michael S. Linnington,
commanding general of the Joint Force
Headquarters National Capital Region/ photo by Anthony Castellano
Military District of Washington, visits Fort for his photographs taken Aug. 15 for an art
Meade on Aug. 9. Linnington attended a exhibition at Sarasota National Cemetery Fireworks brighten the sky over McGlachlin Parade Field at Fort Meade’s annual
lunch and meeting with garrison officials in Florida. Fourth of July Celebration. An estimated 12,000 to 15,000 residents and visitors
in addition to taking a windshield tour of • Col. Michael R. Bell takes command attended the event that featured music, carnival rides, games and novelty vendors.
the installation. of Public Health Command Region-North
• Maryland photographer Greg Schaler from Col. Bradford W. Hildabrand on BELOW: A convoy of emergency vehicles makes a grand entrance at Fort Meade’s
uses Fort Meade service members as models Aug. 28. 29th annual National Night Out held Aug. 7 on McGlachlin Parade Field. The free event
featured law enforcement demonstrations, music, pony rides, laser tag, inflatables,
a zip line and food.

Farmers march
onstage during
the Missoula
Children’s
Theatre camp’s
production of
“Jack and the
Beanstalk” on
July 28 at McGill
Training Center.
More than 50
Fort Meade
youngsters
participated in
the play.

photo by nate pesce

photo by nate pesce


Fort Meade Soundoff Dec. 20, 2012

Fort Meade Soundoff Dec. 20, 2012

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