The document is the May 3rd, 2012 edition of the Fort Meade community newspaper Soundoff. The main stories include: 1) The initial phase of clearing trees for the transformation of the former golf course land has begun as it enters the next phase. 2) The annual Family Fun Fair and final Commander's Cup golf tournament brought the community together over the weekend. 3) The Memorial Day Remembrance and Massing of the Colors ceremony is scheduled for Sunday at 2:30pm at the Pavilion.

1. Soundoff!
vol. 64 no. 18 Published in the interest of the Fort Meade community
´
May 3, 2012
fair play
Annual Family Fun Fair
brings community together
Photo by Jen Rynda
Riley Bateman, 6, of Fort Meade attempts to swing a giant hula hoop during the installation’s 26th annual Family Fun Fair on Saturday at McGill Training Center. About 2,500
people attended the four-hour event. For more, see Pages 14-15.
top cop Golf Goodbye UPCOMING EVENTS
DES director Golfers play final FRIDAY, 7:30 a.m.: Army Ten-Miler Qualifier - Murphy Field House
retires after 28 round at farewell saturday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.: Meade’s Mega Market - Meade Middle School
Commander’s Cup Saturday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.: Youth Fishing Rodeo - Burba Lake
years in military
Sunday, 2:30 p.m.: Memorial Day Remembrance/Massing of the Colors - The Pavilion
page 8 page 20 Wednesday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.: Military Spouse Job Fair - McGill Training Center

2. Commander’s Column
Soundoff!
Editorial Staff
Garrison Commander
Guaranteed circulation:
11,285
´
Massing of the Colors
Col. Edward C. Rothstein
for Memorial Day
Garrison Command
Sgt. Maj. Charles E. Smith
Public Affairs Officer
Chad T. Jones
Chad.T.Jones.civ@mail.mil
Chief, Command Information One thing there is never a shortage of around understanding of
Philip H. Jones the Team Meade community is great things to do. what President
Philip.H.Jones.civ@mail.mil And by great, I’m not just talking about the con- George Washing-
Assistant Editor & Senior Writer
Rona S. Hirsch sistently superb services that are provided here on a ton meant when
Staff Writer Lisa R. Rhodes daily basis. he said, “When
Staff Writer Brandon Bieltz I’m literally talking about great and fun things to we assumed the
Design Coordinator Timothy Davis participate in like we offered last weekend. Soldier, we did
Supple­mental photography provided For starters, Saturday’s Family Fun Fair was awe- not lay aside the
by Patuxent Publishing Co. some! Citizen.”
For those of you who couldn’t make it, about 2,500 I say that
Advertising people attended the 26th annual event at McGill because during
Training Center. the event, which COL. Edward c.
General Inquiries 410-332-6300 Rothstein
And per usual, DFMWR director Martha McClary Fort Meade is
Allison Thompson Garrison Commander
410-332-6850 Allison.Thompson@baltsun.com and her Child, Youth and School Services team did a hosting along
Michele Griesbauer fantastic job. The event featured a bunch of activities with the General George G. Meade Chapter of the
410-332-6381 Michele.Griesbauer@baltsun.com that Audrey, the kids and I truly enjoyed. (See Pages Military Order of the World Wars, more than 60 color
14-15.) guards from various active-duty, Guard and Reserve
If you would like information about receiving Soundoff! on Fort Meade or are Then on Sunday we gave our historic golf course military units will join their counterparts from civilian
experiencing distribution issues, call 877-886-1206 or e-mail TP@baltsun.com. a proper send-off during the final Commander’s organizations such as local VFWs, Rotary Clubs and
Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday through Cup tournament. Mother Nature helped out with Boy and Girl Scout troops.
Sunday, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. the weather, the Courses was in its usual fantastic Each color guard will march into the Pavilion
condition, and even though Gen. Alexander and I under its own banner, then come together around the
Printed by offset method of reproduction as a civilian enterprise in the interest of the
personnel at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland, by the Patuxent Publishing Co., a subsidiary didn’t win the first-place trophy, it is fair to say that United States Colors.
of The Baltimore Sun Media Group, 501 N. Calvert St., Baltimore, MD 21278, every Thursday all 144 golfers who participated had a great time. (See Beyond this impressive display, the event also will
except the last Thursday of the year in conjunction with the Fort Meade Public Affairs Office. Pages 20-21.) feature an Armed Forces Color Guard from the Mili-
Requests for publication must reach the Public Affairs Office no later than Friday before the And for those of you worried about the future tary District of Washington and a performance by the
desired publication date. Mailing address: Post Public Affairs Office, Soundoff! IMME-MEA-PA, of the Fort Meade golf community, let me say that U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps.
Bldg. 4409, Fort Meade, MD 20755-5025. Telephone: 301-677-1361; DSN: 622-1361.
thanks to our great partnerships, I can promise you Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley will serve as the
Everything advertised in this publication must be made available for purchase, use or patronage that Sunday’s Commander’s Cup will not be the last keynote speaker for the event, which will conclude
without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, marital status, handicap or sex of purchaser, time Team Meade gets together over a round of golf. with a free concert by the U.S. Army Field Band and
user or patron. A confirmed violation or rejection of this policy of equal opportunity by an advertiser Both the Family Fun Fair and Commander’s Cup Soldiers’ Chorus stationed here at Fort Meade.
will result in the refusal to print advertising from that source. brought the entire community together, and I hope If all of that isn’t enough to get you out to the
we will get together again Sunday for one of the Pavilion at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, there also is a reception
Printed by Patuxent Publishing Co., a private firm, in no way connected with the Department
of the Army. Opinions expressed by the publisher and writers herein are their own and are more patriotic events on our calendar: Fort Meade’s with food after the concert.
not to be considered an official expression by the Department of the Army. The appearance Memorial Day Remembrance and 26th Annual Joking aside, Command Sgt. Maj. Smith and I
of advertisers in the publication does not constitute an endorsement by the Department of Massing of the Colors. hope you can make it out to this fabulous event and
the Army of the products or services advertised. The massing symbolizes the ideals of patrio- celebrate one more great thing that Team Meade
tism and love of county. It also gives me a better makes happen.
www.ftmeade.army.mil
You can also keep track of Fort Meade on twitter at twitter.com/ftmeademd Commander’s Open Door
and view the Fort Meade Live Blog at ftmeade.armylive.dodlive.mil.
Garrison Commander Col. Edward C. Rothstein has an open door policy.
All service members, retirees, government employees, family members
and community members age 18 or older are invited to address issues or
Co n t e n t s concerns to the commander directly by visiting Rothstein’s office on Mon-
days from 4 to 6 p.m. at garrison headquarters in Hodges Hall, Bldg. 4551,
News.............................. 3 Classified.............................. 24 Llewellyn Avenue.
Visitors are seen on a first-come, first-served basis. No appointment is
Trouble Ticket................ 4 Sports................................... 20 necessary.
For more information, call 301-677-4844.
Community.................. 17 Movies.................................. 23
SOUNDOFF! May 3, 2012 http://www.ftmeade.army.mil

3. News
Transformation of golf course land enters next phase
Post looks to limit traffic
disruption during construction
Story and photo by Jason Kelly As a part of the environmental planning
Emerging Media Manager process, the NSA indicated it would comply
While the removal of the golf course’s with the Forest Conservation Act to “the max-
sign along Mapes Road on Tuesday morning imum extent practical,” said Butler. “There
was the first indication that the course is now may not be space left to do exactly 20 percent.
closed, more visible work is under way. So, it is a target.”
Crews began clearing trees on the southern If space is not available, the goal can be
portion of the course Wednesday, according to achieved by reforesting off site, Houchins
the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Baltimore said.
District’s schedule. Similar work is scheduled This is not the first effort to minimize the
to begin on the northern portion of what is environmental impact of construction on the
now known as East Campus on May 29. golf course, which lost nine holes when the
The project, scheduled weekdays from 7 headquarters for the Defense Media Activity
a.m. to 5 p.m., is expected to add traffic to and Defense Information Systems Agency
Mapes and Rockenbach roads. Planners are were built there.
considering options to reduce the impact to DISA planted more trees than it removed to DFMWR employees Jim Ladebush (left) and Ronald Allen remove the entrance sign
weekday traffic including removing trees on develop the site because its complex was built on Mapes Road for the Courses on Tuesday, the same day the facilities closed.
Saturdays. on fairways that had already been cleared of Ladebush was the former course superintendent, while Allen, a mechanic, worked
Another aspect of the planning process – trees, Butler said. there for 37 years.
minimizing the environmental impact – began The benefits of reforestation, said Butler,
years ago, said Mick Butler, chief of DPW’s include reducing the heat generated on the
Environmental Division. buildings by providing shade, producing oxy-
The decision to develop the golf course to
support national security had to be supported
gen and capturing carbon dioxide, as well as
creating and maintaining habitats for forest-
DRUG take
by an environmental study, which began with dwelling species. back DAY
a July 2009 Federal Register Notice of Intent Houchins expects the wildlife, which
to prepare an environmental impact statement includes groundhogs, foxes, squirrels and bird Lt. Col. Michael Yapp
for the project, Butler said. species, to relocate to other areas on post. The (right), chief of the
The notice informed the public of an open impact of the habitat loss should be minimal, Kimbrough Ambula-
house followed by a scoping meeting later that he said, because the golf course is already tory Care Center
month for public comment. A draft environ- partially developed. Pharmacy, watches
mental impact statement was prepared and as Samson Robinson,
made available for public review June 25, 2010 Fort Meade Army
Initial tree
with another open house and public meeting Substance Abuse
on July 21, 2010. The final document was Program prevention
signed September 13, 2010. coordinator, weighs
While laws such as the Maryland Forest
Conservation Act guided the planning, the clearing schedule a bucket of prescrip-
tion drugs collected
Army’s commitment to being good stew- Saturday morning
ards of its resources was another important - Site protection and fencing: Until in front of the Fort
consideration, said John Houchins, Natural May 11 Meade Exchange. The
Resources Program manager for the Director- 11 pounds, 8 ounces
ate of Public Works. - Surveying: Until May 14 of unused medication
“The Army realized many, many years ago were transferred to
that it must take care of its land to fulfill the - Tree clearing on southern portion: the Drug Enforcement
Army mission,” Houchins said. Until May 25 Agency, which spon-
The land to be cleared, which will be par- sored the nationwide,
tially used by the National Security Agency, - Tree clearing on northern portion: same-day collection,
covers approximately 127 acres. These trees May 29 to June 18 for disposal.
are relatively spread out and only account for
approximately 27 acres of forest. The Forest - Site stabilization and restoration
Photo by Jason Kelly
Conservation Act calls for 20 percent, approxi- until: June 25
mately 25 acres, of the project to be reforested Source: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
or preserved, said Houchins. Baltimore District
http://www.ftmeade.army.mil May 3, 2012 SOUNDOFF!

4. N ews
Have you noticed an issue on post Community
Trouble
and wondered if anything is being
done to fix it? Email concerns and
issues to chad.t.jones.civ@mail.
Crime Watch
Ticket mil. Each week, Soundoff! will
address issues identified on post
and describe what is being done to
Compiled by the Fort Meade Directorate of Emergency Services
April 22, Larceny of private prop- April 27, Wrongful damage of pri-
erty: The victim stated that after vate property: Unknown person(s)
solve them. he went to the barber shop on by unknown means scratched
post, he returned to his barracks the left passenger-side door and
Issue: Plan: Status: and noticed his credit card was
missing.
hood of a vehicle, which was
legally parked.
The Installation Safety Office Repair the play equipment Repairs are under way April 23, Wrongful damage of private April 28, Shoplifting: AAFES loss
has deemed and marked so that it is functional property: Unknown person(s) by unknown prevention at the Exchange observed two
some play equipment at means damaged a vehicle legally parked subjects open merchandise packaging
in the driveway. Damages consisted of a and place it on their person and conceal
Burba Lake as unsafe broken, driver-side rear light and scratches the merchandise. They then proceeded
to the driver-side quarter panel. beyond the point of sale and exited the
store.
Youth Services Sports Renovate the Youth Services Actual use of fields is
Complex needs renovations Sports Complex expected to be this fall April 24, Wrongful damage of pri-
vate property: Unknown person(s) by April 29, Wrongful damage of government
after the grass matures unknown means dented the left, rear property: The subject punched and broke
fender well and bent the driver’s outside the glass window on the door of his bar-
mirror of the legally parked vehicle. racks’ room.
May the benefits be with you AER update
By Wendy Poulson retirement benefits. If you’re planning ahead
Social Security Administration, Glen Burnie for a distant retirement, visit the Retirement The Fort Meade Army Emergency
Friday is an unofficial holiday designated by Estimator to get an instant, personalized esti- Relief campaign has collected
fans as Star Wars Day. mate of your future retirement benefits. Blast $69,210 as of Friday, 86.5
Why Friday and not the more likely May off to www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator. percent of its $80,000 goal.
25, the day the first “Star Wars” movie was If you’re ready to apply now for retirement Each unit should have an AER
released? It all comes down to a simple but benefits, just go online. It’s so easy, and you representative for the campaign,
catchy phrase: “May the fourth be with you.” can do it faster than the Millennium Falcon which ends May 15.
When celebrating Star Wars Day, it can can outrun Imperial fighters — in as little as For more information, call
be easy to picture the space warriors in their 15 minutes at www.socialsecurity.gov/apply- Wallace Turner, AER officer, at
original state, the way they have been cap- online. 301-677-5768.
tured on film. But consider this: May also is This year’s theme for Older Americans
Older Americans’ Month. That may be more Month is, “You’re never too old to play.”
fitting than you realize, since the heroes of When Star Wars first came out in 1977,
Star Wars first burst into pop culture “a long social networking would have seemed like Chaplain’s Word
time ago.” space-aged ways to play. But you now can
Most of the heroes and villains of Star
Wars are now closing in on retirement age.
connect with Social Security on Facebook,
Twitter and YouTube. What’s more, you can
WITHIN
Yes, Han Solo is well into retirement; Luke even do it from your own smartphone, even if “Joy is not in things; it is in us.”
Skywalker and Princess Leia are almost old it’s not a Droid.
enough to get Social Security benefits. (Sorry, Visit www.socialsecurity.gov and target the — Richard Wagner
Chewbacca, but you have to be human to Facebook and Twitter icons.
receive benefits.) On Friday, may the “fourth” be with you.
You don’t have to have the wisdom of a And remember: the benefits will be with you Find the Fort
Jedi or the knowledge of a Droid to figure out — always.
Meade
Religious Schedule
Follow Fort Meade at
at Twitter.com/ftmeademd www.ftmeade.
or at Facebook.com/ftmeade army.mil.
SOUNDOFF! May 3, 2012 http://www.ftmeade.army.mil

5. N ews
Celebrating
the Colors
By Fort Meade Public Affairs Office
Fort Meade and the Gen. George G. Meade Chapter of the
Military Order of the World Wars will host the installation’s
Memorial Day Remembrance and 26th annual Massing of the
Colors on Sunday at the Pavilion.
The event begins at 2:30 p.m.
Gov. Martin O’Malley will be the keynote speaker.
The remembrance will feature more than 60 color guards from
the region, including an Armed Forces Color Guard from the
Military District of Washington and a performance by the U.S.
Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps.
After the ceremony, the U.S. Army Field Band Concert Band and
Soldiers’ Chorus will perform a 45-minute concert.
Since 1929, the Military Order of the World Wars has orga-
nized and hosted the Massing of the Colors. The tradition is a
patriotic ceremony to rededicate faith in the Colors of the United
States and to present support to those Colors and of service mem-
bers those Colors represent.
It combines the Colors and color guards of active-duty and
Reserve Component military units, veterans’ organizations, and
civic and patriotic organizations.
Visitors should use the gate at Llewellyn Avenue and Route 175.
For more information, call the Public Affairs Office at 301-
677-1361.
Musical ambassadors
to perform at Memorial
Day Remembrance
By Jonathan Agee As the musical voice of the Army, the
U.S. Army Field Band Army Field Band is authorized to carry
The U.S. Army Field Band will per- and display the U.S. Army flag. This ban-
form a concert in conjunction with the ner bears 183 streamers representing all
Massing of the Colors on Sunday at the of the Army’s past campaigns from the
Fort Meade Pavilion. Revolutionary War to Iraq.
The Soldier-musicians also will be on The Concert Band and Soldiers’ Chorus
hand to provide ceremonial music through- travel thousands of miles each year on
out the event. three major concert tours, and is con-
For those who have not yet attended a sidered by music critics to be one of the
performance by the musical ambassadors most distinctive musical organizations now
of the Army, this is your chance. The event appearing before the public.
is free and open to the public. All concert tours are conducted at the
PHOTO BY Master Sgt. Robert McIver
The ceremony begins at 2:30 p.m. and direction of the secretary of the Army. Per-
will segue into a 45-minute concert featur- formances are open to the general public
Staff Sgt. Daniel Erbe, Soldiers’ Chorus tenor, performs a solo in Tulsa, Okla., during ing the Concert Band and Soldiers’ Chorus at no charge.
the chorus’s Spring Tour 2012. The U.S. Army Field Band will perform a concert performing something for everyone, from For more information about the Army
Sunday in conjunction with the Massing of the Colors. marches to contemporary pop music. Field Band, visit ArmyFieldBand.com.
SOUNDOFF! May 3, 2012 http://www.ftmeade.army.mil

6. N ews
Top cop retires after decades of service
By Rona S. Hirsch
Staff Writer
For more than two years, Lt. Col. How-
ard T. Yates affected the life of every Fort
Meade resident, employee and visitor.
As head of the Directorate of Emer-
gency Services since January 2010, he
oversaw the Department of the Army
civilian police, Department of Fire and
Emergency Services, military police work-
ing the roads and contract security guards.
He also stopped a small crime spree, and
worked on the transition of gate security
from contract guards to DA guards and
construction of a state-of-the-art access
control point at Rockenbach Road.
After 28 years of military service, includ-
ing a previous stint as Fort Meade’s direc-
tor of Emergency Services from 2004 to
2005, Yates officially retires June 30.
Lt. Col. J. Darrell Sides, former DES
operations officer, took over as director
April 1.
In recognition of his service, Yates was
honored April 18 at a retirement luncheon
at Club Meade hosted by DES and attend-
ed by family, friends and colleagues.
Wearing his dress blues, Yates summed
up the essence of military service.
“You hear so much about the Army
changing and trying to reinvent itself, to
be relevant to our troops and training in PHOTOs BY DEPUTY POLICE CHIEF BYRON FRANK
modern warfare,” said Yates, who resides
in Reisterstown with his wife, Wanda, and Lt. Col. Howard T. Yates, director of the Directorate of Emergency Services, is presented with an honorary fire helmet by Fort
their four children. “However, some things Meade Deputy Fire Chief Bruce Smith during Yates’ retirement luncheon on April 18 at Club Meade. Yates served as director of
stay the same. What is most important DES from 2010 to 2012 and from 2004 to 2005.
are three elements: moral compass, love
of country and being prepared to provide which initially started in computers. to establish the DA civilian police force Company in Korea; participating in pre-
selfless service. “How he went from an IT guy to a cop and stand up the DES as the umbrella execution planning of Operation Iraqi
“If you have these elements, then serv- is beyond me,” Rouvet said. “But he served organization for the police and fire depart- Freedom with Joint Coalition Forces Land
ing will be a worthwhile endeavor. The in the most honorable field in the world ments. Component Command in Kuwait; chief of
bottom line is, it is not about glory and — as an MP with the United States mili- The youngest of four, Yates grew up in physical security and of the Law Enforce-
fame or getting rich. It is about taking care tary. The ribbons on his chest bring honor his native Baltimore. His father, a Korean ment Division for the Office of the Provost
of people.” to himself and to others.” War veteran, died when he was 10. Marshal, U.S. Army Europe; and in Iraq
Sitting beside Yates at the official table Rouvet, who called police and fire per- After high school, Yates joined the with the Military Transition Team as com-
were Sides, Deputy Installation Command- sonnel “brothers of the badge,” declared Maryland Army National Guard in 1984. mander of the 5th Division Iraqi Army
er John Moeller, Fort Meade Police Chief the event “Colonel Yates Day.” Five years later, he earned a computer MIT in 2009.
Charles McGee, Yates’ wife, their 3-year- “We want him to know we are going to science degree at Coppin State Univer- Throughout the two-hour luncheon,
old daughter Riley, Yates’ mother Hilda miss him terribly,” he said. sity, where he joined the Reserve Officers’ Yates was hailed for his dedication, par-
Yates of Loch Raven and his mother-in- Yates’ position as DES director was not Training Corps. In 1990, Yates returned ticularly during the Base Realignment and
law Verdell Elliott of West Baltimore. his first assignment on the installation. to the military on active duty. In 2000, Closure, which brought three agencies on
“Retirements are bittersweet,” said In 1999, he served as a computer systems he earned a master’s degree in manage- post, more than 5,000 new employees and
Moeller, a retired lieutenant colonel and officer and information systems security ment information systems at Bowie State a dramatic increase in traffic volume on
former volunteer firefighter. “We hate the engineer for the 704th Military Intelligence University. and off post.
farewells. We hate to see Howard go. We all Brigade. “I thought I was going to be a signal “He came in right in the middle of
know it’s an end to a great military career, Yates returned to Fort Meade in Decem- Soldier again,” Yates said. “But I was BRAC,” said McGee, who is also deputy
but also a start to a great second chapter. ber 2003 as operations officer and deputy selected as a MP by the Army when I was director of DES. “He jumped in and got
He will always be part of the Fort Meade provost marshal for the Provost Marshal commissioned.” involved with all the plans, especially traf-
family.” Office. Six months later, he became the Subsequent assignments included serv- fic and access control.”
Fort Meade Fire Chief E.J. Rouvet, who provost marshal and director of Emer- ing as an MP in Panama and later as On behalf of the Fort Meade Police,
emceed the event, praised Yates’ service, gency Services until August 2005, helping company commander with the 142nd MP Sides presented Yates with a carved por-
SOUNDOFF! May 3, 2012 http://www.ftmeade.army.mil

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Recently promoted Lt. Col. J. Darrell Sides, the new director of the DES, presents a
carved photograph of Lt. Col. Howard T. Yates on behalf of the Fort Meade Police
during Yates retirement luncheon on April 18. Call Today!
trait of Yates and a folded American flag work for. We’re sorry to see him go.” 866-937-4450
encased in glass with military awards. Michelle Kennedy, the youngest of Professionally managed by
Text evergreens to 41513
“We’ve been through a lot,” Sides said. Yates’ three older sisters, spoke for the or SCAN code for more info
“Any Soldier will tell you they want two family. “He came from a family of women,
things from their leaders: an opportu- raised by women,” said Kennedy, who
nity to do their job and top coverage. resides in Parkville. “When he arrived, he
You let me do what I do. You gave me the came with expectations. [He] exceeded our
resources I need. ... You brought me into expectations. He lives an exemplary life.
State of
the fold. ... Most commanders don’t want We are very proud.”
to let anything go. But this man allowed After the presentations, Yates took the
a transition so seamless. He was the best podium to offer thanks to the current and
commander I’ve had.”
Deputy Fire Chief Bruce Smith present-
ed Yates with an honorary fire helmet.
former garrison leadership, DES staff and
directorates. “Thank you for the trust and
faith you had in me,” he said. “I hope I
Insurance.
Dick Weaver, chief of physical security kept that bond of trust. I hope I was able
and force protection at the National Secu- to supply the help you needed. ...
rity Agency, gave Yates a black obelisk “To my fellow directors at Meade,
that “represents the solid relationship we the time shared and friendship forged
enjoyed,” he said. is incredible. ... I’m proud of all of our
“Howard has been a great friend, a great achievements and I will never forget that.
colleague. Beneath the veneer of a tough To all the DES staff — past and present
cop, he is a nerd — a computer nerd. I — you guys are wonderful. ... I’ve had a Marie Waring LUTCF, Agent I deliver both.
won’t be surprised to see you coming to great time. Yes, I was a geek. I am still a 1413 Annapolis Road, Suite 206
Odenton, MD 21113
Take the guesswork out of your insurance.
my house with the Geek Squad to fix my geek.” Whether it’s your car, home, life, or more, I can
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We’re going to miss you.” he considered leaving the Army. www.mariewaring.com help you feel good about your coverage, as well
Anne Arundel County Police Maj. Tom “Then a new challenge came along, as the price you’re paying.
Wilson, who presented Yates with the and like a shiny coin, I would become GET TO A BETTER STATE . ™
Chief’s Recognition Award, spoke of the entranced and I would see if I could solve CALL ME TODAY.
“fantastic” partnership between the coun- the problem,” he said. “But there are no
ty and DES. “It’s the best relationship the more shiny coins coming along as a Sol-
county has ever had with Fort Meade,” dier. It’s a sad time; I’m doing it because I
he said. “This is complimentary to your have to. I have old knees and an old back.
leadership.” I will be riding off into the proverbial
Throughout the event, Yates was cred- sunset.”
ited for providing support. “We always Yates ended his speech as he started State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, State Farm Indemnity Company, State Farm Fire and Casualty Company,
State Farm General Insurance Company, Bloomington, IL
had the resources we needed to do our job — with gratitude.
State Farm Life Insurance Company (Not licensed in MA, NY or WI), State Farm Life and Accident Assurance Company
effectively,” Fort Meade Fire Capt. John “To all the wonderful people, thank 1101258.1 (Licensed in NY and WI), Bloomington, IL
Ruth said. “He was an absolute pleasure to you,” he said. “It’s been a blast.”
http://www.ftmeade.army.mil May 3, 2012 SOUNDOFF!

8. Central Michigan University holds N ews
classes at Fort Meade.
Breaking the taboo
Surprised? Suicide intervention training helps
That’s right – CMU offers high-
quality degree programs identify service members in need
that are close, convenient, By Lisa R. Rhodes active-duty suicides. Twenty have been
Staff Writer confirmed as suicides and 25 remain under
flexible, and affordable! In 2001, a Soldier in Staff Sgt. Monique investigation.
Barnes’ unit committed suicide. Suicide prevention is a high-priority for
“I knew the person was having prob- the Department of the Defense. Last year,
Career-focused degrees with Military Discounted lems, but I didn’t think it would come to 164 active-duty Soldiers committed suicide
knowledge you can use the next day. Tuition Rate the person taking their life,” said Barnes, Armywide. Training such as ASIST is one
CMU is proud to support now a veterinary technician with the Pub- of many efforts to reduce the number of
• Master of Science in Administration degree lic Health Command District at Joint Base suicides in the military.
our military students. Andrews Naval Air Facility Washington. During the two-day training, ASIST
 No GRE or GMAT required
For details on CMU’s Eleven years later, Barnes participated participants discussed their attitudes about
 Weekend classes in compressed terms
military discounted in a two-day Applied Suicide Intervention suicide, simulated role-plays and learned
• Classes available at 7 Metro DC centers tuition rate, visit Skills Training interactive workshop held about the ASIST Suicide Intervention
 Aberdeen PG  Alexandria April 25 and 26 at Argonne Hills Chapel Model. The model presents three phases
www.cmich.edu/military.
 Fort Belvoir  Fort Meade Center. of addressing the concerns of a person at
 JBMHH  Joint Base Andrews The monthly training is sponsored by risk for suicide.
 Pentagon
Fort Meade’s Army Substance Abuse Pro- The first phase is connecting when a
gram. concerned person or caregiver learns to
ASIST is a 15-hour workshop that recognize and respond to an invitation for
teaches participants to connect, under- help from a person at risk for suicide.
stand and assist people who may be at The second phase is understanding. The
risk of suicide, according to the website caregiver listens to the person’s reasons for
of LivingWorks Education Inc. The public wanting to die, which are often accompa-
CMU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of service company developed ASIST as well nied by an ambivalence for wanting to
Colleges and Schools. CMU is an AA/EO institution (see www.cmich.edu/aaeo). 32465 11/11
as other suicide prevention programs. The live. The caregiver and the individual at
company considers ASIST to be suicide risk then review the risks of suicide and
We make it possible. CMU at Fort Meade. first aid. develop a safe plan to remove the threat
Call 301-621-9796 or toll-free 866-588-4188 today! The Fort Meade training, attended by of suicide.
www.cmich.edu/MetroDC cmuoffcampus@cmich.edu 15 service members and civilians, was led The final phase is assisting. The caregiv-
by Alan Dagg, chief religious program er and individual at risk make a contract
specialist and suicide prevention manager to follow the safe plan, which includes
at U.S. Fleet Cyber Command-U.S. Tenth saying no to drugs and alcohol and taking
Fleet; Kirk Fechter, director of the Instal- precautions for the individual’s safety. The
lation Safety Office; and Lamont Coger, caregiver then connects the person with
REMODELED TO FIT YOUR LIFESTYLE Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program tech- family and community resources for help.
nician at Aberdeen Proving Ground. All Barnes said the training helped her to
three are certified ASIST trainers. recognize the signs of suicide and gave her
ASIST is open to active-duty service the confidence to ask an individual at risk
members, Reservists, National Guards- if the person needs help.
men, DoD civilians and military contrac- “Before the class, I don’t think I would
tors. recognize the signs,” Barnes said. “It’s good
“This is a great way to give people the for people in a unit to know that there is
tools to make that first contact with a someone that can help them through the
person at risk,” Dagg said. “There is still tough times.”
the taboo that asking for help is a sign of Staff Sgt. Nathan Falu Febres, 70th
weakness. But we’re sending a clear mes- Operations Support Squadron, said the
sage that it is not a sign of weakness, but a training is necessary and he would recom-
home+living
Chesapeake sign of strength to ask for help. The taboo mend it for all noncommissioned officers.
is being broken.” “If it can help an NCO save their peers
Suicide is an ongoing concern for the or their subordinates, it’s worth it,” he
Department of Defense. Military leaders said.
ChesapeakeHomeandLiving.com are addressing the issue through suicide Editor’s note: The next Applied Sui-
To advertise or subscribe 410.332.6517 prevention trainings such as ASIST. cide Intervention Skills Training will be
The Army reported 18 potential suicides held June 27 and 28. For more informa-
among active-duty Soldiers in March. So tion, email Alan Dagg at alan.dagg@
A BALTIMORE SUN MEDIA GROUP PUBLICATION far this year, there have been 45 potential navy.mil.
10 SOUNDOFF! May 3, 2012 http://www.ftmeade.army.mil

9. N ews
AWG Soldiers train in adaptive drills
By Brandon Bieltz
Staff Writer
Think. Adapt. Anticipate.
The three-word motto of the Asym-
metric Warfare Group describes its
mission, but they also are the con-
cepts that make its training exercises
unique.
Members of the Fort Meade-based
unit trained April 25 at Fort A.P. Hill,
Va., for worldwide deployments, focus-
ing on creative thinking, problem-solv-
ing and adapting to their situations.
Exercises included interacting with the
media, navigating an obstacle course,
scaling a rappel tower and building a
device from random equipment.
“What we’re trying to teach these
guys is that if you think your way
through obstacles and problems, you
can get through it,” said Master Sgt.
John Farlow, a troop sergeant major
in Able Squadron. “All this morning is
about is adapting and figuring out how
to overcome stuff.”
AWG provides operational advisory
support globally to the Army and joint-
force commanders to enhance Soldier
survivability and combat effectiveness,
and enable the defeat of current and
emerging threats in support of unified
land operations.
“We are charged by the Army to
help develop solutions to problems
people haven’t necessarily seen before
— asymmetric problems,” said Maj.
John Stroh, a troop commander with
photo by maj. sonise lumbaca
Able Squadron. “We don’t even know
what the problems we’re going to solve Soldiers from the Asymmetric Warfare Group use a tire, steel poles and ropes to move a 300-pound bag down a gravel road
will be. during a predeployment exercise on April 25 at Fort A.P. Hill, Va. The weeklong training focused on creative thinking, problem
“We can’t possibly even imagine all solving and adapting to challenges.
the threats and the problem we’ll face
in the future, but what we can do is en, an AWG intelligence advisor. “It’s interact with the media. group, the entire team had to make
build a good, solid foundation of prob- all about being able to problem-solve “Our ability to clearly communicate its way through the various obstacles
lem-solving.” and mitigate.” with the press is essential,” Stroh said. while still searching for a specific water
Soldiers alternated between three For example, one of the exercises Soldiers also conducted a drill at a can among several decoys.
stations, with about 45 minutes to was to create a contraption to carry rappel tower that required a variety During the training, several AWG
complete each task. All of the exercises a 300-pound bag down a gravel path. of tools to get their team to the top members called the drills strenuous
consisted of different challenges, but Soldiers were given three metal poles, of the tower within 35 minutes. With and challenging. But that is the point,
they required the team to find a solu- a tire and ropes and were required to little time to plan, team members were Kirchen said.
tion to a certain problem and move use each piece. forced to quickly find a solution to the “It’s always difficult,” he said. “In
through it. “This exact thing will probably never challenging task. order for the training to be effective, it
While each task could be achieved occur in combat, but it’s forcing us to “It’s designed so that if you have needs to be challenging.”
with brute force, Stroh said, the amount work on problem-solving in general,” a perfect plan you can do it,” Farlow
of physical work could be reduced by Stroh said. “It prepares us to deal with said. “If you have a less than perfect
planning and creatively thinking of uncertain situations.” plan — which is going to happen Connect with
solutions. Eventually, Soldiers learn Soldiers also were asked a series of — then you can’t do it. And they have Fort Meade at
to be more innovative to accomplish questions by a journalist, similar to to overcome that by adapting.” Facebook.com
the tasks. what could happen during a deploy- The final task for the morning drills
“The goal is to adapt what you’re ment. This aspect of the drill helped was to move through an obstacle course /ftmeade
doing,” said Master Sgt. Drew Kirch- participants figure out the best way to carrying a 160-pound stretcher. As a
http://www.ftmeade.army.mil May 3, 2012 SOUNDOFF! 11

10. N ews
Forging friendships
one horse at a time
Reservist competes in World
Cavalry Championship
Story and photo by brief moment.”
Sgt. 1st Class Mark Bell Polish rider Miroslaw Bajak said
200th Military Police Command watching Babb was amazing.
POZNAN, Poland — For one week, a “Cindy showed all riders in the com-
Fort Meade Reservist competed against petition that Americans have the will to
some of the best military equestrians succeed and honor for others who win,”
during the 2012 World Cavalry Champi- he said.
onships in Poland. Babb, whose horse Calvin is stabled
The competition was held April 18 to near Fort Meade, arrived in Poland a
22, 200 miles west of Warsaw. week earlier to train on a Polish horse.
Master Sgt. Cindy Babb, a noncom- When riding another horse, it takes
missioned officer assigned to the 200th time to build confidence between the
Military Police Command, won first rider and steed. Babb used that short
place for the show-jumping portion and week to grow a bond with Finka.
third place for team scores of the inau- “I am so excited to be able to ride
gural competition. Finka,” Babb said while tightening the
Babb and 23 other competitors repre- saddle prior to a military inspection.
senting Poland, Austria, Germany and Using a small piece of cloth, Babb
other European countries tested their buffed the round metal “U.S.” emblem
skills in dressage, skill at arms, horseback that connected several leather straps
orienteering, tent pegging, show-jump- around the horse’s head.
ing and other cavalry-related events. Finka remained calm as Babb walked Master Sgt. Cindy Babb, a training noncommissioned officer for the Army Reserve’s
“Here, it doesn’t matter who comes around the horse, making final adjust- 200th Military Police Command on Fort Meade, tightens equipment on her horse prior
away with the time prize,” Babb said. ments to the saddle and combing the to competing in the horseback orienteering course during the 2012 World Cavalry
“What’s more important are the new long hair running down Finka’s back. Championships held April 18 to 22 in Poznan, Poland.
friendships that were developed through- “Good girl,” Babb said to reassure
out the week. I am here representing not the dark-brown muscular horse as she as Babb’s eyes were trained forward. A rider and horse in various elements of
only the Army Reserve, but all Ameri- prepared for the next event of the com- little chuckle between the two judges a cavalryman including working with
cans.” petition. raised concerns before a military transla- a saber, pistol and lance and engaging
From the start, Babb was the favorite “I want to take her home with me, tor calmed everyone’s nerves. various targets.
among competitors, media and local but I don’t think I could get her in my “It’s OK Cindy,” he said. “They are By this point Babb was clearly the
onlookers. As the only female com- luggage,” Babb said laughing. “She is so looking for something wrong, and they crowd’s — and fellow competitors’ —
petitor, Babb said it was important to beautiful and rides fantastic.” can’t find it.” favorite.
demonstrate that women and men can Following her Polish comrades who For a brief moment, Babb broke her The crowd cheered and international
compete, work and, if needed, fight filled her international team, Babb wore military bearing for a small smile, but media focused their cameras as Babb
side-by-side. her Army Service Uniform with riding quickly refocused on the inspection. entered the skill-at-arms arena. A black
“Gender is not a factor in a cavalry pants that matched the blue and gold “She is perfect up there,” said one cav- pad with the 200th MP patch sewed near
competition,” she said. “What is impor- colors of her service pants. alry service member from Great Britain. the bottom rear corner above a gold
tant is that we all stand here this week Babb appeared from the large stable’s “She is doing wonderful, and you would “U.S.” sewn into the fabric let everyone
carrying our countries’ flags with honor sliding door and into the cool air of the never know she has been riding the horse know a military police NCO had entered
and remember those who have sacrificed training facility where some of the best for only a week.” the large grassy area.
before us.” Polish equestrians have trained. Onlook- Babb returned to the line of competi- Babb was representing not only an
Although Babb initially struggled with ers quickly focused their attention on tors, and her Polish teammates had their entire country, but also was exposing
communicating with her teammates from Babb. They took turns standing next to turns with the judge. others to the Army Reserve.
Poland, their love of horses quickly Babb for a quick photograph while she “Horses require less attention than “I am very proud of who I am and
bridged any frustrations with the lan- waited for her inspection. Soldiers,” she said laughing. “The best what I have accomplished as an Army
guage barrier. As the announcer started speaking thing about horses is they don’t ask why, Reserve Soldier,” she said. “Hopefully,
“Without a translator it’s tough to in Polish, “Cindy Babb” were the only but at times they will do what they want the international community here will
express my thoughts to them,” she said. familiar words that cued her to move to do.” walk away with a positive experience and
“But when it comes to horses we share to the center of a line of more than 20 The most difficult and dangerous event better understanding of who we are as a
something in common, and that lan- cavalrymen. of the competition was on the last day of nation and the values we understand are
guage barrier seemingly disappears for a The judge talked with the scorekeeper field trials. Skill at arms tested both the important as Americans.”
12 SOUNDOFF! May 3, 2012 http://www.ftmeade.army.mil

11. N ews
World War II vet returns to Fort Meade
Story and photo by Brandon Bieltz afternoon was garrison headquarters for
Staff Writer birthday cake with Rothstein.
The last time Ernest Fager was at Fort The family then toured the museum with
Meade, the installation was a training cen- Fort Meade historian Robert Johnson.
ter for more than 200 units and approxi- While walking through the exhibits, Ernest
mately 3.5 million Soldiers preparing to Fager spotted some equipment he used dur-
head to Europe or the South Pacific during ing his days in the military.
World War II. “A lot of this stuff here I’ve seen and
But last week, Fager celebrated his 90th handled,” he said.
birthday by returning to his first post with When stationed at Fort Meade in 1943,
his five children. During the two-day visit, Ernest Fager was assigned to the commu-
the Fager family toured the installation nications section of the 89th Field Artillery,
and the Fort Meade Museum and shared 25th Infantry Division.
birthday cake with Garrison Commander The one thing he remembered most
Col. Edward C. Rothstein. from his time on the installation was the
“Nothing is the same,” said Fager, who good food.
traveled from his home in Murphysboro, “We didn’t have that good of food at Fort
Ill. “I’m going to try to see everything, but Sill,” he recalled.
there ain’t no way you can see it all.” After a few months, he was sent to Camp
The idea to bring Fager back to Fort Stoneman, Calif., and then deployed to the
Meade started after he wrote about his South Pacific theater as a replacement in the
military experiences so his family could pass Guadalcanal campaign.
down the information to later generations. “The campaign there was pretty well Ernest Fager, a World War II veteran who was stationed at Fort Meade in 1943, tours
When reading about his experiences, his over, but we’d have a lot of air raids,” the the post museum April 23 during his two-day visit to the installation. Fager and his
children discovered that Fager spent a brief former private first class said. “They’d family also met with Garrison Commander Col. Edward C. Rothstein and toured the
part of his military service at Fort Meade. come in with about 110 planes. It was quite installation.
“That’s when we decided we ought to a show. I didn’t see too much of it because back a radio built for a Jeep. “blessed” to take the trip and learn more
take Dad back to the first post he went to the shrapnel was falling around so we would At the museum, he pointed out a few about their father.
after Fort Sill [in Oklahoma],” said Maj. run into the jungle and get out of that. But radios and telephones similar to those he “I think all my brothers could agree
Arthur Fager, of the Illinois Army National you’d still hear the shrapnel falling into the operated. we had the best role model in the world,”
Guard. jungle like hail.” The following day, Johnson took the Arthur Fager said. “Coming to see the
Leaving in the afternoon of April 22, During his time with the 25th ID, Fager family on a driving tour throughout the places that shaped him is what makes us
the family made the 850-mile trip from would move to front lines with officers and installation to view historical sites and proud and makes us a little bit in awe of the
Murphysboro to the installation overnight, a few noncommissioned officers to direct markings. things he’s seen and done. We just wanted
arriving at 3 a.m. Their first stop later that fire. One of his jobs was carrying on his Arthur Fager said his family was to have a little piece of that.”
Beware of turns into a hard deposit called tartar that
is trapped at the base of the tooth and
irritates the gums.
Over time, the toxins produced by
the bacteria stimulate an inflammatory
response in the body so that the tissues
or dental hygienist with various devices to
loosen and remove the plaque and hard
tartar from the teeth.
gum disease The mildest form of periodontal disease
is gingivitis. It often occurs when a person
does not brush and floss their teeth ade-
and bone that support the teeth are broken
down and destroyed.
As the disease progresses, the gums sepa-
Teeth cleaning at least twice a year and
possibly more often is required to keep
the buildup of plaque off teeth. This is
By Lisa Young quately, or does not have regular cleanings rate from the teeth, and the spaces between followed by careful oral hygiene on a daily
U.S. Army Public Health Command with a dental hygienist. the teeth and gums deepen and eventually basis.
Clean and healthy teeth and gums are Symptoms of gingivitis are not usually more gum tissue and bone are destroyed. Antibacterial mouth rinses may be rec-
more important than for just an attractive painful. They include: The risk of periodontal disease is ommended in addition to frequent tooth
smile. Gum diseases are serious infections • Bleeding gums, particularly when teeth increased by: brushing and flossing. Special tools such
that can lead to tooth loss. are brushed • General illness as certain toothpicks or floss, antiplaque
Unfortunately, the beginning stages of • Bright red gums • Poor dental hygiene toothbrushes and tooth paste, water irriga-
gum disease are not painful and often go • Gums that are tender when touched • Hormonal changes during pregnancy tion or other devices also may be suggested
unnoticed. Many people develop gum dis- but otherwise painless that increase gum sensitivity by the dentist for people who are particu-
ease to a varying degree in early adulthood • Swollen gums • Uncontrolled diabetes larly prone to plaque deposits.
due to hormonal changes that persists, • Shiny appearance to gums • Misaligned teeth and rough edges of To prevent the reoccurrence of peri-
depending on the health of the teeth and This form of gum disease is reversible fillings, ill-fitting braces, dentures, bridges odontal disease, strict oral hygiene must be
gums. with professional treatment and good oral or crowns maintained for a person’s whole life.
Gum or periodontal disease begins when care. • Certain medications such as phenytoin For more information about gum dis-
the bacteria in plaque, the sticky colorless If left untreated, gingivitis can progress and birth control pills ease, visit the American Dental Association
film that is constantly being formed on the to periodontitis, which occurs when the The goal of treatment for periodontal website at www.ada.org or the Centers for
teeth, causes the gums to be infected and plaque and bacterial infection grow below disease is to reduce inflammation. The Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.
swollen. If the plaque is not removed, it the gum line. teeth are cleaned professionally by a dentist gov/OralHealth.
http://www.ftmeade.army.mil May 3, 2012 SOUNDOFF! 13

12. C over S tory
The fairest of them all
Family Fun Fair strengthens
bonds with community
By Lisa R. Rhodes Branham of Naval Support Activity in
Staff Writer Washington, D.C.
A spring chill did not prevent about The event featured a wide range of
2,500 people from attending Fort Meade’s activities including a youth talent show;
26th annual Family Fun Fair on Saturday dance performances, a piano recital and
at McGill Training Center. Tae Kwon Do demonstration by SKIES
The four-hour event, sponsored by Unlimited; pony and train rides; face-
Child, Youth and School Services, was part painting; a moon bounce and inflatable
of the installation’s annual observance of slides. Families also enjoyed low-cost hot
the Month of the Military Child. dogs, hamburgers, chicken tenders, fries,
“This is our opportunity to pay hom- sodas and funnel cake.
age to military kids,” said Francisco Many on- and off-post organizations
Jamison, CYSS youth administrator. “It’s and businesses displayed informational
our chance to give a little back to them booths about youth and health services
for all that they go through as military and community programs. They included
children.” the Fort Meade Family Advocacy Pro-
Garrison Commander Col. Edward C. gram, the Fort Meade School Liaison
Rothstein, who attended with his wife, Office, the Fort Meade Girl Scouts, the
Audrey, and children Emily and Sam, Anne Arundel County Recycling Divi-
welcomed families. sion, the Fort Meade Credit Union and
“This program is important to me Johns Hopkins-U.S. Family Health Plan.
as garrison commander and also as a “We look forward to doing this every
dad,” Rothstein said. “Emily and Sam year,” said Celena Flowers, Family Advo-
didn’t sign up for this life, they got into cacy Program manager. “It gives us a
it by birth. The resilience of military kids chance to interact with Fort Meade fami-
comes from their parents and programs lies. We don’t often see families unless they
like this. Enjoy the day.” come into the office, so this is exciting and
The fair’s teenage hosts were Nate meaningful for us.”
Hutchings, son of Chaplain (Capt.) Wyne Flowers said many families asked about
Hutchings, chaplain for the 308th Military Army Community Service parenting class-
Intelligence Battalion, and Rebekah Bra- es and other programs.
nham, daughter of Navy Chief Daniel Jillian Waitcross, corresponding secre-
Photos by Jen Rynda
Isaac Blankenship, 4, of Fort Meade slips down an inflatable slide, one of several
attractions at the Family Fun Fair.
RIGHT: Ryan Cano, 6, of Odenton waves to his parents during an amusement ride.
Several post organizations participated in the fair including the Family Advocacy
Program, the School Liaison Office, the Enlisted Spouses Club and the Fort Meade
Credit Union.
14 SOUNDOFF! May 3, 2012 http://www.ftmeade.army.mil