AN INDEPENDENT PUBLICATION OF COMPRINTMILITARY PUBLICATIONS AT JOINT BASE ANDREWS,MD.DCMILITARY.COM FRIDAY, JULY 18, 2014 | VOL. 3 NO. 24

SergeantSaturdayshelps fitnessbuffs be all theyused to be

4How well do youknow yourgeneology?

3 InternationalFestival kicks offwith flair

6

BY ANDREA BLACKSTONESTAFF WRITER

Twenty-five finalists have beenselected to participate in the nextMs. Veteran America competitionOct. 12 at The National ConferenceCenter in Leesburg, Va. Contestantsare veterans and active dutymilitarymembers. There is one contestantfrom Alexandria, Va. this year. Ja-nineWiggins is one of top 25 finalistswho will compete. The tradition thatDenyse Gordon, Ms. Veteran Amer-ica Emeritus, and Allaina Guitron,winner ofMs.VeteranAmerica 2013,established through their advocacywork will continue when the nextwinner is crowned.Ms. Veteran America is a mili-

tary pageant where combat bootsand uniforms are exchanged for

gowns and heels. The purpose ofthe pageant is to showcase thewomen behind the uniform and tohelp raise money to provide hous-ing for female veterans and theirchildren. Some contestants arecompeting in the upcoming com-petition for a second time, becausethe cause means so much to them.Jaspen (Jas) Boothe, the founder

of Final Saulte, Inc. and Ms.VeteranAmerica, said approximately 400people turned out to support the firstevent in 2012.More than 600 peopleattended in 2013. Additionally, Ms.Veteran America attracted nationaland international press.“It’s just grown phenomenally

since we started. It’s a serious compe-tition thathas seriousvettingprocess.I think for some people, it’s not justthe glitz and glamour of the event.

It’s the cause behind the event thatmakes it so attractive. It’s not just abeauty pageant.All women are beau-tiful. Beauty is just not what you areon the surface.That’s very superficial.These women are beautiful for serv-ing, and for stepping out and puttingtheir lives out on the line,” Boothesaid.Social media has reportedly

been an effective, low cost mannerto raise awareness for the cause.All contestants are required tohave social media pages. Throughsocial media and advocacy, individ-uals are able to learn more aboutMs. Veteran America.Sarah Doheny assists Final Sa-

lute, Inc. and Ms. Veteran Americawith publicity. Doheny has workedwith Ms.VeteranAmerica for three

Local pageant to support homeless female veterans

ANDREA BLACKSTONE

AllainaGuitron and Jaspen (Jas)Boothe share a happymomentafter Guitronwas crowned as thewinner ofMs. VeteranAmerica2013. Guitron currently serves asanU.S. ArmyRecruiter.see PAGEANT, page 3

Newcommandteamwelcomed

CORY HANCOCKJFHQ-NCR/MDW PUBLIC AFFAIRS

The U.S. Army Air Opera-tions Group hosted Changeof Command and Change ofResponsibility ceremonies fortheir outgoing command teamheld Tuesday in Hanger 3 onJoint Base Andrews.“Thanks to the Military Dis-

trict of Washington staff andcommand, the fellow units inMDW and our interagencypartners for the great support,guidance and mentorship overthe past two years,” said Col.William D.McGarrity, outgoingAAOG commander. “I want tothank the incredible Soldiers,Civilians and Families of theAir Operations Group for whatyou accomplished and whatyou are about to do. Responder6 signing out.”McGarrity assumed com-

mand of AAOG on August 16,2012. His next duty station isin Israel.Colonel Timothy D. Brown

is the new AAOG commander,hails from Brainerd, Minn.and recently finished a one-year Harvard National Secu-rity Program Fellowship. Hisawards include a bronze star,master aviator badge and ar-my staff identification badge.Brown has served numerousplaces in his military careerboth at home and abroad toinclude assignments in Korea,Germany and Afghanistan.

PHOTO BY CORY HANCOCKJFHQ-NCR/MDW PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Col. WilliamD.McGarrity, U.S.Army Air Operations Groupoutgoing commander, passesthe AAOG command colors toMaj. Gen. Jeffrey S. Buchanan,U.S. ArmyMilitary District ofWashington commanding gen-eral, during AAOG’s Changeof Command ceremony heldin Hanger 3 at Joint BaseAndrews, Md., July 15.

see TEAM, page 3

BY AIRMAN 1ST CLASS RYAN J.SONNIER

11TH WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Members of the 11th Wing wel-comed new leadership during achange-of-command ceremony heldat Hangar 3 here July 14.Col. Brad Hoagland took com-

mand of the wing and Joint BaseAndrews from the previous com-mander Col. Bill Knight.“I look forward to serving with

you on this winning team and chal-lenge you to make Joint Base An-drews extraordinary,” Hoaglandsaid as he addressed the wing. “Wewill stay focused on themission andour readiness, develop and care forour Airmen, and insure that a cul-ture of dignity and mutual respect,discipline, innovation and servantleadership exists at all levels.”As commander of the 11thWing,

Hoagland is responsible for approxi-mately 2,500 Airmen, Departmentof Defense civilians and contractors.Also, he serves as the installationcommander comprised of twohigherheadquarters, six wings, more than80 tenant organizations and an es-timated 17,000 assigned personnel.Hoaglandwaspreviously theVice

Commander of the386thAirExpedi-tionaryWing in SouthwestAsia.“Vince Lombardi, legendary

coach of the Green Bay Packers,once said, ‘Winning is not a some-time thing, it’s an all the time thing.You don’t do things right once ina while, you do them right all thetime,’” Hoagland said. “As the hostunit, we will provide unfalteringsupport to ourTeamAndrews breth-ren,mission partners, civic and com-munity leaders, and their families.”Knight is headed to Headquar-

ters Air Mobility Command atScott Air Force Base, Illinois. Dur-ing his parting comments, Knightexpressed his gratitude to the 11thWing and Joint BaseAndrews.“Over the past two years, I’ve had

the privilege of leading the Airmenof ‘The Chief’s Own’, the 11thWing,at our nation’s most visible militarybase, Joint Base Andrews-Naval AirFacility Washington,” Knight said.“Commanding the 11th Wing andJoint Base Andrews has been thehighlight ofmy career; thank you forall that you do for the United StatesofAmerica.”

11th Wing changes command

U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO/AIRMAN 1ST CLASS JOSHUA R. M. DEWBERRY

Col. Bill Knight salutes U.S. Air Force Honor Guard members asthey perform an inspection of the troops at his change of commandceremony.

U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO/AIRMAN 1ST CLASS JOSHUA R. M. DEWBERRY

U.S. Air Force Honor Guard members post the colors for the 11thWing change of command ceremony.

U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO/SENIOR AIRMAN MARIAH HADDENHAM

Col. Bill Knight salutes U.S. Air Force Band and Honor Guard members as they perform a pass in reviewat his change of command ceremony at Joint Base Andrews, Md., July 14. The ceremony transfers 11thWing/JBA command from Knight to Col. Brad Hoagland.

PHOTO CREDIT?

Colonel Bradley T. Hoagland is theCommander of the 11thWing andJoint Base Andrews, Maryland.

U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO/SENIOR AIRMAN MARIAH HADDENHAM

Maj. Gen. Sharon K. G. Dunbar, Air Force District of Washington com-mander, speaks at the 11th Wing change of command ceremony atJoint Base Andrews, Md.

BY ANDREA BLACKSTONESTAFF WRITER

The first meeting of theFriday Evening Book Clubwas held July 11 at the PrinceGeorge’s Sports and Learn-ing Complex in Landover. Al-though Betty’s Place and Cafeis normally a place to enjoy ameal or grab a quick snack, at7 p.m. the venue transformedinto a quaint meeting spot forbook lovers to meet MadelineNowlin. The author of “Water-melon Road” penned the his-torical fiction novel four yearsago.“I’m very honored that the

newly formed book club chosemy book to read,” Nowlin said,smiling.Sharon Lucas greeted

guests who turned the corner

Book clubstarts newchapter

see BOOK, page 5

2 Friday, July 18, 2014Andrews Gazette2 Friday, July 18, 2014Andrews Gazette2 Friday, July 18, 2014Andrews Gazette

Andrews Gazette is published by Comprint Military Publications,9030 Comprint Court, Gaithersburg, Md., a private firm in no wayconnected with the U.S. Air Force or any branch of the UnitedStates military. The appearance of advertising in these publications,including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement

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Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase,use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin,age, martial status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other nonmerit factor of the purchases, user or patron.

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HOTTICKETSAround Town

BY ANDREA BLACKSTONESTAFF WRITER

Quality opportunitiesin life have not alwayscome my way as quicklyas I would have preferred.I have had brushes withgreat breakthroughs thatended in shattered dreams.During those rough patch-es, I collected my thoughtsto restore my faith, beforeembarking upon anotheradventure. While regroup-ing, I often consider whohas influenced me themost in life, and what theyendured before achievingremarkable accomplish-ments.One of my greatest mo-

tivators in life was a short,jovial man with a publicpersona. His name is AlexHaley. The other personwho motivates me was Si-mon Haley, a a World War Iveteran who was gassed inFrance. Simon Haley, who isAlex Haley’s father, was theson of a sharecropper and

former slave. He was also aWorld War I veteran whosestint as a train porter led toa businessman covering histuition so that he could fin-ish his senior year at A&TCollege. Many people prob-ably expected Alex Haleyto follow in his father’sfootsteps. Instead, in 1939,Alex Haley dropped out ofcollege and enlisted in theCoast Guard.The first Chief Jour-

nalist in the Coast Guardtaught himself how to writestories, although he report-edly enlisted as a messattendant. By 1959, myuncle-Alex Haley-was thefirst Chief Journalist in theCoast Guard. He shared lit-erary works with the world.Many people forget that heserved 20 years in the mili-tary. To me, this is one of hisgreatest accomplishments.There were many roughpatches along the way ofpursuing a career as a civil-ian writer, including a timewhen he was a struggling

artist supporting his familyoff of a military pension.High quality journalism

and interesting narrativealways fascinated me. Ihave always been a vora-cious reader who wanted tosee life from various van-tage points. I try to look atsituations from more thanone perspective, because Ibelieve that a sense of com-munity is required to com-plete meaningful tasks. Inmy opinion, understandingothers and working out dif-ficulties are required skillsto navigating through lifesmoother. Some situationscan be fixed. Others may besimply impossible to mend.Through reading books, andunderstanding my uncleand grandfather’s profes-sional endeavors, the sagaof the late bloomer has beena comforting point of refer-ence. Many times we tug atopen doors that will remainlocked, instead of lookingfor the door that is alreadyopen for us.

My grandfather, Simon,reminds me that what-ever is meant to be willmaterialize. Despite beingridiculed because he onlyhad one pair of shoes andpants at the time, workingas a handyman, helper ata school for wayward boysand arising to make firesfor families at 4:00 a.m.,his plight to earn money topay for his education finallyended. Mr. Boyce, presidentof Boyce Publishing in Chi-cago, saw something elsein him. The stranger senta check to A&T College tocover books and expensesfor two years of his educa-tion, when he found outthat my grandfather wasconsidering return home tosharecrop. The unexpectedscholarship began witha conversation, when mygrandfather brought Mr.Boyce milk on a tray late atnight.I did not inherit my

grandfather’s interest in

Commentary

COURTESYOF THERETIREEACTIVITIESOFFICE

Case lotsalesreturning

The Defense Commis-sary Agency is bringing backits popular case lot sales atstateside stores. Each com-missary will hold a two-to-three-day event from Aug.14 to Sept. 30. Case lot salesfeature a multitude of items,some at savings of 50 percentor more, in full cases and inthe club pack format foundin off-base club warehousestores. In the greater Na-tional Capital Area, stores atAndrews and Fort Myer willoffer case lot sales Aug. 14-16; Joint BaseAnacostia-Bol-ling, Aug. 28-30; Fort Meade,

Aug. 29-31; Fort Belvoir, FortDetrick and Quantico Ma-rine Base, Sept. 18-20.

Expedited paymentsNew regulations allowVet-

eransAffairs to automaticallypay the maximum amountallowable to most eligible sur-viving spouses, without theneed for awritten application.Previously, VA paid burialbenefits on a reimburse-ment basis. This automationenables VA to pay a non-service-connected or service-connected burial allowance toan estimated 62,000 eligiblesurviving spouses out of a pro-jected 140,000 claimants forburial benefits in 2014. Sur-viving spouses will be paidupon notice of the veteran’s

death using information inVA systems. The burial al-lowance for a non-service-connected death is $300 and$2,000 for a death connectedto military service. For moreinformation on monetaryburial benefits, visit www.benefits.va.gov/compensation/claims-special-burial.asp.

Service center changesAdministrative walk-in

services at 189Tricare servicecenters in the United Statesended April 1. Beneficiariescan accomplish administra-tive tasks online at www.tri-care.mil.The change does notaffect Tricare medical benefitor health care service. Thechange is expected to save anestimated $250 million over

the next five years. Abouthalf of visits to the centers inhospitals or clinics were forin- and out-processing andrequests to change primarycare providers, officials said.Others involved billing-re-lated questions. The Tricarewebsite receives about 38,000hits per day. For more infor-mation, call the NorthernRegional office at 1 877 874-2273.The Retiree Activities Of-

fice is open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.,Monday through Friday.Visitthe office in Building 1604 atCalifornia and Colorado Ave-nuesorcall301981-2726.Callbefore your visit to ensurea volunteer is on duty. TheRAO has a website at www.andrews.af.mil.

Retiree Cornersee COMMENTARY, page 6

July 196th Annual Evening of Jazz and Scholarship

Dinner BenefitCamelot by Martin’s, 13905 Central Ave., Upper

Marlboro, Md.7-11 p.m.Jazz bandAbstarctTruth weaves jazz, soul, R&B,African

amd Latin rhythms, rock, gospel, blues and funk. Cost: $70.Contact info@ryanomancefoundation.org or call 301-283-0287

July 19Prince George’s Summer Shakespeare Festival’s

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream”Hillcrest Heights Community Center, 2300 Oxon Run

Drive, Temple Hills7:30 p.m.Be transported by live music, magical movement

and Shakespeare’s enchanting poetry. Bring your lawnchair or blanket and enjoy the free show. For more in-formation, please call 301-446-3232; TTY 301-446-6802.In case of inclement weather, please visit www.pgparks.com.

July 24Concerts in the Park! Anthony “Swamp Dog”

Clark & The Blues AllstarsWatkins Regional Park, 301 Watkins Park Drive, Up-

per Marlboro7-8:30 p.m.Family and friends can enjoy a variety of free music under

the setting sun. Bring a blanket and delight in the harmony.Please note: This is a non-smoking venue. Contact info: 301-218-6700;TTY 301-218-6768

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years.“It’s been incredible for

me. Being a military bratmyself, there was a specialtug at my heartstrings forthe organization. The mon-ey that is raised throughthe competition goes to Fi-nal Salute, Inc. We do havea home in Alexandria, Va., ahome inWest Virginia and ahome in Ohio. Through ouroutreach programs we’veassisted veterans in otherstates.”The nonprofit pays elec-

tric bills and help womenacross the board when itcomes to their needs.Guitron has been crowned

as Ms. Veteran Americasince Oct. 13, 2013. The U.S.Army recruiter from Crest-view, Fla. grew up in fosterhome. Her best friend’s fam-ily reportedly took custodyof her at the age of 15-years-old. Her mother sufferedfrom homelessness. Guitrondecided to enter the compe-tition, because a friend whowas knowledgeable aboutthe competition and orga-nization encouraged her toresearch the purpose of it.When Guitron found outabout Final Salute, Inc., shereportedly had been servingin the military for almost13 years and wanted to dosomething about homelessveterans. Guitron said thatshe completely stepped out

of her comfort zone to com-pete in the competition. Al-though her duties as a sol-dier come first, Guitron cur-rently participates in events,and advocates for homelessfemale veterans on Twitterand Facebook. Guitron alsosaid that she feels confidentthat the judges will pick themost exceptional queen thatthey can choose. When thetime comes, Guitron willwelcome her to the team andbe there to guide her. In themeantime, the reigning Ms.Veteran America still hasplenty of work to do.Guitron said that be-

ing Ms. Veteran America isa full-time job. “In my freetime, and any opportunitythat I am afforded to beable to advocate on behalf ofhomeless female veterans, Ido,” Guitron said. “I wasn’tin it for anything other thanto bring awareness to thecause. As any active dutysolider myself, I know thatwe have over 55,000 femaleveterans on [U.S. soil], halfof them being single moth-ers. That was just astonish-ing to me. Everyone needs toknow about this so we canend it for once and for all.Weas the American public needto educate the population, sothat they are aware, and as-pire to help people do betterto get unique program needsof these veterans met.”Jaspen Boothe currently

works as Director of Devel-

opment for Final Salute,Inc. When the organizationfaced an unexpected finan-cial challenge, Fox 5 DC cov-ered the auction live. A so-cial media campaign helpedto save the home for femaleveterans in Va. Five womenand two children reportedlylive there.“A trust out of Arizona

saw it and gave a substan-tial contribution that en-abled us to secure a mort-gage to the property. I woulddefinitely say that social me-dia has been a real blessingfor us,” Boothe said.Lamman Rucker, actor

and activist, will host Ms.Veteran America 2014. Ma-rissa Strock will co-host theevent. Strock was a top 10 fi-nalist in Ms. Veteran Ameri-ca 2013. She is a double am-putee who lost both of herlegs while serving in Iraq.Boothe said that the

competition in October willconsist of entertainment,advocacy and outreach. Thepublic will have an oppor-tunity to see the women be-hind the uniform. Finalistswill showcase their hiddentalents beyond their mili-tary capacity. Tickets arecurrently on sale. Visit www.msveteranamerica.org formore information about Ms.Veteran America 2014.

3Friday, July 18, 2014 Andrews Gazette

JBA BuzzHowwell do youknowyour geneaology?

Senior AirmanYuvienel Guiao,459th Air Refu-eling Squadronknowledge oper-ations manager

Staff Sgt. JaimeEngel, 779thCommunicationsSquadron cybertransport systemstechnician

“My original familyname is Longinetti.I’m of Italian descent.My family migratedfrom northern Italy inthe 1880’s.”

“I’m Filipino. My fam-ily is from Cavite City,Philippines. My momcame here in 1996.Therestofmyfamilystilllives in thePhilippines.”

Senior AirmanAdamNeiderhiser,744th Com-municationsSquadron cybertransport systemscraftsman

Hospital Corps-man 3rd ClassPatricio Mendoza,Naval Opera-tional SupportCenter,Washington,DC.

“Some of my family isfrom England, Germanyand Czechoslovakia.My family came toAmerica back in the1800s.”

“Myheritage isMexican.MyancestorswerefromRomeandmigratedtoMexico.Mygrandparentsstill livethere.Allofmydad’sfamily lives inMexico.”

PAGEANT, from page 1

“Being a Soldier is ateam sport,” said Brown.“I’d like to recognize themany Soldiers, coaches,mentors, great leaders, andtop notch teammates thatbare more than a little re-sponsibility for placing mebefore you today.”Both Change of Com-

mand and Change of Re-sponsibility ceremonieswere held on the same dayto help maintain the conti-nuity of command and themission readiness of theunit.Sgt. Maj. Shawn Jones

has been the commandsergeant major for AAOGsince August 2, 2012 andnoted his appreciation tothe MDW and AAOG staffduring his farewell speechin which he ended with,“Responder 7 signing off.”Incoming AAOG Com-

mand Sergeant Major, Sgt.Maj. Joseph J. Chang, hasdeployed five times in sup-port of Operation IraqiFreedom and once in sup-port of Operation Endur-ing Freedom. In additionto Iraq and Afghanistan,Chang has also served inGermany, Korea and acrossthe United States includ-ing Kentucky, Texas and hishome state of Hawaii.The day before the cere-

mony McGarrity and Joneshonored America’s fallenheroes by laying a wreathat the Tomb of the Un-known Soldier, at ArlingtonNational Cemetery.

AAOG is a subordinatecommand of the U.S. ArmyMilitary District of Wash-ington and has its head-quarters at Fort Lesley J.McNair, Washington, D.C.AAOG plans, coordinates,and executes aviation op-erations, to include regionaland worldwide priority airtransport for the Army’ssenior leadership, selectedDoD officials, and Combat-ant Commanders. They ex-ecute airfield operations at

Davison Army Airfield, andprovide Air Traffic Servicessupport to the Pentagon he-lipad. The AAOG’s units in-clude the 12th Aviation Bat-talion located at DavidsonArmy Airfield, Fort Belvoir,Va., and the 911th EngineerCompany. In addition toserving the National CapitalRegion, AAOG also operatesfrom Ramstein Air ForceBase, Germany and HickamAir Force Base, Hawaii.

TEAM, from page 1

PHOTO BY STAFF SGT. JENNIFER JOHNSON, JFHQ-NCR/MDW PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Colonel TimothyD. Brown, U.S. ArmyAir OperationsGroupincoming commander receives theAAOGcommand colorsfromMaj. Gen. Jeffrey S. Buchanan, U.S. ArmyMilitary Dis-trict ofWashington’s commanding general, during theAAOGChange of Command ceremony held in Hanger 3 at JointBaseAndrews,Md., July 15.

1034055B

1 4inAmericans experiencea mental healthcondition.

This is probably affectingyou in some way.

It’s time to learn howyou can make apositive difference.

For more information,visit www.nami.org/nmmham.

fb.com/minoritymentalhealth

Core Service Agency

For linkage to services & resourcescontact the Charles County CoreService Agency at 301-609-5757or email atdhmh.charlescountycsa@maryland.gov

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4 Friday, July 18, 2014Andrews Gazette4 Friday, July 18, 2014Andrews Gazette

BY BOBBY JONESSTAFF PHOTOJOURNALIST

A small group of work out en-thusiasts participated in a free mil-itary-style outdoor boot camp calledSergeant’s Saturdays on the churchgrounds of St. Bernadette’s Churchin Silver Spring on July 12.The class is part of The Ser-

geants Program, a six-day-week,military-style, physical fitness pro-gram for adults that covers the DCMetropolitan area.The one-hour session covered a

gamut of military calisthenics ledby Richard Barney, one of severalpersonal trainers certified by theNational Academy of Sports Medi-cine.“I’ve been an instructor with the

Germantown class and this class inSilver Spring for about five years.We do a little bit of everything; up-per body onTuesday andThursday;go for a three-and-a-half-mile runon Wednesday, and then a lowerbody workout on Monday and Fri-day,” said Barney, a certified out-door fitness instructor.The participants joined Barney

in performing various exercises,including dumbbell curls, squats,lunges, step ups, sit ups, pushups,flutter kicks, planks and sprints.“We only use two pieces of equip-

ment in our work out, jump ropesand dumbbells. But we do a varietyof exercises using the area aroundus,” said Barney. “Here in SilverSpring, St. Bernadette’s Church al-lows us to use the parking lot, thepicnic area and picnic benches. Ev-ery class is different.”Barney explained the exercise

is based loosely around a militaryregimen. “It’s not your standard

music classroom environment withmusic. It’s less about the equipmentor environment. It’s about gettingoutside and moving around.” Bar-ney noted the age group of the par-ticipants range from the early 20sto late 40s.At the end of the hour-long ses-

sion, the participants compliment-ed the class.Jeff Gunnulfson, a long time

participant enjoyed the exercise re-sults and camaraderie of the groupworkout.“I’ve been doing this workout for

seven years. I wasn’t in good shapewhen I started on a Memorial Dayweekend. It was blazing hot,” saidGunnulfson. “I would suggest neverstarting in the summer time, but Ilost 15 pounds in three months. Ilike the camaraderie and doing itin a group. Every day we do some-thing a little bit different, whichis good. I was never into running.But with this program I run everyweekend,” said Gunnulfson. “I’mconfident that I can run 10 milesnow.”Former Army veteran, David

Kochanski, spoke frankly about hislack of motivation before commit-ting to the Sergeant Program.“I didn’t do anything for about

40 years,” said Kochanski, a na-tive Washingtonian. “I did theSergeant’s Program for a year andthen stopped for a year and nowI’m starting back. I’m a regularold grunt. I did a stint in the Armywhen I got out of college. This pro-gram is allowing me to get someexercise ... I’m able to control myweight better and suffer along withsome other people,” said Kochanskijokingly. “I feel better doing thingsin a group rather than individually.And the folks are great. I think it’sa good program.”According the Chuck Dyson,

Head Sarge of the program, Ser-geant’s Program is the longest run-ning, military style, civilian bootcamp in the country. He said theprogram has been around 1984and had 21 locations throughoutMaryland, Washington, D.C., andVirginia. “We also have free Sat-urday boot camps at five differentlocations,” said Dyson.Dyson, an Army veteran, com-

pleted a two-year hitch as a medicassigned to an infantry unit andcame out of service in 1967.However, a hectic work schedule

and lack of exercise led to his poorconditioning. “I joined the programas a client back in 1995.Mymotiva-tion was that I was just a regularguy who was in sales and gainedso much weight that it was notice-able, and I was unable to fasten mycheck anymore because of the fat.”A close friend recommended theboot camp regimen and he partici-pated for one week and fell in lovewith the program. “It took me onehour in the Rockville boot camp tofall in love with the concept,” saidDyson. After 10 months, Dysondropped close to 50 pounds. “I was

absolutely hooked,” he said.Withina year of being associated with theprogram Dyson decided it was timeto give back and help others to ridthemselves of weight. “So I trainedand became an instructor,” Dysonsaid. “And that’s been my motiva-tion all along, to take people fromwhere I was to where I eventuallyended up.” Over the years, Dysonhas trained thousands of people.“Anybody can just go in some

place and just exercise,” said Dyson.“If you add that element of havingfun as you exercise to make it en-joyable, have them singArmy songsas they go alone, counting cadenceand introduce the military style ofexercise it goes a long way.”According the Dyson, The Ser-

geant’s Saturday program was in-troduced a couple of years ago. Dueto demand the free program hassince expanded it’s free Saturday

program to the public in five differ-ent locations.“Our motto is “Be all you used to

be,” said Dyson. “In order for thatto happen, you need to be in anenvironment that avoids intimida-tion, has fun and good exercise. Myinstructors are friendly and theyenjoy it as much as the clients do.”Dyson, 65, works out five days

a week. “I’ve been doing this forawhile,” he said. According to Dy-son the average participant doesthe boot camp three days per week.“That’s enough to keep them goingand motivated,” he said.

PHOTOS BY BOBBY JONES/STAFF PHOTOJOURNALIST

Richard Barney, front, and Jeff Gunnulfson stretch their legs prior to a Sergeants Saturdaywork out session.

Jeff Gunnulfson, front, and David Kochanski, struggle through a set ofmilitary flutter kicks.

Richard Barney, left, leads Jeff Gunnulfson, center, and David Kochan-ski in a vigorous set of step ups, using a picnic bench on the churchgrounds of St. Bernadette in Silver Spring July 12.

David Kochanski, front, and Jeff Gunnulfson perform planks during afree Sergeants Saturday in the parking lot of St. Bernadette Churchin Silver Spring July 12.

Richard Barney, right, a SergeantProgram certified personal train-er, and David Kochanski performa warm up stretch. Barney iscertified by the National Acad-emy of Sports Medicine.

Richard Barney, front, leadsDavid Kochanski, center, andJeff Gunnulfson, walk up a stair-case performing dumbbell curls.

“I lost 15 pounds inthree months. I like

the camaraderie anddoing it in a group.

Every day we dosomething a little bit

different”

Sergeant Saturdayshelps fitness buffsbe all they used to be

Visit www.sarge.com, send anemail to info@sarge.com or call1-888-Bootcamp.

More about The Sergeants Program

to enter the cafe. Lucas is anavid reader, book club presi-dent and founder of www.realdivasread.com. She isknown for turning literaryideas into action. Lucas wasinstrumental in inviting thepublic to attend the newbook club by announcing themeeting through Eventbriteand Prince George’s County’sDepartment of Parks andRecreation’s website. Thelow pressure book club willfoster interesting discussionwithout turning the readingexperience into a substantialcommitment.“We hope tonight is the

first night of many Fridaynights that we will be meet-ing here for a book club. Cyn-thia wanted a book club here.We should encourage read-ers. At one time there wasa book club here. We are in-terested in getting it started,and doing it once a month,”Lucas said. “We’re think-ing about it being a drop inbook club, instead of a bookclub where you have to comeevery month and pay dues.We won’t have a lot of thewhistles and bells that a lotof the other book clubs have.In September, Austin Cama-cho will be coming out witha new book, ‘Beyond Blue.’He will be releasing the bookjust a few days before themeeting. This will be morelike a book signing for him.”Attendees took their seats

while waiting for the meet-ing to begin. They settledinto the casual environment,mingling with organizers ofthe event. After introduc-tions were made at 7:00 p.m.,Nowlin explained how shebegan her writing pursuits,then summoned attentionfrom everyone in the room.The author sat across fromAllita Irby and read from“Watermelon Road.”The Friday Evening Book

Club is an effort to resurrectbook club meetings at thePrince George’s Sports andLearning Complex. Lucasreported that interest in hav-ing a book club there wanedabout the same time book-stores began to close, andreaders began to buy printbooks less and began usingeReaders in record numbers.However,CynthiaKelly,Man-ager of Event Services at theComplex, has not given up onthe idea of giving a book clubanother try. Several yearsago, the book club hosted au-

thor, life coach and televisionhost, Iyanla Vanzant.“Mahogany Books was

instrumental in getting theauthors here. Iyanla Vanz-ant kicked off our first bookclub meeting. I’m just glad tohave Sharon here-since hersis going so well-to see whatwe can do to get people moti-vated. It’s seems like there’san interest out there. Thisfacility feels like family. A lotis offered here, even for se-niors,” Kelly said.This time around, Kelly

wants to build a consistentclub. The rebirth of bringingbook buzz back to the PrinceGeorge’s Sports and Learn-ing Complex began with Irbyfinding out about Kelly’s de-sire to rebrand the old bookclub and launch the FridayEvening Book Club. Irby is amember of two books clubs,and Board Member of theHurston Wright Foundation.She contacted Lucas. Afterone meeting, the Friday Eve-ning Book Club evolved. Lu-cas suggested “WatermelonRoad” as their first read.Lucas, Kelly and Irby

hope that the new book clubwill grow.While anticipatingsuccess of their new endeav-or, they are already planningto expand the book lover’scelebration.

“We do have a save thedate for a book festival onMay 23 in 2015 at PrinceGeorge’s Sports and Learn-ing Complex,” Lucas said.Anyone is invited to join

the Friday Evening BookClub. It will meet at 7:00p.m. on the second Fridayevening of each month.Betty’s Place and Cafe is

located on the main levelof the Prince George’sSports and Learning Com-plex. The address is 8001Sheriff Road, Landover,Md. For more information,contact Cynthia Kelly at301-583-2434, or SharonLucas at onereadingdiva@gmail.com.

5Friday, July 18, 2014 Andrews Gazette

Send your silly captions for this week’s photo to bjones@dcmilitary.com. The funniest ones will be used in a future edition of the Andrews Gazette.

CAPTION THIS

Cynthia Kelly, Madeline Nowlin and Allita Irby paused while preparing for the FridayEvening Book Club. Sharon Lucas began to greet guests who began to arrive at Betty’sPlace and Cafe for the meeting at 7 p.m.

Sharon Lucas is a retired sales manager, avid reader andbook club advocate. She founded www.realdivasread.com and recently helped to launch the Friday EveningBook Club at the Prince George’s Sports and LearningComplex.

AIR FORCEPUBLIC AFFAIRS

Air Force leaders an-nounced changes to head-quarters staff manning andorganization today.The Air Force will create

efficiencies by deactivatingand realigning organiza-tions at Headquarters AirForce, Major Commands,Numbered Air Forces andField Operating Agencies,resulting in savings of $1.6billion across the Air Forcein the next five years.The reorganization will

also help meet the Depart-ment of Defense’s direc-tive to reduce costs andstaff levels by at least 20percent, eliminating 3,459positions at headquartersacross the Air Force, bothin country and at overseaslocations.As part of ongoingcost savings initiatives, theAir Force will also continueto reduce contract spend-ing, operating budgets andtravel expenditures.To minimize the effect on

civilian personnel, the AirForce will initiateVoluntaryEarly Retirement Author-ity programs and VoluntarySeparation Incentive Pay tofoster voluntary reductionsbefore pursuing involun-tary measures. As part ofongoing efforts to responsi-bly shape the force, militarymembers were offered a va-riety of voluntary incentiveprograms.The changes are a result

of a comprehensive effortto reduce overhead costs,increase efficiencies, elimi-nate redundant activitiesand improve effectivenessand business processes(also known as Air ForceManagement HeadquartersReview).The Air Force’s goal is to

go beyond the 20 percentreduction mandated by theDoD so any additional sav-ings can be achieved fromstaff functions above thewing level, and set to pro-vide additional combat ca-pability to the combatantcommanders.The largest initiative will

include centralizing policy

and oversight of installationand mission support activi-ties within a newly createdAir Force Installation andMission Support Center,which will report to AirForce Materiel Command.Execution will remain atthe local level.The Air Force will also

make changes to the Head-quarters Air Force stafforganization by splittingOperations, Plans and Re-quirements (A3/5) and Stra-tegic Plans and Programs(A8) and reorganizing theminto the new Operations(A3) organization which willstand alone and merge theplanning staffs into the newA5/8 organization.Also, the current pro-

gramming functions fromA8 will be merged into theservice’s financial manage-ment organization (FM).The Air Force will also

realign several functionsthat currently report to theheadquarters in an effort tobetter support combatantcommanders and realignsome field operating agen-cies to operational MAJ-COMs, merge FOAs withsimilar missions and deac-tivate others.The Air Force Intel-

ligence Surveillance andReconnaissance Agency isalso being realigned fromHeadquarters Air Force asa FOA to become part of anew operational numberedair force under Air CombatCommand.Realigning the Air Force

ISR Agency into the new25th Air Force within ACCensures warfighting com-mands will have the bestpossible intelligence fromintegrated national and tac-tical ISR capabilities, whileappropriately realigningoperational activities and“organize, train and equip”responsibilities of the AFISR Agency from executionby Headquarters AF to aMAJCOM.

Air Force announcesheadquartersorganization changes

BOOK, from page 1

BY ANDREA BLACKSTONESTAFF WRITER

On July 12, the first an-nual International Festivalkicked off at the Boulevardat the Capital Centre inLargo. The two-day eventopened at noon and offereddiverse opportunities forcommunity engagement andfun. More than 200 exhibi-tors and 50 retail and foodvendors participated. Festi-val goers lined the street asinternational parade danc-ers marched and twirled incolorful costumes. Featuredentertainment began in theearly afternoon and extend-ed into the evening.Internationally known

and locally respected enter-tainers captured the atten-tion of attendees of all ages.Latin, Caribbean, Ethiopianand African American art-ists performed on the mainstage. The Pedrito MartinezBand, Estelle, TheophilusLondon, Third World, TLC,Ludacris, Miri Ben-Ari, By-ron Cage and many more en-tertainers performed. Musiclovers stood in front of thestage. Music lovers in frontof the stage danced and sanglyrics as artists across vari-ous music genres made it dif-ficult to sit quietly throughmemorable performances.International diversity in-spired some attendees to ex-plore other cultures. Fellowattendees exhibited togeth-erness and tolerant behavior.Behind the scenes,

Tomiko Thomas and a pub-lic relations team took manymeasures to facilitate me-dia interviews in the pressroom. Thomas is the CEOand senior publicist of Plati-num Image Entertainment

Group. After performers ex-ited the stage, media ques-tioned talent about theirInternational Festival per-formance, experiences andupcoming projects.Question and answer ses-

sions also awakened inter-est in local talent, such asWayna. The Ethiopian-bornsinger-songwriter resides inPrince George’s County andis an independent artist. Shereportedly began pursuingmusic full-time after work-

ing as a writer in the WhiteHouse for the Clinton Ad-ministration. The ambassa-dor for Music Unites Africahas opened for internation-ally known artists duringthe D.C. leg of their tours.She spoke to the media abouthow she carved out her nichewithin the R&B scene.“This is my first interna-

tional festival. This is huge.This is so big. I am originallyfrom Ethiopia, but I do lovemy soul music, gospel and

R&B. My first two projectswere R&B. On my last proj-ect, I embraced the sounds ofmy youth, and the sounds ofmy cultural background. Do-ing that has opened up op-portunities like this,” Waynasaid.Health screenings, credit

counseling, mortgage reliefassistance, cooking demon-strations and a job fair weresome of the many resourcesthat were available during thefamily event. Award-winningteenage entrepreneur, inspira-tional speaker, jewelry design-er and bestselling author, Ga-brielle JordanWilliams sharedan empoweringmessage aboutdreaming big. Public healthgoals were addressed whileoffering a blend of educationand empowerment. Balti-more-based London Johnsonreminded attendees to remainactive as she led an energeticZumba demonstration. Onthe other side of the Empow-

erment Pavilion, a drinkingwater opinion poll allowed at-tendees to vote onwhichwaterbottle labelsweremost appeal-ing to them, in preparation fora county campaign. Empower-ment Zones were created tohelp close the disparity gaps

around health and wellness,science, technology, engineer-ing, arts and math education,and economic empowermentof historically disadvantagedcommunities. A 5-kilometerrun and 1.25-kilometer walkwas held July 13.

6 Friday, July 18, 2014Andrews Gazette

agriculture beyond lovingorganic food and respectingthe Earth. Writing has beenan open door that gave me avoice when I felt as thoughthe world was not listen-ing. I discovered how much Iloved to write when I was ateenager. My parents had di-vorced, my friends were few,and I was always classified asdifferent. Frankly, I was. Asmy interest in writing grew, Ihad a rare opportunity to sitand talk with someone whomade his living doing some-

thing I admired. I worked upthe courage to show a highlyregarded writer my mus-ings. I felt awkward pushingmy notebook in Uncle Alex’shands. I did not know if hewould laugh at my words orjudge them harshly. Quiet-ness filled the air. My heartpounded in my chest as myuncle’s fingers curled aroundmy notebook.“You wrote this?”my uncle

asked.“Yes,” I humbly replied.“That’s pretty good. Keep

writing,” he said, finally look-ing up.From time to time, I pull

out the photo to revisit thetime that we sat next to eachother, just after he read a sto-ry that I penned for a class. Insome ways, that evening wasthe best day of my life. Yearslater, that small push stillkeeps my feet moving towarda positive direction. I con-tinue to strive to embrace myhurdles and improve what Ido, giving every work day myabsolute best. I have learnedto honor my efforts withoutcompromisingmy values. I donot take any opportunity forgranted. I always remembermy family’s humble begin-nings as I still aspire to findexactly where I belong.A few years ago, a new

commander took over theCoast Guard Cutter AlexHaley. A glimpse of the patroland rescue ship reminds methat much of my uncle’s writ-ing time was spent at sea. Hewas once an unknown, strug-gling writer as I am today.However, if my uncle couldbegin his career as the ship’scook and end upmaking a dif-ference in the world, I knowthat I should persevere to findmy niche.What ismeant to bealways prevails without beingforced or contrived. Anythingis possible. If something doesnot work for me, I try to armmyself with more knowledgeso that I am equipped to tryagain, under a new set of cir-cumstances. I do not believein luck. I believe that hardwork aligns with the prin-ciples of destiny. No matterwhat happens, someone willnotice hard work and po-tential. It will be rewardedin time. And that is exactlywhat two determined veter-ans taught me.

COMMENTARY, from page 2

A festival attendee fills out a drinking water opinion pollas Stephanie McDaniel works on behalf of the PrinceGeorge’s County Health Department.

International Festival kicks off with flair

PHOTO/ANDREA BLACKSTONE

Participants perform during the 1st Annual International Festival that was held in Largo,Md. on July 12.

Third World inspired many listeners to stand and singalong with them. “We feel very honored to be a part of thefirst annual International Festival,” a band member saidduring a press conference. “Growing up as kids we lis-tened to other music--everything across the board.”

The popular Jamaican reggae band Third Word per-formed at the first annual International Festival on July 12.Third World has been performing for 40 years.

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