feb. 28, 2013, tester newspaper

By Jim WalshNAS Patuxent RiverFleet and FamilySupport Centerfinancial counselor

Not long ago, Congressreached a temporary resolu-tion to the deficit crisis andavoided toppling off a fis-cal cliff by kicking the candown the road and puttingoff massive cuts, called a se-quester, until March 1.

Unfortunately, that dateis now here and hundreds offamilies in this area stand tobe affected if the presidentand Congress cannot comeupwith a plan for respondingto the $1.2 trillion in spend-ing cuts scheduled to takeeffect over the next 10 years.

Right now, military mem-bers’ pay is exempt, butmostgovernment employees facefurloughs that could resultin losing one day of work per

week, or 20 percent of theirpay, for up to 22 weeks start-ing mid-April.

For those who don’t livewithin a spending plan al-ready, now is the time todevelop one and put it intoaction.

Review prior bank state-ments and debit and creditcard records—a period ofthree months offers a goodaverage—and record spend-ing habits. People alreadyoperating within a spendingplan and expecting to takea 20 percent pay cut shoulddetermine what is in theirspending plan they cannotlive without and look to seewhere cuts and adjustmentscan be made.

While we all hope for thebest, we should expect theworst. See more on this, inthis week’s Chaplain’s cor-ner on page 8.

Consider these ideas forfinding temporary areas in

which to close the pendingreduction in salary:

1. Monthly budgetsneed to be first on this list.If you’re in a relationshipwhere finances are shared,do this together and keep thechildren—age appropriate—informed to the temporarychanges. Make distinctions

of needs fromwants with ev-ery family member.

2. If you are expecting alarge tax refund, is it largeenough to cover the short-fall?

3. Change payroll taxexemptions to reflect your

By Donna CipolloniTester staff writer

Each Thursday after thefinal class bell, the mediacenter at Spring Ridge Mid-dle School fills up with 24eager blue-shirted studentsand their committed NASPatuxent River mentors foran afternoon of problemsolving, learning and justplain fun—all part of a De-partment of Defense youthprogram known as STAR-BASE 2.0.

STARBASE 2.0, an exten-sion of STARBASE-AtlantisAcademy, is an after-schoolprogram that mentors at-risk youth and introducesthem to activities in science,technology, engineeringand mathematics.

“Our purpose is to getthese kids involved in some-thing at school that givesthem a positive attitude to-ward school and introducesthem to activities they maynot otherwise have the op-portunity to experience,”explained Julie Guy, direc-tor of STARBASE-AtlantisAcademy at Pax River.

This year’s program fo-cuses on robotics and meetstwo hours after school, each

week, for ten weeks.Using LEGO Mindstorm

kits, the kids must first builda robot and then programit to carry out a series offive mini-challenges devel-oped by Guy, an educatorby profession. The chal-lenges demonstrate howwell the robots have beenprogrammed to accuratelyperform tasks such as mov-ing forward, stopping, piv-oting, traveling a specifieddistance, maneuvering amaze or being sensitive tolight and touch.

The students, a mix-ture of boys and girls fromgrades 6 through 8, are bro-ken into teams of three andeach team works with oneor two mentors who directthem, give suggestions andanswer questions.

“Our volunteer men-tors are all Pax River engi-neers—some civilian, somemilitary,” Guy said. “Theyencourage the students bypointing out their strengthsand giving positive feed-back. They push them torealize their own potentialso they can nurture it inthemselves and set goals tobe successful in life.”

Jazz Parker, also knownby his STARBASE 2.0 call

name, “DJ Jazzy Jazz,” ini-tially got into the programbecause he “likes buildingLEGOs and thought it wouldbe neat to try a robot.”

Now, after just a fewweeks, he has impressedhimself with his accom-plishments so far.

“It was really hard, butI’ve learned a lot already,”he said.

While Myla “Elmo” Davisran her robot through a dis-tance challenge on one sideof the room, and other stu-dents were busily hunchedover computer screens andnotebooks on the other side,Myles “Terminator” Davissat at a desk attempting tomodify the wheels on histeam’s robot.

“The axle is bumpinginto the chassis, limitingthe robot’s ability to turnaround,” explained hismentor, Blaine Summers,project engineer with NAW-CAD Special Communica-tions Requirements Divi-sion. “He’s trying longer

shafts to extend the axle be-low the chassis to see if thatwill work out the problem.”

Summers, like all of theprogram’s mentors, becameinvolved because he wantedto share his passion and ex-perience with the kids.

“We get to teach themabout engineering in a fun,collaborative environment,”he said. “They get so caughtup in the excitement of therobots, they don’t realizethey’re learning and practic-ing key problem solving andengineering principles.”

Guy believes that whenthe students see the men-tors’ enthusiasm, it helpsthem realize that work canbe fun.

“The mentors show thesekids how the engineer-ing process can be relatedto real world careers, howschool subjects are impor-tant to what they can do intheir own life, and howmath

VOLUME 70, NUMBER 8 NAVAL AIR STATION PATUXENT RIVER, MARYLAND FEBRUARY 28, 2013

Pax GoldenAnchorPage 2

Drill HallrenovationsPage 5

Segregationto SESPage 9

Spring Ridge Middle School STARBASE 2.0 stu-dent participant Jose “Dark Eagle” Martinez,lower left, cheers on his team’s robot during aperformance challenge last week. STARBASE 2.0is an after-school program offering opportunitiesfor students to explore hands-on STEM activities.

Learning robotics through STARBASE 2.0

Courtesy photo

Federal employees could see a 20 percent paycut with impending furlough.

Dealing with financial fallout from federal budget problemsFFSC class offers furlough survival tipsMarch 6 or 21, 5 to 6:30 p.m.Fleet and Family Support Center, building 2090

Fleet and Family Support Center is providing edu-cational briefings for NAS Patuxent River civilians onhow to deal with the possible furlough and govern-ment cuts.

Many families and individuals are already feelingfinancially stressed and living with uncertainty or wor-rying about the impact of budgetary constraints canonly add to that tension.

“Managing Your Finances and Stress During a Pos-sible Furlough” offers family financial spending planstrategies to help bridge the possible 20 percent cashflow gap federal employees may experience, plus thedo’s and don’ts ofmanaging personal credit reports dur-ing transition. Also covered will be personal strategiesfor enhancing resilience as well as stress-managementtools and techniques.

The briefings are fa-cilitated by FFSC staff-ers JimWalsh, personalfinancial manager, andLinda Schmid, lifeskills educator. Reser-vations are required.Call 301-342-4911.

LindaSchmid

JimWalsh

See Budget, 2

See Starbase, Page 12

U.S. Navy photo by Donna Cipolloni

Commentary by ChiefNavy Counselor (SW)David J. C. WatersNAS Patuxent RiverCommand CareerCounselor

If you’ve been to a naval air sta-tion command-level Career De-velopment Board or have comethrough Command Indoctrinationin the past year, you’ve probablyheard me say, “Listen, it’s not myjob to convince you to stay Navy,it’s my job to help you get the mostout of your Navy career.”To illustrate that point, I used

to tell a little story about a newlyminted Navy Counselor 1st Classwho reported aboard USS Ford(FFG 54) determined to earn theship’s first Retention ExcellenceAward, or “Golden Anchor,” inyears.If we hit various retention and

attrition benchmarks and passedour Career Development Review,we could hoist the Retention Ex-cellence Pennant and paint theship’s anchor gold. That first yearwe almost made it, but our attri-tion was half a percentage pointabove the maximum.So, we requested a waiver from

Pacific Fleet (PACFLT), but were

told to, “Keep doing what you’redoing!” and to try again next year.That was when I decided,

benchmarks or no benchmarks, wewere going to have the best CareerDevelopment Program in the fleet,take care of our Sailors, and let thechips fall where they may.It’s a philosophy that served us

well and before I left Ford, I wasselected for Chief and was pinnedwith the only golden anchor I’llever need.Of course, that story could re-

ally be called “A Tale of Two An-chors.”You see, we did earn the Re-

tention Excellence Award on Fordbefore I left, but just as it has hereat Pax River, winning the “GoldenAnchor” had more to do with em-bracing the values of the Chief’sanchor than chasing after bench-marks.People want to reenlist because

they feel respected, valued andtaken care of. We still call it theRetention Excellence Award andthere are still benchmarks to bemet, but as time has passed, theemphasis has shifted to the qual-ity of the Career Development Pro-gram.Are Career Development

Boards being conducted? Are Per-formance to Serve entries made

on time? Are sponsors assigned toprospective gains? Are Sailors giv-en quality counsel regarding theircareer decisions? In short, are webrilliant on the basics?As you might guess, this is an

all-hands effort.Earning and wearing a Chief’s

anchor means understanding thatit’s not about you, it’s about yourpeople. And for the second year ina row, the people of Pax have beenrewarded for their brilliance on thebasics with the Retention Excel-lence Award.As I hauled down our old pen-

nant and replaced it with a newone, I was reminded of all thepeople our “Golden Anchor” rep-resents: The leadership triad whoare steadfastly dedicated to en-suring Pax River Sailors have ev-ery opportunity possible; the de-partment heads, division officers,Chiefs and Leading Petty Officerswho take care of their people ev-ery day; the departmental and di-visional career counselors on thedeckplates who are the front lineof career development informa-tion; and the Sailors who take re-sponsibility for their careers and

commit to making the absolutemost out of their time in the Navy.These days, staying Navy is

more challenging than ever. Inthese very pages we’ve examinedthe difficulties of advancementand PTS. We’ve charted the shiftfrom “force shaping” to “force sta-bilization.”As I write these words, we face

the possibility of sequestrationand all that portends. Not eventhe Chief Petty Officer Induction issafe. But, despite these obstacles—in the face of these challenges andchanges—we are succeeding.Pax River Sailors are volunteer-

ing their time, pursuing their edu-cation, advancing in their rates,and taking care of each other. Theyare striving toward those valuesembodied by the Chief’s anchorbecause no matter the changeswe face—even as we move fromInitiation to Induction to CPO 365Phase II—those “values” remainthe same. And we here at Pax areliving them out every day.Hoisting the Retention Excel-

lence Pennant onboard this instal-lation reminded me once againof how proud I am to serve at PaxRiver, and I hope seeing it fly fromthe yardarm does the same for you.Congratulations on your “Gold-

en Anchor,” Pax—you earned it!

By John MillimanNACRA KnowledgeManagement Team

Naval Aviation Center for Ro-torcraft Advancement (NACRA)Technology Demonstration andDevelopment teams at NAS Patux-ent River have joined industrypartner Luna Innovations Inc. totest and demonstrate integratedcorrosion sensing technology.“We estimate 90 percent of an

aircraft’s total ownership cost oc-curs after delivery,” said AshleyMorgan, NACRA’s technologyproject coordinator. “More than30 percent of that is due to corro-sion and those costs escalate as theaircraft ages.”But more importantly, Morgan

said, the issue is safety. “Corrosioncan alter residual strength andstructural integrity,” he said.“If you can put sensors in the

aircraft structure for early detec-tion and take appropriate corro-sion mitigation actions, you candecrease overall downtime andexpense, not to mention add ahigher degree of safety,” said NA-CRA’s resident materials expert Dr.Suresh Verma.Enter NACRA’s corrosion sen-

sor project that extends develop-ment efforts initiated through theNavy’s Small Business InnovationResearch Program.“We installed a combined wired

and wireless corrosion monitoringsystem provided by Luna with in-stallation design provided by Wyleon our UH-1N testbed helicopter inJuly 2012 and have been flying it asa ‘ride-along’ with our other proj-ect work,” Morgan said. “With thistechnology installed, we can trackenvironmental exposure and spe-cific conditions at corrosion hot-spots as a function of time, usinginputs from various environmentaland corrosivity sensors.”Specifically, the project mea-

sures air and surface tempera-tures, relative humidity, solutionresistance and polarization resis-tance to predict aluminum corro-sive activity.Morgan said the aircraft sen-

sors gathered and stored this envi-ronmental data that test engineerssent to Luna for analysis.“Data from the wired sensors

and the wireless sensor hub wereused to classify corrosivity withinthe airframe and the environmen-tal measurements were stronglycorrelated to National Oceanicand Atmospheric Administrationweather station data,” said Luna’sDr. Fritz Friedersdorf, director ofintelligence systems.“This project and the resulting

data contributed to the Air Forceordering a total of 20 of these sys-tems for demonstration on AirForce H-60s,” Friedersdorf said.“The first set will be installed the

week of Feb. 18, 2013. This wouldnot have been possible without the

Navy’s support and the availabilityof the NACRA test bed aircraft.”

The project is scheduled to flyon the NACRA testbed indefinitely.

2 Thursday, February 28, 2013Tester

U.S. Navy photo by Doug Abbotts

A UH-1N helicopter, testbed for the Naval Aviation Center for Rotorcraft Advancement, fliesa mission near the Chesapeake Bay to test and demonstrate integrated corrosion sensingtechnology. Early detection of metal-killing corrosion could cut total ownership costs for allDepartment of Defense rotorcraft in the near future.

NACRA Testbed executes corrosion sensor technology project

Pax flies Golden Anchor with Retention Excellence Award

U.S. Navy photo by Chief Navy Counselor (SW) David J.C. Waters

NAS Patuxent River hoisted a “Golden Anchor” for retentionexcellence in 2012.

By Jamie CosgroveProgram Executive OfficeUnmanned Aviation and StrikeWeapons Public Affairs

Engineers from the Naval Air WarfareCenter Aircraft Division at NAS PatuxentRiver recently conducted a demonstrationto test new technology, which allows for in-teroperability between unmanned air sys-tems (UAS).

In collaboration with U.S. Army per-sonnel from Huntsville, Ala., the CommonStandards and Interoperability (CSI) andthe Battlespace Modeling and Simulationgroups (AIR 5.4.2) held demonstrations atPax River’s UAS Integration Lab, known asthe UASIL, on Feb. 5 and 22.

The demonstrations validated the gov-ernment-developed interface, or the soft-ware and hardware that enables systems tocommunicate, for inclusion into future UAS.

Interoperability, or the ability for systemsto “communicate” with one another, is criti-cal, said Rear Adm.MatWinter, who overseesthe Program Executive Office for UnmannedAviation and Strike Weapons, (PEO(U&W))after observing the Feb. 22 demonstration.PEO(U&W)’s portfolio includesmanagementof the U.S. Navy’s CSI group.

“To truly capitalize on the capabilities ofunmanned systems, these assets must op-erate seamlessly across the air, ground and

maritime domains while complementingour manned aircraft capabilities,” Wintersaid.

The hourlong demonstration began witha UASIL operator controlling a sensor, orcamera, located on a Shadow UAS at theJoint Technology Center/System Integra-

tion Laboratory (JTC/SIL) in Huntsvillethrough the Defense Research and Engi-neering Network. The operator at the UASILthen relinquished control of the Shadowsensor and took control of a sensor at theUASIL using the same interface.

The PEO(U&W) Interface Control Work-

ing Group (ICWG) leveraged NATO andArmy work to develop a command andcontrol interface that is Navy-owned andinteroperable with Army UAS. Software en-gineers integrated hardware sensors andstimulators to their existing suite of simula-tions to develop and implement the inter-face for the demo.

“In today’s operating environment, everyUAS speaks a different language, making itimpossible for the systems to communi-cate,” said Capt. Don Zwick, CSI programmanager. “NAVAIR ownership and man-agement of the interface not only reducesthe effort required to make two systems in-teroperable, but it also develops a workforceskilled in howUAS, which are essentially fly-ing robots, work internally.”

This government-owned technology willreduce cost and development time in the fu-ture since today’s defense contractors ownthe majority of data behind these messages,Zwick said.

“This savings is great with regards tocost and schedule, but most importantly itgives the warfighter on the ground access toabundant amounts of information, that tothis point wasn’t available,” said Tim Hur-ley, UASIL manager.

Another live demonstration is planned inMay at Pax River, which will demonstrate amore advanced command and control tech-nology.

Thursday, February 28, 2013 3Tester

Lab demonstrates ability for unmanned systems to communicate

On base:NAS Patuxent River Blood Drive

Today, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.Rear Adm. William A. Moffett Building atriumCome donate blood to the Armed Services Blood Pro-

gram and help save a life. For more information, pleasecontact Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Alysha Arlequin at301-342-2752.

Burger Burn (hot dogs, too)Tuesdays, 11 a.m. to 1 pm.NAWCAD headquarters, building 2185Come support the NAS NAS Patuxent River Recreation

Committee.

Sponsor a Wounded Warrior DinnerWednesdayThe Defense Acquisition University Alumni Association

hosts a Wounded Warrior Appreciation Dinner on Wednes-day at the River’s Edge Catering and Conference Center.Anyone interested in sponsoring aWoundedWarrior for thedinner or a Chopticon High School student who is helpingwith the event should contact Duane Mallicoat at 240-895-7363 or Bill Lankford at 240-895-7330.

Fish Dinner at NAS Patuxent River ChapelFridays, 5-7 p.m.; until March 22Building 401All are welcome to join the chapel’s Annual Fish Dinners.

Menu includes fried tilapia, French fries, potato salad, Coleslaw, macaroni and cheese, green salad, rolls and desserts.Each week one additional food—fried oysters, fried shrimp,shrimp fried rice, shrimp pancit, shrimp lumpia or crabsoup—will be made added to the menu. Suggested dona-tion: $8, adults; $6, youths ages 6-12; and free for childrenages 5 and younger.

Income Tax AssistanceWeekdays, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.NAS Patuxent River Legal OfficeThe Navy’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance/Electronic

Tax Filing program offers active-duty and retired military,family members and some Reservists free self-service elec-tronic tax filing. Stop by NAS Patuxent River Legal Office inbuilding 409 for more details and to pick up a VITA intakeform. Appointments are available until 15 April. Call 301-342-7643.

US Naval Academy Alumni Association luncheonTuesday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.River’s Edge Catering and Conference CenterThe U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association Greater

Southern Maryland Chapter is holding its annual springLeadership Luncheon with guest speaker, Vice Adm.Michael H. Miller, Naval Academy Superintendant, NavalAviator and a USNA class of 1974 graduate. Open to the PaxRiver Navy acquisition community, Naval Academy alumni,family and friends. To make a reservation, visit www.navy-alumni.org or contact Richard Snyder at [email protected], 301-862-6434 or 240-298-2279.

NMCRS Quick Assist LoansActive-duty Sailors and Marines can apply for a Quick

Assist Loan (QAL) for up to $500 at the Navy Marine CorpsRelief Society (NMCRS) Full Service Office. Most QALs canbe processed on a walk-in basis in 15 minutes. Active-dutyMarines and Sailors must apply in person. QALs are short-term, interest-free loans available to service members fac-ing a family emergency or other urgent financial situationand are available Sailors and Marines on active duty, haveno outstanding loans with NMCRS, and in need of help withbasic living expenses or family emergencies.

NAS Equal Opportunity managerThe naval air station commandmanaged equal opportu-

nity manager is Chief Culinary Specialist (SS/DV) MichaelHalavin and can be reached at 301-757-0666, [email protected] or at or at building 1455.

Where’s Gnorman?Somewhere in this issuewe’vehiddenGnorman the gnome.

Be the first to call in his location and receive two free CenterStage Theater movie tickets; good for any Center Stage movie.The same person cannot win more than once a month. Lastweek’swinnerwas TammyBrugger. Contest calls are not takenafter 4:30 p.m. Friday. Call the Tester staff at 301-342-4163.

Off base:St. Mary’s County Commission for Women banquet

Deadline: FridayMarch 14, 6:30 p.m.Dr. James Forrest Career and Technology CenterThe theme for this year’s annual banquet is: “Women

Inspiring Innovation through Imagination: Celebrating

Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math-ematics.” Tickets are $20 each and are sold in advance only.Register at the Commission for Women’s website, www.co.saintmarys.md.us/voluntr/women.asp, or call the De-partment of Human Services at 301-475-4200, ext. 1849.

Expanding Your Horizons, Southern MarylandSaturdaySouthern Maryland Higher Education CenterExpanding Your Horizons events introduce middle and

high school girls to careers in science, technology, engineer-ing and mathematics. This event is designed for female stu-dents in grades six through eight and offers fun, challenging,hands-on STEMworkshops and keynote speakers. For moreinformation and to register, visit http://run.to/eyhsomd.

College Opportunities SurveyThe Southern Maryland Higher Education Council, with

the support of the Patuxent Partnership, is conducting a sur-vey to determine the demand for increased college opportu-nity in Charles, Calvert and St. Mary’s counties. The surveytakes 5-7 minutes to complete. Responses are confidential,and nothing on the survey is used for marketing, telemar-keting or commercial purposes. The survey will help theSouthern Maryland Higher Education Council recommendways to formulate long- and short-term plans to improveaccess to higher education in the area. Complete the surveyat https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/SOMDEmployerMil.

Scholarships:Marine Corps Aviation AssociationJohn Glenn Squadron

Deadline: March 15.Applicants must be high school seniors in a St. Mary’s,

Calvert or Charles county school, or a family member ofa Marine Corps Aviation Association member pursuing aSTEM-based degree in college and show an intent to workin a career field that supports the Department of Defense.Apply at www.mcaa-jgs.org/scholarship.html.

Common Scholarship ApplicationsDeadline: March 15Features 39 different scholarships offered by local busi-

nesses, organizations and individuals. The Seventh AnnualScholarship Awards Event is 4-5 p.m. May 17 at the Dr.James A. Forrest Career and Technology Center. Apply atwww.smcbeca.org.

News Briefs

U.S. Navy photo

Chris Latham, an interface developer at NAS Patuxent River, demonstratescontrol of a payload sensor, which resides at the Joint Technology Center/System Integration Laboratory in Huntsville, Ala.

Hours of OperationMonday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.All classes and seminars are held at the FFSC unless oth-

erwise noted. Workshops and seminars are open to active-duty and retired military and their family members.

Reservations are necessary and can be made at FFSC orby calling 301-342-4911.

Playgroup @ Glen Forrest Community CenterThursdays, 10-11 a.m.Moms, dads and caregivers are invited to bring their chil-

dren for playtime at the Glen Forrest Community Center.

Financial Seminar IIToday, 8-11 a.m.Topics include: Mid- and long-term saving and invest-

ing, Thrift Savings Plan overview and retirement planning.

Résumé WritingTuesday, 1-4 p.m.This program offers many different trends and tech-

niques for writing the best résumé possible. Don’t getpassed over because your résumé lacks keywords or isn’t inthe preferred format. Seating is limited.

Amazing NewbornsTuesday, 4-6 p.m.Learn infant care from hospital to home. Practice bath-

ing, changing and dressing your baby, and discuss feeding,health care and safety issues. Participants receive a compli-mentary book, ‘‘Your Baby’s First Year” and CD, ‘‘HeartbeatLullabies.”

Understanding your Credit Score/Report (Brown Bag)Wednesday; 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.In this one-hour workshop learn to become more famil-

iar with the critical elements of your credit report, we’ll ex-plore the major sections of a typical credit, why it’s impor-tant to check your report, what to do in cases of inaccurateinformation, how to decipher your credit score and more.

Command Financial Specialist TrainingMarch 11-15, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.Command Financial Specialist training is designed to

provide financial education and training counseling andinformation referral at the command level. To qualify forthis CFS training the candidate must be E-6 or above, highlymotivated and financially stable. Trained individuals willrepresent their command and provide education at thecommand level. No cost, local orders required.

Welcome to PaxMarch 12, 1-3 p.m.Take a windshield tour of the NAS Patuxent River com-

plex and attend a class packed with information about thebase and surrounding communities. Local informationpacket provided.

Personal Communication (Brown Bag)March 13, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.This class provides information on different communi-

cation styles and ways to develop more effective speakingand listening skills. Participants will practice insightful, pro-ductive and rewarding ways to interact with people.

SAPR Refresher TrainingMarch 14, 1-2 p.m.Role playing SAPR scenarios offers the advocate practice

time which builds confidence and skill level.

How to Create a Budget (Brown Bag)March 20, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.Creating a budget may not sound like the most exciting

thing in the world to do, this one hour workshop cover thevital in keeping your financial house in order. Ultimately,the goal is to be able to show where your money is comingfrom, how much is there and where it is all going.

Stress ManagementMarch 21, 1-2:30 p.m.Stress is a part of life. In this class you will understand

how your thought process has an impact on how you dealwith stress. Participants will walk away with specific actionsto manage stress that they can incorporate into their life.

SAPR Advocate TrainingMarch 25-28, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.A victim advocate is a trained volunteer who provides ef-

fective and appropriate support and guidance for victims ofsexual assault. This training will prepare volunteers for theinitial contact with victims and help them through the investi-gative,medical and judicial processes that they opt to pursue.

Budgeting for Baby at Bldg. 401March 27, 10 a.m. to noonThe Navy Marine Corps Relief Society will illustrate the

hidden costs associated with a growing family. All Navy andMarine Corps service members that attend will receive anew layette worth more than $100.

Ten Steps to a Federal JobMarch 29, 1-4 p.m.Learn how to navigate the federal job system. A 137-page

training guide is provided.


Naval Air Station Patuxent River • [email protected] • www.facebook.com/NASPaxRiverThe name Tester is a registered mark in the state of Maryland.This paper is published by Comprint, Inc., 9030 Comprint Ct.,

Gaithersburg, Md. 20877, (301) 948-1520, a private firm in no wayconnected with the U.S. Navy, under exclusive written contract withNaval District Washington.

This commercial enterprise newspaper is an authorized pub-lication for members of the military services. Contents of the Tes-ter are not necessarily the official views of, nor endorsed by theU.S. Government, the Department of Defense, or the Departmentof the Navy. The appearance of advertising in this publication,

including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorse-ment by the Department of Defense or Southern MarylandNewspapers and Printing of the products or services advertised.

Everything advertised in this publication shall be made avail-able for purchase, use, or patronage without regard to race, color,religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap,political affiliation, or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser,user, or patron. If a violation or rejection of this equal opportunitypolicy by an advertiser is confirmed, the publisher shall refuse toprint advertising from that source until the violation is corrected.

Editorial content is edited, prepared, and provided by the Pub-lic Affairs Office. News copy should be submitted by Friday to beconsidered for the following week’s edition. All material is edited foraccuracy, brevity, clarity, and conformity to regulations. To inquireabout news copy, call 301-342-4163 or fax the Tester at 301-863-9296.

Commercial advertisingmay be placed with the publisherby calling 301-862-2111.

Capt. Ted MillsCommanding Officer

Capt. Ben ShevchukExecutive Officer

Cmd. Master ChiefWilliam Lloyd-Owen

Command Master Chief

Connie HempelPublic Affairs Specialist

Donna CipolloniStaff Writer

Breton Helseland

Deirdre ParryCopy/layout editors

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By Amaani LyleAmerican Forces Press Service

Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, Mondayurged the nation’s governors to get behind the effort to al-low military spouses to transfer professional licenses fromstate to state.

Speaking to the National Governors Association at theWhite House as part of the “Joining Forces” initiative thatshe and First Lady Michelle Obama have championed,Biden noted that 28 states have passed laws to facilitatelicense portability for teachers, nurses, social workers andother professionals licensed in one state but who have tomove to another when their military spouse gets a new as-signment.

Military spouses move 10 times more often than theircivilian counterparts, Biden said, and 35 percent of thosespouses have jobs that require professional licenses.

Only 11 states had pro-spouse legislation when she andthe first lady spoke to the governors last year and asked for

their help, Biden noted. “And you stepped up,” she added,“because you appreciate howmuch our military families dofor our country every day.”

In addition to the 28 states that have passed laws for mil-itary spouse license portability, Biden said, 13 more haveintroduced legislation.

Governors of states with a small active-duty militarypopulation might think the issue doesn’t affect them, Bidensaid, but she pointed out that every state has NationalGuard or Reserve units.

“And with so many families—military families transi-tioning out of the military now and in the next few years—they’ll be focused on finding good jobs, good schools andgood communities, whether there is a military base nearbyor not, she added.

For the sake of military families, Biden told the gover-nors, it’s important that all 50 states enact license portabil-ity laws. But that’s just the first step, she said.

“We hope all of you will reach out to your bases andyour National Guard and Reserve communities [and] talkwith the military spouses—I’m sure many of you already

do this—and make sure that these laws are working for ourmilitary families,” she said.

Military spouses on the job hunt can seek support fromthe Fleet and Family Support Center at NAS Patuxent River.The FFSC offers free individual résumé coaching which in-cludes writing assistance, résumé and interviewing work-shops, and classes on searching and applying for federaljobs by certified trainers. They also help with formattingboth private industry and federal employment résumés.

The Fleet and Family Support Center can also provideleads for on- and off-base employment opportunities, as-sist with exploring education and career training options,and direct them to resources for starting their own business.

For more information on employment services, or anyother life skills service offered free of charge at the Fleet andFamily Support Center, visit http://cnic.navy.mil/Patux-ent, click on Fleet and Family Readiness and then SupportServices, or call the Fleet and Family Support Center at301-342-4911.

(Connie Hempel, NAS Patuxent River Public Affairs,contributed to this article.)

Dr. Biden urges governors to help military spouses

For all MWR news, visit http://cnic.navy.mil/Patuxentand click on Fleet and Family Readiness.

Cedar Point Golf CourseCall 301-342-3597 for more information.Junior Golf Clinics RegistrationMarch 23, 8 a.m.Registrations must be made in person at the Cedar Point

Golf Course; phone and email registrations are not accept-ed. Clinics are 3-4 p.m. and 4-5 p.m. Saturdays from April13 to May 11. Parents can choose which session at the timeof registration. Payment is due at the time of registration;cash or check only. Cost is $40 per student, which includesall five weeks of instruction.

Drill HallRegister for a class and get more information at the Fit-

ness and Sports Office or by calling 301-757-1194.Spring Intramural SportsSoftball Organizational Meeting: Monday, 1 p.m. in the

Drill Hall Bowling Center; In-line Hockey OrganizationalMeeting: Tuesday, 1 p.m. in the Drill Hall Bowling Center;and Golf Organizational Meeting: March 21, 1 p.m. in theGolf Course Clubhouse.

Intramural sports are open to all active-duty, retired andreserve military, and members of the Fitness and Sports As-sociation.

10 Mile Relay RaceMarch 22, 11:30 a.m.; rain date, March 29The Patuxent River Relay Race is a 10-mile course along

the Patuxent River. Teams will be of two to five runners witheach member running between 2-8 miles, depending onteam size. First, second and third place awards are given formale, female and co-ed divisions. Free for active-duty mili-tary without a race shirt, and $12 for everyone else whichincludes a race shirt. Register at the Sports and Fitness Of-fice or download registration form at www.cnic.navy.mil/Patuxent, click on Fleet and Family Readiness then Fitnessand Sports.

NRC SolomonsFor more information on recreational events at NRC

Solomons, contact Jennifer Marchant at [email protected] or 410-286-8365.

Easter EGGstravaganzaMarch 30, 1-3 p.m.NRC Solomons Large PavilionJoin the fun of Easter at NRC Solomons. An egg hunt and

festivities of bubble making, arts and crafts, pictures withPeter Rabbit, music and dancing and more are scheduled.This Easter event is designed for toddlers to youths age 12.Military children receive a free t-shirt to tie-dye, or bringa white t-shirt to make your own spring time tie-dye. The

first 100 children can dye an egg and participate in the hunt.Cost is $4.50 for E1-E5, and $5 for all others. Eligible pa-trons include: Active-duty, Reservist and retired military,DOD and family members of all ages. Sponsored by LincolnMilitary Housing.

NAS Patuxent River thanks and appreciates it’s sponsors.However, neither the NAS Patuxent River nor the Federal Gov-ernment officially endorses any company, product or service.

Rassieur Youth CenterFor more information on Rassieur Youth Center pro-

grams and events, call 301-342-1694.Mattapany Day Camp RegistrationMDC registration is underway. Mondays through

Wednesdays are registration days, and Thursdays and Fri-days are for payment appointments. The registration break-down is: current school-age patrons, now; active-duty mili-tary, Monday through March 8; DOD civilians, March 11-15; and contractors, March 18-22. MDC lasts runs 11 weeks,June 10 to Aug. 16.

Registration forms and packets are available online athttp://cnic.navy.mil/patuxent, click on Fleet and Fam-ily Readiness, Support Services and then Mattapany DayCamp, or stop by the Rassieur Youth Center.

Career Launch/Job Ready NightMarch 12, 6-9 p.m.Center Stage TheaterTeens interested in the Career Launch Summer Employ-

ment Program must come to gain insight on job opportu-nities for the summer on NAS Patuxent River. Youths ages11-14 are eligible to volunteer as Leaders in Training, andyouths ages 15-18 are eligible to be employed as Work Wise.Employment packets, available work sites and informationwill be provided. Meeting is Mandatory if you want to workthis summer in either of these programs. Call 301-342-4498for more information.

ITT OfficeFor all your ticket to sporting events, travel and more,

call 301-342-3648.Garden Plot RentalsNo room for a garden? No problem. Rent your garden

space from the ITT Office. Active-duty military and lastyear’s gardeners may register to rent plots March 11-15.New gardeners may apply for space beginning March 18.MWR garden plots are fully equipped with water outlets forirrigation. Plot size: 30x75 feet. Cost is $30 plus a $15 refund-able clean up deposit. Plots to be plowed by April 1, weatherpermitting. Water at sites will not be available until April 15.

River’s Edge Catering and Conference CenterTo make a reservation or for more information, stop by

or call 301-342-3656.Easter BrunchRegister by March 27March 31, four seating times11:30 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.Join us for Easter Brunch. This annual event fills up fast

so make your reservations today. Cost is: $21.95, adults;$10.95, youths ages 6-16; $3, children ages 3-5; and free forchildren ages 3 and younger.

Goose Creek Camp Ground ReservationsReservations begin April 1 and can be made by going to

www.dodlodging.net or calling 1-877-Navy-bed (628-9233).


The Liberty program sponsors free or reduced-price events for Pax River active-duty E1-E6. Libertyis a component of the Single Sailor Program. Civilianguests are not allowed to participate unless other-wise stated. If you have any questions, call 301-342-4208. Pax River’s Liberty program’s manager, MindyMackey, can be reached at 301-342-3565 or at [email protected]. Some of the exciting trips beingplanned are:

Bowl with Liberty: March 11, 6-9 p.m. Come tothe Bowling Center and bowl for three hours as theLiberty Center covers the cost. Free pizza and sodauntil 7:30 p.m. or until supplies run out. Open to allactive-duty E1-E6 single or unaccompanied militaryand one guest age 18 or older.

Texas Hold ‘em: TuesdaysGame Night: Wednesdays, 6 p.m.Movie and Munchie Night: Thursdays, 6 p.m.

By Valerie DosterNAS Patuxent River MWR marketing director

It has been 14 years since the NAS Patuxent River DrillHall has had any renovations. Soon, two projects long sincedue will finally coming to fruition when improvements tothe locker rooms, fitness rooms and racquetball courts be-gin Monday.

While these updates are long overdue, some may won-der how they can be done considering the current fiscalenvironment. According to Hal Willard, fitness and sportsdirector, making these improvements now for Drill Hall pa-trons is only possible because they are funded with previousyears’ money.

“The fitness room/racquetball courts renovation isa non-appropriated fund construction project that wasawarded in 2011,” Willard said. “We received a $1 milliongrant and have been waiting on the contract award and finaldesign approval since then.” The locker room project wasfunded with last fiscal year’s money.

While the renovations mean a short-term inconveniencefor Drill Hall patrons, Willard said the end result is sure tobe worth the wait.

The first project is the women’s restroom and the westside men’s restroom, located on the McDonald’s side of theDrill Hall. This project is scheduled to run Monday to Sept.4. While this project affects the showers, toilet and sink ar-eas of both bathrooms, locker spaces will still be available.To help relieve the inconvenience, temporary re-locatabletrailers for shower and rest room use will be placed in theparking lot directly outside the west entrance.

On April 15, the Drill Hall begins preparing for renova-tions to the south side fitness rooms and racquetball courts.With this project, the racquetball courts will move to a newsecond level, allowing for expanded fitness centers below.

The fitness equipment currently in the Life Circuit Fit-ness Room and the Total Body Fitness Room, are beingmoved to the varsity basketball courts for the duration ofthe project, which is should be complete in September.

Drill Hall undergoes improvement projects

U.S. Navy photo by Donna Cipolloni

Cuddihy Road is named in honor of Lt. Cmdr.George T. Cuddihy who lost his life when hisairplane came apart in an almost vertical diveon Nov. 25, 1929.

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Wednesday Night Spe-cial: Buy any size soda, get asmall popcorn free.

Wednesday and FridayLiberty Special: Active-dutyE1-E6 receive free admis-sion.

Thursday Night Special:Buy one ticket, get the sec-ond at half-price.

Frequent MoviegoerTicket: After 10 visits, 11thadmission is free.

Thursday, Feb. 286:30 p.m.,

Zero Dark Thirty

For a decade, an eliteteam of intelligence andmilitary operatives, work-ing in secret across theglobe, devoted themselvesto a single goal: To find andeliminate Osama bin Laden.Rated: R (2 hrs, 40 min)

Friday, March 16:30 p.m.,Mama

Mama is a supernaturalthriller that tells the haunt-ing tale of two little girlswho disappeared into thewoods the day their parents

were killed. When they arerescued years later and be-gin a new life, they find thatsomeone or something stillwants to come tuck them inat night. Rated: PG-13 (1 hr,40 min)

9 p.m.,Broken City

When disgraced copturned private detective Bil-ly Taggart is hired by NYC’smayor to tail his wife, heuncovers a city-wide con-spiracy of corruption, sex,and murder. With his life

threatened at every turn,Billy finds himself facedwith an impossible choice,which could have disastrousrepercussions for his careerand family. Rated: R (1 hr,49 min)

Saturday, March 24 p.m.,Mama

6:30 p.m.,Broken City

9 p.m.,The Last Stand

After leaving his LAPDnarcotics post following abungled operation that lefthim wracked with remorseand regret, Sheriff Ray Ow-ens moved out of Los An-geles and settled into a lifefighting what little crimetakes place in sleepy bordertown Sommerton Junction.But that peaceful existenceis shattered when GabrielCortez, the most notorious,wanted drug kingpin in thewestern hemisphere, makesa deadly yet spectacular es-

cape from an FBI prisonerconvoy. Rated: R (1 hr, 47min)

Free ShowingSunday, March 3

2 p.m.,Wreck it Ralph

Rated: PG (1 hr, 48min)

Monday and TuesdayNoMovies

Wednesday, March 66:30 p.m.,

The Last Stand

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By Al KanissGuest contributor

Cognitive dissonance iscommonly defined as feel-ing discomfort when si-multaneously holding twoor more conflicting ideas,beliefs, values or emotionalreactions.

I first heard the termin connection with RandyPausch’s “Last Lecture,”in which the now-famouscomputer science professorsaid he looked and felt great,but knew he only had a fewmonths to live because hehad pancreatic cancer.

Indeed, anyone battling apotentially fatal disease hasto keep two diametricallyopposed goals inmind at thesame time: Getting well andgetting ready to die; howagonizingly stressful.

A great example of han-dling cognitive dissonancewas displayed in Biblicaltimes by three Hebrews boysnamed Shadrach, Meshachand Abednego.

In the third chapter of thebook of Daniel, these boys

refused to obey the king’sorder to bow down and wor-ship a golden idol. The pen-alty for refusing to do so wasto be thrown into a blazingfurnace. The boys told theking they had faith that Godwould rescue them from thefurnace and from the king,but if God didn’t, they stillrefused to worship the idoland were willing to sufferthe consequences.

Wow, talk about faith,and hoping for the best yetat the same time expectingthe worst—to be burnedalive.

The next few months aregoing to be hard on every-one as our nation’s leaderswork to resolve the coun-

try’s current fiscal problems.I think a headline in the lo-cal paper said it best: Bracefor impact.

Certainly, we should re-main hopeful that all canbe worked out with a re-turn to “business as usual,”but it sure can make onenervous getting email afteremail with the words “se-questration,” “continuingresolution” and “furlough”in them.

Our country has facedseemingly insurmountableproblems in the past, mostnotably the Great Depres-sion, when it looked likeddemocracy and capitalismwere doomed.

As President FranklinRoosevelt was being inau-gurated, he gave his famousspeech about “the onlything we have to fear is fearitself.” He also said the less-remembered, “This greatnation will endure as it hasendured, will revive and willprosper.” He was absolute-ly correct.

Not only did we recoverfrom the Great Depression,but also from other terrible

times in our history: TheCivil War, World War II, theCold War, the Vietnam War,Watergate, oil embargosand 9/11. There is great rea-son to hope that we can getthrough the current finan-cial problems as well.

One of my favorite chap-ters in the Bible is Hebrews11, often referred to as the“hall of faith.” It’s very in-spiring as it recounts a list ofBible heroes who had greatfaith and the amazing thingsthey accomplished becauseof it.

As we live out the nextfew months, hoping for thebest and at the same timeexpecting the worst, it’s agood time to lean on Godfor help, support and en-couragement. As with ourearthly father, our HeavenlyFather is always there toprotect us and take care ofthings.

Things may not alwaysturn out exactly the way wewant, but history has showntime and again that we canalways trust him and that heknows best.

Catholic ServicesMass: Sunday, 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Weekdays, 11:35 a.m.Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD):

Sunday, 10:30-11:30 a.m.Stations of the Cross and Benediction:

Friday, 5 p.m.Holy Thursday Mass: March 28, 7 p.m.Good Friday Services: March 29, 3 p.m.Holy Saturday Mass: March 30, 8 p.m.Easter Mass: March 31, 9 a.m.

Protestant ServicesWorship: Sunday at 11 a.m.Bible studies:

Men’s study Sunday at 6 p.m.Ladies’ study Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.

St. Nicolas Chapelweekly services

Al Kaniss

Chaplain’s corner:Cognitive dissonance: Hope for the best, expect the worst


By Andrea HeinNaval Air Warfare CenterAircraft DivisionCommunications Support

Abejeweled woman’s high-heelshoe stands out among the books,baseball caps and awards lining

the shelves of Jesse McCurdy’s office.A gift from a women’s group thank-

ing him for his contributions, the dec-orative footwear is a testament to 37years of government civilian service,McCurdy said.

He’s the deputy assistant com-mander for Research and Engineeringat the Naval Air Systems Command(NAVAIR), the command’s civilianchief engineer, technical authority andspokesman for all research and engi-neering performed during design, de-velopment and fleet support.

McCurdy began his government ca-reer with NAVAIR in 1976 as a guidanceand control engineer for air-to-air mis-siles. Since then, he has risen throughthe civilian ranks holding varied leader-ship positions in the engineering com-munity.

In 1989, McCurdy became the firstAfrican-American senior executive ser-vice member at NAVAIR. On the eve ofhis retirement from government servicein March, McCurdy shared his journeyfrom the segregated South to his ascen-sion among the elite SES ranks.

Tester: What was it like growing upin the South during segregation?

McCurdy: Growing up, everythingwas completely segregated. As long aspeople stayed in their part of town andwent to their schools and churches,there were no issues. It was too ex-pensive to have things like segregateddepartment stores, so everyone wentto the same store, though we couldn’tgo into the same restroom or drink outof the same water fountain. We weresomewhat treated as second-class citi-zens even though we were spendingour money at the department store.Those things were evident and very no-ticeable for a kid growing up.

Tester: How did desegregation affectyou?

McCurdy: I was attending HowardUniversity when all the turmoil startedin the ‘60s, and I would go home to Bir-mingham during holidays and breaks.Some of the demonstrations becameactive and I did get caught up in that afew times. In particular, one summer,the house of a black civil-rights lawyerwas bombed, causing a mini-riot be-tween the residents of the area and thepolice. No one was hurt, but the housewas severely damaged. The other in-cident turned around the whole civilrights movement: the bombing of the16th Street Baptist Church where fourlittle girls were killed. That was abouttwo miles from my parents’ house.When that happened, the federal gov-ernment stepped in and started to de-

segregate everything. There was resis-tance, but the resistance could only lastso long. It took people a long, long timeto actually change, but things did startto get better.

Tester: What does African-AmericanHistory Month mean to you?

McCurdy: It’s a time to celebratethe accomplishments of African-Amer-icans, but yet a time to show that thereis still progress to be made and issues

to address. I think Black History Monthis a good month to focus on the diver-sity of African-Americans, and also di-versity in general.

Tester: Do you feel a sense of com-munity at NAVAIR?

McCurdy: There is definitely a senseof community here. When [the Base Re-alignment and Closure] brought manyof us down to Pax River 17 years ago,we set up national competencies. Even

though we have eight sites where peo-ple work, we have national competen-cies that are actually knitted togetherand present that sense of community.From the standpoint of people and di-versity, we pull those communities to-gether collectively to improve diversitythroughout NAVAIR.

Tester: What professional accom-plishments are you most proud of?

McCurdy: I am most proud of beingselected to the Senior Executive Ser-vice. Sometimes, I take it for grantedand others in the SES also take it forgranted. It’s an accomplishment thatkeeps on giving throughout your ca-reer once you’re selected. I’ve alsobeen a part of some technical projectslike the Tomahawk [Weapon Systems]Program. Since joining the SES, I’vehad some good experiences, primarilyas a leader and a technical adviser. It’sbeen rewarding.

Tester: In regards to the current fis-cal crisis, how should professionalsworking for the government weatherthe storm?

McCurdy: I would say, “Just holdon.” There was a gentleman I workedfor when I first came to NAVAIR whosaid, the government goes throughthese phases; some of them are deeperthan others and it’s like a sine wave [amathematical wave pattern represent-ing repetitive oscillations]. You’re rid-ing high on the wave and then it goesdown, so the period of the sine wavecan vary, but it’s the same thing. Thegovernment goes through deep de-pressions and budget cuts, but it willcome back. I don’t think things willever be like they have been, so far asthat sine wave. I don’t think it willever get to that amplitude again, but itwill go back up, and it will be kind of anew norm. To people who are with thegovernment and who have time in thegovernment, and even new people thatare coming in, I would say just hold on,because in the long run it works out.

In step with his timesNAVAIR leader traces path from segregated South to SES ranks

Jesse McCurdyTitle: Deput y assistant commanderfor Research and Engineering, Naval Air Systems CommandHometown: Birmingham, Ala.Education: Bachelor ’s degree from Howard Universit y; completed the Contemporar y Ex-ecutive Development Program at George Washington Universit y, and the Leadership 2000Program at the Universit y of Nor th Carolina, Chapel Hill and Brookings Institute; completed theU.S. Nav y Executive Business Course at the Universit y of California, Berkeley.Major Awards: Named one of the 50 Most Impor tant Blacks in Research Science in 2004;Nav y’s recipient of the 2005 NA ACP Roy Wilkins Renown Ser vice Award and the PresidentialRank Award in 2006 and 2011Proudest accomplishment: Being selected for the Senior Executive Service ranksAdvice for young professionals: “Come prepared to work hard, prepared to learn a lot,and come with an open mind. Don’t turn down challenges in the workplace; don’t turn downchallenges in life, in general. Realize all you tr y to accomplish is not going to be easy and youare going to have some struggles, but don’t let that discourage you.”

“I think Black History Month

is a good month to focus

on the diversity of African-

Americans, and also

diversity in general.”

Jesse McCurdyDeputy assistant commanderfor Research and Engineering,Naval Air Systems Command

U.S. Navy photo by Adam Skoczylas

Scheduled to retire in March after more than 30 years of Navy civil-ian service, Jesse McCurdy, the deputy assistant commander forResearch and Engineering for the Naval Air Systems Command, re-flects on his childhood in the South and his growth in the Navy.

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U.S. Navy photo by Personnel Specialist2nd Class Jheyson Giraldo


U.S. Navy photo by Gary Younger

Sonja Hamric reaches 20 yearsFrom left, Rear Adm. CJ Jaynes,commander of Fleet ReadinessCenters, left, presents Sonja Hamrica with 20-year Civil Service pin dur-ing a ceremony Feb. 13. Hamric isa COMFRC program analyst for theNaval Air Systems Command DepotMaintenance System.

U.S. Navy photo by Tara N. Strickland

ADCS Jeron Little reenlistsSenior Chief Aviation Machinist’sMate Jeron Little, left, took his thirdoath of reenlistment Feb. 14 duringa ceremony led by Capt. MichelleGuidry, Tactical Airlift, Adversaryand Support Aircraft Program Office(PMA-207) programmanager. Littlehas served in the Navy for 20 yearsand is currently PMA-207’s Adver-sary/Multi-Mission Aircraft integratedproduct team, J85 logistics analystas well as Naval Air Systems Com-mand’s Fitness Leader.

Courtesy photo

Farewell AOC(AW/SW) Erik ReedChief Aviation Ordnanceman (AW/SW) Erik Reed, left, receives his endof tour award from Marine CorpsCol. Roger Cordell, commander ofNaval Test Wing Atlantic during aceremony Feb. 21.

Courtesy photo

Farewell Cmdr. Jason StumpfCmdr. Jason Stumpf, left, receives atoken of appreciation for his serviceat Naval Test Wing Atlantic from Ma-rine Corps Col. Roger Cordell, com-mander of Naval Test Wing Atlantic,during a farewell ceremony Feb. 21.

James Fordereceives Commendation(Left) Capt. Mike Vernere, com-manding officer of Naval HealthClinic Patuxent River, left, presentsJames Forde with a Certificate ofCommendation during a ceremonyFeb. 8. Forde is transferring to theDefense Logistics Agency in FortBelvoir, Va.

Commands celebrate awards, hails and farewells

HM Daniel Frank, HM3 ChristineReed earn Good Conduct medal(Right) Hospitalman Daniel Frank,left, and Hospital Corpsman 3rdClass Christine Reed received theNavy Good Conduct Medal during aclinic ceremony Feb. 8 for “faithful,zealous and obedient Naval ser-vice,” according to the citation.

U.S. Navy photo by Personnel Specialist2nd Class Jheyson Giraldo

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Laser technology in the medical field isnot new. Lasers are used for a multitude ofprocedures that consumers are generallyaware of such as corrective eye surgery,blood vessel treatment, hair removal,microsurgeries such as joint repair, andmuscle therapy. In more recent yearslasers have been utilized as painmanagement devices and in the treatmentof periodontal therapy.

The use of the laser in periodontaltherapy may not only cure periodontaldisease but help deter the onset of manyother diseases that wouldn’t normally beassociated with gum disease. Scientistshave been studying the dramaticcorrelations between systemic health andwhat would logically appear to thelayperson as a localized problem. There isno example more glaring than therelationship between one’s periodontal(gum) health and their overall (systemic)health.

The gums that hug the teeth have avery unique position and arguably a flawin their human functionality.

The gums are one of the only areasthat provide an access point to thecardiovascular system of the human body.In other words, there is a gap between thegums and the tooth that leads directly intothe jaw. This gap is an access point forpotentially dangerous bacteria and germs.

The mouth, when not provided withconsistent professional care, can become avirtual Petri dish for bacterial infectionswhich can wreak havoc on the gums.Known as periodontal disease, thiscondition will cause inflammation,recession, and larger gaps between thegums and the teeth. Eventually it can leadto loss of teeth and bone degeneration inthe jaw.

While these conditions seem localized,the bacterial infection that is thriving inthe mouth is passing through the gapsbetween the gums and the teeth and it hasconstant access to the whole, internalbody. This point of access created byperiodontal disease has been linked toheart disease and strokes, diabetes,respiratory diseases, pregnancy problems,osteoporosis among other systemicconditions.

Before the introduction of a veryspecific type of laser into the dental field,the only treatments for periodontaldisease were the more severe osseoussurgery and scaling and root planing.Osseous surgery is a procedure thatinvolves cutting back the gum tissuearound the teeth, removing the tartar buildup and the granulation tissue (infectedgum tissues that creeps into the craterswhere bone loss has taken place). Thebone is then reshaped to help reduce thegap between the healthy gums and thetooth. A bone graft may be necessary atthis point as well. After this the gums aresewn back up and the healing processtakes place. Scaling and root planing, aprocess usually performed by a dentalhygienist, requires the area of the mouthbeing treated (divided into quads, usually)to be numbed first. After the area issufficiently numbed, the hygienist scrapes

and cleans the gums and teeth right downto the root. Both of these procedures arenot comfortable for the patient. In fact,many patients opt to not treat, or stoptreatment of their disease due to fear anddiscomfort involved.

Thanks to modern laser technologythere is now a third option. Periodontaldisease can be treated with a laser and ahighly trained general dentist. Thetreatment is minimally invasive. There areno shots, no cutting, and no sewing. Alaser is gently used to stimulate the gumsand provide a platform for healthy gumgrowth, possible bone regeneration and a

significant shrinking of the gap betweenthe tooth and the gums. This therapy canrestore gums to a healthy state.

Dr. Todd Cooper, a general dentist atTidewater Dental in Lexington Park andPrince Frederick, is one of the only dentistsin the tri-county area trained in thistechnology. He holds the highest level oftraining and experience, with the Periolaselaser, in the area. Since incorporating thelaser into Tidewater Dental he has seendramatic results. He explains that there isa higher compliance rate because theprocedure isn’t as uncomfortable as thealternative. In most cases the procedure is

also covered by the patient’s insurance aswell.

Laser technology has provided a newway to cure periodontal disease, a diseasethat is the leading cause of tooth loss andis estimated to effect upwards of 80% ofadults in the U.S. A healthy smile mayliterally lead to a healthier heart and body.To find out more about periodontaldisease visit the National Center forBiotechnology Information website atwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov or schedule aconsultation with Dr. Todd Cooper atTidewater Dental.

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As of Feb. 22Intramural bowlingWSI 59-21Big 10 54-26Goat locker 46.5-33.5Hang ‘em High 43-37Rollin’ Thunder 40.5-39.5JMWS 40-40Wafwots 37-43High-n-Low 28.5-51.5Lucky Strikes 26.54Spare Time 25.5-54.5

Intramural basketballMonday/WednesdaydivisionGrind Time 8-0VQ-4 5-2

Tigers 5-3P&P Rangers 4-3Osprey 2-6VX-23/TC-7 0-8

Tuesday/Thursday divisionBallsohard U 7-2Bomb Squad 6-3Top Notch 5-3Mag-49 3-5A/O 2-6VX-1 2-6Intramural volleyballMonday/WednesdaydivisionGrateful digs 19-5ShawRoadRedemption 17-7Notorious D.I.G. 10-14Need for Speed 2-22

Tuesday/Thursday divisionSet To Kill 16-5Servin’ It Up 15-6Brew Crew 11-10Great Balls of Fire 10-11A/O 5-19

Intramural graybeardbasketballLunch Crew 8-0W.W.D. 6-1Phenoms 5-2The Crew 5-3Loggies 5-3VX-23 3-5Paxsca 3-5HX-21 2-6Old but New 1-6VX-1 0-7

Scoreboardfamily’s size; you will get alower refund next year, butmore needed cash flow thisyear.

4. Make only minimumpayments on debts untilshortfall is covered, then payany extra toward the highestinterest debt.

5. Temporarily changeyour Thrift Savings Plancontributions—or 401K ifspouse participates at theirwork—down to the percentof company’s matching con-tribution until the pay short-age is filled. The governmentmatches 5 percent.

6. Reduce or stop fundingchildren’s college fund.

7. ROTH IRA? Contribu-tions could be a source, butas with any retirement fund-ing adjustments, this step

should be near the bottom ofyour options. Same if you’rethinking about a TSP loan.

8. If all bills can’t becovered by minimum pay-ments, contact creditors andask for a temporary adjust-ment; they are fully awareof what’s going on and arelikely willing to work withyou, but the key here is to bepro-active.

9. Most of all, try not totake on any new debt asthis will only compound theproblem.

If you don’t change yourlifestyle, you will use yourcredit card to fund yourshortfalls for expenses andthe damaging effect is thatyou will take on new debtand remain in debt longer.

It’s key to not just “feel”the pinch of a tightenedbudget, but to “live” it bymaking the necessary finan-cial adjustments.

BUDGETContinued from 1

and science fit into the workenvironment,” she said.“They demonstrate thatwork doesn’t just have tobe work, it can also be fun.When the students see thementors are excited, it helpsmake themmore excited.”

There are 76 STARBASElocations nationwide, eachat a different military site

in all branches of the armedservices, including 15 NavySTARBASE-Atlantis acad-emies. Opened in fall 2007,the Pax River academy isthe Navy’s newest.

For information on theNavy academies visit www.netc.navy.mil/community/starbase/; or to learn moreabout the DOD STARBASE2.0 program, visit www.dodstarbase.org.

STARBASEContinued from 1

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St Mary’s County:Child Care Provider Training:Every Child Ready to Read

Today, 6-8 p.m.Lexington Park libraryChildcare providers will learn simple ac-

tivities they can do every day to help chil-dren in their care get ready to read. Theywill receive two continuing education units.Free. Registration required at 301-863-8188.

Express Yourself Teen Art Contestentries due

Through FridayYouths in grades 6-12 can drop off art-

work at any of the three St. Mary’s Countylibraries. Entries must be a flat 8x11 andoriginal. They can be drawings, paint-ings, photography, computer-generatedor mixed-media. More than one entry canbe submitted. Artwork will be displayed inLexington Park Library Art Gallery Friday toApril 15. Winners will be announced at theAwards Ceremony on April 15 at the Lex-ington Park Library. Prize: Art supplies andbragging rights!

SeusstravaganzaSaturday, 10:30 a.m.Leonardtown librarySaturday, 11 a.m.Lexington Park; Charlotte Hall librariesAll ages can celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday

with stories, songs and activities. Free.

Casino NightSaturday, 4 p.m. to 1 a.m.Brass Rail Sports BarFree food and fun. Proceeds benefit

Thoroughbred Placement Rescue. Must be21 years old or older. Call 301-994-9855.

Poetry Open Mic NightWednesday, 6:30 p.m.Leonardtown libraryPoets of all ages can come and share their

original poems or favorite ones, or just cometo listen.

Calvert County:Civil Discourse: Ethnic Notions FilmDiscussion

Today, 6:30-8:30 p.m.Calvert library, Prince Frederick

Ethnic Notions: Black Images in theWhite Mind takes viewers on a disturbingvoyage through American history, tracingthe evolution of the deeply rooted stereo-types that have fueled anti-Black prejudice.

Dr. Seuss CelebrationSaturday, 10-11 a.m.Calvert library, Prince FrederickHave you ever eaten green eggs with a

slice of ham? Well if you have, this is theplace for you to celebrate with a smile forTheodor Seuss Geisel’s Birthday! Kindergar-ten-grade 5 for interactive learning loadedwith fun. Register by calling 410-535-0291 or301-855-1862.

Writers by the Bay at the LibraryTuesday, 7-8:30 p.m.Calvert library, Prince FrederickLooking for a writer’s group? All writers

and would-be writers are welcome to comefor critique & camaraderie.

Cinema CaféWednesday, 6-8:30 p.m.Calvert library, Prince FrederickThe Dashwood sisters, sensible Eleanor

and passionate Marianne, find their chanc-es at marriage seemingly doomed by theirfamily’s sudden loss of fortune. Based onthe Jane Austen novel Sense and Sensibility,this 1995 screenplay was written by EmmaThompson.

First Free FridayFriday, 5-8 p.m.Calvert Marine MuseumThis month features the opening of the

Youth Art Month Exhibit by students fromCalvert County schools in the lobby. EnjoyHarmony Grit performing traditional andcontemporary folk, country, and light rock,starting at 6:30 p.m. Free during hours not-ed.

Art in the StacksMonth of MarchCalvert library, Twin Beaches and Prince

FrederickPastels and watercolors by various artists

on display.

My African-American CommunityMonth of MarchCalvert library, Prince FrederickPhotographs and stories by Billy Poe.

Around Town

U.S. Navy photo by Personnel Specialist 2nd Class Jheyson Giraldo

The Naval Health Clinic Patuxent River recognized its 2012 Civilian andContractor of the Year during a ceremony Feb. 15. The awardees were, fromleft, Mike Morrow as the Senior Civilian of the Year; Kennedi Milan at theContractor of the Year; and Joyce Prechtl as the Junior Civilian of the Year.

Clinic recognizes civilian,contractor of the year

Know an outstanding caregiver or non-profit organization that deserves to be recognized? Nominate them for ourWounded Warrior Caregiver of the Year Award presented by DCMilitary Family Life.

Write a short essay about an individual or organization that has provided exceptional assistance to a WoundedWarrior during their time of need over the past year. Submissions will be collected and judged based upon theirrecent sacrifices and contributions made in order to care for Wounded Warrior(s).

5 finalists from each category will be chosen by a panel appointed by Comprint Military Publications and all will beinvited to attend an awards luncheon where the winners will be publicly announced. All finalists will appear in theJune issue of DCMilitary Family Life magazine.

Cash prizes will be donated to the winners and top finalists.

Visit www.dcmilitary.com/award for more information or email your essay to [email protected] by March 29, 2013!

NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN!

SPONSORS INCLUDE:


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feb. 28, 2013, tester newspaper

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