fort meade soundoff for june 21, 2012

fatherhoodMeade Soldier shares stories with president

page 8

UPCoMING eVeNtSfrIday, 9:30 a.M.: Lt. Col. Edmund Barrett HCB Change of Command - Parade FieldfrIday, 7-10 P.M.: Karaoke Night - The Lanes 10th Frame LoungetUeSday, 10 a.M.: Leesburg Animal Park presents “Living Rainforest” - Post LibraryJUNe 29, 5:30-9 P.M.: Texas Barbecue - Club MeadeJUly 4, NooN: Independence Day Celebration - McGlachlin Parade Field

takING CharGeNew commander set to take 780th MI Brigade to next level

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Soundoff!́vol. 64 no. 25 Published in the interest of the Fort Meade community June 21, 2012

photo by jen rynda

Retired Sgt. 1st Class Carlo Deporto, 91, and Pfc. Scott Cassidy, 18, are all smiles as they watch Retired lt. Col. Alfred Shehab, 92, enjoy a “finger-licking” taste of icing from an Army saber following a cake-cutting ceremony in celebration of the Army’s 237th birthday on June 14 at Club Meade. The Army birthday is traditionally observed with a cake-cutting ceremony by the youngest and oldest Soldiers present, signifying the development of the Army since June 14, 1775. See Pages 10-13 for more Army Birthday coverage.

icing on the saber

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil� SOUNDOFF! June 21, 2012

Commander’s Column

Cont ent sNews............................. 3 Classified.............................20

TroubleTicket............... 4 Sports..................................16

Community................. 14 Movies.................................19

Editorial StaffGarrison Commander Col. Edward C. rothsteinGarrison Command Sgt. Maj. Charles E. SmithPublic affairs officerChad t. Jones [email protected], Command informationPhilip H. Jones [email protected] Editor & Senior Writer rona S. Hirsch Staff Writer lisa r. rhodesStaff Writer Brandon Bieltzdesign Coordinator timothy davis Supplemental photography provided by Patuxent Publishing Co.

advErtiSinGGeneral inquiries 410-332-6300

allison thompson 410-332-6850 [email protected]

Michele Griesbauer 410-332-6381 [email protected]

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It’s that time of the year when the Permanent Change of Station system really starts to crank up.

For anyone who ever donned a military uni-form or if you are the spouse or a family member of a service member, then you know what I’m talking about when I say, “One of the rituals of military life is the PCS.”

This month is particularly “moving” for me as I transition to life without two service members who have a great record of superb service and performance at Fort Meade and who have made my job as garrison commander much easier.

I’m talking about Headquarters Command Battalion Commander Lt. Col. (P) Edmund J. Barrett, who will be promoted to colonel Friday, and Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Charles E. Smith. Both will be leaving Fort Meade at the end of the month for new assignments.

Barrett will soon deploy to Camp Eggers in Kabul, Afghanistan as a member of the J2 component of the Combined Security Transition Command- Afghanistan.

Command Sgt. Maj. Smith will take on the responsibility as the senior enlisted advisor for the Great Lakes Military Entrance Processing Station in Chicago.

It was only a year ago that Col. Barrett assumed command of Headquarters Command Battalion, coming to Fort Meade from the Pentagon where he served in the Office of the Inspector General. As commander of Headquarters Command Bat-talion, he has overseen the support services, law enforcement, military working dog teams, force protection and base support operations for the Fort Meade community.

These duties were only part of the service he provided to the Fort Meade community. Shortly after I became your garrison commander, I tapped Ed to serve as my primary military liaison with school administrators for the seven schools on post.

He has also done an exceptional job of ensur-ing every Soldier associated with Headquarters Command Battalion was well trained for his or her duty and in taking on additional respon-sibilities to support me in my role as garrison commander.

Over the past year you have rarely seen me at a garrison or off-post event without Command Sgt. Maj. Smith. That’s because I’ve always believed that the commander and the command sergeant major should be connected at the hip.

Command Sgt. Maj. Smith assumed his duties a year ago this past May, moving to the garrison

command build-ing after serving as command ser-geant major for Headquarters Command Bat-talion.

As the gar-rison’s senior enlisted advisor, Command Sgt. Maj. Smith has done an out-standing job of supporting the garrison and inspiring Soldiers and civilians not to just settle for the status quo. He personally took on the responsibility of mak-ing sure post beautification efforts were a priority, despite reduced resources.

He also never missed a day reminding me (and anyone else within hearing distance) that safety measures work best when leaders lead by example. Command Sgt. Maj. Smith exemplified that in everything he did.

Col. Barrett and Command Sgt. Maj. Smith are great role models of service members, Team Meade and personally, for me. Working together or on separate issues, they both have a firm under-standing of the responsibility associated with taking care of service members, civilian workers and military families.

I thank them both for jobs well done. I’m sure you will agree with me that the Fort Meade com-munity will miss their energy and inspiration and their commitment to duty and service.

I also want to thank everyone who played a role in Fort Meade’s celebration of the Army’s 237th birthday. We had a series of wonderful events last week, starting with the Francis Scott Key Chapter of the Association of the United States Army’s annual birthday breakfast at Club Meade.

The celebration ended Friday evening with the Bowie Baysox hosting a celebration that included an enlistment swearing-in ceremony for a group of local men and women who will become future Soldiers.

I also participated in a first-time, cake-cutting ceremony at The Mall in Columbia with Howard County Executive Ken Ulman.

In two weeks we’ll celebrate the post’s annual Fourth of July observance with fireworks and a host of festivities on the parade field. You can find more information about our celebration on Page 14.

Have a great week!

Celebrations and fond farewells

COL. Edward C. rOthstEin

Garrison Commander

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil June 21, 2012 SOUNDOFF! �

News

Story and photo by Brandon BieltzStaff Writer

For the first time in the unit’s short history, the 780th Military Intelligence Brigade welcomed a new commander.

Col. Jennifer G. Buckner took com-mand of the unit from Col. Jonathan E. Sweet during a change of command ceremony Friday at McGlachlin Parade Field.

Sweet was the first commander of the 780th MI following its activation last December. He has been assigned as chief of the Intelligence Engagement Division at U.S. Europe Command headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany.

The ceremony’s host was Maj. Gen. Stephen Fogarty, commander of U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Com-mand.

“Leaders will change, but the mission continues,” Fogarty said in his speech. “This is the strength of our Army, that our loyalty is ultimately to the nation and to the mission and not to a single individual.”

The 780th MI activated with the mis-sion of conducting signals intelligence and computer network operations and enabling Dynamic Computer Network operations of Army and defense networks.

“Your innovative work in cyberspace is vital to the defense of the United States and its allies,” Fogarty said to the Soldiers. “You set the standard every day as you conduct extremely complex opera-tions as part of a joint intergovernmen-tal, interagency and multinational team.

“I’m extremely proud of the fact that this brigade is making significant contri-butions every day in support of Army and national requirements.”

Sweet was handpicked to lead the 780th MI seven months ago when it was activated as the Army’s first cyber opera-tions brigade.

“It was clear that Jon Sweet was the right man for this challenging assign-ment,” Fogarty said. “Under his leader-ship this brigade has continued to evolve their doctrine while daily executing oper-ations that support the Army combative commands, the Army Cyber Command and the U.S. Cyber Command. ... Job well done Jon.”

During his remarks, Sweet thanked members of the 780th MI for their work in helping to startup the new unit.

“I have been incredibly blessed to be

780th MI welcomes new commander

surrounded by some of the best non-commissioned officers, officers, Soldiers, contractors and Department of Army of civilians who simply will not let this brigade fail,” he said. “I leave today confident in their ability to conduct their mission.”

At the end of his remarks, Sweet said he believed Buckner was the best officer to take command of the unit and that she would take the 780th MI to the “next level.”

“The incoming commander is excep-tionally well qualified to command this brigade,” Fogarty said. “Colonel Jennifer Buckner has a long record of superb service and performance in a variety of tough, tactical and technical jobs includ-

ing combat operations.”Buckner, who graduated in 1990 from

the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., is a career intelligence officer who has served various roles during her more than two decades of service.

Her assignments took her to the 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.; 159th Combat Aviation Group in the 18th Aviation Brigade (Airborne), Fort Bragg, N.C.; 501st MI Brigade, Yongsan, South Korea; U.S. Army South, Puerto Rico; 206th MI Battalion, Fort Gordon, Ga.; and the 303rd MI Battalion, 504th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade, Fort Hood, Texas, and Iraq.

From 2003 to 2004, Buckner served as training and operations officer of

the 206th MI Battalion. She then served as the executive assistant to the Army deputy chief of staff for Intelligence at the Pentagon from 2004 to 2005.

Buckner also has served in several joint assignments at U.S. Cyber Command; the National Security Agency-Georgia; Joint Interagency Task Force West, Iraq; and the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Buckner comes to the 780th after recently completing the U.S. Army War College Cyber Fellowships at the NSA.

During her brief remarks, Buckner said she was excited to join the 780th and looked forward to continuing the growth of the unit and its capabilities.

“I am indeed honored to join your ranks,” she said.

(Right to left:) Command Sgt. Maj. Lawrence Hoke of the 780th Military Intelligence Brigade; Col. Jennifer Buckner, incoming commander of the 780th MI; Col. Jonathan Sweet, outgoing commander of the 780th MI; and Maj. Gen. Stephen Fogarty, commander of U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command, participate in the passing of the colors during the 780th MI change of command ceremony Friday at McGlachlin Parade Field.


News

June 12, Larceny of private property: The victim stated she returned to her residence from a vacation and found her home had been broken into. An inves-tigation revealed that person(s) unknown entered the residence through a rear bedroom window that was left unsecured. Items missing are a 32-inch flat screen TV, PlayStation 3 game console, digital camera and laptop computer.

June 12, Larceny of private property: The victim stated that unknown person(s) removed her iPhone 4 from the commis-sary break room, where the unsecured and unattended iPhone was charging.

June 17, Larceny of private property: The victim stated that her bike is missing and that it was last seen in the backyard, unsecured and unattended.

June 17, Larceny of private prop-erty: The victim stated his son’s bicycle was left on the front porch unsecured and was stolen.

June 15, Larceny of private property: The Directorate of Emergency Services was notified of a larceny of private property at the commissary. The victim reported that his smartphone was stolen from his unsecured and unattended office.

CommunityCommunityCrime Watch

Compiled by the Fort Meade Directorate of Emergency Services

Trouble Ticket

Youth Services Sports Complex needs renovations

Renovate the Youth Services Sports Complex

Actual use of fields is expected to be this fall after the grass matures

Have you noticed an issue on post and wondered if anything is being done to fix it? Email concerns and

issues to [email protected]. Each week, Soundoff! will

address issues identified on post and describe what is being done to

solve them.

Issue: Plan: Status:

McGill Training Center HVAC is inoperative

(except in the ballroom)

Install a new HVAC Survey work has begun; full install set for completion

September 2012; portable A/C units being used in classrooms

Chaplain’s Word: CONTENTMENT“Content makes poor men rich;”

“Discontent makes rich men poor.”

— Ben Franklin

photo by Marine pvt. Coby SMith

hands onSoldiers of the 704th Military Intelligence Brigade enjoy a day away from their normal battle rhythm at the brigade’s annual Organization Day on June 8 at Burba Lake. Events included horseshoes, volleyball, softball and a leaders relay. Children enjoyed a bounce house, water slide, rock wall, face painting and tours of a police car and fire truck.

On the lookout for theftthe Directorate of emergency Services is actively working to

keep neighborhoods safe.Families residing on post should remember to ensure that

windows and doors to homes, cars and garages are locked at all times, regardless of time of day.

although the crime rate in military housing is lower than off post, it is important to remember that Fort Meade is not immune to crime. to protect your family and belongings, remember to take an active role in deterring crime.

remain aware of your surroundings and immediately report any suspicious activity to the Fort Meade police at 301-677-6622 or 6623.


News

Blaze of (old) GloryLEFT: Boy Scout John Johnston, 17, places a flag into the fire during a flag retirement ceremony conducted June 14 by Fort Meade Boy Scout Troop 377. The troop retired 15 flags in a fire pit at Camp Meade RV Park.

BOTTOM LEFT: Boy Scout Riley Wharton, 12, carries a flag to be placed into the flames. Scouts honored the flag with a reading and salutes before placing the old and worn flags into the fire pit.

BELOW: Boy Scout Gustavo Giron, 14, displays the American flag dur-ing the opening ceremony of the flag retirement ceremony. Members of Cub Scout and Girl Scout troops also participated.

photos by nate pesce

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil June 21, 2012 SOUNDOFF! �

News

The Fort Meade Army Volunteer Corps, in partnership with Child, Youth and School Services, the USO and Picerne Military Housing, invite you to become part of the garrison commander’s vision of a “Youth Summer Volunteer Leadership Challenge.”

Youth ages 12 through 18 can register to volunteer a few days a week in organizations throughout Fort Meade.

They may take part in professional training such as resume building, dressing for success, financial planning for the future, disaster preparedness and more.

The Challenge will run from June 25 through Aug. 10.

The more hours you earn, the greater the opportunity to earn prizes.

Volunteers also will have the opportunity to receive:

• Free training

• Community service hours• On-the-job experience• End of the summer barbecueOrientation will be held June 25

from 9 a.m. to noon at Potomac Place Neighborhood Center, 4998 2nd Corps Blvd.

To register, call CYSS at 301-677-1156 or visit ftmeademwr.com/cyss.

Organizations are requested to provide a hands-on educational summer volunteer experience for Fort Meade’s youth by registering vacant volunteer positions.

Inspire the next generation of responsible youth to become productive and positive leaders in the community.

For more information or to register your volunteer opportunity, call Marie Miles, Army Volunteer Corps coordinator, at 301-677-5590 or email [email protected].

Youths urged to join new Summer Volunteer Challenge Water Works

Local swimming pool options for service members and familiesWith the closure of the Rock Avenue Outdoor Pool, the indoor pool at Gaffney Fitness Center will continue to operate its recreational swim Saturdays and Sundays from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. through Aug. 17.The Columbia Association is offering special military and DoD rates at five of its pools. Cost is $4 for adults and $2 for children per visit. A valid military or DoD identification card is required.• Talbott Spring, 9660 Basket Ring, Columbia. For information, call 410-730-5421.• Faulkner Ridge, 15018 Marble Fawn Court, Columbia. For information, call 410-730-5292.• Jeffers Hill, 6030 Tamar Drive, Columbia. For information, call 410-730-1220.• McGills Common, 10025 Shaker Drive, Columbia. For information, call 410-730-5995.• Running Brook, 5730 Columbia Road, Columbia. For information, call 410-730-5293.

file photo


News

By Joan Twigg, Occupational Health NurseKimbrough Ambulatory Care Center

Hot and humid weather conditions put people working outdoors at risk of heat-related illness.

Injury is particularly likely when workers are not adapted to warm weather. Employ-ees new to outdoor jobs are generally most at risk for heat-related illnesses. In most investigated incidents, the worker involved had only been on the job for four or fewer

days.That’s why it is important to gradually

increase the workload and allow more fre-quent breaks to help new staffers — as well as those returning to a job after time away — build up a tolerance for hot conditions.

Federal law requires employers to protect workers from recognized serious hazards in the workplace including heat-related haz-ards. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration website, www.osha.gov pub-lications tab, contains information to help

supervisors ensure safe summer conditions.Workers performing strenuous activity,

using heavy or nonbreathable protective clothing, or new to an outdoor job need additional precautions beyond those war-ranted by the heat index alone. Employees and their supervisors must know the risks and signs of potential heat injury.

Both air temperature and humidity affect how hot it feels. The heat index is a sin-gle value that takes both temperature and humidity into account. The higher the heat

index, the hotter the weather feels because sweat will not readily evaporate and cool the skin.

On Fort Meade, call 301-677-8881 to obtain the latest heat index. Information provided includes the last measured heat cat-egory and specific recommendations regard-ing fluid intake and outdoor exercise.

If you suspect an individual may have an urgent heat-related injury, call 911 immedi-ately. Kimbrough does not have the capabil-ity to provide emergency services.

Take precautions when working outside in summer heat

photo courtesy of the white house

Capt. Joubert Paulino (far right), 32nd Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team based at Fort Meade, waits to be served lunch with President Barack Obama at Kenny’s BBQ Smokehouse in Washington, D.C., on June 13. The luncheon kicked off the Fatherhood Buzz Barbershop Tour, an initiative of President Obama to encourage proactive fathers through local barbershops.

year’s Fatherhood Award from the National Fatherhood Initiative. Edwards is stationed at Fort Jackson, S.C., with his wife and four children.

Nunery Mason, owner of Mason’s Bar-bershop in northeast Washington, D.C., for more than 50 years, attended with his shop’s barber Otis Gamble.

When not at his shop, Mason cuts hair in the U.S. Capitol building and is a participant in the Fatherhood Buzz campaign.

The two-hour event began with a tour of

the Oval Office, the Situation Room and the White House Garden.

During the luncheon, Obama discussed the role of fathers in society and how children who grow up with a proactive father are less likely to use drugs or become pregnant, said Paulino.

“I did have the opportunity to speak with the president at the personal level,” Paulino said. “We shared stories of parenting experi-ences and personal goals we intend to fulfill with our families.”

By Lisa R. RhodesStaff Writer

Capt. Joubert Paulino ate a pork sandwich while President Barack Obama dined on a plate of barbecue ribs as the two men dis-cussed the rewards of fatherhood at Kenny’s BBQ Smokehouse in Washington, D.C.

The unannounced luncheon on June 13 kicked off the Fatherhood Buzz Barber-shop Tour, a collaboration between Obama’s National Fatherhood Initiative and the National Responsible Fatherhood Clearing-house, a national and international resource for fathers, researchers and policy makers.

The tour, which took place June 16 in eight cities nationwide, was designed to increase awareness through local barbershops about responsible fatherhood and parenting.

“It felt really special to meet the president, a man symbolized as a leader of our great nation,” said Paulino, of the 32nd Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team based at Fort Meade and father of a 6-year-old son and 4-year-old daughter. “I did not meet with him to discuss politics or even policies, but where we stood as fathers and how he manages his time for the family and country.”

The event also was Obama’s way of honor-ing military fathers.

“When these guys are deployed sometimes, they’re leaving the family behind. I just want to make sure they get support,” said Obama, according to the N.Y. Daily News.

Paulino was invited to the luncheon by the White House after he wrote a letter to the National Fatherhood Initiative about a month ago on how to be a good father.

The captain said he learned about the initiative through his son’s Cub Scout troop at Fort Belvoir, Va., where Paulino lives with his wife and children.

Paulino was joined at the luncheon by 1st Lt. William Edwards, winner of this

Meade Soldier, Obama talk fatherhood

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil10 SOUNDOFF! June 21, 2012

Army BirthdAy


A brief history lesson on the Battle of Balti-more in the War of 1812, which inspired Fran-cis Scott Key to write the National Anthem, was the highlight of the installation’s celebra-tion of the Army’s 237th birthday and Flag Day on June 14.

The 90-minute breakfast and lecture, held at Club Meade, was hosted by the Francis Scott Key chapter of the Association of the United States Army. About 200 people attended.

“It is a great day to be a Solider, is it not?” said retired Sgt. Maj. Jim Gilbert, president of the AUSA chapter. “Two hundred and thirty seven years, that’s how old we are today. We don’t look quite that old, but we’re doing a great job.”

Garrison Commander Col. Edward C. Rothstein and 1st Sgt. Wayne J. Aragon of Headquarters Command Battalion, who stood in for Command Sgt. Maj. Charles E. Smith as acting garrison command sergeant major, attended the event.

They were joined by Fort Meade’s oldest Soldiers, retired Lt. Col. Alfred Shehab, age 92, and retired Sgt. 1st Class Carlo DePorto, age 91.

Fort Meade’s youngest Soldier, 18-year-old Pfc. Scott Cassidy of the U.S. Army Signal School Detachment at the Defense Informa-tion School, also attended.

Students from the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps at Meade High School were joined by the program’s commander, Col. Frank Preston, and Meade High Principal Yolanda Clarke. The Fort Meade Community

Fort Meade celebrates Army birthday, Flag Day

Credit Union sponsored the students.During his remarks, Rothstein addressed

the significance of the event.“Two-hundred and thirty-seven years ago, it

all started — rags to riches,” he said. “A bunch of farmers, peddlers, folks for all the right reasons, gathered together against incredible odds, against annihilation. They stood up and they made it happen.”

Rothstein encouraged everyone in the audi-ence to “get out into the community and remind folks that it’s our birthday.”

The annual breakfast began with the post-ing of the colors by the Defense Informa-tion School’s color guard. Retired Sgt. Maj. Mike Culbertson, a former member of the U.S. Army Field Band, sang the National Anthem.

Deputy Installation Chaplain (Maj.) Bogu-slaw Augustyn gave the invocation. Retired Sgt. Maj. Raymond Moran, who is known as Fort Meade’s “Old Soldier,” led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Gilbert then announced that Fort Meade’s Director of Transformation Bert Rice, a retired colonel, has been named the AUSA second region’s Department of the Army Civilian of the Year. Rice will compete for the national title in October.

Scott Sheads, a 30-year veteran of the National Park Service and a ranger/historian at the Fort McHenry National Monument

and Historic Shrine in Baltimore, later gave an entertaining summation of the Battle of Baltimore in the War of 1812.

Sheads began his talk by recalling how, several years ago, a 22-year-old school teacher and her class visited Fort Henry for a tour. As Sheads talked about the site’s history the young woman asked, “When was the War of 1812?”

Sheads said he was a bit baffled by her ques-tion, but was really surprised when the teacher told him that “The Star-Spangled Banner” was the theme song of the Baltimore Orioles.

“I still think about it a lot,” Sheads said. “Here’s a nice lady — impeccably dressed — [and] somehow through her life, her educa-tion, somehow history had slipped through the cracks for her.”

Sheads said that is why the National Park Service sponsors outreach programs to the community and why he was glad to come to Fort Meade.

The Battle of Baltimore began on Sept. 13, 1814, several weeks after the British navy torched the nation’s capitol.

“Fifty miles away in Baltimore the citizens could see the glow of that fire,” Sheads said. “They knew Baltimore would be next.”

At that time, Sheads said that Baltimore was the richest port on the East Coast, with a population of 50,000.

The battle started when five British ships bombarded Fort McHenry for 25 hours, using

200-pound, cast-iron exploding shells. Sheads said about 1,800 shells were launched at Fort McHenry during the attack.

People from Baltimore, Delaware and Pennsylvania helped to defend the city. During the battle, Francis Scott Key, a young lawyer from Georgetown, watched the bombardment while under British guard on an American truce ship.

At 9 a.m. on Sept. 14, 1814, two hours after the British sailed away and the attack ended, a 30-by-42 garrison flag was raised over Fort McHenry. Key, seeing the flag that morning, was inspired to write “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

“Two weeks later, Key’s song is published,” Sheads said. “Within two months, every news-paper in the 18 states had published the lyrics.”

Sheads’ lecture was followed by the official cake-cutting, led by Rothstein, who joined Shehab, DePorto and Cassidy in the brief ceremony.

“As far as I’m concerned, the greatest gen-eration is the one that’s in uniform right now,” Shehab said later. “I was proud to wear the uniform and I still wear it.”

DePorto said although he retired from the Army in 1972, he remains dedicated to his country.

“Upstairs, in my mind, I’m still in the mili-tary,” he said.

Fort Meade’s oldest Soldiers, retired Lt. Col. Alfred Shehab, 92 (second from left), and retired Sgt. 1st Class Carlo DePorto, 91, are joined by the installation’s youngest Soldier, 18-year-old Pfc. Scott Cassidy (right) of the U.S. Army Signal School Detachment at the Defense Information School, and Scott Sheads, a ranger/historian at Fort McHenry, during a cake-cutting ceremony to celebrate the Army’s 237th birthday and Flag Day on June 14.

photos by jen rynda

‘Two-hundred and thirty-seven years ago, it all started — rags to riches.’

Garrison Commander Col. edward C. rothstein

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil June 21, 2012 SOUNDOFF! 11

Army BirthdAy

By Brandon BieltzStaff Writer

Before Friday’s minor league base-ball game against the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, Anthony Romar paced the Bowie Baysox dugout.

Despite being surrounded by pro-fessional baseball players, the 6-year-old was more interested in their tools stacked up in the corner of the dusty dugout.

“I saw the bats,” he said with excite-ment.

Anthony was among the several play-ers from the 5- and 6-year-old Fort Meade Cougars baseball team who visited the Baysox dugout prior to the first pitch of Fort Meade Day.

Nearly 7,000 fans filled Prince George’s Stadium as the Orioles Dou-ble-A affiliate celebrated the Army’s 237th birthday. Fort Meade Soldiers participated in several events including throwing out the first pitch.

Before the game started, members of the Cougars team walked around the Baysox dugout, receiving autographs from players as they took the field to warm up.

Pfc. Wesley Pattillo of the 741st Mili-tary Intelligence Battalion kicked off the pregame festivities when he stood in front of the pitcher’s mound to toss out the first pitch. Having played baseball as a child, Pattillo looked forward to making the throw.

“I always hoped I would,” he said. “I never actually thought I’d be out here.”

Prior to making his pitch, Pattillo said he was a little worried about trying to pitch in his uniform but still figured he could get the ball over the plate. With a proper wind-up, Pattillo pitched toward home plate to the cheers of the crowd. Mission accomplished.

The Cougars, who were still rummag-ing around the dugout, stood near the first baseline, ready to run onto the field as the starting lineup was announced. As each Baysox player’s name was called, that player took a few Fort Meade children onto the field.

Members of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiments (The Old Guard) color guard

On DeckBowie Baysox honors Soldiers at Fort Meade Day

photos by noah sCialom

Pfc. Wesley Pattillo of the 741st Military Intelligence Battalion throws out the first pitch at a Bowie Baysox game Friday evening.

Garrison Commander Col. Edward C. Rothstein talks to members of the 5- and 6-year old Fort Meade Cougars baseball team in the Bowie Baysox dugout Friday night at Prince George’s Stadium. The Baysox were celebrating the Army’s 237th birthday with Fort Meade Day.

then marched onto the field as the Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps per-formed the National Anthem.

Anthony was given the honor of yell-ing “play ball” to officially begin the game — his favorite part of the evening, he said.

“It was great,” he said of standing on the minor league field.

The Fort Meade Day events carried into the game as Garrison Commander Col. Edward C. Rothstein stood on the visitors’ dugout and administered the Oath of Enlistment to a group of new Soldiers during the middle of the second inning.

During the seventh-inning stretch, Sgt. 1st Class Erika Lehmkuhl sang “God Bless America.”

Pattillo said he enjoyed participating in the three-hour event.

“I’m glad they’re doing it,” he said. “I appreciate it.”


Army BirthdAy


Garrison Commander Col. Edward C. Rothstein and Howard County Executive Ken Ulman celebrated the Army’s 237th birthday in a cake-cutting ceremony at The Mall in Columbia on June 14.

The event was one of several off-post activities that allowed community mem-bers to have an active role in the Army celebration.

“It was very important to have How-ard County Executive Ken Ulman be a part of this celebration,” Rothstein said after the ceremony. “The event at the Columbia mall is a great example of how Fort Meade and our surrounding communities can work together. It gave me the opportunity to thank the Howard County community for their support to Fort Meade and our military families. It also allowed the community to have an active role in the celebration of the Army’s 237th birthday.”

In his remarks before the ceremony, Ulman thanked the military’s men and women “for everything you do to keep us safe.”

Ulman said the county works “very hard with our friends at Fort Meade, as

we’ve been asked to play a leading role in our national security through the U.S. Cyber Command. ... We consider our-selves to be tremendous and important partners in the work that is done at Fort Meade.”

The county executive also read a proc-lamation declaring “U.S. Army Day” in Howard County.

Rothstein and Ulman later joined Master Sgt. John Harrington and Staff Sgt. Chad Vega, the oldest and young-est Soldiers respectively, in First Army Division East, in cutting the ceremonial cake.

After the event, Katie Essing, senior general manager of the Columbia mall, spoke of the community partnership.

“We know that Fort Meade is very important to the Howard County com-munity and the mall is a perfect venue for Fort Meade,” she said. “It is wonderful for us to host this event.”

Tanika DeSouza, co-owner of Dessert Affairs, a retailer at the mall, prepared the cake and hundreds of cupcakes for the families who attended the event.

“I feel honored. This is a terrific event, especially to be able to give back to the military,” said DeSouza, whose deceased

father was a Marine.The ceremony kicked off the open-

ing of a three-day exhibit of displays at the mall by the Fort Meade Museum, First Army Division East, the Columbia Recruiting Company of Fort Meade’s 1st Recruiting Brigade, Fort Meade’s Excep-tional Family Member Program, the Howard County Family Support Service, the Howard County Division of Work-force Development and Adult Learning, and the Maryland Coalition of Family for Children’s Mental Health.

“It makes perfect sense for us to be a part of this,” said Robert Johnson, director of the Fort Meade Museum, as he stood in front of an exhibit about the installation’s history. “We tell the story and history of Fort Meade. Both are a reflection on the past as we celebrate the Army’s birthday.”

John Grantman, who served as a ser-geant in Vietnam for two years, attended the ceremony with his wife, Portia. The couple, who live in Columbia, had Army dog tags made at one of the exhibits.

Grantman said celebrating the Army’s birthday brought back memories of his military service.

“I served very proudly,” he said.

Cake-cutting ceremony at Columbia mall marks Army’s 237th birthday

Garrison Commander Col. Edward C. Rothstein and Howard County Executive Ken Ulman hold the county’s proclamation of “U.S. Army Day” during a cake-cutting ceremony to celebrate the Army’s 237th birthday at The Mall in Columbia on June 14.

CENTER: Children participate in the Army’s birthday celebration at The Mall in Columbia on June 14. The event was one of several off-post activities that allowed community members to have an active role in the Army’s celebration.

photos by jen rynda


photo by staff sgt. ryan Matson

HAppy BirtHdAy!Gen. George. G. Meade re-enactor Rick Hagman greets a group of chil-dren in celebration of the Army’s 237th birthday at Child Development Center III. The children sang “Happy Birthday” songs and participated in a cake-cutting ceremony.

FederAl Hill CeleBrAtionGov. Martin O’Malley delivers remarks to service members,

including Garrison Commander Col. Edward C. Rothstein, civic

and community leaders at a Federal Hill Retreat and Flag Ceremony on June 14 in cel-ebration of the Army’s 237th birthday. On June 14, 1775,

Congress resolved to form a committee “to bring in a draft

of rules and regulations for the government of the Army,” and

voted $2,000,000 to support the forces around Boston and

those at New York City.

photo by sgt. 1st Class jr WilliaMs

photo by jen rynda

People enjoy cupcakes prepared by Dessert Affairs, a retailer at The Mall in Columbia, after the cake-cutting ceremony. The ceremony kicked off the opening of a three-day exhibit of displays at the mall by various organizations and units on Fort Meade.


Community news & notes

The deadline for Soundoff! community “News and Notes” is Friday at noon. All submissions are posted at the editor’s dis-cretion and may be edited for space and grammar. Look for additional community events on the Fort Meade website at www.ftmeade.army.mil and the Fort Meade Facebook page at facebook.com/ftmeade.

For more information or to submit an announcement, email Philip Jones at [email protected] or call 301-677-5602.

VTF closingsThe Fort Meade Veterinary Treatment

Facility at 2018 Annapolis Road is undergoing renovations through August.

VTF’s regular hours of 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. will be maintained through July 13.

The clinic will close July 16 to 31 for the remodeling of the lobby and exam room, and on June 29 in the afternoon for monthly inventory.

Summer holiday closings will be on July 4 and 5 for Independence Day and Aug. 31 to Sept. 2 for Labor Day.

For more information, call 301-677-1300.

Parade field closureMcGlachlin Parade Field will be

closed July 2 to 5 to accommodate setup and breakdown of the Independence Day festivities.

Other sites available for PT include Mullins Field, Broadfoot Field, Donahue Field, Rosie’s Field and the soccer field.

For reservations, call Everette Carr, Gaffney Fitness Center manager, at 301-677-5950.

Change of command, responsibility ceremonies

Lt. Col. Christopher J. Beveridge will relinquish command of the Baltimore Military Entrance Processing Station to Lt. Col. Rod L. Boles on June 29 at 9:30 a.m. at 850 Chisholm Ave.

Air Force Chief Master Sgt. James D. Baker Jr. will relinquish his position as the senior enlisted advisor, 12th Battalion and Baltimore Military Entrance Processing Station to Master Sgt. Daryl R. Hayes on June 28 at 2 p.m. at 850 Chisholm Ave.

A reception will follow each ceremony.

RSVP by Monday to Sgt.

Whittington at 301-677-0189 or Gloria Hicks at 301-677-0189.

Kimbrough change of command ceremony

Col. Leon E. Moores will relinquish command of the U.S. Army Medical Department Activity, Fort Meade, and Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Center to Col. Danny B.N. Jaghab.

The change of command ceremony will be held July 12 at 9 a.m. at McGlachlin Parade Field.

Kimbrough will be closed July 12 until 1 p.m.

Hearts Apart surveyArmy Community Service is conduct-

ing a survey on Hearts Apart.The support group is geared for those

separated from their service member by deployment, PCS or TDY for more than 30 days.

To participate, visit surveymonkey.com/s/HeartsApartSurvey.

EFMP focus groupsExceptional Family Member Program

focus groups will meet July 11 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Community Readiness Center, 830 Chisholm Ave.

Guest speakers are EFMP representatives from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard. Use this opportunity to tell us what is working and areas for improvement.

Registration is required.For more information, email joi.

[email protected] or call 301-677-4473.

Food vendors wantedThe Directorate of Family and

Morale, Welfare and Recreation Special Events is seeking food/beverage and novelty vendors for Fort Meade’s Independence Day celebration.

For more information, email [email protected].

Tax Center openThe Fort Meade Tax Center at

4217 Roberts Ave. is open to take appointments until June 30.

If you filed an extension, have a tax question or received a tax notice and need assistance, call 301-677-9765 to schedule an appointment.

Talent show auditionsAuditions will be conducted Aug. 8

from 5 to 6:30 p.m. and Aug. 13 and 15 from 12:30 to 2 p.m. at McGill Training Center for the annual “Fort Meade’s Got Talent” show.

Contestants must participate in auditions to be selected for the finals.

The talent show will be presented Sept. 8 at 7 p.m.

To register, call 301-677-7552.

file photo

independence day celebrationThe installation will celebrate the Fourth of July from noon to 10:30 p.m. at McGlachlin Parade Field. The annual celebration is open to the public. The event will feature music, food vendors, games, rides, inflatables and fire-works. Children’s rides are free beginning at noon. A DJ will perform from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. The band “New Monopoly” will perform from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Food and beverages will be available for purchase by a variety of vendors. Fireworks will take place at approximately 9:30 p.m. In inclement weather, fireworks will be held July 5 at approximately 9:30 p.m. Pets, grills and glass containers are forbidden.For more information and updates, visit ftmeademwr.com.

NEWS & EVENTS


Community news & notes

PWOC Bible studyProtestant Women of the Chapel

will be host summer Bible study on Wednesdays from July 11 to 25 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Argonne Hills Chapel Center.

Child care will be provided. The prayer and fellowship program’s

fall kickoff is scheduled for Aug. 29 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. For more information, visit Facebook at PWOC Fort Meade, or email [email protected] or call Kori Yates at 301-262-0756.

MFTB coursesArmy Community Service and Army

Family Team Building are offering Family Team Building classes at Potomac Place and Meuse Forest neighborhood centers.

• “Navigating Military Life” on July 12 and 13, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Level I class, for military personnel and spouses and Department of Army civilians, provides tools to navigate the military lifestyle. Modules include Expectations of Military Life, Understanding Military Acronyms, and Military Traditions and Customs.

• “Grow Skills for Military Life,” Level 2, on Aug. 9 and 10, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

• Instructors Course, MFTB instructor training, Sept. 9 and 10, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Bring a brown bag lunch.Registration is required. Limited child

care is available.To register or for more information, call

301-677-5590 or email [email protected] or [email protected].

Meade High seeking volunteers

Meade High School is seeking community members and parents of students to serve in its new volunteer program, “Service Stars.”

Volunteers will serve two to three hours per month during the school day in support of teachers. Tasks include inventorying books, providing cooking demonstrations or reading support to students, filing, monitoring hallways and helping with bus duty.

Volunteers will be given free admission to school events and will be honored at a year-end awards ceremony.

For more information, call Bobbi Coffman at 443-433-2416 or email [email protected].

Summer training campThe Navy-sponsored Drug Education

For Youth is accepting applications for the free two-week summer camp on Fort Meade that will run from July 10 to 20.

The camp is open to DoD dependent youth ages 9 to 12.

Campers will learn the basics of drug and alcohol prevention, tobacco, peer pressure and gangs. All gear, training material and field trips are free and will be provided by DEFY.

Availability is limited. Applications will be accepted until June 29.

For an application or more information, email Chief Petty Officer Vita Hankins, Petty Officer 2nd Class Kenesha Vassell or Petty Officer 3rd Class Danielle Roberts at [email protected].

Sky Vacation Bible SchoolSky Vacation Bible School will be

held Aug. 6 to 10 from 9 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at Argonne Hills Chapel Center.

The free program is for children ages 4 years old up to students who have completed fifth grade.

VBS features games, crafts, music and adventures. Snacks and lunch are included.

Registration is limited to the first 200 children and will close July 23. Registration tables will be set up from June 25 to July 23 at Argonne Hills Chapel Center and the Main Post Chapel.

Volunteers are needed to sign up immediately.

For more information, call 301-677-0386 or 301-677-6038.

Romp ‘n StompDuring the summer, Romp ‘n Stomp

playgroup will meet Tuesdays from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Boundless Playground.

The playgroup is for parents and their children up to 5 years old.

For more information, call Rikki Ford, Parent Support coordinator, at 301-677-3617 or e-mail [email protected].

Children’s Reading RoomThe Potomac Place Children’s

Reading Room will be open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.


EFMP playgroupThe Exceptional Family Member

Program is offering “Little Hands” playgroup for enrolled families with children ages 5 and younger on July 19 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Registration is limited to the first 15 people.

For more information, email [email protected] or call 301-677-4779.

StorytimeThe Medal of Honor Memorial Library

offers pre-kindergarten Storytime on Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

• Today: “Reading Is So Delicious,” getting ready for the library’s summer reading program with a Storytime about food


Summer reading programChildren of all ages are invited to the

Medal of Honor Memorial Library to register for this year’s “Reading Is So Delicious” summer reading program that ends Aug. 25.

Participants will receive a reading log and a goodie bag. After seven days, they can bring their reading log to the library for additional prizes.

Prizes will be on display at the library.For more information, call 301-677-

5522.

Out & About• The Blue Star Museums program

is offering free admission for all active-duty, National Guard and Reserve service members and their dependents through Labor Day. As of today, more than 1,800 museums are registered. For more information, visit bluestarfam.org/Programs/Blue_Star_Museums or dodlive.mil/index.php/2012/06/blue-star-museums-all-summer-long.

• The 35th anniversary of the Columbia Festival of the Arts will be held through June 30, showcasing music, dance, theater, visual arts, film and outdoor activities for the entire family. For a listing of events, visit columbiafestival.com.

• The Bowie Baysox is sponsoring two events this weekend at Prince George’s Stadium, 4101 Crain Highway:

“Star Wars Night,” Saturday, as the team takes on the Reading Phillies in a doubleheader at 5:35 p.m. The event will

feature characters in costume, lightsaber battles, droids, pregame and postgame performances, and a postgame fireworks display.

Team Ghost Riders Cowboy Monkey Rodeo, Sunday, as the Baysox takes on the Reading Phillies at 2:05 p.m. Dog-riding monkeys will patrol the field during the pregame performance. Team Ghost Riders will return for several in-game performances between innings.

To order tickets, visit baysox.com or call the box office at 301-464-4865.

• Retired Enlisted Association meets the third Thursday of the month from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Argonne Hills Chapel Center. The next meeting is tonight. For more information, visit trea.org or call Mary Gray, the local president, at 410-916-5385 or Arthur R. Cooper, national president, at 443-336-1230.

• Society of Military Widows meets for brunch the fourth Sunday of the month at 11 a.m. at Club Meade. The next meeting is Sunday. For more information, call Betty Jones at 410-730-0127.

• Single Parent Support Group meets the second and fourth Monday of the month from 6 to 8 p.m. at School Age Services, 1900 Reece Road. The next meeting is Sunday. Free child care will be provided on site.

For more information, call Rikki Ford, Parent Support coordinator, at 301-677-3617 or email [email protected].

• Families Dealing with Deployment meets the first and third Monday of every month from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Meuse Forest Neigh-borhood Center. The next meeting is Monday. For more information, call Rikki Ford, Par-ent Support coordinator, at 301-677-3617 or email [email protected].

• Air Force Sergeants Association Chapter 254 meets the fourth Wednesday of the month from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the Roost, 9827 Love Road. The next meeting is Wednesday. For more information, call 443-534-5170 or visit afsa254.org.

• Spouse PTSD Support Group meets Wednesdays from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Soldier and Family Assistance Center, 2462 85th Medical Battalion Ave.

The support group, sponsored by Behavioral Health Care Service, the Religious Support Office and the Army Substance Abuse Program, is for spouses whose loved ones are exhibiting symptoms of PTSD. Learn valuable tools and resources to understand PTSD and how to cope.

To join or for more information, call 301-677-8870.

EDUCATION YOUTH

RECREATION

MEETINGS


SportS

summer running, having a blast

Nearly 350 participants begin the Summer Sizzler 5K Run and One-Mile Walk on Saturday morning outside

Murphy Field House. The run was the third event in the annual Fort Meade Run Series.

photo by brian krista

Summer Sizzler 5K Run ResultsTop men finishers:

1. Erik Gibbs, 17:23.72. Connor Lefler, 18:23

3. Michael Wahlgren, 18:41.1

Top women finishers:1. Sarah Fisher, 21:18.52. Ellahe Amini, 21:23.8

3. Lynda Layson, 21:52.4

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THE PATH TO SUCCESS. TRYA RUNWAY.GoANG.com/DC 1-800-TO-GO-ANGTalk to a recruiter today to learn more.

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SportS

By Brandon BieltzStaff Writer

For the past several years, the installa-tion has been strongly represented at the highest level of competition in youth ath-letics as members from the Fort Meade Highsteppers Track and Field Club rou-tinely qualify for the Junior Olympics.

This year is no different.The team is sending 13 young athletes

to compete at the Junior Olympics next month after a successful qualifying meet in Landover last week. The four-day meet at Prince George’s County Sports and Learning Complex pared down the pool of athletes from Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C., who will advance.

Athletes who finished in the top five in each event will compete in the national championship meet scheduled July 23-29 at Morgan State University in Balti-more.

Highsteppers coach Cliff Timpson is confident in the athletes’ abilities as they head into the Junior Olympics.

“They look ready,” he said. “I believe they’ll do better.”

The path to this year’s Junior Olympics was more difficult than in the past as the team switched associations for the season to attend the Baltimore-based champion-ships.

Previously, the Highsteppers competed in the Amateur Athletic Union, whose championship will be in Houston this year. To save money and cut back on

travel, the team decided to move associa-tions and stay local for the finals.

Most of the other AAU teams in the area also have switched to USATF, creat-ing a highly competitive field of athletes, said coach Olivia Hunter. The current roster of clubs in the Potomac Valley Region makes the region one of the most challenging, she said.

“This is going to be a very tough year because we have teams from AAU and USATF combined,” Hunter said before last week’s meet. “It’s going to be difficult to advance this year.”

Although the Highsteppers have com-peted at several meets prior to qualifiers, the team’s coaches say the first meet at a qualifying level comes somewhat as a shock to many of the athletes. When younger participants competed at a preliminary meet in early June, team members caught their first peek at the competition — a strong motivator for working harder.

“As the kids got to compete more and seeing the other athletes, seeing what it takes to be there, they all came around,” Timpson said. “Especially after the last two weeks, their minds were really set and their eyes were opened.”

As the meets continue, Hunter said the competition will become stiffer and should push the Highsteppers even fur-ther.

“It’s going to be even bigger because a lot of these teams have not been to the

‘On Your Marks’Highsteppers track, field club gears up for Junior Olympics

kind of meet of this magnitude” she said. “Though they’ve been to big meets, this is far more important because this is the meet that the kids from all over the region are coming to.”

The season started out a little rough, coaches said, but has since turned around to produce more competitive athletes ready for the Junior Olympics.

Traditionally, the race walk has been a successful event for the Highsteppers; several competitors have been to the national championship. But due to ath-letes moving out of the area, getting too old or changing events, coaches have had to rebuild the squad.

“Overall, we’ve been doing really good,” Hunter said. “The kids are really developing and seem like they’re having

a lot of fun.”With a little more than a month to

the Junior Olympics, Highsteppers vet-eran and 10-time Junior Olympian Sam Graves, who has qualified for an 11th trip, said the team needs to sharpen its focus in preparation for the championships.

“Stop playing and get more focused,” the 17-year-old said.

Sam and Timpson said that rest also will be an important factor heading into the Junior Olympics.

“The key to getting better is always rest, believe it or not,” Timpson said. “We’re going to work hard when we’re in practice. They have the technique. They know what I expect as a coach. So the key is resting and knowing what you need to do, to do better.”

photo by staff sgt. Kyle RichaRdson

Fort Meade Highsteppers Track and Field coach Cliff Timpson talks with Trevon Edwards, 16, before his long jump event at last week’s four-day meet at Prince George’s County Sports and Learning Complex. Team members and coaches are preparing for the Junior Olympics as 13 young athletes will compete for national titles.

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SportS

Sports ShortsAlternative golf options

The Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation has partnered with two additional golf courses that will allow the Fort Meade community to play at discounted rates:

Hobbits Glen Golf Club, 11130 Willowbottom Drive, Columbia. For information, call 410-730-5980.

Fairway Hills Golf Club, 5100 Columbia Road, Columbia. For information, call 410-730-1112.

EFMP bowlingThe Exceptional Family Member Program bowling events are held the

third Tuesday of each month at the Lanes.The next EFMP bowling event will be July 17 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.Events are open to Fort Meade exceptional family members and their

family members and features free buffet food and giveaways.Exceptional family members ages 18 and younger and their siblings may

register for free games and shoe rental at https://webtrac.mwr.army.mil/webt-rac/meadecyms.html.

For more information, call 301-677-1156.Adult exceptional family members may register for free games and shoe

rental at the EFMP office at 301-677-4779. Discounted games and shoe rental will be offered to other adult family members.

For more information, email Anita Hendrix at [email protected] or call 301-677-4779.

First Responders Golf ClassicThe Directorate of Emergency Services will sponsor the First Responder

Golf Classic on Sept. 7 at Compass Pointe Golf Course in Pasadena.Registration begins at 7 a.m. Cost is $100 per player.The field is limited to 36 teams, so register early. Breakfast is provided.The shotgun start is at 9 a.m. An awards dinner banquet follows the

tournament.The event features a Captain’s Choice Best Ball four-player team. (Those

who cannot fill all four are paired with other singles.)Prizes will be awarded for long drive, straightest drive, closest to the pin

(male/female) and top-placed teams. Door prizes also will be presented.For more information, call Keith Willard at 301-677-7681.

Summer sports campsRegistration is under way for SKIES summer sports camps for ages 6 to 17.Football camp begins Monday and ends June 28. Basketball camp will run

July 9 to 13.Cost is $85 per camp.For more information, call 301-677-1196.

Fall sportsFall sports registration is under way at Parent Central Services, 1900 Reece

Road.Youth sports are available for ages 3 to 18 years old. Fall sports include

cheerleading, flag football, tackle football, swim and soccer.Participants ages 9 and older are encouraged to register as early as possible,

especially those interested in tackle football.For more information or to coach, call 301-677-1156 or 301-677-1149.

For more Fort Meade sports, visit www.quickscores.com/ftmeadesports.

I hope you got yourself down to the Inner Harbor last week for Sailabra-tion. My wife and I celebrated our 11th anniversary down there on Fri-day, and it was pretty boss.

We reaffirmed our love as we walked hand-in-hand through the crowds while yelling at the fruits of our mar-riage, who seemed determined to cool off in the Bay or at least get us to buy them something.

Even with that, we got to check out all the sites the harbor had to offer, most notably the tall ships and the surprisingly large number of dudes in do-rags with braided pony tails that flowed all the way down to the but-tocks.

It was Americana at its best, but our special day wasn’t all about Eskimo kisses, snuggly-wuggly time and pony tails.

There was some serious conflict as well.

As you know, the Sailabration was tied to the Bicentennial of the War of 1812, a historic conflict whose out-come serves as my wife and I’s default argument. Like most Canadians, my wife believes that Canada somehow won the war even though it wasn’t even a country until 1867. However, that fact didn’t keep her from tell-ing me how “they” burned down our White House. “They,” I replied, “were subjects of the crown, so why do you give Canada credit for something the British did? It’s not genuine.”

As you can imagine, that dose of reality didn’t sit well with my Canuck. The next thing you know, we were talking about touks, toonies and 70’s AM radio icon Anne Murray. Even worse, my unwillingness to yield to those who claim to be what they are not ultimately led to me spending part of my anniversary night on the couch.

Anyway, Canadians are not the only ones who claim glory they haven’t earned. Americans do it, too. The most recent example is Nik Wallenda, who is now being classified as a dare-devil because he walked across Niag-ara Falls on a tightrope. Here’s the video in case you missed it: http://bit.ly/NF7WlD.

W a l k i n g across a 457-meter wire that is five inches in diameter is impressive, but upon further review you will see a little thing we critics like to call a harness, which was attached to a steel cable, which was designed to keep him from falling into the cool, rushing Niagara River. So, I ask you, where’s the dan-ger?

I believed Wallenda when he said that the television networks mandated that he wear a harness because “Nik Wallenda cannot lose his life live on national television.”

I certainly do not want to see Nik, or anyone for that matter, fall to their death, but let’s be real. You can’t be a daredevil without the fear of death. Wallenda’s walk while attached to a wire doesn’t make him a daredevil. It just proves he has good balance and isn’t afraid of heights.

Did you ever see Evel Kneivel attached to any cables? No! http://bit.ly/LzFRsN. That’s because being a daredevil is all about canes, capes and contusions, not steel cables that could probably keep the Maid of the Mist from plunging into the water, much less a man.

Now all of this doesn’t mean that Wallenda’s not brave. I certainly wouldn’t muster up the gumption to walk across The Falls. But there are a lot of things people do that I’m not brave enough to try, i.e. grow a pony tail that flows down to my buttocks.

It just means that Wallenda lovers, just like our Canadian friends, need to know their role and own it.

If Nik was a true daredevil, he would have stepped onto Canadian soil sing-ing “The Star-Spangled Banner” while wearing a T-shirt that reads: “Sir Issac Brock is a punk.”

Or, he’d just marry a Canadian and tell her what really happened in 1812.

If you have comments on this or any-thing to do with sports, contact me at [email protected].

Know your role

Chad T. Jones, Public Affairs

Officer

Jibber Jabber - OpiniOn

fort meade soundoff for june 21, 2012

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