pentagram 012215

By Damien SalasPentagram Staff

Writer

Virginia Gov. TerryMcAuli f fe proposedlegislation Jan. 9 thataims to strengthen thestate’s economy with“common sense measuresto s t r eng t hen ou rCommonwealth’s standingas the best place on earthfor military personnel,veterans and their familiesto live, work and thrive,”according to a press release.The proposed leg-

islation needs to makeit through the VirginiaGeneral Assembly, but ifpassed would expand thestate’s relationship with theDepartment of Defense sig-nificantly by adding ways

By Jim DresbachPentagram Staff

Writer

Military bases and theirservice members, civilianworkers and families canencounter quality of lifeproblems throughout theyear, yet solutions can bean afternoonmeeting awaywhen the Army FamilyAction Plan (AFAP) focusgroup assembles.The joint base AFAP

focus group held its recentsession Jan. 15 at the FortMyer portion of Joint BaseMyer-Henderson Hall’sBldg. 201. The groupconsisted of 10 servicemembers, three civil-ians and one retiree. Thegroup’s responsibility is toreview issues and concernssubmitted to AFAP forresolutions at the base orArmy-wide levels.

The Jan. 15 meetingtackled two issues: AnArmy-wide customerservice issue, and the secondissue was how ExceptionalFamily Member Program(EFMP) enrol lmentfor mental health issuesaffects overseas assign-ments. According to ArmyCommunity ServicesVolunteer Coordinatorand focus group mod-erator Kathryn Feehan,the group met for nearlyfour hours and scrappedthe customer service issuebut decided to advance theEFMP provision to the basecommander’s desk.“The two issues we

worked on were issuesthat had been submittedto the AFAP program,” saidFeehan. “This past year,two issues were submitted,and that’s what we were

AFAP focusgroup reviewslatest Armyissues, concerns

Proposed Virginia legislation could easemilitary transition to private sector

see LEGISLATION, page 4

see GROUP, page 4

Vol. 62, No. 3 January 22, 2015 www.army.mil/jbmhh Published For Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall

Pentagram

News NotesJBM-HH phases inbase access measures

Joint Base Myer-Henderson hasbegun preparing for new visitoraccess control measures, as directedby the Secretary of the Army. Thenew measures are designed to keepall visitors to all three portions ofthe joint base safe and secure, butwill increase traffic delays at accesscontrol points – Fort Myer’s HatfieldGate off of Washington Boulevardat South 2nd Street, in particular.Department of Defense identificationcard holders will experience the fewestdelays. The changes will take effectFeb. 16. Additional information onJBM-HH access changes, includingsteps individuals can take to minimizedelays, are included in this issue (seeabove story).The Directorate of Emergency

Services encourages non-DoD IDcard holders, visitors and contractorsineligible to obtain common accesscards (CAC), who frequent the jointbase, to begin the pre-vetting processfor issuance of a locally-producedJBM-HH access credential at Bldg.415 (Provost Marshal’s Office) onthe Fort Myer portion of JBM-HH.Pre-registration is open until Feb. 13.The Visitor Control Center is openMonday through Friday, 8 a.m. to3:30 p.m., but is closed on weekendsand all federal holidays. The centermay be reached at 703-696-8968 or703-588-2803.

Physical fitness tests offeredat Henderson Hall

HendersonHall’s Headquarters andService Battalion holds regular physicalfitness tests (PFT) forMarines tomeetsemi-annual training requirements.The next PFT will be held Jan. 23at 7 a.m. at the pull-up bars locatedjust outside the Cpl. Terry L. SmithGymnasium on the Henderson Hallportion of JBM-HH. Marines whodesire to participate in these two eventsshould be in appropriate clothing,which includes “green on green” fitness

see NEWS NOTES, page 4

Index Stay connected!

This week in history . . . . . . . . . . page 2Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 3Purple Heart awarded . . . . . . . . page 3News Notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 4Pollution prevention . . . . . . . . . . page 6MDW’s special reaction team . . . page 7

Facebook: www.facebook.com/jbmhh

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JBM-HH information hotline: 703-696-6906

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When winter weather hits, stay informed!

Visit the official JBM-HH social mediawebsites to obtain pertinent news aboutlocal-area events, traffic closures andother relevant local news.

PHOTO BY TECH. SGT. CHRISSY BEST

Tiana Lopez tries the baseball toss game, while her sister Gaby and mother Carolina watch at the Child Find/Exceptional Family Member Program Extravaganza Special Needs Fair Oct. 1, 2011, at Joint Base Charleston-Weapons Station. How Exceptional Family Member Program enrollment for mental health issues affects over-seas assignments was one of two issues discussed Jan. 15 during an Army Family Action Plan focus groupsession at the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall.

PHOTO BY RACHEL LARUE

Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Jessica L. Garfola Wright gives remarksduring the Hiring Heroes Career Fair in Spates Community Center on the Fort Myer portion of JointBase Myer-Henderson Hall, Nov. 6, 2014. Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe recently proposed newlegislation that, if passed into law, may help service members and their families as they transitionout of the military.

By Office ofMarine CorpsCommunication,Defense Media

Activity

TheCommandant of theMarine Corps announcedJan. 20 the selection of Sgt.Maj. Ronald L. Green asthe next SergeantMajor ofthe Marine Corps.“It gives me great

pleasure to name Sgt. Maj.

Green as the 18th SergeantMajor of the MarineCorps,” said Gen. Joseph F.Dunford Jr., the comman-dant of theMarine Corps.“His dynamic leadership

is well known throughoutthe ranks of our Corps.His wide range of expe-rience in both peacetimeand combat, and his recordof performance make himextraordinarily well-qual-

Next Sergeant Majorof the Marine Corpsannounced

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE MARINES

Sgt. Maj. Ronald L. Green, then serving as the sergeant major ofI Marine Expeditionary Force, speaks with Marines aboard MarineCorps Air-Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., May 3,2013. Green, the former sergeant major for Henderson Hall, wasrecently announced as the next sergeant major of the Marine Corps. see MARINES, page 4

2 Thursday, January 22, 2015 PENTAGRAM

Caption This no. 3

Caption Thisno. 2 winner

“That is THE LASTTIME I break the

rules, because thispunishment is

horrible.”

- Margaret SteelePentagram reader

Each week, “Caption This” will feature a photo taken on base. It’s up to youto figure out the best, funniest or craziest caption that describes what’s goingon in the picture. The only rule is you have to KEEP IT CLEAN!Caption This submissions can be sent to [email protected], left

in the comments on www.facebook.com/jbmhh or dropped off at HeadquartersBldg. 59, suite 116. Don’t forget to add the Caption This number, your name,rank or position and where you work.The winner’s name, caption and the photo will be printed in the newspaper.

If you have a photo you think would make a great Caption This, send it in.

The Pentagram is an authorized publication for members of the Department of Defense. Contents of the Pentagram are not necessarily

the official views of the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, the Department of the Army, Department of the Navy, or Joint Base

Myer-Henderson Hall.

The content of this publication is the responsibility of the Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Public Affairs Office. Pictures not otherwise credited

are U.S. Army photographs. News items should be submitted to the Pentagram, 204 Lee Ave., Bldg. 59, Fort Myer, VA 22211-1199. They

may also be e-mailed to [email protected].

Circulation of 24,000 is printed by offset every Thursday as a civilian enterprise newspaper by Comprint Military Publications. Comprint

Military Publications is located at 9030 Comprint Court, Gaithersburg, MD 20877. Telephone (301) 921-2800. Commercial advertising

should be placed with the printer.

Comprint Military Publications is a private firm in no way connected with the Department of the Army or Department of the Navy.

The appearance of advertisements in this publication, to include all inserts and supplements, does not constitute an endorsement by the

Department of the Army or Department of the Navy of the products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this publication shall

be made available 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. A confirmed violation of this policy of equal

opportunity by an advertiser shall result in the refusal to print advertising from that source.

Editorial staffCommander Col. Michael D. HendersonCommand Sergeant Major Command Sgt. Maj. Randall E. WoodsDirector of Public Affairs Mary Ann HodgesCommand Information Officer Sharon Walker

Pentagram staffEditor Jim Goodwin 703-696-5401

Staff Writer Jim Dresbach 703-696-5488

Staff Writer Julia LeDoux 703-696-7605

Staff Writer Guv Callahan 703-696-7607

Staff Writer Damien Salas 703-696-1363

Staff Photographer Rachel Larue 703-696-7606

Graphic Designer Helen Klein 703-696-3114

Printed on recycled paper

www.army.mil/jbmhh

Pentagram

The Marines have landed

This week in military historyCompiled by Jim Goodwin

Editor, Pentagram

Jan. 221969:

Operation Dewey Canyon begins during the Vietnam Warin the A Shau/Da Krong valleys when the 9th Marines andsupporting artillery were lifted from Quang Tri. By March18, 1,617 enemy troops were killed in action and more than500 tons of weapons and ammunition were unearthed.

Jan. 231953:

The U.S. Air Force’s 18th Fighter-Bomber Wing fly the lastF-51 Mustang mission of the Korean War.

Jan. 241942:

The Battle of Makassar Strait begins, resulting in a destroyerattack on a Japanese convoy in the first naval surface actionin the Pacific during World War II.

Jan. 251856:

Marines and Sailors from the U.S. sloop Decatur went ashoreat the village of Seattle, Wash., to protect settlers from Indianraids. The Indians launched a seven-hour attack but weredriven off later that day after suffering severe losses. NoMarines or Sailors were killed.

Jan. 261913:

The body of John Paul Jones is laid in its final resting placein the Chapel of Naval Academy, Annapolis, Md.

Jan. 271988:

About 400Marines and Sailors from the IIMarine ExpeditionaryForce and subordinate air, ground and logistics unites deployedfor the Persian Gulf. The Contingency Marine Air-GroundTask Force provided a landing force capability to Joint TaskForce Middle East.

Jan. 281991:

The first serious ground fighting of Operation Desert Stormbegan when Iraqi troops mounted an attack into Saudi Arabiaalong a 40-mile front.

PHOTO BY STAFF SGT. ALVIN WILLIAMS JR.

For more JBM-HH photos,visit us online at:

www.flickr.com/photos/jbm-hh

PHOTO BY DAMIEN SALAS

Two Marine Corps MV-22 Ospreys land Jan. 15, as part of training at the Fort McNair portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall. The tilt-rotor aircraft are known bestfor their maneuverability, speed and ability to carry up to 24 passengers. For more images from this event, visit us at: www.flickr.com/photos/jbm-hh.

John Paul Jonescapturing theSerapis.

COURTESY OF U.S. NATIONAL ARCHIVES

PHOTO BY STAFF SGT. LUISITO BROOKS

PENTAGRAM Thursday, January 22, 2015 3

By Guv CallahanPentagram Staff Writer

More than 200 service members, employees and com-munity members packed into the Community Centeron the Fort Myer portion of Joint BaseMyer-HendersonHall Jan. 15 for a ceremony to remember the life andlegacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.“It is only fitting that we take the time out every

year to reflect on the principles of racial equality andnonviolent social change espoused by Dr. King,” saidJBM-HH Commander Col. Mike Henderson at thestart of the ceremony. “It’s important that we rememberDr. King’s life and legacy, his principles and ideals, andhis ultimate sacrifice. In his memory, we should thinkabout what we can do to make a difference in our ownlives, no matter how big or how small.”The ceremony, which was attended by Joint Force

Headquarters-National Capital Region and U.S. ArmyMilitary District of Washington Commander Maj.Gen. Jeffrey S. Buchanan, featured a keynote addressfrom retired U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Clara Mae LeachAdams-Ender.Henderson said Adams-Ender was the first African-

American Nurse Corps officer graduate from the ArmyWar College. She graduated in 1976 as the first womanto earn aMasters of Military Art and Science degree atthe U.S. Army Command and General Staff College.She was promoted to brigadier general and became theChief of the ArmyNurse Corps in 1987. In 1991, Adams-Ender was selected to be the commanding general ofFort Belvoir, Va., and served in that capacity as well asdeputy commanding general of the U.S. ArmyMilitaryDistrict of Washington until she retired in 1993.“As we celebrate Dr. King’s birthday again this year,

we have the opportunity to remember a great teacher,who left us with many lessons of wisdom and courage,”Adams-Ender said.Her speech explored “The Four Agreements,” prin-

ciples defined by Mexican spiritualist Don MiguelRuiz, that Adams-Ender said would also help commu-

JBM-HH community honors Martin Luther King Jr.

The U.S. Army Band performance scheduleJan. 247:30 p.m.

The U.S. Army Blues will perform with theYorktown High School Jazz Ensemble as part of theEssentially Ellington Jazz Festival atYorktown High School in Arlington,Va.

Jan. 276 p.m.

The U.S. Army Band Downrange will perform at theWashington Auto Show at theWashingtonConvention Center inWashington, D.C.

Jan. 287:30 p.m.

The U.S. Army Brass and Percussion Ensemble will perform with the AmericanTuba Quartet andThe U.S. Navy BandTuba Quartet at the 2015The U.S. Army BandTuba-EuphoniumWorkshopat Loboda Studio at Brucker Hall at the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall.Editor’s note:The U.S. Army Band hosts the annual workshop through Jan. 31, which featuresnumerous performances between Jan. 27-31. See the Band’s website (right) for details on all of theseperformances.

Feb. 283 p.m.

The U.S. Army Blues will perform in celebration of African-American History Month at BruckerHall on the Fort Myer portion of JBM-HH.

Performances are free and open tothe public, unless otherwise noted.All outdoor concerts are subject tocancellation or location change dueto weather considerations. Pleasecall 703-696-3399 for up-to-dateinformation on concert cancellationsor location changes. For additionaldetails and a full calendar ofperformances, visit www.usarmyband.com/event-calendar.html.

see MLK, page 7

Wounded in combat

By Staff Sgt. Jennifer C. JohnsonJFHQ-NCR/MDW Public Affairs

More than 500 service members andcivilians from the Joint ForceHeadquarters-National Capital Region and theU.S. ArmyMilitary District of Washington and itsinter-agency partners gathered at a ‘readyand resilient’ professional developmenttraining session to hear ArmyMaster Sgt.Cedric King, a double amputee, speakabout the challenges he faces in his life.In 2012, King was wounded in

Afghanistan by an Improvised ExplosiveDevice (I.E.D.) while conducting abuilding-clearing mission. He sustainedamultitude of internal and external injuriesand has become a bilateral leg amputee.“I want to send a message to those

guys that meant to hurt me,” said King.“Instead of hurting me, you’ve only mademe better. Instead of taking my legs away,

you’ve given me so muchmore to live for.”“Master Sgt. King is a great example of

a person being resilient,” said CommandSgt.Maj. David O. Turnbull, JFHQ-NCR/MDW command sergeant major. “Hedidn’t let his injuries defeat him. He usedit as a reason to push all possible limits.”King discussed the challenges and the

mental and physical effects his injurieshad on him as well as his family. He spokeabout life after losing his legs and howfaith, family and focus are the key factorsin his ability to conquer life’s challenges.“You can take my hands, you can take

my eyes and you can take my hearing,”said King. “But what you cannot takeaway from me is that spirit inside.”“His story exemplifies the 2014 theme for

Warrior CareMonth – ‘Show of Strength,’which we, as an organization, hope tocontinue to embody in this New Year,”said Turnbull.

Combat vet talks resiliency,readiness at JBM-HH

PHOTO BY LISA FERNANDO

Army Master Sgt. Cedric King, who lost both legs and some arm function in an impro-vised-explosive-device blast in Afghanistan in 2012, speaks about resilience and over-coming challenges, at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall’s Conmy Hall, Va., Jan. 13.


Retired Army Brig. Gen. Clara Adams-Ender gives remarks Jan. 15 in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’sbirthday in the community center on the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall.


Left, Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, chief of staff of the U.S. Army, presents retiredU.S. Air Force Maj. Jesse M. Baltazar with a Purple Heart medal along side wifeMargrit, Jan. 20 in Conmy Hall on the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall for wounds Baltazar sustained in combat during World War II.


Left, Maj. Gen. Jeffrey S. Buchanan, commanding general, Joint ForceHeadquarters-National Capital Region and the U.S. Army Military District ofWashington, congratulates Purple Heart recipient retired U.S. Air Force Maj.Jesse M. Baltazar Jan. 20 in Conmy Hall on the Fort Myer portion of Joint BaseMyer-Henderson Hall.

Community

attire, running shoes and white socks. For moreinformation, contact the battalion’s training sectionat 703-693-8343.

Chili cook-offDo you have a winning chili recipe? If so, JBM-HH

Command Sgt. Maj. Randall Woods is challengingeach directorate to compete and submit two chilirecipes for the installation cook-off.Email [email protected] for entry no

later than Jan. 23. The first two entries from eachdirectorate will be selected and receive a confirma-tion email to secure spots in the cook-off, whichwill be held Jan. 27 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. inthe fire station bay on the Fort Myer portion ofthe joint base. Chili submissions must be set up by10:50 a.m. and must be in a crockpot. Contestantsmust provide all sides (cheese, crackers). Awardswill be presented to the winner, runner-up and besteffort. Chili will be judged base on taste and flavor,originality and presentation.

Tax season is hereThe U.S. ArmyMilitary District of Washington

and the U.S.Marine Corps National Capital RegionCommand are jointly operating the JBM-HH TaxCenter, which will serve military personnel, theirfamilies and other eligible customers. The TaxCenter is located in Bldg. 205 on the Fort Myerportion of the joint base.Customers should bring their military ID cards;

all W2s, 1099s, 1098s; Social Security cards forall family members; EIN for day care providers;all documents supporting deductions and credits;copies of their 2014 federal and state returns; andtax power of attorney or IRS Form 2848.No appointments are necessary; however, appoint-

ments are available for more complex tax returns.The center is openMonday, Wednesday and Fridayfrom 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Tuesdays and Thursdaysfrom 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and is open every otherSaturday beginning Feb. 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.For more information, contact Capt. LynmarieRivera at [email protected] call 703-696-0771.

MDW Sgt. Audie Murphy Clubscholarship available

All high school seniors who are dependents ofactive duty service members in theMilitary Districtof Washington may apply for the MDW Sgt. AudieMurphy Club scholarship. A letter of acceptancefrom a college is also required. The award provides$500 for use during the freshman year.To apply, write an 800- to 1,000-word essay in a

word processing document, double spaced and arial12 font. Submit essays via email to: [email protected]. Choose one of the following topics:Why do you believe being a military dependent

has prepared you for adulthood and how has yourmilitary sponsor influenced your life?What is the importance of volunteering and how

do you believe your military sponsor has displayedto you the importance of selfless service to yourcountry, community and family?Through the hardships of 13 years of war, military

members have benefited from strong family supportand dependents have endured uncertainty and change.How has your military sponsor and/or mother/fathertaught you the importance of resiliency, patriotismand family? How will you apply this in adulthood?Eligible candidates must currently reside within a

25-mile radius of the following areas: Fort Meade,Md.; Fort Hamilton, N.Y.; Walter Reed NationalMedical Center,Md.; all three portions of JBM-HH.;The Pentagon; Fort Belvoir, Va.; Fort A.P. Hill, Va.and Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va. Essays willbe accepted from Feb. 1 through March 31.

Dining Facility under renovationThe Dining Facility on the Fort Myer portion of

Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall is under renova-tion and sack meals for military personnel will beavailable in the Dining Facility, Fort Myer’s Bldg.404, Feb. 1. During the last half of January, mealswill be served at the DFAC as usual. All meals willbe served at the Community Activities Center, Bldg.405, from Feb. 2 through March 15, with regularmeal times and prices applying. For more informa-tion, call 703-696-2087.

Filing on-the-job injury claimsWhen an employee is injured on the job, medical

help should be sought first, if necessary, and makesure the supervisor is informed. The employee andsupervisor are responsible for completing CA-1(traumatic injury) or CA-2 (occupational disease)forms. The CA-1 and CA-2 must be filed within10 days of the injury or disease onset. Once theform has been completed, supervisors are respon-sible for submitting it through the electronic datainterchange web page at www.cpms.osd.mil/ICUC/ICUC.index.aspx. The form can also be sent to theinjury compensation program administrators at theFort Belvoir Civilian Advisory Center.If your organization is serviced by the Fort Belvoir

CPAC, call injury compensation program admin-istrators Michelle McKenzie at 703-704-3028 orAminah James at 703-704-3023 for more information.Submit questions, forms or schedule training

for both supervisors and employees on the workerscompensation program at [email protected].

Soil removal project to hamper parkingPart of the project for the newNetwork Enterprise

Center facility on the Fort Myer portion of the jointbase will be the removal of soil at the constructionsite for the future Bldg. 235. From now until theend of January, a crew will remove soil at the sitebehind Bldg. 28 (veterinary services) and The OldGuard Caisson. During this time, the area willbe closed and no vehicles will be allowed to parkbehind the caisson and paddock area. There willbe large dump trucks transiting the area and along

News Notes, from page 1

see NEWS NOTES, page 5

reviewing. The focus grouphas the ability to review theissue or issues and decideto submit these further upthe [command] chain.”The AFAP focus group

is required to meet at leastonce a year and can meetwhenever an issue is sub-mitted to the base ArmyCommunity Service office.Issues submitted are thenreviewed and rewritten bythe focus group in para-graph form. If the issue isbase-related, the issue willhit the base commander’sdesk, but wide-scopingArmy or military issuescould make it all theway to the Secretary ofthe Army or the DefenseSecretary’s desks.Some issues that have

started at the focus grouplevel include expansionof the Homeowner’sAssistance Program (HAP),the post-9/11 VeteransEducational Assistance Actof 2008 and AFAP issue591, a spouse employmentissue that evolved into anexecutive order.“This, the installation

level focus group, is thegrass roots movement of

this program,” Feehansaid. “From that [focusgroup], the issue will goup to the Department ofthe Army level and then toa general officer’s steeringcommittee. From this grass

roots level, the issue maychange and evolve as it goesup the chain.”Feehan to ld t he

Pentagram that servicemembers, military familymembers, retirees and

civilians can submit issuesanytime of the year. Tosubmit an issue or to vol-unteer for a future focusgroup, call the ArmyCommunity Service officeat 703-696-3510.

Group, from page 1

service members transitioning out ofthe service can earn college credits.To make college more affordable

McAuliffe proposed that veteranshave, the option of transferringtheir military background into theVirginia Community College System(VCCS), which would allow recentlydischarged Virginia veterans seekingaffordable higher education to receiveacademic credit for military educa-tion and training.“When you are in the military,

you are sent to training coursesthat can be translated on thecivilian side as academic credit,”said Carlos Rodriguez, Joint BaseMyer-Henderson Hall Soldier forLife-Transition Assistance Programtransition service manager. “Forexample, a service member special-izing in logistics could put the training

they receive towards a bachelor’sdegree in logistics management,reducing the amount of credits theywould normally have to take to earnthat degree.”The VCCSwould adopt policies for

each community college to identify,verify and award credits for a militarytraining course or program, accordingto the press release.McAuliffe also proposed local

school districts receive federal fundingby implementing a “military childrenidentifier,” in Virginia schools thatenroll uniformed services-connectedchildren. The system would allowtracking of data to help inform policyand program decisions for this uniquestudent population, according tothe release.Last on the list of proposed items

is theMilitary Bond Initiative, whichwould allow the Virginia PublicBuilding Authority to issue bonds

for military mission improvement andexpansion projects as recommendedby the Commission on MilitaryInstallations and Defense Activities,which McAuliffe created throughan executive order March 1, 2013.“We are fortunate to have inVirginia

one of the largest concentrations ofmilitary and defense activities, facili-ties, personnel and families in thecountry,” saidMcAuliffe in a statementMarch 3, 2013. “Given the significanteconomic impact that our militaryinstallations and defense activitieshave on our Commonwealth, andin view of the recently announcedproposed Department of Defensebudget cuts and potential 2017 baserealignment and closure activity, ithas never been more vital for us towork hand-in-hand with our defenseand military partners to ensure thecontinued vitality of these assets.”

Legislation, from page 1

ified to serve as our senior enlistedleader,” Dunford said.Green, currently the sergeantmajor

of I Marine Expeditionary Force (IMEF), will replace Sgt.Maj.MichealP. Barrett, who has held the billetsince June 2011.Barrett is credited with improving

Marines’ training, education, com-pensation, quality of life, bachelor

enlisted quarters, on-base housingand family support programs.“Sgt. Maj. Barrett has poured his

heart and soul into servingMarines,Sailors, and their families,” Dunfordsaid. “He has truly made a positiveimpact on the combat readinessof our Corps.”The relief and appointment

ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m.,Feb. 20, at the Marine Corps WarMemorial in Arlington, Virginia.

The post of Sergeant Major of theMarine Corps was established in1957 as the senior enlisted advisorto the Commandant of the MarineCorps, the first such post in any ofthe branches of the United StatesArmed Forces. The Sergeant Majorof theMarine Corps is selected by thecommandant, and typically serves afour-year term, though his service isat the pleasure of the commandant.

Visit us online!www.DCMilitaryHcom

PHOTO BY TECH. SGT. CHRISSY BEST

Garynn Napiter, gets her hands painted for decorative art project with help from hermother Blasia, at the Child Find/Exceptional Family Member Program ExtravaganzaSpecial Needs Fair Oct. 1, at Marrington Plantation, Joint Base Charleston-WeaponsStation. ow Exceptional Family Member Program enrollment for mental healthissues affects overseas assignments was one of two issues discussed Jan. 15during an Army Family Action Plan focus group session at the Fort Myer portionof Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall.

PHOTO BY RACHEL LARUE

Sgt. Maj. Micheal P. Barrett, sergeant major of the Marine Corps, delivers the game ball during the pregameceremony at Nationals Park, Washington, D.C., Aug. 20, 2014. Barrett’s successor, Sgt. Maj. Ronald L. Green, aformer Henderson Hall sergeant major, was recently announced as the 18th sergeant major of the Marine Corps.

Marines, from page 1



Sheridan Avenue. Use care while driving,walking and running in this area. Formore information, call 703-696-5680.

Baby bundlesLearn how to prepare your home and

relationship for the changes that are neededwhen your baby arrives during this classset for Jan. 23 from noon to 2 p.m. inBldg. 201 on the Fort Myer portion of thejoint base. A brief overview of the laborand delivery process, newborn care andbaby-proofing your homewill be discussed.Individuals will receive a bag of free babycare and safety items. For more informa-tion and to register, call 703-696-3512.

Family memberemployment assistance

Marine Corps Community ServiceHenderson Hall’s Family MemberEmployment Assistance Program offersemployment assistance to spouses andother family members of active dutyservice members. Among the offeringsin January are marketing volunteer expe-rience Jan. 28. For details, visit www.mccsHH.com/CRMC.html and look forupcoming FMEAP upcoming events orcall 703-614-6828.

Ready for some football?Family, MoraleWelfare and Recreation

and the USOwill host JBM-HH’s annualSuper Bowl party Feb. 1 at SpatesCommunity Club on the FortMyer portionof the joint base. Doors will open at 5 p.m.Kick-off for Super Bowl XLIX is 6:25p.m. In addition to the game, there willbe food, fun and chances to win prizesfor all eligible FMWR patrons, includingtwo chances to win $10,000. The first100 FMWR eligible patrons arrivingbetween 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. can enter fora chance to win $10,000 if they success-fully predict the halftime score and finalscore of the game. The second chance towin $10,000 for up to 500 FMWR eligiblepatrons is Crack the Vault. Eligible FMWRpatrons may only play each contest once.Registration will be held in the lobby ofSpates Community Club. All contestsare free to enter, with eligibility and agerestrictions. For further information, call703-527-1300.

Come shred with usEnvironmental Management Division

JBM-HH is offering a shredding eventFeb. 4-5 on all three portions of JBM-HH.

Shredding at Fort Myer will take placeFeb. 4 from 10-11 a.m. at Bldg. 59, and11 a.m.-noon at Bldg. 321. Shredding atHenderson Hall will take place Feb. 4 atBldg. 29 from 9-10 a.m. Finally, shred-ding at Fort McNair will take place Feb.5, at Bldg. 29 from 9-10 a.m. and at Bldg.62 from 10-11 a.m. Items that can beshredded include paper, manila folders,staples, paper clips and rubber bands.Documents will go into a container to belifted and tipped into the shredding unit.Those who bring materials for shreddingcan watch the documents being securelyshredded on site. Since all the shreddedpaper is recycled, be sure to remove allsubstantial cardboard, plastic and metalfrom the materials. Newspaper, creditcards, CDs, cardboard, three-ring bindersand binder clips cannot be shredded.Contact Mark Luckers, JBM-HH envi-ronmental officer, at 703-696-2012 formore information.

It’s not too late to geta flu vaccine

Flu vaccinations are available at theAndrew Rader U.S. Army Health Clinicon the Fort Myer portion of the joint baseon a walk-in basis. Immunization clinichours are 7:30 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3:30p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday andFriday. On Thursday, the clinic is openfrom 7:30 a.m. to 12 noon and 1 to 2:30p.m. Youmay also request a flu vaccinationin the primary care and pediatrics clinicsas part of your scheduled appointments.

Winter weather is here –be prepared!

In the event of weather-related closures,Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall per-sonnel follow the guidance of the Office ofPersonnelManagement. OPMdeterminesthe open or closed status for all govern-ment agencies and installations locatedinside the Washington, D.C., beltway.If you have any questions about your

duty status, contact your supervisor.Partner organization personnel shouldinquire within their chain of command.For OPM guidance, see www.opm.gov/

status. You can also call 202-606-1900around the clock for status.For immediate updates from JBM-HH,

visit us online at www.facebook.com/jbmhhand www.twitter.com/jbmhh. Also, theJBM-HHwebsite (www.army.mil/jbmhh)contains a winter weather link – acti-vated when necessary – with up-to-dateweather information. You can also call thecommander’s information hotline at 703-

696-6906, which is updated in emergenciesor inclement weather situations. See www.weather.gov for a forecast.

Ice melt refillsAt JBM-HH, filled ice melt buckets

have already been placed outside facili-ties by the Directorate of Public Works.Refill ice melt buckets by bringing emptybuckets to Bldg. 325 on the Fort Myerportion of the joint base and the P StreetLot on the Fort McNair portion of thejoint base between the hours of 1 and2 p.m., Monday through Friday. CallDenise Faldowski at 703-696-1254 formore information.

News Note policy! Read in fullNews Notes submissions must be less

than 100 words, contain all pertinentdetails — to include the five “W’s” — aswell as a point of contact, phone numberand/or website for additional information.News Notes must be submitted no laterthan noon,Wednesdays, for considerationfor publication in the following week’sPentagram. For example, informationsubmitted for publication in News NotesonWednesday, Feb. 4, will be published inthe PentagramThursday, Feb.12. Prioritywill be given to those announcements ofevents and deadlines occurring duringthe publication week. Please note thatsubmission of a news note does not guar-antee publication. Please send your newsnotes to the Pentagram at [email protected].

News Notes, from page 4

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By Tiffany J. LeeEnvironmental Management

DivisionDirectorate of Public Works

In the Chesapeake Bay watershed,storm water pollution is the main causeof poor water quality in streams andrivers. As rivers flow downstream, so dotheir pollutants. State and federal gov-ernments are working together to helpprevent storm water pollution preven-tion and distribute the responsibility ofcleaning storm water among the localities,municipalities and military installa-tions that call the 64,000-square mileChesapeake Bay watershed home. Thisincludes portions of Pennsylvania, NewYork,West Virginia Delaware, Maryland,Virginia, and Washington, D.C.What makes storm water pol-

lution so bad?Storm water is runoff from rain or

snowmelt that flows over the groundinstead of being absorbed by soil. Storm

water is a natural and expected result ofprecipitation, but the pollutants it picksup on its way to a stream are not. In urbanareas with paved surfaces, storm waterrunoff flows faster, and pollutants suchas motor oil, dirt, pet waste and cigarettebutts that have collected on pavementget dissolved or picked up over time.In urban areas, storm water flows intosewers, which lead directly to streamsand rivers without filters or treatment.That means storm water pollutants thatmake it into sewers are carried directlyto streams and rivers.The most damaging form of storm

water pollution are the items we can’t see:Nutrients – Fertilizer, pet waste and

leaks from sanitary sewer pipes all con-tribute to nutrient pollution. The excessnutrients create perfect conditions for theovergrowth of algae in the ChesapeakeBay, known as an algal bloom.When thealgae dies and decays, this process uses upthe oxygen in the water, creating “deadzones,” where there is too little oxygen

for fish and other aquatic life to survive.Chemicals – Chemicals can end up

in storm water runoff such as cleaners,pesticides, insecticides, motor oil andantifreeze are poisonous to plant andanimal life. In addition, animals that eatpoisoned plants and animals pass thesechemicals up the food chain, which putspeople at risk, as well. In fact, the EPA andstate agencies haveimposed restrictionson fish consump-tion in waterways,i nc lud i ng t heAnacost ia andPotomac Rivers,where cer t a i nchemicals are espe-cially prevalent.Sediment – Fine

sediment carriedby runoff containsnut r ient s andchemicals, actingas a pathway forthese pollutants toenter waterways.Sediment itself isalso considered apollutant, because itclouds water, chokesunderwater plantgrowth and makesit harder for preda-tors and prey to see.Temperature

– Pavement isgenerally warmer than grass-and forest-covered areas because paved surfaces, likeasphalt, absorb and retain heat. Stormwater flowing over urban, paved areaswarms up before it enters waterbodies. Forplants and animals that are sensitive totemperature, warmer water temperaturescause stress or death.Bacteria – Disease-causing bacteria

from pet waste, leaky sewage pipes andimproperly functioning septic systemscan be carried by storm water to streams.The bacteria can harm aquatic animalsand people who fish, swim, ski, canoe orengage in other recreational activities inwaterways with high levels of bacteria.Trash andDebris – Grates and inlets

keep large pieces of trash and debris fromentering storm water sewers, but paper,small cans, plastic and cigarette buttseasily make their way through. Litter

poses choking and/or digestive hazardsfor animals mistaking them for food,and toxic chemicals are released to theenvironment as litter breaks down.The presence of any of these storm

water pollutants negatively affects waterquality. The Virginia Department ofEnvironmental Quality assesses waterquality for six designated use types: aquatic

life, fish consump-tion, shellfishing,recreation, publicwater supply andw i ld l i fe . Twowaterways close toJoint Base Myer-Henderson Hall,Four-mile Runand the PotomacRiver, are con-sidered impaired:Four-mile Run isimpaired becauseof high levels ofbacteria, making itunsuitable for rec-reation. Portions ofthe Potomac Riverare consideredimpaired becauseof high levels ofchemicals in fishtissues, makingit unsuitable forfish and shellfish

consumption. Near Fort McNair, theAnacostia River is impaired for multiplepollutants: high levels of nutrients, chemi-cals, bacteria and debris make the riverunsuitable for fish and shellfish consump-tion and recreation.With everyone’s help, storm water pol-

lutants can be reduced and impairedwaterbodies can be restored. We canall help reduce pollution by using goodjudgment: don’t litter, clean up all spillsimmediately and don’t overuse chemicals,like deicing salt, cleaners, fertilizers, orpesticides. Make storm water pollutionprevention your new year’s resolution.To report conditions that could cause

storm water pollution or to get moreinvolved with storm water activitiesat JBM-HH, call the EnvironmentalManagement Division at 703-696-8055.

Storm water pollution prevention paramount

COURTESY PHOTO BY JANE THOMAS

Signs like these on storm water drainsremind people that water flowinginto these grates drains into theChesapeake Bay.

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nity members to honor King’s legacy – to “celebrate,remember and act.”The agreements were as follows: be impeccable with

your word; don’t take anything personally; don’t makeassumptions; and, after following the other agreements,always do your best.“Under any circumstances, simply do your best, and you

will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse and regret,” she said.

MLK, from page 3

TOG’s special reactionteam validated duringactive shooter drillBy Staff Sgt. Jennifer C. JohnsonJFHQ-NCR/MDW Public Affairs

Special Reaction Team (SRT)membersfrom the U.S. Army Military District ofWashington were evaluated Jan. 15 atthe National Defense University on theFort McNair portion of Joint BaseMyer-Henderson Hall as part of a certificationexercise to validate the team’s incidentand crisis response capabilities.“Washington, D.C., is the seat of our

government and one of many terroristchoice cities in the nation,” said John V.Lease, MDW SRT program manager.“Our SRT provides the MDW com-manding general a highly trained lawenforcement tactical team that is capableof 24/7 response within theMDW’s areaof responsibility.”MDW SRT comprises members from

the Department of Army Police, 289thMilitary Police Company, and the 3dU.S.Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), whoare supported by bomb technicians fromthe 55th Explosive Ordnance Disposal(EOD) Company and K-9 teams fromthe 947th and 241st Military Policedetachments.“Training, readiness and certifica-

tion ensures that the team is capable ofmeeting or exceeding expectations duringthe harshest of situations,” said Lease.Spc. Sebastian Rupp, 289th Military

Police Company, 3d U.S. InfantryRegiment (The Old Guard) Soldier andMDW SRT team leader, was briefed byLease before the scenario and said theexercise tested him.“As a team leader, this was my first

time doing an operation on this large ofa scale,” said Rupp. “But I had a well-trained team that knows what to do inthese type of situations.”“We held this validation to verify that

the teammeets the certification expecta-tions by evaluating eachmember’s tacticaljudgment, physical conditioning and effec-tiveness to function cohesively as tacticalteam,” said Lease. “The team had to suc-cessfully alert, assemble and respond tomost extreme threat scenario. We judgedtheir performance by analyzing theirability to successfully negotiate tacticalchallenges and obstacles.”The simulation featured a Soldier who

played a disgruntled, and armed, studentat the university. The student shot twopeople and took one hostage, triggering aSRT response. SRT, which is the militaryand DoD equivalent to SWAT, had toreact quickly to the scenario with minimalinformation.“Doing an operation this big had me a

bit out of my element at first, but I knew Ihad to stay cool, calm and collected,” saidRupp. “I knew I hadmy teammates aroundme and my goal was to keep them safe.”MDW SRT cleared the building,

room-by-room, with firearms ready. Theteam had to secure the building, workingthrough tactical challenges and usingrescue techniques.The scenario was hectic, said Rupp. But

the team’s training kicked in, and “oncewe started moving, everything startedto fall into place,” he said. “I think theevaluation went great. The team did aphenomenal job.”The team effectively met all three expec-

tations during the exercise, according toLease: Cover down on tactical angles,clear areas and perfect suspect handling.“Those are the three areas we worry

about,” he said.In the end, MDW SRT safely appre-

hended the subject in the scenario andpassed their evaluation. Lease said theteam is ready to support MDW 24/7.

see REACTION TEAM, page 8

PHOTO BY STAFF SGT. JENNIFER C. JOHNSON

Members from the U.S. Army Military District of Washington’s Special Reaction Teamclear a room during a certification exercise to validate the team’s incident and crisisresponse capabilities at the National Defense University Jan. 15, at the Fort McNairportion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall.


Members of the U.S. Army Military District of Washington’s Special Reaction Teamparticipate in a certification exercise to validate the team’s incident and crisisresponse capabilities at the National Defense University Jan. 15, at the Fort McNairportion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall.


A crowd of service members and civilians fill the community center Jan. 15 to listen to retired Brig. Gen. ClaraAdams-Ender give remarks in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday on the Fort Myer portion of JointBase Myer-Henderson Hall.


Two Marine Corps MV-22 Ospreys land Jan. 15, aspart of training at the Fort McNair portion of JointBase Myer-Henderson Hall. The tilt-rotor aircraftare known best for their maneuverability, speedand ability to carry up to 24 passengers. For moreimages from this event, visit us at: www.flickr.com/photos/jbm-hh.

Aircraft at Fort McNair

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“I think the team did exceptionally well,”said Lease. “If I had to give one message tothe command, it would be victory. It doesn’tmatter the situation, they’re ready to supportMDW 24/7. They’re definitely ready.”

Reaction team, from page 7


Members of the U.S. Army Military District of Washington’s Special Reaction Teamclear a room during a certification exercise to validate the team’s incident and crisisresponse capabilities at the National Defense University Jan. 15, at the Fort McNairportion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall.


John V. Lease, U.S. Army Military District of Washington’s Special Reaction Teamprogram manager, left, briefs Spc. Sebastian Rupp, a 289th Military Police Company,3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) Soldier and MDW Special Reaction Teamleader, right, before a certification exercise to validate the team’s incident and crisisresponse capabilities at the National Defense University Jan. 15, at the Fort McNairportion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall.


John V. Lease, U.S. Army Military District of Washington’s Special Reaction Teamprogram manager, briefs the team members during a certification exercise to validatetheir incident and crisis response capabilities at the National Defense University Jan.15, at the Fort McNair portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall.

RIGHT- A K-9 alongside members from theU.S. Army Military District of Washington’sSpecial Reaction Team clear a room duringa certification exercise to validate theteam’s incident and crisis response capa-bilities at the National Defense UniversityJan. 15, at the Fort McNair portion ofJBM-HH. PHOTO BY STAFF SGT. LUISITO BROOKS

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