pentagram2 thursday, november 19, 2015 pentagram jbm-hh thanksgiving day operations and services...

By Guv CallahanPentagram Staff Writer

Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall will host a quarterly town hall for employees Nov. 19, the first in a series meant to streamline communica-tion with the workforce on base.

In an interview with the Pentagram, JBM-HH Chief of Staff Glenn Wait said the purpose of the town hall meetings is to keep employees informed about the JBM-HH strategic plan, workforce de-velopment, performance management, career planning and much more.

Quarterly town halls present an opportunity

for employees to get pertinent information right from the source, Wait said.

“Our civilian employees have a lot of questions,” he said. “We’ve done a lot of sensing sessions and have de-

By Julia LeDouxPentagram Staff Writer

Surrounded by the graves of thousands of fallen service mem-bers at Arlington National Cem-etery, President Barack Obama lauded “historic” increases to the Department of Veterans Affairs’ budget during his Veterans Day speech Nov. 11.

The president delivered his re-marks to a packed crowd inside the cemetery’s Amphitheater in Arlington, Va., where hundreds

Vol. 62, No. 46 November 19, 2015 www.army.mil/jbmhh Published For Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall

Pentagram

Index Local forecast

Thanksgiving Day hours . . . . . . . page 2JBM-HH Member Spotlight . . . . . page 2Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 3Marines celebrate Corps’ 240th . . page 6 Fall at JBM-HH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 7SFL-TAP schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . page 8 Turkey day meals at JBM-HH . . . . page 9

Thurs.67 | 45

Fri.54 | 34

saT.50 | 35

sun.44 | 27

For more weather forecasts and information, visit www.weather.gov.

News Notes

Compiled by Jim GoodwinPentagram editor

The Great American Smokeout, a one-day annual observance started by the American Cancer Society, takes place the third Thursday of Novem-ber to encourage people to commit to quitting smoking tobacco. The intent, of course, is that people will quit for the day, perhaps even quit for good.

This year, that date is today, Nov. 19.The health risks associated with

smoking are no secret, but quitting can be hard, according to the society’s official website on the smokeout. Re-search shows that smokers who have support are more likely to quit for good, according to the website. The society attributes the smokeout, which was started in the 1970s, as drawing national attention to the issue, chang-ing attitudes about smoking and even-tually leading to smoke-free laws and programs that help save lives.

For additional information about the smokeout, visit the American Cancer Society’s website at http://goo.gl/8H-9FtX, or visit a recent Department of Defense health article about the smokeout at http://go.usa.gov/c2Kw5.

Finally, those interested in more in-formation or available local programs can visit the Andrew Rader U.S. Army Health Clinic during business hours today for additional information. In-formation regarding the smokeout as well as tools and services to help quit smoking will be on display in the pa-tient waiting area on the first floor of the clinic during normal business hours.

Great American Smokeout challenges

smokers to quit

see SMOKEOUT, page 4

see VDAY, page 4

see TOWN HALL, page 10

Obama: More work needed to end veteran homelessness, disability claims backlog

PHOTO BY SPc. BrANDON c. DYEr

President Barack Obama speaks during the National Veterans Day Obser-vance ceremony at Memorial Ampitheater at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va., Nov. 11. Obama praised current budget levels for the Depart-ment of Veterans Affairs, but also said there is more work to be done to solve the issues of veteran homelessness and the backlog of VA disability claims.

Quarterly town halls to help communication, workforce development

PHOTO BY rAcHEL LArUE

ACS volunteer association holiday program

Want to put a smile on the face of a military child? The JBM-HH Army Community Service volunteer association is sponsoring a holiday toy pro-gram in conjunction with the installation chaplains’ holiday food assistance program.

Bring new, unwrapped toys to the donation boxes at the Fort Myer Post Exchange, Fort Myer Commissary or Bldg. 201 on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base from Nov. 30 to Dec. 16. For addi-tional information, call 703-696-3510. Service members who may be eligible to receive food vouchers/toys should contact their JBM-HH unit first sergeant for referral.

Play Mornings at Memorial Chapel –

Nov. 19This Army Community

Service-hosted playgroup, which meets Nov. 19 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in Memori-al Chapel on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base, is for parents and preschool children and provides times for socialization, play, crafts, music and story time. For more information or to regis-ter, call 703-696-3512.

National Museum of the American Indian tour –

Nov. 19In honor of National Na-

tive and Alaskan American Heritage Month, the JBM-HH Equal Opportunity Of-fice has arranged a tour of the National Museum of the American Indian in Washing-ton, D.C., Nov. 19. Bus trans-portation will be provided and depart from Bldg. 405 on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base at 9:30 a.m. Reg-istration is required to ride the bus; RSVP by Nov. 17 to Master Sgt. Ken Kang at [email protected] or Sgt. 1st Class Adrienne Robinson at [email protected].

Volunteers sought – Nov. 23

The Marine Corps Com-munity Services Henderson Hall Volunteer Program is seeking six volunteers from Headquarters and Service Battalion, Headquarters Marine Corps to help pre-pare and distribute meals, blankets, clothing and other essential items to the needy throughout Washington, D.C., in support of the Sal-

see NEWS NOTES, page 4

Joint Base Myer-Hender-son Hall Commander Col. Mike Henderson gives remarks at a town hall meeting in Spates Com-munity Club Nov. 12, 2014. JBM-HH will begin hosting quarterly town halls with employees beginning Nov. 19 as a means to keep em-ployees informed about the JBM-HH strategic plan, workforce develop-ment, performance man-agement, career planning and more.

By Arthur MondalePentagram Staff Writer

Nov. 19 is the American Cancer So-ciety’s Great American Smokeout, a day when tobacco users vow to stop using tobacco or develop a serious plan to quit. But for some Sol-diers and Marines,being bom-barded with life-altering sta-tistics and a national day of awareness isn’t enough to do either.

At Joint Base Myer-Hen-derson Hall, clinical pharmacists recognize the impact of tobacco use as a habit and an ad-diction.

“Most of my indi-viduals who are uni-formed¬—their number one reason for using to-bacco is stress and anxi-ety,” said Dr. Sharwanda George, a clinical pharma-cist at Andrew Rader U.S. Army Health Clinic.

The success rate for tobacco cessation offered at Rader Clinic is “a little over 40 percent,” accord-ing to George. Meaning 60 percent still fall short; some a little, others a lot.

“It takes about five times before you can really quit,” George said. “There are a lot of components that go into successfully quitting tobacco. You’ve got to be mentally ready to quit.”

These facts and statistics coincide with a‘tobacco culture’in the military that still exists, she said. This is true partic-ularly during deployments and stateside in certain military career fields, accord-ing to Rader Clinic action officer Staff Sgt. George Rush.

Rush’sday-to-day duties include “go-ing through regulations” and “coming up with data,” and he estimates 60-per-cent of his colleagues, for example,-smoke.

“It’s kind of like a culture that grew up smoking,”Rush said.

Not the kind of figures analysts want to see with a 2020 Department of De-fense goal to create tobacco-free instal-lations approaching.

George wants to remindboth regular and social tobacco usersthat tobacco

rader Clinic seeks to reverse ‘tobacco culture’

2 Thursday, November 19, 2015 PENTAgrAM

JBM-HH Thanksgiving Day Operations and services holiday hours

Army community Service Closed . For more information, call 703-696-3510 .

AAFES Main Exchange Closed . For more info, call 703-522-4575 .

AAFES concessions: Barber Shop, cleaners, gNc, Optical Shop, Subway, Starbucks

Closed . For more info, call 703-351-6559 (Barber Shop), 703-358-9257 (Cleaners/alterations), 703-522-6786 (GNC), 703-528-9122 (Optical Shop), 703-243-1786 (Subway), 703-527-0101 (Starbucks) .

AAFES Express (Shoppette) and service station (gas pumps)

Closed . ***Note: gas pumps are open 24/7 . For more info, call 703-696-9241/44 .

Auto craft shop Closed . For more information, call 703-696-3387 .

Bowling center Open noon to 6 p .m . For more information, call 703-528-4766 .

car wash (MccS) Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week .

cody cDc Closed . For more information, call 703-696-3095 .

cYSS Closed . For more information, call 703-696-4942/0313 .

community Activity center Closed . For more information, call 703-696-3470 .

Fife and Drum corps Lounge Closed . For more information, call 703-524-0200 .

Firestone Closed . For more information, call 703-522-2584 .

FMWr admin offices Closed . For more information, call 703-696-3305 .

Fort McNair Fitness center Closed . For more information, call 202-685-3117 .

Fort McNair Officers’ club Closed . For more information, call 703-524-0200 .

Fort McNair Five Star catering

Closed . For more information, call 202-484-5800 .

Fort Myer Fitness center Open 8 a .m . - 4 p .m . For more information, call 703-696-7867 .

Fort Myer Five Star catering Closed . For more information, call 703-524-0200 .

Fort Myer Officers’ club Open for Thanksgiving buffet . For more information, call 703-524-0200 .

Fort Myer Veterinary Treatment Facility

Closed . For more information, call 703-696-3604 .

Library Closed . For more information, call 703-696-3555 .

Military clothing Sales (Fort Myer and Pentagon stores)

Closed . For more information, call 703-696-3515 (Fort Myer) or 703-695-6446 (Pentagon) .

Military Police Station Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week . For more information, call 703-696-3525 .

Old guard Lounge Closed . For more information, call 703-524-0200 .

religious Services Weekly closings/cancellations: Wednesday Resilience Bible Study Luncheon (Nov . 25) – closed; Memorial Chapel closes at noon (Nov . 25); Memorial Chapel is closed (Nov . 26-27); Saturday evening Mass – held at regularly scheduled time (Nov . 28); all Sunday worship services will continue on normal schedule . For more information, call 703-696-3535 .

Spates Five Star catering Closed . For more information, call 703-527-1300/1302 .

Spates community club Open for Thanksgiving buffet . For more information, call 703-527-1300/1302 .

Most offices on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall will be closed Thursday, Nov. 26 so everyone can celebrate Thanksgiving, also a federal holiday. Most military personnel will have a training holiday Friday, Nov. 27, and some activities will be open with reduced staffing. The following facilities and places of business have reported open or closed hours for Nov. 26 and 27. Unless otherwise noted, the list applies to Nov. 26, Thanksgiving. This new, alphabetical list is not all encompassing; please check with the facility you wish to visit for more details.

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Pentagram Col. Michael D. Henderson Commander

Command Sgt. Maj. Randall E. Woods

Command Sergeant Major

Mary Ann Hodges Director of Public Affairs

Sharon Walker Command

Information Officer

Jim Goodwin Editor

[email protected]

Lorraine Walker Graphic Designer

[email protected]

Nell King Photographer

[email protected]

Julia LeDoux Staff Writer

[email protected]

Guv Callahan Staff Writer

[email protected]

Delonte Harrod Staff Writer

[email protected]

Arthur Mondale Staff Writer

[email protected]

[email protected]

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 james.m.goodwin3.

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JBM-HH Community Member Spotlight

Name:

Zak

Job title/where do you work:

Service Dog and PAIO Intern

What should people know about your job?

I am tasked and trained to alert Emily to specific sounds such as the doorbell and the fire alarm. I must stay alert, so she can watch my facial expressions and head gestures for cues to sounds she may be missing.

What’s the most rewarding part of your current position and why?

I love helping Emily and meeting new people – my favorite thing is making people smile!

What’s your favorite…

Treat:

Whipped Cream Puppachinos from the Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Starbucks (only when mom lets me…!).

Time to play:

Anytime I see water – I was trained by PAWS Assistance Dogs in Naples FL, and spent my first year training at the Doubletree Resort in Key West; so I am a fish to the ocean. My mom has to whisper “no water” whenever we walk near the Potomac, I want to swim so badly!

Walk route:

In the spring my mom and I walk around to discover the Cherry Blossoms. Last year she painted a portrait of me posing in front of the Tidal Basin blossoms. It now hangs in her office!

Hero/famous canine:

When I get excited when I see my favorite actors such as Marmaduke, Lassie, and Beethoven on the television! Mom takes me to the movies, and I love to see other dogs on the big screen and to eat hot buttered popcorn of course!

Chew toy:

All Chew toys are wonderful! But the most creative one I’ve tried is stingray tail, a gift from an old trainer.

Animal or object to chase/bark at:

Believe it or not I hardly ever bark; only in emergencies. Memorable emergencies include rescuing mom from a turtle, and a cardboard cutout of Justin Bieber.

Place you’ve ever traveled to or been stationed:

I once got to roll at home plate at Nats Stadium. Every dog’s dream!

What do you like most about working on/visiting JBM-HH?

I love the people. Monday is my favorite day because I know I will get to go to the office and see everyone. Sometimes, I even wake Mom up early because I am so excited about going to work!

Any advice for your fellow four-legged compadres on JBM-HH?

Get to know people. They are some of the most kind and interesting people you’ll meet; they give great belly rubs!

PHOTO BY NELL KINg

Spc. Jesse Bair, a member of the Continental Color Guard, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), speaks with one of the many career fair representatives at the Hiring Heroes Career Fair Nov. 17 at Spates Community Club on the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall. Bair attended the fair as he prepares to transition out of the Army in December 2016. See full coverage of this event in next week’s Pentagram.

hiring heroes

cOUrTESY PHOTO

Zak, a service dog for Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall in-tern Emily Mihalik.

For more JBM-HH event photos from this issue, visit us online at: www.flickr.com/photos/jbm-hh

PENTAgrAM Thursday, November 19, 2015 3CommunityBy Julia LeDouxPentagram Staff Writer

The strains of “Garryow-en” echoed across Arlington National Cemetery Nov. 9, as friends and family gathered to say goodbye to one of the Gold-en Age of Hollywood’s most iconic leading ladies.

“In honor of Maureen O’Hara, our very own,” the pipe major of the Shannon Rovers Irish Pipe Band of Chicago said as the first notes of the refrain sounded.

Maureen O’Hara died Oct. 24 at age 95 and was laid to rest two days before Veteran’s Day alongside her husband, retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Charles Blair, who made the first fight-er jet crossing of the North Pole in 1959. An eight-member Air Force honor guard carried her remains to the gravesite near Arlington House under a gray, Virginia sky.

Fr. Gerald Weymes presided over O’Hara’s funeral Mass at Saint Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Arlington, Va., and at the burial service at the cemetery.

Born Maureen Fitzsimmons Aug. 17, 1920, the red-haired Irish-American actress was best known for her roles in “Miracle On 34th Street,” “The Quiet Man,” “How Green Was My Valley” and “McLintock!”

Other Hollywood notables who are buried at Arlington in-clude Jackie Cooper, Charles Durning and Lee Marvin.

Pentagram Staff Writer Julia LeDoux can be reached at [email protected].

Maureen O’hara buried at arlington national Cemetery

PHOTOS BY NELL KINg

The funeral procession of actress Maureen O’Hara gathers to walk to the burial site at Arlington National Cemetery Nov. 9 in Arlington, Va. The Hollywood actress was laid to rest next to her husband U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Charles F. Blair.

The Shannon Rovers Irish Pipe Band per-forms at the funeral of actress Maureen O’Ha-ra Nov. 9 at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. O’Hara was laid to rest along-side her husband U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Charles F. Blair. The film and screen legend passed away Oct. 24 in Boise, Idaho.

U.S. Air Force Honor Guard casket team car-ry the casket of actress Maureen O’Hara to her burial site at Arlington National Cemetery Nov. 9 in Arlington, Va. O’Ha-ra an acclaimed Holly-wood actress, starting in such films as, Miracle on 34th Street, Only the Lonely and The Quite Man, passed away on Oct. 24 in Boise, Idaho. The screen legend was laid to rest next to her husband U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Charles F. Blair.

H H H The United States Army Band H H H cALENDAr OF EVENTS

Nov. 22 3 p.m. The U.S. Army Orchestra will perform Inspiration from the Americas, a collection of works from two American giants, Leonard Bernstein and John Williams, alongside works by the Brazilian great Astor Piazzolla and an American-inspired orchestral suite by Czech composer Antonin Dvorak at Brucker Hall on the Fort Myer portion of JBM-HH.

Dec. 2 5 p.m. The U.S. Army Concert Band will perform at the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Lightning at 100 East Capitol Street N.E. in Washington, D.C.

Dec. 4 8 p.m. The U.S. Army Band will perform at the American Holiday Festival at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C. This program is 75 minutes with no intermission; free tickets are available online at http://goo.gl/nwgivf.

Dec. 5 3 p.m., 8 p.m.

The U.S. Army Band will perform at the American Holiday Festival at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C. This program is 75 minutes with no intermission; free tickets are available online at http://goo.gl/nwgivf.

Dec. 6 3 p.m. The U.S. Army Band will perform at the American Holiday Festival at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C. This program is 75 minutes with no intermission; free tickets are available online at http://goo.gl/nwgivf.

Dec. 10 Noon The U.S. Army Voices will perform at the Memorial Chapel as part of the Memorial Chapel Advent Concert Series on the Fort Myer portion of JBM-HH.

Dec. 10 7:30 p.m. The U.S. Army Blues and All Brass Big Band will perform a Stan Kenton Christmas and Duke Ellington Nutcracker at Brucker Hall on the Fort Myer portion of JBM-HH.

Dec. 13 3 p.m. The U.S. Army Blues and All Brass Big Band will perform a Stan Kenton Christmas and Duke Ellington Nutcracker at Brucker Hall on the Fort Myer portion of JBM-HH.

Performances are free and open to the public, unless otherwise noted. All outdoor concerts are subject to cancellation or location change due to weather considerations. Call 703-696-3399 for up-to-date information on concert cancellations or location changes. For additional details and a full calendar of performances, visit www.usarmyband.com/event-calendar.html.


Approximately 180 runners pre-reg-istered and ran during the 7th Annual Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Turkey Trot 5K Race Nov. 13.

This year’s race, held on the Hender-son Hall portion of JBM-HH, featured

men, women and children, and for the first time, a squad completion—a new category to bring recognition to the Great American Smokeout.

The annual smokeout is Nov. 19 and is a day the American Cancer Society des-ignates for tobacco users to quit smok-

annual Turkey Trot promotes healthy lifestyle, spirit of giving

PHOTO BY ArTHUr MONDALE

One-hundred and eighty pre-registered runners hit the pavement outside Smith Gym on the Henderson Hall portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall for the 7th Annual JBM-HH Turkey Trot 5K Race Nov. 13. This year’s race featured six categories of men, women and children, and for the first time, a squad competition—a new category to bring recognition to the Great American Smokeout.

see TUrKEY TrOT, page 6

see TUSAB, page 7


For the second year in a row, The U.S. Army Blues entertained swing dancers of all levels during a Tribute to Veterans Concert that emphasized swing dance Nov. 15 at Brucker Hall on the Fort Myer portion of JBM-HH.

Sounds of the Harlem Renaissance, which spanned World War I and World War II, echoed throughout the ven-ue, while people young and old alike jumped on their feet to the “Lindy Hop” and “Jitterbug”; what some attendees call “true American dance.”

Guest dance instructors Tom Koerner and Debra Sternberg taught beginners for 30 minutes prior to the concert.

The instructors are no strangers to military events. They are active partici-pants in the Honor Flight program and D.C.-area memorials.

“To those who served this country via draft or volunteer—it’s a real service to those of us who didn’t serve, and not a day goes by that we don’t appreciate what they’ve done for the country,” Ko-erner said.

Concert attendees were not only rep-resentative of the Joint Base Myer-Hen-derson Hall community, but also avid D.C. metro swing dancers.

Retired Navy Lt. Cmdr. John Rodman

and University of Maryland college pro-fessor Marit Knollmueller, Ph.D., are engaged to be married and actually met two-and-a-half years ago through swing dance in Glen Echo, Md.

“Dancing is actually an avocation, and it’s a wonderful avocation, anyone can be part of it,” Knollmueller said. “We have engineers, we have people in the military,

Veterans, families swing dance at U.S. Army Blues performance


Sounds of the Harlem Renaissance echo throughout Brucker Hall on the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall as veterans and families move their feet to the “Lindy Hop,” “Jitterbug,” and ‘East Coast Swing’ music performed by The U.S. Army Blues Nov. 15. For the second year in a row, the band’s Tribute to Veterans Concert dedi-cated an afternoon to guest swing dance in-structors and avid D.C. area swing dancers.


cessation counseling is available at Rader Clinic and appointments are taken daily for both individuals look-ing to quit and for groups of ‘four or five’ who want to quit together.

George said tobacco cessation at Rader Clinic offers ‘flexibility’; providingquit aids to include nicotine re-placement therapy (NRT) to include patches, gum, and prescriptions during the earlier start of tobacco cessa-tion counseling, if need be. And counseling sessions last 20-30 minutes over 12 weeks, she said. But George calls a 100-percent success rate a challenge, even with the associated risks.

“Tobacco use is one of the most preventable causes of death,” George said. “Tobacco can make you suscepti-ble to having a stroke, increasing your blood pressure, cardiovascular events, elevating cholesterol, diabetes—there are so many diseases that can be managed if you quit using tobacco.”

Tobacco users who seek tobacco cessation counseling individually or as a group can callRader Clinic’s ap-pointment lineat 1-855-227-6331or George directly at 703-696-7924, and appointments are taken daily.

Pentagram Staff Writer Arthur Mondale can be reached at [email protected].

sMOkeOuTfrom page 1


Using tobacco “harms readiness by impairing physical fitness and by increasing illness, absenteeism, premature death, and health care costs,” according to Army Regulation 600-63, chap-ter 7 section 2a. Furthermore, AR 600-63 states, “Readiness is enhanced by promoting the standard of a tobacco-free environ-ment that supports abstinence from, and discourages the use of, any tobacco product.” At Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, clinical pharmacists recognize the impact of tobacco use as a habit and an addiction. The success rate for tobacco cessation offered at Andrew Rader U.S. Army Health Clinic is “a little over 40 percent,” according to Dr. Sharwanda George, a clinical phar-macist at Andrew Rader U.S. Army Health Clinic.


A ‘No Smoking within 50 Feet’ sign is affixed to the Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Commissary, Oct. 28, located at 523 Carpenter Road, on the Fort Myer portion of JBM-HH. In accordance with Army Regulation 600-63, chapter 7 section 3a: Designated smoking areas are at least “50 feet from common points of entry/exit and will not be located in areas that are commonly used by nonsmokers.” Currently, Andrew Rader U.S. Army Health Clinic employees, to include MEDCOM civilian employees, contractors, patients and visitors, use the designated smoking area at the JBM-HH Commissary when using tobacco products. At Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, clin-ical pharmacists recognize the impact of tobacco use as a habit and an addiction. The success rate for tobacco cessation offered at Andrew Rader U.S. Army Health Clinic is “a little over 40 percent,” according to Dr. Sharwanda George, a clinical pharmacist at Andrew Rader U.S. Army Health Clinic.

listened as he also acknowledged that there is more work to be done to solve the issues of veteran homeless-ness and the backlog of VA disability claims.

“The unacceptable problems we’ve seen, like long wait lines and some veterans not getting the timely care they need, is a challenge for all of us if we are to match our words with deeds,” he said. “And, my message to every single veteran, to veterans all across this country, is that I am still not satisfied and [VA Secretary] Bob McDonald is still not satisfied.”

Obama promised continued investment in facilities, physicians and staff to ensure that veterans get the care they require when they need it.

“That is our obligation and we are not going to let up,” he said to applause.

Obama noted that the nation is in the midst of adding a new wave of veterans to its ranks. In recent years, he said, more than a million men and women in uniform, many of them veterans of Afghanistan and Iraq, have returned to civilian life.

“Each year, at least another 200,000 do the same,” continued Obama. “Our 9/11 generation of veterans are joining the ranks of those who have come before.”

Noting that the veteran unemployment rate today stands at 3.9 percent, he also urged employers to con-sider hiring former service members whenever they can.

“Our veterans today are already making America great every single day,” Obama said. “So my message today is simple: If you want to get the job done, hire a vet. If you’re a business that needs team players to lead and execute an idea, hire a vet.”

Hosted by the Military Officers Association of Ameri-

ca, the observance drew thousands to the cemetery.“On these sacred grounds, where generations of he-

roes have come to rest, we remember all those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation,” Obama said. “And today, we gather once more to salute every patriot who has ever proudly worn the uniform of the United States of America.”

Obama also marked the 70th anniversary of the Al-lied victory in World War II by paying special tribute to members of the Greatest Generation. He singled out the oldest known female World War II vet, Army Lt. Col. Luta C. McGrath, who was in the audience. She will turn 108 this month.

Prior to his remarks, Obama laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns.


VDaYfrom page 1

Veterans salute during the playing of the National Anthem during the National Veterans Day Observance ceremony at the Memorial Ampitheatre at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va., Nov. 11. At the ceremony, President Barack Obama praised current budget levels for the Department of Veterans Affairs, but also said there is more work to be done to solve the issues of veteran homelessness and the backlog of VA disability claims.

PHOTOS BY SPc. BrANDON c. DYEr

vation Army’s Grate Patrol. The Grate Patrol is a mo-bile meal program that brings meals and fellowship to the homeless in D.C. Volunteers will meet at the pull-up bars in front of Smith Gym on the Henderson Hall portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall. For more information, call Sgt. Butch Fortner at 703-693-9063 or email at [email protected].

Five Days of Iron – Nov. 30-Dec. 4“Five Days of Iron” returns to Zembiec Pool on the

Henderson Hall portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Nov. 30-Dec. 4. Register by Nov. 30 at the pool and pay the $15 entry fee (cash only) to participate. The program is conducted on the honor system. Par-ticipants swim 850 yards, bike 22.5 miles, and run 5.25 miles each day then log their distances. By Friday, those who have completed the distances each day will have completed an Iron Man Triathlon and will receive a tee-shirt. For more information and to register, please visit the pool or call 703-693-7351.

Annual holiday tree lighting on JBM-HHThe annual holiday tree lighting ceremony held at

Bldg. 59 on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base will take place Dec. 2. The pre-ceremony with music will begin at 4:30 p.m., with the tree-lighting to begin at 5 p.m. After the tree is lit, the community is welcomed to Brucker Hall for a special visit with Santa.

AOWCGWA to accept scholarship applications beginning Dec. 1

The Army Officers’ Wives’ Club of the Greater Washington Area, in partnership with the Fort Myer Thrift Shop, will begin accepting applications for its 2016 scholarship program Dec. 1. Each year, the Fort Myer Thrift Shop, a 501 except non-profit or-ganization and AOWCGWA raise money through donations and consignments of clothing and house-hold items. Dedicated employees and volunteers gen-erously give of their time, working numerous hours every year at the Thrift Shop to raise funds for schol-arships for deserving students. In 2015, the amount of funds awarded for scholarships totaled $105,500. Information about the program and applications, in-cluding eligibility requirements, is now available on the AOWCGWA web site at www.aowcgwa.org un-der scholarships and grants. Applications must be postmarked by March 25, 2015. Questions may be emailed to [email protected].

MCCS is HiringThe Henderson Hall Marine Corps Exchange is hir-

ing seasonal workers. Associates can earn a $200 bo-nus if employed in the store or warehouse throughout the entire holiday season. Other positions may be open for civilians with excellent customer service skills. See www.usmc-mccs.org/careers keyword “Henderson Hall” for all current opportunities. Call 703-979-8420 ext. 306 for details.

MCCS seeking survey participantsMCCS Henderson Hall’s Marketing Branch is con-

ducting a survey of eligible Marine Corps Exchange patrons in the National Capital Region. Authorized pa-trons are invited to take this survey. Those who provide their email addresses will be entered into a contest to win one of three $50 MCX e-gift cards. Names will be drawn at random from all eligible entrants. The survey, which closes on Dec. 4, may be accessed from the fol-lowing link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MCX-survey.

Christmas caroling at local VA hospital – Dec. 5Military children of all ages are invited to joint Ma-

rine Corps Community Services Henderson Hall’s School Liaison Program manager to sing Christmas carols to veterans at the Washington, D.C., Department of Veterans Affairs hospital. Those interested should meet School Liaison Program Manager Chanel Sharp between 10 and 10:15 a.m. at Nationals Park, 1599 South Capitol Street S.E. in Washington, D.C. Trans-portation is provided to and from the hospital. Parking at Nationals Park is paid for those who have registered for the Headquarters and Service Battalion, Hender-son Hall Holiday Party. To register or for more informa-tion, contact Chanel Sharp at 202-769-8093 or email at [email protected].

Couples communication workshop – Dec. 7Army Community Service Family Advocacy Program

is hosting four sessions of Communicate in Love, a workshop designed to help couples learn to strength-en communication skills through self-exploration. The workshops are held Dec. 7, Feb. 23, May 9 and July 27, 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the ACS conference room in Bldg. 201 on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base. To register or for more information, please call 703-696-3512.

Federal employee benefits open season through Dec. 14

Open season for federal benefits runs through Dec. 14. Employees are responsible for ensuring they update their information and make any nec-essary changes during this time. For more infor-mation, log onto the health vendors websites to download their brochures or check out the Office of Personnel Management’s website at www.opm.gov/FEHBbrochures.

Generation Sext – Dec. 14Army Community Service is hosting another Gen-

eration Sext workshop which is designed to teach par-

neWs nOTesfrom page 1

see NEWS NOTES, page 8

President Barack Obama and U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Bradley Becker, commanding general, Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Re-gion and the U.S. Army Military Dis-trict of Washington, bow their heads during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier during the National Veterans Day Observance ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va., Nov. 11. During a speech, Obama praised current budget levels for the Department of Veterans Affairs, but also said there is more work to be done to solve the issues of veter-an homelessness and the backlog of VA disability claims.

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Happy birthday, Marines! You don’t look a day over 240!

Marines from Headquarters & Service Battalion, Headquarters Marine Corps Henderson Hall joined their brothers and sisters around the world in celebrat-ing the 240th birthday of the Corps Nov. 10 during a tradi-tional cake cutting ceremony at Joe Rosenthal Theater that also honored the oldest and young-est Devil Dog at the event.

It is customary at Marine Corps birthday celebrations worldwide to cut a traditional cake with a Mameluke sword as a reminder that Marines are a band of warriors, committed to carrying the sword so our nation can live in peace, according to the ceremony’s narrator.

Battalion Commander Col. Andrew Regan expressed his gratitude for those who wear the Eagle, Globe and Anchor today, those who have worn it in the

past, and to the civilian Marines who support them.

“Happy birthday, everybody,” he concluded.

Lance Cpl. Michelle Ponce was the youngest Marine at the ceremony while retired Master Gunnery Sgt. John “Jim Bob” Charles was the oldest.

“It is an honor to serve,” said Ponce, who joined the Corps in 2014.

Charles, who enlisted in the Corps in 1979, smiled broadly as he discussed today’s Marines.

“We are in good hands,” he said.

Attendees also saw a 10-min-ute video message from Ma-rine Commandant Gen. Rob-ert Neller and Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Ronald Green. The senior leaders urged viewers to remember both the Corps’ legacy and what it means to be a Marine.

“We hope each of you will have a chance to reflect on our histo-

Local Marines celebrate Corps’ 240th with cake cutting

PHOTO BY NELL KINg

Celebratory cake is shared with all those in attendance of the 240th birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps at Rosenthal Theater Nov. 10 on the Henderson Hall portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall. It is customary at Marine Corps birthday celebrations worldwide to cut a traditional cake with a Mameluke sword as a reminder that Marines are a band of warriors, committed to carrying the sword so our nation can live in peace, according to the ceremony’s narrator.see USMc BDAY, page 9

By Delonte Harrod Pentagram Staff Writer

Hollyanne Milley had a green thumb after spending time with pre-school students at the Cody Child Development Center, but it wasn’t because she was gardening.

Milley, the spouse of Gen. Mark Milley, chief of staff of the U.S. Army, visited the Cody Child De-velopment Center on the Fort Myer portion of JBM-HH Nov.12 to dec-orate Christmas ornaments with two preschool classes. The green thumb was the result of a paint stain from decorating the ornaments.

“We had a great time today,” said Mil-ley. “It put us in a great holiday spirit.”

Milley—who was accompanied by Holly Dailey, Sgt. Maj. of the Army Daniel A. Dailey’s wife—said she came because she thought it was im-portant to involve the kids to paint or-naments that will be used to decorate the holiday tree at Quarters One, the Milleys’ residence. The ornaments will be put on a tree at the Milleys’ home sometime in December.

“Mark and I recognize what an honor it is to live in the ‘House of Ar-my,’”Milley wrote in a letter to Cody CDC Parent Outreach Director Ker-ry Ross. “We want to share that home and celebrate with the Fort Myer community in order to form a bond with our extended military family and solidify our commitment to the com-munity as a whole.”

In an email, Ross wrote that it is normal for the kids to participate in

the annual “base-wide lighting of the tree.” But noted that this is the first year that Cody CDC children will help create ornaments for the tree.

“Anytime the military communi-ty reaches out and wants to involve military children, it’s a great oppor-tunity,” said Sunny Smith, director of facilities at the Cody CDC. “We exist to support the military community.”

Arriving at the Cody CDC, Milley and Dailey were greeted by Smith, who gave the ladies a tour of the center. First, they strolled down the

infant toddler wing of the building and then down the preschool wing, periodically pausing to watch chil-dren interact with their instructors.

Finally, they made their way into room 206, where instructors and classroom volunteers gave each child a clear, sphere shaped orna-ment on a paper plate, paint brush-es and three paper plates with red, green and white paint.

The ladies laughed, talked and

Cody CDC children receive special holiday help for ornament decorating, Christmas cheer

PHOTO BY DELONTE HArrOD

Hollyanne Milley paints Christmas tree ornaments with children at the Cody Child Development Center Nov. 12 on the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-Hender-son Hall. Milley and Holly Dailey, both residents of JBM-HH, visited the center to decorate Christmas ornaments with two preschool classes.

see DEcOrATION, page 9

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ing.The squad competition featured teams

of four carrying a 20-pound medicine ball throughout the race. The official rules of the race required that squads carry the medicine ball in a litter, pon-cho or tarp. Additionally, all four squad members were required to remain in contact with the medicine ball while they were in motion. Also the medicine ball could not touch the pavement during the race or the offending squad would be disqualified.

According to organizers, the purpose of the squad competition was two-fold:

“The medicine ball is 20-pounds, so it simulates an average size turkey and secondly, the 20-pounds represents how difficult it would be to run if you were a smoker,” said Marine Corps Commu-nity Services Marketing Officer Doriann Gellar.

Standing on the sidelines, JBM-HH representatives provided give-a-ways and brochures about healthy living and available programs. One common theme among the professionals handing out in-formation was coping with stress, a com-mon issue Soldiers and Marines must deal with, according to on-site experts. Stress management and installation ser-vices are available to break the tobacco habit.

“Exercise, meditate, yoga, watch your nutrition—that can all aid us in quit-ting smoking and choosing other alter-native—we take a holistic perspective in

serving our clients,” said Katie Grose-close of Henderson Hall Family Advoca-cy Prevention and Education.

Medals were awarded to the first, sec-ond and third place top male and female runners. And the sole four person team to participate in the 5K walked away with a $35 gift card for a turkey and other prizes. Squad captain, U.S. Ma-rine Corps Capt. Shane Cooley, said he and his teammates wanted to win in the squad category, not for themselves, but to benefit a family in need this Thanks-giving.

“We wanted to take advantage of the free turkey and give it to one of our Ma-rine’s that’s in need,” Cooley said. “We have Marines out there that are not as affluent as others that are struggling for money this time of year, so the officers decided we would run the race and if we won we would give this to one of our ju-nior Marines.”

Thanksgiving Day officially kicks off the beginning of the holiday shopping season, and in the spirit of spreading hol-iday shopping cheer, Cooley offers this suggestion: “We always give gifts to peo-ple who want, but there are people out there that are in need,” he said.

Results from the race: First place run-ners in the men and women’s overall category were Antonio Eppolito, with a time of 17:47, and Yuko Whitestone, with a time of 21:16.

Second place runners in the men and women’s overall category were Magnus Solheim, with a time of 18:16, and Cher-yl Lauer, with a time of 24:04.

Third place runners in the men and women’s overall category were Jason De-

ichler, with a time of 18:20, and Marisol Walker, with a time of 24:45.

Pentagram staff writer Arthur Mondale can be reached at [email protected].

TurkeY TrOTfrom page 3


Members of the Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Youth Services Program, an affiliate member of the Boys and Girls Club of America, participated for the first time in the 7th An-nual JBM-HH Turkey Trot 5K Race Nov. 13, held on the Henderson Hall portion of JBM-HH. “Run as a fam-ily; you’d be surprised how far they can run,” said An-nette Engum, Youth Sports and Fitness director at Cody Child Development Center. Engum served as motivational support for young runners.


From left, U.S. Marine Corps Captains Shane Cooley, Jeff Rollins, Fernando Taveras, and U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Khari Wright, run as a four-person squad during the 7th Annual Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Turkey Trot 5K Race Nov. 13, held on the Henderson Hall portion of JBM-HH. The squad carried a 20-pound medicine ball throughout the race in a litter. The team had to remain in contact with the medicine ball while they were in motion. As the only official squad to run during the Turkey Trot, they received a $35 gift card for a turkey amongst other prizes. The squad plans to give the $35 gift card to a junior Marine in need, according to Cooley.


Don’t call it the Henderson Hall Life-long Learning Center anymore.

Now it’s the Personal and Professional Development Office, according to Bart MacMillan, education and career spe-cialist for Marine Corps Community Services.

“This is one of the things I think the Marines have kind of taken the lead on,” he said. “The DoD has mandated that there is a lot more attention paid to tran-sition active service [members] to civil-ian life.”

The Personal and Professional Devel-opment Office, located in Bldg. 29 on the Henderson Hall portion of the joint base, comprises four sections – an Edu-cation and Career Center; a Career Re-source Management Center; personal finance office; and an Information and Referral office – manned by a staff of 10.

“We serve a Marine Corps population, the majority of which does not work on this base,” continued MacMillan. “We serve the entire National Capital Region,”

including commands at Fort Meade, Md., Marine Barracks Washington in Washing-ton, D.C., and Indian Head, Md.

“There’s also little contingents [of Ma-rines] at Fort Belvoir, Bolling and Camp David,” MacMillan said. “We have about 5,000 Marines that are under our juris-diction. About 1,500 to 1,800 are here and at the Pentagon.”

Staffers at the office’s Education and Career Center help Marines select and apply to the college of their choice.

“Our job is to basically help them find the programs that are a good match for them and help them handle their part of the administrative process with the military educational benefit,” explained MacMillan. “We talk to them about tu-ition assistance and if they are about to get out, we talk to them about the GI Bill as well.”

The education and career center also has the lead on the new Credentialing Opportunities Online, or COOL, pro-gram. Begun last October, COOL pays

Marines offer comprehensive educational, transitional assistance programs

cOUrTESY PHOTOsee EDUcATION, page 11

By Delonte Harrod Pentagram Staff Writer

“Without the military, we wouldn’t be able to do what we are doing right now,” said Donna Rogers, coach and manager of All-Star Legacy, a cheerleading group. “They fight for our freedom.”

Rogers, 20 cheerleaders from The All-Star Legacy gym and 10 parents traveled to the fire station on the Fort Myer portion of JBM-HH to assemble care packages for military service members Nov. 14.

The group volunteered to make the care packages as a means of giving back to the men and women who serve in the Armed Forces, according to event organizers.

“We really feel like it’s a good thing that we do this, because it is really [helping the Soldiers] out,” said 14-year-old Kaly Ne-whouse, an All-Star Legacy Cheerleader.”

Male and female cheerleaders, as well as their parents, assembled 200 care packages for distribution to military families.“[Ini-tially], we told them we were going to put together 50, but we decided to do 200 care packs,” said Rogers.

“They give us so much,” said Angela Mason, a parent who traveled with the

Cheerleading group prepares 200 care packages on JBM-HH for service members, families


From left, Brandon Mason, 13; Khyla Mason, 11; and Shawnee Chaffin, 13; all members of the All Star Legacy Cheer and Dance group out of Front Royal, Va., pack care packages Nov. 14 inside the Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Fire Station on the Fort Myer portion of JBM-HH. The group of 33 cheerleaders and staff volunteered to help joint base Directorate of Emergency Services personnel prepare packages for future distribution to military families at the USO lounge inside Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Washington, D.C.see SUPPOrT, page 11


A chipmunk peers out from a pipe near bar-racks along Sheridan Avenue on the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Oct. 30. As tem-peratures cool, small mammals continue to stock up on win-ter food preparations ahead of snowy, cold days to come.

PHOTOS BY NELL KINg

Blue skies swirled with clouds and multi-colored tree leaves make for a seasonal autumn scene in front of the flagpole at Headquarters and Service Battalion on the Henderson Hall portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Oct. 30. As temperatures continue to cool, the joint base’s various deciduous trees are shedding their leaves for the season.

Blue skies swirled with clouds and multi-colored tree leaves make for a seasonal autumn scene in front of the flagpole at Headquarters and Service Battalion on the Henderson Hall portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Oct. 30. As temperatures continue to cool, the joint base’s various decidu-ous trees shed their leaves for the season.

people from all walks of life who dance and that’s a wonderful thing; there’s a great di-versity on the dance floor.”

Dancers weren’t regimented and changed partners often during the con-cert. Both Rodman and Knollmueller called it a “conversation between two strangers.”

During the concert, spontaneity ran rampant as dancers—beginners, inter-mediates and advanced—switched part-ners throughout all 13 of The U.S. Army Blues’ musical numbers.

“We’ve seen vets get out of wheel-chairs—90-year-olds get out of wheel-chairs and dance,” said Sternberg. “This music can get pretty much anyone up and moving.”

But the concert had a deeper meaning for other dancers. Rebecca Michaels, raised overseas in an Army family and an avid swing dancer, twirled on the dance floor wearing a bright red French beret in response to the terror attack in France Nov. 13.

“My father was stationed in Orléans, France, in the 1960s and when I left there I considered myself more French than American,” Michaels said. “I of-ten wear a beret—but I wore the beret today in honor of what’s happening in France.”

A moment of silence was held in hon-or of the people impacted by the Paris attacks during the concert. Koerner and Sternberg said music has a way of heal-ing wounds of the past and present. “It’s a ministry,” Koerner said.

Pentagram Staff Writer Arthur Mondale can be reached at [email protected].

From left, guest dance instruc-tor Debra Sternberg, condenses an 8-week beginner’s course into a free 30 minute dance lesson for attendees, prior to a Nov. 15 Tribute to Veterans Con-cert at Brucker Hall, on the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base My-er-Henderson Hall. Participants learned three footwork patterns to include the six-count basic, the eight-count Lindy whip and circle, and Charleston Swing. The purpose of the lesson was to allow participants to “build muscle memory and have a little bit of something in their reper-toire,” according to guest dance instructor Debra Sternberg. “Some people need more re-en-forcement, some less.”

PHOTOS BY ArTHUr MONDALE

Spontaneity runs rampant as swing dancers—beginners, intermediates and advanced—routinely switch partners throughout all 13 of The U.S. Army Blues’ musical numbers during a Nov. 15 Tribute to Veterans Concert at Brucker Hall, on the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-Hen-derson Hall. Meanwhile, a packed audience enjoyed music from the “Swing Era.”

TusaBfrom page 3

Fall at JBM-HH

Shadows made by a row of deciduous trees along Sheridan Avenue on the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall dance along the pavement as sunlight takes advantage of the void left by fallen tree leaves Oct. 30. As temperatures continue to cool, the joint base’s various deciduous trees are shedding their leaves for the season.


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Reservations are required. Spouses are encouraged to register and attend. Call the SFL-TAP office, 703-696-0973 or log-in at www.acap.army.mil. Available to all registered clients who have completed DD2648/2648-1 and initial counseling. Location of seminars and work-shops are in the SFL-TAP Bldg. 404 on the Fort Myer portion of JBM-HH unless otherwise noted.

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ents the in’s and out’s of sexting and to protect their children from predators. This workshop is held Dec. 14, 10 to 11 a.m. at the ACS conference room in Bldg. 201 on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base. To register or for more infor-mation, call 703-696-3512.

Fort Myer ID centernow accepting web-based

appointmentsThe DEERS/ID card section on

the Fort Myer portion of JBM-HH now accepts appointments online. Appointments can be made by visit-ing http://go.usa.gov/cY5qV online. Available appointment dates are an-notated in green on the site. Cus-tomers merely select the available date and appointment time, input a few details, and click “submit.” This new system will allow cus-tomers to lock in an appointment online instead of walking in to the office in hopes of an available time slot. While the new web appoint-ment system can be used now, the earliest appointments available are at month’s end. Those who are un-able to access the website can still call the DEERS/ID card section to make an appointment at 703-696-2188. However, walk-ins will no longer be accepted.

USPS: Mail early for overseas holiday deliveries

The U.S. Postal Service has pub-lished recommended deadlines for sending holiday mail and packag-es to members of the armed forc-es and diplomatic service posted overseas. For a full listing of these deadlines and other, visit http://about.usps.com/news/national-re-leases/2015/pr15_054.htm.

Make it possible: CFC donations now accepted

During the forthcoming holi-day season and time of giving, we are asked to remember those less fortunate, and pay it forward to help others. There are a number

of ways to participate in this year’s Combined Federal Campaign, which runs through Dec. 15: con-tact your CFC keyworker; login at www.cfcnca.org; or contact JBM-HH Campaign Manager Barbara Edmondson at [email protected] or 703-696-3110.

Manage your health care with TRICARE Online

Did you know you can manage your health care from your home? With TRICARE Online, you can schedule and cancel medical ap-pointments with your assigned pro-vider from your home. You can also download your lab results, order prescriptions, and receive e-mails or text messages from your pro-vider. Simply log-onto TRICARE Online at www.tricare.mil/Secure-Login.aspx using one of the fol-lowing options: Common Access Card (CAC) login, Defense Fi-nance and Accounting Service My Pay account login, Department of Defense Self-Service (DS) Account (login and password.) TRICARE Online is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For additional information, please visit TRICARE Online or call 877-TRICARE or 703-696-3452.

JBM-HH police: Stop for school buses, at crosswalks

JBM-HH leadership and the joint base police force are remind-ing motorists on all three portions of the joint base that stopping for stopped school buses and for pe-destrians crossing at established crosswalks is mandatory. Accord-ing to the official Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles Driver’s Manual, a driv-er “must stop for stopped school buses with flashing red lights and an extended stop sign when ap-proaching from any direction on a highway, private road or school driveway.” Those behind the wheel must also “stop and remain stopped until all persons are clear and the bus moves again.” A driver “must also stop if the bus is load-ing or unloading passengers and the signals are not on.” Violators

will be issued citations; repeat of-fenders risk losing their on-base driving privileges.

Warrior Care Month is November

November is Warrior Care month, a time when the military community reaffirms their com-mitment to the best recovery and reintegration for the nation’s wounded, ill and injured service members, their families and the professionals who support them. Read more at www.army.mil/standto/archive_2015-11-02/.

Arlington County seeks public input for future transit plansArlington is developing its 10-

year plan for bus service in the county and is soliciting input from the public on the county’s Transit Development Plan, which ana-lyzes and recommends future im-provements to the county’s transit services. For more details on the plan and how you can provide in-put, visit www.ArlingtonVA.us/transit2026.

Seeking to improve your public speaking skills?

Toastmasters International offers free meetings every Tuesday, 5:15 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Pentagon Main Cafeteria (directly under CVS and Dunkin’ Donuts in the Penta-gon) on a first come, first served basis. This Pentagon-based Toast-masters Club provides training and practical experience in improving public speaking, listening and lead-ership skills. For more information, contact Carl Bert at [email protected] or via phone at 703-695-2804 or Jose Romero at [email protected] or via phone at 703-695-3443.

News Notes submissionsSend your submissions for the

Dec. 3 edition of the Pentagram via email at [email protected] no later than noon, Nov. 25. Submissions must be 100 words or less and contain all pertinent details. Submission of information does not guarantee publication.

neWs nOTesfrom page 4


painted with the children as they mixed colors and painted the clear, sphere shaped ornaments with them. It was during that time Mil-ley’s hand and part of her thumb became green.

On Dec.14, children and parents will travel to the Quarters One tree to see their hand-painted orna-ments on display, according to Maj. Yesenia Hutch, special assistant to the U.S. Army Chief of Staff.

Pentagram Staff Writer Delonte Harrod can be reached at [email protected].

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ry, remember those who sacrificed and reaffirm your commitment to the strengthening of our Corps,” said Neller.

The ceremony also included the reading of 13th Marine Corps Com-mandant Gen. John A. Lejeune’s birthday message and the passing of the first piece of cake from the old-est Marine present to the youngest, a tradition signifying the passing of the Corps’ experience and knowledge from one generation of Marines to the next.

The Corps was founded Nov. 10, 1775, when the Continental Con-gress approved a resolution to es-tablish two battalions of Marines able to fight for independence both on the land and on the sea.


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PHOTOS BY NELL KINg

Col. Andrew Regan, commanding officer, Headquarters and Service Battalion, Headquarters Marine Corps, Henderson Hall, cuts a Marine Corps birthday cake during a ceremony recognizing the Corps’ 240th birthday Nov.10 on the Hender-son Hall portion of JBM-HH. The ceremony also included the reading of Gen. John A. Lejeune’s birthday message and the passing of the first piece of cake from the oldest Marine present to the youngest, a tradition signifying the pass-ing of the Corps’ experience and knowledge from one generation of Marines to the next.

U.S. Marines celebrate the Marine Corps’ 240th birth-day following a cake-cutting ceremony inside Rosenthal Theater on the Henderson Hall portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Nov. 10. Immediately following the ceremony, Marines, civilian employees and other guests gathered in the theater’s lob-by to wish one another happy birthday.


Holly Dailey paints Christmas tree ornaments with children at the Cody Child Devel-opment Center Nov. 12 on the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall. Dailey and Hollyanne Milley, both residents of JBM-HH, visited the center to decorate Christmas ornaments with two preschool classes.

Nov. 20: Pre-Thanksgiving lunch at Fort Mc-Nair Officers’ Club

Enjoy Thanksgiving with your colleagues Nov. 20 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for $10.75 per person at the Officers’ Club on the Fort McNair portion of the joint base. For groups of 10 or more and for more information, call 202-484-5800.

Nov. 25-26: Dining Facility offers two Thanks-giving meals

The Dining Facility on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base features two Thanksgiving meals again this year. Those eligible to attend both meals include active duty and reserve component military personnel and their family members (with a family member military identification card); military retirees and their family members (with a family member military ID card); and Department of Defense civilians who are in direct support of JBM-HH (with a federal Common Access identification card – CAC).

Following are dates, times and cost of the meals, all held in the DFAC at Fort Myer:

Wednesday, Nov. 25 – from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. – $9.05 per person. The discounted rate of $6.80 is charged to family members of personnel in the rank of E-4 and below. This will be the “official” feast of the week. See the menu here: www.slideshare.net/JB-MHH/thanks-menu2015-25nov15.

Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 26 – Brunch (from 9 a.m. to noon) – $6.25; and supper from 4 to 5:30 p.m. – $7.65 (family members of E-4 and below get the discounted rate of $6.80 for supper).

Though somewhat toned down from Wednesday’s meal, this will also be a feast. For more information, call 703-696-2087/3671.

Nov. 26: Thanksgiving with Family and MWRLet Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation do

the cooking for you Nov. 26 on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base:

Spates Community Club and Conference Center menu selections include breakfast items and traditional Thanks-giving favorites. Seating times at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Adults — $28.95, Children (6-12) — $14.50, children under six dine free. Reservations are required: Call 703-524-7000/1/2.

Fort Myer Officers’ Club Koran Ballroom, seating times are 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Menu selections include breakfast items and traditional Thanksgiving favorites. Adults (members) — $35, Adults (non-members) — $40, Children (6-12) — $17.50, children under six dine free.

Reservations are required.Fort Myer Officers’ Club Fife & Drum Dining Room,

seating times are 12 and 2 p.m. Menu selections include traditional Thanksgiving favorites (breakfast will not be served in this room). Adults (members) $40, Adults (non-members) — $50, Children (6-12) — $20, children under six dine free. Reservations are required.

To make reservations, call 703-696-5147 or 703-524-3037.

Turkey Day meals around JBM-hh


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By Kisha A. TaylorThrift Savings Plan

Although you may feel compelled to spend ex-tra time and money on gifts for others during the holidays, don’t for-get to include someone special—yourself! Here are a couple of ideas for your gift list:

The Gift of the TSP Investing in your retire-ment is one of the best rewards you can give yourself. As a member of the uniformed ser-vices, you are eligible to contribute to the Thrift Savings Plan, the larg-est defined contribution retirement plan in the world. If you haven’t al-ready signed up, what are you waiting for? It takes less than five minutes: Just log into myPay and click the special section called “Traditional TSP and Roth TSP.” Then, choose how much of your pay you’d like to save (10 percent, for example). Call us at 1-877-968-3778 or talk to your payroll office for help.

The Gift of Growth Already contributing to the TSP? Now is a great time to increase your TSP contributions for the upcoming year. Thanks to compound earnings, even small changes can boost your retirement savings ex-ponentially. Upping your savings by as little as 1 percent each year can mean significantly more money over time. Check out our “Pay-check Estimator” calcu-lator to see how saving more might affect your take-home pay. To learn more about compound earnings, visit youtube.com/tsp4gov and watch our video “How Can Compound Earnings Work for Me?”

The Gift of Tax-Free Earnings With Roth, you pay taxes on your contri-butions up front, so you

won’t pay taxes on them when you retire. Your earnings can be tax-free if you meet certain IRS requirements.1 If you contribute tax-exempt pay earned in a combat zone to your Roth bal-ance, your savings can really add up. Use our “Contribution Compar-ison Calculator” to de-termine whether Roth or traditional contributions are best for you.

The Gift of Knowledge It’s always a great idea to stay up-to-date on your TSP knowledge. Check out our YouTube chan-nel to view our informa-tive videos and follow us on Twitter to get bite-sized savings tips. And don’t keep the TSP a secret: Tell your military friends about the TSP’s easy-to-understand in-vestment options, Roth and traditional contribu-tions, and the potential for exponential growth over time.

Your savings are yours to keep whether you’re with the uniformed services for two years or 20. So this holiday season, don’t just make plans to spend time and money on gifts for others. Think about your future and the gift that keeps on giving: the TSP.

Editor’s note: The earn-ings on your Roth con-tributions become “qual-ified,” and are therefore tax free, when 5 years have passed since Jan-uary 1 of the year you made your first Roth TSP contribution AND you are at least age 59½ or are permanently disabled.

TsP: The gift that keeps on givingtermined a need for better communication with employees.”

And according to Wait, that communication will help the joint base develop and maintain a better workforce from the ground up.

“The idea is that you want your organization to be a place where people want to come to work and give their best,” Wait said. “So if you can communicate and break down some of these barriers between the old and the new, we can do what we can to be competitive.”

Organized by a partnership of the Plans, Analysis and Integration Office (PAIO) and the Directorate of Human Resources, the first quarter town hall will take place in the Joe Rosenthal Theater, Bldg. 29A, on the Henderson Hall portion of the joint base. There will be two sessions – one from 9 to 11 a.m. and another from 1 to 3 p.m.

Wait said the two sessions are meant to provide flexi-bility to employees.

Employees are required to attend one of the two meetings.

“It’s really important that we get our civilians there because then we’re talking straight to them,” Wait said. “There’s no middle man. We’re going straight to the work-force. What are the issues? What are the concerns? What do you want to know? Let’s dig into it and get an answer.”

Wait said JBM-HH’s strategic plan, which outlines

how the base can continue to provide excellent custom-er service and facilities over the next decade, will be a key topic during the meeting.

Joint base leaders will also cover the performance management system, teleworking and Army Career Tracker, so employees can make sure they’re using all of the resources available to them.

“Every employee has access to Army Career Track-ing,” Wait said. “It allows people to see where they fit into the organization and they can develop a plan for where they want to be five years, 10 years from now.”

Wait said these workforce development efforts tie into Army Installation Management Command’s 2015 Strategic Human Capital Plan, an effort to re-shape and optimize IMCOM’s operations.

“Our strategic goal is to become the premier provider of Army installation management by 2025 and the preferred choice for joint and expeditionary basing management throughout the world,” said Lt. Gen. David Halverson, then-IMCOM commander, in a statement at the begin-ning of the human capital plan that was published earlier this year. “To accomplish our goal, we must recognize that our people are our most valuable asset.”

And Wait agreed, adding that if the Army wants a bright future, it must develop leaders now.

“As we walk out the door we need to make sure that we keep this organization going,” he said.

Pentagram Staff Writer Guv Callahan can be reached at [email protected].

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test costs for Marines who are seeking civilian credentials that correlate to their military occupational specialty or MOS, explained MacMillan. The web-based hub catalogs and defines comprehensive information on occupational credentials, including certifications, licenses and ap-prenticeships, he said.

The Career Resource Management Center offers a Personal Readiness Semi-

nar which is a brief mandated to be given to Marines at their first duty station fol-lowing boot camp. The course provides an overview of the Marine for Life pro-gram as well as personal and profession-al development programs and services and personal finance issues. It seeks to educate Marines early on about what is needed to prepare for a successful transi-tion out of the Corps, whether after four years of service or more.

“The Marines are making a very con-scientious effort of transitioning their Marines the minute they enlist,” Mac-Millan continued. “About a year ago, I

heard the statistic that 75 percent of the Marine Corps is going to serve one four year tour and get out.”

The Transition Readiness Seminar is a mandated and overseen by the Ca-reer Resource Management Center that helps Marines formulate effec-tive post-transition employment, edu-cational and entrepreneurial goals, he said. The seminar consists of pre-sepa-ration counseling and sessions on Vet-erans Affairs benefits, Reserve oppor-tunities and obligations and personal financial management.

For more information on the Hender-

son Hall Personal and Professional De-velopment Office call 703-614-9104 or visit them Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

This is the second in a four-part se-ries on education that will be published in the Pentagram in the coming weeks in celebration of National Education Week, Nov. 16-19. A military career and education expo will be held at the community center on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base Nov. 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.


cheerleading group. “For us to give so little, it doesn’t compare. We wanted to give something back.”

According to Annabelle Riccio, USO of Metropolitan Washington-Baltimore’s vice-president of marketing and develop-ment, the 200 completed care packages will go to service men, women and their family members who travel through Ronal Reagan Washington National Airport and, while there, use the USO lounge.

The cheerleading gym is based out of Front Royal, Va. As a fairly new organi-zation, the group members want to be known for serving their community, not just for cheering. According to Rogers, the gym’s founder, the group has done more community service projects than actual cheer competitions.

“We believe in giving as much to our community as we do [competing in com-petitions],” added Rogers. “At the begin-ning of the season, we asked our kids to sign contracts that says not only will they be good cheerleaders, but that they would be good on and off the mats.”

To continue to show their appreciation for the men and women who serve in the military, All-Star Legacy is looking to prepare an additional 50 care packages for those who have been deployed from the Front Royal community.

“We have names that have been given to us by people who’ve actually been deployed and are on the ground in Ger-many, Afghanistan and Pakistan,” said Rogers. “The military is the reason we are all here.”

Pentagram Staff Writer Delonte Harrod can be reached at [email protected].

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Some 33 members of the All Star Legacy Cheer and Dance group out of Front Royal, Va., packed about 200 care packages Nov. 14 inside the Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Fire Station on the Fort Myer portion of JBM-HH. The group volunteered to help joint base Directorate of Emer-gency Services personnel prepare packages for future distribution to military families at the USO lounge inside Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Washington, D.C.

pentagram2 thursday, november 19, 2015 pentagram jbm-hh thanksgiving day operations and services...

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