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Vol. 31, No. 22 October 31, 2014

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Social Media What’s Inside

Chaplain Assistants Make itHappen Behind the Scenes, p. 3

Soldiers for Life, from ActiveDuty to Civilian, p. 5

Fort Detrick CelebratesOktoberfest, p. 6

SHANNON BISHOPUSAG PUBLIC AFFAIRS

A friend to many, a sister to nine and amother to three-Joann Claybon has dedicat-ed her life to loving and serving the peoplearound her, including through her service inthe federal government.

Claybon, a medical support assistant atthe Fort Detrick Barquist Army Health Clin-ic, was recently recognized for 40 years infederal service. Claybon started her careerin 1974 as a student trainee at Fort Ritchiein Cascade, Maryland, for the U.S. Informa-tion Systems Engineering Command in thetelephone systems branch.

“When Fort Ritchie closed down becauseof the Base Realignment and Closure, Icame to work at Fort Detrick,” said Claybon.“I miss how beautiful Fort Ritchie was, but Idon’t mind coming down here.”

Throughout her federal career Claybonhas held a variety of positions, includinga student trainee for the 7th Signal Com-mand, a budget clerk in Resource Manage-ment and a medical support assistant at theU.S. Army Medical Research Institute of In-fectious Diseases.

In her current position, Claybon plays anactive role in the patient care process. Shebooks patient appointments, managesmed-

ical records and provides ongoing, positivecustomer service for clients of the BAHC.

“I love what I do here,” said Claybon. “Ilove interacting with the patients. I feel thatI am doing my deed to help our Soldiers andtheir families. My job is about helping otherpeople. I’ve always been a caregiver.”

Growing up with so many siblings, Clay-bon was taught by her parents to value fam-ily and to look out for those around her.

Federal Civilian Shows Dedication through Four Decades of Service

Joann Claybon currently serves the Fort Detrick Barquist Army Health Clinic as amedical support assistant where she assists with patient care, medical recordsand various administrative tasks in the clinic.

Photo by Shannon Bishop, USAG Public Affairs

In the last 40 years of federal service,Joann Claybon, medical support assis-tant for the Fort Detrick Barquist ArmyHealth Clinic, has been recognizednumerous times for her dedication andhard work. Pictured above is Claybon’s40 year pin awarded to her Sept. 16.Photo by Shannon Bishop, USAG Public Affairs

See DEDICATION, continued on page 10

THE USAMRMC FAMILYREADINESS GROUP

Halloween candy, costumes, decoratedtrunks and face painting were all part of thefirst ever U.S. Army Medical Research andMateriel Command Family Readiness GroupTrunk or Treat event. The USAMRMC andHeadquarters Company and the U.S. ArmyMedical Research Institute of InfectiousDiseases hosted more than 75 Soldiers andfamily members at the gathering. Spookyskeletons, Little Red Riding Hood, SpiderLady and, of course, characters from “Fro-zen” spent the evening happily haunting theparking lot behind the Odom Fitness CenterOct. 23.

The collaboration between the USAM-RMC HHC and the USAMRIID FRGs wasa huge success. Soldiers volunteered theirtime by offering face painting, running cos-tume contests and coordinating a best deco-rated car award. Children were able to safelyrun free collecting candy and being spooked

by the haunted cars.Having a safe, family-friendly Halloween

event was important to the FRGs.“We want to provide our Soldiers and

families activities that will enhance theesprit-de-corps on this small installa-tion. With the success of one event, we arehopeful that by providing fun events andactivities, we will be able to better supportour community,” said Capt. Kathryn Re-pucci, the USAMRMC Headquarters com-pany commander.

The Family Readiness Group is a com-mand-sponsored organization of familymembers, volunteers, Soldiers and civilianemployees who are associated with a unit.The group hosts activities and supportsmilitary and Department of the Army ci-vilian families while enhancing the flow ofinformation and increasing the resilience ofthe unit and their families.

Individuals interested in volunteering orparticipating in their unit’s FRG should in-quire with their unit’s command team.

Trunk or Treat...Halloween is Spooky and Sweet!

Lt. Col. Katherine Bruch and Maj. Nancy Heath from the U.S. Army MedicalResearch and Materiel Command joined in the Halloween fun during the Trunk orTreat event held Oct. 23 behind Fort Detrick’s Odom Fitness Center.

Photo by Walter Orellana, USAMRMC

2 Fort Detrick StandardOctober 31, 2014 Sustaining a community of excellence through restoration, environmental stewardship and workforce development

Command StaffMaj. Gen. Brian C. Lein

Commanding General, U.S. Army Medical

Research and Materiel Command

and Fort Detrick

Col. Steven P. MiddlecampU.S. Army Garrison Commander

Editorial StaffPAO Staff

The STANDARD is an authorized unofficial newspaper,published every two weeks under the provisions of AR360-1 for the military and civilians at Fort Detrick. Circula-tion is 7,000. The STANDARD is a commercial enterprisenewspaper printed by Comprint Military Publications, 9030Comprint Court, Gaithersburg, Md., 20877, a private firm,in no way connected with the United States Government orDepartment of Defense. The contents of the STANDARD donot necessarily reflect the official views or endorsement ofthe U.S. Government, the Department of Defense or the U.S.Army. The appearance of advertising in this publication, in-cluding inserts and supplements, do not constitute endorse-

ment of DoD. Everything advertised in this publication shallbe made available for purchase, use or patronage withoutregard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age,marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or anyother nonmerit characteristic of the purchaser, user or patron.Editorial content is prepared and edited by the Fort DetrickPublic Affairs Office, 810 Schreider Street, Fort Detrick, Md.21702-5000. Editorial Offices are in Bldg. 810, Suite 004,telephone 301-619-2018; e-mail: [email protected].

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After Duty NumbersImportant After Duty Hour Numbers

Daylight Savings Time

The Warrior Transition Command’s fifth an-niversary honors the service and sacrifice of allwounded, ill and injured Soldiers, veterans, familymembers and caregivers and the medical and non-medical professionals who support them. This No-vember, the Army celebrates Warrior Care Month.This year’s theme is “Show of Strength.”“Wounded, ill and injured Soldiers demon-

strate the true strength of our Army throughoutthe recovery and transition process,” said Col.Chris Toner, commander of the Warrior TransitionCommand and assistant surgeon general for War-rior Care. “Their physical and emotional strengthas they move forward with the next stage of theirlives embodies the resilience of all Soldiers. OurWarrior Care and Transition Program gives themthe foundation and tools to harness that strengthand fortitude into the achievement of their goals.”As part of the joint services commemoration,

key Army engagements will include several eventsranging from a Joint Services Facebook Townall toweekly events at 26 Warrior Transition Units.

The WTC is the lead for the Warrior Care andTransition Program, which oversees all aspectsof the recovery and transition process, includingWTUs and the Army Wounded Warrior Program.WTUs develop short and long-term goals in six

domains: physical, emotional, spiritual, social,

family and career. Today, about 4,900 Soldiers areenrolled in these units, surrounded by the supportof a multidisciplinary team of medical and non-medical professionals who coordinate all Soldiers’recovery and transition. Whether returning to theforce or transitioning to civilian life, eligible Sol-diers participate in Career and Employment Read-iness programs, such as internships, professionalcertifications, trainings or formal education. SinceWTUs were established in 2007, more than 63,737Soldiers have recovered through this program.The most severely wounded also benefit from

AW2. This program provides personalized supporton non-medical issues through a network of localAW2 advocates. More than 26,000 Soldiers and vet-erans are currently enrolled in AW2.For more information on Warrior Care Month

events, WTUs and the Warrior Care and Transi-tion Program, including more Soldier profiles,visit: http://WTC.army.mil/wtc/warrior_care_month_2014.html.

Army Commemorates Warrior CareMonth, Honors Warrior Transition

Command’s 5th Anniversary

3Fort Detrick StandardOctober 31, 2014Sustaining a community of excellence through restoration, environmental stewardship and workforce development

LANESSA HILLUSAG PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Their job is to provide muchneeded support to chaplains dur-ing war and in peacetime. Theirprimary purpose is to support theunit ministry team programs andworship services. Their enjoymentis getting to know people andmaking a difference.

For over 105 years, chaplainassistants have played an integralrole in providing support and com-fort to Soldiers and their familieswhile directly supporting chaplainsto ensure successful ministries.

This year marks the 105th an-niversary of the Chaplain AssistantMilitary Occupational Specialty.In 1909, General Order No. 253was issued, making the ChaplainAssistant MOS official.

It will be the duty of command-ers and regiments, hospitals andposts to afford to chaplains, as-signed to the same for duty, suchfacilities as may aid them in theperformance of their duties. Oneenlisted man will be detailed onspecial duty, by the commandingofficer of any organization to whicha chaplain is assigned for duty, forthe purpose of assisting the chap-lain in the performance of his of-ficial duties, as stated in the order.

“The chaplain assistants onthis installation truly model what

chaplain assistants are supposedto be,” said Capt. Khoi To, the dep-uty U.S. Army Garrison chaplain.

“Often times the relationshipbetween the chaplain and the as-sistant are strained; not here. Theydo the day-to-day, behind-thescene-operations that set us up forsuccess,” said To.

A major understated duty that isdevelopedwith time,whether a newchaplain assistant knows it or not, isto close the invisible, unspoken gapbetween enlisted and officers. Sincethe chaplain assistant is the voice ofthe chaplain, one of their primarymissions is to build and foster rela-tionships with everyone regardlessof rank, grade or religion.

Chaplains are a non-combat-ant MOS. They cannot touch aweapon. However, chaplain assis-tants can. In the time of war, theirprimary role is to provide securityto chaplains, according to To.

“There is really no other re-lationship in the Army like thechaplain and chaplain assistant,”said To.

Sgt. GregoryHawkinshasbeen inuniform for 10 years and a chaplainassistant for a little over two years.

“It was only out of necessity ofhis battalion and only as a specialduty chaplain,” said Hawkins.

Hawkins went on to explainone moment that stuck out.

“There are three aspects of

being in the chaplain core; thecare for the living, nurture forthe wounded and honor for thefallen. One day, I was tasked witha memorial ceremony for a Sol-dier that had taken his own life.It became a challenge to figureout what this job entailed, to bethe best. It was during this servicethat, for the first time, the rankswere removed and I was able tosee everyone as people and rec-ognize how everyone grieves. Inthe Army it’s always Hooah, showthat toughness. It was at that mo-ment I knew I had to build thoserelationships so people felt com-fortable enough with me to showweakness, so comfortable theycould talk,” said Hawkins.

As any chaplain assistant willtell you, themore they interact andget to know the Soldiers, the morethey are able to recognize whensomeone is not in the right space.

Sgt. Edward Webb, also a chap-lain assistant, said one of the perksof his job is getting to visit withand talk to everyone.

“There was a time when I metwith an education counselor to be-come an officer. While she steppedout of the office, I thought, ‘I lovemy job. I love working directlywith Soldiers.’” At that moment,he walked out and went back tohis job as a chaplain assistant andhasn’t looked back.

The gift of gab really does come

in handy and is another unspokenrequirement of the job. While be-ing deployed, Webb said he wouldwork out several times a night andsee the same Soldier each night.One night, after his workout, helooked out the door and this Sol-dier waved him on.

“I could tell something waswrong. He looked like he was go-ing to break down,” said Webb.“The Soldier was having suicidalthoughts because of issues athome.”

Webb was able to get the weap-on out of his hand and take him tothe chaplain.

“Webb was able to save a life.

This happens because of their re-peated interaction with everyoneand is not an uncommon occur-rence,” said To.

“As chaplains, our job is to talk.Our biggest responsibility is tobuild relationships. No one else inthe unit has that job,” said To.

“I have no words to expresshow much I appreciate my guys,”said Chaplain Ahn. “It really makescoming to work easy to know thatmy assistants are motivated to dotheir jobs.”

Fort Detrick has six chaplainassistants on the installation. Thenext time you see them, thankthem for their work.

Chaplain Assistants Make it Happen Behind the Scenes

Chaplain Assistants, Sgt. Edward Webb (pictured left) and Sgt.Gregory Hawkins are familiar and friendly faces to many at FortDetrick. Both directly support the chaplain and work closely withSoldiers. Both say they can’t imagine doing anything else.

Photo by Lanessa Hill, USAG Public Affairs

BRETT C. CONYERSLEGAL ASSISTANCE ATTORNEY

The Legal Assistance Office re-ceives many questions concerningthe obligations of Soldiers to pro-vide financial support to familymembers. State law requires par-ents to support their children and,depending on the circumstances,the higher earning spouse to sup-port the other if the couple sepa-rates. Army Regulation 608-99,“Family Support, Child Custody,and Paternity,” imposes obliga-tions on you and your command-er to ensure you provide financialsupport to your family members.

AR 608-99 provides that “Sol-diers will comply with the finan-cial support provisions of all courtorders.” In every case in which acommander receives a complaint,he should first ask to see a divorcedecree or a child support order. Ifthe order grants the Soldier’s for-mer spouse a certain amount ofalimony or spousal support, theArmy requires the Soldier to paythat amount.

In many cases, spouses whoare separating will enter into awritten separation agreementthat addresses both spousal andchild support, pending the filingby either side for divorce. Separat-ing parties may terminate theseagreements upon divorce or in-corporate them in the divorcedecree. Soldiers should be awarethat the Army will require a Soldierwho signed such an agreement tohonor it by paying the amountof support the agreement speci-fies. Therefore, if offered such anagreement, it is important to seekthe advice of a lawyer before sign-

ing. Most Army legal assistanceoffices draft simple separationagreements and review agree-ments drafted by the other party’slawyer. However, a legal assistanceoffice may assist only one spouse.For example, if the Fort DetrickLegal Assistance Office assists thehusband, then the wife must makean appointment at another nearbyinstallation, such as Fort Meade’sLegal Assistance Division.

If the Soldier doesn’t have acourt order or an agreement, he orshe should reference AR 608-99 forthe set amount of support, whichdepends on three factors: thesponsor’s grade, whether one ormore family units require supportand whether the current familymembers live in on-post housing.The amount will be based on theBasic Allowance for Housing tableII for that Soldier’s grade.

If the Soldier has one familyunit that does not reside in on-post housing, and the Soldier doesnot have any children living inanother household, the amountequals BAH II-WITH, meaning Ba-sic Allowance for Housing with de-pendants. The amount is based onthe Soldier’s grade, regardless ofwhether or not the Soldier receivesBAH II-WITH in his/her Leave andEarning Statement and regardlessof the size of the family unit. Theamount does not change if theSoldier has a spouse and no chil-dren or a spouse and five children.Thus, in the absence of a courtorder or agreement, a sergeantsupporting an estranged spouseliving off post with their two chil-dren owes his family $884.70 permonth. The Soldier does not oweany additional amount of sup-

port if an estranged spouse re-mains in on-post housing after aseparation. If the family membersmove out of government housing,the Soldier must pay the amountequal to BAH II-WITH.

Finally, if the Soldier maintainsmore than one family unit, eachfamily member receives a pro-rata share of BAH II-WITH. Thepro-rata share is calculated by di-viding BAH II-WITH by the totalnumber of family members beingsupported, not counting formerspouses. For example, consider acaptain who pays child support, asordered by a court, to his formerwife who has custody of their twochildren and now separates fromhis current wife who lives off post.If they do not have a court orderand have not been able to reach anagreement between themselves,how much will the Army requirehim to provide to his current wifeand to his children living with hisformer wife?

He must continue to send theamount ordered to his formerwife for their two children, and hemust send a pro-rata share of hisBAH-II to his current wife. If hisBAH II-WITH were $1,211.10, hewould pay $403.70 to each of thethree family members to whom heowes support. So, every month heshould send at least $403.70 to hiscurrent wife.

This example is a common situ-ation that involves applying theArmy’s family support require-ments. There are manymore wrin-kles, such as when both spousesinvolved are active-duty militarymembers and when some live on

UnderstandingFamilySupportandArmyRegulation608-99

See SUPPORT, continued on page 10



What comes to mind when you thinkabout domestic violence? Many think ofwomen who are physically abused by theirpartners or spouses. Unfortunately, the re-ality of domestic violence is that it can affectanyone-women, men and children.

After being featured on a national plat-form, William Kellibrew, a survivor of do-mestic violence, spoke to the Fort Detrickcommunity Oct. 2 in the Community Activi-ties Center about his near-death experienceas a child.

Kellibrew shared an emotional story aboutthe abuse he had suffered from his neighbor.Years later, Kellibrew watched his mother goin andout of toxic relationships.Hedescribedhis childhood as confusing because his mom

was a person who was supposed to care forhim and protect him, yet his mom was alsothe person letting the danger into his life.

“There were always power and control is-sues. Until one day, she met a man who lostcontrol and he ended up taking her life andtakingmy 12-year-old brother’s life,” said Kel-librew of hismother’s relationships.

In his testimony of the loss of his familymembers, Kellibrew described the situationwithMarshall, his mother’s boyfriend, hold-ing him at gunpoint after he had killed hismom and brother. He shared that his wordsto Marshall were, “Please don’t shoot. I’ll doanything. I’ll do anything.”

Kellibrew went on to share his journey tofind healing and develop a new sense of theworld around him without his mom and hisbrother. Along the way, with the support ofhis grandparents, therapists, teachers and

friends, Kellibrew came to understand howhis experiences could allow him to influ-ence and help those struggling with similarissues.

“By coming here today, you all havebrought these issues to life, and for that Iam just grateful. This isn’t just my story, butthere are so many others who have storieslike mine,” said Kellibrew addressing theaudience.

Kellibrew’s foundation, based out ofWashington, District of Columbia, is anadvocate, bridge and community-drivenpartner dedicated to breaking the cycles ofviolence and poverty. The foundation, ac-cording to the official website, harnessesand provides resources to both victims andsimilarly focused organizations throughprevention, intervention, education and

outreach. By sharing the stories of survi-vors, the foundation gives a voice to victims,raises community awareness and empowerspeople working to rebuild their lives, fami-lies and communities.

According to the National Coalitionagainst Domestic Violence, on average,nearly 20 people per minute are victims ofphysical violence by an intimate partner inthe U.S. During one year, this equates tomore than 10 million men and women, ac-cording to the official NCADV website.

The Fort Detrick Family Advocacy Pro-gram offers services to active-duty militaryand civilians struggling with domestic vio-lence issues. For more information aboutavailable programs, please call (301) 619-2197. The national domestic violence hot-line is available 24/7 at 1-800-799-7233.

Speaker Sheds New Light on Domestic Violence

HEATHER MCDOWELL DUONGUSAMRMC PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Dr. Tony Shih, lead scientist and prin-cipal investigator at the U.S. Army MedicalResearch Institute of Chemical Defense,was selected as one of the Army Acquisi-tion Corps’ 25 for 25, an honor bestowed forShih’s exemplary service to the Warfighterand the acquisition workforce.

The AAC’s 25 for 25 is an online initia-tive to highlight 25 individuals out of a forceof more than 12,000 AAC members Army-wide. The celebration is in recognition ofthe Corps’ 25th anniversary on Oct. 13 andincludes a dedicated webpage highlight-ing the anniversary and honorees on theArmy Acquisition Support Center’s website:http://asc.army.mil/web/.

Shih has worked in the field of organo-phosphorus nerve agent research for morethan 36 years. At the USAMRICD, Shih’swork includes conducting pharmacologi-cal and neurochemical investigations of thebasic and functional mechanisms of nerveagents and their treatments. This research isaimed at developing efficient medical coun-termeasures for use in theater.

Shih’s past achievements include re-search to gather critical drug data, submit-ted to the Food and Drug Administration insupport of the fielding of a new oxime re-activator for inhibited acetylcholinesteraseand an anticonvulsant drug (midazolam)for Warfighters to protect against nerveagent exposure.

“My nomination feels really fantastic,”said Shih. “Everyone that has been workingwith me over the years allowed me to ac-complish this.”

Shih holds a Ph.D. in pharmacologyfrom the University of Pittsburg. He countsamongst his numerous awards the Com-mander’s Award for Civilian Service, thetwice-granted Outstanding SupervisorAward and the Department of the ArmyResearch and Development AchievementAward for both Technical Excellence andTechnical Achievement.

The Army acquisition workforce devel-ops, acquires, fields and sustains the menand women serving in the U.S. Army. TheAAC is comprised of civilian and militaryspecialists who develop and procure thebreadth of capabilities the Army employsfor its missions.

USAMRICD Scientist Honored for Service

Dr. Tony Shih, lead scientist and principal investigator at the U.S. ArmyMedicalResearch Institute of Chemical Defense, has been selected as one of the ArmyAcquisition Corps’ 25 for 25 this October for demonstrating exemplary service to theWarfighter and acquisitionwork. Shih joined the AAC in 1995.

Photo by Capt. Kristina Pugh, USAMRICD


Fort Detrick will host Retiree Apprecia-tion Day Nov. 19 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at theCommunity Activities Center. This annualevent recognizes retired members of theAmerican armed forces and is open to thepublic. The RAD will offer the latest infor-mation on retirement benefits and also pro-vide opportunities to renew acquaintances,listen to guest speakers, renew ID Cards andvarious other services.

The Fort Detrick Retiree Council plansthe event each year, keeping in mind thecurrent needs of retirees in the community.

One member of the council, RobertGlausier, a retired Marine captain, recent-ly stepped down from his position on thecouncil after 20 years of participation.

“This council is a way to get informationout about things available to retirees,” saidGlausier. “We have the Retiree AppreciationDay one time a year where retirees can gettheir flu shots.”

Glausier described being grateful for histime on the council but decided it was timeto step down to allow the younger retireesto take part.

“It was definitely a good experience,”said Glausier.

The 2014 RAD will feature guest speak-ers including U.S. Army Garrison Fort Det-rick Commander Col. Steven Middlecamp,Barquist Army Health Clinic CommanderLt. Col. Jason Sepanic and Ed Cramer fromthe Johns Hopkins Family Health Plan.

Lunch will be provided for attendees bythe Community Activities Center. For moreinformation about lunch cost, call (301)619-3381.

Retiree Appreciation DayProvides Latest InformationLANESSA HILL

USAG PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Fort Detrick will host the annual ArmyFamily Action Plan Conference Nov. 3-6from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Army CommunityService, 1520 Freedman Drive. The openingceremony begins at 9 a.m., Nov. 3.

The AFAP is the Army’s grassrootsprocess to identify and elevate the mostsignificant quality of life issues impact-ing Soldiers, retirees, Department of theArmy civilians and families to seniorleaders for action. Information providedthrough the AFAP process gives com-manders and leaders insight into currentsatisfaction detractors, quality-of-lifeneeds and expectations of Army constitu-ents. Leadership uses the information toeffect changes that improve standardsof living and support programs. Thesechanges foster a satisfied, informed andresilient Army community.

“This is an official forum where issues

concerning quality of life for our familiesare addressed. Solutions are discussed andsent to leadership, potentially even to theDepartment of the Army, for review,” saidMichelle Hewitt, acting Army Family ActionPlan manager.

To submit an issue or to volunteer for theconference, visit the Community SupportCenter, 1520 Freedman, ACS, Room 127; call(301) 619-3171; or e-mail: [email protected].

Quality of Life is the Center ofDiscussion at Upcoming Conference

1043174


LISA MORRISUSAMRMC PUBLIC AFFAIRS

AND

JENNI BENSONUSAG PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Soldiers have a unique opportunity whenthey decide they are ready to separate fromthe Army, whether after a one-year mobi-lization or after 20 years of service. Transi-tioning from active duty to civilian life signi-fies a career change few other capacities fa-cilitate. To support Soldiers’ success in thisinevitable endeavor, the Army provides re-sources through the Soldier for Life - Transi-tion Assistance Program, formerly known asthe Army Career and Alumni Program.

With the Army planning to reduce troopstrength from its current level of 520,000Soldiers to 450,000 by fiscal 2017, the SFL-TAP’s significance proves more relevantthan ever. Although unemployment for allveterans has decreased, the rate remainshigher among post-9/11 veterans comparedto civilians, especially among the young, mi-norities and women.

Providing tools, training, education andcounseling, the Army maintains worldwideSFL-TAP centers on post, in addition to 24/7call centers. The centers provide trained andexperienced personnel who assist in con-necting Soldiers to resources for the differ-ent avenues they may consider, includingfurthering their education, starting theirown business or pursuing another career.

“When you’re getting out of the Army, youneed to prepare as early as you can and beaware of your benefits. The SFL-TAP helpsSoldiers do that,” said Toni Lewis, the transi-tion servicesmanager at Fort Detrick. “It’s vi-tally important when you’re getting out of themilitary so you can transition successfully.”

Lewis, an Army retiree herself, has seenthe program through its evolution into thethorough and detailed process it is today.

All armed forces, including the Army, re-quire every service member transitioning tocivilian life to complete a five-day programorganized by theU.S. Department ofDefense,U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and U.S.Department of Labor through the SFL-TAP.The program includes pre-separation coun-seling, a financial planning class, a six-hourVA briefing and a three-dayworkshop involv-ing resume-building guidance, mock inter-view practice and job-searching techniques.

Commanders and supervisors encour-age their Soldiers to take advantage of addi-tional services offered through the SFL-TAPupon completion of the five-day mandatoryprogram. Services include quarterly work-shops such as ‘Accessing Higher Education,’‘Boots to Business’ and ‘Career TechnicalTraining Track.’

Workshops are offered on a first-come,first-serve basis. For more information onthe SFL-TAP or to register for a workshop,call (301) 619-2174 or email [email protected].

Accessing Higher EducationSoldiers attended Fort Detrick’s first “Ac-

cessingHigherEducation’workshopOct. 15-17.Offered under the Veterans Opportunity

to Work program, the workshop includesa two-day class and a day for one-on-onecounseling. The class, split into four sec-tions, covers participants’ personal andcareer goals, the process of selecting aninstitution, funding factors and admissionrequirements.

Soldiers have the opportunity to take anindividual career assessment test on the firstday and discuss the role personal factors play

in defining and reaching their goals. On thethird day of theworkshop, theymeet with thecounselor to discuss their results and receivetailored guidance for their next steps.

Program Manager Cynthia Dillard coor-dinates more than 50 full-time counselorsworldwide who maintain a consistent pres-ence on more than 30 installations.

“We help Soldiers understand what itmeans to go to school, how to get there, howto apply for scholarships, how to apply tothe school itself and understand how theirGI bill applies to that particular school’sprogram,” said Dillard. “We help them fig-ure out the mystery of going to college.”

In addition to the resources and informa-tion they gain from the workshop, Soldierswalk away with a better sense of ability.

“Most of all, we’ve seen that the workshopgives Soldiers confidence and helps themunderstand they can do it,” said Dillard.

The next ‘Accessing Higher Education’workshop will take place in January.

Boots to BusinessThe SFL-TAP held its third ‘Boots to Busi-

ness’ class Oct. 7 and 8.The ‘Boots to Business’ initiative, offered

by the U.S. Small Business Administrationin collaboration with Syracuse University’sInstitute for Veterans and Military Fami-lies, helps prepare service members whoare considering starting their own businessonce they transition frommilitary to civilianlife. The class offers comprehensive trainingmaterials specifically geared to transition-ing service members.

Taught by Mark Williams, Veterans Busi-ness Development officer with the U.S.Small Business Administration, the courseprovides valuable assistance to participantswho are exploring self-employment oppor-tunities by leading them through the keysteps for running and owning a business.

“It’s a good introduction to some of thechallenges you’re going to face when youstart a business,” said Williams. “We’re try-ing to introduce them to the resources thatthey can use to help them start a businessand be successful.”

With their vast ranges of experience andadaptable skillsets, Williams believes Sol-diers offer unique capabilities to the worldof entrepreneurship.

“Veterans are entrepreneurial by theirmakeup,” said Williams. “In the military youlearn how towork around the unexpected andthere is no option to not complete your mis-sion because something didn’t work out theway you expected. These are great skills thattranslatewell into owning your ownbusiness.”

The next ‘Boots to Business’ class at FortDetrick will take place Feb. 10-11.

Career Technical Training TrackThe SFL-TAP at Fort Detrick will offer its

first ‘Career Technical Training Track’ work-shop Dec. 2 and 3.

Conducted by the VA, this workshop as-sists Soldiers seeking job-ready skills andindustry-recognized credentials in shorter-term training programs by discussing thechoices and decisions involved in selectinga technical career.

Participants receive assistance in identi-fying required credentials and investigatingtraining options to pursue those qualifica-tions. By the end of the workshop, they de-velop a customized plan for success to helpsmooth their transition to a technical career.

Soldiers for Life, from Active Duty to Civilian

The Soldier for Life - Transition Assistance Program held its third ‘Boots to Busi-ness’ class Oct. 7 and 8. This course is designed to prepare service memberswho are thinking about entrepreneurship once they transition from military tocivilian life.

Photo by Shannon Bishop, USAG Public Affairs


Fort Detrick Celebrates Oktoberfest

Authentic Bavarian Oktoberfest music was provided by “Friends of Edelweiss,” Gary Carper of Fredericksburg, Virginia, Dale Wise from Burr Hill, Virginia, andJay Wachter from Bel Air, Maryland, adding a “oompah” spirit to the event. The Fort Detrick Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation office hosted the eventOct. 18 at the Nallin Pond Recreation Area, with attractions including a pumpkin rolling contest, hay bale toss and authentic German food and drink.

Photo by Nick Minecci, USAG Public Affairs,

One of the attractions at the Fort Detrick Oktoberfestwas the Pumpkin Patch, where children and adultscould walk among the colorful gourds and soak inthe Oktoberfest atmosphere.

Photo by Nick Minecci, USAG Public Affairs

Fort Detrick Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation provided several inflatable bounce housesat the Fun Zone for children to enjoy during the Fort Detrick Oktoberfest, Oct. 18, at Nallin Pond.

Courtesy photo of Family & MWR



Thanks to the hard work of lo-cal community members, ArmyEmergency Relief at Fort Detrickwill be able to help more Soldiersand their families. On Oct. 17members of the Maryland Knightsof Pythias and Pythian Sisters metwith Maj. Gen. Brian C. Lein, com-manding general, U.S. Army Medi-cal Research and Materiel Com-mand and Fort Detrick, to donate$30,000 towards the fund.

Each year, the Maryland Knightsof Pythias and Pythian Sisters selecta program and hold multiple fund-raising events throughout the year.This year, AER was selected at thesuggestion of Rosemary Northcraft.

“Thirty years ago my father in-law was killed in a furnace explo-sion at home. He was retired Army.

Army Emergency Relief steppedright in and supported the familyfrom the beginning and providedso much. Since then, this programhas been dear to my heart,” saidNorthcraft.

The so called money lady of thegroup, Joyce Dilks, kept pushing onwith fundraisers and had high hopes.

“Joyce kept moving up the dol-lar amount of donations after wewould reach our goal amount,”said Hilda May Resh. “Our goalinitially was $20,000. Today wedonated $30,000.”

Lein thanked the group for theirtremendousworkand incredible sup-portofourSoldiers.Hespoke to themon the importance of the programandsaidAER isanArmyprogramthatallows Soldiers to help Soldiers.

For more information on theAER at Fort Detrick, visit: http://detrick.armymwr.com/us/detrick/programs/army.

Army Emergency Relief Receives Generous Donation

Members of the Maryland Knights of Pythias and Pythian Sisters present Maj. Gen. Brian C. Lein,commanding general, U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command and Fort Detrick witha donation towards Army Emergency Relief at Fort Detrick, on Oct. 17.

Photo by Lanessa Hill, USAG Public Affairs

Golf Scramble

The Fort Detrick Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation hosted a Golf Scramble at Musket Ridge Golf course in Myersville, Maryland, Oct. 24. Thirty-sixgolfers came out to enjoy a beautiful day on the greens. 1st place winners were Anthony Floyd, Ben Gannon, Jim Pincolla and Dwanold Bryant. Longestdrive went to Dave Reed. Closest to the pin # 8 went to Dwanold Bryant. Closest to the pin #17 went to Dave Reed. For more information on F&MWR pro-grams and events, contact (301) 619-2498.

Photo by Mike Daye, Family & MWR

Expect. Employ. Empower!The Fort Detrick Equal Employ-ment Opportunity Office hostedthe National Disability EmploymentAwareness Month ObservanceOct. 23 at the Community ActivitiesCenter. Guest speaker Keith Nolan,deaf since birth, spoke about hisexperiences as an Army R.O.T.Ccadet and his work with the U.S.Congress to introduce legislationto implement a demonstration pro-gram for deaf and hard-of-hearingAmericans to receive training tobecome officers in the U.S. AirForce. Musical selections wereperformed by Tom Ross. Blindsince birth, Ross developed a lovefor music in middle school andcontinues to play at various ven-ues. He entertained the audiencewith several on-the-spot selections.

Photo by Siegfried Bruner,USAG Visual Information

1043173


Glen Haven Meet and Greet

Leaders from Fort Detrick and Balfour Beatty Communities met withresidents of Glen Haven family housing for a meet and greet Oct. 15.On hand to update the community and answer questions were the U.S.Army Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Jessup, the U.S. Army Medi-cal Research and Materiel Command Command Sgt. Maj. Cy Akana, theUSAG Commander Col. Steven Middlecamp, the USAMRMC and FortDetrick Commanding General Maj. Gen. Brian Lein, Glen Haven Com-munity Manager Daren Hester and Balfour Beatty Communities RegionalProject Director Brad Collier.

Photo by Nick Minecci, USAG Public Affairs

New Morning Hoursfor Opossumtown GateEffective Monday, Nov. 3, Opossumtown Gate will open at 6 a.m.

The new operating hours in the morning will be from 6-8:30 a.m.There will be no change to the afternoon operating hours, which are3:30-5:30 p.m.


Fort Detrick and community partners ex-ercised portions of the county’s emergencymedication mass distribution plan on Fri-day, Oct. 24.

This exercise was a component of thescheduled exercise plan and is conductedyearly. It is an integral part of FrederickCounty’s ongoing emergency planning. Theexercise tested and evaluated local policies,procedures and capabilities as they pertainto distributing medication in an emergency.

The exercise began with a practice notifi-cation of exercise participants. Several agen-cies partnered with the Frederick CountyHealth Department for this exercise includ-ing Frederick County Emergency Prepared-ness, Frederick County Division of Fireand Rescue Services, Frederick CountyGovernment buildings, Frederick County

Sheriff’s Office, Frederick County LawEnforcement Center, Frederick MemorialHospital and Frederick Police Depart-ment, as well as other government and pri-vate entities.

Eighteen participating partners pickedup sample medications from a central loca-tion. Several partners returned to their fa-cilities and practiced dispensing emergencymedications to their staff and families.

Each partner played an essential part inthis exercise, whether it was notification,picking up sample products or dispens-ing. The exercise demonstrated how vari-ous agencies and organizations can cometogether, implement emergency plans andpush forward in the event of a real publichealth threat.

Formore information regarding the exer-cise, please contact the emergencymanagerat Fort Detrick by calling (301) 619-3366.

County Exercise Tests FortDetrick Emergency Plans

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A Look at the National Museumof Health and Medicine

Maj. Gen. Brian Lein, commanding general, U.S. Army Medical Research andMateriel Command and Fort Detrick, views a stereoscopic medical illustra-tion through a 19th century stereoscope during a tour of the National Muse-um of Health and Medicine in Silver Spring, Maryland. The stereoscope cardLein viewed is among the holdings of the NMHM’s Otis Historical Archives.The NMHM is the Department of Defense’s medical museum and is an ele-ment of the USAMRMC. The NMHM is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.,including weekends and holidays. The NMHM is closed on Dec. 25.For more information about visiting the museum call (301) 319-3312 or visit:http://www.medicalmuseum.mil/index.cfm

Photo by Matthew Breitbart, NMHM

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“We’re a close-knit family,” said Claybon. “My family isthe most important thing.”

Claybon shared the joy her career has brought to herand her children as they have grown into adults. With a bigsmile, she shared that she is proud to have been able to putall three of her children through college as a result of hercareer in the federal government.

“I’vebeenable to teachmychildren to save theirmoney, andnow I know that they canmake it on their own,” said Claybon.

In her spare time, Claybon enjoys being with her grand-children and the rest of her family. She also has a love fordance, and every once in a while has been known to indulgein a few scratch-offs.

DEDICATION, continued from page 1

Operation Happy Holidays isa program to assist eligible fami-lies, E5 and below, civilians, GS1-4 and NAF employees 1-2, whocould use a little extra help withfood, clothing and gifts duringthe holidays. If you are in need,please contact your unit OHHLiaison, supervisor or the ArmyCommunity Service for more in-formation.

OHH family nominations are being accepted through Nov. 14.For more information, call (301) 619-3455/2197, Fax (301) 619-6288 or

e-mail: [email protected].

OperationHappy Holidays

post and some do not. The important thing to remember isthat the Army takes the obligation to support family mem-bers very seriously. Commanders are required to counselSoldiers on their obligation to follow the regulation, andthey may take adverse administrative action against Sol-diers who refuse to obey court orders, to honor writtenagreements or, in the absence of an order or written agree-ment, to pay the interim amount required by AR 608-99.

If you are a Soldier or family member and have questionsabout financial support obligations, make an appointmentfor counseling at the Fort Detrick Legal Assistance Office bycalling (301) 619-2221. If you are an Army leader and havequestions about your subordinate’s obligations, contactyour servicing Trial Counsel by calling (301) 619-2065.

SUPPORT, continued from page 3

Commanders Information ExchangeCommanders anddirectors across FortDetrick discussedissues with the installa-tion senior commanderat the Commander’sInformation ExchangeOct. 28 at the Commu-nity Activities Center.Topics included gates,security, recycling andnew programs andpartnerships.

Photo by Lanessa Hill,

USAG Public Affairs

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