8
By Guv Callahan Pentagram Staff Writer Summer is here, and as Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall com- munity members break out the sunscreen and bathing suits, joint base leaders are reminding service members to stay out of Potomac River waters at Great Falls Park. The section of water from the Sycamore Island area – four- tenths of a mile from the Little Falls Dam – to Chain Bridge is prohibited to all swimmers and waders. Aquatic activities in the Great Falls/Potomac River Gorge area are against Maryland, Virginia and District of Columbia law, as well as off- limits under a directive from the Military District of Washington issued in 1984. Tracie Miller, JBM-HH Directorate of Emergency Services physical security spe- cialist, stressed the very real and deadly dangers of Potomac River waters in an interview with the Pentagram. “It’s extremely important that personnel understand … that swimming and wading are 100 percent prohibited and that it is illegal no matter if you’re on the Virginia, D.C. or Maryland side,” she said. “If you’re fortunate enough to survive, you’ll receive a citation. Courts generally give fines or community service in conjunction with these citations because they want people to take this seriously.” While surface waters may seem calm to some, Miller assured community members that the river is a different beast beneath the surface. “It’s a deep and a fast-moving river with jagged, rocky bottoms, and it creates a very strong current that even strong swimmers have difficulty and issues with,” she said. “It generates a current that is much like a washing machine – it’s a circular current, and it’ll take you down to the bottom, and you can’t get back up.” For a better idea of the river’s dangers, community members need only look at the numbers. According to the National Park Service, 51 percent of all river-related accidents in the By Damien Salas Pentagram Staff Writer Despite a potential rain- out, the second annual Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation’s Firecracker 5K “Twinkie” Challenge and 1.5-Mile Walk July 2 saw nearly double the number of partici- pants over last year’s inaugural race, according to race organizer Todd Hopkins. The race, named after the cream-filled sponge cakes com- petitors are required to devour during the course and held in recognition of Independence Day, saw some 112 partici- pants—45 more than last year, said Hopkins. “The weather did not get the best of us,” said Hopkins in a post-race interview. Still, the race was delayed 10 minutes as gray clouds threat- ened further delay. Thunder and lightning were absent, allowing the race to continue as planned. Runners not deterred by rain at second JBM-HH Firecracker Twinkie Challenge Vol. 62, No. 27 July 9, 2015 www.army.mil/jbmhh Published For Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Pentagram Index Local forecast SFL-TAP events ............. page 2 Community ................ page 3 News notes ................ page 4 In photos: Independence Day 2015 ...... page 5 Summer safety tips .......... page 8 Classifieds ................ page 9 THURS. 90 | 73 FRI. 89 | 68 SAT. 86 | 71 SUN. 88 | 76 For more weather forecasts and information,visit www.weather.gov. By C. Todd Lopez Army News Service New policy for the noncom- missioned officer evaluation report, or NCOER, due out in January includes a limit on how many “most qualified” ratings can be handed out by a Soldier’s senior rater. Under the new system, a senior rater may rate only as many as 24 percent as being most qualified. That limit applies when those being rated are in the rank of staff sergeant through sergeant major. The expecta- tion will be to make the rating of “highly qualified” the “new norm,” said Sgt. Maj. Stephen McDermid, the evaluations branch sergeant major for the Adjutant General Directorate, Human Resources Command. “It’s important to under- stand that the ‘highly qualified’ selection will be the norm and that noncommissioned officers [NCOs] will remain competitive for promotion with highly- qualified NCOERs, given they complete their required pro- fessional military education,” McDermid said. The senior rater profile is new on the NCOER, and similar to what is already being done on officer evaluation reports. Army leaders hope that implementation of a senior rater profile will help reduce “rating inflation” within the enlisted evaluation system, With new report, senior raters may identify just 24 percent ‘most qualified’ see REPORT, page 4 News Notes Rader Clinic offers school, sports physicals To accommodate patient needs, Andrew Rader U.S. Army Medical Clinic’s Patient Centered Home will offer Saturday appointments for school and sports physical appointments July 18, Aug. 1, Aug. 15 and Sept. 12. Additionally, weekly school and sports physical appoint- ment availability has been increased through September, but these appointments do fill quickly. Parents are encour- aged to schedule physicals before families go on vacation to avoid a last-minute rush. To schedule an appointment, call 1-855-227-6331 or visit Tricare Online at www.tri- careonline.com. During the appointment, the child must be accompanied by a parent. The following items must be brought: physical form with the parent section completed; immuniza- tion records; military ID; and glasses or contacts, if appli- cable. The entire appointment will take no longer than 90 minutes. Physical forms may be downloaded from school and/or county websites. Those who have previously had a physical at Rader Clinic need only bring the physical form to the appointment. Completed forms can be sent via secure messaging through Relay Health or brought in person. AAFES flower shop on reduced hours Petals & Blooms, the Army and Air Force Exchange Service flower shop on the see NEWS NOTES, page 4 see TWINKIE, page 4 see OFF LIMITS, page 4 Great Falls off limits to swimmers, waders PHOTO BY DAMIEN SALAS Participants consume Twinkies at the halfway point of the second annual Firecracker 5K “Twinkie” Challenge and 1.5-Mile Walk July 2 at the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall. This year’s race, put on by Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation, garnered more than 45 additional participants from the inaugural event last year; 112 people participated. Those desiring to place in the race were required to eat six Twinkies at the course’s mid-way point. GRAPHIC BY HELEN KLEIN Since 2001, two dozen people have lost their lives—including a Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall- based Soldier—to the dangers of the Potomac River in the Great Falls/Potomac River Gorge area in Washington, D.C., northern Virginia and Maryland. Although there were no deaths in 2014 attributed to Great Falls’ waters, at least one person died this year, according to the National Park Service. JBM-HH officials are reminding service members that aquatic activities in certain portions of the Great Falls area are not only off limits under a Military District of Washington directive, but are also illegal.

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By Guv CallahanPentagram Staff Writer

Summer is here, and as JointBaseMyer-HendersonHall com-munity members break out thesunscreen and bathing suits, jointbase leaders are reminding servicemembers to stay out of PotomacRiver waters at Great Falls Park.The section of water from the

Sycamore Island area – four-tenths of a mile from the LittleFalls Dam – to Chain Bridgeis prohibited to all swimmersand waders. Aquatic activitiesin the Great Falls/PotomacRiver Gorge area are againstMaryland, Virginia and Districtof Columbia law, as well as off-limits under a directive from theMilitary District of Washingtonissued in 1984.Tracie Miller, JBM-HH

Directorate of EmergencyServices physical security spe-cialist, stressed the very realand deadly dangers of PotomacRiver waters in an interview withthe Pentagram.“It’s extremely important that

personnel understand … thatswimming and wading are 100

percent prohibited and that it isillegal no matter if you’re on theVirginia, D.C. orMaryland side,”she said. “If you’re fortunateenough to survive, you’ll receivea citation. Courts generally givefines or community service inconjunction with these citationsbecause they want people to takethis seriously.”While surface waters may seem

calm to some, Miller assuredcommunity members that theriver is a different beast beneaththe surface.“It’s a deep and a fast-moving

river with jagged, rocky bottoms,and it creates a very strong currentthat even strong swimmers havedifficulty and issues with,” shesaid. “It generates a current thatis much like a washing machine– it’s a circular current, and it’lltake you down to the bottom, andyou can’t get back up.”For a better idea of the river’s

dangers, community membersneed only look at the numbers.According to the NationalPark Service, 51 percent of allriver-related accidents in the

By Damien SalasPentagram Staff Writer

Despite a potential rain-out, the second annual JointBase Myer-Henderson HallFamily and Morale, Welfareand Recreation’s Firecracker5K “Twinkie” Challenge and1.5-Mile Walk July 2 saw nearlydouble the number of partici-pants over last year’s inauguralrace, according to race organizerTodd Hopkins.The race, named after the

cream-filled sponge cakes com-petitors are required to devourduring the course and held inrecognition of IndependenceDay, saw some 112 partici-pants—45 more than last year,said Hopkins.“The weather did not get the

best of us,” said Hopkins in apost-race interview.Still, the race was delayed 10

minutes as gray clouds threat-ened further delay. Thunder andlightning were absent, allowingthe race to continue as planned.

Runners not deterred by rain at secondJBM-HH Firecracker Twinkie Challenge

Vol. 62, No. 27 July 9, 2015 www.army.mil/jbmhh Published For Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall

Pentagram

Index Local forecast

SFL-TAP events . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 2Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 3News notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 4In photos:Independence Day 2015 . . . . . . page 5Summer safety tips . . . . . . . . . . page 8Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 9

THURS.90 | 73

FRI.89 | 68

SAT.86 | 71

SUN.88 | 76

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

By C. Todd LopezArmy News Service

New policy for the noncom-missioned officer evaluationreport, or NCOER, due out inJanuary includes a limit on howmany “most qualified” ratingscan be handed out by a Soldier’ssenior rater.Under the new system, a

senior rater may rate only asmany as 24 percent as beingmost qualified. That limit applieswhen those being rated are in therank of staff sergeant throughsergeant major. The expecta-tion will be to make the ratingof “highly qualified” the “newnorm,” said Sgt. Maj. StephenMcDermid, the evaluationsbranch sergeant major for the

Adjutant General Directorate,Human Resources Command.“It’s important to under-

stand that the ‘highly qualified’selection will be the norm andthat noncommissioned officers[NCOs] will remain competitivefor promotion with highly-qualified NCOERs, given theycomplete their required pro-fessional military education,”

McDermid said.The senior rater profile is new

on the NCOER, and similar towhat is already being done onofficer evaluation reports. Armyleaders hope that implementationof a senior rater profile will helpreduce “rating inflation” withinthe enlisted evaluation system,

With new report, senior raters mayidentify just 24 percent ‘most qualified’

see REPORT, page 4

News NotesRader Clinicoffers school,sports physicalsTo accommodate patient

needs, Andrew Rader U.S.ArmyMedical Clinic’s PatientCentered Home will offerSaturday appointments forschool and sports physicalappointments July 18, Aug.1, Aug. 15 and Sept. 12.Additionally, weekly schooland sports physical appoint-ment availability has beenincreased through September,but these appointments do fillquickly. Parents are encour-aged to schedule physicalsbefore families go on vacationto avoid a last-minute rush.To schedule an appointment,call 1-855-227-6331 or visitTricare Online at www.tri-careonline.com.During the appointment,

the childmust be accompaniedby a parent. The followingitems must be brought:physical form with the parentsection completed; immuniza-tion records; military ID; andglasses or contacts, if appli-cable. The entire appointmentwill take no longer than 90minutes. Physical forms maybe downloaded from schooland/or county websites. Thosewho have previously had aphysical at Rader Clinic needonly bring the physical form tothe appointment. Completedforms can be sent via securemessaging through RelayHealth or brought in person.

AAFES flower shopon reduced hoursPetals & Blooms, the Army

and Air Force ExchangeService flower shop on the

see NEWS NOTES, page 4

see TWINKIE, page 4

see OFF LIMITS, page 4

Great Falls off limitsto swimmers, waders

PHOTO BY DAMIEN SALAS

Participants consume Twinkies at the halfway point of the second annual Firecracker 5K “Twinkie”Challenge and 1.5-Mile Walk July 2 at the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall. Thisyear’s race, put on by Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation, garnered more than 45 additionalparticipants from the inaugural event last year; 112 people participated. Those desiring to place inthe race were required to eat six Twinkies at the course’s mid-way point.

GRAPHIC BY HELEN KLEIN

Since 2001, two dozen people have lost their lives—including a Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall-based Soldier—to the dangers of the Potomac River in the Great Falls/Potomac River Gorge area inWashington, D.C., northern Virginia and Maryland. Although there were no deaths in 2014 attributed toGreat Falls’ waters, at least one person died this year, according to the National Park Service. JBM-HHofficials are reminding service members that aquatic activities in certain portions of the Great Falls areaare not only off limits under a Military District of Washington directive, but are also illegal.

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2 Thursday, July 9, 2015 PENTAGRAM

Stay connected! www.army.mil/jbmhh Facebook: Facebook.com/jbmhh Flickr: Flickr.com/photos/jbm-hh Twitter: @jbmhh Slideshare: slideshare.net/jbmhh

Pentagram Col. Michael D.HendersonCommander

Command Sgt. Maj.Randall E. Woods

Command Sergeant Major

Mary Ann HodgesDirector of Public Affairs

Sharon WalkerCommand

Information Officer

Jim GoodwinEditor

[email protected]

Julia LeDouxStaff Writer

[email protected]

Guv CallahanStaff Writer

[email protected]

Damien SalasStaff Writer

[email protected]

Helen KleinGraphic Designer

[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.

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

Publications is located at 9030 Comprint Court, Gaithersburg, MD 20877. Telephone (301) 921-2800. Commercial advertising should be placed with the

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

advertisements in this publication, to include all inserts and supplements, does not constitute an endorsement by the Department of the Army or Department

of the Navy of the products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use, or patronage without

regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser,

user or patron. A confirmed violation of this policy of equal opportunity by an advertiser shall result in the refusal to print advertising from that source.

Independence Day salute

This week in military historyCompiled by Jim Goodwin

Editor, Pentagram

July 91947:

Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower appoints Florence Blanchfield,superintendent of Army nurses, to the rank of lieutenant colonelduring a Pentagon ceremony, according to theThisDay inMilitaryHistory website. The promotion made her the first woman inU.S. history to hold permanent commission in the regular Army.

July 101950:

The first tank battle betweenU.S. andNorthKorean forces occursnear Chonui in what is western South Korea today, according tothe This Day in Military History website. Only one enemy tankwas destroyed, while two U.S. tanks were lost in the battle.

July 111953:

MarineMaj. JohnF. Bolt becomes the first jet ace inMarineCorpshistory when he shoots down his fifth and sixth enemyMIG 15swhile leading a four-plane flight in an attack on four MIG’s eastof Sinui-Ju, Korea, according to an entry on Navy.mil.

July 121862:

The U.S. Army Medal of Army is signed into law by PresidentAbrahamLincoln, according to theThisDay inMilitaryHistorywebsite. The award is signed in the name of Congress, “to suchnoncommissioned officers and privates as shall most distinguishthemselves by their gallantry in action, and other soldier-likequalities during the present insurrection.”

July 132011:

Adrawdown ofU.S. forces in Afghanistan begins when some 650U.S. troops leave Afghanistan under President Barack Obama’splanned drawdown, according to the This Day in MilitaryHistory website.

July 141916:

National Guardsmen of the 4th South Dakota Infantry prepareto mobilize to protect the Mexican border at San Benito, Texas,against PanchoVilla’s surprise raids, according to an entry on theNationalGuard’s website.While inTexas, the unit participated inseveral large-scale exercises to help train Soldiers in case Americawas drawn into World War I.

July 151958:

Operation Blue Bat begins in Beirut, Lebanon, according to the1966 Marine Corps report, “Marines in Lebanon, 1958.” Theoperation, authorized by President Dwight D. Eisenhower whenLebanon’s president called for U.S. aid amid a growing Muslimrevolt there, put some 14,000 U.S. troops on the ground to helpsecure the Beirut International Airport and Beirut’s port.

Transition Assistance Programseminars and workshops

SFL-TAP is located at 232McNair Rd., Bldg. 404, on the FortMyer portion of Joint BaseMyer-Henderson Hall, Va. Reservations are required. Spouses are encouraged to register and attend. Callthe Soldier for Life-TransitionAssistance Programoffice, 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 workshops are in the SFL-TAP Bldg. 404 on Fort Myer unless notated.

Retiring transitionassistance program8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Aug. 10 through 14

ETSTAP8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Aug. 3 through 7

Entrepreneur trackboots to business8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

• Sept. 8 through 9

Business franchiseopportunities1 to 3 p.m.

• Aug. 24

Finding andapplyingfor federal jobs9:30 a.m. to noon

• July 29• Aug. 26

Federal resume12:30 to 3:30 p.m.

• July 23• Aug. 20

Accessing highereducation8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Aug. 26 - 27*

Career technicaltraining8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Aug. 18 through 19

Career resources8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

• Aug. 17

Smart investments1 to 3 p.m.

• July 24• Aug. 26

Credit scores fromgood to excellent1 to 3 p.m.

• July 30• Aug. 27

Home buying10 a.m. to noon

• July 28• Aug. 25

Debt free10 a.m. to noon

• July 30• Aug. 27

TRICARE benefitsin depth10 a.m. to noon

• July 23• Aug. 20

Capstone (Fridays)10 a.m. to noon

• July 10, 17, 24 or 31• Aug. 7, 14, 21 or 28

ExpressTAP8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Aug. 10-11*

Marketing yourselffor a second career1 to 3 p.m.

• July 28• Aug. 25

*Located in Education Center Bldg. 417, room 108

Soldier for Life

Find us online:

www.DCMilitaryHcom

PHOTO BY SPC. CODY W. TORKELSON

The 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard)’s Presidential Salute Battery fires three-inch anti-tank guns in support of the 35th A Capitol Fourth Concert as partof Independence Day celebrations in Washington, D.C., July 4. The Old Guard, based at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, fired the cannons for the concert, but alsofired the cannons on the joint base at noon in honor of the holiday. For more Independence Day imagery from D.C. and JBM-HH, see page 5.

Former U.S. Army Cpl. RodolfoP. Hernandez wears his Medal ofHonor, earned in Korea in 1951,while waiting to perform the cointoss at the start of the WestPoint/Louisiana Tech footballgame at Cotton Bowl Stadium,Sept. 29, 2013. The U.S. ArmyMedal of Honor was created bya law signed July 12, 1862, byPresident Abraham Lincoln.

PHOTO BY SGT. KEN SCAR

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PENTAGRAM Thursday, July 9, 2015 3Community

By Damien SalasPentagram Staff Writer

In recognition of IndependenceDay, staff from theAshburnPublicLibrary in Ashburn, Va., invitedJoint BaseMyer-Henderson HallBetter Opportunities for SingleSoldiers volunteers June 30 tomeet and greet with children.Guests at the event included

families involved in the library’ssummer reading program thatfocused on heroes—mostly fic-tional— but Spc. Dan Yeadon,a military police officer from the289thMilitary Policy Company,

3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (TheOldGuard), attended as a nonfic-tional representative of the genre.“I had no idea there was a

theme for the event,” said Yeadon.“When I volunteered to go itwas presented to us as an oppor-tunity to go and interact withkids—some who had never seena Soldier up close before.”Red, white and blue-themed

crafts and templates to writeletters for service members wereprovided for the 74 attendees.Yeadon brought along official

BOSS Soldiersinteract with childrenat Ashburn Library

By Julia LeDouxPentagram Staff Writer

Editor’s note: This is the finalarticle in a year-long campaign tohighlight Army Community Serviceprograms and services each monthin the Pentagram. We publishedmonthly articles leading up to the50th anniversary of ACS, which

takes place this month. Look forcoverage of that historic momentin coming editions.Mobilization and deploy-

ment are an integral part ofthe military lifestyle, and ArmyCommunity Service on JointBase Myer-Henderson Halloffers a wide range of programsto help service members and

their families prepare to saygoodbye and hello again.“ACS can provide information

and resources on the deploy-ment cycle to service membersand their family members inperson or through techno-logical platforms,” said Carla

By Julia LeDouxPentagramStaff Writer

Headquar ter s andSe r v i c e Ba t t a l i on ,Headquarters MarineCorps Henderson Hallwill say “bye, chaps” toits spiritual leader.After more than three

years of service at the bat-talion, Navy Chap. (Lt.)Devon Foster is leavingtheMarines of HendersonHall. The Jamaica nativewho was raised inNewYorksaid his time at the battalionis rooted by a call to serveothers and he encouragesothers to do the same.“When you think of

service, that’s what it isall about,” Navy Chap.(Lt.) Devon Foster saidduring an interview at hisoffice in Bldg. 29 on theHenderson Hall portionof the joint base. “If wecan serve others, serve withhumility, serve with love,that’s what it is all about.”Foster is preparing to

leave Joint Base Myer-HendersonHall for his newduty station in Camp Fuji,Japan. He will deliver hislast sermon here Aug. 2.“Asmuch as I am looking

forward to going to Japan, Iam already starting to misshere,” he said. “It’s beena blessing.”Foster laughingly called

being amilitary chaplain his“second gig.” He enlistedin the Navy in 1984 andearned his first collegedegree in accounting. Hetransferred to the NavyReserves and worked in thecivilian sector until the 9/11attacks called him back toactive duty and ultimatelythe Chaplain Corps.“This is what God called

me to,” he said. “I love it.I feel this is my purpose. Ifeel fulfilled every day I getup and put on my uniformand minister.”Foster said becoming a

military chaplain for himcame down to finding his

see FOSTER, page 5

ACS aids mobilizing, deployingservice members, their families

Foster preparesto head to Japan

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

July 9 7:30 p.m. The Brucker Hall Summer Concert Series will featureThe U.S. Army Orchestra with HeraldTrumpets at Brucker Hall on the Fort Myerportion of JBM-HH.

July 10 8 p.m. The U.S. Army Orchestra with HeraldTrumpets will perform at the Sunsets with a Soundtrack series. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and siton the stone terrace in front of the band or on theWest Lawn (when available) inWashington, D.C.

July 12 7:30 p.m. The U.S. Army Chorus with Hagerstown Municipal Band will perform at North Hagerstown High School, Hagerstown, Md.

July 13 12 p.m. The U.S. Army String Quartet will perform at the Annapolis Chamber Music Concert at the First Presbyterian Church of Annapolis,Annapolis, Md.

July 15, 22,29

7 p.m. TwilightTattoo is a military pageant atWhipple Field on the Fort Myer portion of JBM-HH.The tattoo features Soldiers of the 3d U.S.Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard),The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps,The U.S. Army DrillTeam,The U.S. Army Blues, a soloistfromThe U.S. Army Chorus and vocalists ofThe U.S. Army Band Downrange andThe U.S. ArmyVoices.This event is free and open to thepublic. No tickets are required. Pre-ceremony live music begins at 6:30 p.m.

July 16 7:30 p.m. Brucker Hall Summer Concert Series presentsThe U.S. Army Band Alumni Concert.The Annual Army Band Alumni Concert featuringretired members of “Pershing’s Own,”The U.S. Army Concert Band,The U.S. Army Chorus andThe U.S. Army HeraldTrumpets atBrucker 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 forup-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.

see CHILDREN, page 6 see ACS, page 6

PHOTO BY SGT. ALVIN WILLIAMS JR.

U.S. Navy Chap. (Lt.) Devon Foster, second from left, poses for a photograph with Marines from Headquarters andService Battalion, Headquarters Marine Corps, Henderson Hall during a mess night in Arlington, Va. Foster servedas the battalion’s chaplain for three years and will transfer to Camp Fuji, Japan, this summer.

PHOTO BY DAMIEN SALAS

From right, Spc. Dan Yeadon, 289th Military Police Company, helpsLincoln Cassada, 7, put on an advanced combat helmet June 30,during an All American Heroes event at the Ashburn Public Libraryin Ashburn, Va. The library invited Joint Base Myer-Henderson HallBetter Opportunities for Single Soldiers volunteers in celebration ofIndependence Day.

PHOTO BY TECH. SGT. PARKER GYOKERES

Soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division assemble after arriving on a U.S. Air Force C-17 GlobemasterIII at Mackall Army Airfield, N.C., during Joint Operational Access Exercise 12-02, June 3, 2012.Army Community Service provides multiple programs and services to assist deploying Soldiers andfamily members before, during and after deployments.

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4 Thursday, July 9, 2015 PENTAGRAM

Potomac River Gorge area are fatal and72 percent of river-related incidents in thearea are the result of shoreline activities,like hiking or fishing.In June 2013, an Old Guard Soldier

drowned in Great Falls waters. Between2001 and 2014, this area of the Potomachas seen 24 drownings. In 1984, Fort Myerlost seven Soldiers due to water-relatedaccidents in the falls area.Statistics from the Centers for Disease

Control paint a harrowing picture as well.According to the CDC, 43 percent of all

unintentional drownings occur in naturalwater. Furthermore, almost 80 percent ofpeople who drown are male and one in fivepeople who drown are children age 14 oryounger. They also note that alcohol is afactor in up to 70 percent of deaths associ-ated with water recreation.Miller said the intention is not to scare

people but to educate them on the dangersof the area so they can enjoy themselves ina safe, smart manner.“We certainly don’t want to cause an

alarmist attitude – it’s a very beautifulplace,” she said. “We want them to enjoyand take advantage of everything that theNational Capital Region has available, butwe want them to do it in a way that is safe,and with awareness, and to make sure thatthey’re respecting nature and the force thatnature can be.”Miller noted that there are some areas of

the river where kayaking and other paddlingactivities are allowed (visit www.nps.gov/grfa/planyourvisit/kayaking.htm), as well

as a number of websites, such as www.potomacpaddlesports.com, where com-munity members can see the water levelsand safely plan their trips.“Do a little bit of research prior to engaging

in those types of activities on the river justto make it a little bit safer,” she said.She also said there are many signs indi-

cating what sections of the river are off limitsto aquatic activities of any kind.

“There aremany ways that our communitymembers can enjoy the Great Falls area andwith some very, very simple knowledge intheir pockets, they can greatly reduce theirrisks and come home safely,” she said.For more information on Great Falls

Park, visit www.nps.gov/grfa/index.htm.Pentagram staff writer Guv Callahan can be

reached at [email protected].

which makes it difficult for promotionboards to select the most qualified Soldiersfor promotion.“It’s hard to use [the NCOER] as a

determiner of success and for potential forpromotion when everybody is a ‘one’,” saidSgt. Maj. of the Army Daniel A. Dailey.“That should be the number-one thing weare using to decide promotion potential. Andunfortunately, because it is so equivalentfor everybody, you can’t. You have to goto other things like school reports, awardsand decorations and all those other things.”McDermid said the limit of 24 percent

is designed to reflect the promotion per-centages common across various militaryoccupational specialties within the enlistedranks. The intent is to make it easier forpromotion boards to identify those Soldierswho are most qualified to be promoted.The decision to set the limit to 24 percent

was made by the sergeant major of theArmy and his senior enlisted council. Therecommendation was passed to the Army’schief of staff and Army secretary, who bothagreed with the recommendation.“It’ll give promotion boards the ability to

see who actually are the best by using theNCOER as a true discriminator of talent- what it’s supposed to do,” Dailey said.The NCOER includes a block labeled

“Senior Rater Overall Potential.” That blockincludes check boxes where senior ratersare asked to compare an NCO’s “overallpotential” to that of other NCOs of thesame grade that the senior NCO has ratedin his or her career. For the NCO beingrated, senior raters may select from: “mostqualified,” “highly qualified,” “qualified,”or “not qualified.” They may choose onlyone of those ratings, and may rate up to 24percent of their Soldiers as “most qualified.”

Another change to the NCOER includesthe supplementary review.Army leaders have asked for a supplemen-

tary review on NCOERs when the seniorrater is a sergeant first class, first sergeant,master sergeant, warrant officer one, chiefwarrant officer two, second lieutenant orfirst lieutenant.“This supplementary review will be

performed by a uniformed Army Soldier,senior to the senior rater within the ratedNCO’s organization,”McDermid said. “Asdesigned, the supplementary reviewer willmonitor evaluation practices and provideassistance and/or advice to rating offi-cials as needed.”

Counseling required

With the implementation of the newNCOER, counseling will remain criticalin reviewing the Soldier’s demonstratedperformance and potential while focusingon leader development throughout therating period.Raters must counsel the rated Soldier

initially and quarterly, while the seniorrater should counsel the rated NCO twiceduring the rating period.“Ideally this will occur within the first

30 days of the rating period and then at themid-point,” McDermid said. “To accountfor this, senior raters will have a sectionon the form to annotate comments fromany counseling sessions conducted withthe rated NCO.”The requirement for counseling is also

expected to help curb rating inflation, Daileysaid, because senior raters, who in the pasthave neglected to engage in counselingwith an NCO for an entire rating period,have been reluctant to rate that Soldier asanything less than the best.“That’s why they got ‘one’ blocks in the

past,” Dailey said. “[Senior raters] didn’tdo their job counseling, so they just gavethem a 1 block.”

Dailey said that when senior raters holdcounseling with the Soldiers they seniorrate, they are more comfortable providingan honest rating at the end of the year.“If I tell you all throughout the year in

counseling that you are not doing a goodjob, I have no problem at the end of the yeartelling you that you are not doing a goodjob,” Dailey said. “But if I haven’t done myjob in telling you what you have done wrong... then we tend to shy away from that whenit is performance evaluation time.”The new NCOER was at one point

expected to hit the streets at beginning ofthe new fiscal year, which is Oct. 1. ButDailey asked the Army’s chief of staff andArmy secretary to move the date to Jan. 1.The additional time will allow for a fine-tuning of the process and procedures fortracking senior rater profiles to ensureSoldiers have a fair chance at promotionswhile also preventing rating inflation.

In order to place, participantshad to run half of the race, eatsix sponge cakes, then finish theremainder of the race through theFort Myer portion of JBM-HH.While eating the cakes werevoluntary for participants, onlythose who successfully completedconsuming all six were consid-ered eligible to place.“For the second year, no

one lost their breakfast,”said Hopkins.And those seeking to earn a

first, second or third-place finishin the Commander’s Race Serieshave techniques to quickly, andsafely, consume the cakes.“Everyone seemed to have their

ownway of eating theTwinkies,”said Hopkins. “Some ate two ata time, took only two bites perTwinkie or just took their time.”The race’s first place finisher,

40-year-old Nick Wong, com-pleted the course in just over 20minutes, despite eating a halfdozen cream-filled cakes at thehalf way mark by dipping theHostess treats in water to makethem easier to consume.Daniella LeGrand, 25,

f inished first place in thewomen’s category.Hopkins confirmed that

next year’s Firecracker TwinkieChallenge is already beingplanned, with race day setfor July 1.The Independence Day cel-

ebratory race marks the fourthin the 2015 Commander’s raceseries. Remaining JBM-HHFMWR races for the 2015 seasoninclude a July 10 JBM-HHArmyTen-Miler Team qualifier, anAug. 21Women’s Equality Dayrace, a November Turkey Trot(date is TBD) and the Dec. 4Operation Santa “Ugly Sweater”Run. For more details or toregister for any of these races,visit www.jbmhhfmwr.com.Finally, road races are also

available on the HendersonHallportion of the joint base throughMarine Corps CommunityServices’ Oorah! Run Series.Remaining races in that seriesinclude the Sept. 16 DevilDog 7K Race and the Oct. 14Remembrance 5K Race. Formore information about thoseraces, visit www.mccsHH.com/OohRahRunSeries.

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

OFF LIMITSfrom page 1

REPORTfrom page 1

TWINKIEfrom page 1

Fort Myer portion of the jointbase, is operating on reducedhours through July 19.Currently the shop, located

just inside the Exchange complex,is openMonday,Wednesday andFriday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.and is closed Tuesday, Thursday,Saturday and Sunday. For anyspecial requests or floral needsPetals & Blooms staff are unableto provide during this time, callthe Fort Belvoir Flower Shop at703-781-8800 and they will workto meet the request. For moreinformation, call 703-806-4392.

IMCOM beginsvoluntary

placement programThe InstallationManagement

Command’s new VoluntaryPlacement Program gives firstconsideration to “internalemployees wishing to moveoverseas or return to the con-tinental U.S. from an overseasposition,” according to a June25 IMCOM press release. Asof June 30, eligible permanentIMCOM GS-09 and above (orwage grade equivalent) employeeswill be able to apply to availablepositions posted on an ArmyKnowledge Online portal ona weekly basis. The goal of theprogram is to allow currentemployees an opportunity tovolunteer for career-broad-ening assignments within thecommand before consideringoutside applicants. Currently,the program does not includeopportunities for CONUSto CONUS or OCONUS toOCONUSmovement, and doesnot extend to non-appropriatedfund (NAF) employees due toregulatory issues. Employeesmay apply for multiple positions,but are limited to using a singleresume during any given week.Additional details on opportuni-ties can be found at the followingwebsites: OCONUS employeesseeking CONUS opportuni-ties: http://go.usa.gov/3weha;CONUS employees seekingOCONUS opportunities: http://go.usa.gov/3wehD.

Gospel servicereunion and backhome celebration

Come celebrate history,rekindle friendships and workthis weekend as Navy Chap.(Lt.) Devon Foster hosts a gospelservice reunion and back homecelebration at Memorial Chapelon the Fort Myer portion ofthe joint base.Dates and times are as follows:

July 10, 7 p.m. welcome backreception; July 11, 2 p.m.,concert, fellowship and worshipwith Rev. Dr. Kim Anderson;and July 12, 12 p.m., family andfriends day worship service.For more information, contact

FredaWomack at 703-618-4344or Tess Bryant at 301-355-0064.

Last chance!Army Ten-Miler10K qualifier

The final Army Ten-Miler10K qualifier for the JBM-HH2015 Army Ten-Miler Team isJuly 10. Registration and par-ticipation are free. This qualifierbegins at 6:45 a.m. at the MyerFitness Center, Bldg. 414 on theFort Myer portion of the jointbase. To be eligible for a spaceon this year’s JBM-HH ATMteam, runners must be activeduty; Family andMorale,Welfareand Recreation pays entry feesfor team members into the2015 Army Ten-Miler. Registeronline at www.jbmhhmwr.comor register the morning of eachqualifier from 5:30 to 6:30a.m. at the fitness center. Forfurther information, contactToddHopkins at 703-696-0594or via email at [email protected]

JBM-HH VacationBible School

Vacation Bible School atMemorial Chapel on the FortMyer portion of JBM-HH willbegin July 13 and continuethrough July 17, 9:30 a.m. tonoon daily. The session is freeand open to children ages 4through rising 6th graders. Thetheme is Everest: Conquering

NEWS NOTESfrom page 1

see NEWS NOTES, page 6

U.S. ARMY PHOTO BY DAVID VERGUN

A new noncommissioned officer evalua-tion report is expected to more accuratelyassess Soldiers’ performance. Under thenew evaluation report, senior raters canonly designate 24 percent of those evalu-ated as “most qualified.”

PHOTO BY DAMIEN SALAS

Nick Wong, 40, consumes six Twinkies July 2 while participatingin the second annual Firecracker 5K “Twinkie” Challenge and 1.5-Mile Walk at the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-HendersonHall. This year’s race garnered more than 45 additional partici-pants from the inaugural event last year; 112 people participated.Those desiring to place in the race were required to eat sixTwinkies at the course’s mid-way point.

PHOTO COURTESY TRACIE MILLER

Although the waters of the Great Falls/Potomac River Gorge in Washington, D.C.,Maryland and northern Virginia may appear calm on the surface, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall officials warn that the waters contain strong currents and jaggedrocks. Since 2001, two dozen people have lost their lives—including a Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall-based Soldier—in the park’s waters. JBM-HH officials are remindingservice members that aquatic activities in certain portions of the Great Falls area arenot only off limits under a Military District of Washington directive, but are also illegal.

Page 5: Pentagram 070915

PENTAGRAM Thursday, July 9, 2015 5

Independence Day celebrated

purpose in life.“The issue of a servant

and a warrior is nothingnew,” he said. “It’s seenthroughout scripture. Thenotion of chaplains andserving in the military isnothing new.”While at the joint base,

Foster has been activein pastoring the GospelService and in ministeringat Arlington NationalCemetery while remainingopen to both God’s spiritand the people who cometo him seeking adviceor guidance.“I don’t make assump-

tions that I know what’sgoing on with people or intheir life or that everyoneis spiritual I see,” he said.“Sometimes they justwant to talk. I have to justlisten and remain prayerfulthat I have something toshare with them.”

And sometimes whatFoster shares with thosehe counsels is not only spiri-tual advice, but referrals toprograms that can offer theassistance they need.“I’m very prayerful,”

he said. “I came in thismorning, and before Ieven started there weretwo people on my sofa. Idon’t know who or what isgoing to walk in or who isgoing to be on the phone.”Doriann Geller, mar-

keting director for MarineCorps Community ServicesHenderson Hall, said shehas enjoyed working withFoster during his time atthe joint base.“He is a true joy to work

with, as his faith is evidentin all he does,” she said.“He infuses the workplacewith positive energy anda sense of `all is well’ inevery encounter.”

Pentagram staff writerJulia LeDoux can be reachedat [email protected].

FOSTERfrom page 3

PHOTO BY DAMIEN SALAS

Fireworks light up the Washington, D.C., skyline July 4. Hundreds of spectators viewed the fireworks display from Whipple Field on the Fort Myer portion of JointBase Myer-Henderson Hall. For more photos from this event, visit www.flickr.com/photos/jbm-hh.

TOP LEFT - Soldiers fromthe 3d U.S. InfantryRegiment (The OldGuard) march in unisondown ConstitutionAvenue in Washington,D.C., as part of the dis-trict’s annual NationalIndependence DayParade. “Hundreds ofthousands” of peopleattend the paradeannually, according tothe parade’s officialwebsite. The regimentis based out of JointBase Myer-HendersonHall. BOTTOM LEFT -Spectators at the 50gun salute to the nationtake a closer look atcannons used by thethe Presidential SaluteBattery, 3d U.S. InfantryRegiment (The OldGuard), July 4, in theSummerall Field parkinglot on the Fort Myerportion of Joint BaseMyer-Henderson Hall.RIGHT - Fireworks lightup the sky and silhou-ette the WashingtonMonument July 4. Formore photos from thisevent, visit www.flickr.com/photos/jbm-hh.

PHOTO BY SPC. CODY W. TORKELSON

PHOTO BY SPC. BRANDON DYER

PHOTO BY DAMIEN SALAS

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6 Thursday, July 9, 2015 PENTAGRAM

challenges with God’s mighty power.Kids will embark on a cool adventureas they climb through Bible-learningactivities, sing catchy songs, play team-building glacier games, enjoy yummytreats, experience Bible expeditions andtest out sciency-fun gizmos. Register atMemorial Chapel or call Betsy Hendrixat 703-696-6635 for more information.

Golf with usTheMCCSHenderson Hall Golf With

Us program of traveling tournaments con-tinues this month at Forest Greens GolfClub in Triangle. This tournament takesplace July 17 starting at 8:30 a.m. and isopen to all Department of Defense ID cardholders and their guests. The fee includesa round of golf, greens fees, cart and buffetlunch. Register and pay online at www.mccsHH.com/GolfWithUs/index.html.

FMWR Dive-In Movie NightThe next JBM-HHFamily andMorale,

Welfare and Recreation Dive-In MovieNight at the Fort Myer Officers’ ClubPool Complex, will be July 18. The filmshown will be “The Goonies,” rated PG.Gates open at 8:15 p.m. and show timeis 9 p.m. Admission is free, but audiencemembers must provide their own floata-tion/lounge rafts or inner tubes. In theevent of severe weather and/or high winds,showing will be cancelled. For furtherinformation please call 703-939-1045.

Soccer, golf campsslated for July and AugustChallenger Sports British Soccer Camp

is returning to JBM-HH Child, Youthand School Services this summer. Campdates are July 20-24. Half-day camp isavailable from 9 a.m. to noon for 6-to12-year-old children.CYSS Youth Sports and Fitness 2015

golf camp registration is now open. Golfcamp dates are Aug. 3 to 7. Camp ishalf-day, from 9 a.m. to noon for 7- to14-year-olds.For more information on either camp,

contact Annette Engum at 703-696-3728or email [email protected].

VA claims assistanceVeterans Administration claims assis-

tance is available by appointment July23 from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Bldg. 29on the Henderson Hall portion of thejoint base. An AMVETS representativewill be there to review service membermedical records and provide assistancewith the VA’s disability compensationclaims process. For an appointment,please call 703-614-6828.

Register for intramuralsoftball season

Get your team together and register forintramural softball league play. Gamesare played on the JBM-HH softball fieldfrom 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. beginning July26. Team size is 20 players plus a coach.Registration forms are at the Semper Fitoffice, Bldg. 29 and at the Cpl. Terry L.Smith Gymnasium on the HendersonHall portion of the joint base and will beonline at www.mccsHH.com. Call 703-697-2706 for more information.

ASAP trainingThe next quarterly Army Substance

Abuse Prevention training will be heldon July 29 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at TownHall on the Fort Myer portion of the jointbase. This training is available for allactive duty Soldiers who need their fourhours of annual ASAP training.ASAP policies and services will be

presented from 9 to 10 a.m. Emergingdrugs of abuse (Molly, spice bath saltsand alcohol) will be held from 11 a.m.to noon. From 1 to 2 p.m., the CriminalInvestigation Division will discuss locallaws and drug trends on and off the base.

Redskins tickets on sale nowWashington Redskins football tickets

are on sale now inside the leisure traveloffice at the JBM-HH community center,Bldg. 405 on the Fort Myer portion of thejoint base. The $520 package includesone pair of pre-season tickets and onepair of regular season tickets to any ofthe Redskins 2015 home games. Seatingis in the lower level, end zone seats insection 129. Call 703-696-3469 for moreinformation.

Save the date: Grant HallPublic Open House

Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hallannounces its quarterly Public OpenHouses of Grant Hall’s historic third-floor courtroom, located on the FortMcNair side of the Joint Base in southwestWashington, D.C., Aug. 1 from 10 a.m.to 4 p.m. The courtroom is the site of themilitary tribunal, held fromMay throughJune 1865, of those thought responsible forthe plot to assassinate President AbrahamLincoln. For more information please visitwww.army.mil/article/146900

PCS tip: Know yourstorage-in-transit entitlementsThe Joint Personal Property Shipping

OfficeMid-Atlantic at Fort Belvoir wantsto remind those preparing for PermanentChange of Station (PCS) moves of theirstorage-in-transit entitlements beyondthe established 90 days. According to theJoint Travel Regulation, there are certainconditions that allow authorization beyondthe initial 90 days of U.S. Government-funded storage-in-transit. Authorizedcircumstances include: serious illness ofthe member; serious illness or death of adependent; directed TDY after arrive atpermanent duty station; non-availabilityof suitable civilian housing; awaitingcompletion of residence under construc-tion; acts of God; impending assignmentto government-controlled quarters orprivatized housing; or other circumstancesbeyond the member’s control. Full detailsand provisions can be found in subsection3e, section 5, part A of chapter 5 of theJoint Travel Regulation. For additionalinformation, call 703-806-0742.

Death noticeAnyone with debts owed to or by the

estate of Col. David B. Snodgrass, NationalWar College, National Defense University,must contact Lt. Col. Michael Herrera,the summary courts officer for the Soldier.Snodgrass passed away June 20. CallHerrera at 202-685-3309.

Death noticeAnyone with debts owed to or by the

estate of Staff Sgt. Jay D. Burkins, BattleCo., Warrior Transition Brigade, WalterReed National Military Medical Center,must contact Capt. Miriam Urusa, thesummary courts officer for the Solider.Burkins passed away June 16. Call Urusaat 301-400-0262.

News Notes submissionsPlease send your submissions for the

July 23 edition of the Pentagram via emailat [email protected] no laterthan noon, July 15. All submissions mustbe less than 100 words. Please note thatsubmission of a news note does not guar-antee publication.

NEWS NOTESfrom page 4

Single Marine Programcelebrates 20th anniversary Moss, ACS Information

and Referral Programmanager/outreach coordi-nator. “This service is alsoprovided for non-traditionalfamily members such asparents and fiancees.”Moss said the deploy-

ment cycle can be brokendown into several phases,including preparation,mobilization, deployment,sustainment, redeploy-ment, post-deployment andreunion.Military personneland their families shouldmake use of the programsoffered by ACS throughouttheir mobilization anddeployment in order toalleviate stress.“Each stage of the

deployment cycle is handleddifferently and uniquely bythe individual involved,”she explained. “ACS under-stands that there are upsand downs to each deploy-ment or separation. Being

involved and coping withthis aspect of militarylife is extremely impor-tant and very different foreach person.”To help service members

and their families cope withdeployment, Moss saidACS offers a wide rangeof services that providesupport in areas such asemotional and mentalreadiness, deploymentpreparation, strengtheningrelationships, financialplanning, communicationstrategies, post-deploymentreunion and additionalresources as needed.“These services are indi-

vidualized tomeet the needof the customer, as one sizedoes not fit all,” saidMoss.“Some of our programsthat overlap and providesupplemental services toservice members and theirfamilies during a deploy-ment include our financialreadiness program, infor-mat ion and refer ra lprogram, our new parentsupport program and our

relocation program.”ACS offers spouse meet

and greets with bothHeartsApart and the InternationalSpouse Group to helpfamilies stay in touch whiledeployed, she continued.ACS also has a wide

variety of materials to helpchildren cope with mobili-zations and deployments,saidMoss, who added thatsome local schools evenhave support groups formilitary kids.All ACS programs and

services can be accessedby calling 703-696-3510 orby visiting www.facebook.com/JBMHHACS; theFamily andMorale,Welfareand Recreation web siteat www.jbmhhmwr.com/army-community-ser-vice-acs. You can alsocall 703-696-3512 tosign up to receive the bi-monthly release of ACS’sLifeYouniversity.

Pentagram staff writerJulia LeDoux can be reachedat [email protected].

ACSfrom page 3

Army gear for the kids totry on including advancedcombat uniforms, patrolcaps, helmets and bodyarmor worn by Soldiers andlaw enforcement officers.“I have two nieces and

nephews of my own,”said Yeadon. “I love theoutreach opportunities,and being able to leavea good memory with thechildren makes my day.”

Pentagram staff writerDamien Salas can be reachedat [email protected].

CHILDRENfrom page 3

PHOTO COURTESY MCCS

Marines from Headquarters and Service Battalion, Headquarters Marine Corps,Henderson Hall joust on top of an inflatable play station during a Single MarineProgram barbeque at the Henderson Hall portion of Joint Base Myer-HendersonHall June 26. The event commemorated the 20th anniversary of the SingleMarine Program, which was started in 1995 as a means to “foster camarade-rie and a close-knit community amongst single and unaccompanied Marines,”according to Henderson Hall SMP Coordinator Marissa Johnson. The programwas designed to enhance quality of life, provide recreational activites andencourage community involvement and volunteerism.

PHOTO BY DAMIEN SALAS

Right, Abi, 5, poses for a picture in aU.S. ArmyAdvancedCombat Uniform and patrol cap June 30, during an AllAmerican Heroes event at the Ashburn Public Libraryin Ashburn, Va. The library invited Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Better Opportunities for Single Soldiersvolunteers in celebration of Independence Day.

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Page 8: Pentagram 070915

8 Thursday, July 9, 2015 PENTAGRAM

By Damien SalasPentagramStaff Writer

As 2015 moves intoswe l te r i ng summermonths, warm weatherand increased moisturesupport higher mosquitopopulations, and along withthem comes a higher risk ofmosquito-borne pathogens.Mosquitoes breeding in

the pools of water located invarious parts of theNationalCapital Region monitoredby the Army, Navy and AirForce serve as a canary in acoal mine when high levelsofWestNile Virus and othermosquito-borne viruses arepresent in the area.In order to prevent

mosquito-borne illnesses,residents of Joint BaseMyer-Henderson Hallshould take similar precau-tions used by the JBM-HHDirectorate of PublicWorks’ Pest ManagementTeam to eliminate breedinggrounds for mosquitoesaround residences.Hampering mosquito

breeding through preven-tion is one of the best ways tohelpminimize the potentialof virus infection, accordingto PestManagement Teammember Ronald Purvis.One of themost common

ways to do just that is byclearing gutter debris duringthe fall season, according toPurvis. Gutters at JBM-HHresidences are clearedtwice annually, accordingto JBM-HH Army FamilyHousing FacilitiesManagerKevin Fleming. Gutterswere cleared in late Aprilandwill be cleared a second

time this year after “mostof the leaves have dropped,”he said in an email.Othermosquito-breeding

prevention tips include:• Use of insect repellentscontaining DEET, picar-idin, IR3535 and someoil of lemon eucalyptusand para-menthane-diol products to providelonger-lasting prevention;

• Wear long sleeve shirtsand pants from duskthrough dawn, whichis when mosquitoes aremost active;

• Ensure screens onwindows and doorsare not torn or other-wise provide openingsfor mosquitoes toenter residences;

• Use of air conditioninghelps deter mosquitoes;

• Empty standing waterfrom outside containers,such as f lowerpots,gutters, buckets, poolcovers, pet water dishes,discarded tires andbird baths.

Further, the mosquitotraps around the NationalCapital Region remainactive and are checkedbi-weekly during summermonths.Mosquito samplesgathered from the sites areground up and sent to FortMeade, Md., for analysis.According to the Centers

for Disease Control andPrevention, 22 stateshave reported West NileVirus infections in people,birds or mosquitoes thisyear. Washington, D.C.,Maryland and Virginia arenot among the 22 stateswith reports of the virus.For additional infor-

mation on preventingmosquito and tick-borneillnesses, visit www.cdc.gov/westnile/prevention/index.html.For more information

about West Nile Virus,visit www.cdc.gov/westnile/index.html.

Pentagram staff writerDamien Salas can be reachedat [email protected].

Mosquito populationhits summer peak;monitoring begins

On the RoadBuckle up and pay attention. More vehicles will be on the road,including an influx of motorcyclists.

Drive at safe speeds. Leave enough travel time in advance to avoidthe urge to speed.

Plan on a safe and sober ride; if you plan on drinking, use adesignated driver.

On the way back, drive well-rested, be patient and remember roadswill be congested.

Sun SafetyAvoid sun exposure during the hottest hours of the day.

Wear a hat, and apply sunscreen with a SPF (Sun Protection Factor)of at least 15, paying special attention to the face, nose, ears andshoulders. Wear sunglasses with UV (Ultraviolet) Protection.

Drink plenty of water and non-carbonated drinks. Avoid alcohol andcarbonated beverages.

Grilling SafetyAlways read the use and care manual before operating a grill.

Never leave grill unattended when in use.

Preheat grill to no higher than medium-high. Temperature of grillshould be 400 to 450 degrees because high heat and excess fat cancause flare-ups.

If flare-ups do occur, move food to a cooler spot on the grill ortemporarily cut off the air supply by closing lid or shutting theair vents.

Water SafetySwim in supervised areas only. Obey all rules and posted signs.

Don’t mix alcohol and swimming. Alcohol impairs judgment, balanceand coordination, affects the ability to swim and dive, and reducesthe body’s ability to stay warm.

Stop swimming at the first indication of bad weather.

IMCOM Safety Gram:

Summer safety tipsCourtesy U.S. Installation Management Command

For more summer safety tips and information, visit:https://go.usa.gov/3fqat

PHOTO BY RACHEL LARUE

A mosquito trap sits behind the Officers’ Club on theFort McNair portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson HallJuly 2, 2013.

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