- Fort Meade celebrated Black History Month with activities supporting the national theme of "Black Women in American Culture and History." A highlight was the post's observance hosted by the Defense Information School, where keynote speaker Joanne Martin discussed the National Great Blacks In Wax Museum. - The Fort Meade golf course is scheduled to close on May 1 to accommodate construction, earlier than the planned October 1 closure date. Garrison leaders are working to establish reciprocal agreements with county golf courses and find long-term solutions like a new course. - Updates on other post facilities and projects include improved financial performance at Club Meade and The Lanes bowling center through new management and events, and planned construction of a new child development center and veterans

1. Soundoff!
vol. 64 no. 9 Published in the interest of the Fort Meade community
´
Short Stories
March 1, 2012
MacArthur sixth-graders
shine in county
young authors contest
page 7
Champions
Meade High takes first
Anne Arundel County
wrestling title
page 12
UPCOMING EVENTS
today:
Army Emergency Relief
fundraising campaign begins
today, 3-6 p.m.:
Youth/Teen Job Fair - McGill
Wednesday, 12:30-4 p.m.:
Military Spouse Newcomer’s Seminar
- Community Readiness Center
March 15, 7-10 p.m.:
Karaoke Night - The Lanes
photo illustration by natasha hendrix
During February, Fort Meade celebrated Black History Month with a variety of activities that supported the national theme of March 28, 11:30 a.m.:
“Black Women in American Culture and History.” A highlight of the celebration was the post’s annual observance hosted Feb.
23 at Club Meade by the Defense Information School. Joanne Martin, co-founder of the National Great Blacks In Wax Museum
National Prayer Luncheon -
in Baltimore, served as keynote speaker. See the story on Page 10. Club Meade

2. Commander’s Column
Soundoff!
Editorial Staff
Garrison Commander
Guaranteed circulation:
11,285
´
Forging a new course
Col. Edward C. Rothstein
Garrison Command As we move closer to spring, I continue to I want you to
Sgt. Maj. Charles E. Smith get questions about our plans for the future in know that a
Public Affairs Officer regard to upcoming construction projects. reciprocal agree-
Chad T. Jones My intent today is to share with you the most ment allow-
Chad.T.Jones.civ@mail.mil recent information I have about the status of ing our golfers
Chief, Command Information the Courses. to play county
Philip H. Jones As many of you know, the Fort Meade golf courses such as
Philip.H.Jones.civ@mail.mil course has a long history of serving our com- Compass Pointe
Assistant Editor & Senior Writer munity, dating back nearly 70 years. Challenges Golf Courses
Rona S. Hirsch
Staff Writer Lisa R. Rhodes to keep the Courses began in 2008 when we lost in Pasadena,
Staff Writer Brandon Bieltz nine of its 36 holes and its driving range due to Eisenhower
Design Coordinator Timothy Davis the Base Realignment and Closure construction Golf Course in COL. Edward c.
of the Defense Information Systems Agency and Crownsville or Rothstein
Supple­mental photography provided Garrison Commander
by Patuxent Publishing Co. Defense Media Activity. the Timbers at
Many of you also know that the closure of Troy in Elkridge is being negotiated for this
Advertising the remaining 27 holes has been anticipated. It season’s play.
was my intent to maintain the Courses through And I am not going to stop there. We will
General Inquiries 410-332-6300
this fiscal year and turn the property over to the continue to work with other local communities
Allison Thompson
410-332-6850 Allison.Thompson@baltsun.com National Security Agency on Oct. 1. to explore ways to support our community.
Michele Griesbauer
However, the golf course’s closing date has Looking ahead, I also want to share some
410-332-6381 Michele.Griesbauer@baltsun.com been moved forward to May 1 to accommodate good news about a couple of other items we are
construction that needs to begin. addressing on post.
If you would like information about receiving Soundoff! on Fort Meade or are The golf course has been one of Fort Meade’s Built in 1982, Club Meade is one of several
experiencing distribution issues, call 877-886-1206 or e-mail TP@baltsun.com. most visible recreation sites. I played the full 36 aging facilities on the installation. As a result,
Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday through holes during past assignments. I enjoy playing the dining and catering facility has struggled
Sunday, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. the Courses now with Garrison Command Sgt. to meet its financial standards. In fact, during
Maj. Charles E. Smith as often as possible. the past 10 years, Club Meade has lost approxi-
Printed by offset method of reproduction as a civilian enterprise in the interest of the
personnel at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland, by the Patuxent Publishing Co., a subsidiary I know the golf course will be missed. It has mately $329,000. The good news is that due to
of The Baltimore Sun Media Group, 501 N. Calvert St., Baltimore, MD 21278, every Thursday served me along with the entire Team Meade new management and BRAC growth, the club
except the last Thursday of the year in conjunction with the Fort Meade Public Affairs Office. community, helping our service members, civil- has significantly increased its ability to generate
Requests for publication must reach the Public Affairs Office no later than Friday before the ian workers, retirees and families balance work revenue over the past six months.
desired publication date. Mailing address: Post Public Affairs Office, Soundoff! IMME-MEA-PA, and life activities. Through the use of successful business revi-
Bldg. 4409, Fort Meade, MD 20755-5025. Telephone: 301-677-1361; DSN: 622-1361. The loss of the golf course is an emotional talization program tools, including strategies
Everything advertised in this publication must be made available for purchase, use or patronage issue. However, the decision to support national like implementing updates to daily and catering
without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, marital status, handicap or sex of purchaser, security, DoD priorities and our partners is not menus, the Directorate of Family and Morale,
user or patron. A confirmed violation or rejection of this policy of equal opportunity by an advertiser difficult. Welfare and Recreation has identified more
will result in the refusal to print advertising from that source. Losing the golf course to support these priori- than $166,000 that can be directed toward
ties is the right thing to do. renovation projects for the facility. The goal is
Printed by Patuxent Publishing Co., a private firm, in no way connected with the Department
of the Army. Opinions expressed by the publisher and writers herein are their own and are
That said, I want you to know that Fort to make Club Meade more visually appealing
not to be considered an official expression by the Department of the Army. The appearance Meade and I are aggressively continuing efforts and increase its ability to better serve the post
of advertisers in the publication does not constitute an endorsement by the Department of to find an alternative resolution to meet our community.
the Army of the products or services advertised. community golfing requirements. Garrison lead- The post bowling center, The Lanes, has also
ers, civic and business leaders as well as many experienced improved financial performance
of our friends outside Fort Meade’s gates are over the past year. New management and a
engaged in discussions that will help us find renovated lounge have been major factors in its
www.ftmeade.army.mil positive alternatives for the post community. success. The monthly Karaoke Night, weekly
You can also keep track of Fort Meade on twitter at twitter.com/meadetv These discussions include long-term solutions Texas Hold ’em contests and other special events
and view the Fort Meade Blog at meadetv.wordpress.com. like constructing a new golf course on another have led to increased customer satisfaction and
location on post to possibly purchasing a local profits.
golf course. In the short term, we are working Other projects include the planned construc-
to establish reciprocal agreements with county tion of a new Child, Youth and School Ser-
Co n t e n t s golf courses.
A reciprocal agreement will provide the Fort
vices Child Development Center, a new Veterans
Affairs clinic and efforts to expand services at
Meade golfing community with opportunities to the installation’s Family Pet Care Center and
News.............................. 3 Sports................................... 11 golf at local public courses for a price equal or Camp Meade RV Park.
similar to what they currently pay. Combined, these efforts tell me we are on the
Due to the reality of today’s budget con- right path that continues Fort Meade’s great rep-
Trouble Ticket................ 4 Sports Shorts.......................13
straints, building a new golf course or even utation to support our community. As always, I
purchasing a course will not happen overnight. look forward to hearing your thoughts on how
Community.................... 8 Movies.................................. 14 However, with spring around the corner, to carry on in our Team Meade approach.
SOUNDOFF! March 1, 2012 http://www.ftmeade.army.mil

3. News
Army charges private with leaking intelligence
By Dave Vergun 92, UCMJ, for violating Army Regulations
Army News Service 25-2 “Information Assurance” and 380-5
Pfc. Bradley E. Manning was arraigned “Department of the Army Information
Feb. 23 at Fort Meade on 22 charges, which Security Program.”
include wrongfully releasing intelligence, If convicted of all charges, Manning
theft of records and aiding the enemy. would face a maximum punishment of
Manning elected to defer his plea and reduction to private E-1, forfeiture of all
also to defer the forum selection for his pay and allowances, confinement for life
court-martial — whether he will be tried by and a dishonorable discharge.
a judge or a panel. Most of the 16 specifications against
The court set a tentative date of March Article 134 relate to Manning giving “intel-
15 to 16 for the next session to hear pre-trial ligence to the enemy, through indirect
motions. means” while at Contingency Operating
Manning was charged with aiding the Station Hammer, Iraq, between November
enemy in violation of Article 104 of the 2009 and May 2010. He is charged with
Uniformed Code of Military Justice. He sharing this illegally accessed intelligence
was also charged with 16 specifications with “a person not entitled to receive it.”
under Article 134 of the UCMJ: wrong- Specification 10 of Article 134 mentions
fully causing intelligence to be published Manning obtaining and then divulging
on the Internet, knowing it is accessible to “five classified records relating to a military
the enemy. operation in Farah Province, Afghanistan,
He was charged with five specifications occurring on or about May 4, 2009, with
of Theft of Public Property or Records, reason to believe such information could be
in violation of 18 United States Code used to the injury of the United States or to
641; eight specifications of Transmitting the advantage of any foreign nation.”
Defense Information, in violation of 18 Editor’s note: A date for the trial has not
U.S.C. 793(e); two specifications of Fraud been set. However, a mid-March date was
illustration by Marine Sgt. Shawn Sales
and Related Activity in Connection with selected for the military judge to hear defense
Pfc. Bradley E. Manning stands to face the judge as 22 charges are read at his Computers in violation of 18 U.S.C. 1030 and prosecution arguments on a number of
arraignment Feb. 23 in this artist’s rendereing of the courtroom at Fort Meade. (a) (1) ; and five specifications under Article legal issues.
Early screening key to
colon cancer prevention
By Capt. Kimberly Wyatt
Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Center
What do Vince Lombardi, Ronald Reagan, Darryl Strawberry, Ruth Bader Gins-
burg, Sharon Osbourne and Pope John Paul II have in common?
They have all battled colon cancer.
Colon cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in America,
with 5 to 6 percent of the U.S. population diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
The good news is colon cancer can often be prevented with appropriate screen-
ing. Screening is typically done by colonoscopy, an outpatient procedure that can
detect and remove very small polyps long before they become cancerous.
Are you turning 50 this year? Do you have a parent or sibling who was diagnosed Photo by Air Force Staff Sgt. Matthew Fournier
with colorectal cancer before age 60? Has your doctor ever told you that you are
at increased risk of colon cancer?
If you answered yes to any of the questions and have never had colon cancer way to go
Command Chief Master Sgt. Jorge Mustafa, of Headquarters Puerto Rico Air
screening, see your primary care provider to discuss colorectal cancer screening
now. National Guard, congratulates graduates from Airman Leadership School on
This one visit could be a giant step in preventing one of the most common Feb. 10 at Fort Meade. Instructors at the school, which is open to Airmen, Sail-
cancers effecting adults today. ors, Coast Guardsmen and members of the Air National Guard, are assigned
Don’t let this opportunity pass you by. to the 70th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing. Airman Lead-
ership School is the first level of professional military education for enlisted
Airmen and a requirement for promotion to the rank of staff sergeant.
http://www.ftmeade.army.mil March 1, 2012 SOUNDOFF!

4. N ews
Have you noticed an issue on post Community
Trouble
and wondered if anything is being
done to fix it? Email concerns and
issues to chad.t.jones.civ@mail.
Crime Watch
Ticket mil. Each week, Soundoff! will Compiled by the Fort Meade Directorate of Emergency Services
address issues identified on post
Feb. 21, Assault consummated by a extensive scratch marks over
and describe what is being done to battery: The Directorate of Emer- the vehicle’s entire body, which
solve them. gency Services received a 911 hang- appeared to be keying marks.
up call; the call was traced. Units
were dispatched to the area to try Feb. 26, Driving on suspended out-
and make contact with the caller. of-state license: The Directorate
On arrival, contact was made with of Emergency Services was noti-
the subject who stated that she and fied of a vehicle that was speeding
the victim were in an argument and that through a security gate. A check with the
she punched him in the face. National Crime Information Center was
conducted and revealed that the driver had
Feb. 23, Shoplifting: The Directorate of her license suspended.
Emergency Services was notified of a
larceny at the Post Exchange. An inves- Feb. 26, Larceny of private property: The
tigation revealed that AAFES security Directorate of Emergency Services was
observed the subject place a DVD under notified by gate security that a woman at
his arm and exit the store without render- the gate wanted to file a complaint. The
ing proper payment. victim stated that she met several men at
a bar in Washington, D.C., who asked if
Feb. 25, Wrongful damaging of private they could put their phone numbers into
property: An investigation revealed that the her phone. She agreed, but she later real-
victim arrived at her vehicle and observed ized they hadn’t return the phone.
On the lookout for theft
The Directorate of Emergency Services is actively working to
keep neighborhoods safe.
Families residing on post should remember to ensure that
windows and doors to homes, cars and garages are locked at
all times, regardless of time of day.
file photo
Although the crime rate in military housing is lower than off
Play equipment near the Boundless Playground is currently undergoing repairs. post, it is important to remember that Fort Meade is not immune
to crime. To protect your family and belongings, remember to
take an active role in deterring crime.
Remain aware of your surroundings and immediately report
Issue: Plan: Status: any suspicious activity to the Fort Meade Police at 301-677-
6622 or 6623.
The Installation Safety Office Repair the play equipment Repairs are under way
has deemed and marked so that it is functional
some play equipment at
Burba Lake as unsafe New Traffic Pattern
Community members Maintain a minimum of Golf operations are The Defense Information School
have concerns about golf will begin to occupy the new Swing
18 holes at current site; unchanged through
course service availability in Space classrooms at the intersection
restoring golf operations May 1 of Simonds Street and Taylor Avenue.
light of Base Closure and on a site south of the As a result, that intersection will
Realignment installation is also proposed become a four-way stop.
Motorists traveling on Simonds
Youth Services Sports Renovate the Youth Services Actual use of fields will be Street will now be required to stop at
Complex is in need of Sports Complex this fall to allow Taylor Avenue.
renovations grass to mature Be cognizant of pedestrian traffic in that area.
SOUNDOFF! March 1, 2012 http://www.ftmeade.army.mil

5. N ews
780th MI formalizes partnership with Meade Heights Elementary
Story and photo by Tina Miles, signed the contract between the brigade Spc. Chatonna
Public Affairs Officer and school. Powell, orderly
780th Military Intelligence Brigade “Partnering with Meade Heights Ele- room clerk for
With a stroke of the pen, a partnership mentary is just one opportunity that Headquarters and
between the 780th Military Intelligence allows us to contribute, or give back, to Headquarters
Brigade and Meade Heights Elementary the community that has given so much to Company, 780th
School became official on Feb. 14. us, here at Fort Meade,” Sweet said. MI Brigade,
The Partners in Education, or PIE, The signing was witnessed by Lt. Col. shows students
program, once called Adopt-A-School, (P) Edmund Barrett, commander of at Meade Heights
is designed to support local schools by Headquarters Command Battalion, and Elementary School
allowing service members to help in a Sara Bonise, director of Fort Meade the valentine card
number of ways. School Support Services and PIE liaison, signed by HHC
PIE volunteers act as mentors and as well as several Soldiers from the 780th as a token of
tutors, and they participate in events MI Brigade. appreciation for
designed to help increase students’ Meade Heights Elementary School the cards that the
chances of academic success. had already embraced the 780th MI as a children designed
By signing a partnership agreement, partner when they exchanged valentine and gave to the
the 780th MI Brigade formalized its role cards just days before the actual contract unit.
as Meade Heights Elementary School’s was signed.
partner unit and pledged its support to Students from the pre-kindergarten dents made my heart smile,” said Spc. the school’s STEM (science, technology,
the educational activities of that particu- and fifth grades made cards for deployed Chatonna Powell, orderly room clerk for engineering and math) Night on Feb. 23.
lar school. Soldiers. The brigade reciprocated by Headquarters and Headquarters Com- Other 780th MI service members are
At a small informal ceremony, Col. presenting the classes with a thank-you pany, 780th MI. scheduled to read to students at the
Jonathan E. Sweet, commander of the card signed by members of the 780th Powell serves as the PIE representa- school Friday for the National Educa-
780th MI Brigade, and Susan Gallagher, MI. tive, or coordinator, for the brigade. tion Association’s Read Across America
principal of Meade Heights Elementary, “Getting those cards from the stu- Ten Soldiers volunteered to assist with Day.
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http://www.ftmeade.army.mil March 1, 2012 SOUNDOFF!

6. N ews
Meade High senior School-Age Care Center children produce calendar
By Lisa R. Rhodes
places first in state Staff Writer
Colorful drawings of the
essay writing contest Meade Commissary are fea-
Post Chapel and the Fort
tured in a new 12-month cal-
By Lisa R. Rhodes endar created by 12 children
Staff Writer enrolled in the installation’s
In a phone call Saturday, Meagan Chesser School-Age Care Center.
learned she will soon be a published writer. Enrica Chesi-Beasley, the
Louise Batchelor, of the Anne Arundel homework and art instructor
County Reading Council, called to congratu- for the center’s Youth Technol-
late Meagan on her first-place win in the high ogy Lab, and Marcus Allen,
school essay category of the State of Maryland the lab’s technology instructor,
International Reading Association Council’s helped the children transform
statewide Young Author’s their original artwork into a
Contest. community calendar.
“I am just so amazed,” “Our children are very
the 17-year-old Meade proud and accomplished,”
High School senior said. Chesi-Beasley said. “The level
“I’ve been kind of hear- of art turned out to be pretty
ing ‘I told you so’ from good.”
everyone.” The School-Age Care Cen-
As a first-place winner, ter at 1900 Reece Road pro-
Meagan’s essay, entitled vides before- and after-school
Meagan Chesser “The Wallflower,” will be care and full-day care on
published in an anthology school closure days for the
along with the works of other first- and second- children of service members
place contest winners. and DoD civilians. The center
The book will be given to the winners dur- provides a wide range of edu-
ing a reception at the SoMIRAC conference on cational programs and recre-
March 28 at the Hunt Valley Marriott in Hunt ational activities for children
Valley. The young authors will also receive a in kindergarten through fifth
gift certificate to a book store. grade.
Meagan qualified for the statewide contest After Chesi-Beasley sug-
after taking first place in the high school essay gested topics for the artwork,
category of the Anne Arundel County Read- the children began drawing
ing Council’s Young Author’s Contest in early in class last summer. Chesi-
February. She was scheduled to be honored Beasley selected the 12 best
Wednesday at a reception at the Phoenix Cen- entries, while Allen complet-
ter Annapolis, an Anne Arundel County high ed the graphic design for the
school. project.
“The Wallflower” is about a teenage girl who In addition to scenes of
“never gets noticed by anyone, no matter what Fort Meade life, the calen-
she does,” Meagan said. dar includes drawings of the
The girl’s fate changes, however, when she seasons, animals, plants and
catches someone’s eye. holiday celebrations.
“She is so happy about it,” said Meagan, not- Participants in the proj-
ing that the essay is based on her own life. ect are: Miguel Guzman,
Meagan resides in Hanover with her parents, 10; Imani King, 10; Michael
Carole and Wayne Chesser, a retired Air Force Bratten, 9; Zack Mueller, 10;
master sergeant, and four siblings. Mikayla Hudson, 8; Zora
“I am amazingly proud of her,” Meagan’s Craft, 7; Kylie Mckinzie, 8;
mother said. August Jordan, 8; Jada How-
Meagan, who is taking an Advanced Place- ell, 8; Joshua Sims, 6; Lindsay
ment English literature class at Meade High, Van Horn, 11; and Gwenith
hopes to become a television or movie script Hudson, 7.
writer. Calendars are available at
photo by enrica chesi-beasley
“I never thought I’d be published at this age,” the center. Joshua Sims, 10, and Mikayla Hudson, 8, are two of 12 children enrolled at the Fort
she said. “It’s something small, but a pretty “It will be cherished for Meade School-Age Care Center whose original artwork is featured in a new 12-month
big step.” many years to come,” Chesi- calendar. Marcus Allen, the technology instructor at the center’s Youth Technology
Beasley said. Lab, completed the project’s graphic design.
SOUNDOFF! March 1, 2012 http://www.ftmeade.army.mil

7. N ews KID-FRIENDLY
DENTISTRY
Opportunity to shine
Edwin Zaghi, DMD
PEDIATRIC
DENTISTRY
• Infant Dental
Screening
• Emergency
MacArthur students place second in county literary contest Appointments
• Accepts Tri-Care
Story and photo by Lisa R. Rhodes
Staff Writer
Anna, a young girl living in Poland
during World War II, is secretly taking
violin lessons from a Jewish neighbor
and music teacher.
One day her teacher mysteriously
disappears. Years later, an adult Anna
creates an orchestra in memory of her
beloved friend.
This touching scenario is the plot Near
of “A Violin For Anna,” a short story Fort
Meade!
by Sophia Czaja, a sixth-grader at
MacArthur Middle School. Dr. Edwin Zaghi
The story won second place in the - Board Certified Pediatric Dentistry;
sixth-grade short-story category of - American Board Pediatric Dentist;
the Anne Arundel County Reading - Fellow American Academy of
Council’s 2011-2012 Young Authors Pediatric Dentistry
Contest.
“I feel really excited,” said Sophia, JUST OFF RT. 32! 10798 HICKORY RIDGE RD
12. “A lot of people said I wouldn’t be COLUMBIA • 410-992-4400
able to win, I’m just an ordinary per- www.dredwinzaghi.com
son. But it turned out I did win.”
MacArthur sixth-grader Seray Cer-
ezo took second place in the sixth-
grade poetry category for her poem,
“Fear of the Battlefield,” about a Sol-
dier on the verge of going to war and
Seray Cerezo, 11, and Sophia Czaja, 12, sixth-graders at MacArthur Middle School, are
Get the insider’s
the mixed emotions of excitement and
fear he experiences.
“I’m pretty surprised,” the 11-year-
second-place finishers in the Anne Arundel County Reading Council’s Young Authors
Contest. Seray won for her poem, “Fear of the Battlefield.” Sophia won for her short
story, “A Violin For Anna.”
advantage
old said. “I didn’t think I would try
for it, but then I thought, what if I Join the conversation on
did win?” planned to attend the reception along her church. Fort Meade’s social media
The Anne Arundel Reading Council with their parents. Sophia and Seray “My Dad told me stories that were
is a local affiliate of the International were slated to receive a certificate of passed down,” said Sophia, whose platform for the latest com-
Reading Council. The local nonprofit participation and present their work father is a Marine. “I also did some munity news.
organization is committed to improv- to the audience. research.”
ing literacy throughout the county. “They are both very creative, very Sophia has been writing short stories Connect with more than
Sponsored each year, the Young brilliant girls,” Bugaile said. “They love since second grade. She plans to attend 8,000 post community mem-
Authors Contest aims to promote a to read and challenge themselves. ... the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis
love of writing and effective communi- This opportunity makes them shine.” and become a forensic scientist. bers on the installation’s
cation among youth, said Lenora Fox, Seray, whose father serves in the Air Bugaile said the class was study- Facebook page. Stay updat-
president of the Anne Arundel County Force, said she wanted to write about ing novels and character development
Reading Council. what service members feel before they when Sophia and Seray submitted their ed with Tweets from Fort
The contest is open to all Anne go to war. work to her last fall for consideration Meade’s Twitter feed. Catch
Arundel County elementary, middle “My Dad showed me poems by in the contest.
and high school students and encour- other authors, and they were really A group of sixth-grade language the latest episode of Meade
ages students to submit an original good,” she said. “I was hoping I would arts teachers at MacArthur selected six Week’s video blog. Visit the
short story, poem or essay. win with a poem like this.” entries from 20 student submissions.
For the 2011-2012 school year, about Seray has been writing poetry since Sophia and Seray’s work were sent installation’s website at www.
400 entries were submitted by county she was in fourth grade and hopes to to the contest because of the impres- ftmeade.army.mil and visit
middle school students. become a pediatrician. sive quality of both pieces, Bugaile
Sophia and Seray were scheduled to Sophia, who has Polish ancestry said. the links to add your voice to
be honored at a reception Wednesday and plays the violin, said she came “There was a lot of thought process the conversation.
at Severna Park Middle School. up with the theme for her short story behind their work,” she said. “It was
Molly Bugaile, their advanced after hearing stories about World War obvious they wanted to impact readers
English teacher at MacArthur, also II from her family and members of and write something very powerful.”
http://www.ftmeade.army.mil March 1, 2012 SOUNDOFF!

8. C ommunity N ews N otes
The deadline for Soundoff! community to 4 p.m. at the Community Readiness community-minded students to further • March 22: “Spring into a Good
“News and Notes” is Friday at noon. All Center, 830 Chisholm Ave. their education beyond a high school Book” – Celebrating spring
submissions are posted at the editor’s dis- Spouses from all military branches diploma. • March 29: “Reading Makes Us
cretion and may be edited for space and are invited. Information is presented • The Military Spouse Scholarship Hoppy” - Songs and finger plays about
grammar. Look for additional community on different installation agencies. Door will be awarded for academic bunnies
events on the Fort Meade website at www. prizes are also awarded. advancement to highly motivated, For more information, call 301-677-
ftmeade.army.mil and the Meade TV Blog For more information and community-minded individuals to 5522.
at http://meadetv.wordpress.com. reservations, call the Army Community further their education.
For more information or to submit an Service Relocation Office at 301-677- Application forms with all eligibility Easter Bunny brunch
announcement, email philip.h.jones.civ@ 5590. requirements are available on the OSC
mail.mil or call 301-677-5602. website at www.fortmeadeosc.org and at Hop over to the Courses Clubhouse
high school guidance offices. on March 31 for brunch with the Easter
EDUCATION For more information, email Pat Bunny. Two seating times will be available:
NEWS EVENTS Hagerty at snow29man@aol.com. 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
Enjoy scrambled eggs, bacon, french
Romp ‘n Stomp toast sticks, tater tots, ham, boneless chick-
Auto care courses en wings, macaroni and cheese, spaghetti
National Prayer Luncheon The Automotive Skills Center at 6530
Romp ‘n Stomp playgroup, for
parents and their children up to 5 years sauce, fruit salad and beverages.
The Fort Meade National Prayer Taylor Ave. is offering the following old, meets Tuesdays from 9:30 to 11:30 Seating is limited. Tickets are available
Luncheon will be held March 28 at courses from 1 to 3 p.m. a.m. at Youth Services gym, when Anne from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Youth Center,
11:30 a.m. at Club Meade. • March 11: “How to change oil and Arundel County Public Schools are in 909 Ernie Pyle St.
The event is sponsored by the maintain your vehicle” session. Cost is $7 for ages 5 to 10 and $11.50
Garrison Chaplain’s Office. Chief of • March 25: “How to change wheel For more information, call Rikki for ages 11 and older. Children ages 4 and
Chaplains Chaplain (Maj. Gen.) Donald bearings” Ford, Parent Support coordinator, at under attend free.
L. Rutherford will be the guest speaker. • April 8: “How to replace drive belts 301-677-3617 or e-mail rikki.l.ford.ctr@ For more information, call 301-677-
Service members and civilian and anti-freeze” us.army.mil. 5326.
employees are encouraged to attend with • April 22: Proper procedures for
supervisory approval and without charge replacing timing belts RECREATION
to annual leave. Administrative leave is Cost for each course is $10. For more YOUTH
authorized. information, call 301-677-5542.
Seating is limited to 300 people.
Tickets are now available. Fleet Center classes Youth/Teen Job Fair Out About
The suggested donation is $10 for
civilian employees and service members The Fleet and Family Support Center A Youth/Teen Job Fair for ages 16 to • Hopkins Symphony Orchestra’s
with a rank of E-6 and above. at 830 Chisholm Ave. offers classes 21 will be held today from 3 to 6 p.m. at 20th annual free concert for children
Tickets can be obtained through the that are open to DoD identification McGill Training Center. and families will be presented today
unit sergeant major or noncommissioned cardholders. Advanced registration is Students, graduating seniors and from 1 to 2 p.m. at Shriver Hall, 3400
officer in charge. required. entry-level college and vocational N. Charles Street, Baltimore. Conducted
For more information on tickets, call • Common Sense Parenting, Friday, students are welcome. by Jed Gaylin, the concert will feature
the Garrison Chaplain’s Office at 301- 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Participants have the opportunity to excerpts from Igor Stravinsky’s
677-6703 or 301-677-7842. • Medical Records Review: Have your meet representatives of more than 30 “Petrouchka.” After the performance,
medical records reviewed by Joseph companies and learn about available the audience is invited onstage to meet
Thornton of AMVETS. An appointment the musicians and see their instruments
Easter workshop is required.
jobs and internships.
up close. No tickets or reservations
In addition, representatives of
Design handmade gifts and cards at To register or for more information, colleges, technical schools and volunteer are needed. For more information, call
an Easter workshop on March 10 and call 301-677-9017 or 9018. organizations will provide information. 410-516-6542 or email http://www.jhu.
23 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Arts Teens also will learn resume tips, how edu/jhso/.
Crafts Center, 6530 York Ave. OSC scholarships to work a job fair and how to prepare • Leisure Travel Services is offering
Cost is $35 and includes all supplies. for an interview. discounted tickets for active-duty service
To register or for more information, The Fort Meade Officers’ Spouses’ members to the Shen Yun Performing
Club will award scholarships for the For more information, call 301-677-
call 410-575-4224. 5590. Arts Show from March 21 to April 1 at
2012-2013 academic school year in the the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
spring.
Karaoke Night Completed applications must be Storytime For more information, call LTS at 301-
677-7354.
The 11th Frame Lounge at the Lanes postmarked by April 1. The Medal of Honor Memorial Library • Leisure Travel Services, 2300 Wilson
is hosting a free Karaoke Night on the • The Etta Baker Memorial offers Pre-Kindergarten Storytime every St., is offering monthly bus trips to New
third Thursday of the month. Scholarship will be awarded for Thursday from 9:30 to 10 a.m. and 10:30 to York City on Saturday and April 14 and
The next Karaoke Night will be academic advancement to deserving 11 a.m. May 18, and discounts to attractions. Bus
March 15 from 7 to 10 p.m. The public college-bound high school seniors. • Today: “If You’re Happy and You cost is $55. For more information, call 301-
is invited. • The Merit Scholarship for continued Know it “ 677-7354 or visit www.ftmeademwr.com.
For more information, call 301-677- learning will be awarded for academic • March 8: “Waddle We Read Today?”
5541. advancement to graduating high school
seniors and students currently enrolled
- a duck-themed Storytime MEETINGS
• March 15: “It’s Easy Being Green
Newcomer’s seminar in college. Storytime” – Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day
• The JROTC Scholarship will early by reading books about all things • Monthly Prayer Breakfast, hosted by the
The Military Spouse Newcomer’s be awarded to highly motivated,
Seminar is held Wednesdays from 12:30 green. garrison, is held the first Thursday of every
SOUNDOFF! March 1, 2012 http://www.ftmeade.army.mil

9. C ommunity N ews N otes
month at 7 a.m. at the Courses Clubhouse. is $5 for members and $10 for nonmembers. hood Center. The next meeting is March 13. women for prayer, fellowship and food at
The next breakfast is today. Post employees, • Spouse PTSD Support Group, For more information, call Sharon Collins its weekly Wednesday meeting from 9:30
family members, and civilian and military sponsored by the Behavior Health Care at 301-667-4116 or email sharon.j.collins@ a.m. to noon at Argonne Hills Chapel
personnel are invited. No cost; donations Service, Religious Support Office and us.army.mil. Center. Child care and a home-school room
are optional. For more information, call the Army Substance Abuse Program, • Meade Branch 212 of the Fleet Reserve are provided. For more information, call
301-677-6703 or email diana.l.durner.civ@ will meet Wednesday and March 14, 21 Association meets the second Wednesday of Christine Washburn at 443-230-1553 or
mail.mil. and 28 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Cavalry each month at 7 p.m. at VFW Post 160 on email cwash1993@comcast.net.
• Fort Meade Chapter of Military Chapel, Bldg. 8465, Simonds Street and 6th Route 170 in Glen Burnie. The next meeting • American Legion Post 276 is open to
Officers Association of America will Armored Cavalry Road. Seating is limited. is March 14. Active-duty, Reserve and retired veterans and active-duty service members
sponsor its next luncheon meeting today Registration is required by Friday. Child members of the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps at 8068 Quarterfield Road in Severn.
from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. at Club care is available. and Coast Guard are invited. For more infor- Breakfast may be purchased beginning at 9
Meade. The guest speaker will be Rita This time-limited support group is for mation, call 410-761-7046 or 301-262-6556. a.m. Lunches may be purchased from 11:30
McDermott of MOAA headquarters who spouses whose loved ones are exhibiting • Fort Meade TOP III Association meets a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Happy Hour is from 4 to
will discuss the MOAA Scholarship Fund, symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. the second Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. Dinner may be purchased at 6 p.m.
which provides grants/scholarships and To register or for more information, call Lt. 3 p.m. at the Courses. The next meeting is on Fridays and the fourth Sunday of every
interest-free loans each year to the children Cmdr. Fields at 301-677-8870. March 14. The association is open to all Air month.
of military personnel. • Parenting With a Purpose will meet Force active and retired senior noncommis- Membership discounts are offered for
Cost is $15. The luncheon is open to the Wednesday and March 14, 21 and 28 from sioned officers. For more information, call active-duty military. For more information,
public. Reservations are required. Call T. 1 to 3 p.m. at Meuse Forest Neighborhood Master Sgt. Jonathan Jacob at 443-479-0616 call 410-969-8028 or visit www.
Wayne Hobbs at 410-799-8331. Center at 8700 91st Division Blvd. Learn or email jajacob@nsa.gov. americanlegionpost276.org.
• Meade Rod and Gun Club meets the what your parenting style is and the art of • Retired Enlisted Association meets the • Meade Area Garden Club will
first Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. judo-parenting. For reservations, call Rikki third Thursday of the month from 7:30 to meet March 16 at 10 a.m. at the Jessup
at Perry’s Restaurant and Odie’s Pub at Ford, Parent Support coordinator, at 301- 8:30 p.m. at Argonne Hills Chapel Center. Community Hall at the corner of Route
1210 Annapolis Road, Odenton. The next 677-3617 or email rikki.l.ford.ctr@us.army. The next meeting is March 15. For more 175 and Wigley Avenue. Susan Barbi,
meeting is tonight in the banquet hall in mil. information, visit www.trea.org or call Mary a national judge for the African Violet
back of the building. If you come early, you • Fort Meade E9 Association meets the Gray, the local president, at 410-916-5385 Society of America and a Maryland master
may join us for dinner at 6 p.m. For more second Friday of every month at 7 a.m. in or Arthur R. Cooper, national president, at gardener, will present a slide show on
information, call 410-674-4000. the Pin Deck Cafe at the Lanes. The next 443-336-1230. African violets. Refreshments will be served.
• EMPOWERING Parents of Teens meeting is March 9. The association is open • Fort Meade Homeschool Co-op Reservations are not required.
Support Group meets the first and third to active, retired, Reserve and National meets Fridays at 9:30 a.m. at 1900 The meeting will be canceled if Anne
Monday of every month from 6 to 7:30 Guard E9s of any uniformed service. All Reece Road. For more information, call Arundel County schools are closed or
p.m. at School Age Services. The next E9s in this area are invited to attend a Laura Edens at 443-510-4715 or email opening two hours late due to bad weather.
meeting is Monday. Refreshments and free breakfast and meet the membership. For ftmeadehomeschooling@verizon.net. For more information, call Pat Loosararian,
child care provided. For more information, more information, visit www.e9association. • Cub Scout Pack 377 invites boys in membership chairman, at 410-519-6443 or
call Rikki Ford, Parent Support org or call 410-551-7953. first through fifth grades, or ages 7 to 10, Lois Stephenson, club president, at 410-
coordinator, at 301-677-3617 or e-mail • Single Parent Support Group meets the to attend its weekly Monday meetings at 6 740-8024.
rikki.l.ford.ctr@us.army.mil. second and fourth Monday of the month p.m. at Argonne Hills Chapel Center. For • Patient/Family Advisory Council meets
• Retired Officers’ Wives’ Club will from 6 to 8 p.m. at School Age Services, more information, email Kimberly Smith at the third Thursday of each month at 3 p.m.
meet Tuesday at 11 a.m. at Club Meade. 1900 Reece Road. The next meeting is pack377_cc@yahoo.com. at Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Center.
Lynda Maxwell of Destinations Inc. will March 12. For more information, call Rikki • Boy Scout Troop 379 meets Mondays The next meeting will be March 15 in
demonstrate some of the best ways to pack Ford, Parent Support coordinator, at 301- at 7 p.m. at Argonne Hills Chapel Kimbrough’s main conference room on the
for a trip to any destination. 677-3617 or email rikki.l.ford.ctr@us.army. Center on Rockenbach Road. The troop third floor, room 3C03.
Cost is $15. Reservations must be made mil. is actively recruiting boys age 11 to The council is committed to improving the
by noon today. Members may call their • Enlisted Spouses Club meets the second 18. For more information, email Lisa delivery of our health care by collaborating
area Reservation Committee member; all Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Yetman, at lisayetman@verizon.net with providers, patients and family members.
others may call Betty Wade at 410-551- Clubhouse in Bldg. T-4, across from the Pet or Wendall Lawrence, Scoutmaster, at For more information or to become a council
7082. For more information, call ROWC Care Center. The next meeting is March 12. lawrencewendall@juno.com. member, call Patient and Family Centered
President Lianne Roberts at 301-464-5498. For more information, visit www.ftmeadeesc. • Protestant Women of the Chapel invites Care, at 301-677-8261.
Guests who are eligible to join may org.
attend one meeting before they are required • NARFE Chapter 1519 will meet March
to join. Dues, normally $25 per year, 13 at 1 p.m. at Holy Trinity Parish Hall, 7436
are reduced to $12.50 for the remaining Baltimore-Annapolis Blvd., Glen Burnie.
meetings through May. The speaker will be Karen Straughn, an Chaplain’s Word
• Officers’ Spouses’ Club will meet March assistant attorney general and director of the
15 at 10:30 a.m. at the Courses. The theme Mediation Unit for the Consumer Protection HEROISM
of the luncheon is “Wedding March.” Division, which mediates disputes between
The club is collecting wedding photos consumers and businesses. “We must be quality people before we can do quality
of members. Email a jpeg (and include Current and retired federal employees and
wedding date) to 1stvice@fortmeadeosc.org their spouses are invited. For more informa- things. The potential for heroism, like any other element of
by Friday. tion or to join, call Diane Shreves, publicity
Wear white to get in the wedding spirit, chairman, at 410-760-3750. character, is revealed in our everyday choices.”
and encourage members to don their best • Bridging the Gap deployment support
“Royal Wedding Hat.” To RSVP or to be group, sponsored by Army Community Ser- — Nicole Moliere
a vendor, visit www.fortmeadeosc.org or vice, meets the second Tuesday of the month
email reservations@fortmeadeosc.org. Cost from 6 to 8 p.m. at Potomac Place Neighbor-
http://www.ftmeade.army.mil March 1, 2012 SOUNDOFF!

10. N ews
Sharing stories of struggle
Blacks wax museum co-founder stresses passing history to youth
By Lisa R. Rhodes
Staff Writer
In 1997, Joanne Martin and her husband,
Elmer, co-founders of the National Great
Blacks In Wax Museum, curated in New
York an exhibit on lynching.
While touring the exhibit, a group of
black students told Martin that they had
never heard of lynching and did not know
what it was.
The black community’s failure to institu-
tionalize its history was one of the reasons
why the couple created the museum, said
Martin, who is also chief executive officer of
the museum, in her speech at the installation’s
annual observance of Black History Month. ‘We want the story of the
The 90-minute event, held Feb. 23 at Club
Meade, was hosted by the Defense Informa- museum ... to say the
tion School. This year’s theme is “Black
Women in American Culture and History.”
struggle has been [about]
Sponsored by the garrison command and maintaining your dignity.’
the Fort Meade Equal Opportunity Office,
the program featured remarks from the DIN- Joanne Martin
photos by sarah pastrana
FOS commandant, a poetry reading and Co-founder and chief executive
food samplings of fried chicken, collard A wax figure of the late Dorothy Height, former chair and president emerita of officer, National Great Blacks In
greens, and macaroni and cheese. the National Council of Negro Women, stands in the lobby of Club Meade for the Wax Museum in Baltimore
Displays included a wax figure of the late installation’s Black History Month observance on Feb. 23. Height is just one of many
Dorothy Height, former chair and president wax figures on display at the National Great Blacks In Wax Museum in Baltimore.
emerita of the National Council of Negro
Women in a pink suit and her trademark hat, co-founding the museum, the Martins (who that “learning black history and culture in a small, segregated town in Florida, she
and a civil rights exhibit from the Reginald F. are not related to the commandant) “had the wouldn’t get you the American Dream, the visited the doctor’s office with her mother
Lewis Museum of Maryland African Ameri- vision for wanting to be a part of something middle class dream, the corporate dream.” and aunt to remedy their colds during a flu
can History and Culture in Baltimore. greater than themselves.” So when the National Great Blacks In epidemic. But black patients, who were seated
More than 300 people attended the He said the couple invested the $30,000 Wax Museum celebrated its grand opening in in a separate waiting room, were only served
event. they had saved for a house into creating the 1988 on East North Avenue in Baltimore, its after all the white patients were treated.
“I enjoyed it tremendously,” said Theresa museum. vision was guided by Elmer Martin. “No matter how sick you were, sickness
Heard, an investigator with the Office of “They thought it was important to serve “We want the story of the museum and the had a color too,” Martin said. “Even in sick-
Personnel Management, after Martin spoke. the community,” he said. impact of the museum and the power of this ness, there was no breaking of the rules or
“She talked about how you should know During her speech, Martin stressed the medium to say the struggle has been [about] traditions.”
your history so you can feel proud of your- importance of passing a culture’s history to maintaining your dignity,” Martin said. “... At the end of her remarks, Martin said
self. I share the same sentiments with my its youth and how that commitment shaped [My husband] wanted to create a museum that when she speaks to young blacks, she
grandchildren.” the founding of the National Great Blacks so compelling that people all over the world reminds them of the sacrifice of their African
Angela Robinson, the registrar at DIN- In Wax Museum. would want to come.” forebearers.
FOS, served as mistress of ceremonies. She said that in the years since the civil Today, the museum features wax figures “You’re in the world today with the blood
Air Force Master Sgt. LaShawndra rights movement, the black community has of President Barack Obama, Malcolm X and of ancestors flowing through your body right
Ramsey, noncommissioned officer of the endured a great loss. Harriet Tubman, in addition to a wax replica now who were put on slave ships, but who
Directorate of Logistics at DINFOS, sang “We lost something when we decided of a slave ship and wax artifacts depicting the also did something unbelievable — they lived
the National Anthem. Air Force Tech Sgt. after the civil rights movement, that in help- Underground Railroad. through that experience,” she said. “They
Kathy Parker, a photography instructor at ing our children to ‘have a better life,’ we Martin said that in educating young blacks gave the world’s most precious gift — life.”
DINFOS, performed the Negro National weren’t going to talk to them about slavery about their history, the community’s elders After the program, the commandant pre-
Anthem. and lynching,” said Martin, who earned a must not minimize the hardships they faced. sented Martin with a certificate of apprecia-
DINFOS Air Force Chaplain (Capt.) doctoral degree from Howard University. “We can’t continue to expect our young tion.
Travis Sears delivered the invocation. Robert “So we’ve reached a point where now we feel people to understand the struggle without “I enjoyed the presentation, letting the
Jordan, a DINFOS public affairs instructor, that our children are very materialistic and giving them a sense of what the struggle was,” younger generation know how far we’ve
recited “The New Day,” a poem by Fenton not interested in history.” she said. “We need to give them a sense of come and how far we have to go,” said
Johnson. Martin said that when her husband, who how our parents were not allowed to reach Spc. Christopher Ramirez, 28, of the 742nd
In his opening remarks, DINFOS Com- died in 2001, taught at Morgan State Uni- their full potential.” Military Intelligence Battalion. “[Martin] is
mandant Col. Jeremy Martin said that in versity, he encountered students who believed Martin recalled how at age 6, growing up a beacon of light.”
10 SOUNDOFF! March 1, 2012 http://www.ftmeade.army.mil