Fort Meade SoundOff September 27 2012

1. Soundoff!
vol. 64 no. 39
we deliver
Published in the interest of the Fort Meade community
´
September 27, 2012
Defense Courier Service
competes to test core
competency skills
page 6
sister schools
Chinese educators visit
MacArthur Middle School
for cultural exchange
page 16
UPCOMING EVENTS
Today, Noon:
Army Field Band Hispanic Heritage
concert - Argonne Hills Chapel Center
FRIday. 8 a.m.-3 p.m.:
Retiree Appreciation Day - McGill
FRIDAY, 7-10 p.m.:
End of Summer Deck Party - The Lanes
WEDNESDAY, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.:
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
kickoff event - McGill photo by Pfc. Joshua R. Mckinney, 55th signal company
Oct. 4, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.: running for resiliency
Service members run down MacArthur Road during the Wellness and Remembrance Joint Service Run on Friday morning.
Hispanic Heritage Month More than 2,400 service members attended the run in recognition of 9/11, POWS and MIAs, as well as to promote resiliency
Observance - McGill and wellness. For the story, see Page 14.

2. Commander’s Column
Soundoff!
Editorial Staff
Garrison Commander
Guaranteed circulation:
11,285
´
Recognizing excellence
Col. Edward C. Rothstein
Garrison Command Last week, Fort Meade submitted its entry for tons of meth-
Sgt. Maj. Thomas J. Latter the Installation Management Command Army ane-producing
Public Affairs Officer Communities of Excellence. waste material
Chad T. Jones The competition recognizes excellence in instal- from a 1940s-
Chad.T.Jones.civ@mail.mil lation management and the outstanding and inno- era dumpsite
Chief, Command Information
Philip H. Jones vative efforts of the people who operate and located between
Philip.H.Jones.civ@mail.mil maintain U.S. military installations. residential hous-
Assistant Editor & Senior Writer The program is also an opportunity for IMCOM ing and Manor
Rona S. Hirsch to encourage and recognize installations that build View Elementary
Staff Writer Lisa R. Rhodes on organizational knowledge, foster a change in cul- School.
Staff Writer Brandon Bieltz ture and demonstrate a commitment to excellence. This cleanup
Design Coordinator Timothy Davis In many respects, the ACOE represents Fort project will allow COL. Edward c.
Meade’s commitment to create an environment us to return to Rothstein
Supple­mental photography provided Garrison Commander
by Patuxent Publishing Co. that delivers services and infrastructure to enhance community use
the quality of life for service members, families an area that had been restricted.
Advertising and civilians who serve our nation. By doing so, Off the installation, we conducted coordination
General Inquiries 410-332-6300 we allow our partner commands and agencies to with Howard County officials to use more than 5
Allison Thompson perform their missions with great confidence. million gallons of treated water daily in the cool-
410-332-6850 Allison.Thompson@baltsun.com One of the unique aspects of Fort Meade is ing systems for the planned recapitalization of
Michele Griesbauer that Fort Meade is not designated as a “joint National Security Agency facilities.
410-332-6381 Michele.Griesbauer@baltsun.com base” installation. We are a large, multiservice, In addition to saving aquifer water, which is a
multiagency population with more than 95 part- limited resource, the treated water is projected to
If you would like information about receiving Soundoff! on Fort Meade or are ner commands and agencies. Our composition reduce costs by 40 percent.
experiencing distribution issues, call 877-886-1206 or e-mail TP@baltsun.com. provides unique challenges that require us to create As transformation moves forward, we continue
Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday through innovative solutions and encourage partnerships, to plan for infrastructure and facility expansions.
Sunday, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
on and off the installation. We have established a Mission Growth Initiative to
Printed by offset method of reproduction as a civilian enterprise in the interest of the As a growing community, Fort Meade strives ensure that our growth is fully supported by, and
personnel at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland, by the Patuxent Publishing Co., a subsidiary to consistently improve the quality of life for our integrated into, regional jurisdictions.
of The Baltimore Sun Media Group, 501 N. Calvert St., Baltimore, MD 21278, every Thursday community members. We continue to look for We also have established a regional business ini-
except the last Thursday of the year in conjunction with the Fort Meade Public Affairs Office. innovative ways to accommodate the entire instal- tiative through the Regional Growth Management
Requests for publication must reach the Public Affairs Office no later than Friday before the lation community in ways that will have a positive Committee with 2,300 member businesses that
desired publication date. Mailing address: Post Public Affairs Office, Soundoff! IMME-MEA-PA,
Bldg. 4409, Fort Meade, MD 20755-5025. Telephone: 301-677-1361; DSN: 622-1361.
impact on everyone’s daily life. focuses on improving the quality of contract sup-
One example of how we are working to accom- port provided to the installation and its partners.
Everything advertised in this publication must be made available for purchase, use or patronage modate our growth is related to the development of Fort Meade is able to achieve mission success in
without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, marital status, handicap or sex of purchaser, new facilities. Currently, we are planning for a new many respects due to the innovations of its work-
user or patron. A confirmed violation or rejection of this policy of equal opportunity by an advertiser Exchange, two new Child Development Centers force and the partnerships that allow us to find
will result in the refusal to print advertising from that source. and another gas station/Shoppette. balance between available (and at times reduced)
Printed by Patuxent Publishing Co., a private firm, in no way connected with the Department Plans are also in place to develop additional resources and the needs of our community.
of the Army. Opinions expressed by the publisher and writers herein are their own and are privatized barracks and garden apartments for The ACOE program is more than just a contest.
not to be considered an official expression by the Department of the Army. The appearance enlisted service members who work and live here. It is an opportunity to allow garrison leaders to
of advertisers in the publication does not constitute an endorsement by the Department of Fort Meade also is concerned with the environ- say “thank you” for all of your ideas and work
the Army of the products or services advertised. ment and is moving toward a sustainable future that have attributed to excellent services, excellent
through reduction of our energy footprint, water facilities and a quality environment that lets service
conservation and new construction that meets or members and their families know we care about
www.ftmeade.army.mil exceeds standards for energy and environmental
certifications.
them and that we are doing our part to make sure
they are able to perform their missions with great
You can also keep track of Fort Meade on Twitter at twitter.com/ftmeademd This year, the Environmental Division coor- confidence.
and view the Fort Meade Live Blog at ftmeade.armylive.dodlive.mil. dinated a massive cleanup of more than 24,000 Have a great week!
Co n t e n t s
Commander’s Open Door
Garrison Commander Col. Edward C. Rothstein has an open door policy.
All service members, retirees, government employees, family members and community
News.............................. 3 Sports................................... 18 members age 18 or older are invited to address issues or concerns to the commander
directly by visiting Rothstein’s office on Mondays from 4 to 6 p.m. at garrison headquarters
Trouble Ticket................ 4 Movies.................................. 23 in Hodges Hall, Bldg. 4551, Llewellyn Avenue.
Visitors are seen on a first-come, first-served basis. No appointment is necessary.
Community.................. 20 Classified.............................. 24 For more information, call 301-677-4844.
SOUNDOFF! September 27, 2012 http://www.ftmeade.army.mil

3. News
Service members to guard gates for next 90 days
By Philip H. Jones guards, said Lt. Col. J. Darrell Sides, safety and security of the installation The contracted guards will be
Command Information Chief provost marshal and director of DES. will not be compromised while the con- replaced by trained, screened, and med-
Public Affairs Office Augmenting the DA security guards version takes place. There are no plans ically-processed Department of Army
Beginning Monday, service members with military personnel allows DES to to close any of the present installation security guards. The majority of newly
will assist in manning the installation’s recruit, train and deploy new security controlled access points or adjust the hired guards will also be former or
five access control points. guards, Sides said. He anticipates using gate hours of operation.” retired service members.
The addition of military personnel military personnel at the installation’s The U.S. Army Installation Man- The DES is finalizing its plan to use
serving as security guards is part of controlled access gates for approxi- agement Command ordered all of its military personnel as security guards at
a Directorate of Emergency Services’ mately the next 90 days or until DES installations to convert to using DA Fort Meade gates, Sides said. Military
mitigation plan to keep the controlled has hired and trained all of the new DA security guards as part of its plan to personnel may include members of the
access gates open while Fort Meade Civilian guard force. meet congressional mandates and the 289th Military Police Company from
transitions from contract security “All security policies and procedures secretary of defense’s in-sourcing tar- Fort Meyers, Va. and from Fort Meade
guards to Department of Army security will remain the same,” said Sides. “The gets. partner organizations.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month Flu shots offered
through October
Domestic Violence Awareness Month activities will be held throughout October:
• “Remember Me”: Oct. 5 from 10 to 11 a.m. at McGill Training Center ballroom,
8452 Zimborski Ave.
Event will feature the signing of a proclamation and guest speaker William Kellibrew
of the William Kellibrew Foundation Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Center is providing walk-in flu vaccinations at
• Domestic Violence in the Workplace Training: Oct. 5 from 10 to 11 a.m. at McGill the following times and places:
Training Center, 8452 Zimborski Ave.
• Domestic Violence 101 Training: Oct. 9 from 10 to 11 a.m. at McGill Training
• Friday: 8 a.m. to noon, during Retiree Appreciation Day, McGill Training
Center, 8452 Zimborski Ave. Center, retirees only
• “Hands R-Not For Hitting”: Oct. 4 from 9 to 10:15 a.m. at Child Development • Monday: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Defense Information School, staff and students
Center I, 4725 Ruffner Road; Oct. 15 from 10 to 11:15 a.m. at CDC II, 3100 only
MacArthur Road; and Oct. 25 from 9:15 to 10:30 a.m. at CDC III, 910 Ernie Pyle • Tuesday: 8 a.m. to noon, DINFOS, staff and students only
Road.
• Teens and Bullying: Oct. 11 from 3 to 4 p.m. at the Teen Center, 3102 Clark St. • Oct. 9-12: 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., McGill Training Center, Room 6, active-
The event will feature presenter Mothyna James-Brightful, community educator at duty family members, retirees and their family members, and DoD civilian
TurnAround, a domestic violence and sexual assault center in Baltimore. employees
• The Rights of the Military Spouse and Related Family Law Issues: Oct. 11 from 9 • Oct. 15-17: 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., McGill Training Center, Room 6, active-
to 11 a.m. at McGill Training Center, 8452 Zimborski Ave.
duty family members, retirees and their family members, and DoD civilian
The program will be presented by the Fort Meade Legal Assistance Division.
• Human Trafficking: Oct. 12 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at McGill Training Center employees
8452 Zimborski Ave. • Oct. 19 and Oct. 22-26: 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., McGill Training Center,
The program will be presented by the FBI. ballroom. Soldiers Readiness Processing and active-duty service members.
• Silent Witness Project Display: Oct. 15 to 19, McGill Training Center Reserve and National Guard personnel must be in a duty status to
• Professional Ethics Training for Social Workers/Mental Health Professionals: Oct.
19 from 9:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Conference Center (formerly the Courses participate.
Clubhouse) • Oct. 29-31: 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., McGill Training Center, Room 6, active-
• Donate a Cell Phone to a Victim at collection boxes at the Community Readiness duty service members, active-duty family members, retirees and their
Center, 830 Chisholm Ave. family members, and DoD civilian employees.
Cell phones will go to Verizon and will be used as “hope lines.” Victims will receive
phones with 3,000 anytime minutes.
• Shower Fort Meade with Purple Lights
Picerne Military Housing will issue purple lightbulbs to the first 100 on-post
participants. Lights will be displayed during October.
• Purple Friday
Connect with Fort Meade at
Community is encouraged to wear purple every Friday in October. Facebook.com/ftmeade
For more information, call Tina Gauth, Fort Meade victim advocate, at 301-677-4117.
http://www.ftmeade.army.mil September 27, 2012 SOUNDOFF!

4. N ews
Take precautions to protect our children’s air
By Jim Brueggemeyer Exposure to secondhand smoke increases The major pollutants released are car- generally an indicator of maladjustment
Industrial Hygiene Technician the number of episodes and the severity bon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and par- and increased pollutant emissions. While
If we ever saw an 8-year-old smoking of symptoms in hundreds of thousands ticles. a space heater is in use, try to mix the air
a cigarette ... unfortunately, we put our of asthmatic children and may cause thou- Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odor- throughout the house and open a window
children in danger every day by smoking in sands of nonasthmatic children to develop less gas that interferes with the delivery slightly for fresh air.
the car and at home and by placing them in the disease each year. of oxygen throughout the body. At high Keep woodstove emissions to a mini-
day care with providers who smoke. Exposure to secondhand smoke causes concentrations it can cause unconscious- mum. Choose properly sized new stoves
Environmental Tobacco Smoke is sec- eye, nose and throat irritation. It may ness and death. Lower concentrations can that are certified as meeting EPA emis-
ondhand smoke, the smoke generated by affect the cardiovascular system. An esti- cause a range of symptoms from head- sions standards,
the cigarette both before and after it has mated 46,000 deaths per year from heart aches, weakness, nausea and confusion to Make certain that doors in old wood-
been expelled by the smoker. disease is caused by secondhand smoke. fatigue in healthy people. stoves fit tightly. Use aged or cured (dried)
Inhalation of this smoke is also called Nitrogen dioxide is a colorless, odorless wood only, and follow the manufacturer’s
passive smoking. This smoke is a complex To reduce exposure to secondhand gas that irritates the mucus membranes in directions. Chemicals are used to pressure
mixture of more than 4,000 compounds smoke: the eye, nose and throat and causes short- treat wood; such wood should never be
of which 50 are known to cause cancer • Don’t smoke at home or permit others ness of breath after exposures of high burned indoors.
in humans and animals and are strong to do so. Ask smokers to go outdoors. concentrations. Have your central air handling sys-
irritants. • Do not smoke if children are present, Particles are released when fuels are tems including furnace, flu and chim-
It has been estimated that 3,000 lung particularly infants and toddlers. incompletely burned and can lodge in the ney inspected annually. Promptly repair
cancer deaths each year in nonsmoking • Do not allow baby sitters or others who lungs and irritate or damage lung tissue. A cracks and damaged parts.
adults are the direct result of secondhand work in your home to smoke indoors. number of pollutants, including radon and Blocked, leaking or damaged chimneys
smoke. Find out about the smoking policies of benzo(a)pyrene, both of which can cause or flues release harmful combustion gas-
Infants and young children whose the day care center, schools and other care cancer, attach to particles that are inhaled ses and particles and even fatal concentra-
parents smoke in their presence are at givers of your children. If your children and then carried deep into the lung. tions of carbon monoxide.
increased risk of lower respiratory tract smell like cigarette smoke when you pick Strictly follow all service and mainte-
infections (pneumonia and bronchitis) and them up today, drop them off at a different Reducing exposures nance procedures recommended by the
more likely to have symptoms of respirato- day care tomorrow. Take special precautions when operat- manufacturer including how frequently
ry irritation such as cough, excess phlegm ing fuel-burning unvented space heaters. to change the filter. Proper maintenance is
and wheeze. Winter weather pollutants Consider potential effects of indoor air equally important on newer equipment.
These children also may experience a With winter quickly approaching and pollution if you use an unvented kerosene Remember, it’s the air our kids
buildup of fluid in the middle ear, which windows closing and the heaters turning or gas space heater. Follow the manu- breathe.
can lead to ear infections. Older children on, secondhand smoke is only one of facturer’s directions especially regarding Editor’s note: Information for this article
who have been exposed to secondhand the pollutants that can mix with the air proper fuel and proper adjustments. came from the U.S. Environmental Protec-
smoke may have slightly reduced lung our children breathe. Other sources are A persistent yellow-tipped flame is tion Agency.
function. unvented kerosene and gas space heaters,
Asthmatic children are especially at risk. woodstoves, fireplaces and gas stoves.
Community
Have you noticed an issue on post
Crime Watch
Trouble
and wondered if anything is being
done to fix it? Email concerns and
issues to chad.t.jones.civ@mail. Compiled by the Fort Meade Directorate of Emergency Services
Ticket mil. Each week, Soundoff! will
address issues identified on post
and describe what is being done to
Sept. 21, Larceny of private prop-
erty: The victim stated she placed
her diamond and platinum wed-
Sept. 22, Larceny of private prop-
erty: An investigation revealed
the victim left his cell phone
ding ring set on the TV stand in unsecured and unattended in his
solve them. her master bedroom and it was vehicle, and it was stolen.
stolen.
Issue: Plan: Status:
Youth Services Sports Renovate the Youth Services Actual use of fields is Chaplain’s Word:
Complex needs renovations Sports Complex expected to be Spring 2013
BUSYNESS
Demolition and installation “O Lord, you know how busy I must be today.
McGill Training Center Install a new HVAC are now being performed,
classrooms 1-5 closed during If I forget you, do not forget me.”
HVAC is inoperative
(except in the ballroom) A/C installation — Anthony Ashley Cooper
(until Oct. 1, estimated)
SOUNDOFF! September 27, 2012 http://www.ftmeade.army.mil

5. N ews
Competitive rodeo tests defense couriers’ skills
By Brandon Bieltz
Staff Writer
Defense couriers are trained to handle
sensitive materials with discretion and cau-
tion. Carrying a cup of water with a forklift
through a weaving course or maneuvering a
basketball into a hoop using the giant tines,
however, is a whole new level of careful.
On Friday, members of the Defense Cou-
rier Service Baltimore Station, located at Fort
Meade, tested their skills in the Defense Cou-
rier Rodeo. The daylong event featured chal-
lenges with forklifts, trucks, pallet stacking,
handling packages and an obstacle course.
“Everything is geared around things we
do every day,” said Chief Master Sgt. Kevin
Moon, chief of the station.
The Defense Courier Service is a joint-
service organization that transports secure
materials. Located near Gaffney Fitness Cen-
ter, the station is one of 18 worldwide and
handles an average of 1.2 million pounds of
materially annually.
Moon said the rodeo was partially held in
remembrance of 9/11.
“This is also our tribute to 9/11,” he said.
“We’re testing our skills. We feel like that’s
the best way we can support and remember
those who lost their lives, to be proficient at
what we do.”
The concept of the rodeo was based on
the Air Mobility Rodeo, a biennial interna-
tional airlift competition hosted by the U.S.
Air Force Air Mobility Command that tests
service members’ capabilities in a competitive
environment. photo by sarah pastrana
After about seven months of planning, the
inaugural Defense Courier Rodeo was held Sgt. Sheldon Semper-Henry (right) guides Sgt. Darius Turner in placing a basketball through the hoop during the 5K forklift driving
Friday. course at the Defense Courier Rodeo. The event, held Friday at the Defense Courier Service Baltimore Station near Gaffney Fitness
“We just brought that concept to this cou- Center, helped couriers sharpen their skills.
rier station,” Moon said. counter challenge, 8-ton serpentine driving hoop with the tines. Yeoman 2nd Class Cari Moody, team
While the event created a competitive atmo- course, 5K forklift driving course and a pallet Sgt. Shawn Sigley, who maneuvered leader for Hakuna Mattata, said the obstacle
sphere between the close-knit defense couriers, buildup competition. In each event, points through the course for the Warriors, said it course was the hardest part of the competi-
Moon said the main focus of the event was to were deducted for various errors such as was a difficult challenge. tion.
sharpen their skills while having a little fun. adjusting the tines while driving the forklift or “The water on the tongs was a real chal- “You’ve already spent all day [competing],
“I’ve been saying, ‘Let’s have fun today.’ hitting a cone on the truck course. lenge,” he said. “Especially with the holes in it’s hot outside and you’re tired,” she said.
We go through training, we go through Pow- During the over-the-counter challenge, each the floor, it’s real easy to spill and knock over. After the competition, several of the
erPoint slides, we do a little bit of hands on, team conducted typical work at the customer Basketball was just fun.” defense couriers said they enjoyed the break
but you can’t beat this,” he said. counter such as processing mail and delivering For the pallet buildup, competitors sorted from everyday work.
Service members formed four teams of a package to a customer. The 8-ton course through materials then stacked the boxes on “It was awesome,” Moody said. “It was
four for the competition: Warriors, Couri- tested the driving skills of one member per a pallet. better than I thought.”
ers of Anarchy, Hakuna Mattata and Five team as remaining service members directed After all groups completed the challenges, During the award ceremony, Moon said
Guys. the large truck through a winding course both they competed in a final obstacle course out- he was “really proud of everybody.” He also
Throughout the event, teams conducted a forward and backward. side. The course included a run, low crawl, van presented a large trophy to the Warriors for
combat courier mission in which they were For the 5K forklift driving course, each push, dunnage carry back-and-forth, stretcher the victory.
given a package to handle using proper pro- driver maneuvered the machine through a carry, semitruck tire flip, skid carry, sit-ups Couriers of Anarchy came in second.
tocol. That included presenting credentials complex course with the help of one spotter. and pushups. At the end of the obstacle Hakuna Mattata took third, while Five Guys
whenever asked and possessing the package The driver first carried a cup of water on the course, the teams encountered a gate locked finished fourth.
the entire day. Failure to do so would disquali- tines through a weaving course going forward with a high-security lock. “It was great,” said Sgt. Marcus Atchinson,
fy the team from the final obstacle course. and backward. Each driver then placed cargo To unlock the gate and finish the competi- team leader of the Warriors. “It was definitely
With the packages in backpacks, the teams on a skid before picking up a basketball, mak- tion, the teams had to locate the codes inside a challenge and a great training experience. I
began the event with four tasks: over-the- ing a figure 8 and placing the ball through a the packages they had been carrying all day. want to do it again.”
SOUNDOFF! September 27, 2012 http://www.ftmeade.army.mil

6. N ews Healthy Smiles are Happy Smiles
Army regulations
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Vote ist in offerin be
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De more toddler g free
Balti azine s
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Mag mbe
Novemb r and
require financial
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support of families We offer a child-friendly,
happy, and caring
environment for all of your
By Jane M. Winand, Chief family members the amount of your child’s dental needs to
Legal Assistance Division Basic Allowance for Housing II - ensure a lifetime of healthy
Legal Assistance attorneys get many With Dependents (“BAH II-WITH”),
questions concerning the obligations regardless of whether or not you are teeth. Come see why our
of Army Soldiers to provide financial actually receiving BAH II-WITH. patients recommend us to
support to family members. Thus, in the absence of a court order their family and friends.
If you are married or have children, or agreement, an E-5 supporting a
you probably owe your family members spouse and two children who live off Ximena F. Pareja, D.D.S.
support, and Army Regulation 608-99, post owes them $812.10 per month. Diplomate, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry
“Family Support, Child Custody, and If you are supporting one family
Paternity” (AR 608-99), imposes obli- unit residing in government quarters, 8600 Snowden River Pkwy., #302, Columbia, MD 21045
gations on you and your commander to
make sure you are providing support.
you are not required to provide any
additional support.
410-953-0111
The issue ordinarily arises when If the family members move out of www.kidssupersmile.com
a Soldier has children from a previ- government housing, you must then
ous marriage or becomes separated pay them your BAH II-WITH. Specializing in Dentistry for Children
from his or her spouse. The amount If you are supporting multiple fam-
of support is set by a court order, an ily units not residing in government
agreement between the parties or, in housing, you owe each family member
the absence of either, by Army regula- a pro-rata share of your BAH II-
tion. WITH. The pro-rata share is calcu-
AR 608-99 provides that “Soldiers lated by dividing your BAH II-WITH
will comply with the financial support by the total number of family members
provisions of all court orders.” (not counting former spouses) you are
As an example, if your divorce supporting.
decree grants your ex-spouse a certain For example, Capt. Lee is support-
amount of alimony or child support ing his wife, who is living off post, and
(or states that you don’t owe any), that two children from a previous marriage
is the amount the Army will require residing elsewhere with their mother.
you to pay. There are no court orders or agree-
In many cases, spouses who are sepa- ments. His BAH II-WITH is $1,111.80.
rating will enter into a written financial He must provide $741.20 in support to
support agreement (with which the the mother of his children (two-thirds
Legal Assistance Division can help of the BAH II-WITH), and $370.60
you), pending divorce. That agreement to his wife (one-third of the BAH-II
may terminate upon divorce or be WITH).
incorporated into the divorce decree. This is a simplified version of the
If you enter into such an agreement, Army’s family support requirements.
the Army will expect you to honor There are many different scenarios
it by paying the amount of support that may affect support requirements.
specified. If you have neither a court The important thing to remember is
order nor an agreement, AR 608-99 that the Army takes these obligations
sets the amount of support you owe. seriously and requires its commanders
That amount depends on your grade, to ensure that they’re fulfilled.
whether you’re supporting one or more If you have questions about your
family units and whether your fam- obligations, or you or your children
ily members are living in government are military dependents who are not
quarters. being properly supported, schedule
If you are supporting one fam- an appointment to meet with a Legal
ily unit not residing in government Assistance Division attorney at 301-
quarters, you will typically owe your 677-9504 or 301-677-9536.
http://www.ftmeade.army.mil September 27, 2012 SOUNDOFF!

7. N ews
ACS staffers attend White House jobs forum
By Lisa R. Rhodes unemployed. The event also focused on
Staff Writer innovative ways to help specialized groups,
Two employees from Army Community such as senior citizens and young adults, into
Service attended the White House Forum the job market.
on Job Clubs and Career Ministries on “It was good to know that we got it right,”
Sept. 20. Miles said.
Vikki Torrence, Employment Readiness Fort Meade provides professional classes
Program manager, and Marie Miles, Fort and training for all members of the commu-
Meade’s Army Volunteer Corps coordinator, nity, particularly youth, said Miles.
represented the installation at the one-day During the Youth Summer Volunteer
forum. Leadership Challenge last summer, teens
The event, held at the White House, was learned how to create a professional portfo-
sponsored by the White House’s Center for lio and manage their finances.
Faith-based and Neighborhood Partner- Torrence said she is glad that Fort Meade
ships and the U.S. Department of Labor. provides job support for military spouses
The theme was “On The Front Lines of who can often be overlooked by traditional
Getting Americans Back To Work.” U.S. employment services.
Department of Labor Secretary Hilda L. “Very few people think of military spous-
Solis was the guest speaker. es, unless we think about it,” she said.
More than 100 people, including job club photo courtesy of marie miles Torrence said the forum encouraged her
and career ministry leaders; religious, com- (Left) Marie Miles, Fort Meade’s Army Volunteer Corps coordinator, and Vikki Torrence, to “continue my partnership building and
munity and nonprofit leaders; and workforce Employment Readiness Program manager, represented Fort Meade at the White expanding to the faith-based community, to
officials attended the forum. The participants House on Sept. 20. The two staffers at Army Community Service attended the White churches that have job clubs in our area and
work in communities across the country to House Forum on Job Clubs and Career Ministries, which was sponsored by the U.S. volunteers who can assist us.”
help the unemployed find viable jobs. Department of Labor. In the future, Torrence said, she hopes vol-
Torrence was invited to attend because unteers from other job clubs can help orga-
she is the lead for the Fort Meade Military Torrence. help job-seekers improve their skills and find nize a panel on mock interviews to help the
Spouse Employment Support Group. The Department of Labor defines a job employment. unemployed develop their interview skills.
The job club, which started in November club as a support group of unemployed Torrence invited Miles to attend the forum “When it comes to job clubs, the most
2011, acknowledges the unique employment people who meet regularly at a church, pub- because they work together to help members successful are those that are a part of the
needs of military spouses, service members lic library or community center to provide of the Fort Meade community improve their community,” Torrence said. “We would like
and DoD civilians. networking opportunities and employment job skills and find jobs and/or volunteer the community at Fort Meade to be active
Ben Seigel, deputy director of the Center resources. opportunities that can lead to employment. members in the process.”
for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partner- Last year, CFNP began encouraging The forum included seminars on how job For more information about the Employ-
ships, attended the job club’s inaugural event faith- and community-based organizations clubs, career ministries and local workforce ment Readiness Program, call 301-677-
and has been supportive of its efforts, said to host job clubs as one more method to agencies across the country are serving the 5590.
Army readies for upcoming influenza season
By J.D. Leipold Military Vaccination Program. He said vac- outstanding efforts and immunization cam- • People who have previously suffered severe
ARNEWS cinations would be available at installations as paigns of the past few years, people are more reactions to influenza vaccinations
The Army has ordered nearly 2 million soon as it’s received and until the supply runs aware and likely to be adequately protected • People with a history of Guillain-Barre
doses of vaccine to immunize all Soldiers, their out or expires. during the height of flu season. syndrome
families, civilian employees and retirees for the “Regardless of previous vaccination his- Immunization rates climb every year, and • Children younger than 6 months of age
upcoming flu season. tory, routine annual influenza vaccination is Looney said he sees no reason why that trend • People acutely ill with fevers — those with
The vaccinations will be available at most recommended for all persons age 6 months won’t continue. An annual average of 25 mil- a mild, common cold and a low-grade fever do
installations in October, but each medical facil- and older,” Looney said. “Several studies have lion reported cases, 36,000 deaths and 226,000 not have to wait to be vaccinated.
ity will set its own schedule for distribution. demonstrated that post-vaccination immunity hospitalizations occur each year in the U.S. Vaccination is especially important for the
Seasonal influenza can start as early as declines over the course of a year, thus, annual due to influenza infections. following, in order to decrease the risk of
October and run as late as May, but it gen- vaccination is recommended for optimal pro- “Immunization is the very best protection illness:
erally peaks between January and March, tection against influenza.” against disease and related complications,” • Pregnant women
according to the Centers for Disease Control Looney said about two-thirds of the Army’s Looney said. “Vaccines are safe and effective, • Children younger than age 5 and espe-
and Prevention. The CDC cautions that new order for 2012 consists of vaccine that’s given and have saved more lives than any other medi- cially children under age 2
flu viruses can appear that could lengthen the through intramuscular injection and the cal measure in history.” • People 65 years of age and older
season — though that’s not expected for 2012 remaining third of the order is the type admin- People who should not be vaccinated • American Indians and Alaskan natives
to 2013. istered via nasal spray. against the flu without first consulting their • People of any age with certain chronic
The Army expects to have 90 percent of The dominant influenza strain for the physicians include: medical conditions
the force vaccinated by Dec. 17, according to upcoming flu season remains the H1N1 strain • People with severe allergies to chicken • People who are morbidly obese
Col. Richard Looney, director of the Army from 2009, Looney said, adding that due to eggs • People who live in nursing homes
SOUNDOFF! September 27, 2012 http://www.ftmeade.army.mil

8. N ews
Central Michigan University’s
Global Campus Airmen encouraged to
at Fort Meade re-enlist, extend before
Career-focused degrees with
knowledge you can use the next day.
Master of Science in Administration degree
MilPDS Nov. upgrade
• No GRE or GMAT required By Tech. Sgt. Steve Grever ment or enlistment extension by Nov. 15
• Weekend classes in compressed terms Air Force Personnel Center Public should not experience interruptions in their
Affairs pay because their MPS can process their
Classes available at 7 Metro DC centers Air Force officials are urging Regular Air actions and clear any rejects in the system
Force Airmen who are eligible to re-enlist or prior to the MilPDS upgrade,” said Michael
• Aberdeen PG • Alexandria extend their current enlistment in December McLaughlin, Air Force Personnel Center
• Fort Belvoir • Fort Meade and early January to complete these person- re-enlistments branch chief. “Getting these
• JBMHH • Joint Base Andrews nel actions through the myPers website and personnel transactions completed and into
• Pentagon their base military personnel sections or the Defense Finance and Accounting Ser-
force support squadrons by Nov. 15 to avoid vice system are the fastest means to update
processing delays and military pay issues. an Airman’s pay and entitlements and will
Airmen need to accomplish these actions reduce the need for DFAS to manually over-
Military Tuition Discounted Rate because the Air Force is upgrading and ride or correct an Airman’s pay record.”
CMU is proud to support our military students. For details on transferring the Military Personnel Data Airmen can re-enlist during the upgrade
CMU’s military tuition discounted rate, visit cmich.edu/military. System to the Defense Information Systems in December, but they may experience addi-
Agency’s Defense Enterprise Computing tional delays in processing these transac-
Center in December. The upgrade project tions to DFAS if their date of separation
is scheduled to take about 23 days to com- expires during the MilPDS upgrade.
CMU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. plete, during which time MilPDS will not The Air Force processes more than
CMU is an AA/EO institution (see cmich.edu/aaeo). 34147 6/12 be available. 60,000 re-enlistments and enlistment exten-
MilPDS is the primary records data- sions annually.
base for personnel data and actions that Reserve and Guard members will receive
Get it all at CMU’s Global Campus at Fort Meade. occur throughout every total force Airman’s specific instructions from the Air Force
Call 301-621-9796 or toll-free 866-588-4188 today! career. Reserve Command and Air Reserve Per-
cmich.edu/metrodc CMUglobal@cmich.edu MilPDS is also used to initiate Airman sonnel Center concerning how the MilPDS
pay actions, maintain Air Force account- upgrade will impact their personnel pro-
ability and strength data and support a grams. More information is available on the
host of interactions with other Air Force ARPC public website at http://www.arpc.
processes and systems that rely on person- afrc.af.mil.
in Laurel nel data.
Airmen should access the myPers website
FSS and MPS representatives are con-
tinuing to host MilPDS upgrade briefings
At the intersection of Whiskey Bottom Rd.
and Rt. 198 (Ft. Meade Rd.) and work with their base MPSs or FSSs to to help base leadership and Airmen under-
minimize the impact the MilPDS upgrade stand the upgrade’s impact on Airmen and
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10 SOUNDOFF! September 27, 2012 http://www.ftmeade.army.mil

9. N ews
First Army welcomes new command sergeant major
First Army Division East eastern United States, mobilizes, trains,
Public Affairs Office validates, deploys and demobilizes Reserve
After 27 months as the senior enlisted Component Soldiers, Sailors and Air-
advisor of First Army Division East, Com- men along with selected members of the
mand Sgt. Maj. Edwin Rodriguez passed interagency and intergovernmental depart-
the noncommissioned officer sword, signi- ments to and from deployments around
fying the transfer of responsibility of Divi- the world.
sion East, to Command Sgt. Maj. Dennis During his speech, Wendel estimated
E. Defreese. Rodriguez spent more than 200 days a year
Maj. Gen. Kevin R. Wendel, command- traveling to visit Soldiers across the United
ing general of First Army Division East, States, ensuring tasks and training were
presided over the ceremony Friday on completed on time and on target.
McGlachlin Parade Field. “Thank you for a job well done,” Wen-
“It is an honor for me to preside over del said. “You have been involved in every
one of the most important ceremonies major mission in Division East, made an
we execute in the Army — the change of incredible difference across our force and
responsibility ceremony for senior enlisted most importantly, ensured those deploy-
leaders,” he said. ing were manned, equipped, trained and
Representatives of Division East’s eight ready.”
brigades with their unit colors, led by Wendel also credited Rodriguez with
their respective command sergeants major, taking care of more than 20,000 Soldiers
assembled on the field for the ceremony. each year as they prepared to deploy to
Bugle calls replaced verbal commands. locations around the world.
Music was provided by members of the “He ensured every Soldier returning
392nd Army Band at Fort Lee, Va. from the fight was properly and profes-
Wendel welcomed Defreese to the team sionally transitioned back to Reserve sta-
and said he looks forward to serving with tus,” Wendel said. “Throughout it all, he
him. has ensured adherence to standards and
“Command Sergeant Major Defreese professionalism amongst our trainers and
brings us a wealth of knowledge and experi- the units we have worked with.
ence gained from leadership at every NCO “Too numerous to mention, but doz-
level and multiple combat tours,” he said. ens of U. S. Army Reserve and National
“I would like to thank the sergeant major Guard leaders have personally thanked
of the Army for sending us one of the very me for the efforts of Command Sergeant
best, handpicked to lead at the division Major Rodriguez for his mentorship, lead-
level.” ership and training he has provided to their
In his remarks, Defreese said he was NCO corps.”
grateful for the opportunity. Wendel said he wasn’t surprised Lt.
“I want to thank Major General Wendel Gen. Robert L. Caslen Jr. selected Rodri-
for his confidence in me,” he said. “I am guez as his next command sergeant major
extremely excited about working with and for the Office of the Security Cooperation
serving the Soldiers of this dynamic and - Iraq.
important organization. ... To the leaders “Lieutenant General Caslen needs the
and Soldiers on the field, you look great. ” best - the consummate senior mentor,
In his new assignment, Rodriguez will be leader and trainer who leads by example
command sergeant major for the Office of and exemplifies the Army values and our
the Security Cooperation - Iraq. profession of arms,” he said. “I cannot
“During my tenure here, I have tried think of a better senior NCO to lead our
to instill the essential characteristics of efforts in Iraq.”
the Army profession: trust — both within In his remarks, Rodriguez spoke of
the ranks and with the American public Division East’s accomplishments during
— competence, commitment, training and his tenure.
experience,” Rodriguez said. “It was fast and furious, but we accom-
“In fact, we take that trust one step plished every mission to the utmost of our Division Command Sergeant Major, it Photo by Sgt. Courtney A. Selig
further as we are entrusted with the train- ability,” he said. “I can’t help but feel proud is incumbent that you continue to build Maj. Gen. Kevin R. Wendel, commanding
ing and preparation of Reserve Compo- of everything we accomplished together. esprit de corps across the Division East general for First Army Division East,
nent Soldiers for deployments around the Your efforts and support have made my footprint by creating a sense of belonging passes the noncommissioned officer
world. This is a sacred trust we must never job easy.” that will inspire excellence and the forti- sword to the incoming command
violate.” Speaking to Defreese, Rodriguez urged tude to never quit among our Soldiers,” sergeant major, Command Sgt. Maj.
First Army Division East, comprised him to continue to build esprit de corps Rodriguez said. “And in all things, train Dennis E. Defreese, on Friday morning
of eight brigades located throughout the “Dennis, as you take the reins as the for combat!” at McGlachlin Parade Field.
http://www.ftmeade.army.mil September 27, 2012 SOUNDOFF! 11

10. N ews
U.S. Cyber Command hosts legal conference
By 1st Lt. Logan A. Clark Klein said at the conference. “Attorneys citizens alike.
U.S. Cyber Command Public Affairs and scholars both face a variety of com- To show how easy it is to acquire some
Complex technological issues require plex issues surrounding the use of this basic information and limited control
changes in policy and wide-ranging new technology.” of someone’s computer, Mark Young,
cooperation, according to the chief of Klein also expressed the necessity of USCYBERCOM executive director of
staff of U.S. Cyber Command. a combined effort in finding solutions plans and policy, conducted a condensed
Rear Adm. Margaret Klein also said to these dilemmas, especially as the ethical hacking demonstration as part of
the issue needs to be addressed as the U.S. becomes more reliant on technol- the conference.
world becomes connected through the ogy for national defense and economic He emphasized the importance of
internet; with new technology, she said, strength. small steps someone can take to help
come new legal challenges and ques- “One of the reasons I’m happy to see safeguard their information, including
tions. all of you from different organizations taking advantage of security settings
Her comments keynoted the com- come together is the fact that cyberspace on social networking sites or calling an
mand’s staff judge advocate and legal requires interagency as well as interser- internet service provider to help upgrade
team USCYBERCOM Interagency Legal vice and international cooperation,” she their internet security to a less-easily
Conference on Sept. 18 at the McGill said, highlighting the joint endeavor of cracked code.
photo courtesy of U.S. Cyber Command
Training Center to discuss legal issues USCYBERCOM and other organiza- Col. Gary Brown, the USCYBER-
surrounding cyber operations. tions. COM SJA knows the value of these Mark Young, U.S. Cyber Command
The meeting was the second annual October is National Cyber Security types of conferences. executive director of plans and
event hosted by USCYBERCOM and Awareness Month, so the conference He said, “to get cyber security right, policy, conducts an ethical hacking
included speakers from the command, was a timely event for professionals to we need to coordinate the efforts of demonstration for participants of
Department of State, Department of address concerns and raise questions to the military, the intelligence community, the second annual USCYBERCOM
Homeland Security, Department of Jus- the speakers, as well as an ethical hack- government civilian agencies and the Interagency Legal Conference on Sept.
tice, as well as speakers and attendees ing demonstration. private sector. Conferences like this can 18. The conference, held at the McGill
from corporations and academia. As the cyber domain grows both in really facilitate the kind of cooperation Training Center, included speakers from
“These policy challenges arise as tech- the government and civilian industry, we’ll need going forward to secure the various governmental departments and
nology is invented and we come up with information protection is becoming more nation’s infrastructure and national secu- allowed participants to discuss legal
ways of implementing that technology,” essential to the government and private rity systems.” challenges facing the cyber community.
Social Security payments
to arrive electronically
By Wendy Poulson For more information, visit www.godi-
Social Security Manager, Glen Burnie rect.org.
Chances are, if you receive Social Securi- So, why the push for electronic pay-
ty benefits, Supplemental Security Income ments instead of paper checks received in
or any federal payment, you receive it the mail?
electronically. • It’s safer: no risk of checks being lost
More than 90 percent of people getting or stolen.
monthly Social Security benefits already • It’s easy and reliable: no need to wait
receive electronic payments. for the mail or go to the bank to cash a
If you don’t yet, that’s about to change. check.
A U.S. Department of Treasury rule • It saves taxpayers money: no cost
does away with paper checks for most for postage, paper and printing. Treasury
federal benefit and nontax payments by estimates this will save taxpayers $1 billion
March 1, 2013. With a few exceptions, this over 10 years.
mandate includes Social Security, SSI, Vet- • It’s good for the environment: it saves
file photo
erans Affairs, Railroad Retirement Board, paper and eliminates the need for physical
RETIREE APPRECIATION DAY
Office of Personnel Management benefits transportation.
and other nontax payments. If you still get your check in the mail,
The Retirement Services Office will host Fort Meade’s 37th annual Retir- People required to switch have the option don’t wait for the new rule to go into effect
ee Appreciation Day on Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at McGill Training of direct deposit to a bank or credit union next year. Sign up for electronic payments
Center, 8452 Zimborski Ave. For more details, see Page 20. account, or they can have their monthly now.
payment directed into a Direct ExpressÆ Visit godirect.org today to begin getting
debit card account (Treasury’s debit card your Social Security and SSI payments the
program). safe, easy, reliable way - electronically.
12 SOUNDOFF! September 27, 2012 http://www.ftmeade.army.mil

11. C over S tory
photos by sarah pastrana
Garrison Commander Col. Edward C. Rothstein speaks to service members at
McGlachlin Parade Field after the three-mile run through Fort Meade on Friday. The
Wellness and Remembrance Joint Service Run honored POW/MIA Recognition Day
and 9/11.
Run honors POWs,
MIAs, promotes
wellness, resiliency think about our members who are still
missing.”
You make it happen every day and you
do it because of the things that have
By Brandon Bieltz POW/MIA Recognition Day, one of six To help honor POW/MIA Recogni- occurred. You do it for all the right rea-
Staff Writer national observances for which Congress tion Day, members of the Hogs and sons. It makes us very proud.”
With the roar of a fire truck and sev- has mandated the flying of the National Heroes Foundation Maryland Chapter 2 Resiliency and wellness, including sex-
eral motorcycles leading the way for the League of Families’ POW/MIA flag. attended the run to lead the way. ual harassment and assault, substance
stomping feet of more than 2,400 service According to the Defense Prisoner of “Honoring our fallen service mem- abuse or suicide, were also addressed by
members, it was hard not to hear the War/Missing Personnel Office website, bers and those who are captured and still Rothstein. Although the installation is
early morning run make its way through more than 80,000 service members have missing is part of our mission,” said Fort working on programs to help with these
Fort Meade on Friday. not been accounted for since World Meade Fire Capt. David Hilliard, who problems, he said, it is up to the service
“It’s good to have a lot of people out War II — 73,000 of whom served in serves as chapter president. “We were members to use the programs and make
there,” said Staff Sgt. Norman Portillo, that war. there to honor that.” them effective.
an instructor at the NCO Academy. “I Prior to the run, a National League At around 6:30 a.m., service members “What I want you to do is walk away
enjoyed waking up everybody.” of Families’ POW/MIA flag was raised marched off the parade field to start from this formation thinking about that
Service members from approximately below the American flag on the parade the run. It took nearly 20 minutes for — thinking about your battle buddy to
30 organizations participated in the field. all 2,400 service members to begin their your right and left,” he said. “Do what
installation’s Wellness and Remem- Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Thom- route on English Avenue. is right. ... that is taking care of your-
brance Joint Service Run, which began as J. Latter began the event with a Once all runners returned to the self, your family, your friends, your col-
at McGlachlin Parade Field. moment of silence for the POWs and parade field around 7:15 a.m., Garri- leagues and this installation of ours.”
The three-mile run through the instal- MIAs. son Commander Col. Edward C. Roth- Several service members said they
lation paid tribute to 9/11 and POW/ “POWs and MIAs are still out there stein spoke to the large crowd gathered enjoyed seeing all the military branches
MIA Recognition Day, while promoting missing — Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, around the gazebo. coming together for the run, and that it
wellness and resiliency. Marines and Coast Guardsmen we still “We should never forget what hap- was a good way to honor POW, MIAs
Each year, commemorations are have not accounted for,” he said. “Before pened on 9/11 and why we’re doing what and 9/11.
held throughout the country on the we begin the run today, I would like we’re doing so well,” he said. “We are an “I think it is a great thing,” Portillo
third Friday of September for National us all to take a moment of silence to installation that does a 24-7 mission. ... said. “It shows everybody’s support.”
14 SOUNDOFF! September 27, 2012 http://www.ftmeade.army.mil

12. CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Service
members gather around the gazebo at
McGlachlin Parade Field following the
Wellness and Remembrance Joint Service
Run on Friday morning. More than 2,400
service members from 30 organizations
participated in the three-mile run.
Air Force 2nd Lt. Amanda Bills motivates
a group of service members at the start
of the Wellness and Remembrance Joint
Service Run.
Marine Cpl. Christopher Patti of the Marine
Cryptologic Support Battalion sprints
across McGlachlin Parade Field at the end
of the run.
Tanya Thomas helps her 4-year-old daughter
Zahriya locate her father in formation before
the start of the Wellness and Remembrance
Joint Service Run on Friday.
http://www.ftmeade.army.mil September 27, 2012 SOUNDOFF! 15

13. N ews
MacArthur signs sister school agreement
By Lisa R. Rhodes During the visit, the delegation vis- Jen Wang, former chair of the Foreign systems in the county to offer all three
Staff Writer ited two Mandarin Chinese classes and Language Department at MacArthur; IB programs. Manor View Elementary
Femi Odekunkle was proud when he met students who are studying the lan- and Rotunda Floyd-Cooper, former School offers the Primary Years Pro-
said hello to Liu Jizhong in Mandarin guage through the IB program. coordinator of elementary mathematics gramme. MacArthur Middle School
Chinese on Friday. Gray said the delegation’s visit is a rare for the Anne Arundel County Public offers the Middle Years Programme.
“I was really happy,” said the eighth- opportunity for MacArthur students to Schools, visited the Mile Number One Meade High offers the Middle Years
grader at MacArthur Middle School. learn about the Chinese people. School, a high school in China’s Yun- Programme to freshmen and sopho-
“I tried the best I could to talk in “The students will be able to have nan province. The purpose of the visit mores, and the IB Diploma Programme
Chinese.” real-world experiences of the people was to begin a pen pal program between to juniors and seniors who apply for
Jizhong is the principal of the Bei- and culture that is being studied in their the Fort Meade and Chinese students. admission.
jing Yucai School in China. He and a Chinese language classes — learning Students at Meade High and MacAr- All three IB programs also are offered
delegation of nine other educators from experiences that go beyond textbook thur have been studying Mandarin Chi- in the Annapolis and Old Mill feeder
the school visited MacArthur to learn and research experiences,” she said. “It nese for three years through the Inter- systems.
about its International Baccalaureate will be a life-changing experience.” national Baccalaureate Programme, The IB aims to develop inquiring,
Middle Years Programme. Mary Austin, IB coordinator for the a nonprofit educational foundation knowledgeable and caring young people
Stacy Gray, principal of MacAr- Anne Arundel County Public Schools founded in 1968 with headquarters in with the intellectual, emotional and
thur, and Jizhong signed a three-year and the chaperone for the visit, said Geneva. social skills to live, learn and work in a
sister school agreement of education the event and the signing of the sister The IB foundation offers students rapidly globalizing world, according to
and cultural exchange between the two school agreement are an effort to con- ages 3 to 19 a continuous, international the foundation’s website.
schools. tinue to build reciprocal relationships educational experience in a sequence of In addition to visiting MacArthur’s
“I’m very delighted to be here, to be a between county schools and schools in three programs: the Primary Years Pro- Chinese language classes, the delegation
distinguished guest,” Jizhong said. “Our China. gramme, the Middle Years Programme also visited a math class, health class
aim is to build a bilateral relationship In June 2011, Darryl Kennedy, for- and the Diploma Programme. and graphic design class.
with this school.” mer principal at Meade High School; Fort Meade is one of three feeder Wang Heping, an English teacher at
the Beijing Yucai School, said she was
impressed with the level of instruction
in the classes.
“I think the teachers love the kids,”
Heping said. “The kids are very moti-
vated. ... It was good.”
After lunch, Jizhong and Gray signed
the sister school agreement to provide
exchange visits between teachers and
students, classroom observation, local
tour trips and home stays, and cur-
riculum enrichment. The agreement
also encourages students at the two
schools to communicate through email
to deepen the mutual understanding of
their respective cultures.
The delegation later presented Gray
with a paper cut of a traditional Chi-
nese handcraft. The red design is a wish
for blessings and good fortune.
Tatgiuana Parker, 10, and Gabriel
Ramirez, 10, fifth-graders at Manor
View Elementary School, came to
Liu Jizhong, principal of the Beijing
Yucai School, greets Femi Odekunle,
13, an eighth-grader at MacArthur
Middle School, during his visit to a
Mandarin Chinese class at the school on
Friday. Jizhong headed a delegation of
educators from the Beijing Yucai School
who came to MacArthur to learn about its
International Baccalaureate Middle Years
Programme.
photos by nate pesce
16 SOUNDOFF! September 27, 2012 http://www.ftmeade.army.mil