Fort Meade SoundOff for June 7, 2012

1. Soundoff!
vol. 64 no. 23 Published in the interest of the Fort Meade community
´
June 7, 2012
weathering
the storm photo by Marcy rodriquez
Storm clouds brew over Piney Orchard as the Fort Meade area has hit Friday with storms that sparked reports of two tornadoes touching down on the installation. There
were no reports of injuries as the storms caused minor damage on the installation. This photo was submitted by Marcy Rodriquez, a Fort Meade Facebook follower.
For more, see Pages 12-13.
bite size lost letters UPCOMING EVENTS
Meade Soldiers Vintage letters found Today, 5:45-10 p.m.: “Live” Jazz Night - Club Meade
judge healthy in World War II-era friday, 7 p.m.-Midnight: Chicago Steppin’ - Club Meade
building on post Saturday, 9 a.m.: Armed Forces Kids Run - 2234 Huber Road parking lot
eating competition
Monday, 9 a.m.-Noon & 1-6 p.m.: Commissary bagger licensing - 4409 Llewellyn Ave.
page 9 page 8 June 14, 7:30 a.m.: Army Birthday/Flag Day Breakfast - Club Meade

2. Commander’s Column
Soundoff! Summer safety, Army
Editorial Staff
Garrison Commander
Guaranteed circulation:
11,285
´
Col. Edward C. Rothstein
birthday celebration
Garrison Command
Sgt. Maj. Charles E. Smith
Public Affairs Officer
Chad T. Jones
Chad.T.Jones.civ@mail.mil
Chief, Command Information
Philip H. Jones For the past couple of weeks I have been Next week
Philip.H.Jones.civ@mail.mil promoting the need to make safety a priority we celebrate the
Assistant Editor & Senior Writer on post. Army’s 237th
Rona S. Hirsch My goal is to ensure there is a high level of birthday. A
Staff Writer Lisa R. Rhodes awareness that reminds everyone to consider variety of activ-
Staff Writer Brandon Bieltz ways to find balance in our lives, take steps to ities will be held
Design Coordinator Timothy Davis keep our families strong and be mindful that on and off post
Supple­mental photography provided staying safe does not happen by accident. as we celebrate
by Patuxent Publishing Co. A good example of Team Meade working with our local
together on safety awareness occurred last communities
Advertising Friday when Fort Meade and our surrounding and their stead-
General Inquiries 410-332-6300 areas came under severe weather and tornado fast support of COL. Edward c.
Allison Thompson warnings. our Soldiers Rothstein
410-332-6850 Allison.Thompson@baltsun.com Garrison Commander
The Directorate of Emergency Services and and families.
Michele Griesbauer the Public Affairs Office worked together, airing The 237th Army birthday commemorates
410-332-6381 Michele.Griesbauer@baltsun.com warning messages on the installation’s public America’s Army - Soldiers, families and civilians
address system and posting information on - who are achieving a level of excellence that is
If you would like information about receiving Soundoff! on Fort Meade or are the installation’s Facebook page and Twitter truly Army strong.
experiencing distribution issues, call 877-886-1206 or e-mail TP@baltsun.com.
Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday through account starting early Friday afternoon and Army birthday activities kick off June 14 at
Sunday, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. continuing through the evening until the storms 7:30 a.m. at Club Meade as the Francis Scott
had cleared our area. Key Chapter Association of the U.S. Army
Printed by offset method of reproduction as a civilian enterprise in the interest of the The good news is that we suffered minor dam- sponsors an Army Birthday/Flag Day breakfast.
personnel at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland, by the Patuxent Publishing Co., a subsidiary ages on post and no lives were lost. There will be a guest speaker, Scott Sheads, a
of The Baltimore Sun Media Group, 501 N. Calvert St., Baltimore, MD 21278, every Thursday Following the storms, the Fort Meade Fire historian and ranger at Fort McHenry.
except the last Thursday of the year in conjunction with the Fort Meade Public Affairs Office.
Requests for publication must reach the Public Affairs Office no later than Friday before the Department and the Directorate of Public At 10 a.m. June 14, I will participate in a
desired publication date. Mailing address: Post Public Affairs Office, Soundoff! IMME-MEA-PA, Works worked together to remove fallen tree cake-cutting ceremony with Howard County
Bldg. 4409, Fort Meade, MD 20755-5025. Telephone: 301-677-1361; DSN: 622-1361. limbs and coordinated with the Baltimore Gas Executive Ken Ulman at the Columbia mall.
and Electric Co. regarding power outages on Army units from our area also will have displays
Everything advertised in this publication must be made available for purchase, use or patronage the installation. set up in the mall. The displays will be in place
without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, marital status, handicap or sex of purchaser,
user or patron. A confirmed violation or rejection of this policy of equal opportunity by an advertiser
Working together, Team Meade did all the June 14 through June 16.
will result in the refusal to print advertising from that source. things we would hope our emergency response On June 15, the Bowie Baysox will help cel-
teams would do to keep us safe in severe ebrate the Army’s birthday. The game, which
Printed by Patuxent Publishing Co., a private firm, in no way connected with the Department weather. starts at 7:35 p.m., will feature the Army Color
of the Army. Opinions expressed by the publisher and writers herein are their own and are Friday’s storms were the first severe weather Guard from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment
not to be considered an official expression by the Department of the Army. The appearance storms of the summer. As we experience hotter (The Old Guard). The National Anthem will
of advertisers in the publication does not constitute an endorsement by the Department of
the Army of the products or services advertised. weather, summer storms will continue. Knowing be performed by the U.S. Army Old Guard Fife
what to do when severe weather occurs allows and Drum Corps. “God Bless America” will be
everyone to enjoy outdoor summer activities performed by Sgt. 1st Class Erika Lehmkuhl,
and may save your life. First Army Division East. Pfc. Wesley Pattillo,
www.ftmeade.army.mil When you hear a weather alert, take steps to 704th Military Intelligence Brigade, will throw
protect yourself and your family. Listen to radio out the first pitch.
You can also keep track of Fort Meade on Twitter at twitter.com/ftmeademd and television for information and updates The celebration will be highlighted by a group
and view the Fort Meade Live Blog at ftmeade.armylive.dodlive.mil. about the storm. If you’re planning a trip out- of future Soldiers who will be sworn into the
doors, always listen to the latest forecasts and Army.
take necessary action if threatening weather is I hope you are able to find time and join me
possible. for these events next week.
Co n t e n t s Severe weather is just one area we need to be
mindful of as we continue our “101 Critical Days
of Summer” campaign, which runs through the
News.............................. 3 Classified.............................. 20 Labor Day weekend, ending Sept. 4. Follow Fort
Look for more information about ways you Meade on
Trouble Ticket................ 4 Sports................................... 14 can keep safe throughout the summer in the Twitter.com
Soundoff! Enjoy the summer months ahead and
Community.................. 16 Movies.................................. 19 continue to make safety a personal matter. /ftmeademd
SOUNDOFF! June 7, 2012 http://www.ftmeade.army.mil

3. News
Meade service members honored at awards ceremony
By Brandon Bieltz
Staff Writer
After appearing before numerous mil-
itary boards to answer countless ques-
tions from high-ranking enlisted service
members, Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class
Janice Truong stood on the stage of the
Post Theater to loud applause as she Navy Petty Officer
was pinned with the Navy and Marine 2nd Class Janice
Corps Achievement Medal. Truong poses for a
The cryptologic technician from photo on a Burba
Navy Information Operations Com- Lake pier on Monday
mand Maryland was among the handful afternoon. During an
of service members who were honored awards ceremony
May 30 at an awards ceremony for their held May 30 at the
success at the installation’s military Post Theater, Truong
boards. Most awardees won Soldier, was named the
noncommissioned officer or Ultima ser- Ultima Junior Service
vice member of a quarter. Member of the Year
Other service members were recog- after completing
nized for winning the installation-level a series of board
year boards. appearances.
Soldier of the Year Spc. Gabriel Tur- photo by noah Scialom
nage and Ultima NCO of the Year Sgt.
Jennifer Ream were unable to attend the
ceremony due to deployments.
Truong was honored at the ceremony
as the Ultima Junior Service Member
of Year for 2012. The Ultima category
is for service members of all military
branches.
“I was very honored,” Truong said. is ongoing because boards are so regu- cussed leadership. He told the service
“It’s very humbling to represent NIOC lar, said Truong. But because the few members that is it crucial for leaders to Army winners
Maryland.” weeks prior to a board are stressful, she be visible, including pitching in to help • Sgt. Timothy Greathouse, NCO of the
Winners went through several board said service members need to mentally when needed. First Quarter
appearances to earn their awards. Prior prepare themselves for the “nerve-rack- “Your Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, • Spc. Gabriel Turnage, Soldier of the First
to attending the installation’s boards, ing” board. Marines and Coast Guardsmen need to Quarter
service members competed at their com- “It’s difficult, it’s always going to be understand that you aren’t above taking
• Sgt. Zachary Carnaham, NCO of the
pany, battalion, squadron and then difficult,” she said. “I don’t think any out the trash, rolling up your sleeves
brigade boards. Year winners attended service member is going to walk in there and getting a little dirty just because Second Quarter
an additional board after winning a feeling super confident without any type you hold a title,” Drenning said. “This • Spc. Kaya Hansen, Soldier of the
quarter competition. of nerves.” is a great way to lead by example.” Second Quarter
Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. The long and tedious process, Smith He also encouraged the service mem- • Spc. Gabriel Turnage, Soldier of the Year
Charles E. Smith said service members said, pays off in the long run as success bers to remain humble, not forget where
were asked various questions rang- at the boards can give service members they came from and to show the people Ultima winners
ing from military history to technical a boost when it comes time for promo- they lead that they are important. • Sgt. Jennifer Ream, Utlima NCO of the
manuals. They also were critiqued on tions. “Even though you might have a lot First Quarter
their appearance and physical fitness. “This is a plus for their careers,” he going on at your desk, your people are • Petty Officer 2nd Class Janice Truong,
Preparing for these boards, Smith said, said. “Those certificates go into their your greatest asset,” Drenning said.
Ultima Junior Service Member of the First
is a huge time-commitment. records. When the senior leaders review “Make sure they know where you pri-
“You have to take your personal time their records for promotion, it’s basical- orities are.” Quarter
to win these type of boards,” he said. ly a plus-up for them to being selected Following the brief speech, the board • Staff Sgt. Daniel Decook, Ultima NCO of
“It’s not something you can pick up over their peers.” winners were awarded monetary rewards the Second Quarter
today and come up here tomorrow and The 20-minute ceremony to celebrate in addition to a lunch pass to Club • Airman First Class Liam Tupper, Ultima
regurgitate to everybody. You have to the achievements of the service mem- Meade, Commander’s Coin of Excel- Junior Service Member of the Second
study and you have to apply yourself. bers was attended by Smith, Garrison lence, garrison plaque and prizes from Quarter
You have to work on your physical fit- Command Col. Edward C. Rothstein sponsors. • Sgt. Jennifer Ream, Ultima NCO of the
ness and weight control because your and guest speaker NIOC Command “It feels amazing to be able to rep- Year
appearance comes into play.” Master Chief Scott Drenning. resent NIOC and the Navy,” Truong • Petty Officer 2nd Class Janice Truong,
The studying and preparation process During his speech, Drenning dis- said. Ultima Junior Service Member of the Year
http://www.ftmeade.army.mil June 7, 2012 SOUNDOFF!

4. N ews
Stateside number gives callers Community
easy access to Army in Europe Crime Watch
By U.S. Army Europe Public Affairs Compiled by the Fort Meade Directorate of Emergency Services
HEIDELBERG, Germany — Anyone can now call the Army in Europe’s official Defense
Switched Network phone numbers from the U.S. via a standard stateside commercial telephone May 29, Larceny of private
number: 301-981-1059. property: Person(s) unknown May 31, Larceny of private
The number gives callers in the U.S. who do not have a DSN line available immediate commercial by unknown means removed property: The victim stated
access to an operator in Germany, who will then connect them to the appropriate DSN number in a Maryland registration plate that her camera was removed
Europe. from a trailer located within from her vehicle.
“We realized that some people stateside not used to calling overseas are put off by foreign access the RV parking lot.
codes and country codes,” U.S. Army Europe Chief of Public Affairs Bryan Hilferty said. “I know June 2, Shoplifting: The sub-
I was. May 29, Larceny of private ject was observed by Exchange
“So we designed this system to encourage communication with incoming Soldiers and families, property: The victim stated that his video surveillance taking two shirts
as well as with U.S. citizens or researchers who have questions about the Army in Europe.” laptop computer was stolen from his and departing the store without ren-
residence and that a power cable, one dering proper payment.
However, callers still must know the unit they want to connect with or their DSN number so the terabyte hard drive and six two-giga-
operator can complete the call. byte RAM chips were missing.
“And remember, the Army in Europe is six hours ahead of the East Coast, so best to call us when
it is morning in the U.S.,” Hilferty said.
Callers must pay commercial calling costs to the Maryland 301 area code, but there are no over-
seas calling charges.
The number is accessible from any phone and is for official use only — not for “morale and
On the lookout for theft
welfare calls” to access a civilian number, or for other personal use. The Directorate of Emergency Services is actively working to
The primary method for official communications remains DSN or email. keep neighborhoods safe.
For more information, email ocpa.pi@eur.army.mil. 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.
Although the crime rate in military housing is lower than off
post, it is important to remember that Fort Meade is not immune
to crime. To protect your family and belongings, remember to
Connect with Fort Meade at take an active role in deterring crime.
Remain aware of your surroundings and immediately report
Facebook.com/ftmeade any suspicious activity to the Fort Meade Police at 301-677-
6622 or 6623.
Have you noticed an issue on post
AER campaign
Trouble
and wondered if anything is being
done to fix it? Email concerns and
issues to chad.t.jones.civ@mail.
surpasses
Ticket mil. Each week, Soundoff! will
address issues identified on post
and describe what is being done to
$80,000 goal
The Fort Meade Army Emergency
solve them. Relief campaign has collected
$105,373.03 as of Tuesday, 131
Issue: Plan: Status: percent of its $80,000 goal.
Youth Services Sports Renovate the Youth Services Actual use of fields is
Complex needs renovations Sports Complex expected to be this fall
after the grass matures Chaplain’s Word: SEEDS
“Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap
McGill Training Center Install a new HVAC Survey work has begun; full
HVAC is inoperative install set for completion but by the seeds that you plant.”
(except in the ballroom) September 2012; portable A/C — Robert Lewis Stevenson
units being used in classrooms
SOUNDOFF! June 7, 2012 http://www.ftmeade.army.mil

5. N ews
Experts concerned about high stress on post
By Lisa R. Rhodes in general. and sometimes decreased productivity,” spoke with their unit commanders to
Staff Writer Although Fort Meade does not deploy Fisher said. “With stressors and other risk inform them of the potential for suicide.
During the past year, the installation’s large numbers of Soldiers such as Fort factors piling up, along with a decreased A chaplain was assigned to the units to
medical and substance abuse experts have Bragg, N.C., or Fort Campbell, Ky., those sense of hope and not seeing a way out discuss stress and suicide.
seen an increase in stress among Soldiers individual service members who do deploy of their problems, service members start In addition, Arthur said Soldiers also
and Department of the Army civilians do not have the same support that comes to think about not wanting to live or of have expressed a lack of trust in their chain
that has resulted in concerns about suicide, from the camaraderie of deploying with a killing themselves.” of command.
workplace burnout and hostility. large unit, Jones said. Victor Arthur, Risk Reduction Program DA civilians also are feeling the strain
“The operations tempo [of the military], In addition, Fort Meade also deploys coordinator for ASAP, routinely surveys of increased pressures in the workplace,
global wars, fighting two wars, are causing an increasing number of government civil- units on post using the Army’s anonymous mostly due to budget cutbacks.
a lot of stress,” said Kenneth Jones, Army ians who deploy as individuals and do not Unit Risk Inventory to determine how sus- Last July, the Installation Management
Substance Abuse Program manager. benefit from unit camaraderie. ceptible Soldiers are to risk factors relating Command directed Fort Meade and other
“We’re obviously concerned about the Dr. Mark Fisher, chief of behavior to alcohol and drugs, and other stressors. Army installations to reduce its civilian
Soldiers, the increase in suicide activ- pediatrics at Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Arthur surveys Soldiers who are within appropriated funded authorizations for
ity - gestures, attempts - and thoughts of Center and a Medical Department Activ- 30 days of deployment and those who have fiscal year 2013 to 15 percent below its
suicide,” he said. “We’re starting to see ity subject matter expert on suicide, said returned from deployment. June 2011 onboard civilian strength.
cases of Department of the Army civilians Soldiers are experiencing stress from work- Within the past four months, 10 Sol- Other IMCOM directives also have
under serious stress - expressing self-harm ing long hours with decreased resources, diers have answered positively that they mandated a reduction in the civilian
and thoughts of harm.” deployments and family issues. have had suicidal thoughts, Arthur said. workforce, according to the installation’s
Jones said the operations tempo of the “Stress comes in the form of relation- Three Soldiers responded that they have Resource Management Office.
wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and repeated ship problems at work and home, loss of made a plan to commit suicide. The cuts mean remaining employees
deployments have taken a toll on the Army sleep, anxiety, depressed moods, irritability In response to the inventory, Arthur are required to take on additional respon-
Casualty Assistance Families of deceased dependents of active-duty Soldiers
who have died in the center’s jurisdiction receive a casualty
report from the center, which includes information about the
If the PADD chooses the Army option in arranging the
funeral, the Army will prepare and dress the Soldier and
transport the remains to the funeral home of the PADD’s
Center assists dependent’s death.
When an active-duty Soldier dies, the Department of the
choice.
The CAC then tasks the Soldiers who will perform the
grieving families Army notifies the Casualty Assistance Center within 10 hours
of the incident and prepares a casualty report for the center.
Within four hours of the receipt of the report, the CAC
military duties at the funeral. The CAO also attends the
funeral.
“It’s a big honor and a big responsibility,” said Delia
By Lisa R. Rhodes sends a notification team to inform the family of the Soldier’s Smith, the center’s benefits coordinator, who has worked as
Staff Writer death. a notification officer and as a CAO. “The family just needs
It is the doorbell ring no military family wants to answer. O’Connor said CAC notifies the family first so they don’t to know that someone cares.”
When an active-duty Soldier has died in Maryland or hear the news through the media. About two to three days after the funeral, the CAO then
in theater with family members residing in the state, Fort “We don’t want them to have to figure out if it’s their loved explains which Army and other federal benefits the family is
Meade’s Casualty Assistance Center is the first to notify loved one,” she said. eligible to receive and helps them to apply.
ones and provide them with the support to make funeral Family members who are notified are listed on the Soldier’s Army benefits include Servicemembers Group Life Insur-
arrangements and apply for military benefits. DDForm 93, which is the Record of Emergency Data, which ance, which can range from $50,000 to $400,000, depending
“You get to help someone at the worst possible moment,” provides the names and addresses of the Soldier’s next of kin. on the deceased Soldier’s specification, and the Montgomery
said Antoinette O’Connor, chief of the Casualty Assistance The notification team includes a chaplain and a Soldier GI Bill. The family also is entitled to Social Security Admin-
Center. “The work is demanding, challenging, but it is at the rank of sergeant first class and above, chief warrant istration and Department of Veterans Affairs benefits.
rewarding.” officer 2 and above, or captain and above, depending on the The receipt of benefits can take from two weeks to 60
O’Connor oversees a staff of five Department of Army rank of the deceased Soldier. days.
civilians, some of whom are retired, and former Soldiers, who The notification officer delivers a message on behalf of In addition to benefits, the family can receive a copy of the
operate the casualty assistance program in the region. the secretary of the Army expressing deep regret for the 15-6 Investigation report, which is prepared by the Army and
The CAC has jurisdiction in Maryland, except for Prince Soldier’s death. The chaplain is on hand to provide support summarizes the circumstances of the Soldier’s death but does
George’s and Montgomery counties; Pennsylvania, except to the family. not include classified information.
for Philadelphia and the counties of Bucks, Delaware, Mont- A casualty assistance officer contacts the family four hours After the family has received all their benefits and entitle-
gomery and Chester; Delaware; Virginia, in the counties of after the notification team’s visit. The CAO is responsible ments, they are referred to the nearest Survivors Outreach
Accomack, Clarke, Frederick, Loudon and Northampton; for helping to arrange the funeral and assisting the family in Services branch.
and West Virginia, in the counties of Berkeley, Hampshire, applying for Army and other federal benefits. O’Connor said Soldiers who serve as notification officers
Jefferson, Mineral and Morgan. One of the first duties of a CAO is to help the family apply and CAOs are mandated by the Army to receive two days of
The center is responsible for providing notification officers, for the Army’s death gratuity, which is a one-time payment training by CAC.
chaplains and casualty assistance officers for the families of of $100,000 to the family within 72 hours of the Soldier’s “To help our Soldiers’ families when the Soldier is not there
deceased active-duty Soldiers. The CAO also assists families death. is the biggest honor for me,” said Ragime Blaine, casualty
of Army retirees who died in the center’s jurisdiction and The CAO then works with the Person Authorized to Direct operations coordinator and a former Army specialist. “The
families of DoD civilians who died while temporarily Disposition, or PADD, to arrange the funeral. The PADD is Army is not just an organization that the Soldier joins. Once
assigned to the area. listed on the Soldier’s DD Form 93. you’re part of the Army family, you’re always a part.”
SOUNDOFF! June 7, 2012 http://www.ftmeade.army.mil

6. N ews
sibilities. plan or a means of hurting themselves,” ees to determine their fitness for the who also is a council member, funds
“They’re under a lot of stress, having she said. workplace. Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Train-
to do the job of two or three people,” said About 10 percent of civilian clients have Maliner said many managers are ing, a 15-hour suicide prevention work-
Marcia Lang, clinical supervisor for ASAP been so stressed and angry that they have requesting that the staff complete medical shop. The course is considered to be
and acting manager of the Employee been referred to EAP for physical alterca- evaluations for employees who have behav- suicide first aid. It is open to active-duty
Assistance Program. tions in the workplace and for damage to ioral issues and stress-related aliments. service members, Reservists, National
The EAP provides confidential services a co-worker’s property. Work-related stress has made some Guardsmen, DoD civilians and military
for service members, government employ- “The fact that this is happening is a employees less available for full perfor- contractors. ASIST is offered on post
ees, their dependents and retirees, including concern,” Lang said. mance of duty and has increased absentee- every month.
short-term therapy and referrals to civilian In each of these cases, Lang has worked ism, Maliner said. The installation is also working to cre-
mental health professionals for psychiatric with managers and clients to resolve con- The installation’s Community Health ate a Resiliency Center/Campus at Fort
as well as abuse-related challenges. The flicts. She also has helped clients devel- Promotion Council, which is chaired by Meade, which will focus on the Army’s
program also helps civilians identify and op ways to manage their stress and has Garrison Commander Col. Edward C. five pillars of resiliency: spiritual, social,
resolve personal problems that affect their referred them to civilian mental health Rothstein, is working to integrate com- family, physical and emotional.
job performance and well-being. professionals for treatment. munity services and resources, identify In the meantime, the experts said ser-
Lang said the stress has made civilian Lang said she routinely follows up with gaps and overlap of programs and services vice members, civilians and family mem-
employees more susceptible to physical clients to see how they are progressing. and assess community health to enhance bers must seek help if they cannot cope
aches and pains and colds due to a weak- Dr. Beverly Maliner, chief of Preven- the well-being of service members, their with the demands of military life and are
ened immune system. tive Medicine Services at Kimbrough, said dependents and civilian employees. thinking of hurting themselves.
Clients also complain that the pressures the clinic’s Occupational Health team has The council is comprised of four work- “If anyone is even thinking about not
of their job “consumes life outside of evaluated an increasing number of civil- ing groups - the Installation Prevention wanting to live or of killing oneself,
work,” Lang said, and that people find it ian employees complaining of illnesses Team, Physical Resiliency, Family Resil- regardless if there are no plans or intent
hard to relax and spend quality time with and distress related to the workplace and iency and Spiritual Resiliency. to act, walk in directly and immediately
family and friends. workplace relationships. Lt. Cmdr. Marivic Fields, director of to behavioral health. After hours, go
In the past year, about 25 percent of “They are pretty distressed. ... Employ- Behavior Health Patient Management and the closest emergency room or call 911,”
the civilians Lang has served have been ees are unhappy with the pace of work- a licensed social worker at Kimbrough, Fisher said. “Do this also if someone you
so depressed that they have contemplated place change,” Maliner said. is the council’s interim health promotion know is in this spot, and don’t leave them
suicide. A staff of three full-time Occupa- officer. She said suicide prevention is one alone until help is received.”
“Luckily, I have not had anyone so tional Health nurses assess the mental of the main tasks of the council. For more information, call ASAP at
depressed that they acted on it, or had a and physical health of civilian employ- ASAP, under the leadership of Jones, 301-677-7121.
http://www.ftmeade.army.mil June 7, 2012 SOUNDOFF!

7. N ews
World War II-era letters discovered in wall
By Lisa R. Rhodes
Staff Writer
On Oct. 20, 1943, Wanda Hester from
Dewar, Okla., sent a letter to her son Sgt.
George Hester, then a Soldier at Fort
Meade.
The mother wrote of her husband’s failing
health from working in a smelter, their finan-
cial troubles and the couple’s attempts to sell
their property and move to California.
Despite her concerns, Hester promised to
send her son a $25 bond to help him and
his wife.
Hester’s touching letter was among 10 let-
ters found by Melwood employees on May
24 as the men worked to put up dry wall in
Bldg. 249 on Chisolm Avenue.
The letters, written in the early 1940s, were
addressed to Fort Meade Soldiers and were
found in a wall frame of the building.
Mike Bradford, a carpenter maintenance
lead at Melwood, gave the letters to the Fort
Meade Museum.
“I find you can change the date, but the
story remains the same in the Army,” said
Barbara Taylor, museum exhibits specialist.
“Mothers sending news from home, Soldiers
still asking their family for money, noncom-
missioned officers still concerned about their
trainees — it’s the human condition. It’s a
window on the past.”
Taylor said no one knows why or how the
letters were put in the building’s wall. The
letters, which includes two Christmas cards,
photos by Jason kelly
are fragile, but a museum volunteer is in the
process of transcribing them. Barbara Taylor, Fort Meade Museum exhibits specialist, reads one of the 10 World War II-era letters written to Fort Meade Soldiers
Several letters are unopened and they that were found by Melwood employees in the wall frame of Bldg. 249 on Chisolm Avenue on May 24. The letters (below), which
technically belong to the U.S. Postal Service, range from a mother writing to her son about family troubles to a sergeant writing about the Soldiers under his command, were
Taylor said. The museum is in the process given to the Fort Meade Museum.
of contacting the postal service to determine
whether the letters can still be delivered, or if all the liquor you want — or is it rationed
the museum can take ownership of the find. too!”
Taylor said another poignant letter also Mike Franklin, a Melwood general main-
was sent in 1943 from Sgt. Henry Corvatz tenance worker who found the letters, said he
at Fort McClellan, Ala., (the Base Realign- didn’t think much of it when he saw them in
ment and Closure Commission closed the the wall frame.
installation in 1995) to Sgt. Chester Caudhill “We noticed how old they were. They had
at Fort Meade. three-cent stamps. We thought that was kind
It seems the men went through basic of strange,” Franklin said.
training together, Taylor said. Corvatz, a The workers passed the letters around and
senior noncommissioned officer in charge tried to read them before telling Bradford of
of a barrack, writes of overseeing more than their discovery.
200 Soldiers. “He said it would be a good idea to take
“They’re the same rank,” Taylor said. them to the museum,” Franklin recalled.
“Soldiers talk about the same things today, Bradford notified the museum and Frank-
they have the same concerns. They take their lin said he is glad he did.
job seriously and they are concerned that “If not, they probably would have been
their Soldiers are well trained.” discarded,” Franklin said.
Before ending the letter, Corvatz writes to Editor’s note: visit www.ftmeade.army.
his Fort Meade friend, “It seems you had a mil/soundoff/lostWWIIletters to watch
whale of a time in Baltimore. Must be swell local television stations’ coverage of the
to be near a city like that and be able to get story.
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8. N ews
Food for thought
Soldiers help judge healthy
cooking contest in Baltimore
Story and photo by Brandon Bieltz healthy cooking habits and techniques that
Staff Writer will help make a difference in our commu-
Sgts. 1st Class Mary Mittlesteadt and nities,” he said.
Ron Seymore stood over a plethora of Mittlesteadt and Seymore attended the
chicken nuggets as 16 high-schoolers close- demonstration and healthy cooking chal-
ly watched their expressions. lenge to support a healthy lifestyle like the
Mittlesteadt and Seymore, both from one encouraged in the military.
Headquarters and Headquarters Com- “We’re taught in the military to eat
pany, were two of four judges in a healthy the right food groups — use the pyramid
food challenge held May 31 at Stratford — and it’s a lifestyle that we choose to stay
University in Baltimore. Students from healthy,” Mittlesteadt said.
the city’s Dunbar High School created a Seymore noted that people seem to be
healthy alternative to fast-food chicken trained to eat fast-food because it is conve-
nuggets. nient and doesn’t require them to actually Sgts. 1st Class Ron Seymore and Mary Mittlesteadt join Mark Furst, president and
The challenge was sponsored by Strat- cook the food themselves. It’s important, CEO of United Way of Central Maryland, to taste-test chicken nuggets cooked by
ford University and the Urbanite Project, he said, to encourage people to eat healthy students from Baltimore’s Dunbar High School on May 31 at Stratford University. The
a project that “calls for creative, innovative, at a young age. two Soldiers from Headquarters and Headquarters Company helped judge the healthy
non-traditional ideas that address one or “This was a great opportunity to see how cooking competition.
more of the barriers to affordable, healthy quickly you actually can prepare something
food for Baltimore City residents living in that’s healthy, compared to sitting and encouraged participants to be more cre- “As a healthy eater, I eat things like this
neighborhood food deserts,” according to waiting at a drive-through,” Mittlesteadt ative in the future, suggesting they use all the time,” Mittlesteadt said. “This is how
its website. said. crushed fruit loops or rice crisps instead of I cook on a daily basis. It was definitely up
Chef Todd Mohr of Stratford led the During the demonstration, Mohr taught bread crumbs. my alley.”
competition and instructed the students the students to create chicken nuggets using “I like how he expanded on being able to In addition to supporting a healthy
on the importance and benefits of eating natural chicken breasts, flour, eggs and add your own flair,” Mittlesteadt said. “It lifestyle, both Soldiers said they enjoyed
healthy food, over fast-food. Healthy cook- panko bread crumbs. Students then formed definitely gave them the foundation.” the opportunity to interact and spend time
ing is a daily emphasis at Stratford, said three teams and tried to copy the recipe. After each team baked their chicken with students in their area.
Keith Jones, a marketing specialist with “It was very easy and simple; it wasn’t nuggets, judges sampled each group’s and “It’s not often we get away from desks
the university. time consuming for them,” Seymore said picked the best. Mittlesteadt and Seymore and what we do on a day-to-day basis to
“Each day in our culinary labs and of the recipe. said they all tasted the same, and selected hang out with our local students,” Mit-
classes, we strive to teach our students Although it was a basic recipe, Mohr the winners based on uniformity. tlesteadt said.
MRSA may be and equipment.
Some workplace settings have risk fac-
tors that make it easier to transmit MRSA.
• Do not share personal items.
Avoid sharing personal items that touch
bare skin such as towels, razors, uniforms
If you suspect that your uniform, cloth-
ing, personal protective equipment or
workstation has become contaminated
transmitted in These factors, referred to as the 5 Cs, are:
• Crowding
and personal protective equipment.
If you think you have a MRSA infec-
with MRSA, wash uniforms, clothing,
sheets and towels that become soiled in a
workplace • Frequent skin-to-skin contact
• Compromised skin (i.e., cuts or abra-
sions)
tion, see your health care provider and
follow the provider’s advice about return-
ing to work.
washing machine set to the hottest water
setting (with added bleach, if possible).
Dry the washed items in a hot dryer,
By Karla Simon, Industrial Hygienist • Contaminated items and surfaces Unless directed by a health care pro- rather than air-drying.
U.S. Army Public Health Command • Lack of cleanliness vider, employees with MRSA infections Cleaning contaminated equipment and
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus To prevent MRSA infections: should not routinely be excluded from surfaces with detergent-based cleaners or
Aureus is a potentially dangerous type of • Practice good hygiene. going to work. Environmental Protection Agency-regis-
staph bacteria that is resistant to certain Wash your hands thoroughly with soap Exclusion from work should be reserved tered disinfectants is effective at removing
antibiotics. and water or use an alcohol-based hand for those with wound drainage (pus) that MRSA from the environment.
It typically causes skin infection but can sanitizer. Shower immediately after work- cannot be covered and contained with a The EPA provides a list of EPA-regis-
also affect the bloodstream, lungs, heart, ing out on gym equipment. clean, dry bandage and for those who can- tered products effective against MRSA.
bones and joints. • Cover your wound. not maintain good hygiene practices. For more information, call 1-800-CDC-
MRSA is transmitted most frequently Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered Employees with active infections should INFO or visit the U.S. Centers for Disease
by direct skin-to-skin contact or contact with a bandage until healed. be excluded from activities where skin-to- Control and Prevention at http://www.cdc.
with shared items or surfaces that have • Do not touch. skin contact with the affected skin area gov/niosh/topics/mrsa/ or the Environmen-
come into contact with someone else’s Avoid contact with other people’s is likely to occur until their infections are tal Protection Agency at http://epa.gov/
infection such as towels, used bandages wounds or bandages. healed. oppad001/chemregindex.htm.
http://www.ftmeade.army.mil June 7, 2012 SOUNDOFF!

9. N ews
On-post solicitation is prohibited without approval
By Lisa R. Rhodes missioned officer in charge of the Mili- come to Fort Meade to deliver pizza. The has the authority to put a company on the
Staff Writer tary Police Investigations Division at DES, hires are dropped off in the housing areas off-limits establishment list.
Last month, a Meuse Forest resident said he has contacted two pizza delivery to distribute pizza flyers and apparently, go A business is invited to attend a board
posted a complaint on the Fort Meade companies near the installation to inform from door to door. meeting conducted by the AFDCB to
Facebook page about a man distributing them of the regulation. He also told them There is concern that they then try to address the concerns of the board. If the
flyers from a local pizza delivery com- that if they persist, the companies may be enter homes or unlocked vehicles, Parker board is not satisfied with the business
pany who also attempted to find unlocked considered for placement on Fort Meade’s said. leader’s plan to change the behavior or
homes and vehicles. off-limits establishment listing. Capitol Meats Company, which sells unsafe practice, the board can recommend
According to Army Regulation 210- “If they continue to practice what is a discounted meat in bulk, has tried to take to have the business placed on the off-limits
7, solicitation on an Army installation criminal exercise, their businesses will suf- advantage of its ability to deliver goods by establishment listing.
without an appointment in areas used for fer,” Parker said, noting that the man who illegally soliciting business on post, Parker If solicitors have been escorted off post
housing or processing transient personnel, was soliciting in Meuse Forest on May 12 said. and return to the post at another time, they
or soliciting in the barracks areas used as was escorted off the installation. All other businesses are prohibited from are considered to be criminally trespassing
quarters is strictly forbidden. Parker said he has learned that the pizza solicitation, Parker said. and are issued a citation to appear in fed-
Only two businesses are contracted by companies are hiring people to distribute A company that unlawfully solicits on eral magistrate court.
the Exchange to solicit business on the flyers in the housing areas. The companies post can be barred from the installation by Parker said residents and employees
installation: Sweetest Surrender, an ice do not know the people they are hiring, Fort Meade’s Armed Forces Disciplinary should keep their homes and vehicles
cream vendor permitted in the housing Parker said, and only know many of them Control Review Board, which examines locked, and that if they see anyone solic-
areas, and Tony’s Diner, which serves lunch on a first-name basis. solicitation complaints. The board’s recom- iting a business or service on post, they
to workers at construction sites on post. The hires gain access to the post by trav- mendations are given to Garrison Com- should call the Fort Meade Police at 301-
Sgt. 1st Class Roy Parker, the noncom- eling with pizza personnel who legitimately mander Col. Edward C. Rothstein, who 677-6622.
707th Airmen revamp
abandoned houses
Story and photo by Mike Milord are sold to people who are willing to
Army Cyber Command Public Affairs work in the renovation.”
Hammers, saws and jackhammers Prospective buyers are required to
were the tools for 33 Airmen from have worked a minimum 100 hours of
the Air Force’s 707th Communications their own labor into building their Habi-
Squadron, 70th Intelligence, Surveillance tat house and the houses of others before
and Reconnaissance Wing. they are eligible, Metzer said. They must
The uniforms were T-shirts, jeans and also make a down payment and monthly
hardhats. mortgage payments.
From April 19 to 20, the group reno- Poole said he previously volunteered
vated homes in Baltimore’s Pen Lucy for Habitat when attending technical
community for Habitat for Humanity. school in Mississippi.
The project was a volunteer effort to “I volunteered three or four times,”
reach out to the community, said Senior he said.
Airman Bryan Poole, cyber transport 1st. Lt. Justin Klawitter, operations
apprentice for the 707th CS, who orga- flight commander for the 707th CS, is
nized the workforce. one of the more experienced volunteers
“I started doing this in November,” as well.
he said. “We started a group and have “I’ve done this before,” said Klawitter,
done this a few times already. When this who has been assigned to Fort Meade
project came up, we received approval to since November. “We decided this would
provide support.” be our monthly morale event.
The revamped homes in the 600 block “When we got here Thursday, the Airman Staff Sgt. Kyle Garner cuts lumber for framing the walls at a Habitat for
of Dumbarton Avenue had been aban- houses looked pretty empty; they had Humanity house in Baltimore. Garner was among the 33 Airmen from the 707th
doned, said Matt Metzger, HFH director already been gutted “ he said. “Right Communications Squadron, 70th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing
of resource coordination. now, we’re framing the inside for each who volunteered to renovate homes from April 19 to 20.
When the renovations are complete, room.”
these homes will have three bedrooms A resident of Virginia Beach, Va., teer Staff Sgt. Melissa Lange wielded Habitat when her fellow squadron mem-
and one and one-half bathrooms. Klawitter also volunteers weekly at Sar- a jackhammer to break up a concrete bers were seeking volunteers.
“Habitat acquired the homes,” Metzger ah’s House, a transitional housing pro- sidewalk in back of a house. “I wanted to give back to the com-
said. “Then we gathered a volunteer gram for families in need. A civil engineering operator for the munity,” she said. “This is a way to help
workforce to renovate them. Then they During the project, first-time volun- 707th CS, Lange became involved with out where I can.”
10 SOUNDOFF! June 7, 2012 http://www.ftmeade.army.mil

10. N ews
Photos courtesy of USO-Metro
USO HOSTS BBQ
USO-Metro hosted more than 375 active-duty service members at its third
annual Service Member Appreciation Barbecue on Friday at the Freedom
Center barracks. Although held June 1, the event was part of USO-Metro’s
May Military Appreciation Month activities, said Pam Horton, USO Balti-
more/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport Services and
Fort Meade operations manager. “It is an [opportunity] to recognize and
say thank you to active-duty service members,” she said. USO-Metro also
shared information about its new location, which will open later this sum-
mer at the corner of Mapes and 6th Armored Calvary roads.
ABOVE: Service members compete in a Cha Cha Slide line-dance contest
at the USO-Metro’s third annual Service Member Appreciation Barbecue
on Friday.
TOP RIGHT: Some of the more than 375 service members who participated
in USO-Metro’s barbecue dine on a lunch of hamburgers, hot dogs and
chips in the courtyard at the Freedom Center barracks.
RIGHT: Active-duty service members burn a few calories during a push-up
contest at the USO-Metro’s Service Member Appreciation Barbecue for a
chance to win an Apple iPod.
Air Force’s first woman four-star takes command of AFMC
By Kim Dawley “We honor Janet Wolfenbarger, an extraor- our difficult mission with determination and you know they’ve taken an oath to defend
Air Force Materiel Command Public Affairs dinary public servant and a model Air Force enthusiasm.” the Constitution and a pledge to live by core
Gen. Janet Wolfenbarger became the first officer,” Schwartz said. “Based on her record, Schwartz also highlighted Hoffman’s values of integrity, service and excellence,” he
female four-star general in the Air Force and Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley dedication to both AFMC’s mission and its said. “Thanks to all of our Airmen. It has been
assumed the top position of Air Force Mate- and I are entirely confident that she is up to the workforce. my good fortune to be part of the best air force
riel Command during ceremonies Tuesday. task of commanding this great organization.” “Don, thank you for presiding over an in the world. It was the best when I joined it.
Wolfenbarger took the reins of the major Wolfenbarger thanked Schwartz and Don- impressive effort here at AFMC,” Schwartz It’s smaller now, its missions have changed, but
command responsible for the technology, ley for their faith in her ability to lead AFMC said. “During your tenure, AFMC continued it’s still the best. And I have total confidence
acquisition, test and sustainment of the ser- and said she was looking forward to once its longstanding excellence in research and that those who follow me will keep it the best
vice’s current and future weapon systems again being part of the AFMC team. development, test and evaluation, acquisition in the world.”
from Gen. Donald Hoffman during a change “This opportunity only really exists management and logistics support. Hoffman, who had served as the com-
of command ceremony held at the National because the Air Force has embraced a cul- “During some of the most challenging and mander of AFMC since November 2008, is
Museum of the United States Air Force. ture of diversity,” she said. “This culture has turbulent times for our Air Force, General retiring after 42 years of service.
Prior to the change of command, Wolfen- been cultivated over many years, driven by Hoffman has inspired mission success. Don After serving as the military deputy of the
barger received her fourth star during a pro- leadership at every level who acknowledge and Jacki, thank you for your combined ser- Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air
motion ceremony. and appreciate the value of contributions vice to our Air Force, and for your very impor- Force for Acquisition at the Pentagon for the
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton from every Airman. tant contributions to our nation’s security.” past eight months, Wolfenbarger becomes
Schwartz presided over the ceremony, lauding “I promise I will serve in my role as AFMC Hoffman said he would most miss the qual- the eighth AFMC commander since AFMC
AFMC’s excellence in keeping Air Force weap- commander with my absolute best effort. ity of the people one finds in the Air Force, stood up on July 1, 1992. She will now lead
on systems ready, available and effective, and What’s more, I have total confidence in the and the unquestioned level of trust that Air- a workforce of approximately 81,000 people
expressing his confidence that the command is men and women of this command. We will men exude. and manage an annual budget of about $60
in capable hands with Wolfenbarger. always rise to the occasion and accomplish “When you meet someone in the Air Force, billion.
http://www.ftmeade.army.mil June 7, 2012 SOUNDOFF! 11

11. C over S tory
N ews
WEATHERING THE STORM
Tornado warnings set off DES/PAO notifications
By Philip H. Jones watch as well as a flash flood watch until 2 lation’s public address system for emergency
Chief of Command Information a.m. Saturday, Sides said. announcements is that people do not always
Severe weather and tornado warnings As a result of the NWS warning, Sides understand the purpose of the system, Sides
Friday set off a series of notification alerts approved the airing of a tornado warning said.
to the post community by the Fort Meade message on the installation’s public address “People have reported that they really
Directorate of Emergency Services and system, also known as the “Big Voice.” (To can’t understand the ‘Big Voice’ if they’re
Public Affairs Office. hear the warning message, visit http://ow.ly/ in their homes or in a building,” he said.
The storms, which caused minor dam- bnooH.) “That’s because the ‘Big Voice’ is designed
age on Fort Meade, were the first severe However, the deafening sound of the as an alert system for people who are
weather storms of the summer and part of rain during the height of the storm made outside. If you are inside, please start
a larger weather system that resulted in 10 it difficult to understand the tornado warn- actively monitoring the weather reports on
confirmed tornadoes that touched down ing announcement, Sides said, leading him TV, radio and on the Internet. Listen for
in Maryland, according to the National to order a second airing of the safety alert. updates and information about what’s going
Weather Service. The first storm cleared the area at on around you.”
“On Tuesday, a NWS meteorologist said approximately 6:30 p.m., Sides said. But Sides emphasized that it’s important
his initial assessment of damage at Fort less than 30 minutes later, the NWS issued for people to realize that they should also
Meade indicated two very weak tornadoes a second tornado alert for the greater Fort monitor multiple media sources for severe
touched down on the installation,” said Lt. Meade area. Sides ordered another airing of weather information.
Col. J. Darrell Sides, Fort Meade provost the tornado warning alert. Another integral part of the post’s emer-
marshal and director of DES. “The NWS One of the challenges of using the instal- gency notification system is the Fort Meade
said it would review its information before
making a final determination.”
At approximately 5:29 p.m. Friday, the
NWS issued a tornado warning for western
Anne Arundel County, which includes Fort
Meade, said Sides.
“We received a report that two of our
police patrols spotted what appeared to be
swirling winds similar to a tornado or water
Storms that were part of a larger weather spout near the Post Exchange areas on
system that resulted in 10 confirmed Reece Road,” Sides said. “The gate guards
tornadoes knocked down power lines at Reece Road also witnessed a circu-
on Route 175. Baltimore Gas and Electric lar-spinning cloud approaching them with
Co. and the Directorate of Public Works debris being thrown at ground level.”
responded to the outages in Normandy There were no reports of injuries Friday
Bluffs housing neighborhood. as Fort Meade remained under the tornado
High winds from Friday’s storms flipped over a variable message board trailer located
near the Reece Road gate. The storms caused minor damage throughout the post.
12 SOUNDOFF! June 7, 2012 http://www.ftmeade.army.mil

12. N ews
Public Affairs Office. The PAO issued its To receive text messages, users text the Demps Visitor Control Center at the Reece
TORNADO
first update on the installation’s Facebook message “follow ftmeadealert” to 40404, Road gate also were damaged, and a vari-
page and Twitter account early Friday after- without the quotation marks. Once reg- able message board sign was knocked down.
noon, alerting the Fort Meade community istered, users will automatically receive a In addition, power lines and two transform-
WATCH
that severe weather was forecasted. text message for safety and weather alerts. ers located near Route 175 were reported
The PAO continued posting updates as The text is sent through Twitter but doesn’t damaged by the storm, knocking out power
the storm intensified and instructed its require users to be registered Twitter users. to the Normandy Bluffs community.
social media users to take cover and move Standard text messaging rates apply to any- Sides also urged the post community to Tornadoes, the most violent natural
to an interior room on the lowest floor of one receiving text alerts, Kelly said. consider safety first during severe weather. hazard, are rotating, funnel-shaped
a sturdy building, and to avoid windows at Fort Meade patrols and 911 calls reported “When you hear a tornado warning on a clouds formed from thunderstorms.
the height of the storm until the tornado minor damage along Cooper Avenue and on public address system, it not the time to run Strong winds are the most destructive
warning expired at 8 p.m. both sides of Reece Road leading to Route outside and take photos with your iPhone,” aspect, with gusts reaching as high as
“We reached more than 11,000 people 175, including a fallen tree that blocked traf- Sides said. 300 mph. The damage path can be a
on Facebook alone,” said Jason Kelly, Fort fic on Reece Road, Sides said. He advised people to move to a safe
mile wide. Tornado season is generally
Meade’s emerging media manager. “People The Fort Meade Fire Department location inside their homes such as the
have come to count on us to provide cred- responded to the damage reports and used bathroom or beneath a stairwell during a March through August, but tornadoes can
ible information when time and safety mat- chain saws to clear the fallen tree. tornado. occur any time of the year. Tornadoes
ter. We’re constantly looking for opportuni- The Baltimore Gas and Electric Co. “Tornadoes rarely level an entire struc- most often occur at the tail end of a
ties to find innovative and effective ways to and the Fort Meade Directorate of Public ture,” Sides said. “One of the safest areas is thunderstorm. Eighty percent of tornadoes
serve our community.” Works responded to reports of downed an interior room in the center of your home. occur between noon and midnight.
Text alerts from the Fort Meade PAO are power lines that knocked out electrical During a tornado, you really do not have
one of those innovations. power to residents in the Normandy Bluffs time to drive to a shelter.”
How to prepare for a tornado:
Sides and Kelly suggested that members residential neighborhood. For more information on severe weather prep- Stay informed and know tornado
of the post community consider signing up Other damage included fallen trees adja- aration, visit Ready Army at www.ready.army. terminology:
to receive the messages, which were first cent to a facility used by Child and Youth mil; American Red Cross at www.redcross.org; • Tornado watch - Weather conditions
used during Hurricane Irene last August. Services (Bldg. 902) that destroyed a section the Department of Homeland Security at www. are favorable for the development of
Users have the option to receive text mes- of the fence, covered a storage shed and ready.gov/america/makeaplan/index.html; or a tornado. Stay tuned to the radio or
sages, either through the enhanced mobile blocked a door in the rear of the building. the Federal Emergency Management Agency at TV for more information and further
website or as a text message, Kelly said. Two metal gate-access control bars at the www.fema.gov/plan/prepare/index.shtm. instructions.
• Tornado warning - A tornado has
been spotted. Take shelter immediately.
• Identify a place in your home to take
shelter in case of a tornado. A storm
shelter or basement provides the
best protection. Otherwise, choose an
interior room or hallway on the lowest
floor possible.
• Have frequent tornado drills.
• If planning a trip outdoors, listen to
the latest forecasts and take necessary
action if threatening weather is
possible.
• Get an emergency supply kit and
make a family emergency plan.
What to do if there is a tornado:
• Take shelter immediately in the
designated room.
• If you are outside, find shelter
immediately. If shelter is unavailable, lie
flat in a ditch or low-lying area.
• If you are in a car, stop immediately
and find shelter. Do not try to drive
through a tornado.
• Stay tuned to radio or TV for
information and instructions as they
photos by Lt. Col. J. Darrell Sides become available.
A large tree fell onto Reece Road during Friday’s storms. Fort Meade was issued a • Stay in shelter until the tornado has
tornado warning three times on Friday and remained under a tornado warning until passed.
2 a.m. Saturday. • Once you are in a safe place, report
to your command if you are military or
LEFT: Dark clouds cover the sky above the Capt. John E. Smathers U.S. Army Reserve government civilian personnel.
Center on Route 175 on Friday. Gate guards at Reece Road reported witnessing Source: Ready Army
photo by Sgt. 1st Class Brian Smith circular-spinning clouds during the storm.
http://www.ftmeade.army.mil June 7, 2012 SOUNDOFF! 13