AN INDEPENDENT PUBLICATION OF COMPRINTMILITARY PUBLICATIONS AT JOINT BASE ANDREWS,MD.DCMILITARY.COM FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014 | VOL. 3 NO. 47

AIR FORCE NEWSAFDW Airmen pack 18th shipment

of holiday cheer, Page 4

SPORTSFitness competition spurs fitnessdreams of JBA members, Page 3

COMMENTARYAFDW/CC establishes hotline,

Page 2

BY STAFF SGT.ROBERT CLOYS

11TH WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS

One would never know thetwelve current and retiredAirmen walking into the JointBase Andrews West FitnessCenter, Nov. 18, were wounded,ill or seriously injured.

Minutes later it is evident asthe bleachers and floor fill withgym bags, volleyballs and pros-thetic limbs, and two K-9s sitloyally on the sideline waitingfor their owners to return frompractice.

These Airmen are part ofthe Air Force Wounded WarriorAdaptive Sports Program, a fel-lowship of athletes, volunteersand coaches that use athleticreconditioning to help rehabili-tate wounded, ill and seriouslyinjured Airmen. While also in-spiring, the program helps Air-men build strength and endur-ance.

“By supporting the event,the Air Force and 11 WG aredemonstrating their commit-ment to wounded warriors andtheir families, and also encour-aging greater awareness andsupport for Air Force WoundedWarrior in the region,” saidSteve Otero, AFW2 communi-cations coordinator.

For one highly motivatedAirman, the program is a steptoward returning to what heloves most, being a Pararescue-man.

On July 15, 2011, on a mis-sion in Afghanistan, Staff Sgt.August O’Niell experienced anevent that would change his lifeforever.

En route to rescue threeMarines who sustained seriousgunshot wounds, O’Niell’s heli-copter came under hostile fire.

“The bird took four or fiveround and then one of thembounced off the doorway,”O’Niell said.

At first, O’Niell was con-fused. But, as blood begansoaking through his uniform, itbecame clear that he had beenshot. The round had enteredhis left knee, shattering it, andproceeded through to his rightcalf.

When he awoke later at amedical center in Camp Bas-tion, Afghanistan, he was told itwouldn’t be long until he wouldbe headed back home.

The first words that cameout of O’Niell’s mouth personi-fied his dedication to his job.

“Not until I get my reenlist-ment paperwork.”

Later, his brother, an AirForce Combat Rescue Officer,would join him at his hospitalbed and perform his reenlist-ment oath.

O’Niell’s road to recoveryover the next three years wouldbe long, strenuous and oftenfrustrating. He underwentmore than 20 surgeries beforedoctors offered him two options;a knee replacement surgerythat would likely leave his legin pain and nonfunctional, oramputation.

“I haven’t regretted it,” hesaid, after opting to have hisleg removed above the knee on

AFW2 helps Airmen takesteps toward recovery

U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO/TECH. SGT. BRIAN FERGUSON

Air Force wounded warrior Staff Sgt. August O’Niell sets a volley-ball during practice at the Joint Base Andrews West Fitness Cen-ter, Nov. 18, for an upcoming Pentagon Sitting Volleyball Tourna-ment. The one-day tournament is designed to bring awarenessto the challenges of the wounded, ill or injured population.

see RECOVERY, page 6

BY BOBBY JONESSTAFF PHOTOJOURNALIST

At the height of 5-foot, 9 1/2inches, Vanessa Riley Harrisis a vision of poise, grace anddistinction as you make heracquaintance.

In fact, making first im-pressions is the cornerstoneof the lessons she teaches tochildren and adults alike ather business Ladivee’s Eti-quette and Consulting Inc. inWaldorf.

She recently received achance to teach charm andetiquette lessons to three dif-ferent age groups of youth,ages ranging from 5 to 18, atthe Joint Base Andrews YouthCenter Nov. 5 through 20.

During the month-longcourse “Good Manners Startswith Me” Harris taught themthe benefits of etiquette invarious environments throughrole playing. The areas includ-ed: How to introduce yourself,the importance of the smile,the importance of eye contactand a firm handshake, propertelephone etiquette, job inter-view etiquette, and table set-tings.

She taught four groups of25 to 30 children for 30 min-

utes each, through the use ofhands-on training, questionand answer sessions, and roleplaying. The children alsolearned how to walk with con-fidence, be aware of body lan-guage, and the use of effectivecommunication.

Jayson Alburg, a 16-year-old Andrews’ resident par-ticipated in the 13 through18-year-old class. He com-mented on how his demeanorand dress code changed aftertaking the etiquette classes.

“I’ve learned that you haveto dress for different occa-sions. I wouldn’t let my pantsslouch below my waist if I wasinterviewing for a job. I wouldwear a Jacket and tie,” saidAlburg. “I’m also now moreaware of my facial expres-sions, eye contact and bodylanguage when talking withpeople. I don’t even talk to myparents the same way I usedto; I’m more respectful.

Alburg further noted, “To-day when I was at school, Ibumped into someone walkingin the hallway and I instantlyapologized. Before, I wouldn’thave said anything and justkept right on walking. I’m en-

Air Force veteran givesback, teaches charmand etiquette at JBA

see VETERAN, page 5

BY LESLIE C. SMITH& BOBBY JONES

STAFF WRITERS

Do you have a passion foran idea and nothing makesyou happier than the end-less pursuit to make it cometo fruition? When everyoneelse is stuck on the problem,are you exceeding and findingsolutions? Do you think yourunique military service hasgiven you the certain toolsnecessary to gear you towardthe world of entrepreneur-ship? Well, last month local“Vetrepreneurs” came ready

for learning and high stakesat the Semper Startup. OnOct. 15, The George Wash-ington University was host tothe inaugural Semper Startupconference held in the JackMorton Auditorium.

This seminar provided afull day of events geared atgiving veterans the informa-tion and tools necessary tomake the transition to entre-preneurship.

The distinguished list ofspeakers featured the namesof Roger London, Marissa

Rising entrepreneurialstars spend day of learning,networking conference

see CONFERENCE, page 3

Andrews Gazette2 Friday, November 28, 2014

Andrews Gazette is published by Comprint MilitaryPublications, 9030 Comprint Court, Gaithersburg,Md., a private firm in no way connected with the U.S.Air Force or any branch of the United States military.The appearance of advertising in these publications,

including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsementby the Department of Defense, the Department of the Air Force orthe products and services advertised.

Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available forpurchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion,sex, national origin, age,martial status, physical handicap, political af-filiation or any other nonmerit factor of the purchases, user or patron.

COMPRINT MILITARY PUBLICATIONS

Maxine Minar, presidentmminar@dcmilitary.com

John Rives, publisherjrives@dcmilitary.com

Deirdre Parry, page designdparry@gazette.net

Leslie Smith, editorlsmith@dcmilitary.com

Bobby Jones, photographerbjones@dcmilitary.com

BY MAJ. GEN. DARRYL BURKEAIR FORCE DISTRICT OF WASHINGTON

COMMANDER

Our Airmen are our most valu-able resource. When you aren’table to focus on your mission, youaren’t able to operate at 100 per-cent. I want to help ensure eachand every one of you is able to fo-cus on mission accomplishment.

When you are facing a hurdlethat is distracting you from ac-complishing the mission, and youaren’t able to resolve this throughyour chain of command or otherhelping agency, I want you to cometo me by e-mailing afdw.command-er@mail.mil.

While I encourage you to usethis hotline to bring your ques-tions and concerns to me, I expectyou to follow proper protocol. Ifthere is an organization on basewith manpower dedicated to solv-ing your problem, give them theopportunity to do so. First ser-geants, commanders, and super-visors want to help, so please letthem try.

When I’m working to resolveyour issue, the first question I willask you is if you have attemptedto resolve your problem throughthe proper channels, starting withyour chain of command. If youhave tried and have had no luck,or if you don’t know how to pro-ceed further, I’m here to help youfind resolution.

I will do my best to maintain

your privacy; however, as I’mworking to address your prob-lem or concern I might have toshare information contained inyour email with others. This mayinclude your chain of command;the Inspector General; the DODFraud, Waste, and Abuse Hotline;

Congress; Military Equal Oppor-tunity; civilian personnel; safety;and other such agencies.

You can email me your concernsat afdw.commander@mail.mil.

Let’s work together to makeAir Force District of Washington agreat place to live and work.

CommentaryAFDW/CC establishes hotline

U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO/STAFF SGT. MATTHEW DAVIS

Maj. Gen. Darryl Burke, Air Force District of Washington commander,speaks to members of the AFDW staff during his first commander’s callOct. 24 at Joint Base Andrews. Burke established an email hotline pro-viding away for members of his command to bring him their questionsand concern when they are unable to resolve an issue through normalchannels.

Saturdays and SundaysBumper Cars on IceTucker Road Ice Rink, 1770 Tucker Road, Fort

Washington 20744Solo riders must be ages 6 & up; riders ages 5 &

under must ride with an adult. Last ride begins 10minutes prior to the end of the session. Rides areon a first-come, first-served basis. Fees are basedon 1 person per ride; each ride is 4-5 minutes inlength. For more information call 301-265-1525.

Through January 4Gaylord National’s ICE!A special holiday, interactive 100-acre walk-

through park featuring a winter wonderland cre-ated of 2 million pounds of ice, hand sculpted byinternational artisans. This year’s theme is Frostythe Snowman. Visit www.gaylordnationaltickets.com for more information.

Price and hours vary, with discounts for military.

December 5-7 & December 12-14Noon-5 p.m.15th Annual Gingerbread House Contest &

ShowDarnall’s Chance House Museum, 14800 Gover-

nor Oden Bowie Drive, Upper Marlboro 20772Come view an amazing display of edible ginger-

bread houses. You will have the opportunity to votefor best house in the Viewer’s Choice Award Com-petition.

$1/person; Children 4 & under free.

November 28-January 1Festival of Lights5-9:30 p.m.Watkins Regional Park, 301 Watkins Park Drive

(Route 193), Upper Marlboro, MD 20774Don’t miss this holiday drive-through event fea-

turing more than one million twinkling lights. Thisyear’s Festival features new displays.

December 9Cricket on the Hearth10:15 a.m. and noonPublick Playhouse, 6600 Kenilworth Avenue,

Riverdale, MD 20737This classic story was Charles Dickens’ most

popular holiday tale in 19th century London. The-atre IV’s new musical shows how lucky it is to havea cricket on the hearth watching over things, espe-cially if you’re a poor and kindly toymaker with abeautiful blind daughter, a curmudgeonly boss, anda mysterious stranger as a houseguest. Call 301-699-2255 for more information.

Tickets: $8; $6/groups of 20 or more

Hot ticketsaround town

VA Moves AheadThe Department of Veterans

Affairs (VA) has mailed VeteransChoice Cards to veterans wait-ing more than 30-days from theirpreferred date or the date thatis medically determined by theirphysician for an appointment ata VA facility. The Choice Programis a temporary benefit that allowssome veterans to receive healthcare in their communities ratherthan waiting for a VA appoint-ment or traveling to a VA facility.To improve service delivery, VAhas prioritized efforts to acceler-ate veterans off of wait lists andinto clinics through the Acceler-ated Care Initiative. VA medicalcenters have 1.2 million moreappointments in the past fourmonths than in the same periodlast year. VA is America’s larg-est integrated health care systemwith 1,700 sites of care, servingapproximately 9 million en rolledveterans. For more informationabout the Choice Program, call 1-866 606-8198 or visit www.va.gov/opa/choice/act.

Flying Tigers HonoredThree of the original Flying Ti-

gers from World War II recentlygot together at Moody AFB, Ga.Don Miller, Frank Epperson, andJ.M. Taylor highlighted an annualgathering to celebrate their heri-tage. The trio flew P-40s and P-51s in China during World War II.Moody’s 23rd Fighter Group tracesits roots to the 23rd Pursuit Group(Interceptor), constituted Dec. 17,1941, at Langley Field, Va. ClaireL. Chennault was recalled to ac-tive duty as a brigadier generalTO command the China Air TaskForce (later to become 14th AirForce). The 23rd FG, a componentof the CATF, was assigned threesquadrons – the 74th, 75th, and76th – today based at Moody AFB.The group’s aircraft have evolvedfrom the P-40 Warhawk, whichlacked gun sights or bomb racks,to the current A-10C ThunderboltII. The nickname, “Flying Tigers,”evolved from shark teeth paintedon the P-40s, thought to intimi-date enemies. The teeth are usedon today’s A-10s.

Food Bank HelpThe Defense Commissary

Agency has established a formalprocess covering diversion of un-sellable but edible food to localfood banks. The program involves110 stateside commissaries thatdivert qualifying food to 77 foodbanks approved by the DefenseDepartment. During fiscal year2013, DeCA donated 638,582pounds of food. More than onemillion pounds were delivered bymid FY14. The system differs fromthe annual Feds Feed Familiescampaign, which takes place Junethrough August. With Feds FeedFamilies, commissaries serve ascollection points for their installa-tions, and all donations come fromDeCA customers.

The Retiree Activities Office isopen 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Mondaythrough Friday. Visit the officein Building 1604 at Californiaand Colorado Avenues or call 301981-2726. Call before your visit toensure a volunteer is on duty. TheRAO has a website at www.an-drews.af.mil.

Retiree Corner

Andrews GazetteFriday, November 28, 2014 3

Levin, Liz Sara, Kim Walsh-Philips, Craig Cummings,Kaihan Krippendorff andScott Duffy. The speakers eachshared their expertise in thefields of business strategy, so-cial media marketing, sales, in-sights into angel investing andfinding venture capital.

During the “Startup to Sale”session the success story RideScout, a ride aggregator app,shared their journey from con-cept to acquisition by Daimler.

“We want to encourage vet-erans to participate in thatdream of business ownership,”said Craig Cummings, ChiefStrategy Officer of Ride Scout.

The group shared their in-sights to overcoming obstaclesto success, as well as sharedstories of stumbling over thoseobstacles and recognizing howtheir military service experi-

ence helped them not only suc-ceed but exceed the goal.

“But the good thing is vet-erans are used to working inan environment of uncertain-ty it’s just this environment… when I was active duty Iwouldn’t want to be told howto take the hill I just wantedto be told to take that hill andI would figure it out…I thinkEntrepreneurship is a lot likethat – you know what needs tobe done and we’re going to fig-ure it out. We’re going to haveto try a lot of different things;we’ll develop a plan and we’llmove it out,” said John Gos-sart, Vice-president of Devel-opment for Ride Scout.

One of the much anticipat-ed highlights included a pitchsession similar to the popularShark Tank show on ABC.

Toting innovative ideas invaried industries from tech-nology to services, coffee tokitchen counters, each partici-

pant took the moment to im-part their passion and beliefin their product in front of apanel of five entrepreneurialleaders. With varied ideas andexperience, each participantnot only was able to share theirideas but received advice fromeach expert.

The participants benefitedfrom professional coaching for

the pitch with a “pitch scrub” byJill Carrie, founder of CO3 Busi-ness Design. “We just continuedto refine their pitch, figured outwhat parts were missing. Wewanted to ensure it all madesense when they presented it.”Carrie’s company has workedwith several incubator pro-grams around the city helpingstartups to grow and evolve.

During the event, Lex Mc-Cusker, Director of the GWBusiness Plan Competition,made the announcement ofa special grant set aside forVeteran entrepreneurs. This$5,000 grant will be awardedto the group where the princi-pals are veterans or the idea isa service for veterans.

“There are a lot of veteranson campus and we wanted togive support to them in becom-ing entrepreneurs,” McCuskersaid. For more information,interested budding entrepre-neurs can visit bizplan.gwu.edu

Semper Startup is the cre-ation of the organization Mis-sion Entrepreneur, founded byMichael Beirne. This organiza-tion was created to inspire, en-courage and support veteranentrepreneurship and veteran-owned business.

The next conference isscheduled for February.

PHOTO/BOBBY JONES

A VETREPRENEUR Shark Tank panel member, Kaihan Krippen-dorff asks questions of a military entrepreneur, with Kim Walsh-Philips and Scott Duffy and Michael Beirne.

CONFERENCE, from page 1

BY BOBBY JONESSTAFF PHOTOJOURNALIST

The West Fitness Center(WFC) has a crew of fitnessexperts who provide a bevy offitness programs to elevate thefitness regimens of militaryand civilian customers alike onJoint Base Andrews.

Tanya Sites, a recreation as-sistant at the WFC and SheaColeman, a workout friend,take physical fitness serious,striving to elevate their fitnesslevel by participating in dailyworkouts and entering variousfitness competitions.

They both recently teamedup to compete in their firsthigh-level, fitness competitionat a Cross Fit Club in Chan-tilly, Va., to see how their train-ing stacked up against moreadvanced athletes. The novicecompetitors were both pleasedto take 6th place out of 14teams.

“For our first major compe-tition I was really surprisedwhere we placed,” said Cole-man. “We just missed by threepoints of placing in the top five,which meant that we wouldhave gone to the final workoutand been in those top five teamscompeting for first place.” Cole-man explained “one of thosegirls had been competing forsome time, so I was happy withmyself – with us – just jumpinginto it for the first time.”

Coleman noted she had com-peted in another fitness compe-tition leading up to their recentevent. “I participated in an in-dividual Cross Fit competitionin Baltimore, called the ‘CharmCity Throw Down’ in August.It was more of a scaled-downevent that involved using light-er weights,” said Coleman. She

added, “There are typicallydifferent divisions like the Rxdivision where you lift heavierweights.”

In the Cross Fit world Rxmeans: as prescribed and youcomplete the workout as writ-ten, with no scaling or modifi-cations, with full range of mo-tion. Additionally, a participantmust perform their movementsaccording to the standards andearn a (Rx) prescribed status of100 percent.

According to Tanya, the Rxdivision prescribed weight-liftcapacity is 95 pounds, as op-posed to the 65 pounds of thescaled-down lift division. “Theweights were a little heavier

and the workouts were a littleharder,” said Sites. “During theevent most of the exercise com-petition follows a specific timeframe, and you try to get asmany repetitions as fast as youcan with the different exercisesthat they come up with.”

Sites noted during the in-tense competition, the firstexercise had an 8-minute timecap, which included three deadlifts at 185-pounds, six lateralBurpees, nine box jumps, and12 toe-to-bar on the pull uprig. “We had a game plan goinginto this competition. Shea didthe dead lifts and we split upthe Burpees and then I did thebox jumps and we split up the

toe-to-bar exercise to try andgive us a little rest in between.The second event was the maxthruster, an exercise where yousquat with an Olympic barbelland press it over your head,”said Sites. “That was a littlechallenging, because you haveto find your max in those sevenminutes.” Sites further notedher team was able to max out at145 pounds, which was compet-itive, “because I think the bestthat any of those girls out theregot was 155-pounds. So we werepretty close in the competition.

Sites explained they camein second place, with also an8-minute time cap in the lastevent. “We had to do a 70-calo-rie row, 50 overhead squats and30 chest-to-bar pull-ups, whichis what I struggled with … SoShea stepped in and knockedout pretty much all of the chest-to-bar pull ups.”

Throughout their workoutsessions, the women receivedencouragement from everyoneto go to more advanced events.“They said your level of fitnessis ready for the more advancedathletes,” said Sites. “It mightbe your first competition but, inno way are you a beginner.”

“We just wanted to chal-lenge ourselves. We’ve alsobeen thinking about doing thefour-man events with two wom-en and two men in the future,”Sites said.

The family pride was ap-parent as Joseph Sites, a re-tired Air Force First Sergeant,bragged on the accomplishmentof his daughter, Tanya, and herfriend.

“They could have entered asbeginners or intermediate, butthey went all out and competedat the hardest level,” said Jo-seph Sites. “They didn’t take

the easy route and it was prettyintense watching them.”

Joseph Sites added, “I knowthey will continue to competeand win.”

In the meanwhile, the CrossFit enthusiasts are tryingto make physical gains untiltheir next competition. “Rightnow we’re just setting goalsand milestones and differentbenchmarks,” said Coleman.“Our short term goal is maybeat our next competition to getin that top three or even firstplace as a dual team in localevents around here. Maybelater we can make a long termgoal of getting into the regionalor mid-Atlantic events.”

“I like the whole team aspectof it,” said Tanya Sites. “It’snice to do these local competi-tions to see where you stackup against, or rank with, themore advanced people wholike to exercise just like us. Ithink it’s more competitive togo that way... Like when I wentto Shea’s competition in thescale division and she got firstplace. She blew them all out. Ithink working toward these lo-cal events and comparing our-selves to other athletes to seewhere we stand is good. Doinga different workout everydaykeeps me interested and moti-vated to reach higher goals.”

“After every workout I kindof feel exhausted. In the begin-ning it felt like ugh, I could nev-er do that. And then after a fewweeks, I saw results. I droppedweight, picked up muscle defi-nition quickly and it was morethan anything I had seen dur-ing my years of working out,even being in the military,” saidColeman, a former Air Forcemember. “I feel like this style ofworkout definitely pays off.”

Fitness competition spurs fitness dreams of JBA members

PHOTO/BOBBY JONES

Shea Coleman, a former Air Force member performs a head-to-toe exercise as part of the teams’ training regimen.

Andrews Gazette4 Friday, November 28, 2014

AFDW AIRMEN PACK 18TH SHIPMENT OF HOLIDAY CHEER

U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO/CHIEF MASTER SGT. HENRY HAYES, JR.

Members of the Air Force District of Washington pose for a photo during the unit’s holiday care package packing event.

U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO/MASTER SGT. TAMMIE MOORE

Lt. Col. Michelle Barker and Senior Airman KrystalElmore show off stockings they stuffed for care pack-ages being sent to Airmen deployed from the AirForce District of Washington and those adopted bythe command during a care package packing event.

U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO/MASTER SGT. TAMMIE MOORE

Annette Bonaro explains the meaning behind theassembly of care packages for Airmen deployedfrom the Air Force District of Washington at JointBase Andrews. This year’s holiday packages werepacked in the memory of Senior Airman DanielJames Johnson, an explosive ordnance disposaltechnician, who was killed in Afghanistan by animprovised explosive device in 2010. Bonaro is theAFDW unit deployment manager.

U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO/MASTER SGT. TAMMIE MOORE

Airmen from the Air Force District of Washington rec-ognize the role Maggie Landeck played in helping toensure the shipment of care packages from the com-mand was successful at Joint Base Andrews, Nov.17.

BY CHIEF MASTER SERGEANTVANCE C. KONDON

11TH WING AND JOINT BASE ANDREWSCOMMAND CHIEF

Starting Nov. 17 at 7 a.m., after thesounding of Reveille, you may have no-ticed another bugle call. This may not befamiliar to those who have been assignedto Joint Base Andrews for a while.

That bugle call is named “To the Col-ors,” and is sounded to pay honors to ournation, flag and service members whoserved before us in similar fashion to thenational anthem.

I am sure that many people attendedVeterans Day events last week, and real-ized it is important to remember the sac-rifices our men and women have made.. Itis also important to preserve and perpet-

uate our traditions through the render-ing of proper customs and courtesies withceremonies such as reveille and retreat.

Here is reveille and retreat informa-tion to keep in mind, as well as customsand courtesies to apply on JBA:

- Reveille, which signals the begin-ning of the duty day, is played on baseat 7 a.m., Monday through Friday, and isfollowed immediately by the playing of“To the Colors.”

- Retreat signals the end of the dutyday and is played on base at 5 p.m., Mon-day through Friday, immediately fol-lowed by the national anthem.

- As reveille or retreat is sounded, per-sonnel outdoors should stop what theyare doing and face the sound of the mu-sic or a visible U.S. flag. Service membersstand at the position of parade rest dur-ing these bugle calls.

- On the first note of, “To the Colors,” orthe national anthem, civilians and mili-tary personnel in civilian attire shouldplace their right hands over their heart.Military members in uniform shouldcome to attention and render a proper

salute until the last note of the musichas played.

o This also applies to personnel con-ducting physical training, individually orin a group, outdoors. While in the physi-cal training uniform, military membersshould come to attention and renderinga salute.

o Members conducting an official, notmock, physical fitness test may continuewith the portion of the test they are com-pleting.

o If individuals are driving on basewhen reveille or retreat begins playing,they should pull over to the side of theroad and sit quietly until all music hasfinished playing.

The final bugle call, “Taps,” is playedat 9 p.m., Monday through Friday. Tapsis normally played to honor service mem-bers who have given the ultimate sacri-fice, however, is it also played to signifythe beginning of quiet hours on the in-stallation. As such, individuals do notneed to render customs and courtesiesusually associated with the playing of“Taps.”

Showing respect “To the Colors”

1042930

Dr. Alan Michaels - Dr. Sam Hamam - Dr. Jared Lamb - Dr. Norman Wang

9015 Woodyard Road • Suite 104 • Clinton, MD 20735

Implants & Dentures • Braces For Children & Adults • Invisalign (Invisible Braces)Digital X-Rays • Emergencies • Teeth Whitening • White Fillings • Root Canal Treatment

www.ClintonFamilyDental.com

Most major insurances accepted

Serving The Communityfor 35 years!

OpenSaturdays

®

Andrews GazetteFriday, November 28, 2014 5

AFDW/CC VISITS 779TH MDW

U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO/STAFF SGT. MATT DAVIS

1st. Lt. Justin Hannaford, 79th MDW Aerospace and Operational Training Flight,briefs Major General Darryl Burke, Air Force District of Washington commander,at Malcom GrowMedical Center Nov. 18 on Joint Base Andrews. Burke visitedmedical facilities and met staff during his 779th Medical Group immersion tour.

joying this class.”“I wanted to be able to give some-

thing back to the military communityand their families,” said Harris, a dis-abled veteran with 20 years of activeduty service in the Air Force, and 10years of reserve service with the Na-tional Guard Bureau as a Counter Drugtraining superintendent.

Now married with three children,Harris admitted as a youngster, shedidn’t present very well. “I was 5’7”,awkward and would slouch my shoul-ders forward,” said Harris. “My grand-mother was 5’10” and dressed very el-egant. She was very graceful to be inher 90s. She would always say to me,there’s nothing there on the ground foryou. You should always walk with yourhead high.”

Harris also learned the meaningof respect from her mother, a retiredschool teacher and her father a soldierassigned to the Army’s 101st AirborneDivision in Ft. Benning, Ga. “My moth-er would always encourage me to go toschool with my shoulders straight andcarry myself in a respectful manner.”

At age 11, her mother gave her theopportunity to attend the Wendy WardCharm School for teenage girls, held ata Montgomery Ward Department Storein Dothan, Ala.

There she learned how to manicureher nails, walk and sit with good pos-ture, how to set a proper table and con-verse with others. “I had to learn how towalk with a book on my head during thesix-week charm and etiquette school. Itreally helped my posture.”

Harris also enjoyed a short modelingcareer as a young adult. “In 1984, I gotmy big break in modeling when I sent mypackage into Essence Magazine and OlaHudson, the mother of Slash, lead guitarplayer of the famed rock group ‘Guns andRoses.’ She was a pretty famous designerduring that time who took an interest in

me,” said Harris, then 22-years-old. “Sheliked my photos and she took me to theCoconut Grove restaurant and intro-duced me to people.”

A few years later, Harris left herhometown and joined the Air Force tomake a career for herself and learnedthat discipline, respect and groomingwere an intricate part of the militaryculture as well.

Now after 30 years of military ser-vice, Harris is intent on sharing thoseskills and disciplines, she learned thatmake her successful, with children. Shestarted her business in 2010, soon aftershe retired from the Air Force.

“Good manners have been with meall my life as far as being able to pres-ent myself. I knew all the time that Ispent in the military, gaining all theknowledge and experience would be

something that I could bring back andhelp children,” said Harris, a retired Se-nior Master Sgt.

Harris stressed the importance ofmaking a good first impression. “It’snot fair, but society makes a judgmentbased on the first time they see you.You don’t get a second chance. I get ajoy out of watching kids blossom andbuild confidence as they go through myprogram. When I get a call from a childand they tell me how well they’re doingit brings joy to my heart, because I feelthat I’m changing lives one communityat a time.”

Throughout her life, Harris hasworked hard and made good first im-pressions. She has earned AssociateDegrees in Information Managementand Education and Training from theCommunity College of the Air Force, a

Bachelors’ Degree in Human Resourcesfrom St. Leo University and is currentlyworking towards her graduate degreein Project Management from the Uni-versity of Maryland University College.

Harris also sponsors a free EtiquetteBoot Camp, which culminates into aFashion Week, back in her hometownof Dothan, Ala. “After three weeks oftraining, the kids from the boot campshowcase what they learned to theirparents during the fashion week event,”said Harris. “My motto is, ‘Etiquette ishaving knowledge about the right be-haviors so you’re confident in all situ-ations and able to carry yourself withstyle and grace.’ ”

Harris has other plans to help fellowveterans and civilians in other ways.“I’m waiting on my 501-3c tax code tocome through so I can start my SingleParents In Need Nationally Inc.”

Harris noted the national non-profitorganization will help single parentsregardless of their income. “God put iton my heart to do this. I have variousorganizations lined up, ready and will-ing to donate to the cause. I will be ableto bless so many parents,” said Harris.“It’s my passion.”

Harris added, “The mission of theorganization is to support the need ofparents in the armed forces and honor-ably discharged veterans, civilians andtheir children who are raising theirfamilies alone due to death, divorce orother situations. We will assist themin obtaining financial support for theirchild care needs, education training, ac-tivities that stimulate cognitive growth,legal assistance pertaining to any cus-tody issues while military personnel aredeployed, financial counseling, media-tion services and employment outreachwhile transitioning from active duty tocivilian programs.”

In conclusion, Harris noted, “At theend of the day, it’s not about how bigyour car is or how nice a home you livein; for me, it’s about changing lives– even if it’s two or three children, itmeans a lot.”

PHOTO/BOBBY JONES

Retired Senior Master Sgt. Vanessa Riley Harris goes over a lesson plan during acharm and etiquette class held the Andrews Youth Center Nov. 13. The founder ofLadivee’s Etiquette and Consulting Inc., Harris taught three different age groupsof youth ages ranging from 5- 18. The areas included: How to introduce yourself,the importance of the smile, the importance of eye contact and a firm handshake,proper telephone etiquette, job interview etiquette, and table settings.

VETERAN, from page 1

1050203

Andrews Gazette6 Friday, November 28, 2014

U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTOS/TECH. SGT. BRIAN FERGUSON

Air Force wounded, ill or injured warriors practice at the Joint Base Andrews West Fitness Cen-ter, Nov. 18, for an upcoming Pentagon Sitting Volleyball Tournament. The one-day tournament isdesigned to bring awareness to the challenges of the wounded, ill or injured population.

Kai, a service dog, lays on the lap of Staff Sgt. August O’Niell dur-ing an Air Force wounded, ill or injured warrior sitting volleyballpractice at the Joint Base Andrews West Fitness Center, Nov. 18.O’Niell, a pararescueman, was wounded in July 2011 during adeployment to Afghanistan.

Oct. 17. “I’ll take the little bit ofphantom pain now versus thepain I was living with everysingle day.”

Now, a veteran of adaptivesports, and a winner of fivegold medals at the 2014 War-rior games held in ColoradoSprings, Colorado. O’Niell usesAFW2 as motivation during hisjourney to rejoin his Air ForceSpecial Operations brethren.

“If you can see others pushthrough their pain and mobil-ity issues and still get out here

to play and come together as ateam, it’s very motivational,”he said. “Mentally, it keeps youhappy.”

By using programs offeredby the Air Force and utilizingthe support of his family andfriends O’Niell has kept a posi-tive attitude.

“The beginning of the yearwas pretty hard for me,” hesaid. “But, after I got some helpwith that, I started to realizethat you can’t fight every battleat the same time.”

For more information onAFW2, visit www.wounded-warrior.af.mil.

RECOVERY, from page 1

1042931

Andrews GazetteFriday, November 28, 2014 7

Andrews Gazette8 Friday, November 28, 2014