See “From the CO” on page 3.

By Donna CipolloniTester staff writer

The violent thunderstormthat blew through St. Mary’sCounty during rush hourlast week showed the prob-lems and damage that even ashort-lived storm can cause.With hurricane season uponus, it benefits all of us to pre-pare for much worse.

Naval Air Station Patux-ent River recently put itshurricane preparednessto the test by participatingin HURREX/Citadel Gale2013, an annual two-weekjoint exercise between U.S.Fleet Forces Command andCommander, Naval Installa-tions Command. The exer-cise tested the installation’sheavy weather preparations,emergency communicationssystems, equipment, direc-tives, and procedures in re-sponse to a fictitious hurri-cane, Zhina, as it progressedfrom a tropical storm and

eventually slammed into PaxRiver’s shoreline.

“We exercised from a re-sponse standpoint and cre-ated a scenario that causeda fuel leak into one of theinstallation’s ponds, whichwould eventually make itsway into the [Chesapeake]Bay” said Jerome Ray, emer-gencymanager. “That wouldbe a huge environmentalconcern if that was to hap-pen, so the exercise involvedhow we respond, containand recover. It showed thatwe have good plans in place;that we’re able to respondto that type of situation andkeep it in control.”

Since arriving at Pax Riverin 2009, Ray said the biggestchange he has seen in stormpreparedness is the will-ingness in installation per-sonnel and military/familymembers to sign on to theAtHoc network to ensurethat they get the most up-dated information.

But besides keeping your-self informed of approach-ing and potentially danger-

ous bad weather, are youand your family physicallyprepared to handle the un-expected damages or majorinconveniences that mightoccur at home?

Back in May 2009, Mar-keting Director ValerieDoster, with Morale, Wel-fare and Recreation, was

busy with preparationsfor the upcoming PatuxentRiver Air Expo and neveranticipated the havoc Hur-ricane Irene would wreak onher home life.

“Our electric went outduring the storm and ourbackup sump pump failed,leaving my finished base-

ment under four inches ofwater,” she said. “Our elec-tricity stayed out for fourdays and we didn’t have agenerator.”

Fortunately for Doster,a neighbor with a genera-tor came to their assistanceand ran a 500-foot extensioncord between the houses,

Pax People:Josh EcklerPage 2

Navy HospitalCorps BirthdayPage 5

Get to KnowAir 4.0Pages 8 & 9

VOLUME 70, NUMBER 24 Celebrating 70 years of community partnership June 20, 2013

NAVAL AIR STATION PATUXENT RIVER, MARYLAND

On June 3, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (AW/NAC) Michael D.Stevens surveyed the natural disaster area in Moore, Okla., during a visitwith Sailors and their families. Rebuilding was under way following acategory EF5 tornado that struck May 20 when another severe storm hitthe area May 31.

Pax River is ready for hurricane season; are you?Ready Navy is a usefulpreparedness program

Commissarypromotions helppatrons preparefor severe weatherTo help customers preparefor severe storms, torna-dos, hurricanes, floodingand the damage they andother natural disastersmay cause, the DefenseCommissary Agency andits industry partners areoffering survival kit itemsat lower prices. Every yearfrom April 1 through Oct. 31,items such as flashlights,an assortment of batteries,canned tuna, shelf-stablemilk, first-aid kits, bottledwater, charcoal, cannedsoup and more are sold atreduced prices as part ofDeCA’s severe weather pro-motional package. The pro-motion coincides with theU.S. hurricane and tornadoseasons. The Atlantic hur-ricane season runs throughNov. 30, and forecastersare predicting another busyseason. They are expecting18 tropical storms, nine ofwhich will become namedhurricanes. The Moore,Okla., tornado is a starkreminder of the unexpecteddamage tornadoes cause.

See Hurricane, Page 13

By Connie HempelNAS Patuxent RiverPublic Affairs

Base decals will becomea thing of the past beginningJuly 1, when they will nolonger be required to enterNavy installations, includ-ing Naval Air Station Patux-ent River.

This change not onlyputs the Navy in line withits sister services’ base ac-cess policies, it also resultsin cost savings, a reductionin administrative tasks andimproved security.

Lt. Troy Niccum, NASPatuxent River security of-ficer, said people on theinstallation can expect tosee increased random anti-terrorism vehicle checks,which will include verifyinga person’s credentials, ve-

hicle registration, proof ofinsurance, and, for motor-cycle operators, his or hermotorcycle safety coursecertificate.

“People should havethese items up to dateand readily available atall times,” he said. “Eventhough we will no longeruse the decals, vehiclesdriven on base still need tobe properly registered in ac-cordance with local laws.”

In addition to the ran-dom checks, law enforce-ment may also conductcommand-authorized ad-ministrative checks, similarto Driving-Under-the-Influ-ence checks, which will alsoverify these items.

Doing away with the de-cals eliminates the dupli-cated effort motorists ex-perienced when they com-pleted both state registra-

tion requirements and theNavy’s security departmentrequirements for the vehicledecal or pass.

The vehicle decals wereoriginally used to ensure ve-hicles on Navy installationscomplied with state require-ments for vehicle registra-tion and insurance, Niccumsaid. Through the years,however, state programshave become more efficientand uniform, eliminatingthe main reason for vehicledecals.

Gate sentries will con-tinue checking IDs for eachperson entering the installa-tion, Niccum said.

“The only real differ-ence this change will causeis not having to stop to get avehicle pass or a base decalas long as you have creden-tials,” he said.

For example, rental ve-

hicles will be consideredprivately-owned vehiclesand the driver will only needhis or her CAC or dependentID card to gain access. Thevehicle rental contract willsuffice as proper licensing,registration and proof of in-surance for base access.

Contractors and visitorscoming on base who do nothave a valid CAC must stillstop at the Pass and ID Of-fice to get a pass.

Niccum said there areroughly 2,000 Pass and IDcustomers each week withmore than 42 percent re-quiring a vehicle decal or avehicle pass.

“We are still crunchingthe numbers, but we expectto see a significant cost sav-ings in manpower and sup-plies when the requirementchanges,” he said.

U.S. Navy photo by Annalise Kenney

Tontanisha Fountain, security assistant at the Na-val Air Station Patuxent River Pass and ID Office,issues a vehicle decal. These decals will no lon-ger be required beginning next month, eliminat-ing nearly 42 percent of the visitors in the Passand ID offices.

July 1 marks the end of base access decals

By Donna CipolloniTester staff writer

Most people would shyaway from registering foran event at a website titled“youmaydie.com,” butthat’s exactly the type ofevent that attracts Josh Eck-ler.

“I was living here nearlytwo years without my wifeand kids and I needed to killtime,” said Eckler, Tritontest director who arrived atNaval Air Station PatuxentRiver four years ago. “Myfamily was seven hoursaway and I had nothing todo in the evenings. I startedout mountain biking andrunning. Progressively, I didharder and harder stuff.”

Having participated inultra marathons of 50 and100 miles, Eckler movedon to more extreme eventssuch as the GORUCK Chal-lenge, which is describedon its website as a slice ofSpecial Operations training;and Tough Mudder, a hard-core 10- to 12-mile obstaclecourse designed to “testyour all-around strength,stamina, mental grit and ca-maraderie,” according to itswebsite.

But perhaps the toughestchallenge of all comes June21 when Eckler competes forthe second time in the ultra-endurance event known asthe Spartan Death Race, anevent “built to break theweak of body and mind.”

In its eighth year, Spar-

tan Death Race is a hurdleand challenge-driven racethat requires competitors tocomplete a series of 15 to 20grueling mental and physi-cal challenges throughouta 40-mile course that runsthrough the Vermont Woodsover a time period spanning48 hours or more.

If you think thingscouldn’t be any worse thanthat — Death Racers haveno idea what to expect nextas the course map and list ofchallenges are kept secret.Part of their mental endur-ance is being able to musterthe fortitude to push for-ward without knowing thedistance to the end of theirsuffering.

“Last year we did thingslike split firewood, load andunload hay bales, and carrya bucket of rocks,” Ecklersaid. “One challenge, some-where beyond the 40-hourmark, was carrying a heavystump up a steep 1-milehill with a sheet of whitepaper attached to it that wecouldn’t get dirty, wrinkledor wet. At the top, we readinstructions on how to makea paper crane and then wehad to carry the stump backdown and make the cranewith the paper, trying to re-member the instructions.”

Throughout the ordeal,racers hit checkpointswhere volunteers will radioto headquarters about whatthey’ve completed and theircurrent location.

“If there are people tak-ing too long in between

checkpoints, they’ll sendsomeone out on a four-wheeler to check on them,”Eckler said. “No one hasdied yet.”

Race organizers offermedical attention but nofood or water. Racers mustsupply their own nourish-ment and anticipate theirown needs. Forget sunblock,insect repellant and Band-Aids — Eckler favors ducttape.

“I used a new backpacklast year and didn’t prac-tice enough with it,” he said.“About 24 hours into therace, I had to wrap my entirelower back with duct tapedue to blistering. I’ll use it

on my feet too. It gives im-mediate relief.”

If you’re wondering whatthat does to bare skin whenit’s removed, Eckler shrugs itoff by saying, “You’re in badshape at the end of the raceanyway, what’s a little moreduct tape damage?”

In the woods in darknessand light, Eckler said youcan travel for hours withoutseeing anyone else.

“You experience highsand lows during the event,”he said. “When you’re sleepdeprived, you start seeingthings. Daybreak is alwaysgood and you’ll experiencebursts of energy that get yougoing; but that second night

— when you’re putting thelamp back on after 20 hoursand are about to go backinto darkness — that’s akind of mental scariness thatyou have to push through.”

Eckler made it to the 53-hour mark before quittinglast year, learning later thathe had just one more chal-lenge to go before finishing.Only 15 percent of thosewho enter, finish.

“I was sick to my stomachby then and I was watchingother guys dropping out,”he said. “The challenge wasrolling up and down a hillfor three miles. I was in sixthplace at the time and I wascontent, so I quit. But now

I know I should’ve done it.”As if repeating Spartan

Death Race isn’t enoughpunishment, Eckler will joinfriends David Kim, ConorJoyce and Mike Knaisch forTeam Death Race this Sep-tember.

Besides the personal sat-isfaction of participating insomething most people willnever experience, Ecklersees a practical side to hisultra endurance events.

“I can apply it to any-thing in life,” he said. “WhenI’m at work, why get stressedout? Stay calm, think it out.What you think is hard, isn’t.I’ve come to realize I can getthrough anything.”

2 Thursday, June 20, 2013Tester

Courtesy Photo

Triton Test Director Josh Eckler, from Naval Air Station Patuxent River, hoists a log atop his shouldersduring a GORUCK endurance event last year in New York City’s Central Park. He and other partici-pants were required to carry the heavy log throughout Times Square as one of the event’s challenges.

Pax People: Josh EcklerPushing his mindand body to the limit

Frocked Naval HealthClinic Patuxent RiverSailors, from left, Hos-pital Corpsman 3rdClass Asare Baffour,Hospital Corpsman 3rdClass Daniel Frank,Hospital Corpsman3rd Class Brock Booth,Hospital Corpsman 3rdClass Steve Fugate,Hospital Corpsman 3rdClass Brandon Silviaand Aviation Boat-swain’s Mate Handling2nd Class EdwardGardner.

Check next week’sTester for naval airstation PO frockees.

New third, second class POs at Naval Health Clinic

U.S. Navy photo by Personnel Specialist 2nd Class Jheyson Giraldo

By Jamie CosgrovePublic Affairs Officer,Unmanned Aviationand Strike Weapons

The RQ-21A Small Tacti-cal Unmanned Aircraft Sys-tem (STUAS) completed itsfirst East Coast flight fromWebster Field Annex onJune 12, marking the start ofthe next phase of test for theprogram.

A team from the Navyand Marine Corps STUASprogram office (PMA-263),the UAS Test Directorate atWebster and industry part-ner Insitu, Inc., are con-ducting flight operations atWebster, NAS Patuxent Riv-er’s outlying field, in prepa-ration for Integrated Opera-tional Test and Evaluation(IOT&E) in the fall.

During the June 12 flight,Insitu operators launchedthe unmanned aircraft us-ing a pneumatic launcher,eliminating the need for arunway. The RQ-21A wasrecovered after a 1.8 hourflight, using a company-built system known as theSTUAS Recovery System(SRS). The system enablesa safe recovery and expedi-tionary capability for tacti-cal UAS on land or at sea.

“This test period bringsus closer to providing ourwarfighter with a uniquecapability — an indigenousUAS capable of operationsfrom both land and sea,”said U.S. Marine Corps Col.Jim Rector, PMA-263 pro-gram manager. “The ex-peditionary nature of theRQ-21A makes it possible to

deploy a multi-intelligencecapable UAS with minimalfootprint.”

The current phase oftesting is intended to vali-date updates that have beenmade to the system in thepast several months, whichinclude software, fuselageand camera enhancements.The conditions at WebsterField also allow the team totest aircraft performancepoints at lower density alti-tudes, said Greg Oliver, theprogram’s lead test engi-neer.

In 2012, the small un-

manned aircraft completedland-based testing in ChinaLake, Calif., and began ship-based developmental testsaboard USS Mesa Verde(LPD 19) in February. Afterthis test phase is complete,the team will transport thesystem, which includes aground control station andthree air vehicles, back toNorfolk, Va., to embark LPD19 for shipboard flight test-ing in July.

IOT&E will begin in Oc-tober at Marine Air GroundTask Force Training Com-mand (MCAGCC) Twen-

tynine Palms, Calif. Ship-based IOT&E is scheduledfor December in prepara-tion for the system’s initialdeployment in 2014.

The RQ-21A platform isdesigned to fill a need forthe Marine ExpeditionaryForces, Navy L-Class ships,and Naval Special Warfare(NSW) Units. When de-ployed, it will provide a 24/7maritime and land-basedtactical reconnaissance,surveillance, and target ac-quisition data collection anddissemination capabilitiesto the warfighter.

Thursday, June 20, 2013 3Tester

U.S. Navy photo

The Navy and Marine Corps RQ-21A Small Tactical Unmanned AircraftSystem (STUAS) takes its first flight from Webster Field Annex, an outlyingfield to Naval Air Station Patuxent River, June 12. A team from the Navy andMarine Corps STUAS program office (PMA-263) at Pax River and Insitu areconducting flight operations at Webster in preparation for Integrated Opera-tional Test and Evaluation (IOT&E) in the fall.

First East Coast flight

Off base:Foreclosure HOPE

The Maryland Department of Housing and CommunityDevelopment offers resources and programs to help home-owners with foreclosure prevention through the HomeOwners Preserving Equity (HOPE) campaign. The HOPEcounseling network helps homeowners understand theirrealistic options and services provided are at no cost to thehomeowner. Call the Maryland HOPE Hotline at 877-462-7555 or visit www.MDHOPE.org.

On base:Naval Health Clinic Closed three hours June 28

NHC Patuxent River will be closed on Friday, 28 Junefrom 1-4 p.m. for a mandatory Sexual Assault Preventiontraining stand-down. If you needmedical assistance, pleasecall 301-342-1506.

Juneteenth CelebrationMonday, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.Frank Knox Building, building 2189, room 120African-American Pipelines Advisory Team lunch and

learn invites all federal employees to its “Celebration of Ju-neteenth: Reflecting on the Past, Rejoicing in the Present,Preparing for the Future.” Guest speaker Command MasterChief Leon Thompson will acknowledge a period in U.S.

history that shaped and continues to influence our societyand the lives of individuals today. Register at www.events-bot.com/events/eb764743803. For more information onJuneteenth, visit http://www.juneteenth.com.

Farmers Market at CommissaryFriday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.Fresh produce in a farmers market atmosphere will be

available in front of the Patuxent River Commissary.

PMA-205 change of command ceremonyJune 27, 3 p.m.1st Floor Atrium, Rear Adm. William A. Moffett Building

Capt. John Feeney, program manager for the Naval Avia-tion Training Systems ProgramOffice (PMA-205), will be re-lieved by Capt. Craig Dorrans during a change of commandceremony. All are invited to attend.

Call for Research VolunteersThe Environmental Physiology/Human Performance

Lab is recruiting healthy, non-smoking physically fit mili-tary or DOD civilians for various Naval Air Systems Com-mand studies: exercise hypoxia, body core temperature andcold inhalation. Volunteers must be between ages 18 and40 for the body core temperature study, and between ages18 and 50 for the others. For more information about theresearch projects or to volunteer, call the program coordi-nators at 301-342-8884/8881/8873.

Sequestration Services ImpactBeginning July 8;The following services will be altered beginning July 8

and running through Sept. 30, unless otherwise noted.Commissary: Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.Drill Hall Indoor Pool: Closed when Outdoor Pool is

open. Indoor Pool reopens Sept. 3.Gate 1 Pass Office: Closed until further notice.Personnel Support Activity services: Open from 7:30 a.m. to

4 p.m. weekdays. CAC/ID card service hours will not change.Personal Property: Open Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. to

3:30 p.m.; hours on Wednesday are 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.due to training.

Commissary Online SurveyUntil Aug. 1Whether you shop at your local commissary or not, the

commissary wants to hear from you. Take the online surveyat www.commissaries.com, click on the “take our survey”link, or access the survey directly at https://www.survey-monkey.com/s/DeCA-Shopping-Survey. The survey takesonly 8-12 minutes to complete.

Where’s Gnorman?Somewhere in this issue we’ve hidden Gnorman the

gnome. Be the first to call in his location and receive oneCenter Stage Theater movie ticket; good for any CenterStage movie. The same person cannot win more than oncein a four week period. Last week’s winner was Donna Hen-ley. Calls are only accepted between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.Fridays. Call the Tester staff at 301-342-4163.

News Briefs

By Capt. Ben ShevchukNAS Patuxent River Commanding Officer

On Thursday, June 13, NASPatuxent River encountered abrief but severe weather eventthat necessitated quick actionby our Emergency Manage-ment (EM) professionals.

As the Tornado Warningbecame localized within St.Mary’sCounty,EMstaffbroad-casted “Giant Voice” warningsto our workforce that haven’tbeen heard in some time.“Take Shelter!” The Emergen-cyManagementOfficer (EMO)pushedAtHocalertmessages about the storm todesktops, emailaccounts, and those signedup to receive textmessages.

I hope you are one of those who have registered using thePurple Globe on the lower right of your NMCI computer screen(right click, select Access Self Service). We want you to be fullyinformed in every situation.

Since early that morning, base leaders were watching thepotential for severe weather and received updates from onlineand localweather forecasters. Experiencinghighwindgusts andlarge volumesof rainfall, Imade thedecision todirect all person-nel to Shelter in Place (SIP). Some people had already departedworkby4:10p.m.andhad to face the stormin their vehicles. Theroadswere quickly jammedwith traffic as cars hydroplaned andstoplights off base lost power. The only reported injury from theextreme weather on base was a bicyclist who hurt an arm andshoulder. Thankfully, the biker’s helmet served its purpose.

The preferred protective action to avoid casualties and fa-talities during emergencies that have limited or no warning is totake temporary shelter within the individual’s workplace or resi-dence. The goal of SIP procedures is to protect personnelwithin15minutes throughmass warning and notification and promptsafeguarding action at each shelter location. SIP also allows on-scene responders to focus on lifesaving actions for people whoare outside when the hazard or threat strikes. Responders arebetter able to isolate damaged infrastructure like downed powerlines or damaged roofs.

As the NAS Pax River Commanding Officer I am responsiblefor the followingwith your safety inmind:

From the CO:

Shelter in Placeas a course of action

See CO, Page 12

Capt. Ben Shevchuk

Contact 301-342-4911 for more information.

Financial Counseling ServicesThe Personal Financial Educator at the

Fleet & Family Support Center (FFSC) canhelp you and your family work toward

managing your finances, resolve financialproblems and reach long-term goals suchas getting an education, buying a home andplanning for retirement. With the help of theFFSC Financial Educator, you can take con-trol of your finances, reduce money-relatedstress and overcome the financial challeng-es of military life. Open to active duty, retir-ees and family members. If you would liketo make an appointment with a counselor,please call (301) 342-5442.

ClassesAll classes are held at the Fleet and Fam-

ily Support Center unless noted. Open toactive duty, retired and reserve military.Reservations necessary. Call 301-342-4911.

Playgroup @ Glen ForrestCommunity Center

June 27; 10-11 a.m.Moms, dads, and caregivers are invited

to bring their children for playtime at theGlen Forrest Community Center.

Stress ManagementJune 25; 2-4:30 p.m.Stress is a part of life. In this class you will

understand how your beliefs and thoughtprocess has an impact on how you deal withstress. Participants will walk away with spe-cific actions to manage stress that they canincorporate into their life immediately.

Interviewing TechniquesJune 25; 1-4 p.m.Prepare for your upcoming job interview by

practicing personal presentation skills such asanswering common interview questions.

Car BuyingJuly 3; 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.Learn all the important do’s and don’ts

BEFORE you step onto the car lot

Resume WritingJuly 9; 1-4 p.m.This program offers many different

trends and techniques for writing the bestresume possible.

4 Thursday, June 20, 2013Tester

Stay up to datewith us on Facebook

Naval Air Station Patuxent River • tester@dcmilitary.com • www.facebook.com/NASPaxRiverThe name Tester is a registered mark in the state of Maryland.This paper is published by Comprint, Inc., 9030 Comprint Ct.,

Gaithersburg, Md. 20877, 301-948-1520, a private firm in no wayconnected with the U.S. Navy, under exclusive written contract withNaval District Washington.

This commercial enterprise newspaper is an authorized pub-lication for members of the military services. Contents of the Tes-ter are not necessarily the official views of, nor endorsed by theU.S. Government, the Department of Defense, or the Departmentof the Navy. The appearance of advertising in this publication,

including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorse-ment by the Department of Defense or Southern MarylandNewspapers and Printing of the products or services advertised.

Everything advertised in this publication shall be made avail-able for purchase, use, or patronage without regard to race, color,religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap,political affiliation, or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser,user, or patron. If a violation or rejection of this equal opportunitypolicy by an advertiser is confirmed, the publisher shall refuse toprint advertising from that source until the violation is corrected.

Editorial content is edited, prepared, and provided by the Pub-lic Affairs Office. News copy should be submitted by Friday to beconsidered for the following week’s edition. All material is edited foraccuracy, brevity, clarity, and conformity to regulations. To inquireabout news copy, call 301-342-4163 or fax the Tester at 301-863-9296.

Commercial advertisingmay be placed with the publisherby calling 301-862-2111.

Capt. Ben ShevchukCommanding Officer

Capt. Heidi FlemingExecutive Officer

Cmd. Master ChiefWilliam Lloyd-Owen

Command Master Chief

Connie HempelPublic Affairs Officer

Donna CipolloniStaff Writer

Breton Helseland

Deirdre ParryCopy/layout editors

Annalise KenneyPublic Affairs Intern

Frederick C. FairVolunteer

U.S. Navy photo by Carla Alvino

Making his ‘Mark’Mark Dobson, the product supportmanager for the Aviation SupportEquipment Program Office (PMA-260),receives a pin and certificate marking30 years of service to the Navy andMarine Corps from Capt. Fred Hepler,PMA-260 programmanager.

U.S. Navy photo by Gary Younger

Wanosik retirementChief Aviation Structural MechanicRoberto Jaramillo, left, assists Se-nior Chief Aviation Electronics Tech-nician (AW) Stephen O. Wanosik IIIhold his shadow box. Wanosik, as-signed to Commander, Fleet Readi-ness Center, retired June 6 with 23years of service. Jaramillo, also as-signed to COMFRC, handcrafted theshadow box.

Courtesy photo

Murph gets CommendationLt. Douglas Murph, right, is present-ed with a Navy and Marine CorpsCommendation Medal by the VXS-1Commanding Officer, Cmdr. StaceyWright, as an end of tour award.

U.S. Navy photo by Naval Health Clinic Patuxent RiverPublic Affairs

Faith promoted to CDRCmdr. Alison Faith, left, is adminis-tered the Officer Oath of Office byCmdr. Suzette Inzerillo during herpromotion ceremony at the Womenin Military Service Memorial in Ar-lington, Va., June 1. Faith is a NurseCorps Officer who serves as theDirector for Healthcare Business atNaval Health Clinic Patuxent River.

U.S. Navy photo by Gary Younger

DeMoss-Coward reaches35 years of serviceFrom left, Vic Cronauer, director ofthe Logistics and Industrial Opera-tion staff office (AIR-6.0C), presentsMichele “Mickey” DeMoss-Cowardher 35-year certificate of govern-ment service May 8. DeMoss-Cow-ard is the Externally Directed TeamLead for the Naval Air Systems Com-mand mentoring program.

U.S. Navy photo by Carla Alvino

Wolf packs in 15 yearsAlan Wolf, the Common Ground Sup-port Equipment deputy assistantprogram manager for Logistics inthe Aviation Support Equipment Pro-gram Office (PMA-260), receives apin and certificate marking 15 yearsof service to the Department of theNavy from Capt. Fred Hepler, PMA260 program manager.

U.S. Navy photo by Connie Hempel

Six more for BenduraFrom left, Electronics Technician2nd Class (SW) Randall S. Bendura,receives his certificate of reenlist-ment from reenlisting officer Lt.Granville Wright following a ceremo-ny May 31. Bendura, who has sevenyears of Navy service, committed tosix more years.

U.S. Navy photo

Mirales marks 31 yearsCapt. Tracy Barkhimer, programmanager for the Air Combat Elec-tronics Program Office, congratu-lates Deputy Program Manager forCommunications and NetworkingNicholas Mirales, who marked his re-tirement from the Department of theNavy on after 31 years of service.

Commands celebrate awards, reenlistments, retirements

By Commander “Sonny” TizonPublic AffairsNaval Health Clinic Patuxent River

Since 1898, wherever Sailors and Marines have beencalled to serve, Hospital Corpsmen have stood proudly bytheir side. When the call “Corpsman up” goes out, they al-ways respond with immense honor and courage.

In a 1945 speech following the Battle of Iwo Jima, Sec-retary of the Navy James Forrestal stated, “You Hospi-tal Corpsmen saved lives on all beaches that the Marinesstormed. You Corpsman performed foxhole surgery whileshell fragments clipped your clothing, shattered the plasmabottles from which you poured new life into the wounded,and sniper’s bullets were aimed at the brassards on yourarms.”

No other individual corps, before or since, has been sosingled out and honored.

The Hospital Corpsman rating is the most highly deco-rated in the United States Navy with 22 Medals of Honor,174 Navy Crosses, 31 Distinguished Service Medals, 946 Sil-ver Stars and 1,582 Bronze Stars. Twenty naval ships havebeen named in honor of Hospital Corpsmen.

Naval Health Clinic Hospital Corpsman First Class DavidSquires is but one example of the selfless and courageouslegacy of Hospital Corpsman in the current global war onterrorism.

A native of St. Morris, Pa., Squires joined the Navy in2005. After completing Boot Camp and Hospital Corpsman“A” school, he was assigned to the Family Medicine Clinicat Naval Medical Center Bethesda until 2007. He then com-pleted Field Medical Service School at Camp Pendleton, Ca-lif., before reporting to 3rd Marine Logistics Group wherehe was assigned as aide to the Group Surgeon until 2010.During this tour, he deployed with the 3rdMarine Regiment,3rdMarine Division as an embedded trainer with the AfghanNational Army in Eastern Afghanistan from 2008 to 2009.

During a 12 day period in August 2008, Squires coura-geously helped repel 20 enemy fighters trying to overrunhis combat outpost and multiple observation posts in thearea. Under intense, concentrated rocket and small armsfire, Squires immediately coordinated fires within the Af-ghan National Army and continued to work to ensure fight-ing positions were resupplied with ammunition. On oneoccasion, Squires risked his own life by charging towardsrelentless enemy fire in order to treat an Afghan NationalArmy counterpart and coordinate medical evacuation. Hisquick action and bravery saved the life of the wounded Af-ghan soldier.

Squires was awarded a Navy & Marine Corps Achieve-ment Medal (with Valor - Combat Distinguished Device) forhis actions that day. In addition, he was awarded the Navy& Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the Combat ActionRibbon, Afghan Campaign Medal, NATO Medal, the Joint

Meritorious Unit CommendationMedal and the Global Waron Terrorism Expeditionary Medal upon completion of hisone year deployment.

Squires reported to Naval Health Clinic Patuxent River in2010 where he serves as the Leading Petty Officer for HealthServices and was named the clinic’s 2012 Senior Sailor ofthe Year. On October 2013, he will transfer to the 1st MarineDivision at Camp Pendleton where he will serve as a “grunt”Corpsman. Squires is happy to “return home” to the FleetMarine Forces and be the “Doc” to his Marines and Sailors.

In the Global War on Terrorism, 29 Hospital Corpsmenwere killed in action during Operation Iraqi Freedom. In Op-eration Enduring Freedom, another 29 Hospital Corpsmenlost their lives, including Naval Health Clinic Patuxent Riverstaff member, Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Anthony Garcia,who was killed in action August 5, 2009 while deployed withthe 3rd Marine Division in the Farah Province, Afghanistan.

Whether assigned to hospitals, clinics, hospital ships,naval fighting vessels, fleet hospitals, Marine surgical com-panies, forward resuscitative shock surgical units, or as a“grunt” Corpsman in the frontlines with Marines or SpecialWarfare units, Hospital Corpsmen have served this great na-tion with the utmost professionalism and bravery.

Today, the 23,000 regular and 6,000 reserve membersof the Hospital Corps continue to serve around the globe.Wherever you find the U.S. Navy or the U.S. Marines, thereyou will also find the Hospital Corps. In times of peace or intimes of war, the Hospital Corps has compiled a truly honor-able legacy of valor and lifesaving sacrifice.

For all MWR News Visit us on-line at: http://cnic.navy.mil/patuxent/FleetandFamilyReadiness

River’s Edge Cateringand Conference Center - 301-342-3656Cedar Point Golf Course - 301-342-3597Customized Creations - 301-342-6293NRC Solomons Recreations - 410-286-8047

Just Dance at NRC Solomons!Saturday; 8-10 p.m.Enjoy your favorite songs and dance under the stars. A

great time for the whole family! The fun begins at 8 p.m. atLighthouse Park.

Child and Youth Programs “Lunch Bunch”Tuesday; 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Fleet and Family Sup-

port Center“Power Struggle” a workshop for parents with children

three through five. Do you want to learn some ideas and/or techniques that work presented byMeredith Bakes, Mili-tary Family Life Counselor.

Summer Fling Dinner and DanceJune 27; Dinner served from 5:30-7 p.m., dancing until

10 p.m.Make plans now to attend this fun event! We have called

back the “Sultan of Sound,” DJ David Kalil, for anothernight of music and dancing. And, as always, Chef DougMackey and his team will be preparing a dinner guaran-teed to delight! So bring your friends! On the menu: carvedflank steak, herb crusted tilapia, salad bar, and more. And.for dessert we will have a shortcake bar, where you can topyour own shortcake with fresh berries and ice cream. Callfor reservations $14.95 Members, $16.95 Non Members.

Wine package is optional and extra. Members coupons willbe redeemable.

Basic Copper Etching ClassJune 27; 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.Learn to etch copper to use for jewelry and mixed media

pieces. Class is $30 with a $15 materials fee. All supplies pro-vided. Class will be held in the CustomizedCreations Bldg 652off of Millstone Rd. Register at Customized Creations. Nameof Instructor: Tammy Vitale. There must be a minimum of 5participants for this class to proceed. Call to register.

Fourth of July Blast at the River’s EdgeJuly 4; dinner: 6-8 p.m.; live music from Groove Span:

7-9:30 p.m.Bring your lawn chair or blanket to watch the fireworks

and enjoy a delicious and casual buffet of burgers, hot dogs,shrimp kebabs, pulled pork, rice, baked beans, corn on thecob, cookies, watermelon, and more! Tickets are non refund-able and must be purchased by June 28. No pets or coolersplease. $25 Adults, $10 (10 and under). This is a ticketedevent. Firework viewers will be permitted to enter at 9 p.m.Call 301-342-3656 for more information.

Thursday, June 20, 2013 5Tester

Patients are asked to arrive on time for theirscheduled appointments to provide adequatetime for check-in, verification of demograph-ics and Other Health Insurance (OHI), and forcompletion of all necessary paperwork.

Late ShowA late show is any patient who arrives 15min-

utes after their scheduled appointment time. Ifyou arrive 15 minutes or more past your sched-uled appointment time, you will be offered theoption to wait until the provider is free to seeyou, or to reschedule your appointment.

Appointment CancellationIf you are unable to keep an appointment,

phone ahead and cancel it.To cancel your appointment with Med

Home Port or Military Medicine, please call301-342-1506 no less than two hours beforeyour appointed time.

To cancel your appointment with a spe-cialty clinic (Optometry, Behavioral Health,Occupational Health, Visiting Specialists), call301-342-1506 no less than 24 hours before yourappointed time.

Failure to cancel your appointment withinthe time frames above will result in you beingdesignated a “no-show”.

No-showAn appointment is designated a no-show

when a patient does not keep a scheduled ap-pointment or cancels an appointment withoutsufficient notice to rebook the appointmentslot.

No-shows create barriers to care access forbeneficiaries and are in violation of NHC Patux-ent River’s Patient’s Bill of Rights and Respon-sibilities.

After two no-shows within one year, the pa-tient will receive a courtesy call from the clinic.

After three no-shows, a letter will be sent tothe sponsor for family members and retirees.

For active duty, a letter is sent to the mem-ber’s command.

Policy Reminder:Health ClinicPatuxent River

Courtesy Photo

At left, Hospital Corpsman 1st Class DavidSquires, Naval Health Clinic Patuxent River’sLeading Petty Officer for the Directorate forHealth Services, shares a meal with members ofthe Afghan National Army as an embedded train-er with the 3rd Marine Division during a previousdeployment to Uzbine Valley, Eastern Afganistan.

June 17 marked 115th birthdayof Navy Hospital Corps

Wednesday, June 196:30 p.m., The Great Gatsby

The film follows would-be writer Nick Carraway ashe leaves the Midwest andcomes to New York City inthe spring of 1922. Chasinghis own American Dream,Nick lands next door to amysterious millionaire, JayGatsby, and across the bayfrom his cousin, Daisy, andher philandering, blue-blooded husband. Nick isdrawn into the captivatingworld of the super-rich. AsNick bears witness, withinthe world he inhabits, hepens a tale of impossiblelove, dreams and high-oc-tane tragedy. (Rated: PG-13;2 hrs. 22 mins.)

Thursday, June 206:30 p.m.,

Tyler Perry’s: PeeplesWade Walker crashes the

preppy Peeples annual re-union in the Hamptons toask for their precious daugh-ter Grace’s hand in mar-

riage. Wade might be a fish-out-of-water among thisseemingly perfect East Coastclan, but he’s not about tolet himself flounder. In-stead, in a wild weekend offun, dysfunction and hilari-ous surprises, Wade is aboutto discover there’s room forall kinds of Peeples in thisfamily, no matter their dif-ferences. (Rated: PG-13; 1hr. 35 mins.)

Friday, June 216:30 p.m., Star Trek: Into the

Darkness- 3DWhen the crew of the En-

terprise is called back home,they find an unstoppableforce of terror from withintheir own organization hasdetonated the fleet and ev-erything it stands for, leav-ing our world in a state ofcrisis. With a personal scoreto settle, Captain Kirk leads

a manhunt to a war-zoneworld to capture a one manweapon of mass destruction.As our heroes are propelledinto an epic chess game oflife and death, love will bechallenged, friendships willbe torn apart, and sacri-fices must be made for theonly family Kirk has left: hiscrew. (Rated: PG-13, 2 hrs.12 mins.)9:30 p.m., The Great Gatsby

Saturday, June 224:00 p.m., Despicable MeIn a happy suburban

neighborhood, surroundedby white picket fences andflowering rose bushes, sitsa black house with a deadlawn whose owner is plan-ning to commit the biggesttheft ever. With the help ofa small army of minions,he plans to steal the moon.(Rated: PG, 1 hr. 35 mins.)

6:30 p.m., Star Trek: Into theDarkness - 3D

9:30 p.m., The Hangover IIIAfter the death of his fa-

ther, Alan turns to the Wolf-pack in his time of grief. Thistime, there’s no wedding,no bachelor party - just onesimple road trip. What couldpossibly go wrong? (Rated:R, 1 hr. 40 mins.)

Sunday, June 232:00 p.m.,

White House DownFREE Sneak Preview

(Rated: PG-13, 2 hrs. 17mins.) There will be a $1charge for 3D glasses or youcan bring your own glasses.Camera phones and otherrecording devices will not bepermitted into the theater.

Monday and TuesdayNo Movies

Wednesday, June 266:30 p.m., Star Trek:

Into the Darkness -3D

6 Thursday, June 20, 2013Tester

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The Annual ConsumerConfidence Report on

the Quality of Drinking WaterNaval Air StationPatuxent River

The Naval Air Station (NAS) Patuxent River, PublicWorks Department Environmental has prepared aConsumer Confidence Report on the Quality ofDrinking Water for NAS Patuxent River residentsand employees. This annual report is mandated bythe Safe Drinking Water Act and is intended to raiseconsumers’ awareness about where their drinkingwater comes from and to help them understand theprocess by which safe drinking water is delivered totheir homes and workspaces on the NAS. Last yearas in years past, your tap water met all U.S.Environmental Agency (EPA) and state drinkingwater health standards. The NAS Patuxent Rivervigilantly safeguards its water supply and we’reproud to report that our system has not violated mywater quality standards. This report is now availableto the public and can be read in it’s entirely at thefollowing website:

https://mynavair.navair.navy.mil/links/MOC

For more information about this report orthe station’s drinking water, supply, or to

receive a copy of this report, pleasecontact

Mr. Lance McDanielEnvironmental Director

at (301) 757-2903email: lance@mcdaniel@navy.mil

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8 Thursday, June 20, 2013Tester

Thursday, June 20, 2013 9Tester

10 Thursday, June 20, 2013Tester

Energy saving tip:

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Wings Over AmericaScholarship Foundationannounced 48 scholarshipaward recipients for 2013,valued at $2,000 and more,with three students hav-ing ties to Naval Air StationPatuxent River.

Emma Holmes, GreatMill High School student,

was awarded the Capt. BradJohannson Scholarship.

JoAnna Mueller, from St.Mary’s Ryken High School,received the The NorthrupGrumman Scholarship.

Brittannie Haas, fromVirginia Tech University,received the USS TheodoreRoosevelt Scholarship.

The Wings Over AmericaScholarship Foundation an-nually sponsors more than40 scholarships for studentsbased on scholastic merit,community service andextracurricular activities.Website: www.wingsovera-merica.us.

Thursday, June 20, 2013 11Tester

Emma Holmes JoAnna Mueller Brittannie Haas

Three from Pax earn WingsOver America Scholarships

Wash only full loads in your dishwasher, using short cycles for all but thedirtiest dishes. This saves water and the energy used to pump and heat it.

Energy saving tip:

01040004

1033817

Available For Rent In Lexington Park2 Bedroom, 1 Bath, Condominium Unit

Newly Renovated

Amenities:888 SF, Wall-to-Wall Carpeting, CentralAir Conditioning, In Unit Washer/Dryer,Electric Heating and Cooking, Groundlevel Unit

Rent: $995.00/Month + Utilities (50% SecurityDeposit Required)

Location: 22022 Gloucester Court, Unit A-3,Lexington Park, MD 20653

Contact: Alberta J. Brown (301-529-4998 or301-372-6129) jeanbrown12@verizon.net

12 Thursday, June 20, 2013Tester

Across1. Is a functional subsystem of AirVehicle Engineering.

4. 4.10 is the _________ Analysis &Integration Department.

6. 4.2 is responsible for programcost _________.

8. One of Systems Engineering’smain focuses is _________ require-ments.

9. 4.10 aids key decision makersin _________ Navy needs and op-eration requirements.

10. 4.7 delivers state-of-the-artweapon system solutions to the_________.

12. 4.3 is the _________ Engineer-ing Department.

15. 4.12 implements the SmallBusiness _________ Researchlibrary.

16. 4.5 is the _________ Depart-ment.

21. 4.8 is the Navy’s _________and arresting gear prototyping andtesting facility.

23. 4.12 is the Research and_________ Department.

25. Systems Engineering is aninterdisciplinary approach to creat-ing _________ systems.

27. 4.6 is the _________ SystemsDepartment.

Down2. Propulsion and Power Engineer-ing Department

3. The Cost Department providesthe clear and comprehensiveunderstanding of Total _________Costs

5. 4.8 is the Support Equipment(SE) and Aircraft Launch and_________ Equipment (ALRE) De-partment.

7. 4.4 is responsible for engineer-ing investigation _________.

11. 4.5 provides _________ supportof Naval avionics systems, equip-ment and associated operatingsoftware.

13. 4.1 is the Systems _________Department.

14. 4.5 provides engineering

personnel and processes to ac-

complish _________ research and

systems development.

17. 4.6 provides resources, prod-

ucts and services

_________ the human within the

total system.

18. Another functional subsystem

of Air Vehicle Engineering.

19. 4.4 is the _________ and Power

Engineering Department.

20. 4.7 is the _________ and Ener-

getics Department.

22. 4.12 provides the best and

most up to date _________ informa-

tion in support of the entire cycle

of Naval Aviation Enterprise pro-

grams.

24. 4.6 integrates _________ Fac-

tors Engineering; Manpower, Per-

sonnel and Training.

26. 4.2 is the _________ Depart-

ment.

Administrative Assistant Linda Wilkes, left, andYeoman 3rd Class Lashanda Watlington.

Pax Pro of the Week nominees are submitted to andselected by the naval air station Command Master ChiefWilliam Lloyd-Owen.

Pax Prosof the Week

1. Shelter in Place (SIP) trainingmust beprovidedduring indoctrina-tionbriefswith refresher trainingop-portunities in support of the Emer-gencyManagement Program.

2. Coordination with Naval Fa-cilities Public Works and Safety inimplementing SIP planning require-ments.

3. Maintain overall commandand control for the decision process,in consultationwith key tenant lead-ers, to direct SIP forNASPax River.

4. Establish procedures forwarn-ing personnel to SIP and for sound-ing “all clear” to release personnel.

5. Workwith tenant leadership toidentify shelter rooms foreachbuild-ing.

6. Conduct SIP exercises.It’s important to keep in mind

that base officials may not be ableto immediately provide informationon what is happening and what youshould do. Employees cannot beforced to shelter, though I may is-sue an order for all hands to stay put.Speak with your facility coordinator,supervisor,andcoworkers inadvanceabout sheltering procedures to avoidconfusion and allow for coopera-tion if you need to shelter-in-place.Remain calm and stay safe until youhere the “all clear”message.

My EMO has provided SIP train-ing to the NAS Pax Emergency Man-agement Working Group. Pleasecontact your command’s represen-tative to the EMWG for training andlocal procedures.

COContinued from 3

By Allison JohnsonAtlantic TestRanges intern

Twenty-one eighthgraders recently exploredhow their science, tech-nology, engineering andmathematics (STEM) edu-cation translates into thework carried out here atNaval Air Station PatuxentRiver.

In partnership with theNaval Air Warfare CenterAircraft Division (NAW-CAD) Education OutreachProgram, Atlantic TestRanges environmentalscientist Brandi Simpsonguided Chesapeake PublicCharter School studentson a tour of both the U.S.Naval Test Pilot School(USNTPS) and the AircraftSurvival Systems Develop-ment and Prototype Lab,as well as a hands-on bottlerocket experiment.

At the Test Pilot School,USNTPS Security ManagerRich Harris explained to

students what it takes tobecome a test pilot as theytoured the aircraft hangar.

Students explorebottle rocket physics

Courtesy photo

Brandi Simpson (standing) watches as aChesapeake Public Charter School eighthgrader launches her recycled bottle rocket atMattapany Day Camp.

See Students, Page 14

Thursday, June 20, 2013 13Tester

enabling Doster to run a refrigerator, a couple lights and theair conditioner.

“We had another refrigerator in the garage and we lost allof the food stored in there, and our basement was a soggymess,” she said.

To make matters worse, a total of 11 oak trees toppledover in her backyard.

“It had been raining for four days and the groundwas sat-urated,” Doster said. “The hurricane hit when the oak tree’scanopies were at their fullest and they were like parachutes,with the wind pulling their 10-foot root balls right out of theground. My backyard was a giant mud hole.”

Doster wasn’t completely unprepared — she had extrawater stocked, food that didn’t require cooking, and pro-pane for her gas grill; but she didn’t have a generator.

“We immediately went out and purchased a generatorand a spare backup for the sump pump if it ever goes outagain,” she said. “We’ve also learned not to store anything inboxes on the ground. They’ve been lifted up to shelves now.”

Fortunately, Doster carried insurance on her sump pumpand since it failed, insurance covered her basement damage.

“We live on a hill and never needed flood insurance,” shesaid, “but I’m glad we had sump pump insurance.”

Doster’s backyard was too much for normal tree removalcompanies and required finding an excavation company toclear the felled trees.

“It might be a good idea to already have the phone num-bers you might need in case of emergencies,” she said. “Wespent a lot of time making phone calls trying to get recom-mendations for companies that could help us clean up.”

Ready Navy is an emergency preparedness program cre-ated for the Navy community to increase the ability of everyperson and family to plan and prepare for all types of haz-ards.

By exploring the links on the Ready Navy website youwill be informed of what to do before, during and after anemergency; the steps to make an emergency plan; how tobuild a kit to support your basic needs; and access tools andresources to help you and your family prepare for emergencysituations.

“Not only must NAS and our tenants prepare, but wemust afford our service members and their families - as wellas our civilian workforce - the opportunity to prepare, andwe do that through the Ready Navy program,” said CraigBuist, training and readiness director. “The whole idea be-hind Ready Navy is for folks to be prepared for whateveremergency comes our way. Preparedness empowers you. Itsaves lives, property and time.”

Be prepared. Get your family Ready Navy today by visit-ing www.ready.navy.mil.

Remnants of the EF5tornado that struckthe Moore, Okla., areanear Tinker Air ForceBase on May 20. ReadyNavy offers guidanceon how to prepare for anatural disaster, whatto do during and afterone hits.

HURRICANEContinued from 1

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At the Aircrew Survival Systems Development and Proto-type Lab, aerospace experimental psychologists Lt. Cmdr.Hank Phillips and Joe Geeseman showed students morethan five generations of protective flight and military ap-parel and the horizontal accelerator used for dynamic test-ing, and discussed the importance of flight safety.

“I’m a big advocate for learning,” said NAWCAD Edu-cation Outreach Coordinator Terri Chase. “I love workingwith the kids and giving them the opportunity to see whatthe NAWCAD community has to offer locally.”

After the two tours, students created and launched re-cycled bottle rockets at the Mattapany Day Camp by pre-dicting possible flight patterns at different units of pressuremeasurement.

Pairs of students worked together: The co-pilot calledout a countdown, the pilot released a rocket from thelaunch pad, the two-liter bottle shot up into the sky andlanded in the campsite, and the co-pilot then measuredhow far the rocket traveled and recorded that data in a classchart. Every student got a chance to perform both the roleof pilot and co-pilot.

“I love seeing students’ eyes light up the moment theyunderstand a difficult concept,” Simpson said. “When I seetheir eyes light up or a big smile on their face, I know I’mcontributing to their education and making a difference intheir lives.”

The NAWCAD Education Outreach Program is gearedtoward energizing and exploring local students’ STEM edu-cation. The program partners scientists and engineers withschools to strengthen young scientific minds and supportNAWCAD initiatives.

STUDENTSContinued from 12

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Editor’s note: This is part 2 of a two-part series about im-munizations for children. Last week’s Tester provided high-lights on the pros of getting vaccinated. This week’s Testerdiscusses parental concerns with vaccines; in particular, au-tism and sudden infant death syndrome.

Commentary by Lori MaladyNaval Health Clinic Patuxent RiverInfection Prevention Nurse

What about autism and vaccinationsA new study evaluating parents’ concerns of “too many

vaccines too soon” and autism has been published online inthe March 29 Journal of Pediatrics which adds to the con-clusion of a 2004 comprehensive review by the Institute ofMedicine. The 2004 review revealed that there is not a caus-al relationship between certain vaccine types and autism.The results provide relevant data for the current childhoodimmunization schedule.

The study looked at the amount of antigens from vac-cines received on one day of vaccination and the amount ofantigens from vaccines received in total during the first twoyears of life and found no connection to the development ofautism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children.

Antigens are substances in vaccines that cause thebody’s immune system to produce antibodies to fight dis-ease, according to the Centers for Disease Control website.An infant’s immune system is capable of responding to alarge amount of immunologic stimuli and, from time ofbirth, infants are exposed to hundreds of viruses and count-less antigens that are not associated with vaccination. Thisstudy demonstrates that autism spectrum disorder is notassociated with immunological stimulation from vaccinesduring the first 2 years of life.

Parents should expect the vaccines their children receiveare safe and effective. CDC, along with other federal agen-cies, is committed to assuring the safety of vaccines throughrigorous pre-licensure trials and post-licensure monitoring.

What about Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)?From 2 to 4 months old, babies begin their primary

course of vaccinations. This is also the peak age for sud-den infant death syndrome (SIDS). The timing of these twoevents has led some people to believe they might be related.However, studies have concluded that vaccinations are nota risk factor for SIDS.

With babies receiving multiple doses of vaccines duringtheir first year of life and SIDS being the leading cause ofdeath in babies between one month and one year of age,CDC has led research studies to look for possible linkages.Results from studies below and continuedmonitoring reas-sure us about the safety of vaccines.

• The Institute of Medicine (IOM) released a report onImmunization Safety Review: Vaccination and Sudden Un-expected Death in Infancy in 2003. The committee reviewedepidemiologic evidence focusing on SIDS, all sudden unex-pected death in infancy, and neonatal death (infant death,whether sudden or not, during the first 4 weeks of life). Thecommittee also looked for possible relationships betweenSIDS and the individual vaccines diphtheria-tetanus-

whole-cell Pertussis (DTwP), DTaP, HepB, Hib, and polio;and specific combinations of vaccines. The committee didnot find enough evidence to show vaccines cause SIDS.

• A study using Vaccine Safety Data link (VSD) data,which included children who were covered by a managedcare organization health plan, found no association be-tween immunization and deaths in young children. Thestudy investigated deaths in children one month to 7 yearsof age between 1991 and 1995. Data were analyzed by com-paring vaccination histories for each vaccine during theweek and month prior to the date of death for each child.Five hundred and seventeen deaths occurred between 1991and 1995, most — 59 percent — during the first year of life.According to the CDC website, of these deaths, the resultsdid not show an association between immunizations andchildhood deaths.

As a result of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ 1992recommendation to place healthy babies on their backsto sleep, and the success of the National Institute of ChildHealth and Human Development’s Back to Sleep campaign,

fewer SIDS deaths are reported. According to “TargetingSIDS: A Strategic Plan:”

• Between 1992 and 1998, the proportion of infantsplaced to sleep on their stomachs declined from about 70percent to about 17 percent.

• Between 1992 and 1998, the SIDS rate declined byabout 40 percent, from 1.2 per 1,000 live births to 0.72 per1,000 live births.

These results tell us that most SIDS deaths are due tofactors like sleeping on their stomachs, cigarette smoke ex-posure, and mild respiratory infections.

In conclusion, monitoring health problems after vacci-nation is essential to ensure vaccines are held to the high-est standard of safety. Years of testing are required by lawbefore a vaccine can be licensed. Once licensed and in use,vaccines are continuously monitored for safety and efficacy.For more information on immunizations, please contactour staff at NHCPR at 301-757-2142 or talk to your child’sprovider for more information or check out the CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/default.htm

Thursday, June 20, 2013 15Tester

Happy, healthy child: The importance of immunizations

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16 Thursday, June 20, 2013Tester

Thursday, June 20, 2013 17Tester

St Mary’s County:Racin’ Rovers

Friday, 9:30-11:00 a.m.Lexington Park libraryKids ages 7-12 working in teams will

design a simple robot to navigate and raceacross a course of varying terrain using apredefined set of parts. Presented by grow-ingSTEMS. Free. Registration required at301-863-8188. www.stmalib.org.

Uncle Pete with KidsMonday, 10 a.m. Charlotte Hall library;

12:30 p.m. Leonardtown library; 3:00 p.m.Lexington Park library.

Kids of all ages will dance, move andlaugh with Uncle Pete in this high-energizedconcert. Free. Bring a non-perishable fooditem for local food pantry.

Proposal Writing BasicsTuesday, 1-2 p.m.Lexington Park libraryFor those new to proposal writing, this

class will cover: how the proposal fits intothe overall grant seeking process, what toinclude in a standard proposal, tips for mak-ing each section of your proposal stronger,what funders expect to see in your proposaland attachments, additional resources onproposal writing, including sample propos-als. Free. Registration required at 301-863-8188 or www.stmalib.org.

Calvert County:Game is On

Today, 2-3:30 p.m.Calvert library, Prince FrederickFind Wii gaming competition in an air-

conditioned spot this summer. We have

DDR, Mario Kart and Smash Brothers, butfeel free to bring your own favorite E-ratedWii game or special controller.

Super MagicMan Reggie RiceToday, 7 p.m.Calvert Marine MuseumThis family show is a high energy, magic

production filled with amazing sleight ofhand, high jinx, audience participation andcomedy. Admission is $4 per person at thedoor. Cash or check.

Friday Night Farmers Market,Classic Car Cruise-in and Art Fair

Friday, 6-9 p.m.5th through 7th Streets and Bay Avenue,

North BeachEvery Friday, May through October! Sea-

sonal delights from local farms; wines fromCalvert County wineries; classic cars.

Poker Run to Benefit Calvert HospiceSaturday, 10 a.m.American Legion Post 274, 11820 HG

Trueman Rd., LusbyTheEighthAnnualPokerRunwill start at the

American Legion Post at 10:30 a.m. For moreinformation call Chris Bowen at 443-532-8384or Heather Scott at 410-610-8363. All profits goto the Burnett Calvert HospiceHouse.

Mad ScienceWednesday, 10-11 a.m. Interim Southern

Branch; 2-3 p.m Prince FrederickExperience how cool science can be. See

crazy chemical reactions, amazing experi-ments with air, and even explosions. Dis-cover the secrets behind some fun magictricks, or learn how scientists make fire-works. Each show is full of interactive dem-onstrations Kids age 5 and up.

Around TownIntramural SoftballMonday/Wednesday divisionRiver Dawgs 9-2Boozin’ Ballers 9-2Chiefs 9-2Dirty Dogs 8-3Moe’s Tavern 8-3Drunken Clams 6-5PPE 5-6Softballs of Steel 4-7Warlocks 3-8VQ-4 3-8VX-1 2-9Liberty 0-11

Tuesday/Thursday divisionA/O 10-0Salty Dogs 9-1Hardwood 8-2Loaded Balls 6-4VX-20 5-5TC-7 5-5Sons of Pitches 4-6Village Idiots 3-7Scared Hitless 3-7Aviators 1-9It’s Not Cricket 1-9

Intramural Golf LeagueGoat Locker 6-1Sadd 5-1-1Navair 6.8 5-2VX-1b 4-3PMA 274 3-3-1VX-1a 2-5FRC 2-5VX-23 0-7

Scoreboard

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Open house on June 20, 2013 4pm-7pm at Southern MD Higher Education Center. Formore information our recruiter/advisor Francis Bolden, fbolden@bowiestate.edu 301-860-3201 or Dr. D. Renee Winkfield Coordinator of Nursing Graduate programdwinkfield@bowiestate.edu 301-860-3285.

Founded in 1865, Bowie State is the oldest Historically Black College/University inMaryland and one of the ten oldest in the country. Bowie State has been a leader in theeducation and the nursing field since the 1860’s.We believe that professional nursingpractice is dynamic, complex, and integral to the health care system. Professionalnursing practice adheres to an established framework of ethical principles, legalregulations, and standards of practice in order to provide high-quality, safe, andcompetent care.

Our graduate nursing degree program offers the following atSouthern Maryland Higher Education Ctr:

Family Nurse Practitioner Nurse Educator*(*new graduate program)

Nurse EducatorThe Nurse Educator program prepares the graduate student for the role of nurse educatorin the academic or health care setting. The core and supporting courses for the programprovide the foundation for the educator role in the areas of nursing research, theory, andevidence-based practice. This is a 35 credit hour program and 180 hours of practicumexperience Learners gain insight and experience in curriculum design, course orprogram design, management, evaluation of learning, and current technologies used ineducation.

Family Nurse PractitionerThe Family Nurse Practitioner program prepares the professional nurses for advancepractice roles, and doctoral study. It helps to develop the expertise and specializedknowledge in the care of clients and populations. The FNP program is a 49 credit hourprogram and over 600 hours of practicum experience and graduates of the program areeligible to take national certification examinations for the family nurse practitioner role.

Bowie State UniversityDepartment of Nursing

Masters of Science in Nursing

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18 Thursday, June 20, 2013Tester

St. Nicolas ChapelSchedule

Office hours:Weekdays, 8:30-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.

Main Office phone: 301-342-3811

Daily Mass:Monday-Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to noon

Sunday Services:Morning Catholic service: 9-10 a.m.Evening Catholic service: 5-6 p.m.Protestant service: 11 a.m. to 12:10 p.m.

1038961

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