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At Ease M I D AT L A N T I C M I L I T A R Y L I F E FISHER HOUSES KEEPING MILITARY FAMILIES TOGETHER THAT SENSE OF COMMUNITY AND SUPPORT ALLOWS FAMILY MEMBERS TO BE BETTER CAREGIVERS KEN FISHER CHAIRMAN CEO FISHER HOUSE FOUNDATION COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN See what organizations are doing in the DMV area this CFC season RELOCATION Helpful tips for when the PCS orders come no matter the time of year VETERANS NEXT MISSION Hiring and training veterans to build quality homes

Ready to Own Ready to Live at National Harbor VA loans with 0 down and all closing costs paid Tom Gaffney Senior Loan Officer NMLS ID 182206 703 307 5877 Current Incentives tgaffney fhmtg com www GaffneyLoans com 2 faux wood white blinds excluding the transoms not valid on previous contracts and must settle on or before 10 31 19 First Heritage Mortgage LLC 3201 Jermantown Road Suite 800 Fairfax VA 22030 First Heritage Mortgage LLC Company NMLS ID 86548 www nmlsconsumeraccess org This is an advertisement and not a guarantee of lending Terms and conditions apply All approvals subject to underwriting guidelines Prepared 10 31 19 Closing costs paid when using First Heritage Mortgage and does not include pre paids Pricing and terms may change please speak with Loan Officer MHBR 6755 Potomac Overlook Brownstones from the 600 s 503 Halliard Lane National Harbor MD 20745 sales integrityhmw com 703 955 1187

FRESH AND WHOLESOME FROM OUR FARM TO YOU The Armed Forces Retirement Home is an affordable retirement community for eligible veterans who served primarily in the enlisted ranks Our scenic wooded campus in Washington DC offers supportive care and shared camaraderie Donuts Rolls Pies Breads Cookies Ice Cream Made with Fruits of the Season INCLUDED General Services Medical Denta V sion Well ess Program Recreatio al Activities Full Service Library Di i g Facility Computer Ce ter Ba ki g Ce ter Mail Room Campus BX PX Barber Beau y Shops O O Ca p s Shut e Major Amenities Pr va e Roo S owe I ter et TV co ectio Deluxe it ess Ce ter Movie Theater Bowli g Ce ter Hobby Shops 9 ole Go f Course Stocked Fishpo ds Art Studio Sce ic Walki g Paths Recreatio Rooms FALL FESTIVITIES October WHOLESALE HOMEGROWN PRODUCE June through November PICK YOUR OWN STRAWBERRIES May MILLER FARMS BAKERY For more information or to obtain an application ca 800 422 9988 d ss s h g v I h g v OPEN YEAR ROUND 3700 N 0p1t23 4tr55t N6 607819 t29 20011 10140 Piscataway Road Clinton MD 20735 301 297 9370 www MillerFarmsClinton com IMMERSIVE AND INTERACTIVE exhibits surround visitors with irreplaceable artifacts and the sights and sounds of Marines in action NOW PLAYING IN OUR GIANT SCREEN THEATER NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE MARINE CORPS 18900 Jefferson Davis Highway Quantico VA 32 miles south of Washington DC Free Admission and Parking O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9 AT E A S E 3

CONTENTS 12 20 24 32 40 44 48 54 STAFF 60 PRESIDENT Jim Normandin DIRECTOR OF MILITARY PUBLICATIONS John Rives Bob the Builder s next mission Construction Do s and Don ts for living in military housing EDITOR Eli Wohlenhaus MARKETING DIRECTOR Betsy Griffin CHIEF REVENUE OFFICER Paul Wesley Hagood CREATIVE DIRECTOR Greg Mueller GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jennifer Helmer Military families honor veterans by washing Vietnam Memorial Fisher Houses keep military families together during medical emergencies Commemorating the Liberation of Paris ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Ryan Ebaugh Tom Forsey John Ekroos CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Patsy Lynch Patrick Chisholm Darryl Smith Michael J Mika Tammy Hineline CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Ed Shank Alice Swan Patrick Chisholm Katie Begley Michael J Mika Eric Zedalis Jen McDonald Susha Roberts EDITORIAL CONTACT 240 801 2258 Zip Code Wilmington offers coding expertise ADVERTISING CONTACT 301 848 0175 SUBSCRIPTIONS 410 770 4005 Receive At Ease in the comfort of your own home with a simple phone call American Legion Post 139 turns advocacy into action Kia Weatherspoon changes lives through design Carter Bays hosts comedy writing workshop through ASAP 4 AT E A S E O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9 SUBMISSIONS info ateasemonthly com 29088 Airpark Drive Easton MD 21601 www dcmilitary com At Ease is published by APG Media of Chesapeake No portion may be reproduced in whole or in part by any means including electronic retrieval systems without written permission from the publisher

October Outings Editor of At Ease Magazine Eli Wohlenhaus Interact with At Ease on our social media platforms Facebook At Ease Monthly Instagram ateasemonthly Twitter ateasemonthly It just does not get any better than October This month is the sports equinox which is when all four major U S professional sports intersect The NFL is in full swing the NBA tips off the puck is getting dropped in the NHL and the MLB postseason is heating up Every day there is drama every day there is something to enjoy from any or multiple sports As a huge sports fan I vastly enjoy this time of year The leaves are changing and beginning to fall the wind is bringing more of a chill and soup becomes a regular shout out to Kenny Bania And although the days get shorter there s something cozy about nestling down earlier than in the Spring and Summer Beyond all of that this is a special time of year because of the Combined Federal Campaign So many worthy nonprofit organizations have the chance to market themselves so that they can receive the funding that they need Inside this issue you will get to read stories from some of these local CFC organizations and then have the opportunity to directly contribute Beyond CFC we are featuring some helpful tips for military families that are on the move A PCS can mean juggling a lot of different things at once so don t miss out on the advice within these pages Our cover story is about Justin Crabbe a Marine combat veteran who had the fortune of staying in a Fisher House with his family during his recovery from injuries sustained overseas That is what Fisher House is all about keeping families together during those hard periods Overwhelmingly rehabilitation goes quicker when the caregivers can be right there with the wounded I am so excited to be entering into to October and so glad that we can bring you another edition of At Ease Before kick off or before first pitch be sure to turn the page and dive into another heartwarming story Thank you for reading and enjoy Autumn O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9 AT E A S E 5

Combined Federal Campaign In this section you will learn about many of the charities associated with the Combined Federal Campaign Their information is listed to make it easy to give to these great nonprofit organizations Relocation PCS ing can come at any time and send you anywhere Just after the CFC section you will find all kinds of helpful information and resources to make your move easier SERVING OUR HEROES SINCE 1817 CFC 10160 abs us military Helping military and veteran families every day for the past 25 Years Because a family s love is good medicine fe FORT DETRICK At Ease Newcomers Guide 2019 WELCOME GUIDE 2019 2020 WELCOME TO WASHINGTON D C 2019 GUIDE WHERE SOLDIERS FAMILY AND COMMUNITY COME FIRST EARL GRANVILLE Combat veteran shares his story of personal loss and personal triumph STAY CHEESY Army veteran and cancersurvivor makes his dream a reality with food truck A newcomers guide to our nation s capital with a special focus on Joint Base Anacostia Bolling KEEPING WATCH Veterans and non veterans team up to provide security for their church family er rvice d o n e awa ro We put a lot of heart into everything we do With your support we can do even more Eli Wohlenhaus ewohlenhaus chespub com 240 801 2258 John Rives jrives chespub com 301 848 0175 6 AT E A S E O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9 Joint Base Andrews Fisher House Inc CFC 18622 www fisherhouse org For support call JBA Fisher House 301 981 1243

SOUND OFF Joy in Victory In the days leading up to the dedication of their New Testament the Keliko people of South Sudan joyfully sang the words of Psalm 66 5 with a sense of victory Come and see what the Lord has done The church and translation team have overcome many obstacles to complete their 33 year translation project trials loss displacement Even when renewed civil unrest in 2016 forced them to relocate to refugee settlements in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda they pressed on to completion Keliko was the 1 000th New Testament completed with the engagement of Wycliffe USA and SIL Interna Story by Susha Roberts tional a primary strategic partner A few days before the dedication a special church service was held at the Imvepi refugee settlement in Uganda to praise God One of the translators Bishop Seme Nigo Abiuda preached with nods and exclamations of assent from the people that God himself is the victor and they share in his victory Why do we praise the Lord We praise the Lord because the Scripture in our language is here But the Keliko church leaders know that victory is much more than what s already been accomplished It s about the joy that comes from being transformed by the eternal power of Give hope through Bible translation BibleTranslators wycliffe org cfc Scripture I am therefore urging all the people to read reflect and enrich their spiritual life using the translated materials such as the Bible the JESUS film recorded Bible and Scripture songs Bishop Seme declared in the dedication program They re also looking to the future believing that the Word will have transformative power through the generations The Bible has been launched at a time when we are facing many challenges It is my belief that the love of God provided through friends and partners will impact the next generation said Dimba David dedication organizing committee chairman With the light of the Word shining in their hearts the Keliko testify of God s power to change their lives At the dedication the Archbishop of Central Equatoria Internal Province Episcopal Church of South Sudan His Grace Dr Paul Yugusuk was so moved by their transformation that he expressed a desire to have the Scriptures translated into his own language It is this Word of God we use to bring our people to salvation said the Archbishop The Keliko translation team was responsible for the bulk of the work But they acknowledge that the Lord brought them many great supporters and co laborers who share in this victory Wycliffe is grateful for all those who support the work of Bible translation including those who give through the Combined Federal Campaign When you help bring people God s Word in a language they can understand lives are forever changed The victory has only just begun O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9 AT E A S E 7

STARVING ALONE DONATE NOW CFC 11811 CHILD RESCUE INTERNATIONAL mwb org Inspire Educate and Empower the Global Biomedical Engineering Community Your Support Improves Healthcare Delivery in Low Income Countries Help Engineering World Health to Save Equipment and Save Lives CFC 45954 8 AT E A S E O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9

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Walter Reed Society Assisting the Wounded Ill or Injured Service Members and their Families QUICK MOVE IN TOWNHOMES BUILT BY AMERICA S 1 HOMEBUILDER SEVERN MEADOWS mid 300s 443 685 3543 7722 Venice Lane Severn MD 21144 f ODENTON TOWN CENTER upper 300s 571 723 0801 2263 Kelston Place Odenton MD 21113 SARATOGA AT PARKSIDE upper 300s 301 407 2669 7918 Patterson Way Hanover MD 21076 D R Horton is equal housing opportunity builder Home and community information including pricing included features terms availability and amenities are subject to change and prior sale at any time without notice or obligation Pictures photographs features colors and sizes are approximate for illustration purposes only and will vary from the homes as built MHBR 535 walterreedsociety verizon net drhorton com MD www walterreedsociety org Copyright 2019 D R Horton Inc u O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9 AT E A S E 11

CONNECTING ELEMENT Bob the Builder Next Mission Construction Story and Photos by Patrick Chisholm H aving wrapped up many dangerous missions in Iraq Afghanistan and elsewhere in service for their country back home a number of veterans are embarking on their next mission building quality homes in the D C area They re doing it through Veterans Next Mission a 501 c 3 nonprofit that helps veterans transition from military service to civilian life by hiring and training them for trades in the construction industry Most of the soldiers turned builders don t have previous experience in the industry The only experience they have is with machine guns quips Bob Luckett CEO of the nonprofit That s why VNM focuses so heavily on training It puts the veterans through a four year program in which they train work full time and get paid while doing it Many if not most of them are Iraq or Afghanistan veterans and many are disabled A veteran himself Luckett wanted to establish an organization devoted to providing quality employment and trade skills to veterans while allowing him to continue his passion of building and remodeling homes I started it and we haven t looked back I got 12 AT E A S E O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9

calls from past customers wanting to know if I d be interested in doing this or that for them I explained the program and they were all for it doing a bathroom remodel a kitchen remodel an addition and another bathroom We had a nice backlog And we ve been pretty fortunate to have jobs come along Luckett enlisted in the Army in 1968 spending a year and a half at Fort Holabird Md Army intelligence school before it was transferred to Fort Huachuca Az in 1971 and then a year in Vietnam focusing on imagery interpretation and aerial surveillance Upon his return he went into the construction industry eventually building thousands of houses and gaining the moniker Bob the Builder before selling his construction company in 2014 He felt called to give today s returning veterans an opportunity for a similar career path That opportunity happened when after selling his business he took a job as a consultant for another construction company in Arlington where many older homes were being torn down to make way for new ones The deconstruction of houses often is subcontracted to nonprofit organizations because property owners get tax write offs by donating the old houses to those organizations which in turn salvage or recycle the materials Such a subcontractor was Second Chance set up to give former prisoners a second chance by teaching them a trade I watched them and after three or four houses dealing with them I thought that d be a great job for veterans because who better to tear something up than somebody who s used to blowing them up There was no reason to stop at deconstruction I could actually teach them construction where they would have even a better career chance ahead of them and so that was the genesis of the formation of Veterans Next Mission which officially came into being in November 2016 O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9 AT E A S E 13

The veterans start out the training program earning 14 per hour with a 1 per hour increase each six months and after four years earn in the low 20 s per hour fully suited for employment in the marketplace During their training veterans may be able to use the GI Bill to supplement their earnings The best thing they can have when they go onto a job site or talk to somebody about employment is to say Yes I ve been a carpenter for Veterans Next Mission for X number of months or years Because that s what contractors are looking for people with experience explained Luckett VNM has three training platforms classroom deconstruction and construction Much of classroom training is on site where the veterans may view how to videos and put that into action Deconstruction is disassembling a house and salvaging or recycling the items Construction includes complete design and build or remodeling of houses or other buildings Their current projects are in northern Virginia and suburban Maryland For construction projects being a nonprofit VNM can be very competitive in pricing And with a 42 year career having built for both residential and commercial 14 AT E A S E O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9 Luckett says there isn t anything that his organization can t take on He has experienced trainers The crews typically are actually more experienced than commercial crews which often include unexperienced or low experienced workers Being military veterans Luckett says his employees are very reliable and do what it takes to get the job done They love working as a team It s a great fit It s what the industry needs

We just need to get more of them Of course VNM subcontracts out certain tasks such as mechanics electrical plumbing and HVAC Luckett often has veterans work with subcontractors in order to learn those skills VNM recently completed a remodeling project in McLean Property owner Ms JJ Carr a retired Naval warrant officer was impressed by VNM s reasonable price estimate So I selected them after learning of their training program for people coming out of the service The young men worked with the supervisor making corrections throughout which gave me a great deal of confidence in their entire procedure The subcontractor work was probably the highest quality that I ve seen anywhere in Washington And I ve been here since 1981 and have seen an awful lot of stuff Particularly the plumbing work and the tile work were just such extremely high quality that I was just stunned with how well it was all done Another project was deconstruction of a home in Arlington Property owner Michele Verity remarked I love what these guys are about because they have the onsite training And it s kind of giving back to the community We re patriotic so that s why we like the veterans part of it Carrying out the deconstruction were veterans Derek Lett Army Joseph Bumgardner Marines and Brian Mandes Army National Guard Lett was the first employee hired with VNM Before working here I had little experience with using power tools and such and it s really given me an opportunity to learn a lot about what goes into construction After the four year training program he hopes to either get an assistant superintendent position or be a trainer or a supervisor with VNM Bumgardner wants to eventually own his own construction business building houses internationally At VNM I ve learned many skills drywall framing tiling plumbing electrical work pretty much learning how to take a house down step bystep and building it right back up Mandes plans to either stay on as a trainer or start his own construction company I ve learned deconstruction laughs I ve learned how to set walls concrete work window work door work not much roof work which is fine because I don t like heights laughs Luckett aims to acquire a new training facility that includes a workshop geared toward training disabled vets to build furniture and cabinets We have people wanting to come on who are disabled to the point that they can t get around a construction site but they could get around a shop floor And so we want to take material that we salvage out of a deconstruct and put in a shop and train them how to build furniture cabinetry and things like that But before the training facility can get built funds need to be raised With that aim was a charity golf tournament September 30 at Stonewall Golf Club in Gainesville Va On hand was former Washington Redskins offensive lineman Jeff Bostic To learn more about the golf tournament and other ways to get involved with VNM visit www veteransnextmission org

INDEPENDENT LIVING ASSISTED LIVING MEMORY SUPPORT LONG TERM CARE REHABILITATION SOCIAL DAY PROGRAM HOME CARE Experience ENGAGED LIVING At an Ingleside community you will be engaged in a diverse active and vibrant lifestyle with the security that comes with a full continuum of onsite health care INGLESIDE AT ROCK CREEK WASHINGTON DC Treasured home of a diverse group of people whose experiences and interests create the perfect balance for stylish retirement living Visit www ircdc org WESTMINSTER AT LAKE RIDGE LAKE RIDGE VA Charming historic neighborhood brimming with small town charm set against the natural forested beauty of Northern Virginia Visit www wlrva org INGLESIDE AT KING FARM ROCKVILLE MD Offers a variety of cultural arts wellness programs and some of the area s most spacious apartment homes Visit www ikfmd org An Ingleside Community These communities offer an extraordinary retirement experience and are now accepting waitlist reservations Please call 202 360 4701 to learn about our new Creekside and Gardenside additions INGLESIDE AT ROCK CREEK WESTMINSTER AT LAKE RIDGE AND INGLESIDE AT KING FARM ARE NOT FOR PROFIT CARF ACCREDITED SAGECare CERTIFIED LIFE PLAN COMMUNITIES

COME HOME TO CHRISTOPHER Comfort INDIAN SPRINGS FARM TWO HOMES READY NOW HAMNER II Lot 6 Now 1 149 000 5 Bedrooms 4 5 Baths GRANT Lot 8 Now 999 990 5 Bedrooms 4 Baths Experience this elegant craftsman style home situated This cozy 4 520 sq ft Grant home will have you in awe on a acre homesite and including over 4 300 sq ft of as soon as you walk in the door This inviting and open living space Enjoy a main level owner s suite with a fully floorplan includes a fully finished basement hardwood upgraded luxurious owner s bath hardwood flooring throughout the main level a beautiful gourmet kitchen throughout 3 additional bedrooms on the 2nd floor a gorgeous morning room with upgraded EnergyStar all included It also features an extended covered front appliances and plenty of designer finishes porch a dramatic 2 story family room and a finished basement with a recreational room full bath and den 7769 Julia Taft Way Lorton VA 22079 Please call 703 268 1265 to schedule an appointment ASK US ABOUT SPECIAL MILITARY INCENTIVES Information pertaining to incentives elevations floorplans availability and pricing are subject to change without notice Please contact your community manager for details and the most up to date information 571 512 2195 CHRISTOPHERCOMPANIES COM 703 268 1265 CHRISTOPHERCOMPANIES COM

SOUND OFF Story by Jen McDonald MilitaryByOwner Content Editor 20 AT E A S E O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9

1 DO be a good neighbor Military housing often means shared walls and yards so you ll need to be mindful of your family s noise and of your neighbors privacy Be friendly and introduce yourself when you see new neighbors moving in but don t assume because you re next door neighbors that you ll be best friends Sometimes a little space can be a good thing Or who knows Maybe you DID just meet your new best friend 2 3 DO maintain your lawn and keep your quarters reasonably clean Whether privatized or not government housing has certain standards you ll be required to maintain 4 DO observe quiet hours It s good to also be mindful of active duty neighbors who are working evening and night shifts and may be sleeping during the day DO take responsibility for your children Though most military housing has a Mayberry vibe and can feel safer than a community outside the gate you ll need to know curfews and regulations for how old children need to be before they re left alone at home or even walk to school without an adult 5 DO enjoy all the small town perks Often withing walking distance community pools libraries bowling alleys movie theaters splash parks recreation and youth centers are just a few amenities that can make living on base so family friendly 6 DO realize that if you want distance from your military job base housing may not be for you It s also a good idea to make a point of engaging with the off base community for a richer experience and so you learn more about the area whether it s through a community group church or other volunteerism 7 DON T be alarmed by sounds that will soon become everyday noises The sounds of Taps Reveille the National Anthem on the Big Voice gunfire from the shooting range military members calling cadence as they run past your home in formation are a few examples And DO stop pull your car over during the Anthem O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9 AT E A S E 21

8 9 10 DON T leave the base without your military ID You ll find it hard to get back onto a gated installation without it resident or no Trust me on this one DON T speed or use your cell phone while driving on base Too many infractions and you could end up losing your base driving privileges DON T get involved in neighborhood squabbles or start drama Sorry we had to say it It s just not worth it For a couple of humorous posts about this see Are YOU the Bad Neighbor and Annoying Neighbors Strategies from a Seasoned Military Spouse So much of what creates a great neighborhood situation whether in military housing or not is simple consideration and respect And remember if you have neighbor problems that go beyond annoyance and tread into safety issues you have recourse through the base housing office and law enforcement 11 DON T let your pets freely roam outside your house Observe leash laws It s inconsiderate to your neighbors and dangerous for your pet And many installations these days have dog parks so be sure to make use of it 12 DON T forget to check neighborhood reviews on Military Town Advisor to compare off base and on base housing if you have a choice about where you ll live Often insight from others can help you decide what s best for your family s situation 13 And finally DO enjoy the time you have living in military housing My grown kids miss the community feel and often discuss their memories of years living in base housing It can be an amazing experience This was originally published on the MilitaryByOwner blog copyright 2019 MilitaryByOwner Advertising Inc DREAM UP LIVE UP AT AVALON IN LAUREL Avalon Russett 8185 Scenic Meadow Dr Laurel MD 20724 Spacious one two and three bedroom apartments and townhomes only 4 miles from NSA and Ft Meade For more information visit AvalonRussett com or call 866 261 7426 Avalon Laurel 6900 Andersons Way Laurel MD 20707 Thoughtfully designed one two and three bedroom apartments and townhomes with central access to I 95 ICC 200 I 495 For more information visit AvalonLaurel com or call 844 276 3169 Preferred Employers Discount Discounts for active military available Please reach out to community for specifics Must show proof of government issued ID and mention this ad to receive discount 22 AT E A S E O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9

Easy Commute Even Easier Lifestyle Glenmont MetroCentre Towns Low Maintenance Luxury Living From the Upper 400s Not only is the Metro Station just steps away from our newest luxury community you are also conveniently located to I 495 I 270 I 370 and the Inter County Connector offering easy access to most everything that the Metro Area has to offer Enjoy area attractions dining and shopping nearby in Bethesda along with the history and culture of Washington D C This is a boutique community offering a limited number of 2 car garage towns featuring open floor plans spacious kitchens expansive great rooms and private rooftop terraces These homes and this location won t last WE SALUTE For all active and retired military teachers firefighters police paramedics and medical professionals YOU we re offering you 3 000 to use as you choose when you purchase a new home Sales Center located at CONTACT US TODAY 103 Klee Alley Silver Springs MD 20906 888 208 7665 or visit us online at DR E A M F I N DE R SHOM E S COM Call Dream Finders Homes HOM E S BU I LT TO F I T YOU R L I F E S T Y L E er a ailable on homes that sell by 3 2 ll prices o ers and a ailability are sub ect to change without notice lease see a new homes sales associate for full details 2 ream inders omes CGC1259652

FA M I LY H Q 24 AT E A S E O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9

Washing the Wall Military families honor veterans by cleaning Vietnam Memorial Story by Katie Begley Photos by Darryl Smith O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9 AT E A S E 25

6 30 a m on a Saturday morning in downtown Washington D C is a rare quiet moment in our nation s capital The normal hustle and bustle has slowed down But on a Saturday in July a group of dedicated volunteers and military families stood brushes and hoses in hand ready to honor those who sacrificed their lives for their country A connection to military history Volunteers with the National Military Family Association NMFA recently spent the day washing the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at the national mall in Washington D C The well visited memorial draws visitors from around the United States and the world Some are there to learn more about that period in our nation s history and honor the fallen Others search for a specific name among the 58 000 listed on the reflective black granite Many simply contemplate the sacrifices made by those individuals listed on the wall The Vietnam Veterans Memorial along with the other monuments located around the national mall are part of the National Park Service Volunteer groups can sign up to help maintain the beauty and solemn dignity of the area Every year NMFA signs up to wash the Vietnam Veterans Memorial as a way to both honor those listed on the wall and help volunteers feel connected to the larger military community NMFA brings military families together in camaraderie and support providing valuable resources to help these families thrive This year around 45 participants of all ages came out to volunteer Some were NMFA employees or military families while others were guests Approximately half of the volunteers were children 26 AT E A S E O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9

ST JANE de CHANTAL SCHOOL Pre K through Grade 8 Co ed Catholic School Chrome Book and Google Classroom available for all students New 11 000 Book Library and Art Science Lab Music Art Language Religion Computers Clubs Sports Multiple Grade Specific Enrichment Program On Site Extended Day Program 7 00am 6 00pm De Chantal becomes a part of who you are for the rest of your life St Jane de Chantal School 9525 Old Georgetown Rd Bethesda MD 20814 Tel 301 530 1221 Email ctomsheck dechantal org www dechantal org Turn Over a New Leaf In a New NVP Home NEW HOMES AVAILABLE IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA From the High 400s Available Now Experience the NVP difference in a beautiful new home that feels specially made for you featuring impressive layouts and luxury design options throughout Live in any of our highly sought after communities today 703 898 5436 NVPInc com O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9 AT E A S E 27

many of whom were learning about military sacrifice for the very first time Babies in strollers watched as their families made sure the monument was shining and clean Older children listened as adult participants told them what the names chiseled into the granite meant They may not understand it yet but it stays in their mind said Volunteer Coordinator Julie Falls Julie a current military spouse thought of her father a Marine in Vietnam while making sure that the names of others who served were cleaned and polished The environment that Vietnam Veterans served in was very different from the experience of serving in the military today Most of these guys didn t ask to go but they did what their country asked them to do said Falls This is the least we can do to clean the monument and honor them While working for NMFA as the DC region Volunteer Coordinator she has had the opportunity to support military families and create bonding experiences like the wall washing NMFA also assists the National Park Service by cleaning the Korean War Veterans Memorial each Spring The National Park Service welcomes the chance to 28 AT E A S E O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9

teach military families and others about the park Park ranger Mark Morse was available to answer questions tell participants about the monument and help washers get the monument clean He helped volunteers carefully move momentos and gifts to the side during the actual washing then promptly put them back in place The National Park Service logs all items left at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial by visitors showing great respect for both the Veterans and their loved ones Service to families In addition to bringing military families together for volunteer events the National Military Family Association provides opportunities for service members military spouses and military children to work towards meaningful goals as individuals and families NMFA has been assisting military families and advocating for the needs of those who stand behind their service members for almost 50 years In 1969 a group of military spouses recognized the need for an organization that took care of military widows At the time fewer resources were available to help families take on the challenges of military life This evolved into the official founding of NMFA in 1976 O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9 AT E A S E 29

The non profit organization focuses on supporting military families caregivers and children through providing education building resiliency and advocating with lawmakers One of NMFA s signature programs is the Operation Purple Camp Military kids are able to attend summer camp completely free of charge at partner camps around the United States Priority is given to children with an injured parent or those within 15 months of a military deployment but all military kids are eligible to apply The program recently expanded to bring family bonding opportunities through Family Camps offered to those families facing or reintegrating after a deployment Other Operation Purple initiatives include Healing Adventures Camps for those families dealing with a recent injury and Buddy Camps for young children to get special time with caregivers NMFA also provides scholarships for military spouses that can be used for education licensure or small business expenses Military spouses are unemployed or underemployed at a significantly higher rate than their civilian counterparts Frequent relocations periods of being a single parent and licensure requirements that vary from state to state all contribute to the struggle that military spouses face to find stable and meaningful employment NMFA supports these spouses by helping with the financial burden of developing a career Other focus areas include partnering with other organizations to bring needed resources to military families such as the Exceptional Family Member Program for special needs children FlexJobs to help remote workers and the U S Chamber of Commerce s Hiring Our Heroes initiative NMFA staff in Washington D C advocate for military family issues providing education to lawmakers on the current situation for military families related to education employment medical care and other issues At the heart of the military community is the military family Organizations like the National Military Family Association recognize the importance of supporting these extraordinary families through the challenges that they face by providing chances to bond resources to make the most of their skills and opportunities to come together to honor those who came before The National Military Family Association will be celebrating 50 years of supporting military families at a gala in Washington D C on October 24 30 AT E A S E O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9

Designer Looks without designer prices find your favorite styles in stores or online at VCF com

FA M I LY H Q Fisher Houses Keep Military Families Together During Medical Emergencies Story by Karen Finucan Clarkson Home away from O 32 AT E A S E O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9

Maureen Crabbe tells it Fisher House gave her son his life back Critically wounded by an improvised explosive device while on foot patrol in Afghanistan in 2011 United States Marine Corps Corporal Justin Crabbe lost both legs above the knee and several fingers at the age of 22 Crabbe knew that if her son was to survive let alone thrive he would need his parents and sister The family unit is what heals and gets you through all of those hard times and over those bumps she said Fisher House gave us that ability Ken Fisher

One of many Fisher Houses Beautiful comfortable bedrooms Spacious living room and kitchen 34 AT E A S E O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9

Each Fisher House is special but there are some that stand out such as the one at Dover Air Force Base Fisher Houses have been supporting military families for 28 years It was a phone call from a friend lamenting that there was no affordable place for a military family to stay while their loved one was receiving medical treatment that led philanthropist Zachary Fisher to pose a solution said Ken Fisher Zachary s nephew and chairman and CEO of the Fisher House Foundation in Rockville Maryland He built the first Fisher Houses with money from his own pocket and basically two conditions said Fisher There could be no charge for families staying in one of the houses and they had to be within walking distance of the hospital Today there are 80 Fisher Houses in the U S and Europe located on 24 military installations and 33 Veterans Administration medical centers The 8 million days of housing provided to more than 335 000 families has saved those families 407 million according to the foundation s website While the savings provided by Fisher Houses are enormous the sense of community they instill is priceless according to Crabbe You are among people in like circumstances she said Every day folks check on each other asking how s your son or daughter doing That sense of community and support allows family members to be better caregivers according to Fisher They can run to the hospital at 12 o clock if their loved one is having a bad day or night he said I ve heard stories that when they came back they found their laundry was folded or food was wrapped and put in the fridge It is the houses design that allows O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9 AT E A S E 35

the feeling of community to grow organically said Crabbe whose bedroom included a private bath They have the most wonderful sitting areas with big comfy couches and a beautiful library if you just want to meditate or read she said And you have all of the amenities at the Fisher House You can do your wash and keep food in the refrigerator It was a barbecue pit out back of the house that was instrumental in Justin Crabbe s healing We would get together with other families and guys from his platoon and other platoons and have barbecues so they could start to feel normal she said Fisher Houses range from 5 000 to 16 800 square feet and offer between eight and 21 suites They can accommodate 16 to 42 family members Features include a common kitchen laundry facilities dining room and a living room with a library While designs have evolved over time and the houses have gotten larger we never lost the feeling of intimacy said Fisher Each Fisher House is special according to Fisher but there are some that stand out such as the one at Delaware s Dover Air Force Base A call from the surgeon general of the U S Army alerted Fisher to the lack of housing for families whose son or daughter has given the ultimate sacrifice he said After witnessing the dignified transfer of their loved one something so 36 AT E A S E O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9

unthinkable they would get in their cars grieving and drive to a cheap motel five or six miles down the road he said The Fisher House for Families of the Fallen which opened in 2010 was one of the fastest such homes ever built Another house in Birmingham England also makes Fisher proud The British when they get wounded go into the national healthcare system So someone who just gave a leg or arm could be next to somebody who had his appendix out he said These men and women wanted the dignity of being able to recuperate together like Americans When Queen Elizabeth Hospital was rebuilt it included a 30 bed wounded warrior ward and walking distance away a Fisher House Given the need filled by Fisher Houses and their demand the foundation has an aggressive plan for expansion adding another 20 over the next three to four years according to Fisher The foundation relies on recommendations from the military as to locations for its houses We re never going to build a house that is not going to be needed in five years he said given our limited resources O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9 AT E A S E 37

We re so blessed Those resources are carefully monitored according to Fisher About 93 to 94 cents on every dollar donated goes toward building houses or other services that we provide he said That s enabled us to get an A plus rating from Charity Navigator and other watchdog groups The foundation s other services include Hero Miles which uses donated frequent flyer miles for military family members to briefly return home during a loved one s treatment Hotels for Heroes which uses donated hotel points to pay for hotel rooms when a Fisher House is full and scholarships for military children and spouses While Crabbe has not availed herself of the foundation s other offerings she remains grateful for the support she and her family received during their stay at Fisher House support that has allowed her son to lead a successful life After returning to California Justin found a job and eventually married Today he is the father of two daughters and a stay at home dad though recurring stomach maladies associated with his injuries often require his wife Casey to assist in the girls caregiving The reason Justin is doing so well is that Fisher House gave my family the opportunity to care for him said Crabbe That s why today he s stable and enjoying life He loves being a dad and how great is that We re so blessed

OR CK A Newcomers Guide 2019 M WELCOME GUIDE 2019 2020 WELCOME TO WASHINGTON D C 2019 GUIDE WHERE SOLDIERS FAMILY AND COMMUNITY COME FIRST EARL GRANVILLE STAY CHEESY A newcomers guide to our nation s capital with a special focus on Joint Base Anacostia Bolling Eli Wohlenhaus ewohlenhaus chespub com 240 801 2258 John Rives jrives chespub com 301 848 0175 SY C N KEEPING WATCH

Commemorating the Liberation of Paris Photos by Darryl Smith On August 29th the Friends of the National World War II Memorial hosted a ceremony to mark the 75th anniversary of the Liberation of Paris from Nazi Germany Susan Eisenhower granddaughter of General Dwight D Eisenhower as well as representatives from the three divisions involved in the liberation of Paris the U S 4th Infantry Division and 28th Infantry Division and the French 2nd Armored Battalion were in attendance This was the first time the Liberation of Paris will be commemorated at the World War II Memorial on the National Mall in Washington D C 40 AT E A S E O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9

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At Ease M I D AT L A N T I C M I L I T A R Y L I F E FISHER HOUSES KEEPING MILITARY FAMILIES TOGETHER THAT SENSE OF COMMUNITY AND SUPPORT ALLOWS FAMILY MEMBERS TO BE BETTER CAREGIVERS KEN FISHER CHAIRMAN CEO FISHER HOUSE FOUNDATION COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN See what organizations are doing in the DMV area this CFC season RELOCATION Helpful tips for when the PCS orders come no matter the time of year VETERANS NEXT MISSION Hiring and training veterans to build quality homes

At Ease M I D AT L A N T I C M I L I T A R Y L I F E FISHER HOUSES KEEPING MILITARY FAMILIES TOGETHER THAT SENSE OF COMMUNITY AND SUPPORT ALLOWS FAMILY MEMBERS TO BE BETTER CAREGIVERS KEN FISHER CHAIRMAN CEO FISHER HOUSE FOUNDATION COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN See what organizations are doing in the DMV area this CFC season RELOCATION Helpful tips for when the PCS orders come no matter the time of year VETERANS NEXT MISSION Hiring and training veterans to build quality homes

At Ease M I D AT L A N T I C M I L I T A R Y L I F E FISHER HOUSES KEEPING MILITARY FAMILIES TOGETHER THAT SENSE OF COMMUNITY AND SUPPORT ALLOWS FAMILY MEMBERS TO BE BETTER CAREGIVERS KEN FISHER CHAIRMAN CEO FISHER HOUSE FOUNDATION COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN See what organizations are doing in the DMV area this CFC season RELOCATION Helpful tips for when the PCS orders come no matter the time of year VETERANS NEXT MISSION Hiring and training veterans to build quality homes

At Ease M I D AT L A N T I C M I L I T A R Y L I F E FISHER HOUSES KEEPING MILITARY FAMILIES TOGETHER THAT SENSE OF COMMUNITY AND SUPPORT ALLOWS FAMILY MEMBERS TO BE BETTER CAREGIVERS KEN FISHER CHAIRMAN CEO FISHER HOUSE FOUNDATION COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN See what organizations are doing in the DMV area this CFC season RELOCATION Helpful tips for when the PCS orders come no matter the time of year VETERANS NEXT MISSION Hiring and training veterans to build quality homes

VETERAN S CORNER Turning advocacy into action Story by Alice Swan Photos by Patsy Lynch I t s not often a small group of individuals gets a chance to turn their dedication to serving veterans into real and positive action But that is exactly what the leaders and members of American Legion Post 139 in Arlington Virginia have been able to do thanks to an innovative collaboration with the Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing APAH According to Post commander Bob Romano there was no denying the trouble facing the post when he took the leadership position in 2013 I had always avoided the political side of the Legion since I joined in 1987 back in Massachusetts I just wanted to coach Legion baseball the former Vietnam War era Army medic and reservist shared Baseball is what drew Romano to Post 139 when he and his wife moved to Arlington in 2010 to be closer to family But as Romano took the reins and saw the post s financial situation for the first time he knew something had to change Faced with a deteriorating 70 year old post home and declining membership Romano said he realized the post was headed 48 AT E A S E O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9 towards bankruptcy We would have been liquidated and someone other than Post 139 would have reaped the benefit he explained That benefit was owning a large piece of land in one of the hottest real estate markets in the area So Romano and other post officers began exploring their options Sure they could have sold out to any number of developers dangling offers but the Post had a higher purpose in mind How could the group maintain a post home on the land they d owned since the 1920 s while also living up to the American Legion charter of enhancing the lives of veterans military and their families advocate for veterans educate citizens mentor youth and promote patriotism good citizenship peace and security It was a marriage made in heaven said Nina Janopaul APAH president and CEO when a real estate agent working with the Post reached out to the organization This 30 year old nonprofit was founded by four couples who wanted to create affordable housing in their hometown of Arlington Janopaul explained In that time we have built a portfolio of residences and now have 1800 apartments she said with a variety of assistance programs offered to their residents When the Legion asked us to

The hope is that we can create a path for more military and veterans to stay in the Arlington community

make a bid on their property we told them we d been involved in veteran homelessness and we d be glad to include veterans preference housing in the project she added Janopaul shared that a benefit of the collaboration with Post 139 has been the ability to grow APAH S mission focused not only on housing for homeless veterans but also low income veterans who are often priced out of living in job rich communities like Arlington County I interviewed several people in the veterans world and they said that vets can t stay here she explained They serve in The Pentagon they serve at Joint Base Myer Henderson Hall and then they have to move out to the far suburbs because this is such an expensive place to live She said APAH will oversee construction of an apartment building on the Legion site offering 160 three two and one bedroom units Fifty percent of the residences will be set aside for financially qualified A Page in American History Historic Surratt House Museum 9118 Brandywine Road Clinton MD 20785 301 868 1121 SurrattMuseum org Ask about our popular John Wilkes Booth Escape Route tours 50 AT E A S E O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9 veterans The residential side of the building will have several community spaces for events and programs APAH partners with other non profits so there will be smaller rooms for activities like scouting story hours or financial literacy classes The building will also have a fitness

center on site something we know is very important to the veteran population noted Janopaul Romano explained that as part of APAH s purchase agreement the Legion post home will be co located on the first floor separate from the residential building that will be above them Currently the Legion uses a dark wood paneled basement in the post building for its meeting space and bar Post officers are working with Kia Weatherspoon a Washington D C based interior designer to create a space that will feature a modern and welcoming lounge area and event spaces for members and the community large screen televisions and WIFI friendly seating areas The main thing is that now the Post will be here for the next 100 years said Romano We ll be able to do functions we haven t been able to do in a number of years like the Christmas Party for the soldiers and their families at Fort Myer We ll be able to offer veteran services and counseling all the things that people talk about but don t get done he added With the APAH purchase Romano proudly noted We can now afford to do them now financially we will be able to live out our American Legion charter Before ground has even broken on the project Romano said they ve already made arrangements with George Mason University Antonin Scalia Law School s Mason Veterans and Servicemembers Legal Clinic https mvets law gmu edu to offer free legal counseling at the new post home M VETS plans to have two lawyers or law students on site Monday through Friday from 8 00am to 5 00 pm to assist veterans service members and their families with estate planning wills guardianship agreements and other litigation matters Romano also hopes to eventually offer professional PTS and suicide prevention counseling at the post Janopaul expects work to begin on the project in the spring of 2020 A 24 to 26 month construction process means the apartments will be available in mid to late 2022 They will be offered to qualifying individuals or families and veterans She noted that for the units set aside for veterans service members qualify for veteran status if serving on their second tour of duty We have met with the Joint Base Myer Henderson Hall commander and some of the housing staff and we do think many of the military members there could qualify Janopaul said The hope is that we can create a path for more military and veterans to stay in the Arlington community www alaforveterans org A CONCERT CELEBRATING 244 YEARS OF SERVICE WEDNESDAY OCT 2 8 P M The Music Center at Strathmore 5301 Tuckerman Lane North Bethesda Md If tickets are sold out stand by seating will be available 15 minutes before the concert O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9 AT E A S E 53

CONNECTING ELEMENT D D etermined to change lives through esign Story by Alice Swan Photos by Patsy Lynch 54 AT E A S E O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9

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If you are trying to create a gathering place for the newest generation of America s veterans who better to turn to for help than a veteran of the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars That is exactly what American Legion Post 139 in Arlington Virginia has done putting their new post home project in the capable hands of interior designer Kia Weatherspoon The Air Force vet and tech sergeant with the 113th Force Support Squadron Washington D C Air National Guard created her firm Determined by Design to bring good design to often overlooked and underserved communities It also helped that she had been tapped to design the interior spaces for the veteran focused affordable apartment project that will house the Legion s new space Since starting her business in 2012 she has become an expert in equitable design concepts and it all started with some sheets in the desert Weatherspoon shared that those basic sheets were issued to her on her first deployment as a 19 year old airman to Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar They formed the first space she ever created and became the inspiration behind her career choice The Portsmouth Virginia native had joined the military in January 2001 to help fund her dreams of studying dance She felt the Air Force was a good fit but couldn t have anticipated how life would change for everyone in the military in eight months She arrived at her first duty station McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita 56 AT E A S E O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9 Kansas in July assigned to an air crew life support team A few months later Weatherspoon and her team were sent to Qatar following the 9 11 attacks I was 19 and had never been out of the country and had never been so far away from my family Weatherspoon admitted I remember getting off the aircraft we were on the flight line and all you could see was the dark abyss of sand and the shuffling of bodies and bags As a 19 year old that s pretty scary and surreal In those early days of the conflict facilities were rudimentary and the sleeping quarters were tents I m in a tent with 13 other women and all you see are these cots lined up on each side of the tent I remember thinking I needed to cry but I m supposed to be an adult now because I m serving my country in war time she shared Instead of crying openly I took some sheets from my bag and hung three sheet walls from the top of the tent and that was the first space I ever created I cried like a baby within those three sheet walls but there was something so powerful about how safe a space can make you feel It wasn t about an extravagant finish it was just sheets but what a space could do for you Weatherspoon deployed three more times and at each location she worked to create a safe space for herself It was making a comforting environment in extreme circumstances she explained and we started to mimic what we saw others do We used excess materials left over stuff to create

bookshelves and dividers She said that she began to see that there was skill behind this ability to manipulate an empty space a realization that influenced her steps when she left active service After four years Weatherspoon knew full time duty was not for her but she still wanted to serve her country A transfer to the Air Force Reserves took her to Willow Grove Air Base in Pennsylvania When I got out of the active duty military I knew I had to find full time work and I knew I was interested in interior design based off my experiences creating personal spaces during my deployments to the Middle East she shared I had come from such a tech background in the Air Force so the first thing I did was get a technical degree from a community college in autocad design software But for my bachelor s degree in design I wanted to stretch myself and focus on the creative aspects of design so I chose Moore College of Art and Design Degree in hand Weatherspoon worked for several Northern Virginia companies doing residential and multifamily design That experience gave her the confidence to start Determined by Design One of the first things I did when I started my business was a non profit project Weatherspoon said While friends questioned why she d want to start off doing a free project the designer saw it as a bridge to her military experiences It was a design project for House of Ruth a DC women s shelter It was a transitional building serving 12 women similar to when I was in the O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9 AT E A S E 57

I want to change lives through the spaces I design 58 AT E A S E O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9 Middle East When the project was finished Weatherspoon said one of the residents told her When I walked into my room I realized change was possible for me That statement formed the mission of Determined by Design to offer good design to those who need it most It s everyone from veterans in American Legion posts to residents of affordable housing to small business owners in a gentrifying neighborhood those are the projects I want to do I know in an extreme environment my space was my saving grace and I want to create saving graces for other people to help them flourish she explained Weatherspoon has worked on affordable housing and senior living residences in the D C area and Baltimore Her business has become the go to firm for projects involving limited budgets She takes pride in the fact that she can make those spaces indistinguishable from market rate developments Weatherspoon credits her success to her military background I would not change how I got here because everything happens for a reason she said When you re in basic training and you have to fold that t shirt into a 6x6 square you thinks it s so mundane but it s about attention to detail so I was able to calibrate that oxygen mask to the right level and that translates to my design work You learn the mission is bigger than you to take yourself out of the equation so you can see a problem and fix it And as she works on the problem of designing the new home for Post 139 she s excited that her military and design worlds are coming together on the project She said that as she s getting closer to the end of her service career she was wondering how to stay connected to the military Creating a space where she and her fellow post 9 11 veterans will feel at home is guiding her work We spend 93 of our time indoors which makes you think about the importance of the built environment Weatherspoon noted it can change your life or be to your detriment so projects I take on have to feel like it s serving the community in a bigger way than just making a pretty space I want to change lives through the spaces I design

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FA M I LY H Q How I Met Your Mother co creator Carter Bays hosts comedy writing workshop through Armed Services Arts Partnership Cocreator and executive producer of the popular comedy series How I Met Your Mother Carter Bays hosted a two day comedy writing workshop through Armed Services Arts Partnership ASAP at Capitol Post June 22 23 ASAP a non profit organization with a mission of cultivating community and growth with veterans service members and military families invited its ambassador Bays to its office headquarters in Old Town Alexandria to teach to more than 40 military affiliated participants free of cost how to write a pilot for a television series from concept to outline to script over the course of two separate three hour long workshops over the weekend According to Executive Director of ASAP Sam Pressler Bays hosted a similar workshop for ASAP back in 2016 which was one of the organization s best and they had been wanting to bring him back Story by Eric Zedalis Photos from Tammy Hineline Photography ever since 60 AT E A S E O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9

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We offer workshops and performances pretty much every weekend so this is another way for us to continue engaging the veterans service members and military families who have participated in our programs but also to invite some new folks in who may not have connected with our community yet and offer them a chance to get involved Pressler said Bays who s other writing credits include Oliver Beene American Dad and the Late Show with David Letterman had very little experience hosting any kind of writing workshop before being approached by ASAP in 2016 but it was something he said he could not pass up ASAP was just such a great organization that I couldn t say no Bays said I m just so impressed 62 AT E A S E O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9 with the talent here These writers are phenomenally smart and I just love working with them A Cleveland OH native Bays has family that was in the military including his father in law and for some time he had been searching for a way to give back and show his support When this opportunity arose I was so happy to be able to do it Bays said Here was actually something that I could do because really I m not trained or useful in any other way The first half of the workshop Bays says he goes through his own rules and tips that work for him as a writer but meanwhile makes it a point of saying these rules are not for everybody Where he thinks the real learning happens is in the 2nd half of the program where everyone works together

They get to see how a TV show is written in a room with a bunch of writers he said That s when the fun happens and we re just riffing and trying to come up with an idea for a show It s less about me imparting some important wisdom as it is getting people s creative minds going and showing them it s possible That writing comedy is not a magic trick To do this Bays says he starts with the building blocks characters situation and themes and a discussion ensues We build on each other s ideas he said It s my favorite type of writing community writing People shouting out ideas and ultimately seeing what the whole group comes up with as a team The Wesleyan University graduate also shares insight into his experience with creating the How I Met Your Mother pilot with his writing partner Craig Thomas so participants can get a sense of how the show was first conceptualized I go through how we came up with the pilot and the way that it began by just writing about our lives he explained Just writing something autobiographical about our experiences and mine especially about being single my friends getting married one by one Then realizing I m ready to settle down but I have no idea how that s going to happen or how it s supposed to happen That was the genesis of the show and everything else kind of came out of that Separated Service member Bill Van Camp split 12 years between the Marine Corps and the Army and now resides in Alexandria where he is very active with ASAP Having attended Bays Saturday workshop he said his biggest takeaway was that outlining a pilot episode the first episode in any television series can actually be pretty simple It s not as overwhelming as I originally perceived what writing a TV show would be he said I felt like there was a lot more simplicity than I imagined Still for Van Camp his favorite part of the workshop was the 2nd half where he says participants got to see it all play out in front of us and they were able to put something together that they d all taken part in But for retired Army Staff Sgt Adam Keys now a resident of Annapolis MD hearing about Bays thought process in the beginning was most enjoyable We got some really good pointers as to how to write a pilot episode he said following Saturday s workshop It gave me a good foundation there s no question Keys a triple amputee who lost both his legs and one of his arms while deployed in Kabul Afghanistan back in 2010 said he began watching How I Met Your Mother while being treated in the hospital I got hooked on it right away he said I still watch the reruns to this day and it s always funny As an aspiring stand up comedian who is very involved with ASAP Keys said this event like every other ASAP hosted event he s ever attended has helped him grow in the field of comedy O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9 AT E A S E 63

ASAP was just such a great organization that I couldn t say no I m just so impressed with the talent here These writers are phenomenally smart and I just love working with them 64 AT E A S E O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9

I ve been to one other ASAP workshop and I also went to their comedy boot camp and their operation improv classes as well he said They ve all been awesome I ve been involved with ASAP for almost a year now Whenever I get the chance to jump in I try to do that Keys jump right in attitude actually led to his persona being the basis for a main character in the group s manufactured pilot episode and according to Keys after just over an hour of work they already had the makings of a possible sitcom Bays echoed that sentiment adding that he could sense an esprit de corps with this group There s a sense of collaboration and being a team that you just feel in this room Bays said And it s inspiring to see that It s really a study in trust where there s no bad ideas We re all a team here and we all believe in each other And that s the most fun way to work creatively This capacity to work collaboratively along with a unique life experience should certainly give any aspiring military affiliated screenwriter an advantage in the entertainment industry according to Bays Out in Hollywood there are a lot of people that all have the same life experience Bays said I think we ve seen this push for diversity which is terrific and you re seeing more people being able to tell their story in pop culture And I think as a result Hollywood is ready to hear stories from outside of the standard its used to I d be excited to see people coming from a military background and creating TV shows I think the world is just waiting for someone to finally do that Bays advice for those looking to break into the entertainment industry is to read and write as much as possible I m about to turn 44 and every day more and more I realize one lifetime isn t enough to write all the ideas in your head he said People in the military are probably even so much more aware of that than I am So you know nothing s promised and each day is a blessing The more you get out of your head the more road you have behind you So get it written down If you re thinking about it don t wait and see if you still like the idea a week from now Write it down Write it today and tomorrow write something new And keep writing For more information on ASAP and its weekly programming visit www asapasap org

COMING UP Todd Robinson pictured right center talks with Samuel L Jackson on the set of The Last Full Measure which releases in theaters in January The film is about William Pitsenbarger whose heroics during the Vietnam War earned him the Medal of Honor posthumously Robinson first heard the story of Pitsenbarger 20 years ago and has been working on perfecting the telling of his story ever since While not writing directing or producing Robinson donates his time and resources to the nonprofit Save A Warrior which provides counseling services in the fields of mental health and wellness suicide prevention and post traumatic stress to veterans military personnel police firefighters and other first responders 66 AT E A S E O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9

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