Last week, I received a visit from Installation Command Sgt. Maj. (Gabriel) Berhane.

Remember the childhood game, “Follow the Leader”? The idea was to mimic the antics of the person in front of you in the line of boys and girls winding through the neighborhood. Being a follower was all right, but being a leader was the most fun, creating imaginative routes and tasks for everyone else to copy. In real life, great leaders are rare; and being a leader is a challenge.

My family and I have lived on Fort Belvoir for about a year and have two more years to go. So far, it has been a great experience for us. We truly feel like this is our “Town” and not just a base.

It’s prom and graduation season-a time for celebration that is too often marred by the frequently fatal consequences of illegal underage drinking. One bad decision can result in tragedy for the young person, as well as his or her family, friends and our entire community.

May 15, 2010, is Armed Forces Day. Right now, volunteer men and woman are everywhere protecting us civilians here at home.

With just a few weeks until the beginning of the 2010 Atlantic hurricane season on June 1, the Federal Emergency Management Agency urges Americans to ensure their families, homes and businesses are prepared for the risks associated with hurricanes and tropical storms. National hurricane preparedness week is May 23 through May 29.

This is the perfect time in the year to take a moment to show our appreciation to teachers for all the effort they put into each day to teach.

You have probably noticed the construction taking place just inside Pence Gate and may be curious about plans for the new hospital. Among the DeWitt Army Community Hospital staff, there are mixed feelings of anxiety, fear of the unknown, and trepidation; but there are also feelings of excitement, awe and pride for our new facility. 

I have the privilege of being a former Soldier, a military spouse and a Department of Army civilian. This provides me with the ability to see issues and life from a variety of perspectives. Something that has embarrassed me since my days as a Soldier is the behavior of some of the Army wives I’ve encountered.

Numerous studies have shown that our jobs have a great impact on our health and our lives, overall. Most will agree that our bosses can make coming to work a pleasant experience or a measurable one.
I have to admit I have been very lucky for the last few years with not only having a job I absolutely love, but being surrounded by wonderful and caring coworkers, including my two bosses.