Thursday, February 07, 2008

Up Front

The Eagle has a heart
Readers who want to send their loved one a message in the Belvoir Eagle for Valentine’s Day may e-mail them to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). We will compile them and publish them in the Eagle that hits the streets Feb. 14. Deadline for submissions is noon, Jan. 8.
Traffic training mandatory for drivers 25 and younger
Installation Safety Office press release
To attack the rising number of vehicle-related accidents and to standardize the Army’s traffic safety education program, the Installation Management Command developed The Army Traffic Safety Training Program. The ATSTP targets the secretary of defense-mandated 50 percent reduction in accidents and fatalities.
The course is mandatory for all military personnel under 26 years of age with a driver’s license within 30 days of arriving to Fort Belvoir. The course is recommended, but not mandatory, for DoD civilians.
Classes are at Barden Education Center, Bldg. 1017. Registration is accepted by calling 703 704-0649. Supervisor’s Training is from 9 to 11 a.m.; Local Hazard Training is from 1 to 1:30 p.m.; Intermediate Driver training is from 1:30 to 4 p.m. on the following dates:
Feb. 11, March 10, April 7, May 12 and June 9.
In the Local Traffic Hazards Course portion of ATSTP, some of what students learn include: local statistics, driving and weather conditions; the drivers’ license manual; traffic laws unique to Virginia; and information on local training in child restraint use.
The Intermediate Course IIIA builds on information in Course 1, given to AIT/OSUT students, and provides expanded opportunity for class interaction and discussion. 
The last portion of the program covers risk management. 
The program also includes a one-hour supervisor’s traffic safety training for military personnel and civilians.
Scammers target local elderly
Local police are investigating at least four incidents in which elderly victims were scammed out of several thousand dollars in cash. In all the cases, the victims were approached by a well-dressed man in shopping centers in the Beacon Hill and Hybla Valley areas. The man claims to be visiting from Africa and asked about how he could donate a large sum of money to the victims’ church. The victims withdrew matching money and drove the suspect to a church where they were met by another man. During a prayer, the church-goers’ money was switched with a bandana of shredded paper.
The suspects were described as black, between 40 and 50 years old.
Police are warning citizens not to volunteer their own money in exchange for more and to always verify charity organizations before donating.
Anyone who thinks they may be a victim or has information is asked to call Crime Solvers, 1 866 411-TIPS/8477; or Fairfax County Police, 703 691-2131.