Armed Forces Week - APG activities set to salute America's military May 12 - 16

By Rachel Ponder, APG NewsMay 8, 2014

Armed Forces Week
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. - A full week of activities saluting America's armed forces and the APG community is set for May 12 -16. All Armed Forces Week activities are Team APG events hosted by the U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command.

Master Sgt. Linwood Parker, from ATEC, said this year's AFW activities emphasize the importance of health and resilience.

"The events will reflect the Army's focus of being ready and resilient with the hopes of encouraging a healthier, more productive workforce," Parker said.

AFD Golf Tournament

Armed Forces Week kicks off Monday, May 12, with a golf tournament at Ruggles Golf Course. Registration, a continental breakfast and warm-up is 7-8 a.m., followed by an opening ceremony from 8 to 8:30 a.m., led by ATEC Commander Maj. Gen. Peter D. Utley.

The event concludes 2 p.m. with a pig roast and buffet lunch at the Sutherland Grille and presentations of tournament awards and remarks by Utley. Award presentations include longest drive, closest to the pin, lowest team score and highest team score. Cost for the tournament is $70 per person. Rain date is Tuesday, May 13. For more information or to register, contact Rick Bond, Golf Program manager at 410-278-4794 or email richard.j.bond.naf@mail.mil.

"There are a few spots still open, hurry before they fill up," said Ruggles Pro Shop Manager Matt Williams

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Wellness Wednesday

New to APG's AFW festivities is "Wellness Wednesday." The fun begins with "APG's Bike to Work Day" starting at 6:30 a.m. Participants meet between 6:30 to 7 a.m. in the parking lot at Raritan and Erie Streets across from the APG North (Aberdeen) recreation center. Bring bicycles, helmets and other safety gear for an 11.5 mile ride on the installation.

Participants are encouraged to register as teams, representing their organization or unit. The organization or unit with the most participants will receive the "Cycle Smack Down" trophy. Teams should submit their roster to Alan Doran at rideshare@harfordcountymd.gov by May 12. Participants should also register at www.B2W2014-apg.eventbrite.com, or call Alan Doran at 410-638-3389 for more information.

The event will include organization and vendor displays, free refreshments and raffle drawings. This is the second year in a row that Team APG has partnered with Harford County Government to bring a "Bike to Work Day" event to the installation.

"It is exciting to see the cycling community at APG grow," said Health and Wellness Coordinator Gale Sauer, a contractor in support of ATEC who is organizing the event.

After the ride, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. several health and wellness displays and demonstrations will be held in the recreation center ballroom. Highlights include:

A drunk driver/distracted driver demonstration sponsored by the Army Substance Abuse Program.

A Safe Motorcyclist Awareness and Recognition Trainer (SMART), demonstration sponsored by the Installation Safety Office. The motorcycle simulator offers several dangerous scenarios to teach drivers how to react to dangerous traffic situations.

APG Master Resiliency Trainers will give a brief overview on MRT skills and the importance of resiliency, for Soldiers and civilians.

Army Performance Triad- sleep, activity and nutrition- information, sponsored by the Community Health Promotion Council.

Asthma and tobacco cessation.

Displays and exhibits from APG organizations, featuring the latest technological advancements that benefit the nation's Warfighters and communities.

Appreciation Luncheon

During the Thursday, May 15 Military Appreciation Luncheon, the Harford County Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee will recognize the APG Noncommissioned Officer of the Year, Soldier of the Year and Military Family of the Year. The guest speaker will be retired Brig. Gen. Mike Hayes, program director of the Office of Military and Federal Affairs for the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development.

Visit http://web.harfordchamber.org/events/Military-Luncheon-171/details for more information. The luncheon is 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Richlin Ballroom in Edgewood. Cost is $30 for Harford County Chamber of Commerce members, $45 for non-members. Reservations are required. For information, contact Karen Holt at 410-838-2020 or visit www.harfordchamber.org.

Armed Forces Day 5K Run/2 Mile Walk

The week's festivities end with an Armed Forces Day 5K Run/2 Mile Walk starting at 6:30 a.m. in front of the Hoyle Gym in APG South (Edgewood). This event is free, no registration required. For information, call 410-417-0149.

"I feel that participating in a fun run gives a chance for everyone to get together and build APG community esprit de corps" said Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers President Sgt. Eric Jimenez. "Some of us take this opportunity to wage friendly competition between individuals or even units."