ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. — The final installation town hall for APG Senior Commander Maj. Gen. Mitchell Kilgo and Garrison Commander Col. Timothy Druell — held Tuesday, June 8, at APG’s Myer Auditorium and broadcasted virtu
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ally — brought updates to the APG community about the transition to return to work and installation services.
Both Kilgo and Druell opened the town hall by thanking the installation community for the chance to lead them, and particularly for their patience and resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kilgo will leave APG in early August, while Druell is leaving later this month.
“It has been the absolute highlight of my career to have the opportunity to serve as the senior commander here at Aberdeen Proving Ground,” Kilgo said. “What this community does on a day to day basis to deliver readiness for our Army and other joint services is unmatched across the whole Department of Defense. It’s something you should always be proud of, what you contribute to the defense of this nation.”
“APG has a special place in my heart,” Druell said. “We’ll absolutely miss this place moving forward.”
Return to the new normal
Kilgo has authorized up to 60% of the workforce to return to the installation, as of June 1, with an increase to 80% planned to occur around July 4, if conditions permit.
“Even though things are much, much better now, we’ve still got some ways to go. It’s not over yet,” Kilgo said. “We need you to stay disciplined, still, throughout the course of the summer and God willing, in the late fourth quarter this year, we’ll be back to as normal as things are going to be.”
Dr. Italo Bastianelli, deputy commander of clinical services at the Kirk U.S. Army Health Center, said COVID-19 cases in the area are declining. He encouraged those who have not received a vaccination to get one. KUSAHC is continuing to offer the Moderna vaccine to those who still need it.
“We’re getting better, but we’re not out of the woods,” he said. “The virus is going to be with us. It’s not going away.”
APG’s facemask wearing policy, as of May 17, is that those who are fully vaccinated — which is defined as individuals who are at least two weeks beyond their final vaccine dose — no longer need to wear masks. Those who are not vaccinated are to continue to follow Department of Defense mask guidance, which includes wearing masks indoors.
As more of the workforce returns to work, Druell said APG will bring back its Trusted Traveler access on June 14. The program allows authorized Department of Defense ID card holders who are drivers to vouch for the passengers in their vehicle. DoD active and retired service members, their spouses and adult children and DoD civilian employees are eligible for this program.
As traffic increases, the installation’s Automated Installation Entry program will be reinstated during morning rush hours, Druell said. As of now, about 47% of the traditional vehicle throughput has gone through the gates during morning hours, and that percentage needs to be closer to 60% or 70%, for the program to be reactivated, Druell said. APG security will continue to scan ID cards at the entrance gates during the morning rush hours.
Behavioral health services
A portion of the town hall focused on some of the behavioral healthcare services available to the installation community.
Jenise Bryce, APG Employee Assistance Program prevention coordinator, spoke about the program and what it provides for DOD civilians and their families, as well as family members of active duty Soldiers.
Bryce also shared signs of how to recognize depression, which include reckless behaviors, changes in appetite and weight, changes with sleep patterns, self loathing, being easily angered, loss of energy or interest and feeling hopeless or helpless..
For more information, contact Bryce at jenise.n.bryce.civ@mail.mil or 410-278-5319/652-3892 or Deborah Galimore at deborah.g.galimore.civ@mail.mil or 410-278-1716.
Army Community Service offers non-clinical programs designed to enhance quality of life, promote resilience and self-reliance, and provide stability for the total Army family. Programs include:
- Family Advocacy Program, dedicated to the prevention, education, prompt reporting, investigation, and intervention of spouse and child abuse. For more information, call 410-278-7478.
- Victim Advocacy Coordination, a 24/7 domestic violence help line that provides immediate assistance, safety planning, non-judgmental support and information on available resources. For more information, call 410-652-6048.
- Resilience and Stress Relief Workshops, which provide tips and tools for combating stress by building mental toughness, strength of character and connections. For more information, call 410-306-4523.
- Military Family Life Counselors, who provide short-term, situational, problem-solving, non-medical, life counseling services to active duty, National Guard and reserves members, and their family members. For more information, call 410-206-3308 or 410-206-3266.
- Army Emergency Relief, which provides financial assistance to active duty and retirees during valid emergencies that are unforeseen and require immediate attention. For more information, call 410-278-2453.
Corvias updates
The community center pool opened May 29 with limited hours. Hours are expected to expand on June 22, said Sandi Berry-Turner, assistant operations director for Corvias, the installation’s housing rental partner.
More than 10,000 square feet of sidewalk has been repaired in 2021, with an additional 10,800 square feet of sidewalk marked for replacement with work beginning in the next two weeks. Renovations for Plum Point windows and doors are at 38% complete.
As the Army’s permanent change of station season arrives, transportation service providers are required to wear face coverings in the homes of service members and should not be asked to remove them, Druell said.
Move-ins and move-outs can now be done in person, in addition to virtually, Berry-Turner said.
FMWR updates
FMWR services have continued to expand as conditions on post permit, said Joseph Moscone, APG Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation director.
Since the last town hall in March, gym services have increased. The Aberdeen Area gym now has lunchtime and late afternoon sessions available for all eligible users, and the only hours dedicated strictly for active duty Soldiers is the early morning session. Hours for Hoyle Gym, which is currently open in the morning hours, could expand in July, Moscone said.
Starting June 17, swim lessons will be offered Mondays through Wednesdays at the Shore Park Pool for the first time since 2018, Moscone said. Lessons will be taught by certified water safety instructors, he said.
Top of the Bay is now taking reservations for events, Moscone added. A Sunday brunch is scheduled for July 18 and “date night” events are scheduled for June 17 and 18. Tuesday curbside order pick-up will start July 13.
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