Col. Ed Rothstein
It’s been a busy first week, Fort Meade.
Since taking command, my wife Audrey and I have been visiting many of you, seeing firsthand all that you do to make Fort Meade a great place to live, work and serve. We’ve gotten out to see so much the installation has to offer at events like Saturday’s Newcomers’ Fair and Tuesday’s National Night Out, where Installation Command Sgt. Maj. Charles Smith and I got to tour Fort Meade on a fire truck to kick off another fantastic event.
Everywhere I have gone, I appreciate the time you’ve taken to share your thoughts about our community with me. Your comments, suggestions and concerns have been critical in counseling the command sergeant major and me and helping us understand what it takes to deliver quality programs and services to our wonderful community.
As I focus on how we can best move forward as a community, I want you to know your openness has helped me understand your vision of excellence. And for that, I am grateful and hope that it continues through my open door policy, ICE comments, Facebook posts and all other mechanisms that are put in place. This is OUR post!
In last week’s column, I gave insight about my values and principles, both personally and professionally.
I also defined balance as a commitment to work, family and fun. This week I want to talk a little bit more about balance and how it factors in with the demands that come with our shared pursuit of excellence.
The installation offers programs and services to help achieve balance, many at no cost. Sometimes it’s just a matter of slowing down and taking the time to use these resources that are available.
I know, easier said than done, right?
Balance is tough when tasks are coming at you from every direction.
So, the advice I often offer is to take a step back, consider your priorities, focus on teamwork, and work on good time management to allow yourself and others the necessary balance in your life.
Seeing the big picture and what’s really important makes it easier for you to take care of your mental, emotional and physical wellness, your family and all your obligations.
Balance also means taking advantage of fun things to do such as social and community events. That’s where Fort Meade comes in.
In my short time here, I can already say with confidence that Fort Meade offers a lot of avenues for you to find balance by partaking in fun, engaging and entertaining events and activities for you and the family at little or no cost.
Let’s just take the next few weeks for example.
On Saturday, the United States Army Field Band, the musical ambassadors of the Army, will take the stage at 7 p.m. at Constitution Park for the first in a four-concert series scheduled each Saturday in August. The concerts are not only free, but open to the public. So grab some lawn chairs, and don’t forget your friends and family.
On Sunday, the Bowie Baysox and USO have partnered up and invited active-duty service members and their families to watch the Baysox take on the New Hampshire Fisher Cats at Prince George’s Stadium in Bowie.
Command Sergeant Major and I will both throw out the ceremonial first pitch at around 5:45 p.m. and various partner activities such as the U.S. Army Field Band and Defense Information School will be on display.
Finally, you don’t need to bowl strikes or have a great swing to join the upcoming Lanes to Links Tournament on Aug. 20 at the Course and bowling alley. The tournament is open to everyone. Form a team of four or join a formed team that is missing a player. For more information on these and many other events, check out the Fort Meade website and Soundoff!
Whatever your outlet is, make it a point to “just do it!” With all of the things you do to make Fort Meade such a great place to live, work and serve, it would be a shame if you didn’t take advantage of what the community has to offer. Plus, you can’t underestimate the value that having balance will mean in your life, at home with your family and here at Fort Meade.
This Fort Meade Live Blog was written by Fort Meade Garrison Commander Col. Edward Rothstein.
