Looking for ways to make a difference in your community? Check out these volunteer opportunities and get involved.

Help Seniors with Snow Removal
Volunteer Prince William is recruiting snow shovelers, ages 16 and older, to assist senior citizens with clearing sidewalks and driveways after snowstorms. Volunteers under 16 are welcome with a parent or guardian.

This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or create a FREE account today. Make the smart choice for staying informed about your community. Thank you!

In the wake of recent terror attacks in New Orleans and Las Vegas, the Commander of U.S. Northern Command has directed all military installations to implement heightened security measures immediately, according to officials at Quantico Marine Corps Base.

The new measures include:

• 100% ID checks for all individuals entering military installations.
• Random vehicle inspections at entry gates.
• Suspension of the Trusted Traveler Program, which previously allowed Department of Defense-affiliated sponsors to vouch for vehicle occupants to gain base access.

Drivers entering military installations should anticipate delays due to these heightened security procedures. These measures are intended to safeguard the bases and maintain their ability to respond to national security needs effectively.

“This is a critical step in ensuring the security and readiness of our installations,” a spokesperson for U.S. Northern Command stated. “We are committed to taking every precaution to protect the personnel, assets, and operations on our bases.”

For updated information on base access procedures, military personnel and civilians are encouraged to consult official channels.

Quantico Tightens Security

Quantico Marine Corps Base has already implemented enhanced security measures following an incident earlier this year. On May 3, 2024, two men attempted to breach the base’s main gate using a box truck. Claiming to be Amazon contractors, the men lacked proper credentials. Military police directed them to a holding area, but the driver ignored instructions, triggering roadblocks that stopped the vehicle.

One of the men was reportedly on the U.S. terrorist watch list. Both were detained and handed over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Although charges were later dismissed in federal court, the incident highlighted vulnerabilities in base security and spurred further tightening of access protocols.

The Quantico breach was among Potomac Local News’ most-read stories of 2024, with over 32,000 views. It underscored the growing challenges military installations face in maintaining security amid increasing threats.

Streamlining Access for Local Residents

Quantico is also updating its access procedures for property owners in the Town of Quantico. As of February 24, 2023, individuals who provide proof of property ownership and pass a background check can obtain a DBIDS credential valid for three years, eliminating the need for annual renewals. For questions about access procedures, residents can contact the Visitor Control Center at (703) 784-3023 or 3024.

Domino’s stores in Greater Woodbridge are partnering with Ghostbusters Virginia to collect Toys for Tots until Dec. 8, offering a large one-topping pizza for $6 in exchange for toy donations. Customers can drop off new, unwrapped toys at participating Domino’s locations in the region to support the holiday initiative.

Press Release:

Domino’s stores across Greater Woodbridge are teaming up with Ghostbusters Virginia to collect Toys for Tots from now through Dec. 8 at participating locations. Domino’s hopes to help bring the joy of the holiday season to children in need through donations from community members.

Customers who wish to donate can drop off new, unwrapped toys in donation bins in the lobbies of the following Domino’s stores:

• 16430 Navigation Drive in Woodbridge
• 14402 Richmond Highway in Woodbridge
• 5892 Mapledale Plaza in Woodbridge
• 2886 Dale Blvd. in Woodbridge
• 1395 Old Bridge Road in Woodbridge
• 556 Garrisonville Road in Stafford
• 2606 Jefferson Davis Highway in Stafford
• 338 Potomac Ave. in Quantico
• 5159 Waterway Drive in Dumfries
• 13448 Dumfries Road in Manassas

Customers who bring in one or more toys to donate will receive a large one-topping Hand Tossed Pizza for $6, now through Dec. 8. The offer will be applied once an in-store team member verifies a customer’s toy donation.

“Engaging with community giving opportunities such as collecting Toys for Tots donations is so fulfilling for our store teams,” said Nona Sonnier, Domino’s director of corporate operations in Virginia. “Domino’s is so much more than a pizza company; we are a company that deeply cares about its communities, and we are pleased to provide our customers with a chance to donate to a special cause.”

Toy donation bins will be collected and dropped off at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Quantico on the afternoon of Dec. 8.

To locate and order from a participating Domino’s location, visit www.dominos.com.

Marine Corps Base Quantico has announced a series of live-fire training exercises scheduled from August 26 to August 30.

These exercises will include demonstrations using fragmentation devices and .50 caliber munitions, potentially resulting in louder-than-usual noise.

Residents affected by the noise can submit comments on the effects of the training via the base’s noise advisory webpage, and updates on the training schedule will be available on Quantico’s website and Facebook page.

Press release

*Please note overnight training activity

**Louder the usual noise this day**

August 26, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Live Fire Demo 50Lbs and Below (Frag)

August 27, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Live Fire Demo 50Lbs and Below (Frag)

*August 28, 7:00 a.m. – August 29, Midnight
Live Fire Demo 50Lbs and Below (Frag), .50Cal and below

August 29, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Live Fire Demo 50Lbs and Below (Frag)

August 30, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Live Fire Demo 50Lbs and Below (Frag), .50Cal and below

As the training schedule may change following this post, we encourage you to monitor the website and Facebook for updates. Please be aware that some changes may not be posted until the same day.

Aircraft supporting training or support to other agencies from the Marine Corps Air Facility at Quantico can also generate noise. The frequency and number of aircraft supporting training can occasionally generate higher volumes of noise. Additionally, atmospheric conditions can amplify aircraft noise volume and the distance sound travels.

Community members wishing to comment on the impact of training should visit https://www.quantico.marines.mil/Info/Noise-Advisories/Noise-Comment/

Virginia State Senator Tara Durant (R) revealed reports of two additional intrusions at Quantico Marine Corps Base following the arrests of two men from Jordan who were in the U.S. illegally. Potomac Local News broke the story and told you the men were arrested after allegedly posing as Amazon delivery drivers and ramming the front gate of the military installation on May 3, 2023.

Durant said the additional incursions occurred on May 3, the same day two Jordanian nationals in the U.S. illegally posed as Amazon delivery men. “I heard about it from somebody I know who works at Quantico, and he first alerted me to the first breach,” said Durant. “He has since alerted me that there have been two more breaches that occurred on the same day. I don’t think that’s come out yet.”

The two men from Jordan, Hasan Y. Hamdan and Mohammad K. Dabous, attended their first hearing on July 22 at the Alexandria courthouse. Both men, accompanied by an Arabic translator, were charged with Class B misdemeanors for allegedly trespassing on a military facility, charges which carry up to six months in prison and a $5,000 fine. The judge supported conditions for release, and both men have been released, with their next hearings scheduled for September.

On May 22, Governor Glenn Youngkin penned a letter to President Joseph Biden requesting a full briefing about the incident. This request came 20 days after the breach and 12 days after Potomac Local broke the news of the attack. The governor has provided no new information following this request.

Durant mentioned her efforts to obtain more information about these breaches. “I connected him [Attorney General Jason Miyares], who was just so frustrated because there are a lot more attempts at breaches that are happening, and I don’t think that it’s out in the public sphere, and it should be.”

Potomac Local broke the story of the initial intrusion at Quantico, which followed days of pressing officials for information. Sources tell us one of the men is on the FBI terror watch list, something federal officials have not confirmed or denied. When asked about the terror watch list angle, Durant stated, “I’m hearing the same information, but I think we need to find out a lot more about these other attempted breaches. Are they testing to see where the weak points are and setting the stage for something that’s more nefarious?”

Quantico officials have not responded to a request to comment on this story.

Durant expressed support for Governor Youngkin’s request for answers: “I am grateful for it, and I encourage it. We need to get answers for it. I can’t confirm that I know any more about that type of information, but I certainly intend to keep pushing to find out more.”

The Quantico Train Station’s new construction will be completed by early 2025 and will feature a pedestrian bridge and extended platforms to improve transit efficiency and safety for the 6,000 daily passengers.

Press release

The Quantico Train Station’s new construction is scheduled to be completed before the start of 2025, improving the transit efficiency and commuter experience for the 6,000 daily passengers who use and pass through the station.

The improvements include a pedestrian bridge that sits above the tracks, leading pedestrians to all three platforms, which are also to be extended.
“It will be nice when they get it all done, and we don’t have to wait anymore at the crosswalk for trains coming through,” said George Ramsey, a MCCS Quantico Marine Corps Community Services employee on MCBQ and frequent train passenger. “There are many, many, many times I remember getting stuck on one side or the other because of a train you weren’t expecting to come through while waiting for a train.”

Virginia Railway Express Chief Engineer Dallas Richards explained many of its new features and how it will improve the safety for commuters and pedestrians.
“The bridge includes three staircases and three elevators which will help commuters get to all three platforms safely,” said Richards, and emphasized that “both extended platforms will allow commuters to board and deboard all eight passenger cars at the same time, which will be much safer and efficient.”
The project will also add a third track, improving the fluidity between the different organizations.

Originally built in 1953, the Quantico Train Station was totally renovated by the VRE in April of 2005, and these new renovations mark the largest change to alleviate commuter congestion.

“The third track reduces delays and will give VRE, Amtrak and freight rail, the capability of using all three tracks to limit congestion,” said Brett Sanders, the CSX lead engineer.

From the start, he mentioned, the success of the project couldn’t have happened without everyone working together.

“The President’s Own” United States Marine Band will perform at the National Museum of the Marine Corps on August 22. The concert will start at 7 p.m. in the museum’s outdoor plaza.

The band, the premier band of the United States Marine Corps, will play various music. This includes patriotic and martial favorites, selections from the wind band repertoire, works by contemporary composers, and scores from film and theatre.

Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets. The Museum, Medal of Honor Theater, Rifle Range, and Museum Store will stay open for extended hours until the concert starts. Tun Tavern will offer service from 4 to 6 p.m., and outdoor concessions will be available during the performance. Admission and parking are free, and no tickets are required.

Updates will be posted on the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation’s Facebook page in bad weather.

Event Details:
– When:Thursday, August 22, 7:00 p.m.
– Where: National Museum of the Marine Corps, 1775 Semper Fidelis Way, Triangle, VA 22172

About the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation:
The Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, established in 1979, is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to preserving and promoting Marine Corps history. The Foundation supports historical programs of the Marine Corps through grants, scholarships, and the renovation, restoration, and commissioning of historical Marine Corps artifacts and landmarks. The Foundation funded the construction of the National Museum of the Marine Corps and Heritage Center and continues to expand its programs. More information can be found at MarineHeritage.org.

Almost three months after two men in a box truck attempted to illegally access Marine Corps Base Quantico, the names of the two suspects have been obtained.

Hasan Y. Hamdan and Mohammad K. Dabous attended their first hearing July 22 at the Alexandria courthouse. Both men, accompanied by an Arabic translator, were charged with Class B misdemeanors for allegedly trespassing on a military facility on May 3, charges which carry up to six months in prison and a $5,000 fine. The judge supported conditions for release, and both men have been released with their next hearings in September. They both requested a court-appointed attorney.

“The Department of Justice, Department of Defense, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the FBI all circled wagons to guard even the identities of the two Jordanians against five written congressional inquiries, a sixth by Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin seeking government briefings about the incident, and most recently a subpoena by the Republican-led House Homeland Security Committee of DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas,” reports Todd Bensman with Center for Immigration Studies.  Read more here.