Good morning, D.C. This picture, posted to DCist photos by m:j:b, is a couple of months old. However, its subject is relevant to today’s news, as some people in our region are drawing criticism for how they express their support for the military. Susan Brewer, founder of a charity called America’s Heroes of Freedom, has been barred from Walter Reed after complaints that a trip for vets to see the Orioles centered more on promoting AHOF than on providing recreation for recovering service members. Brewer disagrees with the complaints. But between this story and recent misgivings over the addition of “Operation Iraqi Freedom” to new Arlington Cemetery headstones, it seems as though patriotic displays are no longer being forgiven for a lack of tact.

Decision Reached On Base Closures: The federal Base Closure and Realignment Commission has reached a decision. Southeast Virginia’s Ft. Monroe will be shuttered, but Virginia Beach’s Oceana Naval Air Station will be spared — for now. Meanwhile, Governor Senator Warner is crying foul, saying the base closure process was “rigged” by the DoD to shift military jobs away from Washington.

AU President Suspended: American University has suspended president Benjamin Ladner while it investigates expenses he charged to the university. Details are slim, but according to an anonymous letter sent to the Post, these expenses include vacations to Europe, his son’s engagement party, and a personal chef.

Alexandria Power Plant Closed: We mentioned the possible closure of Mirant Corporation’s coal fired power plant yesterday. Today the Post is reporting the Alexandria power plant will indeed be shuttered, at least until its owners can figure out how to conform to environmental regulations. There’s no indication when — or if — that’s likely to happen. Pepco officials say the plant’s closure could present a problem if the region experiences a surge in demand similar to the one that happened in July.

Briefly Noted: Feds to give city $15 million for charter schools, $3.5 million for mental health services… Teen arrested for last week’s stray bullet death… Arlington’s Whitman Walker facility safe for another year… Virginians to get free annual credit report… Hospital mistake prompts blood tests…