Home Front The Place to Get Home Station Information 1 7 3 D B R I G A D E S U P P O R T B AT TA L I O N 5 April 2010
Volume 1 Issue 2
Salute to Our Troops Tyler Coate
Jade Stump
Colton Johnson
Mateo Rodas
With honor and pride, the little Sky Soldiers of ƚŚĞ ^ ƐĂůƵƚĞ ƚŚĞŝƌ ,ĞƌŽ͛Ɛ͕ ƚŚĞŝƌ DŽŵ͛Ɛ ĂŶĚ ĂĚ͛Ɛ͊͊
Rylan Schimpf
Avery Schimpf
Caleb Rodas
Sean Krause
Isavel Gonzalez
Adam Davis
Home Front 5 April 2010
Volume 1 Issue 2
ŚĂƉůĂŝŶ͛Ɛ ŽƌŶĞƌ ʹ Expectations and Reality Ž LJŽƵ ŬŶŽǁ ǁŚĂƚ ƚŚĞ ͞ĨƌƵƐƚƌĂƚŝŽŶ ĨĂĐƚŽƌ͟ ŝƐ͍ dŚŝƐ ŝƐ ƚŚĞ ĚŝƐƚĂŶĐĞ ďĞƚǁĞĞŶ ŚŽǁ ǁĞ ǁĂŶƚ ƚŚŝŶŐƐ ƚŽ ďĞ ĂŶĚ how they really are. The greater the gap between our expectations and reality, the greater our level of frus-‐ tration and disappointment. We cannot change reality but we can adjust our expectations. dŚĞ ƚƌƵƚŚ ŝƐ ƚŚĂƚ ƚŚŝŶŐƐ ƌĂƌĞůLJ ŐŽ ĂĐĐŽƌĚŝŶŐ ƚŽ ƉůĂŶ͘ Kƌ ƐŚŽƵůĚ / ƐĂLJ͕ ͞dŚŝŶŐƐ ƌĂƌĞůLJ ŐŽ ĂĐĐŽƌĚŝŶŐ ƚŽ KhZ ƉůĂŶƐ͊͟ ^ŽůĚŝĞƌƐ ŬŶŽǁ ƚŚĂƚ Ăůů ƚŽŽ ǁĞůů͘ dŚĂƚ ŝƐ ǁŚLJ ƚŚĞLJ ƐƉĞŶĚ ŚŽƵƌƐ ƉůĂŶŶŝŶŐ ŽƵƚ ŽƉĞƌĂƚŝŽŶƐ ĂŶĚ ĐŽŶƚŝŶͲ gencies. What we need to do is learn to cope with the uncertainties of life. I believe that faith, trust and love go a long way towards that end. Faith is believing in the good in spite of the challenges before us. It is seeing things as they are and not giving up the hope that they can get better. Faith is moving forward even if the way is not clear. Trust is relying on someone else to help us through a difficult time. In the Bible, God promises to be with us always. He gives us the assurance that He will never leave us or abandon us. Trust in Him and we will not be disappointed. Love gives us a reason to go on. It validates that we are people of worth and that our lives have meaning and purpose. None of ƵƐ ͞ĚĞƐĞƌǀĞ͟ ƚŽ ďĞ ůŽǀĞĚ ďƵƚ ǁĞ ĂƌĞ ůŽǀĞĚ ĂŶLJǁĂLJ͘ tŚLJ ŝƐ ƚŚĂƚ͍ ĞĐĂƵƐĞ ƚŚĞƌĞ ŝƐ ĂŶŽƚŚĞƌ ǁŚŽ ƐĞĞƐ ďĞLJŽŶĚ ŽƵƌ ŚƵŵĂŶ ĨƌĂŝůƚŝĞƐ and shortcomings and loves us no matter what. Unrealistic expectations are as dangerous as enemy rockets and mortars. They can catch us by surprise and cause bitterness and anger. Left unchecked, they can destroy a relationship and rob us of our hopes and dreams. Reality is being honest with ourselves and with others. It is accepting life on its own terms. It is believing in the best, trusting in God no matter what and loving even when we feel lonely and lost. Ğ ĞŶĐŽƵƌĂŐĞĚ͘ zŽƵ ŚĂǀĞ ƐƵƌƉĂƐƐĞĚ ƚŚĞ ϭϬϬ ĚĂLJ ŵĂƌŬ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ĚĞƉůŽLJŵĞŶƚ͘ <ĞĞƉ ŝƚ ŐŽŝŶŐ ĂŶĚ ĚŽŶ͛ƚ ŐŝǀĞ ƵƉ͘ DĂLJ LJŽƵƌ ĞdžƉĞĐƚĂͲ tions and your reality be close and your problems few. As always, if you have any questions or if there is anything I can do to support you, please call or write. For God and country, CH Peter Strong Rear Detachment Chaplain 469-‐1570/8140 peter.strong@eur.army.mil
Blackouts When and why do communications blackouts occur downrange? Communications blackouts usually occur for operational reasons. There may be an ongoing mission that requires the forward command to limit nonse-‐ cure communications between the forward and the rear elements for operational security reasons. It is also possible that one of the units has suffered a casualty and until the next of kin is notified, a communications blackout is implemented. At times, they will be implemented during an exercise; for example if they had a mass casualty exercise, one of the steps that would likely be carried out during the exercise is implementing a communications blackout. Families should not panic if a communications blackout occurs. If something very serious happened to their loved one, they will be notified in person, not via e-‐mail or telephone! Compared to many other areas of Afghanistan and earlier deployments, the BSB is blessed with almost daily contact be-‐ tween service members and families in many cases. Nobody should panic or jump to conclusions if and when a communications blackout is implemented. Page 2
Home Front 5 April 2010
Volume 1 Issue 2
Letter From Shaunette Sellers Hello BSB Family, I would like to take this time to say thank you to all of you for your support of the 173rd BSB Troopers and Families. As our Troopers are coming home for R&R leave, please take this time to embrace your love ones -‐they truly deserve it. The walk to Afghanistan kicked off 18 Mar, and I am so extremely excited and impressed with the overall level of par-‐ ticipation we are receiving in support of this. Please continue to pass the word about this and keep up the great work. We have a lot of walking to do so the more participants we have the easier this becomes. Remember, we have eight more social groups that you can be involved in. All of this will provide BSB spouses a chance to kick back, relax and just have fun. Come on out and enjoy the Family -‐our arms are open. If you would like to participate in any of the socials please contact our FRSA, Heather Clark at heather.i.clark@eur.army.mil or DSN: 469-‐7704/Civ: 0951-‐300-‐7704. Shaunette Sellers
Happenings in the FRG Retreats /Ĩ LJŽƵ ŚĂǀĞŶ͛ƚ ŚĞĂƌĚ LJĞƚ ƚŚĞ ĂŵďĞƌŐ ŚĂƉĞů ŝƐ ƉƵƚƚŝŶŐ ŽŶ two more retreats for the 173rd Spouses. The next retreat is 11-‐13 June and then 24-‐26 September. Both are at Edel-‐ weiss in Garmisch. All expenses are paid minus lunches. If you would like to attend either retreat please contact your FRSA Heather at 0951-‐300-‐7704 or
The last Thursday of every month is the Battalion FRG meeting. This is the best place to get up to date informa-‐ ƚŝŽŶ ĂŶĚ ƚŽ ŵĞĞƚ ƉĞŽƉůĞ ĨƌŽŵ ŽƚŚĞƌ ĐŽŵƉĂŶŝĞƐ͘ Ɖƌŝů͛Ɛ meeting is on the 29th at 5:30 in the FRG Building. Our kids room recently got a facelift. Make sure to bring your little ones along so they can check it out and make friends with other children. FRG Leaders attended a retreat at Edelweiss Lodge and Resort in March.
Half-‐Way Dinner! Mark your calendars for 8 May 2010 for the 173rd BSB Half-‐ Way dinner. Come help us to celebrate our half-‐way mark. Our theme will be Denims and Diamonds. So make sure to wear your jeans and diamonds or sparkly jewelry. Child care will be provided. Your child must be registered with CYS to receive care. You need to RSVP for child care by 16 April with name and age of your child to your FRSA Heather Clark at heather.i.clark@eur.army.mil or 0951-‐3007704. More details on menu, location and RSVP date will follow. Page 3
Home Front 5 April 2010
Vanguard's Corner Volume 1 Issue 2
Travel Destinations Want a great place to go Exploring? Head on over to Pottenstein, Germany
Couple great spring weather with the incredible natural beauty of Bavaria's Little Swiss, and you simply can't go wrong. In the heart of the region is Pottenstein, a nature-‐lover's paradise, a mecca for campers and rock climb-‐ ers. It also boasts one of the most un-‐ usual rides one can expect to encoun-‐ ter. The Sommerrodelbahn, or sum-‐ mer toboggan run, at Pottenstein is part water slide -‐ without the water); part toboggan -‐ without the snow); and part roller coaster -‐ without the unsightly masses of metal marring the countryside. The amusement com-‐ plex offers more than just the tobog-‐ gan ride. It also has a combination bungee cord and trampoline for adults and children. The harness includes two 25-‐foot bungee cords with a tram-‐
poline for safety and to give the jumper more height. Nature lovers may want to check out the hiking and walking trails that lead from the Som-‐ merrodelbahn to other popular attrac-‐ tions in Pottenstein and nearby Tu-‐ cherfeld. These include the "Devil's Hole" cave, which is within walking distance from the toboggan ride; the Burgpottenstein Museum, with its col-‐ lection of weapons, books and arti-‐ facts from the 1500s to the 1900s; a fish hatchery, where children can feed the fish for a slight fee; and the Frank-‐ ische Schweiz Museum Tucherfeld, a regional museum. While there are several small taverns and restaurants in Little Swiss, the Sommerrodelbahn complex has a large picnic area with
tables for those who wish to save money by packing a lunch. Directions: From Bamberg, take autobahn 73 to the Buttenheim exit. Follow this road into Eber-‐ mannstadt, and make a left at the light onto highway 470. The road leads straight through Pottenstein, and the Sommerrodelbahn is on the right side about 300 feet out-‐ side of town. Times: Open 10 a.m.-‐5 p.m. daily, March 20 through Nov. 5. The rest of the year, opening depends on weather; call for information. Cost: Toboggan ride: 2 euros for adults and 1.50 euros for children aged 2-‐14; a six-‐ride ticket is 9 euros for adults and 7 euros for children. Bungee-‐trampoline: 3.50 euros for adults, 2.50 euros for children. Passes are available at the ticket counter for the attractions in Pottenstein and Tu-‐ cherfeld. Tickets are 19.50 for adults and 12.50 for children, aged 2-‐14. Food: Snack machines are near the ticket stand, and there is a large picnic area with tables for those who pack a lunch. Restaurants are within walking distance, including one at the nearby "Devil's Hole" cave. More information: For information on operating hours during off-‐season and bad weather, call (+49) (0)9243-‐92200. Page 4
Home Front 5 April 2010
Vanguard's Corner Volume 1 Issue 2
Introduction letter from CPT Kristen Preczewski Families and friends of the 173D Brigade Support Battalion, It is with sincere honor and appreciation that I introduce myself as the new Headquarters & Headquarters Company Commander. I wanted to give you a brief introduction to myself. DLJ ŶĂŵĞ ŝƐ <ƌŝƐƚĞŶ WƌĞĐnjĞǁƐŬŝ ĂŶĚ /͛ŵ ĨƌŽŵ ƵĨŽƌĚ͕ ' ͘ / ǁĂƐ Ă ŵŝůŝƚĂƌLJ ďƌĂƚ ŐƌŽǁŝŶŐ ƵƉ ĂŶĚ ŶĞǀĞƌ ƐƚĂLJĞĚ ŝŶ one place for more than 3 years. I loved moving and embraced it, always new kids to play with and new school playgrounds that could be explored. I went to Wake Forest University and completed ROTC. In 2006 I graduated and also received my Commission. I was stationed in Bamberg, Germany and have been a proud Sky Soldier ever since. My entire Army career has been in the 173D BSB, and I can assuredly say how proud I am to be a part of this unit, and this family. The BSB is a tight knit organization comprised of competent, unique, and able Soldiers, supportive and loving spouses, and talented and unique children. I can assure you that Family will be a cornerstone of my leadership during this tenure. Each one of you plays a role in our team, and it is especially critical during this deployment period. The morale and welfare of the Soldiers relies upon the support we receive from the Rear. Every card, care package, and box of cookies you send makes a huge difference here. Sending mail to the Sol-‐ dier that rarely receives any ʹ it makes a huge difference. I promise that I will ensure Communication is flowing and that your needs are met as well. Newsletters, photos, and continuous updates will be a part of my battle rhythm. I am always accessible and through your FRG leadership, we can maintain the bond of Family during this time. I am so excited to be a part of the Vanguard team. I do not take this responsibility lightly. Your loved ones are entrusted in my care and I will do my utmost to provide positive leadership, enforce Army standards and values, maintain the sturdy support network of the FRG, and build a cohesive team ʹ the Vanguard team. SKY SOLDIERS! CPT Kristen Preczewski
LTC Curtis Johnson hands guide on to new HHC Commander CPT Kristen Preczewski
Out Door Rec Trips for Vicenza, Italy Trips through Outdoor Rec is the best way to travel and sightsee. The following trips are will occur in April: 9th Trento and Buonconsiglio Castle $55
10th Medieval Times Dinner & Show $30
10-‐12th Rome and Pompeii Over night $380
14-‐18th Scuba Class: Advanced and /or dry suit $200
14th Lake Garda Parks: Gardaland and Zoo $30
17th Bike Tour: Villas along the Brenta River $30
17-‐18th Salzburg Express and Krimmi Waterfalls, Austria $105 21st Wine Down Wednesday: Valpollicella $45
24th Florence and the Uffizi Gallery Tour $85
24th Sea Kayak $45 For more information please call the Outdoor Recreation 634-‐7453.
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Home Front 5 April 2010
Volume 1 Issue 2
Recipes Courtesy of HHC Riggers Tiramisu -‐ Basic Recipe Ingredients *EGGS, 3 large, with yolks and whites sepa-‐ rated *SUGAR, 1/2 cup *MASCARPONE <www.heavenlytiramisu.com/mascarpo.htm> , 8 ounces *LADYFINGERS <www.heavenlytiramisu.com/ lfingers.htm> , 20 *Espresso or Strong Coffee, 1 cup *Cognac or Brandy, 2 tablespoons *COCOA, 1/8 cup Directions 1. Combine 3 egg yolks, 1 tablespoon Espresso, sugar, and Cognac into the large mixing bowl. 2. Beat 2 to 3 minutes 3. Add Mascarpone and beat 3 to 5 minutes until consistency is smooth 4. In another bowl, combine 3 egg whites and a pinch of sugar. Beat until mixture forms stiff peaks 5. Gently fold into Mascarpone mixture 6. Pour rest of Espresso into flat dish, dip one side of each Lady Finger, and layer on bottom of serving dish 7. Spread 1/3 of Mascarpone mixture and sprinkle with cocoa 8. Continue layering and finish with a Mascarpone layer 9. Sprinkle and refrigerate 1 hour before serving
Page 6
Tiramisu -‐ Healthy Recipe Ingredients *POWDERED SUGAR, 2/3 cup sifted *REDUCED-‐FAT CREAM CHEESE, 1 8-‐ounce tub *REDUCED-‐CALORIE WHIPPED TOPPING, 1 cup + 1/2 cup thawed *SUGAR, 1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon *WATER, 1/4 cup *EGG WHITES, 3 *HOT WATER, 1/2 cup *INSTANT ESPRESSO GRANULES, 1 tablespoon *KAHLUA or OTHER COFFEE-‐FLAVORED LIQUEUR, 2 tablespoons *LADYFINGERS <http://heavenlytiramisu.com/lfingers.htm> , 20 *UNSWEETENED COCOA, 1/2 teaspoon Directions 1. Combine powdered sugar and cream cheese in a bowl; beat at high speed of a mixer until well-‐blended. 2. Gently fold 1 cup whipped topping into cheese mixture. 3. Combine 1/2 cup sugar, 1/4 cup water, and egg whites in the top of a double boiler; place over simmering water. 4. Beat at high speed of a mixer until stiff peaks form. 5. Gently stir one-‐fourth of egg white mixture into cheese mix-‐ ture. 6. Gently fold in remaining egg white mixture; set aside. 7. Combine 1/2 cup hot water, 1 tablespoon sugar, espresso, and Kahlua; stir well. 8. Split ladyfingers in half lengthwise. 9. Arrange 20 ladyfinger halves, cut sides up, in the bottom of an 8-‐inch square baking dish. 10. Drizzle half of espresso mixture over ladyfinger halves. 11. Spread half of cheese mixture over ladyfinger halves. 12. Repeat procedure with the remaining ladyfinger halves, es-‐ presso mixture, and cheese mixture. 13. Spread 1/2 cup whipped topping evenly over cheese mix-‐ ture; sprinkle with cocoa. 14. Place 1 toothpick in each corner and in center of Tiramisu to prevent plastic wrap from sticking to whipped topping; cover with plastic wrap. Chill 2 hours. NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION: Calories 226 (28% from fat); pro-‐ tein 4.7g; fat 7g (sat 4.1g, mono 2g, poly 0.8g); carbohydrates 30g; fiber 0g; cholesterol 41mg; iron 0.1mg; sodium 199mg; cal-‐ cium 49mg.
Home Front 5 April 2010
Volume 1 Issue 2
Events In Vicenza, Italy Concerts
Sporting Events
Ian Paice & Tolo Marton:
Superbike Italian Round
April 8 in Padova, Gran Teatro.
Monza: May 7-‐9 in Monza.
Foreigner: April 11 in Milan,
MotoGP, the Italian Grand
Alcatraz Club.
Prix 2010: June 3-‐5 and Sept. 3-‐5
Alicia Keys: May 2 at the Verona Arena. Whitney Houston: May 3 in Milan, Assago, Mediolanum
at Mugello Circuit in Scarperia (Florence). Superbike Championship San Marino Round: June 25-‐27 at the Misano World Circuit.
Forum; May 4 in Rome.
Harlem Globetrotters: May 7
The Black Eyed Peas: May 12
in Florence at the Nelson Mandela
in Milano, Assago Mediolanum
Forum; May 9 in Milan at the
Forum.
Mediolanum Forum; May 10 in
Jethro Tull: May 14 in Genova,
Varese at the Pala Whirpool.
Vaillant Palace.
Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix:
Kiss: May 18 in Milan.
Sept. 7-‐9, in Monza.
AC/DC: May 19 in Udine. Michael Bublè: May 22 in sĞƌŽŶĂ͛Ɛ ƌĞŶĂ͖ DĂLJ Ϯϯ ŝŶ DŝůĂŶ͕
For more information in English and tickets, visit http://www. ticketone.it/EN/.
Fun events slated for Military Child Month 12th Ceramic Eggs exhibit: ƚŚƌŽƵŐŚ Ɖƌŝů ϭϭ ŝŶ EŽǀĞ͛Ɛ DƵƐĞƵŵ of Ceramics at Piazza De Fabris 5, 18 miles north of Vicenza. Grand opening: Saturday 11:30 a.m.; Open on Saturday, Sunday and Italian holidays 10 a.m.-‐noon and 3-‐7 p.m. Each year Nove celebrates Easter with an exhibit of ceramic eggs made by Italian pottery artists. Abstract Painting Exhibition: ƚŚƌŽƵŐŚ Ɖƌŝů ϭϴ ŝŶ sŝĐĞŶnjĂ͛Ɛ Basilica Palladiana in Piazza dei Signori. Tuesday-‐Sunday, 10:30 a.m.-‐1 p.m and 3-‐7 p.m.
Heroes Tree
Parco San Giuliano.
Family Movie Night
Massive Attack: July 5 in
Family Movie Night is April 10
Mestre, Parco San Giuliano.
from 6-‐8 p.m. at the Arena.
Mika: July 7, Passariano di
Enjoy the package price of
Codroipo (Udine), Villa Manin.
$24.95 which includes two hours
Buy tickets at Media World in the
of bowling, shoe rental for up to six
Palladio mall or www.greenticket.it/
people and one large cheese pizza
The art center and post library are creating a Vicenza Heroes Tree. Stop by the art center Wednesday and April 8, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. to make your hero ornament. Bring a photo (preferably under ´ LQ GLDPHWHU RI \RXU GHSOR\HG Soldier and the center will provide the supplies. The ornament will go on display on the Heroes Tree at the library. Attend the tree opening at 11:30 a.m. April 9 at the library. Call 634-8419 for information.
index.html?imposta_lingua=ing.
and a pitcher of soda. The family
Assago, Mediolanum Forum. Rod Stewart: June 21 in the Verona Arena. Aerosmith: July 3 in Mestre,
For tickets or information in
English, visit http://www.ticketone. it/EN/
Can enjoy a movie while they bowl. Personal Opinion Disclaimer This document was prepared as a service to the U.S. Army Forces Command community. Neither the United States Government nor any of its employees makes any warranty, expressed or implied, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, products, process, or services by trade name, trademark manufacturer, or other-‐ wise, does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation or favoring by the United States Government. The opinions of the authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the United States Government and shall not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes. Page 7 173rd Brigade Support Battalion
Home Front 5 April 2010
tŝůĚĐĂƌĚ͛Ɛ ŽƌŶĞƌ
Volume 1 Issue 2
Dear Wildcard Spouses, Alpha Company has been leading the way in sustainment support and combined action with our fel-‐ ůŽǁ ĨŐŚĂŶ ďƌŽƚŚĞƌƐ͘ / ĐŽƵůĚŶ͛ƚ ďĞ more proud of each and every Wildcard out here! Taking a look at ŽƵƌ ƐƚĂƚŝƐƚŝĐƐ ĂŶĚ LJŽƵ͛ůů ŐĞƚ ĂŶ ŝĚĞĂ of just how hard your husbands, wives, mothers, fathers, brothers, and sisters have been working. Dur-‐ ing the first 100 days in country ǁĞ͛ǀĞ ĐŽŵƉůĞƚĞĚ ŽǀĞƌ ϭϯϱ ŵŝƐͲ sions. Each mission lasts between five to eight hours, but some are ĞǀĞŶ ůŽŶŐĞƌ͊ tĞ͛ǀĞ ŵĞƚ ǁŝƚŚ ƚŚĞ village elders in the nine villages within our area of responsibility, an area of approximately 125 square miles -‐ a pretty large area for three platoons. This might seem daunting CPT Kate Fullenkamp with local Afghan children during visiting one of the local schools. Alpha Company has been very active in various outreach programs benefiting surrounding communities. but not for the Wildcards who con-‐ tinue to do a fantastic job. Many of the missions which the platoons conduct focus on building relationships with the village elders and establishing a safe ĂŶĚ ƐĞĐƵƌĞ ĞŶǀŝƌŽŶŵĞŶƚ ǁŝƚŚŝŶ ƚŚĞ ǀŝůůĂŐĞƐ͘ dŚŝƐ ƉĂƐƚ ŵŽŶƚŚ͕ ƚŚĞ ƉůĂƚŽŽŶƐ ƚŽŽŬ ƚŚĞ ŽƉƉŽƌƚƵŶŝƚLJ ƚŽ ĐĞůĞďƌĂƚĞ tŽŵĞŶ͛Ɛ Day. Throughout the area of operations, the women of Wildcard family as well as female Soldiers from our sister units took the opportunity to help women within the local villages. Not only were we able to provide basic necessities to the neighboring communities, but this event furthered the bond of trust between Coalition Forces and the Afghan popu-‐ lace. The Wildcards are not only affecting operations outside of FOB Shank, but they are also having a huge impact on opera-‐ tions internal to the organization. Our Supply Support Activity warehouse has increased their assigned stockage level to include electronic materials as well as typical building materials maintenance and vehicle repair parts. The total value of items within the warehouse has reached upwards of $70 million! /ƚ ŵŝŐŚƚ ƐŽƵŶĚ ůŝŬĞ ƚŚĞ tŝůĚĐĂƌĚƐ ĂƌĞ Ăůů ǁŽƌŬ ĂŶĚ ŶŽ ƉůĂLJ ďƵƚ ĚŽŶ͛ƚ ďĞ ĨŽŽůĞĚ͘ ZĞĐĞŶƚůLJ͕ ŽŶĞ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ƉůĂƚŽŽŶƐ ĨŽƵŶĚ time to play a little volleyball with local children while visiting a school. Although it may not appear to be an integral part of the mission, these opportunities go a long way to break through the cultural differences. Later this month, we will be delivering a pair of soccer goals to a local school. Not only is this a gesture of goodwill, but a symbol of hope for ƚŚĞ ĐŚŝůĚƌĞŶ͘ / ĐĂŶ͛ƚ ƌĞŝƚĞƌĂƚĞ ĞŶŽƵŐŚ ŚŽǁ ƉƌŽƵĚ / Ăŵ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ĞĨĨŽƌƚ ĂŶĚ ƌĞƐƵůƚƐ ƚŚĂƚ LJŽƵƌ ^ŽůĚŝĞƌƐ ĂƌĞ ƉƌŽĚƵĐŝŶŐ͘ dŚĞLJ are living up to the proud tradition of the 173rd ŝƌďŽƌŶĞ ƌŝŐĂĚĞ ŽŵďĂƚ dĞĂŵ͘ / ǁŽƵůĚ ďĞ ƌĞŵŝƐƐ ŝĨ / ĚŝĚŶ͛ƚ ƚŚĂŶŬ ƚŚĞ solid home-‐station network as a great contributor to our success. Without the big hearts we have back home, we ǁŽƵůĚŶ͛ƚ ďĞ ĂƐ ƐƚƌŽŶŐ ĂƐ ǁĞ ĂƌĞ͘ dŚĂŶŬƐ ƚŽ Ăůů ŽĨ ŽƵƌ ƐƉŽƵƐĞƐ͕ ĨĂŵŝůLJ ŵĞŵďĞƌƐ͕ ĂŶĚ ĨƌŝĞŶĚƐ ǁŚŽ ƐƵƉƉŽƌƚ ƚŚĞ tŝůĚĐĂƌĚƐ ĨƌŽŵ ƚŚĞ ŚŽŵĞ ĨƌŽŶƚ͕ ǁĞ ĐŽƵůĚŶ͛ƚ ĚŽ ǁŚĂƚ ǁĞ ĚŽ ǁŝƚŚŽƵƚ LJŽƵ͊ Sincerely, CPT Kate Fullenkamp, Wildcard 6 Page 8
Home Front 5 April 2010
tŝůĚĐĂƌĚ͛Ɛ ŽƌŶĞƌ
Volume 1 Issue 2
Check it out
RELAX
Military one source offers several dif-‐ ferent free tools to help reduce stress follow this link and check it out!
There are many different ways that you can relax. Ultimately, as long as you are giving yourself some time away from the hustle and bustle of life, this is all that is required. If you are looking for some ideas to get you started, you may find that the information below is benefi-‐ cial in helping you accomplish this task: -‐ 1. One of the best ways to relax is to turn off the television, the computer, and any other item that can prove to be distracting. Lay back in a recliner, a sofa, or even a bed and close your eyes. You may want to allow some soft music to play in the background. Do not allow your mind to focus on things that cause stress. Just focus on relaxing thoughts and slow breathing exercises. -‐ 2. Many individuals who indulge in a warm bath or a warm shower find that this is a very relaxing way to rinse stress away. -‐ 3. There are many different types of exercises that may prove to be relaxing. These include Tai Chi, Yoga, Meditation, relaxation techniques, and even various types of dances. If you are looking to relax, these options may be right for you.
Try These
http://www.militaryonesource.com/M OS/FindInformation/Category/Topic/Is sue.aspx?MaterialId=0&IssueId=163&T opicId=449&CategoryId=163
Autogenic relaxation. Autogenic means something that comes from within you. In this relaxation technique, you use both visual imagery and body awareness to reduce stress. You repeat words or suggestions in your mind to help you relax and reduce muscle tension. You may imagine a peaceful place and then focus on controlled, relaxing breathing, slowing your heart rate, or feeling different physical sensations, such as relaxing each arm or leg one by one.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/meditation/HQ01070
Progressive muscle relaxation. In this relaxation technique, you focus on slowly tensing and then relaxing each muscle group. This helps you focus on the difference between muscle tension and relaxation. You become more aware of physical sen- sations. One method is to start by tensing and relaxing the mus- cles in your toes and progressively working your way up to your neck and head. Tense your muscles for at least five seconds and then relax for 30 seconds, and repeat.
http://www.stress.org/topic-reduction.htm
Visualization. In this relaxation technique, you form mental images to take a visual journey to a peaceful, calming place or situation. During visualization, try to use as many senses as you can, including smell, sight, sound and touch. If you imagine relaxing at the ocean, for instance, think about such things as the smell of salt wa-‐ ter, the sound of crashing waves and the warmth of the sun on your body. You may want to close your eyes, sit in a quiet spot and loosen any tight clothing.
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Home Front 5 April 2010
ĂŶĚŝƚ͛Ɛ ŽƌŶĞƌ Volume 1 Issue 2
Your inside scoop to local food, entertainment and fun activities for the whole family.. Courtesy of Bravo Co FRG
Looking to make a SPLASH?! Just 15 minutes away you can find Franken Lagune! An indoor schwimbad (swimming pool) complete with kiddie pool, water slides, whirlpools, THE WORKS! Take a day to go de-‐stress and let the kids practice their swim strokes even if the weather isn't warm yet! The tempera-‐ ture outdoors may not be exactly a day at the beach but the weather is always perfect in Franken Lagune. Check out their website: http://www.franken-‐lagune.de/
Hours: Monday -‐ Friday 12pm-‐9pm Saturday 1pm-‐9pm Sundays and Holidays 10 am -‐ 9pm
Address: FrankenLagune Badespass Georg-‐Kugel-‐Ring 6 96114 Hirschaid
^ &Z'͛Ɛ DĂƐĐŽƚ͗ RIP CORD!!!!!!!!
Rip Cord has made it safely to Afghanistan. He got to spend a week with Bravo Company where he was able to relax with CPT Kirchgessner and earned his jump wings! He will be heading off on R&Rs with some folks to see the world. Even though CSM Sellers says he arrived too late in country to earn R&R, he is going to hide in suit-‐ cases and head out. Make sure to track Rip Cord on Facebook! Page 10
Top left picture: Rip Cord earns his wings..sort of. Above picture Rip Cord relaxes with CPT Kirchgessner and CPT Layo.
Home Front 5 April 2010
Lifeline's Corner Volume 1 Issue 2
Courtesy of Charlie Company tŽŵĞŶ͛Ɛ ĂLJ͕ tŽŵĞŶ͛Ɛ ,ĞĂůƚŚ C-‐MED, 173 BSB, FOB Shank, Logar Province, Afghanistan. 22 MAR 2010 MAJ Dave Hamilton, PA-‐C, Commanding
tŽŵĞŶ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ >ŝĨĞ>ŝŶĞ ĨĂŵŝůLJ ŚĞůƉĞĚ ƚŚĞ ǁŽŵĞŶ ŽĨ ĨŐŚĂŶŝƐƚĂŶ ĐĞůĞďƌĂƚĞ /ŶƚĞƌŶĂƚŝŽŶĂů tŽŵĞŶ͛Ɛ ĂLJ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ϴth of DĂƌĐŚ͕ ϮϬϭϬ͘ tŽŵĞŶ͛Ɛ ĂLJ ĂůůŽǁĞĚ ƚŚĞ WĂƌĂƚƌŽŽƉĞƌƐ ŽĨ d& ZĞƉĞů ĂŶĚ d& ĂLJŽŶĞƚ͕ ǁŝƚŚ ƚŚĞ ŚĞůƉ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ njĞĐŚ WƌŽǀŝŶĐŝĂů Reconstruction Team, to connect in a small way with the women of Padkhvab-‐e Shanah (PKS), the town just to the north of FOB Shank. Based on several meetings with elders and local health authorities, A Co. Commander CPT Kate &ƵůůĞŶŬĂŵƉ͕ d& ZĞƉĞů͛Ɛ ^-‐9 SFC Casey Kiernan, and 16 other women from the 173d BSB and Czech PRT organized a pa-‐ trol to a courtyard in PKS, and distributed powdered milk, vitamins, nutrition items, flour, rice, tea, cooking oil and shawls to nearly 180 women of the small village. A radio show hosted by one of the women interpreters, ZZ, discusses ǁŽŵĞŶ͛Ɛ ŚĞĂůƚŚ ŝƐƐƵĞƐ ĞǀĞƌLJ &ƌŝĚĂLJ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ůŽĐĂů ƌĂĚŝŽ ƐƚĂƚŝŽŶ ƐƉŽŶƐŽƌĞĚ ďLJ d& ĂLJŽŶĞƚ͘ dŚĞ ĨŽĐƵƐ ŽŶ /ŶƚĞƌŶĂƚŝŽŶĂů tŽŵĞŶ͛Ɛ ĂLJ ƉƌŽǀŝĚĞƐ Ă ŐƌĞĂƚ ŽƉƉŽƌƚƵŶŝƚLJ ƚŽ ĚŝƐĐƵƐƐ tŽŵĞŶ͛Ɛ ,ĞĂůƚŚ͘ &Žƌ ƚŚĞ ǁŽŵĞŶ ŽĨ the LifeLine Family, your health is extremely important to our mission, and to the men and women of LifeLine Team. dŚĞ ĨŝƌƐƚ ƐƚĞƉ ŝŶ ǁŽŵĞŶ͛Ɛ ŚĞĂůƚŚ ĂǁĂƌĞŶĞƐƐ ĂŶĚ ĐĂƌĞ ŝƐ Ă ŚĞĂůƚŚLJ ůŝĨĞƐƚLJůĞ ƚŚĂƚ ŝŶĐůƵĚĞƐ ĚĂŝůLJ ĞdžĞƌĐŝƐĞ͕ ďĂůĂŶĐĞĚ ŵĞĂůƐ and a healthy outlet for the stress of daily life in a community where so many Paratroopers deploy frequently. A group of trusted, nonjudgmental friends is paramount. Going to church, interest groups, unit functions or MWR trips is a great way to meet folks who have much in common with you. Next is the annual well woman exam. It is extremely important to schedule and keep these appointments every year, because this is the one time when the focus of the visit is your overall health, preventive tests, and education on habits you may have in your life that can cause an increased risk of disease or discomfort. Elements of care you can expect from the well woman exam are a thorough medical and health history and medication review, a focused medical exam to include a breast examination (this supplements and validates your monthly breast exam and serves as an opportu-‐ nity to teach or correct technique), an eye, ear nose and throat exam, a thyroid and lymph node exam, Heart, lung and abdominal exam, and if over 21 years old, a Papanicola (PAP) smear (at least every 2 years) {this checks to make sure there is no sign of cancer cells on your cervix} and examination of your uterus and ovaries. Your doctor or provider will probably order some blood work to screen for high cholesterol, diabetes and anemia, and if between 9 and 26 years old, recommend the HPV vaccine Gardasil®. This vaccine is highly recommended because it can protect against the types of Human Papilloma Virus most likely to cause cervical cancer.( http://www.womenshealth.gov/) If you are 40 or over, it is recommended you receive a mammogram every one or two years. This helps to screen for breast cancer that is too small to find on breast self-‐examination. The women of C Co, and the 909th &^d ĚĞƉůŽLJĞĚ ƚŽ &K ^ŚĂŶŬ ŚĂǀĞ ĐĞůĞďƌĂƚĞĚ tŽŵĞŶ͛Ɛ ĂLJ ǁŝƚŚ Ă ŐĞƚ-‐together on 29 March 2010 to discuss challenges and advantages of being a woman in the military today. It was a time to reflect their recent accomplishments and plan other activities to help each other cope with the rigors of deployment and to help the Women of Afghanistan on their road to greater freedoms.
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Home Front 5 April 2010
Volume 1 Issue 2
General /Community Information Tax Season With your Soldier being deployed you have two choices for your taxes this year. You can wait and file within 180 days upon their return or you can file now. If you plan on filing while they are deployed you must have a General Power Of Attorney or a Special Power of Attorney that authorizes you to file income taxes (this is if you do not have a General). For Bamberg: opening day of the tax center is 1 February. Hours of operation: Monday-‐Friday 9:00am-‐4:00pm, walk-‐ ins and scheduled appointments. Saturday (February only) 9:00am-‐11:00am appointments only. The tax center is lo-‐ cated in Building 7000 (next to the CAC), 4th floor, phone number 0951-‐300-‐8261 (Bamberg). For Vicenza: tax center is open for business. No appointment needed. Located in building 241, phone number 444-‐71-‐ 7041
Bamberg Vehicle registrations There are still several vehicle registrations that need to be picked up at the S1 office. You can stop by S1 from 0930-‐1700 every day to pick up your registration (they are closed for lunch from 1130-‐1300 and closed on training holidays). You will need to sign a log as proof of it having been issued out! The S1 Office is located in the Battalion Headquarter Building (7050) located to the right of the FRG Building. Head in the set of doors on the right and it is the door at the top of the stairs on the right. If you have any ques-‐ tions about this matter please contact your FRSA Heather Clark 0951-‐300-‐7704.
Bamberg Parents Day/Night Out Want a couple of hours to be child free on a Friday night or Saturday afternoon? Head on over the they CYSS Parent Central and sign up for the following dates. Located in building 7340. Phone number is 0951-‐300-‐7716/8660. Deployed spouses get priority but make sure to make your reservation as soon as possible. It is possible to utilize your free respite hours for care For parents night out from 1830-‐2130:
For parents day out from 1130-‐1530
7 May 2 July
5 June
7 Aug.
3 Sep. 5 Nov.
2 Oct.
4 Dec.
Bamberg Outdoor Recreation Trips Trips through Outdoor Rec is the best way to travel and sightsee. The following trips are will occur in April: 8th Tour Under Bamberg, Cost $20 6th Learn to Snowboard $80 9-‐12th Bodensee Adventure $325 10th Munich Zoo $60 14th Family Bike Ride FREE! 17th Salzburg City Tour $60 24th Main Paddle $20 ͶFor more information on these trips please visit the usagbamberg.com home page or call 0951-‐300-‐8659/7450
Command Sponsorship Why should you command sponsor your dependants as soon as possible? Well here are just a few reasons why it is very impor-‐ tant. Your dependants will NOT be put on your orders when you PCS from Europe. This means that you will have to pay out of pocket to send your children to your next destination, because the government will not pay for their ticket(s). Also you (the spouse) cannot sign for government housing until you have an approved command sponsorship. This is aimed more towards ser-‐ vice members who marry German citizens and want to move out of their current housing to on post housing. If you have any fur-‐ ther questions about command sponsorship please contact your S1 office at 0951-‐300-‐7441 or your FRSA Heather Clark at 0951-‐ 300-‐7704 or heather.i.clark@eur.army.mil.
Home Front 5 April 2010
Volume 1 Issue 2
General /Community Information
19 JUNE HALF WAY DAY WITH STB Come join us as we celebrate the 6-‐month mark of the deployment! We need you on the BSB team for flag football and Tug of War! WHO: BSB+STB families and friends, WHAT: have a fun-‐filled day WHERE: On football field by BSB Headqarters, BLDG 7050, WHEN: 19 June from 1000-‐ 1400, WHY: to get out of the house, meet some new people and have fun!
ACTIVITIES WILL INCLUDE: x
WwEe MmIiSsSs YyOoUu BbSsBb COME HELP US MAKE A BANNER WITH YOUR PERSONALIZED MESSAGE FOR THE TROOPS!
x
x
x
x
x x
PARTICIPATE IN OUR EXCITING FUNDRAISING WHICH WILL INCLUDE A VIP DUNKTANK AND BIDDING FOR ¶3,( ,1 7+( )$&(·
x
Flag Football between STB and BSB Tug of War between STB and BSB Scavenger hunt for teenagers Water balloon toss and sack races for smaller children Technical display of some military vehicles Bouncy Whopper House The Engagement Skills Trainer will be open for the kids to try their marksmanship skills on the digital enemy Pugil stick fight FREE FOOD AND DRINKS
Home Front 5 April 2010
Volume 1 Issue 2
A Huge THANK YOU to the Ladies Auxiliary of American Legion Post 1424, Forest Hills, NY The ladies of Ladies Auxiliary of American Legion Post 1424 have been sending packages to our Sky Soldiers. tĞ ĐĂŶ͛ƚ ƚŚĂŶŬ ƚŚĞŵ enough for the selfless ser-‐ vice for our Heroes. THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!