Fall brings Fun Editor Lisa Taylor
Contributors
Tara Goodson Rachel Lux Charlene Mazur Melissa A. Schaffner Tiffany A. Shaw Tracy Ann Starek Leila Tsybulina Melissa Wells
Photography Deborah Young Clinch-Powell Resource Conservation & Development Council, Inc. fotolia marilyn barbune pg 6 Danielle Bunardelle pg 4 sonya etchison cover micromonkey cover Monkey Business cover istock.com Julia Freeman-Woolpert pg 8 Brooke Fuller pg 16 Sundikov pg 16 Catherine Yeulet pg 8
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Creative ink
Creative Director
"October gave a party; The leaves by hundreds cameThe Chestnuts, Oaks, and Maples, And leaves of every name. The Sunshine spread a carpet, And everything was grand, Miss Weather led the dancing, Professor Wind the band." George Cooper, October's Party October truly hosts a barrage of parties as we celebrate National Book Month, National Cookie Month and of course, Halloween! With so many great events to choose from, our calendar on pages 11 & 12 is a great resource to help you stay informed. On page 4, we highlight Halloween activities available on Fort Campbell and find out more about National Book Month on page 21. Nothing fills me with joy like the smell of cookies fresh from the oven. If you are searching for some great cookie recipes for your Halloween party or for the upcoming holiday season, be sure to check out page 8, where Chef Bob shares some of his favorite recipes in honor of National Cookie Month. Additionally, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Understanding how to identify, prevent and protect yourself from Breast Cancer and Domestic Violence are tools that everyone should possess. Take some time to learn about these campaigns on pages 20 & 14 and find out how you can help further awareness for these causes. I appreciate the opportunity to fill in for Melissa Wells as editor while she is taking care of her new bundle of joy and spending some well deserved time with her Family. I am thrilled to be back as interim editor and look forward to serving the military community again in the coming months.
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Advertising David Loos Creative ink 931-206-4459 sales@creativeinktn.com Disclaimers: Fort Campbell’s MWR Life Magazine is a monthly magazine produced by the Fort Campbell MWR Marketing Department under the authority of AR 215-1. Facilities and activities publicized are open to authorized patrons. The purpose of Fort Campbell MWR Life is to provide current information about Fort Campbell MWR activities and events; to share ideas which will help readers become educated about Fort Campbell MWR activities and motivate them to take full advantage of these programs that contribute to our Fort Campbell Soldiers and Military Families’ better quality of life. Views and opinions expressed are those of the authors. The mention or appearance of commercial advertisers, commercial sponsors and/or their logos does not constitute endorsement by the Federal Government. The information in this issue is current at the time of publication; activities and events are subject to change. MWR Marketing is located at 5663 Screaming Eagle Blvd, Fort Campbell, Kentucky. For more information, call 270-798-7535 or log on to www.fortcampbellmwr.com. 24 hr. event line - 270-798-3172 www.facebook.com/fortcampbellmwr
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Lisa Taylor, Editor mwrlifeeditor@fortcampbellmwr.com
Gardening Tip October To Do List • Start fall compost pile • Purchase winter and spring blooming bulbs • Plant summer blooming shrubs, vines, winter and spring flowering bulbs • Plant fruit trees, shrubs, and vines (container, ball and burlap) • Plant permanent ground covers and needle-leafed evergreens • Plant and aerate lawns and loosen thatch • Plant frost-tolerant trees and sow seeds for frost-tolerant perennials • Plant container roses and protect roses for winter • Divide and replant crowded fall blooming bulbs (after leaves yellow) and summer and fall blooming perennials (after bloom) • Cut back on feeding houseplants • Stop feeding dormant houseplants
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By Leila Tsybulina
I
t is that time of year again. Time for spooks, ghouls, ghosts, goblins, tricks, treats and so much more! What are your Halloween plans?
Read more to find out about what Fort Campbell has to offer. “Operation Friendly Ghost” is a Halloween event that offers the children of Fort Campbell a fun and safe Halloween experience on post. “Every year on Halloween, we get Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers (BOSS) volunteers out on the streets of Fort Campbell. “Basically, we pass out candy to the kids and help keep the roads safe. This year’s event will take place October 30,” said SPC Edwin Pierce, BOSS President. If you are looking for a more organized activity, The Dale Wayrynen Community Recreation Center organizes a children’s carnival that features a costume contest for different age groups as well as other entertainment. This Halloween, the carnival will take place on October 30, from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. Linda Howle, the Recreation Center & BOSS Program Manager said, “Children can play inside with games like darts, cake walk, duck pond, lollipop tree, fishing booth, ring toss and a bean bag toss, or outside on the inflatables, weather permitting. “ According to SPC Pierce, “BOSS volunteers will be assisting with games such as the president’s quarter toss, basketball toss, football toss, and the treasure hunt.” There will also be Halloween-based small prizes in the form of tickets that the kids can redeem. “A concession will be set up with cotton
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candy, caramel apples and popcorn for a small charge,” Howle said. MWR Outdoor Recreation will be offering a Kid’s Costume Wall Crawl and Campfire on October 30, 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. Children will have the chance to climb the 50 foot climbing wall and collect candy as they climb! Afterward, there will be ghost stories, s‘mores, hot chocolate, and cider around the campfire. Scary and delicious! This event is for children five and older; cost is $7 per person. Be sure to pre-register at Outdoor Recreation for this great event by calling (270) 412-7855. Fort Campbell Family Housing will be hosting a Fall Festival on October 23 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. The event will take place at the Hammond Village Commons, 3065 Forrest Road. Karissa Poe, Community Services Coordinator, said the Fall Festival will feature a “Truck or Treat,” where decorated maintenance trucks and workers will give away candy. The event will also include a pumpkin patch, scarecrow making corner, face painting, balloon artists, clowns, inflatables, food, give-a-ways, and much more. Robert F. Sink Library will have holiday activities the Thursday before Halloween. Children will get to dress up in their Halloween outfits and have a Halloween-themed story and craft time; refreshments will also be served. Hooper Bowling Center will have their Halloween Special, October 31. They will offer small candy bars for the kids from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. Bowlers will also get free shoes from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. And do not forget about Fall Fest on October 9, 12 – 4 p.m. at Cole Park Commons! This free Family event will feature pumpkin decorating, crafts, games, and inflatables. SKIESUnlimited and Child, Youth and School Services (CYSS) are putting together fall-themed activities such as “No Tricks, Just Treats” on October 1. The event will give school age kids a fun cooking experience. They will get to
make ooey, gooey, and icky treats such as “bones, feet and eyeballs, and other things like swamp juice and frog eggs,” says Paige Commander, manager of SKIES. “Kind of gross and disgusting, but it is not a Halloween activity, so if kids don’t celebrate Halloween they can still participate.” They will also offer a Dress Up Your Pumpkin class where children will be able to decorate pumpkins and turn them into other favorites such as robots, flamingos, snakes, or football players through paint and decorations. For the October sewing class, the participants will create costumes. They can make Halloween costumes, dress-up clothes to play their favorite princess or superhero, or even a costume for their pet! One of the Soldiers’ favorite Halloween events on post is Val-O-Ween. BOSS President, SPC Edwin Pierce said, “The fourth annual Val-O-Ween party is set for October 23 at 7 p.m. The party will take place at the Sportsman’s Lodge just outside of Gate 10. It is set up to be like a Zombie Prom where Soldiers come out dressed up in their favorite costumes. They can bring their dates or friends with them. We provide a DJ, and it is completely catered.” The event invites single Soldiers to dress up, go out, have fun and enjoy themselves for the entire night within a safe environment. Finger foods, sodas and adult beverages will be provided at the facility as well as designated drivers. Door prizes, such as gift baskets and gift cards will also be given away. There will also be a costume contest where Soldiers with the best, scariest, and funniest costume will receive awards. This is an adult only event. With all of these great things to do on Fort Campbell, you will have no shortage of activities for fall Family fun!
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By Melissa Wells We have reached that time of year when the days begin to shorten, the weather is getting cooler, and the leaves are starting to fall. Pumpkins and fall decorations are everywhere and you start wondering…will it be tricks or treats? For me, it is treats all the way, especially because October is National Cookie Month! Cookies make great, portable munchies for any occasion. Having a fall bash, birthday shindig, or Halloween celebration, why not try a cookie buffet? Pick out your favorites and give everyone a goody
bag to take home a sample of each. Lay out stencils, stamps, crayons, markers, or other crafty items and let everyone decorate their own bag. The back of the goody bag is also a great place to write down a new recipe! You can also cut up those scrap papers destined for recycling into recipe cards. Get creative! Organize your friends and have a cookie swap. Everyone can bring their special recipe and the entire group goes home with a new favorite. Don’t have a favorite recipe or just want to try something new? Try one of Chef Bob’s favorites below! To quote my favorite Sesame Street character, “Me Want Cookie!” Yum!
CREAMY LEMON MACADAMIA COOKIES 2 cups all-purpose flour • 1/2 tsp baking soda 1/4 tsp salt • 1 cup light brown sugar, packed 1/2 cup white sugar 1/2 cup salted butter, softened 4 oz. cream cheese, softened • 1 large egg 2 tsp pure lemon extract 1 1/2 cups (7 oz) whole macadamia nuts, unsalted Preheat oven to 300 degrees. In a medium bowl, combine flour, soda and salt and mix well with a wire whisk; set aside. In a large bowl, blend sugars well with an electric mixer, add butter and cream cheese, and mix to form a smooth paste. Next, add the egg and lemon extract, and beat at medium speed until light and soft; scraping down sides of bowl occasionally. Add the flour mixture and macadamia nuts and blend at low speed or until just combined. Do not over mix. Drop by rounded tablespoons onto ungreased cookie sheets, 2 inches apart. Bake 23-25 minutes. Immediately transfer cookies with a spatula to a cool flat surface.
PUMPKIN SPICE COOKIES 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour 1/2 tsp baking soda • 1/4 tsp salt 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice 1 cup dark brown sugar, packed 1/2 cup white sugar • 1 large egg 3/4 cup salted butter, softened 1 cup pumpkin (canned or freshly cooked) 1 tsp vanilla extract • 1 cup (6 oz) raisins 1/2 cup (2oz) walnuts (chopped) Preheat oven to 300 degrees. In a medium bowl, combine flour, soda, salt and pumpkin pie spice; mix well with a wire whisk and set aside. In a large bowl, blend sugars with an electric mixer set on medium speed; add the butter and beat to form a grainy paste, scraping sides of bowl as needed. Add egg, pumpkin and vanilla and beat at medium speed until light and fluffy. Add the flour mixture, raisins and walnuts and blend at low speed until just combined. Do not over mix. Drop by tablespoons onto ungreased cookie sheets, 1 ½ inches apart. Bake for 22-24 minutes, or until cookies are slightly browned along edges. Immediately transfer with a spatula to a cool surface. Yield: 3 dozen www.fortcampbellmwr.com
BROWN BUTTERCRUNCH COOKIES 1/2 cup salted butter, softened 1/2 cup corn syrup 2/3 cup dark brown sugar, packed 1 cup old fashioned oats (not quick or instant) 3/4 cup all purpose flour • 1 tsp vanilla Preheat oven to 370 degrees. In a medium saucepan, melt butter, corn syrup and brown sugar over moderate heat, stirring constantly until sugar dissolves. Increase heat to high. When mixture boils, remove from heat and stir in oats, flour and vanilla. Bake cookies one pan at a time and be ready to work fast. Drop by half teaspoonfuls, 3 inches apart onto a cookie sheet lined with waxed paper. Bake for 8 minutes, or until mixture spreads, bubbles and begins to brown. Let cookies cool for 1 - 2 minutes before rolling. Roll widest edge of cookie around a pencil or wooden spoon handle, creating a tube. Repeat with remaining cookies. If cookies become too brittle to roll, return to oven for 30 seconds to soften. Cool rolled cookies completely.
CHOCOLATE GLAZE 1/4 cup heavy cream 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips 2 tsp light corn syrup Heat cream in a small saucepan until scalded. Remove from heat and stir in chocolate chips and corn syrup. Cover and let stand about 15 minutes or until chocolate has melted. Using a wire whisk or wooden spoon, gently mix glaze until smooth, being careful not to create bubbles. When cookies are cool, dip all or half of each cookie into the glaze and transfer back to wax paper. Refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to set. Yield: 2 ½ dozen Did you try one of our ideas or recipes? Send a brief description and a photo to mwrlifeeditor@fortcampbellmwr.com and let us know what you thought!
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By Lisa Taylor
A
s colors change and days grow shorter, telltale signs show the arrival of a special day filled with ghosts, goblins and of course, CANDY!
However, nothing quite signals Halloween is near like the twinkling lights from Jack O’ Lanterns lining every house on the street. The carving of Jack O’ Lanterns is a Halloween tradition which was born in ancient Ireland. Originally, Jack O’ Lanterns were not made from pumpkins but were carved out of smaller tubers such as turnips, beets or potatoes. The transition to the use of pumpkins started in the United States because pumpkins were cheaper and more abundant. “Jack O’ Lantern” is a 17th century Irish phrase that refers to a night watchman or a man carrying a lantern. Prior to the 17th century, Irish tradition tells us that Jack O’ Lanterns were strange unexplained lights in the marshes of Ireland; light that would retreat from anyone trying to approach. This enigmatic light is also
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known as foolish fire, a term which can be related to an Irish folk tale about a drunkard named Jack. The earliest Irish folk tale linked to the history of the Jack O’ Lantern is the story of Stingy Jack. As the story goes, one day Stingy Jack sold his soul to the Devil for a drink. The Devil changed himself into a coin to pay for their drinks in order to fulfill the contract. As soon as the Devil transformed, Jack placed the coin in his purse which also contained a cross made of silver, preventing the Devil from changing back. Jack bargained the Devil’s release for ten years reprieve from the contract on his soul. When the Devil returned for Jack’s soul, Jack made a final request for the Devil to climb a nearby tree to get him an apple. As the Devil climbed the tree, Jack carved a cross on the tree trunk, once again trapping the Devil. This time Jack forced the Devil to release the contract on his soul. Shorty after this final encounter with the Devil, Jack died.
God would not allow Jack’s soul to enter Heaven because of his many dealings with the Devil, and the Devil kept his promise to never take Jack’s soul. Jack was left alone to wander the darkness between Heaven and Hell. In seeing the vast darkness, Jack begged for some light. The Devil gave him a burning ember from the fires of Hell, which Jack put into a carved turnip to guide his search for a place to rest, forever becoming known as “Jack O’ Lantern,” the foolish fire of the marshes - a light that can only be seen in glimpses but never obtained.
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By Charlene Mazur
G
rowing up, I was lucky enough to be surrounded by a variety of creative and skilled women; however, the one woman that I remember being the most influential is my Grandmother. She continues to be the most incredible woman I have ever known. One of my fondest treasures from her is a hand-stitched quilt. The delicate thread intricately woven by her beautifully sculpted and worn hands was not consistent or evenly spaced, but that is part of its splendor. It would take my Grandmother months or years to complete the quilts that she made because she measured and cut every shape and design herself. The quilt was skillfully created and developed only after all of the daily chores were completed; farming, gardening, cooking, cleaning, canning, hunting, washing, baking, parenting, and so much more. Grandma would sit and relax, quilt and converse, all for pleasure. I still have the quilt that she made me so long ago, and when I miss her or I am in need of her warm hug, I simply wrap myself up in it and instantly feel comforted. Soon after my Grandmother passed away, I moved to Tennessee. While driving down the winding roads, I began to notice quilts painted on the sides of barns and old buildings. These painted symbols began
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to intrigue me as there seemed to be no rhyme or reason as to their meaning or location. My thoughts drifted to the warmth of my Grandmother’s strong but delicate hands. I asked around to find out more information, but unfortunately nobody knew. Because of my personal connection and curiosity, I took it upon myself to do some research. It turns out that the story behind these painted quilts is just as intricately designed as one of my Grandmother’s warm creations. The Appalachian Quilt Trail follows approximately 300 miles of winding byways from Mountain City to Memphis, Tennessee. Each hand painted quilt is painted in an eight foot square, adorning extraordinary barns, historic sites, rural mills, and other places of cultural importance. The Appalachian Quilt Trail is a program of the Clinch-Powell Resource Conservation & Development Council in partnership with numerous other local and regional groups. The intention of this project is to initiate economic development and increase the quality of life in rural Appalachia by providing sustainable economic growth opportunities to a medley of local businesses, artists, and farmers of the region. These artistic designs mark stops on the Appalachian Quilt Trail that feature special locations in the arts and crafts tradition of Eastern Tennessee. The trail is only part of the adventure; with the explosion of fall foliage, you also have a
remarkable picturesque landscape complete with folklore, stories of waterfalls, historical cities, babbling brooks, flowing fields, covered bridges, and so much more. You will also delight in the regional harvests at local markets and restaurants. The richness and tradition of Appalachian heritage can be explored at your leisure as you discover this exceptional Tennessee route which was designed in loops so that visitors can plan their itinerary accordingly. It is an ever-changing trail that can be viewed year-round. There are plenty of sites to
visit and natives to speak with, each characterizing a piece of the quilt that is truly special, just like my Grandmother’s handmade designs of comfort. Wrap yourself in a warm quilt of exploration and history for a truly special, unique and memorable experience that will last a lifetime. I invite you to follow the trail, track the collage of colors this fall, and see what Appalachia has to offer! Stop by MWR Leisure Travel Services, located in the PX Mall, to find out about other local hot spots for fall foliage, festivals, farmers markets, and so much more. From Beautiful Sumner County to Gatlinburg and beyond, we have plenty of brochures, maps and travel books to help you plan your journey of fall Family fun. Visit our website at www.fortcampbellmwr.com/tradesservices/ITR to print out a copy of the Appalachian Quilt Trail and start your road trip today!
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1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 16. 17. 10. 18. 19.
ACS Financial Readiness Air Assault Auto Army Community Service Army Education Center Arts & Crafts Center ASYMCA Auto Skills North Auto Skills South Baldanado Pool BOSS Program Building 3301 Child Development Center #1 Child Development Center #2 Civilian Personnel Advisory Center Clarksville Base PFC Cole Park Community Activities Center Cole Park Southern Buffet Cole Park Golf Club/19th Hole Snack Bar CYSS Central Registration D.W. Recreation Center Dawg Haus Destiny Parks & Pavilions
(270) 7985518 (270) 956-1101/1100 (270) 798-9322 (270) 798-5886 (270) 798-6693 (270) 798-7422 (270) 798-5612 (270) 798-6317 (270) 798-5207 (270) 798-7858 (270) 412-2315 (270) 439-7993 (270) 439-7996 (270) 798-7161 (270) 798-6006 (270) 798-4610 (270) 798-4906/1822 (270) 798-0674 (270) 798-7391 (270) 798-0766 (270) 798-2175
20. 21. 22. 5. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 20. 36. 37. 38.
Directorate of MWR Discovery Center Dolan Pool Engraving Etc Estep Wellness Center Family Child Care Family Resource Center Fort Campbell Riding Stables Fratellenico PFC Freedom Fighters PFC Gardner Indoor Pool Gear-To-Go Gertsch PFC Hooper Bowling Center Leisure Travel Services Office Lozada PFC MWR Public Relations Office & Installation In/Out Processing Bldg MWR Unit Funds/IMWRF Collections North Dog Park North Softball Complex Olive PFC
(270) 798-9953 (270) 798-2737 (270) 798-5350 (270) 798-0171 (270) 798-4664/4023 (270) 798-4959 (270) 956-2935 (270) 798-2629 (270) 798-9418 (270) 798-7355 (270) 798-6310 (270) 798-6806 (270) 798-2753 (270) 798-5887 (270) 798-7436 (270) 798-4306 (270) 798-7535 (270) 798-6818 (270) 798-2175 (270) 798-3320 (270) 798-4101
39. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. 44. 45. 46. 47. 48. 49. 50. 51. 52. 53. 54. 44. 55. 56. 57. 44.
Outdoor Recreation Paintball/Survival Games Part Day Preschool R.F. Sink Library Recycling Center Richardson Army Lodging School Age Services SFAC Single Pool Skeet Range SKIESUnlimited Center SOS - Survior Outreach Services South Dog Park South Softball Complex Sports Admin Office / Fryar Stadium Sportsman's Lodge Joe Swing Park Taylor Youth Center Teen Club 24/7 Turner Army Lodging Veterinary Services Youth Sports Program
(270) 798-2175 (270) 798-4620 (270) 798-0674 (270) 798-5729 (270) 798-4527 (931) 431-4496 (270) 798-4129 (270) 412-6000 (270) 798-4247 (270) 412-4015 (270) 412-5455 (270) 798-0277 (270) 798-2175 (270) 798-3320 (270) 798-3094 (931) 431-4140 (270) 798-2175 (270) 798-3643 (270) 956-1033 (270) 439-2229 (270) 798-3614 (270) 798-6355
By Tracy Ann Starek What is Domestic Violence? “Domestic violence is best understood as a pattern of abusive behaviors including physical, sexual, and psychological attacks as well as economic coercion used by one
intimate partner against another (adult or adolescent) to gain, maintain, or regain power and control in the relationship. Batterers use a range of tactics to frighten, terrorize, manipulate, hurt, humiliate, blame, often injure, and sometimes kill a current or former intimate partner.” (Domestic Violence Awareness Project) The month of October has been designated as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month and it is a great opportunity to promote community awareness and assist victims. To recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Army Community Service (ACS) Family Advocacy Program will be displaying silhouettes of victims and fatalities of domestic violence throughout the Fort Campbell community; survivor stories will be attached. These displays are designed to shed light on the issue and show the impact that domestic violence has on the entire Family. The ACS Family Advocacy Program will also be holding a professional development day to present an event called In Her Shoes, October 12, 2010 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Family Resource Center. This is a wonderful resource for Commanders, 1SGs, Family Readiness Group (FRG) leaders, Family Readiness Support Assistants (FRSAs), Family members, and more. Mock scenarios of
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domestic violence will be displayed, and with each scenario it will show the different facets of advocacy, from preventative to treatment. This will allow everyone, including professionals and community partners, to have a better understanding of domestic violence and to learn the importance of efficient advocacy, counseling and available resources. To further educate and bring awareness of domestic violence to Soldiers, the ACS Family Advocacy Program will arrange a unique, friendly competition of questions and answers called Pros vs. Joes where members of the ACS Family Advocacy Program will compete against Soldiers about
Family advocacy issues. It will also be a great forum to disseminate information about domestic violence and services offered through the ACS Family Advocacy Program. Domestic Violence Awareness Month is also a time to remember those who have been affected by domestic violence as well as the fatalities of this crime. The ACS Family Advocacy Program will host a Unity Day, October 26, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. at the Family Resource Center. This event is open to the public and will bring Fort Campbell, Hopkinsville, Oak Grove, and Clarksville together in remembrance of those victims by reading their names during a
candlelight vigil. Domestic Violence Awareness Month brings forth the importance of self-defense and the ability to be able to protect and defend yourself in any given situation. The Clarksville Police Department offers self-defense classes, given by instructor/police officer Jim Knoll. The self-defense classes are provided in groups of five or more. For more information, please contact Officer Knoll at the Clarksville Police Department, (931) 648-0656 ext 2209. The ACS Family Advocacy Program helps to assist Soldiers and Families with the challenges and stresses of every aspect of life. Louie Sumner, the ACS Family Advocacy Program Chief Social Worker states, “Our key strategy throughout the years has been to educate military Families about domestic violence and encourage them to seek help when needed and to report abuse when they see it. It has been a successful strategy at Fort Campbell.” The ACS Family Advocacy Program offers great resources and consists of a variety of areas from Victim Advocates to the Department of Social Work. For more information on the ACS Family Advocacy Program and their resources, please call (270) 412-5500 or visit www.fortcampbellmwr.com. Remember that you are not alone, help is available. Do not be a victim.
Domestic Violence Statistics: • In 2009, Fort Campbell had 87 victims of child abuse. There were 2,436 Army-wide. • In 2009, Fort Campbell had 153 victims of Spousal abuse, up from 74 in 2008. Army-wide, there were 3,222 victims of Spousal abuse in 2009, up from 2,397 in 2008.
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By Tara Goodson
D
id last year’s holiday season have you singing the blues when you opened your statements in January?
I know it seems early to start planning your holiday budget, but there is no time like the present, and if you plan properly this year, you will be singing happy songs all the way to the bank. Take advantage of the Army Community Service (ACS) Financial Readiness Program and make an appointment with a financial counselor to find out where to start. With a few simple tips, you can avoid going into debt and enjoy the post-holiday season. Traditionally, financial advisors will tell you to start with a budget. Sounds sensible, right? However, if you do not identify what you are purchasing and for who, you really do not have a realistic picture. Before you even step foot in a store or click that link online, make a list; decide who has been naughty and who has been nice. Does it make sense to purchase a gift for that cousin’s nephew twice removed that you have never met? Identify those people for which you are able to purchase gifts
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and stick with it. Put a dollar value on that gift based on how close you are with them and use your personal judgment. Cross check your ideas with your significant other if needed. Setting a specific amount instead of a vague number will result in spending less. The average Family spends close to a $1000 just for holiday gifts! A more realistic spending amount would be 1.5% of your annual income and that includes all the additional costs of the holiday season. A few online resources include: www.bankrate.com, www.about.com and www.practiclemoneyskills.com. They all have useful tools to plan your holiday budget and it is far easier to put a small amount every month into a holiday account than to come up with that amount in the last three months of the year. Now that you have visions of dollar amounts dancing in your head, it is up to you to time your shopping trip. Do you plan on braving the crowds and doing one huge trip? Save yourself some anxiety and money by scouring fliers and using online coupon codes; retailers put categories on sale in cycles. One week will feature clothing, the following electronics and so on. The very best time to purchase your holiday items is the day after Christmas. Just remember where you stashed them for the next year! Patience is not only a virtue; it is the key for saving money. Speaking of spending less, using cash is the very best way to go. Swiping your credit card not only adds
finance charges to your purchases, it is less emotional. You feel the same whether you spend $10 or $100. On average, the typical credit card purchase is 112% higher than if using cash! Remember, holiday shopping is all about selection. Try not to fall into traps of great offers, perfect marketing, or incentives to sign up for a card and get 15% off. What about the 29% Annual Percentage Rate (APR)? Will you be able to pay that balance off in full, or will you be like most of us and carry it over until the following year? If you are going to use a credit card and/or fall into the department store promotion, deduct the amount of the transaction from your checking account. That way you have enough to pay the bill off in full. Two other ways to cut costs include avoiding needless warranties, and those pesky impulse purchases. Often warranties are sold that cost the same amount as a repair and if you make that list and check it twice you will avoid impulse purchases! Reference what you spent last year on the holidays. Did you over spend; if so, what put you over? Other than gifts, we spend too much on food, travel expenses, wrapping paper, cards, pictures, and that new outfit for all the great parties. It all adds up and can get out of control quickly. If you do not want a holiday debt hangover, then you have to decide what you can eliminate. Saying no to multiple holiday parties, staying close to home, and only purchasing gifts for those close to you are a few examples. Do not be afraid to explore gift giving alternatives; coupons can be used for everything from chores to babysitting, what about a gift grab or white elephant exchange? Creativity is the key to cutting gift giving costs and in reality what is worth more, memories of holidays past, or that sweater relegated to the back of the closet?
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By Melissa Schaffner
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very October , I travel to Washington, D.C. for the Army 10-Miler. No, I am not a dedicated runner! In fact, I could not run 10 miles unless my life truly depended on it!
Why do I go? Read on... Each year, tens of thousands of runners and spectators come to Washington, DC to join in this race classic. Produced by the U.S. Army Military District of Washington, the Army 10-Miler proceeds support Army Morale, Welfare and Recreation, a comprehensive network of support and leisure services designed to enhance the lives of Soldiers and their Families. The race starts and finishes at the Pentagon, passing by DC landmarks including the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and the Capitol Building.
The mission of the Army Ten-Miler is to promote the Army, build esprit de corps, support fitness goals, and enhance community relations. Highlights of race weekend include the Team Competition – Over 700 military and civilian teams vie for team titles, such as the Commander’s Cup and the International Cup; the Race Expo – A two-day event with running clinics and over 70 exhibitors featuring the latest in fitness apparel, running shoes, health, and specialty items; the GEICO Pasta Dinner – Traditionally attended by over 1200 civilians and Soldiers, the Commanding General of the Military District of Washington and the Sergeants Major of the Army, Reserve, and Guard; the HOOAH Tent Zone – Over 50 tents displaying ‘Hooah Spirit’ are put up in the ‘Avenue of the Army’ at the Pentagon parking lot; and the Youth Activity Zone &
Youth Runs – Families can have fun on race day with mascots, inflatables, and more. Over 400 kids, ranging in age from five to 13, participate in the Youth Runs. To run in the actual Army 10-miler, you must be at least 15 years old. Everyone is invited to the Hooah Tent Zone at the race. The Hooah Tent Zone is where US Army units promote their commands and “Hooah Spirit” through displays. All divisions of the US Army, including Active Duty, National Guard and Army Reserve are represented. With a party-like atmosphere, each Hooah Tent showcases what makes each division unique. Everything from country music bands to bratwurst have been known to make an appearance at the Hooah Tents - which get increasingly more elaborate each year. Fort Campbell hosts a 101st Division Tent, and that is where you will find me, representing MWR and helping the Tennessee/Kentucky Chapter of the Association of the United States Army create an atmosphere of excitement for our guests and runners. Our 101st 10-miler Team from Fort Campbell can be found there, both before and after the race.
Notable 10-miler facts: On October 13, 1985, the inaugural Army 10-Miler featured 1,600 registered runners. In 1987, the tradition of the Commander's Cup was established awarding top honors to the best U.S. military team. In 1991, the race was dedicated to the armed forces personnel who served and supported Operation Desert Shield-Desert Storm. In 1993, Fort Campbell brings home the Commander's Cup! In 1995, Fort Campbell wrestled back the Commander's Cup after failing to retain bragging rights in 1994. In 1997, a female Commander's Cup was established with Fort Bragg women's team taking home top honors. In 2000, the race was the largest 10-mile race in the world! In 2001, the race was set for October 14. But the September 11th terrorist attack on America continued to impact all our lives. On October 8, 2001 Army leadership cancelled the 17th annual race. Seven days later, America invaded Afghanistan. In 2002, the race resumed, continuing to be the largest 10-miler in America and ranked the second largest 10-miler in the world. In 2004, the steady rainfall with mid-morning temperatures in the 50s were not show stoppers for the registered field of 20,000 runners for the 20th Anniversary of the Army 10-Miler. A new addition was the International Cup, where men or women that are military personnel from any country's Army, Reserve, or Guard components, compete against each other. In 2005, race day was sunny, as DC Metro identified a suspicious package on the 14th Street Bridge under the HOV lanes. Race officials decided to re-route runners at Mile Marker 7 (Independence and 14th Street area). The DC Metro Explosive Ordnance Unit investigated the package and cleared the package at 8:55AM. Because the course was modified, the official race was declared a recreational run and was not scored. It is estimated that the recreational run distance that year was 11.2 miles. In 2009, a lot of buzz led up to the race, because it was the 25th anniversary. The race lived up to the hype with 21,524 runners crossing the finish line.
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By Melissa Wells
B
reast Cancer, two words that strike terror into every woman in the world. As the daughter of a breast cancer survivor, I grew up intimately acquainted with the reality of this disease and as I raise my daughter, it is my prayer that medical advances eradicate this disease so that it never affects her.
My mother was very young when she had cancer. Luckily, she went to her Family doctor right away and the cancer was surgically treated with no reoccurrence. Because of her age at the time of diagnosis, and the fact that there were others in our Family with breast cancer, genetic testing was a topic that often came up at my own check-ups; however, none of these doctors and specialists could give me any real options as to what would happen if I did test positive for one of the genetic abnormalities that account for 5 – 10 % of cancer diagnoses. As a young woman, to hear a surgeon tell you that your only option is to have everything that makes you feel female surgically removed, does not seem like much of a choice. It made me second-guess even wanting to get tested…If those were my only options, I was not sure that I wanted to know. Fortunately, I found a doctor that suggested that my mother get tested since she had already had a cancer diagnosis. If she does not have the genetic abnormality, then she could not pass it down to me. Finally, logic! Fortunately, she did not test positive for the mutation. Unfortunately, over 80% of diagnosed cancers do not come from these genetic mutations. The best and only way to help prevent breast cancer is to know your options, take care of your body, and get screened regularly. “With breast cancer, there is a misconception that if you feel fine, do not have a lump, and have no Family history of breast cancer, you are okay. The truth is that three-quarters of the women in whom we find breast cancer have
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no risk factors. So screening is important for everyone.” Susan Greenstein Orel M.D. Mammography remains the gold standard for screening. Although no one enjoys having a mammogram, the compression of breast tissue gives the clearest image of the entire breast and allows Radiologists (doctors that specialize in reading x-rays) to detect abnormalities. Mammograms can detect breast cancer at a very early stage, often before you are able to feel a lump or abnormality yourself. Breast ultrasounds and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) are other imaging options that can aide in making a diagnosis. Doctors use these tools to look at different things within the breast. Doctors recommend a baseline mammogram at age 35 and routine annual mammograms starting at age 40. Another important screening tool is monthly self breast exams. These exams, when performed on a regular basis, can allow you to detect abnormalities at an early stage. Many hospitals, clinics, and physician’s offices offer cards and pamphlets on how to do these exams. They are also willing to teach you the best techniques as to not miss any tissue. This is an easy and free way to help maintain your health. You can perform this self-exam in the shower and it takes very little time. It is five minutes a month that can save your life. You should also have yearly breast exams performed by your physician and consult them about any concerns that you may have. Do not let a problem go because you are afraid to ask questions! Diet and exercise are other important factors in breast cancer awareness and prevention. More and more studies show the importance of maintaining a healthy
lifestyle in the prevention and treatment of many diseases and chronic illnesses. Being at a healthy weight can reduce your risk of breast cancer. It is recommended that you eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables per day to help maintain a healthy weight. It has been suggested that carrying extra fat can cause an increased risk of circulating estrogen which increases the risk of breast cancer. October is really just another month, but it has been set aside as a reminder to take
care of your health, stay aware, and get a check-up. Do not forget the man in your life, breast cancer is more common in women, but can occur in men as well. Take the opportunity this Breast Cancer Awareness Month to do something for yourself, get an exam, and take charge of your life.
Facts and Statistics from www.breastcancer.org: • About 90% of breast cancers are due not to heredity, but to genetic abnormalities that happen as a result of the aging process and life in general. • A woman’s risk of breast cancer approximately doubles if she has a first-degree relative (mother, sister, daughter) who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. About 20-30% of women diagnosed with breast cancer have a family history of breast cancer. • Besides skin cancer, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among U.S. women. More than 1 in 4 cancers are breast cancer. Other good resources: www.komen.org www.cancer.gov
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By Melissa Wells For as long as I can remember, I have loved to read. My mother still tells me stories about how, as a child, I would bring a stack of books into my dad to read to me before bedtime. Even before I knew how to read them myself, I had the stories memorized. Poor Dad could not get away with skipping any details! I love the way that books draw you in, allow you to use your imagination, and immerse yourself in a character, place, or period of time. It is a way to escape as well as broaden your horizons. As October draws us into fall and the summer activities come to a close, it is a great time to pick up a book and celebrate National Book Month. Books not only offer a fictional escape, but a learning experience on every page. Do you enjoy stories of fairies, dragons, knights and kings? Perhaps westerns and romance are more of your thing? Do you long for suspense and the “can’t put it down” feeling of a nail biting mystery? I find that
while I enjoy all of these different genres at different times, it can be just as easy to become immersed in a biography or nonfiction
work. Books come in all shapes and sizes. Gardening books, cook books, travel books, books on art and historical fact; all appeal to different audiences and serve as excellent tools and resources. I know that in this age of electronic gadgets and downloads, it can seem time consuming and cumbersome to
look things up in a book rather than say, Googling it. But there is something great about walking into a bookstore or library and having a whole world at your fingertips. Robert F. Sink Library is a great resource right here on Fort Campbell. They have different activities throughout the month to capture your imagination. For children and Families, they have Baby and Me Lap sit, Family PJ Story time, as well as a weekly story and craft time on Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. If you are looking for a grown-up book discussion, come out to the Brunch and a Book discussion on the third Tuesday of each month. As a special event to celebrate Teen Read Week, on October 20, teens can check out and discuss any fiction book in the library. Refreshments will also be served. For more information about any of these activities, or to register for Teen Read Week, call (270) 798-5729. Take advantage of this holiday, pick up a great book, and open the door to your imagination today!
By Rachel Lux
Attention all redeployed Soldiers, are you looking for something different to do with your platoon? Warrior Adventure Quest (WAQ) offers FREE, high-adventure activities for Soldiers. Break away from the everyday stress and routine to bond with your peers and platoon leaders by participating in exciting activities such as the Challenge Course, Paintball, Adventure Race, and Skeet! The Challenge Course gives Soldiers a chance to focus on trust, communication, and team work as they maneuver through this adrenaline-inducing activity from high above the ground. In Paintball, units work on maneuvering, logistics, and strategy while releasing pent-up energy. The Adventure Race offers platoons the opportunity to break into small groups and compete against one another
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in events such as mountain biking, rock wall climbing, archery, and other teambuilding activities. Skeet is a laid back experience that allows Soldiers time to chat, work on target aim, and build camaraderie. Warrior Adventure Quest is designed to build teamwork and instill unit cohesion by re-creating the adrenaline rush of combat action in a controlled, high-adventure outdoor activity. During deployment, Soldiers experience an elevated level of stress which can become a normal part of their everyday life. Upon returning home, Soldiers sometimes seek ways to deal with everyday life stressors through destructive activities. WAQ’s purpose is to reduce the potential of a non-battle injury/death by providing Soldiers with a healthy adrenaline outlet and encouraging participation in additional recreational activities. This training exposes Soldiers to outdoor recreation as a positive alternative to high risk behaviors. The activity ends with a group debriefing. This gives Soldiers the opportunity to
process how the high-adventure activity relates to everyday missions of combat deployment. In an effort to assist Soldiers effectively with the transition back home, the debriefing allows them an opportunity to learn from one another’s experiences as well as break down communication barriers. When units return from deployment, WAQ also provides an opportunity to create new, shared experiences among rear detachment, Soldiers who are new to the unit, and those who have redeployed. Priority is given to platoons that have redeployed within 90-120 days. All necessary equipment is provided by MWR Outdoor Recreation. Two Soldiers from each platoon are required to participate in a two-hour leader training session to learn debriefing techniques prior to the exercise, and each participant must complete a short pre and post-survey. For more information, call (270) 798-4620 or email rachel.lux@us.army.mil. “We arrived as individuals and left as a Unit!” CPT Jahren Baez, Fort Campbell, SUS BDE
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