Preparing for Thanksgiving Thanksgiving is a top tier holiday. Why? Because you get all the good stuff like food, Family and friends, without the stress of gift giving, decorating and traveling on icy roads. The only real stress of Thanksgiving is worrying about how many calories you might accidently consume, but Alexa from Estep Wellness Center offers tips for staying healthy during the holidays. Check out the Tree of Life Center and Market in downtown Clarksville for organic and healthful food items. November is still considered pumpkin season, so make your way out to Honeysuckle Hill Farm for all of their fun fall activities, including a pumpkin smashing festival. November also marks the end of our Eagle Challenge Fitness Tour. Make sure you come out on Friday, November 20, to receive your medal and recap this great year in fitness. No matter how you choose to kick off the holiday season, stay connected with MWR. We always have exciting new activities for of all ages to enjoy. Please browse our Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Youtube pages while you sip on that yummy pumpkin spice latte.
Jenelle Grewell, Editor mwrlifeeditor@fortcampbellmwr.com
Inside this issue 3 Editor
Keeping Baby Safe Prevent accidents with your child.
Jenelle Grewell
Contributors
Alexa Elderkin Tara Goodson Kim Hooks 1LT Brittany Kluck New Parent Support Program Arica Urena
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Healthy for the Holidays Combat those Thanksgiving calories.
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ECFT Recap Did you get a medal?
Publisher
Creative ink
Creative Director Sears Hallett
10 Tree of Life Clarksville’s center for holistic living.
Advertising Nichole Irmer 209-781-6492 nichole@creativeinktn.com
15 Your First Trip Pack well for your field exercise.
Photography CynDe Clack Heather Cutie Jenelle Grewell Paula Hallett Anthony Mayweather Honeysuckle Hill Farms Tree of Life Center
18 Second Chances How Anthony Mayweather chose a second profession.
20 National Pumpkin Destruction Festival Obliterate your jack-o-lantern.
Shutterstock pg: 3, 6, 15, 20
21 Hop Scotch and Polka Dot Day Celebrate Military Family Month.
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 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. Visit www.campbell.armymwr.com. 24hr. event line - 270-798-3172 www.facebook.com/fortcampbellmwr
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Keeping Baby Safe By the New Parent Support Program, Fort Campbell, KY
Most accidents with children can be prevented. Make sure everyone who cares for your child knows about things that will help keep your child safe.
Safe Sleep: Always place babies on their backs to sleep. Placing your baby on his or her back to sleep is the number one way to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that babies have a separate sleeping environment from where the parent sleeps. Co-sleeping with an infant in your bed has recently been proven by the AAP to be more hazardous than the infant sleeping in a separate crib, bassinet or cradle. It is recommended that infants who are brought into the parents’ bed to nurse, feed or be comforted should be returned to their own crib or bassinet when the parent is ready to go to sleep. Always place your baby on a safety-approved crib mattress covered with only a fitted sheet. Do not place pillows, blankets, stuffed animals, or bumpers in the baby’s sleep area. Instead of a blanket to keep your baby warm, footie pajamas or a “wearable blanket” are recommended to prevent his or her face from becoming covered during sleep. Avoid overheating your baby. Keep their sleep area at a temperature that is comfortable for an adult. The use of a fan in your baby’s room is appropriate for air circulation and to keep them comfortable. Also, remember to remove mobiles from the crib when the child starts to sit up independently, and to lower your child’s crib mattress when the baby starts to stand up in the crib.
Bath Safety: Never leave a child alone in the tub, not even for a second. Gather all bath supplies prior to putting your baby in the tub. Ignore your cell phone if it rings while they’re in the tub. You can always call or text
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someone back later. Never put your child into the tub when the water is still running. The water temperature could change or become too deep for them too quickly. Always test the bath water temperature prior to putting your baby in the tub. Set your water heater to no higher than 120 degrees to prevent burns and do not allow your child to touch the faucet handles. If they turn the hot water on by themselves it can lead to serious burns.
Sun Safety: The AAP recommends that babies younger than 6 months old be kept out of direct sunlight and should avoid wearing sunscreen unless shade or protective clothing is unavailable. How can you protect your newborn from the sun? Choose lightweight clothing that covers arms and legs. Add a brimmed hat to
protect the face and neck, and move into the shade, under a tree or umbrella. Use sunshades in the car or while in the stroller. Older babies can use sunscreen, shade, protective clothing or a combination of both to avoid sun damage. Reapply sunscreen regularly. After you take your baby into the pool, add another coat of sunscreen. Add some sunglasses to protect baby’s eyes, but make sure they block UV light. Be sure to stay hydrated in the heat. The AAP discourages giving water to babies less than 6 months old, even in hot weather. Expect baby to nurse more or drink more formula in the heat. Your baby’s doctor may offer more individualized suggestions on how to prepare for and handle the heat.
Car Safety: Buckle up for all trips. Never leave your child unattended in a car, even for a second (even with the windows open or the AC running). Every child in the car should be restrained in a safety-approved car seat. Car seats should be rear-facing until the child is at least 2-years old. It’s a good idea to get your car seat inspected by a trained technician. You can always set up an appointment to have your car seat inspected with the Fort Campbell Emergency Management Sservice at 931-216-2770.
Home Safety: One of the best practices you can do in your own home is to not leave your baby unattended on an elevated surface, such as a chair, couch, bed, or changing table. Keep all medicines and cleaning supplies out of the child’s reach; a high shelf in the kitchen is a good place for these items. In the kitchen, keep pot handles turned toward the back of the stove. Be sure to install pressure-mounted safety gates at the top and bottom of all stairs. Also, do not hold hot foods or liquids when holding your baby. Do not smoke near your baby. If you go outside to smoke then you should change your shirt so that your baby will not be exposed to the smoke on your clothes. The AAP research states that any exposure to cigarette smoke is a SIDS risk
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factor. Also, look around your home and survey the scene for choking hazards. A child under 3 years old can choke on items that can fit into the end of a toilet paper holder tube. Examples include coins, small toys, bolts and screws. One thing that is posing a choking hazard lately is deflated balloons left over from birthday parties and events because babies and small children think the balloons are candy. Always be vigilant to the areas your baby is rolling, crawling or toddling around to prevent choking.
Crying Tips: Know that all babies cry, but some babies cry more than others. Research shows that infant crying and fussiness peaks at around 6 weeks of age, and is
significantly better by around 3-4 months of age. What used to be called “colic” is now being called the “period of PURPLE crying.” Log on to PURPLEcrying.info to learn more about soothing, swaddling and coping with frustration that infant crying can cause. Never shake your baby! Just one instance of shaking a child can cause death or brain damage. Ensure that you have a support system in place; it could be another parent, a sibling, a neighbor or a friend. Know that there are many support systems in place here at Fort Campbell to help you. Call the New Parent Support Program at 270-412-5500 to request a Home Visitor come speak to you about your newborn or child at your convenience.
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Healthy for the Holidays By Alexa Elderkin
On New Year’s Day, millions of people will kick start resolutions to live a healthier, happier life. To meet those goals, most will also need to compensate for a cornucopia of not-so-healthy decisions made throughout the holiday season. What if you could forgo that year-end landslide and start building momentum for 2016 right now? You can, and it doesn’t mean missing out on your favorite festive traditions. Check out these simple but powerful strategies to keep you healthy for the holidays. Clean your plate You can clean your plate at parties so long as you clean it up first. Make sure healthier foods take up the most room on your plate and reserve less real estate for the indulgent dishes. This helps you exercise portion control without feeling like a party pooper. “You don’t have to deny yourself a roll or a slice of pie here and there,” said Journey Goldberg, Fitness Programming Coordinator at Estep Wellness Center. “Just make sure vegetables are the main part of your meal. That way, you fill up on nutritious foods before it’s time to splurge.” Bring a healthy dish for potlucks, so you’ll have a guaranteed go-to at every get together.
feast looking bite size, expand the dimensions of your centerpiece. You’ll have a feast fit for a king – a fit king.
snacks. Treat yourself with something quality. Instead of a peppermint latte, enjoy a peppermint facial. Self-care will help you not want to splurge in other, less healthy, ways.”
Running on empty Buddy up If you grocery shop on an empty stomach, experts say you’ll spend more on items you don’t need. The same concept applies to holiday meals, parties, shopping and travel. Keep some nutritious fuel in your tank to avoid binging on less healthy options. “On Thanksgiving morning, don’t starve yourself the whole day to prepare for the big shebang,” said Carmela Broderick, an Army Family member who recently graduated from Murray State University with a degree in dietetics. “Eat breakfast,” she said. “Eat lunch. You’ll gorge less, and your body and mind will feel better throughout the day.” Drinking water is another easy way to stay satiated, Broderick said. She works as a nutritional services technician at Gateway Medical Center. “It helps you feel full and also aids in digestion.” Cutting back on cocktails, egg nog, soda and fancy coffee drinks can have a huge impact on your overall wellness, she said. “Don’t drink your calories.”
When it comes to staying healthy, there is strength in numbers. Turn holiday wellness into a tradition that involves friends and Family. Sledding, skiing, snowball fights or Christmas light walking tours – there are plenty of ways to stay active. Instead of reuniting with friends at a café, grab a coffee to go and stroll through a park, the old neighborhood or your high school track. During half-time of the football games, head outside to throw a ball around. Lace up for a Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot or Christmas-themed fun run. The Fort Campbell Spouses’ Club is planning a Jingle Bell Jog on Saturday, December 5. Any exercise is better than no exercise.
The gift of self-care
Size matters There’s something psychologically satisfying about a table of plenty and a cup runneth over. Hold onto those warm feelings and let go of the added calories by simply shrinking the size of your tableware. Using smaller plates, glasses and serving spoons can subliminally encourage the whole Family to consume lighter portions. If you’re worried about the Thanksgiving
Is your holiday to-do list becoming a to-do novel? In the midst of wrapping presents, assembling care packages and planning parties, be sure to carve out some quality time just for you. It may seem frivolous at first, but self-care can dramatically improve your health and wellness, even increase productivity. Spend five minutes reading or listening to a meditation or devotional. Turn up your favorite song and dance around the house. Practice restorative yoga, or snag a power nap. Self care does not have to be time consuming or budget busting. There are countless do-it-yourself pampering guides and free relaxation programs online. Remember, treating yourself during the holidays doesn’t need to involve food. “We’re not dogs,” Goldberg said. “Don’t reward yourself with
To build momentum, join a fitness accountability group. Estep Wellness Center is leading a “Healthy for the Holidays” program from December 5 through January 9. Participants receive a fitness assessment and holiday survival kit, then embark on a five-week wellness challenge. Every task, be it physical or mental, is designed to be completed on your own. No special equipment or expensive extras required. Estep accountability coaches will guide you every step of the way. The registration cost is $25. To learn more, contact Estep at (270)-798-4023 or drop by the center at 2270 Kentucky Ave. Don’t wait for the Times Square countdown to change your life. Resolve to improve your health today.
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Eagle Challenge Fitness Tour 2015
Remembering Another Great Year By Jenelle Grewell
Great job Fort Campbell! We have reached the end of our 2015 Eagle Challenge Fitness Tour (ECFT) and doesn’t it feel good? We will conclude the year on Friday, November 20 with the ECFT Awards Ceremony from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Cole Park Commons. This free event will start off with energizing music and healthy refreshments for the attendees. All bronze, silver and gold medalists will receive their medals during the evening and have the opportunity to get their picture taken with their medal. A video presentation will also be shown during the evening which highlights the events from the 2015 ECFT. A tentative schedule of the 2016 ECFT will be announced during the awards ceremony, so you will want to attend to pick up the list! For more information about this event and other ECFT events, please continue to monitor our Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and website. We will post more information as we get closer to each event in 2016.
Tree of Life Goodness for Body and Soul By Jenelle Grewell
Before 2014, Clarksville and the Fort Campbell community didn’t have the option of natural, local and holistic products and services unless they went all the way to Nashville. But in 2014, Yvonne Chamberlain founded the Tree of Life Center and gave the community an alternative closer to home. Yvonne said she founded the Tree of Life Center after having some experiences in Clarksville and making the decision to change her lifestyle. She was also married to a Soldier who needed healing and the options he was using at the time weren’t working so she needed an alternate route. “Nothing of a holistic nature was in one place under one roof. The people of our community didn’t have the option to lead this kind of lifestyle,” she said. The goal of the Tree of Life Center is to have a wellness center under one roof that offers a place where people can live a lifestyle of wellness. And not just physical wellness but also emotional and spiritual wellness. “I’m an advocate for environmentally friendly so we are green certified here in Clarksville,” Yvonne added. The Tree of Life Center offers The Market, which sells natural products and Yvonne said she likes to bring in local/regional vendors. “We strive to have an organic, non-GMO, fair trade, local
store. A product has to have at least one of those designations to be sold here,” she said. Yvonne remarked that the Tree of Life Center has really helped people of the Fort Campbell community because a lot of the Soldiers and their Families are used to having a natural food store in their hometown communities and many are surprised that the closest store of this kind, besides the Tree of Life Center, is in Nashville. Another goal of the Tree of Life Center is support the local community. “We are looking to support of our community,” Yvonne added, “75 percent of profits go back into our local community. When you purchase from here, you are purchasing a local product from a local store. You are doubling the local.” The Tree of Life Center has a large variety of services and small businesses within it. They offer cooking classes and a section of the building is
available for small businesses to rent a small space and many Spouses are taking advantage of this opportunity. “Any small business that is in the same line as us [health, holistic] can do daily renting where people can meet their clients without signing a lease. Our foot traffic helps them, their foot traffic helps us,” she said. The Tree of Life Center offers many great opportunities for those who are looking for a healthful lifestyle. “This is an alternative for folks who are on that path for health and wellness. We can all go to our doctors and get pills but that doesn’t help the root of the problem and unease in the body. We may not have the answer, but we can help,” Yvonne said. For more information about the Tree of Life Center, please call (931) 919-2545 or visit them at 30 Crossland Ave. The Market hours are Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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1. 101st Airborne Division Headquarters 2. 19th Hole (Cole Park) Director 3. Army Community Service (ACS) & ACS Director 4. Army Education Center 5. Arts and Crafts Center, Center, Guenette 6. ASYMCA Backdoor Boutique 7. ASYMCA Family Center 8. Auto Service Center Center,, Air Assault Auto 9. Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers Pr Program ogram (BOSS) 10. Blanchfield Army Community Hospital 11. Bowling Center Center,, Hooper 12. Civilian Personnel Advisory Center 13. Commissary 2. Cole Park Commons 30. CYSS, Par Parent ent Central Services (Central Registration) 30. CYSS, School Liaison 38. CYSS, SKIESUnlimited Center 14. Dog Kennels 17. Dawg Haus (Dining) 18. Estep W Wellness ellness Center (Gear-to-Go) 19. Equipment Rental (Gear-to-Go) 20. Exchange/Food Court/Mall Resource Center (FRC) 21. Family Resource 22. Financial Readiness (Army Emer gency Relief) Emergency
(270)798-9793 (270)798-4610x106 (270)798-9322 (270)798-3201 (270)798-6693 (270)956-1566 (270)798-7422 (270)956-1101/1100 (270)798-7858 (270)798-8055 (270)798-5887 (270)798-7161 (270)798-3663 (270)798-4610 (270)798-0674 (270)798-9874
23. Fryar Stadium, Sports Admin Of Office fice 2. Golf Course (Cole Park) 15. Joe Swing (Rental Recr Recreation eation Facility) Leisure Travel 20. Leisure Travel Services 26. Library, Library, R.F R.F. F.. Sink Memorial 27. MWR Director Director 28. Museum, Don F F.. Pratt 29. Outdoor Recr eation Main Building Recreation 31. Pool, Baldonado 32. Pool, Dolan 33. Pool, Gar dner Indoor Gardner 34. Pool, Single 9. Recr eation Center ayrynen Recreation Center,, Dale W Wayrynen 14. Riding Stables AC) 39. Soldier and Family Assistance Center (SF (SFAC) 2. Southern Buf fet (Cole Park) Buffet
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41. Smokehaus (Dining) 42. T Teen een Club 24/7 43. The Zone 44. T ricare Tricare 45. V Veterinary eterinary Services 46. Wilson Theater 42. Y outh Center (T aylor) Youth (Taylor) 42. Y outh Sports Youth
(270)798-3094 (270)798-4906 (270)798-4610x119 (270)798-7436 (270)798-5729 (270)798-9953 (270)798-3215/4986 (270)798-2175 (270)798-5207 (270)798-5350 (270)798-6310 (270)798-4247 (270)798-7391 (270)798-2629 (270)412-6000 (270)798-4610 (270)798-4993 (270)956-1033 (270)461-0603 1-877-874-2273 (270) 798-3614 (270) 798-6857 (270)798-3643 (270)798-6355
Your First Trip A Field Exercise 1LT Brittany Kluck
We all remember our first time. I mean how could you ever forget it? My first time was in Fort Lewis, Washington during the summer of 2011. I thought I would be smart and pack all my gear into one bag even though I was allowed to take two bags for gear. In a second bag, I put my basic gloves, water, snacks, sleeping bag, wet weather gear, paper and pens and then I put everything in one bag so that the bag I was carrying was as light as it could be. If you have ever been to Washington State you know that even in the summer months it gets cold and it is always rainy. As a native of Tennessee, I was not aware of this weather fact. After a long day of land navigation, I was tired, not to mention wet, since it had been raining all day. As we were getting ready to end the training day, I was wondering about the location of the truck with my bag. And it just so happened that the truck would not be arriving until the next day. I had no extra clothes, poncho, or hygiene products to get me through the night. The temperature dropped that night down to the low 40’s and it was still raining. If you have ever been wet and cold, you know what a miserable experience it can be. After this hard learned lesson, I now pack differently for field exercises. Most of the time you should receive a packing list for the field, range or any training that will last more than one day. The list is normally filled with required items along with protective gear for that particular training. Throughout the six years I have been in the military, I have realized you need to make your own packing list to add to
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the existing one. Here are a few items I suggest you always add to your packing list. 1. Bring all your normal medication along with basic allergy medication, pain killers and band-aids. Most training sites will have a medic or a combat lifesaver who will have basic medication on hand – however, it is a good idea to keep these items with you at all times. You never know when you might be out in the field away from medical personnel and get a headache or have some sort of allergy. Your unit might also give you an improved first aid kit (IFAK) for the field but this kit is for serious injuries and does not include any medication. Always tell your leadership after taking any over the counter medication so they are aware of your condition and any possible side effects.
2. Chapstick is a very basic item to bring with you at all times because no one wants chapped lips. Chapped lips can be caused by such things as dehydration, allergies, cold dry air, medication, and sun burn. It is very important to protect your lips along with your skin. This rolls into the third item… 3. Sunscreen at all times is a good idea. We all have experienced the Army tan, which is the tanning of the neck, face and hands. I think people don’t put on sunscreen a lot of the time because it is not sunny outside, but you can still get a sunburn when it is cloudy, or a wind burn when it is cold. Especially bring sunscreen if you know you will be outside most of the day with no shade. 4. Linen for your beds is not always provided. It is a good investment to buy a twin set of sheets along with a small pillow to take with you in your ruck sack. 5. Laundry detergent for the places you can do
your laundry – because it is not always provided. The Exchange carries small packs of laundry soap so you do not need to buy a whole gallon of laundry detergent for the field. 6. Baby wipes and hand sanitizer have a lot of uses for the field. They can help keep your equipment, your area, and yourself clean. Especially during hot summer and cold weather months it is important to stay as clean as possible for your health. If you have ever been in the south - in places like Fort Benning, you are aware of what they call prickly heat rash. This is caused when you sweat more than normal and your pores become clogged. Your risk of getting this can be reduced by simply cleaning your skin.
clothes. There were a lot of smelly Soldiers. 9. Any day time mission can turn into a night time mission real quick. Having a light source on you at all times can save your life. Your light source can be a flashlight, chemical light, head lamp, flares, or even your cell phone. 10. After a long day of being in the field you are not going to want to get into your vehicle in that dirty uniform so bring plastic bags for your dirty items and a zip lock bag to keep all those small items in such as your keys, medication, chapstick, sunscreen,
snacks, socks and anything else you want to keep dry. Depending on your location and mission you might want to bring along some other items such as a calling card for pay phones, portable chargers for your cell phone and laptop, personal documents, emergency contact information card, $20-$50 in cash, sunglasses, Civilian clothes, and entertainment material. It is also a good idea to ask your buddy what they are packing and it could help you build your own packing list. I hope your first or next time in the field is more enjoyable than my first time.
7. In the field, meals are not always that yummy or filling and Meals Ready To Eat (MREs) aren’t exactly gourmet. It is best to pack your own snacks - most Soldiers refer to these as pogey bait. I have seen Soldiers pack a whole suitcase full of nothing but snacks. If you are going to bring a lot, be prepared to share. Some of the popular snacks I have seen in the field are beef jerky, granola bars, prepackaged sandwiches, gummy bears, juice packs, peanuts, sunflower seeds, energy drinks, gum/mints, and an assortment of candy. I would avoid bringing anything that will melt, leak, spoil or anything messy. 8. Extra clothes is a must. If your packing list says five pairs of socks and undergarments I would pack double. These items do not take up that much space in your bag and you will be happy that you brought extra. On one of my field exercises, they told us laundry would be provided and only to pack a week’s worth of clothes. Based upon previous experiences I packed enough undergarments and socks to last all 21 days of the exercise. I am very happy I chose to pack extra, because in January at Fort Dix, New Jersey with temperatures below freezing, the washing machines could not pump the water in the field to wash our
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SECOND
CHANCES by Tara Goodson
What will I do after I leave the Army? It’s a question all Soldiers ask at some point of their career and worry about as the date draws closer. For Anthony Mayweather, he chose a second profession that isn’t like many others. He is a professional wrestler! The lights, the costumes, the intensity of the crowd and the showmanship of the characters drew his eye as a child. Hulk Hogan, Roddy Piper, Randy Savage and Triple H were a few of the super stars Anthony watched with his Family growing up. Like most little boys, he loved wrestling and as he grew older it stayed with him. As a Soldier, he found himself flipping to old wrestling shows on TV and ordering DVDs online to relive the matches during down time. The old shows took his mind off the stress of the constant optempo during deployment. As a lifelong fan of professional wrestling, when it came time to transition out of the military, he made a decision to follow his dreams. Anthony’s advice to Soldiers, especially those that have seen combat, is to follow their own dreams. “It wasn’t easy and still isn’t, just like anything else in life you have to put in the hard work and dedication to reap the benefits. The Army teaches you the skills needed to be successful not only on the battlefield, but in Civilian life. The Army also provides benefits (like the GI bill) to make those goals and dreams attainable. If you can apply those skills within Civilian life, take advantage of the benefits offered, and strive for greatness in whatever you want to pursue after the Army - it can be done.”
Anthony admits that starting over was the biggest challenge he faced as a Civilian. Not the physically challenging part, but the patience required to start over from the bottom and work his way up and pay his dues. In our world of instant gratification, Anthony’s challenge is not much different from any other Soldier leaving the Army. When asked what the one thing is that he still misses about the Army, without hesitation, he said the comradery. “Knowing that the person to my right and left had my back in any situation and that I had theirs. You form special bonds within the Army that go beyond any other form of friendship, and bonds that will last for eternity.” The military Family is one of the reasons he chose to stay in Clarksville, even after signing a contract with TNA Wrestling. But the contract didn’t come as quickly as he would’ve liked and he put in the time. He began training in local gyms and clubs, then found a pro wrestling school to attend in Nashville. Anthony’s natural athleticism and his dedication to success drew the attention of scouts for local shows. Local scouts lead to regional scouts and after more than a year, he was brought to TNA’s training camp in Florida. Already known in wresting circles as Tommy Mercer, one of the goals in camp was to create a new persona. It didn’t take long before Tommy was reborn as Crimson.
Crimson is larger than life. At 6’5” it’s not hard to notice him. The shock of bright red hair draws even more attention. Crimson revels in his character, he owns it and it comes across in the ring. After a short stint as the brother of Lil’ Red, it was time to go solo. His success was hard fought and hard won; a quick YouTube search shows how quickly he rose in the ranks of TNA’s stars. In honor as his time as a Soldier, his fans are members of the “Crimson Army”. As quickly as he gained attention, it slid away, after a series of injuries sidelined him for more than a year. Multiple surgeries to repair his knee and his pectoral muscle have not slowed his desire to be back in the ring. The dedication to recovery and physical therapy paid off, because Crimson is back and ready to thrill his fans! The last few months have been busy with multiple trips to Florida, promotional appearances and one amazing bout in the ring at the Wilma Rudolph Event Center in September. Working closely with State Line Promotions, he has also made guest appearances at local MMA fights. Crimson’s fans are important to him, no matter their agse. He takes the time to speak to them pre-match and it helps get him pumped up. It doesn’t matter if he’s Anthony, Tommy, or Crimson, he’s genuine. His fans have loved him from the beginning, and its one of the reasons he’s gained a new fan in me.
by Arica Urena It’s that time of the year where the aroma of sugar, spice, and everything nice ignites the air. Autumn is most definitely my all-time favorite time of the year! There is just something hypnotic about the smell of pumpkin, cinnamon, and apple spices tickling your nostrils. I love the way the crisp autumn air blows rhythmically through my hair. The cooler weather makes this the perfect time of the year for Families to partake in outdoor autumn activities and head on over to Honeysuckle Hill Farm located in Springfield, Tennessee. Honeysuckle Hill Farm Fall Festival Celebration kicked off on Saturday, September 19. This year, Farmer Jeff is on a “No Pumpkin Left Behind” mission and would like to invite you to Honeysuckle Hill Farm’s National Pumpkin Destruction Festival. This year’s event will be held on Saturday, November 7 at 11 a.m. So what exactly is the National Pumpkin Destruction Festival you may ask? The National Pumpkin Destruction Festival ensures that each pumpkin has a “proper” send off to end the pumpkin season. This celebration invites guests to bring their old jack-o-lanterns to the farm in order to be destroyed in some of the most creative ways. You have to admit that simply throwing your pumpkin in the trash is rather boring. Instead, watch Farmer Jeff shoot your pumpkins from a cannon, blow them up with Tannerite, and drop them from 60 feet up in the air! You can kick, stomp, and smash pumpkins from sun up to sundown. Now that’s what I call sending your pumpkin off with a bang! Here’s my disclaimer: it is highly encouraged that if you are going to be participating in the destruction of the pumpkins, that you wear old clothes and shoes that you don’t mind being covered in pumpkin soufflé. Allow yourself the freedom to get messy and to just have a grand ole’ time. Let your “inner kid” come out to play. Trust me, you will thank me for it!
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bird’s eye view from above. The following activities require an additional cost: Rock Climbing Wall $5 per person Fast Ziplines (2) $15 per person Pumpkin Blasters $1 per shot (7 shots for $5) Cow Train Ride $1 per person Pumpkin Train Ride $2 per person Gemstone Mine $5 per bag Animal Feeding $1 Bonfire $50 per fire (by reservation only) There are also a variety of fall outdoor recreational activities offered at Honeysuckle Hill Farm that cater to every age range. After you are finished smashing and stomping pumpkins, test your ability to navigate by going head to head with Honeysuckle Hill Farm’s seven-acre corn maze. Each year, the maze has an exciting theme. This year’s corn maze theme is dedicated to the Tennessee Future Farmers of America. Some of the additional fall activities include a petting zoo, children’s rides and tractor rides to a pumpkin patch for each guest to pick out a pumpkin to take home with them. Guests of the farm also have to option to purchase a ride on the Fast Zipline that zooms over the corn maze for an amazing
General admission to Honeysuckle Hill Farm will cost $11.95 plus tax per person. Military service members with a military ID will receive $1 off the general admission. Children aged 2 and under are free. The farm is open Fridays from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m.; Saturdays 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. and Sundays 12 p.m. until 6 p.m. The thing that I found fascinating about Honeysuckle Hill Farm is that it is a place that is built on Family, values, and tradition. These values are evident as soon as you enter through the gates of the farm. You are surrounded by the laughter of children and adults that warms you from the inside out. Honeysuckle Hill Farm prides itself on being a pillar of the community by constantly giving back. There is no better way to say goodbye to the fall than spending time with friends and Family at the farm. Smashing pumpkins is also an added bonus! So plan your trip to head down to Honeysuckle Hill Farm Saturday, November 7 to become a part of an appreciated tradition among the Middle Tennessee community. Honeysuckle Hill Farm is located 1765 Martins Chapel Church Rd, Springfield, TN. For more information on all of the attractions and events that Honeysuckle Hill Farm has to offer, please visit honeysucklehillfarm.com or call (615) 382-7593. Farmer Jeff will be looking forward to your visit.
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2015 Annual Fort Campbell Military Family Month Hop Scotch and Polka Dot Fun Day! By Kim Hooks
“Our nation owes each day of security and freedom that we enjoy to the members of our Armed Forces and their Families. Behind our brave service men and women, there are Family members and loved ones who share in their sacrifice and provide unending support.” - President Obama Each year the President signs a proclamation declaring November the Military Family Month. This annual proclamation marks the beginning of a month-long celebration of the military Family in which the Department of
Defense and the nation will honor the commitment and sacrifices made by the Families of the nation's service members. At Fort Campbell, our celebration this year is a free Hopscotch and Polka Dot Fun Day in recognition of our military Families. A huge thank you to our sponsors, Fort Campbell Federal Credit Union, Mathews Nissan Luigi’s Pizza and USAA, who help make this celebration possible. Last year, over 1,000 children, moms and dads enjoyed themselves at the Fun Day event. We would love for you to join us on Saturday, November 21 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Army Community Service Family Resource Center (FRC) on 1501 William C. Lee Road, located inside Gate 1. Families may come and enjoy playing games, winning prizes, face painting, balloon
twisters and eating a variety of foods. We will even have a cake and pizza walk. There is no need to R.S.V.P., and if you have any questions, please call the FRC at 270-956-2935. We look forward to seeing you.
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