Inaugural MWR Magazine
Editor CynDe Clack
I’m excited to be the editor for this first issue of MWR Life for Retirees. We want you to know that you are still a part of our community and we’d love to see you here on post! When my husband, a Soldier, retired a few years ago, we decided to stay close to Fort Campbell. We knew that we would continue to join in the activities, special events and programs. Last year, I worked the MWR table and talked to other Retirees at Retiree Appreciation Day, I was surprised to find out that while you know you can use the Commissary and the Exchange - a lot of Retirees didn’t know they could continue to use all of the MWR facilities. Just to remind you – MWR stands for Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation. We’re all of the fun stuff! Being retired doesn’t mean all you want to do is play Yahtzee and Shuffleboard. Fort Campbell has some of the best recreation and leisure facilities, Soldier and Family Programs, and dining and entertainment in the Army and I want you to know that you are welcome at all of them! You can use these facilities every day – you don’t have to wait for a special event. Another thing that many Retirees enjoy but few realize they can still do – is be a volunteer on post. The USO, Army Community Service, and many MWR facilities are always looking for reliable volunteers. With your knowledge of the Army and Army life – you’d be great as a volunteer! MWR Life for Retirees will be a quarterly magazine. Watch for the next issue about mid-March. Send feedback to mwrliferetiree@fortcampbellmwr.com.
Contributors William D. Corlew III Mignon Deason David E. Ellis Tara Goodson Duane Soumis Publisher Creative ink
CynDe Clack, Editor mwrliferetiree@fortcampbellmwr.com
Inside this issue 3
These are Your Facilities Too! You are still welcome to enjoy our MWR facilities and activities.
Creative Director Sears Hallett Advertising Jenny Roecker 931-627-4969 mwrmag@gmail.com
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Game Time It’s Not All Shuffleboard and Yahtzee Just because you’re retired doesn’t mean the fun has to stop.
9 Photography tDeborah Young
Spotlight on MWR
Family Finances Retired at Last… Now What? Retirement is your opportunity to sit back and enjoy life.
11 Body, Mind & Spirit Retired – Not Really Retirees continue to serve in some form or fashion.
12 Off the Beaten Path Vacation Getaways on a Retiree Budget There are some very affordable trips that can get you out of the house and on to a great adventure.
13 Hometown Hero 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 or log on to www.fortcampbellmwr.com. 24 hr. event line - 270-798-3172 www.facebook.com/fortcampbellmwr
Success after Retirement Read about one Retiree’s passion and enthusiasm for helping Soldiers. CSM (Retired) Wayne St. Louis
On the Cover Major (Retired) Frederick B. Dye Major Dye completed jump school at Fort Campbell in 1961 and was assigned to Mortar Battery 1st Airborne Battle Group 502nd Infantry. He PCS’ed from Fort Campbell in October 1963 and went on to complete 24.5 years of service. Even though he was never able to get re-assigned to Fort Campbell, he wears the 101st pin because he is still loyal to his old Division and says “my tour of duty with the 101st was the highlight of my career”. 2
Spotlight on MWR
These are Your Facilities Too! by CynDe Clack
RECREATION AND LEISURE Please see map at centerfold for facility addresses and phone numbers.
Air Assault Auto Are you in need of a professional to fix your car? Air Assault Auto is here to serve all your vehicle’s needs. The ASE certified staff offers full service auto repairs. There is a complete parts department located on-site and if a part is not available, Air Assault Auto can assist customers in locating hard to find, special order parts. Air Assault Auto also offers a 24-hour wrecker service, POV Resale Lot, Storage Lot, and hosts abandoned vehicle auctions several times a year.
Guenette Arts & Crafts Center Get in touch with your creative side at Guenette Arts & Crafts Center. There are workshops, classes and services for all artistic skill levels. The Arts & Crafts Center is a do-it-yourself paradise, that includes a fully equipped woodshop and framing shop. There is a $5 per day shop fee. Shop fees are waived when patrons are participating in a class.Check out www.fortcampbellmwr.com/Recreation/ArtsCrafts for the latest class schedule.
Automotive Self-Service For those who prefer to work on their own cars we have an Auto Skills Center. Patrons can do it themselves or get assistance from one of the on-site training instructors who will help you every step of the way. There are specialty tools and both flat and lift bays available for your use. If repairs take longer than anticipated, the Auto Skills Center offers short term storage.
R.F. Sink Memorial Library It doesn’t matter if reading is your hobby, passion, or simply for study, R.F. Sink Library is there to support your information needs. The library has a collection of over 74,000 volumes, a magazine collection in excess of 275 subscriptions, newspapers from major U.S. cities and free internet services. Also available for check out are compact discs, DVDs, and Blu-Ray discs. Save money and borrow books for free 3
Engraving, Etc Awards, plaques, gifts and custom items are just a few of the products Engraving, Etc. has to offer. Special orders can be placed for custom items not in stock. To make things even easier, all engraving is included in the price of the product and there is no limit on the number of words or graphics placed on your order. Most orders can be completed in just 48 hours! Engraving Etc. is the hassle-free way to meet all your engraving needs!
Hooper Bowling Center Hooper Bowling Center is a professionally managed bowling facility offering 32 lanes with new GSX Brunswick Pinsetters Vector Plus Scoring, new ball returns, and 24-number electronic bingo. Patrons can play bingo anytime we are open with a chance to win up to $4000! For those with a more competitive style, leagues are available for people of all ages and skill levels; Adult leagues, Senior Leagues, and USBC Sanctioned Youth Leagues are offered. No matter what time you bowl, Hooper’s snack bar has something that is sure to satisfy any craving. The snack bar serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Cole Park Golf Club and Pro Shop It’s time to hit the links at Cole Park Golf Club’s 18-hole championship golf course. While driving the course in your golf cart, take a moment to notice the beautiful Bent grass greens and Bermuda fairway, which make year round golf a reality. The first eleven holes challenge golfers with dramatic elevation changes, but then revert back to flat terrain to round out the 18 holes. Tournaments are scheduled year round and annual memberships are available. After a long day on the course, grab a snack from the 19th Hole, and relax in our newly constructed 6,000 sq. ft. patio equipped with covered tables and a great view of the #1 Tee and the #9 Green. Let Cole Park Golf Club equip you with the gear to improve your game and take strokes off your score. Visit the Pro Shop located in the Sam Johnson Clubhouse for all the latest golf equipment. Lessons are available with our PGA Master Professional
Gear To Go
Fort Campbell Riding Stables
Rent and relax as Gear-To-Go provides hassle free equipment rental. If you have a rental need, chances are Gear-To-Go has just the thing. Gear-To-Go offers recreational equipment, campers, vehicles, boats, moving equipment, cargo trailers, event tents, party equipment, home, lawn and car maintenance items, and inflatables which are great for when grandchildren visit.
Saddle up and ride off into the sunset at Fort Campbell Riding Stables. Come out and experience the sights and sounds of nature as you hit the open trail for a guided trail ride. Fort Campbell Riding Stables offers both stall and pasture boarding for all eligible patrons. Our facilities consist of 2 barns with 27 stalls and stalled horses can be turned out on dry lots for exercise. We also offer 35 acres with 25 pasture slots. For more information and current boarding prices, please call the Stables office. If riding a horse doesn’t appeal to you, but you’d still like to enjoy nature’s beauty, sit back and relax on the seasonal hay wagon rides. Please check the website or call the facility for more information.
Leisure Travel Services Wouldn’t it be great to have your hotel reservations, attraction tickets and vacation itinerary done at one location with a knowledgeable travel professional? Leisure Travel Services can do just that by assisting you in planning your next vacation. They have knowledge of great travel deals! Visit them inside the The Exchange Mall to find discount tickets to local and regional attractions such as Disney World, Universal Orlando, SixFlags Amusement Parks, Island Resorts, as well as sporting and special event tickets. They can also assist you in booking your next cruise, reserving a hotel room and so much more. Save yourself time and money by making MWR Leisure Travel Services the one stop shop for your next vacation.
Paintball Games Duck, dodge and roll, it’s time for paintball! Whether you are looking to hone your skills or just playing for fun, Fort Campbell Paintball has something for people of all skill levels. We offer weekend play and paintball workshops.
Outdoor Recreation Main Office
Skeet Range
The Main Office is the central location for Outdoor Recreation at Fort Campbell. Here you will check in for the RV Park and Campgrounds, pavilion rentals, hunting, fishing, paintball, adventure programs, and any other outdoor activity. There is also a small store for basic supplies and snacks. We have more than 62,000 acres for hunting, fishing and other recreational activities. For the hunter, Fort Campbell offers both big and small game hunting. We also have an outstanding archery range for you to sharpen your skills or just enjoy during a break. Archery instruction is available by one of the best instructors in the business. More interested in angling than hunting? Fort Campbell offers two lakes, two stocked trout streams, and numerous beaver ponds for your fishing pleasure. The most common fish found on Fort Campbell are bass, bluegill, crappie, catfish and trout. During the year, Outdoor Recreation offers adventure trips to various locations for whitewater rafting, skiing, and other exciting activities. For those with RVs, Fort Campbell Outdoor Recreation offers two RV parks which have available electric, water, and sewer hook-ups. Restroom, shower and laundry facilities are available on-site, as well as a centrally located dump station for use. Reservations are required for cabins and pavilions, but RV sites are first come, first served. No matter what your recreational needs may be, Fort Campbell Outdoor Recreation has an activity for every member in your Family.
Come on over and enjoy the newly renovated Skeet Range facilities offering Skeet, Trap, and 5-stand. There are shotguns available for use by active duty Soldiers and retired military for a small fee. The staff is more than happy to assist with any questions you may have on various shooting sports. Call for more information about the Eagle Skeet Club or the Skeet Range.
Dog Parks Fort Campbell Outdoor Recreation now offers two dog parks on post! Both parks offer a space for smaller dogs to play and both are open from dawn to dusk. Puppy playtime (4 months and under) is offered in the small dog area at the South Dog Park from 8 a.m. - 10 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Please call for information on Dog Park rules and regulations. Bring your four-legged friend out to play!
Fort Campbell Kennels Pets are like Family members to many pet owners which makes it hard to leave them, even for a short period of time. Let the Fort Campbell Kennels take your anxiety away and put your mind at ease at the kennel facility. We offer 30 indoor, climate controlled kennels, which can accommodate any size dog for both long and short term periods. Sorry, we do not board feline friends. Before boarding, proof of current vaccinations is required. Call for more information and pricing.
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Privately Owned Firearm (POF) Range The range is open on weekends, holidays and DONSAs. The POF Range offers a variety of services such as weapon rentals, ammunition sales, targets, snacks and various other convenience items. ALL privately owned weapons must be registered with the Provost Marshalls Office Law Enforcement Command (PMOLEC) at Gate 4. Please address all questions regarding weapon registration to PMOLEC at (270) 798-5047.
DINING AND ENTERTAINMENT Cole Park Southern Buffet They don’t call southern cooking “comfort food” for nothing. Take the hassle and mess out of cooking your southern favorites by partaking in Southern Buffet’s all-you-can-eat buffet restaurant. Daily specials with favorites like collard greens, fried okra, fried chicken, catfish, mashed potatoes, hush puppies and much more adorn the southern style buffet. Beverages, soup and salad bars are included with the buffet. An ala carte menu is also available. Southern Buffet is open for lunch Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. This smoke free restaurant with a full service bar is available nights and weekends for private parties with advance reservations.
Sportsman’s Lodge Sportsman's Lodge offers patrons an authentic German menu. Rooms are available to reserve for your private party; large or small. A schnitzel buffet in addition to a full menu is offered for lunch Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m.- 1 p.m., and dinner Tuesday through Thursday from 4:30 p.m.- 8 p.m., Friday from 4:30 p.m.- 9 p.m. with schnitzel buffet until 8 p.m. and Saturday from 5 p.m.- 9 p.m. with schnitzel buffet until 8 p.m. Sunday, enjoy your day and join us for dinner between the hours of 12 noon and 4 p.m.; buffet offered all afternoon featuring schnitzel and famous side dishes. Smoked BBQ is also available for private functions by request. Don’t forget that Wednesday is “kid’s night” from 4:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. For those looking for a place to hold their next function, wedding reception, meeting or baby shower, Sportsman’s Lodge has meeting facilities and catering services available. Sportsman’s is also available to cater events occurring outside of normal business hours, such as luncheons. No gate access required. Call for more information. Sportsman’s Lodge is closed on Mondays.
Dawg Haus The Dawg Haus, located on Campbell Army Airfield, offers seven different varieties of hotdogs; pick your favorite! Other menu items include corn dogs, nachos, burgers, salads, sandwiches, tater tots, onion rings, grilled chicken sandwiches, Philly cheese steak sandwiches, dessert, assorted beverages and more. The Dawg Haus is closed on all DONSAs and Federal Holidays.
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SPORTS AND FITNESS Physical Fitness Facilities Olive Physical Fitness Facility Freedom Fighters Physical Fitness Facility Gertsch Physical Fitness Facility Fratellenico Physical Fitness Facility Lozada Physical Fitness Facility All Physical Fitness Centers are complete with state of the art aerobic equipment and weight rooms. Each facility also provides a certified fitness trainer and can provide comprehensive fitness evaluations. Olive, Gertsch, Fratellenico, Freedom Fighters and Lozada offer patrons the opportunity to kick back and relax in their saunas. Operational hours are subject to change during deployments.
Swimming Pools Gardner Indoor Pool (open year round) Baldanado Pool (summer only) Dolan Pool (summer only) Single Pool (summer only) Dive into Fort Campbell Aquatics no matter what the season. Whether you are swimming to stay in shape or just looking for a fun leisure swim, the Aquatics program offers a wide variety of activities for all swimming abilities. The Aquatics program offers water aerobics, water Zumba, lap swim, s w i m m i n g lessons, open swim, and so much more.
Estep Wellness Center If you think it’s too late to get in shape, think again! Make a positive change in your life. Estep Wellness Center is a state of the art, recently renovated facility which features equipment for all skill and intensity levels. For those who find all the gym equipment overwhelming, Estep has personal trainers to guide your fitness plan and offer a comprehensive fitness assessment. The facility houses a wide variety of cardio equipment, which includes treadmills, bicycles, stair climbers, state-of-the-art strength training machines, free weights and more. Aerobics classes provide a more structured and social environment for those looking to get in shape and stay healthy. Aerobic classes include: Turbo Kick, Box Mania, PIYO, Zumba, Indoor Cycling and much more. www.fortcampbellmwr.com
I AM SHEILA SADLER, RN, and director, Radiation Oncology. I have worked in the E.C. Green Cancer Center at Jennie Stuart for 22 years. Today our team of cancer specialists in Medical Oncology and Radiation Oncology treats up to 100 patients per day. We do so with the most current technology and with closely coordinated care between the physicians, nurses and technologists in the two specialties. It takes the power of teamwork to beat a disease like cancer. That’s why we are all Jennie Stuart.
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Air Assault Auto Army Community Service Army Education Center Arts & Crafts Center(Guenette) Engraving Etc Auto Skills North Baldanado Pool Cole Park Community Activities Center Cole Park Golf Club 19th Hole Snack Bar Cole Park Southern Buffet D.W. Recreation Center Dawg Haus Destiny Parks & Pavilions Dolan Pool Estep Wellness Center Fort Campbell Riding Stables Fratellenico Physical Fitness Facility Freedom Fighters Physical Fitness Facility
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(270) 956-1101/1100 (270) 798-9322 (270) 798-3201 (270) 798-6693 (270) 798-0171 (270) 798-5612 (270) 798-5207 (270) 798-4610 x119 (270) 798-4906/1822 (270) 798-4610 x106 (270) 798-4610 x112 (270) 798-7391 (270) 798-0766 (270) 798-2175 (270) 798-5350 (270) 798-4664/4023 (270) 798-2629 (270) 798-9418 (270) 798-7355
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Gardner Indoor Pool (270) 798-6310 Gear-To-Go (270) 798-6806 Gertsch Physical Fitness Facility (270) 798-2753 Hooper Bowling Center (270) 798-5887 Leisure Travel Services (270) 798-7436 Lozada Physical Fitness Facility (270) 798-4306 North Softball Complex (270) 798-3320 Olive Physical Fitness Facility (270) 798-4101 Outdoor Recreation(Main Office) (270) 798-2175 Paintball (270) 798-4620 R.F. Sink Library (270) 798-5729 Singles Pool (270) 798-4247 Skeet Range (270) 412-4015 South Softball Complex (270) 798-3320 Sports Admin Office / Fryar Stadium (270) 798-3094 Sportsman's Lodge (931) 431-4140 The Zone (270) 461-0603 Veterinary Services (270) 798-3614 MWR Information
(270) 798-7535
It’s Not All Shuffleboard and Yahtzee
Game Time
by William D. Corlew, III Each day we all grow more and more mature, acquiring more knowledge and wisdom, while at the same time being able to slow-down, take our time, and enjoy the simple pleasures of life. However, life is really never simple at all; in fact it’s rather complicated. Things that once were, are still present today, but they mean so much more and are too often drastically different: confusing right? For example: acquiring Bluetooth should warrant a dental appointment; a tweet involves an e-device and is no longer just a sound that a bird makes; previously a text usually meant a long, boring school book; ALL CAPS referred to a dress code; and
finally, once upon a time, goggle use to describe staring in awe, now if you type the word goggle in Google, you may find the search window attempting to do a spell check. Nevertheless, just because symbols, words, and definitions change over time, doesn't mean that we have too. Better yet, just because we are wiser or have aged gracefully doesn’t mean that fun has to stop or that vigor for life has to change. Therefore, for all you Retirees -- place the shuffleboard on e-bay and let's return to fun. So, you are one of the many Americans who have pleasantly retired and decided to leisurely enjoy life; venturing on long adventurous road trips with nothing more than the love of your life and a novel. You would have flown, instead of driving, but memories of chanting “C-130 rolling down the strip” allows you now to appreciate the luxury of being able to exit your vehicle without “hooking-up” or counting to “four”. Yes, vacation or time-off, however you say it, doesn’t have to refer only to a mundane trip or only curling-up with that dusty
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novel you planned on reading ten years ago. There are a number of ways to enjoy your time away from the routine. For example, one of the best ways to relax, get a great workout, or mingle - is to dance. We know you enjoy the classics, right? Bands like Rolling Stones, Bon Jovi, Maze, Duran Duran, Santana, Isley Brothers, and The Police (I hope these aren’t too old for you) seem to always get a crowd doing the Mashed Potato. But dancing offers a number of health benefits as well: it decreases blood pressure, fights stress, improves range of motion, balance, and flexibility, socializes you with others, and can even make you sweaty. Dancing can be a great workout while having fun, improving health, and meeting others. There are even dance therapy-programs that include low-impact dances choreographed to music. By now you may be thinking of a group of older adults sauntering through some version of line dancing, but I can't think of anyone who doesn’t know and love the Hustle, Electric Slide, Salsa, or Cotton Eyed Joe. There are various types of dances for people of all ages: tap dancing, ballroom, folk dancing, tango, samba, clogging, and even belly dancing. Other than books, dancing, and the routine vacation or days-off, there are still plenty of fun activities to do if you are more than twenty (twenty years-old, twenty years retired, etc). For example to keep your memory sharp, activities that involve puzzles, darts, card and board games, and even bingo have been found to be beneficial to keep you sharp and cognizant. Playing darts, pool, and horseshoes can not only help with flexibility, balance, and range of motion, but also help you relax and rejuvenate yourself, while you improve your conscious ability. Finally, if you are one of the few Americans who actually recognize the difference in goggle and Google, you might be interested in video gaming, using gaming systems such as the Nintendo Wii or Xbox Kinect. Both offer interactive video games that allow the user to physically control and interact with a game icon. The icon mimics the physical movements of the user. In an article, Video games: No longer just for kids from Holiday Retirement, “Researchers studied 19 people with depression, ranging from 63 to 94 years of age. The participants played an exergame three times per week for 35 minutes.” Dilip V. Jeste, the study’s author and director of the Stein Institute said: “The study suggests encouraging results from the use of exergames. More than one-third of the participants had a 50 percent or greater reduction of depressive symptoms. Many had a significant improvement in their mental health-related quality of life”. Games such as bowling, tennis, and golf are very popular among mature adults and there are of number of other games that may contribute to better health. The key is to ditch the shuffleboard, get out and have OMG fun with your BFF!!
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Family Finances
Retired at Last! Now What? by David E. Ellis
We work and work, year after year… for what? Well, the obvious answer is the usual things of course; buy food, shelter, provide for children, that sort of stuff. However, ultimately, the goal is retirement, the “Golden Years”, relaxation. It’s your opportunity to sit back and enjoy life. But here’s the $64,000 question; do you have the money to do all those things you’ve been wanting and waiting to do once you’re retired? If you over estimate how far you could stretch your retirement income then the answer is: probably not. That doesn’t mean you can’t do some of the things you have wanted to do or you can’t enjoy your retirement. It just means you have to be prudent and live within your means. Also keep in mind that according to the Social Security Administration (SSA), the average 65 year old male and 65 year old female, today, can expect to live to be 83 and 85 respectively. Also one in four will live to 90 plus and one in ten will achieve 95 or older. The SSA advises you need 20 percent less money to live on in retirement. Social Security will provide part of the remaining 80 percent but the rest has to come from your other retirement income(s). Given that you have taken the proper steps as far as Medicare is concerned, Parts A, B, Tri-care for Life, you need to sit down and create a realistic budget. Knowing how much income you have to work with is of major importance. You know how much you will receive monthly from your military retirement, social security, and possibly a fixed monthly payment from another job, but what about the retirement accounts? This is a problem many Retirees face. How much can I safely withdraw from my IRA, 401k, or Thrift Savings Plan without depleting it too quickly? The amount you have saved over the years will, of course, determine how much you can withdraw but the rule of thumb is four percent and then you adjust the amount annually for inflation. It works like this: if you have $350,000 in your retirement account(s) you withdraw 4 percent, in this case, $14,000 or $1,166 monthly the first year to supplement the other income. The next year you adjust for inflation. If inflation was 2 percent you withdraw $14,280 or $1,190 monthly. You continue in subsequent years to increase the amount based on inflation. As mentioned above, the four percent is a “rule of thumb,” 5 or even 6 percent is recommended by some. There are no hard and fast rules; you need to determine the amount you need based on your individual situation without 9
depleting your retirement account too quickly. Now that you know what income you have to work with you can start plugging in the numbers for your budget. What are your fixed expenses such as mortgage/rent, car note, insurance, as well as estimates for variable expenses like utilities, food, and gasoline just to name a few? Don’t forget that if you pay off your house there are still taxes and insurance that will need to be paid. Finally, make sure you have an emergency fund to help cover unexpected expenses such as car or household repairs. To help you with this there are numerous websites that have downloadable budget or spending plan worksheets. Once you have accounted for the basic necessities of life, what’s left over is for your discretionary spending. Remember a budget is a tool for you to use in planning your future spending. If it’s not working, change it! Of course I don’t mean you can arbitrarily add income you’re not receiving just to make it balance. If the numbers don’t add up, don’t despair you have options. One option is to simply look at the way you live, your lifestyle. You may have to change that lifestyle to conform to the reality of your income. One of the most important things is to think before you spend. The following are several areas where you might be able to cut back and save money. 1. If you like to read, why purchase books? You pay taxes to maintain a public library, and the library will generally get you any book, CD and DVD you want to borrow, just ask. 2. Do you get the value for what you are paying for cable or satellite TV service? If you don’t watch a lot of TV anyway you might consider reducing or even discontinuing your cable service. 3. I don’t know who conned us into believing we need to purchase water but if you feel the need to drink filtered water, buy a filter for your kitchen sink or one of those filtered pitchers and take water with you when you go out. The environment will thank you and you will save a lot of money. 4. Are you still carrying insurance that you don’t need? Now that you are retired and the kids are out of the house with jobs of their own, what insurance is necessary? Car or cars paid off? If so, is it cost effective to carry “full coverage”? Do a serious review of your needs and call around for quotes. Just because you have been with
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one company for years doesn’t mean you should stay with them. Speaking of cars, do you have two cars? Since you don’t have the daily drive to work, do you still need two cars? Getting rid of one will cut insurance and maintenance costs. If you are paying for cellular phone service and still have a landline phone, why? If you have one you don’t need the other. If you have to be a senior you might as well take advantage of it. Most hotels offer and advertise senior discounts. Some stores also advertise senior discounts and many offer senior discounts only to those who ask. The bottom line here is to simply ask wherever you go if they offer a senior discount. The worst that can happen is they say no, in which case you can take your business to some place that does if you choose. Unfortunately for me, I learned late in life to use coupons. Well, I lost a lot of money because of that and now, it’s almost a game. How much can I save on groceries with coupons? They are available in numerous places as well as on line at various websites to include the manufacturers’. You can also consider downsizing your home. With the kids out of the house do you still need what are now extra bedrooms? Moving to a smaller place will cut utility costs and in most cases your insurance and tax burden too.
Something else to remember, or at least not forget in retirement: credit. I don’t mean you should head out plastic in hand and go on a shopping spree. But you should keep an eye on your credit. You can get a copy of your credit report from one of the three major credit reporting agencies (Exquifax, Experian, and TransUnion) every four months at www.annualcreditreport.com for free. What it
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amounts to is that you can get a free copy from each of the agencies every 12 months. You also need to use your credit cards occasionally. If you don’t thetissuer may close your account for being idle too long. According to msn.com you should use it once or twice every two or three months. It doesn’t have to be for anything big; a soda or snack of some sort. “Small, sporadic usage combined with paying bills in full will keep all of your cards oiled and in working order.” So if you pay off your card each time you use it you will not be paying interest and your cards will be active in the event you need them. You can find a lot of information on the web about retirement and finances, but 99% of that is “planning for retirement.” That’s not going to help if you are already retired. You should have thought about that years ago; however, there is still good advice out there. As a Retiree you also have the benefit of using the ACS Financial Readiness Program. There are Consumer Affairs Counselors and Accredited Financial Counselors available to assist you. Call (270) 798-5518 for an appointment with a Financial Counselor or come by 5662 Screaming Eagle Blvd. to see a Consumer Counselor.
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Body Mind & Spirit
Retired – Not Really
Have you ever started something, like telling a story, making a comment or getting up from your chair for something important and then forgot what the point was or what you were about to do? That seems to happen a little more frequently than I care to admit. But what does that have to do with anything? As Paul Harvey always said, “Now for the Rest of the Story.” I was asked to write in support of the first edition of MWR Life for Retirees. The thought was to provide guidance based on my current job in leader and workforce development. The intent was to submit an article which would be beneficial to our Retiree population. That brought to mind that popular Soldier phrase: “Never volunteer for anything”. So knowing the wisdom and experience that created the phrase, I immediately and enthusiastically said, “I will”. And then my troubles began. I stared for an eternity at a blank computer screen as incredible words of wisdom were just not there. No matter what I did, I could not get started. I finally realized the mental block was created by analyzing “what do Retirees need to know” and what do I have to offer? I just could not find a topic suitable to cover the generations of this special group. What applied to some would not to others. I decided to look up the word “Retiree”. By the way, I still use a paper copy of a Dictionary as Wikipedia is one of those new modern gee-whiz things that I have not adapted to. Got a little concerned when I heard they pulled it off the internet for awhile. One can only imagine what that was all about. Here is what I found in my easy to use paper dictionary. Retire: To withdraw, as for rest or seclusion; to give up working or serving usually because of advancing age; to remove from circulation. WOW! I think someone forgot to tell us that as we departed from our active military careers. And I do not believe that depicts the men and women that I know. The Retirees I am familiar with continue to serve in some form or fashion. I have my personal thoughts about being a Retiree and sometimes I do not feel retired from anything. Working full time might be the cause, but it goes beyond that. There are five generations of Veterans, some say six, but at least three that are present in military Retiree roles. Even though we have one thing in common, everyone had different experiences and we find ourselves at different points in our lives. We all have served faithfully and sacrificed for many years. It does not matter whether you were a draftee or volunteer, whether you served during World War II, Korea, Vietnam or conflicts of recent years; you represent the best of our nation. From my foxhole, I believe all of us still serve today but maybe not as we once did. Just think about it. Serving or service comes in various ways and for different purposes. Back to my dictionary – paper copy of course. Serve: To work and care for; attend, do for minister to; to meet a need or requirement. If you look up the word service, you find direction to look up ceremony, duty, favor. Ceremony and duty seemed self-explanatory but favor? Favor: A kindly act; to treat with inordinate gentleness and care. Using these definitions, your service could be the continuation of working for our nation, city, county or neighborhood. It can also be providing help to a friend or just maintaining a piece of history by sharing experiences with our children or grandchildren. It could be sitting on a corner with friends sharing the good old times. It is about making a difference and I believe all of us do. I serve beyond my work by communicating with others. I am one of those
by CSM (Retired) Duane Soumis
people you see with that constant smile who says hello to everyone that crosses my path, or at least those who look my direction. “How are you doing today?” elicits a variety of responses and you can learn a lot about others that way. Occasionally, the negative Nellies come across my path but I can always find something interesting with people like that. You may have an experience as I did recently. These events taught me that we continue to serve and learn no matter our age. On my evening walk, I started to pass a man slowly walking with a limp and his head was tilted towards the ground. He was lost in thought so I made sure he heard me approaching and when close enough said, “How’s it going today?” I did not slow down as I expected a head nod or one or two words but did not expect the response I received. “Let me tell you sonny…” Wow, sonny! Maybe I’m not as old as I thought I was. I smiled and slowed to his pace as I knew he would quickly complete his comment and I could move on. He began to explain that he was having a bad day. He clearly articulated frustration, irritation and just downright anger with how people don’t care about one another anymore. Even though it was a serious comment, I had to chuckle as some of his adjectives reminded me of my Uncle who also maintained a very rotund vocabulary. He mentioned serving in World War II and the Korean War and how most of his friends had passed away. I listened closely as he started to share concerns and viewpoints about various subjects. I want to emphasize the term “listen” because many times we hear but do not comprehend what is being said. This man was not venting over his disabilities or his age but rather the loneliness from his perception that no one seemed to care anymore. He had a few things to say about a changing society and our youth of today as well. He was very proud of those serving today and how 9/11 affected so many things people took for granted. Another familiar phrase popped in occasionally, “When I was in the military…” He finally lowered his head in deep thought, looked up with a tear in his eye, stuck out his arm and shook my hand. Before he let go, he had one more thing to say. “Young man, I truly enjoyed our conversation and I feel so much better now. Thank You!” I let go of his hand and gave him a hug but remained speechless. I knew if I so much as muttered one word, tears would flow. So we patted each other on the back and we went our separate ways. I looked back and noticed he was moving more quickly and not looking at the ground. I took time to thank God that I had taken time for him. I learned a lot about one of our greatest generations that evening. This man had shared experiences and confided in me and it made an impact on both of us. It all goes back to the idea that we can make a difference and age has nothing to do with it. Sometimes listening is all it takes. General Douglas MacArthur once stated, “I promise to keep on living as though I expected to live forever. Nobody grows old by merely living a number of years. People grow old only by deserting their ideals. Years may wrinkle the skin, but to give up interest wrinkles the soul.” So we continue to serve through listening, sharing and just taking time for each other. Let us make our time on earth special.
Vacation Getaways on a Retiree Budget
With retirement comes all the extra time you never had before to enjoy your life. When someone retires, they usually plan trips to visit the children and grandchildren. But what about the trips to just get away and enjoy what this great world has to offer? While vacations to see the Eiffel Tower or the Taj Mahal are great trips and to most, a once in a lifetime event, the cost of this travel can really break the bank, especially on a limited income. Consider the smaller getaways: there are some very affordable trips you may not even think of that can get you out of the house and on to a great adventure. Going to local museums can be a great alternative to longer less easily affordable trips. Check out the art and history of the Tennessee and Kentucky area with a visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame; see a Grand Ole Opry show; tour the whiskey distilleries in the Tennessee and Kentucky area; or even tour a cave. For instance, Mammoth Cave National Park, the largest cave system in the world, is located just under 2 hours away with tours to fit every fitness ability from simple walking tours to full-on spelunking tours for experienced cavers. Weekend trips can be fun and budget friendly. Maybe you’re thinking about a few days in the Great Smoky Mountains or a nice long weekend at the beach. Affordable accommodations are a key consideration when planning your getaway. Transportation will also factor into your destination and
www.fortcampbellmwr.com
Off The Beaten Path
by Mignon Deason
budget. Within driving distance of the Fort Campbell area are great cities like St. Louis, Missouri; Atlanta, Georgia; and Louisville, Kentucky. There are many interesting and fun things to be discovered in all these cities such as visiting the Gateway Arch or maybe catching a Cardinals Baseball game while in St. Louis. In Atlanta, there are great museums and the incredible Georgia Aquarium. For the horse racing buffs, you can visit Churchill Downs and tour the museum in Louisville. For a nice beach getaway, cruise on down to the Gulf Coast to nearby Orange Beach/Gulf Shores, Alabama or Destin, Florida. Beachfront accommodations in the off season can be very reasonable as opposed to the highly crowded summer season. If a mountain getaway is what you’ve been dreaming about, the Great Smoky Mountains are only a few short hours away by car. Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville in East Tennessee offer an abundance of activities, attractions and accommodations to fit any budget; even your own personal cabin rental in the mountains. Now that’s a relaxing idea! Cabins are as luxurious as they come with most offering incredible mountain views with large decks, hot tubs, fully equipped kitchens and master suites with jetted tubs. Further into North Carolina, you will find Asheville; home to the most luxurious home in the United States, the Biltmore Estate. This home, originally built by the Vanderbilt Family as a vacation home, is now open for daily tours. The Appalachian Mountains in the fall with the changing colors are most spectacular and not to be missed. How about something a bit different? Cruising can be a very affordable vacation with great discounts for military Retirees or seniors. Whether you go on a short jaunt to the Bahamas or a longer seven day Caribbean sail, cruising has proven to be a very economical vacation option. When you cruise, your accommodations, food and on board entertainment are all included in the price you pay. Enjoy some of the finest dining you can get, with gourmet meals all the way to simple quick service snacks; you will never go hungry on a cruise ship. These luxury ships offer pools and hot tubs to relax in; fitness centers to keep up on your daily exercise routines; full service spas where you can pamper yourself with a massage, facial or even get a new hairdo; and don’t forget the Las Vegas and Broadway style shows and casinos. Some ships even offer holistic treatments like acupuncture. Cruises allow you to see multiple destinations while only unpacking your suitcases one time. With ports of call in the Bahamas, Jamaica, The Cayman Islands, Virgin Islands, Mexico and more, you will definitely appreciate the value of your cruise vacation. When planning your travel near or far, consider a stop into the MWR Leisure Travel Services office located inside the Exchange Mall. You can also call (270) 798-7436 or visit online at www.fortcampbellmwr.com and click on Travel and Lodging. Leisure Travel Services offers plenty of brochures, information and knowledgeable agents to help you with planning your next well deserved getaway.
12
Hometown Hero
SUCCESS AFTER RETIREMENT
by Tara Goodson
Command Sergeant Major (Retired) Wayne St. Louis tried from his first duty station to get orders to Fort Campbell. His roommate in Korea had just come from the 101st and had nothing but great things to say about the post and local community. He was successful, but only after 13 years of waiting, and wasn’t able to stay long. He returned once or twice before deciding to make Fort Campbell his last duty station and retire here after 26 years of active service. The decision was a difficult one, but the transition became easier once he became actively involved with the 101st Airborne Division Association. St. Louis attended the 65th annual reunion of the Association as a member and was impressed not only by the history in the room, but also by all the heroes that attended. He had the opportunity to attend the 25th anniversary of the Gander crash and again was impressed by the Association. The camaraderie and goodwill it fostered made it an easy choice to volunteer himself as a possible candidate for Executive Secretary and Treasurer when the President of the Association called to ask St. Louis if he knew of anyone that would be able to handle the responsibilities. A rigorous interview 13
among over 101 other candidates ensured he would be the right man for the job. What began in the fields of Germany during WWII as a simple idea of staying connected with each other has grown into an organization that is here to help. If you have ever served with the 101st Airborne Division then you can become a member of the Association. There are several options available to become a member; call (931) 431-0199, visit their office at 32 Screaming Eagle Blvd on Fort Campbell or their website at www.screamingeagle.org. The Association has over 8,000 members and has 27 chapters spread across the nation! Included in your membership is a yearly magazine, activities and the peace of mind that you are giving back to the community. From gas cards, Commissary cards, holiday baskets, and trips to vacation destinations; the Association has assisted Soldiers and Families in a variety of ways. They have also given over $1 million in scholarships and grants since 2001. Generous sponsors help make these things possible along with the money that is raised from the membership fees and donations. St. Louis stressed that the Association doesn’t just hand money out because someone asks for it. There is a screening process and typically Soldiers and Families are assisted one time, although exceptions can be made. St. Louis is pleased about the Association’s ability to help the community and how he is able to interact with Soldiers on a daily basis even though he no longer wears a uniform. Having retired as a Command Sergeant Major (CSM) allows him to use the resources and skills he developed throughout his career to help people with whom he comes in contact. His involvement with the 101st Association, Association of the United States Army (AUSA), Fisher House, and Military Affairs Committees in both Clarksville and Hopkinsville and several other activities keep him realistic about today’s Soldiers. A simple conversation with him and anyone can tell that his passion and enthusiasm is in helping Soldiers. He is a master story teller and just when you think you have a good grip on what he is talking about, he’ll steer the story in another direction. But he always winds his way back to how proud he is to have served with the 101st Airborne Division and how he feels being a SGM didn’t make him successful - it’s the impact he can make in the community that makes him successful. His favorite quote comes from Henry David Thoreau, “Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it.”
101st Airborne Division Association
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The Screaming Eagle Foundation
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