FEATURES - April 2012
Editor Tara Goodson
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Mind, Body and Spirit
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Adventure Time
7
In the Know
Contributors
Eden Barnett CynDe Clack William D. Corlew, III SPC Lance Christie Alex Krohn Charlene Mazur Keri McPeak Bridgett Pickering Jessica Ryan Gary Swalve SPC Gary Yim
Publisher
Creative ink
Creative Director
Soar through the trees and brave the river wild in West Virginia.
April BOSS events.
10 Train Your Brain
Self-improvement through local resources.
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Sears Hallett
Advertising
12 Tech World
Phone apps do more than waste your time.
14 Game Time
Jenny Roecker 931-627-4969 mwrmag@gmail.com
Kick Ice!
18 This and That
Photography Paula Hallett Stacy Rzepka Deborah Young istock.com cjp Michael DeLeon drflet floortje skynesher stockphoto4u Dreamstime Peter Zijlstra
How can you unite your body, mind and spirit? The short answer is yoga.
April is the Month of the Military Child.
20 Healthy Habits by Char pg 21 pg 20 pg 21 pg 21 pg 21 & 22 pg 10
Trapped at your desk? These easy office activities will get your blood flowing.
21 Heart and Home
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Get your garden and lawn ready for spring weather.
22 Off the Beaten Path
pg 29
Clarksville’s annual Warrior Week shows appreciation for our Soldiers.
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
22 Family Finances
Start saving for summer vacation now.
24 Keeping It Together
How do hockey and roller derby keep this local Family strong?
25 Facility Spotlight Military Spouse Appreciation Week.
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29 Families in Motion
Let’s go on a scavenger hunt!
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Mind Body & Spirit
The New Four Letter Word Craze by William D. Corlew III
So, what's new, yet not really new, and sure to bring fitness results as well as new or renewed friendships? It's the Four-Letter-Word Workout plan. My guess is that if you keep reading this article, you're one of the many Americans who have also not heard of this plan either. This craze is not really a craze at all; it's been around for more than 5,000 years and it works for people, young, old, and in-between. Yoga. According to WebMD, close to 11-million Americans are currently practicing
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yoga and the numbers are continually increasing. Now, we've all heard of the "daily dozen", correct? A dose of physical fitness that's meant to shorten your 2-mile run time, increase the number of push-ups, and aid you in cranking out more sit-ups. But what about the other muscle groups and vital competencies of quality physical fitness? Yoga is the solution. Yoga helps improve your physical abilities by focusing on techniques that emphasize and improve breathing, flexibility, reaction times, joint range of motion, posture, strength and
balance, energy and endurance, and injury recovery time. Additionally, the use of yoga and its static stretches and use of controlled breathing techniques allows the opportunity to improve your mental sharpness, memory and concentration. The residual effect of yoga may even help improve relationships and contribute to establishing new friendships. Over time, the practice of using yoga as a fitness program or supplemental program can lead to improvements in cumulative cholesterol, blood-glucose, and sodium levels, while increasing your body's metabolism by improving the efficiency of your cell’s use of oxygen and blood-glucose. The common stereotype of yoga is a room of women, chanting low frequency sounds, while maneuvering to-and-from positions that even some trained gymnast find competitive; this is false. There are a plethora of various stretches and yoga sessions that are for beginners, young and old, women who are pregnant and the latest group on the rise: men. Although the male yoga population is continually growing, professional athletes and celebrities assemble copiously to attain the competitive edge, such as Eddie George, former Tennessee Titans running back and Heisman Trophy recipient, Chris Carter, former Minnesota Vikings wide receiver and professional football analyst, Diamond Dallas Page, pro-wrestler, Lester Archambeau, lineman for the Denver Broncos, Al Leiter and Barry Zito, pro-baseball pitchers, Dan Marino, former quarterback, world record-holder, and pro-football analyst, and a multitude of other impressive athletes and celebrities. The Warrior in Transition Unit (WTU) uses yoga twice weekly at Estep Wellness Center as part of their PT routine. Soldiers there have found the benefits of yoga when added to their recovery process.
Did you know that yoga can be a useful tool in your overall health management? According to the American Heart Association 2012 Statistical Fact Sheet, about 76.4 million people age 20 and over have high blood pressure, which is about one in three adults. Additionally, women are only a few percentage points from men who have high blood pressure until age 45, when there is no significant difference between men and women who have high blood pressure. Accompanied with routine visits with your primary care physician, healthy living, and a prudent diet, yoga can be an influential tool in your fight to combat the effects of high blood pressure. Several studies indicate that the use of yoga (using postures, breathing, and meditation techniques) can lead to significant reductions in blood pressure stress and heart disease. Not only can yoga help reduce your blood pressure, but it can also assist with insomnia. If you find yourself tossing and turning, attempting to capture a few good winks of sleep, then yoga may be the best device to corral the sheep. According to the Yoga Journal, calming poses such as the Supported Child’s Pose, Supported Seated Forward Bend, and the Legs-Up-the-Wall pose may help you retrieve a few more minutes of sound rest and also help to lower blood pressure. You can feel relieved that not only has yoga helped to rustle a few varied athletes for their sports challenge; moreover, yoga has contributed to the success of several teams achieving their ultimate goal. The New York Knicks, New York Yankees, and the 2012 Super Bowl Champions, New York Giants, have all incorporated yoga into their workout plans. According to Gwen Lawrence, a yoga instructor for the Yankees, Knicks, and Giants, “I see a lot of misalignment and I try to make bodies more symmetrical.” Her classes include training that
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emphasizes deep stretching to increase flexibility. In a recent interview with Yoga Journal, Kevin Boothe, 300-pound lineman for the New York Giants, commented, “Imagine being so big and holding a stretch like Frog Pose for a while. But when I’m done, I feel great. The breathing plays a big part for me. In a football game, there can be maybe 70 plays, and each of them is complete chaos. Between them, you have 25 seconds to regroup. Gwen and yoga helped me learn to gather my thoughts and quickly clear my head – to find calm between the chaos.” Not only does yoga assist with flexibility, but it also helps you focus, lowers stress, and contribute to overall well-being. Athletes, like football players, have to play aggressively while being able to anticipate their opponents move in order gain the competitive edge. Unlike typical fitness programs or classes in which the group goal leads to individual achievement; yoga can be tailored to feature the friends or partners; thus providing an alternative to hanging out and a great way to treat your date to a refreshing idea versus just another-dinner-and-movie date. Yoga enthusiasts have a myriad of avenues to enjoy their craft. There are yoga magazines: Yoga Magazine and Yoga Journal; yoga apparel: Yogamasti, myinspirewear.com; and various retreats and vacations with a central focus on the practice of yoga. Similarly, Time Magazine reported that San Francisco International Airport, Terminal has opened the first US yoga room at terminal 2. The room is approximately 150-sq. ft. and is a noise and cellular free environment; yoga mats are provided. While yoga is not a mainstay in today’s PT routine, it is an added bonus. It is becoming more common to see Soldiers in various yoga poses, whether it is during the early morning hours, or a quick workout at lunch. Not all yoga is created equal, according to www.yogajournal.com. Do you want to clear your mind, become more limber, clean toxins from your body? All those are questions you should ask yourself and find out the answers when you attend a class, or try it on a video at home. Although yoga has exercises with as many strange names as there are challenging poses it is as safe as it is effective in improving
overall health. By focusing on improving a sense of well-being, control, balance, flexibility, strength, energy, and endurance, this low impact exercise is a wonderful tool for overall health. Yoga is a great alternative to the “daily dozen” and is a great supplement to any additional workout program. The first step is to try it. Yoga class is available at the Estep Wellness Center and at Roxy Regional Theatre in Clarksville.
Check Out www.fortcampbellmwr.com/Recreation/Estep for a schedule of classes offered, or call Estep at 270.798.4023 Morning Yoga with Travis at the Roxy Regional Theatre 931.645.7699 Monday through Saturdays: at the Roxy from 8am-9am (100 Franklin Street). Additional Saturday Class: 9:15am-10:30am at the 3rd floor of the Hodgepodge building (enter through Artifacts on Strawberry Alley, and go up another flight of stairs to the 3rd floor 124 Legion Street). Classes are $10 each - and drop-ins are welcome, no registering beforehand is needed (we can only take cash at the Saturday 9:15 class). Also, we offer a weekly class card to pay $40 and take the whole week's worth of classes (7 classes for only $40 dollars!).
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Adventure Time
Your Next Adventure Awaits by Charlene Mazur It was a brisk morning when we walked down the dirt road in search of coffee. We had arrived in Lansing, West Virginia in the late afternoon the day before. The seven hour journey from Fort Campbell had an ever changing view that kept our constant attention and became more beautiful the further east we traveled. The beauty of the morning and the stillness of the mountain was, by far, the most amazing. We were greeted by a deer grazing along the wood line on our way to Buffler’s BBQ for breakfast. We were the first to arrive and the quiet tranquility of daybreak offered a sense of peace to my soul. The silence was broken only by the song of birds and the chatter of squirrels, in direct contrast to the adventurous day that lay ahead. After a breakfast fit for a mountain man, we were off to get geared up for our first exciting adventure, the TreeTops Canopy Tour. This aerial adventure trip was beyond amazing. The short treks, through the forest between shuttles above and between the century old eastern hemlock trees, were incredible. The tour guides live and breathe the mountain, valley, trees, plants and animals. The guides know everything there is to know about the trail, the survival of nature and the safety and protection of not only their guests but of their world. This is their heart and soul; they do this not for a job but for pleasure and passion. The stories they tell of life on the mountain and the dangers of losing the hemlocks are concerning. They speak of the trees as though they are part of their Family and each tree has been named and given a purpose. Of course, when you are
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strapped into a harness and sent flying through the air to the next tree - it gives new meaning to “tree hugger”! Bubba, one of the named trees, is there to offer support and security once your feet are back on firm ground. After three and a half hours soaring across ten zip lines and crossing five sky bridges, we had a deeper understanding and respect of the vertical Eden that lies within the rugged terrain in Mill Creek Canyon. After another amazing meal on location at Chetty’s Pub, we were off to get tucked into a wet suit for the voyage down a brisk and rapid river. The Class VI Mountain River Trip takes you down an exciting valley full of twists and turns, dangerous rocks and plummeting waves. Just when I thought we couldn't handle any more, the river smoothed out and a serene stillness allowed us to regroup. These clashes in the
river are known by their well earned names of Pin Ball, Big Baloney, Piece of Cake, Lost Lunch, Thread the Needle and more. The certified River Wranglers are able to guide, coach and lure the boat through each twist and turn safely. The views within the
expedition are breathtaking and just enough to calm your heart and nerves before the next assault. River wrangling or flying through the treetops is not for the faint of heart, but don't worry, Adventures on The Gorge has a little something for everyone. You can choose from other excursions such as hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, Ambush Paintball, rappelling, Jetboat Tours, BridgeWalks, fishing trips, lake kayaking, horseback riding, ATV tours, and much more! This is a great retreat for couples, Families or even a solo vacation. The on-site lodging has a wide variety of price ranges. You can choose from tent camping, rustic cabins, deluxe cabins and everything in between. There is so much to do that it’s impossible to do it all! Other activities include a game room, disc golf course, playground, sand volleyball, horseshoe and cornhole pits, campfire circles, yoga classes, massage, and bodywork studio. With on-site dining at Smokey’s on the Gorge, Buffler’s BBQ Grill, Chetty’s Pub or The Mountaineer Pavilion, there is no reason to leave this mountain! Nighttime entertainment can be found at the Rendezvous River Lodge which hosts live music every Saturday night. Information about Adventures on the Gorge can be found at MWR Leisure Travel Services located in the Exchange Mall or by calling (270) 798-7436/0509. You can also email the staff at ITRtravel@fortcampbellmwr.com for quotes and additional information. What's stopping you from your next adventure?
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In the Know
Plenty to Do! by SPC Gary Yim Spring has sprung and the sun is shining! It’s time to shake off the winter chill and get out of the barracks. “But there’s nothing to do.” I hear you say. Wrong! Fort Campbell’s Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers (BOSS) program has events almost every weekend! On Saturday, April 7, BOSS will hold a free movie night. The first 15 single Soldiers to show up at D.W. Recreation Center at 4:30 p.m. will get free transportation and tickets to the movie of their choice at Great Escape Movie Theater on Tiny Town. Will you be blown away by the action of Wrath of the Titans, laugh so hard it hurts at American Reunion, or explore a new take on the Snow White legend in Mirror Mirror? If you’re looking to get far, far away from Fort Campbell, there are few better places to go than Gatlinburg, TN. Located at the foot of the Smoky Mountains Gatlinburg is a great place for
the BOSS Unity Spiritual Retreat from the 13th through the 15th of April. Come get closer to God on this Christianity oriented spiritual retreat in luxurious
cabins surrounded by the beautiful woodland of northeastern Tennessee. If you don’t care for the outdoors, or if you just want to get more
in touch with your fantasy persona, then come have a blast at the Masquerade Ball! Whether you are married, or single, join BOSS at the Joe Swing Recreation Center located at 1500 Spillway Court (the second left inside Gate 1), on April 20 at 7 p.m. to eat, drink, dance and play! Costumes are encouraged, so dress up as the stately gentleman, radiantduchess, or lovable jester and come have a ball! Don’t fall behind - stay in the know! BOSS meetings are held every first and third Wednesday at 1430 at D.W. Recreation Center, located at 6145 Desert Storm Avenue, just down the street from 20th Replacement. Be sure to like the new Fort Campbell BOSS Facebook page in order to take advantage of the fantastic opportunities that are posted there! For additional information, please call BOSS at (270) 798-7858.
Train Your Brain
Self Empowerment through Personal Growth
by Alex Krohn
I believe that the first step to becoming self empowered is to truly know one’s self. Self empowerment is defined as deriving the strength to do something through one's own thoughts and is based on the belief that one knows what is best for oneself. If you don’t have a deep understanding of who you are, then how can you expect to know what is best for you? There are several ways to get started on this journey of self discovery with different classes, tests and assessments but two of my favorites are the Resilience Training and Army Family Team Building (AFTB) classes that are offered through Army Community Service (ACS). Resiliency Training teaches you how your core beliefs influence your decision skills, how your thoughts lead to emotions and reactions, and how to bounce back in the face of adversity. One of the primary goals of the class is self awareness. Knowing how you think and react in certain situations helps you capitalize on the strengths you have, and also helps you recognize areas that you might need improvement in. Once you establish the base of resilience training then you can use those skills to improve relationships, become more mentally agile, and be more in control of your emotions. AFTB has three levels of classes that allow you to grow and learn as a person.
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Level I is about Military Knowledge, Level II is Personal Growth, and Level III focuses on Leadership. Level II targets personal growth and covers communication skills, exploring personality traits, personal conflict management and leadership skills. The purpose of Level II classes is about finding out who you are based on your personality, communication and leadership skills. By knowing yourself, you are able to effectively move to the next step. Level III is entirely about leadership principles and skills. Building a good foundation of leadership skills will continue to allow you to be confident in the decisions you make throughout life. Some of the key topics are understanding which type of leader you are in different situations, how to build cohesive teams, how to delegate tasks as a leader and how to be a mentor for future leaders. As a Soldier, you might be thinking “I don’t have that much time to commit to the classes,” or “I don’t have the extra money right now to enroll.” Those are two issues Resilience and AFTB classes have solved for you. AFTB offers classes in three different ways. The first is held in the classroom at the Family Resource Center (FRC); classes are offered from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The second way we offer classes is that we can bring them to you. If your unit wants to have
AFTB classes at your location, we can make that happen. The third way to get these skills is that you can take them online at www.myarmyonesource.com and they are self-paced. If you are worried about the cost of the classes; rest at ease. AFTB classes are completely free! Not only are they free, but once you complete the AFTB classes, you can receive four promotion points. Print your certificates once you have completed the levels and turn them in at the FRC in Room 102. You will receive them back after the Garrison Commander has signed them and can turn them in for your points. Resilience courses are offered in four consecutive days to complete the entire course, or for those that have a tougher schedule; classes are offered every Monday in two hour blocks. Resilience training can be adapted to your needs and time constraints on a case by case basis. If you would like to find out more information on how to become more self empowered, how to become an even more effective leader and Soldier, or to register for any of the Resilience or AFTB classes please give us a call at (270) 798-4800 or visit our website at www.fortcampbellmwr.com/acs/aftb.
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Tech World
Smartphone Apps that Keep You...Well, Smart by Eden Barnett Whether you are sitting in a meeting and trying to discreetly hide the fact that you are playing with your phone, or you are sitting at home on the couch doing the same thing, the facts are the same. Playing games on your phone can get you into trouble. I know what you are thinking, so many of the game apps you can get on your phone are just so addicting. Can there be a way out of this? Of course! Here are some of the apps I found that not only are entertaining, but make you smarter too.
Apparatus
only $0.99. The goal of this game is to feed Om Nom, which is a cute little frog looking monster. To feed him, you have to cut ropes which have the food at the end of them. Sounds pretty easy, but you also have to strategically cut the ropes to reach things like stars and bubbles for points. This game helps you get reacquainted with the laws of physics and puzzle solving. Be wary, however, it is extremely addicting. The Android Market had 24,980 people rate it with an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Apple had 25,054 people rate it at an average of 5 stars.
The first one on my list of games is from the Android Market and involves using your brain to build simple or complex machines in order to accomplish specific tasks, like moving certain objects from one point to another. You can connect wheels and planks and build bridges using all sorts of tools to make all kinds of mechanical devices. Machines can range from monster trucks to rifles. At the time this article was written, 5,474 people had rated this game with an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars. This app will cost you $2.45.
Unblock Me
Cut the Rope This phone app is available on both the Android Market and the iOS App store for Apple products. This game comes in a little bit cheaper, costing you
Words with Friends and Scramble With Friends For those of you that like free apps, these are the ones for you. In fact, I would be surprised if many of you have not already heard of Words with Friends, as it is one of the most popular game apps out there. Scramble with Friends is similar to Words with Friends but with a twist. For those of you unaware of Words with Friends, it is a game app that allows you to play scrabble with your friends. Pretty obvious, right? You can find out if any of your Facebook friends are playing and challenge them to a game or automatically match with an unknown opponent. In Scramble with Friends, the goal is to find words hidden in a scrambled grid. The same idea applies as
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Words with Friends, either inviting friends through Facebook to play or playing with unknown people. Download these games and you will be spouting out intelligent sounding words to your friends and Spouse in no time. These apps are available for both Android and Apple products.
For those of you that are interested in challenging puzzles, Unblock Me is your pick. The goal of this game is to unblock the red block by moving the others out of the way. Once again, this is a seemingly overly simple task, but there is a range of difficulty levels and 4200 different puzzles. This is another one of those addicting games that you won't be able to put down. This game is available on both the Android Market and Apple Store for free. Apple users have rated the current version with 5 stars and Android users gave it a 4.4. The array of games available to train your brain in different ways is ever expanding and becoming more popular as time goes on. In fact, some of the games I have mentioned here are on the lists for the most popular games out there. So do yourself a favor, and try one of these out today; you will probably be surprised at how much you will enjoy them. And who can blame you for getting smarter...right?
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PREDATORS!
Game Time
by SPC Lance Christie Hey hockey fans, what a season this has been so far! The Nashville Predators are one of the hottest teams in the league and are home to two of the best and most explosive defenders in the NHL. Ryan Suter and Shea Weber are, without a doubt, very exciting players to watch. Both were selected to be in the 2012 NHL All-Star game and performed quite well, Ryan Suter even had an assist. The Predators also have some excellent forwards. At print, Sergei Kostitsyn leads the team with a 21% shooting average! Another name to look for is Martin Erat, he currently leads the team with 52 points, 17goals and 35 assists. As a Pittsburgh area native, I am a Penguins fan at heart. However, I have been to over 10 Preds games this season and I must say they are a blast to watch. Last December, I attended a game along with several Soldiers courtesy of BOSS and MWR Leisure Travel Services and watched the Predators go down 1-4 in the first period! During first period intermission, several Soldiers asked if we could leave, but am I glad we stayed. Part
way through the second period, the Preds finally put up a goal. Going into the third period the score was 2-4 and things weren’t looking good. With 13
minutes left on the clock, we watched a miraculous comeback. The Predators went on to win 5-4 in the final few seconds of the game! If you haven’t been to a Nashville Predators game, I encourage you to head to Bridgestone Arena to see why hockey is here to stay in the south. The venue holds over 17,000 fans, and when you attend a game, you will clearly understand why the Predators are home of the 7th man. Games are a lot of fun and overall it is a great experience. Intermission brings activities and music and it's always a treat to see the Ice Girls or the Preds Dancers. This season, MWR Leisure Travel Services has been able to give away tickets to nearly every home game due to a few very generous sponsors. The only place those tickets are advertised is on the Fort Campbell MWR Facebook page, so be sure to “like” them and add them to your news feed. Check out www.facebook.com/FortCambellMWR for additional information.
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Child, Youth & School Services **24 Hour Care (opening FY-12) Bastogne (CDC) (270) 412-4485 Eagle (CDC) (270) 412-3303/3304 Gardner Hills (CDC) Part Day Preschool (CDC) (270) 412-6767 Polk (CDC) (270) 412-4471 Tennessee (CDC) (270) 412-4477 Waters #1 (CDC) (270) 439-7993 Waters #2 (CDC) (270) 439-7996 *CYSS Directorate (270) 798-6539 Family Child Care (FCC) (270) 798-4959 *Kids on Site (Estep) Parent Central Services (CYSS Central Registration) (270) 798-0674 Billy C. Colwell Center (270) 412-2315 *Gardner Hills (SAS) *Airborne (SAS) (270) 461-1047 *Bastogne (SAS) (270) 461-0993 School Liaison (270) 798-9874 SKIESUnlimited Center (270) 412-5455 Teen Club 24/7 (270) 956-1033 Youth Center (Taylor) (270) 798-3643 Youth Sports (270) 798-6355 Community Services Army Community Service (ACS) & ACS Director (270) 798-9322 Family Resource Center (FRC) (270) 956-2935 Financial Readiness (270) 798-5518 Lending Closet (270) 798-6313 Soldier & Family Assistance Center (SFAC) (270) 412-6000 Survivor Outreach Services (SOS) (270) 798-0277 Backdoor Boutique (270) 956-1566 Family Center & Co-op Daycare (270) 798-7422 Dining & Entertainment 19th Hole (Cole Park) (270) 798-1822 Conference & Catering Center (Joe Swing) (270) 798-2175 Community Activities Center (Cole Park) (270) 798-4610 Dawg Haus (270) 798-0766 Southern Buffet (Cole Park) (270) 798-4610
30. Sportsman’s Lodge 32. 33. 31. 34. 35. 36. 37. 27. 82. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. 83. 38. 45. 46. 47. 48. 49. 36. 50. 51. 52. 53. 54. 55. 56. 57. 58. 59. 60. 61.
(931) 431-4140 Recreation & Leisure Baldanado Pool (270) 798-5207 Dolan Pool (270) 798-5350 Gardner Indoor Pool (270) 798-6310 Singles Pool (270) 798-4247 The Zone (270) 461-0603 BOSS Program (270) 798-7858 Bowling Center (Hooper) (270) 798-5887 Golf Club (Cole Park) (270) 798-4906 Challenge Course (270) 412-7855 Adventure Program (270) 412-7854 Archery Range (270) 798-2175 Dog Park, North (270) 798-2175 Dog Park, South (270) 798-2175 Hunting & Fishing (270) 798-2175 Paintball (270) 956-3118 Parks & Pavilions (270) 798-2175 Riding Stables (270) 798-2629 RV Park (Eagles Rest) (270) 798-2175 RV Park (Flechers Fork) (270) 798-2175 Skeet Range (270) 412-4015 Small Arms Recreational Range (270) 798-3001 Recreation Center (Dale Wayrynen) (270) 798-7391 Sports & Fitness Estep Wellness Center (270) 798-4664/4023 Fryar Stadium, Sports Admin Office (270) 798-3094 Fratellenico PFF (270) 798-9418 Freedom Fighter PFF (270) 798-7355 Gertsch PFF (270) 798-2753 Lozada PFF (270) 798-4306 Olive PFF (270) 798-4101 Softball Complex, North (270) 798-3320 Softball Complex, South (270) 798-3320 Trades & Services Army Education (270) 798-5886 Arts & Crafts Center (Guenette) (270) 798-6693 Auto Service Center (Air Assault Auto) (270) 956-1101/1100
62. 60. 63. 64. 65. 66. 67. 68. 69. 70. 71. 72. 73. 74. 75. 76. 77. 78. 78. 80. 81. 84. 85. 68. 86. 87. 88. 89. 90. 91.
Auto Skills (North) (270) 798-5612 Engraving Etc. Specialty Store (270) 798-0171 Equipment Rental (Gear-to-Go) (270) 798-6806 Library (R.F. Sink) (270) 798-5729 Veterinary Services (270) 798-3614 Travel & Lodging Army Lodging (Richardson) (931) 431-4496 Army Lodging (Turner) (270) 439-2229 Leisure Travel Services Office (270) 798-7436 Miscellaneous Services 101st Airborne Division Headquarters (270) 798-9793 Blanchfield Army Hospital (270) 798-8055 Civilian Personnel Advisory Center (270) 798-7161 Commissary (270) 798-3663 Division Parade Field Fisher House (270) 798-8330 Gate 4 Visitor Center & Vehicle Registration (270) 798-5047 Gate 7 Visitor Center & Vehicle Registration (270) 956-4495 In/Out Processing & MWR Public Relations (270) 798-7535 MWR Director (270) 798-9953 MWR Unit Funds & MWR Collections (270) 798-6818 Museum (Don F. Pratt) (270) 798-3215/4986 Wilson Theater (931) 431-3636 AAFES Airfield Mini Mall (270) 640-4614 Community Town Center Class Six (270) 431-3622 Military Clothing Store (270) 798-4212 Pizza Hut Delivery (270) 439-1113 Exchange (270) 439-1841 Exchange Administration Office (270) 439-1846 Firestone (270) 439-1865 Gardner Hills Mini Mal1 (Burger King/Subway) (270) 697-1020 Kentucky Shoppette (24hr gas) (270) 439-1914 KFC & Taco Bell (270) 439-6353 Troop Mini Mall (gas) (270) 431-2410
Celebrating the
This and That
Month of the Military Child by Bridgett Pickering
Military children are special, unique children that deserve to be honored every day for their contributions and sacrifices. There are more than 1.7 million children under the age of 18 who have a parent actively serving in the military. More than 900,000 children have had one of their parents deploy more than one time. Children play an important role in the armed forces community and that why it is so important that they are recognized for all that they endure. Every year, military installations around the world honor military children during the month of April. April is the Month of the Military Child at Fort Campbell, and during this month military
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children are honored and encouraged to participate in special activities such as parades, arts and crafts shows, picnics, carnivals, block parties, fishing derbies and so much more. This year’s Month of the Military Child theme is “Family Fun Fair.� There will be events sponsored by Special Events for everyone to enjoy as well as events at all Child, Youth and School Services (CYSS) facilities. Fort Campbell CYSS staff, volunteers, parents and registered/enrolled youth are all involved in making this month extra special. They will all be teaming up to help with parades, special t-shirts, band performances, and Kidriffic Days, which will include inflatables and snow cones at
the CYSS facilities. They will also be displaying artwork done by military children throughout the post and surrounding communities. Events hosted by CYSS will be held at the CYSS facilities and will be for registered youth in that facility. Special activities will be going on all month long, so stay informed as to where you can join in on the fun. Information on activities at the CYSS facilities will be posted on the parent information boards at each facility. Parents are encouraged to ask their Room Leads and/or Directors for more information. For information about all the events going on during the Month of the Military Child, visit www.fortcampbellmwr.com.
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Healthy Habits by Char by Charlene Mazur
As a girl who once thrived on an active lifestyle, I find it difficult to sit in the confines of an office. I am certain that many of you can relate to this issue. It’s difficult to be active when your job requires you to sit for hours on end staring at a computer screen. This month I will discuss easy office activities to keep your blood flowing during the workday. First of all, sit up straight in your chair! This forces your spine to be erect and your
abdominals to be tight and contracted. Slouching over the keyboard causes your back to become misaligned and your abdominal muscles will become weak and lax. You could choose to sit on a stability ball to enhance the contraction and work on your core muscles but it may take some time to adjust. You will definitely need to get up and stretch or walk around the office at least once every hour. Basic stretches will keep the muscles warmed up and loose. Over the course of the day, you may tense up based on your work load, interruptions or a million other factors. A short walk or stretching session offers a bit of stress relief. Proper breathing is essential - be aware of your stomach and breathing. Your stomach should expand out when you inhale and then pull back in on the exhale. Most adults don’t breathe correctly and this little trick will help you with that stubborn pouch. If you are feeling spry in your office then bounce, jump, skip, do lunges or jumping jacks. But be mindful of your co-workers! It's not about how many you do, it's about increasing your metabolism. You can even begin
your workday on the right note, by parking a little further away than normal. Make the most of your journey, set your mind free during this time and make every step count. Roll your feet heel to toe with each long stride. Resistance bands are a great asset when you are at the office. Compact and convenient, you can take a few minutes while on the phone, reading email or even speaking with co-workers to add a bit of strength training to your day. Exercises for biceps, triceps, lats, quadriceps, hamstrings, calves, and abs can be taken care of while you are at work. The best thing you can do for yourself is get out of the office for your lunch break! Incorporate your hour or half hour with a brisk walk to clear your head. You don’t have to run to the gym to get your game on. YOU are your game, use your bodyweight as resistance, get creative and make your day fun with little spurts of energy infused exercises such as these suggested or come up with your own. It’s very simple when you take the time to stand up, stretch and conquer the day with a healthy lifestyle.
Home and Heart
Spring Gardening Tips by Tara Goodson
“There is no gardening without humility. Nature is constantly sending even its oldest scholars to the bottom of the class for some egregious blunder.” ~Alfred Austin. March 20 was the official start of spring in the Fort Campbell area. The warm weather had many of us wanting to get a jumpstart on our gardens this year, but as a seasoned gardener will tell you, patience is worth its weight in gold. Every season brings a different set of chores and joy in the garden. Spring is an exciting time for those of us that like to play in the dirt, as preparations are made for the beauty of the garden as it emerges from winter. However, it can be a bit overwhelming to know how to prioritize your gardening time this time of year. Most gardeners cannot wait for the blooms and buds to appear, but we also need to remember to tend to our lawns as well. It is best to think of your garden as a landscape painting, and include everything that is visible to your eye. Below are some tips from the University of Tennessee Agriculture Extension Service and Gardenguides.com to assist you in the care of your garden. Lawn Care This area is considered a transitional zone for grass. This means neither cool nor warm season grasses will thrive year round. That certainly explains the challenges I’ve had with my yard since I have lived here! If you choose a cool season grass such as fescue, sow seeds in the fall. This gives it two cool seasons to grow before the hot weather sets in. But if you must have grass before the long hot days of summer, choose Bahia or even Bermuda grass. Plugs or sprigs will ensure growth can be established during summer. For established lawns, you should start mowing once a week in the in the spring. Ensure your mower blades are sharp and cut the grass no shorter than two inches. Once the temperatures start to rise, lengthen the time
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between cuts and allow the grass to grow longer. This will conserve nutrients and moisture. The rain we receive in the spring should be sufficient for established lawns, and careful monitoring will tell you if you should water more when you have a new lawn. Do not drown your lawn. Staking Stake plants that may be prone to wind damage during the unpredictable spring weather. This is especially true with the tornado watches and warnings we have already received this year. Pruning Pruning can be tricky, but it can improve plants overall health. Frequently removing older stems encourages a plant to put energy into new growth, keeping the plant young. Be cautious not to over prune and end up with a stick growing from the ground. Deadheading Remove spent flowers from bulbs, but leave the rest of the plant as is for the time being. This will encourage new growth and keep the plant blooming for a longer period of time.
Weeding Pull weeds from your beds and borders before they have a chance to take hold and spread. I find weeding to be therapeutic and relaxing. Frustrated with a Family member? Yank a few weeds instead of biting their head off. It can also be a fantastic workout! Compost Tend to your compost pile if it has been neglected over the winter. If you do not have a compost bin, spring is a great time to start one. Leaves, old plant material, leftover vegetable peels and many other things can be composted. You should avoid any animal products or by-products, any oils, fat or grease, and dairy products. Egg shells and used coffee grounds are wonderful additions. About.com has a comprehensive listing of dos and don’ts of starting a compost pile or bin. Composting is the best way to reduce waste and minimize the use of commercialized fertilizers. Fertilize and Mulch Fertilize and mulch beds and borders. Spring is also a good time to fertilize fruit trees. If you applied heavy winter mulch for protection from the cold, you will need to clear it away. The tender shoots of the new spring plants will not be able to get the air or sunlight under the heavy winter cover. Tools Spring is a good time to prepare your tools for the oncoming gardening season and to make any necessary repairs or new purchases. You will be happy you have done so when summer sets in.
OFF the Beaten Path
Warrior Week 2012 by Tara Goodson The Military Affairs Committee of the Clarksville-Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce coordinates the annual effort of Clarksville to thank all the men and women of Fort Campbell by offering special discounts during this year’s Warrior Week. Along with discounts offered by local businesses, a week’s worth of fun events are scheduled to connect Fort Campbell with the Clarksville Community. The Godfather Golf Tournament and Dinner will pair Soldiers with Civilians and take place at Swan Lake Golf Course. This Montgomery County sponsored tournament will have a shotgun start at 1:30 p.m. on April 26. After golfing, take your Family to the Great Escape theater for Movie Night. Check with the Chamber of Commerce to find out what movie you can enjoy for free, courtesy of the Fort Campbell Federal Credit Union.
April 27 brings a new event to Warrior Week this year. The Skeet Shooting Competition will be held with prizes given out to the top shooter. At dusk, the Eternal Flame Ceremony will be held at Public Square in downtown Clarksville. The week continues with a Picnic, Fun Fair and Softball Game on April 28 at Heritage Park. It is a free event for all military I.D. card holders and will feature activities for children, a car and bike show, and if all goes as planned, a free concert! The week will end Sunday, April 29, with Church Appreciation Services at many of the local churches in Clarksville. You may obtain additional details about Warrior Week by calling the Chamber of Commerce at (931) 245-4340 or by emailing Military and Government Coordinator, Yvonne Pickering, at yvonnep@clarksville.tn.us.
Warrior Week Discounts AquaColour Lounge Arby’s (Madison St) Captain D’s Carpet Express Clarksville Awning Co. Crow Chiropractic Herb Hays Furniture Jersey Mike’s Kohana Mattress Express Mel’Rose BBQ & Grill Old Chicago Once Upon A Child The Pottery Room Plato’s Closet Pristine Clean Submarina Subway (Madison St) Yamato
Saving for a Vacation
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Family Finances
by Gary Swalve On the 2nd of February, Punxsutawney Phil, the weather predicting groundhog, was ripped from the security of his cage, and because this varmint “saw his shadow” it means we will have six more weeks of winter. That is a great time to start saving for a summer vacation. In a perfect world, we'd all have fully funded vacation accounts to pay for our annual Family getaways. The reality is usually quite different. Start by estimating the costs. Along with plane tickets or gas, depending on how you will travel, estimate costs for lodging, meals, souvenirs, and any kind of admission fees that are in the vacation plan. If the number you come up with makes your eyes pop out, then make cuts to the plan or plan some weekend trips that will cost less than the dream vacation. The idea is to get a goal set and start saving for your summer getaway.
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If you can, without a penalty, stop your cable TV for a couple of months to save that money for the vacation fund. You can do the same thing with a gym membership or something else that is not a necessity, like your daily coffee, cigarettes (oh no!), energy drinks - and the list
goes on and on. The idea is to sacrifice a little now for some fun later. Another thing you can do is pretend you’re snowed in one week a month and only eat what you have in the house, no eating out, no special trips to the grocery store; just eat what is available. Now this does not mean you don’t go to work, that could be detrimental to your cash flow. You can also put a hiatus on eating out for lunch and bank the money you save. Bring your lunch to work or go home and eat what you have in the house. That alone can save you $30-50 per week. The bottom line is that sacrificing a little now will keep you out of debt and that means the fun will be more fun later. For additional tips and suggestions, contact the ACS Financial Readiness Program at (270) 798-5518.
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Keeping it Together
Grow, Play, and Stay Together by Jessica Ryan
Having quality bonding time is a challenge for many Families. Demanding work and school hours, conflicting schedules, and differing interests can prevent Families from spending time together. Even bringing the Family together at the dinner table can be a struggle. For Military Families, deployments are another obstacle they have to overcome. Despite these factors, Families can find ways to set aside time and be together. One solution is to find a special activity which every Family member can enjoy.
The Prichards, a Family stationed at Fort Campbell since 2007, bond through playing sports and being active. Todd, a Soldier, his wife Jenny, and 7-year-old daughter Zoe are all involved in sports. For the Prichards, being physically active, whether it is participating in a local sports team or simply going on a hike, helps them take advantage of the time they have together and grow as a Family. These experiences allow them to encourage one another and become stronger individuals. Todd, a hockey enthusiast, introduced Zoe to the sport three years ago. The Family went to a Nashville Predators game where a moment during intermission changed Zoe’s life. During select games, the Predators invite teams from the Nashville Youth Hockey League (NYHL) to get on the ice and play during intermission. That game
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happened to be “Mites on Ice Night” and Zoe, for the first time, saw children the same age as her play hockey. She immediately turned to her parents and said “They’re my size. I want to play!” After that game, Zoe traded her soccer cleats for a hockey stick. She first participated in “Get Out and Learn!” G.O.A.L. is a free introductory program that teaches boys and girls, from ages 4 to 9, how to skate on the ice and play the game. After completing G.O.A.L., Zoe continues to participate in NYHL teams. The constant motion involved in skating on the ice is what she loves the most. Hockey also taught her how to be a confident person and a good team member, both of which girls can struggle with when they play a “boys’ sport.” Growing up in Texas, Zoe’s mother Jenny was a tomboy and played almost every sport under the sun (with the exception of hockey). Jenny even wanted to play football in high school, but she was not allowed to. Through her struggles of being told what she can and cannot do as a female athlete, Jenny knew that she would instill in Zoe that she is just as good, strong, and capable as her male counterparts. Jenny always encourages Zoe to not let the boy players push her around in the rink or to ever think she cannot pursue a certain sport, activity, or interest just because she is a girl. Zoe does not have to look far to find inspiration from her mother’s words. Jenny, also known as “Ma Deuce,” is a current player and the team president of Clarksville’s Roller Derby team, Red River Sirens. Her roller derby career began when she helped form a local team in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Once she moved to Clarksville and recognized she missed the sport. Jenny decided to join the local Red River Sirens. The Red River Sirens formed in February 2010 and the team grew exponentially within months. Now, the Sirens
practice twice a week at Magic Wheels Skating Center on Fort Campbell Boulevard and are preparing for another successful season. By being a derby girl, Jenny came to appreciate hockey and understood her husband and daughter’s passion for the sport. Like hockey, roller derby players are in constant motion, as they play both offense and defense. As Ma Deuce, Jenny sets a good example of being a strong, empowered woman for her daughter.
Even though the Prichard Family participates in different sports, they became a strong Family by supporting each other. This means making some sacrifices, such as commuting from Clarksville to Nashville multiple times a week and sometimes waking up at 5 a.m. to drive to Zoe’s Saturday morning games. According to Jenny, showing support also means having the Family simply be together. When Zoe is playing hockey, Todd will coach the team while Jenny is cheering in the stands. Alternatively, at Jenny’s roller derby practices, Todd will assist the team while Zoe straps on her skates and rolls around the rink. Jenny advises other Military Families to find a common interest and participate in an activity that everyone enjoys. Find a time, whether it is a weekend, a day, or even a few hours, when your Family can bond, learn and grow together. Revive an old Family tradition or try a new activity. Whatever it is, it is important to value the Family time you have.
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Spotlight on MWR
Blooming Appreciation for the Military Spouse
April showers bring May flowers; and May brings the military community together in appreciation for military Spouses. Each year, a week in May is filled with events specifically dedicated to military Spouses. With the majority of activities planned for Spouses to participate at little or no cost, Spouses get the opportunity to learn invaluable information, meet new friends, receive free goodies, and most importantly, take a moment to be appreciated. A special theme is developed for each year to represent the role, influence, and importance of the military Spouse. This year’s theme is “Bloom Where You Are Planted” and
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by Keri McPeak
embodies the understanding that as a military Spouse, you may get uprooted frequently with PCS moves, but it is what you make of the time spent at each duty station that allows you to reap the most benefit from your sacrifices. Get the first sneak peak of what is being offered as we get ready to kick off the USAA Military Spouse Appreciation Week 2012. The week starts with a Spouse Workshop Day on Monday, May 7th. The Spouse Workshop Day is a full day of activities that will uplift, enlighten, and motivate Spouses. Once the registrants have all been checked-in, they will be welcomed with opening remarks by the keynote speaker, Maria McConville. Mrs. McConville will speak about her lifelong passion of nutrition, healthy habits and lifestyle choices, and how those elements tie into this year’s theme. Spouses will then have the option to participate in four different seminars. Each fifty minute seminar will vary from motivational to hand-on activities, and will include topics such as basic auto care, Federal job opportunities using USA Staffing, Americana crafts, and so much more. This is a great opportunity to explore and get a sampling of the many different contributors that support the Fort Campbell community, as well as receive some memorable give-a-ways. In order to participate in the Spouse Workshop Day along with various other USAA Military Spouse Appreciation Week 2012 events, online registration is required. Online registration can be achieved by visiting the Fort Campbell MWR website and clicking on the link provided. First time users will have to create a WebTrac account. Within a couple of days, an email will be sent to you containing a password. Once your password has been
obtained, revisit the WebTrac website and proceed to register for the various seminars for Spouse Workshop Day and for the other events taking place during that week. Registrants may use their username and password to register for each Spouse week event separately. The USAA Military Spouse Appreciation Week registration begins April 1, 2012, but a username and password can be obtained at any time. It is highly recommended that a username and password is acquired before the opening registration date as there are limited spaces available for each Spouse Appreciation Week event. If you are unsure about whether or not you have already registered for a username and password you can check by selecting the “Forgot Password” option or by calling the MWR Public Relations Office at (270) 798-7535. The Spouse Workshop Day event takes place at the Family Resource Center (FRC) and costs $15 per person. Payment is due at the time of registration. Some seminars have an additional fee which will be added to the cost of the event and due upon the completion of
registration. Limited childcare is provided by Army Community Service (ACS) at no charge for the Spouse Workshop Day. In order to secure childcare for any Spouse week events you must call (270) 798-2158, and reserve a spot for each event separately for each of your children needing care. All children must be registered with Child, Youth and School Services (CYSS). Day two of the special week gets things cooking with special guest Chef Jon Ashton. Those that have met Chef Jon or been a part of his cooking shows can tell you this is an opportunity you definitely do not want to miss! Cooking Show attendees will learn as much about cooking as they will laugh as the high energy Brit who exudes a passion for food and life shows just how much fun cooking can be during the two cooking shows he will perform. The first cooking show will be from 10 a.m. until noon, while the second cooking show will be from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 8th. Both cooking shows are free and will take place at the FRC with childcare provided. Each cooking show is limited to 150 participants and registration must be completed online using WebTrac. As the USAA Military Spouse Appreciation Week 2012 continues; check out the hottest styles and trends for teens, men and women as The Exchange partners with Family and MWR for the Fashion Show. Come see what awaits you in the fashion world with shows taking place at 10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 9th. The Fashion Show is free and each show is open to 150 participants. Registration must be completed online using WebTrac. Thursday, May 10, is a special day dedicated to fitness. Start bright and early at 6:30 a.m.
and join other early birds on the front lawn outside the FRC for a military style PT. No registration is required for early morning PT. Is 6:30 a.m. a little too early for you? Then come join some of the Estep Wellness Center staff as they host Yoga, Turbo Kick, and a three hour Zumba session at Joe Swing Recreational Facility. Participate in all the classes or what accommodates your workout tolerance. Online registration using WebTrac is required for the fitness portion taking place at Joe Swing. Participants need to make sure they wear appropriate workout attire and shoes, and bring your own towel for perspiration. Childcare is not provided for this day’s activities. Finishing up the week is the much anticipated Spa Night. Enjoy an evening of rest and relaxation on Friday, May 11th along with spa treatments, delicious food and vendor samples, a chocolate fountain with all of those tempting dip-able goodies, and fabulous give-aways. Spa Night starts at 6 p.m. at the FRC. No registration is required and spa treatment services will be issued to Spouses on a first come, first serve basis, one per person only. Childcare is provided for Spa Night. The USAA Military Spouse Appreciation Week 2012 would not be possible without the great support from the following sponsors: USAA, Fort Campbell Federal Credit Union, University of Phoenix, Mathews Nissan/Garland Nissan, The Exchange, Beauti-Control, Scentsy and many more. Become a fan of the Fort Campbell MWR Facebook page to be kept up-to-date on all the Spouse appreciation week information. For more information or assistance with WebTrac registration, please call the Family and MWR Public Relations Office at (270) 798-7535.
USAA Military Spouse Appreciation Week Schedule Day 1: Mon, May 7: Spouse Workshop Day, 8am-3pm @FRC. Registration required. Lunch and childcare provided. $15 fee.
Day 2: Tues, May 8: Cooking Show, 10am-12pm & 5:30pm-7:30pm @FRC. Registration required. Childcare provided.
Day 3: Wed, May 9: Fashion Show, 10am-12pm & 5:30pm-7:30pm @Joe Swing. Registration required. Childcare Provided.
Day 4: Thurs, May 10: Fitness Day, 6:30am-7:30am PT @FRC Lawn. No registration required. No childcare.
Day 4: Thurs, May 10: Fitness Day, 9am-10am Yoga @Joe Swing, 10:15am-11:15am Turbo Kick @Joe Swing, 12pm-3pm Zumba @Joe Swing. Registration required. No childcare.
Day 5: Fri, May 11: Spa Night, 6pm-9:30pm @FRC. No registration required. Childcare provided. **All activities and times subject to change. Please stay updated at www.fortcampbellmer.com
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Families in Motion
April Activities for Inside & Out by CynDe Clack Family fitness is great! What better way to enjoy being with your kids and promote healthy activities at the same time? This month we’re going to look at independent exercise habits, go on a scavenger hunt, and get ready for yard sale season. On days that live up to the old adage “April Showers”, try a Laundry Basket Scavenger Hunt.This activity will be fun and will keep you inside and dry. Each child picks a type of item to search for. It might be a good idea to keep the breakables
off limits! For example; the first child wants to hunt for books about animals. Mom (or Dad) carries the basket and, as a group, you go through every room of the house looking for books about animals to put in the laundry basket. Once the basket is full, each member of the Family, who can manage it, takes a turn lifting the laundry basket over their head eight times. Little ones can take one item out of the basket at a time until they are able to lift it overhead eight times. Count your items to see how you did then go back through the house to put them all back. The next child decides what they would like to search for and you start your search all over again. In addition to the fitness activities you can do together, a fitness-friendly household encourages appropriate fitness activities for each member on their own. Whatever the ages and stages of your children, there’s something for everyone.
• Encourage your kids to participate in an organized sport. It’s a great way for them to get some exercise while learning a new skill, sportsmanship and making new friends. CYSS Youth Sports offers a wide range of activities for youth, grades K-12. Like them on Facebook! • Shoo the children outside to shoot basketball, kick the soccer ball around or ride their bikes. In the May edition of “MWR Life for Families” magazine, we’re going to take advantage of the warm Spring weather and get outside. Read our Families in Motion series for the details.
Yard Sale Season Your junk is someone else’s treasure! Get the entire Family involved in sorting through unused items that could be used for a yard sale. This is more than just cleaning; it’s active and physical and that’s what you’re looking for. And the bonus is that the yard sale can provide funds for a fun Family activity!