Summer Safety & Fun
Editor
The dog days of summer have just begun! A big part of my life is music and this month hosts the CMA music fest in Nashville. Check out this three day event if you love music (p.s. it’s more than just country)! Have you ever pondered why music speaks to you? William covers this topic in his article on page 24. “Summertime” is usually on repeat on my MP3 player this time of year. What do you have planned for the all too quick summer break? This month, and all year long, MWR wants you to play safe! Whether taking a break from the outdoors, staying hydrated or being hyper aware of those we share the road with, you can never put a price on safety. Participate in a few activities on Fort Campbell we have highlighted in this issue and pick up the Summer Activities Brochure for camps, travel destinations and local activities to fill your days. On June 21, Passport to Safety will be hosted by the Installation Safety Office. Check out the article for additional information. I know my favorite part of summer is biting into a juicy ripe tomato, straight off the vine! CynDe touches on why gardening is so good for your Family and Char’ carries it over in her column. Jessica points out a few clean eating tips and why it is important to our health. Did you know we have an abundance of Farmer’s Market’s within driving distance? Make sure you talk to the farmer to ensure the items you purchase are actually organic. Whatever you choose to do this summer, have fun and stay safe!
Tara Goodson
Tara Goodson, Editor mwrlifeeditor@fortcampbellmwr.com
Contributors
Eden Barnett Alyssa Blakemore Nikki Boyer CynDe Clack William D. Corlew, III Charlene Frasher Susanne Hansen Bridgett Pickering Jessica Ryan Lisa Taylor
Inside this issue 3
Summer Fun at Fort Campbell Local activities and events to keep the summer blues at bay.
Publisher
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Summer Safety
Creative Director
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Country Music Takeover
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June Gardens and Water Fun
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The Army MWR Master Card
Creative ink Sears Hallett
Advertising
Jenny Roecker 931-627-4969 mwrmag@gmail.com
Photography
Paula Hallett Tara Goodson Deborah Young Tennessee Department of Tourism istock.com CEFutcher pg 4 dja65 pg 12 Fribble pg 12 paule858 pg 14 phototropic pg 4 pixefit pg 12 Big Stock Brebca cover Kent Weakley pg 6 Onebuckl pg 4 Studiolone pg 3 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
Safety awareness for all of us. This year’s CMA Fest is certain to entertain. Weeding and watering with your Family can be fun! Find out more about what is available to you.
10 Organic and Clean Eating
Local stores abound with organic choices.
12 Predeployment Purchases
Several of our Soldiers are gearing up again, and this article will help narrow down the choices on what to take overseas.
14 It’s in the Air!
Frisbee and golf? Give it a toss at the Oak Grove War Memorial Park’s course.
18 Blooming Appreciation
Did you miss out on Chef Jon Ashton’s show during Spouse Appreciation Week? You can still make these delicious treats!
20 Healthy Habits by Char
Freshness at local Farmer’s Markets.
21 The Face of the Military Spouse: Self-Business
Ever wondered if you can be successful as a home based business consultant? These three Spouses show us how it’s done!
24 In the Mood
How does the type of music you like affect your learning style?
25 Hometown Hero
SPC Boomer shows us how successful you can be, even after a break.
29 Happy Birthday Army! 237 years? You look so young.
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Spotlight on MWR
Summer Fun at Fort Campbell by CynDe Clack
Fort Campbell offers so much for your Family to do during the summer months - you’ll never want to leave post. Listed below are just a few of the many activities available for you and your Family.
Hooper Bowling Center Hooper Bowling Center is proud to participate in the Kids Bowl Free program for 2012. Registered kids receive 2 FREE games of bowling every day between May 15 and August 15! Ages 5 to 17 may participate in this program. The only charge will be for bowling shoe rental: kids will be $1 per pair and adults will be $1.75 per pair. Parents will sign up on line at www.kidsbowlfree.com, and then every Sunday night parents can print coupons to use during the week. Available times to bowl will be listed on www.fortcampbellmwr.com/dining/HooperBowling/index.html. Call (270) 798-5887 for more information.
MWR Youth Sports
Fort Campbell Aquatics Fort Campbell swimming pools offer a great way to beat the heat! Get ready for a splashing good time as the pools offer open swim, pool parties, swimming lessons and a variety of other activities to keep you cool over the summer. Scheduled pool opening dates are as follows: • Dolan Pool will be open for recreational swimming on the following schedule: o June, 7 days a week from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. o July, closed on Tuesdays o August, last operational day will be August 12 • Single Pool will be open for recreational swimming on the following schedule: o June, 7 days a week from 12 p.m. until 6 p.m. o July, closed on Saturday and Sunday o August, last operational day will be August 10 • Baldanado Pool will be closed for renovations. Open date subject to completion of renovations. • Gardner Indoor Pool will be open for recreational swimming daily from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. All dates and operational hours are subject to change. For more information on Fort Campbell Aquatics, please call (270) 798-6310.
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Youth Sports and Fitness offers a wide range of recreational and developmental activities for youth in grades K – 12. Eligible youth are Family members of active duty, retired military, National Guard/Reserve, and Civilian employees at Fort Campbell. Registration Dates: Tackle Football for 3rd through 8th grade is July 9 to August 3; the cost is $65. Cheerleading for K through 8th grade is July 9 to August 3; the cost is $40. Fall Soccer for Pre-K through 8th grade is July 9 to August 3; the cost is $40. Running Club for 3rd through 12th grades is July 9 to August 3; the cost is $50. Call (270) 798-3168 for more information.
Summer Reading Club “Reading is So Delicious” Summer Reading Club at R.F. Sink Library is for the entire Family. What’s cooking this summer? Six weeks of fun, that’s what - starting on June 10 and running through July 19. Reading rewards will be based on hours, not books, with check-in times between 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. June 18-21, July 2-5 and July 16-18. Teens check in time is the same as the children. There will be hourly prizes for reading and for every hour over six hours, tickets will be issued for special prize drawings.
There is no limit to how many hours you can read! Weekly themes will be: Mind Your Manners, The Perfect Picnic, Eat Your Veggies, Once Upon a Delicious Time, Apples & Oranges & Grapes, Oh My!, and What’s for Dessert? with a challenging brain puzzle each week. The “Reading Rocks Book Club” will meet on Tuesdays, June 12, 19, 26 and July 3, 10 and 17 at 1 p.m. during Summer Reading to discuss “The Great Redwall Feast” by Brian Jacques. Older kids will explore the luscious surprises and mystery in this great book. On June 12, 19 and 26 at 2:30 p.m. there will be Fancy Nancy events and on July 3, 10 and 17 at 2:30 p.m. there will be Horrible Harry Shindigs. Both classes are limited to 30 participants. Registration is required starting June 1 at the circulation desk. Ronald McDonald will be at the Grand Finale on July 19! The fun starts at 11 a.m. This program is sponsored by: USAA, Fort Campbell Federal Credit Union, Mathews Nissan/Garland Nissan and University of Phoenix. For additional information on the Summer Reading Program, please contact R. F. Sink Library at (270) 798-5729. Please download a complete Youth Summer Brochure to see information about EDGE, HIRED, SKIESUnlimited, Teen Club 24/7, Outdoor Recreation, Eagles Summer Program, School Age Services (SAS) Summer Camps, Armed Services YMCA Summer Camps, Summer Meal Program, DODEA Schools, Campbell Crossing Community Activities, Club Beyond, Fast & Fun Get-A-Ways with Leisure Travel Services, and off post information for the surrounding area. www.fortcampbellmwr.com/homepage/docs/2012 SummerYouth.
Spotlight on Safety
by Susanne Hansen As summer time approaches and temperatures rise, the urge to experience outdoor activities and travel is never more prevalent. Summer can be a great time of year. As children get out of school, Families will naturally want to get out and have some fun. Unfortunately, the summer months are a time of increased off-duty accidents and fatalities. For us, this is the perfect opportunity to holistically raise and reinforce safety messages across the installation to keep you healthy and enjoying the summer months. In support of National Safety Awareness initiatives, the Installation Safety Office and Community Health Promotion Officer will be holding a host of safety and fun events all month long. These events began with a Motorcycle Safety Day in May and continue with a three week long celebration concluding in a 4 hour main event on June 21. The prevention of motorcycle accidents and the development of good driving skills with safe habits are critical in improving readiness and can even develop Esprit De Corps. Leadership and Soldier education is the key in the development of safe motorcycle driving habits along with leader development through mentorship and personal discipline. The main event on June 21, entitled Passport to Safety, and the three weeks leading up to it, will incorporate the Division, Garrison, medical organizations, local community and state resources. These events will provide and reintroduce the Fort Campbell Community to installation and community wide resources that address
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Safety Awareness, Healthy Directions and Active Living concepts. Each week carries a theme that emphasizes various safety and health related topics and events. The Fort Campbell Courier, the Fort Campbell and ISO Facebook pages and other media venues will feature articles, safety bulletins and other safety and health information. During week one, Campbell Crossings will host a “Meet and Greet” in the Housing Community Centers in collaboration with the Department of Emergency Services for Soldiers and Family members to meet their Community Watch Commanders and Fire Marshalls. Week two will feature Basic Health screenings provided by BACH and hosted by the Exchange to be conducted in the Exchange atrium. The last week will involve Campbell Crossing hosting various fitness demos and one mile fitness walks within the Housing Communities sponsored by Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Sports and Fitness branch. The Passport to Safety main event will be comprised of partner organizations from Fort Campbell, the local community, Kentucky’s Land between the Lakes and Meharry Medical
College Child Safety Center in Nashville and Vanderbilt Life Flight promoting safety and health with displays and demonstrations. Partner organizations will provide information consisting of a wide variety of activities. Some of the biggest will be the Child Seat Safety Inspections and seat distributions, a Bike Rodeo, Smokey the Bear, Boating Safety, Camping Safety, Smoke House, Special Reaction Team and Fire Safety just to name a few. The Installation Safety Office and Community Health Promotion encourages Soldiers, Family and community members to come out and enjoy the fun and activities which will begin at 10 a.m. and last until 2 p.m. Along with an abundance of safety and health awareness information, there will be other fun activities for all ages such as a Rock Wall and Slip and Slide inflatable, music, snacks and refreshments. To find out more about the various Safety and Health Awareness Month events and happenings, check the MWR calendar, Fort Campbell and Safety Office Facebook pages, The Fort Campbell Courier and your local Exchange. As you enjoy the summer season, please remember to stay vigilant and take an active role in keeping yourself and your Family members safe.
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Country Music Takeover
This and That
by Nikki Boyer It’s that time of year again when thousands of fans come together to share a common interest; that commonality is country music. The 2012 Country Music Association (CMA) Music Festival in Nashville kicks off on June 7 and will run through June 10. The week begins with high school bands and new and upcoming artists parading through the streets of Music City as the first set of performers lead the “Block Party” on Riverfront Stage. This year, over 400 artists will occupy seven different stages downtown. While artists such as Jason Aldean, Carrie Underwood, Dierks Bentley, Lady Antebellum and many more will provide a weekend of music, they will also provide a full spectrum of fun and entertainment. On Saturday, the hottest stars will entertain fans with a comedic game of Celebrity Softball; tickets for this event can be found online and a portion of the ticket sales will benefit City of Hope Cancer research. While we spend much time discussing what famous musicians
we may see at Fan Fair, the purpose of the event proposes a larger vision. To date, 6.1 million dollars have been donated to the music education programs in the surrounding Nashville schools. “Keep the Music Playing” benefits 78,000 public schools in the Middle Tennessee area. The country stars of the CMA Music Festival donate their time and efforts to this cause and by doing so, the CMA Foundation is able to donate half of the proceeds to the charity. Tickets range from $50 per day, but the best deal is on a four day pass. You will have full access to all stages to include LP Field and Riverfront Stage; you will also have a chance to be up close and personal with your favorite stars. The four day pass gives VIP access to the Festival Hall of autographs where fans have the opportunity to have photos taken and aquire treasured signatures. The full weekend pass will also provide early admittance and stage front access to Fan Photo Lines at both stages and
June Gardens & Water Fun Did you get your garden started? If you haven’t gotten started yet, here are a couple of easy to grow selections with a short growing season and your kids will love to harvest them. Sunflowers will sprout in one week, become a small seedling in two weeks and should be two feet tall in a month. Cherry tomatoes can be planted in containers and are a very fun crop for kids. Plant them in full sun and use seedlings rather than planting from seed. Gardening and yard care are unique forms of exercise that allow you to do something calming, creative and fun while you work various muscle groups. As with other forms of exercise, you’ll need to start with some basic stretches so that your muscles are ready to go. Weeding is the least enjoyed chore in the garden but it has to be done. Weeds rob your plants of nutrients, crowd the roots, and often encourage pests. Just think of it as replacing a trip to the gym. Daily weeding is the most effective so that the weeds are small and have not had a chance to root too deeply. Once you have shown your children how to hand weed they can take responsi-
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shuttle service between venues. These magic tickets start at only $125 per person. Considering tickets for only one of these popular artists on a regular tour can range from $75 to $300, a pass that will get you over 400 hours of music is well worth the money spent. Last year, over 65,000 people per day toured through the Nashville area in order to see and hear some of their favorite and upcoming artists. Country fans from Boston, Indiana, and other northern states join together with Tennessee and Georgia in Nashville’s bars, restaurants and hotels. Come join the fun, and mix and mingle with fellow country music fans!
Families in Motion by CynDe Clack
bility for “their garden”. While they hand weed, you can use some small handheld tools like trowels, forked weeders, and three pronged rakes. These will increase your cardiovascular benefits from gardening. Watering should be done regularly; don’t let your plants dry out and then over water them to compensate. When the sun is out and the weather is warm, turn your garden watering into some water fun. Wear shorts or swim suits and be prepared to get wet! Be careful to move away from your garden area so you don’t soak the plants. For the best results, try to garden at least 30 minutes a day. If you’re busy and don’t garden for 30 minutes at a time, don’t worry. Even if you perform a few gardening and yard care tasks throughout the day, you’ll still benefit. For the next month – with the wonderful summer weather of July, we’re going to play in the water – a lot!
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Family Finances
The Army MWR MasterCard by Tara Goodson The economy has affected all of us, whether we have curtailed our spending habits or just paid more attention to how and where we spend our money. To be a smart consumer you should have a well rounded credit report. MWR and Chase Bank have paid attention as well and have put together a card to help you with the credit portion of your report. You might have noticed the Army MWR MasterCard brochures at the registers within several MWR businesses on Fort Campbell. You may have taken a glance or two at the brochure and then disregarded it as another credit card offer. Truthfully, it is a credit card offer, but one that can help you earn rewards and has several other benefits to you as a Soldier or Family member of a Soldier. Chase also gives back to our community when you use the card. The Army MWR MasterCard has a competitively low interest rate of
9.99% (prime+6.74%), compared to the national average of 16.3%. It also has the added benefit of a Military Customer Service unit available 24/7/365. You will earn 2% rewards for purchases made on
post, whether it is at a MWR business, the Exchange or the Commissary and you also earn 1% on all off post purchases. Plus the biggest benefit of all-the Blue Star Benefit! Any interest paid by the cardholder during a deployment cycle will be refunded by Chase post-deployment. Points you earn can be redeemed for cash back gift cards, merchandise, hotels, airline tickets and more. There are no foreign transaction fees, or annual fees and you are able to get additional cards for Family members if needed. Being smart about your money and spending habits helps you, and the Army MWR MasterCard helps the local community. Pick up an application at any of the MWR businesses on Fort Campbell, fill it out and send it in. You can also follow the link from www.fortcampbellmwr.com.
Body, Mind & Spirit
by Jessica Ryan Every time I walk by the organic section in the grocery store, I ponder whether I should consider purchasing organic products. My New Year’s resolution is to eat healthier and coming from the world of barbeque, Tex Mex and Ramen noodles, this goal was more much challenging than I thought. Furthermore, I am a budget conscious shopper. When I compare the prices between the organic and inorganic produce, I cannot help but ask myself whether organic products are really worth the price. What are organic foods exactly? According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), organic foods are foods that were produced without synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, irradiation or genetic engineering. In other words, a product must be grown without any pesticides, insecticides or chemicals. It also cannot be genetically altered or processed using irradiation (aka radiation exposure), industrial solvents or food additives. Regulating government bodies such as the USDA inspect and evaluate farms and processors to ensure that the USDA guidelines for organic products are met. Certified organic foods will have a “USDA Certified” label on them. This indicates that the product has 95 percent or more organic content. Now this sounds like a lot of fancy schmancy talk regarding food. I love junk food as much as the next person. I am sure that if I read the labels of the food I buy on a regular basis then I should be disgusted to find out how many nasty pesticides and chemicals are
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in them. However, I step back and question whether or not these chemicals and additives are truly that harmful to my overall health. To answer my question, I met LT Christina Deehl, Blanchfield Army Community Hospital (BACH)’s Chief of Clinical Nutrition and Registered Dietitian. LT Deehl says that organic eating is important for everyone since consuming pesticides, antibiotics and hormones (which are found in animal products like meat) is detrimental to our health. According to her, children and pregnant women are especially vulnerable to chemicals and pesticides. “As they are growing, babies and children can have developmental delays or they can have more allergies when there are additional chemicals in their food,” she states. As scary as this sounds, we can make easy lifestyle changes and limit consuming unhealthy foods. The first thing we can do is to change our diet. LT Deehl recommends that to add fruits and vegetables into our daily dietary intake. The USDA’s Food Pyramid states that we should have five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables per day. It seems like a lot, but fruits and vegetables are low in calories and high in fiber thus making us feel fuller throughout the day. Secondly, we should be more conscientious shoppers and consider buying organic products. This, of course, stems back to my original question: to purchase organic or not? Local grocery stores like the Commissary, Kroger and Publix sell organic products and have designated organic
sections. For a larger selection, health food stores such as Whole Foods Market, Trader Joe’s and the Turnip Truck are just a short drive away in Nashville. LT Deehl suggests that we should read food labels when we shop at the grocery store. She also stresses that organic does not always equal healthy. Products such as cookies, chips and other junk foods can be organic, but it does not mean they have fewer calories or are beneficial for your health. As mentioned above, organic products are typically more expensive than their inorganic counterparts. There are other alternatives if the cost of organic products does not fit within your budget. Farmer’s Markets and Co-ops are a good source for fresher produce. While the produce might not be certified organic, homegrown produce is better and sometimes cheaper. Clarksville’s Downtown Market, which opened on May 21, has produce stands. Additionally, BACH is starting an initiative to grow and harvest a garden in Fort Campbell. The garden will grow the highest quality and freshest herbs, vegetables and fruits. As a result, the produce from the garden will be used in BACH’s dining facility - Flo’s Place. Even though it might cost more money, an organic and cleaner diet is worth every penny. As the summer begins and more produce is in season, I know I will ditch the junk food and opt for some delicious fresh fruits and veggies. By watching what we eat, we can make small, yet effective, dietary changes which will benefit our health.
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Gadgets to Go For many Soldiers, a typical deployment packing list consists of necessary military gear required for a combat environment and a year away from home. However, modern technological conveniences make those nine to twelve months more bearable with the ability to communicate through e-mail or video chat, listen to music, watch movies, and so much more all from the comfort of your containerized housing unit (CHU). Likely you will be considering a variety of pre-deployment purchases. Following are some ideas for different items to consider, features to look for, and tips to transform you into a savvy consumer in preparation for your new home away from home.
The availability of the Internet in most combat zones places the laptop computer as perhaps the number one item of choice on pre-deployment shopping lists. A personal computer serves many purposes for deployed service members. For the homesick Spouse or parent, laptop computers provide a link to loved ones back home and a means of staying in touch with friends and Family all over the world. Used for anything from daily e-mails to instant chat conversations and Skype dates, very few Soldiers leave for deployment without one. The use of a computer also provides both a means of education for the degree seeking student and a source of entertainment for those seeking to escape the every day rigors of a demanding schedule. Whether it be on-line gaming or on-line classes, a personal laptop allows Soldiers a release from combat stress and a way to continue on with further schooling.
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Tech World by Alyssa Blakemore
While laptops are certainly a high priority, other items of interest include iPods and MP3 players. These little gadgets, valued for their small size and storage capabilities make them a great addition for that long flight from the Fort Campbell airfield to the mountains of Afghanistan. Download your favorite tunes from home onto one of these, and you will undoubtedly have hours of sweet release with the touch of a button. Some iPods also allow users to view downloaded movies or TV shows to pass the time away.
Avid readers constrained by space limitations find solace in thin, handheld devices that store limitless numbers of books, magazines, and other publications. Both Kindles and Nooks are a great purchase for those wanting a portable library. Leave those awkward hardcovers, paperbacks, and library cards at home, and be sure to download your favorite reads before heading out of the country. Check out Amazon for free downloads and ask Family members to send Amazon or Barnes and Noble gift cards to download more reading material during your deployment. Spare batteries, portable hard drives, digital cameras, and external webcams are just a few additional options considered by many Soldiers heading downrange.Whatever your packing list includes, don’t forget to pick up a voltage regulator if you want to avoid frying your newly purchased electronics. Check the voltage limits of the location you are heading to ahead of time, as
many US 110 appliances are shorted out when plugged into a 220 wall outlet. You may also wish to purchase a power cord to enable the use of multiple electronics at one time. Travel sized surge protectors are also a good choice to prevent electrical failure during frequent power surges. Last, but not least, be sure to do thorough research before making any final purchase decisions. Primary considerations should be practicality and cost. While various electronics add convenience and enjoyment for everyday activities, some may not be the most practical for the environment they will be used in. Consider the reliability of such items without the support of a help desk or the ability to readily service or replace damaged electronics. The effects of sand and extreme temperatures can also adversely affect your new equipment, so you may wish to look at the ratings and warranties of items you intend to purchase. Although deployments translate into extra monthly income, avoid financing if at all possible. Adding another long-term monthly payment into your budget reduces your ability to pay off debt or add to savings throughout the deployment. Saving cash for your purchase can help you avoid interest, fees, and other charges involved in many financing options. Be sure to do some cost comparisons when considering value and pricing among a variety of gadgets to get the best deal, and don’t forget to check the store’s return policy and warranty terms in case of malfunction or dissatisfaction. You may find the best price in your tax-free benefit – The Exchange! As always, check with your local Army Community Service Financial Readiness Office at (270) 798-5518 for consumer-related questions and one-on-one budget counseling.
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P R E S E N T S
MILITARY KIDS WEEKENDS! June 9-10 & June 23-24 All-Day Admission Only $15.99 Plus Tax Per Person! (50% Off Regular Admission)
ALL FRIENDS & FAMILY ARE INVITED! For tickets or more information, contact Eric McGee at (615) 889-7050 x221 or email emcgee@nashvilleshores.com
It’s in the Air!
Break Time
by Jessica Ryan Prior to writing this article, I honestly asked myself what on earth is disc golf! While I am familiar with golf and disc throwing, I could not imagine how both sports could be combined into one. To my surprise, I discovered that disc golf has been around for decades and it is rapidly growing in popularity. Also known as Frisbee Golf and Basket Frisbee, disc golf follows similar rules as its parent sports. The objective is to land the disc or Frisbee into the hole with the least amount of throws. The hole can be a number of targets, but the most commonly used target is an elevated metal basket. The player usually starts from the landing pad, throws the disc, and then must throw each consecutive shot from where the disc landed last. Eventually, the player can toss or putt the disc into the basket. Within the last decade, disc golf’s popularity grew significantly. The sport’s economic and health benefits could be the reason why. In comparison to traditional golf, disc golf is an inexpensive sport to play. Most disc golf courses, including the 18th Hole course located in War Memorial Park in Oak Grove, Kentucky, are free to
use. Discs are low-cost and can be purchased at most sporting goods stores. More importantly, disc golf is excellent for one’s physical and mental health. The sport provides low impact aerobic exercise and players are at little risk for physical injury. Additionally, players increase their concentration skills by learning how to aim the discs in the right direction. I decided to give disc golf a shot and found that the sport was mentally challenging yet relaxing. Even though I struggled with correctly serving the disc (which resulted in hitting a few trees and scaring some birds), I eventually got the swing of it. The best part was how relaxed I was throughout the whole experience. I am a terribly unathletic person and can become easily frustrated when playing sports. However, being in the calm wooded area allowed me to enjoy the game. Bring the Family, grab some friends or make it a date to the disc golf course. War Memorial Park is located off Exit 86 on Interstate 24 next to Valor Hall Conference and Event Center. For more information, please call the Oak Grove Tourism Commission at (270) 439-5675 or visit www.visitoakgroveky.com/index.html.
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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
Blooming Appreciation Recipes Quinoa and Black Bean Salad INGREDIENTS: 1 1⁄2 cups quinoa or brown rice (cous cous will work) 1 1⁄2 cups cooked black beans, rinsed if canned 1 1⁄2 tablespoons red-wine vinegar 1 1⁄2 cups cooked corn (cut from about 2 large ears) 3 ⁄4 cup finely chopped green or red bell pepper 2 pickled jalapeño chilies, seeded and minced (wear rubber gloves) 1 ⁄4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro • 5 tablespoons fresh lime juice, or to taste 1 teaspoon salt • 1 1⁄4 teaspoons ground cumin, or to taste • 1⁄3 cup olive oil In a bowl wash quinoa or (brown rice)in at least 5 changes cold water, rubbing grains and letting them settle before pouring off most of water, until water runs clear and drain in a large fine sieve. In a saucepan of salted boiling water cook quinoa 10 minutes. Drain quinoa in sieve and rinse under cold water. Set sieve over a saucepan of boiling water (quinoa should not touch water) and steam quinoa, covered with a kitchen towel and lid, until fluffy and dry, about 10 minutes (check water level in kettle occasionally, adding water if necessary). While quinoa is cooking, in a small bowl toss beans with vinegar and salt and pepper to taste. Transfer quinoa to a large bowl and cool. Add beans, corn, bell pepper, jalapeños, and coriander and toss well. To make dressing, whisk together lime juice, salt, and cumin in a small bowl and add oil in a stream, whisking. Drizzle dressing over salad and toss well with salt and pepper to taste. Salad may be made a day ahead and chilled, covered. Bring salad to room temperature before serving.
Grilled Peaches with Mascarpone Cheese INGREDIENTS: Olive oil • 6 canned peach halves • 2 tablespoons sugar 2 tablespoons orange juice • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese, room temperature 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract • 3/4 cup dry white wine Place a grill pan over medium-high heat or prepare the barbecue (medium-high heat). Lightly brush the grill pan or rack with oil. Place the peaches on the grill pan and do not move the peaches, otherwise you will not have those great grill marks. It takes about two to three minutes per side to get those grill marks. Grill the peaches until the grill marks are formed, slightly softened and heated through, about five to six minutes total. Meanwhile, stir the sugar, orange juice, and lemon juice in a medium bowl to blend. Set the citrus mixture aside. Stir the mascarpone and vanilla in a separate small bowl to blend. As the peaches are ready, remove them from the grill and place them in a shallow baking dish. Top them with the brandy mixture, and toss to coat. Set aside for 15 minutes and allow to marinate, toss occasionally. Divide the grilled peach mixture equally among 6 coupe dishes. Pour the wine over the peaches. Dollop the mascarpone mixture atop the peaches, and serve.
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Tried and True
by Chef Jon Ashton Chicken Salad with Citrus Dressing INGREDIENTS: 8 tablespoons lemon juice • 2 tablespoon Dijon mustard • 1 teaspoon sugar 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil 2 cooked roasted chickens, meat removed from the bones 2 medium-sized fennel bulbs, cored (ferns reserved and chopped) 1/2 pounds tender green beans (stem ends trimmed), blanched 3 cups ripe cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes, halved 3 tablespoons large capers, drained • 1 cup black olives 1/2 cup whole flat-leaf parsley leaves Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste Shred the chicken into large pieces. Place in a large bowl. Trim the fennel bulbs and slice lengthwise into strips 1/4-inch wide. Add to chicken with the green beans, tomatoes, capers, olives, parley, and chopped fennel ferns. Season with salt and pepper. Shortly before serving, toss with the vinaigrette to prevent the greens from discoloring.
Beef and Asparagus Wraps INGREDIENTS: 12 medium asparagus spears, trimmed by snapping off the ends where they break naturally • 1 teaspoon prepared horseradish, or more to taste 2 tablespoons light sour cream • Salt and pepper, to taste 6 ounces thinly sliced or shaved simply grilled London Broil, pot roast, or extra-lean deli roast beef Stovetop Instructions: Half-fill a large bowl with ice water. Place a steamer rack insert in a large pot. Fill the pot with water so it reaches just below the steamer rack. Place the pot over high heat, cover it with a lid, and bring the water to a boil. Add the asparagus, cover the pot (leaving the lid slightly ajar), and steam the asparagus until crisp-tender, 3 to 5 minutes, depending on thickness. Transfer the asparagus to the bowl of ice water to stop the cooking. Drain well. Microwave Instructions: Follow the directions above, except instead of steaming the asparagus, add one tablespoon of water and the asparagus to a medium microwave-safe bowl or dish. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high for one to two minutes, or until the asparagus is crisp tender. Transfer the asparagus to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking. Drain well. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix the horseradish and sour cream until well combined. Season with salt and pepper. Lay 1-1/2 ounces of the beef on a flat work surface or cutting board. Spread one-quarter (about 1/2 tablespoon) of the horseradish mixture over the beef, leaving a small border. Place three asparagus spears at one of the narrower ends of each beef slice so the tips hang over. Roll the beef around the bundle of asparagus until you reach the other end of the beef. Repeat with the remaining roast beef, horseradish mixture, and asparagus to create three more roll-ups. Serve immediately.
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Healthy Habits by Char by Charlene Frasher
Freshness Awaits You
I absolutely love this time of year! The sun is shining, the birds are chirping and everyone seems to be outside enjoying the beautiful weather. Families are bonding in outdoor activities, including gardening. If you are not lucky enough to have a green thumb, you should check out the local farmer’s market. If you have never been there, then you are missing out on a great experience!
Farmer’s markets can be found in practically every county across the nation. Each stand offers good quality food that ranges from local produce to meat or fresh baked goods and unique craft items. But - there are a few things to remember while shopping your local farmer’s market. First, be aware that not all farmer’s markets are exclusive to local farmers nor are they all considered “organic”. Some fresh fruits and veggies may be the same quality that you would find in your local supermarket and may actually have been imported from another state or country. Know what crops are in season. Having knowledge of what you are seeing on display offers an advantage to not only your wallet, but also your health. Nature that is manipulated by man doesn’t offer substance; it offers abuse. This leads me to the problem with the perfect apple or other seemingly perfect produce. A farm raised product will not be perfectly shaped; it will not come without flaws, but it will come with better
nutrients and minerals for your body. I suggest you bypass that shiny apple and take a bite into a less picture-perfect piece of sweet and juicy fruit that will really tantalize your taste buds. Local honey is imperative if you suffer from seasonal allergies and it can be found at almost every local farmer’s market. Remember, all vendors are competing for your business, so who you choose is entirely up to you. I suggest you walk around the market and see what is offered, and observe the interaction between the vendor and the customer. It’s not just the product or the price that matters in this case. The majority of local farmer’s markets are open this month. Be sure to check hours for each location as most are not open daily, nor are they exclusive to weekends only. You can find most local farmer’s markets online; www.picktnproducts.org is a great place to start! Research ahead of time and “know your farmer and your food” before you get caught up in the moment of freshness.
Keeping it Together
The Face of the Military Spouse: Self Employment by Eden Barnett
Michele Gayler
Jen Lutz Scentsy Consultant
Fran Dearman Tastefully Simple Consultant
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Stella & Dot Stylist
As a military Spouse, being self-sufficient is almost a necessity, if not absolutely necessary. There are long deployments, evenings spent home alone, and sudden moves away from established homes. In the turmoil of it all, keeping a job or establishing a career can be a daunting task. Some Spouses who made the best of it by pursuing their own business include Jen Lutz, an Independent Scentsy Consultant; Fran Dearman, a Tastefully Simple Independent Consultant; and Michele Gayler, a Stella & Dot Independent Stylist.
Michele: When I started my research, Stella & Dot sold itself to me. It had a web site, so you could go online and place an order. The way it is set up made sense to me. It was easy to see how you could be profitable quickly. Stella & Dot has online shopping, so I can email my friends all over the world. They can shop on my website and they don’t have to actually be here at Fort Campbell.
How long have you been involved with your business, and why did you choose it?
Jen: By far my Family and friends, but the product itself is amazing and I’d say rather addicting!
Jen: It was four years in February. I chose Scentsy because it was a new home-based business and I fell in love with the products immediately. Fran: September will be six years! My “why” has changed throughout the years, at first it was because I needed a life outside of the home. Our son was seven months old and I had no adult contact except when my husband came home from school before he went to study. Today, it is a source of income; we call it our fun money. Things we could not afford on my husband’s income alone, I pay for. We just took the kids to Disney for the first time. I just took us on our ten year anniversary trip to Cancun, Mexico for six days where we caught a Blue Marlin. The memories we have made are by far the ultimate reason for my “why” today. Michele: I have been with Stella & Dot for two years. I really liked the products and you have to believe in something to sell it. I liked the jewelry to wear myself and realized I could sell it and also get what I wanted! What made you decide to try starting your own business? Jen: I had just given birth to my second child and was going through my first deployment. I wanted something to do that would help me meet new people. Fran: I went to my first party in Alabama and fell in love with our Key Lime Cheese ball. I know it sounds dumb, but I thought why not get it at a discount? I never dreamed I would have come so far in my business, and that it would ever be this successful!
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What are some of the things that have helped make you successful?
Fran: Oh my! There are so many, from my fabulous loyal customers/friends, to my amazing team, I love them all. Even if we only converse via Facebook! Tastefully Simple offers a wide variety of training over the phone, with people from our headquarters team, to training with my sponsor, as well as three different conferences that I go to every year! We have an amazing backbone that supports our consultants 100% so that we can give our customers 100%. Michele: We’ve lived here a couple of years, so I know a lot of people, first of all. I also know a lot of the people in the community and have close friends that also have home based businesses. They really took me in and helped me meet more people to expand into the community. How does being in a military community affect your business? Jen: It has its pros and cons. Meeting new people has always been a pleasure of mine, but those good byes are so sad. I have been a part of births, weddings, welcome homes and good byes. I love that my Scentsy Family has expanded through out the US. Fran: Oh my does it ever. Our Tastefully Simple team is 97% military wives! We live all over the place, from here in Tennessee/Kentucky, to Louisiana, New Jersey, Alaska, even in Korea, and Germany! There are so many other states that our team is placed in. How neat would it be to say that you have a team member located in each state?
We do have a Team Goal to be the FIRST Senior Team Mentor “Military” team,before the end of the year. That is all the way to the top of the company, only two promotions to go, we have this! Michele: I think that military Spouses are very receptive to home based business, more so than anybody else because we do understand that we are going to be moving. We have to have something that will go with us. I think we’re better at understanding the need for home based businesses, I guess it’s the best way to put it. What advice do you have for those that are thinking about trying to do something similar? Jen: I always tell anyone who asks me; to remember you will have to spend to make in the beginning, and you have to work for what you want. Setting goals will bring great success. Fran: I know a lot of military wives try things out, the best advice I can giveis find something you love! This is not something that happens over night; effort equals earning, you will get what you put in. If you love what you do its okay to take a step back, regroup and go at it again. Consumable products should be a must when looking into a business. It is great for reorders and business growth. I guess I got lucky, I sell to people who eat; who do you know that doesn’t eat? Michele: For a home based business, I know we discussed the benefits of it, but you do have to have that discipline. You have to be willing to sitdown and make phone calls and connect to people when you’d rather be doing something else. You really have to be motivated to do it and you have to figure out what it is you want to gain from this and use that to keep you going forward. You have to have a tough skin and realize that not everybody wants to buy what it is that you’re selling. You also have to be a people person; you have to like people to do a home based business because it’s all about those personal connections.
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In the Mood
Train Your Brain
by William D. Corlew, III Like many adults in the surrounding community, I enjoy my time away from work, spending time with friends and Family or squeezing in time for errands. In between getting haircuts, the tailor shop and cleaner's, and the auto-parts store and mall, the rest of my time is in front of the TV. Scrolling through the channels, I may catch a decent game or two, a “B” quality sci-fi movie, or a great re-run. But what I noticed during this search for quality programming is - where are the music videos? It appears that most music television is burdened either with infomercials or reality shows. Other than the occasional internet download or the every-hour on-thehour radio hit, it's difficult to find great quality music, especially music that enhances your mood. From the infamous actor and mime, Marcel Marceau, “Music conveys moods and images. Even in opera, where plots deal with the structure of destiny, its music, not words, that provide power.” And similar to an opera, music possesses the ability to get you motivated, cause reverence, feel passionate, fall in love, and inspire patriotism. Just listening to Whitney Houston's version of the National Anthem or Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA” evokes a feeling of pride and respect for our nation, our people, and our way of life. The words and inflection expressed by both artists are so unique that it's easy to conjure the memory of a specific place, time, or person whom you were with. There are many benefits of music. Music can help you memorize complex themes faster or mundane tasks more efficiently, like singing the Bee Gees, “Staying Alive” while performing CPR compressions (no pun intended) or when you were younger, learning the letters of the alphabet to a melodious mnemonic. Its interesting listening to children sing the letters of the alphabet, because it always sounds like “L-M-N-O-P” are one entirely long-letter. There are three main types of adult learners: visual learners, who learn using pictures or images; auditory learners, who prefer to hear the message first before
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reading about it; and kinesthetic learners who incline toward hands-on learning. Methods to enhance learning or comprehension frequently incorporate all three types. Consequently, technological advances in music and media exploit all three types as well. However, music also has therapeutic benefits, and according to the American Music Therapy Association, “music is curative and restorative for a wide variety of conditions, even as aid to help with physical
rehabilitation and assisting those with disabilities, ease the pains of chemotherapy, lower anxiety, and contribute to a restful sleep.” But what about mood and how can music affect the way you learn? First, the most listened to songs according to sales in America in 2011 were: Pop, Rock, R & B, Country, Classical, Dance, Rap/Hip-hop, and Jazz. Second, we need to determine the various personality traits according to the various types of music available. According to www.outofservice.com/music-personality-test, an on-line music personality survey, there are four main dimensions that determine your
specific personality, according to the types of music you prefer. The Reflective and Complex category includes people who enjoy Classical, Blues, Jazz, and Folk. The Edgy and Aggressive category includes people who enjoy Alternative, Rock, and Heavy Metal. The Fun and Simple category includes people who prefer Pop, Religious, Country, and Soundtrack Music; and the Energetic and Upbeat category includes the group who is fond of Hip-hop, Funk, Soul, and Electronic music. According to outofservice.com if you score high in the Reflective and Complex category, you tend to be open to new experiences, creative, intellectual, and enjoy trying new things. After a hard day of work you may find yourself reading a book or watching a documentary. People who score high in the Edgy and Aggressive category tend to be dominant, imaginative, and energetic. While they are not at work, they enjoy watching action, science fiction, fantasy, combat, or horror movies. If you score high in the Fun and Simple category, you tend to be sociable, forgiving, happy, reliable, and athletic; when you are away from work, you probably enjoy reading fashion or sports magazines, watching a major motion picture, musical, western movie, or comedy. The Energetic and Upbeat category includes people who tend to be extraverted, relaxed, romantic, creative, and physically active; they also enjoy watching action movies, sci-fi, gangster movies, and comedies. These are general characteristics, but taken very light heartedly and overall, people typically tend to move in and out of any one category because of mood. For example, I can imagine a person who is Reflective and Complex at a party with someone who is in the Energetic and Upbeat group. The difference is that the Energetic and Upbeat person (extraverted) may persuade the Reflective and Complex individual (intellectual) to be the designated driver, while the Fun and Simple (socialites) plan, organize, text, and tweet your every move (in an attempt to sway the Edgy and Aggressive from the rock climbing wall). So have fun and enjoy yourselves this weekend while learning and listening to music.
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Hometown Hero
One Soldier’s Dedication to Family and Duty by Lisa Taylor a choice. You can choose to do right or you can choose to do wrong. Because I had my son, I always wanted to do the right thing to make sure I set the right example, so that he would make better decisions when he got older. Now that my son has grown up and started his career I can’t take care of him anymore, but I do have 100 plus Soldiers I take care of now. MWR Life: Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give your younger self, for example when you first enlisted 20 years ago?
Fort Campbell’s fighting force is a notable foe because of the diverse culture, history and perspective of the individuals who serve this great nation. Our past features have spotlighted an array of heroes ranging from a Bronze Star Medal with Valor recipient, to a Soldier who broke the Air Assault School Ruck March record. This month we are featuring SPC Betty Boomer, age 39, who I see as the strength, backbone and nurturing female Soldier of 159 Aviation. MWR Life: Tell me about yourself. What is your background, MOS, and how long have you been in the Army? SPC Boomer: I am from North Carolina and my MOS, to fill the needs of the Army, is a Water Treatment Specialist. However, currently I am the Orderly Room Clerk and I take care of 170 Soldiers and any type of administrative paper work that needs to be completed. I am prior service, I joined the Army 20 years ago, served for eight years and I was a single mom. I decided to get out of the Army to raise my son. I never really wanted to get out, but I felt my son needed me more. I didn’t want him to become a statistic. Even though I loved being a Soldier and loved the Army, I loved my son more. He has recently graduated and joined the Air Force
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so momma thought she would come back and finish up her military career for retirement. MWR Life: Why did you join the Army the first time, 20 years ago? SPC Boomer: Being young and 18, I was ready to get out of the house. I had just finished 12 years of school and I wanted to travel and see the world. I wanted to see if there was anything else out there because I grew up in the country. I loved it, and plan on going back one day, but I just really wanted an adventure and to be able to get out and explore the world. Even when I got out of the Army the first time, I kept in touch. I always knew I would re-enlist. I’ve always been a Soldier and I have always conducted myself in a Soldierly manner, because in 1992, the Drill Sergeants were really tough and they instilled really good qualities in me. I made my life successful by keeping that with me the whole time. MWR Life: How has the military helped you become who you are today? SPC Boomer: The Army instilled the discipline and the qualities in me as a Soldier to respect myself, to respect others, to always think about everything I do first, before I act. Everybody has
SPC Boomer: Say what you mean and mean what you say. If you expect people to respect you, you have to respect them as well. You have choices in life. However, with the Army downsizing right now, you may not have a choice any more. If you want to make the Army your career, remember that you are not just a Soldier from nine to five. I am a Soldier 24/7. Even out of this uniform I want to conduct myself in a professional manner and I want to be respectful. I love putting on this uniform, coming to work and taking care of Soldiers.
MWR Life: What would you say are some of your greatest achievements while you have been in the Army? SPC Boomer: I feel like I am more physically fit now than I was the first time around. I guess it’s a mental thing, because I know I’m with 18, 19 and 20 year olds, so I push myself because I have to. I may need a nap after PT, but I really push myself to make sure I meet the standards. I can’t expect any Soldier to do anything I am not willing to do myself. Every day I am here, I take it to the max because that is what the Army pays me to do. MWR Life: What differences did you notice from your first deployment to Kuwait during Desert Storm and this time when you deployed to Afghanistan?
MWR Life: What is one of the most significant differences you have noticed from when you were first enlisted versus this time? SPC Boomer: I read an article in the Army Times discussing the change in standards, and I agree that standards have been lowered, but I do understand that in a time of war you have to recruit people to fight this war. The Army standards are really not that hard to meet. You only have to meet 60% of the physical fitness aspect to pass your PT test. I am not a 60% person; I always strive for 110%. Considering my age, I may not be able to keep up but I refuse to fall behind. The major difference is that the discipline is not as rigorous as it used to be.
you have to do. If you have the opportunity, go to every board and make your rank. Be at the right place, at the right time, in the right uniform, and you can go really far. Give 110% at everything you do. If you plan on making the military your career, don’t wait until you are at your four year mark to start planning your future.
SPC Boomer: I was a kid when I went to Kuwait. I was with my unit for only two weeks before we deployed. I was fresh out of Basic and AIT. I didn’t know what to expect, but because I was with older people who had deployed before, they took care of me. Back then the NCOs took care of me. Everybody was like a Family. This time around, I was the more mature Soldier and I had to look out for the junior Soldiers, keep them calm, make sure they were straight and let them know that they could come to me and talk to me about any and everything, especially the females. This is still a man’s Army and I was trying to be that positive female for them to turn to, just to let them know that hey, you can do this, we’re in this together, I’ve got your back and you’ve got mine. We both are going home so if we all stick together, respect each other, we will get home.
MWR Life: What advice do you have for other single Soldiers? SPC Boomer: The slogan for the Army when I first came in was, “be all you can be”. Go to school. You have the opportunity to go to school for free, take advantage of this opportunity. You can do anything you want. Respect yourself, respect others, do what
26
DON’T JUST SITT ME IN ANOTHER DESK DESK.
At CTU we know the sacrifices you make. Your education shouldn’t be one of those sacrifices. We offer support for current and veteran Army personnel and their families.
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*Not all credits eligible to transfer. See the university’s catalog regarding CTU’s transfer credit policies. Find disclosures on graduation rates, student financial obligations and more at www.coloradotech.edu/disclosures. Not all programs are available to residents of all states. CTU cannot guarantee employment or salary. 131-30576 278552 04/12
In the Know
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ARMY! by Bridgett Pickering Over the last 237 years, the United States Army has become the largest, well-established branch of the U.S. military. During the time of the American Revolution, there was no specified Army other than a group of volunteer amateur troops combined together to fight. There was no chain of command to obey. All of these volunteers were equipped, paid and led by the colonies from which they came. On June 14, 1775, the United States Army was founded when the Continental Congress approved enlistment of riflemen to serve the United Colonies for one year. After this approval, George Washington was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army. Since its origination, the Army has had many defining moments in American history. From winters at Valley Forge to
operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, every accomplishment associated with the Army has become an accomplishment for America.
This is why every year Army installations and communities across the globe celebrate the growth and accomplishments of the United States Army. With more than three
million Soldiers currently serving this nation, it is important to take time to honor Soldiers, their Families, Retirees and the Army Civilians that serve both at home and overseas. Every year the Army hosts birthday events on garrisons around the world. The annual Army Birthday Ball held every year in Washington, D.C., will be on June 16. The Pentagon also celebrates this special day with a giant birthday cake, which is shared with Soldiers. For information on Army birthday events at Fort Campbell, please contact the MWR Public Relations office at (270) 798-7535. You may also visit our website at www.fortcampbellmwr.com. For weekly updates from MWR straight to your email inbox, sign up for our E-News on the home page of the website.