Love fall? There’s plenty to do during this beautiful season! | Be Safe - a look at domestic violence | Your health and how to be breast cancer aware - October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Falling in Love with Autumn
celebrations throughout the world
OCTOBER 2011
OKTOBERFEST FORT GORDON’S BARTON FIELD
OCTOBER 13-16 FRIDAY 4:00 P.M. 5:00 P.M. 6:45 P.M. 7:00-11:00 P.M.
CARNIVAL OPENS MUSIC STARTS KEG TAPPING AND VIP WELCOME THE GOOTMAN SAUERKRAUT BAND WITH SPECIAL GUESTS LORELEI AND SCHATZI
SHORT PERFORMANCES WITH FOLK DANCERS • MUSIC FROM DJ DURING BREAKS
SATURDAY 9:00 A.M.-2:00 P.M. NOON-4:00 P.M. NOON- 6:00 P.M. NOON-11:00 P.M.
FLEA MARKET BOSS CAR & BIKE SHOW KID’S CORNER LIVE ENTERTAINMENT THE U.S. ARMY SIGNAL CORPS BAND MUSIC BY LORELEI AND SCHATZI THE GOOTMAN SAUERKRAUT BAND
SHORT PERFORMANCES WITH FOLK DANCERS • MUSIC FROM DJ DURING BREAKS
SUNDAY NOON 1:00-5:00 P.M.
LIVE DJ THE GOOTMAN SAUERKRAUT BAND
SHORT PERFORMANCES WITH FOLK DANCERS • MUSIC FROM DJ DURING BREAKS
CARNIVAL PRICES THURSDAY – 4:00-10:00 P.M. FRIDAY – 4:00-11:00 P.M. SATURDAY – 10:00 A.M.-MIDNIGHT SUNDAY – NOON-6:00 P.M. INDIVIDUAL TICKET PRICES
$10 ARMBANDS UNDER 48” – $10 | 48” & OVER – $20 UNDER 48” – $10 | 48” & OVER – $20 $10 ARMBANDS 24 TICKETS FOR $20
706-791-6779 OR WWW.FORTGORDON.COM
CARNIVAL: THURSDAY-SUNDAY
FUN FOR FAMILIES: THURSDAY • 4:00-10:00 P.M.
FLEA MARKET: SATURDAY • 9:00 A.M.-2:00 P.M.
SIGNAL CORPS BAND: SATURDAY
THE GOOTMAN SAUERKRAUT BAND: SATURDAY & SUNDAY
LORELEI & SCHATZI: SATURDAY
KID’S CORNER: SATURDAY • NOON-6:00 P.M.
BOSS CAR & BIKE SHOW: SATURDAY • NOON-4:00 P.M.
SALUTE THE TROOPS: SUNDAY • NOON-6:00 P.M.
Gordon 2 | FYI OCTOBER 2011Highway
BUY. DRINK. REPEAT.
We serve Seattle’s Best! Large screen TV's • X-box 360 • Volleyball • Ping Pong Mid-week Movie Night - Every Wednesday 6.30 p.m.-9 p.m. (current releases) Call for drink specials! Located on Chamberlain Avenue, across the street from Darling Hall. (706) 791-2369
www.fortgordon.com | 1
Contents 40
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From the cover The cover art by Creative Director, Nathan Hoeller, was inspired by fall in October. One of the best things about being a kid was letting go and jumping into a huge pile of leaves. Remember that feeling? We wanted to take you back!
2 | FYI OCTOBER 2011
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October 2011 In Every Issue 5 Editor’s Notes 7 Around Town Calendar 8 Events with Swami 9 Customer Care Zone 10 Reflections 11 Your Health 13 Restaurant Reviews 16 Service Member Stories 18 Letters from Home 20 Boots on the Ground 27 This Month in MWR 52 From the Bookshelf 53 Music Box 55 Tech Ninja 57 Gaming Page 59 Movie Review 61 Director’s Chair 62 Snapshot 63 Next 64 In Focus
Features 22
Angelic Halos – Helping Women Cope with Chemotherapy Cris Elder, a retired service member, is a case manager at DDEAMC. She also helps women through the trauma of losing their hair due to chemo by providing them with “Halos” – a reversible head scarf that not only meets their needs for function, but looks good too.
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SafeHomes: Transforming victims of domestic violence into survivors People don’t like admitting domestic violence exists – after all, it is getting into someone’s personal life and that makes us feel uncomfortable. But we have to get beyond that, victims of domestic violence need our help. SafeHomes, Inc. is doing its part and we find out how.
44 Falling in Love with Autumn The fall season is full of celebration and festivities. The FYI takes a closer look at the many ways we welcome this beautiful time of year.
50 Fall at Fort Gordon Want to do something new? There’s plenty going on both on and off post – take a look!
Contributors Ashlie Crabtree
Jeff Haskell
Kathleen Haskell
Nathan Hoeller
Susie Joyner
Jeremy Swift
Molly Swift
Jerry Swain
Amanda Thibault
Jonathan Thibault
Nick Spinelli
Steve Walpert www.fortgordon.com | 3
Making wedding days deliciously memorable... GORDON’S CONFERENCE & CATERING CAN PROVIDE YOU WITH A PROFESSIONAL MENU FOR YOUR WEDDING DAY Choose from a selection that includes such favorites as Dancing Coconut Brazilian Shrimp, Mediterranean Brochette Bar, Ginger Glazed Atlantic Salmon and a Fresh Fruit Mirror For a full selection of menu items, contact Janice Ivey at Gordon’s Conference & Catering Janice Ivey, Caterer: (706) 791-6780 Catering Hours: Available for catering seven days a week Booking hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. • No appointment needed Monday-Friday, after 5 p.m. by appointment Saturday & Sunday, by appointment only
19th Street, Building 18402 • (706) 791-6780 • Fax (706) 793-7414 Business Managers: Lawrence Jackson and Chris Logue • Caterer: Janice Ivey 4 | FYI OCTOBER 2011
editor’snotes Molly Swift, Editor
I cannot help but be incredibly excited about this month, for so many reasons.
OCTOBER 2011
First and perhaps the most obvious, it’s October! Once again, we’re cooking and eating yummy, comforting food, celebrating with friends and family, really getting outdoors more often and loving this weather. Fall in and around Fort Gordon is exciting! It’s packed full of great festivities, like Fort Gordon’s Oktoberfest and the Westobou Festival. Farmers markets are putting out gourds and pumpkins, the leaves are turning and now is the perfect time to take advantage of outdoor MWR activities, such as horse riding at Hilltop. And there’s the king-daddy of them all: Halloween. Even if that’s not your cup of tea, I’m sure you’ll discover plenty that is throughout these pages!
Staff
The second reason is down to the creative geniuses I’m so lucky to work with who have ramped up their game and knocked out a fantastic issue. Thank you to Nathan Hoeller, the marketing team, our MWR colleagues and awesome writers! We have a new look and with it, more new features and extras. In addition to our specialist critics and commentators, we welcome our service member and family members who have generously given their time for this issue. And we always want to hear about you and from you! When you go to one of MWR’s events like The Soldier Show, or possibly even one off post, keep an eye out for us - you could be featured in Snapshots! We have competitions and giveaways heading your way, both in person and virtually, so connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.
Command
And that leaves the final reason. The features in this issue are full of so many good people. Retired service member, Cris Elder astounded me by showing how deeply one person can care and make an impact on so many others. Her beautiful Angelic Halos give a much needed boost to women who lose their hair during chemotherapy treatments. And SafeHomes’ Meghann Eppenbrock talked me through the challenging issue of intimate partner violence with intelligence and compassion – I believe everyone can benefit from hearing more about the incredible, life-saving services SafeHomes, Inc. provides.
DFMWR Administration
I hope you agree with me – October is just fabulous! (You know, if you don’t agree, you can always tell us what you’d like to see featured.) But for now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go rake up some leaves into a giant mountain. My inner eight-year old is telling me I’m going to enjoy this!
The Fort Gordon FYI is a publication produced by the Marketing Office of the Fort Gordon Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare & Recreation. The appearance of sponsorship and/or advertising does not imply an endorsement by the U.S. Army.
Molly Swift Editor Nathan Hoeller Creative Director Bartley Harper Senior Graphic Designer/Webmaster Jenifer Immer Graphic Designer Heather Addis Staff Writer Ashlie Crabtree Staff Writer
MG Alan R. Lynn Commanding General COL Robert A. Barker Garrison Commander
Mr. James T. Green Director, DFMWR Midgee Hazelrigs Chief, NAF Support Services Kim Lyons Marketing Director
FYI Advertising and Sales
Anna Gaillard Corporate Sponsorship & Sales Manager
Contact Information
Darling Hall, Room 337 P.O. Box 7180 Fort Gordon, GA 30905 Office.................................................. 706.791.6779 Fax...................................................... 706.791.7189 Editor................................................... 706.791.6234 Sales.................................................... 706.791.3912
www.fortgordon.com
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Polo and Balloon Festival October 28-29
Stormbranch Equestrian Club Admission is free with a donation to the families of our Service Men and Women from Fort Gordon
Schedule of Events Friday (October 28)
Saturday (October 29)
3:00 p.m. Gates Open 4:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m. Mass Ascension 5:00 p.m. Polo Game 6:00 p.m. Band 7:00 p.m. Fireworks
6:30 a.m. Gates Open 7:00 a.m. 7:30 a.m. Mass Ascension 8:00 a.m. Polo Game 9:30 a.m. Shut Down
3:00 p.m. Gates Reopen 4:30 p.m. Band 5:30 p.m. Polo Game 7:00 p.m. Balloon Glow/U.S. Army Signal Corps Band Concert/ Trick or Treat between balloons
Hot Air Balloons • Balloon Race • Fireworks • Balloon Glow Food & Drink Concessions • Trick or Treating Concerts by the U.S. Army Signal Corps Band 6 | FYI OCTOBER 2011
www.fortgordon.com
A
Around Town
October
Reinventing Radio: An Evening with Ira Glass 1 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Westobou Festival with the Augusta State University Lyceum Series presents “Reinventing Radio: An Evening with Ira Glass”. Ira Glass began his career at NPR in 1978 and presented the debut broadcast of This American Life in 1995 and today it is heard on more than 50 stations by approximately 1.7 million listeners. He has built his reputation on careful journalism, an innate ability to find interesting details in common occurrence and an innate gift for storytelling. The This American Life podcast regularly ranks as one of the most popular in the country. For more information, call (706) 667-4100.
Augusta State University’s Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre | 2500 Walton Way | Augusta GA
The Art of Film Editing: An Evening with Katie McQuerrey
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7 p.m. Katie McQuerrey is a feature film, television, and documentary film editor based in New York but known for her work with some of Hollywood’s best. Since 2002, she has worked with Joel and Ethan Coen and has been a key member of their post-production team. Films she has worked on include The Ladykillers, Intolerable Cruelty, No Country for Old Men, Burn After Reading, A Serious Man and True Grit. Katie will offer her unique insight on the art of editing and will share her work with the Westobou audience. Admission: $10 general public, $5 for seniors, free to ASU students, faculty and staff. For more information, contact Leza Witherington, Department of Communications and Professional Writing, at (706) 729-2416.
Augusta State University, SAC Ballroom | 2500 Walton Way | Augusta GA
2011 Taste of Wine & Art
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7 p.m.-10 p.m. Aiken’s select restaurants and caterers will feature an assortment of culinary arts with an emphasis on delectable foods. Beyond the traditional fine wines, there will be an array of outstanding beers plus a wide selection of special non-alcoholic beverages. Also included will be a Silent Auction focused on dinner gatherings, event packages, destination getaways, sports opportunities, etc. – especially for this event. Tickets are $50 per person. Call (803) 641-9094 for more details.
Aiken Center for the Arts’ | 122 Laurens Street SW | Aiken SC
Time to Scare Halloween Carnival 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. WRDW Channel 12, Clear Channel Radio and The Augusta Recreation, Parks & Facilities Department team up each year for this annual event for those in the CSRA. This event is free for children 12 and under. A haunted house and game carnival will keep your ghosts and goblins entertained the whole time! Come dressed in your best Halloween costumes and enter to win the Costume Contest during the event. For more information call (803) 278-1212 or (706) 821-1754.
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Diamond Lakes Community Center | 103 Diamond Lakes Way | Hephzibah GA
www.fortgordon.com | 7
eventswithswami Balloon Fest
Jerry “Swami” Swain, Special Events Coordinator
Back by popular demand! The Ford Trucks Polo and Balloon Festival 28-29 October 2011, located in beautiful Aiken, South Carolina at the Stormbranch Equestrian Club. Admission is FREE with a donation at the gates – all donations go to programs that support the families of our service members! The other reasons you attend such a gala affair? Hot Air Balloons in every shape, size and color you can imagine. Also on the agenda: Balloon races, fireworks, Balloon Glow, food and drink concessions, trick or treating and music from our very own US Army Signal Corps band! This event is unlike any other in the CSRA – open to all and suitable for all ages. Come out to Aiken and enjoy some spectacular sights! For a full schedule of events, check out our site, www.fortgordon.com.
8 | FYI OCTOBER 2011
customercarezone Spotlight of the Month: Survivor Outreach Services Jeff Haskell, Customer Service Program Coordinator
Survivor Outreach Services (SOS) is an Army-wide program that provides dedicated and comprehensive support services to Survivors of deceased Soldiers. The program is designed to ensure that the Army fulfills the Army Family Covenant with Survivors through: • improving Soldier and Family preparedness in the event of a catastrophic loss • maximizing cooperation between government and non-government agencies to support families • ensures survivors receive all benefits to which they are entitled • encourages survivors to remain an integral part of the Army family as long as they desire Our Fort Gordon SOS team consists of Suzanne Crosby, Karen Lewis, and Lisa Modlin. Karen and Suzanne provide supportive services and financial education and work for Army Community Service. Lisa is the Casualty Assistant Center Benefits Coordinator, works for the Directorate of Human Resources. These three talented individuals are dedicated to providing high quality services and exceptional customer care. So, when you visit our SOS office, what can you expect? The first thing you should expect is to be treated as a valued and respected individual. The SOS team has a genuine love for people and desire to help them live with the tragic loss of a loved one. “A lot of our members (customers) just want someone who will listen to them”, Suzanne Crosby said. “They want someone who will empathize and sometimes even sympathize with want they are going through. It takes a lot of patience and willingness to listen.” “I remember someone who wanted an arts scholarship”, said Karen Lewis. “I looked and looked all over. I wasn’t sure if there would be anything out there but I was determined to find something.” Karen went on to say she finally identified a potential resource, made several phone calls, and was able to secure the member a scholarship. “I also make follow up calls to members. Sometimes I want to find out how they’re doing because I haven’t heard from them in a while.” Lisa Modlin, the newest SOS team member, feels strongly about going the extra mile to care for customers. “My husband and I are
both former Soldiers. I treat people the way I want my family to be treated when I pass away.” Lisa went on to say her past experience as a Family Readiness Support Assistant provided her invaluable assistance in dealing with people in extremely stressful situations and knowledge of various resources available throughout the area. You should also expect a high quality service from our SOS team. Karen feels that is not only important to identify a potential resource, but also ensure a smooth referral. “Sometimes our members are emotionally distressed. Sometimes they are unfamiliar with the military system or Fort Gordon. Instead of telling them to go to room 224, I take them there. We are here to be their advocates - to get them what they need and deserve. Wherever I refer them to, I try to touch base with them to see how it went and what else I can do.” All our SOS team believes obtaining command support and advocacy for their members is critical in providing quality services. Suzanne has obtained the garrison commander’s assistance on several occasions to remove bureaucratic red tape. “The intervention of our garrison commander has been crucial in helping several of our members receive benefits in a timely manner. There have also been times where having a command presence in the room to empathize and listen had a phenomenal impact.” As an SOS member, you should expect innovative services designed to meet your needs. “No two members are alike”, said Suzanne. “We have to constantly look for new services and resources to match the needs of our members.” Karen adds the loss of an adult may also mean losing a mother, father, or older brother/sister to children. “It can be really hard on children. They may not always express what they feel or need. We are here
to help children, too.” Karen is in the process of enhancing the Fort Gordon SOS children’s program. SOS members should expect timely, accurate, and helpful information. For Lisa, providing timely, accurate, and helpful information is paramount. “With all the constant changes in laws, policies, and available resources we have to be on our toes. It is a constant thing.” The SOS team uses every communication method available to inform members about current happenings. “We use snail mail, Twitter, Facebook, email, a newsletter and telephone calls to keep people informed on what’s happening.” Karen stated. “If they want us to call because they also want someone to talk to, then that’s what we do. I like doing that.” Finally, SOS members have opportunities to provide feedback on services provided. “We also seek member feedback. We do this through ICE (Interactive Customer Evaluation), evaluations, surveys, and faceto-face.” Suzanne stated. What do SOS members say about SOS? The current SOS ICE customer satisfaction rate is 100%. I’d say that’s not too shabby for a team of three responsible for helping over 700 identified members in an area stretching from Burke County to the east Atlanta metro area and up to the Georgia-North Carolina border. Keep doing what you’re doing - you guys rock! ..............................................................................
For more information about SOS: (706) 787-1767/4767 Gordon.sos@conus.army.mil www.facebook.com/SOSFortGordon http://twitter.com/SOSFortGordon Karen Lewis (left) and Suzanne Crosby of the Fort Gordon SOS team.
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“Everyone must take time to sit and watch the leaves turn” -Elizabeth Lawrence
Homes Available Now at Choose your home today and move in tomorrow! Pets are welcome * No application fees No deposits No pet deposits FREE Landscaping 24-hour emergency maintenance Gated community Resident Activities Tot lots and playgrounds
Please contact our office at 706.772.7041 for details!
*Restrictions apply see Leasing Specialist for details.
10 | FYI OCTOBER 2011
yourhealth Depression - Seeking Help is a Sign of Strength Kathleen Haskell, DDEAMC
Everyone occasionally feels blue or sad, but these feelings are usually fleeting and pass within a few of days. Depression, though common, should be taken seriously and many suffering from depression do need treatment to get better. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, men and women both can be affected by depression and many with a depressive illness never seek treatment. People with depressive illnesses do not all experience the same symptoms. The severity, frequency and duration of symptoms will vary depending on the individual and their particular illness. Anxiety disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, social phobia and generalized anxiety disorder, often accompany depression. People experiencing PTSD are especially prone to having co-occurring depression. PTSD is a debilitating condition that can result after a person experiences a terrifying event or ordeal, such as a violent assault, a natural disaster, an accident, terrorism or military combat. People with PTSD often re-live the traumatic event in flashbacks, memories, or nightmares. Other symptoms include irritability, anger outbursts, intense guilt and avoidance of thinking or talking about the traumatic ordeal. In a recent NIMH funded study, researchers found that more than 40% of people with PTSD also had depression at one-month and four-month intervals after the traumatic event.
Alcohol and other substance abuse or dependence may also co-occur with depression. In fact, research has indicated that the co-existence of mood disorders and substance abuse is pervasive among the U.S. population. Depression may cause feelings of exhaustion, helplessness, and hopelessness. It may be extremely difficult to take any action to help yourself. But, it is important to realize that these feelings are part of the depression and do not accurately reflect actual circumstances. As depression is recognized and treatment begins, negative thinking will fade. NIMH advises there is no single known cause of depression. Rather, it likely results from a combination of genetic, biochemical, environmental, and psychological factors. Research indicates that depressive illnesses are disorders of the brain. Brain-imaging technologies, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), have shown the brains of people who have depression look different than those of people without depression. The parts of the brain responsible for regulating mood, thinking, sleep, appetite and behavior appear to function abnormally. In addition, important neurotransmitters–chemicals that brain cells use to communicate–appear to be out of balance. But these images do not reveal why the depression has occurred. Even the most severe cases of depression are treatable. As with many illnesses, the earlier that treatment can begin the more effective it is and the greater the likelihood that recurrence can be prevented. The first step to getting
appropriate treatment is to visit a doctor. Certain medications and some medical conditions, such as viruses or a thyroid disorder, can cause similar symptoms as depression. A doctor can rule out these possibilities by conducting a physical examination, interview and lab tests. If the doctor can eliminate a medical condition as a cause for depression symptoms, they will refer the patient to a mental health professional. If you are feeling depressed, please seek help. There are numerous avenues you can take to feel better. Contact your doctor – depression is treatable and seeking help is a sign of strength. Eisenhower’s Department of Behavioral Health, located on the 13th floor, is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday-Friday (excluding holidays). They may be contacted by phone at (706) 787-3143/8134/3780. For appointments, self-referral patients may call for an intake appointment. During duty hours, emergencies may come in on a walk-in basis. Patients are triaged by level of emergency and then seen on a first come, first served basis. Providers can refer patients for evaluation and treatment through consult. Emergencies during after-duty hours should go to Eisenhower’s Emergency Room for care. All military medical beneficiaries may receive services through this department. Based on provider availability, non-active duty clients may be referred to civilian providers. Help for service members or family members who experience depression is also available through the Defense Center of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury Outreach Center at (866) 966-1020 or www.dcoe.health.mil, Military One Source at (800) 342-9647 or www.militaryonesource.com, Army Behavioral Health at www.behavioralhealth.army.mil, or the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273TALK (8255). The Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs also offer anonymous behavioral health assessments online for active duty, family members and civilians through Military Pathways at www. militarymentalhealth.org or the Veterans Affairs Mental Health Resources at www. mentalhealth.va.gov. Sources: National Institute of Mental Health, U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, and Army Behavioral Health.
www.fortgordon.com | 11
The path to
leadership starts here
Central Michigan University at Fort Gordon
Tony Howard DJ, Karaoke and More . . . Let Tony add the Spice to your Party! For Unit Parties, Hail and Farewells, Graduation Parties, Weddings, Anniversaries, or any Celebration. Oldies • Country • Hip-Hop • Rock • Slide
Earn the degree that can teach you new skills and advance your career.
Master of Science in Administration degree
Degree incorporates a solid management program that prepares you for success in any upper-level administrative setting. Four concentrations are available. • • • • •
Local classes at Fort Gordon No GMAT or GRE Adult-friendly, face-to-face formats Open to military and civilians Military and civilian DoD discounted tuition rate
We make it possible. CMU at Ft. Gordon Call 706-798-5739 or tollfree 877-268-4636 today! www.cel.cmich.edu/ftgordon Fort.Gordon@cmich.edu Central Michigan University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. CMU is an AA/EO institution.
12 | FYI OCTOBER 2011
Everybody Knows Tony . . . For More Information, Call 706-829-5924
Like what you see here? visit our Facebook page and let us know what you think!
www.Facebook.com/FYIMagazine
Restaurant Reviews The views and opinions expressed by the contributors to this page (express or implied, contractual, tortious or otherwise) are not necessarily those of Fort Gordon or FYI Magazine. FYI Magazine is not paid by the restaurant for a positive or negative review. We do not hold back the negative reviews; however, a bad review does not mean the restaurant is a bad restaurant.
WifeSaver
Fat Man’s Cafe
Goolsby’s
1501 North Leg Road • Augusta 706.736.5593
1450 Greene Street • Augusta 706.733.1740
4460 Washington Road • Evans 706.651.7345
Watch out Augusta, soul food’s WifeSaver steps up to the (paper) plate. Prompt, friendly service and a variety of freshly cooked foods make this multi-location, family-friendly restaurant a great pick for those on a budget or just looking for an easy, non-fastfood meal. It may not be fine dining, but for those who like fried chicken livers, this is the place to be.
Fat Man’s is a comfortable, casual establishment located at the renovated Enterprise Mill downtown. Roomy, with lots of places to sit, including outside near the canal, they have quick service, great food and a helpful and friendly staff set at a relaxing pace. Although the specialty of the house is soul food, they also offer a variety of sandwiches, salads and more.
If you’re looking for good southern cooking and awesome hospitality, Goolsby’s is the place for you! I was overwhelmed by their attention to my needs. I had the chicken tenders covered in honey mustard and BBQ sauce, recommended by one of the servers. After the meal, he came out to get my feedback on the food, in which I responded happily with a thumbs-up!
ESTABLISHMENT Service Cleanliness
ESTABLISHMENT Service Cleanliness
ESTABLISHMENT Service Cleanliness
FOOD Presentation Taste Quality/Freshness
FOOD Presentation Taste Quality/Freshness
FOOD Presentation Taste Quality/Freshness
AVERAGE PRICING
$10 & under
AVERAGE PRICING
$10 & under
AVERAGE PRICING
$11-$20
www.fortgordon.com | 13
OpEn 7 DAYs A WEEk
Dine with us... Lunch buffet Mon.-Fri. • 11 a.m.-2 p.m. $7.49 – All You Can Eat Building 36000, 3rd Avenue (at the Bus Travel Center) 706-792-9774/9775 706-792-9776 FAX 14 | FYI OCTOBER 2011
What is Impact Aid? Each school year, generally during the fall, military and federal connected parents are asked to complete and return an Impact Aid Survey. While many parents do complete the survey, there are still hundreds of parents who do not for various reasons: unsure of how the information collected will be used, lack of confidence in how funding will be used, or they simply forgot to complete and return the survey. DoD Impact Aid Funding for military children began in 1990. The funding was established as a quality of life program for military families and to help with the recruitment and retention in an all-volunteer service. In reality, it has become a readiness issue. Congress has funded this program to help school districts with high concentrations of military students. The information below provides answers to frequently asked questions surrounding Impact Aid. What is Impact Aid? Impact Aid was designed to assist local school districts that have lost property tax revenue due to the presence of taxexempt federal property, or that have experienced increased expenditures due to the enrollment of federally connected children, including children living on Indian lands.
My occupation is no one’s business, so why is it important that I turn in my survey? The amount of funds the school district receives is based on the number of Impact Aid surveys returned. How do school districts use Impact Aid funding? Most funds, except for the additional payments for children with disabilities and construction payments, are considered general aid to the recipient school districts. Funds are used for a wide variety of expenses, including the salaries of teachers and teacher aides; purchasing textbooks, computers, and other equipment; after-school programs and remedial tutoring; advanced placement classes; and special enrichment programs. Who should turn in Impact Aid Surveys to the school? Parents and guardians of children of military and Department of Defense (DoD) civilians need to turn in the surveys to their schools. For more information on Impact Aid, please visit the Military Impacted Schools Association website at www.militaryimpactedschoolsassociation. org or contact School Liaison Services at (706) 791-7270/4168.
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16 | FYI OCTOBER 2011
PO1 Kelly Larsen started off in Wosley, South Dakota as a nerd. While growing up, she focused intensely on academics. “I cared about how high I could get my reading level before the next quarter,” she laughed. During high school in Las Cruces, New Mexico, she became what she calls a “joiner.” Not sure which direction she wanted to head in, she participated in everything she could, from student council to French club. She found a niche in flag corps; “It was kind of like being a band geek, but I didn’t play an instrument.” However, flag corps didn’t carry over into life after graduation and she once again searched. She studied chemistry at New Mexico State and at one point held three jobs. While working at a Chinese restaurant at the age of 24, she realized her life wasn’t going anywhere. Her father, a Navy veteran of the Vietnam War, recommended the military. Kelly’s recruiter—a family friend—sparked and held her interest in the Navy. He was very honest about the realities and sacrifices a career in the military would bring, which she found to be more encouraging than dissuading. With her father’s blessing, she joined. She spent her initial two years in school, training to be a Nuclear Machinist Mate. On her last day of training, she found out she didn’t make it through and instead became a Conventional Machinist Mate on the USS Emory S. Land. “I loved turning wrenches. I thought it was so much fun!” she gushed. The hands-on work brought her pride—it also took her to many places. Over the course of three years, she visited 23 countries. Her favorite port was Marmaris, Turkey, where they use a peculiar item for trading–Zippo lighters. Apparently, in Turkey they are a rare commodity and three of them can get you a pretty nice rug. Her favorite trip, however, was Jerusalem. Family and MWR took her on a historic tour of biblical locations. She was awed with the places she had read about in the Bible and the streets where Jesus had walked that are hundreds of years old. She even took a dip— well, a float—in the Dead Sea. She was in Italy when she heard about September 11 in 2001, “The captain came on and his eyes were red. It was obvious he had been crying. No one really understood the magnitude. We weren’t there. We were in Italy. Some of us there were from New York. People had people they were worried about and we had no way of contacting them.” When she home-ported in La Maddalena, Italy and the gravity of events settled in, Kelly decided she wanted to play a bigger role in the country’s upcoming war. “It’s so frustrating because you feel like you joined something to be of real use - to really help.” Linguistics had been offered to her in the past—she had turned it down—now, she realized the
potential the field had in aiding our country. She applied for the school three times before her persistence paid off. She was met with another challenge when she discovered that the language you study is picked for you. She wanted Arabic. After a few rounds of begging and pleading, she was able to study Arabic and she made sure no one would regret their decision. Going back to her nerd roots, she spent up to 13 hours a day studying and working. Her devotion brought her into the office at all hours while working on the administrative and operational aspects of the job “It was up to me to make sure the work-center as a whole was running smoothly and I felt the only way to accomplish that was to devote extra time.” Through all the late nights and extra work she discovered her passion. “That’s where I learned that while I do love being part of the language side of things, what I really loved was helping other service members. It made me feel like I had found my purpose; I want to help other people. I want to guide people to get what they want.” She wanted to help even more and didn’t stop there, “I pushed as hard as I could to go to Iraq.” Kelly deployed with the Marines in order to brush up on her linguistic skills. During the 11 month deployment, she enjoyed being able to focus solely on work; it made her feel like she was part of the fight. Now she enjoys a new challenge–being a single mother of twins, two-year old boys, Aiden and Evan. Fortunately, she has amazing support group from her best friends, PO1 Rob and Amy Olive. They’ve been there from the start and, as much as Rob hates to admit, they are the nicest people you will ever meet. In fact, while Kelly was away with her sons in Michigan, Rob, Amy and their children surprised her with a finished playroom in Kelly’s home for Christmas. (Admit it Rob, you’re a really great guy.) PO1Kelly Larsen is evidence that hard work pays off. She had a goal in mind—to help her country—and she made sure she did all she could. In addition to all the time and effort she has put in to meet her goals, her infectious positivity makes anything seem possible. I have to admit, she inspires me. Never have I met anyone who could keep a smile on their face while talking about begging to go to the theater, or about raising twin boys on their own. She loves what she does, loves serving her country and never lets anything get in the way of that. I know I could use more of that Kelly attitude in my life. In fact, I think we all can.
www.fortgordon.com | 17
Letters from Home Amanda Thibault
I often get asked how I handle my husband being gone all the time and I tend to respond with, “What else am I going to do?” I’m a mom of three young children ages 5, 3, and 15 weeks old. They are my life—without them, I think I might have gone crazy years ago with my husband on the move as often as he has been. So, how do I do it? I hope that I can help spouses understand that when their spouse leaves, it opens new doors for adventures and new friendships. During my first separation from my husband, we were stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska. At the time, we had two children, one aged two and the other just weeks old. To make matters worse, I was all alone. I had a few friends, but no one I was really close to and I had no family closer than a thousand miles. I cried often. How was I going to make this work? Then, one day I got up for work and it hit me like a ton of bricks. I said to myself, “That’s it, Amanda, pull it together. We’ve got this down and we are going to survive, with or without Jon.” Now I would rather have him home to help, but he wasn’t home and I couldn’t change that fact. I needed to figure out how I was going to balance two small children, work and my emotions. That day changed my outlook for deployments and separations. I got involved with things on-post and with other spouses going through the same thing. My husband’s unit had a program called FRG—Family Readiness Group. It was my saving grace! I knew women there were going through the same things I was going through. They might not be the exact same things, but we could at least talk about them. We had events together—like dinners—and we would take turns watching each others’ kids so we all got a break from life, even just for a few hours. I always knew there was someone I could turn to and I built lasting friendships this way! I still keep in contact with those ladies. We coupon together these days through the mail and send
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“When we went through our last deployment, we weren’t sure why we were feeling the way we were. We often competed about who had it harder. We fought about money and how the kids were being disciplined. We now know it was all due to the deployment— neither one of us could see what the other was going through.”
little notes with each coupon envelope. It has proven to me that building those friendships is worth every moment! Now I’m going through my second separation things are better. I now know there are cycles to a deployment. Your emotions change; they come and go in weird, sometimes unexpected, ways. My husband and I just talked about this and how we are going to handle it better this time. When we went through our last deployment, we weren’t sure why we were feeling the way we were. We often competed about who had it harder. We fought about money and how the kids were being disciplined. We now know it was all due to the deployment—neither one of us could see what the other was going through. My thought was, “He’s got it so easy not having to deal with the kids, bills, house work, grocery shopping, cleaning up behind the kids, working and not having enough time to do it all in one day!” On the other hand, I didn’t know what he was going through. How could I? I’ve never been without my kids, in a far away land having things blown up all around me. Since we have talked about how this deployment might affect us, we can keep each other balanced. We can recognize when one of us is feeling off and we talk about it. It has made a big difference now that we have learned how to talk to each other. For me, what choice do I have? I can’t stay in the bed all day everyday and do nothing. I still have kids to feed and get to school and I too have classes to attend. So it’s time to get involved with something. For me it’s the FRG, but for others it might be sports, or a book club. Just find something to keep your mind off of the deployment and something you can share with your spouse. By letting your spouse know that you’re busy doing fun things, you are letting them know that you’re okay and you’re going to make it. Before you know it, it’ll be time for them to return home!
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ona th SG T J
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What is it like to be a soldier and be away from my family? Every day is like Groundhog Day. It becomes redundant unless something interesting happens like rocket attacks. But a normal day starts when we get up to do physical training, which is usually done on our own. We all have different schedules and we must adjust to changes at a moment’s notice as dictated by our mission. Most of us workout a lot or concentrate on getting promoted. I daydream a lot about home; spending time with my wife and children, thinking about what I’m going to do when I get back. I like to focus on planning a vacation – I think Cali is calling my name! Being deployed gives you a lot of time to think about improvements you can make to yourself or for your family. It gives me
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time to think a lot about my future educational goals. I hope to complete my bachelors sometime next year! I feel lonely time to time, but I deal with it by contacting home and just hearing the voices of my family peps me up to an extreme level, so that I can deal with hardly any sleep most days. And lack of sleep is a daily fight for most of us. Sometimes it can be scary when you go on dangerous missions and you think about what you say to your family before you go, because you don’t want unkind words to be your last. I deal with each day as it comes because you cannot plan anything when you’re deployed, the work tempo can change at any time. The hardest times are before you go to sleep, or during special occasions that happen back
“I feel lonely time to time, but I deal with it by contacting home and just hearing the voices of my family peps me up to an extreme level, so that I can deal with hardly any sleep most days. And lack of sleep is a daily fight for most of us.”
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home without you. It brightens my day when I get a package in the mail that reminds me about a special event, such as a box that is wrapped in Christmas paper. Or April fool’s day when my wife sends me silly stuff. I really enjoy pictures the most. Even though this deployment I do get to use Skype, it’s still nice to see the pictures and feel as if I was there. Being a two-time deployer makes it easier to deal with what to say and what not to say. For first-time deployers, encouraging words to your spouse back home go a long way, like great job for taking of the bills this month, thank you for sending that package the other day. You build up that rapport you need with your spouse to keep things calm on the home front. The trouble is in understanding that spouses have a hard back on the home front as we do as soldiers. They are just involved in emotional warfare while we are involved with the physical warfare. It’s important to know that your spouse is busier than she ever was when you were home. She’s doing twice the work. I didn’t realize that by taking out the trash every day I was helping my wife, but whatever I can do to help her when I get back I will! Ju s t re m e m b e r t o a l w a y s k e e p communications up between you and your special someone. It will make your deployment a much better one!
STEP Right Up
TO THE
BEST
SHOW IN TOWN THE 2011 U.S. ARMY
SOLDIER
SHOW FOR THE SOLDIER, BY THE SOLDIER.
The U.S. Army Soldier Show, proudly presented by Family and MWR, returns with a LIVE 90-minute musical performance! Don’t miss this memorable night of music, dance and celebration. Admission is FREE.
October 22: 1300 hrs (Traniee Only. 15th RSB), 2000 hrs (All Public) October 23: 1300 hrs (Traniee Only. 15th RSB), 1800 hrs (All Public) Alexander Hall, Fort Gordon For more information, visit www.FortGordon.com
SM
No federal endorsement implied. www.fortgordon.com | 21
Angelic Halos Helping Women Cope with Chemotherapy Molly Swift, Editor
Chemotherapy is an aggressive means of treating cancer; for many, it is the best available option in the battle for their health. Chemo (as it is usually referred to) is the use of chemical agents to to stop cancer cells from growing. The treatment can have multiple side effects, to include anemia, nausea and hair loss - all of which can be traumatic for the patient. Female patients who are going through this form of treatment at Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center (DDEAMC) will discover there is one woman who aims to not only make the patients feel comfortable, but also wants to help them maintain their dignity. Cris Elder has worked as a case manager in the DDEAMC Oncology/Hematology department at since 2008. Before retiring from the Army in 2004, Cris became all too familiar with the department. In 2003 her mother was diagnosed with cancer and Cris became her primary caregiver. “I would get off work from the MICU on the 5th floor, then I’d come on up here to the 8th floor and stay with my mom.” At the time she was single but other active duty members were there for her and helped her care for her mother. Feeling the exhausting demands of the MICU, she found she needed a change. She got a job as a case worker with the Medical Evaluation Board – a job she did for two years. Then, cancer struck again. This time, a respiratory therapist and close friend who had helped Cris to care for her mother, was diagnosed with cancer. Naturally, Cris dedicated herself to caring for him – she would work at DDEAMC and spend her nights looking after him at MCG, until he passed away. The death of her friend and caring for her mother had taken its toll and it was time for Cris to take a step back to reevaluate, so she took some time off. “I needed a break.” she told me. The only funny thing about that statement, is Cris doesn’t really take time off. During her self-imposed two-year sabbatical, 22 | FYI OCTOBER 2011
Cris threw herself into community work, taking some classes, building relationships and finding things to strengthen her. She eventually got to a point where she decided she wanted a new car and started looking for jobs. When she saw the Case Manager position was available, she immediately applied, realizing that she loved all that case management entailed. But something bothered her, she found herself thinking she didn’t want to take the job if it was offered to her because she would be pouring herself out to people who may be facing death. Cris was afraid it would drain her emotionally and leave her feeling empty. Happily, in spite of withdrawing her application, Cris was asked to interview for the position. She enjoyed the interview – it was fun, she laughed and really got along with her interviewing panel. She was honest too, “I told them I had withdrawn for consideration, but I told them too, I feel my life is being driven by things I can’t see.” Three and a half years later and Cris says she has discovered that she has a love/hate relationship with the place, “I love it here, but it’s really hard because I hate the fact it has to exist. You get to know the patients and dealing with their death isn’t easy. What I’ve learned to do is take my moment to be sad and then refocus on the many other people that need you.” She tells me over and over again how much she loves the people she works with and the people she works for – the patients. The women motivated Cris to look at she could better help enhance their lives while they endured treatments for cancers, including breast cancer. “It is the women, because nine times out of ten they will lose their hair because of chemo. I try to help them prepare and as soon as they have seen the doctor and know their course of treatment, I try to give them a prescription for a wig.” Cris discovered while some patients are comfortable with a wig, others were not and so she looked for an alternative.
The solution were head scarves she calls “Angelic Halos” - a name she arrived at because she thinks of her female patients as angels. In the winter, a normal head scarf isn’t enough for a lot of women because it leaves the patient’s neck exposed to the cold. Their compromised immune systems make them more sensitive to extremities of the weather, so Angelic Halos are designed with a flap of material that can either lay over the neck, or roll up to become part of the head scarf. The material, which is bought with donations, is reversible and offers the patient flexibility in both style and color. The patterns range from conservative to cute – one is even covered in an array of pink ribbons, the chosen symbol for breast cancer awareness. To get a glimpse of a “Halo”, patients can see a selection Cris has stored in her office and she will even model them. The process of producing the number of halos needed has meant another steep learning curve for Cris. To get things started, she cut out a pattern from some paper, went to someone in the hospital who sews and asked them to provide her with instructions on how someone might make one of her head scarves. With instructions in hand, Cris approached a graphic designer and gave him the instructions from the seamstress and asked him to come up with pictures to teach people how to make the halos. The result was a sheet of step-by-step illustrated instructions Cris now distributes to volunteer sewers. Cris provides the halos for free to patients, so she knew she would need donations to cover the cost of material and thread. The Health Auxiliary Group accepted her request for help and gave her the money she needed to purchase the materials. Now, Cris manages the donations, purchases and volunteers, as well as matching halos and bags that are being made
by a church. It’s becoming a bit more than she can handle on top of her daily responsibilities. She still wants to be involved in the process – after all, it is her baby – but it’s time for her to take a back seat in the operations and she is actively seeking her own replacement (if you are interested, please see the information below). If Cris Elder is freeing up her time, something’s up - the woman is relentlessly busy. Deservedly, it’s her personal life that’s taking up more of her time these days. Recently married, Cris can’t help but focus greatly on caring for others, it drives her. “I just need someone to take over the day to day tasks. That’s all. I need someone who will look after my women.” Do you like to sew? Why not volunteer to sew Angelic Halos for oncology patients at DDEAMC? Angelic Halos are head scarves that can be obtained by oncology patients receiving chemotherapy, which commonly causes hair loss. You don’t sew? You can still help by obtaining the material and thread for those who will be sewing the scarves. Or if you are a sewer who is busy, why not donate some material or thread? The fabric prerequisite is that it be at least 26 x 20 inches and should be something attractive. The scarves are also reversible and offer two different colors and/or patterns for versatility. The scarves will separate into winter and summer, depending the material used. Flannels for winter, silks and cottons for summer. Interested? Email the Hematology/Oncology Case Manager (Mrs. Cris Elder) cris.elder@ us.army.mil. Help is needed overseeing the Angelic Halo program and committee. If you’d like to help, please contact Cris Elder as soon as possible. There is plenty of material for sewers to help make Halos!
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Prayer Breakfast at Ike’s Café on Monday, October 3rd at 7 a.m. • Chaplain April Bright Breast Cancer Awareness Information Center, Open October 3rd-31st • Stop by the Information Table on the (DDEAMC) 2nd Floor, near the Pharmacy for “What you need to know about Breast Cancer”, “Can you feel the lumps”, American Cancer Society flyers and more! • Check out the weekly articles published in the Signal newspaper & FYI magazine: Breast Cancer Awareness & Mammography – 101 Breast Cancer Prevention on Thursday, October 6 from 3-4 p.m. • Event Location: Alexander Hall • Guest Speakers: Doctor Arciero, Surgical Oncologist • A Breast Cancer survivor shares her journey & triumph Miracle Mile Breast Cancer Walk on Saturday, October 15th at 9:30 a.m. • 3-mile walk begins and ends at Augusta Common on Reynolds Street • Hosted by University Hospital’s Breast Health Center Lunch & Learn at Ike’s Café on Thursday, October 20th from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. • Guest Speakers: Doctor Arciero, Surgical Oncologist • A Breast Cancer survivor shares her journey & triumph Breast Cancer Walk of Hope at Barton Field on Friday, October 28th at 3 p.m. • Join us for a 3-mile Breast Cancer Awareness Walk! • T-shirts are available for all donations of $20.00 or more
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24 | FYI OCTOBER 2011
T
hanksgiving DINNER TO GO MEAL FEEDS 4-6 PEOPLE Pick-Up Time: Thanksgiving Day between 8:00-10:30 a.m. from the South Ball Room Dinner Turkey: $65.00 Ham: $75.00 Ham & Turkey: $115.00 Includes: Cornbread Dressing, Corn, Yam Patties, Green Beans, Mashed Potatoes, Rolls, Gravy, Cranberry Sauce Additional Items Cooked Turkey: $30.00 | Carved: $35.00 Cooked Ham: $40.00 | Carved: $50.00 Cornbread Dressing: $12.00 Green Beans: $10.00 Sweet Corn: $10.00 Yams: $12.00 Mashed Potatoes with Gravy: $10.00 Gravy: $5.00 Rolls: $3.50 Dozen Pies: $15.00 | Sweet Potato, Pecan, Pumpkin, Cherry and Apple
THANKSGIVING DAY DINNER MEAL Thursday, November 24 in the North Ball Room Seatings: 11:00 a.m.-1 p.m. | 1:30-3:00 p.m. Advanced Paid Reservations: Adults $18.00 | Kids 4-10 $12.00 At the Door: Adults $21.00 | Kids 4-10 $13.00 Carving Station Traditional Roast Turkey, Baked Glazed Ham, Carved Roast Beef Additional Entrees Burgundy Beef Tips, Mesquite Baked Chicken, Baked Tilapia, Chicken Tenders Hot Buffet and Accompaniments Baked Yam Patties, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Squash Casserole, Southern Cornbread Dressing, Green Bean Almandine, Rice Pilaf, Corn, Macaroni and Cheese, Vegetable Medley, Scalloped Potatoes, Turkey Gravy, Dinner Rolls Cold Accompaniments Jellied Cranberry Sauce, Steamed Shrimp, Spring Salad Mix, Potato Salad, Pasta Salad, Assorted Cheeses with Crackers, Assorted Bread Dessert Apple Pie, Pumpkin Pie, Pecan Pie, Fruit Salad, Sweet Potato Pie, Assorted Cakes
19th Street, Building 18402 • (706) 791-6780 • Fax (706) 793-7414 www.fortgordon.com | 25
TEXT
Proudly serving Fort Gordon!
at the Courtyard
Happy Hour . 4-7 p.m
Every Friday Night 6:30 p.m.-until
featuring DJ Rodriquez Productions Every Saturday night, 9 p.m.-until $3 Ladies | $5 Gentlemen Dress to Impress! + Now Introducing Our Authentic Mexican Tacos Virria, Lengua (tongue) Al Pastor and More! + New Seafood Dishes Business Hours: Sunday-Thursday: 11-9 p.m. • Friday & Saturday: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Delivery Available: Monday-Saturday: 5-9 p.m.
Kids Eat FREE on Saturday (with purchase of adult meal)
Brainard Avenue • 706 910-1044
26 | FYI OCTOBER 2011
Buy 2 combos and 2 beverages and receive a FREE cheese dip with this coupon ($3.25 value)
www.fortgordon.com | 27
COMMUNITY SERVICES
Darling Hall, Building 33720 307 Chamberlain Avenue Rooms 172, 155 and 224 www.gordon.army.mil/acs 706-791-3579 >Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) Respite Care: Fine Tuning the Process
or other settings, such as special needs camps and enrichment programs. It is time limited based on the exceptional family member (EFM) medical condition and availability of funding. QUESTION 2: Is EFMP respite care at no cost to the Soldier an entitlement/a guaranteed benefit? A: No. EFMP respite care is not an entitlement or a guaranteed benefit. It is based on EFMP enrollment, medical condition and availability of funding. QUESTION 3: Are families guaranteed continuation of respite care when relocating from one installation to another? A: No. Families are not guaranteed continuation of respite care upon relocation.
Army Leadership is committed to providing a quality of life for our families commensurate with the quality of service expected of our Soldiers. Exceptional Family Member Program Respite Care is an example of the innovative programs presented with the Army Family Covenant. EFMP Respite Care came into existence in 2007, a much needed program for Soldiers or spouses struggling with the demands of military life, deployments, as well as the emotional and financial challenges of caregiving for family members with special needs. A comprehensive review of the Respite Care Program was conducted in February 2011. The findings and recommendations resulted in the development of new policies and procedures which were disseminated in July to all Army Garrisons for implementation. As promised in the Army Family Covenant, the EFMP Respite Care Program will be a standardized program across the Army. Soldiers and families will be able to anticipate program criteria and procedures that will not deviate from one installation to another. A number of articles will be published over the next few weeks to ensure that the Fort Gordon military community is fully knowledgeable of the EFMP Respite Care Program. The following FAQs provide a basic overview. Please contact the Fort Gordon EFMP Office at (706) 791-4872/0795/1918 if you need additional information. QUESTION 1: What is EFMP respite care? A: EFMP respite care is a program that provides a temporary rest period for family members responsible for regular care of persons with disabilities. Care may be provided in the EFMP respite care user’s home
28 | FYI OCTOBER 2011
QUESTION 4: If families receive respite care funds from another source, do they qualify for EFMP respite care funds for that month? A: No. Families do not qualify for EFMP respite care funds for the same month in which respite care funds are received from another source. QUESTION 8: Can an adult family member (as defined in Question 7) be a respite care provider to an EFM when residing in the same household? A: No. The adult family member must reside outside the home to be a respite care provider to the EFM. QUESTION 9: Can an adult family member (as defined in Question 7) residing outside the household and providing regular care for an EFM when the Soldier is deployed receive respite care? A: Yes, if the adult family member has custody of the EFM and the Soldier is enrolled in EFMP and the EFM has an eligible medical condition. QUESTION 10: Are survivors of the fallen eligible for EFMP respite care if they had a family member enrolled in EFMP at the time of the sponsor’s death? A: Yes. Survivors of the fallen are eligible for EFMP respite care in the circumstances described for three years after the death of the sponsor, provided there is a documented medical condition. EFMP will work with survivors
and their Survivor Outreach Services (SOS) Coordinator on a case-by-case basis. Survivors should contact their local EFMP and SOS Coordinator for more information. QUESTION 14: How frequently should the Family Services Needs Matrix be updated for each EFMP family? A: The Family Services Needs Matrix should be updated as the EFM condition changes or at least annually, whichever comes first. QUESTION 20: Can EFMP respite care funds be used to meet Individualized Education Program/Individualized Family Service Plan requirements? A: No. Provision of educational and allied health services are the responsibility of local education and/or state government agencies. Educationally-related or medical therapies, e.g., speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy or applied behavior analysis cannot be met using respite care funds. QUESTION 21: Can respite care funds be used to pay for an individual who will do housework while caring for the EFM? A: No. The provider should be selected based on his/her capability to care for the EFM. Expecting the provider to pursue other activities during the respite period is not consistent with the Army respite care program. <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
COMMUNITY SERVICES cont. >Child
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Child Development Center Building 44401, 44th St. 706-791-2701/6761
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Child Development Center East Building 290, 225 East Hospital Rd. 706-791-8707/8507
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Child Development Center West (opening soon) Building 18407, 537 19th St.
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CYSS / Central Registration Building 28320, Lane Ave. 791-4455/4722
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CYSS Family Child Care Building 28320 Lane Ave. 706-791-3993/4440
Development Center Main* The CDC Main offers an environment for children to grow and develop positive self-images, socialization skills and physical coordination. The highly skilled CDC staff and their interactions with the children provide an accepting, comforting and pleasant atmosphere for both children and parents. Please call (706) 791-2701 for program information.
>Fall
Festival! Family Child Care Friday, 28 October, 9 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Building 28320, Lane Avenue All FCC enrolled children and parents are invited to attend. FCC staff will be at the festival to offer fall crafts and light refreshments will be served. FCC providers, parents and children are encouraged to dress up as their favorite storybook character. For more information on the FCC program or becoming an FCC Provider please call (706) 791-4440/3993.
>Halloween
Party*
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CYSS GA Pre-K & Pre-K/Kindergarten Afterschool Programs Building 45400, 46th St. 706-791-1306/4790
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CYSS School-Age Services & Middle School/Teen Programs Building 45410, 46th St. 706-791-7575/6500
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CYSS Sports Building 45410, 46th St. 706-791-5104 >Before
and After School Pre-K/ Kindergarten* Children must be in Pre-K or Kindergarten during the 2011-2012 school year. For registration information, call Parent Central Services (706) 791-1305. Registration is free! For program information, call the Pre-K Annex (706)791-1306. Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday • Before School Care: 5:15 a.m.-7:45 a.m., Bldg. 44401 • After School Care: 3 p.m.-6 p.m., Bldg. 45400 Freedom Park Elementary students are walked by CYSS staff members. Transportation is available to a number of off post schools. Please call (706) 791-5127 for more information on transportation and to get on the waitlist.
CYSS Youth Program October 28 at Building 45410 6 p.m.-10 p.m. Prizes for best costumes! For more information, call Evelyn Guzman at (706) 791-4446. >School
Age Center The Before and After School program has openings for children in grades 1st -5th: Transportation available to the following elementary schools:* - Cedar Ridge - Grovetown - Euchee Creek - Baker Place - Deer Chase - Sue Reynolds - Tobacco Rd - Diamond Lake - Jamestown and Meadowbrook - Freedom Park students are walked by SAC Staff. - Other schools will be added as requested throughout the year. • For programming info call 7917575/6500. • Active duty, Retirees, civilians and dependents of contractors are eligible.
>Join
the Youth Program for a night at Scarowinds* October 29-30 4 p.m. departure at Building 45410 4 a.m. return at Building 45410 13 years and up ONLY. First 45 registered youth to turn in a signed permission form only!
>Pre-K
Strong Beginnings* Now taking registration for eligible families interested in enrolling in the CYSS Strong Beginnings part-day or full day Pre-K program. Eligibility:
• Children who will be entering Kindergarten August 2012 • Four years old by September 1, 2011 • Program cost based on Total Family Income IAW DoD Fee Policy
The Army’s Strong Beginnings Pre-K is a program designed to prepare children to be successful to enter school. Curriculum focuses on the social, emotional and physical development of children; equips them with the basic academic and “Kindergarten Classroom Etiquette” skills to enhance “school readiness.” The program will meet Monday-Friday at the Child Development Center East, Building 290, 225 East Hospital Rd. • Full day program will be open 5:15 a.m.-6 p.m. daily • Part-day sessions will be from 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. or from 1:30 p.m.4:30 p.m. (3 hours a day, 5 days a week) • Excludes federal holidays • Enrollment is available at the CYSS Parent Central Services, Building 28320, Lane Ave. Programs continue through May 18, 2012. For more information, please contact Parent Central Services at (706) 791-1305 or the Child Development Center East at (706) 7918707/8507. >CDC
East - Hourly Care now available!* For children six weeks to 6 years of age from 5:15 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday-Friday. Located at Building 290, 225 East Hospital Rd. *Must Be Registered with CYSS. Call 706-791-4722 to register for FREE.
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www.fortgordon.com | 29
COMMUNITY SERVICES cont.
307 Chamberlain Ave. Rooms 172, 155 and 224 www.gordon.army.mil/acs 706-791-3579 >Energy efficiency tips To cope with the fact that the world’s current energy resources are finite and may one day run out, individuals (e.g. scientists, activists), organizations and nations all over the world have championed various energy conservation efforts and alternative energy efforts. However, until the day when we are able to effectively tap these various alternative energy sources (e.g. solar or wind energy) for every renewable energy supply, we would have to rely very much on the earth’s supply of fossil fuel and natural gas to keep our economies and households running. In other words, while we leave our scientists and engineers to work on how to better tap renewable energy supplies, how the rest of us can make a difference (and a substantial one too) is to conserve our energy resources, i.e. reduce energy usage. In our modern world, many of our dayto-day activities now depend on various electrical or electronic appliances (e.g. lights, automobiles, computers, etc). As such, it may be impractical to stop using some of these appliances altogether, in a bid to save energy. In such instances, energy efficiency tips and measures become particularly important. Do you know that the efficient use of energy resources can help us reduce our energy consumption by as high as 30% or more? This means that in our use of energy, actually a large amount is wasted. If we are able to reduce our energy consumption through energy efficient measures, not only are we conserving our fossil fuel and natural gas supplies, we are also reducing our carbon emissions substantially. In the next few issues of the Green Corner, we will address tips for leading a more energy efficient life; next month’s topic is the use of energy efficient appliances. Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Mr. Paul Henri, Manager 706-831-3409 (cell) <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
30 | FYI OCTOBER 2011
Mon. - Fri. 0830 - 1700 Closed Sat. & Sun. Building 29300, 30th St. 706-791-2390 For info on Prices and Services, visit www.FortGordon.com Hours of Operation: Full Service Drop-Off:
Open Shop: (For the Do-It-Yourself Folks) Wed. - Fri. 1130 - 2000 Sat. & Sun. 1000 - 1830 Closed Holidays Clean-Up Starts One Hour Prior to Closing <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
CONFERENCE AND CATERING SERVICES Available for catering seven days a week. Bookings: Monday-Friday: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. No appointment needed After 5 p.m.: By appointment only Saturday-Sunday: By appointment only Caterer: Janice Ivey Building 18402, 19th St. www.fortgordon.com/gordons_conference_ and_catering_center.php 706-791-6780/2205 | 706-793-7636 After Duty Hours: 706-339-0827 >Best Value-Price, Quality and Quantity Every day, we provide busy professionals with lunch specials; a generous hot and cold buffet that consists of homemade soups, chili, 50-plus item salad bar, variety of home cooked entrĂŠes, huge selection of vegetables and a dessert bar with soft serve ice cream. Also enjoy our beverage station: Tea, soft drinks and Starbucksâ&#x201E;˘ coffee $8.75 with drink Monday-Friday: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. The facility hosts rooms during lunch time for all occasions such as Hail and Farewells, birthdays, corporate meetings and conferences. Call (706) 791-6780 and make your reservations.
Over the years our professional staff has catered hundreds of wedding receptions, wedding anniversaries and special events. We are a full-service catering facility that can accommodate any event. Creative and flexible: is the cornerstone of our success. Provide us with your needs and budgets and we will deliver a memorable event for you and your guests.
>Join the Lunch Bunch program Buy ten meals with a value of $8.00 or more and receive your 11th meal free. Pick up your card from the lunch cashier. >Catering
Cold Accompaniments: Jellied Cranberry Sauce, Steamed Shrimp, Spring Salad Mix, Potato Salad, Pasta Salad, Assorted Cheeses with Crackers and Bread. Dessert: Apple Pie, Pumpkin Pie, Pecan Pie, Fruit Salad, Sweet Potato Pie and Assorted Cakes. >Turkey Dinners to Go
Outdoor wedding receptions, family re u n i o n s a n d p i c n i c s : Pr o f e s s i o n a l service, great quality food and beverages can be delivered to any location in the area. Specialty stations: A skillful and talented professional staff member can provide service for carving stations, pasta stations and more! Buffet food service: Works well for larger groups. Plated service: Should be used for smaller groups only. >Thanksgiving Day Dinner Meal
>Hot and Cold Sandwich Line Looking for Healthy Choices: Every day is salad day: We serve up all things green and fresh on our 50-plus item salad bar. Cook Me a Sandwich: Our sandwich line offers a variety of healthy choices such as tuna salad, chicken salad, vegetable wraps, great burgers and more.
Cornbread Dressing, Green Bean Almandine, Rice Pilaf, Corn, Macaroni and Cheese, Vegetable Medley, Scalloped Potatoes, Turkey Gravy and Dinner Rolls.
Thursday 24 November in the North Ball Room Two Seatings: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.-3 p.m. Advanced Paid Reservations: Adults $18.00, Kids 4-10 $12.00 At the Door: Adults $21.00, Kids 4-10 $13.00 Carving Station: Traditional Roast Turkey, Baked Glazed Ham and Carved Roast Beef Additional Entrees: Burgundy Beef Tips, Mesquite Baked Chicken, Baked Tilapia and Chicken Tenders Hot Buffet and Accompaniments: B a k e d Ya m Pa t t i e s , G a r l i c M a s h e d Potatoes, Squash Casserole, Southern
Meal feeds 4-6 people Pick Up Time: Thanksgiving Day between 8 a.m.10:30 a.m. from the South Ball Room. Cost: Turkey Dinners: $65.00 Ham Dinner: $75.00 Ham & Turkey Dinner: $115.00 Dinners include: Turkey or Ham, Cornbread Dressing, Corn, Yam Patties, Green Beans, Mashed Potatoes, Rolls, Gravy, Cranberry Sauce. Add Additional Items: Cooked Turkey: $30.00, Carved: $35.00 Cooked Ham: $40.00, Carved: $50.00 Cornbread Dressing: $12.00 Green Beans: $10.00 Sweet Corn: $10.00 Yams: $12.00 Mashed Potatoes with Gravy: $10.00 Gravy: $5.00 Rolls: $3.50 Dozen Pies: $15.00, choice of Sweet Potato, Pecan, Pumpkin, Cherry, and Apple. <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
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CONFERENCE AND CATERING SERVICES cont.
-Conference Center-
Lake Thurmond 6703 Washington Rd., Appling, GA 30802 (706) 541-1057
We are pleased to introduce to you our new 4,000 square foot Conference Center. The PWCC is fully equipped to handle the smallest event up to a regional conference, or even one of the most special days in your life: your wedding.
Leitner Lake -Conference Center-
Located about 1.5 miles down Gibbson R d . f ro m R a n g e R d . ( Fu l l m a p a n d directions on www.fortgordon.com) Catering & Conference Center Bookings: Janice Ivey janice.t.ivey@us.army.mil 706-791-6780/2205 Conference Center Sales: Jeffrey Starcher jeffrey.j.starcher@us.army.mil 706-840-8399
ensures perfect ambience for every event. Tables and chairs are included with your room rental, and a nearly limitless array of room layouts can be arranged to suit your event’s every need. Leitner Lake Conference Center offers a caterer for your special events located on Fort Gordon. Gordon’s Conference and Catering Center’s most popular items are available at a reasonable cost. If you prefer to customize a menu, the catering staff will be happy to work with you. Guests at Leitner Lake Conference Center may select independent caterers for their events at an additional fee. We l o o k f o r w a r d t o m a k i n g y o u r special event a memorable occasion. We appreciate the opportunity to serve you!
Located on the serene Leitner Lake a n d m i n u t e s f ro m t h e h e a r t o f Fo r t Gordon, this breathtaking new facility offers multi-functional accommodations with seating for 100 guests. Our spacious deck overlooks the water; the ideal setting for pre-function receptions. Adjustable lighting and a comfortable seating area
32 | FYI OCTOBER 2011
>Events • Weddings • Receptions • Rehearsal Dinners • Retreats • Team Building • Reunions • Themed Events • Luncheons • Showers • Casual Events • Conventions • Birthday Parties • Retirement Parties • Anniversary • Graduation Parties • Bar/Bat Mitzvahs • Business Meetings • Hail & Farewells • Company or Unit Gatherings <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
You will be amazed at the ambiance of the ceramic tile floors, the tongue and groove walls to ceiling, and the most intimate touches of décor. We have even thought about your IT support and provide two large screen televisions that are compatible with just about any computer hook-up. The PWCC can seat a maximum capacity of 100 people. It also offers a full size commercial kitchen - full use of the kitchen is available through Gordon’s Conference and Catering Center. The amenities don’t end there; we also have an eloquent patio with furniture for your viewing pleasure of Clarks Hill Lake. For those interested in weddings or receptions, the rear lawn is the perfect ceremony setting for lasting memories. So if you are thinking about an event for work, for play, or for life, think of Pointes West Conference Center for all your needs. Fo r b o o k i n g s c o n t a c t Ja n i c e Ive y a t 706-791-6780/2205. Pointes West Army Resort is available to authorized users only. Please see our website for more details: www.fortgordon.com A security deposit is required at the time of your reservation. <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
FORT GORDON & MWR DINING
Building 537, Range Rd. Weekday Hours: 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Weekend Hours: 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Information: 706-791-2433 (ext. 4)
In Signal Towers 506 Chamberlain Ave., Building 29808 Wednesday-Friday: 3 p.m.-8 p.m. Delivery: 706-910-1500/267-4700 Information: 706-284-1652
In Alternate Escapes Recreation Center Building 25722, B St. Sunday-Thursday: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday: 11 a.m.-12 midnight Information: 706-863-6211
JAVA EXPRESS
Café
Building MWR-023, Chamberlain Ave. Monday-Thursday: 7 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday: 7 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday: 9 a.m.-11:30 p.m. Sunday: 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Information: 706-787-3803
In Gordon Lanes Bowling Center Building 33200, 3rd Ave. Sunday-Thursday: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday: 11 a.m.-1 a.m. Saturday: 9 a.m.-1 a.m. Information: 706-771-6907
At the Bus Station Building 36000, 3rd Ave. Sunday-Thursday: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday-Saturday: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Information: 706-792-9774
In Darling Hall Building 33720, Chamberlain Ave. Monday-Friday: 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Information: 706-790-5505 Building 18402, 19th St. Monday-Friday: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Information: 706-791-6780 In The Courtyard Building 36708, Brainard Ave. Monday-Friday: 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Saturday: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Delivery Available (Mon.-Sat.: 5-9 p.m.) Information: 706-910-1044 267 Avenue of the States 24 Hours, 7 Days a Week Information: 706-798-3722 TM
For More Information on MWR Dining Facilities, pick up our monthly Dining Guide!
In Alternate Escapes Recreation Center Building 25722, B St. Monday-Thursday: 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday-Saturday: 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Sunday: 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Information: 706-791-0785 For IET soldiers only
Available at the following locations: • DFMWR Marketing Office • DFMWR Financial Management Division • DFMWR Directorate Office • Slinger’s Express • Gordon Conference and Catering • Bogey’s Grill • Chef Redd’s Café • Teresa’s Mexican Restaurant • Kegler’s Café • Me Me’s & Bo Bo’s www.fortgordon.com | 33
SPORTS, RECREATION & LEISURE >X-box 360 – Many games to choose from, four controllers available, sign-up required. >10 Large screen TVs with satellite.
Building 36200, 36th Street 706-771-0089
>Pool Tournament – Oct. 15 and 29, 7 p.m. 1st place $75.00, 2nd $50.000, 3rd $25.00 – Pool sticks raffle. >Movies – Everyday, all day long. Choose from over 150 movies including new releases! Wednesdays –Ladies choice, chickflick and action movies. >Eat at the Java Escape – Hot wings, chicken tenders, club sandwich, BBQ, and our HUGE fish sandwich w/side and drink! <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
>Disney Military Salute Promotion has been extended to September 2012! Call Aladdin Travel for details. >Aladdin also sells discounted attraction tickets to: • Georgia Aquarium • Six Flags Over Georgia • Six Flags White Water • Georgia’s Stone Mountain Park • Carowinds - Charlotte, NC • Riverbanks Zoo - Columbia, Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Closed on all major and government holidays. <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
Building 15500 Corner of Lane Avenue & 15th Street 706-793-0003 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
>Guitar Hero – Two guitars, microphone, three song disks. Play every day!
BOSS Headquarters Building 19730, Barnes Avenue 706-791-3025 >Iron Unit Competition October 5 0700 @ Barton Field
>VA Hospital Visit November 11 >BOSS Bowling Tournament November 19 For more information or to pre-register, contact: ft.gordonbosspresident@yahoo.com <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
34 | FYI OCTOBER 2011
>Christmas Belles, by Jones, Hope and Wooten Show dates: November 11, 12, 18, 19, December 2 and 3 “In Christmas Belles, a church Christmas pageant spins wildly out of control as three squabbling sisters try to reign in the mayhem. Amidst an ailing Santa, a vengeful sheep, and a reluctant Elvis impersonator, a family secret emerges that just might derail the entire production. And on top of everything else, the pageant will be shown live on cable access television for the first time ever. Christmas Belles will bring joy (and lots of laughs) to your world!”
Auditions: September 27 and 28 @ 7:30 p.m. at the Dinner Theatre
>BOSS Halloween Party October 29 2100-0100 @ BOSS HQ
>DJ – Every Friday night 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Jukebox with all the new releases!
>The 2011-2012 Dinner Theatre Season We have selected a good balance between comedy, mystery and music and have planned a slate of shows we really think you will enjoy. We look forward to providing you with another year of high quality entertainment and great food, and hope you will come join in on the fun!
“This hilarious comedy has been making audiences all over the country merry and bright!” The Malibu Times, CA
>Oktoberfest Car & Bike Show October 15
Building 25722, B Street Inside the IET Center 706-791-0785
Building 32100, 3rd Avenue 706-793-8552
>Children of Eden, book by John Caird, Music and Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz. Based on a concept by Charles Lisanby. Show dates: February 24, 25, March 2, 3, 8, 9 and 10 “A two act pop/rock musical, rated PG. From Stephen Schwartz (“Godspell” and “Pippin”) and John Caird of “Les Miserables” comes a joyous and inspirational musical about parents, children and faith ... not to mention centuries of unresolved family business! Freely based on the story of Genesis, Children Of Eden is a frank, heartfelt and often humorous examination of the age-old conflict between parents and children. Adam, Eve, Noah and the “father” who created them deal with the headstrong, cataclysmic actions of their respective children. The show ultimately delivers a bittersweet but inspiring message: that “the hardest part of love ... is letting go.” (This show has so much heart. I know you’ll want to be part of it!) “An expansive, ambitious musical - a rich score with pageantry and sweep.” L.A. Times
SPORTS, RECREATION & LEISURE cont. Auditions: November 14 and 15 @ 7:00 p.m. at the Dinner Theatre >Game Show, by Jeffery Finn and Bob Walton Show dates: May 11, 12, 18, 19, 24, 25 and 26 “Set during a “live broadcast” of a fictional, long-running TV game show, Game Show places the theater audience in the role of the TV studio audience, in which members are picked as the contestants to play the trivia-based game and win actual prizes. In addition to watching and playing during the “broadcast” - where anything can and does happen - the audience also witnesses all the backstage, back-stabbing antics “behind the scenes” that go on during the “commercial breaks” of Game Show. This is an Augusta Premier of this terrific new comedy.” “... a funny new comedy and lots of fun! It’s a cross between a quiz program and “Survivor” with more plot twists than you’ll see in a year of soaps! The surprise of the new season!” NY Times Auditions: March 5 and 6, 2102 @ 7:30 p.m. at the Dinner Theatre >Witness for the Prosecution, by Agatha Christie Show dates: July 13, 14, 20, 21, 26, 27 and 28 “Only Agatha Christie could have conceived such a suspenseful thriller and then capped it with an uncanny triple flip ending. A young married man spends many evenings with a rich old woman. When she is found murdered, the naive young man is the chief suspect.” The audience will be on the edge of their seats as Dame Agatha takes them on a journey through the ensuing murder trial and what has been as been called her “best stage mystery” ever. “A walloping success.” Herald Tribune “Packs plenty of surprise in its cargo of suspense.” Daily Mirror Auditions: May 14 and 15, 2012 @ 7:30 p.m. at the Dinner Theatre
Building 00445, Carter Rd. 706-791-5078 >Recreational Shooting at Range 14 October 1, 8 & 29: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesdays & Thursdays: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. $9.00 per person, $4.00 FGSC members and $2.00 for persons under the age of 16 >Bass Tournament at Butler Reservoir: October 9 >Crappie Tournament at Butler Reservoir October 23 Hours: Daylight-Noon Open to all ID cardholders and members of the public with a FG fishing license guest permit (available at registration). $20.00 per person, $10.00 FGSC members with a $5.00 Big Fish Pot, $100.00 awarded to first place; $50.00 to second place. >Hunter Education Course October 12 & 13: 6 p.m.-10 p.m. (Must attend both nights) October 19: 6 p.m.-8 p.m. (Online review course) Hunters wishing to hunt on Fort Gordon must have a valid Hunter Safety Card. The classes are held at the EAMC 1st floor auditorium. The online training is available at www.beasafehunter. org. The course is free of charge and open to the public. Pre-registration recommended at www. georgiawildlife.com for both courses. <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
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www.fortgordon.com | 35
SPORTS, RECREATION & LEISURE cont. >OCTOBER 15-16 Oconee River Whitewater Rafting 22 Day Hike: Twin Bridges Trail 23 Augusta Canal Kayaking and Biking >NOVEMBER 6 Zip Line Adventure >JANUARY 13-15 Gatlinburg Ski Trip >FEBRUARY 17-19 Gatlinburg Ski Trip
Dates are subject to change. <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
GORDON
FITNESS CENTER Building 29607, Barnes Avenue 706-791-2369
>FREE membership for active duty military, retirees, DOD civilians & contractors, and their family members (up to age 21 and not below 16 years of age) <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
getoutdoorsgordon@fortgordon.com 706-791-2556 Get Outdoors Gordon (GOG) is an outdoor recreation program offering learning opportunities and encouragement to members of our military community to get outdoors! Kayaking, biking, whitewater rafting, snow skiing, hang gliding scuba, hiking, and zip lining are just a few exciting trips we are looking forward to this year. Our activities range from half-day trips to overnight and weekend getaways. Look at all we are planning:
36 | FYI OCTOBER 2011
Building 537, Range Road www.gordonlakesgolf.com 706-791-2433
>Tournaments for October: October 1st: Gold Booster Club Golf Outing 12:30 p.m. Shotgun October 3rd: Golf Marathon Event (All day) 18 holes (closed till 6 p.m.) October 9th: Retired Military Golf Association Event - 8 a.m. Shotgun Start October 15th-16th: Club Championship Weekend - 8 a.m. Tee Times October 29th: Purple and Gold Golf Tournament - 1 p.m. Shotgun Start
>Gordon Lakes Golf Club According to the PGA.com article, A Quick Nine: Best Military Courses, Gordon Lakes is ranked #4 overall and #1 in the Army! Wow! What a great accomplishment for the team at Gordon Lakes Golf Club! We would like to thank all of the active duty military personnel, retirees and members of Gordon Lakes for their support in making us the #1 Army golf club. Hooah to all! >New GPS System is now here! Our carts are now installed with the new Visage GPS. The Visage system allows you to see a full hole-by-hole fly-over with 3-D graphics, exact yardage and distance to the hole. Once your round is complete, you can even print or e-mail your scores! Order food or drinks for delivery on course or pick them up on the turn. The choice is yours! >Club Championship Weekend It’s that time of year again! Gordon Lakes Golf Club will be hosting our Club Championship weekend on Saturday and Sunday, October 15 and 16. • 36-hole stroke play event • Gross and net prizes awarded • 18 holes played each day! Tee times start at 8 a.m. $45 for members and $65 for non-members. Cost includes green fees, cart fees, range balls, lunch and prizes! Sign up today in the Pro Shop. >Adopt a Soldier on Golf On Sundays, October 23rd and October 30th, Gordon Lakes offers Adopt a Soldier on Golf, a program for Active Duty Members/ IET Soldiers. Team up with retirees and play a round of golf! Learn course management, rules of golf and how it is played today. $16.50 per player per day Tee times: 12:30 p.m. Sign up in the Pro Shop or call for more information, (706) 791-2433.
SPORTS, RECREATION & LEISURE cont. >Golf Lessons: Now we’re enjoying cooler weather, it is the perfect time to get your swing in shape. Golf lessons are available from our PGA instructor, Dallas Cooke. Dallas is PGA certified and has over 10 years of experience. Individual Lesson:................................... $40 3 Series Lesson Package:........................ $100 5 Series Lesson Package:........................ $150 All lessons are 45 minutes. To sign up, call Dallas at (706) 831-4654 >Bogey’s Grill: Not just for golfers! Weekdays: 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Weekends: 7 a.m.-2 p.m. >Hours of Operation: Monday-Thursday: 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
Friday-Sunday: 6:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Tee times: (706) 791-2433 Please check the information center in the clubhouse for information regarding tournaments and events.
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If it’s not listed above, we can do that too! Groups from 10-150 Full Line Snack Bar • Bar • Pro Shop • Arcade Games >Kegler’s Bar Great atmosphere • friendly staff • Your favorite beverages! Come in and unwind! Friday and Saturday nights open till 1 a.m. >Kegler’s Café Great Food at a Fair Price! Proven fact: We have the best burger on Fort Gordon.
Building 33200, 3rd Ave. 706-791-3446 >This Month at Gordon Lanes! >Trick or Treat Special: Every Monday in October, 1 p.m.-11 p.m. $1.50 per game and $1.50 shoe rental, $1.00 hot dogs, $1.00 French fries and $1.00 sodas (per person.) Great family fun!
>Hours of Operation: Monday - Thursday, 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. Friday - Saturday, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 a.m. Sunday, 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
>Boarding $275.00 per month – spaces available. >Trail Day Use For Privately Owned Horses Sunday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. $10.00 per day, per horse with Coggins. >Open Riding Reservations not required for weekend riding. First come, first served. Weekday riding requires 24-hour advance reservations. See our website for riding times. Riders must arrive 40 minutes before ride time.
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>Halloween Pro Shop Special: Bowling ball, bag and shoes—only $99.00! Yes, all three items for only $99.00! This is not a trick, it’s a treat! >Xtreme Cosmic Bowling: Fridays and Saturdays, 10 p.m.-1 a.m. New light and sound show; the best in the CSRA! >Bowlopolis: We want to host your child’s birthday party! Call for details.
Building 509, N. Range Rd. 706-791-4864
>Wild Wednesdays: 5 p.m.-11 p.m. $1.50 per game, $1.50 shoe rental.
>Special Assistance Riding Now Available With Reservations Space is limited, call for more information.
>from the Manager Bowling is a great form of exercise and an awesome way to have fun with friends! We do all types of parties and will be happy to do yours: • Birthday Parties • Church Groups • Military Functions • Family Reunions
>Family Fun Day October 15 Child pays full price and parent pays half price. 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. trail rides. For ages 7 and up. >Fall and Winter Youth Horse Camps Reserve your place now!
This facility will close when heat index reaches 101˚ f, or in instances of thunder and lightning. 100% ID check with all Equine activities Closed shoes are required for all equine activity (no exception). <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
www.fortgordon.com | 37
SPORTS, RECREATION & LEISURE cont. >PRE-SCHOOL STORY HOUR Through April 11, 2012 Every Wednesday, 10 a.m.-11 a.m. Ages 2-5 To sign up, call (706) 791-2449 or e-mail Jessica Thompson at jessica.e.thompson@ us.army.mil or Joyce Daniels at joyce.daniels@ us.army.mil. Dear parents: we warmly welcome you and your children to participate in our Pre-school Story Hour. A series of fun and encouraging educational activities are planned. Please join us in motivating our newest readers!
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Woodworth Library Catalog (GLIS) Find Books, DVDs, Music CDs, and more. October 3, 13 and 24
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Kids Infobits A database developed especially for beginning researchers in Kindergarten through Grade 5. Infobits covers geography, current events, the arts, science, health, people, government, history, sports and more. October 4, 17 and 25
At Lake Thurmond P.O. Box 67, Appling, GA 30802 706-541-1057 Enjoy the cooler weather while getting away from it all! Pointes West Army Resort provides an ideal setting for your fall activities: • • • • • • • • •
Hiking trails Camping Fishing Boating – marina available Picnics and cookouts Play areas for children Cabins Six-plex motel Conference center
Call for more information.
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>FREE REFEERENCE/RESEARCH CLASSES To sign up, call (706) 791-2449 or e-mail David White at david.white19@us.army.mil
38 | FYI OCTOBER 2011
Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center A premier online resource covering today’s hottest social issues, from offshore drilling to climate change, health care to immigration. October 6, 19 and 26
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Biography Resource Center Nearly a million biographical entries spanning history and geography. October 11 and 27
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Tutor.com Learn about the library resource you can use to get help with all math, science, social studies and English subjects— from elementary to advanced levels. Work one-to-one in a secure classroom and everything is anonymous. October 12 and 20
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Building 33500, Rice Rd. 706-791-7323
Literature Resource Center The most current, comprehensive and reliable online resource for research on literary topics, authors and their works. October 5 and 18
Class times: 12 p.m.-12.30 p.m. and 4 p.m.-4.30 p.m.
>BOOKS AROUND TOWN Monday, October 24, 6 p.m. To sign up, call (706) 791-2449 or e-mail Jessica Thompson at jessica.e.thompson@ us.army.mil. Let’s go restaurant hopping and read a book while we do it! Contact the library to reserve your spot and find out the meeting location! The book selection for October is What’s Eating Gilbert Grape by Peter Hedges. >PIRATE AND PRINCESS TEA PARTY Thursday, October 13, 3:30 p.m. To sign up, call (706) 791-2449 or e-mail Jessica Thompson at jessica.e.thompson@ us.army.mil. Come to the library to hear a story, then play dress up and tea party! Open to children of all ages. >MUSIC IN THE LIBRARY Enjoy music in the library and learn more about different genres and points of interest in history. Check out books and CDs for all your favorites! This month the library will feature 1970’s favorites and spooky tunes! >TEEN READ WEEK LIBRARY LOCK-IN Friday, October 21, 6 p.m.-10 p.m. To sign up, call (706) 791-2449 or e-mail Jessica Thompson at jessica.e.thompson@ us.army.mil **DEADLINE FOR SIGN UP IS TUESDAY, OCTOBER 18 ** Celebrate Teen Read Week with an awesome library lock-in! Come dressed as your favorite superhero: best costume wins a super duper awesome prize! Enjoy pizza! A scavenger hunt! Cranium! Play Wii! Also, come in all week October 16 - 27 for goodies and book marks. <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
OTHER SERVICES Family and MWR ADMINISTRATION:
Miscellaneous:
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Directorate of Family, Morale, Welfare & Recreation (DFMWR) Room 382, Building 33720, Chamberlain Avenue 706-791-4140
Army Volunteer Corps Room 169, Building 33720, Chamberlain Ave. 706-791-3880
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FYI Advertising Sales Room 337, Building 33720, Chamberlain Avenue 706-791-3912 ...............................................................................
FYI Creative Director 706-791-3218 ...............................................................................
FYI Editorial 706-791-6234 ...............................................................................
For a complete list of DFMWR key personnel, visit www.fortgordon.com/staff.php
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Commissary Building 37200, 3rd Ave. By-Pass 706-791-3718
GET CONNECTED!
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Fort Gordon Bus Company Building 36200, 36th St. 706-793-0026 ...............................................................................
Fort Gordon Housing Office 706-791-5116/7067/9658 ...............................................................................
Fort Gordon Federal Credit Union Building 36305 Avenue of the States 706-793-0012
Texting Information about upcoming events are available through our new, free and easy texting service. For more information, call (706) 791-6779 or check out the MWR facebook page.
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leisure services: ...............................................................................
Carlson Wagonlit Travel – Official Travel Room 117, Building 33720, Chamberlain Ave. 706-798-0990
Sports & Fitness services: ...............................................................................
Courtyard Outdoor Pool Ring Hall, Building 36710, Brainard Avenue 706-791-3550 ...............................................................................
Gym #3 Building 25510, Brainard Ave. 706-791-2864
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Gym #5 Building 25713, 27th St. 706-791-7370
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Gym #6 – Fitness Center Building 21713, 21st St. 706-791-6872
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Indoor Swimming Pool Building 21608, Brainard Ave. 706-791-3034
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Sports, Fitness and Aquatics Building 29719 706-791-1142
ID Card Section/DEERS Office Appointments available by phone. Darling Hall, Building 33720 http://www.gordon.army.mil/MPD/deers.htm 706- 791-1927/791-1930 ...............................................................................
Military Police Station 706-791-4380/4537 ...............................................................................
NAF Civilian Personnel Office 706-791-6382
MWR:
www.facebook.com/FortGordonMWR
Fort Gordon Garrison Town Hall Meetings:
www.facebook.com/pages/Fort-Gordon-Garrison
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Office of the Staff Judge Advocate 706-791-3148 ...............................................................................
Post Information 706-791-0110 ...............................................................................
Public Affairs Office (PAO) Building 29801, Nelson Hall, 520 Chamberlain Dr. 706-791-7003 ...............................................................................
PX Building 38200 706-793-7171 ...............................................................................
Signal Museum Signal Towers, Building 29808, Chamberlain Avenue 706-791-3856 ...............................................................................
Veterinary Services Building 500, Range Rd. 706-787-7375/3815
www.fortgordon.com | 39
SafeHomes:
Transforming victims of domestic violence into survivors Molly Swift, Editor
SafeHomes, Inc. provides multiple services to the victims of domestic violence and the children of these victims. The services include an emergency shelter, a crisis hotline, legal advocacy, support groups (crisis and options counseling), relocation assistance and parenting/life skills training. Serving 10 Georgia counties, this non-profit organization assists hundreds of victims every year with an astonishingly bare-bones operating staff of 12. To be here—to be part of this team—truly indicates commitment and strength. Between 2,000 and 4,000 people are killed each year in the United States in domestic violence incidents and most of them die after breaking off a relationship with the killer. The issue is massive, serious and deserves all the publicity it can get. SafeHomes came about following the formation of an informal coalition of women in Augusta who collectively sought to determine how best to help women who were victims of domestic violence. As indicated on the SafeHomes website, the issue of domestic violence was not addressed in an effective, comprehensive manner at that time— in fact in 1979, domestic violence was invisible. There were no services in the community available to women who were being abused in their homes. Following this discovery, the group of women marshaled the required resources to open the first SafeHomes shelter in 1983. Since that time, the shelter and SafeHomes has extended its services from 80 women annually, to assisting many hundreds of people each year. Domestic violence, or DV, is not exclusively restricted to married women and SafeHomes acknowledges this by providing services that address intimate partner violence; regardless of race, creed, gender, age or sexual orientation, if you are a victim of violence, you can get help from this remarkable group of women. And providing that service to all and anyone addresses the first of many misconceptions; everybody can be a victim and anyone can be an abuser. Meghann Eppenbrock of SafeHomes spoke to me about domestic violence, where the organization is heading and how we can all address the issue. “Just getting the word out that 40 | FYI OCTOBER 2011
we are here is a challenge that we’re trying to meet. It doesn’t matter who you are—civilian or military—anybody who is a victim of domestic violence can call us. Our mission is to transform victims of domestic violence into survivors, that’s it – and our services try to build that foundation so that they can become survivors. One of the biggest judgments of domestic violence that is asked of victims is, “why do you stay? He (or she) hits you. He or she talks bad to you.” It’s not that simple, says Meghann, “Violence isn’t just about someone being knocked out. We always say a victim is beat down before they are ever beat up.” She further explains that victims often withstand abuse because of the expectations they had going into their relationship—no matter what it might be, or who you are—when a person enters into a relationship, they have a dream of how life is going to be with that other person. Even if the expectations are of a hot, heated romance for a couple of months, everyone has preconceptions and visions of how they want their life to be with an intimate partner. When someone is going through that relationship and it isn’t meeting those expectations, or it isn’t turning out to be like that dream, it is hard to abandon it. For people with children, the situation is more complex still – how simple is it to say “Okay, I’m going to pack up and leave” when a child is involved? For many of us, it wouldn’t be because we want our children to grow up knowing their mother or father. Other challenges often arise in instances of DV, such as when the violence has affected the ability to maintain independence from a partner. “What happens if that person has been cut off from having a job? How can they support themselves or their children if they do leave? It’s not as simple as packing up and heading out the door to a new life,” says Meghann, “What is a person supposed to do – if they feel like they have nowhere to turn, they are going to stay.” Victims often blame their situation on themselves due to shame and embarrassment. One client who is a survivor told Meghann that she would never have thought that she would find herself in that situation; she was a strong,
independent woman who knew what DV was and to stay away from it, but when you talk about love it really puts a wrench in the works and it makes it so much harder. So what do you do if you suspect someone you care about is in a potentially violent relationship, or is being abused? The answer – don’t come at them from a place of judgment. Judging someone’s situation essentially cuts off a life-line for that person because judging doesn’t help anyone. It puts the victim on the defensive and heightens the feeling of isolation since it appears that nobody understands, or can understand, the situation the victim is in. The best action to take is to be of practical assistance; provide the victim with a list of resources, be direct about their needs and show that support and help is available every step of the way. As with many “hot” topics, domestic violence is itself a victim of social stigma. Mostly, this is due to the fact that intimate partner violence delves into the personal lives of individuals and many of us have a problem with interfering in another person’s business. Addressing such an issue head-on means causing conflict and that is scary for all of us. To address this taboo, education is the way forward—educating people as to what signs to look out for, the non-verbal indicators and how to approach people in a way that will help. Domestic violence is one of the most underreported issues and that creates another set of problems—statistics are inaccurate indications of the scale of the problem nationwide. People don’t want to talk about it – it isn’t a disease, there are no socio-economic indicators to pinpoint where the problem stems from or genetic markers that can flag an abuser or a victim. Domestic violence can happen to anyone and it does. The fallout of DV can be felt through generations, affecting relationships with family members and creating communication or trust issues. Sometimes it takes a victim and their family members a lifetime to resolve these issues and sometimes the much-needed healing process doesn’t happen at all. Another misconception is that women are the only victims of domestic violence. SafeHomes assists everybody and has seen its
Domestic Violence Stopping domestic violence starts with seeing the signs. Often, those being abused will try to hide the fact out of fear or a belief that things will get better. If you or a loved one is being abused, you need to recognize the signs. It may be the only way to break the cycle of violence and possibly save lives. fair share of male victims, as well as the children that are innocently embroiled within a violent home. It has addressed the need for support groups for men and has just started up a group specifically designed to help these men who are often even more reluctant than women to come forward about their experiences, or are reluctant to ask for help. Again, the stigma attached to men admitting that their partner abuses them is huge—it is important for men to accept that they are not any less of a man if they admit they need help. Society often paints a picture of male dominance and strength, but Meghann is excited to be in a position to reach out to this often maligned population. The group meets twice a month and a confidential phone call to SafeHomes will provide the man with the information he needs to attend or receive help. SafeHomes’ services are all free, including legal advocacy such as obtaining temporary protective orders, which are similar to restraining orders but provide more protection. Options counseling is available from all SafeHomes advocates. In depth counseling sessions are also available due to the organization’s connections with local education establishments that provide interns who are obtaining their counseling degrees. Financial assistance, transportation assistance and relocation assistance are also provided. “We’ve had clients come to us and they are not safe in Augusta, so we work with the police departments and get the victim to another shelter that might be in-state or out-of-state. We will help with that.” If the shelter is full, SafeHomes is able to pull from grant funds to ensure the victim is put in paid accommodations such as a hotel for a couple of days. These efforts are extensive, admirably well-coordinated and dealt with sensitively and practically in order to protect lives, to help the client regain their sense of self and the confidence that they need to start over. Starting over though requires a commitment of a different kind than that found in the staff of SafeHomes—it requires a commitment on the part of the client to accept change is really needed. Victims of abuse are psychologically similar to addicts in that the cycle of abuse becomes something intrinsically central to their lives. They are already focused on dealing with
their situation, but it is often in an unhealthy way such as insisting their partner will change or that things will get better. For those escaping their home to stay at the shelter, sustained assistance only comes with a demonstrated determination and commitment to improving a situation on the behalf of the client. If they are meeting their goals, if they are doing what they can to find alternate housing and employment if they need it, all the paperwork and they are responsible community housemates, SafeHomes will extend an individual’s stay beyond the ordinary 30 days. The other services are always available for an unlimited period of time. Ultimately, intimate partner violence is a set of behaviors used to control someone, to do their bidding. But those set of behaviors can themselves be controlled – abusers can and will control their behavior. After all, they can be specific about targeting points of the body to hit, pinch or punch that won’t reveal bruises or wounds; they can be violent with the mother but not the child; they can be fine at work but come home angry. The element of control is the leading reason for the other aspects of DV; the intimidation and the isolation. Abusers isolate their victims because if you don’t have your friends and family around you anymore, then there’s nobody around you to see what’s going on and there’s no one to reach out to and help. Which leads me to my final point. SafeHomes may be the saving grace of many hundreds of people, but it cannot operate and does not operate in a vacuum. It needs help too. SafeHomes can provide the tools, but in order for it to succeed, its clients must make the first step and the public must be more vocal and become more educated. We need to say that no, it is not okay to abuse your partner. It is not okay to try to control another person or to intimidate them. If you are a girl, it is not okay to get in a guy’s face or smack them around. If you are a guy, it is not okay to hit a woman because you saw another guy do it. And lastly, there is no shame in picking up the phone and calling (706) 736-2499 or 1-800-799-SAFE
Does Your Partner: • Embarrass you with bad names and insults? • Look at you or act in ways that scare you? • Control what you do, where you go, or who you see and talk to? • Prevent you from getting or keeping a job? • Control your money or social security? • Make all the decisions? • Call you a bad parent or threaten to take away your children? • Downplay, deny, or blame abuse on you? • Threaten to harm your children or pets? • Intimidate you with weapons? • Shove, slap, or hit you? • Force you to drop charges? • Threaten suicide if you leave? If you answer yes to even just one, you may be in an abusive relationship. Seek help. SafeHomes offers: 24 Hour Crisis Line, Emergency Shelter, Legal Advocacy and Confidential Weekly Support Groups as well as the following: • Children’s Program • Crisis and Options Counseling • Helping Victims Of Domestic Violence Break Through Barriers • Emergency Financial Assistance • Parenting and Life Skills Classes • Relocation • Outreach to Rural Counties • Referrals for Food, Clothing & Housing
www.fortgordon.com | 41
TOGETHER WE CAN END DOMESTIC VIOLENCE:
ACT NOW!
Submitted by Frances Maxwell and Veeola Peters, Family Advocacy Program
Domestic violence is a challenge to our nation and the military is not immune to this challenge. The most recent data indicates there were 4107 substantiated cases of domestic violence in the Army. Further analysis revealed that the relative percentage of physical abuse to other forms of abuse such as emotional, sexual, and neglect have not changed. However, the severity level of physical abuse for Soldiers within the E-4 pay grade is increasing substantially for female victims in the 26-30 age group, but to a lesser degree for the male victims. The consequences of each of these domestic abuse incidents to both those directly victimized by the assault and to their family members, friends and fellow Soldiers can be far-reaching and long lasting. Victims may suffer physical and emotional reactions for months or years after the abuse; family members, friends and fellow Soldiers may experience a wide range of emotional reactions; and the morale of the unit and the military community as a whole may be adversely affected. To this end, the Army is committed to eradicating domestic violence. Recognition of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) is essential to furthering the Army’s efforts to raise awareness about domestic violence, educate about the signs of abuse, and emphasize the negative impact it has on family readiness. For over 20 years, DVAM has been recognized within the civilian community as a time for communities to mourn those who have died as a result of domestic violence, celebrate those who have survived, and connect those who are working to end domestic violence. DVAM evolved from the “Day of Unity” observed by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence in 1981. In October 1987, the first Domestic Violence Awareness Month was observed. In October
1989, the U.S. Congress passed Public Law 101-112 designating October of that year as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. In recent years, DVAM has become a particularly important tool for raising awareness about the DOD and Army’s new domestic abuse restricted reporting policies. Effective April 2006, the Army’s Domestic Abuse Restricted Reporting Policy gives Soldiers and Family members the option of making a confidential, or restricted report, of domestic abuse to designated personnel, including the Family Advocacy Program Manager and Victim Advocate, and receiving advocacy, counseling and medical services (including a Sexual Assault Forensic Exam) without initiating an investigation or notification of the chain-ofcommand. This policy seeks to create a climate of confidence where Soldiers and Family members experiencing domestic violence can access needed services without fear of possible repercussions to their or their intimate partner’s career. To fully realize this goal, it is critical that all Soldiers and Family members are aware of the following signs of domestic abuse: • Fear of your intimate partner. • When your partner threatens to or does hurt you, the children or the pets (by hitting, pushing, shoving, punching, slapping, kicking, biting, or choking). • If your intimate partner prevents you from seeing friends or family or going to work or school. • When your partner destroys your personal property or things you care about. • Extreme jealousy. • Constant insults or ridicule. • Telling you what you can and can’t do • Financial Control.
• Possessiveness or controlling behavior. • Making false accusations. • Keeping you from seeing or talking with family and friends. • History of abusive behavior, especially against a former dating partner. • Big mood swings. • Explosive temper. • Belief that abuse is acceptable in relationships. • Act excessively jealous and possessive. • Control where you go or what you do. • Limit your access to money, the phone, or the car. • Constantly check up on you. Awareness events, trainings and outreach during DVAM and throughout the year provide an opportunity to communicate information and engage leaders, Soldiers, Family members and other members of the community in efforts to end domestic violence. Available reporting options and resources for victims of abuse can be accessed through Army Community Service, Family Advocacy Program or Department of Social Work. If you or someone you know are a victim of domestic violence, contact the Family Advocacy Program, Victim Advocates at 706-791-STOP (7867) or Department of Social Work at 706787-3656 (duty hours), or 706-787-5811 (non-duty hour). Adapted from the National Center on Domestic and Sexual Violence website: http://www.ncdsv.org/images/DVAMhistory.pdf
Fort Gordon Ordnance Corps Association Charity Golf Tournament All proceeds will benefit the Fort Gordon Fisher House Where: Gordon Lakes Golf Club, Fort Gordon When: 12 p.m. Friday 4 November $50 Entry Fee (per person. Includes food, cart, green, golf balls) Several prizes available • Teams of four • Mulligan bags for sale Point of contact is CPT Kyle Niederhauser @ (517) 974-2111 42 | FYI OCTOBER 2011
www.fortgordon.com | 43
Falling in Love with Autumn
Molly Swift, Editor
Fall: my favorite time of year. Fall denotes the soothing season of celebration, festivity and reaping the rewards of the year. Harvest, Halloween, Sukkot, Samhain, MidAutumn Festival (or Moon Festival) and Thanksgivingâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;all are autumnal gatherings that reflect on the bounty of the year, the peace of the autumn months and the coming dormancy of winter. In the north of England, where I spent most of my childhood, the fall months were an exciting, colorful prelude to the hush and reverence of Christmas. Although Georgia canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t boast the same canopies of fall hues as the northern states, we do have some beautiful weather and equally beautiful scenery. Fall is a sensory smorgasbord too; the smell of bonfires and spices, the taste of gingerbread, pies, cider, roasted meats, pumpkin and cranberry. Since pagan times, this time of year has been marked with dinners, songs and family gatherings.
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The Celtic festival of Samhain carries on the tradition. According to the site, www.allsaintsbrookline.org, November 1 is the Celtic feast of Samhain. Samhain, Gaelic for “summer’s end,” was the most important of the ancient Celtic feasts. The Celts honored the opposing balance of intertwining forces of existence: darkness and light, night and day, cold and heat, death and life. The Celtic year was divided into two seasons: the light and the dark, celebrating the light at Beltane on May 1st and the dark at Samhain on November 1st. Therefore, the Feast of Samhain marks one of the two great doorways of the Celtic year. Some believe that Samhain was the more important festival, since it marked the beginning of a new dark-light cycle.
The harvest festival of Judaism is called Sukkot, or ‘Feast of Ingathering’, or ‘the ‘Feast of Tabernacles’. Sukkot has a dual significance: historical and agricultural. It is celebrated at the end of the year, after Rosh Hoshanah, the third of the great Annual Festivals. It is a happy celebration and a time of joy and rejoicing—a Thanksgiving feast in which the fall harvest and God’s provision are acknowledged. www.fortgordon.com | 45
Harvest festivals are traditionally held on or near the Sunday of the Harvest Moon. The Harvest Moon is the full moon that occurs closest to the autumn equinox which often falls in Septemberâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; this year it was September 12â&#x20AC;&#x201D; but occasionally falls in October. Harvest festivals typically feature feasting, both family and public, with foods that are drawn from crops that come to maturity around the time of the festival.
The Mid-Autumn Festival is also known as the Chinese Moon Festival. It is customarily observed on the fifteenth day of the eight lunisolar monthsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;September or October. Mid-autumn Festival dates back over 3,000 years, to moon worshipping in the Shang Dynasty. Ancient Chinese emperors worshiped the moon in the autumn, as they believed that the practice would bring them another harvest year. Similar to American families during Thanksgiving, Chinese families go home for the Mid-Autumn Festival to meet their relatives and have dinner with them. Among the traditional dishes are mooncakes; mooncakes are round pastries filled with a sweet, dense filling that varies according to the region of origin.
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The moon makes an appearance in many of this season’s decorations, mostly at Halloween which is a combination of multiple beliefs, faiths and traditions. Halloween is rife with superstition – the dead can return to the earth and so must be scared away with bonfires and strange costumes! Among the most recognized of all Halloween traditions is that of carved pumpkins, or jack o’lanterns.
People have been making jack o’lanterns at Halloween for centuries. The practice originated from an Irish myth about a man nicknamed “Stingy Jack.” According to the story, Stingy Jack invited the Devil to have a drink with him. True to his name, Stingy Jack didn’t want to pay for his drink, so he convinced the Devil to turn himself into a coin that Jack could use to buy their drinks. Once the Devil did so, Jack decided to keep the money and put it into his pocket next to a silver cross, which prevented the Devil from changing back into his original form. Jack eventually freed the Devil, under the condition that he would not bother Jack for one year and that, should Jack die, he would not claim his soul. The next year, Jack again tricked the Devil into climbing into a tree to pick a piece of fruit. While he was up in the tree, Jack carved a sign of the cross into the tree’s bark so that the Devil could not come down until the Devil promised Jack not to bother him for ten more years. Soon after, Jack died. As the legend goes, God would not allow such an unsavory figure into heaven. The Devil, upset by the trick Jack had played on him and keeping his word not to claim his soul, would not allow Jack into hell. He sent Jack off into the dark night with only a burning coal to light his way. Jack put the coal into a carved-out turnip and has been roaming the Earth with ever since. The Irish began to refer to this ghostly figure as “Jack of the Lantern,” and then, simply “Jack O’Lantern.” In Ireland and Scotland, people began to make their own versions of Jack’s lanterns by carving scary faces into turnips or potatoes and placing them into windows or near doors to frighten away Stingy Jack and other wandering evil spirits. In England, large beets are used. Immigrants from these countries brought the jack o’lantern tradition with them when they came to the United States. They soon found that pumpkins, a fruit native to America, make perfect jack o’lanterns. www.history.com/topics/jack-olantern-history www.fortgordon.com | 47
Welcome Home
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706.736.0576 48 | FYI OCTOBER 2011
Be SHARP:
Fort Gordon’s “SHARP” Program SEXUAL HARASSMENT / ASSAULT RESPONSE AND PREVENTION PROGRAM
IAW AR 600-20 CH 7: -Sexual Harassment is a form of gender discrimination that involves unwelcomed sexual advances, request for sexual favors, and other verbal/non-verbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature between the same or opposite genders when: submission to or rejection of such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of a person’s job, pay, or career, or, submission to or rejection of such conduct by a person is a basis for career or employment decisions affecting that person, or, such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonable interfering with an individual’s work performance or create an intimidating, hostile or offensive working environment … Any person in a supervisory or Command position who uses or condones implicit or explicit sexual
Ms. Mary G. Jones Program Manager (706) 791-2014
IAW AR 600-20 CH 8: -Sexual Assault is a crime defined as intentional sexual contact, characterized by the use of force, physical threat or abuse of authority or when the victim does not or cannot consent. It includes rape, nonconsensual sodomy (oral or anal sex), indecent assault, (unwanted, inappropriate sexual contact or fondling), or attempts to commit these acts. Sexual assault can occur without regard to gender or spousal relationship or age of the victim. * Sexual harassment subtleties and innuendos often times lead to a more serious crime of sexual assault. The slightest acts of an unwelcomed sexual nature should be addressed and dealt with immediately and accordingly. In an effort to make everyone aware of this program and to achieve this cultural change over 100 trained SHARP Specialist will advise and assist commanders and leaders in units, sections, and directorates. Efforts are underway to ensure all personnel are trained using the Army’s revised training support packages. Team consists of: MG Alan R. Lynn Commanding General
October 6 3 p.m.-4 p.m. Alexander Hall
October 20 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. EAMC Cafeteria (Ike’s Café)
LUNCH & LEARN
behavior to control, influence, or affect the career, pay, or job of a Soldier or civilian employee is engaging in sexual harassment. Also any Soldier or civilian employee who makes deliberate or repeated unwelcomed verbal comments, gestures, or physical contact of a sexual nature is engaging in sexual harassment.
FIGHT LIKE A GIRL
Fort Gordon transitions from Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) and Sexual Assault Response Program (SAPR) to the Sexual Harassment/Assault Response Prevention (SHARP) Program 1 October 2011. SHARP reinforces the Army’s commitment to eradicate incidents of sexual harassment and assault with a policy that centers on awareness and prevention, training and education, victim advocacy, response, reporting and accountability. SHARP Specialists throughout the installation are training and ensuring that the key messages of this comprehensive program are getting out to the Fort Gordon Community. The key messages are that sexual harassment and sexual assault have no place in our Army and that each of us, military and civilian, have a responsibility to intervene and take action to prevent it. If it occurs, a victim may then choose to report it using the restricted report or unrestricted report. Sexual harassment complainants may choose to file an informal complaint or formal complaint. There are various resources available for such victims: SHARP Specialists, Health Care Providers, Chaplains, Chain of Command, Military Police, Army Community Services (ACS), Criminal Investigation Division (CID), Local and State Police, Staff Judge Advocate (SJA), Army One Source (AOS), and 911. Sexual harassment and sexual assault are contrary to Army Values, and even one incident is one too many. Soldiers and civilians live the Army Values and understand clearly there is no place for the “passive bystander.” SHARP encourages and empowers the bystander to speak out!
BREAST CANCER AWARENESS EVENTS
COL Ronald Stephens Fort Gordon Chief of Staff
SFC Iasha K. Singleton Installation EO Office (706) 791-6082 Ms. Joahn C. Sperry Installation Victim Advocate (706) 791-1882 Ms. Grace L. Bagley Installation Victim Advocate (706) 791-1053
Keynotes from a Breast Cancer Survivor Sponsored and Organized By Preventive Medicine Health & Wellness Center 29605 Barnes Avenue (706) 787-6756 GIVE-AWAYS! PRIZES!
24/7 SHARP Hotline, (706) 791-6297 www.fortgordon.com | 49
Fall at Fort Gordon Fort Gordon ACS (Survivor Outreach Services (SOS) Program) in conjunction with the Augusta Warrior Project will host the Southeast Region Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) weekend (September 30-October 2, 2011). The mission of the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) is to facilitate peer-based emotional support and assistance for all those whose loved ones died while serving in, or in support of, the Armed Forces regardless of relationship to the deceased. The central focus of the weekend is the Saturday program of comfort and care. This set program will include Survivor Seminars for the adult survivors and Good Grief Camp for children and teens. It is conducted between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., with a dinner for attendees held in the evening. To register for the weekend of events, survivors are asked to log onto www.taps.org, click the Events tab; click on Fort Gordon, Seminars and Good Grief Camp. The site will provide them with all necessary information for registration. For additional information please contact the SOS office at (706) 787-1767/4767.
TAPS allows registration until September 30.
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October on Fort Gordon has always been spectacular. The weather is amazing, festivities and tributes get people out onto Barton Field and everyone is in the mood to get outdoors, be sociable and enjoy the excitement that comes with the arrival of fall. Here are a few things to put on your calendar!
Oktoberfest The annual festival of Oktoberfest originated in Germany; when the Crown Prince of Bavaria married in 1810, he decided to party hard. Initially, horse races in the presence of the German Royal Family were the chosen mode of celebration at the end of the festivities. When the horse races were repeated the following year accompanied by an agricultural fair, Oktoberfest was born. As the fest evolved, additional attractions grew - carnival rides flourished, as did beer stands. Oktoberfest is now the largest festival in the world, celebrated in many countries and even here, on Fort Gordon. Although the carnival will be open on Thursday, October 13, our Oktoberfest celebrations truly kick off on October 14 with live music, vendors, the carnival and more - the traditional keg tapping takes place at 6:45 p.m. For more information, go to www.fortgordon.com.
Horse Riding at Hilltop Hilltop Riding Stable is an award-winning riding facility that welcomes everyone, regardless of age or ability. In fact, the stunningly beautiful stable offers riding lessons, boarding, open riding, horse camps and so much more! If you haven’t been on a horse in a few years - or even if you’ve never hopped on a saddle - you can take confidence in the staff at Hilltop to guide, encourage and assist you as you become more familiar with equestrian ways. And fall is the perfect season to enjoy the many miles of trails Hilltop has to offer. As part of Hilltop’s contribution to the Fort Gordon community, a new program has been developed for those who require special assistance with riding. Also open to the public, the special assistance riding program has been created to support people who would otherwise be unable to enjoy riding a horse. The program takes place twice a month and accommodates special tack. A licensed physical therapist may accompany guests and provide staff with instructions. For more information, contact Hilltop at (706) 791-4864.
Tribute to the Fallen Each year, the Marines of Fort Gordon and the surrounding Augusta community honor their fallen service members with a non-stop run around Barton Field, running a mile for every Marine and Corpsman who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving as part of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. The tribute begins November 1 with a brief ceremony in which the Commanding Officer of the Marine Detachment orders 21 rounds to be delivered to the firing detail that will be formed on November 10. As each runner completes their lap, the rounds will be passed on. The final lap will be run by all who participated in the event, as well as other service members, volunteers and members of the community. The run is one of the most phenomenal displays of commemoration that exists - each runner faces the elements, regardless of weather, while carrying the rounds in the name of their fallen brothers and sisters. All are welcome to run alongside the runners at any given time; a Marine or Sailor will be running on the track 24 hours a day for the entire nine-day duration. Join them in the final ceremony when the rounds are handed over to the firing detail and a 21-gun salute is rendered followed by the playing of taps and the singing of the Marine’s Hymn. POC for this event is SSGT Villela, (706) 791-8887. Semper Fi.
Retiree Appreciation Day Our Retiree population deserves a day of thanks and we give it to them October 29! Retiree Appreciation Day acknowledges the services of these heroes and provides them with a day of pampering, information and more pampering. The opening ceremony starts the day at 8 a.m. It is followed by a wealth of exhibits, vendor booths, services and seminars, with a luncheon at Gordon’s Conference and Catering attended by the Garrison Commander and Deputy Commander, EAMC. A huge 18-wheeler Army display vehicle will be on hand, as will EAMC staff members who will provide health screenings. While there is no cost to attend the day’s events, the lunch costs $15 per person and reservations must be made by October 17. If you are a retiree and you would like to be a part of the day, take a look at the full page ad on page 58.
The Soldier Show Each year, the Army hosts the Soldier Show, a musical show performed by talented Soldiers exploring music genres and cultures from all over the world. The free production comes to Fort Gordon in October and there are four performances scheduled over two days. On Saturday, October 22, the public is invited to attend the 8 p.m. show, while on Sunday, October 23 the public can attend the 6 p.m. production, both shows will be held at Alexander Hall. Two performances will take place for trainees only – for times, see our ad on page 21. The concept behind this year’s Army Soldier Show is that of a globe-spanning journey. From a boardwalk to a fun house to a circus to a county fair to a time machine, Soldier-entertainers will take their guests on a song and dance tour with a fabulous international scene. Not to be missed, the audience will witness an extravaganza that plays to the strengths of cast members from several countries. Look for more information on www.fortgordon.com.
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fromthebookshelf Susanna Joyner, Director, Woodworth Consolidated Library
Book: The Money Class: Learn to create your new American dream, 2011, Author: Suze Orman “Live truthfully and stand tall in your reality.” The Money Class is Suze Orman’s newest book covering the real-world financial concerns a great many Americans face today. Her direct, concise, and accurate voice of experience inform and direct even those in the worst circumstances on specific behaviors to right your course. Covering everything from home ownership, lending money to family, credit card debt, student loans, retirement, long-term care and more; Suze delivers sound advice, key resources and tough encouragement. This author offers credible and sound knowledge from which many can benefit and reading her books is one of the best ways to absorb the information (sans the harsh television persona). If you want to get back on track, maintain course, or learn about new ways you can secure your financial present and future, this one is for you. Enjoy The Money Class through check-out at the Library or as an e-book through AKO (My Library, Read or Listen to a Book, Army Digital Media Library - see below). Army Library Program, FREE audio, eBooks, and movies! Thousands of freely available audio, e-books, and movies for AKO account holders; quick and easy download right to your computer or mobile device! Did you know your Army Library Program provides all AKO account holders with free and easy online access to thousands of books, audio books, and now film? For kids, adults, school, and leisure—that’s right, it’s free and convenient—and the title selection is immense! You can download titles right to your computer or mobile device, free of charge, anytime. 4) Click on ‘Read or Listen to a Book’ 1) Log in to AKO 5) Pick from any of the listed programs and enjoy! 2) Select ‘Self Service’ 3) Select ‘My Library’ ***To browse available movies, select Army Digital Media Library, then video. Books, movies, CDs and more are available for free check-out to Army/DOD Soldiers & Army/DOD Civilians at Woodworth Consolidated Library 549 Rice Road, Building 33500, Fort Gordon, GA 30905 For more information call: (706) 791-7323 or visit our website at http://gordon.army.mil/dhr/library
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musicbox Who Killed the Radio Star? Molly Swift, Editor
Usually, Music Box focuses on a person related to our local music scene in some way, shape or form. It’s a forum for talented musicians, radio personalities and highlighting what’s new across the spectrum of the music world. This time though, at the risk of sounding terribly corny, it’s personal. I grew up when radio was still a powerful force behind record sales, when a new artist was played to death over the airwaves - and could either be made or broken by said air play - and when radio DJ’s attained celebrity status. As long as you had a shtick, you were alright by me. I lived for the top forty countdown – probably because it went hand-in-hand with what I was able to watch on MTV. As soon as I was allowed, I had a radio in my bedroom so I could listen to alternative rock as I drifted off to sleep, only to wake to the buttery sounds of pop music, early-morning prank calls and competitions. I was a military brat. As I moved around, the only things I really wanted to hold onto were my photos and my music. I’m still that way; if a house fire occurs, they are the items I’m running for first (sorry husband, kids and cats). Alright, that’s probably going a bit too far, but you get the idea. I create a soundtrack in my head for every momentous occasion, for each daughter I have had and for the years I’ve been lucky enough to be with the love of my life. It is that important to me. So now, as I see 2012 fast approaching, I’m struck by the plethora of mediums available to me to discover more and more music. Just off the top of my head I can think of Pandora, iTunes, Sirius, Playlist.com and Rhapsody. But on the weekends, on my way to work and on the wonderful drive home, it’s the radio I turn to in order to catch up on what’s new, which bands are playing downtown and what
free tickets I could win. And while I enjoy a variety of music genres, the one that has the biggest home in my heart is rock. It’s what I was brought up listening to and the passion and exuberance of rock music electrifies my soul and lightens my mood. Granted, there is a time and place for everything and there are times when jazz, bluegrass or alternative country tickles my fancy; but rock in almost all its styles, forms, shapes and volume levels rarely disappoints. Rock is derived from the Old English word roccain, which itself is related to the Old Nordic work rykkja, meaning “To pull, tear and move.” By the 1920s, “rocking and rolling” became a popular double entendre referring to either dancing or sex. According to the site, www.hotword.dictionary.com, Trixie Smith’s 1922 blues ballad, “My Man Rocks Me (With One Steady Roll)” may be the first use of the phrase in song. As Alan Freed, a disc jockey from Ohio, appropriated the phrase “rock and roll” to describe the new music he was playing, the phrase grew in popularity. Today, the genre of rock incorporates so many different styles there are sub-genres as well as plenty of in-fighting among fans desperate to label their music. Personally, I don’t care. If it rocks, you’ll know it. This brings me to a recent turn of events, something I found shockingly disappointing: the shunning of Augusta’s one and only rock station 95 Rock. Please don’t get me wrong, I’m not speaking as FYI Magazine, FMWR or Fort Gordon. I’m speaking as an individual for who some of the most enjoyable moments of the past nine years have been enhanced by this station’s music. Because of 95 Rock’s morning show, I laughed and relaxed on the drive to my first job in Augusta when my stomach would otherwise have been churning due to nerves.
My oldest was able to go to her first big gig because of a 95 Rock competition. My first date with my husband was at a show I heard about on 95 Rock. And the station has yielded some of the nicest people I’ve met through this magazine. My interviews with Chuck Williams - the brain behind the 95 Rock format - and The Third Degree’s Sanj were so much fun I now aim to make all interviews as enjoyable! Like their fellow DJs Matt Stone and Troy Bradley, they know how to enjoy life, make you laugh and think and they are passionate about supporting the local music venues and bands. It’s an integral part of popularizing and advertising the downtown scene; it is a motivational grassroots movement that supports multiple local businesses and galvanizes a portion of the population to likewise support their community. Why would anyone want to take that away from us? Money? Come on now. Not all of us like satellite, or own an iPod, or are able to stream the station while we work. The number of 95 Rock listeners that freaked out when their favorite rock station moved to their new “home” of 93.1 should give an indication as to just how important the station is. Adapt a new business model, hire whoever you need to hire and put rock back on a station that doesn’t sound like the ocean’s trying to break into my car. Please. I’m not saying that nothing can take its place – things change and I understand there may be something equally as awesome that rules the airwaves in the future. But come on Augusta, we could really do with a rock station. It’s part of our daily lives. There’s no way I’m going to listen to anything else as often or with as much enjoyment.
Chuck Williams and 95 Rock welcome Three Days Grace, Breaking Benjamin and Flyleaf to the James Brown Arena in February, 2010.
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techninja Camcorders: It’s Time to Move On Nathan Hoeller, Creative Director, FYI
The holiday season is approaching fast and that means it’s time to break out the camcorder and capture some of those awesome holiday memories. If you’re like me, you may still be hanging on to that clunky 1990’s camcorder (or older!) that you purchased for a few hundred bucks. Well, there’s no easy way of saying this, but it’s time to trash it. Traditional camcorders have become obsolete by today’s video standards. In our new digital age, the art of capturing individual frames on light-sensitive film has been replaced by digital light-capturing devices that store the world we know in a stream of pixel frames that make up our holiday memories. This means no more buying multiple recordable VHSs, Video8/Hi8s or even the more modern MiniDVs; all of your memories can be captured on a temporary storage device built into your camcorder. And that’s just the beginning of the advantages of switching. There are several great video recorder products out there, to include the Sony Bloggie MHS-FS1, the Flip Video MinoHD, and the Zoom Q3HD recorders. Each camera is lightweight and includes an internal memory (the MinoHD) or an SD card slot (the Bloggie MHS-FS1 and Q3HD). The internal memory in the MinoHD is limited to about two hours of recording, which isn’t bad for quick videos on the fly. If you are recording more frequently at longer times, I’d recommend either the Bloggie MHS-FS1 or Q3HD. The addition of the SD card slot allows you to expand your storage capacity to whatever size SD card you choose to use, giving you the opportunity to store massive amounts of video footage. Along with saving money on tapes, you’ll also be saving time when it comes to transferring your holiday memories to a usable format. The video file can be transferred directly to your computer through the SD card or through the internal USB connecter (the internal USB is found in the MinoHD and Q3HD only). Once it’s on your computer, you can use Windows Movie Maker (for Windows users) or iMovie (for Mac users) to do any clipping or editing to your video. Then save the file, burn in on a DVD
for viewing on your TV, or share it online with your friends and family. As with most new-generation recorders, each of these cameras record in HD. The MinoHD records at 720p and the Bloggie MHS-FS1 and Q3HD record at a full 1080p. This quality far surpasses that of the camcorders of the 80’s and 90’s. And if that’s not reason enough to ditch the old camcorder, maybe the price is. The MinoHD is the least expensive, at $100. This camera is a great choice for small video clips, just be sure you’re near a computer when you need to recharge because this internal battery can only be charged via USB. The mid-valued camera is the Bloggie MHS-FS1 at about $150. This camera is perfect for recording videos to be used online. It comes with pre-installed software that makes uploading to YouTube, Facebook and Personal Space by Sony very easy. The most expensive of the bunch is the Q3HD at about $300. It’s a bit more than the others, but if you want to truly relive those holiday memories, this camera is the one for you. With full 1080p resolution and its two studio-quality condenser mics, you’ll feel like you’re reliving the moment as you watch your recorded videos. I think the best thing about these recording devices—what sets them apart from the older generations—is their ease of use. The devices are so small that you can carry them in your pocket¬, and they’re ready to go on the fly. They can be uploaded immediately to your computer for viewing, editing, or sharing. The cost is low compared to the capabilities of these devices. So what’s stopping you? It’s time to move on and ditch the old for the new.
Flip Video MinoHD
Zoom Q3HD
Sources: http://www.theflip.com/en-us/Products/mino.aspx http://www.zoom.co.jp/english/products/q3hd/ http://store.sony.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product Display?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=1&partNumber=MHSFS1/W
Have a question or suggestion about a technological topic or product? Send it our way for consideration in future Tech Ninja articles. E-mail Nathan at nathaniel.hoeller@us.army.mil.
Sony Bloggie MHS-FS1 www.fortgordon.com | 55
Strong Army Families Are Built on Love and Respect If someone you love is hurting you, help is available Victim Advocates are available 24 hours a day/7 days a week
WE LISTEN, WE ACT, WE CARE For more information or to report an incident, contact your local ACS Victim Advocate (VA) at:
706-791-7867, (706-791-STOP)
56 | FYI OCTOBER 2011
gamingpage League of Legends Jeremy Swift
League of Legends is an amazing free game developed by Riot Games. According to Riot, “League of Legends is a session-based, multiplayer online battle-arena game where rival teams compete against one another for victory on highly stylized battlefields and landscapes. Built by a veteran development team and by the original creators of Defense of the Ancients, one of the world’¬s most popular player-made mods, League of Legends combines elements of the role-playing and strategy genres with addictive battle action. If you have never played a game like League of Legends before, don’t worry! A new user guide walks you through each part of the game step-by-step. From the landing page, as with most all other PvP games, the player can chat with other players, add friends, browse game information, and start a game. Prior to taking the plunge, select the tutorial and learn about strategy, champion abilities and
summoner abilities, in addition to the basics of towers and inhibitors. The successful game play and strategies in League of Legends are dependent on the “Champions” chosen by the players in each match. With a roster of over 70 Champions to choose from, each possessing unique abilities and attributes, the game is deeply re-playable and competitive. Abilities and attributes are both extensively explained in text and are supported by easy to understand graphics. In the game, players quickly level up their champions while customizing their abilities and equipment over the course of a 20-40 minute session combining the best elements of role-playing games with fast-paced actionstrategy game play. Players opt for one of two maps – Summoners Rift or The Twisted Treeline. In addition, League of Legends is crafted with a unique artistic style that helps bring the world of Valoran and its rich and
diverse characters to life. This game is just pure fun for anyone who likes spirited team play. The only downside to this game is not all of the 70+ characters are free to play at all times, but instead rotate; a new set of free-to-play characters are made available each week. Players can purchase characters either with currency earned in game through play or through RP points that are purchased with cold hard cash. There are also different character skins, or character art, available that can only be purchased with real money. League of Legends brings accessible, replayable and endlessly competitive game play that deepens with the player’s commitment. If you are a fan of the real time strategy or RPG genre than I highly recommend that you download this game at leagueoflegends.com and join in the fun.
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moviereview We now present our Creature Presentation Nick Spinelli
You see what I did there? In the title? It’s clever! Actually, it’s really not, but if you’re not a fan of stupid puns like that you may as well stop reading now, because this month’s column is not for you. If you’re still here, then like me you’re probably a fan of Tales from the Crypt. Or, I suppose it’s possible you’re still reading because you’re one of those people who have to finish something they start. Either way, thanks for sticking around. In 1989, producer/director extraordinaire Robert Zemeckis (Forrest Gump, Castaway, the Back to the Future trilogy) created a show on HBO based on four 1950s EC comics series: Tales from the Crypt, Haunt of Fear, Vault of Horror, Crime SuspenStories and Shock SuspenStories. The show, using the Crypt title, was an anthology series updating the old stories and telling new ones from a who’s who of Hollywood talent. Celebrities like Tom Hanks, Demi Moore, Kirk Douglas, Brad Pitt, Arnold Schwarzenegger and even Humphrey Bogart all wrote, directed or appeared in episodes. The show was a hit for HBO, which had yet to break into original programming. It ran for seven years and can still be seen regularly in syndication. As the series began to wind down, Zemeckis and his team decided to spin the series off into a film. The result was Demon Knight. The film starred Billy Zane, William Sadler and Jada Pinkett before she added “-Smith” to her last name. In the film, a group of strangers trapped in an old hotel must defend a sacred key from an army of demons who want to use it to destroy the world. I know how that
sounds, but trust me, it’s good, especially Billy Zane’s performance. Movies like this and The Phantom make me wonder why he always gets stuck playing bland, boring villains in films like Titanic. Demon Knight was fairly successful. Not a box-office megahit, but well reviewed and well received enough to warrant a sequel. Two sequels actually. Zemeckis and company decided to make two more films, forming a Tales from the Crypt trilogy. Like the show, they would all be stand-alone stories with wraparound bits performed by the crypt keeper. Linking the movies would be the “key” from Demon Knight, which would appear in all three stories. The follow-up Crypt film was originally going to be Peter Jackson’s The Frighteners. Released in 1996, this was an awesome ghost story which also happens to have the distinction of being Michael J. Fox’s final lead role in a film (he’s only done voice over work, supporting roles and TV appearances since). Zemeckis believed the film could stand on its own (it could) and didn’t need the Crypt wraparound/ branding to succeed (it did). The unfortunate result was that nobody went and saw The Frighteners, and Tales from the Crypt fans got Bordello of Blood as their follow-up. Bordello of Blood is the timeless tale of a whorehouse run by vampires controlled by a televangelist with the key from Demon Knight and the low-rent private detective investigating disappearances there. I’ll just let that sink in for a moment. Simply put, this is not a good movie. In fact,
it’s not even an entertaining one. I don’t know how you screw up a story like that, but they managed. Even worse, they’ve wasted the talents of Dennis Miller and Chris Sarandon, two of the most consistently funny actors of their day. Pretty much everything Demon Knight got right (the mood, the direction, the perfect combination of humor and horror) Bordello of Blood gets wrong. Needless to say, Bordello of Blood was an abysmal failure and essentially killed the Tales from the Crypt franchise. The third movie in the proposed trilogy, Ritual, wasn’t released until 2001, when it spent a grand total of three days in theaters before being dumped into the bargain bin of video stores. To add insult to injury, it wasn’t even released as a Tales from the Crypt film. That’s right, the stink of the franchise was so bad, they weren’t even going to risk adding the crypt keeper to a crappy movie no one was ever going to see although on a release box set of the “trilogy” new crypt keeper wraparounds were added to Ritual. Still no mention of the key, though. Fortunately, the entire run of the HBO series is available on DVD. So, if you’re looking for a way to waste a weekend marathon this October, or want something spooky but unsubstantial playing in the background of a Halloween party, pick up the series and Demon Knight. Just avoid Bordello of Blood. Any film that wastes Corey Feldman at his craziest in a throwaway supporting role doesn’t deserve to be screened, ever.
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director’schair
Steve Walpert, Entertainment Director
We have just completed a big month. So many events in September—the staff and volunteers really worked hard to put on great programs for our community and I thank them all so much! In September, we offered Dueling Pianos International at the Dinner Theatre as a free Cabaret style performance, and what a great response! A full house was on-hand to enjoy this sing along, clap along, all-request comedy piano show. The entertainers were absolutely fantastic and a great time was had by all who attended. Then, the Operation Rising Star Army-wide singing competition over three weekends at Gordon’s Conference and Catering. 20 singers from the Fort Gordon community—service and family members—competed in absolutely the best Fort Gordon Rising Star event ever! We had tremendously supportive crowds too! When the dust settled, all were winners but the big prizes went to SGT Frank Thiele from Warrior Transition Bn., First Place; Erica Lang, an Army Spouse (442nd Sig BN), Second Place; SPC Will Wilson of the Army Dental lab, Third Place; with the Army Dental Lab taking home the Spirit Award for the most supportive Unit. Then, over at the Dinner Theatre, our Army Festival entry, The 39 Steps. This comedy sendup of the Alfred Hitchcock thriller of the same name was a huge success, drawing big audiences
and great response. Hats off to the talented cast of Victoria Schehl, Jeremy Medlin, MAJ Ted Newton (R) and Wes Hennings. They played over 100 characters between them with great skill and a tremendous sense of humor. Additional kudos to Dan Posey for his creative set and lighting designs, Aaron Battle for a terrific soundtrack design, costumes by Ooollee for an amazing job, Gail Fitzpatrick our Stage Manager, Mickey Fitzpatrick, our Backstage Manager and our dedicated and wonderful construction and backstage crews. And last but not least, our Citywide Talent Show (at the Fest). Directed by Elizabeth Walpert, this was a great event. The goal was to bring together talent from Fort Gordon and the surrounding community in a show performed on the main stage of the always-fantastic Arts in the Heart of Augusta Festival. At press time we are in final rehearsals for this event, with 17 great acts. I’ll let you know how it all came out in the November FYI. Back at the Dinner Theatre, tickets are now on sale for our new comedy, Christmas Belles. This is going to be so much fun! It plays November 11, 12, 18, 19 and December 2 and 3. In this show, a church Christmas pageant spins wildly out of control as three squabbling sisters try to reign in the mayhem. Amidst an ailing Santa, a vengeful sheep, and a reluctant Elvis impersonator, a family secret emerges that
Victoria Schehl and Jeremy Medlin | The 39 Steps
just might derail the entire production. And on top of everything else, the pageant will be shown live on cable access television for the first time ever. Christmas Belles will bring joy (and lots of laughs) to your world! “This hilarious comedy has been making audiences all over the country merry and bright!” The Malibu Times, CA. Also coming up this month, some terrific events from other local arts organizations. Just a few are detailed below. The Augusta Players will present Christmas Carol, the Musical, “Brimming with music and dance, love and laughter, the Augusta Players gives the holiday spirits the full Broadway treatment with the musical version of the Charles Dickens classic. With a score filled with beautiful melodies and emotional lyrics, join the many that make this theatrical event part of their annual holiday traditions. Make this a holiday tradition for you as it is for many in the Augusta area.” At the Imperial Theatre December 10 and 11. Symphony Orchestra Augusta’s Pops at the Bell is sure to please. October 27 at 7:30 p.m. “The history of rock n’ roll would not be complete without the invaluable contributions of 1960’s legend Neil Sedaka. For over five decades Sedaka has written, produced and performed countless songs such as Calendar Girl, Breaking Up is Hard to Do, and Oh Carol! Sedaka will join Maestro Kuwahara and Symphony Orchestra Augusta for a magical night of timeless classics.” Storyland Theatre, an outstanding group, continues their very generous offer of free tickets to Children’s Theatre Saturday Matinees at the beautiful Imperial Theatre, for all Active Duty Military and ID card-carrying family members. These are talented adult performers, with great costumes, settings and more. Their next show is Cinderella, an original musical. Based on the classic tale, this show promises to be a real treat for the entire family. School shows are Tuesday through Friday, October 25, 26, 27 and 28 at 9:30 a.m., 10:45 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. Reservations required. Saturday Family Matinee: October 29 at 3 p.m. And there’s a lot more happening as we enter the cool crisp Augusta Fall season. For more on what’s happening in the Arts around town, make sure you visit the Greater Augusta Arts Council website at www.augustaarts.com. And for all the fun at Fort Gordon, be sure to check out our MWR website www.fortgordon.com. There’s just too much happening to sit around the house! Get out and enjoy the fun. And as always, we hope to see YOU at the theatre sometime soon.
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SNAPSH T What we do: Take pictures of you and put them here and on Flickr - www.flickr.com/photos/fyi_magazine What you do: Smile
Amanda North, Virginie Fayet, and Annick Delaroque at the FGS&CC Kick-Off, Gordon’s Conference & Catering
Rebecca Layton, Margaret Lepale, Brook Lynn, Lori Pflieger, Cindy Pugh at the FGS&CC Kick-Off, Gordon’s Conference & Catering
Al Jackson, Lynda Sims, and David White at the FGS&CC Kick-Off, Gordon’s Conference & Catering
Michael Daniel, Roderick Bethea, Michael Brison, Roger Howard, and Anthony Walker at the BOSS Combatives Tournament, Gym 3
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Mackenzie, Pam, Cody, and Robert Mynatt at the BOSS Combatives Tournament, Gym 3
Ahmed Diallo, Cody Mynatt, Jordon Niphanprasart, Amos Captain, Bill Boggs, Luke Andrewkitis, Christopher Rivera, and Ashten Fisher at the BOSS Combatives Tournament, Gym 3
Gloria Gilmore and Kimberly Rouse at Operation Rising Star, Gordon’s Conference & Catering
Sharon and Christopher Miranda at Operation Rising Star, Gordon’s Conference & Catering
Jeff, Zion & Maximus Lang at Operation Rising Star, Gordon’s Conference & Catering
Evelyn White and Roderick Gill at Operation Rising Star, Gordon’s Conference & Catering
Visit us at www.FortGordon.com for more upcoming events and information on MWR facilities. www.fortgordon.com | 63
Next
November 2011
Another Piece of the (Pumpkin) Pie Thanksgiving is right around the corner – can you believe it!? We’ll be diving into a feast of roast turkey, family madness and the best ways to serve cranberry! Oh and there’s going to be pie. Lots and lots of pie.
National Novel Writing Month
Starting November 1, a ridiculous number of people will commit themselves to writing a novel comprising 50,000 words with the aim of completing said novel by 11:59:59, November 30. NaNoWriMo – as it is more commonly named – is a novel-writing program that is open to anyone and everyone who has thought even fleeting about writing a novel but has been put off by the time and effort required. Here’s your chance.
Vets Deserve Love Too
Veterans Day is a national annual observance, but why? Originally Armistice Day, November 11 is the day we acknowledge the many contributions made by service members in combat and in peacetime. The FYI is going a step further and looking at life beyond service for our Vets.
Eating for You
November is our Best Of—just in time for the holidays! We sacrifice so much for the sake of this magazine, but never more so than for this piece. After all, we have to go out for a meal, get waited on, eat wonderful food, hopefully have a good experience and then write a few words about it. Sheesh … it’s tough.
Don’t forget to become our friend on Facebook, hook up with us on Twitter and look for your smiling face on Flickr. Have a comment? Post on our wall or e-mail the editor at molly.swift@us.army.mil. 64 | FYI OCTOBER 2011
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