THE
GRIFFON
First in Training
Vol 44.4 Winter 2021
“We don’t rise to the level of our expectations; we fall to the level of our training.” - Archilochus
Need a high caliber gift? We have the supplies you need. Visit bluenile.com and use the code Griffon108 and let us help you find the right equipment for the mission.
THE GRIFFON • Winter 2021 • 3
From the Commanding General Greetings to the Soldiers, Civilians and Families of the108th Training Command!
By Maj. Gen. Andrew Juknelis Commanding General 108th Training Command (IET)
As we move out of the traditional holiday season and into this New Year, I would like to take the opportunity to thank each and every one of you for the dedication and flexibility you show as we drive on to complete each and every mission put before us. CoVid-19 stretched us in ways we never imagined and yet you as Instructors, Drill Sergeants, Leaders, and Support Staff meet each challenge with professionalism and an innovative spirit that not only allows us success, but keeps us safe at the same time. We are moving into 2021 with some of the same restrictions that we have been dealing with and I encourage you to stay the course and continue doing the right thing.
Soldier readiness and training is a continuous mission, and despite the employment of various new protocols, this is a no-fail mission. Readiness is at the heart of everything we do.We cannot train the future of the force if we aren’t ready for the fight ourselves. The core mission assigned to the 108th Training Command hasn’t changed.We are assigned to build the Army and a ready, lethal fighting force becomes even more critical as we struggle through uncertain and volatile times. Finding new and effective ways to train and mentor Soldiers and Cadets during these times will test our mettle and allow us the opportunity to grow like never before. I implore you to take the high road during these trying times.As Soldiers, we don’t live the Army Values only when we put on the uniform. Our employers, neighbors, and friends look to us for leadership and guidance during these times and we owe them the respect to be an upstanding representation of the Nation.You are entitled to your opinion, of course, but you are bound to only share it in the appropriate tone and forum afforded you by the UCMJ and Army policy. Remember your sworn oath and act
We are assigned to build the Army and a ready, lethal fighting force becomes even more critical as we struggle through uncertain and volatile times. accordingly. We have confident, engaged leaders at every level throughout the Command and this is the difference maker for us.Across the board, the skills and discipline shown by our Soldiers stand the test of time and circumstances. Leadership is honed in garrison but tested in the crucible of battle. From the beaches of Normandy to the mountains of Afghanistan, we are called to protect the interests of our Nation and the 108th Training Command (IET) is a huge stakeholder in the future of our Nation’s forces.Thank you for answering this call with everything you are. Take this time as we move carefully back toward in-person training and assembly to ensure
you are in your required fighting shape. Be physically ready. If you aren’t ready, start today. Ensure that you have the required PME. Several courses are offering virtual attendance, check with your training NCOs and get your name on the list to attend.We are still doing some virtual battle assemblies - take the time to update and scrub your records.You are the only one who can ready yourself for the next promotion, the next duty assignment, the next challenge. If you need help in any dimension, please ask! And don’t forget to check on your squadmates, family, and fellow team members. Griffon 6
4 • THE GRIFFON • Winter 2021 PUBLISHED IN THE INTEREST OF THE 108TH TRAINING COMMAND
GRIFFON
108th Training Command (IET) Commanding General
Maj. Gen. Andrew Juknelis
Command Sgt. Maj.
Command Sgt. Maj. R. Todd Priest
Deputy Commanding General
Brig. Gen. Stephanie Q. Howard
Command Chief Warrant Officer
CW5 Neal H. O’Connor, Jr.
Chief of Staff
“First in Training”
The Army 10-Miler looked different this year as each of us ran our own individual races, in our own towns, through our own neighborhoods, and sometimes, with our own families! Although the virtual race meant no sojourn to Washington DC, and no massive crowds of spectators or history filled sights, it also meant time with family and friends who otherwise may not have been able to run with us.
Col. Charles C. Jordan
Command Executive Officer
Mr. Charles Fairbanks
108th Training Command Public Affairs (IET) Public Affairs Officer
Capt. Jermaine Counts
Public Affairs NCOIC
Sgt. 1st Class Lisa M. Litchfield
Cover photo by Maj. Gregorio E Zayas, Team Leader and ROTC Outreach, Alpha Company, 3rd Battalion, 414th Regiment, (CST), 1st Brigade, 104th Division
Email: lisa.m.litchfield2.mil@mail.mil
95th Training Division (IET) Commander
Brig. Gen. Charles S. Sentell III
Command Sgt. Maj.
Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Potts
Public Affairs Officer
Capt. Adrienne Bryant
Email: adrienne.bryant.mil@mail.mil Public Affairs NCOIC (vacant)
98th Training Division (IET) Commanding General
Brig. Gen. Tony Wright
Command Sgt. Maj.
Command Sgt. Maj. Ian L. Coyle
Public Affairs Officer
Maj. Michelle A. Lunato
Email: michelle.a.lunato.mil@mail.mil or michelle.a.lunato.civ@mail.mil Public Affairs NCOIC (vacant)
104th Training Division (LT) Commanding General
Brig. Gen. Rodney J. Fischer
Command Sgt. Maj.
Command Sgt. Maj. Neil J. Pierce
Public Affairs Officer (vacant) Public Affairs NCOIC
Sgt. 1st Class Darleen G. Adkins
Email: darleen.g.adkins.mil@mail.mil
The Griffon is published four times a year and is an authorized publication for members of the Army. Contents of The Griffon are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, Department of Defense, Department of the Army, or the 108th Training Command (IET). The appearance of advertising in this publication, including supplements and inserts, does not in any way constitute an endorsement by the Department of the Army or Knight Communications, Inc. of the products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this publication must be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to the race, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, use or patron. If a violation or rejection of this equal opportunity policy by an advertiser is confirmed, the publisher shall refuse to print advertising from that source until the violation is corrected. The Griffon is an unofficial publication authorized by AR360-1. Editorial content is prepared, edited, and provided by the Public Affairs Office of the 108th Training Command (IET). The Griffon is published by Knight Communications, Inc., 10150 Mallard Creek Road, Suite 201, Charlotte, NC, 28262 — a private firm in no way connected with the Department of the Army, under exclusive written contract with the 108th Training Command (IET). Material for publication may be submitted to: PAO, 1330 Westover Street, Charlotte, NC 28205-5124.
To coordinate news coverage, contact the 108th Training Command Public Affairs Office - 704-227-2829 Deadlines: Spring: March 5th, 2021 Summer: June 4th, 2021
6 • THE GRIFFON • Winter 2021
Table
of Contents
Columns 3 From the Commanding General 13 From the 98th Training Division (IET)
8 Year of the Female Drill Sergeant 10 Green Tab Huddle Builds 108th Team
Commander
14 The Journey of a Vision
22 From the 104th Training Division (LT)
18 SGM Discovers the Formula
Commander
to Success and Endurance
25 From the 104th Command Sergeant Major
26 Asst. Professors of Military Science Step Up 28 Boo Ninja and Task Force North Alabama
29
29 New 104th Training Division (LT) Inspectors General Engage in Alternative Virtual Learning
31 Competition and Camaraderie 34 TF NORCAL 36 FTX Ferguson 39 Task Force Oregon 40 Trainers Training And Trainers Trained 42 Vietnam War MOH Recipient’s Widow Speaks to Collegiate ROTC Class
43 Operation Agile Leader — The Citadel 44 Training Battalion Adapts to COVID-19 Challenges 46 Whatever Happened to Strong Bonds? 48 TRADOC Staff Ride focuses on resiliency, mentorship while revisiting Yorktown Battlefields
50 Army Replaces ‘Shark Attack’ With Team Event 10
for Tank Crewmen, Cavalry Scout Trainees
53 Tips to Keep You Safe for the Holidays - and After
40
8 • THE GRIFFON • Winter 2021
Year of the Female Drill Sergeant By Staff Sgt. Bryanne Peterson, Ph.D. Senior Drill Sergeant, 2-317th REGT
For more than two centuries, women have been contributing to the success of the Army. A concerted effort has gone into preserving the stories and impact of those efforts through organizations like the U.S. Army Women’s Museum and the Women in Military Service for America (W.I.M.S.A.) for decades. More recently, Army stories celebrating the success of female Soldiers have found their way into mainstream media in the past five years; we have openly celebrated Army women across all ranks as they break down barriers in combat military occupational specialties and training courses like Ranger School and the Special Forces Qualification Course. Staff Sgt. Rhiane Titus, a current drill sergeant with the 2nd Battalion, 317th Regiment, 2nd Brigade in the 104th Division (Leader Training), put it well, saying “I’ve always been excited to see females make their way into spaces that they, traditionally, have been excluded from.” And the past five years have given us
a lot of opportunities to do just that. It is important to note though, that while these women are the first to make a specific leap, they had female Soldiers to look up to and learn from. They had women that were cheering them on and encouraging them to take that leap. These trailblazers had strong women in uniform there to serve as role models and mentors. For many female Soldiers, their first, and often most memorable, role model is a drill sergeant. With the first female drill sergeants graduating in 1972, we are nearing a momentous anniversary; come February 2021, female drill sergeants will hit their own milestone- 50 years of service. While training and education are predominantly female-centric careers on the civilian side, only about 20% of Army drill sergeants are female right now. The Army requires genderintegrated training, and even requires a female drill sergeant in every integrated platoon, but getting female equality in leadership positions is difficult. Megan Reed, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Army Center for Initial Military Training, has previously
Staff Sgt. Bryanne Peterson is a Reserve drill sergeant with three kids, a Ph.D., and way too many pets at her house. She is a construction worker turned teacher turned professor turned Chief Analytics Officer for a company trying to save the world with an app.
pointed out that women, statistically, are stepping up as leaders, graduating Drill Sergeant School in bigger cohorts than ever before, though. To capitalize on this forward progress, as a female drill sergeant, I would like to share a few anecdotal facts: Female drill sergeants do not have to be overly-masculine.
Sgt. Vera Ikekhide, a registered RN and a student pursuing a career in psychiatry, loves reading the bible, movies, and sports. She is passionate about caring for others and considers herself a strong, determined, and independent female.
Outside of the uniform, personal style and preferences are across a broad spectrum, just like in the general population. So, if hair and makeup tutorials are your guilty pleasure, it does not mean you cannot be an effective drill sergeant. We come in all colors and sizes. Your nationality, sexuality, marital
Staff Sgt. Miranda Heymer, Radiology Technologist and currently-serving Reserve drill sergeant, loves her dog, running, and hiking.
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Drill Sergeants Miranda Heymer, Stephanie Peterson, Leslie Wertz, and Rhiane Titus, 104th Training Division, at a field training exercise for Virginia Military Institute cadets in 2019.
status, and height (or any other demographic variable you can think of) are of no consequence to whether you can do the job well. Drill sergeants are humans, and our Soldiers do best when commonalities exist between them and their cadre. Being a mom does not disqualify you from wearing the hat. In fact, I’d argue that my drill sergeant training has made me a better mom and that being a mom has helped me connect with my trainees in new ways, making me a better leader, too. From GED to Ph.D., drill sergeants’ civilian education backgrounds run the gamut. Your interest in learning from a classroom environment does not dictate your ability to train future Soldiers. Every Soldier has their strengths, and that is true for drill sergeants, too. You have a team of battle buddies to draw from and share the responsibility of training future Soldiers; you do not have to be the best at everything to be a great drill sergeant. Training is a team effort. The best drill sergeants work with their battle buddies to create a comprehensive training plan that takes advantage of each team members’ strengths. As Titus put it, “we are a stronger fighting force when we are a diverse fighting force.” While the iconic hats have not changed much, drill sergeants themselves come in all shapes and sizes with all sorts of backgrounds and personal preferences. As we inch closer to the 50th anniversary of the female drill sergeant, I urge you to consider stepping up and helping to shape the next generation of Soldiers, or if you are male, encourage a high-speed female colleague to take the leap. Let’s make 2021 the year of the female drill sergeant.
Staff Sgt. Rhiane Titus, a single-mom social worker and Reserve drill sergeant, really loves make-up and shooting weapons.
10 • THE GRIFFON • Winter 2021
Green Tab Huddle Builds 108th Team Top leadership from across the 108th Training Command (Initial Entry Training) footprint met at Fort Benning, Georgia December 4-6, 2020 for the 108th Green Tab Huddle. Meeting together allowed leaders to discuss everything from division budgets to Soldier fitness. And with all the updates to the Army Combat Fitness Test, the marksmanship qualification standards, Basic Combat Training and a number of regulations, it was even more important for all the leadership to get in sync, said Maj. Gen. Andrew Juknelis, commanding general of the 108th Training Command. “Meeting together, face-toface, is still important, as long as we can do it safely,” said Juknelis during his opening comments to the group that was spread out in the 98th Training Division (IET) Headquarters’ drill hall. The changing culture of
the Army, combined with all the challenges of 2020, have undeniably affected the force, and will continue to do so, said Command Sgt. Maj.Todd Priest, command sergeant major of the 108th Training Command. With this is mind, Priest reminded the leaders to embrace the ‘This is my Squad’ initiative. He explained that the term ‘squad’ is all encompassing. It can be your peers, your staff, your Soldiers…ultimately, it’s about unit cohesion, stated the 108th Command Sergeant Major. “It’s about being relevant and engaged with your Soldiers,” said Priest. Juknelis solidified this initiative by safely gathering the key leaders of all the downtrace units of the 108th Training Command: 95th Training Division (IET), 98th Training Division (IET) and the 104th Training Division (LT). By spelling out priorities, challenges and solutions, the Commanding General said he wanted to ensure
the 108th Training Command remained agile enough to adapt to the changing culture of the Army and Army Reserve. “I want to create a culture of productivity and teamwork,” said Juknelis. A highlight of the Huddle was when the 108th Training Command leaders acknowledged the command-level Drill Sergeant, NCO and Soldier of the Year: Drill Sergeant Shane Price, Staff Sgt. Benjamin Latham and Spc. Stanley Thompson, respectively. Price, who also won the 1st Sgt. Tobias Meister high Army Combat Fitness Test Award, addressed the leadership after providing them with updates on the new marksmanship qualification standards. For this drill sergeant, competition was about pushing himself to new limits. It was about the training and the experience. “It’s not about the awards. It’s
the people and what you get to do,” said the 108th Training Command Drill Sergeant of the Year. Thompson, who went on to win the U.S. Army Reserve Command’s Soldier of the Year title as well, thanked the leadership for the training opportunity that he felt helped him become a better Soldier. “I am very happy and grateful that I can make it up here to meet the great NCOs who helped me through this and the leaders who pushed me to get this far.” Latham, who also went on to win the USARC level competition and claimed the USARC NCO of the Year title, said he enjoyed representing the command because of his experiences with good leadership. “They have done a lot of good things for me.They have helped me develop myself
professionally…Professional development is what Soldiers crave,” said the USARC NCO of the Year.“Money is great, but I think something that trumps that is the opportunity to achieve. And, if you continue to give that to your Soldiers underneath you, you are going to build a great force.” As Price, Latham and Thompson stood before the Huddle, Priest told the leaders to look at the Soldiers not only for their personal accomplishments, but what they stood for. “They are the future. It is a leader-development program. When you think about the Best Warrior and Drill Sergeant of the Year competitions, all those things help develop future leaders of the Army,” said Priest. “Think about that when you go back to your units to develop leaders and improve readiness”
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From the 98th Training Division (IET) Commander
By Brig. Gen. Tony Wright
Commanding, 98th Training Division (IET)
Our Army needs victors, those who are focused and know how to succeed. I recently had the opportunity to tour the National Infantry Museum again, and I spent some time in the Hall of Heroes, a display of Medal of Honor winners from throughout our Nation’s history. If you ever read the citation for Medal of Honor winners, it is clear that though faced with dire circumstances, these Soldiers and Servicemen took action in the face of adversity and made a difference. What leads someone to take heroic action at great risk to themselves? There is something different about these heroes. They are clearly victors, not victims. Our culture has unfortunately fostered a climate of victimhood. Regrettably, this negatively impacts how we look at difficult challenges. A victor says,“I will take action.”A victim says,“someone needs to take action.” The Army needs victors! Our culture also has a critical
thinking crisis. We are often conditioned to wait for someone else to solve problems. For us in the Army, that is not an option. We may find ourselves on a future battlefield with little communication or support, and we must be able to act with the information we have. In order to be able to execute under those conditions, we must train for it and train now. Archilochus, a Greek Soldier in 650 BC, stated, “We don’t rise to the level of our expectations; we fall to the level of our training.” We need to develop critical thinking in ourselves and our Soldiers now. This is hard work, and thankfully, we have the opportunity to critically think about everything we do. For me, a key is to create time to think. This is why I have focused so hard on priorities. Our culture and the Army have so many priorities that it is difficult to focus and think. We also need to ask difficult questions, the ones no one really wants to ask. We have to determine
the root cause of problems and what actions will offer the best outcome. In many cases, we deal with wicked problems that have no good answers. However, we must still plan and act. Look at everything we do as an opportunity to develop critical thinking and leadership skills. Each unit, down to the company level, is required to have a recruiting and
production campaign plan. Did we actually think about this, or did we simply pull out the three or four things we have repeatedly tried that have never produced good results? COVID has given us a great opportunity with Virtual Battle Assemblies. Have we capitalized on the opportunities to get after metrics or conduct virtual recruiting? Have we looked at creative and innovative ways to solve problems, or are we simply trying to survive? My absolute goal is that we not merely survive, but that each of us thrive. That takes bold leaders who are not afraid to act, not afraid to try. Fear leads to a failure to act. While fear is a normal part of life, we must be able to get past the fear and see the potential and possibilities that exist in any given situation. Our Soldiers deserve this. They deserve the best chance for success. They deserve the best leadership. The question we must ask ourselves every day, is will we be a victor?
14 • THE GRIFFON • Winter 2021
The Journey of a Vision By Maj. Michelle Lunato 98th Training Division Public Affairs Officer
“One day God spoke to me and said,‘Go to Africa.’And I literally did just that.” It really was that simple. In 2000, Alfie Jelks said he boarded a plane to Uganda with nothing more than the desire to help people, a man’s name and a few suitcases full of humanitarian aid. Jelks, who was a minister at the time, said he had spoken to a friend about his vision to go to Africa.The friend happened to know a few pastors in Uganda,Tanzania and Rwanda.As fate would have it, the contact in Uganda replied back first, offering to help Jelks with his missionary vision.That was enough proof for Jelks, and he bought a ticket to Africa. “I didn’t do any research about the area, because I really didn’t care. I just knew that God had given me a vision and mission. I was just going to help somebody,” said Jelks, who is a Columbus, Georgia resident. The help Jelks offered then was all that he could buy and fit into his suitcases: over-the-counter medicines, clothes, shoes, school supplies and basic care items. In fact, Jelks was so focused on helping others that just before he left, he realized that he had forgotten to pack clothes for himself. “I was so committed about going to Africa that I refused to take out any of the stuff I had already packed, because it was going to help somebody.” So in the tiny spaces left in his suitcase, Jelks managed to squeeze in three simple outfits to sustain him for his 30-day stay. This laser focus on getting to plan. Of course he did, because the Africa did not mean that Jelks never reality was that he was: going to a had doubts about his non-detailed
country that he knew essentially nothing of; meeting a friend of a friend who he had never directly spoken to; and acting on the pure belief and faith that this was what he was supposed to do. “Before I got off the plane, I was laughing at myself and thought, ‘What if no one is here to pick me up?’” Fortunately, that did not happen. In fact, that first mission trip to Africa went so well that it was just the beginning. In 2001, Jelks took his second, more coordinated trip to the same village in Uganda, which only left him more inspired and motivated. Then, the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks occurred. Like the rest of the Nation, Jelks was distraught, but inspired by the reaction from the American people. “Everybody came together, despite their race, their differences, their culture, their ethnicity, their income—despite all of that—they all came together as one Nation.” For him, that was the time when everyone became a patriot of this Country.And like many others, he thought about how he himself
could help. In all the organizations stepping up to help, the Armed Forces, and specifically the U.S.Army, motivated him the most. “From that moment, I knew that I wanted to be a part of that.” However, taking that step to become a Soldier took some time since he had several projects in the works. Prior to the September 11th attacks, Jelks opened up his own business,Alfie’s African Treasures, which featured artifacts from his mission trips.While he was establishing his new business, Jelks was also developing himself by studying Theology at Liberty University. Of course, a brand new startup business did not immediately pay all the bills, so Jelks continued to work a variety of jobs outside of his roles of student and business owner.The additional jobs of minister, counselor, and group home employee all had one thing in common though, Jelks was driven to help others. Through all this juggling of responsibilities, Jelks remained dedicated to his vision of helping the people he had met in Uganda. After his first visit to the African
THE GRIFFON • Winter 2021 • 15 continent, he knew he wanted to do more. But he did all that he could with the resources he had at the time. “I knew then, that I wanted to do more than just that. But my vision was bigger than my reality,” explained Jelks. So with this bigger vision in mind, Jelks said he created a foundation, The Soul of my Footprint, shortly after that first trip. According to the foundation’s website (www.tsomf.org), the primary objective is to disseminate “deliberate and provisional supplies of medicine, clothing and basic care items to the people of Jinja, Uganda.” To meet that objective, Jelks started to reach out to his own community in Columbus, Georgia. He managed to get the word out more, secure sponsors and plan his third trip to Africa in 2007. Prior to that, in 2005, he also completed his studies, earning a Bachelor’s of Theology from Liberty University. Overall, everything was moving along well.With his degree under his belt,Alfie’s African Treasures showing promise and The Soul of my Footprint expanding, he was finally able to fulfill the call he felt to serve the Nation. In 2009, Jelks joined the U.S.Army Reserve at 41 years of age and naturally, he found the career choice of chaplain,“right up his alley.”
Like when he was a minister, Jelks was disciplining the word of God. Like when he was a counselor, he was listening to people’s challenges and offering them comfort and advice.The main difference now, was that his clients were some of the bravest people in the world, said Jelks.
“Soldiers are willing to sacrifice one of the greatest gifts that we have, and that is life.And they are doing that to protect this great Country and other people’s rights.” Soldiers come from all walks of life and represent every community and culture in America.And ultimately, they are no different than
any other human being, said Jelks. “One thing that I have learned to be true, is that everybody is going through something—everybody.” Regardless of rank, age, wealth, or any other factor, human beings all JOURNEY OF A VISION Cont’d on page 16
16 • THE GRIFFON • Winter 2021
Journey of a Vision Cont’d from page 15
have challenges and bad days.Then, add the complications of military service on top of that, and there’s the reason for the Chaplain Corps, explained Jelks. “We have to be the thermostat of moral character.” Just like clergy are for the civilian community. Chaplains don’t always get to interact with Soldiers on a daily basis though.And being in the Reserve Component adds to that challenge even more. So the Chaplain urges Army and Army Reserve leaders of all ranks to get to know their Soldiers well enough to realize when one of them is struggling. “The Scripture tells us to know those who labor among you,” explained Jelks. Struggle is not limited to others though, like any other Soldier, like
any other man, the Chaplain has days where he struggles too. “There is no person on this earth who does not experience grief, depression, anger…we are all going to experience those things,” said Jelks. Like many leaders in positions of
responsibility, being a chaplain is a role with no days off. “No matter how bad your day is, you can never turn that off,” said Jelks. You could have just found out about a family death and an hour later, someone will approach you for help, and you have to be ready, explained the Chaplain. “You have to be that divine inspiration for that person, even knowing that you are experiencing hardships and struggles of your own.” To remain ready, Jelks pulls strength from the Bible, in particular, a story about King David having problems with his Soldiers. In the story, the Chaplain says that King David had to find ways to encourage himself, and that is an important lesson for leaders of all ranks. So whether that self-encouragement and recharging comes from prayer, physical fitness or a good movie, leaders must remain ready to take action, according to Jelks. Sometimes self-encouragement is not enough though, and like his Soldiers, the Chaplain then seeks counsel and support.The only difference is that he seeks it from his spiritual peers, both military and civilian. Ultimately though, Jelks says he is just driven to make the world a little better, to make a difference. He explains that the Scripture says, ‘Let those who are great among you, be servants.’To the Chaplain, that means that God views great people as those who serve others. Knowing this, Jelks says that being a chaplain is a rewarding role. “One of my responsibilities as a chaplain is to help people be better versions of themselves, and there is no better job than that.” Becoming a Reserve Soldier, has not taken away from his business or foundation. In fact, the military training has made Jelks even more resilient and strategic about his goals.When his business needed a boost, he expanded his merchandise line to include items for the historic African American Greeklettered fraternities and sororities, specifically the Divine 9.After the foundation seemed established on delivering supplies to Uganda, Jelks expanded the mission by bringing his first medical team there in 2017.
After only two days in the village, his medical team saw nearly 300 people. Jelks was thrilled and expressed his gratitude to the team he had encouraged to travel to Africa. But just like on his first trip back in 2000, Jelks vision saw past the current reality. “This is a great accomplishment, but this is not enough. It is not enough because, one, we only come here once a year, and two, people are sick every day.” The only solution to this problem was to build some kind of hospital. When Jelks mentioned this vision to the team, one of the doctors told him he was ambitious. Jelks didn’t agree. “I didn’t see myself as ambitious. I just saw that there was a need.That’s all that I saw.” So with even more grit and determination, Jelks put his years of networking and military training to use. Now, with 2021 just getting started, Jelks says his vision of a medical facility is coming to fruition.With over 70 percent of the construction complete, and a road leading to the 4000-square-foot building being laid out, Phase One of his humanitarian mission will reach completion when the hospital opens, hopefully in September 2021. Jelks agrees that his 20-year journey from a few suitcases of supplies to the construction of a small hospital may be his legacy, what people remember about him the most.And Jelks says he is fine with that personally, because that is the journey that God put him on. But as a chaplain, his job is not complete; he still needs to help others with their journeys. “No one is on this earth just to exist.We all have a purpose.And it becomes our responsibility to discover what our purpose is.” When it comes to discovering that purpose, the chaplain recommends for people to use their skills and explore the things they are passionate about.When skill and passion are combined and then used in ways that will ultimately help others, that is where vision is discovered. “That’s why we are here on this earth.We are here to help others,” said Jelks, even if it’s just with a suitcase. It’s a good place to start.
18 • THE GRIFFON • Winter 2021
SGM Discovers the Formula to Success and Endurance
By Maj. Michelle Lunato
98th Training Division Public Affairs Officer
She joined the Army as a Chemical Operations Specialist and with movie-like expectations, this 17-year-old Soldier figured she’d “come up with some type of formula that was going to be amazing.” After 25 years of service in the U.S. Army Reserve, Sgt. Maj. Lynei Woodard may not have developed that chemical formula she envisioned as a young private, but she came up with something even better: a formula for endurance and success in both her Reserve and civilian careers. Of course Woodard, who is now the Operations Sergeant Major for the 98th Training Division (Initial Entry Training) Headquarters at Fort Benning, Georgia, admits that at 17, she did not really have a grand, detailed plan for two careers at the time, she just saw an opportunity and seized it. “I thought [joining the Army Reserve] was a good opportunity, because at the time, there were two of us graduating from high school at the same time, me and my sister. So I wanted to be able to afford college without putting an extra
debt on my parents,” said the Queens, New York native who now calls Atlanta, Georgia home. So in 1996, the young Riverdale High School senior signed the dotted line and became a Soldier. As Woodard worked her way through the ranks on the Reserve side, she put the Army’s college money benefit to use on the civilian side. Over the years, she managed to not only earn one degree, but three: an Associate’s Degree in Health and Physical Education from Georgia Perimeter College; a Bachelor’s
of Science Nursing from Emory University; and then a Master’s of Science Nursing as a Family Nurse Practitioner from Samford University. As a civilian, Woodard had slowly worked her way up from a pharmacy technician to her current role as family nurse practitioner for Kaiser Permanente, directly under the Director of Medicine for the Georgia Region. This was all while managing her growing responsibilities as a Reserve Soldier. After the September 11th terrorist attacks
in 2001, there was a surge of Americans stepping forward to join the fight against terrorism. Woodard was one of two chemical staff sergeants who were mobilized in support of
THE GRIFFON • Winter 2021 • 19
Operation Noble Eagle. In this role, she helped conduct all inspections, certifications, and chemical chamber training for more than twenty-five thousand trainees at Fort Stewart, Georgia. Shortly into that assignment, the magnitude of this responsibility touched her. “I felt very compelled during that time because I began to realize that even though I was doing a job and I was training people—that I was sending over human lives. So looking in their eyes became more and more important.” Staff Sgt. Woodard had performed so honorably on this mission that she achieved one of the highest accolades of the NCO Corps, induction into the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club in 2002. By 2006, Woodard had earned the rank of Sergeant First Class and was selected by the Department of the Army to step up and become a drill sergeant. Naturally, her first personal thought was, ‘What do you need
with me? I am an E7.’ However, Woodard was never one to turn down an opportunity to learn and felt the urgency of the mission. “I was obedient to the call… and it was one of the best decisions of my career,” said Woodard. Being a great decision did not mean it was easy though. The sergeant major explained that the hardest part of the job was probably not what most people expected. “The most challenging part of being a drill sergeant was going to the Drill Sergeant Academy,” said Woodard. As a Sgt. 1st Class, Drill Sergeant Candidate Woodard, was instructed by different noncommissioned officers of lower ranks. Woodard may have outranked some of the drill sergeant instructors, but they outranked her in terms of title, training and experience in this area. So real quick, Sgt. 1st Class Woodard had to realize that she was the trainee and needed to act accordingly,
recalled the sergeant major. “The fact of the matter was, I wanted what they had. So if I wanted what they had, I had to do what they had already done, and subject myself to what they were trying to teach me.” After accepting that reality, Woodard completed the Drill
Sergeant Academy and hit the trail. It didn’t take long before Woodard discovered the rewards of being a drill sergeant. “Being a drill sergeant in and SGM DISCOVERS Cont’d on page 20
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SGM Discovers Cont’d from page 19
of itself is a joy. It is hard work. It. Is. Hard. Work. But the reward is when you see the faces of your new Soldiers, and their Families are there, and the pride in their Families, and the pride in their faces, and them thanking you for making a difference in their lives.” Woodard took to heart the drill sergeant motto of ‘This We’ll Defend’ and realized the vital role of that job in the Army. “Whether it be officer, or whether it be enlisted, drill sergeants are the start for everyone, and drill sergeants will forever be the start for everyone. The NCO Corps is the backbone of the military, and nothing moves without a backbone. The backbone is the absolute support. So from before, to now, and into the future, the drill sergeant is, and will always be, vital to the military.” Before and after her drill sergeant time, Woodard moved through various stages of her Army Reserve career and filled a variety of positions, everything from observer controller to first sergeant. With each and every role this Soldier filled, she learned more and added that knowledge to her toolkit. When asked what advice she would give to up and coming leaders, the sergeant major said it is important to never stop asking questions. “When you stop learning as a leader—when you feel like your title somehow makes you the know-all of everything—you have failed.” Another way to fail as a leader is to have no compassion, said Woodard. People under you, Soldier or civilian, need to know you have empathy and sympathy—that you care about them, explained the sergeant
major. Because if they don’t see a leader’s compassion, their actions will not hold a lot of weight. “They may do what you say, but they will not follow you. And you want people who will follow you.” To motivate people to really follow you, the sergeant major suggests that leaders get involved with their people, get to know who they are and figure out what motivates them. “You have to understand your people,” emphasized Woodard. “To lead is to serve. You are not the leader to simply tell people what to do.” A good leader is there to develop others, to lay seeds, and to make the people under them better, explained the sergeant major. Over her 25 years in service, Woodard has seen a number of changes and progress. As a female sergeant major, she herself has been personally excited to see the roles available to women in the Army expanded. As a medical professional, Woodard says that bringing women to the table is
just a smart thing to do from a biological standpoint. “It is important that diversity is maintained, especially in terms of the female counterpart. I think we bring something very different to the table. I think we bring a thought process of using two sides of the brain in order to make decisions, which will complement the one-side use of the male.” The biological factors are not the only benefit of bringing women to forefront, said sergeant major. Women have a lot to say and offer an organization, not just in the military world, but the civilian world as well. “Seeing [women] grow and climb up the ladder is important because, in terms of the civilian world, you find more and more females in those high-ranking positions, so it’s important that the military world complement that, and I see it coming.” When it comes to ethnic diversity though, Woodard says the Army is already leaps and bounds past the civilian
workforce. “I think that in terms of diversity, we are eons beyond our civilian counterparts. Everything in the military in terms of diversity is not perfect, but you can go to our local units, you can go to our dining facilities, and you will see people from different ethnic backgrounds, different cultures, different genders, different faiths, all sitting together, eating and laughing as one.” Over the years, the Army has developed an ability to see people and character, in addition to seeing people’s color, and that is a good thing, said Woodard. “I don’t think God intended for us to ignore the beauty of what we see every day and in human beings, but [the Army] has learned to see the color, explore the color and the culture that comes with it, and embrace it.” Woodard says the proof of racial and ethnic diversity is easy to see in relationships: work, marriages, and friendships. “If only the world around us would take a look at us, there would be so many things that we could fix in just learning how to see it, explore it and embrace it. [When I retire,] I am going to definitely miss that. It will be the thing that I miss the most.” That’s right, with all that she has done and the change she has witnessed, Woodard has decided to move on to the next season of her career: retirement. The 98th Training Division Operations Section has consistently joked with Woodard, encouraging her to change her retirement plans, claiming her paperwork has been lost or the Army has modified some rules that would delay her plans, but the honor of these jokes has not changed the
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sergeant major’s plans to move on. “It is all very much a compliment, but I think there is a season for everything. And when your season is over, it is always appropriate to move out of the way so it can be someone else’s season.” When Woodard retires in 2021, she has big plans. As a self-proclaimed lover of the arts, this soon-to-be retired Soldier wants to eventually create a community center. Over the years, and through her dual careers, Woodard has dabbled in a number of roles in the community. From serving as an on-air personality for a hip hop radio station to producing plays for her church, Woodard has learned the art of production and how to connect with people. From being a nursing instructor at Emory University to coordinating over a hundred weddings, the sergeant major has found joy in helping people transition from one point in their lives to another. And she thinks, after retiring from her nurse practitioner job, she would like to create a place where she can do all of that full time. “I would like to open up a facility that can be utilized for events.” A place that offers a comfortable and affordable option to people, where they can make it their own, said Woodard.
People who know the sergeant major have no doubts that if creating a community center is her goal, she will accomplish it. What people don’t know is what has motivated this 42-year-old veteran to accomplish so much. Woodard says her drive to keep moving forward is personal, very personal, and goes back a few generations. “What motivates me in terms of endurance is the fact that, as most people know, as African Americans, we…for lack of a better term, we don’t have a place. And what I mean, is that I cannot trace my family lineage back to Africa. I mean, I know that is the continent from which I came from. But the furthest I can go is to my great grandmother and her parents who were slaves,” explained Woodard. The sergeant major said that in speaking with her great grandmother, she knew she had worked on a sharecropper’s farm, and had her first child at 15 years old. “She sacrificed through life so that she could raise up a generation of people to eventually become successful.” It wasn’t just the women in her family who sacrificed. Woodard had two uncles who served in the military, one in World War II and another in Vietnam. Both were never
the same after their service, according to Woodard. And she said, it wasn’t just that they sacrificed for their Nation, they were not even treated with respect after that sacrifice. In fact, her uncle who served in Vietnam, “came back to be called ‘boy’ and the ‘N-word.’ “So when I see the endurance of people like that, and my mother, who was bussed to an all-white neighborhood in order to expand diversity—when I see the contributions that they made, when they exhaled—I inhaled their endurance,” Woodard explained with emotion. After an emotional pause, she continued, “I inhaled their endurance. They crawled. They walked. So I can run, and my children are going to soar.” After having the opportunity to really get to know four other generations of family members, Woodard says she embraced their stories, their sacrifice and their contributions. And all of that has been the fuel for her drive all these years. “It was absolutely important that everything that I did in my life paid homage to the sacrifices of those men and women who endured—just a multitude of things in order to one day see the success of their generation. And I am happy and honored to have been able to contribute in my life, to their success. I wish my great grandmother’s parents could see
their great, great granddaughter going from private to sergeant major, going from zero degrees to three, with a wonderful family, but it was because of them, that I am.” Though Woodard is planning on retiring, she said she still has plenty to do. In fact, she is only half way through her allotted time in life, according to a secret-formula-for-life adage she was once told. “A very wise person once told me, ‘Everyone gets a dollar in life. Everyone gets four quarters. You determine how you spend those quarters.’ And I think I have spent my first 50 cents very well. I believe I have accomplished a lot,” said Woodard. With 25 years of service to her Nation completed and three degrees earned, Woodard knows she is ready for the next season, that third quarter. “I think I have done well in trying to foster myself, and it is now time for me to foster my family. So I am going to spend time with my wonderful children and my fantastic husband, through all of this, have all been very patient with me in trying to both serve my Country and also trying to do my best in school and trying to do my best as a civilian worker. So this third quarter is for them. And that fourth quarter is for me and my husband and we are going to ride and ride until we fade out.”
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From the 104th Training Division (LT)Commander
By Brig. Gen. Rodney J. Fischer
Commanding, 104th Training Division (LT)
Hello Timberwolves, In my civilian position, I work with the Space and Missile Defense Command. In this position, my focus is on helping the Army determine how to use space capabilities to fight in the future—2030 and beyond. In this article, I will provide my perspective how the Army will fight in the future and how the 104th Training Division’s role as trainers of future leaders can shape this future. Before talking about where we
are heading, we must understand where we are currently. The emerging operational environment presents more complex challenges to the Army than any experienced in Iraq and Afghanistan. While the United States Army was occupied for twenty years fighting counter insurgency wars in the Middle East, our adversaries continued to develop their war fighting capabilities. Instead of building more sophisticated aircraft carriers or more advanced jets, our adversaries decided to develop their non-kinetic capabilities such as cyber and space to engage us below the threshold of armed conflict. With these capabilities, our adversaries are able to contest across all domains (land, sea, air, cyber, and space) and the information environment to create standoff, delay the movement of forward forces, hinder the arrival of follow-on forces, and enable a fait accompli. In addition, domestically, they are able to disrupt our democratic processes and divide us internally. All of this at a fraction of the cost of developing advance weapon systems. To address this multi-domain threat, the U.S. Army developed the Multi-Domain Operational
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(MDO) concept, which outlines the way our Army will counter and defeat our adversaries. Two key themes in the MDO concept are the requirement to compete below the threshold of armed conflict to deter adversaries and the ability to converge capabilities across all domains,
and environments continuously and rapidly to defeat adversaries in armed conflict. For the Army to achieve these requirements it must be able to see and understand the battlespace across all domains, the electromagnetic spectrum, and the information environment. It must decide on a course of action that
converges multi-domain capabilities quickly at the decisive point and shapes the battlespace through cross-domain action and maneuver. Lastly, it must be able to strike the adversary either kinetically or nonkinetically at multiple decisive points or spaces to defeat the adversary.
Ok, so how does this relate to our role as trainers of future Army leaders? The actions above will require future leaders skilled in executing planning via troop leading procedures or the military TIMBERWOLVES Cont’d on page 24
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Timberwolves Cont’d from page 23
decision making process. The Army runs on orders. Our trainees must be able to take an order from higher and immediately analyze it using the factors of METT-T (Mission, Enemy,Terrain, Troops,Time). They must conceptually see and understand the battlespace. After gaining an understanding, they must decide on a course of action and issue a plan that converges capabilities at a decisive point with speed and tempo to shape the battlespace for success. We must develop leaders that can plan and make informed decisions. A key part of any plan is the ability to maneuver to the decisive point. This is where their map reading skills come into play. It is a lot easier now to find a lost lieutenant in the field on land than it will be in the future when they are in a galaxy far, far away. We must develop leaders who are competent at navigating/reading a map. When reaching the objective, our trainees must be able to strike the enemy at multiple decisive points. We must develop leaders who are proficient on their individual weapon system. Right now, that is a M4/M16. Tomorrow, that may be a light saber or a nonkinetic system like a cyber tool that takes down an enemy’s air defense network. To tie all of this together, our trainees must understand that leaders supervise by conducting rehearsals of
the plan and by conducting inspections. Pre-combat checks have had and will always have a place in our Army. We must develop leaders who understand their importance. Let’s shape the future. Timberwolf 6 out.
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From the 104th Command Sergeant Major
Commit to Persevere
By CSM Sgt. Maj. Neil J. Pierce
Commanding, 104th Training Division (LT)
I honestly can’t remember the first time I was told the phrase; but, I can tell you that I have always tried to live my life by “if someone tells you ‘NO I can’t help’, you are talking to the wrong person”. It’s not about being radical, working outside of the regulations or not following the rules by not heeding the response. I am referring to staying committed to accomplishing legitimate goals and taking appropriate care of Soldiers instead of letting the word “no” stop you. As I look back on my career to this point, following this simple rule has helped me with more of my Soldiers than I can count. We make decisions every day from the minute we wake up. Perseverance starts with the decision to get up and get the day started and I am telling you that you must make the decision that you are not just going to accept the answer “no”. I can give many examples where this has worked in my favor. One that I am very proud of personally is my bachelor’s degree. I completed this in 2012 while working full time, functioning as a Battalion Command Sergeant Major, and working at the Sergeant Major Academy.There were several
people telling me that there was no way I could juggle it all. College was something that I tried when I first graduated from high school and didn’t stick with it. I made the decision that I did not want to be a hypocrite as my oldest daughter was beginning high school and decided then college was not going to be an option for her. With two sisters coming up right behind her, I wanted to be the parent who says “it can be done” and role-model how to achieve it. I cannot say it was easy completing my bachelors with all the demands on my time, but I did. We will commit to and make time for things that are important to us. After four years, setting aside time every night and on weekends, I graduated. It boils down to determination. If you want something bad enough you will find a way to get it accomplished.There will be way more people throughout your career, as well as life, that will tell you that you cannot do something or that it is not possible. What I am saying is, do not accept someone else’s belief as the final answer. Instead, find a way to move ahead by doing your research, putting in the time and never quitting. The phrase “intestinal fortitude” is what I am referring to here.You need to reach deep down inside yourself and find something that pushes you forward.There are so many things today that will prove to be roadblocks not only in our civilian lives but in our Army careers also. We must not accept failure, substandard attempts or a “that is just the way it is” attitude in anything. We cannot be ok with just being ok; who wants to just be ok? I think of the two lines of the Soldiers’ Creed often. I will never accept defeat. I will never quit. These are two basic quotes we learned when we first joined
the Army; for some of us that was many years ago, but it rings true in everything we do every day!! We all must motivate ourselves whether it is for a promotion, selfgratitude or whatever drives you. Everyone that is successful has something that motivates them. I believe you need to recognize your “why” and remind yourself regularly.This is the driving force behind not accepting “no” for an answer. It may seem cliché, but I can tell that my motivation is to help Soldiers.There are lots of ways to accomplish that motivation. I get
a huge sense of fulfillment seeing Soldiers in my units accomplishing their goals and being rewarded for the great accomplishments that we are doing every day. I deal with roadblocks every day when it comes to Soldiers and their careers, but I promise you I do not take “no” for an answer. I work diligently to find the best solution for every Soldier I serve every day. I challenge you to always lean forward in the fox hole, never accept defeat and continue on your path to success for both yourself and those to your left and right!!!
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Asst. Professors of Military Science Step Up Story and photos by Maj. Daniel D. Morse
Assistant Professor of Military Science, University of California, Berkeley, 4th Battalion, 414 Regiment (SROTC), 1st Brigade, 104th Division (LT)
Majors Dan Morse, Tim Murray, Jen Nam, Ben Raphael, Matt Sardo, and Capt. Greg Dempsey took the lead on training a select group of Cadets at the University of California – Berkeley during the 2020 summer session, providing much needed relief for the short-handed active duty (AD) staff. These Reserve officers serve as Assistant Professors of Military Science (APMS) in the 4-414th Senior Reserve Officer Training Corps (SROTC) Battalion, a unit that supports university SROTC programs with Reserve instructors to supplement the school’s AD cadre. The US Army Cadet Command (USACC) allots the Berkeley SROTC program four officer and NCO billets, but for the latter half of 2020 they were
UC Berkeley cadets conduct basic rifle marksmanship (BRM) at the Fort Hunter-Liggett range.
able to fill only one of the four positions; the O-5/LTC Professor of Military Science (PMS) billet. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, USACC elected
TF NorCal - UC Berkeley, University of San Francisco, and Santa Clara University - cadets arrive at the BRM range.
Cadets prepare for patrol base operations during OAL.
to conduct Cadet Summer Training (CST), traditionally held in person at Fort Knox, in a distributed manner. USACC tasked subordinate units across the country with executing this distributed training through an exercise named Operation Agile
Leader (OAL). OAL is intended to certify rising college senior Cadets on the required BOLC-A common core tasks which are normally part of CST Advanced Camp training. Additionally, OAL qualifies lateral entry Cadets, who would have attended
THE GRIFFON • Winter 2021 • 27 Basic Camp, for enrollment in advanced SROTC courses. The Reserve APMS team at Berkeley supported all OAL training and, most notably, they shouldered the workload for all Basic Camp requirements allowing the PMS to focus on Advanced Camp. The Reserve APMS team at Berkeley planned, resourced, and executed OAL’s distributed Basic Camp entirely through virtual coordination across
the six instructors. Basic camp consisted of 36 blocks of instruction within seven learning modules: The US Army, Leadership and Ethics, Map Reading and Land Navigation, First Aid, Troop Leading Procedures, Tactics and Patrolling, Communications. The team of Reserve APMS officers delivered these training and associated exams within a single week, deconflicting
Task Force NorCal cadets on patrol during OAL.
daily instruction across their various civilian work schedules. The individual APMS team brought with them not only distinct military backgrounds and experiences, but different teaching styles and perspectives as well. In a post camp survey for the Berkeley PMS, one of
the Cadets commented that the APMS team’s “instruction of content was enriched by personal experiences, making this training more helpful and meaningful; I feel more prepared to continue my ROTC training and become an Army Officer.”
Maj. Dan Morse (4-414th SROTC) gives feedback to a MS4 cadet after a platoon STX during OAL.
All in a week’s work: The schedule for the distributed learning environment is packed full of instruction, practical exercise and exams.
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Boo Ninja and Task Force North Alabama Story and photos by
Staff Sgt. Kathleen Givens Medic and Section Sgt., 4th Battalion, 399th Regiment, 1st Brigade, 104th Division (LT)
On October 21, 2020, the 4-399th REGT Reserve Soldiers of Ft. Knox, Ky., set out for Ft. McClellan, Alabama, to help train Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Cadets.This training is essential for third year ROTC Cadets to be commissioned as officers in the U.S. military. Normally, Cadet Summer Training (CST) is conducted over 38 days in the summer at Ft. Knox. Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, universities were not able to gather
for this training, which usually involves thousands of Cadets from all over the country. Instead, many universities held training activities at their home locations, and the trainers travelled to them.This allowed for a smaller group of Cadets to be trained at once, and for a shorter amount of days. This particular block of training had about 200 Cadets and Cadre together (separated into small groups) for three days of selected training activities, all of which were outdoors. Physical distancing and mask wearing were strictly enforced.The universities that
Sgt. 1st Class Alexander in the reflective vest preparing cadets for grouping and zeroing.
Boo Ninja
participated were University of Alabama, University of North Alabama, Alabama A&M, University of Alabama Birmingham, and Jackson State University from Mississippi.The University Commanders and Instructors were very welcoming and appreciative of our support and were very pleasant to train with.They helped arrange for barracks for our cadre at Ft. McClellan, and all worked together well to provide a smoothly operated training event. Personally, as one of the Cadre (Medic to be more specific), I enjoyed the change of pace, the change of scenery, and change of season. Anniston, Alabama, was beautiful with fall colors and cooler Staff Sgt. Ovalle on the left and Sgt. 1st Class weather.The first two days were Edmonds on the right preparing for a STX lane. perfect and sunny for the firing There were no major accidents, just range and for the land navigation the occasional twisted ankle in the courses, but what training event field, cuts and bruises, blistered feet, would be complete without rain? and headaches. A bored medic is a On the last day, which was the STX (Situational Training Exercise) lanes, happy medic! I enjoyed watching it poured down rain all day, making the Cadets making their best efforts to succeed at each event. the training weather complete. There are usually some snafus As the Medic, I was present at all that occur during training, of the training activities, which were course.There was a lost Cadet on the zeroing range, the qualifying the Land Navigation course (found range, day land navigation, night after an hour). On the qualifying land navigation, and the STX lanes. range, this was the first time many of them even fired the M-4 rifle. It took so many times for some of them to qualify, that they ran out of ammo. But all Cadets for whom it was mandatory to shoot had their chance, so it was still a successful event. On the night land nav course, the medic (wait, that’s me!) was briefly distracted from her duties when a tiny black kitten (so very tiny) wandered under her casualty evacuation vehicle (CASEVAC) van. So, as a medic, I did save a life that night, he would have been predator food for sure! Yes, I still have him, his name is Boo Ninja, and so I will always remember my time in Ft. Staff Sgt. Hatmaker on the right training a ca- McClellan. All in all, it was a fun and successful training event. det on the fundamentals of land navigation.
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New 104th Training Division (LT) Inspectors General Engage in Alternative Virtual Learning his or her duties in the field. It leverages the Commercial Virtual Remote (CVR) Environment (also known as Microsoft Teams) as the primary platform, specifically its video conferencing, multimedia presentations, and file sharing capabilities to achieve a variety of training objectives. Master Sgt. Thibault and Capt. Chung learned about the various IG functions through real time lessons taught by experienced instructors, complemented by practical exercises that are conducted in small groups and facilitated by faculty advisors. In addition to self-study, homework assignments, exams, and group discussions, the course also includes targeted instructions by Army components, as well as a special session for Command IGs. Furthermore, the students had a chance to meet the Inspector General of the U.S. Army, Lt. Gen. Leslie C. Smith, and have
By Capt. Chloe Chung Deputy IG, 104th Division (LT) What do a Combat Medic and a Logistics Officer have in common? They are both newly assigned Inspectors General (IG) to the 104th Training Division (LT). Master Sgt. Craig Thibault and Capt. Chloe Chung joined the Timberwolves’ IG Office in the summer of 2020. After several months on the waiting list, they were able to secure a
reserved seat for the IG Basic Course through Alternative Virtual Learning (AVL). Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the three-week AVL Basic Course is being conducted in place of the resident course normally held at Fort Belvoir, VA. The curriculum encompasses the training requirements for all new IGs and are derived from the critical tasks an IG must be able to perform prior to assuming
a luncheon with the Inspector General Sergeant Major, Sgt. Maj. Larry H. Orvis Jr. Despite not having in-person interactions, Master Sgt. Thibault feels that the AVL course is still highly effective and value-added. He finds role playing through practical exercises especially helpful with reinforcing knowledge application. Capt. Chung agrees and finds the opportunity to meet and network with other IGs particularly valuable. Successful graduation of the AVL course establishes a student’s qualification as an IG. Both Master Sgt. Thibault and Capt. Chung look forward to applying their newly acquired knowledge on the job with the Command IG, Maj. Chris Ballard. They are eager to help the Timberwolves’ family and to play a part in enhancing the Division’s mission readiness.
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Competition and Camaraderie
By Sgt. Maj. Paul Mattingly II Sr. Ops NCOIC, 104th Division (LT)
The BWC is an annual competition that brings together the best Soldiers from across the U.S.Army Reserve to earn the title of “Best Warrior” among their peers.The question is why do we send our Soldiers to this competition, why do we ask our young men and women to participate in such rigorous, physical and challenging programs? From the standpoint of a Soldier who has participated in these events, it’s all about the competitiveness and the camaraderie you get when you are with your peers.Yes, we all want to CAMARADERIE Cont’d on page 32
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Camaraderie Cont’d from page 31
win the competition but it’s being next to someone who wants it as much as you do. The competition consists of an Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT), Written Exam,Written Essay, Land Navigation (Day and Night), M4 Qualification (Day),Weapons Function (M240, M249, M4, M9), Foot March (12 Miles),Warrior Task and Battle Drills and an Oral Board with Command Sergeants Majors (CSM), Sergeants Majors (SGM) and First Sergeants (1SG’s).These events take place over three days and end with an awards ceremony for the winners. The competition is for Sergeant of the Year (SOY), Drill Sergeant of the Year (DSOY) and the Non Commissioned Officer of the Year (NCOY). The BWC creates a challenging environment for our Soldiers to utilize competence, physical capabilities and motivation. It also allows them to maximize their potential to strive and push through diversity.
This competition is for any Military Occupational Specialty (MOS), it’s based on individual performance and just a hint of squad performance. It all starts with the unit’s first line
leaders getting their Soldiers ready for these competitions. Giving them enough time to train for the specific task and preparing them for what is to come. Being involved with their
Soldiers, mentoring them all the way throughout this competition will have a larger impact on a Soldier’s career. Some of these competitors were asked to participate and a few of
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them volunteered. Either way, these Soldiers had the fortitude to stand up and be accountable for something great in their lives. Using the seven values that were instilled in them in basic training played a key part in their decision making.These Soldiers are future leaders, representing their
units and their fellow servicemen and servicewomen. I want to wish all of the competitors the very best of luck and to thank them for taking the challenge, putting in the hard work and setting the example for others to follow.These Soldiers will someday be our future leaders!
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TF NORCAL By Sgt. Tricia Holway
68W - Combat Medic, Alpha Co., 3rd Battalion 414th Regiment, Cadet Summer Training (CST), 1st Brigade
In September 2019, I was promoted out of the 7451 Medical Battalion into the 3-414th REGT (CST). Not a big change in location since they are both located on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, but a refreshing change in experiences from my previous unit where all Soldiers have similar medical responsibilities and work mostly in troop medical clinics. My first annual training (AT) with the 3-414th was Task Force NORCAL from October 8th to 12th. I was tasked to be the medic for the range during this mission and the rest of my team were tasked to be the OPFOR (Opposing Force),Tactical Officer/NCO, and evaluators for the Cadets. This was my first time working with cadets and instructors and it was an awesome learning opportunity to work with Soldiers that have a different MOS. In my previous unit, we did not get to participate in the warrior tasks and training. We served as combat medics during our realworld medical missions and mainly provided medical support for units that were training out in the field. For example, I was assigned to work at the aid station in the Tactical Assembly Area (TAA) Ward at Fort Hunter Liggett. My team consisted of a nurse officer and a 68C (Licensed Practical Nurse) NCO. We provided first aid and sick call hours for the Soldiers that were in the field. In other unit missions, I was assigned to the Troop Medical Clinic at Fort Hunter Liggett and I worked alongside the civilian clinical staff and the medical officers in my unit.The knowledge that I gained from those assignments were important and did help me become a wellrounded Soldier and medic.
During Task Force NORCAL, I was able to assist with setting up the Tactical Operations Center (TOC), the lanes, and other tasks the schools needed. On the first day of the FTX, I volunteered to help set up the TOC with Capt. Rose (TOC officer). It was my first time and I was glad that I was able to help. Capt. Rose assigned me the task of handing out the radios and giving the call signs to the Tactical officers and OPFOR NCOs so that we could establish communications when they started the training exercises. One of the cadre from the universities had a tent he let us borrow; spacious with room for all our radios, maps, and other supplies, so we were able to set up the TOC inside it. Once we finished setting up the TOC, I helped with keeping accountability for the training weapons, the number of MRE boxes, and ammo that we had on site. When Capt. Rose would step out of the TOC, I manned it answering radio calls from the platoons. I also got a chance to update range control about the number of people that we had, and the number of vehicles on site. It was a great learning opportunity because I practiced skills that I do not always get to use very often.
Being new to the unit, I also got to know my team better during this AT and learned about their civilian and professional lives as well as their military careers. One
of the NCOs on my team used to be a drill sergeant and the First Sergeant in a Drill Sergeant unit in Washington. Another NCO on our team was an infantryman and
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he did an outstanding job with teaching the Cadets warrior tasks, rifle marksmanship skills, and land navigation. And one used to be a career counselor and he also did an excellent job providing mentorship to the Cadets, teaching them land navigation, rifle marksmanship, and battle drills. I also had a chance to learn about our commander’s college and military experiences. He attended college in California and completed his ROTC there. It was great to see him mentor and give back to the ROTC program by sharing his knowledge and expertise with the young Cadets. The Cadets appeared to appreciate all 3-414th input and advice during our training exercises. The Cadets were respectful and eager to learn. However, there were some Cadets that still needed to work on their military manners. Overall, the Cadets were open to learning, receiving feedback, and they participated in the training events with enthusiasm. Most of them were excited to be able to meet in-person since COVID put a hold on the training events that were originally planned for this year. Juggling college and the military is challenging but the Cadets persevered and managed to balance their tasks well. Always a challenge during these missions are the time constraints and the packed schedules that the universities have for the Cadets. Understandably, that this year they wanted to put as much training as possible for the Cadets during the short period of time. The new way of weapons qualification was particularly difficult because the Cadets did not have as much time to practice and get familiar with the techniques. However, they all adapted and did the best they could, with our
knowledgeable cadre providing tips and tricks that the Cadets could utilize during weapons qualification. While I was at the range, I walked around and checked on Cadets that might have needed medical help. I helped treat a nosebleed, sprained ankle, foot blisters, and I also assessed a Cadet brought from the field that had exacerbated an old back injury. When I was at the ammo point, the cadre dropped off two Cadets from the field that had injured themselves; one of them sprained their ankle and the other sprained his knee. During the interaction that I had with the Cadet with the knee injury, I learned that he had this injury in the past and he was very knowledgeable about his condition and the treatments he’d had in the past. He knew that he needed help as soon as he felt that his knee was starting to feel unstable. It was good that he
sought help before it got worse. I secured his knee with an ACE wrap bandage to prevent further injury. There were a few more Cadets that injured their ankles on the rough terrain in the training lanes. Safety education is very important with the Cadets because many of them are not used to walking in rough terrain which caused most of the sprained injuries that I treated. This AT was a great learning experience and I felt grateful to
have had such an awesome team. It is nice to be in a unit that consists of Soldiers that have different specialties. I want to acknowledge each member of my Task Force NORCAL team for their hard work and dedication to the mission.They did a phenomenal job instructing the cadets and being great mentors for them.Their knowledge and skills were valuable to the mission and helped make the training events flow smoothly.
36 • THE GRIFFON • Winter 2021
FTX Ferguson By SPC Ralph Ferguson Unit Public Affairs Representative, 2-317th REGT
November 7 and 8th over 160 ROTC Cadets from the University of Virginia were given instruction and support from Drill Sergeants from the 2nd Battalion, 317th Regiment, 2nd Brigade during a Field Training Exercise.This exercise, or FTX for short, allows first and second year students to get hands-on training and familiarization with tactics and weapons that they will use as future officers.Third and fourth year cadets provided most of the instruction to get them accustomed to being leaders and instructors. Drill Sergeants Fairman, Niemiec, Peterson, and Ringstaff provided expertise and instruction while
making sure that information given by the third and fourth year Cadets was accurate and that training was conducted in a safe and proper manner. The underclass Cadets were divided into several groups and rotated through different stations that covered requesting MEDEVACs, use of squad weapons, and battle drills. After eight hours of instruction, the Drill Sergeants from the 2-317th REGT facilitated a final assessment through a competition and obstacle course. The next day, Cadets conducted Basic Rifle Marksmanship tests to assess their proficiency with the M16/M4 platforms. Drill Sergeants helped several Cadets successfully qualify during their assessment and acted as range control during the FTX.
THE GRIFFON • Winter 2021 • 37
This exercise, or FTX for short, allows first and second year students to get hands-on training and familiarization with tactics and weapons that they will use as future officers. Third and fourth year cadets provided most of the instruction to get them accustomed to being leaders and instructors.
38 • THE GRIFFON • Winter 2021
THE GRIFFON • Winter 2021 • 39
Task Force Oregon By Maj. Ryan McBride Commander, B Co. 3-414th REGT (CST)
In October of 2020, Soldiers of Bravo Company, 3rd Battalion, 414th Regiment, 1st Brigade came together at Camp Rilea, Oregon, to support Task Force (TF) Oregon, a “mega FTX” supporting three Oregon university ROTC programs over four days in an effort to replace the lost training opportunities for Cadets from the cancelled Cadet Summer Training (CST) of 2020. This was the first time B Co. Soldiers had come together for in person activities in almost six months due to the pandemic, and their enthusiasm to be back out in the field and putting their hands on weapons instead of keyboards was palpable. Planning for TF Oregon began in June and a call to B Co. was one of the first calls lead planner Maj. Joe Snyder made. “We can’t do this without you” Maj. Snyder said, a sentiment that became reality on day zero of the event when the task force lost their planned medic support. As I was driving up the beautiful Oregon coastline enroute to Camp Rilea, my phone rang. “We lost our medic support” Maj. Snyder said,“any chance you can help?” We are fortunate in that we share
a reserve center with a medical unit and so it took little time to coordinate for a medic from that unit to come out and join us for the weekend. With less than 12hour notice, Sgt. Katherine L. Woodbury came to Camp Rilea and supported TF Oregon for the entire event, enabling live fire ranges and caring for multiple Cadets throughout the weekend. Not that she minded. In fact, Sgt. Woodbury had such a great time at TF Oregon that she has now transferred over to B Co. so she can continue to teach and care for Cadets in future events. Throughout the weekend, B Co. ran individual weapons qualifications, served as OPFOR for platoon STX, and served as safeties for the obstacle course and land navigation. Despite the busy schedule, B Co. was also able to find time for a Change of Responsibility ceremony. On the beach at sunset, B Co. held an informal ceremony honoring 1st Sgt. Max Rees and all of his contributions to the company and welcoming in 1st Sgt. Aaron Ziolko as the new B Co. 1SG. It was an incredible weekend and I have never been prouder to serve as the commander of this amazing group of Soldiers.
40 • THE GRIFFON • Winter 2021
Trainers Training And Trainers Trained Story and Photos by Sgt. 1st Class Kenneth C. Upsall
Unit Public Affairs Representative, B Co., 3-404th REGT, 2nd Brigade
A routine trip to the range for Soldiers of 3rd Battalion, 304th Infantry Regiment (United States Military Academy) quickly became an opportunity to gain knowledge from an experienced Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) instructor in rifle marksmanship and to train an ROTC Cadet on the fundamentals of pistol marksmanship. Sgt. 1st Class Mark Sargent, from Bravo Company, 3-304th provided preliminary marksmanship instruction to Cadet Ryan Camille of the Baystate Battalion (ROTC). Camille had never fired a pistol prior to his instruction, and the training ensured that his technical knowledge would help him in training fellow Cadets in the Baystate Battalion. Lt. Col. Andrew Craven, commander of 3-304th, said of Camille’s training, “not only do new skills take time to develop, but people learn at different speeds. In this case, being introduced to a weapon
Soldiers from C-Co. 3-304th (USMA) engage their targets at close range during a reflexive fire training at Fort Devens on October 17, 2020. The Soldiers practiced their skills at quickly engaging targets with a series of close quarters combat drills during live-fire exercises to develop techniques and capabilities to improve their marksmanship knowledge and ability.
early, and in an environment that was encouraging and low risk, was ideal for a Cadet with no prior experience. I’m happy we could provide that and confident it will be a solid foundation for successful marksmanship at Cadet Summer Training.” Twelve Soldiers from 3-304th
Sgt. First Class Mark Sargent of B-Co. 3-304th (USMA) delivers Preliminary Marksmanship Instruction to Cadet Ryan Camille, of the Baystate Battalion (ROTC). Camille had never fired a pistol and was receiving his first block of instruction on operating an M9. Sargent has extensive experience in training cadets on multiple weapons systems after years of service in the 304th and as part of his civilian background. A Soldier from A-Co. 3-304th (USMA) engages a target at close range during a reflexive fire training at Fort Devens on October 17, 2020. Soldiers were trained on close quarters engagement and reflexive fire techniques to improve training capabilities and increase marksmanship knowledge and ability.
received a block of instruction on reflexive fire and movement techniques from Master Sgt.Alan Sutton, a Senior Military Science Instructor with The Baystate Battalion ROTC. Sutton provided an in-depth instruction to 12 soldiers from Alpha, Bravo and
Charlie Companies on readyup drills, movement in a 4-man stack, acquisition of targets while stationary and while moving. The drills were designed to increase muscle memory and create good sight pictures for the Soldiers while engaging targets in common
THE GRIFFON • Winter 2021 • 41
Master Sgt. Alan Sutton, Senior Military Science Instructor with the Baystate Battalion ROTC coaches Staff Sgt. Lee Fellman, B-Co., 3-304th (USMA) at Fort Devens, MA on proper positioning for engaging a target while moving laterally on October 17, 2020. Sutton provided instruction to Soldiers who had previously attended Army Marksmanship Unit courses on advanced marksmanship techniques during October Battle Assembly.
combat scenarios.“You must own your own battlespace,” Sutton said to the Soldiers as he explained proper fighting stance and balance. Sutton said he wanted to desensitize the Soldiers to overpressure from rifle fire in close quarters. Moving as a unit is essential to close-quarters combat situations,“knowing what it feels like when Soldiers next to you fires his weapon when you are close to him is part of preparing for combat.” Sgt. 1st Class Brandon Goulet has nine years of experience training West Point Cadets on rifle marksmanship and said he greatly benefited from Sutton’s instruction, “this was an excellent way to develop my skills by being able to shoot standing, pivoting, and walking. It was an excellent training and I look forward to doing more in the future.” Most of the Soldiers Sutton trained had previously participated in Army Marksmanship Unit (AMU) training at Fort Benning, GA.“These Soldiers are some of the subject matter experts in marksmanship for the battalion,” said B Co. 1st Sgt. Kerry Getchell. “This training not only helps to build skills for
training West Point Cadets on summer missions but will help train all Soldiers in the battalion in fundamental marksmanship skills.” The culminating event of the training was a live-fire exercise where Sutton moved a 4-man stack across a range as they acquired and engaged targets while moving. Soldiers performed reflexive fire on targets at 10, 15 and 20 meters, then moved in-line across their targets and engaged the targets while continuing lateral movement. According to Craven, his exchange of knowledge between both groups helped develop trainers and future leaders of the Army while expanding the possibility of future training engagements between the Baystate Battalion and the 3-304th. “On its face, this exchange resulted in Soldiers’ familiarization or, in the case of M9 pistol, qualification on individual weapons, a necessary warrior skill. But on a deeper level, the exchange fostered a relationship between supported and supporting organizations, helping to develop rapport and a common understanding of each other. The original intent was to
Master Sgt. Alan Sutton, Senior Military Science Instructor with the Baystate Battalion ROTC conducts ready-up drills with Soldiers from 3-304th (USMA) at Fort Devens, MA on October 17, 2020. Sutton provided instruction to the Soldiers on how to properly hold and aim an M16-A2 rifle during close quarters engagements.
exchange knowledge, but I think the relationship building may have been equally valuable.” 3-304th REGT Soldiers have a unique mission set within the Army Reserve, they serve as
trainers for West Point Cadets during Cadet Basic Training and Cadet Summer Training, and as subject matter experts during the annual Sandhurst Military Skills Competition.
42 • THE GRIFFON • Winter 2021
Vietnam War MOH Recipient’s Widow Speaks to Collegiate ROTC Class from combat, and he planned on flying to Hawaii to see Cindy and their infant son. On 02 June, he was scheduled to depart his basecamp to begin his combat break, the same day his unit was to begin a combat sweep mission. When the incoming replacement Medic was delayed in arriving, Guy ignored his orders and instead joined his unit heading to the field to ensure they had Medic support. Early into the mission heavy enemy contact was made, and Guy again selflessly ran to the aid of two seriously wounded Troopers, Cindy Failor and Guy LaPointe together on 11 August 1968 while Guy was home on military leave, shielding them with his own body, but he was mortally wounded a week before their marriage. Courtesy photo: Cindy LaPointe-Dafler by enemy fire and grenades, and died. For this act of superhuman Story by Sgt. 1st Class Alejandro Army Specialist 4th Class Joseph Guy valor and utter selflessness he was Villalva LaPointe, Jr. University of Dayton Army ROTC Instructor, In early 1968, Guy applied for entry posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, which his family received Brigade Support Team 7, 4th Battalion, 414th into a local college, hoping to enroll in January 1972. Upon Guy’s death Regiment, 104th Division (LT) in the Fall semester. But soon after, in in Vietnam, Cindy was a 19-year old April, he received his draft notice for As a lifelong military historian, widow, and the sole parent of the son military service. He would receive and an experienced military history Guy would never meet. his college acceptance letter only author and researcher, I have sought After processing and carrying the two weeks later. As the son of a WW2 to actively share the importance of grief, sorrow, and loss of Guy over Veteran, Guy was determined that he military history and heritage to my the next 30 years, Cindy now actively would serve and not avoid what he fellow Americans. As a Soldier, I did speaks about Guy, his vivacious considered was his solemn duty, but the very same during my many years spirit, their time together, and his he maintained personal reservations serving as a Drill Sergeant, and a Drill Army service. Additionally, as a proud about being trained as a combatant Sergeant Leader. Now, as a seasoned and active member of the Gold Star since he did not believe in taking lives. Military Science (MS) collegiate Wives of America organization, Cindy Soon after arriving at Army Basic instructor at the University of Dayton also shares the difficult experiences Training at Ft. Benning, Ga., in early (Ohio), I passionately teach, impart, and challenges of families who May 1968, Guy declared himself a and extol the powerful lessons of lose a loved one in war, saying,“Not Conscientious Objector and was military history and leadership to my everyone mourns the same, not reclassified to become a Combat Army Reserve Officer Training Corps everyone feels the same, not everyone Medic, rather than an Infantryman. (ROTC) Cadet students. takes as long as it does others to start Following Basic Training he was In order to provide my developing living again.” granted a short leave period, and future Army Soldiers and officers In her visit to my MS2 class, I more substantial and palpable benefits he and Cindy were married in asked Cindy about Guy’s intent to Englewood, Ohio. Following, he was than what academic and class studies serve honorably in the military, not sent to AIT at Ft. Sam Houston,Texas, allow, I have resolved to invite to our as a combatant, but as a Medic. She class persons that would bring history to be trained as a Combat Medic. After replied this decision was a direct AIT and another short leave period alive, give us a unique window and extension of Guy’s selfless spirit to at home, Guy deployed to Vietnam portal to the past, and speak directly help others in any way or form, and in early November 1968, and was about relevant lessons of leadership, shaped him in being the exceptional eventually assigned to 2nd Squadron, dedication, and honor demonstrated Medic that he was, and one of the 17th Cavalry Regiment, of the 1st by Army Soldiers. most loved and admired Soldiers in Cavalry Division. As a completely With this goal in mind, I invited his unit. dedicated and utterly selfless Medic, a local friend and a Gold Star wife, Unforgettably, at the end of her he performed exceptionally, and was Cindy LaPointe-Dafler, to my MS2 visit, Cindy also graced and humbled soon awarded the Bronze Star and sophomore class in November 2020 Silver Star for valor. to share her stories, memories, and In late May 1969, Guy was eligible insights of her late husband, U.S. to take his allotted week long break
The 1966 graduation photo of Guy LaPointe from Northridge High School in Dayton, Ohio. Courtesy photo: Cindy LaPointe-Dafler
us by showing Guy’s original encased Medal of Honor, which the students were able to inspect closely. It was a magical moment that perfectly personified Cindy’s powerful testimony, and also fully symbolized the life, service, and
valor of Guy. After the class, I asked my students for feedback on their thoughts and reactions to Cindy speaking to them about Guy. One replied,“Guy being a Medic really stood out to me, because as someone who hopes to make a career in the medical field, it is incredibly inspiring to see heroism from a Medic.” Another student stated, “We have talked about brave warriors all year, but listening to Cindy really brought to light the fact that they are all human beings just like us. It is important for us to remember all who have served; however, I personally feel that it is equally important to care for the Family members of those veterans and Soldiers.” And as I had hoped and expected, by inviting Cindy to personally and intimately share with my students her firsthand, impactful, and vivid testimony of Guy’s amazing life, and directly relate stories of his heroic service as a Soldier, she clearly demonstrated and imparted to my future Soldiers and Leaders the timeless and powerful lessons of history, heritage, leadership, and the Army Values. So perhaps as my students grow as citizens, Soldiers, and Leaders, these stories and insights from Cindy LaPointe-Dafler will place small pieces of integrity, courage, and selflessness from SP4 Guy LaPointe, Jr. into their personal rucksack of character, that they will carry and use the rest of their lives.
Cindy LaPointe-Dafler speaking about Guy LaPointe in 2008, in Miamiburg, Ohio. Courtesy photo: Cindy LaPointe-Dafler
THE GRIFFON • Winter 2021 • 43
Operation Agile Leader — The Citadel Story and photos by Maj. Gregorio E Zayas Team Leader and ROTC Outreach, Alpha Company, 3rd Battalion, 414th Regiment, (CST), 1st Brigade, 104th Division
Trainers from Alpha Company, 3-414th Infantry Regiment (CST) also known as “Young Guns” were given a unique opportunity to support the Military College of South Carolina, commonly known as the Citadel. Ordinarily, these trainers performed Warrior Tasks training to Cadets at Fort Knox, Ky., during their Cadet Summer Training (CST), but 2020 has been less than ordinary. Instead of rotating teams of trainers to CST during the summer months, United States Army Cadet Command (USACC) requested trainers for Senior Reserve Officer Training Corps (SROTC) Field Training Exercises (FTXs), weapons qualification ranges and other SROTC training opportunities throughout the school year. By mobilizing these teams to various areas throughout the country, it ensured SROTC Cadets scheduled to commission in May 2021 were properly evaluated and qualified in their required skills. The Citadel’s Palmetto Battalion executed Operation Duncan Rage from 08-11 Oct 2020 in Fort Jackson, SC, in order to certify and train Cadets on necessary range and land navigation skills.To accomplish this mission, the Citadel requested weapons trainers to support an M4 qualification range. Alpha Company, 3-414th Infantry Regiment (CST) provided 14 trainers to ensure the cadets zeroed and qualified on their individual weapons. Sgt. 1st Class Kevin Peterman, NCOIC, led a group of Soldiers, possessing combat arms and combat service support experience. All 14 members of the Young Guns team were from Joint Base Lewis-
McChord and performed similar tasks throughout their military careers while on active duty, during CST rotations, or at home station with their Army Reserve units. Despite CST cancelation amid the COVID-19 Pandemic, the team of Young Guns were excited to perform Cadet training once again,
even in this non-traditional format. The range day began with the team of 14 Young Guns alongside 14 senior Cadets, in the prone firing position as they waited for the sun to rise. By 0700, the range was operational, with the first round of zeroing underway. By the end of the mission, the Young Guns ensured 66 senior Cadets zeroed and qualified with their weapons, as well as zeroing 160 junior Cadets prior to performing a qualification attempt.These third year Cadets
will perform their weapons qualification range during their CST rotation at Fort Knox, in the summer of 2021. The Citadel cadre, who performed the logistics and planning for the range, were very appreciative of our team, as they would not have been able to qualify the senior Cadets or train the juniors otherwise. In recognition of excellence, Col. John Cyrulik and Sgt. Maj. Willie Murphy presented their Army ROTC coin of excellence to our Soldiers.
44 • THE GRIFFON • Winter 2021
Training Battalion Adapts to COVID-19 Challenges By Maj. Edward Howard S-6, 2-319th CST B 104th Training Division (LT)
The COVID19 virus has had an enormous impact on the health of Americans, our economy, and our way of life. By 6 DEC 2020, almost 15 million people have been infected in the US, and the numbers continue to grow daily. The Army has the unique challenge of keeping our Soldiers and Families safe, while still accomplishing our mission. Through the COVID-19 pandemic threat situation, we at 2nd Battalion, 319th Regiment Cadet Summer Training Battalion (CST BN) have had great success meeting our core mission requirements, standard Army Reserve training requirements, and maintaining readiness of the Battalion and the people within. We’d like to share some of the challenges we’ve faced due to the precautions enacted to slow the spread of the virus, some of the steps we’ve taken to adjust to the changing mission requirements, and the outcomes we’ve seen.
Our unit, 2-319th CST BN is a training Battalion under 1st Brigade, 104th Division (Leader Training) that is tasked primarily to support ROTC Cadet Summer Training annually. In addition to our core mission, we must complete all standard Army Reserve training requirements such as mandatory
training, Professional Military Education, annual range fire FTX, etc. The emergence of the threat of a COVID-19 pandemic created many of the same challenges for our unit as it did for the rest of the Army. The first major ripple on Battalion operations that our unit faced was when the March 2020 BA was conducted virtually. But as the saying goes, when one door closes, another opens. Or in this case, two. Internet access at Reserve Centers on Battle Assembly weekends is typically very spotty. Some of the perennial issues are inadequate numbers of computers exacerbated by a portion of them not functioning for a multitude of reasons, poor internet connectivity and speeds at the Reserve Centers, and many Soldiers not having valid ARNET accounts. The Soldiers within the Battalion were able to make rapid progress in computer based training requirements using their civilian internet providers and personal computers/devices to complete online training requirements. In turn, the Soldiers were able to save time and cost on travel to their Reserve Centers. Among the training performed remotely were mandatory training requirements conducted by video teleconference, NCOES, MOS specific training, mandatory training, and IT/Cyber security training courses necessary to request an ARNET account. Our Battalion has a Battle Rhythm most in the Army Reserve will recognize, with the exception that we normally conduct two Field Training Exercises (FTX) annually. As much as possible, our FTXs include range fires with standard issue weapons, and because we instruct on other weapon systems they often include familiarization with crew served weapons or other devices (grenades at a recent FTX). Unfortunately, our April FTX was canceled due to COVID
precautions at Fort Lee, which led to Virtual Battle Assemblies in the months of April, May and June. Hero of the battle for the transition to virtual BA went to A Co. Their quick adoption and use of the Microsoft Teams/ Commercial Virtual Remote (CVR) working environment was critical to the preparation and execution of essential training. A Co. demonstrated how useful the platform can be, which precipitated quick adoption by the rest of the Battalion. In early May, as understanding of the virus slowly increased, Cadet Command made the decision to cancel CST20.The choice was undoubtedly influenced by the knowledge that in any normal year common respiratory viruses (colds) run rampant among the Cadets. It follows that the same would be the case with COVID-19. In past years, the CS (tear gas) chamber at the CBRN site has helped the many Cadets afflicted with colds to clear their nasal passages. But the symptoms of COVID-19 are different than the common cold, and exposure to CS gas might well have had disastrous effects on a dry cough. The cancellation of CST20 left many thousands of Cadets without key institutional training, and many instructors with no Annual Training mission. To bridge these shortcomings, the 104th Division (LT) worked with Cadet Command to execute an alternative training operation. Under Operation Agile Leader (OAL), Soldiers from various training Battalions peppered across the nation were tasked to conduct training at Universities in their local region. The 2-319th CST BN contributed to OAL by supporting nine Universities at their location for a total of 73 training days, involving 173 instructors from late July through early November. Among the universities our unit supported were four of the six
THE GRIFFON • Winter 2021 • 45 Senior Military Colleges; the Citadel, Virginia Military Institute, Norwich University and Virginia Tech. Due to the short notice of the OAL missions it was impractical for many Soldiers to arrange leave from their civilian employers. With this in mind, Battalion and Company leadership chose to staff all of the missions with Soldiers who volunteered to go. The end state was that all missions were sufficiently staffed, all Soldiers who wanted an AT were provided the opportunity. No Soldiers were forced to be absent from their civilian jobs on short notice. The instructors provided quality training to Cadets in the areas of instruction normally covered at Cadet Summer Training, while at the same time reducing travel to reduce the spread of COVID-19. A return to home station Battle Assemblies in August was made possible by preparation and execution of a COVID-19 Risk mitigation plan. Key steps in the risk mitigation plan were taking temperatures of all persons entering the building, the wearing of masks while inside the building, thorough daily sanitization of the facility, and conducting training outdoors as much as possible. Commanders granted RST authorization liberally for a range of reasons from accommodation of family issues, to meeting the staffing needs of civilian employers. Consideration was also given to individual Soldiers’ good faith efforts to reduce the risk of COVID transmission. The opportunity to come together once again brought camaraderie and good cheer to the troops save for an exceptional and unfortunate circumstance. In late July Spc. Curtis Fort, 92Y, became the first Soldier in the Army Reserve to die from COVID-19. His passing was a tragic loss both for his Family and for his unit. The Battalion, along with Bravo Company (co-located with the Battalion Headquarters), held a memorial service for Spc. Fort on Sunday, August 2nd, under the US flag at the PFC Cloyse Eldridge US Army Reserve Center in Salem, VA. Spc. Fort was a doting husband, loving father, and cheerful and hard-working Soldier in the Battalion S4 section. His cheerful smile and positive attitude are greatly missed. The Battalion had anticipated some range time in the outdoors for September Battle Assembly, but unfortunately COVID-19 precautions at Fort Lee where the FTX was scheduled resulted in the lack of availability of barracks. With no billeting for the Soldiers on post, it was necessary to cancel the FTX and conduct BA at home station. The Battalion still managed to get some field time though, of sorts. Leveraging the gorgeous late summer Virginia weather as well as the fact that some NCOs
had recently received training on the ACFT, the Companies took to the outdoors and conducted ACFT familiarization training at their respective locations. The three day BA enabled them to conduct thorough AFCT familiarization training as well as to get further caught up on administrative actions. October and November Battle Assemblies were again at home station, and the Battalion managed to get some time in the field. Not least to mitigate risk of COVID-19 transmission, BN HHC and B Co conducted a 10 mile ruck march during October BA at Greenhill Park in Salem, VA. The park is nestled at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Southwest Virginia. A Co, based at Fort Lee, VA and its one detachment based at Fort A.P. Hill, VA conducted ruck marches during November BA on their respective posts. Battalion Headquarters and Bravo Company Soldiers were joined on the march at Greenhill Park by Brig Gen. Joseph Edwards, Commander of the 104th Division (LT). The General made it a point to commend the Soldiers on their performance. Per BG Edwards,“This Battalion has done a tremendous job executing its core mission and maintaining unit readiness.” Uncertainty is a fact of life in the Army. The emergence of COVID 19 simply added to the challenge. Leadership that can quickly assess the situation and react decisively
is key in uncertain times. Agile leadership is truly the difference
between success and failure.The critical inputs to our operations were clear direction from higher level commands coupled with delegation of authority necessary to execute the commander’s intent. Preparation and implementation of a detailed risk mitigation plan, coordinated execution through the levels of command from the Brigade through the Battalion and Companies, all the way down to the individual training teams tasked to conduct the training were also critical. Perhaps most important were dedicated and motivated Soldiers! The output? Mission success, and Soldiers who love their job.
46 • THE GRIFFON • Winter 2021
Whatever Happened to Strong Bonds? Ever heard the phrase “back in my day” or “when it was good”? Strong Bonds is one of those programs that has evolved as the Army as evolved. Back in my day, we had three-day events at resort style hotels, family members were compensated for travel, food, and everything else. The idea was to reignite the marriage, help single Soldiers learn to communicate, and allow families to bond. As we move into FY21 the world has changed, the army has changed, and how we do business has changed. Strong Bonds has moved from the Readiness Division level, down to the commands to manage and conduct events. With these changes, Strong Bonds continues to be an effective tool to help with personal growth and development. Chaplains in the formation are offering financial, communication, marriage, and numerous other forms of training that target the needs of your unit. Yes, the luxury element of this training has decreased, but there are still options available to cover any cost associated with the training and your attendance. Whether you “need” this training or you just desire to be proactive in yourself or your marriage, contact your chaplain today to inquire about available events in your area. The types of events… Most of you are familiar with the Charlie event, which is the offsite, 2-3 day style event. This is still an available event. The guidelines associated with funding and execution have reduced the overall allowable spending, so the picture of this type of event you might have is likely going to be on a much smaller scale. The next event is the Bravo, which includes 8 hours of associated training. Additionally there is an Alpha event that consist of 4 hours of training. New this FY is the optional virtual Strong Bonds program. Any of the in- person events can be conducted at the unit or offsite and can be staggered over several interactions (example: An Alpha event conducted over 4 battle assemblies, 1 hour session each). As you read this you might be asking, what really changed? The changes, aside from the mentioned funding and management of the program, are an increase in command participation, creative approaches to training, and a focus on more junior Soldiers. Commanders, this program is an
opportunity for you to invest in your Soldiers by supporting their request to attend, both in time and money, by using RST, AT, and other types of orders. These changes allow for both the chaplain and the commander to plan and execute an effective form of training to BA weekends, AT training, and other scenarios. The 108th Training Command Chaplain’s office will be hosting five events throughout the command. Additional events will be created as interest grows. Please contact your chaplain to inquire about events, signing up, ideas, or questions.
98th DIV – Bravo Event, Fort Benning, GA on 19FEB2021 95th DIV – Bravo Event, Fort Sill, OK on 16APR2021 104th DIV – Bravo Event, JBLM on 04JUN2021 108th CMD – Bravo Event,
Charlotte, NC on 30AUG2021 Charlie Event TBD location (based on interest), on 24JUL2021 CH (MAJ) Jeremy Naugle is the 108th TC, AGR chaplain, and Family Life Chaplain for the command.
48 • THE GRIFFON • Winter 2021
TRADOC Staff Ride focuses on resiliency, mentorship while revisiting Yorktown Battlefields Story and photos by David Overson
U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command PA
JOINT BASE LANGLEY — EUSTIS, Virginia — If there’s one constant in the Army, it’s learning from success stories and mistakes. Often referred to as ‘lessons learned,’ leaders study what went well and what didn’t go well in various operations.‘After action reviews’ are often conducted to try to constantly improve missions, and at times, morale. Junior and senior leaders from the U.S.Army Training and Doctrine Command enterprise took full advantage of this learning process as they participated in a battle staff ride, on the anniversary of the 1781 Siege of Yorktown, where British Gen. Charles Cornwallis surrendered to Gen. George Washington on Oct. 19th. Soldiers walked the battlefields and were briefed by historians Dr. Britt McCarley,TRADOC chief historian, and Steve McGeorge,TRADOC deputy chief historian. “Using the Army’s history to contribute both to the professionalism and general education of Soldiers is a privilege that I cherish,” McCarley said.“The NCOs [noncommissioned officers] whom we took to Yorktown should reach at least two conclusions from the staff ride. “One, it’s a privilege to stand on the hallowed ground made special by the service and sacrifice of American Soldiers who preceded those of today, and two, as we engaged in daylong dialogue about what happened, it’s important to remember there is great value in the civil and spirited exchange of ideas and insights among professionals.” American philosopher George
Gen. Paul E. Funk II, commanding general U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (Center/right), along with Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel T. Hendrex, TRADOC senior enlisted adviser (center/left), record a public service advisory message for social media purposes during a staff ride at the Yorktown, Va., Battlefields Oct. 19, 2020. The staff ride was a reward for the nation’s top performing Army recruiters and drill instructors with a primary focus on resiliency and mentorship. U.S. Army photo by David Overson
Santayana said,“those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” Staff rides provide important insights into military operations, concepts of leadership, and places a face on previous battles. Originally used by the German Army in the late 1800’s to train their general staff officers, they studied the battles from the Napoleonic Wars to better understand what happened, why it happened, and what could be learned and applied to future battles.
Britt McCarley, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command chief historian, discusses the events that took place 239 years prior in Yorktown, Va., during a staff ride at the Yorktown, Va., Battlefields Oct. 19, 2020. The staff ride was a reward for the nation’s top performing Army recruiters and drill instructors with a primary focus on resiliency and mentorship. U.S. Army photo by David Overson
However, this staff ride also served as part of Gen. Paul E. Funk II,TRADOC commanding general’s mentorship series of events.Along with Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel T. Hendrex, TRADOC’s senior enlisted advisor, Funk hosted the Army’s top recruiters and drill instructors to the staff ride. As the Soldiers stopped along different historical landmarks during the staff ride, comparisons were made with Soldiers of yesterday to Soldiers of today. Questions were asked and posed by senior leaders
about resiliency. How Soldiers might deal with certain scenarios revolutionary Soldiers had to deal with, and how communication is key to unit cohesion. The participants were the top 10 drill sergeants and recruiters in the Army, and moving forward we will be engaged regularly on key topics, Hendrex said.This is part of our “Muddy Boots” program [Muddy Boots Leadership by U.S.Army Maj. (ret.) John Chapman]. “During this historic staff ride,
Stephen McGeorge, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command deputy chief historian (left) discusses the events that took place 239 years prior as British Gen. Charles Cornwallis surrendered Yorktown, Va., during a staff ride at the Yorktown, Va., Battlefields Oct. 19, 2020. The staff ride was a reward for the nation’s top performing Army recruiters and drill instructors with a primary focus on resiliency and mentorship. U.S. Army photo by David Overson
THE GRIFFON • Winter 2021 • 49 our NCOs were exposed to the Battle of Yorktown that sealed our independence,” Hendrex said.“They impressed me with their ability to process information as they linked the historical siege events to the recent Battle for Mosul in Iraq, and all elements surrounding urban warfare; thus making it relatable to today’s urban complex problem set. “This is just one example of the incredible feedback we can get from our current NCO corps when we implement effective methods of mentorship and engaged leadership. Linking events across eras also helps link new and old Soldiers today. If we can relate to Army experiences of 245 years ago, then the few years age difference of today’s generations can similarly learn from each other. Generations today can look back at yesterday and realize commonalities and differences.We truly are stronger together.” Sgt. 1st Class Nadine Pope, a drill instructor from the U.S.Army Drill Sergeant Academy, located at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, gleaned plenty of useful knowledge from the staff ride. Pope learned how a diverse force at Yorktown was able to defeat the British Army. “I didn’t realize, but learned today, there were a lot of different ethnic groups who participated in the Revolutionary War,” Pope said. “African Americans, Native Americans, French, Germans, and they overcame differences, to include language barriers, but were still successful operating as cohesive units.” McGeorge enjoyed sharing the knowledge of the past, realizing that it has the ability to inform and inspire Soldiers to accomplish great things in the present, and into the future. “I think there is some universality in the experience of soldiering,” McGeorge said.“Facing fear, hardship, discomfort, pain, separation from
family, and all the other difficulties unique to military service are not new. It has all been done before. Knowing how our forefathers withstood these things and paid the price required to secure victory is empowering.” It is said among Army historians that there are many timeless universals, both in military art and science, and in the profession of arms. Staff rides repeatedly identify and analyze numerous such universals in the conduct of military operations that are as applicable today, as they were more than 200 years ago.These exercises bring to life historical battles on the actual terrain they were fought on, allowing leaders the ability to analyze the operational events that took place, and to discuss the use of reconnaissance, terrain, tactics, weather, communications and leadership. “These NCOs will carry with them a great teamwork experience, that their voices matter, and they’ll have full understanding of their commander’s intent,” Hendrex said. “They will carry and spread the ‘why’ of diversity and inclusion, and how those elements are necessary to fight and win our nation’s wars by fielding the best team possible.” The pause of traditional training with the unique population of young leaders was a great opportunity for senior leaders to connect on a different level. It was through this shared experience that trust and confidence was built. “The ‘Muddy Boots’ approach ensures that we’re attacking the real problems and addressing some of the issues the Army is facing today,” Hendrex added. There are many preserved American battlefields which can provide a wealth of staff ride opportunities, if you’d like to know more, visit: https://www.tradoc.army. mil/Organizations/Command-History.
Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel T. Hendrex, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command senior enlisted advisor (center) discusses the events that took place 239 years prior and how those lessons learned can be applied today in terms of Soldier resiliency during a staff ride at the Yorktown, Va., Battlefields Oct. 19, 2020. The staff ride was a reward for the nation’s top performing Army recruiters and drill instructors with a primary focus on resiliency and mentorship. U.S. Army photo by David Overson
Gen. Paul E. Funk II, commanding general, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, discusses resiliency and mentorship, during a staff ride at the Yorktown, Va., Battlefields Oct. 19, 2020. The staff ride was a reward for the nation’s top performing Army recruiters and drill instructors with a primary focus on resiliency and mentorship. U.S. Army photo by David Overson
Gen. Paul E. Funk II, commanding general, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, discusses resiliency and mentorship, during a staff ride at the Yorktown, Va., Battlefields Oct. 19, 2020. The staff ride was a reward for the nation’s top performing Army recruiters and drill instructors with a primary focus on resiliency and mentorship. U.S. Army photo by David Overson
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Army Replaces ‘Shark Attack’ With Team Event for Tank Crewmen, Cavalry Scout Trainees Fort Benning Public Affairs Office — Courtesy Story FORT BENNING, Ga. – Those who train the Army’s tank crews and cavalry scouts have dropped the traditional “shark attack” in which bellowing drill sergeants would swarm new recruits; and replaced it with an exercise that builds teamwork and attention to detail under pressure. Called the “Thunder Run,” it requires Armor recruits on their first day of training to work under time pressure to find the fastest, most efficient way to move an assortment of equipment by carrying it at a run along a quarter-mile track, handing off to teammates at four points along the way, then setting the items down at the end in the same way they were arranged at the first location. Errors are penalized with push-ups or other exercises. They adopted the Thunder Run several months ago for recruits attending Armor One-Station Unit Training here, a 22-week stretch that trains two types of Armor Soldier: the armor crewman, known by the job code 19 Kilo, and the cavalry scout, coded 19 Delta. “Nothing’s really changed other than we’re not screaming in their faces,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas D.Yaudas, senior enlisted leader of the 194th Armored Brigade, which trains the tankers and scouts. The brigade is an element of the U.S.Army Armor School, part of Fort Benning’s U.S.Army Maneuver Center of Excellence. The act of replacing the shark attack with a team-building event grew out of deliberations that began last year at the U.S.Army Infantry School here.The School’s senior enlisted leader, Command Sgt. Maj. Robert K. Fortenberry and its commandant, Brig. Gen. David M. Hodne, believed the shark attack was outmoded and should be replaced.With Hodne’s backing, Fortenberry and five other
FORT BENNING, Ga. – An image from a recent Army video shows recruits starting training here to become cavalry scouts taking part in an event designed to instill teamwork and attention to detail on their first day of training. Called the “Thunder Run,” the event replaces the traditional “shark attack” in which drill sergeants swarmed newly arrived trainees and shouted orders and belittling comments to gain immediate compliance. The 194th Armored Brigade, which trains the Army’s armor crewmen and cavalry scouts, adopted the Thunder Run several months ago as a replacement for the shark attack, which had come to be viewed as an outmoded vestige of the Vietnam-era military draft. U.S. Army photo
senior command sergeants major developed an Infantry-oriented team-building event that they came to call “The First 100 Yards.” The U.S.Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) later called for training centers Army-wide to discontinue the shark attack and adopt their own versions of The First 100 Yards, tailored to the history and other specifics of the military career fields they train recruits for. That led the Armor School to develop the “Thunder Run.” Retiring the shark attack in no way means the Armor branch is going soft on training recruits, Yaudas said. The brigade’s drill sergeants still take firm charge of trainees on arrival, but they avoid the shark attack’s in-your-face pile-on that was meant to jolt recruits into instant compliance. “They’re still being held accountable, no one’s holding their hand, it’s not day camp, it’s not a nursery center,” he said.“They’re
still being trained for combat.They still understand that drill sergeants are in charge. Drill sergeants aren’t something ‘nice’ to them just because we’ve taken away the screaming-in-the-face aspect of it. “There’s still plenty of stress and mentorship and development that goes into each one of these trainees,” he said.“The standards of training are even more rigorous in some aspects than what we went through years and years ago.” The shark attack, familiar to veterans of the Vietnam-era when many draftees filled the ranks, has since come to be seen as no longer appropriate. “It was really drill sergeants being somewhat aggressive, getting into someone’s personal space,” said Yaudas.“You have two or three, sometimes four drill sergeants on one trainee yelling different things to confuse him. “There was no real teamwork aspect to it,” he said.“It was all just, move from point A to point B as
The act of replacing the shark attack with a team-building event grew out of deliberations that began last year at the U.S. Army Infantry School here. The School’s senior enlisted leader, Command Sgt. Maj. Robert K. Fortenberry and its commandant, Brig. Gen. David M. Hodne, believed the shark attack was outmoded and should be replaced. With Hodne’s backing, Fortenberry and five other senior command sergeants major developed an Infantry-oriented team-building event that they came to call “The First 100 Yards.”
fast as possible, carry all your stuff, ‘Hurry up! Hurry up!’ Screaming and hollerin’ the whole time. If a guy fell down, people either stepped on him or stepped over him. It was really just a bad event overall. It didn’t really reinforce anything other than: drill sergeants are in charge.Which we already know. Drill sergeants are in charge. The shark attack, said Yaudas, was a draft-era “model that never evolved to what the current needs of the force are.The training methodologies have changed because society has changed. “They’re all a volunteer force, no one’s here against their will,” he said.“So based on emerging societal trends, we’ve gone away from the shark attack into the Thunder Run.” The Thunder Run takes its name from the 3rd Infantry Division’s armored drives into Baghdad during the 2003 invasion of Iraq, which became known as “Thunder Runs” evoking the dash and blunt force of armored warfare. “We picked Thunder Run in honor of 3rd I-D’s attack into Baghdad,” said Yaudas.“We tie it back to our Armor roots.” The Thunder Run is intended to give recruits their first taste of the need for teamwork, to form the habit of focusing on details, and the need to be physically fit, said Yaudas. In all, he said, the group has about three minutes to improvise a plan, then move out running. “So, it’s not a lot of time,” he said. “The squad leader or the platoon guide has less than a minute to memorize the configuration of the equipment set, go back and gameplan it to the squad leaders and the rest of the people in the group, how they’re gonna carry their stuff from point A to point B, who’s carrying
THE GRIFFON • Winter 2021 • 51 what, and then how they’re gonna set back up at the end,” he said. “Once you give ‘em the go, they start carrying stuff around under pressure from the drill sergeants – motivation and purpose – ‘Follow me’ kind of thing,” he said. “And they run around the track, station to station, switching up who’s carrying what at each little marker,” he said.“They come back to their beginning start-point, have to re-set their equipment up in the same way that they were issued it.And if they don’t do that then there’s penalties for not meeting the standard, which is pushups or something like that. “They hardly ever get it right, there’s something off,” said Yaudas. “We really emphasize the team over the individual. No one cares about the one guy doing well. It’s like ‘Well, the other people on the team, did they also accomplish the mission?’ “The end state is that everybody works as a team to accomplish the mission, and no individual Soldier is successful on their own,” he said.“They have to work together throughout the 22 weeks.This is the first thing they have to do to come together and start forming those bonds of comradeship.” The two trainee categories, armor crewmen and cavalry scouts, have their Thunder Run in separate locations.To create at least some of the smoke and noise of combat, smoke grenades are used along with pneumatic devices that simulate explosions and gunfire. And motivational music blares from speakers. For the cavalry scouts it’s bugle calls and other cavalry-themed music.“So, they kind of tie in the history of the cavalry,” said Yaudas. For the tank crewmen, it’s “more rock music” including AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck” to convey “the shock-and-awe effect of heavy tanks,” he said. In each case, groups of about 30 trainees have to move the equipment from start to finish by going one lap around the track, said Yaudas. “And there’s four checkpoints along the track where they have to set the stuff down, transfer the load between the Soldiers and then start again.That way the same Soldier’s not carrying the whole load the whole time.” For those training to become cavalry scouts, the gear is “like what a scout squad would have in a combat environment,” he said. That includes the AT-4 anti-tank weapon, cans of ammunition, a small rucksack weighted with one or more metal objects – a kettlebell, weighted plate, or ammunition magazines – to give it about the weight of a field radio, as well as cartons of field rations and a mock casualty on a litter.The casualty is a training dummy. For the armor crewmen, the load includes many tank-related items: dummy 120 mm tank rounds, a tank
tow cable, track jacks, which are jacks that weigh about 35 pounds and are used for repair of tank tracks, as well as ammunition cans and other gear. The aim in giving them scant time to figure up a plan is to foster quick thinking and attention to detail under pressure, crucial for combat, Yaudas said. “Cause in combat arms,” he said, “especially scouts and tankers, attention to detail can mean the difference between life and death. “For scouts, identifying a friendly
vehicle or enemy vehicle, there’s a lot of nuance to doing that,” as there is in accurately reporting their position on the battlefield or keeping correct track of where their fellow-scouts are at a given moment. “Same thing for tankers,” said Yaudas.“When they scan the battlefield, they have to be able to properly identify any combatants on the battlefield and engage them” and otherwise perform amid fastbreaking conditions. With the event over, the first sergeant congratulates them on
completing the first training task of their Army service and tells them its rigors are typical of what they can expect in the coming 22 weeks. “That teamwork is the key,” he said.“It’s the foundation of all that we do in the Armor branch and the Army, and this is just one small case of how teamwork can be effective. “It’s all about attention to detail under pressure, and remembering things that stick out,” said Yaudas.“To adhere to exacting standards. Cause in combat, there are no second chances.”
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THE GRIFFON • Winter 2021 • 53
Tips to Keep You Safe for the Holidays - and After stress. So when stress seems as if it is beginning to strike, take a few minutes to decompress, meditate, or walk away instead. Push away thoughts of substance use.
5. Follow H.A.L.T.
The holiday season come with unmistakable sounds: the sound of Christmas carols being played over department store speakers, the rush of a colder wind as night falls earlier, the tearing of wrapping paper, and of course the clinking of glasses ringing throughout voices raised in gathering. The holidays are a time to rejoice and celebrate, however, for someone suffering from or struggling with drug or alcohol abuse, it can be an easy gateway to trouble. As most data shows, holidays can be stressful and difficult, especially when it comes to drug and alcohol use. For a safe and happy holiday, it’s important to be aware of the dangers and triggers, to stay safe and keep urges under control. The holidays can be stressful to begin with, but for people dealing with drug and alcohol disorders, the holidays intensifies their struggle. There are a lot of physical, mental, and social reasons for their struggles, and
the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic has added to the holiday struggle, creating economic uncertainty, job loss, and yes, more family dysfunction. For many, the end of the year brings images of happy families gathered around a Christmas tree, big dinners of turkey and stuffing, holiday music, and cozy fires. Unfortunately, emotional strain of the holidays and winter weather generally take a toll during the holiday months of December and January. The Center for Disease Control reports that alcohol-and-druginduced deaths spike during these months. The holiday season this year is going to be different, and a learning curve for all, but for those that are struggling with substance abuse during the holidays, here are six tips for avoiding drugs and alcohol abuse during the season:
1. Start Each Day With a Plan A person with a alcohol or drug abuse disorder needs to wake up each morning thinking about how to stay safe throughout the day. Once they have a plan, they should be fine for the rest of that day.”The key is staying focused on your goal of safety.
2. Bring The Party With You Take along a food or safe drink that you enjoy. For instance, if champagne is a trigger for you at a New Year’s Party, bring a flavored, sparkling water or a soda to sip as the clock counts down.
3. Know Your Triggers Aperson with substance abuse disorder should know their triggers and how to manage them, in order to take care of themselves, mentally and physically.
4. Keep Stress Under Control People with substance abuse disorders turn to alcohol or illegal substances as a way to cope with
HALT is an acronym that stands for Hungry, Angry, Lonely and Tired. It’s an important tool that reminds you to take care of yourself. Hungry Make it a point to eat regular meals no matter how busy you get.This will keep your blood sugar levels stable and prevent you from feeling hungry or thirsty, which can be confused for a drug craving. Angry To avoid feeling angry or irritable, be sure that you’re practicing stress management. Get outside this holiday season to decrease stress and increase feelgood endorphins in the brain. Lonely Create a list of people who support you.These people will be there for you when you need it. Aside from close family and friends, also consider your sponsor and AA/NA group members. Tired The holiday season is busy, and you might spend more time out. Be sure you’re still getting enough sleep at night – around eight to nine hours.
6. Distract Yourself Bring along a buddy who doesn’t drink, smoke, or use drugs to help you stay sober at social functions. Find an area far enough away from the bar, and strike up a conversation with someone. Offer to help your host so that you stay busy with little tasks. 108th Substance Abuse Program
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THE GRIFFON • Winter 2021 • 55
News from the 108th Griffon Association
Dear Griffon Association Member, The Griffon Association, like all of you persevered through a very difficult year in 2020.We worked hard to again live up to our motto of “Be a Patriot, Help a Soldier,” by providing targeted donations and scholarships to qualified recipients. However, the level of giving was not what we would have liked, since the Covid pandemic forced cancellation of several events, including our golf tournament, which is our principal fund raiser. Still, giving back to Soldiers, their families and Veterans is really a continuation of the oath we took to serve many years ago and we were able to do at a reduced level of support despite many obstacles. Below is a summary for the year: Scholarships: We were very pleased to see scholarship applicants from units across the entire 108th Training Command. Due to the high quality of scholarship applicants, the board agreed to award $3,900 in educational scholarships to 13 extremely worthy applicants. Because of the closeness of the qualifications of the applicants, we awarded $300 scholarships to all 13. Picnic: We were forced to cancel the picnic for last year, but are planning for one in the fall of 2021, which we hope many of you can attend. More later on a specific date. Golf Tournament: We had to also cancel the 10th Annual Soldiers’ and Families’ Golf tournament because of the pandemic; however, through the generosity of several of our previous sponsors, we collected $3,300.00 to help us through this difficult time.We do plan to have the 2021 tournament, which we have already scheduled for September 27, 2021.We will provide forms and more information in the next month or so. Membership: Membership increased somewhat during 2019, thanks to the work of Joe Winchester, our membership chairman.The Association currently has 214 members, which includes 148 Life Members, 64 Annual members and 2 Honorary Members.While everyone appreciates the work we do, efforts to increase membership has been challenged due to constraints that restrict Commanders and leaders from promoting membership in non-profit organizations to their direct subordinates.We have also seen some losses as members have relocated and not updated their mailing addresses. Membership is our life blood and is vital if we are to continue to support our Soldiers and their families into the future. We ask for your help to personally commit to reach out to at least two former or current members of the 108th Training Command (108th Division) and share the membership application that can be found on our website https:// www.108thgriffonassoc.com/. This could more than double our membership.Annual memberships are only $10.00 and
Life Memberships are only $108.00. Membership/Dues Notices should go out in the next few weeks. Soldier and Veteran Support: Targeted donations totaling $1,500 were made to support organizations that assist Soldiers and Veterans to include Purple Heart Homes, the Charlotte USO,Veterans Restoration Quarters, Iredell County Veterans Council, and the Freedom and Hope Foundation. Looking forward to 2021:
Griffon Association Scholarships Griffon Association Scholarship applications are due by April 1, 2021.A copy of the application is included with this article and can also be found on our website https:// www.108thgriffonassoc.com/.
10th Annual Golf Tournament The 10th Annual Golf Tournament is scheduled for the 27th of September, 2021. For any golfers, who have not been able to attend in
the past, we invite you to join us and encourage you to bring a team this year.We are also always in need of help from nongolfers for registration etc. More information will be available on our website shortly https://www.108thgriffonassoc. com/.
Annual Picnic The Annual Picnic will be held in the fall of 2021. Possible locations include Latta Plantation in Charlotte, Guilford Courthouse, North Carolina or Ft. Jackson, South Carolina. Information regarding the final location and date and how to sign up will be shared in a few months. We hope you will join us for some great food and an opportunity to connect with other Griffon members and friends.
Veterans Day Breakfast Breakfast on Veterans Day – join us as a guest for breakfast at the Carolinas Freedom Foundation’s
Freedom Breakfast in Charlotte.The exact date has not been set but is usually the Friday before or after Veterans Day. For more information, email Skip McCartney at skip@ shelby.net.
Veterans Day Parade Charlotte Veterans Day Parade – join the parade in November (exact date to be set) and march with other Griffon Members and COL (Retired) Tom Phlegar as he leads the parade with his leggings and tri-corner hat, while playing his drums with the Revolutionary War Color Guard. For more information, email Skip McCartney at skip@shelby.net. In closing, I would like to personally thank you and assure you that your support makes the difference. Hooah!! Charles E. McCartney, Jr. MG, USA, Retired President “Be A Patriot – Help A Soldier”
108th Griffon Association, Inc. SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION Fall Semester Sponsor’s Name and Rank________________________________________________________________ [sponsor must either be an active member of the 108th Griffon Association, or any soldier assigned and serving with the 108th Training Command (IET) and subordinate Commands] 108th Association Member or Serving 108th Training Command (IET) Soldier (circle one) Sponsor’s Unit_________________________________________________________________________ Application must include the following prepared by the applicant:
• Cover letter [include all that apply: a list of extra curricula/community/volunteer activities, work experience (hours per week), and military experience to include SROTC/JROTC]
• Copy of transcripts (high school if entering college for the first time in the fall semester or college transcripts if currently/recently enrolled)
• Three letters of recommendation from non-family members, and
• On a separate sheet please answer the following questions:
o What are your educational goals?
o How will achieving these goals improve your life and improve your community?
Applicant’s Name: ____________________________________________________________________ [applicant may be a member of 108th Griffon Association; child or grandchild of a 108th Griffon Association member; soldier of the 108th Training Command (IET) to include subordinate commands; or the child of a soldier of the 108th Training Command (IET) to include subordinate Commands)
SSN ___________________ Date of Birth___________________ Gender: Male or Female (circle one) Address (No P.O. Boxes):_________________________________________________________________ Telephone____________________ EMAIL: ____________________ High School______________________________ Graduation Date _________ GPA (unweighted)______ Address______________________________________________________________________________ College(s)_____________________________________________Hours Completed_________ GPA_____ Address(es)___________________________________________________________________________ Name of College You Will Attend Using this Scholarship________________________________________ [You must be accepted/enrolled — funds will be issued by the college at registration] Location (City, State) _________________________________________________________________ Application must be received NLT 1 April, any application received after that date will not be considered regardless of reason. MAIL COMPLETE APPLICATION TO: 108th Griffon Association, Inc., Scholarship Committee, C/O Lin Ingram, 1 Flagship Cove, Greensboro, NC 27455
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Military Resources
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72 Experience Nature, Food, Arts in Putnam County
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Ask the Appliance Experts:
Benefits of Wi-Fi Connected Smart Appliances A smart appliance leverages connectivity to enhance the user experience in a meaningful way by providing peace of mind, simplifying an existing process and offering customization. Smart appliances will make your life easier. A smart appliance could help you save time, money and energy. Ask your smart speaker assistant to preheat your oven, or get a notification when your dishwasher cycle is complete. With smart cooking appliances, you don’t need to be a chef to cook like one.Trending Wi-Fi connected appliances can help the cook with step-by-step instructions.These guided cooking features will ensure perfectly prepared dinners. Select guided cooking appliances can calibrate for portion size, dietary needs and ingredient preferences. No two households cook the same. Smart cooking appliances have builtin recipe settings and various app integrations to help you cook your favorite meals to perfection every time. Some guided cooking apps will even account for your dietary needs and ingredient preferences, so you can prepare a meal everyone in your family will enjoy. Refrigerators are cooler than ever. Smart or Wi-Fi connected refrigerators can be operated from your phone. Not only will you be able to detect a problem, should one arise, but you’ll be able to adjust the temperature on your refrigerator from your smart device or speaker. With Remote Diagnostics, the appliance can monitor itself. Whether your refrigerator door is left ajar or you need to set up a service call, your appliance will let you know if there is a problem. The appliance can even identify the issue and part needed to simplify the service process. Nearly every refrigerator out there is designed for food preservation. New smart refrigerators are tackling the issue of food waste. Consumers waste thousands of dollars each year on forgotten ingredients. Most food waste is the product of disorganization and simply not knowing what to cook.Your new smart fridge could also double as a media center, photo montage and calendar, but it can track expiration dates on food items. Not only will you know what groceries you need to buy, but which items you need to use before they spoil.You can even research recipes that use these ingredients and send the instructions right to your smart oven. Smart dishwashers do more than clean. Use your phone or smart speaker to initiate or stop a cycle, download new cycles, monitor
A smart appliance could help you save time, money and energy. cycle progress and monitor the health of your machine. Never run out of detergent again.Your dishwasher can sync to your Amazon account, so you never run out of detergent. Laundry is one of the most diverse appliance categories in terms of products, features and sizes. With smart washers and dryers, you can monitor your cycle and receive an alert when the cycle is finished.You can also get the most out of your washer and dryer with customizable cycles.You can make your favorite outfits last longer by selecting cycles that best care for your wardrobe. Some smart washers and dryers use artificial intelligence (AI) to assess the shape and fabric type and then adjusts the washer movement for optimal cleaning performance. Some smart dryers can automatically select the dryer setting based on the previous washer cycle. It’s also important to consider the back yard. Adding an outdoor grill to your yard is top of mind this year as alfresco gatherings are the safest way to spend time with friends and family. Outdoor grills are starting to incorporate smart
features. A smart grill can set the perfect temperature and send you notifications when it’s time to rotate your food. Spend more time with your guests, and your smart grill will tell you when your meal is ready. Founded in 2001 and based in Brooklyn, New York, AJ Madison is the premier destination for learning, finding and buying appliances for your home — online or from a mobile phone. Whether for a house, an apartment, or an apartment building, we offer a wide selection of appliances for any style or need. With world class customer service and a building full of appliance experts, AJ Madison is the best place for customers
to find exactly what they need, every single day. What began as an online business grew into the leading online retailer of appliances, a 16,000 square-foot showroom in Brooklyn, New York servicing the tri-state area, more than 2,000 trade partners, and professionally catering to homes and businesses nationwide, with over 2.5 million customers. Open to the public and trade, the AJ Madison D.C. Metro Area showroom opened in March 2020, offering over 150 brands, from value appliances to luxury, state-of-the-art smart appliances. The D.C. Metro Area showroom is located at 8500 Leesburg Pike, Tysons Corner, Virginia 22182.
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Your Vehicle Could Have a Recall More than 1 in 5 vehicles on the road today has an open recall. Does yours? Thankfully, there is a free and easy way for you to find out. Go to CheckToProtect.org and simply enter your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) into the search bar. Within seconds, the site can let you know whether your vehicle has a safety defect that could put you or your family at risk. If you do have an open recall, then you can immediately schedule a free (yes, free) repair at a local, authorized dealership. All it costs is a little bit of time. That’s a small price to pay for keeping your family safe. Vehicle recalls are nothing new, but they have reached record highs in recent years. A recall is issued whenever a defect is found within a vehicle that could put the driver and or passengers at risk. One such example is the Takata airbag recall, which has affected tens of millions of vehicles.
Tragically, more than two dozen people have died because of these defective airbags, which can explode and send shrapnel flying into drivers or front-seat passengers.The risk of malfunction increases when these faulty airbags are exposed over time to heat and humidity. Think about your own community: Do your summer months turn hot and humid? It’s best to check your recall status now and schedule a free repair before another sweltering season arrives. Part of what makes the Takata airbag recall so massive is that many rival automakers used the same type of airbag in their vehicles.You could be at risk whether you drive a Dodge, a Ford, a Chevrolet, a Toyota – the list goes on. It is not limited to a specific year, make or model. Other types of recalls can pose problems, too. In some cases, steering wheels can loosen or detach while driving.
Or faulty latches can cause doors to open while the vehicle is in motion. Or front seat belts can fail because they are not properly attached. No one would want to expose
their loved ones to these types of risks. Automakers do their best to notify vehicle owners about recalls, but it is not always the easiest process. If you’ve moved, the notification might go to your previous address. If you bought the vehicle from someone else, the notification might go to the previous owner. Or the notice might simply get lost in a pile of other mail. That is why it is important to be proactive and search your recall status rather than waiting for a notification to arrive. By going to CheckToProtect.org and entering your VIN, you will get an up-to-date report on your recall status. As a reminder, all recalls are free to repair. This year, March 8-12 will be Vehicle Safety Recalls Week across the country. If you’ve been putting off that recall repair, this is your week. As military members, you’ve done so much to keep us safe. Make sure your car is keeping you safe.
62 • THE GRIFFON • Winter 2021
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Take Leave of the Predictable
3 Theme Parks, Spectacular Hotels. All the Awesome journey. Follow in Harry Potter’s footsteps in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ - Diagon Alley™, where you’ll find many of the wizarding world’s most famous establishments.There’s even a firebreathing dragon atop Gringotts™ bank. Universal Studios is way beyond the movies.
Mardi Gras 2021: International Flavors of Carnaval Daily Feb. 6–Mar. 28 It’s Mardi Gras served up a whole new way – an international food fest with cuisine and entertainment inspired by international Carnaval celebrations.You’ll sample the flavors of Puerto Rico,Trinidad and Tobago, Germany, Spain and other regions including, of course, New Orleans. Plus, you’ll enjoy spectacular floats on display, street entertainment, roving musicians, beads and more.
Universal’s Islands of Adventure You need R&R with your family like never before.You work hard and you deserve a break. It’s time to relax and let loose with the ones you love at Universal Orlando Resort, where a vacation actually feels like a vacation.
Unleash Your Leave with the 2021 Military Freedom Pass Promotional Ticket With this incredible offer for service members, you can enjoy Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure
TAKE LEAVE OF THE ORDINARY Unleash your R&R with this special offer for Service Members, Family & Friends. Visit your Authorized Military Ticket and Travel Office to get going.
2021 MILITARY FREEDOM PASS
$
STARTING FROM
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COME EVERY DAY
JAN. 1-DEC. 31, 2021 WITH NO BLOCKOUT DATES. PURCHASE BY DEC. 27, 2021.
Learn about our safety measures at UniversalOrlando.com/SafetyInfo WIZARDING WORLD and all related trademarks, characters, names, and indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR. (s21) *The 2-Park "2021 Military Freedom Pass” Promotional Ticket entitles one (1) guest admission to BOTH Universal Studios Florida, AND Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme parks on the same day. Ticket is valid for use through and including December 31, 2021, with no blockout dates. Excludes separately ticketed events. This ticket also includes admission to select live entertainment venues of Universal CityWalk. Guest must present a valid Military ID at time of purchase, at time of the exchange at either Universal Studios Florida, or Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme park ticket sales window, and upon redemption at both Universal Studios Florida, and Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme parks. Unused days shall be forfeited. Additional restrictions may apply. The 3-Park “2021 Military Freedom Pass” Promotional Ticket entitles one (1) guest admission to Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, AND Universal’s Volcano Bay (Universal’s Volcano Bay is closed November 2, 2020 through February 28, 2021) theme parks on the same day. Ticket is valid for use January 1, 2021 through and including December 31, 2021, with no blockout dates. Universal elements and all related indicia TM & © 2021 Universal Studios. All rights reserved. 2045305/BA
every single day January 1– December 31, 2021 with no block out dates (no, really), starting from just $199.99. Upgrade to include Universal’s Volcano Bay for just $35 more, also with no block out dates, starting from when Volcano Bay reopens on or before March 1–December 31, 2021. On top of all that, you also get unlimited days of admission to select live entertainment venues at Universal CityWalk all of 2021. Buy now through December 27, 2021.
Universal Studios Florida Your favorite TV shows and movies are about to get real fast. Save the Earth with the TRANSFORMERS Autobots and defeat the villainous Decepticons. Join Illumination’s Gru, his daughters and the mischievous Minions on an unpredictable
It’s time to alternate your reality and turn things upside down (literally). Feel the rush of the hunt as you race through the jungle alongside Velociraptors on Jurassic World VelociCoaster, coming Summer 2021. Swing above the streets with Spider-Man.You can also explore The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ – Hogsmeade™ where you can fly beyond the grounds of Hogwarts™ castle and join Hagrid™ on a thrilling adventure deep into the wilds of the Forbidden Forest. It’s all kinds of amazing.
Universal’s Volcano Bay Water Theme Park Reopening on or Before March 1 Whether you’re the floaty relaxation type or fall-so-fast-yougot-water-up-your- nose type, it’s
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all here.There’s even a volcano in the middle of the park (hence, the name) with tons of water slides and stunning waterfalls. And if you’re in the mood for chill things, there’s a winding river, a wave pool and even a picturesque beach so you can feel the sand between your toes. Remember, it’s a South Seas oasis (and nothing says oasis like a volcano).
Universal CityWalk If you want to grab a bite, go shopping or catch some entertainment, head to the CityWalk dining and entertainment complex, right outside the theme parks.There are all kinds of restaurants from casual to upscale, plus live shows, miniature golf and a 20-screen cineplex.
Universal Orlando Hotels Stay in the awesome at one of Universal’s hotels. It’s more than just a place to sleep. When you stay here, you get exclusive theme park benefits like Early Park Admission** (valid theme park admission required; select attractions), a location oh-so-close to the parks, free transportation to and from the parks and CityWalk, and more. If you want to add some retro style to your leave, check out Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort. Relax with a splash with vibrant rooms and suites surrounded by amazing iconic architecture inspired by classic Florida beach resorts of the 1950s and 60s. Every day comes with fun for all ages with two massive pools,
a winding river, a bowling alley (fees apply), an incredible food court and more. And it’s got a dedicated walking path that takes you straight to Volcano Bay.
Make Every Moment Count at Universal Orlando Screams and laughter. Adventures and relaxation. Unforgettable entertainment and incredible dining. Hotels almost this close to the theme parks and CityWalk. Universal Orlando is the leave you’ve been waiting for. WIZARDING WORLD and all related trademarks, characters, names, and indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR. (s21) The 3-Park “2021 Military Freedom Pass” Promotional Ticket entitles one (1) guest admission to Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure,AND Universal’s Volcano Bay (Universal’s Volcano Bay is closed November 2, 2020 through February 28, 2021) theme parks on the same day.Ticket is valid for use January 1, 2021 through and including December 31, 2021, with no block out dates. Excludes separately ticketed events.This ticket also includes admission to select live entertainment venues of Universal CityWalk. Guest must present a valid Military ID at time of purchase, at time of the exchange at either Universal Studios Florida, or Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme park ticket sales window, and upon redemption at both Universal Studios Florida, and Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme parks. Unused days shall be forfeited.Additional restrictions may apply. ^^The 3-Park Military “2021 Military Freedom Pass” Promotional Ticket entitles one (1) guest admission to Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure,AND Universal’s Volcano Bay theme parks on the same day.Ticket is valid for use March 1, 2021 through and including December 31, 2021, with no block out dates. Excludes separately ticketed events.This ticket also includes admission to select live entertainment venues of Universal CityWalk. Guest must present a valid Military ID at time of purchase, at time of the exchange at either Universal Studios Florida, or Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme park ticket sales window, and upon redemption at both Universal Studios Florida, and Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme parks. Unused days shall be forfeited.Additional restrictions may apply. **Requires theme park admission. Early Park Admission begins one (1) hour prior to regular scheduled park opening to either Universal Studios Florida or Universal’s Islands of Adventure as determined by Universal Orlando, and Universal’s Volcano Bay.Valid at select attractions at each park.Attractions are subject to substitutions without notice.Additional restrictions may apply. Jurassic World
is a trademark and copyright of Universal Studios and Amblin Entertainment, Inc. Licensed by Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved. © 2021 MARVEL.TRANSFORMERS and its logo and all related characters are trademarks of Hasbro and are used with permission. © 2021 Hasbro.All
Rights Reserved. © 2021 DreamWorks LLC. and Paramount Pictures Corporation.All Rights Reserved. Cabana Bay Beach Resort TM & © 2021 UCF Hotel Venture II.All rights reserved. Universal elements and all related indicia TM & © 2021 Universal Studios.All rights reserved. 2045304/BA
64 • THE GRIFFON • Winter 2021
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Atlantis, Paradise Island, The Bahamas
Legendary resort. Timeless memories. Welcome to paradise! Surrounded by the bluest ocean and miles of white sandy beaches, the renowned Atlantis Paradise Island sits just offshore from the island of New Providence in The Bahamas. With world-class accommodations and bespoke service, Atlantis connects visitors to the Bahamian culture offering an array of truly remarkable experiences.
Unforgettable Experiences The resort is built around Aquaventure, an innovative and non-stop fun, 141-acre water park with thrilling slides and river rides, pools and white sand beaches. Other resort amenities include the 30,000 sq. ft. tranquil Mandara Spa, Atlantis Kids Adventures (AKA) for children ages three to 12 and CRUSH, a cutting-edge teen club.The resort’s awardwinning 18-hole Tom Weiskopf
designed Ocean Club Golf Course, renowned Atlantis Casino and dutyfree shopping are complemented by the property’s 40 restaurants and lounges with celebrity chef culinary masterpieces including Nobu, by Nobu Matsuhisa; Olives, by Todd English and Fish, by José Andrés.
An Ocean and ConservationFocused Resort Derived from the ocean, the resort features the largest openair marine habitat in the world, with over 50,000 marine animals from 250 species. Guests can visit Dolphin Cay, the resort’s marine mammal habitat and education center, whose first residents were rescue dolphins and sea lions from Hurricane Katrina. Guest participation in Atlantis’ marine experiences helps fund Atlantis Blue Project Foundation, the resort’s nonprofit, 501 (c)3 organization, dedicated to scientific research, conservation
programs, and community outreach efforts. Its mission is to protect the waters and its vast marine wildlife, ensuring that The Bahamas will remain a haven for rare and endangered species for generations to come.
Travel with Confidence To ensure all guests’ health, safety, and well-being, Atlantis has partnered with world-renowned Cleveland Clinic and launched the Atlantis Clean and Safe Promise. With shared knowledge and innovative approaches, the resort has reimagined every aspect of the guest experience to deliver a healthy and safe resort environment. In addition, to provide guests with a seamless vacation experience, Atlantis is offering flexible payment options and peace of mind with a 72-hour cancellation policy.
The Royal Reborn Over the past few years, Atlantis has opened five new restaurants,
successfully renovated The Coral and The Reef, and has made significant enhancements to The Cove. Renovations to The Royal, the resort’s majestic icon, began last year, and the East Tower has now been completed. All guest rooms and suites have been transformed with an ocean and beach serene color palette, inspired by the breathtaking island beach destination.
Extraordinary Meetings and Events Atlantis boasts over 500,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor flexible meeting space.This includes the largest conference center in the Caribbean, highlighted by the 50,000 sq. ft. Imperial Ballroom and 25,000 sq. ft. Grand Ballroom, and more than 20 unique outdoor venues, totaling 300,000 square feet of breathtaking views and picturesque landscape that can entertain parties of up to 5,000.
66 • THE GRIFFON • Winter 2021
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We’re All Ready for Outdoor Time... Get Back to the Mountains in Sevierville
This year, get back to feeling like yourself again, spending time with those you love, and exploring the great outdoors. Make your great comeback in Sevierville, Tennessee and the Smoky Mountains while enjoying all-time-favorite activities and discovering what’s new. See what’s cooking in downtown, check out Sevierville’s newest stores, and play at fun attractions throughout the Smokies. Downtown Sevierville is coming to life with a new look, new art, and new businesses.
The recently completed downtown Sevierville streetscape features both widened sidewalks in the historic area and the addition of decorative rails commemorating the Knoxville, Sevierville and Eastern rail line that once chugged through town. Two new murals are the beginning of Sevierville’s push to bring more public art to downtown. The first, Wings of Wander, presents a pair of monarch butterfly wings – orange and black on a white background. Mural artist Pinkie
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TRAVEL USA Mistry says she chose to depict monarch wings because of the butterflies’ annual migratory pattern. They travel thousands of miles each year, often visiting the same places on each trip. The second mural, which has yet to be named, depicts a young blonde girl enjoying a burger at Red’s Diner – a once-popular eatery that closed decades ago. The restaurant was a favorite of many locals, including Dolly Parton who enjoyed her first burger there many years ago. The final piece of art slated to become part of downtown Sevierville’s landscape this year is Tracks of Time, a steel sculpture fashioned from original railroad track that was unearthed from Bruce Street in 2020. The revitalization of downtown Sevierville has attracted new businesses as well. The Central Hotel, a boutique hotel that has made its home in a renovated bank building, features upscale two and three bedroom units that make a perfect place to stay in downtown. Honeybee Coffee Co. anchors the ground floor of the hotel and specializes in house ground coffees ethically sourced from around the world. Nearby, visitors to downtown Sevierville will find a collection of new restaurants and retail stores within a few blocks. The Appalachian is the latest
restaurant to open and features a modern approach to traditional Appalachian dishes flavored by the flames of an open hearth. Other new restaurants include Hickory Cabin BBQ & Grill and Graze Burgers. Ronel Raicsics Design, a bespoke jewelry studio, also recently opened in downtown Sevierville – joining other longtime Sevierville businesses including the awardwinning Cherry Pit Quilt Shop and D Garden Floratique. Throughout Sevierville, new stores add opportunities to discover amazing finds! Explore home décor ideas at Gardenia Cottage Home, find something unique at Green Olde Deal Antique Mall, and pick up outdoor apparel at J Hardy Outfitters. Discover new flavors in the Smokies at recently opened shops including Tennessee Homemade Wines, where the locally made libations have names like “White Knuckle Grape” and “Blueberry Bammer.” Cruze Farms Ice Cream also is scooping up fans of their rich dairy flavors at their new location beside Ogle Bros. General Store. Those looking for fun in the sun will love Soaky Mountain Waterpark - the area’s newest major attraction. With 50 acres of waterslides, wave pools, and family-friendly activities, this waterpark offers a day (or two)
of fun. Check out the first-ofits-kind Avalaunch Watercoaster, ride the rapids in their not-solazy river, and let the little ones discover their own thrills on kid-friendly waterslides that are scaled-down versions of the big kid rides. Fun abounds throughout Sevierville. Visit other recently opened attractions like Sevierville Axe House for an afternoon that’s right on target. Then make a stop at family
favorite attractions like Sevier Air Trampoline & Ninja Warrior Park, Rainforest Adventures Discovery Zoo, or the Tennessee Museum of Aviation. Plan your trip to Sevierville this year and enjoy your favorites, what’s new, and what’s just right for you. Discover even more — including great places to stay like mountain cabins and waterpark resorts - at VisitSevierville.com.
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13 Ways to Get Outdoors NOW Including the World’s Largest Zoo Just a few hours from Fayetteville, the Heart of North Carolina offers budget-friendly experiences including multiple hiking trails, local dining, exploring historic sites, flying among the treetops, and visiting the world’s largest natural habitat zoo. Carolina blue skies, rolling hills among our scenic back roads, miles of hiking trails, and majestic roaring lions…yes, we said lions! We have it all in the Heart of North Carolina. We invite you to #TakeItOutside and find adventure solo or with your family and friends. Use this fun guide to find the outdoor gems that transform a getaway into a treasured memory. We want you to stay safe and travel smart. #13 - Enjoy talented musicians, stroll the vineyards, and sip wine at Zimmerman Vineyards. Find an intimate setting and beautiful views at the base of Mt. Shepherd in Trinity (birthplace of Duke University).The vineyard is open Saturday 12 to 6 p.m. and Sunday 1 to 6 p.m. Songwriter Sunday at Zimmerman Vineyards is a FREE
Pisgah Covered Bridge event from 3 to 5 p.m. every Sunday, March through October. #12 - Plan a picnic at the Pisgah
Covered Bridge - the ultimate place for a family Instagram photoshoot. Insider tip: Pick up a fried chicken to-go meal or pack your basket with goodies from the Fresh Cuts Deli in nearby Seagrove. #11 - Take a Hike! Discover the Deep River Rail Trail, a threequarter mile trail created by an old railroad bed.The route offers biking, jogging, and fishing. In search of something more challenging? A complete guide to Randolph County Trails – a total of 19 - can be found at bit.ly/ RandolphCountyTrailsGuide . #10 – Come play at Creekside Park and Disc Golf Course.This 107-acre park offers tennis courts, baseball/softball/t-ball fields, picnic shelters, shuffleboard courts,
horseshoe pits, playgrounds, an 18-hole championship disc golf course with beginners’ loop, orienteering course, and three miles of scenic walking trails along Muddy Creek. #9 – Spend a day at Kersey Valley Attractions. Fly high on the ziplines, test your endurance on the high ropes course, or get a workout throwing axes. Kersey Valley is also home to a cornfield maize, escape rooms, laser tag, and Spookywoods, voted scariest Haunted Attraction in NC, so visit again this fall! #8 – Enjoy outdoor dining at The Table Farmhouse Bakery or Magnolia 23 in Downtown Asheboro. In case of rain, check out our list of local options following
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TRAVEL USA Seagrove Pottery
COVID-19 safety measures: bit.ly/ SupportLocalDining #7 –Pick strawberries or seasonal fruits at Millstone Creek Orchards. Stock up on freshly made cakes and cookies at the Apple Barn Country Store. Swoon over their famous, fresh-pressed apple cider and slushies. #6 – Celebrate Earth Day throughout the month of April with offerings directly from the dirt – pottery! Make your way to Seagrove, the Pottery Capital of the U.S. and find a new coffee mug or gift as you design your own gallery crawl along Pottery Highway. #5 - Enjoy the scenery at Commerce Square Park in Randleman, then scoot over to the Petty Museum and Petty’s Garage to see the cars and memorabilia of NASCAR legend,“The King” Richard Petty and his family. #4 – Enjoy a picnic lunch in Bicentennial Park in downtown Asheboro with views of our uniquely themed murals. When you are finished, stroll Sunset Avenue for antique shops,“geeky” comics, collectibles, gifts, and crafts. Only a block away find your favorite carbon-neutral brews at Four Saints Brewing Company with a dedicated food truck, try small bites at Asheboro Popcorn Co and Asheboro Bagel Co.
Creekside Park
#3 – Practice your golf swing and social distance while you play through the Asheboro Municipal Golf Course, designed by famed golf course architect Donald Ross in 1935. Additional courses can be found at bit.ly/
GolfInTheHeartofNC #2 – Love airplanes? Visit the NC Aviation Museum and Hall of Fame. See stunning military artifacts and civilian memorabilia from WWI to the present, including an impressive
collection of military vehicles, weapons, equipment, uniforms, and a flight simulator; see the Piper J-3 “Flitfire” flown by Orville Wright. #1 - About those roaring lions we mentioned earlier…explore the world’s largest natural habitat wildlife zoo in Asheboro. Our North Carolina Zoo works daily to save species globally. It showcases more than 1,200 animals from North America and Africa. Payton the polar bear, our newest addition, is looking for love with Anana. We have our paws crossed for bear cubs soon. Stop by the chimpanzee habitat to catch a peek at playful Asha and Obi. Visit the Watani Grasslands to check out our adorable baby rhinos! When can we expect you? Visit HeartofNorthCarolina.com for places to stay and special military discount offers! Order a FREE travel guide and check out the listing of annual events on our bit.ly/HNCVBCalendar. We look forward to following along on your visit. Tag us at #theHeartofNC.
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In a Technology-Driven World, Dock Your Devices and Head to Hendersonville, N.C. Some destinations tout theme parks, upscale hotels or fivestar restaurants as the reason to visit. For Hendersonville, North Carolina, acres of unspoiled nature and beautiful countryside are the main attraction. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Hendersonville and surrounding Henderson County consist of three landscape elements: mountain ranges, isolated peaks and a rolling plateau with level valleys. Elevations range from 1,400 feet near Bat Cave at the foot of the Blue Ridge to 5,000 feet on Little Pisgah Mountain. On the western side of the county, the ancient French Broad River snakes northward, flowing through forests and fertile farmland. One of the leading industries in Hendersonville is agriculture. Farm fields grow a variety of fruits, produce and livestock. Henderson County leads North Carolina in apple production and consistently ranks among the top producers nationally. These outdoor resources are made accessible to visitors via parks, outfitters, camps, vacation rental properties and agritourism offerings. In a world driven by screens and technology, Hendersonville invites visitors to dock their devices and refresh their minds, bodies and spirits by immersing themselves in the
outdoors. Tucked into a bend of the Mills River, northwest of Hendersonville proper, North River Farms occupies 1,450 acres. The family farm, owned and operated by Jason Davis, produces hay for horses and cows, and a variety of fruits and vegetables. In an effort to connect with the community and
teach children where their food comes from, the farm opens to the public for U-pick produce, farm tours, picnics and events. Davis and his team take great pride in their efforts to preserve the pristine waters flowing through the farm and be good stewards of the land. The farm partners with DB bar D Outfitters to offer guided
hunting and fishing trips on the property. Expert guide and lifelong hunter and fisherman Kyle Vaughan offers full-day and half-day fly-fishing trips along more than four miles of privateaccess water. Western North Carolina is well known for its trout fishing, and North River Farms offers some of the best. Brown, rainbow and brook trout,
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averaging 12 to 18 inches, are found in the farm’s waters. No matter your experience level, Vaughan provides an enjoyable outing. Beginners have no need to purchase equipment; the outfitter can provide everything you need to try your hand at the sport, including a fishing license. A streamside lunch is included with all full-day
trips. Vaughan and his team also lead guided hunts on the property for quail and larger game, including whitetail deer, turkey and black bear. For visitors traveling as a family, Kanuga Conference and Retreat Center is a Hendersonville treasure. Located on 1,400 acres south of downtown Hendersonville, Kanuga was established in 1928 by the Episcopal Church. The center maintains its Episcopalian ties but is open to the public. Kanuga allows visitors to disconnect from daily distractions and reconnect with nature, family and friends. The property’s centerpiece is a 30acre lake with a pier stretching into the water and trees rimming the perimeter. Visitors can kayak or canoe. Twenty miles of hiking trails traverse the property, winding through old-growth forest. Tennis and basketball courts encourage pick-up games. The newest addition to the center is Ride Kanuga mountain bike park. Founded by worldchampion downhill racer Neko Mulally, the park features 12 downhill-specific trails suitable for all ability levels. Trails include
a mix of natural features and jump lines, and are specifically designed to help riders build new skills. Lodging options at Kanuga include the recently renovated Kanuga Lake Inn. The hotelstyle rooms feature a modern design with upscale bathrooms, but televisions are absent to encourage relaxation and reflection. Forty-three historic guest cottages located throughout the property have been beloved retreats for multiple generations of guests. The cottages range from two to six bedrooms. Each has a screened-in porch, living room and fireplace. A spirit of creativity has
long run wild in Western North Carolina. Inspired by the beautiful scenery, artists and entrepreneurs flock to the region to live their dreams. As the craft beverage boom sweeps the nation, several niche producers have found their way to Hendersonville. Sideways Farm and Brewery opened three years ago in rural Etowah. The brewery stands out for its farm-based commitment to growing its own ingredients. Small batch, seasonal brews highlight products cultivated on property as well as sourced from local suppliers. A sampling of ingredients includes rosemary, figs, lemongrass, pumpkins and sage. The brewery and tasting room are housed in a 2,400-squarefoot facility surrounded by fields and gardens. Owners Jon and Carrieann Schneider invite customers to wander the property upon visiting, picking flowers when in season. The brewery is one of 23 stops along the Hendersonville Cheers! Trail, which guides visitors to tasting rooms showcasing beer, wine, cider and mead. Each stop has its own character and nuance. Many, like Sideways, offer outdoor seating, reminding visitors that no matter what activity they pursue in Hendersonville, the influence of the surrounding mountains is ever present. To learn more about Hendersonville, go to www.VisitHendersonvilleNC.org or call 800-828-4244.
72 • THE GRIFFON • Winter 2021
TRAVEL USA
Experience Nature, Food, Arts in Putnam County
Putnam County, West Virginia offers an unexpected experience, in the best way. Our county features over 30 miles of hiking and biking trails, a privately-run obstacle course that hosts race events yearround, and endless possibilities across several outdoor venues that feature wide-open spaces.
Challenge yourself with these activities, then spend an evening strolling historic Main Street in downtown Hurricane featuring boutique shops and delicious local food. Relax in West Virginia’s largest cigar lounge, Almost Havana. Or float the scenic Kanawha River with a stand-up paddleboard lesson
from Appalachian Boarding Company. Guests can always find dozens of events, many of which are free and open to the public, by visiting the Events page at VisitPutnamWV.com. Throughout March experience Tastes and Talents Month, a focus on food and the arts in the community. Restaurants offer specials and new dishes, host local artwork, and there are dozens of Tastes and Talents events such as classes, special shopping opportunities and more throughout the month. A newly developed trail system, the Meeks Mountain Trails in Hurricane, is home to several miles of challenging hiking trails with incredible features for a mountain bikers delight! Trails range in beginner to some crazy, expert-level structures. In Eleanor, the Eleanor Park Trails feature some of the same elements and are near the County fairgrounds where several events happen throughout the year.
Valley Park, our largest public park, recently went through major upgrades and renovations and features a conference center, new tennis courts, soccer, and baseball fields alongside an ADA-compliant play structure and a 40-yard dash obstacle course. Make a splash at Waves of Fun, a wave pool and waterslide complex, which will be open beginning Memorial Day weekend for fun in the sun. “Putnam County is perfectly positioned between West Virginia’s two largest cities, Huntington and Charleston,” said Vanessa Ervin Putnam County CVB Director. “This means our visitors can discover the best of West Virginia’s arts and culture, while enjoying small-town charm in the heart of the valley. With dozens of locally-owned restaurants and shops, friendly people, and family-friendly activities, it’s an ideal place to plan a relaxing getaway with access to so many amenities within minutes.”
74 • THE GRIFFON • Winter 2021
ADVERTISING INDEX 4 Wheel Parts
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Pender County NC
68
St Petersburg
72
Southern University at New Orleans
42
4Knines
29
Putnam County
72
A J Madison
59
PXG Golf Clubs
7
Albany State University
26
Rosie Resumes
43
Asics
13
Ruby Falls
66
Schreiner University
35
Sevierville, TN
66
Shippensburg University
40
Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas
65
Audio Geeks
16
Bethel University
19
Blue Nile
IFC
CBD Online
24
Cedar Hill TX
67
Claflin University
21
Coastal Carolina University
33
Continental Academy
28
Colorado State University Pueblo
3
D’Youville University
16
Duke Cannon Supply Co.
BC
Estes
39
East Tennessee State University
27
Evangel University
20
Fairfax County Sheriffs Dept 34 Foremost Transportation
13
Great Lakes Maritime Academy
14
Gulf Shores
61
Heart of North Carolina
68
Hendersonville
71
Historic Camden
69
Hylete
11
Jackson State University
40
Jacksonville PD
26
Jordan Carriers
41
Kansas Highway Patrol
53
Kent County
67
Keysmart
60
Knight Transportation
Southeastern Louisiana University Southern Museum of Civil War & Locomotive History
41
superjeweler.com
5
Surry County, Virginia
72
Swift Transportation
15
United Concordia
31
Universal Orlando
62
University of New Haven
41
Voorhees College
32
Walsh College
32
63
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Your publication is sponsored by the advertisers you see in these pages. We are looking for companies that offer services, products, employment, education and leisure activities for our Soldiers and Families.
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LATOUR
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Minnesota State Community & Technical
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Moravian College
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Natchitoches, La.
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60
NC A&T State University
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27
If you work for a company that fits this criteria we would like to get in touch. Email us at advertising@
thegriffon108.com or call 704-568-7804.
GROOMING GOODS INSPIRED BY SOLDIERS, BENEFITING VETERANS.
DUKE CANNON SUPPLY CO. MANUFACTURES PREMIUM GROOMING GOODS DESIGNED TO MEET THE HIGH STANDARDS OF THE HARDEST WORKING MEN. MADE IN THE USA. AVAILABLE AT SELECT TARGET STORES AND DUKECANNON.COM