HOMEFRONT A Fort Hood Herald publication | May 27, 2015
Real-world work P8 | Above & Beyond for USO P10 | Feta perks up pasta P14
| Homefront
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
[ Inside this issue ] Financial Fitness: Tips to take pain out of PCS
Page 5
Financial Fitness: Renters insurance for base housing
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Financial Fitness: Financial tips for military recruits
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In the Classroom: Audie Murphy students practice interviews
Page 8
On the Homefront: Skinner honored by USO Fort Hood
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What’s Happening: Upcoming area events
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At the Movies: Not even cast scared by ‘Poltergeist’
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Dining In: Pasta dish with feta
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Dining In: Simple cheese quiche
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Vol. 8, Issue 5 | May 27, 2015 Homefront is a Fort Hood Herald publication. Contact Us Editor: Jacob Brooks | jbrooks@kdhnews.com | 254-501-7468 Reporter: JC Jones | jcjones@kdhnews.com | 254-501-7464 Photographers: Eric J. Shelton | 254-501-7460 Designer: M. Clare Haefner | chaefner@kdhnews.com | 254-501-7551 On the cover: Ashley Furniture HomeStores in Killeen owner Sandra Skinner, right, and USO Fort Hood Director Isabel Hubbard are seen at the USO on May 21 along with the USO’s Above and Beyond award. Skinner is the first recipient to receive such an award by the local USO. Photo by Jacob Brooks. Find more news at forthoodherald.com.
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
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Wednesday, May 27, 2015
[ FINANCIAL FITNESS ]
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
Homefront |
Take the pain out PCS moves with a little purging By Briana Hartzell PCS Blog, Courtesy of USAA
The military spouse version of “spring cleaning” comes before a PCS. Spring came and went and I did not touch a dusting cloth, organize any closets nor contemplate moving the refrigerator to see what horrors lie beneath it. I know too soon this will be a requirement when we get our next orders and are preparing to move. Moving is a great time to get organized and purge your home of items you no longer want or need. I like to go through each room, creating piles: keep, donate/ sell or trash. This process also allows me to separate our belongings into organized sections for the movers.
Kitchen
Bag all open items or items that can spill. For example, place your spices in a gallon zip top bag, same with flour sugar, bags/box rice that could
I like to go through each room, creating piles: keep, donate/ sell or trash. This process also allows me to separate our belongings into organized sections for the movers. spill. Use this time to check expiration dates and get rid of any canned goods, boxed items and spices that are past their fresh date. No need to pack things that will just get thrown out when you move into your new home! If there are canned items you know you will not use, donate them to a local food bank.
Children’s rooms
To encourage children to give away some of their items, make a game of
it. Visit the shelter or place you plan to donate and explain how this could help someone else’s child get a new toy, etc. Encourage them to help with a yard sale and give them their own earnings.
Office
Begin by going through all of your desk drawers and file cabinets to ensure all of your sensitive and important documents are placed in a transportable file folder and kept with you. Throw unimportant papers and receipts away. Give old magazines and books you do not plan to read again to a library, sell them to a used book store or donate them.
Closets
If you haven’t worn it in a year, it needs to go. You really do not need to hang on to those legwarmers from the last 80’s themed party you attended. I have to admit I am guilty of hanging on to clothes that are a bit too small, hop-
ing someday I will fit into them again — don’t be like me, get rid of these items! If you lose weight in the future, FANTASTIC, but chances are you will have forgotten about those skinny jeans you had been hanging on to, and buy the newest style anyway!
Bathrooms
Separate liquids and cleaning supplies away from the other bathroom items. Many times the movers will pack some of the liquids and there really is nothing worse than having a bottle of shoe polish explode all over your bath towels in the move. At your next destination, remember the challenges of your previous move and attempt to stay organized and not collect unnecessary items for the next move. Briana Hartzell is a Navy spouse, mother to a young toddler, and a blogger who writes about the joys military life can bring at beingbriana.com.
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[ FINANCIAL FITNESS ]
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
How to find renters insurance for base housing Courtesy of USAA
As a result of new Defense Department policies, some on-base property management companies are getting out of the business of providing renters insurance, allowing existing policies to expire without renewal. In the past, service members’ Basic Allowance for Housing was made up of three components: rent, utilities and renters insurance. As of January 2015, the DOD removed renters insurance from the supplement. “They’ve basically said it is now up to you to pay for renters insurance out of pocket,” said Tim Kiesow, director of military life advice for USAA. The change affects personnel receiving the BAH for living in single-family homes on a military installation and those who live off the military installation. Fort Campbell, Ky., was the first installation to announce its property managers are canceling policies. As of March 1, it will no longer offer renters insurance. As managers cancel policies, service members will need to find their own insurance or make sure their belongings remain covered. When considering new renters insurance coverage, service members should
keep three things in mind: cost, coverage and inventory. COST: Paying for renters insurance may be a new cost for most service members. While not substantial, it will still be an added expense for which to budget.
COVERAGE: Two types of coverage are typically available to renters: Actual cash value coverage policies offered by most property management companies should reimburse you for what they estimate your belongings are currently worth — an amount that may not completely replace the loss. For example, that new widescreen TV you bought for $1,500 might only be worth $1,140 to the insurance company. Replacement cost coverage policies reimburse you the amount it will cost to replace your losses when you file a claim, making them more comprehensive policies. That same $1,500 TV will be worth whatever it costs the insurance company to replace it. Look for a policy that covers your items for any possible disaster or situation and without a deductible. INVENTORY: Once you have a renters insurance policy, create a record of your possessions, including brand and model, dates purchased, serial numbers and receipts. Supplement your inventory with photographs or video. Add up the replacement value of your belongings (including military uniforms). Speak with your chain of command to properly record your inventory of high value items. Once you’re done, store your inventory and receipts in a safe place, such as a fireproof safe or bank safe-deposit box.
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
[ FINANCIAL FITNESS ]
8 fast financial tips for military recruits Courtesy of USAA
If you’re a new recruit or junior enlisted service member, the military can throw a lot your way in a short time. While you’re getting a handle on your new life, make time to check your finances, too. A few simple steps now can set you up on solid footing. Here are eight easy ways you can manage your money as a new member of the U.S. military. Get some help: Free help from people who know what they’re talking about can be found if you know where to look. “Every installation has counselors available to help with budgeting and financial basics,” said JJ Montanaro, a certified financial planner with USAA. Military OneSource is another great resource. Track expenses: Any plan of attack starts with solid recon. When it comes to your finances, tracking your expenses for two months is a great place to start. You’ll know what you spend and where you can find new ways to save. Save it: The military pay system can be tricky, so understand how it works. Pay increases for cost of living, time in service, promotions and tax-free combat pay are opportunities to boost your savings. The military also offers a taxadvantaged way to save for retirement, called the Thrift Savings Plan. “Start saving before you get used to spending all your money,” Montanaro recommends. It’s easy to sign up at My Pay. Weigh big purchases: A motorcycle, car or engagement ring will set you back a pretty penny. Take time to carefully weigh whether large-ticket items such as these fit into your big picture. Then, compare and shop around for the best deal and financing.
Free help from people who know what they’re talking about can be found if you know where to look. Manage your credit: “The fact that you have a steady paycheck can make you a target for unscrupulous lenders,” said Montanaro. “Just because they will give it to you doesn’t always mean you should take it.” Speaking of credit, you’re entitled to a free credit report every year at the government-mandated site annualcreditreport.com. Check with financial counselors on your installation, since they also may be able to provide your credit score. Protect what’s yours: You work hard for what you have, so be sure to keep it safe. Whether it’s your vehicle, home or all the other stuff you need (game systems, computers, etc.), insurance policies can have you covered, and cheaper isn’t always better. “People often opt for policies with the minimum coverage because they cost less,” said Montanaro. “Sometimes, for less than you’d spend on a coffee each week, you can get a policy that would cover you so much better in case the worst happens.” Make the most of your deployment: When you deploy, you could be gone for months at a time. Cut expenses and boost savings while you’re gone. Get used to asking for military discounts: Many businesses, especially those around military installations, offer discounts with valid military identification. Don’t hesitate to ask for military discounts. Every bit helps.
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[ in the classroom ]
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
Madison Lozano | KISD
Communities in Schools staff member Kim Wilkes, of Smith Middle School, interviews Audie Murphy Middle School eighth-grader Taylor Jolicoeur during career investigation day on May 14.
Audie Murphy students explore careers By Madison Lozano Special to Homefront Magazine
T
hrough a partnership between Communities in Schools and Audie Murphy Middle School, eighth-graders were exposed to real-life job search training this month as part of their career investigation course at the middle schools. “It’s an opportunity to experience exactly what the interview process is like,” said Audie Murphy Communities in Schools staffer Debbie McKelvy. The students spent several weeks researching jobs, writing resumes and
seeking references before prepping for the culminating event — mock interviews. Student Taylor Jolicoeur found the experience “helpful.” “It showed what an interview would be like,” he said of his experience practicing to apply for a position at Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers. Beforehand, he prepared at home, working to answer questions while staying calm. Communities in Schools staff from across Central Texas served as interviewers for the fictional positions. CIS staffers Sallie Blake, of Bonham
Middle School in Temple Independent School District, and Virgie Reed, of Manor Middle School, co-interviewed students, praising the communication skills on display. “They made good eye contact,” Blake said, noting the research students put in clearly showed. Reed shared her own experiences in interviews with some of the students in an effort to relate to them. “It gave them an opportunity to help them overcome their fears and shyness,” she said. Thomas Hessell, a CIS staff member from Harker Heights High School, saw
the mock interviews as a benefit to both students and staff. “It helps us see where we can improve in our skills as case workers. Seeing where they can improve lets us know where we can help them improve,” he said, noting that each of his interviewees was well-dressed and prepared. “They did their homework.” Jolicoeur hopes to use this experience to aid in finding a part-time job when he turns 16. “I want to earn money for college,” he said, with plans to study video game design.
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
[ in the classroom ]
Homefront |
Photos by Madison Lozano | KISD
ABOVE: Communities in Schools staff members Sallie Blake, of Bonham Middle School, and Virgie Reed, of Manor Middle School, interview an Audie Murphy Middle School eighth-grader during career investigation day May 14. BELOW: Harker Heights High School Communities in Schools staff member Thomas Hessell shakes hands with an Audie Murphy eighth-grader before beginning a mock interview.
McKelvy first introduced Audie Murphy students to the interview process in 2009. “We want them to understand that at some point, you need a job,” she said, explaining that a well-rounded student will have volunteer experience, athletics and other activities in addition to academic successes as they look toward college and post-high school plans. McKelvy emphasized the strong role CIS staffers play in Killeen ISD schools. “We work hand-in-hand with teachers here in school, support them and students in any way we can. We’re here to build them up, not tear them down,” she said. The following week, students wrote thank you notes and received constructive feedback on their interviews.
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[ on the homefront ]
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
Skinner goes ‘Above and Beyond’
Buy this photo at kdhnews.com
Killeen businesswoman helps USO Fort Hood By Jacob Brooks Homefront Magazine
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Jacob Brooks | Homefront
Ashley Furniture HomeStores in Killeen owner Sandra Skinner, right, and USO Fort Hood Director Isabel Hubbard are seen at the USO on May 21 along with the USO’s Above and Beyond award. Skinner is the first recipient to receive such an award by the local USO.
ongtime Killeen resident and businesswoman Sandra Skinner doesn’t just help out with USO Fort Hood, she gives back to the community in a number of ways. That was the premise for the USO’s Above and Beyond award, a new honor the local USO plans to award annually. Skinner, the owner of Ashley Furniture HomeStores in Killeen, was recently honored for her efforts in providing much needed furniture when the USO building was renovated in December. The company donated more than 80 pieces of furniture for the project — including sofas, stools, computer tables and more. All told, the value was about $40,000, Skinner said. “We look at it as an honor to give back to the military community,” said Skinner, whose father was a World War II veteran and moved to Killeen in 1964 and opened a furniture store. “I grew up watching my parents give back to the military.” The new furniture has been well received by soldiers and military families who come to the USO to relax, eat a free meal watch a movie or use a computer, said USO Fort Hood Director Isabel Hubbard. “All of these tables are filled — the sofas are filled (with soldiers),” said Hubbard, adding it’s not uncommon to find a soldier napping on the comfortable furniture. It’s a big improvement from the “fabricated wood with padded seating” the USO used to have, Hubbard said. Skinner said she was glad to help, and was surprised when she heard she was being honored with the inaugural Above and Beyond award. “I was totally floored,” she said. “It was such an honor to be even recognized.” Skinner’s company has been donat-
[ on the homefront ]
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
Buy this photo at kdhnews.com
Homefront | 11
Jacob Brooks | Homefront
Ashley Furniture HomeStores in Killeen owner Sandra Skinner, left, and USO Fort Hood Director Isabel Hubbard are seen at the USO on May 21. Skinner donated furniture for the reading room.
ing to the USO for years, and previously donated furniture for a reading room where soldiers about to deploy can be recorded on video reading a book to their child. The recording is placed on a DVD and given to the child, along with the book. Skinner, a 2014 Fort Hood Good Neighbor, is also involved in the Furniture for Families Program, which
provides free used furniture to military and nonmilitary families who have gone through a tragedy such as a fire or other crisis. “It’s not about what you keep, it’s about what you give back,” Skinner said. “If it wasn’t for our military, our town would not exist.” jbrooks@kdhnews.com | 254-501-7468
Sandra Skinner, the owner of Ashley Furniture HomeStores in Killeen, was recently honored for her efforts in providing much needed furniture when the USO building was renovated in December. The company donated more than 80 pieces of furniture for the project — including sofas, stools and computer tables.
[ What’s happening ]
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Local Music Dirty Harry’s presents live music on Wednesdays at 9 p.m. For ages 21 and older, no cover. Dirty Harry’s is at 206 W. Veterans Memorial Blvd., Harker Heights (next to Kin Pin Tattoos). Call 254-680-6557. Catch live jazz every Saturday from 9 to 11 p.m. at the Inn on the Creek in Salado. Call 254-947-5554 or go to www.inncreek.com. The Dead Fish Grill at 2207 Lake Road in Belton presents live music many evenings. Call 254-939-5771 or go to www.deadfishgrill.com. Schoepf’s Bar-Be-Que presents live music some nights. Schoepf’s is at 702 E. Central Ave., Belton. Go to www.schoepfsbbq. com.
Farmers Markets The Pioneer Farmers Market will be open in front of Tractor Supply Company on Central Texas Expressway in Killeen from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Call Virginia at 254-423-5277. The Copperas Cove Farmers Market, 1506 Veterans Ave., VFW parking lot, Copperas Cove, is open from 3 to 6 p.m. Wednesdays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays.
lowska, is on view through June 19 at the Killeen Civic and Conference Center, 3601. S. W.S. Young Drive. The exhibit is free and open to the public. Call 254-501-3888.
Bars, Clubs
The Water Street Farmers Market in Belton is open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday downtown on Water Street in front of The Gin. Local vendors will have a variety of vegetables, foods and crafts. The Harker Heights Farmers Market is open from 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays at Seton Medical Center Harker Heights, 850 W. Central Texas Expressway. The Killeen Farmers Market is open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fridays in conjunction with Food Truck Fridays at Green Avenue Park, 717 N. Second St. Call Leslie Hinkle at 254501-7847.
Arts & Theater “Icons in Transformation,” an art exhibit by internationally-acclaimed Russian-Swedish abstract expressionist Ludmila Paw-
Every Monday “Panic on the Patio” with DJ Blazye at Club Rumours, 1507 E. Veterans Memorial Blvd. No cover plus $20 all you can drink from 6 to 10:30 p.m. then party until 2. Call 404-829-4396. Come out to All Bottoms Up, 1505 E. Veterans Memorial Blvd., Harker Heights, every Wednesday from 8 p.m. to midnight for Open Mic/Open Jam. Call 254-699-0955 or go to www.facebook.com/allbottomsup. Catch live music and other events at The Gin, 219 S. East St. in Belton. Go to www. thegin.net or text GINEVENTS to 96362. Don’t miss live music at 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays at The Lounge Upstairs at The Range at The Barton House, 101 N. Main St., Salado. Call 254-947-3828 or go to www.therangerestaurant.com.
Family Fun The Hispanic American Chamber of Com-
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
merce of Central Texas plans a Battle of the Food Trucks & International Food Festival from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. May 30 at the Killeen Community Center, 2201 E. Veterans Memorial Blvd. The event will feature 15 food trucks, 40 vendors, four live bands and a DJ. There will be public safety vehicle displays from the Killeen fire and police departments and the Killeen Animal Shelter will have pet adoptions. Call 254-634-7441.
Clubs, Meetings The Killeen Civic Art Guild has open studio time from 5 to 8 p.m. Mondays and offers various workshops from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays at the Killeen Arts & Activities Center, 802 N. Second St., Suite D 100. Contact Jutta Mack at jmack1@hot.rr.com, call 254-466-4040 or go to www.killeencivicartguild.org.
Planetarium Several films are now showing at the Mayborn Science Theater at Central Texas College. For show descriptions, full schedule and ticket prices, go to www.starsatnight. org or call 254-526-1800.
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
[ At the movies ]
Homefront | 13
Even the cast is too familiar with the plot to be scared by ‘Poltergeist’ By Roger Moore Tribune News Service
Well, the little girl gets it. Kennedi Clements plays Maddy Bowen, the child trapped between the real world and the afterlife in the new version of “Poltergeist,” and gives us wild-eyed terror we can hang onto and a blood-curdling scream that will haunt your nightmares. The rest of the players? They sort of shrug it off. Sam Rockwell, as the father of the missing child, lands his laughs. But he, Rosemarie DeWitt, Jane Adams (as a paranormal academic) and others under-react to the stunning evidence of a supernatural menace in a way one can only describe as blasé. Were they unimpressed with the effects, to be added in later? Or perhaps they’re as over-familiar with this story as the rest of us; a subdivision, built over a graveyard, a house in which proactive ghosts — poltergeists — talk to a child through a static-ridden TV and snatch her through her closet.
20th Century Fox
Boyd (Nicholas Braun) has a terrifying encounter with a poltergeist residing inside a bedroom closet in the film “Poltergeist.”
The 1982 Tobe Hooper/Steven Spielberg film is an oft-telecast classic. But generations have been exposed to the plot and its loopiness, thanks to reruns of “The Simpsons.” Hard to get too
worked up about a “Treehouse of Horror” tale. David Lindsay-Abaire’s script is full of “We can’t go to the cops” excuses designed to explain why the family
whose little girl vanishes in the middle of a thunderstorm doesn’t do so. The assault on the family, limited to the kids, comes all at once — after fraidycat middle kid (Kyle Catlett) has seen plenty of evidence the place is spooked. And the spooks themselves are not suggested, but revealed fully, lessening the fear even further. A nearby college conveniently has a “Paranormal Studies” department, but obvious foreshadowing tells us the TV ghost hunter Carrigan Burke (Jared Harris, not bad) will be “the cavalry” the Bowen family eventually calls in. The 3-D frights — a grasping tree, the maw of hell, skeletal hands and faces reaching for children — are what you’d expect from the director of the animated (and superior) “Monster House.” Gil Kenan has to take the blame for the performances, though. Best effect this time? Shadowy hands pressed against an HDTV screen, from the INSIDE. Worst effect? That cast, model-pretty and inexpressive, even when all hell is breaking loose.
[ Dining in ]
14 | Homefront
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
Easy pasta dish packed with tangy feta flavor By Susan Selasky
Ed Haun | Detroit Free Press
Detroit Free Press
There’s a good variety of feta cheeses available at grocery stores, from the traditional Greek-style made from goat’s or sheep’s milk to cheese packed in brine to ones that are seasoned with herbs or have added ingredients. Feta often comes in a solid piece, but it breaks off or crumbles easily. With it’s tangy, salty flavor a small amount can go a long way. Feta makes a tasty addition to cooked pasta dishes or cold pasta salads. Feta, regular or flavored, is also a terrific pizza topping. When cooked, feta will become soft but it holds its shape and does not melt like a mozzarella or cheddar. With today’s recipe, we went for quick and easy with a big flavor boost using feta cheese with basil and tomatoes. We paired it with penne pasta, a short pasta that cooks quickly. You can substitute any short pasta and adjust the cooking time as needed. Sauteing some zucchini provides an easy vegetable addition, but any vegetable will do. In this dish, the feta adds flavor to the chicken-broth based sauce. There’s not a lot of sauce, only enough to lightly coat the pasta and zucchini.
PENNE WITH ZUCCHINI AND FETA
Serves: 4 Preparation time: 15 minutes Total time: 15 minutes For variety, try yellow squash or asparagus and any other short pasta in this dish. 8 ounces uncooked penne or favorite pasta 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise and sliced
½ teaspoon dried oregano 2 garlic cloves, peeled, crushed ¾ cup fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth ½ teaspoon grated lemon rind 1 ½ tablespoons fresh lemon juice Black pepper to taste 2/3 cup (about 2 ½ ounces) crumbled feta cheese flavored with basil and tomatoes or favorite variety of feta Cook the pasta according to package directions, omitting salt or fat. While the
pasta cooks, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the oregano, zucchini and crushed garlic; saute 3 minutes. Stir in the broth, rind, juice and pepper. Add the pasta and cheese; toss well. Serve immediately. Adapted from Cooking Light magazine. Tested bytheFree Press Test Kitchen. Nutrition per serving: 317 calories (29 percent from fat), 10 g fat (5 g saturated fat), 44 g carbohydrate, 13 g protein, 326 mg sodium, 23 mg cholesterol, 161 mg calcium, 3 g fiber.
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
[ Dining in ]
Homefront | 15
Let’s eat: Simple, but elegant cheese quiche By Gretchen McKay Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Even little hands can pitch in to make this simple yet elegant dish, which works just as well for breakfast as it does a lazy, early-afternoon brunch. This recipe pairs cheddar with fresh chives, but any fresh herbs — parsley, thyme or marjoram — would be equally delicious. If you’re looking to add even more green, add 4 cups of cooked chopped fresh broccoli florets or swap Gruyere for the cheddar and stir in 1 pound of asparagus (trimmed and sliced on bias into ¼-inch-thick pieces). Serve with a tossed green salad and mimosas and you’re celebrating!
SIMPLE CHEESE QUICHE
8 large eggs 2 cups half-and-half ¼ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon pepper 4 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded (1 cup) 1 tablespoon minced fresh chives 1 recipe single-crust pie dough (homemade or storebought), partially baked and still warm Adjust oven rack to lower-middle position and heat oven to 350 degrees. Whisk eggs, half-and-half, salt and pepper together in large bowl. Stir in cheddar and chives. Transfer filling to 4-cup liquid measuring cup. Place warm pie shell on rimmed baking sheet and place in oven. Carefully pour egg mixture into warm shell until it reaches about ½ inch from top of edge of crust (you may have extra). You want the crust warm so that the quiche will bake evenly. Bake quiche until top is lightly browned, center is set but soft, and knife inserted about 1 inch from edge comes out clean, 40 to 50 minutes. Let quiche cool for at least 1 hour or up to 3 hours. Serve slightly warm or at room temperature. To make ahead: Let baked quiche cool completely, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 6 hours. Serves 6 to 8. Source: “The Complete Vegetarian Cookbook” by The Editors at America’s Test Kitchen (March 2015, $29.95)
Gretchen McKay | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
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Wednesday, May 27, 2015