Griffon Autumn 2010

THE

“Victory Starts Here”

Published in the interest of the 108th Training Command • Vol 34.3 Fall 2010

2 • THE GRIFFON • Fall 2010

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THE GRIFFON • Fall 2010 • 3

From the Commanding General...

Raise the Bar, Blaze the Trail, Build on Strength

By Brig. Gen. Robert P. Stall Commanding General 108th Training Command (IET)

This is the first column I am writing for “The Griffon” as the new commander of the 108th Training Command (IET), having changed command with Maj. Gen. James B. Mallory III on June 5. I am very proud and humbled to be entrusted with this responsibility.

As a general officer, I have been the Deputy Commanding General, 80th Training Command (TASS) as well as Commanding General of the 98th Training Division (IET). I have commanded at the platoon, company, battalion, and brigade levels previously, the latter two in Kosovo and Iraq. On the civilian side, I have been the president of two hospitals, and held lead administrator positions at division and department levels for nearly my entire career.

I have some thoughts about leadership and the kind of leaders I think are successful and want to see in the command. Leadership is values driven, and loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage should be more than words … they are our code. Leaders lead best when they understand that they are entrusted with accomplishing the mission, while at the same time, having the welfare of their Soldiers and their Families always upper-most in their minds. It is what a gentleman by the name of Ken Jennings calls “Servant Leadership”.The Serving Leader Model is really quite easy and quite effective. I believe in this

model and try to live the principles in my daily interactions with peers and subordinates.

Run to a great purpose — To do the most possible good, strive for the impossible. Beyond self-interest, seek benefit for all.

Upend the Pyramid — You qualify to be first by putting other people first.You are in charge of principally to charge up others.

Raise the Bar — Set high expectations.The best reach-down is a challenging reach-up.

Blaze the Trail — Make it possible for others to perform well.Your biggest obstacle is the one that hinders someone else.

Build on Strength — To address your weaknesses, focus on your strengths.You cannot become the best unless others do too.

I am a believer in coaching, teaching and mentoring our subordinate commanders and junior NCOs. I expect you to take the time in the daily performance of your duties to pull up a chair or head to the motorpool, office, class room or wherever your subordinates are and take the time to talk to them, and more importantly, listen to

them and what is going on.

I am also a big believer that the basic building block is the battalion, and every level above the battalion … the brigade, the division and the command, is value added. Let’s make sure that we are value added.

We are here to make those battalions, those Drill Sergeants, those troops successful in their mission.

Maj. Gen. Mallory passed the 108th Colors to me at an incredibly interesting and challenging time in what is going on in the military and with our republic. We will continue to be challenged by change. We are and will continue to be, an Army in transformation. We will be doing more with less.The missions will stay the same or increase, but our budget will tighten as this Republic works at reducing a rising deficit.

Through adversity, we will innovate and we will be successful.

We cannot lose focus on who we are, U.S. Army professionals who are part of the generating force and the training base. We provide the best Soldier from the generating force to the operating force, in support of Army force generation.

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Fall 2010

Contents From the Commanding General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . 3 From the Command Sgt. Maj. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 From the 98th Training Division, Commanding General . . . . . . . . . . 6 From the SCXO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Stalls Takes Leadership of 108th Training Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 From the Command Chief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Second Army Strong Community Center Opens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Soldiers Honor Fallen Comrades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Bergene Follows Sisters ‘On the Trail’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Warrior Forge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 The Tale of Two Badges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 USAR Drill Sergeants Support ‘Mega Function’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Training Afghan Counterparts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Combatives: Learning to Fight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 108th Soldier Inducted into Audie Murphy Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 3rd Brigade Welcomes New Commander . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 DLA Joint Reserve Force . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Commentary: Air Assault Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Army Family heritage rich with Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Griffon Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 108th Soldier Named TRADOC’s Reserve DSOY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 95th Division Soldiers Honored for Roadside Rescue . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Do you want to be a UPAR? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Chaplains Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 ‘Duty, Honor, Country’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Soldier’s Gold Mine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

108th Training Command (IET) • Charlotte, NC • Vol. 34, No. 3 Fall 2010 108th Training Command (IET) Commanding General..................................................................................Brig. Gen. (P) Robert P. Stall Deputy Commanding General..................................................................................Col. Timothy Welch Command Sgt. Maj...........................................................................Command Sgt. Maj. William Payne Command Chief Warrant Officer...........................................................................CW5 Shirley B. Moser Supervisory Chief Executive Officer...................................................................................Mr. Larry Cruz Public Affairs Officer........................................................................................................Lt. Col. Chris Black Deputy Public Affairs Officer..............................................................................................................Vacant Public Affairs NCOIC/Editor....................................................................Sgt. 1st Class Marty A. Collins Email: marty.a.collins@usar.army.mil 95th Training Division (IET) Commanding General.........................................................................................Brig. Gen. Roger B. Duff Command Sgt. Maj................................................................................Command Sgt. Maj. Don Smith Public Affairs Officer.....................................................................................................Cpt. Jennifer Cotten Public Affairs NCO........................................................................................................Spc. Joshua Flowers 98th Training Division (IET) Commanding General............................................................................Brig. Gen. Dwayne R. Edwards Command Sgt. Maj...................................................................Command Sgt. Maj. Milton Newsome Public Affairs Officer...................................................................................Maj. Joseph Gingold (Acting) Public Affairs NCO.................................................................................................Staff Sgt. Richard Harris Front Cover: (From Top) Staff Sgt. Thomas Dunbar, Lt. Col. Joel Winton, Sgt. David Schulz and Cadet Isaias Lopez practice their skills in Military Orienteering. Selected Soldiers from the 108th Training Command (IET) spent a week in Burlington, Vt. preparing for the Interallied Confederation of Reserve Officers (CIOR) competition held in Stavanger, Norway in August. The Interallied Confederation of Reserve Officers, commonly referred to by its French acronym CIOR, represents the interests of over 1.3 million reservists across 36 participating nations within and beyond NATO, making it the world’s largest military reserve officer organization. Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Marty A. Collins, 108th Training Command (IET) Public Affairs Inside Cover: Chief Warrant Officer Tim Friederichs, 108th Training Command (IET), tackles the obstacle course in Burlington, Vt. in preparation for the Interallied Confederation of Reserve Officers (CIOR) competition that was held in Stavanger, Norway in August. Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Marty A. Collins, 108th Training Command (IET) Public Affairs

104th Training Division (LT) Commanding General.........................................................................................Brig. Gen. Daniel L. York Command Sgt. Maj.....................................................................Command Sgt. Maj. Juan M. Loera Jr. Public Affairs Officer.......................................................................................................Maj. Alex Johnson Public Affairs NCO..................................................................................................................................Vacant 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 nonmerit 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 101, 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 - 704-227-2820 ext. 4087 2010 Deadlines: Winter Oct. 22 • Spring Jan 8, 2011

THE GRIFFON • Fall 2010 • 5

From the Command Sergeant Major...

108th Training Command Stands Ready as Force Multiplier

By Command Sgt. Maj. William J. Payne Command Sergeant Major 108th Training Command (IET)

Well it is official, we can take the tape off the door and paint the name on. Brig. Gen. Robert P. Stall has been officially nominated for promotion to Maj. Gen. and is the new Commanding General of the 108th Training Command (Initial Entry Training). Congratulations to Brig. Gen. Stall and his wife Nancy and the rest of the Stall clan as he officially takes over this position.

Congratulations to Maj. Gen. James B. Mallory III as he takes over as Deputy Commanding General of 1st Army. It is good to see that the Army Reserve saw to it that Maj. Gen. Mallory stays engaged in the future of the Army Reserve as we continue to move forward.

Also, I would like to congratulate Brig. Gen. Robert G. Catalanotti, former Commanding General of 98th Training Division for being nominated for Maj. Gen. Additionally he has been nominated as the next Deputy Commanding General (Support) of 8th Army in Korea. I think he will need to pack some of that snivel gear he left in Saudi Arabia.

The 108th and its subordinate units including the 104th Training Division (Leader Training) continue to do great things, to make history and to make news. Staff Sgt. Melissa C. Solomon, from the US Army Reserve Drill Sergeant School was selected as the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) Army Reserve Drill Sergeant of the Year (DSOY).This is the last year of this event at historic Fort Monroe, Va. which is slated to close in 2011 due to the Defense Base Closure and Realignment (BRAC).The former Drill Sergeants of the Year did an outstanding job of keeping this year competitors on their toes. No one knows who the winner is until it is announced at the awards ceremony on the final day and this year Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling and

Command Sgt. Maj. John Calpena of the Initial Military Training (IMT) Command did the honors. All of the contestants did a great job, but for the Army Reserves Staff Sgt. Solomon was selected the best of the best. And she competed with four impacted wisdom teeth that she had extracted shortly after winning the competition!

Staff Sgt. Mark Mercer, 95th Training Division (IET), won the 108th Training Command Best Warrior Competition in the NCO category and went on to represent the command in the US Army Reserve Command (USARC) Best Warrior Competition. He represented the command in an outstanding manner. Staff Sgt. Mercer finished in the top percentage of almost every category of the competition but unfortunately did not make the podium.

Spc. David Jacobi, 98th Training Division (IET), was the Training Command winner in the junior enlisted category. He was unable to complete in the USARC BWC because he was scheduled to deploy.

He would have made a great competitor for the competition but because of his other commitment the 108th Training Command had no representative on the junior enlisted portion of the competition.

Command Sergeants Major, please check the status of your contestants in the future to ensure that we do not run into this conflict. It is unfortunate that we denied another Soldier the opportunity to compete because of this situation.

Many thanks go out to all of the 108th Soldiers, whose support of the USARC BWC made it happen!

This includes Sgt. Maj. Larry Welch and the staff of Regional Training Center – Central at Fort McCoy, Wis. and 1st Sgt. Gregory Dirks and all of the Drill Sergeants from across the command, who helped run ranges, handled the testing of the Warrior Skills, conducted the Combatives Competition and staffed the awards dinner on Friday evening. It made me proud to see all of our Soldiers leading the way.

We continue to do great things at all of the Army’s Training Bases, Fort Jackson, S.C., Fort Knox, Ky., Fort Benning, Ga., Fort Leonard Wood Mo. and Fort Sill, Okla.The Regional Training Centers and Task Force Marshall continue to get our reserve Soldiers and Sailors ready for deployment to today’s modern battlefield.This years Reserve Officer Training Corps camp at Fort Lewis, Wash., was another success. Our Soldiers continue to support what was formerly the Multi National Security Transition Command – Iraq, the Saudi Arabia mission and the Afghanistan National Army (ANA) Mission.The Army Reserve Drill Ser-

geant School is having another successful year continuing to fill our formations with new, highly qualified and motivated drill sergeants.

In a new component to the ANA mission added this year, six of our female Drill Sergeants, a female 1st Sgt. and a female company commander are in Afghanistan training the very first female Soldiers in the Afghanistan National Army.

David Wood, the Chief Military Correspondent of Politics Daily wrote about this historic event in an article dated July 19, 2010 entitled: Americans: Empower Women.

Taliban: Kill Women. All of you need to research that article, read it and be so very proud of what these fine Soldiers and as well as all of our Soldiers are doing.

Some of you may have heard the rumor that TRADOC and IMT are looking at combining the Army Drill Sergeant School and the Army Reserve Drill Sergeant School as part of The Army School System. It looks like this is going to happen; we are just in the process of working out the details. Fort Jackson has assigned the Reserve Drill Sergeant School one of its recently renovated rolling pin barracks in anticipation of this occurring.

The 108th Training Command (Initial Entry Training) just completed our annual Battle Focus Readiness Review (BFRR) with USARC and fortunately there is a lot more good news than there was bad this year. If our projections work out for the year we should between 80 percent and 85 percent total overall

qualified Drill Sergeant strength. I want to thank all of you and your subordinate units for all the hard work you have done of the last 18 months to make this happen. With another good year and we could be at 100 percent Drill Sergeant strength, something that I have never seen in my reserve career.

But there is still much to be done, NCOERS, NCOES, APFT, Weapons Qualification, the USARC Pre Command Course for both officers and their battle buddy First Sergeants and Command Sergeants Major all continue to be hot issues though some categories were significant improvements over last year.

And a surprise to me, we have 26 new Soldiers across the command that need to be scheduled for Initial Military Training. If you have any of these Soldiers in your formations, please get them scheduled for training as soon as possible.

Medical Readiness continues to be our weakest category and because of that this year the Training Command is putting special emphasis on Medical Readiness.

So thank you so very much for what you do! It is only through your selfless service and dedication and those of your Soldiers that we continue to be one of the outstanding commands in the United States Army Reserve standing ready to be a force multiplier for TRADOC and Initial Military Training Commands.

I’ll see you on the trail.

Victory Starts Here!

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6 • THE GRIFFON • Fall 2010

98th Training Division (IET) welcomes new Commander

Brig. Gen. Dwayne Edwards 98th Training Division (IET) Commanding General

I want to thank all of the Soldiers and civilians of the 98th Training Division (IET) for the warm welcome I received when I became a member of the division back in June. As you know, I assumed command of the 98th on June 4 in a small ceremony held at Ft. Jackson, S.C. Brig. Gen.

Robert Stall assumed command of the 108th Training Command (IET) in a ceremony held the following day.

My position as the 98th Division commander is in an acting status, pending the general officer board results to be released later this year. Nevertheless, I am very excited to be here and look forward to a very busy Fall.

The 98th continues to support several of our mobilized companies at Ft. Benning, Ga., Ft. Jackson, S.C., and Ft. Leonard Wood, Mo. at the Army Training Centers there. We have nearly 200 Soldiers mobilized at Ft. Dix, N.J., Ft. McCoy, Wis., and Ft. HunterLigget, Calf. supporting Army Reserve Training Centers. We also have 47 Soldiers at Ft. Dix today preparing for a one year deployment to Iraq that begins later in the Fall.

Next year’s mission schedule looks to be equally as challenging as this year’s. I thank each and every one of you for the great work you’ve been doing and look forward to meeting you as I visit the division units.

Take care and Be Safe.

From the desk of the SCXO...

Leaders of Change and Customer Focused

By Larry M. Cruz Supervisory Command Executive Officer 108th Training Command (IET)

It was great seeing you all in San Antonio recently at our annual Full Time Support Conference. As I mentioned there and I’ll reiterate now; it’s great having the 104th Training Division (Leader Training) joining our ranks. If we were an NFL team, we would have the makings of a Super Bowl contender with all the talent we have at our Command Headquarters’ (yes, we do) the Drill Sergeant School, the 95TH Training Division (IET) the 98TH Training Division (IET) and the 104th Training Division (LT).

I would challenge you all to stay true to our conference theme of “Leaders of Change/Customer Focus” and work day in and day out to make this the absolute best organization in the United States Army

Reserve.

Again, I want to take a moment to welcome Brig. Gen. Stall and his family to the 108th as he has recently been officially nominated and selected to command the 108th Training Command and will soon pin on his second star.

I’ve got Maj. Jimmie Niblettbethel actively looking for our next conference site which right now, is shaping up to be San Diego, Calif. Of course, we’ll have to run the numbers and see how things work out.

At present, it appears that sometime in August 2011 will be the optimal timeframe.

We’ll be looking to fill the SCXO position at the 95th Training Division sometime soon and so I would encourage all you stellar GS-12’s to throw your name in the hat. I can’t help but tell you all how proud I am of our FTS workforce and the dedication, loyalty and quality of work you all are producing.

As the fiscal year comes to an end, let’s look back at any lessons learned and apply such to future operations to ensure we are moving forward in a timely and efficient manner.

I look forward to seeing you all on our upcoming travels throughout the remainder of this fiscal year and next year. Stay mission focused and positive and we’ll see you all on the high ground!

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8 • THE GRIFFON • Fall 2010

Stall takes leadership of 108th Training Command

By Sgt. 1st Class Marty A. Collins 108th Training Command (IET) Public Affairs

In marching with Army tradition, the moving of command responsibility went on when Brig. Gen. Robert P. Stall took command of the 108th Training Command (IET), headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., from Maj. Gen. James B. Mallory III, on June 5 at Fort Jackson, S.C. The change of command, held at Hilton Field, was attended by military personnel, family members, civilian employees, and guests.

The key note speaker for the event was Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling, Deputy Commanding General, Initial Military Training, United States Army Training and Doctrine Command.

“Thank you for joining us in this celebration, a celebration of the contribution of service of Major General Mallory and his wife Mary as they led this unit in excellence since 2007, during a time of war, during a time of two surges and a time of excessive demands.

It is also a celebration in welcoming Rob and Nancy Stall as the new command team of the 108th,” said Hertling.

Mallory said his personal journey in command had been a joy and he relied on a vast support network of family, friends and co-workers.

“I want to pay tribute to the officers and non-commissioned officers who have been instrumental in developing me as a Soldier and leader, especially my NCO command team, culminating with my battle buddy Command Sergeant Major Joe Payne. My burden was light as it was shared with a highly professional staff at the 108th Training Command and three superb division commanders, Brigadier General Roger Duff of the 95th Training Division, Brigadier General Rob Stall, of the 98th Training Division, and Brigadier General Dan York of the 104th Training Division and their respective staffs and command teams,” said Mallory.

Mallory added he was proud to have been part of the 108th Training Command for 29 of his 33 years in uniform, but it was time to pass the torch to new leadership.

“Brigadier General Rob Stall is just the man to take the 108th Training Command to new levels of readiness and relevance, I wish you

Brig. Gen. Robert Stall assumed command of the 108th Training Command (IET) June 5, 2010 at Fort Jackson, S.C. Stall previously served as the Commanding General, 98th Training Division (IET) based in Rochester, N.Y. Photo by Maj. Mike Harvey, 108th Training Command (IET)

(L to R) 108th Training Command (IET) Chief of Staff Col. Fred Woerner, incoming 108th Training Command (IET) Commanding General Robert P. Stall and outgoing 108th Training Command (IET) Commanding General, Maj. Gen. James B. Mallory III conduct Inspection of the Troops at Fort Jackson, S.C., during the 108th Training Command (IET) Change of Command held June 5. Photo by Maj. Mike Harvey, 108th Training Command (IET)

THE GRIFFON • Fall 2010 • 9 all good luck and God Speed, victory starts here and I salute you,” said Mallory.

Hertling said the time Stall spent as Deputy Commanding General of the 80th Training Command and Commanding General of the 98th Training Division contributes to him being extremely well suited to lead the 108th Training Command.

“I feel humbled to be part of such a historic, successful, transformational command that is poised to continue to shape the future. Command is a privilege. It is entrusted to an officer for a brief period of time it’s about placing the mission and Soldiers above self by taking our values and habits and living them,” said Stall.

Stall added he looked forward to meeting and working with each and every Soldier in the 108th Training Command.

“I thank you for giving me As part of the Army Reserve transformation, the 108th Division (IT) was re-designated as the 108th Training Command (IET) with command of this opportunity and thank all Army Reserve Drill Sergeant units nationwide comprising the 95th Training Division (IET) and the 98th Training Division (IET) totaling over you for the trust you’ve given 10,000 Soldiers. The 108th Training Command most recently assumed command of the 104th Division with responsibilities to augment the me. Major General Mallory U.S. Army Cadet Command mission of training ROTC cadets as the Army’s future leaders. Colors from all three divisions were on the parade thank you for giving me a field during the 108th Training Command (IET) Change of Command held June 5, at Ft. Jackson, S.C. Photo by Maj. Mike Harvey, 108th Training Command (IET) great team, Lieutenant General Hertling thank you for giving me this opportunity,” His undergraduate degree is in MarBrig. Gen. Stall’s awards and deco- clusters, Army Commendation Medsaid Stall. keting from John Carroll University rations include the Legion of Merit, al, Army Achievement Medal, ComBrig. Gen. Stall entered the U.S. and he earned a master of BusiBronze Star Medal, Defense Meribat Action Badge, Special Forces ness Administration from Cleveland torious Service Medal, Meritorious Tab, Novice Parachutist Wings and Army Reserve in 1983; he is a gradState University.

Service Medal with three oak leaf German Parachutist Wings-Bronze. uate of the U.S. Army War College.

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10 • THE GRIFFON • Fall 2010

The History of the 108th Training Command Warrant Officer

By Command Chief Warrant Officer Shirley Moser 108th Training Command (IET)

Recently, I received a copy of the book,“The 108th Training Command: A History of Embracing Innovation and Shaping the Future”, what a very interesting and exciting history that we,“the 108th Training Command” Soldiers, have.

Each of us, as we journey along our course, faces unbelievable obstacles, challenges and missions.

How the Soldiers achieved those missions were history in the making.There were times that circumstances were so challenging that some Soldiers left the units due to transformation; units organized, reorganized, downsized, and upsized.

Soldiers were called to active duty doing the tasks they had practiced for many years as reservists and were heroes upon on their return from their missions. What a great command the 108th has been. Our

Soldiers and their leadership, stamina, integrity, and good works were put to the test.

I realize our Warrant Officers need to write their story. Most of the officers, noncommissioned officers, and enlisted Soldiers were involved in situations and units that had missions and challenges that could be defined and put into words.There are documents, training records, unit members, NCODP, ODP, academies, schools, deployments, and orders to use for writing the 108th’s history. Piece by piece, I am sure it was not an easy task for Lt. Col. Voris McBurnette to assimilate the contents and get it published, and I think he really did an outstanding job. Still, I did not see anything specific about warrant officers and their history in the 108th.

I did not want this story to be about me and my experiences, but I felt it should be about the warrant officers and what their stories were as they decided to become a warrant officer. How they forged their way through the experience to get the job.

Most warrant officers have a history as an enlisted Soldier, commissioned officer, as prior service or with a different military component. I spent 17 years as an enlisted Soldier, 18 years as a 108th Training Command unit administrator (short time in the 120th), while serving as a reservist with a total of 35 years of service. Warrant officers are the only group that “grow their own” and spend a lot of time mentoring those we want to join our corps.

Times are changing as I learned when I went to the First Annual

Warrant Officer Summit at Fort Rucker, Ala. in May.This is another story and one reason I am having a Warrant Officer Workshop in August 2010. I eagerly await for our warrant officers, commanders, and command sergeants major to know what we have in store for them and the changes we hope to bring to our units. Deputy Command Chief Warrant Officer, 108th Training Command, Karen Kay has been a tremendous asset in assisting me while I put together all the parts for this exciting workshop.The speakers will “Focus on the Future” and inform those attending about the Warrant Officer Program of the future. Command Chief Warrant Officer Thompson, US Army Reserve, will be a guest speaker.

The stories I was given to put in the history book were amazing and made me realize that it wasn’t just me that had a wide and rambling road to follow in becoming a warrant officer. I learned a lot about

how hard it was for our warrants to get to the point of attending Warrant Officer Candidate School. How they too had to give up a lot and have a strong desire to become a warrant.

The history covered Vietnam to deploying to Iraq, covering all the wars and serving in all the capacities. I can not stress enough that the warrant officer legacy is changing and that we have to stay on top of the issues.

My dream is to have all of the warrant officers know and mentor those around them. Making history is what our warrant officers do.

What an amazing history we have and what an amazing journey it has been for those who have gone this route.

Thanks to all those who participated in writing this story. Keep up the good work. I look forward to adding more interesting history to our book from all of you!

108th Training Command (IET) Are you aiming to become a

Warrant Officer?

For more information about the exciting and challenging career as a Warrant Officer and about how to submit a Warrant Officer Application packet, visit http://www.usarc.army.mil/retn/wo.htm or e-mail StayAR@StayArmyReserve.com Minimum Requirements* • Must be a US Citizen • General Technical (GT) score of 110 or Higher • High School graduate or GED • Secret Security Clearance (Interim secret is acceptable to apply) • Pass the APFT; meet Height & Weight Standards • Pass the Chapter 2 Appointment Physical • Between ages 18 – 46 (waiverable) • Be a Specialist (E4) or above • Have Civilian Experience or hold a Feeder MOS (Except for 153A Aviation) • Additional criteria based on Warrant Officer MOS *If you do not meet these minimum requirements but are still interested in becoming a Warrant Officer please contact your Region’s ARCD Special Mission NCO for more information on possibilities.

THE GRIFFON • Fall 2010 • 11

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12 • THE GRIFFON • Fall 2010

Army Reserve opens second Army Strong Community Center

By Sgt. 1st Class Mark Bell 81st Regional Support Command Public Affairs

questions, get information, or find comfort in knowing someone is there to help.

Stultz said what was unique about the Brevard location during its short history is that onethird of the families walking through the door were active-duty families seeking assistance.

Stultz gave full credit for the community center concept to his wife, Laura.

“We have to bring the installations to the Soldiers and their communities, because they don’t have a Fort Campbell; they don’t have a Fort Drum; they don’t have Fort Hood in Brevard, N.C., so we have to bring it to them,” he said. That’s what this Army Strong Community Center does, Stultz said.

“It establishes, for us, a center

Soldier’s employer and a supportive community.

“A community, like Brevard, has to be there for that Soldier and that Soldier’s family – especially when I take that Soldier away,” he said.

Laura said she was happy to assist opening in the Army Reserve’s second center and hopes there will be many more in the future.

From small things like washing a pregnant woman’s car while her husband is overseas to being A Soldier in formation holds on to the there for the big ceremony program while Lt. Gen. Jack C. things, Laura enviStultz, Chief, Army Reserve, speaks during sioned local comthe grand opening of the Army Reserve’s munities coming Army Strong Community Center located in together with Brevard, N.C. on May 15. Photo by Sgt. 1st area military resiClass Mark Bell, 81st Regional Support Command Public Affairs. dents and helping those in need.

“I have evFor the Army Reserve family, the ery confidence that the people of center is a place where the commu- North Carolina will step up and nity can plug in, according to Stultz. support their local military famiBy Shultz’s side was his wife Lau- lies,” she said. ra. She recalled past difficulties as a Air Force veteran and Brevard wife left behind as her husband de- mayor Jimmy Harris pledged his ployed to Iraq and alone with four community’s support for the new children. center during the ceremony.

Laura said she remembered not “Families are important, and being able to attend numerous fam- they make a difference in the lives ily readiness group meetings beof Soldiers,” he said.“When I am

BREVARD, N.C. — Tucked away at the entrance of the Pisgah National Forest in western North Carolina, the small community of about 6,000 residents welcomed the nation’s second Army Strong Community Center during a grand opening ceremony May 15.

Several hundred Soldiers, veterans, family members, business owners and community leaders helped launch the second communitybased center filled with resources not only to take care of Army Reserve families but all military families seeking assistance.

“Thank you for hosting us in God’s country,” Lt. Gen. Jack C. Stultz, Chief, Army Reserve said during the early-morning ceremony.

“I’m glad to be here to celebrate what America is really about. For me, at least, it brings you back home to places like Brevard, N.C., and to see really what the strength of America is. It’s not in Washington D.C. It’s not in the halls of Congress. It’s in Brevard, N.C., and other small communities across America.”

The center, only the second of its kind, with the other located in Rochester, N.Y., will be resourced and staffed to give military families and veterans the information, services and support they would otherwise have to drive to a major military base to find.

Located more than 160 miles from Fort Jackson, S.C., and more than 250 miles from Fort Bragg, N.C., Brevard was selected because of its remote location from a major military installation, said Stultz.

“If you build it Maj. Gen. James Mallory III, former commanding general, of the Army Reserve’s 108th Training Command, based out of Charlotte, N.C., sings the Army they will come,” Song during the grand opening of the Army Reserve’s Army Strong Community Center located in Brevard, N.C. on May 15. Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Mark Bell, said Stultz, quoting 81st Regional Support Command Public Affairs. a famous line from the movie,“Field of that says,‘If you are military in cause of the distance to travel and amongst you, and I see these flags Dreams.” western North Carolina, we are the life as a temporary single mom. and these volunteers in uniform, I When the Brevard community here for you,’” he said.“We are here “I knew there was something am a proud American. I am proud was selected as the second locamissing,” she said.“I didn’t feel con- of being a part of something that is tion, Stultz said everyone asked him to take care of you. We are here to nected.” this good.” and his Family Programs staff,“Why offer services. We are here to find solutions.”

All that changed when her husHarris said the residents of BreBrevard?”

Stultz said today was about bring- band was sworn in as Chief, Army vard will stand tall and are commit“Why not,” he responded.“Why ing a community and the military Reserve in May 2006. wouldn’t we choose Brevard? We ted to the Army Strong Community said Soldiers and family members together to draw upon one anoth“I said this is it.This is my Center. need help there.” er’s strengths. chance,” she said about helping “We will stand and support you During the past several months, To be successful as a military families left behind while their in this mission,” he told Stultz.“We more than a hundred families have and against the fight against terror, spouses deploy overseas.“I wanted are proud that we were selected -walked through the Brevard Army Stultz said he needed four things: to bring a military installation to this is a blessing.”

Strong Community Center to ask a Soldier, that Soldier’s family, the the communities.”

THE GRIFFON • Fall 2010 • 13

98th Training Division Soldiers Honor Fallen Comrades

By Col. Paul Wegman Chief of Staff 98th Training Division (IET)

Brig. Gen. Robert Stall, former commanding general, of the 98th Training Division (IET) hosted the Division Memorial Ceremony during the Headquarters battle assembly on May 2.The annual ceremony honors five 98th Training Division Soldiers killed in action during the division’s deployment to Iraq from 2004-2005.

Lt. Col.Terrence Crowe of Grand Island, N.Y. was killed in action on June 7, 2005 in Tal Afar, Iraq. He was 44 years old. Crowe was an Infantry officer and a 17 year veteran, the last seven of which were spent in the 98th Division. He is survived by his parents, his son Jeremiah, now 22, and daughter Clara, now 20.

Master Sgt. Paul Karpowich of Bridgeport, Pa. was killed in action on December 21, 2004 in Mosul, Iraq. He was 30 years old. Karpowich was an Infantry Soldier and a 13 year Army veteran. He spent nine of those years with the 98th Division, and eventually became a Senior Drill Sergeant. He is survived by his wife, Amanda, his parents, a brother and two sisters.

Sgt. 1st Class Robert Derenda of Ledbetter, Ky. was killed in action on August 5, 2005 in Rubiah, Iraq.

He was 42 years old. Derenda was a graduate of The Citadel and a twenty year veteran. He is survived by his parents and sister.

Staff Sgt. Christopher Dill of Tonawanda, N.Y. was killed in action on April 4, 2005 in Balad Ruz, Iraq. He was 28. Dill was a veteran of the 24th Mech and Desert Storm.

He is survived by his wife, Dawn, his parents, and two sisters.

Sgt. Lawrence Roukey of Westbrooke, Maine was killed in action on 26 April 2005 in Baghdad, Iraq.

He was 33 years old. Roukey served for three years in the Army after high school and reenlisted after the 9-11 attacks. He was assigned to the 98th Division when he deployed to Iraq. He is survived by his wife, Ryann, his son, Nicholas, now six years old, and his step-daughter Sonya, now 19.

During the ceremony, as more than 150 Soldiers and veterans looked on, Stall reminded those in attendance of one of the major tenets of the Soldier’s Creed,“I Will Never Leave a Fallen Comrade.”

“This portion of the creed rings true even years later,” said Stall,“because we will never forget these Soldiers and their Families, and what they gave to us and what they gave to their country.”

Stall vowed the annual memorial ceremony would continue indefinitely, citing the example of contemporary British Soldiers who, in 2003, discovered a WWI cemetery in central Iraq hosting the remains of the British Mesopotamian Expe-

ditionary Force.

The British Soldiers cleaned and refurbished the cemetery, and hold regular memorial services there in honor of their fallen comrades, past and present.

Col.Todd Arnold, 98th Training Division (IET) deputy commander, said in an emotional speech that he was privileged to have known the five Soldiers who lost their lives. He quoted Gen. George Patton,“Mourn not for these fallen Soldiers, but thank God that such men lived.”

Command Sgt. Milt Newsome, 98th Training Division (IET) command sergeant major said to remember and honor the sacrifices made by these Soldiers, and to honor them by our actions as well as our words.

Stall closed the ceremony by quoting the words of Rudyard Ki-

pling in his poem,The Recessional.

“Lest we forget…lest we forget…”

The 98th Division has pledged to remember.

(L to R) Brig. Gen. Robert Stall, former commanding general, of the 98th Training Division (IET), Col. Todd Arnold, 98th Training Division (IET) deputy commander, Command Sgt. Milt Newsome, 98th Training Division (IET) command sergeant major, Lt. Col. (Chaplain) Robert Searle, 98th Training Division (IET) division chaplain listen as Col. Paul Wegman, 98th Training Division (IET), chief of staff addresses Soldiers and guests during the Division Memorial Ceremony held in Rochester, N.Y. Photo

by Staff Sgt. Richard Harris, 98th Training Division (IET) Public Affairs Office.

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14 • THE GRIFFON • Fall 2010

Bergene follows Sisters ‘On the Trail’ Story by Capt. Jennifer K. Cotten 95th Training Division Public Affairs Officer

Command Sgt. Maj. Bergene along with Soldiers of 2nd Brigade, 95th Training Division (IET) that competed in the 95th Best Warrior Competition in March, 2010 at Ft. Knox, Ky. Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Marty A. Collins, 108th Training Command (IET) Public Affairs Office

The Army Reserve has spent the last several years transforming from a strategic to an operational force.

During that time, Command Sgt. Maj. Renata C. Bergene, 2nd Brigade, 95th Training Division (IET) has been able to reflect back over her military career and point to an equally impactful Army transformation.

Following in her sisters’ footsteps, Bergene joined the Army in 1978 since she already considered herself a verifiable “tomboy.”

Bergene figured that if her sisters could handle the Army, then she could too and so she was off to Fort Jackson, S.C. During this time,

Pvt. Renata Bergene attends one of the first co-ed basic training cycles held at Ft. Jackson, S.C. in 1978. Photo courtesy

by Command Sgt. Maj. Renata C. Bergene, 2nd Brigade, 95th Training Division (IET)

the Army had begun its first co-ed basic combat training cycles that year at Fort Jackson and Bergene was among the female Soldiers present for that historic moment.

Despite scoring higher than her male counterparts on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, Bergene said she was limited in her training opportunities because she was female. She had always had an affinity for vocational skills like construction, but was not allowed to choose a Military Oc-

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Drill Sgt. Renata Bergene serving at Fort Leonard, Mo. years before she would become the first female Senior Drill Sergeant at Fort Sill, Okla. in 1995. Photo courtesy by Command Sgt. Maj. Renata C. Bergene, 2nd Brigade, 95th Training Division (IET)

THE GRIFFON • Fall 2010 • 15

cupational Specialty (MOS) such as engineering because it was viewed as a male skill. Instead, she was directed toward food service for her Advanced Individual Training.

As Bergene’s military career progressed, she would continue to pave the way for females by entering the Drill Sergeant school in 1984. Even though she had now become a bona fide Drill Sergeant, she stated that her newfound skills were essentially irrelevant. Male Soldiers still viewed her as a female and not a Soldier. When she showed up for her first day of duty as a Drill Sergeant, she recalled a Soldier that told her ‘we don’t have female Drill Sergeants.’ Bergene promptly replied,“According to my orders you do.”

Bergene had become all too familiar with this type of attitude because her sister had met with the same resistance at Fort Benning, Ga. Her sister was never allowed to function as a Drill Sergeant but instead was made to sit at a desk and do staff work. In spite of the hostile environment, Bergene stood her ground and began training Soldiers.

Once she began working the trail as a Drill Sergeant, it would only take a few weeks for Soldiers to realize there was nothing that a male Drill Sergeant could do that she couldn’t do.

A lot of other doors were opened by Command Sgt. Maj. Bergene during her military career.

Some of her accomplishments include being the first female selected to run the 104th Division Drill Sergeant School in 1994 and serving as the first female senior Drill Sergeant at Fort Sill, Okla. in 1995.

Command Sgt. Maj. Bergene said women have so many more opportunities in today’s Army than they did when she and her sisters entered. MOS and specialty training that once was closed to women are now open.“A female truck mechanic was unheard of when I entered the military,” she said. But today women hold these positions in addition to many others.

What women are able to achieve and have achieved in the Army today is in large part due to the likes of Command Sgt. Maj. Bergene and many other women who helped transform a traditional military mindset through their perseverance and tenacity. Bergene stated, “In the past five years, I haven’t seen where male/female matters.”

That is transformation that every Soldier can agree on.

Command Sgt. Maj. Bergene, 2nd Brigade, 95th Training Division (IET) and 95th Training Division (IET) Command Sgt. Maj. Don Smith check the status of contestants from the range tower during the 95th Best Warrior Competition in March, 2010 at Ft. Knox, Ky. Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Marty A. Collins, 108th Training Command (IET) Public Affairs Office

16 • THE GRIFFON • Fall 2010

Warrior Forge: 95th Division trains and supports Cadets Story by Capt. Jennifer K. Cotten 95th Training Division (IET) Public Affairs Officer

The Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) cadets roared in excitement at the thunderous boom of the Paladin during the powerful display of U.S. weapons capabilities put on at the 2010 Warrior Forge Leadership Development and Assessment Course (LDAC).

LDAC is the most important training event for a ROTC cadet.

Each cadet rotates through a 29-day rigorous training program designed to develop and assess their leadership capabilities.The cadets are evaluated and these evaluations play an important role in determining a cadet’s commissioning opportunities.

Warrior Forge reached an all time high this year training approximately 6,500 cadets. Included in this number were U.S. Military Academy and allied nation cadets, and Reserve and Guard officer candidates.

“Over 3,600 soldiers from the U.S. Army Cadet Command, Forces Command and Army Reserve facilitate this world-class training event,” (see Warrior Forge page 18)

Brig. Gen. Roger Duff, commanding general, 95th Training Division (IET) speaks to division Soldiers as they await the arrival of cadets on the U.S. weapons range where they will be met with a dramatic display of U.S. firepower. Photo by Capt. Jennifer Cotten, 95th Training Division (IET) Public Affairs Officer.

THE GRIFFON • Fall 2010 • 17

Cadets have the opportunity to become familiar with many of the U.S. weapons. Here they learn the proper technique for firing the AT4. Photo by Capt. Jennifer Cotten, 95th Training Division (IET) Public Affairs Officer.

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18 • THE GRIFFON • Fall 2010

Warrior Forge (Continued from page 16)

said Col. Paul J. Wood, Warrior Forge commander.

Among the 3,600, were hundreds of Army Reserve Soldiers from the 95th Training Division (IET). Elements of the 95th were tasked to provide training at several of the committee sites including Maneuver, Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN), First Aid and U.S. Weapons.

Many other individual division Soldiers served in support capacities such as transportation, protocol and supply.

“During the height of Warrior Forge, over 10,000 cadets and cadre members were on the ground which made it U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command’s largest event in the contiguous United States,” said Wood.

First Sgt. Leon Lane, 1/329, 4th Brigade said his unit received the initial tasking to provide 100 personnel to conduct tactics training for the maneuver committee in support of Warrior Forge.

However, due to current mobilizations and deployments, 1/329 and several other units were short necessary personnel to conduct the training and had to go outside their respective units to recruit manpower to complete the missions.

Lane said his unit sought support from others within 4th Brigade and eventually 3rd Brigade and were offered aid without hesitation.

Once units filled their ranks, they spent “months preparing for the missions at home station,” said Sgt. First Class Antonio Andrews, 1/334, 4th Brigade (U.S. Weapons Committee).

Since many Drill Sergeants from the 3rd and 4th Brigades were ac-

customed to training privates in an initial entry training (IET) environment who have no military experience, training cadets at Warrior Forge presented a new challenge.

Sgt. First Class Stacey Camden, 1/329, 4th Brigade, (Maneuver Committee) said,“It was a nice change of pace from the traditional responsibility of training IET Soldiers and was a great opportunity for Soldiers of the 95th to have a positive influence on the leaders of tomorrow’s Army.”

Camden added the experience allowed recent graduates of the Drill Sergeant School the opportunity to hone their instructional skills.

Because of the nature of the relationship between officers and NCO’s, the committee trainers needed to use a different approach to training.

Sgt. First Class Dean Shaw, 1/334, 4th Brigade (U.S. Weapons Committee) said,“We are less aggressive with cadets than we are privates.”

The intent was to build a strong foundation for future success in the role between officers and NCO’s.

Sgt. First Class Juan Rodriquez, 1/334, 4th Brigade, (U.S. Weapons Committee), said the training approach used “let cadets know they could ask NCO’s questions.”

Rodriquez said in the beginning cadets may have been intimidated, but eventually would become comfortable with the NCO’s.

During Warrior Forge, each committee had specific goals. At the maneuver site, Lane said cadets learned hand and arm signals, operations orders, troop leading procedures, patrol base operations, radio procedures, call for fire, and tactics and battle drills.

“I feel the mission was an overall success and allowed the Soldiers of the 3rd and 4th Brigades to excel

within a new environment,” said Lane.

Lane added the cadets seemed very receptive and appreciative of the knowledge and experience our Soldiers shared during the training on the maneuver lanes.

As cadets arrived at the U.S. weapons range, they witnessed a display of firepower which also included the .50 caliber machine gun, M249 squad automatic weapon (SAW), M240B machine gun, M203 grenade launcher, AT4 rocket launcher and Claymore mine.

Division Soldiers serving as U.S. Weapons range cadre provided the cadets with hands-on experience in firing the SAW, M240B, M203 and AT4. Staff Sgt. Walter Marks, 1/334, 4th Brigade said this gave the cadets a good opportunity to familiarize themselves with the weapons systems and not be afraid of the weapons.

With record numbers at Warrior Forge, approximately 230 cadets per day were trained on the range.

Sgt. First Class Michael Beck, 1/334, 4th Brigade, who has participated in the event for 10 years, said this year’s event was by far the most intense in his experience. He said the days on the range were long.

Warrior Forge came to a close in August. It showed new opportunities to division Soldiers and allowed them to help shape the future leaders of the Army.

Sgt. First Class Ryan Spadanuda, 3/334, 4th Brigade, (Maneuver Committee) said,“The mission went well. It was such an important mission because we played a vital role in the success of the cadets and their future as officers.The training we provided helped them to learn team building and good leadership traits that will hopefully be carried with them through their careers.”

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20 • THE GRIFFON • Fall 2010

The tale of Two Badges

By Sgt. 1st Class Marty A. Collins 108th Training Command (IET) Public Affairs

During the week, 28 year old Jeffrey Rios, of New York, wears a uniform and a badge, the badge of a

City of New York Department Corrections Officer. He is also an Army reservist and recently picked up another badge: the Drill Sergeant Identification Badge, which he will

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now wear on his Army Combat Uniform coat jacket.

Rios was named Distinguished Honor Graduate of the United States Army Reserve Drill Sergeant School Class 004-10 at Fort Jackson, S.C. on July 10.

He was also awarded a bronze Drill Sergeant statue and the Army Com(L to R) Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Rios, Distinguished Honor Graduate, Sgt. Luis Badillo, Deputy Commandant’s Leadership Award and mendation Medal Staff Sgt. Thomas A. Summerford, Honor Graduate, were the top for being named graduates for Class 004-10 (Option 5) at Ft. Jackson, S.C. top graduate from three in July 2010. Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Marty A. Collins, 108th Training a class of over Command (IET) Public Affairs.

50 Drill Sergeant Candidates. to be in the military,” said Rios.

“Since I joined the Army I always When he was 21 years old he looked up to my Drill Sergeants joined the Army and the ranks of that I had in my basic training com- the Military Police Corps.“I joined pany, I’ve always wanted to train in February 2004 and did my OSUT other Soldiers and to share my ex(One Station Unit Training) at Fort periences as an NCO,” said Rios.

Leonard Wood, Missouri for the It is a long way from New York MOS 31 Echo,” said Rios.

City to South Carolina, but Rios had After graduating advanced indihis family’s blessing and encourage- vidual training he was assigned to ment.“My wife and son supported Ft. Leavenworth, Kan., a little over me 100 percent by coming here to 250 miles north of Ft. Leonard Ft. Jackson and the Drill Sergeant Wood at the United States DisciSchool,” said Rios. plinary Barracks, the Department of Although a native of Yonkers, Defense’s only maximum security Rios now calls Queens, a borough prison. He served the remainder of of New York City, home.“My parhis active duty commitment as an ents were born in Puerto Rico and Internment/Resettlement SpecialI was born in New York. I’ve only ist. An Internment/Resettlement been to Puerto Rico once and that Specialist in the Army is primarily was when I was very young,” said responsible for day-to-day operaRios,“I’d like to go back someday tions in a military confinement or but haven’t had the time yet.” Rios correctional facility or detention or attended school in the “Big Apple” internment facility. and says he had made a plan for his Rios left active duty service in future at a young age.“I’ve always February 2008 and returned home wanted to serve my country since I to New York. His training as a miliwas a little kid and knew I wanted tary policeman paid off as he ap-

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THE GRIFFON • Fall 2010 • 21 plied and was selected as a candidate for the City of New York Department of Correction Training Academy. As his civilian career in was taking off he still felt something was absent from his life.“I missed the military and decided to join the Army Reserve in July 2008,” said Rios.

Originally assigned to the 423rd Military Police Company in Long Island, N.Y. he served with the unit until January 2010 and then transferred to the 2nd Battalion, 417th Regiment, 4th Brigade, 98th Training Division (IET) based out of Fort Totten, N.Y.“It’s a very small unit, we have about twenty Soldiers assigned and are looking for people to join us,” said Rios.

After securing his position in the Army Reserve he had to knock out his candidate training with the City of New York Department of Correction.The candidate training is 16-weeks compared to the eight weeks of initial entry training Soldiers receive.

“It was kind of like basic training; you have classroom work and hands on work. It’s physical, we have combatives training and we go to the range and also take a physical fitness test. The only good thing about the academy is you get to go home at night,” said Rios,“I learned all of my skills for Riker’s Island from my training at Ft. Leavenworth while I was in the Army.”

Riker’s Island is New York City’s main jail complex, as well as the name of the island on which it sits, in the East River between Queens and the mainland Bronx, adjacent to the runways of

LaGuardia Airport. The jail complex, operated by the New York City Department of Correction, has a staff of 10,000 officers and 1,500 civilians to control an inmate population of 14,000.“If someone has received their sentence and it’s a year or less they serve their time at Riker’s,” said Rios, “or if they are waiting to be sentenced.”

Rios said he faced some challenges at the USAR Drill Sergeant School.

“I was expecting it to be a lot harder from stories I heard.The hardest part I think would be learning and memorizing the modules in such a short time, when you have CQ and other stuff going on.You’re nervous doing the modules; you don’t want to mess it up because after the third time you get kicked out of the school.” He said the cadre was very helpful and professional.“If you had a question they were always there to help you out.”

As for his future goals Rios said,“I want to get at least one deployment under my belt, hopefully with a MITT team and be promoted to sergeant first class. He also wants go back to college and get a Bachelors degree in the Law Enforcement field.”

One of “New York’s Boldest” is also interested in becoming a Drill Sergeant Leader.“I would definitely come back as a Drill Sergeant Leader; I just want more experience first going out on the trail, doing different missions, so I can get firsthand experience. I would like to dedicate myself to training future Soldiers,” said Rios.

Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Rios was named Distinguished Honor Graduate, Class 004-10 (Option 5) at Ft. Jackson, S.C. in July 2010. Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Marty A. Collins, 108th Training Command (IET) Public Affairs.

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but energetic physical fitness run, complete with cadence callers and In May, nearly 400 future Soldiers motivational chants. Next, the future Soldiers were given instruction assembled at Doughboy Field at in Drill and Ceremonies -- the basic Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JB-MDL), N.J. for a “Mega Function.” positions and movements -- to give these civilians-in-transformation a The event was hosted by the Mid feeling for moving as a single unit.

Atlantic Recruiting Battalion comThe day’s training also included manded by Lt. Col. Harry Woodbasic land navigation and hands-on mansee. The massive assembly of experience with the M240B macivilians was turned over to the chine gun and M249 light machine Drill Sergeants of the 3-385th, 4th gun. The weapons systems were Bde., 98th Training Division (IET), who endeavored to train these men brought to the site by 98th Training Division Drill Sergeants assigned to and women in an effort to prepare them for the rigors of basic training. Regional Training Center-East. Sgt. 1st Class Richard Clark and his staff The day’s events began with a gave discussions on the weapons battalion formation and a short, capabilities and facilitated the event.

A barbeque lunch of hamburgers and hot dogs was prepared for the future Soldiers.The Drill Sergeants then conducted The new recruits have a little fun at Doughboy Field during the push-up and “Mega Function” event held at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JBsit-up comMDL), N.J. Courtesy Photo petitions and the roar from the future Soldiers was deafening. The level of musclefailure, sweat and shaking limbs was an indicator of the level of motivation these men and women achieved. The day concluded with the always entertaining,“Get-Dizzy” drill, where participants spin around a baseball bat, and then attempt to run in a straight line. The last exercise reminded everyone that there was much fun to be had along with the serious business of soldiering.

“We got some much-needed exercise,” said Oscar Maldanado of the South Jersey “Hitmen.”

Cpt. Charles Phillips, commanding officer, of the South Jersey Recruiting Company, said some future Soldiers signed on as late as last week while some have been signed on for a year and are shipping out next month. “They’re at varying skill levels and have various backgrounds.” He spoke of one 39 yearold recruit who left a corporate job in order to “give something back” to the country.

The “Hitmen” were just one of the four companies participating in the days events. The other three units sported the nicknames “Newark Knights”,“Central Jersey Pathfinders” and “North Jersey War3-385th, 4th Brigade, 98th Training Div. (IET)

THE GRIFFON • Fall 2010 • 23

Drill Sgt. Daniel Cruz, 3-385th, 4th Bde., 98th Training Division (IET) counts the push-ups of a future Soldier during the “Mega Function” event. Courtesy Photo.

riors”. Sgt. 1st Class Harold Urrutia, Delta Company, 3-385th, said “These guys are motivated! Their recruiters must be doing a great job prepping them for basic training.”

Preparation for basic training was only part of the purpose of the event. The Drill Sergeants and recruiters recognize the sacrifice and risks that these future Soldiers are taking by enlisting when our country is at war, and they took this unique time to congratulate and accept these future warriors. Whether it was an opportunity to handle U.S. weapons systems, a motivational physical fitness run around the pristine fields at JB-MDL, or a barbeque served up at the picnic grounds, the men and women, who are slated to ship out shortly, were treated to a memorable day.

“When it comes to recruiting, we have to think outside the box,” Woodmansee, battalion commander of the Mid Atlantic region,“ This as one example of a non-traditional training event that keeps future Soldiers focused on their goals and keeps their desire to serve alive and well.” U.S. Army Reserve Drill Sergeants are uniquely positioned to support this type of event. In a concept promoted by 1st Sgt. Randolph Weltch, Delta Company, 3-385th, a company of Drill Sergeants could be permanently assigned to JBMDL. In the eight short hours on Saturday with the future Soldiers, the Drill Sergeants of the 3-385th shared insights and combat survival skills with these men and women who were not only responsive, but very appreciative. “The Drills gave me straight answers to a lot of questions,”said Anthony Taylor, from the South Jersey “Hitmen.” Weltch, one of the masterminds behind the union of recruiters and Drill Sergeants is working to establish a resident Drill Sergeant company at JBMDL. Those interested in learning more about becoming a U.S. Army Reserve Drill Sergeant, the U.S. Ar-

my’s premiere trainers of our future warriors should contact Weltch at (551) 221-0696 or Randolph.weltch@us.army.mil.

A future Soldier listens intently as a USAR Drill Sgt. explains the capabilities of the M240B machine gun. Courtesy Photo.

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24 • THE GRIFFON • Fall 2010

Reserve Drill Sergeants volunteer to train Afghan counterparts

By Lyndsey Born Courtesy of The 1st Infantry Division Post, Staff writer The Soldiers of Military Transition Team Class 70 prepare themselves May 19 as they listen for the next command during their training. The team includes more than 20 drill sergeants who will deploy to Afghanistan to train and mentor the Afghan Army. Photo by Lyndsey Born, The 1st Infantry Division Post.

FORT RILEY, Kan.— More than half of Military Transition Team Class 70 is made up of drill sergeants, all Reserve Soldiers from the 95th Division.The group volunteered for the mission to mentor members of the Afghan police and Army.

The 24 drill sergeants and 12 support staff will be the sixth group from the 95th to head to Afghanistan.

The mission that has been assigned is drill sergeant specific because the drill sergeants will be mentors for the Afghan Drill Sergeant School and at basic combat training sites, said Col. Rodolfo Villarreal, G-3 for the 95th Div. The drill sergeants left civilian careers and Family members to mobilize to Oklahoma City for their Soldier Readiness Processing before they came to Fort Riley, Villarreal said.

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Sgt. Maj. Manuel Borrego is a captain in the Wichita Falls,Texas, police department.This will be his first deployment into a war zone.

“I have been in the Army for a long time, and most of it has been during peace time.This is an opportunity for me to do my part over there, to take my turn and work for my country,” Borrego said.

For another volunteer, Staff Sgt. Clayton Gorton, this will be his second deployment.

“It’s my job to serve my country, and I just wanted to do my part again,” Gorton said.“I have a lot of friends who volunteered for this mission. I wanted to go with them to help train the Afghan Army.”

Villarreal was on hand to observe the class during its last week before graduation and said the drill sergeants are ready for their deployment.

“They got pretty much all of the training they are going to need for overseas,”Villarreal said.“As drill sergeants we are the primary trainers and uniquely outfitted to be the trainers in theater, especially with the Afghan Soldiers.” The drill sergeants graduated from their training May 28 at Camp Funston. A short ceremony was held for Family members and friends to see the Soldiers before they deployed.

Maj. Gen. Charles Gorton, commander of 81st Regional Support Command, attended to watch his son, Staff Sgt. Clayton Gorton, graduate with Class 70.

“I feel ambiguous about it. As a Soldier I am really proud of him, and I am confident he will do well.

He has been trained well,” Maj. Gen. Gorton, said.“On the other hand, as a father, you always feel some trepidation about sending your son off into harm’s way, so it’s kind of hard, but I am real proud of him.”

After graduation, Sgt. 1st Class Bryce Holmes said, he never thought he would be training and mentoring Afghan Soldiers.

“My goal was to become a drill sergeant to train our troops,” Holmes said.“I would like to see a third world country to be able to be more productive themselves. I think going over and being able to train their Army will be a great experience.”

For two years, Holmes said, he

THE GRIFFON • Fall 2010 • 25

has been trying to deploy to give active duty Soldiers a break.

Although, he said, he is readyto deploy, he is nervous to leave his Family.The youngest of Holmes three children thinks he is leaving to get monsters, he said.

The 95th Division is part of the 18th Training Command out of Charlotte, N.C, Villarreal said.The division consists of four brigades, which are located in Lawton, Okla.; Beaver Dam, Wis.; Lexington, Ky.; and Vancouver, Wash.

Drill sergeants and support staff from Military Transition Team Class 70 salute during their graduation ceremony May 28 at Camp Funston. The drill sergeants will deploy to Afghanistan to mentor and train its army. Photo by Lyndsey Born, The 1st Infantry Division Post.

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26 • THE GRIFFON • Fall 2010

Combatives: Learning to Fight

By Capt. Nicholas Thomas 4th Bde.,1st Battalion., 390th Regiment, 98th Training Division (IET)

M I L I TA RY P R O G R A M S

In 2002, the Army adopted the Modern Army Combatives program.

The program was developed with two basic principles in mind: 1.The winner of the hand to hand fight in combat is the one whose buddy shows up first with a gun. 2.The defining characteristic of a warrior is the willingness to close with the enemy. As Soldiers we all understand the first principle, even if you win the fight, if his buddy shows up with a rifle you still lose.The second philosophy has been adopted as a theme for Army training and is often referred to as Warriorization.

The 1/390th located in Amherst, N.Y, has followed the guidance of its commander, Lt. Col. Peter Vanderland.The unit has incorporated combatives training into nearly every battle assembly since October 2009. Seeing the duty company dragging out the wrestling mats on Sunday afternoon has become a common scene on battle assembly weekends.

The frequency of combatives training at the 1/390th has two purposes: to train the trainer and to develop Soldiers who are capable and

confident in close combat.This not only improves the unit’s ability to teach combatives but also improves individual Soldier readiness.

As a battalion that often performs annual training during the basic training phase of Engineer OSUT (One Station Unit Training), the Drill Sergeants of the 1/390th are expected to know combatives and teach it to trainees who, in many cases, have never been in a fight in their life.

The monthly combatives training also improves the overall fitness level of the unit and, more importantly, gives the Drill Sergeants the confidence and competence to work with young trainees in the initial military training environment.

The train the trainer aspect of the monthly combatives helps to ensure the 1/390th is providing first rate Drill Sergeants to Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. for annual training missions.

The second benefit of frequent Combatives training is developing close combat warriors.The current operational climate of the U.S. Army requires Soldiers to be more competent in close combat than ever before.

“Combatives training is a way to

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Warriorization is all about teaching a Soldier to fight and survive in any situation, whether with their assigned weapon or left with only themselves as 1st Sgt. Anthony Kuhn, 1/390’s resident Combatives instructor, a weapon,” said teaches Drill Sergeants and Drill Sergeant Candidates, the finer Lt. Gen. Mark points of US Army Combatives at Battle Assembly in Amherst, NY. Hertling, deputy Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Donald Hunter, 1st Battalion, 390th Regiment, commanding 4th Brigade, 98th Div (IT). general, for IniKuhn is currently coordinating a tial Military Training. level two certification course for 1st Sgt. Anthony Kuhn, 1/390th, June of this year and is expecting is a level four certified combatives instructor, who develops and is the maximum participation.

Warfighters who are competent primary instructor for the monthly in close combat as well as with combatives training. their weapon are quickly becoming Affectionately known as “Kuhnthe goal of the modern Army. Combatives,” he has trained Soldiers for batives is a major aspect of that more than a year and a half during battle assembly. A level one instruc- goal and the 1/390th has embraced tor certification course was conthis focus and is leading the way in ducted in the summer of 2009 and training warriors.

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28 • THE GRIFFON • Fall 2010

108th Soldier inducted into Audie Murphy Club

By Sgt. Neil W. McCabe XVIII Airborne Corps Public Affairs Office

Members of one of the Army’s most prestigious societies, named in honor of the nation’s most decorated Soldier, welcomed three Noncommissioned officers inducted Friday at Memorial Hall here.

The new members of the Fort Bragg chapter of the Sgt. Audie Murphy Club are: Sgt. 1st Class Renee Nolin, Headquarters, 108th Training Command; Staff Sgt. Carrie A. Brown, 3rd Bn., 27th Field Artil-

lery Regiment, 18th Fires Bde., and Staff Sgt. Loren A., Headquarter and Headquarters Company, Headquarters and Higher Headquarters Company, 20th Engineer Bde. Membership in the SAMC separates out the best of the best Noncommissioned officers in today’s Army, said Command Sgt. Maj. Earl L. Rice, the XVIII Airborne Corps’ senior NCO in his remarks at the ceremony.

The Soldiers of the SAMC are a major reason why the NCO Corps is growing in respect and responsibility, he said.

“Our Soldiers expect you to lead from the front—always have and always will,� said Rice after leading a round of applause for the inductees.

Rice, joined by retire XVIII Airborne Corps Command Sgt. Maj. Andrew McFallon, presented each of the NCO’s with an impact Army Commendation Medal, a U.S. Forces Command Certificate of Achievement and the large pewter medallion with the profile of Audie Murphy. Spouses received a certificate of a appreciation signed by the Rice and Lt. Gen. Frank G. Helmick,

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McFallon was the featured speaker and for the presentations he stood in for Helmick, who was attending a memorial service for a fallen Soldier, which Rice left for immediately after the ceremony.

In his own remarks, recalling the themes of the club and Murphy’s own life, McFallon said,“Inductees, you are the keepers of our standards. I challenge you to keep us trained, ready and accept nothing less than excellence—and to be ever watchful over our Soldiers and their families.�

Each of the inductees were first recommended by an existing member of the club, then survived three selection boards at the battalion, brigade and division or corps-level.

Brown said she was selected on her second attempt. After her first attempt, her first sergeant told her with the news.“He told me that the board said of the six NCO’s, two were distinguished enough for selection, but they only one of them.�

Although the native of Ripley, N.Y., was impressive, her Army Physical Fitness Test score of 252, was short of the at least 270 the SAMC expected, she said.

Determined to make on her next try, the health service technician focused on physical training during her deployment to FOB Salerno, Afghanistan, she said. “I became a gym rat,� she said.“In my last PT test, I scored a 271 right before I

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came home, so when I got back I immediately started asking with the next Audie Murphy board was being held.”

Nolin, a Reserve Soldier, was actually selected by through the Fort Jackson, S.C., chapter while she was mobilized for a tour as a drill instructor, she said.

A native of Columbus, Ga., Nolin said she told the board that she has always strived to example set

by Murphy, who as a staff sergeant, repeatedly turned down battlefield commissions, so the World War II hero could remain close to his men.

One example she gave the board was when she was deployed to Iraq in 2003 before the Army had formalized its program for allowing Soldiers to take leave while assigned to the theater, and had set up a lottery system, she said.

With a four-month-old at home, Nolin said she was thrilled to get one of the slots to go home, but before she could leave one of her Soldiers begged her for her seat, so he could fly home and talk his wife out of leaving him.

Recognizing her role as an NCO, she gave up her trip home to her own family, and the Soldier was able to save his marriage, she said.

“They still send me a Christmas card every year.”

At the rehearsal the previous day, Rice joked about having to see Gernhardt again because the Ashville, N.C. native, is also the current XVIII Airborne Corps NCO of the Year.

Gernhardt, who is the NCO-incharge of his unit’s geospatial analysis section, said that the Murphy boards were heavy on scenario based questions that challenged how well he knew his Soldiers.

“It is not a board you can study for.You either live it or you don’t.”

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Sergeant 1st Class Renee Nolin, 108th Training Command (IET), is congratulated June 25, by XVIII Airborne Corps Command Sgt. Maj. Earl. L. Rice after her induction into the post chapter of the Sgt. Audie Murphy Club held at Memorial Hall. Photo by Sgt. Neil W. McCabe, XVIII Airborne Corps Public Affairs Office.

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30 • THE GRIFFON • Fall 2010

3rd Brigade welcomes new Commander

By Sgt. Travis Edwards 80th Training Command Public Affairs

During a change-of-command ceremony Saturday at Fort Belvoir’s Wells Field House, the Soldiers of the 3rd Brigade (Professional Development), 104th Division (Leader Training) hailed a new commander, and bid farewell to another.

Col. Antonio Morales replaced Col. Phillip Churn in an event hosted by Brig. Gen. Daniel York, commanding general of the 104th Training Division.The ceremony included a color guard of Old Guard Soldiers from Fort Myer and sev-

eral battalion formations from the brigade.

“I’m an idea guy,” said York, after the passing of the colors from commander to commander.“During teleconferences when I first took command of this division, I use to talk with Col. Churn … and he’d beat me to ideas that I thought were mine. He’s innovative and very intelligent. He was already in-synch with the command. I’ve seen Col. Churn’s success and what his team has built here. I expect Col. Morales to build upon that foundation.”

The 3rd Brigade “Night Fighters”

are charged with do. Phillip, rest assured, I will supporting and take care of your training the next Soldiers and this generation of ofunit.” ficers in ROTC for the U.S. Army, the Outgoing commander Churn’s National Guard next assignment is and the U.S. Army Reserve. to deploy in June to Afghanistan to “I was raised Left to right: Incoming commander of to believe in hard the 3rd Brigade of the 104th Training serve as a senior Division Col. Antonio Morales accepts U.S. Commander work and strong the unit guidon from the commanding family values,” Mo- general of the 104th Training Division to an Afghan general responsible rales said.“Three Brig. Gen. Daniel York during a change of commander ceremony here Saturday for detainee opkey components at Wells Field House. Courtesy Photo by erations. of my command Janet Davis. philosophy are “It has been my commitment, teamwork and balprivilege to lead, and, more imporance.There is a difference between tantly, to serve you over the past 30 months,” Churn said.“We have involvement and commitment - I worked hard together to make this won’t be just involved in this unit, I’ll be committed in everything we the best brigade in the division.”

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32 • THE GRIFFON • Fall 2010

DLA Joint Reserve Force: Reservists’ readiness rates on the rise

By Air Force Lt. Col. Richard Sater, Defense Logistics Agency Joint Reserve Force

FORT BELVOIR, Va. – Readiness statistics for the Defense Logistics Agency’s Joint Reserve Force are on the rise thanks to the agency’s annual four-day joint reserve training and readiness exercise, held April 29 through May 2 at Fort Eustis, Va. Known as the JRTRX, this year’s iteration is the fourth such exercise for DLA’s reserve force. About 150 DLA reservists of all services participated, as well as about 50 Soldiers from the Army Reserve’s 915th

Contracting Support Battalion out of Baltimore, who piggy-backed on the exercise.

“Our goal this year was a measurable increase in readiness,” said Army Lt. Col. Mark Asher, DLA Joint Reserve Force director of training and JRTRX director.

To that end, Asher said, the exercise included such events as medical processing, physical fitness testing, and weapons qualification – items tracked by the military services that specifically reflect a reservist’s eligibility to deploy.The

schedule also included topics on every training plan, regardless of service branch.

Planners said the emphasis for this year’s exercise aligned with the DLA director’s vision of an everevolving, high-performing, customer-focused and globally responsive workforce, capable of supporting warfighters at home and abroad.

For DLA reservists, being globally responsive includes readiness to deploy and support the DLA mission at war, they explained.

Navy Rear Adm. Ray English, director of DLA’s Joint Reserve Force, addressed all participants at the exercise in-briefing.“All services – seriously – have become operationalized,” he said.“You are going to be recalled and deployed overseas.

That’s what you signed up for in DLA. English urged the reservists to put their game faces on as they participated in the exercise’s scenarios and training.

“The purpose of this exercise is to provide good training to prepare you for mobilization.Take advantage of the opportunity and get into the mindset of:‘I am deployed to Forward Operation Base JRTRX.’ Flip that switch. Get into that mindset,” he said The Defense Reutilization and Marketing Service, based in Battle Creek, Mich., led a scenario-based exercise on the first day to spotlight the DRMS mission in a contingency operation. After an introduction to demilitarization policies and procedures and excess property disposal, participants were instructed to imagine themselves at an Iraqi forward operating base, faced with a quantity of abandoned

military property.They were then tasked with assessing the material and making the appropriate decision as to its deposition.

Army Reserve Capt. Mark Hampton, recently off active duty and a new team member of Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, said he found the emphasis on mobilization and the DRMS exercise to be particularly helpful.

“We’re getting information about the specific jobs we’ll be doing in Iraq and Afghanistan – good training on what you’d do downrange,” he said.

The second and third days of the exercise emphasized theater-specific individual readiness tasks, known as TSIRTs, including weapon familiarization and firing, field first aid, movement under fire, and improvised-explosive-device awareness.

DLA Marine reservists served as instructors and safety representatives at the M-9 and M-16 ranges. Participating Army reservists achieved 100 percent qualification, while Navy and Air Force reservists had the opportunity to shoot the Army’s course of fire for familiarization.

In addition to TSIRT, this year’s JRTRX included a land navigation exercise, using a compass and map to locate specific points in a densely wooded area. DLA Marine reservists also taught the course, a subject unfamiliar to many of the agency’s Sailors and Airmen.

Marine Staff Sgt. Andre Joseph, assigned to the Marine DLA Detachment, assisted with the land navigation course and the range-firing for the exercise.

“I was impressed,” Joseph said.

“With the tools we gave them, [all

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THE GRIFFON • Fall 2010 • 33

participants] executed the land navigation and shot [their weapons] well.”

DLA reservists also had their first opportunity to use Fort Eustis’s Humvee Egress Assistance Trainer, or HEAT. Humvee rollover accidents account for numerous injuries in contingency operations, and the HEAT recreates the physical sensation of a rollover to train service members to quickly respond and exit the vehicle safely.

Another new addition, the Leadership Reaction Course, challenged small teams of reservists to accomplish highly physical tasks, such as transferring the team loaded down with a crate of ammunition or a simulated wounded Soldier over a barrier within a set time limit.

Participants said the tasks required teamwork – leading and following – as well as creativity, ingenuity and strength to accomplish.

Finally, some Sailors and Airmen had the opportunity to complete firearms familiarization through the Engagement Skills Trainer 2000, an electronic system used by the Army to provide initial and sustainment marksmanship training.The EST 2000 augmented the actual weapons training that took place on the firing range.

Concurrent with training, the Navy, Army and Air Force conducted physical fitness tests, and Army and Air Force personnel completed some pre-deployment processing, including medical screening, immunizations and blood tests. For the first time, Fort Belvoir’s DeWitt Army Community Hospital provided assistance with Soldier-readiness processing.The Air Force Reserve’s 610th Aerospace Medicine Squadron, from Langley Air Force Base, Va., also processed Air Force reservists for their annual physicals.

“We did a good job of getting 180-plus people through three days of training that could have filled six days,”Asher said.“It was like a Rubik’s Cube … lots of moving parts.

You twist it one way, and it affects everything else.”

Asher also appreciated the support and cooperation of a number of other agencies, starting with the various DLA field activities to which the reservists belong. DeWitt Army Community Hospital here supported the soldier readiness processing.The 325th Combat Support Hospital (U.S. Army Reserve), Kansas City, Mo., provided medics to teach first aid.The 318th Support Battalion (U.S. Army Reserve), Fort Meade, Md., contributed a dozen drill instructors to assist in the field training at Fort Eustis.

In spite of the challenges of coordinating with reservists and various civilian and military agencies, the planning team members said they felt the exercise was a success.

“We met our target,” said Navy Lt. Cmdr. Onofrio Margioni, Joint Reserve Force training exercise planner, who is slated to be next year’s JRTRX director.“Our reservists won’t be ‘cold’ when they report to their pre-mobilization site for combat-skills training.This supplemental training we provide at the JRTRX is mission-critical for DLA deployers, giving them the tools to be better prepared.”

Joseph, in his first joint billet, said the exercise was a prime opportunity for bringing together the individual strengths from each of the military services.

“Every service is different,” Joseph said, and the JRTRX provided “a chance to bring the unit together – one team getting the mission completed.”

Drill Sergeants from the 98th Training Division (IET) assisted with the Defense Logistics Agency’s Joint Reserve Force annual four-day joint reserve training and readiness exercise, held at Fort Eustis, Va. Courtesy Photo.

Drill Sergeants from the 98th Training Division (IET) assisted with the Defense Logistics Agency’s Joint Reserve Force annual four-day joint reserve training and readiness exercise, held at Fort Eustis, Va. Courtesy Photo.

34 • THE GRIFFON • Fall 2010

Commentary: Air Assault Training

By Sgt. 1st Class Mark Wilbur 108th Training Command (IET)

The Air Assault class MTT01-10 was a rigorous two week course that was both physically and mentally challenging.This course is taught by “black shirts”, all Sergeants and Staff Sergeants, who are very proficient and competent at their jobs.They are all professionals and can reference page number and paragraph, any answer from the Air Assault handbook.

Zero day started with about 237 candidates at 0235. We stood anxiously information as the Black Shirts gave us instructions on the days coming events. We were called up by last name/ last four to receive a roster number that indicated our squad and number in the squad. As we ran down over the hill to our new formation the level of intensity rose dramatically. I, as well as several others, one a Special Forces major, were suddenly swarmed on by four or five Black Shirts. We were doing flutter kicks, push-ups, and bear crawling on the pavement trying to get to the formation with as little abuse as possible. Later that morning we negotiated the obstacle course and immediately following, the two mile run in ACU’s which

had to be completed in 18 minutes or less. At around 1200 or so, we received our first meal of the day, an MRE. But most of us were elated; we had made it into the course.

Though zero day and day one were very stressful physically, the rest of the course was both physically and mentally demanding also.

Phase one testing consisted of a 50 question multiple choice test and a hands on performance test consisting of Air Assault hand and arm signals.

I and most Soldiers found phase two to be most challenging. Phase two consisted of sling load operations and we needed to learn the capacities of different aircraft and the capacities of the equipment used for external sling loads. As well, we had to learn how to rig the loads and inspect the loads.The phase two testing consisted of another 50 question multiple choice test and the dreaded hands on performance test. I would estimate that eighty five percent or so of AA candidates received a first time no go on one of the loads they inspected.

We had four loads to inspect with two minutes per load to find three out of four deficiencies. I received a first time go on all four loads.

I thought phase three was the

(L to R) Staff Sgt. Aaron Bayhon, Staff Sgt. Michael Beers and Sgt. 1st Class Mark Wilbur display their certificates after completing the Sabalauski Air Assault School at Ft. Campbell, Ky. Courtesy Photo.

most fun but equally challenging both physically and technically.This phase consisted of fast roping and rappelling off a fifty four foot tower and UH-60 from ninety to one hundred ten feet. We spent three days practicing techniques such as a combat lock, tying a swiss seat to standard in ninety seconds or less and learning to belay.

Our last event was the twelve mile ruck march on graduation day.

We had to complete the event in

three hours or less with a mandatory water point every three hours.

I completed mine in two hours and forty minutes with the fastest time being one hour and fifty minutes.

I’m very proud to wear the Air Assault wings as I accomplished this all on my own. I think this military training also offers more than just the particular skill learned. It increases your knowledge base and gives you experience you can share with other Soldiers.

THE GRIFFON • Fall 2010 • 35

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36 • THE GRIFFON • Fall 2010

Army Family heritage rich with service

By Spc. Seth Barham 2nd BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div.

FORT CARSON, Colo. — When retired Lt. Col. Peter Kaley raised his right hand to be commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1956, he unknowingly began a Family tradition of Army service in the Field Artillery Branch.

Six members of the Kaley Family—retired Lt. Col. Peter Kaley and his sons, Kevin, Shawn, Richard, David and Michael Kaley, chose to be

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leaders and experts in the science of fire support systems; commissioned field artillery officers.

On Jan. 4, Peter and his wife, Maura, watched their fourth son, David, become the fifth Kaley promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel.

David is the only son still on active duty and currently serves as the battalion executive officer of 3rd Battalion, 16th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.

When asked what it meant to see his son promoted and gain another lieutenant colonel in the Kaley Family, Peter said, “It makes me proud, very proud.” Although Peter served for 21 years and raised his boys around the military, he and his wife, Maura, said they never forced the military lifestyle on their children. Instead they let the boys choose for themselves.

“We heard about parents pushing their children into a certain career field, and we did not want to do that to our boys,” Pe-

Maura Kaley, mother of Lt. Col. David Kaley, executive officer, 3rd Battalion, 16th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, pins the rank of lieutenant colonel onto her son’s beret during a promotion ceremony Jan. 4. David is the fifth member of the Kaley Family to achieve the rank of lieutenant colonel. Six members of the Kaley Family – retired Lt. Col. Peter Kaley and his sons, Kevin, Shawn, Richard, David and Michael Kaley served as commissioned field artillery officers, building more than five decades of service to the Army and the nation. Photo courtesy of Leigh Anne Rambus.

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THE GRIFFON • Fall 2010 • 37 ter said.“We wanted them to make their own decisions and they did.”

The Kaley boys agreed with their father’s sentiments.

“Our father never pushed us into the military,” said Lt. Col. Kevin Kaley, commander, 1st Battalion, 355th Regiment, 1st Brigade, 95th Division (Institutional Training), U.S. Army Reserve.“Both he and mom provided guidance, discipline and inspiration, and let us do our own thing,” Lt. Col. Richard Kaley of the Rhode Island National Guard echoed his brother Kevin’s thoughts.

“Military life permeated everything … our school, neighborhood, friends, shopping, etc.; and it is a good lifestyle, surrounded by people that share the same values of Family, service to nation, and physical fitness,” he said.

In addition to all of the Kaleys serving as artillery officers, they were also commissioned through ROTC programs at their respective colleges.

Lt. Col. Shawn Kaley, executive officer, 4th Cavalry Brigade, First Army Division East, Fort Knox, Ky., said after he decided to join the ROTC program at Syracuse University, the rest of his career choices fell into place.

Shawn also emphasized that his father did not influence his decision to serve.

“Dad never encouraged, nor coerced us into joining the Army,” he said. Peter and Maura’s youngest son, former Capt. Michael Kaley, now works for a major computer company in Austin,Texas.

The Kaleys do not believe they are part of any sort of Army legacy;

The Kaley brothers, Lt. Col. Shawn Kaley, left, Capt. Michael Kaley, Lt. Col. Kevin Kaley, Lt. Col. Richard Kaley, and Lt. Col. David Kaley, pose for a holiday photo at Thanksgiving 1993 in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. Along with their father, retired Lt. Col. Peter Kaley, they were all commissioned as artillery officers in the Army. The Kaley Family – retired Lt. Col. Peter Kaley and sons, served as commissioned field artillery officers, building more than five decades of service to the Army and the nation. Photo courtesy of Maura Kaley.

however, they all say they are proud of what their Family has accomplished and continues to accomplish in service of their country.

“To have all of us become a part of that small percentage of Americans who serve our country is something special,” David said.“I take pride in what my Family has done, and how we have been able to be part of a bigger team.”

Returning with the brigade after completing a recent deployment to Iraq, Lt. Col. David Kaley is preparing to assume a new assignment as an instructor for a joint fires support team at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.

38 • THE GRIFFON • Fall 2010

Griffon Association honors Soldiers with awards, scholarships The 108th Training Division (IT), and now the 108th Training Command (IET), has always been supported by The Griffon Association.The Griffon Association is comprised of current and former members of the 108th who want to

keep in contact long after their official duties have ended. Historically, the Griffon Association also provided college scholarships for the children of members.The Griffon Association has gone through times of high membership and frequent

Membership Application 108th Griffon Association, Inc. Please send application for membership to:

The 108th Griffon Association, Inc.

PO Box 3348 Asheboro, NC 27204 Please include a check or money order for $10 or $108 for life membership (no cash please) payable to 108th Griffon Association, Inc. Please allow six to eight weeks for your *certificate to arrive at your mailing address.

Please share this information with anyone who is eligible.

PLEASE PRINT ALL INFORMATION CLEARLY! PLEASE PRINT ALL INFORMATION CLEARLY NEW APPLICATION

RENEWAL

LIFE TIME MEMBERSHIP $108.00

activity, but also through some peri- changes in the 108th and its misods of inactivity. sion.

Under the leadership of Maj. Gen. During future 108th Training (retired) Skip McCartney, the GrifCommand commander conferencfon Association is transforming into es, the Griffon Association may have a newer and more relevant organitheir annual meeting at the same lozation.The new Griffon Association cation so briefings and educational has a 12 member executive board seminars can be included utilizing and the Board of Directors believe the expertise of 108th active sera new and broader mission is need- vice members. ed for the Many retirees Griffon Asstated they missed sociation.The The next Griffon Association the camaraderie new mission of the military, of cookout will be held encompasses course, but also six areas of missed knowing Saturday October 16 at focus: social, how the 108th was professional being utilized as Reedy Creek Park updates, genan important force eral support, in our Nation’s dein Charlotte, N.C. family supfense. port, scholarGiven the numships, along with a subscription to ber of retirees in the association, “The Griffon�. there was is also a need for personThe Griffon Association will proal advice on how to navigate bumote opportunities for members to reaucratic systems such as pension gather and socialize in an informal services and Tricare. setting.The next Griffon AssociaFinally, all Griffon Association tion cookout will be held Saturday members will receive a subscripOctober 16 at Reedy Creek Park in tion to the 108th Training ComCharlotte, N.C.The 108th is no lonmands quarterly publication,“The ger a Carolinas centric command, Griffon�, as well as having their so as the association grows to inchildren eligible for college scholarcorporate members in other states, ships. one could expect for social events If you are interested in joining to occur in other regions of the the Griffon Association, please mail country with active memberships. the application included in this isOne of the needs most often exsue of The Griffon, or email Wallace pressed by retired members is the Holston at 108thGriffonAssociadesire to learn more about current tion@triadd.rr.com.

The 108th Griffon Association, Inc. Scholarship

A P P L I C A T I ON

Name:_______________________________________________________ Rank:_________________ /MR/MRS/MS/MISS (as you wish it to appear on your Certificate) (Optional) (Circle one)

Address:________________________________________________________________ Phone # (

_)____________________

Cell phone # (

)______________________

)

_____

Fax # (

City:_____________________________________________ State: ______Zip code______________

EMAIL ADDRESS___________________________________________________________________________________________ (Please Print Clearly)

Name____________________________________________________________________ SSN ___________________________ Date of Birth______________ Male Female (circle one) Address_________________________________________________________________ Telephone ____________________email address _______________________________ High School____________________________________ Graduation Date_____________ Address_____________________________________________________________

Current or last Unit of assignment:_______________________________________________________________________

College or Technical School Attending____________________________________ Address ____________________________________________________________

Date of service with the 108th Division: From: _____________________To:__________________________ (MMYY) (MMYY)

th

Name of Parent (Member of 108 Command Group)_____________________________ Address of Parent_____________________________________________________

I am willing to serve on a committee or other Association Function: YES____ NO____ I AM WILLING TO DIRECTLY SERVE WITH THE DIVISION’S FAMILY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: YES___ NO___ I would like to receive the 108th Griffon Newspaper: YES_____NO____

I wish to donate the following tax deductible amount: _$___________

Signature _________________________________________ Date of Application__________________________________ Please attach cover letter, copy of transcript and three letters of recommendation.

Extracurricular activities may be listed on the back of the application or within the cover letter. Applications must be received by August 1, 2010 for the 2010-2011 academic year.

ON A SEPARATE SHEET PLEASE ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS AND ATTACH TO THIS APPLICATION:

# &%+ " ! &%+ " (()+

'*'%)

1.

What are your educational goals?

2.

In today’s society, what do you consider to be the characteristics of a good role model?

Who has been a role model in your life?

$$

$

.

Mail to:

th

The 108 Griffon Association, Inc., PO Box 3348, Asheboro, NC 27204

THE GRIFFON • Fall 2010 • 39

108th Soldier named TRADOC’s Reserve Drill Sergeant of the Year

By Chris Rasmussen Fort Jackson Leader

FORT JACKSON, SC — Fort Jackson Staff Sgt. Melissa Solomon recently won the title of Army Reserve Drill Sergeant of Year following a weeklong series of physically and mentally challenging tests.

Solomon, who is a drill sergeant leader at the 108th Training Command’s Reserve Drill Sergeant School, said she was completely surprised when it was announced she had won the Reserve competition.

“It was a very trying week,” she said.“I didn’t think I had won. Everyone there was a great competitor.”

Eight drill sergeants — five active duty and three Reserve drill sergeants representing each Basic Combat Training installation — went head-to-head June 12-19 at Fort Eustis and Fort Monroe, Va. to determine the Army’s top active duty and Reserve drill sergeant.

Competitors were tested on marksmanship on various weapon systems, physical fitness, battle drills and warrior tasks, land navigation, urban orienteering and their ability to counsel new Soldiers.

“You never knew what you were being evaluated on,” Solomon said.

“The toughest part was not knowing what would happen next. Everything was kept secret from us.”

One night during the competition, drill sergeants were wakened at 3 a.m. and sent on a 30-mile road march before taking a physical training test.

“It was tough taking a PT test with blisters and a worn-out back from marching 30 miles with a full ruck sack,” she said.“You have to push yourself to the limit.”

Competitors also took seven written exams, wrote four essays and stood before a review board.

Solomon, who was presented with the Meritorious Service Medal, will receive the Ralph Haines Jr. Award at the Pentagon at a later date. Haines was the commander of the Continental Army, which is the predecessor of TRADOC. In addition to awards, numerous gifts and gift certificates, the Fort Jackson-based drill sergeant will spend a year at TRADOC serving as a liaison between drill sergeants and Initial Entry Training commanders.

Solomon, of Tallahassee, Fla., will travel to all IET installations to observe training and make sure it is being conducted to standard. She said she was looking forward to traveling and seeing how all the other IET installations function.

“I will have the influence to add or take away battle drills. Everything I complained about on the trail I can now have an influence on,” Solomon said.“When I move up to TRADOC, I will see the big picture of what the Army is trying to

accomplish.”

Command Sgt. Maj.Travis Williams, commandant of the 108th Training Command’s USAR Drill Sergeant School, said he wasn’t surprised Solomon won the competition.

“She always gives 100 percent,”Williams said.“When you think of Army Values, she represents every one of them. We knew she put in a lot of hard work, and we’re excited about how well she did. We expected her to represent us well, and she did.”

Solomon said the most enjoyable part of the competition was talking and interacting with the Army’s best of the best. (see Reserve Drill Sergeant 42)

Staff Sgt. Melissa Solomon, with the 108th Training Division, focuses on completing the Army Physical Fitness Test during this year’s Drill Sergeant of the Year competition. Courtesy Photo by Sgt. Angelica Golindano, TRADOC.

40 • THE GRIFFON • Fall 2010

95th Division Soldiers honored for roadside rescue

By Spc. Joshua Flowers 95th Training Division (IET) Public Affairs

Staff Sgt. Catherine Gallegos (left) and Sgt. Jenna Carty (right) display their citations from Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry. The two soldiers rescued a stranded motorist last March after the civilian had hit a patch of ice and wrecked her vehicle.

Photo by Spc. Joshua Flowers, 75th Training Division (IET) Public Affairs.

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With all the great work that Soldiers are doing overseas, it’s often easy to overlook the contributions they are making here at home.

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On March 20, 2010, during what was one of Oklahoma’s worst winters on record, reserve Soldiers Staff Sgt. Catherine Gallegos and Sgt. Jenna Carty, both of the 95th Training Division’s G3 section, braved the icy roads and rescued an injured motorist on their way to battle assembly in Oklahoma City.

“These two fine Soldiers epitomize selfless service in the truest form,” 95th Training Division Headquarters Commander Maj. Lora Neal said. “Both stopped to help this motorist without regard to their own comfort or busy schedule and I am so proud of them as Soldiers and admire them as human beings.”

For their efforts, both sergeants received a host of awards including a Commander’s Coin from former 108th Commanding General Maj. Gen. James Mallory III, a citation from Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry and an Army Achievement

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THE GRIFFON • Fall 2010 • 41

Staff Sgt. Catherine Gallegos receives the Army Achievement Medal from 95th Training Division (IET) Commanding General Brig. Gen. Roger Duff for aiding a stranded motorist last March. Photo by Spc. Joshua Flowers, 75th Training Division (IET) Public Affairs.

Medal.

“It was really slick outside that day,” Carty said. “I hit a patch of ice [on the road] and slid about 30 feet and nearly went into the ditch myself!”

That’s when she noticed a black vehicle overturned in the ditch line.

Seeing that the driver’s headlights were still on, she stopped her truck and investigated. When she came alongside the vehicle, Carty found a woman trapped inside pleading for help. Along with a civilian samaritan, they were able to free the woman from the wreck by pulling her out through the vehicle’s sunroof.

Gallegos came upon the accident shortly thereafter and assisted Carty with caring for the injured woman until an ambulance arrived. Noticeably rattled from the wreck and complaining of head and neck pain, the woman’s condition worried the two Soldiers. After waiting for more than an hour for help to arrive, Gallegos decided to personally take the woman to a nearby hospital.

The woman never personally identified herself to either of the Soldiers and was unavailable for comment.

Despite the treacherous road conditions and other dangers involved, Carty said it was her own personal experience that compelled her to stop and investigate the wreck.

“I just had a bad feeling about it,” she said. “I was in an accident once and was knocked out for over an hour before somebody ever stopped to help me, so I had to make sure there wasn’t anyone still inside [the vehicle].”

Sgt. Jenna Carty was awarded the Army Achievement Medal by 95th Training Division (IET) Commanding General Brig. Gen. Roger Duff for rescuing a civilian from an overturned vehicle last March. Photo by Spc. Joshua Flowers, 75th Training Division (IET) Public Affairs.

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42 • THE GRIFFON • Fall 2010

Do you want to be a Unit Public Affairs Representative?

As the 108th Training Command (IET) continues to grow, it will be difficult for the Public Affairs Staff to visit each brigade, battalion and company to cover news events.

Public Affairs is the responsibility of commanders and Soldiers alike.The PAO is kicking off the Unit Public Affairs Program (UPAR), which will allow any Soldier to be the additional eyes and ears for your unit and the PAO. By volunteering you will assume the duties of UPAR as an additional duty. The Public Affairs Office will hold training sessions and workshops during battle assembly (BA) to meet, train, and certify you as an UPAR.

Do you enjoy taking pictures?

You can be the historian for your unit. As a Unit Public Affairs Representative (UPAR) you will take

pictures of newsworthy events and submit them along with stories to the 108th Training Command PAO for review and possible submission in the 108th Training Command publication,“The Griffon” and 108th Training Command Website.

Do you enjoy writing?

You can report the news as it occurs at your unit training events, SRP, deployments, or Family day activities.

Are You? • Familiar with your organization • Independent and dependable • Able to communicate well • Well organized

Are you able to?

• Maintain a bulletin board with command information items.

• Publicize unit participation in community projects or activities.

• Serve as the public affairs point of contact for your unit.

• Maintain contact with the 108th Training Command (IET) Public Affairs Office • Keep your commander advised of your activities.

Are you ready?

Contact Sgt. 1st Class Marty Collins at marty.a.collins@usar.army. mil or Lt. Col. Chris Black at Christopher.black@usar. army.mil or phone 704227-2820 ext. 4087 for more information.

Reserve Drill Sergeant of the Year (Continued from page 39)

Staff Sgt. Melissa Solomon will spend a year at TRADOC serving as a liaison between drill sergeants and Initial Entry Training commanders. Photo Credit: File photo.

“Just to see and talk about how they trained Soldiers was a very rewarding experience,” she said.

Before returning to Fort Jackson last week, Solomon received a fourday pass to visit her mother who, she said, is a fan.

“My mom is my biggest supporter,” she said.“I am not sure she knew what I had to endure. But once she ... read about it she had a better understanding of what I had to go through.”

Solomon, who was born in Milwaukee, Wis., completed her Basic Combat Training at Fort Jackson in 2002 and her Advanced Individual Training at Fort Gordon, Ga., which included health care specialist and licensed practical nurse training.

“My ultimate goal is to finish my master’s and teach nursing,” she said.“I have always loved teaching and training people.”

THE GRIFFON • Fall 2010 • 43

Chaplains Corner...

By Cpt. (Chaplain) Jameson M. Williams 108th Training Command (IET)

When I think back to my years at Hancock County High School, in Hancock Ky., my mind goes back to those long trips in the school bus to basketball games.The players would all sit in the back and the cheerleaders in the front of the yellow transport. I was neither. I can’t shoot a basketball to save my life and, well, male cheerleaders were not yet en vogue at my high school.

I was the one and only mascot.

I tried out for the job and was given the honor of playing the part of the HCHS Hornet. I was red and gray and had a tail with a pointed arrow at the end. From the inside

it was dark and smelled of games gone by.The tail was the favorite target of the young people to use guerrilla tactics to attempt to remove. My favorite trick was to run at full speed across the gym floor and slide as far as I could on my belly. I was good at playing the character of the hornet and played the role for all four years of high school. I had the energy and the charisma to energize the crowd. I found that I had the courage to play that role well when people could not see my face. I was acting the part. That was not me that was the hornet doing those things.

Integrity can be defined as doing the right thing even when no one is watching. I think back to my mascot days and I consider whether or

not I could have done that if the world knew who I was. Integrity challenges us to be consistent in all situations.

We in the Army deal with this issue on the value level. Integrity is one of our core values that drives what we do and who we are. Integrity is defined as doing what is right in the legal and moral senses. Doing the right thing when we face personal cost is hard. It is rare that one can be found that will do the right thing in secret and at great personal cost. As Citizen Soldiers, we are called to integrity in the tasks we undertake both as civilians and as Soldiers. We are not to wear the green suit for a weekend a month and abandon all of the values when our dog tags are removed.

Proverbs tells us,“Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is crooked in his ways.” Confucius says,“The strength of a nation derives from the integrity of the home.”

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46 • THE GRIFFON • Fall 2010

“Duty, Honor, Country”

Soldiers receive General Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award

By Capt. Jennifer K. Cotten 95th Training Division, Public Affairs Officer

Capt. Igor V. Dubinsky, 3/334, 4th Brigade and Capt. Aaron L. Hoffman, HQ, 2d Brigade, were among 28 soldiers honored at the 23rd Annual

General Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award ceremony on May 6 at the Pentagon.

The award program began in 1987 and was designed to promote effective junior leadership in the

Army. Company grade officers are selected based on how well they embody the words that Gen. Douglas MacArthur spoke in a speech to cadets of West Point on May 12, 1962:

“Duty, Honor, Country:Those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, what you will be.

They are your rallying points: to (see MacArthur Award 48)

The winners of the 23rd Annual General Douglas MacArthur Leadership award pose with Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. George W. Casey Jr., center, and Dr. Juan Montero from the General Douglas MacArthur Foundation, Norfolk, Virginia, May 6, at the Pentagon. Recipients included 14 active-duty, seven Army Reserve, and seven National Guard officers. Each received an engraved 15-pound bronze bust of MacArthur. Courtesy Photo by Alexandra Hemmerly-Brown.

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build courage when courage seems to fail; to regain faith when there seems to be little cause for faith; to create hope when hope becomes forlorn.”

Dubinsky, who is mobilized with the 75th Ranger Regiment in Fort Benning, Ga., said,“It is a great honor to receive this very prestigious award and be a part of the tradition that Gen. Douglas MacArthur stood for.” He was nominated by his battalion commander, Lt. Col. Richard Brownrigg.

A large contingency of Dubinsky’s family and friends descended on D.C. for the ceremony. According to Igor’s mother, Larisa Dubinsky, he joined the Reserve after law school because of his patriotism.

“We love him so much. It’s an indescribable feeling what he brings to the family,” Ms. Dubinsky said.

“He is so patriotic, so smart and never brags about what he has achieved.”

Hoffman, an 18 year veteran of the Reserve, serves as the assistant S3 for 2d Brigade and was nominated by his Brigade Commander, Col. William Snyder. Hoffman said,“It is a big honor and I feel honored to be a recipient.”

Hoffman recognizes the huge roll played by drill sergeants and the importance of engaging soldiers.

He states that if drill sergeants strive to provide the best possible training then young Soldiers and ultimately the Army as a whole will be the beneficiary.

“I looked at the list and there are not a lot of people who receive this award,” Hoffman remarked.

In fact, only 13 officers and one warrant officer from the Active Army; six officers and one warrant officer from the Guard; and six officers and one warrant officer from the Reserve are fortunate enough to receive this award annually.

Hoffman was very excited to have his son, Luke, make the trip with him.

“I can’t wait to see how big the award is,” Luke exclaimed.

Recipients are given an engraved 15-pound bronze bust of Gen. Douglas MacArthur complete with its own carrying case.

The events are coordinated by the Army G1 and the MacArthur Memorial Foundation and include a reception, tour of the Pentagon and award ceremony.

Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. George W. Casey Jr. and Dr. Juan Montero of the General Douglas MacArthur Foundation presented the awards.

Gen. Casey lauded the Soldiers for their commitment to leadership and esprit de corps, but it is only fitting that MacArthur should have the final word.

“Yours is the profession of arms, the will to win, the sure knowledge that in war there is no substitute for victory, that if you lose, the Nation will be destroyed, that the very obsession of your public service must be Duty, Honor, Country.”

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THE GRIFFON • Fall 2010 • 49

G-1 Warrant Officer Career Opportunities for 920A, Property Accounting Technician and 420A Human Resources Technician

By Maj. Peggy McManus, G1 108th Training Command (IET) and Chief Warrant Officer Karen Kay 108th Training Command (IET)

On 1 October 2009, the 108th Training Command (IET) converted fifty four (01A00) Branch Immaterial Captain positions to Warrant Officer, 920A, Property Accountability Technician positions. On 16 October 2010, the Command will convert fifty five Captain positions to Warrant Officer 420A, Human Resource Technician positions. The conversion facilitates the Army Reserve’s shortage of Captains, provides an opportunity to grow the Warrant Officer ranks and has the potential to break up the bottleneck in the enlisted promotion system.

The Warrant Officer Rank is a small, elite group that makes up only 2% of the Army and only 15% of the Officer Rank. Some of the career advantages of joining the Warrant Officer Ranks is better pay and retirement, faster promotion

potential, technical training and education, extended career path, and challenging assignments.

Based on the January 2010 Pay Scale, the base pay comparison between a SSG and WO2 with 10 years’ time in service is $1007. Between SSG and CW3 with 16 years of service the difference is $1101.

Between MSG and CW4 with 20 years of service the difference is $1477. The retirement pay comparison between CW3 and SFC with 20 years of service is 50%; between

A comparison of promotion potential puts the Warrant Officer Rank well in the lead. Promotion potential is 28.7% to SFC, 8.7% to 1SG/MSG and 7.9% to SGM/CSM compared to 99% to CW2, 93% to CW3 and 94% to CW4.

Where to Start First, a Warrant Officer applicant must have experience in the enlisted feeder Military Occupational Specialty (MOS). The enlisted feeder MOS for 920A, Property Ac-

Soldier’s

Gold Mine Nuggets to keep you informed

CW4 and MSG with 24 years of service the difference is 60%; and between CW5 and SGM with 30 years of service the difference is 75%.

counting Technician, is either 92Y or 68J. The enlisted feeder MOS for 420A, Human Resources Technician is 42A/42F.

Second, a Warrant Officer applicant must meet seven administrative requirements. The seven administrative requirements are: 1. Must be a US Citizen.

2. Must have a General Technical (GT) score of 110 or higher (No waivers).

3. Must be a high school graduate or have a GED (No waivers).

4. Must have a Secret security clearance (interim Secret is acceptable to apply).

5. Must pass the standard 3-event Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) and meet height/ weight standards. (Applicants requiring the APFT waiver must have a profile and physical dated within 12 months of application submission.)

6. Must pass the appointment physical for technicians 7. Must have 12 months remaining on their enlistment contract.

Third, the applicant must meet the minimum prerequisite requirements for the Warrant Officer MOS for which they will apply.

The minimum prerequisite requirements for 920A, Property Accounting Technician, are: • Must be SGT or above.

• Must submit copies of ALL (see Nuggets page 50)

50 • THE GRIFFON • Fall 2010

Nuggets (Continued from page 49)

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NCOERs.The preponderance of the NCOERs must reflect outstanding and exceptional duty performance ratings noted with “among the best” ratings by the Rater and “successful” and “superior” ratings by the Senior Rater.

• Must possess six semester hours of composition-based English (Grade of C or better) from an accredited institution of higher learning. Successful completion of the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) in English Composition or Freshman College Composition is acceptable. A memorandum signed by an Army Education Center official which certifies that the college or university is an Army accredited institution of higher learning is required.

• Must possess a minimum of five most recent years documented experience in MOS 92Y or 68J. Civilian experience related to MOS 92Y will be taken into consideration.

• Must possess a Letter of Recommendation from a Senior Property Accounting Technician that attests to your technical and tactical competence in MOS 92Y or 68J. The minimum prerequisite requirements for 420A, Human Resources Technician, are: • Must be SGT or above.

• Must be a BNCOC Graduate.

• Must have a Primary MOS (PMOS) of 42A/F. Applicants that can show Army human resource experience without award of the required feeder MOS must submit strong unit justification as to why applicant has not or cannot be awarded feeder MOS. Consideration will be given to Full-time Unit Technicians (GS/AGR) applicants with at least 5 years of outstanding documented and eval-

uated Human Resource (HR) experience. Copies of evaluations documenting HR experience must be submitted.

• Must possess a minimum of four (4) years operational experience, of which 18 months specifies leadership experience supervising Soldiers in Human Resource operations that are documented on NCOERs. Practical experience acquired from military/civilian positions may be substituted provided the experience is documented by employee evaluations and determined to be equivalent to military experience. A portion of practical experience requirement may be waived for applicants who have a degree in Human Resource Management or Business Administration from an accredited academic institution. Credit can be granted as follows: A Bachelor degree may offset up to 1 years of practical experience; A Master degree may offset up to 2 years of practical experience. The applicant’s grade point average (GPA) must be at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale to qualify for experience substitution and must be indicated on school transcript.

• Must submit no less than five (5) NCOERs that reflect outstanding duty performance ratings in HR operations. Outstanding duty performance is considered as exceeding the standard (Excellence) and is rated by the rater (Part V.a) as ‘Among the Best’ with exceptionally strong remarks by the Senior Rater - not merely fully capable performance.

• Must have a minimum of 30 semester hours from an accredited academic institution which includes at least six (6) semester hours of college level English.

• Must submit a request for APFT (three-event) waiver must be submitted when applicant performs less than all three (3)

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THE GRIFFON • Fall 2010 • 51 PT events. A copy of a current DA Form 5500 must also be submitted when the applicant does not meet weight requirements.

Comments from CW5 Candis R. Martin, RC QM Warrant Officer Proponent, Office of the Quartermaster General “Our goal is to provide the Army with the most technically competent and professionally motivated Quartermaster Warrant Officer Corps. To achieve this, our responsibility is to encourage and recruit from our ranks, those mid-career NCOs who have demonstrated that they are a cut above their contemporaries and have the potential to meet the demanding challenges of serving as a Quartermaster Warrant Officer.

“Common trends we see in WO accession packets that fall short of the Quartermaster prerequisites include: 1.The lack of experience. At Quartermaster we require “must possess five most recent years documented experience in the feeder MOS for which the soldier is applying.” This week alone, I had two packets were the soldiers had less than 24 months working within the feeder MOS. Advice I am ready to offer to any potential applicant is -- a Warrant Officer is (and becomes) the technical

expert at what we know and do......not what we want to become. In other words....if you are working as an MP NCO, I suggest you become the best MP NCO you can, or cross over to a QM MOS and expand on that experience.

2.The lack of quality NCOERs. If you refer back to the QM Goal -- we look for the “cut above”.

We do not lower our standards to meet our objectives. More than a year ago, we (collectively a team of QM WO SMEs along with the QM General) rewrote our prerequisites. We took out the word “waiver”. I certainly understand there are some circumstances whereby a waiver is necessary and required, however, the word waiver should be by exception and not the norm.

3. Composition-based English.

We understand that the Warrant Officer is required to effectively communicate in order to effectively become that technical expert. We require six semester hours of composition-based English (Grade of C or better) for all of our QM WO MOSs. A college transcript from an accredited university/college is required as proof that the college course was actually

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Nuggets (Continued from page 51)

in the form of classroom and not credit granted from work/ life experience. Additionally, we will accept successful completion of the College Level Examination Program (CLEP).

“Thanks to the 108th Training Command team for their efforts in Warrant Officer recruiting!”

Comments from Scott B. Hagar, CW5,

AG, Chief Warrant Officer of the AG Corps “As with every branch, the AG Corps goal is to provide the Army with the most technical and tactically competent AG Warrant Officers. In order to ensure we meet that goal, we aggressively recruit from the mid-grade/career NCO ranks—NCOs that have demonstrated that they are “3 percenters.” What I mean by this is that historically, only three percent of the enlisted force will ever achieve two things and those are the ranks

of SGM/CSM or accession into the Warrant Officer Corps. This demands that we scrutinize and analyze every application to ensure that only those with the potential to meet the rigorous requirements and challenges today’s AG Warrant Officers face on a daily basis.”

For more information about the exciting and challenging career as a Warrant Officer and about how to submit a Warrant Officer Application packet, visit the US Army Recruiting Command – Warrant Of-

ficer Recruiting Information site at: http://www.usarec.army.mil/hq/ warrant/index.htm.

108th Training Command (IET) 920A Vacancies Unit 0323 REGT 4 BN (-) 0518 REGT 4 BN (TS) HQ (-) 0379 REGT 2 BN (TS) (-) 0415 REGT 1 BN (BCT) (-) 0413 REGT 2 BN (BCT) (-) 0415 REGT 2 BN (BCT) (-) 0417 REGT 2 BN (BCT) (-) 0321 REGT 2 BN (BCT) HHD 0098 TNG DIV 1 BDE HQ (IET) 0323 REGT 3 BN (BCT) (-) 0334 REGT 2 BN (BCT) (-) 0330 REGT 2 BN (IN OSUT) (-) 0329 REGT 1 BN (IN OSUT) (-) 0330 REGT 1 BN (IN OSUT) (-) 0095 TNG DIV (IET) 3 BDE 0397 REGT 2 BN (BCT) (-) 0397 REGT 3 BN (CAV) (-) 0398 REGT 2 BN (AR) (-) 0398 REGT 3 BN (BCT) (-) 0378 REGT 2 BN (BCT) (-) 0378 REGT 1 BN (BCT) (-) 0318 REGT 3 BN (MP/OSUT) (-) 0330 REGT 3 BN (IN OSUT) (-) 0323 REGT 2 BN (BCT) (-) 0518 REGT 1 BN (BCT) (-) 0518 REGT 3 BN (BCT) (-) 0108 TRAINING COMMAND (IET) 0377 REGT 2 BN (-) 0417 REGT 1 BN (BCT) (-) 0385 REGT 3 BN (BCT) (-) 0389 REGT 1 BN (BCT) (-) 0389 REGT 2 BN (BCT) (-) 0390 REGT 1 BN (EN OSUT) (-) 0354 REGT 1 BN (BCT) (-) 0414 REGT 1 BN (BCT) (-) 0321 REGT 1 BN(BCT/IN OSUT)(-) 0321 REGT 3 BN (TS) (-) 0354 REGT 2 BN (BCT) HQ (-) 0355 REGT 1 BN (-) 0414 REGT 2 BN (BCT) (-) 0317 REGT 1 BN (BCT) (-) 0317 REGT 2 BN (BCT) (-) 0320 REGT 1 BN (BCT) (-) 0095 TNG DIV 2 BDE HQ (IET) 0354 REGT 3 BN (TS) (-) 0415 REGT 3 BN (BCT) (-) 0334 REGT 3 BN (BCT) 0339 REGT 3 BN (BCT)

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THE GRIFFON • Fall 2010 • 53

G-2 Do you need a Security Clearance?

Many Soldiers are unsure if they are required to have a Security Clearance. It is the policy of the 108th Training Command that every Soldier SFC and above hold at least a Secret clearance. Soldiers can check to see if their MOS(s) require a Security Clearance by going into 2X Citizen and pulling up their record. There will be a box on the right that will list the Primary, Secondary and Additional MOS(s) the Soldier holds and if there is a Security Clearance required. The Soldier’s current Security Clearance will be in the center of the screen in the Retention/Readiness area. If you need a Security Clearance or have questions, contact your unit Security Manager.

G-4 The Army will place the new Army Service Uniform (ASU) items in the Soldier’s clothing bag for initial entry Soldiers in 4th Quarter, FY 2010. The mandatory possession date for the new ASU items is 4th Quarter, FY 14. The ASU items will be available to Army Reserve Soldier through KYLOC in calendar year 2014.

G-6 What’s the latest buzz?

Defense Connect Online (DCO) is being used for web conferencing and information sharing all across the 108th Training Command.

What is DCO? Defense Connect Online is DISA’s latest online e-collaboration tool. It is a personal web communication tool that enables you to have real-time, online meetings whenever you want. It also integrates the ability to share and annotate your screen (including selected documents and presentations), conduct a phone conference and broadcast live video from your web camera for efficient and productive online meetings.

DCO provides you with a personal online meeting room in which up to 15 people (including the host) can collaborate via the web in real time. Meeting rooms allow you to share your computer screen, use text chat, broadcast live video and review meeting notes.

Anybody can set up a web conferencing session by scheduling a meeting online and sending the session details to the attendees.

Sessions can be scheduled well in advance or on short notice.

What are the system requirements? Many network factors affect the performance of the DCO applications. Each attendee can choose My Connection Speed from the Meeting menu and select one of the following: Modem (dial-up), DSL/Cable or LAN. To take part in a

meeting you must have the following: a browser (Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Netscape Navigator, etc.), the Adobe Flash Player plug-in, the Adobe Connect browser add-in, and an Internet connection. The Connect Add-in can be obtained during a meeting when you attempt to use a capability that requires it, or it can be downloaded in advance (recommended) from https://connect.dco.dod.mil/ common/help/en/support/addindownload.htm. DCO works with the current version of most popular operating systems (see the web site for the most current versions).

Where do I sign up? https:// www.dco.dod.mil. All new users to DCO have to register to gain access.

Registration requires a DoD-issued Common Access Card (CAC) and a personal computer with the proper system configurations. Users are advised to run a diagnostic check, well in advance of the first meeting, to make sure their PC is properly configured.

Where can I find training? Training for DCO can be found on their website. Users have the option of taking the training using their OnDemand Training or the Live Training. When you register you will receive an email stating when the next Live Training is scheduled. The main difference is that the On-Demand Training is self paced.

What are some features of DCO? DCO has user resources and technical support, Instant Messaging, Web Conferencing and Chat Rooms. • The user resources section is devoted to assisting users to navigate their way through DCO features. It includes the

DCO quick reference guide, frequently asked questions, downloads and plugins, live train-

ing and the DCO Community Forum. (see Nuggets page 54)

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Nuggets (Continued from page 53)

• Instant Messaging (IM) allows users to connect online with colleagues swiftly with an electronic message that pops up directly on their computer screen. The IM capability streamlines electronic communication in live chat session that is quick and efficient.

• Web Conferencing allows users to view or search for meet-

ings and use computer audio and visual capabilities, such as microphones and web cams, so they can meet face-to-face in real-time. Users can designate a meeting chair and assign hierarchical access controls, use slides and files during the meeting and send certain types of files (PowerPoint slides, photos, Adobe PDF’s or general Flash content) to meeting participants. It also provides a whiteboard capability for a more vi-

sual collaboration session.

• The Chat rooms bring instant communication to the edge, allowing large organizations, directorates, small groups, or even just two people to quickly discuss a variety of issues, topics and or project requirements through a dialogue that can be saved and archived.

Well, that’s DCO in a nutshell.

It’s proving to be a great collaboration tool that is connecting soldiers throughout our nation-wide com-

mand, but don’t just take our word for it. Here’s the site, https://www. dco.dod.mil. Sign up and give it a try.

Family Programs

By Erin Schaeffer Family Programs Assistant, 108th Training Command (IET)

As a Family Programs Assistant for the 108th Training Command (IET), I would like to make our Families aware of activities within Family Programs including the Family Data Soldier Worksheet; what it is, why it is important, and what it can do for our Families.

The 108th Training Command Family Programs held their first Chain of Command Training in Dallas,Texas August 8-10.The Chain of Command Training is used to increase unit’s leadership awareness of Army Reserve Family Programs.

The training included teams that consisted of the unit Commander, the Command Sgt. Maj. the Family Readiness Leader and the Family Readiness Group Leaders. For information on future Family Program training events to include training for volunteers, please visit the 108th Family Program Page in AKO at https://www.us.army.mil/suite/ page/633833.

If you wish to get involved as a volunteer or to find out about resources available to you please

THE GRIFFON • Fall 2010 • 55 contact the Family Programs office at your unit. For the 98th Training Division, please contact Diane Johnson at 716-633-8461 x 268 or Juanita Johnson at 540-982-1412 x 1044; for the 95th Training Division please contact Paddee Muncy at 580-355-5500 x225; for the 104th Training Division, please contact Jane Neuharth at 255-966-5875.

All Soldiers: Please ensure that all 108th Training Command Soldiers have filled out the Family Data Worksheet in AKO (formerly USAR Form 107-R). To access the Family Data Soldier Worksheet in AKO please go to https://www.us.army. mil/suite/page/633833.This is a vital resource for the Family Programs office, as the information provided on each Soldiers worksheet is utilized to assist Families of mobilized Soldiers in times of need. We also use this information to keep in touch with the deployed Soldier’s Families, ensure the Families know we are here to help them and answer any questions. Please keep the USAR411 Fort Family crisis call number available 24/7/365 (1-866-345-8248). You can also contact USAR411 Fort Family with general questions and help via email at help@fortfamily.org or visit the website at www.USAR411.org. https://safety.army.mil and check out the New POV/POM Toolbox.

Internal Review Got Missing Equipment?

It’s no secret that the Army has many internal controls in place to mitigate risks to the organization. Virtually every Army Regulation has specific guidance and/ or checklists on how to assess the organizations internal controls. The various ARs governing business in each area establishes comprehensive requirements for management actions relating to internal controls.

The guidance on internal controls is an environment for managers to provide reasonable assurance that internal controls are in place to prevent fraud, waste and abuse in the administration of programs. In fact, it is a requirement IAW AR 11-2 that commanders assess their unit’s programs to determine if adequate internal controls are in place and working. Additionally, commanders must annually report results of these “tests” through their chain to the Commanding General.

So, you ask “what’s the point”?

The point is that we oftentimes wonder, how equipment suddenly becomes missing. How can we be missing something when controls are defined to help us keep from losing? How many times have we heard “it was here yesterday”? But yet we cannot help asking,“did you check yesterday”? In most cases, controls were defined, but not in place. Internal controls certainly cannot make an organization successful, but the lack of controls can

be, and commonly is, the cause of an organizations failure.

Commanders and managers have always been aware of the reality of the above statement. The Army certainly has formalized their interest in the Army internal control framework by issuing specific guidelines for commanders to follow. As a result, examination emphasis on controls is increasing at an accelerated pace. If you haven’t already you will soon see regulatory criticism on the lack of control emphasis in your policies and procedures. Overall responsibility for the internal control framework within an organization rests with managers. However, it’s the commanders responsible for setting up the workflows who put the proper controls in the right places for each workflow. This of course means understanding the potential risks involved in the various activities of their command and then installing the proper and necessary controls.

Controls throughout the Command and in every section need to be installed, reviewed and tested on an annual basis IAW AR 11-2. Setting up a workflow with the proper controls is only the first step. As time passes turnover and lack of follow up tend to weaken controls or they disappear entirely without the knowledge of the Commanders or supervisors responsible. Written procedures alone do not guarantee that the controls continue to operate as intended. It takes follow up, monitoring and testing (auditing).

Commanders and supervisors take notice; things may not be being

done the way you think they are.

Don’t wait for the examination, audit or the loss of equipment to find

out. Remember, what gets checked, gets done.

56 • THE GRIFFON • Fall 2010

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We Support Your Patriotism

Inside This Issue 57 AMSCUS 58 Faith-Based Education 60 MyCAA 61 Career Moves 63 Homeschool Options 66 Travel the USA

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Culver Military: Educating and training teens for leadership since 1894

By Doug Haberland Communications Office Steeped in a heritage that dates back 116 years, Culver Military Academy is a progressive collegepreparatory boarding school that uses the military model to educate and train high school boys in practical leadership. While maintaining its focus on academic, athletic, and extracurricular excellence, CMA integrates hands-on leadership with every campus endeavor. Like Culver Girls Academy, its female counterpart, CMA empowers its students with unparalleled responsibility and authority to help execute the mission of the school and develop leaders of character. While the similarities with the nation’s service academies are striking, our graduates largely pursue civilian careers.

Culver’s military system prepares boys for success by teaching principles of leadership – integrity, discipline, manners, respect – and the classical virtues of wisdom, courage, moderation, and justice. And it develops the traits and characteristics necessary to become a successful person – self-confidence, discipline, commitment, responsibility, ethical behavior, and hard work. All incoming cadets participate in the New Cadet System, a one-year program designed to develop students into capable members of the Corps of Cadets through a structured regimen of duties and responsibilities.

Located in Culver, Ind., on the state’s second-largest natural lake, Culver Military Academy and Culver Girls Academy comprise Culver Academies. While the leadership opportunities are respective to each school, young men and women share the advantages of a co-educational program in most areas of school life, including academ-

ics, athletics, spirituality, and the fine arts.

The Academies have an annual enrollment of about 800 students (450 cadets and 350 girls) representing annually about 40 states and 25 countries.From its inception in 1894, Culver Military Academy has remained committed to the education of the whole person.The traditions and rich history of Culver continue to influence how the leadership system and education in the classical virtues are taught today. When it was first introduced, the leadership system, which was based on a military model, was in place to prepare the young men of Culver to serve their country.

While it is still effective in providing skills for those graduates who wish to pursue a career in the military, it more aptly provides essential and valuable leadership lessons for students who will go on to more traditional careers within our increasingly global community. Responsibility, accountability, service and teamwork are all bedrocks of a Culver education that will benefit each graduate in everyday life, no matter what path he/she chooses.

Many leadership positions are available to CMA cadets within the barracks. Each barrack houses a battalion or segment of a battalion, each with its own unique history, identity, and personality. Infantry, Artillery, and Squadron compose the three battalions within CMA, and each battalion is divided into specific units. Company A, B, and C make up the Infantry, and Battery A, B, and C are within the Artillery, while the Squadron is divided up of Troop A,Troop B, and the Band.

All staff members – including several who are retired military – of CMA strive to serve as positive role

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models for the cadets, choosing to embrace and embody the Culver mission. In the classrooms, on the athletic fields, and in the barracks, the faculty and staff challenge the young men of Culver to be responsible leaders and embrace every opportunity to develop mind, body, and spirit.

In addition to a nationally recognized program in academics and leadership, Culver Academies have developed a number of distinct programs and opportunities that enhance a student’s opportunity to excel at college and in a career.

Among these are: •The Global Studies Institute provides an unprecedented opportunity to communicate across cultures and oceans with thinkers, scholars, and leaders.The GSI also has an exchange program in China with the Shanghai Foreign Language School.

•Through the interaction with successful entrepreneurs, field trips, and challenging competitions, students involved with The School for the Entrepreneur gain a deeper understanding of creativity and innovation in the marketplace and an appreciation for the entrepreneurial spirit.

•Since 1897, Equitation has

played an integral role in the Culver program, providing a distinguished tradition through a unique educational opportunity. With more than 90 horses, Culver offers comprehensive instruction in beginning, intermediate, and advanced equitation, as well as in horse training and stable management. Polo, rough riding, and jumping are available in the newly renovated Vaughn Equestrian Center. CMA’s Black Horse Troop has appeared in 15 Presidential Inaugural Parades and the Equestriennes (the CGA equivalent) in six.

Extracurricular opportunities at the Academies include more than 40 clubs and organizations, and more than a dozen instrumental and vocal performance groups. Culver fields 55 interscholastic athletic teams at the freshman, junior varsity, and varsity levels in such sports as lacrosse, hockey, rugby, crew, and sailing; club and leisure-time sports, plus a host of intramurals and other activities.

For more information, contact the Office of Admissions at (574) 842-7100 or admissions@culver.org. The mailing address is 1300 Academy Road #157, Culver, Ind. 46511 or visit the website at www. culver.org.

58 • THE GRIFFON • Fall 2010

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FAITH-BASED EDUCATION

FAITH-BASED EDUCATION

THE GRIFFON • Fall 2010 • 59

Special Advertising Supplement

Value of a faith-based education A college education not only takes you to the next level professionally, but can foster personal enrichment. For some, this is achieved by studying under a faith-based program.

For active duty Air Force captain and mother Aubrie Jones, it was how she grew in her faith that served as evidence that a Christian education was right for her.

“I have grown so much closer to God and have been active in helping others to find peace and happiness,” said Jones, who is pursuing her graduate degree in counseling.

She said the school is “perfect for those looking to advance themselves spiritually and educationally.”

Liberty University Online is a private, non-profit Christian university and part of the World’s Largest Christian University, with courses taught from a biblical perspective.

It enrolls more than 50,000 students, nearly one-third of which are military. Additionally, LU Online was named one of America’s top military friendly schools by Military Advanced Education.

LU Online has established Liberty Online Ministries, a website that includes spiritual resources, as well as an online pastor and staff who pray for each student by name.

Kevin Conner, LU Online Campus Pastor and Director of Student Development talks with military students on a regular basis and is struck by their self-sacrificing outlook on life.

“Liberty Online Ministries has the privilege of receiving prayer requests from our armed forces,” he said.“Those in uniform often ask for prayer, not for themselves, but for family or friends.”

“It is further evidence of the selfless lives they live. We are honored to lift our armed forces up in prayer and be a support and help to them.”

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Christian worldview

Students at a faith-based institution receive encouraging, informative instruction taught from a Christian worldview. Whether a student of religion or business, with an education founded on faith students have access to resources and professors dedicated to spiritual enrichment and encouragement.

Online community and support “I found an advertisement for One advantage of studying with Liberty on a devotional website an online, Christian university is the and thought it might fit my needs,” community among professors and said Sean Schmitt of North Las Veclassmates. Although students may gas.“Little did I know that Liberty find themselves spread around the University Online would be such a world, they have access to a netspiritually uplifting and supportive work of friends and fellow students. place. I feel that Liberty is the right For military spouse Molly Larson, fit for me.” who earned her Bachelor of SciFor faith-based institutions, stuence in Criminal Justice from LU dents can study in an environment Online, it was the close connection that reflects and affirms their perwith her classmates that set her sonal values and beliefs. Liberty faith-based education apart from University is founded on an unwavother schools. ering and uncompromising com“I was surrounded by classmates mitment to the university’s doctriand by professors — even at such a nal statement based on the Bible. distance — who I knew would pray “LU Online provided me the opfor me during the rough times and portunity to grow spiritually and to celebrate with me as I achieved my come to understand the truth more goals little by little.” clearly,” said Michelle Shiplet of

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60 • THE GRIFFON • Fall 2010

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MyCAA

The new MyCAA

By Reggie Revis It’s back — a new iteration of the immensely popular MyCAA program for military spouses is being re-started October 25 after a six-month hiatus. During that period, only spouses whose MyCAA account was already active and in place could hope to get approved for financial awards benefits for education assistance.

The re-vamped MyCAA program will be a similar, but scaled down version of the old model: instead of being open to a spouse of any active duty person, the program will now be available only to spouses of personnel in pay grades E1-E5, W1-W2 and O1-O2.The financial benefit changed to a maximum of $4,000 with a fiscal year cap of $2,000 and will be limited to associate degrees, certification and licensures. Waivers will be available for spouses pursuing licensure or certification up to the total maximum assistance of $4,000.The focus will be on acquiring certifications which will lead to portable, in-demand jobs. Additionally, if a service member is in an alert or demobilization period, a spouse will not be able to use the MyCAA benefit.

Spouses will have three years from the start date of their first course to finish their program of study.

What hasn’t changed is that prospective participants in the program will continue to be able to choose from a wide variety of courses in healthcare, business, IT, trades, finance, hospitality and other categories.The list of schools and other education entities participating in the program is long and many of them will likely be adding course offerings as interest warrants as they’ve done in the past.

Launched in November 2007 as a joint demonstration project with the Department of Labor, the MyCAA (Military Spouse Career Advancement Account) program was an immediate hit.The original intent of the program was to equip spouses of junior service personnel for portable careers. Initially available in eight states, the program expanded worldwide in March, 2009 — now overseen by the Department of Defense—and included all pay grades and offered more extensive education choices.

Ironically, the popularity of the program as it previously existed turned out to be its undoing— requests for financial assistance gradually crept to about 10,000 spouses per month. Soon, as wordof-mouth about the program spread from Augusta to Twentynine Palms to Wiesbaden, the system found itself struggling with exponential requests for program approval. In January alone, Military One Source counselors who had the responsibility of approving individuals for the program had to field 70,000 re-

quests from spouses who obviously were thrilled to be able to take advantage of what was seen as a great opportunity — having up to $6,000 towards a certification, licensure or degree awarded in their behalf. In most cases, certification exams and course materials were included in the cost (that’s likely to continue with the new arrangement).

Facing system over-load, the program was curtailed on Feb. 16, resuming in mid-March, but only for spouses previously registered and approved — a number that amounted to over 136,000 military husbands and wives. Over $215 million worth of MyCAA benefits have been paid thus far this year with a significant increase planned for 2011.

The amended eligibility requirements for the program didn’t make everyone turn cartwheels, but many spouses saw a perfect window of opportunity to get closer to their career goals and take full advantage of the MyCAA program.

For over 10 years Deborah Fair had been trying to get into the field of Project Management. While working on various projects related to her job as an IT professional, she developed an interest in internal processes — how things work and how procedures could be improved.

Aware of her skill sets and observing Deborah Fair her penchant for analysis, several of her managers recommended she try her hand at Project Management. Finally, in June of last year Ms. Fair seized an opportunity to realize her dream by enrolling in an online course through the MyCAA program, a course which will lead to Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.

After working nearly eight years as a secretary she moved into the IT field, having taken computer and business courses in Japan.

She’d spent a few years in North Carolina where she earned a B.A. degree. When she found out about the MyCAA program and that she could take the Project Management Professional Certification Prep Course, she jumped at the opportunity (the school she chose was Winston-Salem State University, a long-time participating school in the program). She resides in New Bern, N.C. with her husband Julius, a Navy medical-dental surgery technician at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point who had given his wife the heads up about the MyCAA program through an email.

Ultimately, she would like to retire with her husband in the Raleigh (NC) area where she will likely put

her training in Project Management to use — perhaps with some tech firm in the celebrated Research Triangle Park.

Georgia resident Yasmin Wade earned a certification in the Spring as a Medical Office Assistant and shortly thereafter decided to get an additional certification as an Administrative Office Specialist (through Augusta State University).

She and her family have been at Fort Gordon since early in the year after moving from Bamberg, Germany. Previously, she and her family had spent five years at Fort Hood.

With a degree in Criminal Justice and actual experience in retail lost prevention she decided to shift her focus in a different direction. She’d had some EMT training and determined that acquiring work skills suitable for the medical office environment would likely be a good idea for a mobile military spouse such as herself.

“I found out about the MyCAA program through an FRG group in Germany and decided this was a worthwhile program. Any available money is great when it comes to education,” she adds.

A busy mother who is very involved in activities with her two teenage sons, Yasmin found that the online option worked very well for her. She volunteers with the Red Cross in the Augusta area and would like to work part-time for now — until her boys are a bit older. At that point she’ll be looking in earnest for full-time employment in a medical environment. Married for 16 years, the Lakeland, Florida native is focused on developing more competitive office skills so that she will be better prepared to handle the responsibilities expected in a busy, modern medical office. Having dual certifications in office procedures will likely make her a more attractive prospect to potential employers and provide her with “career portability” the original intent of the MyCAA program.

Although highly motivated for success, neither spouse would have been able to participate in the MyCAA program if the new rules had been in place back when they first applied for approval; Ms. Fair’s husband is an E-6 and Ms. Wade’s husband is an E-7 — pay grades too high for qualification under the new rules.Timing being everything, the new adjustments will be a closed door for those whose spouses have recently been promoted into a higher pay grade or for those who’d hoped to obtain academic degrees but will be prohibited due to the program’s scaled down fund-

ing. It is expected that corporations and private businesses will step up and provide funding sources for those ineligible for MyCAA financial awards benefits. Military One Source counselors will be playing a larger role in assisting all spouses in getting the funding they need to complete their education choices by directing them to available options.

If all goes as planned, the MyCAA program will not likely experience another shut down as it did back in February. In fact, the DoD is looking long-term with an expected pay-out of $250 million in financial awards for the next year or so before stabilizing at about $190 million per year going forward.

As some spouses found out the hard way, procrastination can be frustrating and costly. But thousands more were like Deborah Fair and Yasmin Wade who saw an opportunity to arm themselves with a certification which could lead to a career, regardless of where they might move in the future. Most certification programs can be completed well within a 12-month time frame — some in less than three or four months depending on the student’s discipline. Courses generally are online, a feature that has worked out extremely well for spouses currently in the program.

The online, self-paced model alleviates the fear of not being able to complete a course due to PCS (family relocation).

Spouses wanting more information concerning portable educational pathways and the benefits of certifications and licensures can call to speak with a Training Advisor at 800-371-2963.They will be ready to discuss your background and explore the best career paths for you and your family. Once you have decided upon your in demand, portable career choice, you are encouraged to visit the official MyCAA web portal (https://aiportal.acc. af.mil/mycaa/default.aspx) where you can create an account and get additional information regarding the program.

As military spouse Catherine Turillo exclaims,“I need to do this for my children and myself! What if the unthinkable happens — a serious injury, my husband dies in the line of duty, or even divorce? I’ve got to be prepared to take care of my family.” So, make the call to a Training Advisor at 1- 800-371-2963 to get started today!

For more information on getting started with your future, please see our ad on the inside back cover and give us a call at 800.371.2963 or email mycca@protrainedu.org. We will be happy to assist you in getting started with your educational and career goals.

Reggie Revis is a North Carolina native with over 30 years in the media, marketing and education fields.

CAREER MOVES

THE GRIFFON • Fall 2010 • 61

Special Advertising Supplement

Schneider National Looks to Truck Driver Training Schools and U.S. Military for Quality Candidates Symposium Brings Together Nation’s Truck Driver Training Schools and U.S. Military to Provide Careers As the world economy continues to show signs of sustained improvement and growth, transportation companies like Schneider National are adjusting their approach to hiring new truck drivers.The goal for Schneider, one of the largest truckload carriers in the United States, is to bring together truck driver training schools and military organizations and provide new employment opportunities for separating soldiers, Reservists and Guard members.

Schneider remains focused on filling professional driver positions with experienced drivers to maintain its driver fleet of 13,000 drivers. In addition, the company is also aggressively pursuing graduates from truck driver training schools across the United States.

Last month, Schneider hosted a Truck Driver Training School Symposium, which brought together representatives from the military, the Department of Labor and more than 300 truck driving schools across the U.S.The goal: discuss ways to effectively work together to create a new, robust pipeline of qualified truck driver candidates as the market of available drivers tightens.This is important as recent data indicate the trucking industry is currently short about 30,000 drivers. In 2011, that number is projected to climb to 200,000 drivers.

“The objective of the groups gathered here was exactly the same,” noted Mike Hinz, vice president of driver recruiting at Schneider National.“From the U.S. military to the Department of Labor to the truck driver training schools to a carrier like Schneider National, we all want one thing: to put America back to work in good-paying jobs with good, enduring companies. Working together, we can make that happen.”

A large component of the symposium was focused on providing career opportunities for separating military and current Reservists. Presentations and workshops provided overviews of military career counseling networks, sources of funding (for soldiers, Reservists and Guard members) and included representatives of the Employer Partnership Office of the Armed Forces (EPO).

The EPO collaborates with industries, like transportation, to match skill sets between soldiers and private-sector jobs.

“We’re working closely with partners like Schneider and the driver training schools,” said Lt. Col. Gregory Harris, EPO project officer.

“Together we will be able to capitalize on shared training opportunities and streamline the credentialing process.The goal is to provide a shared workforce; offering our veterans, Reservists and National Guard Soldiers a continuum of careers while assisting industry recruitment as the economy recovers.”

“We have every intention of hiring the best-qualified candidates, and that’s what the organizations assembled at the symposium will deliver,” said Hinz.“We are looking to the military and truck driver training schools to bring us their best, and, in turn, we promise to provide the most rewarding career opportunities the industry has to offer.”

Veterans exploring opportunities with Schneider National will be surprised at the job of today’s driver. No longer committed to weeks away from home, more than 70 percent of Schneider’s drivers get home weekly or better with

pay ranging from $38,000-75,000 per year (based on experience) and benefits including health, dental and life insurance along with a

company-matched 401(k) program.

A G.I. Jobs Top Military-Friendly (see Schneider page 62)

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62 • THE GRIFFON • Fall 2010

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CAREER MOVES

Schneider (Continued from page 61)

Employer, Schneider National has a long-standing commitment to hiring veterans and has been recognized by the Department of Defense, the Enlisted Association of National Guard of the United States and many other organizations.“I know from first-hand experience that Schneider is a military-friendly company,” added Hinz, an Army veteran.“Former or separating soldiers will experience a similar sense of pride and teamwork that we all enjoyed from our time of service to this country.”

As Schneider continues to work

with the military and truck driver training schools, it has developed a Separating Military section on its Web site: www.schneiderjobs.com.

The Web site allows candidates to search for truck driver training schools in their area and provides links to the schools for additional information.

Truck driving school representatives at the symposium agreed that collaboration is key to moving people back into the workforce. Eddie A. Mullins, director of training and safety at Southern State Community College Truck Driving Academy

in Ohio, said “We were honored to have been invited to the symposium.The information shared at this event is critical for individuals seeking a quality education at a Schneider National-approved school.

This symposium proves that Schneider continues to take the lead in our industry. We look forward to a continued partnership with Schneider and attending more events such as this.”

Schneider National, Inc. is a premier provider of truckload, logistics and intermodal services. Serving more than two-thirds of the FOR-

TUNE 500 companies, Schneider National offers the broadest portfolio of services in the industry.The company’s transportation and logistics solutions include Van Truckload, Dedicated, Regional, Bulk, Intermodal,Transportation Management, Supply Chain Management, Warehousing and International Logistics services.

Headquartered in Green Bay, Wis., Schneider National is a $2.9 billion company and has provided expert transportation and logistics solutions for 75 years. For more information, visit www.schneiderjobs.com.

HOMESCHOOLING OPTIONS

Special Advertising Supplement

THE GRIFFON • Fall 2010 • 63

What about culture?

By Melonie Kennedy When it comes to incorporating foreign language studies into the homeschool, families have dozens of great reasons for their choice.

For military homeschoolers, some special situations may create an influence on the choice that the average civilian doesn’t encounter.

Those of us stationed overseas may choose a target language based on communicating with neighbors or local nationals in off-base situations.

The family of a linguist may choose a target language based on what will encourage higher maintenance of the service member’s skill set.

What if you don’t fall into one of these categories, but instead have chosen a target language because of a child’s interest, to be more marketable on the job front, or simply because you believe it is necessary for your child’s education to be well-rounded? You may feel that it’s not possible to learn “everything” you need to know to become a fluent speaker just from working on educational tasks – you want to hear the music, taste the food, and get to know the people who speak your chosen language. Have no fear; you don’t need a passport or a plane ticket to learn more and practice your language skills on real people. You don’t even have to request a PCS to another country!

Here are the many ways our family has dabbled in learning about various cultures in addition to our “home” study with the standard homeschooling resources: Contact your local or state Chamber of Commerce. They often have a schedule of events that are hosted by various cultural agencies. They’ll also have the contact information so you can learn more about groups that meet to support immigrants and help them share their culture with people in the area.

That’s how we found the amazing Jewish Food Festival & Craft Faire when we lived near Monterey, CA, as well as a Greek festival and an Italian festival! We all went home still tapping our toes to traditional music numbers and with bellies full of wonderful new foods we’d tried.

Hit the library. In addition to the regular books (for all ages) one would think of, ask your librarian for DVDs about specific countries and ethnicities. One series we have really enjoyed is the shows from the Families of the World collection.

These are narrated from a child’s perspective, but they can be interesting for the whole family. Don’t forget to grab some CDs of music by artists from countries that represent the many ways your target language is used!

Don’t ignore military bases! The military community is so diverse it’s amazing. Even if you aren’t in a language-focused MOS, there may be base resources you can make good use of. With a high concen-

tration of foreign language speakers who are married to service members, there may even be folks on your local base who can point you to civilian gatherings as well or who are already familiar with your target language/culture. Then there are the military’s own programs: the Defense Language Institute (DLI) on the Presidio of Monterey, CA, offers huge multicultural experiences that are a hit for civilians and military alike. The students get an opportunity to practice their newfound language skills, of course; but the teachers and administrators are a resource that is often left untapped by those not in the know.

Look in the phone book. It may sound a little simple, but it’s often one of the most forgotten steps.

Look for listings of cultural halls, foreign language-focused church congregations, and community

centers for speakers of your target language. Cultural holidays can be great learning experiences for your family; but be sure to ask the hosts about any restrictions (cameras, proper attire, etc) before attending.

Contact the guidance counselors of local high schools and colleges. Any school that hosts foreign exchange students can put you in touch with home stay agencies that may be hosting upcoming events and adventures. The schools themselves may host multi-cultural days open to the public as well.

Check those college class flyers! Some community colleges and universities offer “enrichment only” classes where students can learn to cook Thai food, practice conversational Korean, or go on “shopping” field trips to areas with a large German, Filipino, or Chinese population. Most of these classes are open

to teens; ask the instructor if younger children are welcome as well.

Some colleges will allow younger students with a parent or guardian present as long as the applicable fees are paid.

Pay a visit to base spouse clubs.

As with the FRG, the spouses involved in these organizations have connections – and they represent a much broader scope than that of your own unit’s family resource group. While standard protocols for fraternization should of course be observed, most people are happy to provide a “heads up” about local cultural events, tidbits about places they’ve lived, or favorite recipes from their country or region.

Melonie Kennedy is a military wife and mother of two. Her family is currently stationed in Okinawa, Japan. Catch her blogging at Wandering Quail Road (http:// meloniek.blogspot.com).

64 â&#x20AC;˘ THE GRIFFON â&#x20AC;˘ Fall 2010

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HOMESCHOOLING OPTIONS

Toddlers and homeschooling â&#x20AC;&#x201C; making it work

By Melonie Kennedy While some families are sending their children off on the bus or dropping them off at the preschool or daycare, most homeschooling families are trying to incorporate toddlers and preschoolers into their daily learning activities.

This can lead to some interesting and exciting multi-age learning, of

course, but it can also lead to exasperation or frustration for parents and school-aged children who are trying to â&#x20AC;&#x153;work aroundâ&#x20AC;? a little one whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s interested in one thing: getting hands-on!

Not all activities are developmentally appropriate for wee ones to be involved in, nor are they always safe for them. Obviously when your high school chemistry student is

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mixing ingredients in the kitchen, you need your toddler to be busy elsewhere. Howls of dismay may follow, however, if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not adequately prepared to distract and delight the children who cannot join in every moment.

Try these tips for keeping the homeschool day going while helping the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Littleâ&#x20AC;? feel involved, and keeping everyone learning: Search teacher stores for developmentally appropriate learning toys and tools that your toddler can use while older children are doing focused lessons. Keep these items stored separately from your toddlerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;regularâ&#x20AC;? toys so they are a special treat â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the attraction may last a little longer that way! Personally Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve found some winning items at Lakeshore Learning (www.LakeshoreLearning.com) and similar stores, as they market to preschools and daycares as well as school-age teachers.

Include toddlers and preschoolers in daily lessons when possible.

Music appreciation, foreign language study, and art lessons can be adapted for people of all ages. If your eight-year-old is attempting to paint her own version of Monetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Water Lilies, try giving your toddler a cup of water and a paintbrush along with a dark colored piece of construction paper. He can â&#x20AC;&#x153;paintâ&#x20AC;? to his heartâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s delight and when the water is dried, he can start all over again. Any spills are easy sponge right up, too.

Consider unit studies that incorporate activities for a multitude of ages and abilities. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re checking out books about frogs and dissection for your middle schooler, help your four-year-old find some story books about frogs and tadpoles. Raise tadpoles together as a family after going on a nature hike, with plenty of sunscreen and snacks to keep the youngest family members calm and happy. Make up some homemade play dough and tint it green â&#x20AC;&#x201C; make frogs and let your child use a plastic knife to â&#x20AC;&#x153;dissectâ&#x20AC;? safely at the table while your older child is dissecting at a higher, but visible, location. (Standard safety rules should always apply, of course.) Your toddler will feel involved, but youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be nearby to assist whoever needs your help with the next cut.

If your family is large enough, split off into pairs or groups for learning planned and led by older children. One family I know has six children, and the eldest is frequently called upon by her younger siblings for new ideas and the rules to games. Her kindergartenaged brothers particularly delight in her leadership and encouragement, and the split allows Mom to spend one on one time with the second grader, toddler, or baby as necessary. You never know when a siblingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s spontaneous idea will win more minds and hearts than

a lesson planned out when Mom and Dad were just looking for busy work â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and older children will benefit greatly from passing on their knowledge. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t we all learn better when we teach a skill or fact to someone else?

Get involved with a local MOPS or MOMS Club group, or a similar venture. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not just the â&#x20AC;&#x153;big kidsâ&#x20AC;? who need to head out to activities with peers. While family togetherness is vital for military families, who frequently face TDY and deployment schedules, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also important to let your kids make friends of all ages. If a group isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t already in place, talk to your unit or post chaplain about starting a MOPS group or a preschool/nursery school co-op. My toddler loves the fact that our new homeschool group has a handful of boys and girls his age; the fun isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just for his big sister anymore!

When all else fails, just take a break! If a little one needs some one-on-one time, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s perfectly acceptable to start your elementary student on reading practice instead of a face-to-face math session. Let your toddler rock to sleep in your lap while your son reads a chapter from Swiss Family Robinson aloud.

If your high schooler needs to practice her piano piece, invite your preschooler to grab some colorful scarves and dance to the music.

Better yet, have everyone grab a scarf, mask, or cape and call it homeschool PE for the whole family!

Remember military-specific resources such as hourly care at local CDCs and FCCs. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no shame in signing your toddler or preschooler up for a few hours with base childcare providers so you can tackle Trigonometry with your high schooler! In fact, if your service member is deployed, you may be eligible for free childcare during the deployment, as well as before departure and during reintegration periods. Hourly childcare can also be handy for those field trips to sites that donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t allow younger kids due to safety concerns. Check with your FRG leadership or your unit chaplain for more information, or drop by your local CDC and ask them about their hourly care options.

Public school teachers donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t always make it to every page in a workbook if they leave time in the day and year for interesting discussions and thoughtful questions; thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no reason we homeschool parents canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t allow ourselves a little leeway and let everyone enjoy the biggest perk of homeschooling: time together as a family, living and learning with days of love.

Melonie Kennedy is a military wife, a homeschooling mother, and a freelance writer/editor. You can catch her blogging at Wandering Quail Road (http://meloniek.blogspot.com).

HOMESCHOOLING OPTIONS

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THE GRIFFON • Fall 2010 • 65

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66 • THE GRIFFON • Fall 2010

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TRAVEL USA

Make your destination ARKANSAS! Take a tour around Arkansas this fall and discover a world of unique experiences. From hill country to lake country to river country to blues country to wine country, there is much to enjoy at every turn. Autumn in Arkansas is anything but one-dimensional with a bumper crop of fall festivals, special events, the flamboyant fall foliage, the harvest season and the crisper, downward turn of temperatures.The most popular way to enjoy the splashy color of the fall season is just to get out and do it.

Temperatures are perfect for picnicking, fishing, water sports, camping, hiking and antiquing. Monthly averages — 74 degrees in September, 64 degrees in October and 52 degrees in November — are ideal for visiting the many festivals and special events scheduled every weekend throughout the season, as well as playing the courses on The Natural State Golf Trail.

This time of year, scenic drives through the Ozarks A mason at the Ozark Medieval Fortress works on the castle. and Ouachitas offer brilliant out the diverse destinations within within the state, peak fall color varpanoramic views of fiery fall The Natural State. ies from area to area. In most cases, color.The Central, Delta, River ValWith six geographical regions trees begin to take on their fall ley and Timberlands regions round

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of The Natural Savor the fall colors ering any creature State without surrend lcomes you to comforts. Arkansas we oiled beauty spoil yourself in unsp in villages from timeless mounta cities. to modern boomtown ll the Visit our website or ca ur free yo toll-free number for t.

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THE GRIFFON • Fall 2010 • 67

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68 â&#x20AC;˘ THE GRIFFON â&#x20AC;˘ Fall 2010

TRAVEL USA

www.thegriďŹ&#x20AC;on108.com

Arkansas (Continued from page 66)

2020

2010 kansas and the Ouachita Mountain area begin changing in early to midOctober. In eastern and southern Arkansas, fall color begins in mid- to late-October. Peak fall color â&#x20AC;&#x201C; when the leaves are at their most brilliant â&#x20AC;&#x201C; normally takes place about two or three weeks after the leaves

begin to turn. Fall foliage updates are posted on Arkansas.com during the fall.

Call 800-NATURAL to order your free Vacation Planning Kit. Autumn in Arkansas is an experience long remembered after the brilliant colors have faded.

Copperas Cove, Texas welcomes the 108th for R&R!

Copperas Cove offers numerous routes around our city that beckon you to relax and enjoy the countryside and wildlife.

We offer different bike routes for you and your family to choose from. Our back roads here in the foothills of the Texas Hill Country are virtually trafÂżc-free. Come bike with us and enjoy our scenic routes and Texas hospitality.

Ride with our local riding team- â&#x20AC;&#x153;Team Roadkillâ&#x20AC;? or venture on your own. Come and enjoy the bike routes in Copperas Cove.

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2030 Following are some activities that you wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to miss this fall:

Ozark Medieval Fortress You can spend hours or a full day at this unique attraction.There are only two medieval fortresses currently being built â&#x20AC;&#x201C; one is in France and the other is in northern Arkansas.This dazzling historic vision is rising in the middle of the Ozark Mountains near Lead Hill about 30 minutes north of Harrison.

A team of architectural experts, working together with historians of the Middle Ages and dedicated artisans, is constructing this full-size, fortified castle with 24-foot-high towers, a drawbridge and six-footwide stone walls surrounding an expansive inner courtyard.

This project opened earlier this year and will span 20 years â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the time required to build a fortress in the Middle Ages. It is being constructed with 13th century work methods, techniques and tools.The natural site in the middle of a forest provides plenty of water, stone, soil, sand and wood, which the construction requires.

Visitors witness craftsmen â&#x20AC;&#x201D; including the blacksmith, rope maker, woodcutter and basket weaver â&#x20AC;&#x201D;

at work wearing authentic clothing of the 13th century and interact with them to learn about their tools and techniques. For part of each day, the workers respond to questions from guests.

The Ozark Medieval Fortress is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day rain or shine.Ticket prices are $12 for adults 17 and over, $8 for youth 6 to 16 and children 5 and under are free.

For more information, visit ozarkmedievalfortress.com.

25th Annual Arkansas Blues and Heritage Festival Formerly known as the King Biscuit Blues Festival, it is one of the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s foremost showcases of blues music. Scheduled for Oct. 7-9, 2010, the event is held in HelenaWest Helena on the banks of the Mississippi River.This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s headliners include B.B. King, Dr. John & the Lower 911 and Taj Mahal.

Founded in 1986, the first festival was a one-day event, with a small gathering of local residents and a flatbed truck as a stage. Since then, the music gathering has grown to three days, three stages and tens of thousands of blues enthusiasts con-

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The Ozark National Forest in Arkansas offers a quiet fall refuge.

verging on historic downtown Helena-West Helena each year. Several other activities — such as the Kenneth Freemyer 5K Run, the Blues in Schools program and the Tour da Delta Bicycle Tour — are offspring of the festival.

Helena-West Helena is also home to the Delta Cultural Center, dedicated to the history of the Arkansas Delta.This region of the state is steeped in rich sights, sounds, people and events.The museum provides interpretation through exhibits, educational programs, annual events and guided tours.

The center has two locations: the Depot and the Visitors Center.The Depot exhibits include “A Heritage of Determination” and “Civil War in the Delta,” which gives visitors insight into Union occupation and the Battle of Helena.The Visitors Center, located one block north, features the “Delta Sounds” music exhibit, a live radio studio, changing exhibit space and the Museum Store.

For more information, visit bluesandheritagefest.com and deltaculturalcenter. com.

Civil War Weekend Walk the streets of Washington

that were touched by war on this special weekend of Nov. 6-7. Interpreters at Historic Washington State Park in southwest Arkansas explain the social and political issues leading up to the struggle, as well as its last two years when Washington was the Confederate Capital of Arkansas. Re-enactors present living history demonstrations, including combat scenarios.

Arkansas State Parks and the Pioneer Washington Restoration Foundation interpret 1800-1900 for Arkansas’s premier 19th century museum village.The 1874 Courthouse serves as the visitor center.

Just eight miles away is the city of Hope, where you find President Bill Clinton’s First Home Museum, Exhibit Center and Museum Store.

Free tours are offered of the restored home where Bill spent much of his childhood from 1946-56. Photo exhibits of young Bill, family and friends, along with a short video entitled “The Man from Hope,” can be seen here.

For more information about the Civil War Weekend, visit historicwashingtonstatepark.com and to learn more about the first home of our 42nd President, visit clintonchildhoodhomemuseum.com.

THE GRIFFON • Fall 2010 • 69

70 • THE GRIFFON • Fall 2010

TRAVEL USA

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Universal Orlando:

the vacation you need Universal offers families blockbuster entertainment, thrills, refinement and over-the-top fun.

There is only one place in the world where you can do all these things in the same day: • Experience the pulse-pounding thrill of accelerating from zero mph to 45 mph in two seconds – and then go weightless • Wander through a land with no straight lines • Test yourself against your deepest fears – darkness, speed, fire, the unknown, flesh-eating scarabs – and come out laughing • Experience the bliss that comes with three Blue Men, a stage, and some PVC pipe • Be pampered, relaxed – or rocked – at the world-class hotel of your choice.

Orlando’s newest vacation destination pushes boundaries and goes where today’s travelers want to go — from exhilarating, high-tech thrill rides unlike any other to luxurious resort hotels that can give guests a whole new outlook on life.

Universal Orlando’s two theme

parks, Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios, offer some of the most popular attractions ever created. Its three on-site Loews Hotels, the Portofino Bay Hotel, the Hard Rock Hotel and the Loews Royal Pacific Resort are among the most highly acclaimed in the industry.

And its entertainment complex, Universal CityWalk, offers some of the hottest, most recognizable entertainment experiences in the world.

Everything So Close One key to Universal Orlando’s success is how easy it is to experience and enjoy everything the destination has to offer.

At Universal Orlando,“on-site” hotel means just that: the hotels are a stroll or quick water-taxi ride away from the theme parks and the entertainment complex, yet provide enough separation so that guests feel they have found the perfect retreat.The closeness of the theme parks to the hotels makes it easy for

Visit the Freedom Museum USA! All branches of the United States Armed Forces are represented in the Freedom Museum USA.

600 North Hobart Street Pampa, Texas 79065 806.669.6066 www.freedommuseumusa.org Open Tuesday-Saturday noon-4pm

Pampa, Texas also offers: Museums • Historical Sites • Parks Playgrounds • Trails • Golf • Bowling Fishing • Motels • Restaurants

TRAVEL USA guests at Universal Orlando to be on the go or do nothing but relax — all in the same day. It’s a destination where guests can play bocce ball near a semi-private pool at the

luxurious Loews Portofino Bay Hotel in the morning.They can scream their lungs out as they rocket from zero mph to 45 mph in two seconds aboard The Incredible Hulk Coaster or experience the thrill of Revenge of the Mummy – the Ride in the afternoon. And they can experience the bliss of a Blue Man Group show in the evening.

World-Class Theme Parks The Universal Orlando experience begins with its two theme parks. Along with Academy Awardwinning producer/director Steven Spielberg as creative consultant, Universal Orlando set out to change the way people think about and enjoy theme park entertainment.

Its attractions are based on pop-culture icons and blockbuster films — creating experiences such as The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man and The Incredible Hulk Coaster at Islands of Adventure, Revenge of the Mummy — The Ride and Shrek 4-D at Universal Studios.

Special Advertising Supplement The seven themed islands at Islands of Adventure are home to some of the most technologically advanced rides and attractions ever made — along with some of the world’s most beloved characters, including Cat-inthe-Hat, SpiderMan and the dinosaurs of “Jurassic Park.”And Universal Studios is the theme park where guests “ride the movies.” Its blockbuster attractions, Revenge of the Mummy — The Ride and Shrek 4-D are based on blockbuster film concepts and in close collaboration between Universal’s creative team and each film’s creative team.

New, Compelling, Entertainment Options Located in Universal Studios, the all-new Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit is a radically-innovative roller coaster that combines hit music, first-ever maneuvers and highlysophisticated audio and video for a one-of-a-kind ride experience.

Inspired by J.K. Rowling’s compelling stories and characters — and faithful to the visual landscapes of the films — The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will provide visitors with a one-of-a-kind experience complete with multiple attractions, shops and a signature eating establishment.This completely immersive environment will transcend generations and bring the wonder and magic of the Harry Potter books and films to life.The Wizard(see Universal Orlando page 72)

THE GRIFFON • Fall 2010 • 71

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Universal Orlando (Continued from page 71)

ing World of Harry Potter opened June 18 at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

Blue Man Group, the wildly successful live entertainment experi-

ence, opened in June 2007 at Universal Orlando Resort.The show combines music, comedy and multimedia theatrics to create the blissful party atmosphere that is Blue

Man Group’s trademark.

Nighttime Entertainment and World-Class Hotels For nighttime excitement, there is Universal CityWalk, a 30-acre nighttime entertainment complex with a collection of some of the most powerful and popular music and entertainment industry icons ever created: Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, Emeril’s Orlando, Hard Rock Live and dozens more clubs, restaurants and shops. Helping to round out the entire destination experience are Universal Orlando’s

world-class hotels.

The luxurious Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, features 750 rooms and re-creates the famed Mediterranean village of the same name; the Hard Rock Hotel features 650 rooms and showcases the unique style of a California mission, complete with Hard Rock touches that range from classic rock ‘n roll memorabilia to bellmen with purple hair. Loews Royal Pacific Resort has 1,000 rooms and is designed to be the most exotic hotel in North America — complete with an orchid court and hand-carvings from Bali.

E XPERIENCE

Hawks Cay Resort is pleased to bring back our, now annual, HEROES WELCOME! Stay with us between Aug. 23 – Nov. 30, 2010 and take advantage of room rates starting from $99/night!

For those that dedicate their lives to helping and saving others, our way of saying thank you.

Join us as we salute you, our heroes.

Special events & tributes s Discounted room rates s Endless resort activities Start planning your vacation to the Keys and visit www.hawkscayheroes.com today! partnering with

888.443.6393 | 61 Hawks Cay Blvd | Duck Key, FL 33050 Web hawkscay.com Twitter @HawksCayResort Facebook.com/hawkscayresort

A place in Florida where heroes enjoy R & R with the family.

A place where you can watch penguins swim in the Zoo. A place where dinner at Clarkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fish Camp is delish and kitsch.

74 • THE GRIFFON • Fall 2010

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Georgia’s state parks and historic sites dedicate day to volunteers and visitors Put away your wallet and pull out your fishing pole or hiking boots.

Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites is offering free admission on Saturday, Sept. 25 as part of National Public Lands Day.The statewide celebration is a way to thank park visitors and volunteers for their

support of outdoor recreation and historic preservation.

“Georgia’s state parks and historic sites wouldn’t be here without our visitors and supporters,” said State Parks Director Becky Kelley.

“Free Day in the Parks is our way of thanking the thousands of people

Convention & Visitor s Bureau

who volunteer their time, spend their vacations in the parks, or even just visit for the day. We are waiving the parking fee, but of course voluntary contributions are welcome because they help us preserve Georgia’s public green spaces.”

Sponsored in part by the CocaCola Company, the celebration includes dozens of family-friendly events, such as outdoor adventure day at Unicoi, a children’s fishing rodeo at Indian Springs and pioneer harvest festival at General Coffee. A full calendar of events is posted at www.GeorgiaStateParks.org/ events. Numerous volunteer projects are being coordinated by the non-profit Friends of Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites with nearly 50 chapters across the state.

On Free Day in the Parks, the reg-

Enjoy first-class shopping, historical districts, outdoor fun, Farmer’s Markets, exciting nightlife, & our world-renowned food.

Jefferson, a new dimension to the New Orleans experience!

C o n v e n t i o n

&

V i s i t o r s

B u r e a u

To learn more, ask for our Group Travel Planner DVD. Call 504-731-7083 or TOLL FREE 1-877-572-7474.

Vogel State Park

Amicalola Falls State Park

ular $5 parking fee will be waived, historic sites will open their doors for free, and even anglers will not need a fishing license. September 25 is also National Hunting and Fishing Day, celebrated by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources at many events and locations.

“For less than a tank of gas, families can enjoy a full day of ranger programs, hiking, biking, picnicking, birding and more,” said Kelley.

Modern campsites, fully equipped cottages, unique yurts and hotel-style lodge rooms provide overnight accommodations for outdoor enthusiasts who want to stay for the weekend.

Reservations can be made by calling 800-864-7275. To learn more, visit www.GeorgiaStateParks.org.

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THE GRIFFON • Fall 2010 • 75

National POW/MIA Recognition Day John the “Friends of Andersonville”, the National Park Service and the “Chapters of Rolling Thunder” September 17 and 18, 2010 to honor all former Prisoners of War and to remember those still Missing in Action.

In conjunction with the various ceremonies and scheduled activities,“The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall” will be on display from

September 17-25, 2010.

Schedule of Events: Friday, September 17, 2010 • Escort Ride • Opening Ceremonies • MIA Remembrance • Heroes Dinner • Candlelight Ceremony Saturday, September 18, 2010 • Escort Ride • POW/MIA Recognition Ceremony • Social For more information visit www.nps. gov/ande or www.theridehome.com.

For more information on supporting the park through the Friends of Andersonville, visit www.friendsofandersonville. org.

An Equine Ranch Resort Newell Lodge is an equine facility situated in rural South Georgia. If you’re looking for simpler times, when things were no more complicated than enjoying the morning sunrise, or watching the evening sunset, then Newell Lodge is for you.

• Six fully furnished cabins • Large gazebo • Large screened cooking area • Horseback riding • Buggy rides • Cattle drives • Fishing, boat rides and canoeing • Camping • Star gazing • Nature walks • Photography • Bird watching • Massages • Events

Folkston, GA 31537 • 912-496-4017

cell: 912-276-0701 • fax: 912-496-4106

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Vacations and Reunions with a Bavarian Touch

The Helendorf River Inn & Suites is located in the Alpine Village of Helen, Georgia ; Easy walk to shops, restaurants and activities ; Rooms with balconies on the banks of the river ; Enclosed heated pool ; Complimentary continental breakfast ; Suites with fireplaces, Jacuzzis and kitchens ; Large meeting and party facilities ; Operated by an Army Brat P.O. Box 305 • Helen, Georgia 30545

800-445-2271 www.Helendorf.com

76 • THE GRIFFON • Fall 2010

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Find adventure in Charleston Fall is here and it’s a great time to get out and enjoy the cool weather while exploring a new destination!

Families of all ages and interests will find so much to experience in Charleston, South Carolina. Each

year, Charleston is consistently rated amongst the country’s top travel destinations. Here, you’ll discover scenic beaches, a historic downtown, and a county park system that provides unlimited hours of

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recreation at amazing waterparks, fishing piers, recreational activities, camping, marsh-front vacation cottages, and much more!

Seeking an affordable and more adventurous alternative to the typical hotel stay, centrally located to all that Charleston has to offer? James Island County Park is your destination.

The Campground

S Jekyll Oceanfront Resort 975 North Beachview Drive ÿ Jekyll Island, GA 31527 800.736.1046 ÿ www.jekyllinn.com

Oil Free Beaches

Looking for real adventure?

Sleep under the stars in the secluded camping area at James Island County Park, a secure location available for primitive and tent camping. Or, enjoy the park’s RV campground, complete with full hook-ups and 24-hour security.

When camping at James Island County Park, you’ll enjoy the luxury of a full-service campground store complete with propane, ice and firewood sales, an activity center, free Wi-Fi, grills, ceramic bath-

houses, a laundry facility, and not to mention, all the fun things to do at James Island County Park.The park’s RV campground features pull-thru sites, a dump station, wheelchair accessibility and 20/30/50 amp service.

The Cottages Nestled within the natural setting of James Island County Park are ten modern vacation cottages, equipped with all the conveniences needed for a relaxing getaway. A perfect gathering spot for families and friends, the cottages offer a glorious view overlooking the Stono River Marsh.

Each cottage has three bedrooms, is fully furnished, and sleeps up to eight people. Cottage amenities include a fully-stocked kitchen, bathroom, linens, phones, television, and a marsh-front screened porch.

See HOLIDAY FESTIVAL page 78

In Clearfield County Back Woods, e h t e Bike the Ba Hik ck Roads,

o l re p x E th

e Bac k Waters.

Enjoy the Pennsylvania Wilds in ClearÄeld County! Here you’ll Änd hiking, Äshing, biking, hunting, geocatching, bird and wildlife watching, canoeing, kayaking and more. Visit our website to plan your trip to ClearÄeld County. You’ll Änd everything you need—lodging, campsites, food, shopping and more.

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Discover Berkeley County If you’re looking for the “Southern Jewel” everyone is talking about, you’ve finally found it! Berkeley County, South Carolina, located just minutes from Downtown Charleston and 1 ½ hours from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is cradled in what is quickly becoming known as the “emerging new south.”

Embark on an once-in-a-lifetime experience and explore South Carolina’s famous Hell Hole Swamp.

Transport yourself back to a time when the elusive General Francis Marion utilized this “swamp shelter” to help defeat the British during the American Revolution. Or, if you prefer, imagine yourself among bootleggers bottling their brews for Al Capone and other infamous mafia kingpins during the years of prohibition.

The Hell-Hole Outdoor Center offers a variety of unique guided excursions including: • Canoeing • Kayaking • Hiking • Overnight Camping The Outdoor Center also offers storytelling by local authors and educational opportunities at various times throughout the year. Private reservations may also be made upon request. Groups are welcome and encouraged!

For more information, an updated event schedule or to make a reservation, call 843-567-4480; e-mail hellholecenter@palmettoconservation.org; or visit www.palmettoconservation.org.

Cypress Gardens Another true treasure of Berkeley County is Cypress Gardens. Cypress Gardens features boat rides on a black water swamp amidst bloom-

ing azaleas, camellias and other native flowers and flora featured in the gardens. Cypress Gardens has long been a draw for groups and visitors of all ages. Cypress Gardens has hosted over 16 major movies including The Patriot, Cold Mountain and The Notebook, along with the television mini-series North and South and one of its first movies, Swamp Thing.

Take a serene boat ride on the black water swamp, and then visit the Butterfly House, the Reptile Center and aquarium. Call ahead to book variety of tours which can be customized for your group. Students and adults alike can enjoy a variety of educational programs: “From Worms to Wings” examines the life cycle and ecology of butterflies using both live and preserved specimens.The lesson continues at the giant butterfly sculpture and includes a tour of the Butterfly House.“Fish Story,” using skulls and mounts, explores the various features of fish necessary for their existence underwater. Visitors are also given a tour of our Aquarium to see live examples.“Swamp Safari” offers the rare opportunity to explore a real life swamp. Enjoy a safe ride through the black water as our staff paddles large flat-bottom boats among the cypress trees.

Look for alligators, turtles, birds and other active wildlife.“Creature Feature”which provides a guided tour of the Butterfly House, Aquarium, Crocodile Isle, and/or Reptile Center, is another group favorite.

For more information about Berkeley County, call the Berkeley Chamber of Commerce at 843-761-8238, or visit www.berkeleysc.org. Mentioning this article entitles you to special group discounts.

THE GRIFFON • Fall 2010 • 77

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Holiday Festival of Lights (Continued from page 76)

James Island County Park Even though James Island County Park is conveniently located to downtown Charleston and the area’s beaches, visitors may want to stay inside the park to enjoy its endless activities.

This 643-acre park offers miles of paved and unpaved trails winding around creeks and other natural settings. Rent a bike, pedal boat, or kayak, and hit the park for some instant adventure. Just footsteps from your campsite or cottage, you’ll find open meadows, walking and biking trails, freshwater lakes and tidal creeks accessible for fishing and crabbing, a state-of-the-art play-

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ground, a seasonal spray play fountain, picnic areas, and an off-leash dog park. Up for a challenge? Dare to scale the park’s 50-foot climbing wall, designed to accommodate all ages and abilities. Or, schedule your group for a day on the park’s thrilling Challenge Course, the ultimate teambuilding experience.

Plus, the whole family will enjoy exciting special events throughout the year at the park. Each winter, James Island County Park is illuminated with the sights of the season at the park’s own Holiday Festival of Lights, featuring millions of twinkling bulbs on hundreds of shining displays and much more holiday fun.The festival kicks off on November 12, 2010 and runs through January 2, 2011. Planning a springtime trip? We spice up the spring

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Come experience the relaxing hospitality of true Kentucky charm The Lake Barkley, Kentucky area offers fast access to many waterfronts, marinas, hotels, cabins, campgrounds and inns. The 186,000 acre Land Between the Lakes is just minutes away. Good country food, specialty and antique shops are all in the quaint downtown Cadiz area.

888-446-6402 cadizky@bellsouth.net

Proudly serving those who serve for our freedom • 2 miles and 5 minute drive to Washington DC • Complimentary shuttle to DCA and Pentagon City Mall and Metro • Complimentary full cooked to order breakfast • Complimentary evening manager’s reception • Spacious two-room suites • Near Washington DC attractions

Embassy Suites Crystal City – National airport 1300 Jefferson Davis Hwy. • Arlington, VA 22202 703.979.9799 • www.embassysuites1.hilton.com • Largest Precor fitness center in the area with indoor pool • Area’s only revolving roof top loungeThe Skydome.

• 2 blocks from Pentagon City Metro • Complimentary service to Metro and Airport • Unobstructed views of the DC skyline • 30,000 sq. ft. of meeting space

DoubleTree Hotel Washington DC – Crystal City 300 Army Navy Drive • Arlington, VA 22202 703.416.4100 • www.doubletree1.hilton.com Call for our special military and government rates.

with James Island County Park’s annual Lowcountry Cajun Festival on April 3, 2011, and the East Coast Canoe and Kayak Festival April 15-17.

When the weather warms up, Splash Zone, located within James Island County Park, brings the Caribbean to Charleston with islandstyle play structures and slides. Plus, James Island County Park is located just ten minutes from the beach.

And, on select summer evenings, live evening reggae concerts will bring the islands right to you.

All this and more is right at the doorstep of your tent, RV, or cottage when you stay at the James Island County Park campground! Plus, after enjoying all the park has to offer, we welcome you to visit other areas of Charleston by hopping on our round-trip shuttle.

Stay with us!

Call 843-795-7275 to check availability or to make a reservation at the James Island County Park Campground and Cottages. Our staff will be eager to assist you.

Clubs, groups, and caravans are welcome visitors.

For more information on the campground, the cottages, James Island County Park, or all of the other great Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission’s parks and events, call 843-7954FUN (4386) or visit www.ccprc.com. Let yourself go!

Lost: Combat Boots Found::

Flip-flops

You Unscripted The U.S. Virgin Islands would like to show our appreciation for the men and women serving in the military. So we’re making it even easier for them to enjoy the beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters of the USVI. All military personnel will enjoy special offers including a $50 dining certificate, $50 retail certificate, $50 activity certificate and more. Call your travel agent and book your getaway starting May 1st.

Please reference booking code VIMIL10. Limit of 1 (one) $50 restaurant certificate, $50 retail certificate and $50 activity certifi cate per booking. 5-night minimum hotel stay is required. Offer valid on new bookings made starting May 1 for travel starting May 15. Offer is not valid on preexisting reservations. Military ID must be shown upon hotel check-in to receive offer. © 2010 United States Virgin Islands Department of Tourism.

80 • THE GRIFFON • Fall 2010

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Visit Kings Mountain for the Gateway Festival The City of Kings Mountain will host the annual “Gateway Festival” on Saturday, Oct. 9 from 10 a.m. -5 p.m. throughout the downtown area.

This event is a celebration of Kings Mountain being designated in 2000 as “The Gateway City” by the Department of Interior and the National Park Service to all three area parks — Crowder’s Mountain State Park, Kings Mountain State Park and Kings Mountain National Military Park.

This annual Kings Mountain fall festival highlights the history of the victorious battle site (which Thomas Jefferson declared,“... the turning point of the Revolutionary War”) with a reenactment of a redcoats and patriots cannon battle and an encampment showcasing the Colonial period.Throughout the downtown area Bluegrass, Folk, Celtic, Old Time Gospel and Americana music will fill the air from the Gazebo and North Stage.

“Crafter’s Alley,” with a variety of art and craft vendors, will be located on Railroad Avenue and, just around the corner on Gold Street, will be a Classic car show. Patriots Park will have free 5. Take a Hike 1. Sip the Wine 9. See a Drag Race miniature train rides, 6. Go Roller Skating 10. Go Fishing 2. Catch a Show games and amusement rides for the children 7. Hit the Links 3. Go Cycling and, in addition to a 4. Taste the Cuisine 8. Camp Out Relax! variety of food vendors, the perennial 336.597.2689 www.visitroxboronc.com favorite “Cute Crit-

ters Competition,” a pet beauty contest, will take place at the Gazebo. With a theme of “Putting Power in our Hands,” the City Electric Department will celebrate Public Power Week with a customer appreciation exhibit featuring educational information, games and prizes.There will be a lineman’s rodeo and Mayor Rick Murphrey will be competing in a simulated rescue opera-

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THE GRIFFON • Fall 2010 • 81

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tion at the site in Patriots Park.

At the Kings Mountain Historical Museum, Revolutionary War re-enactors with the South Fork Militia and other re-enactor groups will encamp, share living history through demonstrations and conduct tours of the Barber Log House and the Cornwell Home on the Commons behind the Museum. Inside at the Museum will be “Honor Our Veterans — Remembering World War II” exhibit. Central United Methodist will open the Christian Activity Center until 3:00 pm and will host a Souper Saturday lunch, craft and baked goods sale.

The Southern Arts Society will host the annual Mountain Art Depot and back to the Gazebo. art competition,“Gateways to the South,” relating Free parking is available at all venues and downto Southern history and culture with an exhibit town parking lots. An information booth will at the Kings Mountain Art Depot. be located at the corner of Railroad and Gold The “Mountaineer Trolley” will run continuStreets. ously during the festival between the Gazebo For additional information visit www.cityofkm.com at Patriots Park, the Kings Mountain Historical or call 704-734-0333.

Museum and Commons, Central United Methodist Church and cruise through the Central School HistorOctober 9th 10am—5pm ic District to the Kings

Come celebrate Kings Mountain’s Gateway Festival The Gateway Festival highlights the history of a victorious Revolutionary War battle site with a reenactment of a redcoats and patriots cannon battle and an encampment showcasing the Colonial Period. reenactments arts and crafts vendors art competition folk music museum exhibits and more!

The Historical Museum is also featuring the Honor Our Veterans- Remembering World War II exhibit.

Kings Mountain, NC

704-734-0333

www.cityofkm.com info@cityofkm.com

Thomasville, NC — A Great Place for R&R

+ Home of the North Carolina Vietnam Veterans Memorial + Historic Walking Trails + Unique Civil War Cemetary

From where we sit you can see it all!

Thomasville Tourism • 800-611-9907 • www.thomasvilletourism.com

The Holiday Inn University Executive Park is proud to offer special military rates for all of our Soldiers traveling to the Charlotte area.

Complimentary Wi-Fi Executive Level 173 Guest Rooms and 1 Suite

24 Hour Fitness Center Outdoor Pool

University Patio and Grille Full Business Center

Holiday Inn University Executive Park 8520 University Executive Park Drive • Charlotte, NC 28262 704-547-0999 • www.hicharlotteu.com Located off exit 45A on I-85 off of W.T. Harris Blvd.

82 • THE GRIFFON • Fall 2010

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Mother nature’s spectacular show

Surrounded by Shenandoah National Park and the George Washington National Forest Front Royal, Virginia lights up with the bright yellows, rich reds and oranges of the harvest season. Recognized as the Gateway to Shenandoah Na-

tional Park and the Canoe Capital of Virginia, Front Royal provides an ideal base for enjoying the region’s fall foliage, outdoor adventures and historic past.

Front Royal is an easy drive from our Nation’s Capital in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, 70 miles west of Washington, DC off Interstate 66. Make the Front Royal Visitor Center and Downtown Front Royal one of your first stops in town, followed by a stroll down Main Street for a slice of small-town Americana.

Autumn means great outdoor adventure!

“Leaf-peepers” and birders will find a unique way to enjoy fall foliage without the crowds paddling down the gentle waters of the South Fork of the Shenandoah River. Two outfitters, Down River and Front Royal Canoe Companies rent out canoes, kayaks and rafts for floating down the Shenandoah.

Rates include convenient shuttle service along routes ranging from three miles to 40-mile overnights.

For those seeking the birds-eye view, Blue Ridge Hot Air Balloons offers a one-hour aerial tour, followed by the traditional champagne toast upon landing. Cass Aviation will have you soaring above the tree-tops with a scenic airplane ride over the Shenandoah River and Shenandoah National Park..

For those who prefer to be a part of the action on foot- hundreds of miles of hiking trails lace their way across the area. Shenandoah National Park, the Tuscarora Trail, and the world-renowned Appalachian National Scenic Trail offer countless loops (and primitive overnight shelters) for hikers, and backpackers of all levels. Pack a picnic and head to Shenandoah River State Park; with 5.6 miles of meandering river frontage along the south fork of the Shenandoah River the mostly wooded rolling, mountainous land features easy day hikes and scenic vistas. The George Washington National Forest is a go-to spot for mountain biking, hiking, fishing and camping but not to be left out is hawk watching, cross-country

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skiing, horseback riding and nature photography.

A bounty of festivals awaits you in Front Royal Plan your getaway in conjunction with any and all of our fall festivals.

Virginia Air Show, Sept 11, 7 a.m.

– 7 p.m., Front Royal-Warren County Airport.This year’s air show features the renowned Flying Circus, military aircraft, hot air balloons, gyro copter, glider, para-sail, helicopter, barn storming, wing walker, and biplane demonstrations, acrobatics, and flights. Plus, there are antique auto, aircraft displays, food, and just plain fun. www.virginiaairshow.com Dancing Downtown, Sept 25, 6–10 p.m. Enjoy live music and dancing at the Town Commons in Downtown Front Royal. To benefit Downtown Front Royal, Inc. Shagging on the Shenandoah, Oct 2, Noon – 5 p.m. Dance to the music of Bill Deal’s Original Rhondels along the banks of the Shenandoah River! Enjoy NC BBQ, beverages and dessert. $45 adults/$20 students/$100 for families of 5.

Autumn Conservation Festival, Oct 2-3. Bring your family for a day of fun, tours, and activities at the National Zoo’s Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Virginia, the only time each year this facility is open to the public. www. fonz.org The 40th Annual Festival of Leaves, Oct 9, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Come enjoy Front Royal at its best as 2010

marks the 40th year of the Warren Heritage Society’s Festival of Leaves.

The Festival takes place in historic downtown Front Royal on Chester and Main Streets. Bluegrass, blues, country, jazz, big band, and choir music represent some of the musical entertainment. Other highlights include reenactments and short plays. Come enjoy Heritage Square on the grounds of the Warren Heritage Society at 101 Chester Street where you will find museums, tours of our historic homes - Belle Boyd Cottage (Front Royal home of Confederate spy Belle Boyd) and 18th century Balthis House - and their outbuildings, re-enactors, living history demonstrations, crafts people, apple butter making, and a blacksmith. www.festivalofleaves.com Take part in the Brew and Blues Festival, Oct 16, Noon – 6 p.m., Downtown Front Royal. Enjoy Blues music, microbrew tastings, crafters, traditonal festival vendors and craftsman demonstrations at this havest festival. www.frontroyalchamber.com Front Royal looks forward to hosting you and your family with a rich menu of activities in any season. Accommodations range from camping and cabin rentals to genteel bed and breakfasts listed on the National Register of Historic Places, to modern hotels and motels. Military discounts are plentiful, so be sure to enquire.

For complete information and to view our interactive Visitors Guide visit www. discoverfrontroyal.com.

Thank You for Your Service!

3 & 4 bedroom log homes and townhouses Enclosed heated swimming pool with slide Meeting rooms Private golf course Off site horseback riding & whitewater rafting Stay with us anytime and receive a 10% discount!

Use promo code MILITARY. Active military ID required upon check-in.

Vacation Rentals and Investment Properties 1915 Wolf Ridge Road Mars Hill, North Carolina

877-828-9653

www.scenicwolfresort.com

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Biking, hiking, kayaking and lots more!

By Bob O’Connor Assistant Director, Jefferson County Convention and Visitors Bureau

Jefferson County West Virginia where you can “Discover It All” welcomes all members of the 108th Training Command. We are the perfect spot for your rest and relaxation, especially in the fall.

We are proud of what you do to vigilantly protect our many freedoms.Your federal service is much appreciated here.

Jefferson County, West Virginia provides for a dichotomy of restful experiences.You can just complete-

ly “veg out” here, or you can jump into a myriad of the outdoor recreation or history experiences.

If you come here and turn off your cell phone – you will be lost to the world.You will be so close to Washington DC……yet it will feel you are a million miles away.

You can slow down to the speed of SLOW – SLOWER – SLOWEST (take your pick) and do absolutely nothing.You may get used to doing absolutely nothing at such a beautiful place. Or you may find out after rushing around for so many years, your system is really uncomfortable

at such a slow speed. Either way, we are the perfect spot for both.

If it is history you are looking for, September 18, 2010 provides a unique opportunity to visit and tour four of the Washington homes in the county. George Washington’s family lived here – in western Virginia (today West Virginia).

They owned fourteen homes. Seven still exist. Four will be open that day including Beallair, Harewood, Happy Retreat and Claymont Court.

All four can be toured for a $25.00 ticket for each person. Information may be found on line at www.

friendsofhappyretreat.org .The September 18 event is part of the Charles Town Heritage Festival on that same day in downtown Charles Town.

You can watch the leaves change — a spectacular site particularly overlooking the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers at Harpers Ferry.

“Leaf peeping” is a favorite October “sport” in Jefferson County right up there in intensity with bird watching, tubing, and the like.

October also has the 24th annual West Virginia Breeder’s Classic thoroughbred horse racing program, the richest racing program in the entire state.This year’s Breeder’s Classic takes place at Charles Town Races on October 16. Parking is free — watching the horses run is free — but you may want to place a few bets and cheer for your favorite horse.

If you want just a “tad” more excitement, try your hand at the new table games at the new Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races. In addition to 5,000 slot machines, Charles Town now has Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, Poker, Mini-Baccarat, Let It Ride,Three Card Poker, Caribbean Stud, Big Six Wheel and Texas Hold Em.The casino is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Horse racing occurs Wednesday

TRAVEL USA through Saturday nights and on Sunday afternoon.

If you like water sports, we are a Mecca for water sports with everything from rafting and Kayaking to canoeing and tubing.The Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers join here at Harpers Ferry providing all kinds of experiences for all levels and ages of persons looking for soft adventure.

If it is dining that interests you, we can provide you with four diamond dining, the Epic Buffet, quaint fine cafes, and just about anything else you might be seeking.

The downtowns of both Harpers Ferry and Shepherdstown provide ten or so restaurant choices all in a small area.

If you are into musical entertainment,Thursday nights are always a good time to visit O’Hurley’s General Store in Shepherdstown. Every Thursday night musicians head to O’Hurley’s for a jam session – which is free and open to the public. Rocking chairs are provided, but seating is limited.

Our accommodations in Jefferson County cover the spectrum from historic inn, resort, bed and breakfast to camping or staying at

a cabin at the KOA Kampground.

Please call ahead for reservations especially if you are planning a weekend in the fall.

If you need help developing your itinerary, or have questions, please call us at the Jefferson County Convention and Visitors Bureau at 304-535-2627. And then Discover It All! in Wild and Wonderful Jefferson County West Virginia.

Bob O’Connor is the assistant director of the Jefferson County Convention and Visitors Bureau. He is a historian and a published author of

four civil war books.You can visit his website at www.boboconnorbooks.com.

Plenty of Outdoor Activities The convergence of the two rivers provides outstanding recreational opportunities.The area was recently cited by a Baltimore Magazine as the “Best Close-In Recreation Vista.”

You can bike along the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, hike the trails, raft, tub, canoe or kayak here.

No matter what your level of excitement, there’s something for everyone.

The river activities are Class I, II, and III — pretty tame compared to rafting at the Gulley and New Rivers further into West Virginia’s interior, but exciting just the same. Professional rafting companies have been providing safe experiences on the rivers for decades.

Our hiking trails range from flat and short to steep and challenging.

The Appalachian Trail crosses West Virginia at Harpers Ferry where you can visit the Appalachian Trail Conservancy at the mid-point of the 2,174 mile trail from Georgia to Maine.The hike to the top of Maryland Heights overlooking Harpers Ferry is strenuous, but the view is outstanding.

Bird watching is outstanding. On any given day the selection of birds you might seen range from the Baltimore Oriole to the Pileated Woodpecker, from the Bald Eagle and Great Blue Heron to hundreds of song birds, finches and sparrows.

For those interested in gaming and horse racing, you can’t get any better than Charles Town Races and Slots. With thoroughbred horse racing five times a week and over 5000 slots, Charles Town Races and Slots has something for everyone.

And as of this summer, 2010, table games will be open for business.

Those games include Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, Poker, Mini-Baccarat, Let It Ride,Three Card Poker, Caribbean Stud, Big Six Wheel and Texas Hold Em. Our accommodations range from

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www.Hello-WV.com

866-HELLO-WV

In 1989, the Secretary of the Army designated Morganʼs Grove as the birthplace of the United States Army.

a Resort to small and delightful bed and breakfasts and everything in between. Choose from Jacuzzi suites, indoor swimming pool, hotels with restaurants and lounges, or a quiet inn in the country.

Delicious food is available in various places. We have a four diamond restaurant, local favorites, and most anything else you might like — featuring everything from Japanese, Chinese, Mexican, steak, crab cakes, spaghetti, pizza or most anything else.

Come visit us. Stay a weekend or a week.You’ll find us “laid back” and with a pace slower than perhaps what you might be used to.

Your cell phone may not work in parts of our county — but if you are on an R&R, that may not be a bad thing at all. In fact, you may not want to go home after you have sampled what we offer every day of the year.

For information please visit our website at www.hello-wv.com. Or call us at 866-HELLO-WV. Bob O’Connor is a historian and author of four Civil War books. His website has more information on those books.

It is found at www.boboconnorbooks. com. He is the Assistant Director of the Jefferson County Convention and Visitors Bureau in Harpers Ferry.

Remembering Their Valor, Fidelity and SacriÅce Discover The National D-Day Memorial, overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains and the town that lost the most citizens per-capita in the United States at D-Day. The Memorial honors the Americans and all of the Allied forces involved. Near The Memorial is Thomas Jefferson’s retreat Poplar Forest, the Blue Ridge Parkway, Smith Mountain Lake and the Booker T. Washington National Monument.

Open daily except on Mondays.

Bedford Welcome Center • Bedford, VA 877-447-3257 • www.visitbedford.com

O

Mountain Lake hosts our 22nd Anniversary of this celebration of Autumn with Toasting, Feasting, and Music!

ktoberfest Weekends at Mountain Lake!

Sept 18 & 25 • Oct 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 22-23, 29-30 $35.00 adults • $17.50 children • non-refundable

Note: for Oktoberfest Appetizer Grill with German Sausages • German Beers, participants not staying at Wines and Spiced Cider • Traditional German Buffet Mountain Lake, reservations Hot and Cold Banquet Tables • Roasted Pig may be made Mon-Fri Live German Oompah Band!

9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Ticket price non-refundable.

Nightly Rates begin at $225.00 +tax, per night/2 people Oktoberfest is included in your overnight lodging, alcoholic beverages are extra.

Halloween Costume Contest October 30 with Prizes!

115 Hotel Circle, Pembroke, VA

RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. Call 800-346-3334 • www.mountainlakehotel.com

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FREE WEEKEND DAY

OR $20 OFF

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We’re thanking active and retired U.S. Military members for their service with a choice of offers. Enjoy either your third day free on a weekend rental or $20 off a weekly rental.

And as always, you can count on an easy ride with our premium products, plus savings of up to 25% off when you rent with AWD # A555098.

Free Weekend Day

$20 Off a Weekly Rental

COUPON # TUGG075

COUPON # MUGH272

For reservations, visit avis.com or call 1-800-321-3659.

Free Weekend Day Terms and Conditions: Offer of one weekend day free applies to the time and mileage charges only of the third consecutive day of a minimum three day weekend rental on an intermediate (group C) through a full-size four-door (group E) car. Taxes, concession recovery fees, vehicle license recovery fee, customer facility charges ($10/contract in CA) may apply and are extra.

Optional products such as LDW ($29.99/day or less, except in Louisiana $49.99/day) and refueling are extra. Weekend rental period begins Thursday, and car must be returned by Monday 11:59 p.m. or a higher rate will apply. A Saturday night keep is required.

Cannot be used for one-way rentals; one coupon per rental. Offer may not be used in conjunction with any other coupon, promotion or offer except your Leisure Pass discount. Coupon valid at participating Avis locations in the contiguous U.S. and Canada (excluding the New York Metro area). An advance reservation is required. Offer may not be available during holiday and other blackout periods.

Offer is subject to vehicle availability at the time of reservation and may not be available on some rates at some times. For reservations made on avis.com, free day will be applied at time of rental. Renter must meet Avis age, driver and credit requirements. Minimum age may vary by location. An additional daily surcharge may apply for renters under 25 years old. Rental must begin by 12/31/10. $20 Off Weekly Rental Terms and Conditions: Coupon valid on an intermediate (group C) through a full-size four-door (group E) car. Offer may not apply to all makes or models. Dollars off applies to the time and mileage charges only on a minimum five consecutive day rental period. Taxes, concession recovery fees, vehicle license recovery fee, customer facility charges ($10/contract in CA) may apply and are extra. Optional products such as LDW ($29.99/day or less, except in Louisiana $49.99/day) and refueling are extra.

One coupon per rental. An advance reservation is required. May not be used in conjunction with any other coupon, promotion or offer except your Leisure Pass discount. Coupon valid at participating Avis locations in the contiguous U.S. and Canada. Offer subject to vehicle availability at time of reservation and may not be available on some rates at some times. For reservations made on avis.com, dollars off will be applied at time of rental. Renter must meet Avis age, driver and credit requirements. Minimum age may vary by location. An additional daily surcharge may apply for renters under 25 years old. Rental must begin by 12/31/10.

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