the Griffon - Autumn 2010

THE

“Victory Starts Here”

Published in the interest of the 108th Training Command • Vol 33.3 Fall 2009

108th Training Command honors Fallen Warriors with Memorial dedication, monument................................ page 8 95th Division Soldier named Drill Sergeant of the Year...... page 12 98th Training Division’s Junior Officer of the Year is Capt. Christopher Henderson....................................... page 28

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THE GRIFFON • Fall 2009 • 3

From the Commanding General...

Training defines 108th’s role stateside, abroad

By Maj. Gen. James B. Mallory III Commanding General 108th Training Command (IET)

As we go to press, the Drill Sergeants, instructors, and cadre from the 108th Training Command (IET) are hard at work training new Soldiers in Basic Combat Training and One Station Unit Training; Drill Sergeant candidates and Warrior Leader Course students at our Drill Sergeant School; mobilizing Army Reserve Soldiers at Regional Training Centers; Cadets at ROTC leadership camps; Sailors at Task Force Marshall; Reserve and National Guard future Soldiers prior to Basic Training; Iraqi’s as part of the MultiNational Training Command-Iraq and Afghans as part of Task Force Phoenix at the Kabul Military Training Center.

In short, while the units in the command are designed to conduct

Basic Combat Training, it should be clear that our Soldiers are fully engaged across a full spectrum of training missions, both stateside and overseas, in support of all components of the Army.

None of these missions could be accomplished without sufficient numbers of qualified Drill Sergeants and instructors. As an aggregate, we have made significant progress in filling our ranks and getting Soldiers enrolled in Drill Sergeant School. Two years ago we had less than 50 percent of our authorized Drill Sergeants positions filled – today we are approaching 80 percent - and if we maintain the same level of intensity of recruiting and graduating Drill Sergeants, we will be close to 100 percent staffing by October 2010.

Attaining our qualified DS and instructor goals are critical to our ability to implement the Army Force Generation model – the employment of our companies in a rotational cycle by mobilizing for up to one year out of every five. This process eliminates the two week Annual Training based E Company mission and gives our companies the ability to execute at least full two cycles of training - from taking Soldiers off the bus to graduation. This new model will provide predictability to both employers and families and free up AT during the other four years for NCOES and other AT based training missions – at home and abroad.

As I have visited our Soldiers conducting training I have discovered most are still unaware of the

ARFORGEN concept or the implications of our transition from a strategic Reserve to an operational Reserve. While we have executed numerous mobilizations over the past eight years, both individual and unit, these mobilizations were, as a rule, ad-hoc responses to critical needs. In the future, ARFORGEN will allow us a more predictable model of training and mobilization. All of us need to understand how the new system will work and I strongly encourage you to read in full the TY 2010-11 Command Training Guidance and TY 2010 Yearly Training Guidance for a detailed discussion.

I have written a great deal in previous issues about transformation – and while the tip of the iceberg is the obvious realignment of units and command relationships – those in themselves are not transformational, but simply a reorganization, which we have done many times.

The substance of transformation is how we do business – our functions, processes and how we conduct missions. Everyone has a stake in transformation and we depend on good ideas being shared willingly to make ourselves the most efficient and proficient training force in the Army.

Our final round of unit reorganizations are being staffed and in anticipation of being OPCON to TRADOC on October 1, 2009, the ROTC mission is being transferred to the 108th and the 104th Training Division headquartered in Vancouver Barracks, Wash., will be assigned as our third Division. We

will be re-aligning our Training Support Battalions under the 104thTraining Division and accomplishing some internal reorganization of the committee companies to be more flexible in support to ROTC and Army Training Center requirements. We are also being tasked to reduce some command structure at the Battalion level, which will likely be accomplished by expanding the companies in a battalion from five to six by realigning existing company structure and standing down excess battalion headquarters. This process will, in the main, involve evaluating which battalion headquarterd have been most successful in meeting qualified DS strength requirements. In the meantime, as we work through these decisions, everyone needs to focus on their missions and getting Drill Sergeant Candidates into Drill Sergeant School.

In closing I want to express my appreciation for the hard work done at every level of the command in achieving our many goals and the training of Soldiers. I especially want to congratulate our two TRADOC Drill Sergeant of the Year candidates – Staff Sgt. Joshua Marshall from the 95th Div. (IET) and Staff Sgt. Shanna McKinnon from the 98th Div. (IET). After an arduous competition Staff Sgt. Marshall took top honors as the Army Reserve Drill Sergeant of the Year and Staff Sgt. McKinnon won the 1st Sgt.Tobias Meister physical fitness award for the highest physical fitness score. Hooah!

“Victory Starts Here!”

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Contents

Fall 2009 3 5 5 6 6 8 10 12 16 17 18 20 21 22 24 25 26 28 29 34 35 35 36 38 40

From the Commanding General CSM - 108th Training Command has Summer of achievements In briefs From the desk of the CXO Command Chief - Clock is ticking for retirement 108th honors Fallen Warriors with Memorial dedication Montana Drill Sergeants support Warrior Challenge 95th Div. Soldier named Drill Sergeant of the Year Commandant answers Drill Sergeant leader questions 3rd Brigade, 95th Division trains Iraqi Army tankers Spartans compete in sixth annual Bayonet Competition Reserve drill sergeants volunteer to train Afghan counterparts Col. R. Andrew Bassford takes charge of 2nd Brigade, 98th Div. Pam Gill honored with Griffon Award at RTC-West Chaplains Corner Office of Internal Review - Drive the tank, move the command HEAT training 98th Division selects Junior Officer of the Year New motto for RTC-West: Lean Forward!

108th celebrates night of stars on Army’s 234th birthday From the Surgeons Office From the Family Programs Office Operation Purple Camp: Youth program for military kids Strong bonds program reinforces relationships Retention Office - Understanding the Post - 9/11 G.I. Bill

108th Training Command (IET) • Charlotte, NC • Vol. 33, No. 3 Fall 2009

Commanding General Maj. Gen. James B. Mallory III

Deputy Commanding General Col. (P) Dwayne R. Edwards

Command Sgt. Maj. Command Sgt. Maj. William J. Payne

Command Chief Warrant Officer

Command Executive Officer

Command CWO Gary Williams

Mr. Larry Cruz

108th Training Command (IET) - Public Affairs Staff Col. Ogden Hansford.......................................................................................Public Affairs Officer Lt. Col. Chris Black..............................................................................Deputy Public Affairs Officer Sgt. Maj. Mark Schulz.................................................................................Public Affairs Sgt. Maj. Ms. Victoria L. White - vicki.l.white@usar.army.mil...................................Public Affairs Specialist 108th Training Command (IET) - Griffon Staff Sgt. 1st Class Marty Collins - marty.a.collins@usar.army.mil.........Editor/Public Affairs NCOIC Sgt. 1st Class Paul McGuire (95th Division) ..............................................................Staff Writer Spec. Christina Dion..................................................................................................Staff Writer Spec. Richmond Barkemeyer (Deployed)..................................................................Staff Writer Spec. Joshua Flowers (95th Division)........................................................................Staff Writer

Drill Sergeants from the 108th Training Command (IET) pay respect to their fallen comrades.

Photo by Victoria L. White

Front cover: 1st Sgt. Broderick Gantt looks out over Marsailles Training Area, Illinois from a Blackhawk helicopter during the field training exercise in May. Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Marty Collins

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: AFKD-GCE-PO, 1330 Westover Street, Charlotte, NC 27205-5124.

To coordinate news coverage, contact the 108th Training Command Public Affairs Office - 704-227-2820 ext. 4087 Deadlines: Winter Oct. 23, 2009 • Spring Jan. 8, 2010

THE GRIFFON • Fall 2009 • 5

From the Command Sergeant Major...

108th Training Command has summer of achievements

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

It has been quite a summer of achievements.

I recently had the opportunity to be part of the 2009 U.S. Army Drill Sergeant of the Year competition at the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command Headquarters at Fort Monroe, Va. and also attended the U.S. Army Reserve Command Best Warrior competition at For McCoy, Wis. I was also honored to be the guest speaker for the great Class 09-003 of the Drill Sergeant School at Fort Knox, Ky.That class added 89 new drill sergeants to our rosters. What an honor and a privilege to be a part of all of these events where you get to see the best of the best that the Army and the Army Reserve have to offer.

Both of our DSoY candidates, Staff Sgt. Joshua Marshall represent-

ing the 95th Division and Staff Sgt. Shanna McKinnon represented the 98th Division, did an outstanding job representing the Army Reserve in this year’s competition. I cannot express how proud I was of these two Soldiers.

If you are not aware, all of the Drill Sergeant of the Year candidates compete together. This year there were seven -- the five Regular Army drill sergeants representing Fort Benning, Fort Jackson, Fort Knox, Fort Leonard Wood and Fort Sill, along with our two contestants from the 95th and 98th Divisions.

There are actually two awards: The Stephen Ailes Award for the active duty DSoY and the Ralph E. Haines Jr. award for the best Reservist drill sergeant.

The winners in each category are now assigned to TRADOC for one year, acting as consultants for policies and procedures about drill sergeants, drill sergeant training and Initial Entry Training.

McKinnon presented herself extremely well, especially in Basic Rifle Marksmanship and the Army Physical Fitness Test. She came in first over all the competitors.

She also won the first annual First Sergeant Tobias Meister Physical Fitness Award for scoring the highest on the APFT. Meister was the 2002 Army Reserve DSoY. The 95th Division Soldier was promoted to first sergeant in a civil affairs unit that was deployed to Afghanistan. Shortly into his tour, Meister was killed by an IED. He is one of the heroes whose name is etched on our recently dedicated memorial to our fallen comrades at the 108th Training Command Headquarters. After

explaining the story behind the award, McKinnon said that she was honored and humbled to be the first drill sergeant to receive this award.

But in the end, she was edged out by Marshall. A fairly recent graduate from the Drill Sergeant School, (2007), he gained valuable experience in the trenches during his current mobilization at Fort Knox.

Staff Sgt. Michael Johnston from Fort Benning won the Regular Army DSoY Competition.

I can tell you from being present that all of the candidates came in well prepared and did an outstanding job.They were all winners — but there could only be two number ones.

The USARC Best Warrior Competition was held July 17 at Fort McCoy. Last year’s winner, then an E-4, Sgt. David R. Obray of 492nd Engineer Company, 414th Engineer Command, won the overall Army Best Warrior Competition for the Soldier of the Year. A National Guard Soldier won the NCO of the Year category in 2008.

Our BWC candidate, Spec. David Shultz, who won the 95th and then the 81st RSC BWC competitions, gave it a good fight but the winners were: For the NCOs, Staff Sgt. Aaron D. Butler from the 4225th Medical Hospital, Helena, Mont. and for the Soldiers, Spec. Shiloh Becher from the 416th Engineer Company, Fargo, N.D. Best of luck to both of our champions in the Army BWC this month at Fort Lee, Va. To all of the first sergeants and command sergeants major in the 108th Tng. Cmd,. I challenge you to start looking today for your candi-

dates for Drill Sergeant of the Year and the Best Warrior competitions.

Things you really need to be concentration on besides overall warrior knowledge and appearance are: APFT: If you can’t max the test, you better come pretty darn close!

BRM: A soldier that can’t shoot isn’t.

Land Navigation:The lost art, literally.

The Road March: Better come with you most comfortable broke in boots and a couple pairs of good socks and moleskin--the road march eats up feet.

Combatives:The winner of the combatives competition gets 50 points in either the NCO or the Soldier portion of this event. That is hard to overcome. It’s no coincidence that both the NCO and the Soldier winners last year won this event in respective categories.

Citizens have dreams and ideas, scholars and politicians turn those dreams and ideas into grand speeches and historic documents, but without the sacrifice of the Soldier those dreams and ideas would never become reality.

Thomas Jefferson was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence, which was announced to the world on July 4, 1776. But if Lord Cornwallis had defeated General Washington at Yorktown in October of 1781 and the colonies had gone on to lose the American Revolution, would anyone remember the Declaration of Independence today or would it be a footnote in history?

Thank you and all of your great Soldiers for all you do for this great county. I’ll see you on the trail.

“A Soldier joining a unit may have not been there for a campaign, but there is a lot of pride that goes into joining a unit that has been battle tested,” said Maj. Dan Allen, with the Army’s Human Resources Command.“When you stand behind that flag in formation and there are streamers hanging off it — everybody knows that your unit has been battle tested.There is a history that passes down to the new Soldiers.”

Units with campaign participation credit for Operation Enduring Freedom may be authorized to display the “Liberation of Afghanistan” streamer, dated Sept. 11 - Nov. 30, 2001.They may also fly the Afghanistan “Consolidation I” streamer, dated Dec. 1, 2001 - Sept. 30, 2006.

Another Afghanistan campaign

streamer,“Consolidation II,” covers an open-ended period that begins Oct. 1, 2006. It is not yet authorized to hang on flags.

For those units with campaign participation credit in Operation Iraqi Freedom, they may be able to display any of three streamers.The “Liberation of Iraq” streamer covers the period March 19 - May 1, 2003.

The “Transition of Iraq” streamer covers the period May 2, 2003 June 28, 2004, and the “Iraqi Governance” streamer covers the period June 29, 2004 - Dec. 15, 2005. An additional streamer,“Nation Resolution,” covers the open-ended period beginning Dec. 16, 2005. It is not yet authorized to hang on flags.

The Army recognizes more than 180 campaign streamers that can be attached to the Army flag.They

cover Army actions starting with the Battle of Lexington, in 1775, which is the first battle of the Revolutionary War, up through the latest campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“They recognize a unit’s participation during a period of time while they are serving in combat,” said Lt. Col. Stephen Harmon, acting chief of military awards branch, Army Human Resources Command.

“And the Soldiers get a campaign medal that corresponds to the streamer.”

The Iraq campaign streamers are all the same colors and each bears the name of the campaign. Likewise with the Afghanistan campaign streamers. The colors are the same used to make the ribbon on corre-

“Victory Starts Here”

In briefs...

New campaign streamers available now for unit flags

By C. Todd Lopez

WASHINGTON (Army News Service, July 22, 2009) — Five new campaign streamers have been approved for use on Army and unit flags.

Three streamers represent named campaigns in Iraq, and two represent named campaigns in Afghanistan.The named-campaign streamers replace the non-specific Iraq and Afghanistan streamers that may already be on unit colors.

Battle streamers typically hang from unit flags to let unit members and others know what military campaigns a unit has participated in.

(see In Briefs page 15)

6 • THE GRIFFON • Fall 2009

From the desk of the CXO... the opportunity to see the memorial dedicated to our fallen Soldiers throughout the command, I would encourage you to make a trip to the headquarters. This is a beautiful and ever lasting tribute to our comrades in arms who paid the ultimate sacrifice. We honor their service!

As we look down the road, I chal-

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

Please join me in extending a warm welcome to the 104th Training Division as I anticipate by the time the ink dries on this publication, a formal decision will have been made by Army Reserve command to incorporate the 104th Training Division into our ranks.

Here at the headquarters, we have met with the 104th senior leadership and are thoroughly convinced we are inheriting a division that shares our vision, values and enthusiasm for achieving excellence.

It was really great seeing you all in Reno. Our full-time end-strength is currently sitting at 107 percent as a command and I can not tell you how impressed I am with all of the hard work being done by all of you, day in and day out. Make sure and give yourself credit for your hard work when writing your year end close-out National Security Personnel System (NSPS) evaluations. For those of you who have not had

lenge each and every one of you to make a commitment to improving command business practices and efficiencies. This is a team effort! If you believe there is a better; more cost efficient or productive way of doing something, share it with your senior leaders. We do not need robots! What we need are sharp and talented full-time folks like

you, who are innovative and able to think outside the box. I appreciate all of you taking the time to complete the FTS critique sheets.

We will take your comments and improve upon next year’s conference. Now get out there and make something happen!

“The flag is moving forward!”

The Clock is ticking for retirement

By Chief Warrant Officer Gary Williams Command Chief Warrant Officer 108th Training Command (IET)

As many of us approach our military retirement day we keep getting asked the question,‘what are you going to do?’ Most of the standard answers are: I’m going to go fishing or I’m going to take a long

vacation or I might even be a WalMart greeter.

All of us know how our spouses would like us being a Wal-Mart greeter. What a great reason for them to stop by the store and go shopping. I can hear it now. ‘Well, I needed to drop off your lunch or thought I would just drop by to say hello.’

In reality, I do not think many of us know what we are going to do. We want to think about all the free time we are going to have, but when you talk to others who have retired; it seems they do not know how they were able to work fulltime when there is so much to do at home.

Maybe some of us will become more involved with the Veterans of Foreign Wars mor the American Legion. After all, the military has been part of our lives and we just cannot let it go. I’m sure some of us will probably dedicate more time to our religious affiliated organization and what about some of those positions in the community you have been asked to apply for? Got to be careful. Somehow part-time jobs can sometimes turn into full-time work.

Regardless of what we plan to do, we all look forward to our retirement day. My wife keeps saying she will believe it when she sees it.

Personally, I have a 1954 Chevy pickup truck that has spent more time in the garage in the last 25 years than it has on the road. Maybe I’ll have time to finally get the restoration started before one of my sons tries to confiscate my ’54

“Someone told me the other day that a bad day on the golf course is always better than a good day at the office” Chief Warrant Officer Gary Williams

Chevy. I do hit the golf course occasionally and read John Grisham books when I get a chance. I know one thing for certain; I’ll spend more time with my wife and family, hopefully catching up on some of the things I’ve missed over the years.

Someone told me the other day that a bad day on the golf course is always better than a good day at the office. So for all of us who are nearing our retirement day le’ts always look back and cherish the past, remembering our fellow Soldiers, the fallen and those still with us, both active and retired and at the same time look with anticipation of what the future holds.

STABLE. SECURE. STRONG. Proudly Serving Those Who Serve Our Country.

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8 • THE GRIFFON • Fall 2009

108th Training Command honors Fallen Warriors with Memorial dedication, monument

Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Marty Collins “The memorial was designed so we could never forget those soldiers of the 108th Training Command who gave their lives in service to this great country of ours,” said CW5 Gary Williams, who spearheaded the project.

By Spec. Christina Dion 108th Training Command (IET) Public Affairs

A reminder of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for freedoms was etched into the memories of those who attended the 108th Training Command (IET) Fallen Warrior Memorial Dedication, June 13, during the Roll Call of Remem-

brance. With each name called came the sounded reminders as the bell rung in lieu of “here, sir.”

Of the 11 Soldiers on the memorial, three are from the 108th Tng. Cmd. Since the unit reorganizations, the combining of the 95th and 98th Division battle losses have been combined in the commemorization of the 108th Division to honor the

Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Marty Collins Construction workers from Gaulden Monuments build the memorial outside the headquarters building.

11 soldiers not present in formation, said Maj. Gen. James B. Mallory III, 108th Training Command commanding general.

More than 170 of the 4,200 fallen Soldiers in the current contingencies in Iraq and Afghanistan have been fellow Army Reservists, said Stephanie Caldwell, 108th Tng. Cmd. The memorial is located in

the front of the 108th Tng. Cmd. headquarters building and bears the inscription “Never Forget.”

“We gather here to both commemorate the service and memorialize the sacrifice of our fellow Soldiers,” said Mallory.“Since landing on the shores of Jamestown some 402 years ago, citizens have been answering the call of military ser-

Photo by Victoria L. White Soldiers perform the 21-Gun Salute during the Fallen Warrior Memorial Dedication Ceremony, June 13 at the 108th Training Command headquarters in Charlotte, N.C.

THE GRIFFON • Fall 2009 • 9

Photo by Sgt. Maj. Mark Schulz Maj. Gen. James B. Mallory III speaks at the memorial ceremony.

vice, knowing the full measure of sacrifice might be required.

“The Army Reserve 108th Training Command headquartered here in Charlotte consists of nearly 10,000 Soldiers. Mostly Drill Sergeants, instructors and cadre, in units in 46 states and territories from Hawaii to Puerto Rico whose mission it is to turn young Americans from civilians into Soldiers,” he said.“Because of our Soldiers expertise as trainers, beginning in 2004, in addition to our stateside training missions, Soldiers from the 108th were missioned to train and deploy in order to train Soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan and the security forces in both of those countries.”

In 2006 the 108th Tng. Cmd. was tasked to provide the third rotation. The majority of Soldiers were tasked from the Carolinas but some filled the ranks from units across the country, Mallory said. Many were deployed on Military Transition Teams, small 11 man units

Photo by Sgt. Maj. Mark Schulz During the Roll Call of Rememberance a bell is rung in lieu of “here, sir!” for Soldiers not in formation.

A combat veteran and the senior enlisted Soldier of the 108th Tng. Cmd., Command Sgt. Maj. William “Joe” Payne reiterated the commanding generals’ thoughts on the heroes listed on the memorial and also reflected on the historical importance of all the nations’ fallen Soldiers.

As a student of history, Payne said he chose from two resources to speak from at the ceremony.

“The Bible says in John 15 verse 13, ‘Greater love hath no man than this, than the man who lay down his life for his friends.’These Soldiers were our friends.They were also battle buddies.They were sons, brothers, husbands, fathers, co workers and neighbors.They are the true American heroes,” said Payne.

His second resource was the Gettysburg Address. Abraham Lincoln was added to the dedication of the cemetery in Gettysburg.

Payne said Lincoln’s words mean the same today as they did then: “The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”

Photo by Sgt. Maj. Mark Schulz Lincoln’s words rang true Command Sgt. Maj. William “Joe” Payne and Maj. Gen. James B. Mallory III stand next to the memorial after it was unveiled. for Soldiers of the 108th Tng. embedded with the Iraqi Security forces.

These Military Transition Teams worked and lived with their Iraqi counterparts, outside the relatively secured coalition bases and knew the dangerous conditions they would face everyday, Mallory explained.

“Throughout 2006, Major General McCartney and myself had the bittersweet privilege to see over 900 soldiers board planes and deploy to Iraq after months of intense training. When in 2007 we welcomed our troops home, three of these Soldiers, all assigned to Military Transition Teams, who we saw off did not return to their Families,” said Mallory. Two Soldiers died of IED attacks, and one died of nonhostile causes.

“Reflecting on their personal sacrifice, I cannot help but think of the sacrifice of their Families,” said Mallory.“And we honor their continuing sacrifice.”

Cmd. as they memorialized their fallen Soldiers with a monument, in ceremony and out of love.

“Today we have the honor of unveiling a sentimental monument that will forever engrave our love, respect and memories of our fallen Soldiers during the time of war,” said Caldwell.“We honor these selfless and heroic men, the fallen of the 108th command on this special day.”

The Soldiers honored on the Memorial are: Lt. Col.Terrence K. Crowe, 10th Battalion, 98th Regiment, 4th Brigade, 98th Division. He died in TalAfar, Iraq on June 7, 2005.

Maj. Scott A. Hagerty, 451st Civil Affairs Bn. He died in Zormat, Afghanistan on June 3, 2008.

Maj. Michael L. Mundell, 1st Bde., 108th Div. (IT). He died in Fallujah, Iraq on Jan. 5, 2007.

1st Sgt.Tobias C. Meister, 321st Civil Affairs Bde. He died in Asadabad, Afghanistan on Dec. 28, 2005.

Master Sgt. Paul D. Karpowich, 1/417th Infantry Regiment, 98th Div. He died in Mosul, Iraq in Dec. 21, 2004.

Sgt. 1st Class Robert V. Derenda, 1st Bde., 98th Div. He died in Rubiah, Iraq on Aug. 5, 2005.

Sgt. 1st Class Douglas C. Stone, 96th Regional Readiness Command.

He died in Tikrit, Iraq on March 11, 2007.

Staff Sgt. Christopher W. Dill, 2/390th Inf. Regt., 2nd Bde., 98th Div. He died in Balad Ruz, Iraq on April 4, 2005.

Staff Sgt. Jeffrey J. Farrow, 146th Quartermaster Company. He died in Camp Afifjan, Kuwait on July 19, 2005.

Staff Sgt. Russell K. Shoemaker, 7th Detachment, 2nd Bde., 108th Div. He died in Baghdad, Iraq on May 24, 2007.

Sgt. Lawrence A. Roukey, Det. 1, 3/304th, 7th Bde., 98th Div. He died in Baghdad, Iraq on April 26, 2007.

10 • THE GRIFFON • Fall 2009

Montana Drill Sergeants support the Devil’s Brigade Warrior Challenge Story by 1st Sgt. Daniel Kimzey C. Co., 3rd Bn., 415th Regt.

“Up on your left foot!” Future warriors of the Montana Army National Guard echo the cadence call of the 3rd Bn, 415th Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 95th Division Drill Sergeant.

“Down on your right!”A second Drill Sergeant steps briskly to the edge of the formation and provides guidance.

“Up early morning!” the young recruits, fresh off of buses and vans from all over the state are beginning to learn to march in unison at Montana’s Fort William Henry Harrison.

“Out late at night!” These MTARNG Warriors are starting to look and act like Soldiers under the watchful eye and direction of 95th Division drill sergeants from Helena, Mont. and Spokane, Wash.

“I hear you calling…calling for me! Queen of the battle! Army infantry!” The cadence call rumbles loud and clear across the scenic hills of Fort Harrison as 240 young warriors participate in the annual Devil’s Brigade Warrior Challenge.

The Devil’s Brigade Warrior Challenge is a three-day joint exercise conducted by the Montana Army National Guard’s Recruit Training Battalion and Drill Sergeants from the 3rd Bn, 415th Regiment and was held at Ft. Harrison, MT 17-19 June 2009.

The Challenge is named after the 1st Special Service Force, the joint US-Canadian commando unit, known as the Devil’s Brigade, which was formed and trained for combat duty in the European Theater of Operations at Ft. Harrison in 1942.

This was the third large-scale Challenge in which USAR Drill Sergeants have had a major role. Twenty Drill Sergeants, leadership, and support cadre from the 3/415th

participated in this year’s event, which was the culminating activity for the Montana Army National Guard’s innovative pre-basic and pre-AIT training program.

The Recruit Training Battalion is comprised of eight Recruit Training Companies dispersed throughout Montana’s vast landscape. The Devil’s Brigade Warrior Challenge is an opportunity for all of the Recruit Training Companies to come together for high-intensity training with their cadre and the 95th Division Drill Sergeants. Aside from teaching basic combat skills, one of the primary focuses of the event is to foster competition between the various Recruit Training Companies through scoring Soldier tasks. Devil’s Brigade Warrior Challenge 2009 included competitions in the Army physical fitness test, grenade qualification, land navigation, Engagement Skills Trainer and US weapons, the confidence course, and fire and maneuver. Warriors were also provided basic MOUT instruction and had the opportunity to try out the new Army paintball system under realistic training conditions.

“Training like this gives Drill Sergeants and candidates an opportunity to take charge of a group of inexperienced soldiers and impart to them their personal knowledge and familiarity with the military environment. It also is an opportunity for them to gain experience conveying information to a large group of people in an instructional format within a military, professional context,” said Drill Sergeant Mike Delao of B Co., 3/415. That professional expertise has to be developed, and the command team works very hard to develop training relationships that provide that opportunity for Montana’s Drill Sergeants. The occasion for USAR drill sergeants

Photos by Sgt. 1st Class Jonathan Sprenger, Montana Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Kristen Chapa, Drill Sergeant with A Co. 3/415th grades a MTARNG Warrior in the push-up event.

(see MOUT page 14)

Drill Sergeant Christopher Rawlins, A Co. 3/415th instructs MTARNG Warriors in correct body positioning for rapid reflexive fire.

Drill Sergeant Christopher Rawlins, A Co. 3/415th, grades the APFT, the initial training task of Devil’s Brigade Warrior Challenge 2009.

THE GRIFFON • Fall 2009 • 11

12 • THE GRIFFON • Fall 2009

95th Division Soldier named Drill Sergeant of the Year Story and photos by Victoria L. White Public Affairs Specialist 108th Training Command (IET)

After eight months of physical training, studying Army regulations, practicing warrior skills, memorizing Army creeds and winning grueling competitions at battalion level and up, Staff Sgt. Joshua Marshall of the 95th Division (IET) won the 2009 U.S. Army Reserve Drill Sergeant of the Year competition. Staff Sgt. Michael Johnston of Fort Benning won the coveted award for the active-duty Army.

“It was physically demanding, it was mentally demanding — it was the hardest competition I’ve ever been to,” Marshall said. “I like to train and I knew this would be the best way to distinguish yourself, plus I enjoy competitions. We need the Army’s best and I thought I could be. When I started out as a drill sergeant, I never thought I would aspire to this level of excellence.”

The four-day competition was held at Forts Eustis and Monroe in Virginia, hosted by TRADOC each year. While all seven candidates

vied for the top slot in each competition category, Marshall competed for the Reserve title with Staff Sgt. Shanna McKinnon of the 98th Division (IET), the only female candidate who beat all six of her male counterparts in the Army Physical Fitness Test competition. “She smoked the guys,” said Command Sgt. Maj. William “Joe” Payne, 108th Tng Cmd (IET) command sergeant major.

Candidates were also tested on their knowledge of Soldier tasks and warCompetitors for Drill Sergeant of the Year compete for the best time in the PT run. Staff Sgt. Shanna McKinrior skills, along non, the only female competing, “smoked” the physical training competition by finishing in first place. with how well the Army’s top training tryman because I thought it would competition was the awards cerNCOs teach those help me be a better drill sergeant.” emony where the winners were anskills to recruits. “I wanted to be a The competition included comnounced. drill sergeant since I was a private,” bative skills and live-fire ranges.

“Most of my preparation has Marshall said. “I aspired to be a Candidates were tested in a variety been out there with the recruits,” drill sergeant, so I reclassified from of categories such as administerMarshall explained. “I think the being a paralegal to an 11B infaning the appropriate first aid to a privates I’ve trained would say that wounded Soldier on the battlefield I’m hard, but fair, and that I know while under fire, claymore mines, the standards. I believe everybody land navigation, grenade throw and should have the same shot for sucother warrior skills. The candidates cess. I love being a drill sergeant.” rarely knew which task would be Despite the extreme competiplaced before them next — the tiveness, however, Marshall said the element of surprise being part of camaraderie among the seven cankeeping them alert for responding didates was the best part of those to any situation. They competed in long four days vying to be the best a grueling obstacle course, but also Drill Sergeant in the Army this year. wrote essays and appeared before “There’s a bond with us,” Marshall a TRADOC board of senior NCOs said. “We all hang out together to further test their knowledge of and help each other, mostly on Army policies, creeds and Soldierthe individual tasks. Staff Sergeant ing skills. The grand finale for the McKinnon and I were competing

Staff Sgt. Shanna McKinnon attends to a badly “injured” Soldier.

Administering an IV in a simulated combat environment is part of the skills tested during the competition.

THE GRIFFON • Fall 2009 • 13 against each other—and she is really squared away—yet we all helped each other. There is a difference between self-confidence and arrogance. Everybody is motivated but there’s a humility we all have in the competition and with each other. Humility is part of self-confidence.”

Johnston of Fort Benning won the coveted award for the active-duty Army. As the Army’s top drill sergeant, he and Marshall are now assigned to TRADOC at Fort Monroe for one year, where they will observe initial entry training at various TRADOC installations and provide recommendations for improvements. “We’ll be kind of like the TRADOC command sergeant Major’s eyes and ears on the ground,” Marshall explained. “We can help him know

“When I started out as a Drill Sergeant, I never thought I would aspire to this level of excellence” Staff Sgt. Joshua Marshall what needs to change or improve. It’s a real privilege to be in this competition, even though we were all wiped out by the end. I know it will be a real privilege to represent my unit at TRADOC level.”

A native of Iowa City, Iowa, Marshall is currently mobilized at Fort Knox, Ky. A Reservist for three years after serving five years active duty, Marshall is also a federal civil servant in law enforcement at the Bluegrass Army Depot in Richmond, Ky. He served in Afghanistan while on active duty in 2005.

McKinnon is editor of a website in the apparel industry in New York, N.Y. in her civilian career. A native of Newark, N.J., she has been in the Reserve for 13 years.

Photo courtesy US Army Staff Sgt. Joshua Marshall steadies himself on ropes as he races for the best time on the obstacle course.

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14 • THE GRIFFON • Fall 2009

MOUT training

The true benefit of using Drill Sergeants is the level of professional(Continued from page 10) ism these NCOs bring to the table. to ply their trade with two-hundred Although the Devil’s Brigade Warrior Challenge is only one weekend, plus recruits at Ft. Harrison has obnew Soldiers are far more mentally vious benefits.

Drill Sergeant Scott Breeton said, prepared to attend and succeed at IADT. Drill Sergeants give these “As Drill Sergeants, the Devils Brinew Soldiers a taste of BCT reality gade Warrior Challenge allows us along with some quality skill level to observe our Drill Sergeant canone training.” didates in an environment where “The level of preparation this they are the trainer.The Drill Sergives to the Soldier relates to a fageants then can evaluate the performiliarization with the everyday demance of the Drill Sergeant candimands and expectations of Soldiers dates’ strengths and weaknesses. such as recognizing a proper relaThis gives us ample time to remedy tionship to superiors and proper any deficiencies in order to ensure conduct toward them, the physical the success of each candidate durdemands of waking early and being ing Drill Sergeant School and as required to perform various tasks Drill Sergeants.” for extended hours, and a basic Just as in basic combat training, Drill Sergeants wake their platoons introduction to the culture of the in the morning, provide training for military. I believe the Warrior Challenge gives the Soldiers a good look them throughout a long and challenging day, and put them to bed in at these things and offers them an the barracks at night. Many of Heladvantage in being prepared for baena and Spokane’s Drill Sergeants sic combat training,” said Delao. have had recent mobilized basic After participating in the extencombat training experience. For sive training program and MTARNG recruits who have worked with 95th Division Drill Sergeants during the DBWC and other training events have a significant advantage over their basic combat training cohorts who have not had this outstanding opportunity. The numbers speak for Senior Drill Sergeant Wade Parker, B Co. 3/415th prepares a themselves. Sgt. 1st platoon of MTARNG Warriors for MOUT operations at the Ft. Class Spivey and Harrison MOUT training facility.

Recruit Training Battalion Training NCO Staff Sgt. Jerthose Drill Sergeants, the Devil’s emy Skates track them closely.

Brigade Challenge helps them to “Montana has a solid reputation stay sharp and hone their hardfor producing quality Soldiers for earned skills. For drill sergeants the US Army. The RTB program fresh out of drill sergeant school has taken this one step further by and without BCT experience, it physically and mentally developprovides them with an opportuing new enlistees. This preparatonity to get a taste of the trail under ry mentoring alleviates fear of the the mentorship of more experienced drill sergeants. It also allows unknown, allowing trainees to focus on succeeding rather than just Drill Sergeant Candidates to get “getting through”. This fiscal year, a first hand look at what being a drill sergeant is all about. Company twenty Montana Soldiers have been recognized as Distinguished Honor B 3/415th Commander, Cpt. Wilor Honor Graduates at IADT, which liam Glaspey, is a firm believer and is roughly 12 percent. Compare this staunch supporter of the partnerto the one or two percent of all ship. trainees that are recognized with “Supporting the MTARNG RTB is one of the best training opportu- these awards.”

On the MOUT range, the warnities available for preparing Drill riors are all ears as Senior Drill SerSergeant candidates for Drill Sergeant Wade Parker, B Co. 3/415th, geant School. Additionally, qualified explained the fundamentals of Drill Sergeants have the opportunidynamic room entry and warned ty remain tactically and technically them of the fatal funnel that deprepared to perform their war time velops if they don’t move into the mission,” said Glaspey. building quickly.

These Warriors, For the MTARNG Recruit Trainmany of whom will serve in coming Battalion, having USAR drill bat arms units, quickly began to sergeants train the warriors is critiunderstand the dangerous business cal to their mission. Sgt. 1st Class of soldiering as they stacked on the Ferrin Spivey, the MTARNG RTB room, M4-style paintball guns at the operations NCO said,“The Recruit ready.

Training Battalion has three fundamental collective METL tasks - phys“The MOUT training is vital for ically, mentally and administratively these future soldiers.The training prepare new enlistees for IADT. provides young soldiers growth op-

Photos by Sgt. 1st Class Jonathan Sprenger, Montana Army National Guard Senior Drill Sergeant Darin Morgan, A Co. 3/415th instructs MTARNG Warriors in Close Quarters Battle techniques.

portunities in a number of important ways; by instilling the Warrior ethos, developing quick reaction skills, trust amongst the team and fellow soldiers, and confidence in their individual skills as a warrior.

In Basic Training these soldiers will spend over a week practicing the necessary skills for successful execution. While we can’t make them experts, the exposure to the core concepts facilitates their growth as a warrior,” said Parker.

Wake up comes early for new recruits after a short night’s sleep following a long, hard day of training.

Drill Sergeants descended on the barracks and provided a taste of the stress and chaos of basic training.

Those warriors who had already completed basic training knew the routine well, while those who were preparing to ship to BCT rapidly learned that they have to be able to move with a sense of purpose, think quickly, and pay attention to detail. “Yes, Drill Sergeant!” echoed throughout the cool April darkness as the drill sergeants mentored the recruits in the fine points of performing barracks maintenance after personal hygiene.

Being able to perform Drill Sergeant duties in a condensed “minibasic” event such as the Devil’s Brigade Warrior Challenge is a golden opportunity for new drill sergeants such as C Co. 3/415th’s Matthew Whittle. “This was an outstanding training opportunity for Reserve Drill Sergeants. Some of us have limited experience as leaders in the training environment. We recognize the importance of our mission and welcome future opportunities to enhance our skills.”

After two days of tough, realistic training delivered by the drill sergeants and RTB cadre, the culminating event was the confidence course challenge. “Today,” the drill sergeants explained,“You will have the opportunity to work as a team, to overcome your fears, and to challenge yourself beyond what you think is possible.” The MTARNG warriors tackled the confidence course with the same determination and enthusiasm they’d displayed all weekend, a work ethic that was noted by veteran drill sergeants like Delao.

“I have been impressed with the warriors’ overall response to the training. Most are very motivated

and interested in the training and are anxious to learn more. Soldiers are very vocal during after action-reviews and offer insightful comments in regards to their training experiences. For Whittle, the performance level of the trainees helped him personally develop as a Drill Sergeant. “The privates demonstrated a high level of commitment and motivation throughout this training event, their willingness to learn inspired me to be a better Drill Sergeant.”

Before turning them back over to the Recruit Training Companies, Drill Sergeants conducted “hat’s off time” with the Warriors. The frank and honest discussion between the Drill Sergeants and trainees is consistently identified as one of the most important elements of the training event by the warriors during after-action reviews. The Soldiers ask questions and receive answers about everything from the time they are allowed to eat in the dining facility to how to become a Drill Sergeant themselves one day.

The passion for training Soldiers and commitment to the development of future leaders is evident in the candid and thoughtful responses by the Drill Sergeants and is inspirational to these young Soldiers who have made a commitment to serve their state and nation.

Overall, the benefits of the ongoing partnership between the 3/415th and the MTARNG Recruit Training Battalion has resulted in a superior level of Basic Combat Training preparation for the Guard Warriors while allowing Montana’s drill sergeants to maintain their critical skills on a regular basis, mentor drill sergeant candidates under “live-fire” conditions, and develop unit cohesion and esprit décor. Captain Glaspey summarizes the training relationship between 3/415th and the Recruit Training Battalion perfectly,“The partnership between the MTANG and 3-415th is a resounding success. National Guard Warriors who participate in the Devils Brigade Warrior Challenge have proven to be better prepared for Basic Combat Training and have a higher graduation rate from BCT. For Drill Sergeants and Drill Sergeant candidates it reaffirms their choice to become Drill Sergeants and motivates them for their next mission.”

THE GRIFFON • Fall 2009 • 15

In briefs (Continued from page 5)

sponding campaign medals, and on ribbons worn on the class A uniform.The colors have significance.

According to the Army’s Institute of Heraldry Web site, the colors in the Iraq campaign streamer correspond to those of the Iraqi flag. Green is the traditional color for Islam, red honors the fighting courage for the pursuit of freedom, white denotes generosity and black exemplifies success. For the Afghanistan campaign streamer, the ribbon reflects the colors of the new Afghanistan flag, while the red, white and blue at its center represents the United States and its allies.

Campaign streamers are available to qualified units at no cost. Specifics on how to obtain campaign streamers are spelled out in MILPER Message Number 09-120, available on Army Knowledge Online.

U.S. Military Academy ranked Top College in Country A report released in August by Forbes magazine ranked the U.S. Military Academy as the top college in the country in their America’s Best College review. “Marked by an intense work ethic and drive to succeed on all fronts, the West Point undergraduate experience also allows graduates to leave without a penny of tuition loans to repay,” Forbes stated in its release.

In the Forbes rating, West Point outpaced other highly-ranked schools such as Princeton (#2), Cal Tech (#3), Harvard (#5) and the U.S. Air Force Academy (#7).

The Center for College Affordability and Productivity staff gathered data from a variety of sources, basing 25 percent of the rankings on seven million student evaluations of courses and instructors, as recorded on the Web site RateMyProfessors.com. Another 25 percent of the ranking depended on how many of the school’s alumni, adjusted for enrollment, were listed among the notable people in Who’s Who in America.

The other half of the ranking were based equally on three factors:

• average amount of student debt at graduation held by those who borrowed • percentage of students graduating in four years • number of students or faculty, adjusted for enrollment, who have won nationally competitive awards like Rhodes Scholarships or Nobel Prizes.

West Point was founded in 1802 as America’s first college of engineering. Its mission remains constant: to educate, train and inspire cadets so that each graduate is a commissioned leader of character committed to the values of duty, honor, country and prepared for a career of service to the nation as an officer in the U.S. Army.

16 • THE GRIFFON • Fall 2009

Commandant answers Drill Sergeant leader questions

By Command Sgt. Maj. Travis W. Williams Commandant, Drill Sergeant School Ft. Jackson, S.C. 108th Training Command (IET)

that unit commanders are looking for. You will be the subject matter expert on the Dill Sergeant program for your unit and have access to all of the latest information in growing your unit’s Drill Sergeant strength. There are currently 11 E-8 slots to NCOs willing to become certified in order to get promoted.

The DSL will have opportunities for combatives level certifications I-IV. There are opportunities for 32 Drill Sergeants to participate in active duty orders for tours up to twelve months in current mission status, (must meet and maintain all qualifications.)

Listed below are the questions I am asked most often in what it takes to become a Drill Sergeant Leader. What the DSL does and why we need more Drill Sergeants to become certified as DSLs. Additionally, I want to dispel rumors and encourage more Drill Sergeants to take the opportunity to boost their careers by becoming DSLs. Certainly, this document is not all inclusive and I know some of you qualified candidates may have additional questions. Please feel free to contact me or Ms. Judith Wilson if we Command Sgt. Maj. can be of further asTravis W. Williams sistance.

Do I have to change where I conduct Battle Assembly (BA)?

You will not have to change BA sites to become certified as a Drill Sergeant Leader. If you are assigned to the Drill Sergeant School you will conduct BA with your current unit and conduct Annual Training missions with the Drill Sergeant School. Currently we have 29 day missions, 56 day missions, and Drill Sergeants who are effectively on active duty serving tours of 179 days and 365 day tours.

Do I have to be assigned to the DSS if I become certified?

You do not have to be assigned to the school to become a certified DSL. You will have to continue to conduct classes and submit a 369R to the DSS S-3 to maintain your certification. Certifications will last three years if you continue to stay current on your submissions. You must be assigned to the DSS in order to instruct. Assignments will be determined on a mutual basis after certification and based on the needs of the organization.

What are the advantages of becoming a DSL? The DSL program allows the Drill Sergeant to gain critical advantages on the latest information taught in Basic Combat Training. The program ensures that Drill Sergeants who have been on the trail greater than three years are current in the latest strategies and teaching methods instructed in BCT. It is a continuing education course for the seasoned Drill Sergeant who will gain insight into different leadership styles that are critical in becoming the diversified leader

Do I have to travel if I am assigned?

You will not have to travel as a rule. You may travel for unit held conferences to meet certification requirements or for leader development issues.

We currently have scheduled two per year to discuss changes in the Program of Instruction, and challenges that affect how we conduct

business. If you do travel, lodging - in kind - is provided to and from BA sites or DTS orders for travel to sites other than BA sites.

What opportunities are available to travel?

The Drill Sergeant School is currently working initiatives to partner with Puerto Rico in conducting Warrior Leader Classes in Puerto Rico. Only those certified in Small Group Instructor Trainers Course and certified DSLs will be allowed to participate in operating those classes in Puerto Rico. We currently operate two schools, one at Ft Knox, Ky. and one at Ft. Jackson, S.C. Travel to and from those sites will be as mission requires.

What is the time constraints placed upon a DSL on annual basis for mission support?

Most of our DSLs are encouraged to conduct 29 day annual training missions in addition to any NCOES course they may have to complete in a fiscal year. That does not mean that you have to commit that much time. The reason why most have to complete that time requirement is because we are under strength assigned DSLs. As we work a rotation plan for those assigned we will have more flexibility for those requesting longer tours and those wanting only to conduct two week mission support.

FY 2010 DRILL SERGEANT SCHOOL C L A S S S C H E D U L E WLC — FT JACKSON COURSE NUMBER CLASS 600-WLC (MOD) 001 600-WLC (MOD) 002 600-WLC (MOD) 003 600-WLC (MOD) 004 600-WLC (MOD) 005 600-WLC (MOD) 006

REPORT DATE 09 OCT 09 06 NOV 09 04 DEC 09 02 APR 10 30 APR 10 16 JUL 10

START DATE 10 OCT 09 07 NOV 09 05 DEC 09 03 APR 10 01 MAY 10 17 JUL 10

END DATE 24 OCT 09 21 NOV 09 19 DEC 09 17 APR 10 15 MAY 10 31 JUL 10

DSS — FT JACKSON COURSE NUMBER 615-SQIX (OPTION 3) 615-SQIX (OPTION 3) 615-SQIX (OPTION 3)

PH 1 1 1

CLASS 002 004 006

REPORT DATE 03 JAN 10 16 MAY 10 01 AUG 10

START DATE END DATE 04 JAN 10 30 JAN 10 17 MAY 10 12 JUN 10 02 AUG 10 28 AUG 10

615-SQIX (OPTION 3) 2 002 615-SQIX (OPTION 3) 2 004

13 JUN 10 29 AUG 10

14 JUN 10 30 AUG 10

10 JUL 10 25 SEP 10

615-SQIX (OPTION 5) 615-SQIX (OPTION 5) 615-SQIX (OPTION 5)

03 JAN 10 16 MAY 10 01 AUG 10

04 JAN 10 17 MAY 10 02 AUG 10

27 FEB 10 10 JUL 10 25 SEP 10

002 004 006

DSS — FT KNOX COURSE NUMBER 615-SQIX (OPTION 3) 615-SQIX (OPTION 3) 615-SQIX (OPTION 3) 615-SQIX (OPTION 3) 615-SQIX (OPTION 3)

PH 1 1 1 1 1

CLASS 001 003 005 007 009

615-SQIX (OPTION 3) 2 001 615-SQIX (OPTION 3) 2 003 615-SQIX (OPTION 3) 2 005 615-SQIX (OPTION 5) 001 615-SQIX (OPTION 5) 003 615-SQIX (OPTION 5) 005 615-SQIX (OPTION 5) 007

REPORT DATE 25 OCT 09 24 JAN 10 18 APR 10 20 JUN 10 29 AUG 10

START DATE 26 OCT 09 25 JAN 10 19 APR 10 21 JUN 10 30 AUG 10

END DATE 21 NOV 09 20 FEB 10 15 MAY 10 17 JUL 10 25 SEP 10

21 FEB 10 16 MAY 10 18 JUL 10 25 OCT 09 24 JAN 10 18 APR 10 16 MAY 10

22 FEB 10 20 MAR 10 17 MAY 10 12 JUN 10 19 JUL 10 14 AUG 10 26 OCT 09 19 DEC 09 25 JAN 10 20 MAR 10 19 APR 10 12 JUN 10 17 MAY 10 14 AUG 10

When do DSL certification courses take place and how long does it take to complete the certification?

DSL certification courses take place concurrently with the Drill Sergeant Candidate program and requires 54 days to complete. Just as the DSC program there are two options; Option III is two 29 day phases completed within an 18 month window or the 56 day course option V. (Both options above include travel days to and from duty location.)

Will I be treated just like another DSC? You will be treated as a Drill Sergeant. You will be tested separately from the DSCs. You provide the mentorship for the DSCs and mentored by certified DSLs. What are the requirements to become a DSL? You must have trail time. For the Reserve Component it is currently four weeks of trail time. You must be a Staff Sergeant or Sergeant 1st Class. You must be able to meet all of the requirements of AR 614-200 chapter 8 paragraph 14.

How many DSLs does the DSS need? (This is the question most posed by Unit Commanders.)

In order to conduct seven classes a year and maintain ratio in accordance with the POI it takes 280 certified DSLs with 56 of those having orders for 56 days. I am currently authorized 179 personnel, not all of those are DSLs. I currently have 93 assigned certified DSLs. Thus most are required to do 29 day Annual training missions. We also run a WLC course to prequalify DSCs which requires 7 classes of two weeks up to 80 students per class 10 instructors. The number of DSLs we have is POI driven and requires a one to 16 ratio for a optimum class of 96. The ratio drops to one to 8 during field training exercises.

Having DSLs on long tour orders reduces the number significantly but we have no guarantee that we will continue to be funded for long tour orders. We currently are authorized funding for next FY to have 40 personnel on 12 month orders.

What is the application process and where can I find the packet information?

The primary site for all applications is listed on the G-7 website: • Link to G-7 Website: https:// www.us.army.mil/suite/ page/593383 • Ms Judith Wilson at: Judith.a.wilson@usar.army.mil phone 704-342-5201 • Command Sgt. Major Travis W. Williams at: travis.w.williams@ usar.army.mil phone 704-496-3970.

THE GRIFFON â&#x20AC;˘ Fall 2009 â&#x20AC;˘ 17

3rd Brigade, 95th Division trains Iraqi Army tankers Story by Maj. Jim Dean 3rd Brigade, 95th Division

BESMAYA, Iraq â&#x20AC;&#x201D; When the American military agreed to provide 140 American-made M1A1 Abrams tanks to the Iraqi Army, there was little doubt about where the Iraqi tankers would train and who would train them.

Experienced tankers from the 3rd Brigade, 95th Division were tasked with the mission. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This represents a significant shift in policy designed to reshape and strengthen the Iraqi Army.

We are proud to contribute to this effort,â&#x20AC;? said Col. Wayne Cavender, 3rd Bde., 95th Div. commander.

The training began in late January at Besmaya, which is considered to be Iraqâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s National Training Center.

Thirty tankers from the Iraqi Armor School and Soldiers from the 9th Iraqi Armor Division combined to form the initial class. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When this training started, we had to start from the very beginning.The first class taught was safety. Everything had to be done with the aid of a translator, so in the beginning progress was slow,â&#x20AC;? said Command Sgt. Maj. Brad Carter, 3rd Bde., 95th Div. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Once the Iraqis were on the

tank, they picked up the hands on skills fairly quickly.

They had to learn the crew concept because in the Iraqi Army, if they are taught to be a driver all they do is drive.They had to learn all the stations in the M1: tank commander, gunner, loader and driver,â&#x20AC;?

said Carter.

In late March the first class of Iraqi tankers conducted live-fire exercises and completed the training.

The graduates will train the Iraqi Army in armor techniques and procedures. This will be an ongoing process in the years to come.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We try to get the Iraqi army to think about their future. We want them to set their own training and their own course standards,â&#x20AC;? said Sgt. 1st Class James Faulkner, 3rd Bde., 95th Div. Faulkner added,â&#x20AC;&#x153;we will continue to oversee them as they train their counterparts.â&#x20AC;?

Photo by Capt. Tommy Avilucea, 3rd Brigade, 95th Division Iraqi Soldiers conducting live-fire exercises in the M1A1 Abrams tank at Besmaya, Iraq.

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* Members must book qualifying stays at choicehotels.com/gov or 866.45.BRASS at any hotel included in the Choice Privileges program with arrival between Aug. 31 and Nov. 19, 2009 to be eligible for this offer. The free night is based on an 8,000 point Choice Privileges reward night level. Bonus points will be added to points earned from a qualifying stay of at least three nights to reach the 8,000 point reward level. Choice Privileges number must be provided upon check-in for the stay to be eligible. Member will receive only one award per stay. Allow 72 hours from check-out for points to post to your account. A stay is deďŹ ned as any number of consecutive nights at one hotel, regardless of check-ins or check-outs. You must maintain a U.S. (including U.S. territories) or Canadian address to be eligible for this promotion. For program details, eligible rates and point redemption rules, visit choiceprivileges.com. ** Per diem rates guaranteed on last room availability at participating hotels. See choicehotels.com/gov for details. + Members must book qualifying stays at choicehotels.com/gov or 866.45.BRASS at any hotel included in the Choice Privileges program with arrival between Aug. 31 and Nov. 19, 2009 to be eligible for 500 bonus points offer. Choice Privileges number must be provided upon check-in for the stay to be eligible. One award per stay. Allow 72 hours from check-out for points to post to account. Š 2009 Choice Hotels International, Inc. All rights reserved. 09-613/08/09

18 • THE GRIFFON • Fall 2009

Spartans compete in sixth annual Bayonet Competition Story and Photos by Sgt. 1st Class Marty A. Collins

try Battalion, from Forest Park, Ill. participated in a Field Training Ex108th Training Command (IET) ercise (FTX) at Marseilles Training Public Affairs Office Area in May. The sixth annual Bayonet ComSet in the rolling hills of central petition was conducted during a Illinois near the banks of the Fox grueling 20 hour FTX with five man River with towering wind turbines teams from each of the companies standing guard, Soldiers of the 95th in the battalion.

The competition Division, 4th Brigade, 2-330th Infanmirrors a similar infantry capstone event held at Fort Benning, Ga., on a smaller scale. The winning team earned the right to have their names engraved and forever immortalized on the battalion’s “Bayonet Plaque.”

“We’re getting most of our yearly Army Warrior Tasks completed right here and we’re making it fun. Soldiers and Drill Sergeants are very competitive people and it’s an incentive to learn; it’s a competition to see who’s the best,” said Maj. David Shultz, executive officer, 2-330th Inf. Bn. The Soldiers arrived on a Friday and received instructions on the competition as well as receiving equipment issue, train-up, pre-combat checks and pre-combat inventories. Each team was issued and was required to carry throughLt. Col. Miles Davis, 2-330th Inf. Bn. Commander and out the competition the Command Sgt. Maj. Joseph Haddad lead the way on a following equipment: five mile ruck march during the battalions field training exercises. one AT-4 light anti-

Soldiers fire the M4 rifle in the Engagement Skills Trainer as part of the Bayonet compitition.

tank weapon, one Single Channel nity to don night vision goggles.

Ground and Airborne Radio System Lt. Col. Miles Davis, battalion com(SINCGAR), one claymore mine, mander 2-330th Inf. Bn., said by one combat life saver bag, a ruck providing this equipment each sack with uniform, boots, tee-shirt, Soldier received training on both socks, pro-mask and one meal ready identifying IEDs in darkness and an to eat (MRE) and their individually “We try to come to the field at least five times assigned weapon.

As evening per year. Because we live in a northern climate fell the teams it’s difficult sometimes. We have done winter marched into training where we had snow shoe training, cross training areas and conducted patrols country ski training and land navigation.” along gravel roads Maj. David Shultz, executive officer, 2-330th Inf. Bn. with the task of identifying simulated improvised explosive devices appreciation of how much night (IEDS) and other possible threats vision equipment is as a combat without night vision goggles. After multiplier.

Clear skies and sunshine greeted completing the lane the Soldiers the Soldiers on Saturday morning were then provided the opportuas the competition kicked off again with a timed five-mile ruck march.

The Soldiers were required to conduct their operations with equipment issued from the previous day.

As each team reached the finish line of the ruck march they are told a member of their team has been injured and would have to be carried the final 75 yards on a stretcher, with all of his equipment, to receive critical medical treatment.

Sweat dropped off of the Soldiers after they completed the 75 yard litter carry but their was no time to rest as they dropped their gear and headed directly into the Engagement Skills Trainer (EST 2000) building to conduct a stress shoot and qualify with the M4A1 carbine assault rifle.

As soon as the team had qualified on the M4A1 they retrieved their gear and ruck marched another three fourths of a mile to a landing zone where they were picked up by a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter to begin another phase of the competition.

As the Blackhawk approaches and lands, the Soldiers faces were whipped with hurricane force winds and the backwash of the propellers blades.The Soldiers moved in unison as they quickly loaded onto the chopper and after a brief flight they performed a combat rush off the bird where the Situ-

THE GRIFFON • Fall 2009 • 19

Spec. Matthew Petrus, C. Co. 2-330th Inf. Bn. is tested on his knowledge of the claymore mine as Staff Sgt. Donald Venardi, A. Co. 2-330th reviews his performance.

ational Training Exercise (STX) of the Bayonet competition began.

A STX is a short, scenario-driven, mission-oriented, limited exercise designed to train one collective task, or a group of related tasks or battle drills, through practice.

The STX consisted of three lanes.

On lane one, each Soldier was individually tested on employing a claymore mine and AT-4, sending a radio message with a SINGCAR radio, the hand grenade assault course as well as performing hand and arm signals. On lane two, each Soldier was tested individually on performing first aid and conducting a nine-line medical evacuation request. On lane three, teams were issued paintball guns, ammunition and pro masks and they had to establish a patrol base. Each team was then evaluated on how to react to indirect fire, react to direct fire and how they reacted to unexploded ordnance.

The final event of the “Bayonet” competition wrapped up at 0200 Sunday morning.

The team led by Staff Sgt. Breanne Frey captured first place in the competition along with team members Sgt. 1st Class Richard Krauleidis, Staff Sgt. Jonathan Cater, Sgt. Brandon Campbell and Spec.

Daniel Haley.

“The event proved to be a great success and both tested and pushed the infantry skills of everyone in the competition,” said Davis.

The 2-330th is a Drill Sergeant unit and the junior enlisted Soldiers are Drill Sergeant candidates and preparing for Drill Sergeant School.

“By conducting rigorous training we are setting our Soldiers up for success because if we don’t you’re just setting them up for failure. No one likes to go into anything cold.

So you know you get them ready for it by the time they get there, they will say,‘hey this is easy,’” said Shultz.

Soldiers of 2-330th Inf. Bn. transport an injured team mate 75 yards as part of the battalion Bayonet competition.

20 • THE GRIFFON • Fall 2009

Reserve drill sergeants volunteer to train Afghan counterparts Story and photos by Lyndsey Born

their Soldier readiness processing before “I would like to see a third-world country to be able to be more FORT RILEY, Kan.— More than they came to Fort Rihalf of Military Transition Team productive themselves. I think going over and being able to ley, Villarreal said.

Class 70 is made up of Drill SerOutside of the geants, all Reserve Soldiers from the train their Army will be a great experience.”

Army, Command Sgt. 95th Division.The group volunSgt. 1st Class Bryce Holmes Maj. Manuel Borrego teered for the mission to mentor members of the Afghan police and is a captain in the Army.

“I have a lot of Wichita Falls,Texas, police departThe 24 Drill Sergeants and 12 friends who volment.This will be his first deploysupport staff will be the sixth unteered for this ment into a war zone. group from the 95th to head to mission. I wanted “I have been in the Army for a Afghanistan. The mission that has to go with them long time, and most of it has been been assigned is Drill Sergeants to help train the during peace time.This is an opspecific because the Drill Sergeants portunity for me to do my part over Afghan Army.” will be mentors for the Afghan Drill Villarreal was there, to take my turn and work for Sergeant School and at basic comon hand to obmy country,” Borrego said. bat training sites, said Col. Rodolfo serve the class For another volunteer, Staff Sgt. Villarreal, operations officer for the during its last Clayton Gorton, this will be his 95th. week before second deployment.“It’s my job to The Drill Sergeants left civilian graduation and Drill sergeants and support staff from Military Transition Team careers and family members to mo- serve my country, and I just wanted said the drill ser- Class 70 salute during their graduation ceremony May 28 at Camp bilize to Oklahoma City, Okla., for to do my part again,” Gorton said. geants are ready Funston. The drill sergeants will deploy to Afghanistan to mentor for their deploy- and train its Army. ment. you always feel some trepidation “They got pretty much all of the about sending your son off into training they are going to need for harm’s way, so it’s kind of hard, but overseas,”Villarreal said.“As Drill I am real proud of him.”

Sergeants we are the primary trainAfter graduation, Sgt. 1st Class ers and uniquely outfitted to be the Bryce Holmes said, he never trainers in theater, especially with thought he would be training and the Afghan Soldiers.” mentoring Afghan Soldiers.

The Drill Sergeants graduated “My goal was to become a Drill īŽƌĚĂďůĞ ƌƵŐ Θ ůĐŽŚŽů from their training May 28 at Camp Sergeant to train our troops,” Hol ĚĚŝĐƟŽŶ dƌĞĂƚŵĞŶƚ Funston. mes said.“I would like to see a A short ceremony was held for Specialized pecia Military Recovery Track Available 5 Sp third-world country to be able to family members and friends to see be more productive themselves. I Depression, re PTSD, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder 5 Depr the Soldiers before they deployed. think going over and being able to Recover in ďĞĂƵƟĨƵů Southern California: Recove 5 Re Maj. Gen. Charles Gorton, comtrain their Army will be a great exDana na Point, P Capo Beach, San Juan Capistrano mander of 81st Regional Support perience.” ^ƚĂƚĞ >ŝĐĞŶƐĞĚ ĞƚŽdž ĂŶĚ ZĞƐŝĚĞŶƟĂů dƌĞĂƚŵĞŶƚ 5 ^ƚĂƚĞ > Command, attended to watch his For two years, Holmes said, he ,ŽůŝƐƟĐĂů ƉƉƌŽĂĐŚ͕ DĂƐƐĂŐĞ Θ ĐƵƉƵŶĐƚƵƌĞ 5 ,ŽůŝƐƟ son, Staff Sgt. Clayton Gorton, gradhas been trying to deploy to give ϯϬ͕ ϲϬ͕ ϵϬ ĂLJ Θ KƵƚƉĂƟĞŶƚ WƌŽŐƌĂŵƐ ǀĂŝůĂďůĞ 5 ϯϬ͕ ϲϬ uate with Class 70. active duty Soldiers a break. Al“I feel ambiguous about it.

As a though, he said, he is ready to de ϭͲϴϲϲͲϴϰϳͲϰϱϬϲ ĐŝŶŐ ĂƐLJ &ŝŶĂŶĂůů ŶŽǁ͊ Soldier I am really proud of him, ploy, he is nervous to leave his fam ǀĂŝůĂďůĞ͘ and I am confident he will do well. ily.The youngest of Holmes three He has been trained well,” Gorton, children thinks he is leaving to get said.“On the other hand, as a father, monsters, he said.

Ăůů ƵƐ Ϯϰͬϳ

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THE GRIFFON â&#x20AC;˘ Fall 2009 â&#x20AC;˘ 21

Col. R. Andrew Bassford takes charge of 2nd Brigade, 98th Division Story and photos by Sgt. Maj. Mark Schulz

Stall was not at his headquarters in Rochester, New York, but at Dar108th Training Command (IET)

by Field at Fort Jackson, S.C. as his Public Affairs Office second brigade was transferring responsibility from Col. Daniel E. Reid The heat of the day had already to Col. R. Andrew Bassford. worked its way across the parade Reid was selected to be comfield by 10 a.m. on June 14, as the mander of the 2nd Brigade in 2008 change of command was started after receiving his commission as by the arrival of Brig. Gen. Robert P. a second lieutenant of Infantry in Stall, commander of the 98th Train1983 through The Citadel, Charlesing Division. ton, S.C. Bassford commanded the 2nd Battalion, 317th Infantry prior to taking command of the 2nd Brigade and was commissioned as a second lieutenant of Infantry in 1986 through the Georgetown University ROTC program.

After graduating from the Infantry Officer Course, Airborne and Ranger courses, Bassford served as a Bradley platoon leader and company executive officer with the 1st Battalion, 7th Infantry in Aschaffenburg, Brig. Gen. Robert Stall, commander 98th Div., passes the colors to Col. R. Andrew Bassford at the 2nd Bde. Change of Germany from 1987 command ceremony at Fort Jackson, SC. to 1990.

Brig. Gen. Robert Stall, commander 98th Div., awards the Meritorious Service Medal to Col. Daniel E. Reid, for his service during command of 2nd Bde, 98th Div, at Fort Jackson, S.C.

After completion of Infantry Officer Advanced Course, he served as the Battalion Logistics Officer and then Headquarters Company Commander for the 1st Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment.

In 1994, he became the Regimental Logistics Officer for the 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, ending in 1995.

After leaving active duty, Col. Bassford was the Secretary to the

General Staff for the 80th Division (IT) from 1998 to 2001. In 2001, he became the Brigade Operations Officer for 8th Brigade, 80th Division (IT) and then in 2003 became the Brigade Executive Officer for the unit. Form 2005 to 2007, Brassford served as the Command Inspector General for the 311th Theater Signal Command. From 2007 to 2009 he commanded the 2d Battalion, 317th Infantry (BCT).

22 • THE GRIFFON • Fall 2009

Pam Gill honored with Griffon Award at RTC-West Story and Photos by Sgt. 1st Class Marty Collins 108th Training Command (IET) Public Affairs Office

Awards are usually given to Soldiers for outstanding achievement, dedication to the mission and heroism. Some civilians, however, become heroes without stepping foot on a battlefield.This is the case with Pam Gill.

At an informal gathering commemorating the change of command of Regional Training CenterWest, Maj. Gen. James B. Mallory III, commanding general, 108th Training Command (IET) used the opportunity to express his gratitude to Gill for opening up her home to RTCWest Soldiers of Fort Hunter Liggett on a regular basis. Gill’s open-heartedness and support for the Soldiers has helped moral by giving Soldiers a place to call ‘home away from

home.’

Mallory presented Gill with the Griffon Award in May near Lockwood, Calif. The award is a bronze statue of a griffon adorned with the commanding general’s coin and an inscription based on the history of the legend of the griffon; it is presented by the command team for outstanding service.

“Pam, I would like to thank you for you graciously opening up your home this evening to the Soldiers of RTC-West and I have a little something for you,” as he presented her with the Griffon Award.

Gill obviously surprised said she was honored and humbled to receive the award.“I’m just trying to do my part,” she said.

The former third grade and fifth grade school teacher said she finds the different jobs and backgrounds of Soldiers interesting and thus

began an ongoing occurrence of entertaining service members at her home and by ‘shooting off her mouth’ she set the wheels in motion.

She explained that it all started nearly four years ago while she was having dinner at the North Shore

Inn, a restaurant where King City locals like to hang their hats. A couple of Soldiers from Fort Hunter Liggett were eating and said “I can cook better than the guys at this place!”A couple of days later one of the Soldiers called her up and said I’m ready to take you up on that

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Maj. Gen. James B. Mallory III, commanding general, 108th Training Command (IET), presents Pam Gill with the Griffon Award. Griffons are legendary animals — fantasy creatures from Greek mythology that have the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle and eight times the size of a lion. The griffon, is as the lion, was traditionally considered the king of the beasts and the eagle was the king of the bird, making the griffon an especially powerful and majestic creature. Known for their courage and ferociousness, griffons were so feared by ancient people that rulers of Asian provinces used them to guard their vast treasure. In antiquity it was a symbol of divine power and a guardian of the divine.

THE GRIFFON • Fall 2009 • 23 offer. Since that fateful evening she has opened her home and heart to Soldiers of Fort Hunter Liggett on holidays and special occasions and most recently, to the Soldiers of the 108th Tng. Cmd. (IET).

Col. Gary Leamon,Task Force 802nd Commander, said he was introduced to Gill by Lt. Col. Ed Barton, battalion commander, RTCWest. Barton met Gill at the North Shore Inn in August, 2008. “I asked Ed if he thought Pam would let us use her home for an informal social during one of Maj. Gen. Mallory’s visits to RTC-West and she agreed,” said Leamon Gill’s home is actually the base for Lockwood Valley Vineyards and is nestled in Calif.’s San Antonio Valley.The vineyard was established in 1996 by Pam and her late husband, Mr. John Gill, and she admits getting into the vineyard business was quite a learning curve.“I had no idea of what I was doing and my son thought we had moved to the end of the earth,” said Gill.

“Pam just has a big heart for others and told me she built her house both to live in and to entertain friends. I don’t know anyone who has such a genuine concern for others, in particular to the military,” said Leamon, no one is a stranger to Pam. Also active in the community she serves as a member of the Monterrey County Agriculture Center.

Maj. Gen. James B. Mallory III, commanding general, 108th Training Command (IET), and Pam Gill with Soldiers of Regional Training Center-West at Gill’s home at Lockwood Valley Vineyards, Calif. after she received the Griffon Award for outstanding service to the military community.

Once a year the center sponsors Farm Day where the communities of Monterrey, Salinas and King City come together to provide basic and current facts about the agricultural industry of Monterrey County to school children.

“I asked Lieutenant Colonel Barton if he thought any of the Soldiers would like to volunteer to

help,” said Gill. She said twelve Soldiers volunteered to come to Farm Day and help with the third graders and the kids loved it.

Barton, a native of Hickory, N.C., said Gill is very supportive of military personnel and Soldiers enjoy coming here so they can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and everyone is welcome.

“My door is always open, it’s a little oasis where the Soldiers can kick back, relax, and get away from it all,” said Gill. With the fall brings Monday Night Football and if you happen to be visiting RTC-West Gill will have the popcorn and chips ready; after all, it’s a place where the Soldiers of RTC-West call their ‘home away from home’.

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24 • THE GRIFFON • Fall 2009

Chaplains Corner...

By Chaplain (MAJ) Mike DuCharme 108th Training Command (IET)

Every morning and evening on my drive and return from work with 108th Training Command an interesting ritual replays itself. My travel takes me from my neighbor-

hood through a trailer park.

As I make my way through the trailer park an elderly couple sits on their porch and they wave at the passerby’s

with big smiles on their faces.

At first I thought the couple might be a little senile but they have consistently performed this ritual for over a year.They have a well maintained lawn and I see friends on the porch with them from time

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to time, so I know they have their wits about them.

The next thought that occurred to me was why did I immediately think they were senile? In fact, why would I, being a Chaplain, think someone was “a little off” because they chose to be unorthodox in their intentional act of kindness to others?

At this point I knew God was sharing a loving form of discipline.

The biblical passage Galatians chapter 5 and verses 22-23 states this: But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.There is no law against these things!

Sometimes when we see verses like these we think of noteworthy acts but I am reminded that kindness and other attributes listed in the scripture above can be shown in small viable ways. Just as the elderly couple display every morning on my way to work. Now instead of a boring drive to and from work I actually look forward to the waves and smiles and they brighten my day.

That being the case, I now ask how I might be used by God in a small way to bring a smile to someone else’s day. As a result, I see God at work in my life and others are blessed. That is what I call a winwin situation.You might treat it as an experiment in your life; think of a small way to bring a smile to another persons face and see how it blesses you in the process.

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THE GRIFFON • Fall 2009 • 25

From the Office of Internal Review...

The fuel that drives the tank moves the command Every journey, every battle, every task starts with the basic fuel to begin the journey.Tanks need fuel and lots of it in order to overcome the great odds to complete a mission, fight a battle, or just get to the fight.

The same can be said for having outstanding internal controls, this starts with a unique fuel.

The unique fuel is the commander’s vision, communication, and strong desire to evaluate internal controls.This fuel starts with communicating the vision of the Brigade or section to accurately assess the current status of a program or procedure. Let’s take the Government Purchase Card (GPC) program.

The GPC program is vital to the smooth running of the brigades, battalions and units. It provides vehicle to provide food, supplies, and other items required to keep the tank running.The fuel if you will.

Without the GPC the ability to provide these items was very difficult, and time consuming process. Now that we have the GPC we spend so much less time and provide better service to our Soldiers.This comes with a price.

What price you ask? Good question, so glad you asked me.The

price we pay is an increase in risk, the risk that this card will be used incorrectly, or the records will not be there, or cardholders buy what they want, not what they need. In short, there are surprises.This is the result of poor internal controls.

Good internal controls are a commander’s best friend, and poor internal controls can be fatal. Commanders provide the fuel, the expectation of what they want, in short their vision. A good leader provides the vision to his Soldiers and the Soldiers surprise the leader by the great things they do. As George Patton said above “Tell them what to do and they will surprise you with their ingenuity.”The success starts with the fuel that the Leader provides the vision.

The leader’s vision provides the direction and motivation of the troops. Good internal controls start with the leader’s vision.The tank goes in the direction the tank com-

manders tell it to go.The tank commander tells them how to get there, and the Soldiers make it happen.

What he also knows is they will do

things just the way he expect it to be. Why, because he put his vision in place, and let them do their jobs.

Periodically he has tested them by going to the range, and running drills and asked questions, observed them, and knows what they can do.

His observation was not a constant thing, rather periodic, occasional, enough to know that he can trust them to do their job.This is the same as internal controls.

Internal controls are tested, by periodic assessments, observations, and reviews of programs. Just as the tank commander periodicly tests the operations of the tank, so must the brigade or section commander test his programs.The successful operations start with the commander’s vision and end with Soldiers completing the mission; these are the bread of the sandwich.The meat if you will is the hard work and trust shown by the commander.The trust comes after the observation, the tests, and the trials.The meat is the fuel, the surprise born from high expectations and trust given by the leader.

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26 • THE GRIFFON • Fall 2009

HEAT Training

By Sgt. Maj. Mark A. Schulz Public Affairs Sgt. Maj. 108th Training Command (IET)

Staff Sgt. Darin Bierbaum performs perimeter security after exiting the HEAT vehicle while training at Fort Hunter Liggitt, Calif.

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The temperature is 112 degrees and the dirt on the ground is so dry that it becomes airborne with each step you take, but Soldiers are not in Iraq or Afghanistan they are at Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif., training in preparation for overseas deployment.

About 125 Soldiers with the 108th Training Command (IET) are here at Fort Hunter Liggett, about equal the distance from San Francisco and Los Angeles, on this remote site doing pre and post-mobilization training according to Major Jon St. John, executive officer for Regional Training Center-West.

As part of Task Force 802, St. John said the Soldiers work at Fort Hunter Liggett and include three companies and the battalion headquarters. All the Soldiers are mobilized reservists training other Soldiers in warrior tasks and battle drills.

St. John explained that the site was established in November of 2007 and was followed by training sites at Fort Dix, N.J., and Fort McCoy, Wis.“Since we began in November of last year, we have trained 136 units and 6300 Soldiers, all Army Reserve Soldiers from all over the United Stated, to include Hawaii,” said St. John. He added that they do training for any overseas deployment location, but the majority of the Soldiers are headed to Iraq and Afghanistan.

One of the training sites on this hot California summer day is the Humvee Egress Trainer Assessment.

Sgt. 1st Class Jeremy Ellis, non-commissioned officer in charge of the HEAT training, said that the Army “found that since the up-armored Humvee is top heavy that lives were being lost when the vehicles rolled over.”

The classroom training and hands on training in the HEAT vehicle, gives Soldiers a feeling of what to expect and to experience during a roll over. At a 25 degree angle an up-armored vehicle will begin to turn over and at a 30 degree angle the non-up-armored vehicle becomes unstable. Ellis said that Soldiers will then be turned upside down and then will have to remove themselves from the vehicle. Equipment may be flying around in the vehicle and the weight of each Soldier hanging upside down must be dealt with.

The team of trainers also lock two or three of the doors of the vehicles so Soldiers must cooperate with each other to successfully exit the upside down vehicle. Members of the 649th Regional Support Center, headquartered in Cedar Rapids,

THE GRIFFON • Fall 2009 • 27

Staff Sgt. Roy Hamm from Kings Mountain, N.C. at the operating controls of the HEAT trainer. He rolls Soldiers 25 or 30 degrees and then rolls them over two to more three times during pre-mobilization training at Fort Hunter Liggitt, Calif.

Iowa, experienced the training recently as they were preparing for a tour to Kandahar, Afghanistan.They were scheduled to leave from Fort Lewis, Wash., in August.

Sgt.Terese Patton was in the driv-

ers’ seat of the HEAT vehicle and Staff Sgt. Darin Bierbaum was a passenger.The two Soldiers had been in classroom training that morning at 8 a.m. and were in only their third day of training at Fort Hunter

Liggett by Soldiers of the 108th training Command.

Capt. Shawn Meredith, operations officer for Task Force 802 said the heat and dry climate at Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif. provided an excellent

training environment which is very similar to the conditions in Iraq and Afghanistan.

From the looks of the dry California terrain, they picked a great training site.

28 • THE GRIFFON • Fall 2009

98th Training Division’s Junior Officer of the Year is Capt. Christopher Henderson Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Richard Harris 98th Division Public Affairs

Capt. Christopher Henderson named best Iroquois Junior Officer

Capt. Christopher Henderson from 3/385th Battalion, 4th Brigade was selected as the 98th Training Division’s Junior Officer of the Year on July 22. Capt. Alexis Martinez from 1/323rdBattalion, 2nd Brigade was selected as runner up.

The candidates of the rigorous competition were evaluated on their ability to articulate their knowledge and position on historical and current events, demonstration of leadership, military bearing, personal appearance, oral expression, and confidence.

“I am proud of these officers who came a long way to represent their units.These bright young men and women are the future of the Army,” said Col. Hector Alvarado, board member. “I congratulate them all on their service to our country and their performance today.” Capt. Henderson was impressed with the board process, said some boards are just straight memorization this was much more than that.

As the competition reached its apex during its final day, two junior officers rose above the pack and singled themselves out. But Capt.

Henderson delivered a clearly superior performance and unanimously won the coveted competition.

Lt. Col. Dale Bartlett, Henderson’s current battalion commander said, “Capt. Henderson is the most outstanding junior officer in the Battalion, and he is one of the most competent junior officers that I ever had the pleasure of working with.”

He continued his praise by adding, “His experience, as both a drill sergeant and a commissioned officer, has helped him to become an extremely effective leader who is revered by Soldiers and civilians alike. This enables him to understand Soldiers on an operational level.”

Capt. Henderson has the track record and history to warrant such lofty praise. He assumed command of Company as a first lieutenant and often had to simultaneously fill the leadership demands of Company, while their assigned commander was mobilized. Again he distanced himself from the pack, attracting the attention of his battalion commander who later said,“His ability and willingness to accept additional (see Junior Officer page 32)

THE GRIFFON • Fall 2009 • 29

New Motto for RTC-West: Lean Forward!

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

(IET).“Two years ago the mission you have been executing was nothing more than a concept at Army Reserve Command and I cannot think of a better leader or trainer than Lieutenant Colonel Teachey to take you through the next year of training Soldiers.”

Teachey arrived at Ft. Hunter Liggett in July 2008 where he served as executive officer for RTC-West. Before transferring to the United States Army Reserve in 2008 he completed a tour as deputy director of operations and military support for the Maj. Gen. James B. Mallory III, commanding general 108th Training Command (IET), awards Col. Gary Leamon the Meritorious Service Medal in recognition for his service as RTC-West North Carolina National commander. Leamon’s next assignment will be as the commander of Task Force 802, based Guard. in Charlotte, N.C. “He has tackled every task with enthusiasm Story and Photos by al Training Center - West from Col. and a can do attitude Sgt. 1st Class Marty A. Collins Gary Leamon at Fort Hunter Liggett, and those are only a 108th Training Command (IET) Calif. on May 25. few qualities that have Public Affairs Office “It’s great to be back at Hunter made him successful In marching with Army tradition, Liggett among you to celebrate and made him an easy another transition,” said Maj. Gen. the moving of command responsichoice to be the next James B. Mallory III, commanding bility went on when Lt. Col. Mark general, 108th Training Command Teachey took command of Region(see New Motto page 30)

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Lt. Col. Mark Teachey, addresses the attendees at the change of command ceremony. Teachey said every RTCWest officer and NCO without exception challenged themselves to provide the best pre-mobilization training available to the warrior units that were fortunate enough to come to Ft. Hunter Liggett.

30 • THE GRIFFON • Fall 2009

New Motto for RTC

of Arts in Justice and Public Policy from North Carolina Wesleyan College and a Master’s of Business RTC-West commander,” said LeaAdministration from the University mon. of Phoenix-Raleigh. Currently he Teachey is a native of North is pursuing a Doctorate in Public Carolina and was commissioned as Safety at Capella University. a second lieutenant in June 1982 Teachey said he was truly honafter graduation from the Officer ored and humbled to take comCandidates School at the North mand of Regional Training CenterCarolina Military Academy at Fort West.“Every RTC-West officer and Bragg, N.C. He is a graduate of the NCO without exception challenged Infantry Officers Basic and Adthemselves to provide the very best vanced Course and the Command training available to the warrior and General Staff College. His civil- units that were fortunate enough ian education includes a Bachelor’s to come here and complete their pre-mobilization training.To know that over 85 percent of RTCWest personnel made a decision to stay on for another year is a testament to their dedication and loyalty to this mission and to each other,” said Teachey.

The mission of RTCWest is to train units alerted for mobilization.Training consists of familiarization with the M16 rifle, M203 grenade launcher, M249 squad automatic weapon, 9MM pistol, and the grenade range. By completing this training prior to mobilization it allows the unit more ‘boots on the ground’ time in theater.

“Bottom line is this mission has been evolving since day one, it’s been constantly improving and it imSoldiers of the RTC-West color guard stand in formation awaiting the change of command ceremony at Ft. proves because of the Hunter Liggett. The very soul of a military unit is symdedication and the bolized in the colors under which it fights, for the colors enthusiasm and the record the glories of the past, stand guardian over the ability to change by unit’s present destiny and ensures the inspiration of its our non-commissioned future.

(Continued from page 29)

The change of command is a simple ceremony. Command Sgt. Maj. Anna Vega passed the colors to outgoing commander Col. Gary Leamon who then passed the colors to Maj. Gen. James B. Mallory III, commanding general 108th Training Command (IET) who then passed the colors to Lt. Col. Mark Teachey, signifying the transfer of the command of RTC-West.

officers who have taken training venues and constantly looked to see how we can improve that training, how we can tailor that training to support the units that are our customers who are deploying and mobilizing,” said Mallory.

Leamon, the outgoing commander, said he could think of no greater responsibility for trainers than preparing warrior units to deploy overseas, going into harms way and the Soldiers of RTC-West have given 100 percent doing just that.

“As I leave this RTC assignment I’m heading back to another one, I’ll be taking on the role of 802nd Task Force Commander back in Charlotte where I will have oversight of all three RTC locations, so that means, I still have a lifeline to

RTC-West and I will look forward to coming back and visiting you all sometime in the future,” said Leamon.

Teachey said in the next 14 months the Soldiers of RTC-West will lean forward in their foxholes to meet the demands of combative commanders conducting overseas operations and will be proactive in their planning so they can provide the best and most realistic warrior training available.

“We must continue to take care of ourselves and our families and never forget that we have been given the opportunity and privilege to train Soldiers that will move to the tip of the spear. Our new motto is lean forward and my mandate is clear, Lean Forward!” said Teachey.

THE GRIFFON • Fall 2009 • 31

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Competitors for 98th Division Junior Officer of the Year pose one final time before returning to their units.

Junior Officer of the Year (Continued from page 28)

responsibilities is a testament to his leadership and to his character.”

This past summer he distin-

guished himself as range Officier in Charge by successfully qualifying more than 2400 ROTC cadets on the zero range during his annual training support mission of LDAC in Ft. Lewis, WA.

This resulted in six regiments achieving a 100 percent and one regiment a 97percent “GO” rate; the highest “Go” rate achievement for the year.

Henderson is not only a leader

in the Army, but also in his community. As an adult leader, he has been a Den Leader with the Cub Scouts, an Assistant Scout Master of the Boy Scouts, and a coach for a number of athletic organizations.

THE GRIFFON • Fall 2009 • 33

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The 108th celebrates a night of stars on Army’s 234th birthday Story by Staff Sgt. LaTonya Kelly Headquarters Company 108th Training Command (IET)

The 108th Training Command (IET) hosted its first Soldiers Ball at the Charlotte Westin here on Saturday, June 13.The event’s purpose was to show appreciation for junior enlisted Soldiers of the command as well as to honor the Army’s 234th birthday.

The ball started with words from the master of ceremonies, Maj. Jimmie Niblett-Bethel, secretary general staff, 108th Tng. Cmd. (IET).“As your master of ceremonies for this evening’s celebration, I promise you an evening of great entertainment and Army tradition,” he said.

In that tradition, Staff Sgt. Wanda Snipes sang the national anthem and Chaplain (Maj.) Michael DuCharme gave the invocation to formally bePhotos by Sgt. 1st Class Marty A. Collins gin the ceremony. (above) Soldiers from the 108th Training Command (IET) The evening also feacolor guard who performed at the Soldiers Ball held in tured the posting and Charlotte, N.C. (Left to Right) Staff Sgt. Emerson Nunez, retiring of colors by the Sgt. Jolanda Howard, Sgt. Christopher Walker, Staff Sgt. 108th Tng. Cmd. (IET) Nicoli Gardner, Staff Sgt. Celesta Blake, Sgt. Michael color guard led by Staff Griffie, Sgt. Kenyatta Cunningham, and Sgt. Chiquita Sgt. Nicoli Gardner.

Haines.

As with any military ball, those in at(right) Tone-X , Power 98 FM radio personality, Ms. Tanya tendance never forget Jones, and Maj. Gen. James Mallory III at the Soldiers Ball held at the Charlotte Westin on the Army’s 234th those that couldn’t be birthday. there. After the opening remarks and intro(bottom right) Staff Sgt. Nicoli Gardner carefully folds ductions Niblett-Bethel the POW flag as Sgt. Michael Griffie stands at attention. then directed the guest’s Both Soldiers from the 108th Training Command (IET) are members of the color guard. attention to the Table of Remembrance near the ballroom floor.“This event came to a close, 108th Comtable is set in remembrance of all mander Maj. Gen. James Mallory who paid the supreme price for and Command Sgt. Maj. William the freedoms we all share,” he said, Payne congratulated the Soldiers “those Killed in Action, Missing in who served on the planning comAction and Prisoners of War who mittee by making the event a realhave yet to return.” ity.

The table, symbolizing the frailty Staff Sgt. Mary Nelms, who of POWs, held the traditional white served on the committee, said the tablecloth for purity of intentions; Soldiers Ball was a well proposed a single rose for families; a yellow and exciting event and looks forribbon for MIAs and POWs; a slice ward to coordinating next year’s of lemon,“to remind us of their bit- social. ter fate;” salt for the families’ tears; Entertainment for the evening an inverted glass for “those who are was a hit thanks to the 208th Army not in attendance” and an empty Reserve Jazz combo, that played chair as a reminder that “they are various genres of music throughout not here.” the evening and Tone-X, a local raAnother tradition long held and dio personality and former enlisted even more focused this Army birth- Soldier from Power 98 FM.Tone-X day with the Year of the NCO is the kept on beat with political and miliSoldier’s Creed.“The Soldier’s creed tary humor, and comical narratives that kept the audience ‘in stitches.’ performed in unison by the color On a more serious note, he also guard and the POW presentation provided words of encouragement was quite moving,” said Sgt. Louise to the service men and women in Beaty. attendance.

As the formal portions of the

After his spirited performance, music filled the air and guests moved to the ballroom floor for a little dancing and socializing before the festivities wrapped up evening.

Maj. Mark Hayden said the event showcased the best of the 108th by recognizing the junior enlisted Soldiers for their service, dedication, and values.

THE GRIFFON • Fall 2009 • 35

From the Surgeons Office...

By Master Sgt. Richard R. Lorenz 108th Training Command (IET)

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is considered an anxiety disorder.

Anxiety is comprised of worrisome thoughts plus excessive emotional and physical pain.

Alcohol dependence (defined as five or more drinks in the same sitting) is a powerful disorder with enormous health consequences.

Alcohol dependence and chronic, excessive alcohol consumption are associated with a high risk of developing various types of chronic diseases, including psychiatric conditions, neurologic impairment and cardiovascular disease, some of which are fatal. It is estimated that in the year 2000, alcohol-consumption was responsible for 85,000 deaths, or 3.5% of all deaths, in the United States, making alcohol consumption the third leading behavioral cause of death after tobacco use, poor diet and physical inactivity. More than 55,000 veterans were admitted into addiction treatment facilities in 2000 .

Alcohol dependence is a vastly widespread mental disorder, affecting people of all ages and socioeconomic groups.The military is no exception. Alcohol dependence affects almost three times as many men as women and is more common in younger adults. In 2002 and 2003, 340,000 male veterans had co-occurring (both mental health and substance abuse) serious mental illness.The incidence of alcohol dependence peaks among individuals ages 18 to 29 and then decreas-

es with age.Younger male veterans are more likely to have co-occurring serious mental illness and substance use disorder than older male veterans.

Alcohol dependence and excessive alcohol intake are associated with multiple physical and mental health problems that carry significant health risks contributing to the death rate. Numerous studies show that the rate of alcohol and other drug use disorders are high among veterans within the VA health care system Excessive alcohol intake has direct adverse effects on the nervous and cardiovascular systems as well as the liver and has been linked to specific cancers.

Alcohol dependence is associated with psychiatric health risks and an increased risk of suicide, and the children of women who drink while pregnant may be born with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.

Alcohol consumption and alcohol dependence increase the risk of both accidental and intentional injury. Alcohol abusers are approximately four times as likely to be hospitalized. Additionally, alcohol abuse increases the risk of readmission for new trauma. Alcohol also contributes to traffic-related injuries and deaths. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, it is estimated that in 2004, there were 16, 694 traffic fatalities in alcohol related accidents.

That is about 0.57 per 100 million vehicle-miles traveled. An estimated 248,000 people who were injured in accidents where alcohol was present, or about one person every

two minutes.The association of alcohol consumption and subsequent injury is partly related not only to diminished coordination and balance, increased reaction time, and impaired attention, perception, and judgment at the time of injury, but it may also be related to the lingering effect of drinking (i.e. a hangover).

Alcohol also contributes to traffic-related injuries and deaths. It is estimated that in 2004, there were 16,694 traffic fatalities in alcoholrelated crashes, or 0.57 per 100 million vehicle-miles traveled.That is an estimated 248,000 people who were injured in accidents when alcohol was present.That is roughly one person every two minutes.The association of alcohol consumption and subsequent injury is partly related not only to diminished coordination and balance, increased reaction time, and impaired attention, perception, and judgment at the time of injury, but it may also be related to the residual effect of drinking (i.e., hangover).

There is substantial evidence that excessive alcohol consumption causes brain damage, related neuralgic problems, increased risk in coronary heart disease and other cardiovascular disease. Heavy drinkers and people with alcohol dependence die from cirrhosis at a much higher rate than the general population. Men who drink more than four drinks a day are 7.5 times more likely to die from cirrhosis and women are 4.8 times more likely to die from cirrhosis.

Chronic excessive alcohol con-

sumption is a strong risk factor for various types of cancer of the upper GI tract, compared with other types of cancer. Alcohol consumption is also associated with a significant increase in risk for cancers of the stomach, colon, rectum, liver, breast, and ovaries.

There is consistent and substantial links between alcohol dependence and other psychiatric conditions, especially mood and anxiety disorders, drug abuse, sleep problems, major depression, dysthymia (long-term low grade depression), mania, hypomania, panic disorder, phobias, generalized anxiety disorder, personality disorders and increased risks of suicide, suicide attempts and spousal abuse.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome describes a specific syndrome of impaired neural development and physical growth and facial abnormalities that occur in the children of women who have consumed alcohol while pregnant. Many children with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome experience school failure, social problems, conduct disorders, and mental health problems.The degree of fetal damage is correlated with amount of alcohol intake.

Changes in personality may result from traumatic events.These changes may be extensive, especially if the events are severe, repeated, or happen early in life. An individual, such as a Soldier returning from war, might become habitually distrustful, cynical, angry, moody or depressed. Self-esteem often drops.

Alcohol and other drug consumption may increase — chemicals medicate pain.

From the Family Programs Office...

By Denise Wallace Family Programs Coordinator 108th Training Command (IET)

The 108th Training Command (IET) Family Programs staff has been extremely active in these past few months. We had very successful training sessions during the 108th full time staff conference in Reno, Nev., and we are providing a weeklong Family Readiness Liaison training session Aug. 2-7.

The training not only fills a scorecard requirement, but helps maintain trained Family Readiness Liaisons.These liaisons are required in every battalion and brigade level headquarters company.To be successful, units need a point of contact who can work with Fort Family to ensure that the appropriate Soldier is assigned to attend the training.

Every commander needs to have a subject matter expert within their ranks to fulfill the strategic planning objectives for getting a green

on their scorecards by Sept. 30.

Besides just fulfilling an Army requirement, there are many reasons we do these training sessions. Just as the Soldiers are tasked with supporting the nation’s defense, Family Programs is tasked with taking care of families.

Danny Hill, the Family Programs Director for the 108th IET, has received a number of calls on the Fort Family blackberry for family assistance.

I had the opportunity to contact numerous Community Connections on behalf of Soldier’s families in crisis. In doing so, I was able to appreciate how well our Community Connections work.

One success story is a Soldier’s family in Alabama whose home burnt down.The connections were able to provide clothing for the children and additional assistance.

We encountered another family crisis where a deployed Soldier’s wife is suffering with leukemia. We

were able to use our Mappoint software program to find a number of Community Connections by inputting her address and were able to locate many connections that were able to assist her with requests for assistance with yard work and home repairs.

With this, I would like to share a story from Mary Mallory, Maj. Gen. James B. Mallory III’s wife, about the Western Avenue Baptist Church Military Support Group.

The sun began to drop as the day came to an end. His son and daughter waved goodbye; the reality of Steve’s decision took hold and he was alone.

Alone, because both his son and daughter were on their way back to Iraq and Ft. Bragg; home only because of an unfortunate accident.

Steve’s neurosurgeon was over a hundred miles away, and there were no nurses to respond to his calls for help. Now wearing a full “Miami-J” neck and thoracic brace,

hardly able to walk, in pain and unable to manage the stairs up his bedroom, Steve fell asleep on a sofa downstairs.

Having just returned home from the hospital, these were the circumstances Steve found himself in following a severe triathlon cycling accident that left him with a broken neck and neurosurgery.The road to recovery would be long and the outcome was uncertain.

As the father of two Special Operations Command soldiers, Steve was a candidate for Western Avenue Baptist Church’s newly formed Military Support Group.The team was eager to support Soldiers and their families, and Steve was their first challenge. No less than 80 volunteers stepped up to serve!

“After the Soldier Support Program took over, I never felt alone.

There were volunteers for everything,” said Steve.“One great vol(see Family Programs page 41)

36 â&#x20AC;˘ THE GRIFFON â&#x20AC;˘ Fall 2009

Operation Purple Camp Youth programs bring military kids together

By Victoria L. White Public Affairs Specialist 108th Training Command (IET)

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Your parents went through boot camp, so weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to put you through boot camp,â&#x20AC;? Katy Robinson told more than 100 teenagers at Camp Tekoa in Hendersonville, N.C. Dividing the teenagers into an Army team and an Air Force team, Robinson then informed the campers â&#x20AC;&#x153;weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to put you through the mud!â&#x20AC;?

Operation Purple Camp is just one of many youth camp programs available to military kids nationwide. These summer camps are

free for military kids, generally lasting a week. Besides the opportunity for fun and adventure, the camps help military children learn coping skills unique to military families.

For children of Reserve Soldiers, the chance to establish relationships with other military children is often a rare opportunity. Military kids of active-duty Soldiers live in military communities surrounded by other kids who can relate to the unique challenges of Army life. Reservist kids live the military life outside military communities.

Cody and Caleigh Hamilton, 15 year-old twins, attend Myers Park

High School in Charlotte and participated in the week-long Operation Purple Camp at Camp Tekoa. Their mother, Master Sgt. Lisa Hamilton, senior human resources sergeant in 108th Trg. Cmd. G-1, has been a full-time Reservist for 26 years. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hard starting a new school,â&#x20AC;? she says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Everybody asks where youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re from and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a hard question to answer because weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re an Army family thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s moved constantly on different assignments. They do make friends easy because moving has been their lifestyle, but this camp gave them the opportunity they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t normally have to be around

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other military kids.â&#x20AC;?

Hamilton says the twins have â&#x20AC;&#x153;always been differentâ&#x20AC;? from the other kids in the public school systems.

A recent graduate of the First Sergeant School, she says it isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t easy for the twins to explain to their peers at Myers Park High School what she does in the Army and why she was away. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The other kids donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know what a first sergeant is,â&#x20AC;? she says. Her husband, Kevin, is a civil servant at U.S. Army Reserve Command in Atlantaâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and explaining parents living in two different cities is also a unique situation to nonmilitary kids. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a juggle,â&#x20AC;? she admits. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m really happy with this school. The twins have been taught Army values at home, so I feel fortunate to have teenagers who are so well-balanced.

Camp Tekoa was a Christian-based program, which made me very happy, but just being around other military kids meant so much to them and for us.â&#x20AC;?

During the week-long camp, the teenagers were divided into groups for â&#x20AC;&#x153;friendly competitionsâ&#x20AC;? and recreational activities. One day was deemed â&#x20AC;&#x153;military day,â&#x20AC;? with the highlight being a makeshift obstacle course, including a low crawl through the mud. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They loved it!â&#x20AC;? Hamilton says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was all military kids â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Cody and Caleigh were tickled pink to be around other military kids. They played tricks on each other, like the hiding the other groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s camp flag.

The camp was just beautiful in the mountains and they made so many

THE GRIFFON • Fall 2009 • 37

new friends. Now they’re sending instant messages and texts to other ‘military brats,’ so they have friends now that can relate to military life.”

According to Army officials, more than 150,000 kids have at least one parent who is deployed in the war on terrorism.That number doesn’t include those experiencing routine, but often lengthy, deployments, mobilizations and separations from families.

Priority for Operation Camp Purple is given to those who have a parent, guardian or family household member deployed between September 2008 and December 2009. If all spaces are not filled with campers who meet the deployment criteria, the remaining camp slots are filled with any military child from any service branch, the National Guard, Reserve, U.S. Public Health Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association. For more information about this program, visit www.operationpurple.org.

There are also other youth programs available at no cost for military children. Operation: Military Kids is a collaborative effort with America’s communities to support the children impacted by deployment. For information about their variety of programs, visit http:// www.operationmilitarykids.org/ public/home.aspx.

Local family and/or youth program coordinators havemore information and upcoming camp schedules. Military One Source (http://www.myarmyonesource. com/sitemap.aspx) and the Reserve Family Programs website (http:// www.arfp.org/skins/ARFP/home. aspx?mode=user) also publish information about these and other family programs.

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38 • THE GRIFFON • Fall 2009

Strong bonds program reinforces relationships Story and photo by Victoria L. White Public Affairs Specialist 108th Training Command (IET)

Divorce rate statistics are staggering: Almost half of American marriages end in divorce while the figure rises to 67 percent for second marriages, according to Jennifer Baker of the Forest Institute of Professional Psychology in Springfield, Missouri.

Research shows that training in communication, intimacy and conflict management increases marriage satisfaction and reduces rates of family violence. The Strong Bonds program is a unit-based program sponsored by the Army Chief of Chaplains. The retreats are a chance for couples to make a conscious effort to focus on their relationships while singles retreats teach communication skills, discuss single parenting and help attendees learn about healthy relationships.

The military divorce rate climbed slightly higher in 2008 over previous years, according to Department of Defense statistics released in December. Enlisted soldiers and Marines divorced their spouses at a higher rate in fiscal 2008 than at any time in at least 16 years while officer divorce rates remained

Ed and Becky Davis build their marriage on laughter and teamwork.

about the same, though lower than enlisted divorce rates. Longer deployments and multiple tours have caused unprecedented stresses on active-duty and Reserve military couples. Spouses at home must manage families and households

without their partner. Officials say that more than half of Soldiers are married.

Impact studies on Strong Bonds Couples Program demonstrated that couples who completed the program showed marked improvement in skills and habits that lead to increased marriage satisfaction and survival. Additionally, couples who attended Strong Bonds reported significant increases in their connection to the Army community and confidence that their marriage can thrive in the Army. More than 90 percent of those who participated in Strong Bonds reported that the program was helpful and appreciated.

The 108th and both the 98th and 95th divisions have embraced the Strong Bonds program, provided at no cost to participants through the chaplains’ offices. Retreats are held nationwide, usually at resorts where couples and singles can relax and learn how to develop the kind of relationship skills that will make marriage rich and rewarding for both partners.

“From the single Soldier perspective, it’s a great chance to develop communication skills and have an objective way of meeting and determining what kind of person will make a good future spouse,” explained Chaplain (Maj.) Michael J. DuCharme, 108th Trg. Cmd. “With the ever-increasing divorce rate, this is a proactive approach to helping Soldiers and future mates avoid such pitfalls.

“The program offers two significant benefits for married couples,” he continued.“First, they get away from home where they can relax in a resort setting and spend true time together: No chores, no “honey do” lists or kid events to attend. Second, they learn great communication

skills that help better express love, forgiveness, anger and the range of emotions involved in marriage.

Even couples who have been married more than 20 years say they wish they had participated sooner.”

“The events are held throughout the year,” said Sgt. 1st Class Daniel L. Roberts, 108th Trg. Cmd. chaplain assistant. “All costs for Strong Bond retreats are borne through appropriated funds, so there is a special allocation of dollars. For marriage retreats, both the Soldier and their spouse are reimbursed for travel expenses, lodging and per diem.

For family events where children are specifically part of the program, those costs can also be paid by appropriated funds.”

Becky Davis, a personnel specialist in 108th Tng. Cmd. G-1, agrees completely. She and her husband, Ed, participated in a retreat at Hilton Head Island, S.C. Married just five years, both previously married and divorced. In these difficult economic times, Ed lost his job a few months ago, a life event that can cause considerable stress for any couple.

“We learned to be better listeners and not interrupt each other,” Davis said. “We’re still using the techniques we learned and now we’re more careful about choosing the time to talk. If one had a bad day, it’s not the time. Forgiveness was also a big topic at Strong Bond retreats. You learn how to forgive your spouse. Now we look for common ground—things we can do as a team because it’s a team effort.”

“We learned so much, especially communication skills,” Ed said.

“Just taking time away from the daily stress gave us a chance to realize just how much we love each other. We would definitely go again

THE GRIFFON • Fall 2009 • 39 and highly recommend it for other couples. These were life principles being taught that can apply in your work life as well as your personal life. It was a nice setting, everyone was in civilian clothes so there was no rank structure. There were couples we knew there and we met other couples.”

Davis said listening to other couples facing the same issues was extremely helpful.The diverse group of attendees ranged from newly married to more than 20 years. “It made us feel better about our marriage because some of them really had issues,” she laughed. “But we all learned how to handle issues together as a team with our partner.

Nobody is perfect, no relationship is perfect. But now I take Ed’s opinions into consideration more. We went in hopes of making our relationship richer and it truly has.”

Besides workshops and seminars about relationship-building and communication — some of them “tough” Davis said, like “getting a man to express himself and men learning that we’re far more emotional - couples planned a “date night.”

“We went on a date to see the lighthouse there at Hilton Head,” Ed said. “I took her out to dinner — well, I take her out to dinner all the time at home, but this was the first “date” we’ve had in a couple of years.”

Both say their marriage is built on the foundation of laughter. Davis said Ed’s sense of humor was what attracted her to him when they met, and their laughter helped during the tough times, especially when Ed lost his job. “It happened right after the Strong Bonds event,” Davis said, “so the skills we learned really came in handy because we were faced with a major struggle.

But instead of struggling, we just jumped in as a team.”

Ed’s hobby is building furniture, so he already had built a workshop in the back yard of their home. “I was already taking steps toward making that a business,” he said.

“Losing my job just kind of accelerated my plans.” Davis helps as much as she can to generate customers. “She helps me a lot with my business and gives me her opinion, which I value,” he said.

The retreats culminate with a ceremony for couples who so desire to renew their marital vows.

“We just loved renewing our vows,” Becky says. “And since we have, we do things together more. Saturday is our day. We go to yard sales, we go to brunch, we work on projects---we laugh a lot and we just do things together and we intend to stay that way.”

Strong Bonds originated in 1997 with a program for couples and was referred to as Building Strong and Ready Families.With satisfaction rate high among attendees at 93 percent, and increasing support from commanders, the Army recognized the success of the program.

Approval was given for expansion

of the program throughout the Army and Reserves as well as for expansion of the program offerings to include single Soldiers and families. In 2005, with input from Soldiers, the chaplains named the program Strong Bonds and expanded program offerings to include help for the single Soldier.

“Soldiers and families are generally coping well with deployments and operations that are occurring in today’s world,” Roberts said.

“However, their relationships often become very strained and it’s difficult at times to maintain a high morale and good family relationships.

The need to help these Soldiers and their families in a significant way is very apparent to help them build positive relationships.”

“These programs contribute to making the Army and its Soldiers and families more resilient and strong during a very difficult war time as well as the challenges of the civilian sector during these uncertain economic times,” DuCharme said. “I have always said a Soldier can handle the most difficult circumstances while mobilized or deployed, but if his or her family has issues, that can be the difference between a Soldier who is mis-

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DuCharme recommends that couples read “12 Hours to a Great Marriage” and “Fighting for Your Marriage” by authors Howard J. Markman, Scott M. Stanley, Susan L. Blumberg, Natalie H. Jenkins and Carol Whiteley.

Soldiers can get more information and dates of upcoming retreats from the command or division chaplains’ office or visit the Strong Bonds program website at http://www.strongbonds.org/skins/strongbonds/display.aspx.

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From the Retention Office...

Understanding the Post - 9/11 G.I. Bill Program

By Master Sgt. Barbra J. Foster 108th Training Command (IET)

The Post – 9/11 GI Bill, Chapter 33 of Title 38, United States Code (U.S.C.) is a new education benefit available to service members with at least 90 days to 36 months of active duty on or after September 11, 2001, or individuals discharged with a service connected disability with a minimum of 30 continuous days of active duty service. The Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) is responsible for determining eligibility for education benefits under the Post – 9/11 GI Bill.

Individuals who are eligible for the new benefit may begin using the benefit August 1, 2009, for training that begins on or after that date.

This program will pay eligible individuals: tuition and fees, a monthly housing allowance and an annual books and supplies stipend. In addition, a special provision of the program allows service members for the first time ever the option to share or transfer benefits to immediate family members.

Applications for transferability to family members began on June 29, 2009. However, the effective date of any transfer will be no earlier than August 1, 2009. All applications must be submitted through the Transferability of Educational Benefits (TEB) website, located at https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/TEB/.

The monthly stipend and the books and supplies stipend are not payable to individuals on active duty. The monthly stipend allowance is not payable for those pursuing education and/or training at half time or less or to some individuals taking distance learning.

Individuals enrolled at half time or less are eligible for an appropriately reduced stipend for books and supplies. The DVA will determine under what, if any, circumstances an individual will be eligible for the monthly stipend while undertaking distance learning.

Additionally, individuals who were eligible for Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB), Montgomery GI Bill – Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR), or Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP), and elect to use benefits under the Post – 9/11 GI Bill may not receive assistance under two or more such programs concurrently, but shall elect under which chapter or provisions to receive educational assistance as the Secretary of Veterans Affairs may prescribe.

Eligible Individuals Any member of the Armed Forces (active duty or Selected Reserve, officer or enlisted) on or after August 1, 2009, who is eligible for the Post- 9/11 GI Bill, and • Has at least six years of service in the Armed Forces on the date of election and agrees to

serve 4 additional years in the Armed Forces from the date of election.

• Has at least 10 years of service in the Armed Forces (active duty and/or selected reserve) on the date of election, is precluded by either standard policy (service or DoD) statute from committing to 4 additional years, and agrees to serve for the maximum amount of time allowed by such policy or statute, or • Is or becomes retirement eligible during the period from August 1, 2009, through August 1, 2013. A Service Member is considered to be retirement eligible if he or she has completed 20 years of active duty or 20 qualifying years of reserve service.

• For those individuals eligible for retirement on August 1, 2009, no additional service is required.

• For those individuals who have an approved retirement date after August 1, 2009, and before July 1, 2010, no additional service is required.

• For those individuals eligible for retirement after August 1, 2009, and before August 1, 2010, 1 year of additional service after approval of transfer is required.

• For those individuals eligible for retirement on or after August 1, 2010, and before August 1, 2011, 2 years of additional service after approval of transfer are required.

• For those individuals eligible for retirement on or after August 1, 2011, and before August 1, 2012, 3 years of additional service after approval of transfer is required.

Eligible Family Members An individual approved to transfer an entitlement to educational assistance under this chapter may transfer the individual’s entitlement to: the individual’s spouse, one or more of the individuals’ children, or a combination of the aforementioned individuals.

A family member must be enrolled in the Defense Eligibility Enrollment reporting System (DEERS) and be eligible for benefits at the time of transfer to receive transferred educational benefits.

A child’s subsequent marriage will not affect his or her eligibility to receive the educational benefit; however, after an individual has designated a child as a transferee under this section, the individual retains the right to revoke or modify the transfer at any time.

A subsequent divorce will not affect the transferee’s eligibility to receive educational benefits; however, after an individual has designated

a spouse as a transferee under this section, the eligible individual retains the right to revoke or modify the transfer at any time.

Transfer Usage A spouse may start to use the benefit only after the individual making the transfer has completed at least 6 years of service in the Armed Forces, and is subject to the same 15-year limitation as the eligible individual. May use the benefit while the member remains in the Armed Forces or after separation from active duty after completing the additional service required to transfer the educational assistance under the Post- 9/11 GI Bill.

A child may not use the benefit until they have attained a secondary diploma (or equivalency certificate), or reached age 18 years of age. A child is not subject to the time limitation, but may not use the benefit after reaching 26 years of age.

Months of Transfer Months transferred must be in whole months. The Secretary of Defense may limit the months of entitlement that may be transferred to no less than 18 months. The numbers of benefits transferred by an individual under this section may not exceed the lesser of the months of unused benefits available under the Post – 9/11 GI Bill, or 36 months, or the number of months specified by the Secretary of Defense.

Refund of Pay Reduction under Montgomery GI Bill An individual whose pay was reduced under the provisions of sections 3011(b) or 3012(c) effective as of the first month beginning on or after the date of an election under the Post – 9/11 GI Bill shall have that pay reduction ceased. In addition, those individuals will receive a refund of that pay reduction

Member Serves

subject to the following: • A full refund for an individual who used no months of benefit under the MGIB. • A refund reduced by a proportion calculated by the number of months of MGIB benefits remaining at the time of election divided by 36.

The refund will be added to the monthly stipend allowance paid in the last month of eligibility under the Post – 9/11 GI Bill. Individuals who do exhaust entitlement under the Post- 9/11 GI Bill will not receive a refund of the pay reduction.

Failure to Complete Service Agreement If an individual transferring entitlement fails to complete the service agreed to under Chapter 33, Post- 9/11 Education Entitlements, the amount of any transferred entitlement used by a dependent of the individual as of the date such failure shall ne treated as an overpayment of educational assistance and will be subject to collection by DVA.The DVA will forego collection of education assistance if the individual fails to complete the service agreed due to: • The death of the individual.

• Discharge or release from active duty or Selected Reserve for a medical condition which pre-existed the service of the individual and was not service connected.

• Discharge or release from active duty or Selected reserve for hardship as determined by the Secretary of the Military Department concerned • Discharge or release from active duty or Selected Reserve for a physical or mental condition, not a disability, that did not result from the individual’s own willful misconduct, but did not interfere with the performance of duty.

Percentage of Maxium Benefit Payable

At least 36 months 00 __________________________________________________________ At least 30 continuous days on active duty and 100 discharged due to service-connected disability __________________________________________________________ At least 30 months, but less than 36 months 90 __________________________________________________________ At least 24 months, but less than 30 months 80 __________________________________________________________ At least 18 months, but less than 24 months* 70 __________________________________________________________ At least 12 months, but less than 18 months* 60 __________________________________________________________ At least 6 months, but less than 12 months* 50 __________________________________________________________ At least 90 days, but less than 6 months* 40 * If aggregate service is less than 24 months, initial entry training does not count as qualifying active duty.

Questions about Post-9/11 GI Bill may be addressed by contacting the DVA at 888-GIBILL (888-442-4551) between 7:00-5:00 Central time or visiting the DVA website at: http://www.gibill.va.gov.

THE GRIFFON • Fall 2009 • 41

Family Programs (Continued from page 35)

unteer, for example, who raised catfish of all things, drove me to doctor appointments, grocery shopping, and the drugstore whenever I needed to go. Another, a fireman, master carpenter, and brick layer all rolled into one, took care of house repairs and small projects. A retired Navy jet fighter pilot, who just happened to report to Colin Powell during Desert Storm, kept the lawn cut and leaves raked, and when he couldn’t be there, arranged for other volunteers to do the job.The most wonderful cooks prepared and brought delicious meals to me several times a week. I never ate healthier!

“The Program’s founder, a busy pharmacist and her daughter, put my disorganized house in order, while her husband, an Army Reserve Major General took me shopping for a Lazy Boy to sleep in downstairs.The same pharmacist drove me to the hospital in the middle of the night when my neurosurgeon thought the surgical screws in my neck had come loose,” he said.

“Additionally, there was a wonderful volunteer prayer team constantly praying for my recovery and well-being, as well as my children’s safety.The Soldier Support Group also made sure that I received daily get well cards from members of the

church, thanking me for my children’s military service and encouraging me to get well.

“And lastly, the enthusiastic and energetic coordinator of the Program, always made sure things were running smoothly and checked to see I needed anything,” he said.

Now about 10 months later, Steve has almost fully recovered from his accident and is now able to take care of things himself.

In looking back, he said,“Western Avenue Baptist Church’s Military Support Group helped me bridge a most difficult time.The Program

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was a life-saver! The volunteers’ prayers, cards, smiling faces, and encouragement never failed to lift my spirit, and help me recover. Devoted to uplifting military families, Western Avenue Baptist Church’s Military Support Group’s mission represents one of the highest qualities of human beings. ” With the many successes of our Community Connections and programs, we are also very excited about the evolution of our Virtual Installation - Fort Family.

Please visit the website at www. fortfamily.org to view our purpose and vision.

There is also a message from Maj. Gen. James B. Mallory III, instructions to fill out a 107R Form for Yellow Ribbon, the Chaplains Corner, Community Connections, how to become a Virtual Volunteer (vVolunteer) and links to include Child and Youth Services,Teen Corner, AFTB/ AFAP (spell that out) and more.

If you have ever considered becoming a volunteer or would like additional information to become a FORT FAMILY vVOLUNTEER, simply send an e-mail to DIT108FamilyReadiness@usar.army.mil or call (704) 496-3933 and say “I want to do my part and become a vVolunteer!”And yes, Soldiers can be vVolunteers too!

42 • THE GRIFFON • Fall 2009

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The Next Generation GI Bill

By Johanna Altland Director of Communications Grantham University

School Location

The launch of the Post-9/11 GI Bill was met with mixed reviews. The new GI Bill pays for tuition and fees, not to exceed the maximum in-state undergraduate tuition and fees at a public institution of higher learning in the state where your school is located; a monthly housing allowance for those who qualify; a books and supplies stipend for those who qualify; and a one-time rural benefit of $500 for those who qualify.

If you are eligible for more than one GI Bill benefit, like the Post-9/11 GI Bill and the Montgomery GI Bill, the Veterans Administration (VA) requires that you choose one benefit over the other.

Length of Service The percentage of benefits you’ll receive depends on your length of service under Title 10 on or after Sept.11,2001.Currently,Guard members activated under Title 32 cannot count that time toward Post-9/11 GI Bill eligibility. To view charts of the maximum allowable percentages for time served, visit: http://www.gibill.va.gov.

Type of Training The type of training that you plan to pursue could have an impact on which benefit you select. The Montgomery GI Bill provides you with many training options including: undergraduate or graduate college coursework, certificate programs, on-the-job training, apprenticeship training, flight training, and non-college degree courses. The Post-9/11 GI Bill may only be used for programs completed at a college or university as a degree-seeking student at the associate level or higher.

For more information and to view a comprehensive list of FAQs, visit: www. gibill.va.gov.

extensively about distance education. For more information about Grantham University’s online degree programs and its Military Scholarship programs, visit www. grantham.edu or call 800-955-2527.

The amount of tuition and fees covered depends on the in-state undergraduate tuition and fees at the most expensive public institution Johanna Altland, Director of Communicain the state in which your school is tions for Grantham University has written located. For a complete listing, visit: http://www.gibill.va.gov/GI_Bill_ Info/CH33/Tuition_and_fees.htm.

Let’s say that you live in Hawaii, are eligible for 100 percent benefits, and are enrolled in an undergraduate program at a university in your state. Your tuition is $350 per credit hour and $600 in fees per term, and you plan to take 15 credit hours this term. Your total tuition is $5,250.

Per the maximum allowances, the VA will pay your school $4,230 for that term’s tuition, so you’ll have to pay $1,020 out-of-pocket in tuition costs. The VA will pay your school the $600 in fees you were charged because it doesn’t exceed the maximum fees payable by term.

It is possible to avoid out-ofpocket costs by choosing a school whose tuition rates align with the maximum amount payable for the Ë Nearly 60 Years of Service Ë Simple Application Process school’s state. However, if you atË 100% Online Degree Programs Ë Student Success Teams tend a college or university with a Ë Quick Transfer Credit Evaluation Ë Military Scholarships lower per credit hour tuition rate, you will not receive a check for the difference. In addition, some states do not charge veterans tuition if they attend a state university, so the Post-9/11 GI Bill will not cover any tuition expenses.

There are a lot of variables to consider before choosing one benefit GOARMY ED Ë AU-ABC Ë SOC CONSORTIUM MEMBER Ë DANTES AFFILIATED over another. Generally, if you expect NAIMES Ë MILITARY ADVANCED EDUCATION TOP 20 UNIVERSITY to have higher tuition expenses or if you plan to attend school in a state that charges veterans little to no tu800-955-2527 WWW.GRANTHAM.EDU/GRIFFON ition, it may make the most sense to stick with the Montgomery GI Bill. It 2009 © Grantham University 7200 NW 86th St, Kansas City, MO 64153 • Ph: 816-595-5759 Fax: 816-595-5757• www.grantham.edu.

Grantham University is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC). JOB# AD-2008-200 is important to do your research and have a grasp of your short- and longterm educational goals.

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46 • THE GRIFFON • Fall 2009

www.thegriffon108.com

DETC/AMSCUS/GOARMYED

BARTONline – Driven toward soldier success Time and money, we are always short on those two commodities.

A fast paced Op-tempo, deployment schedules, and time for family, friends, hobbies, play and social

events pretty much narrows the window for “school time.” Utilizing the virtual world of BARTONline (www.BARTONline.org) to further your education not only adapts to

your busy schedule but has many other advantages as well.

As many already know, a college degree can help open the door to promotion and new employment opportunities. Barton Community College’s online delivery system BARTONline has 100 percent online programs providing soldiers the opportunity to earn a variety of Associate Degrees and Certificates. The soldier is in the driver’s seat, going to class on one’s own time and setting one’s own priority to finish the weekly assignment blocks.The flexible BARTONline.org scheduling contains seven sessions per year with both nine and 17 week sessions and are taught in weekly blocks with no set time to attend class. Enrollment and participation in classes take only a few key strokes and clicks with the entire enrollment/application process fully automated.

Not only is BARTONline.org convenient, it is affordable. As a participant of GoArmyEd and the Army Tuition Assistance Program (TA), BARTONline.org allows soldiers to utilize TA to pay for tuition. With BARTONline.org cost of only $130 per credit hour, soldiers can stretch the value of one’s TA dollars to maximize its benefit. TA is limited to $4500 a year with a maximum course cost of $250 a credit hour.

TA can fund up to 13 classes a year.

Combining Army Tuition Assistance with BARTONline can result in completion of an Associate Degree in less than two years.

Take one class or complete an entire degree through BARTONline. org. Education in cyberspace is convenient, affordable, and an excellent value. Accredited through the Higher Learning Commission — North Central Region, BARTONline.org has quality course material taught

by excellent faculty who understand soldiers and the military family. Not only can you achieve Certificate and/or Associate Degrees, but utilization of BARTONline.org can springboard one’s transfer and attainment of Bachelor or Masters Degrees at four year colleges and universities.

Barton Community College has been providing educational opportunities to soldiers at Fort Riley Kansas for over 20 years. Twelve years ago Barton launched an eCourse program (BARTONline.org) to provide online education through the internet.With its online support system based primarily at Fort Riley, BARTONline understands the challenges faced by soldiers pursuing educational goals when reassigned or deployed.

BARTONline.org has over 6500 enrollments a year with 25 percent of those enrollments coming from student/soldiers deployed throughout the world. Currently we have online students in Germany, Korea, Hawaii, Guam, Japan, Afghanistan, and Iraq.

BARTONline.org also provides tailored programs to accommodate deployed units. The Kansas Army National Guard 1-6th Agricultural Development Team is currently deployed to Afghanistan. The 1-6 ADT has a special online course term established to support the educational goals of the unit’s soldiers.While deployed the soldiers will each complete nine credit hours through BARTONline.org — working together as a Cohort of Student/Soldiers.

The Barton faculty and staff are honored to have the opportunity to serve the nations warriors. Drive into the virtual world for your personal and professional advancement and enroll at BARTONline. org today.

CAREER MOVES

THE GRIFFON • Fall 2009 • 47

Special Advertising Supplement

Now what do I do?

By Steven Mellish

not how much you have. In fact, it I think back to the day in 1985 was with this very thought in mind when I first took the ASVAB as a se- that the Colortec Training Institute, nior in high school in South Caro- which is home of the Paint Bull, was lina. Little did I know in my naiveté founded and developed.

When founded, the Colortec just how challenging and invigorating my career in the military would Training Institute had one primary goal in mind: Teach people how to become.

America was virtually at peace, use the Paint Bull Systems and Meththat is to say there were no “active” ods, and help them succeed in their war zones for me to think about. I own business. Many of the men and had scored well enough on the AS- women who are a part of the Paint VAB to be accepted in all branch- Bull family were in a transitory phase es of the military and have a great of life, either because of a job loss, or choice of jobs, and I was “becom- a loss of passion for working in an ing a man.”When I enlisted in the Air endless job, and they were ready to Force at the age of 17, I believed the do something about it.

What does this have to do with best of our country and knew in my heart that while service to my coun- today’s veteran you may ask? Well, try was a longstanding tradition in becoming an independent business my family I also wanted to serve as owner within the Paint Bull family a matter of pride in myself and the is something that you, as a veteran, great country in which I was fortu- can realistically do, regardless of the economy and make a great livnate enough to be born.

By the time my career ended by ing at simply because you acquired way of the VSI/SSB programs of the the skills needed while in the mili90s, and I took what many called tary. The Colortec training institute, an early retirement, I felt as if I had utilizing patented Paint Bull systems seen and done enough in my short and working out of our state of the 13 years to last a lifetime.As I moved art training facility, brings people in up through the enlisted ranks to be- for the best training in the industry. come a mid-level NCO, I had been Why would you, a veteran, rewarded with some special recog- consider the Paint Bull as a lognition, I completed a few tours in ical move as you transition? the Desert, Korea and three stateYou can put your own skills to side bases, earned my share of deco- work for yourself and allow your rations and had learned a specialty dedication and tenacity to cause within the Hazardous Materials are- success. na while working in Traffic ManageThe training you receive prior to ment. My transition assistance offi- starting your business is at a certicer assured me that I had the skills, fied Proprietary Trade Institute (lieducation, training and dedication censed by the Department of Labor needed, and that I was “ready”, but and Economic Growth), and uses I did not fully realize the scenarios patented systems. The Paint Bull that would lay before me. is also rated A+ through the Better In the years since, I have learned Business Bureau and BBB online. about the challenges facing today’s You receive excellent training, all veteran when they transition from of your tools and supplies, on-going the military world to the civilian technical support, and a re-supply workforce. In short, the typical vet- line for ongoing business growth. eran has much of what employers We are approved as a training faare seeking; leadership, dedication, loyalty, work ethic and a go-getter attitude. However, there is a shortage of jobs and some veterans would prefer to put their skills to work for themselves rather than working for someone else.

So, what do you do now? That’s the question which hit me square in the face as I was looking at transitioning from the only working life I had known, into a world where job stability, guaranteed pay checks and 30 days of paid vacation a year were not the norm.With a national unemployment rate of 9.5 percent with over half a million new unemployment claims in June of 2009, (30,000 of those were newly discharged veterans) it is no wonder that you, the great men and women known as veterans, may be concerned about what your employment future holds.

Well, 11 years after leaving the military, I work for a company called the Paint Bull, who embraces the philosophy of creating success, but also holds a belief that success is measured by how much you give,

cility for VA Vocational Rehab and you may qualify if you are a combat veteran for some special assistance through the VA for the schooling.

As business ownership goes, it is low-risk, NO franchise fees, high profit margin and the startup costs are minimal.

For more information call 800-800-5725 or visit us online at www.paintbullone. com Steven M. Mellish is a retired combat veteran from the Desert Storm, Bosnia and Somalia. He is Special Finance Coordinator at Paint Bull.

Reach Your Highest Potential With AMT Certification You’ve completed your allied health training. Now take your career to the next level by becoming certified through American Medical Technologists (AMT), an organization recognized and respected throughout the industry.

AMT certifies: • Medical Technologists • Medical Laboratory Technicians • Medical Laboratory Assistants • Medical Assistants • Phlebotomists • Medical Administrative Specialists • Dental Assistants • Allied Health Instructors • Clinical Laboratory Consultants Join the over 43,000 allied health professionals already certified by AMT. Study resources and computerized exams at conveniently-located DANTES and Pearson VUE sites make this an easy and smart choice for those who want to reach their highest potential. Visit www.amt1.com/qualifications to see if you qualify.

48 • THE GRIFFON • Fall 2009

MyCAA

www.thegriffon108.com

The MyCAA Program for Military Spouses

By Reggie Revis

cation because her sister had got- portal (https://aiportal.acc.af.mil/ Although it was over a year ago, ten her undergraduate degree from mycaa/) where they will be directed to create an account. They will Betty Gardner, CEO of ProTrain can there. A spouse is able to search for receive by email their user ID and still remember the emotional con- participating schools through the password. versation she had with a military MyCAA web portal along with all After eligibility is confirmed, proavailable program offerings. spouse who was struggling to despective students will be directed Sponsored by the Office of the cide whether or not to take advanto populate their previous educaDeputy Under Secretary of Defense tage of her Career Advancement Action and career history. At this point for Military Community and Famcount. Finally, the spouse decided to they will complete their Career ily Policy, a spouse can have up to go for it. “I need to do this for my $6000 used on his or her behalf Plan by choosing their certification children and myself,” the woman ex- paid directly to the school for the area of interest, school and program claimed. “What if the unthinkable licensure or certification program type. Now, the student should call happens: a serious injury, my hus- of their choice. Given that the av- a military onesource counselor at band dies in the line of duty, or even erage tuition is in the $3000 range, 1-800-342-9647 to have their plan divorce? I’ve got to be prepared to some spouses are able to combine approved. take care of my family.”

After the approval, the student two or more certification programs Since that memorable conversa- without having to incur any out-of- will have to complete a financial aption, Betty and her team of Train- pocket expenses. To be eligible for plication. Before starting, the student ing Assessment Managers who are the program an individual has to be should have readily accessible the spread out all over the United States, following inforhave helped dozens of military mation: student’s wives — and husbands — prepare name, email adthemselves for entry into a dauntdress, mailing ading, competitive workplace. Fredress, all phone quent moves from one location to numbers, date of another can sometimes make combirth, education pleting an educational program a level, current emvery difficult challenge for a military ployment, branch and fort, spouse’s spouse. The spouse may get settled name and social in an in-classroom program, then security number, find out the active duty member has date of separation been reassigned before the spouse f from active duty gets to complete their course. What and pay grade. often follows is loss of time, credOnce approved, its and, worse, motivation to pursue the financial aid other options. f form appears on Now, with technology and the the students secDenise Moore, Operations Manager, Augusta State buy-in of once reluctant schools tion in the portal University, Division of Continuing Education with asand colleges, spouses can take adunder Online Sersociates after a MYCaa presentation at Fort Gordon, vantage of the portability of onvices, then “VeriGeorgia. line instruction, for example: if the fy MyCAA Enrollspouse begins online instruction at ments”.

Usually within 72 hours Fort Lewis and the active duty mem- a spouse of an active duty member from approval the student will reber is reassigned to Fort Stewart, all of the Department of Defense and ceive course instructions by email the spouse needs to do is pack their activated members of the National along with their login and password. computer and continue the pro- Guard and Reserve The period of eligibility for spous- At this point, they may begin their gram as soon as they get settled in es of Guard and Reserve members is course. their new location.

The response to the program has Originally a beta program launched from the date of the Alert or Warnbeen enthusiastic and continues to in eight states, the CAA program ing Order for Military Recall or Mogrow.

Previously, a spouse could get (now referred to as The MyCAA Pro- bilization, through activation and deapproval in a matter of hours. Curgram for Military Spouses) went ployment until 180 days following rently, due to the popularity of the worldwide in May 2009. Spouses of de-mobilization. Spouses of the seprogram the official MyCAA homepverely injured, ill, wounded or killed active duty personnel from Hawaii age includes a notice indicating a in action are also eligible. to Florida to Germany can select a backlog of up to four weeks with reSpouses have a wide array of cerwide array of certification programs quests being processed in the order tification options such as: Medical from a long list of U.S. colleges and they are received.

Regardless, the efBilling and Coding, Medical Tranuniversities (Towson University, Ver- scription, Paralegal Assistant, Human fort is well worth the wait. mont Tech, James Madison Univer- Resources, Paraprofessional TeachThe sentiments of one military sity, Honolulu and Central Florida er’s Aide, Project Management, MCSE spouse from Virginia Beach, Va. is Community College to name a few). certification and a host of IT-related typical --- Dionne Carpenter comThree Georgia schools — Augusta disciplines from which to choose. pleted the Hotel Sales and Catering State University, Georgia Southern Medical certifications, in particu- Management certification through University and Dalton State Col- lar seem to be the most sought af- Augusta State University, then decidlege — are experiencing an influx ter. One’s career goals, background ed to follow that with the Bookkeepof spouses from around the country and personal interests all play a role ing and Financial Services certificawho have chosen these schools for in determining which certification tion. “There’s nothing out there like their certification. to take. And upon successful com- it. I cannot compare the programs Often, family or personal ties to a pletion of a program, a spouse will offered and the caring and dedicatparticular region or institution is the have a greater chance of becoming ed staff who have assisted me along reason why a school may be chosen gainfully employed in a “portable ca- the way. The whole experience has — a military spouse at Fort Bragg, reer.” jump started my quest to pursue a N.C. for example chose Winston-SaThe registration and approval pro- new career.” lem State University for her Medical cess is amazingly simple.The spouse LaToya Caldwell, a 32-year-old Coding and Medical Billing certifi- has to go to the official military mother of two holds a Masters De-

gree in Business Management and Marketing but wanted to concentrate on Human Resources. While participating in an employment training program at Fort Belvoir, Va., she found out she could get a certification in Human Resources through the MyCAA program with all course material and a laptop computer included. Having had experience with online courses in the past, the Marion, South Carolina native jumped at the opportunity and is now taking the Human Resources certification through Winston-Salem State University.

Such expressions are music to the ears of all involved in managing the program who hopes every eligible military spouse will take advantage of this opportunity to get trained, get certified, and then get to work.

“This is an amazing program that’s helping a lot of spouses who have been wanting to go back to school but couldn’t because of money and time,” states Aracely Hoffmeister, a Training Assessment Manager with ProTrain who is based in Arizona. “I personally enjoy assisting so many people with their educational goals and giving them one-on-one attention from beginning to end.”

The number of spouses taking advantage of the MyCAA program continues to grow in leaps and bounds as the word spreads. Some are receiving preliminary interview opportunities before they even complete their certification program.

Such was the case for a North Carolina-based spouse who is taking the A+ and Desktop Service Technician certification. On a flight from Chicago where she had visited with family, she began a conversation with a woman who had asked her about her work. The spouse explained she was a military spouse and was taking a certification program in IT through Towson University. The woman listened attentively and when the plane landed she handed the spouse her business card with the invitation to contact her when she was close to completing her program. The woman turned out to be the CEO of a large, growing international high-tech company and was interested in possibility hiring the spouse for an IT position. The spouse knew that without her participation in the MyCAA program, that conversation could have never taken place.

For more information on ProTrain, LLC and the MyCAA Program, contact: Betty Gardner, 1.800.371.2963, mycaa@ protrainedu.org for assistance 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.

MyCAA

THE GRIFFON • Fall 2009 • 49

Special Advertising Supplement

M I L I T A R Y

S P O U S E

M Y C A A

P R O G R A M

Are you a Military Spouse?

Inquire to find out how to qualify for $6,000 of education!

YOUR FAMILY deserves THE BEST. Give yourself the education you deserve.

NOW is the time to START preparing for YOUR FUTURE! Our online programs are portable, flexible, and will prepare you for in-demand jobs with flexible schedules & customized programs... and you can study from home!

*Enrolled students will receive all course materials to include courseware, exam, and laptop computer to keep!

For more information on the MyCAA Program and our education partners,

Call 800.371.2963 or email mycaa@protrainedu.org Sampling of Certifications/Licensures/Academic Programs: s Medical Coding/Billing s Medical Transcription s Activities Professional (MEPAP) s Instructional Professional - Teacher’s Aide s Admin Office Specialist (MS Office) s Medical Dental Assistant s A+ & Desktop Service Technician s Microsoft/Cisco Various Certifications s Computer Forensics s IT Networking Foundations s Webmaster Designer s Help Desk/Customer Service s Human Resources Cert (HRCI/PHR) s Paralegal Assistant Certificate s Banking Management Operations

s Bookkeeping/Financial Services s Certified Tax Professional s Financial Planning & Wealth Management s ASE Certification s Digital Home Technology Certificate

Online Credit Programs: s M.S. Integrated Homeland Security Management s M.S. Applied Information Technology s Interactive Media Design Post-Baccalaureate Cert s Bachelor of Technical & Professional Studies in Allied Health (BTPS) s M.S. in Human Resource Development Educational Leadership s And many more!

need to do this “ Ifor 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.”

– Military Spouse / Towson Student Fort Bragg, NC

Choose from these and other education partners:

50 â&#x20AC;˘ THE GRIFFON â&#x20AC;˘ Fall 2009

www.thegriďŹ&#x20AC;on108.com

HOMESCHOOLING OPTIONS

Evaluating Homeschool Curriculum

By Daniel Lauve Saxon Homeschool One of the greatest advantages that homeschoolers of today have over those who have come before is the availability of quality homeschool curriculum in a variety of approaches and styles. While homeschool parents from previous decades were able to choose from a few select publishers, there is now a varied array of offerings for every subject area. The challenge now is to evaluate which program is right for you and your family.

Homeschool magazines are an excellent source of product information. Most homeschool magazines include some new product information in each issue, offering reviews on textbooks, childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s books, software, and hands-on materials. Magazines such as The Old Schoolhouse, Practical Homeschooling, Home

School Enrichment, and Homeschooling Today are excellent resources to find product review information that will help you make an informed choice.

There are several websites parents can visit to find helpful product review information. Websites such as HomeSchoolReviews.com encourage homeschoolers to submit their own reviews on products they have used. Cathy Duffy Homeschool Reviews (cathyduffyreviews.com) is a website run by homeschooling expert Cathy Duffy that offers reviews of numerous homeschool curriculum products, from well-known, popular products to those that are less familiar. Also, parents can post a

question to a homeschooling forum and receive responses from others who have used the program.

You can also look toward publisher websites for product information. The advantage to going straight to the publisher is that you can often find a much more extensive sampling of the product you are looking to evaluate. Many sites offer downloadable files con-

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt has drawn from the largest collection of educational materials to bring you homeschool bundles for language arts, science, and social studies. Each kit contains student and teacher materials along with assessments and other activities.

Homeschool kits available include: t )BSDPVSU -BOHVBHF (SBEFT

t )PMU &MFNFOUT PG -BOHVBHF (SBEFT

t )PVHIUPO .JĂľJO 4DJFODF (SBEFT

t )PMU 4DJFODF BOE 5FDIOPMPHZ (SBEFT

t )JHI 4DIPPM 4DJFODF GSPN )PMU BOE .D%PVHBM -JUUFMM t )BSDPVSU )PSJ[POT (SBEFT

t )PMU 4PDJBM 4UVEJFT (SBEFT

8F BMTP PòFS )38 -JCSBSZ (VJEFT XJUI $POOFDUJPOT GPS HSBEFT &BDI HVJEF JODMVEFT SFBEJOH TLJMMT BOE WPDBCVMBSZ activities, assessments, Novel Notes, and NPSF 5XP TFUT PG TJY HVJEFT FBDI BSF BWBJMBCMF GPS FBDI HSBEF MFWFM BT XFMM BT TQFDJBM DPMMFDUJPOT GPS BVUIPST TVDI BT $IBSMFT %JDLFOT 8JMMJBN 4IBLFTQFBSF BOE PUIFST

Visit www.SaxonHomeschool. com for more information.

taining sample pages and other useful information.

Currently available on the Saxon Homeschool website are several new homeschool bundles created by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. These kits are unique in that they offer a wide array of educational materials previously unavailable to homeschoolers. Additionally, a number of sample and support materials are available for download for free, a valuable tool for any parent looking to evaluate materials for the upcoming school year.

The homeschool kits from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt span several different subject areas as well as every grade level. They represent some of the most popular and highly regarded textbooks in use today.

Each kit contains student and teacher materials along with assessments and other activities.

Parents may also be interested in HRW Library Guides with Connections for grades 6-12. Library Guides are designed to accompany classic works of literature, and they cover some of the most popular and important books for each grade level.

The unique features of the Library Guides include: â&#x20AC;˘ Reproducible masters for reading skills, vocabulary, literary elements, and assessments. â&#x20AC;˘ Pacing suggestions, vocabulary activities, and interdisciplinary and multimedia projects. â&#x20AC;˘ Novel Notes, an informative activity master in a newsletter format. Each issue includes writing suggestions as well as high-interest background information relating to historical, cultural, and literary elements of the stories. â&#x20AC;˘ Lesson plans, which are available online for free.

Two sets of six guides each are available for each grade level, as well as special collections for authors such as Charles Dickens, William Shakespeare, and others.

Evaluating homeschool curriculum can be a challenge, but thankfully there are many resources available to help you find the best products for your family. Products like Houghton Mifflin Harcourtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s homeschool curriculum kits give you an opportunity to sample numerous aspects of the program before making a purchase.

HOMESCHOOLING OPTIONS

Special Advertising Supplement

THE GRIFFON • Fall 2009 • 51

52 • THE GRIFFON • Fall 2009

www.thegriffon108.com

HOMESCHOOLING OPTIONS

The Advantages of a ‘Portable Education’ For a military family on the go like the Brantlys, a portable education is the perfect match The military life requires sacrifices. With K12, your children’s education doesn’t have to be one of them.

Indiana. Ohio. Florida. Michigan.

These are the states Shelley Brantly and her family have moved into and out of in over a four year period.

Shelley’s husband is a dentist in the Air Force.

There probably aren’t many civilians with a lifestyle as nomadic as this, but to people in the military it’s all too familiar — and it can wreak havoc on a child’s education. “You can move at any time in the military,” says Shelley.“And at any time of year.

Continuity in a child’s education is extremely important. We’re lucky to have K12.”

With more than 55,000 students

worldwide, K12 is the country’s leading provider of online curriculum for kindergarten through high school.The K12 curriculum and online learning system can be accessed anywhere in the world there’s an Internet connection (perfect for overseas postings). Parents have a variety of schooling options to choose from, including tuition-free virtual academies in over 25 states, and a private school — the K12 International Academy — available worldwide. Both options offer full teacher support and confer accredited high school diplomas upon graduation.

Shelley’s two oldest kids — Coral, age 10, and Landon, age eight — have been learning with K12 from the start:“Essentially, K12 is the only education either of them have ever known.” During the Brantlys’ time in Dayton, Coral was a student at the Ohio Virtual Academy, a tuition-free,

virtual public charter school.

Otherwise, they’ve used K12’s independent study option.

“One of the great things about the K12 curriculum,” says Shelley, “is that no matter which schooling option you use, it’s always the same K12 curriculum. So in all our moves, our kids have never missed a beat in their education, even when we’ve had to move in the middle of the semester.”

A K12 education’s seamlessness is enhanced by its portaThe Brantlys have lived in four states in four bility. Being able to access the years. curriculum anywhere in the world has its advantages for a mili- with us. These may be short deploytary family on the move — even if ments, but it still keeps us closer tothat move is just a temporary one. gether than if the kids were attend“When my husband goes on TDY,” ing a traditional brick-and-mortar says Shelley, “we take the laptop — school.”

The Brantlys’ schooling days go and therefore school — on the road something like this. Coral is up before her mother. She logs in to the Online School and dives right into 12 language arts (which of course includes real books). “She loves to It’s what happens when your kids can get read,” says Shelley, “so she always a high quality, American education anywhere starts with literature.” Then it’s time to get started with Landon. “He’s in the world your family goes. younger, and needs more help,” she says. “They break for lunch around 12 K ’s award winning curriculum is individualized to bring learning noon and then sometimes take a alive, one child at a time. Every subject is delivered online, with play break.” Coral is in gymnastics, hands-on activities, plus books and support from expert teachers. so the family has to be completely finished with school by three p.m.

But what’s continuity and porta“ bility without quality? Not a con12 “ cern with K12. “I’m a teacher by trade,” says Shelley.“When we decidTammy A.; husband stationed at Fort Gillim, GA ed to homeschool the kids, I knew Mom to Brittany and Tyler exactly what I was looking for in a curriculum.When I saw K12, I knew Options include: it would be good.”

• Full-time, tuition-free public schooling in many states The K12 curriculum is good in • An accredited online private school available worldwide more ways than one. Not only does it deliver a high-quality education, • Over 150 individual courses including world languages, but courses cross reference each AP, and electives available for direct purchase other, with the curriculum building on itself—something the ex-teacher The military life requires sacrifices. With K12—America’s largest picked up on and appreciated right online curriculum provider for grades K-12—your children’s away. “A K12 history class will talk education doesn’t have to be one of them. Give your child the about Galileo, or Einstein, or Copernicus,” says Shelley, “which will chance to think big, wherever the military life takes you. dovetail perfectly with what they’re learning about at the same time in science class.”

With multiple states and a variety of educational requirements to deal with, K12 does one other thing that, Learn more at according to Shelley, comes in very handy: “I’ve come to realize what a treasure the Online School is. Requirements for education can vary greatly from state to state, from curriculum to attendance and beyond.

With K12, it doesn’t matter. Their Active duty families, on single courses or our full-time Online School keeps track of everyprivate school option. Visit K12.com/griffon or call 866.667.1262 to learn thing. This is a godsend for families on the move.” about military discounts and tuition-free options.

K12 gets kids into learning, so learning gets into them. And it keeps your educational experience organized and excellent, no matter where in the world you are.

K GETS KIDS THINKING BIG.

I’VE USED OTHER CURRICULUMS. NOTHING COMPARES TO K .

K12.com/griffon

Special Military Discount save 15%

Learn more at K12.com/mil. Or call 866-667-1262 for more information.

HOMESCHOOLING OPTIONS

THE GRIFFON • Fall 2009 • 53

Special Advertising Supplement

Nature Journaling — Finding Your Own Way

By Jane Claire Lambert

the subject,”“research the classificaEarlier this year, while attending tion name of a specimen,” etc.These assignments, when completed, can a homeschool conference, I had a be kept in a science notebook and conversation with a mother about would be considered part of routine nature studies and nature journalschoolwork. ing. She had decided that her stuHowever, there may be a more dents would do nature journals and creative and beneficial way to aphad started off with a vengeance to proach the somewhat different subsee that goal accomplished. ject of nature journaling.

She admitted that she had taken If you read the article titled “The her children to the zoo with their Love and Lure of Nature Walking” journal books in hand and when in the Summer 2008 issue of The they weren’t completely enthusias- Old Schoolhouse Magazine, then tic, she had told them they were not you were introduced to many of the going home till they had sketched important reasons to lead your chiland written in their journals. She dren out into nature — to observe was looking at me expectantly, and and learn to appreciate the world I replied,“Well, that would certainly the Lord created. You can help your be one way to do it.” children begin to make discoveries “Not the best?” Then she smiled. that can help them better underI cautiously began to outline what stand the world in which they live.

I thought might be a better way to Once you’ve been on several walks, elicit genuine excitement from her you and your students may find yourstudents. selves wishing for special ways to When it comes to nature journal- “capture” in a more permanent way ing, have any of you ever faced this? what you’ve seen and what you’ve It seems to me that when you teach found. Nature journaling seems to nature subjects in school and even satisfy this longing. when you engage in particular field Since our goal is to help our chiltrips for outdoor discovery, it is a dren find great joy in exploring nagood idea to give assignments with ture, then we should attentively obspecific parameters, such as “write serve each child and discern how a paragraph about this subject,” best to inspire him to grow to love “write five fascinating facts about what has been created. As far as nathis,” “draw a diagram or sketch of ture journaling goes, this might not

be the previously mentioned scenario of threatening to stay at the zoo until the journal entries are complete. Rather, encourage each one to explore and find his own way to record his discoveries.

Many books on the topic of nature journaling are out there.

I’ll share a few age-related ideas that might be helpful. Let’s begin with three- and four-year-olds. Find or draw small pictures of things you know you will see on a short nature walk, such as a tree, a bee, a bird, an ant, a spider web, etc. Don’t worry about your drawing; your preschooler won’t critique your work — a simple impression will do.

Now, use a loop of tape to lightly fasten your pictures to a clipboard that you will carry. Purchase a small spiral notebook, the 5” x 3” kind. Show your child the board of pictures and talk about them briefly.

Then go for your walk and ask your child to be looking for the things in your pictures. When he spots one, get excited along with him and bring out the little notebook. Let him know that this is his nature journal — just like mommy’s. Remove from the clipboard the picture of the item he has found, leaving the loop of tape on the clipboard. From your pocket, whip out a glue stick — loved by all preschoolers — and

let him glue the picture right on to a page in his very own book!

Continue your walk and keep gluing a picture per page. If your child stops and becomes captivated by a particular find — if he spends a long time carefully observing—then just save the rest of the pictures for the next walk.You might ask him if there is anything about his “find” that he would like you to write down in his book, and you can write it for him.

Otherwise, just enjoy the walk together.

The goal of your walk and the little notebook is to lead your child to spend time outdoors looking at what God has made and to capture his observations in such a way that he can keep them. It is supposed to be great fun: time with you, time to play the game of “I Found It!” and time to take a moment to “make a note” of what he has found.

Remember that when it rains, or when it is too cold or too hot to take a walk, your young one can sit at the window and observe. Can he see something interesting even from within his own home? Help him journal that in some way, if he is interested.

The best way I know to inspire your elementary age child is for him (see Nature Journaling page 54)

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Nature Journaling T H E

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(Continued from page 53)

to see you observing nature and enjoying journaling what you see as you walk along together. Keep a journal of your own, and make lots of notes in front of him. In other words, though it will take more outings, you start first.Take time to walk with your child outdoors and simply talk about things you see. Then produce your notebook and tell him that you are noting the date, weather conditions, and what youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve found.

Let your child see that you are enjoying this journaling process. Then let him catch you adding to your journal at home with an extra drawing, a quote, poem, or another fact you found through research.

After a few weeks, with several outings, your child will probably already have tried to make his own journal or asked for one to use. If this has not happened, ask him if heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like a special place to keep notes of what he has seen. If heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hesitant, then just carry along with you a small book for him to use if he decides that he wishes to join in.

When you are working with junior and senior high students, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s good to remember that privacy and self-expression are paramount. Make sure your student knows which types of requests are academic assignments to be turned in and when it is okay to work in his journal in his own way. This is very important at this age. At your library, search for

books that tell about journaling, and bring home good ones that your student can peruse. These books will offer ideas about different types of books; covers; how to draw, paint, and letter; and how to take great photographs of nature.

There is no â&#x20AC;&#x153;certain wayâ&#x20AC;? to create a nature journal. Countless thousands of nature enthusiasts have created a nature journal just the way it suited each one of them best. You have many reasons to want your children to love the nature that the Lord has created for them to enjoy, and they will have a better chance of enjoying capturing their discoveries on paperâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;journaling what they see and feelâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;if they are led very gently to find their own way.

Jane Claire Lambert and her husband Steve operate Five in a Row Publishing and are busy speaking at homeschool conferences and creating new products in the Five in a Row tradition. Visit their websites at www.fiveinarow.com and www.fiardigital.com for more information, including details about their new four-part nature series: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.

Copyright 2008. Originally appeared in The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, Fall 2008.

Used with permission. Visit them at www.

TheHomeschoolMagazine.com.

For all your homeschool curriculum needs visit the Schoolhouse Store.

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MISSION REHEARSAL EXERCISES

Ready Army for 21st Century Operations

By Lorraine Murphy DHS Systems LLC Mission rehearsal exercises play a crucial role in the final training of U.S. Army personnel, including members of the Reserve, before deployment. These exercises, held at training centers both in the U.S. and overseas, are designed to replicate the harsh conditions units will face on the battlefield.

During a mission rehearsal exercise, units experience many of the same challenges they would normally experience while on a real-life mission. Troops often work alongside foreign military, police, government officials and civilians in staged villages and warzones.

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As the 21st Century sees the Army perform operations to help stabilize such turbulent countries as Iraq and Afghanistan, mission rehearsal exercises have also become increasingly reliant on the use of simulators to help soldiers understand the environment they’ll soon be facing.

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Several organizations have introduced technology designed to meet this need for up-to-date data in recent years. The U.S. Special Opera-

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Companies have also developed simulation technology that can create customized scenarios and images, including foreign road systems and town layouts, based on users’ future missions. Other technology, such as the Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System (MILES 2000) developed by Cubic Defense Applications, simulates weapons and their effects on both personnel and their equipment.

In February, the 5th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division (5/2 SBCT) took part in a mission rehearsal exercise at the Army’s National Training Center (NTC) in California before deploying to Af-

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58 • THE GRIFFON • Fall 2009

PAINTBALL

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U.S. Army Paintball Unveils New Marker

Success of reliable and affordable paintball brand leads to another product extension

BUFFALO GROVE, Ill. — Project Salvo is here, an exciting new marker from U.S. Army Paintball featuring a six position collapsible and foldable stock, an AR-15 style shroud with four built-in Picatinny rails and a new AR-15 style magazine that doubles as a helpful toolkit.The marker also incorporates a flat-top Picatinny rail built into the receiver, which makes it simple for players to quickly add a handle, site, scope or a variety of other modifications. As an added benefit, the

Project Salvo marker can be easily enhanced with an eGrip as well as several other performance upgrades from the Tippmann 98 Custom Platinum Series, including: the Cyclone Feed System, Response Trigger and Flatline barrel.

“Project Salvo is a very affordable, reliable marker that provides a realistic appearance and can be easily customized and modified to take on a variety of looks and performance characteristics,” said Patrick Ehren, vice

president of sales and marketing for Tippmann Sports.“This new marker is a natural extension of the U.S. Army Paintball line and was designed based on feedback secured from players. So, we anticipate strong response – similar to when we launched Alpha Black, the first paintball marker introduced under the U.S. Army brand.”

Much like Alpha Black, the name selected for this new marker is rooted in U.S. Military history. Project Salvo was a series of tests conducted by the U.S. Army’s Operations Research Office (ORO) from the mid to late 1950s.The research

obtained through Project Salvo helped lead to the development of the AR-15, which would go on to become the M-16 — widely considered among the most respected and proven rifles ever utilized by the United States armed forces.

Additional features of Project Salvo include: an 11” quick-thread barrel, removable and adjustable front and rear sights, an all-aluminum die cast receiver, a stainless steel gas line, an adjustable and removable sling mount, and a quick-release feeder elbow for easy maintenance. As with other U.S. Army Paintball markers, Project Salvo also comes with a training

PAINTBALL

THE GRIFFON • Fall 2009 • 59

Special Advertising Supplement

manual that offers helpful advice regarding paintball strategy and teamwork.

Project Salvo from U.S. Army Paintball Project Salvo is already available at select paintball dealers and fields.

It carries a suggested retail price of $169.

“No other marker currently available offers this combination of affordability, upgradability and reliability,” Ehren added.“Plus, with Project Salvo, players can take the field with a marker bearing the official U.S. Army Brigadier Star — a great way to show their support for America’s armed forces.”

The complete U.S. Army Paintball line now encompasses a variety of products, including: the Project Salvo marker, the Alpha Black basic marker, the Alpha Black tactical edition marker, Elite Forces Premium Paintballs and Ranger Goggle.The

Alpha Black markers are also available with an eGrip that offers three different firing modes and the tactical edition can be purchased in a version that incorporates the official U.S. Army camo pattern.

For additional details on any of the products available from U.S. Army Paintball, including a list of retailers, please visit USArmyPaintball.com.

About Tippmann Sports: All U.S. Army Paintball markers are manufactured by Tippmann Sports. For more than 20 years,Tippmann has been dedicated to quality manufacturing and the pursuit of cutting-edge technology and design.The company serves the paintball industry from its headquarters and manufacturing facility in Fort Wayne, Indiana.Tippmann Sports’ complete line of paintball markers and related accessories can be found at paintball stores and fields as well as mass retail and sporting goods outlets throughout the world.

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— Patrick Ehren

NEW UPGRADABLE

PAINTBALL MARKER U.S. Army Paintball is excited to add the new Project Salvo to its 2009 marker line.

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60 • THE GRIFFON • Fall 2009

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TRAVEL ALABAMA/LOUISIANA

The Inn on Bourbon: New Orleans, Up Close & Personal The Inn on Bourbon is celebrating the Grand Opening of the Salon de Gallier, a newly-renovated room that adds more than 2,300 square feet of space for wedding, parties, meetings and other special events at the French Quarter hotel.

The new space actually doubles the size of The Inn on Bourbon’s event accommodations. The hotel is also launching a multi-faceted promotional campaign called “New Orleans: Up Close and Personal.” Highlights include special one-of-a kind promotional packages with some of the city’s top restaurants, including Arnaud’s, Bacco and Galatoire’s.

Later in the year, The Inn on Bourbon will channel its ties to the French Opera House — which stood on the site of the hotel 150 years ago — for the “Opera on Tap” performance series. A series of live operatic and other musical performances,“Opera on Tap” is set to kick off in the fall.

The Inn on Bourbon is located on the site of the French Opera House, which opened in 1859 and was epicenter of New Orleans culture. In addition to hosting hundreds of operas, the Opera House was the setting for balls and social events for New Orleans’ Creole society. After the building was destroyed by a fire

in 1919, the location took on various incarnations, including a parking garage and gift shop. Eventually, Mr. and Mrs. Robert T. Tonti bought the property. Over the years and through the city’s economic ups and downs, the Tontis have continued to invest in the property and enhance it through various renovations and upgrades.

Another key component of The Inn on Bourbon’s festivities for the year is its connection with the French Opera House. The hotel is celebrating what would have been the 150th anniversary of this oncefamous New Orleans building. The highlight of the celebration will be special musical performances called “Opera on Tap,” the result of a collaboration between the hotel and the New Orleans Opera Association.

“Opera on Tap” is a four-part performance series that kicks off this fall. Each ‘Opera on Tap’ event will feature evening performances by local, national and international operatic talent at The Inn on Bourbon’s Puccini Bar. The Inn on Bourbon is located at 541 Bourbon Street. For more information, contact Beth Ables at 504.524.7611 or Nicole Dufour at 504.220.6945, or visit www.innonbourbon.com.

Visit Historic Monroeville, Alabama We are on the El Camino East/ West Corridor, (US Highway 84) in central southwest Alabama and are 4 hrs. from New Orleans and Atlanta, 1 1/2 hrs. north of Mobile, 1 3/4 hrs. south of Montgomery.

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Famous as the Hometown of Nelle Harper Lee, author of Pulitzer Prize winning novel, To Kill A Mockingbird. In 2010, we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the publication of the novel.

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This special rate will also be available for military social groups based upon hotel group booking space.

Social military groups include: + family reunions + military reunions + military balls + military training

New Orleans MarrioƩ Metairie at Lakeway 3838 N. Causeway Blvd. Metairie, LA 70002

866.882.4377 • 504.836.5253

62 • THE GRIFFON • Fall 2009

www.thegriffon108.com

TRAVEL AR/NM/TX/WY

Feel the uniqueness of Sierra Vista, Arizona Shadowed in the magnificent 9,500-foot peaks of the Huachuca Mountains, Sierra Vista and Fort Huachuca, at altitudes of 4,650 and 5,200 feet respectively, are perfectly situated to benefit from a moderate

four-season climate.

Sierra Vista has documented history stretching over 13 millennia.

Over 13,000 years ago, Sierra Vista was home to big-game hunters — really big game. These hunters

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us A Top 100 Evessociation in North Am nts erica!

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Thanksgiving through December 31st.

Groups always welcome!

Reservations available beginning October 15th on the web: Phone reservations accepted after November 1st

1 (575) 628-0952

Tickets are Non-Refundable Sail with Santa: (special dates-call for further information)

Shop, Eat & Visit Santa in the Christmas Village This advertisement funded in part by Carlsbad City Lodgers Tax

Change Your Perspective

A place where cowboys and Indians thrived. Where mountain trails meet archaeological sites, and a river lined with ghost towns, Mammoth bones and brilliant hummingbirds - it’s all here waiting for you.

Go to

VisitSierraVista.com ! or call 1-800-288-3761 Sierra Vista, Arizona It’s Cooler Than You Think™ For statewide travel information visit arizonaguide.com

tracked and killed the prehistoric Mammoths and bisons during the Ice Age, or Pleistocene Era.Their killsite, an internationally renowned archaeological discovery, can be walked along a self-interpretive trek at the Murray Springs Clovis Site.

Fast forwarding through many climate, landscape and wildlife changes, there is evidence of inhabitants on Fort Huachuca in 1300 A.D. from the red and black figures and designs at the Garden Canyon Pictograph Site. The same pictograph site was used several centuries later by Apache artists.

It was due to the Apache raids that Fort Huachuca was established.

In March 1877, Captain Samuel M. Whitside and Company B, 6th U.S. Cavalry, rode into the southeastern corner of what is now Arizona, charged with two missions: protect the area settlers and prevent the Chiricahua Apache raiding parties from escaping into Mexico.

After inspecting the ruins of a former U.S. Army camp and determining it unacceptable, Captain Whitside scouted the surrounding mountains, finding a heavily wooded canyon far better for his soldiers and their mission. Camp Huachuca was established. Five years later, the camp was declared a permanent U.S. Army post, Fort Huachuca.

When Fort Huachuca established itself as a vital and critical post, a small community began forming outside the post gates. As it grew, the community underwent several name changes. In 1915, it was called Buena, then changed to Overton,

then to Garden Canyon and subsequently to Fry. When incorporated in 1956, the city was once again renamed and became Sierra Vista.

Visitors choose to stay in Sierra Vista for many reasons, one of which is the abundance of lodging and dining facilities. Accommodations suit every budget and the dining choices are amazing. Nearly half of the 60 restaurants are international cuisine, such as German, Italian, Japanese, Mexican and Vietnamese.

Another reason for visiting Sierra Vista is that recreational and cultural activities abound.

If birding or hiking the Preserve whets your appetite for more, then consider the 40 miles of hiking trails along the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area, with its 100 species of breeding birds and 250 species of migrating and wintering birds. Other prime birding areas are Garden Canyon on Fort Huachuca and Miller Canyon.

Mountain bikers can explore the 40 miles of trails throughout the Coronado National Forest and Fort Huachuca. These mountain bike trails range from easy to difficult, with enough variety to satisfy every biker. Hundreds of miles of rural roads or the City’s multi-use paths are perfect for the long-distance cyclist.

If you find ancient cultures intriguing, then visit one of the many local archaeological sites or ghost town ruins. Artifacts from the Clovis people and bones from a Mammoth have been found at the Mur(see Sierra Vista page 64)

TRAVEL AR/NM/TX/WY

THE GRIFFON • Fall 2009 • 63

Special Advertising Supplement

Bay Area Houston has something for the whole family Bay Area Houston is a charming waterfront region conveniently located between the big-city spotlights of Houston and the wide white beaches of Galveston. Encompassing seven distinct cities, the region touches more than 35 miles of waterfront and boasts succulent seafood, unique shopping, a booming boating community, and aweinspiring nature preserves. We offer accommodations for all, from budget-conscious hotels to five-star resorts or charming bed-and breakfasts. With attractions ranging from the fascinating high-tech wonder of space to the casual atmosphere and natural beauty of the waterfront, Bay Area Houston offers endless opportunities for a relaxing weekend getaway for two or a fun-filled adventure for the entire family.

cycles and trucks, swimwear fashion shows and plenty of fun for the family, all set to a background of live music from The Islands.All geared to present four fabulous days of fun in the sun. Unlike any other boat show in the Houston area, the South West International Boat Show is an open invitation to manufacturers, dealers, brokers and charter companies to participate in a truly international, in-water, boat show.

Oct. 1-31, 2009 — Boo on the Boardwalk. Every weekend in October, enjoy our Haunted House, the Dungeon of Doom & tons of spooky fun! Spooktacular entertainment, pumpkin decorating & much more!

Oct. 10, 2009 — Annual Fall Back Festival. Music festival, Street dance, arts and crafts, carriage rides, vaudeville show, costume contest.

Activities and entertainment are What to do?

Bay Area Houston offers a wide planned for two stages on either variety of attractions for people of end of the festival (the Main Stage all ages. Whether your family con- and the stage in the Guys and Dolls sists of two or 20, our top-notch Hangout) and in designated areas amusements will entertain! Take throughout the festival area.

Main Stage — featuring music a walk in space at Space Center from the Jazz Era, including swing Houston— constantly changing and Texas swing, street dancing, with their revolving exhibits and alRoaring 20’s Costume Contest, a ways a blast! The Kemah Boardwalk “Glamorous Gams” Leg Contest, vais back and better than ever with riety acts, and more. brand new amusement rides and the Artist’s Row — featuring a sideBoardwalk Bullet, the Coolest Coastwalk chalk art contest and artist er on the Coast! Armand Bayou Nademonstrations. ture Center is the perfect place to Life in Pictures — inflatable movexplore the natural wonders of our ie screen featuring silent movies, ancoastal region with tours, boat rides, imated films, and a preview of the and night hikes. The Battleship TexMain Street Program’s “Tell Us Your as and San Jacinto Monument are a Story” video series. must-see for Texas resident and visiTin Pan Alley — featuring activitors alike. The Texas is the only batties popular in the early 20th centleship to have fought in both World tury, such as a pie eating contest, Wars, and it is open and ready for dunking booth, bubble-gum blowing fascinated explorers. contest and Mahjong Tournament.

Have a specific weekend in mind?

Guys and Dolls Hangout — featurBe sure to check out our Calendar ing activities for the teen crowd, inof Events at www.visitbayareahouscluding a music stage, teen acts, and ton.com. Here are a few dates to a non-alcoholic “speakeasy,” street keep in mind: Sept. 24-27, 2009 — Southwest International In-Water Boat Show.The South Shore Harbour Marina plays host to the largest inwater boat show ever to come to Houston. The show will offer a variety of the latest boats from around the world, 10’ Bass Boats, 40’ Power Boats, 70’ Cruisers/Sport Fish, 85’ Motor Yachts and all priced to sell.

Along with end of season deals and 2010 model previews, the opportunity to demo many of the boats on display at this in-water show adds a whole new dimension to boat show shopping.

The opportunity to Win a Harley will add to the excitement of the show. The event will be opened

by League City Mayor, Toni Randall, who will be joined by other Bay Area Mayors and leading dignitaries from the region to cut the ribbon.As well as offering a full range of products and services for the active boating lifestyle, the South West International Boat Show will feature the latest in luxury autos, custom motor-

games and a Dominos tournament The Little Rascals Hideaway — featuring activities for young children, including a sidewalk chalk free-forall, traditional games, and checkers.

Vendors — including food and drink, arts and crafts, and retail merchandise

Oct. 17, 2009 — South Shore Dockside Food and Wine Festival. Set to take place at South Shore Harbour Marina. This year’s event will be produced and managed C4 Clear Creek Community Charities. (see Bay Area Houston page 64)

H ARLINGEN- D UTCH N AME, T EXAN H EART • Year round tropical weathergreat for golfing, hiking and biking • Birding paradise • Just minutes from South Padre Island and Mexico • Great shopping at the outlet mall and local boutiques • Fly into Valley International Airport serving Southwest and Continental Airlines

800-531-7346

64 • THE GRIFFON • Fall 2009

TRAVEL AR/NM/TX/WY

www.thegriffon108.com

Bay Area Houston

has expanded to the point of national recognition. Steve London of JP(Continued from page 63) Morgan Chase will serve as President & CEO in conjunction with board The festival was established in 2002 members Roy Green with South by the Rotary Club of League City.

Shore Harbour Resort and ConferIt was an immediate hit in the Bay ence Center and Rolfe SchaumburgArea and quickly grew into a largely er with The Spirivin Group. For inattended event by people from all quiries or information about the over the Houston area and across 2009 festival, call the South Shore Texas. Over 300 people volunteer Dockside Food and Wine Festival at their time on festival day each year 281-727-0131 or www.southshorefto ensure its success. Four themed pavilions feature wines from all over estival.com Oct. 23-25, 2009 — Annual RE/ the globe while ongoing live entertainment sets the mood for a spec- MAX Ballunar Liftoff Festival. tacular festival. For those who prefer The NASA/Johnson Space Center something different, our Here’s the site transforms into a one-of-a-kind Beer Pavilion is sure to quench your tribute to human flight – from the thirst. Additionally, guests will be beauty of mass hot air balloon astreated to distinctive cuisine from censions to the high-tech world of popular local eateries, culinary dem- modern space flight. Visit this excitonstrations, high end artists and ex- ing and educational family-oriented hibitors, and automobile, boat and event. Enjoy hot air balloon competitions, evening balloon glows, yacht displays.

Don’t forget about the traditional skydiving exhibitions, commercial grape stomp competition, which is exhibits, concession booths, arts & always a crowd favorite. The festival crafts exhibits, entertainment and

Let Us Show You

What Fredericksburg, Texas Has to Oϋer!

Come to Camp David Bed & Breakfast and enjoy warm, welcoming, historic Fredericksburg and our magniÀcent Texas Hill Country. Only an hour from San Antonio, you can visit wineries, shop for antiques on Main Street, or visit the Nimitz Museum and the National Museum of the PaciÀc War. Bike through the hills, climb Enchanted Rock, play golf and enjoy an evening of great dining.

As military members you’ll receive 10% off the cost of your stay with us! Come to Texas!

830-997-7797 www.campdavidbb.com campdavidbb@austin.rr.com

various aviation equipment displays.

Visit www.ballunarfestival.com or call 281-488-7676.

Oct. 31-Nov. 1, 2009 — Wings Over Houston. Ron Carter Presents Wings Over Houston Airshow October 31 & November 1, 2009 at Ellington Field - Produced by the Commemorative Air Force. For Airshow information, call our general information line at 713-266-4492 or visit www.wingsoverhouston.com.

We welcome back to Houston the U.S. Navy Blue Angels! Flying the F/A-18 Hornet jet fighter, these pilots thrill audiences with their 1, 2, 4 and 6 plane solo and formation passes. The Blue Angels’ support C130T “Fat Albert” also gets into the act with a JATO take-off and com-

Sierra Vista (Continued from page 62)

bat short-field landing. Additional performers and acts confirmed for 2009 include Gene Soucy & Theresa Stokes, Michael Goulian, The Horsemen P-51 Flight Demonstration Team, USMC Harrier demo, and the C-47/C-17 heritage flight, among others. Check back with the website for updates throughout the spring and summer as they continue to confirm 2009 performers Check out www.visitbayareahouston.com for details on these events, plus hundreds more. You can also find discount tickets, news articles, hotel deals and a simple online hotel-booking process. Sign up for our newsletter to receive specials through e-mail, and enter our contest to win a free weekend stay!

II; the U.S. Army Intelligence Museum displays the evolution of Army surveillance and reconnaissance.

Watch the B-Troop, the 4th U.S. Cavalry Regiment (Memorial) practice their mounted drills. This unit, in historically correct uniforms and equipment, practices weekly to maintain the synchronization and harmony of the intricate maneuvers and fluidity of movement between the men and their horses. Thrill to the saber charge or amaze at the intricacy of the serpentine weaving of the drill movement called counter column.

Visit Sierra Vista any time, but return for some of our renowned events and festivals: munch a bratwurst at Oktoberfest; enjoy the exceptional talent at the 38th Annual Art in the Park; relive your past at the 22nd Annual Cars in the Park; rise early for the Dawn Glow of the Hot Air Balloons; laugh with the cowboy poets during the 17th Annual Cowboy Poetry and Music Gathering.

ray Springs Clovis Site, where on a self-guided interpretive tour you can relive that prehistoric era. Archaeological studies continue on Fort Huachuca at Garden Canyon, where pictographs can be seen.

Abandoned mining ghost towns can be found at Fairbank, Charleston, and Millville and the ruins of a presidio, or fortress, at Presidio de Santa Cruz de Terrenate.

Are you fascinated with the Old West or military history? The three museums, one in Sierra Vista and the other two on Fort Huachuca, are must-see attractions.The Henry Hauser Museum displays memorabilia from the societies that inhabited the Greater Sierra Vista area.

The Fort Huachuca Museum and the U.S. Army Military Intelligence Museum are housed in historical buildings dating between 1880 and 1905. The Fort Huachuca Museum presents the history of the U.S. Army in the Southwest, from Call 800-288-3861 or visit our website at the Buffalo Soldiers to World War www.VisitSierraVista.com.

Lose your heart to the hills!

Relax and enjoy the magic of the Texas Hill Country in Kerrville.

The Guadalupe River, galleries and shops, scenic drives, exotic game ranches, starry evenings, Àne accommodation and an event-Àlled calendar all make Kerrville the perfect relaxing getaway.

Request your free Visitors Guide today!

Kerrville Convention and Visitors Bureau 800-221-7958 • kerrcvb@ktc.com www.KerrvilleTexasCVB.com

Experience the exciting town built Buffalo Bil by l with Cod y Nite Rodeo Buffalo Bill , Historical C enter, a cow music revue b o y and gun figh t reenactmen Then enjoy ts. golfing, sho pping, fishin and more. g Plus, we’re the gateway Yellowstone’ to s East Entran ce. Check o website for ur great packag es.

836 Sheridan Ave. Dept. GR08 Cody, WY 82414

800-393-2639 • www.yellowstonecountry.org

TRAVEL GEORGIA/FLORIDA

Special Advertising Supplement

Wet ‘n Wild Salutes our Military Next Generation again for the first time, with all-new pulsating lights, sounds, and dynamic visual effects.

These thrilling adventures are an excellent addition to the already established collection of world-class rides and slides including The Surge, Bubba Tub, Disco H2O™ and The Blast!

Guests can also drift under rope bridges and past breathtaking waWet ‘n Wild – Orlando announcterfalls on the Lazy River and roll es a special ticket program for our to four-foot high waves in the Surf military. During Military AppreciaLagoon.

Kids will love the elaborate tion Months, from Oct. 1-Dec. 31, Kids’ Park featuring miniature ver2009, Wet ‘n Wild will offer a FREE sions of Wet ‘n Wild’s favorite rides, admission ticket, to Active Duty and plus a gigantic bucket that periodiRetired military service members cally fi lls with water and splashes with valid military photo ID. To reinto the pool below.

Wet ‘n Wild – Orlando is open year-round, with heated pools during the cooler months, and focuses on providing the most exciting water recreational activities for locals and tourists alike.

In addition to the FREE Military Ticket Program, October1-December 31, Wet ‘n Wild is also offering a NEW ceive the free ticket ticket, active military Milit Military V Value l Meal Ticket. - a Single need to visit the nearest participat- Day admission ticket with a Value ing military base MWR/ITT office. Meal included! The Value Meal inWet ‘n Wild is also offering addition- cludes a choice of: Hamburger, Hotal discounted tickets for family and dog or Pizza with chips, soft drink friends. Limit one Free ticket per and dessert and is a savings of nearly military ID. Restrictions apply. $4.00 off regular in-park food pricWet ‘n Wild is known for thrills ing. This special ticket can be purand features many exciting rides. chased at participating MWR/ITT Hypnotizing water thrills await as offices. you and your friends encounter a splashing dose of group therapy on For updated hours and information visit Wet ‘n Wild’s unique BRAIN WASH™. Wet ‘n Wild online at www.wetnwildorExperience THE BLACK HOLE™:The lando.com, or call 407-351-1800.

Free admission for Active Duty and Retired military service members!

THE GRIFFON • Fall 2009 • 65

66 â&#x20AC;˘ THE GRIFFON â&#x20AC;˘ Fall 2009

TRAVEL GEORGIA/FLORIDA

www.thegriďŹ&#x20AC;on108.com

Celebrating Culinary Adventures at Epcotâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s International Food & Wine Festival!

The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, (Sept. 25-Nov. 8, 2009) presented by Vanity Fair, makes its grand return, transforming the theme park into a destination filled with the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tastiest regional foods and drinks, rockinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; concerts, and unforgettable sensory experiences. Guests will delight in tantalizing new additions â&#x20AC;&#x201D; from the robust and exotic flavors of Rio de Janeiro and Bangkok to world-class performers like Richard Marx, Billy Ocean and Vanessa Carlton.

You can even pick up a Food & Wine themed Disney Gift Card â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a fast, easy and secure way to carry your money on your wrist, and simply the best way to experience the Festival. Get it throughout Epcot at ticket booths, Guest Relations, the Festival Welcome Center and a variety of locations in the theme par.

Discover the many taste adventures that await you!

Marketplaces & Promenade There will be more than 25 international marketplace kiosks are dishing up tapas-sized portions of regional specialties, along with recommended wines and beers. New Festival flavors celebrate the tastes of Bangkok, Thailand and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Exhibits along the promenade will also showcase entertainment and traditional crafts from countries all over the globe.

Eat to the Beat! Concert Series Music pairs perfectly with tasty cuisine during nightly Eat to the Beat! Concerts are performed three times each evening at America Gardens Theatre along the World Showcase lagoon. This year, five new acts will grace the stage, including Richard Marx, Vanessa Carlton and John Waite. Among the returning acts are Boyz II Men, Kool & The Gang, Los

Lobos and many other world-class crowd-pleasers.*

Seminars & Demonstrations An exciting schedule of seminars and demonstrations at the 2009 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival features a fresh spread of ingredients, the secret techniques of culinary masters and the sheer passion that goes into creating great food and beverages.

From introductions to wine connoisseurship to demonstrations packed with cooking tips and sessions where you can sample regional beers and artisanal cheeses â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a delicious journey of discovery begins at Epcot.

Special Festival Experiences Sensational food and wine pairings are artfully prepared and served as part of unforgettable meals at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Dining Experiences. Reserve a seat at the table for any of the unique events and get ready to enjoy gourmet dishes, wines from some of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most notable vineyards and desserts from the ovens of acclaimed pastry chefs.

This year, the Festival is proud to present the newly themed Party for the Senses as part of its lineup â&#x20AC;&#x201D; an experience that brings fantastic international foods, scintillating music, dancing and socializing into one spectacular celebration of flavors.

Here, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find details and dates on the great Dining Experiences featured at Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. These experiences are available to book starting August 11, 2009. Call 407-WDW-Fest (939-3378) to reserve yours. * Please note that theme park admission is required and entertainment is subject to change without notice.

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TRAVEL GEORGIA/FLORIDA

Special Advertising Supplement

THE GRIFFON • Fall 2009 • 67

Mossy Creek Barnyard Festival, a top 100 event!

Nestled in deep piney woods around old homestead buildings and wide, straw covered paths an idea hatched that has grown to be “One of the Top 100 events in North America.” Held by the theme “The Way Things Used To Be” that has remained an attraction for 27 years, The Mossy Creek Barnyard Festival is something folks look forward to twice a year. It has gained a following of entertainers, craftsmen, painters, and some of the greatest cooks around, to be a most enjoyable way to sell their wares. The festival is held on 82 acres of land, all tended to by hand, every third weekend in April and October.

The event boasts a roster of visitors from 24 states and four different countries. The Mossy Creek Barnyard Festival has become so popular that the exhibitors list is limited to 150 from 24 states chosen for high quality, uniqueness and of course, friendliness. All items are hand made by each exhibitor. No duplications. EVERYTHING is one of a kind!

Many newcomers join old favorites. Marina Cantlon, who is from Milan, Italy, makes character dolls. One was chosen for the Blue Room in the White House. Ernie Mills carves working decoys following methods of ancestors. His work is in the

Smithsonian Institute, as well as the clay creations of the Metter family.

The list of these A-list artists goes on and on.

The festival has Pioneer demonstrations including tinsmithing, handcrafting turkey callers and flintrock rifles, weaving chairseats with cornshucks and cracking bullwhips.

All of these activites encourage audience participation.

The excitement doesn’t stop there. They have lessons on how to play the mountain dulcimer, a “Fantasy Forest” where Larry the Leprechaun tells tall tales, and ventriloquism and magic with Cliff Patton and Skeeter.

There are so many different things to do it takes two days to do them.

Hayrides, a petting zoo, clogging, bluegrass music and the food! This is the really fun part.

Fourteen community groups come together to serve their specialties to the throngs of people who refuse to think about diets while visiting The Mossy Creek Barnyard Festival. After polishing off fried corn-on-the-cob and amazing southern fried chicken, the Sweet Adelines serve homechurned ice cream with smiles and a song.

The Mossy Creek Barnyard Festival is put together by families and friends for families and friends. War-

ner Robins is proud to be the home of this tradition and we look forward to many more years of growth from such a wonderful idea created by such a wonderful group of people.

Take I-75 Exit #144 to Lake Joy Road, ninety minutes south of Atlanta. For more information, visit their web-site at www.mossycreekfestival.com. Or call 888-288-WRGA (9742).

Georgia’s International City One of BusinessWeek’s 2009 “Best Places to Raise Your Kids” Named by Brookings Institute #8 in Nation for Small Metros to Retire Future Home of Southeast Regional Little League Headquarters

Don’t miss the Mossy Creek Bardyard Festival in April and October, the Museum of Aviation, biennial Robins AFB Air Show PLUS great golf, beautiful spas and antique shopping. We have 105 International restaurants, 1650 hotel rooms and are located just 90 miles south of Atlanta, I-75 exits 144 & 146.

68 • THE GRIFFON • Fall 2009

It’s Time to

www.thegriffon108.com

Visit Perry, Georgia…

Consider this - no traffic jams, easy access, affordable accommodations, great food, and a slower pace.

Just add in a soulful helping of Southern hospitality and thatʼs what we are all about in Perry.

You will find Perry safe, convenient, and family friendly, plus our central location allows for great side trips to exciting venues around central Georgia.

Plan to visit us in Perry and weʼre sure youʼll feel right at home. Call or go online and request your visitorʼs guide today!

he iss t ng M t i ’ Don d-Winn al Fair r n a Aw a Natio 18 gi 8Geor ctober O y Fun! il le Fam od & more. b a rd o ff fo A des, ncerts, ri Great co

Perry Area Convention & Visitors Bureau 101 General Courtney Hodges Blvd. • Perry, GA 31069 478-988-8000 • www.visitperryga.com

TRAVEL GEORGIA/FLORIDA

A Hero’s Welcome to the Florida Keys Clear, turquoise waters; swaying palm trees; warm tropical breezes; luxury accommodations and neverending relaxation — if it’s your time to take leave for some much needed R & R, Hawks Cay Resort in the beautiful Florida Keys is the ideal place to accomplish your mission.

From now until Nov. 20, the serene island escape is saying ‘thank you for your service and sacrifice’ to all the men and women (both past and present) of the Armed Forces, by offering a very special discounted room rate of only $99 a night.

This Hero’s Welcome program which further extends to all police officers, fire and rescue personnel and medical professionals - includes

value-added offers for water sports activities, a Heroes’Tribute ceremony, pool events, and more.

It’s Hawks Cay’s way of honoring you — our country’s true heroes.

In addition to the Hero’s Welcome activities Hawks Cay has lined up, the resort offers a wealth of adventure and leisure opportunities for you and your family to enjoy.

Spend your mornings sailing, diving, snorkeling, or fishing for bonefish and permit on the nearby shallow water flats. Or, take a kayak excursion and explore the canals and picturesque mangrove-lined islands that encompass the resort.

In the afternoons, pamper yourself with a massage at Hawks Cay’s Calm Waters Spa, and then jump feet first into the water and interact directly with Atlantic bottle nose dolphins at the resort’s Dolphin Connection Program- an experience you won’t soon forget.

When evening rolls around, it’s time to enjoy a cold drink and delectable meal prepared at one of Hawks Cay’s renowned on-site restaurants. Wiggle your toes in the sand as you admire a majestic Florida Keys sunset at the Beach Grill (margarita in hand, of course).

Savor the fresh local seafood creations at Tom’s Harbor House as you watch the fishermen unload their daily catches. Or, for an elegant dining experience, head over to Alma — Hawks Cay’s signature restaurant that celebrates the savory vibrancy and authentic character of Nuevo Latino cuisine.

Whatever you wish to experience on your tour of rest and recreation in the Florida Keys, the choice is up to you at Hawks Cay. And remember, you deserve it!

Hawks Cay Resort Re-opened in February, 2008 after a $35 million renovation, Hawks Cay stands alone as the Keys’ premier water-based resort. Set among the backdrop of secluded islands, historic bridges and tranquil blue and green waters that surround the resort, Hawks Cay is the perfect destination for the entire family to relax, unwind, and have a truly memorable Florida Keys island experience.

Hawks Cay Resort features • 177 elegant and newly designed guest rooms and suites equipped with private terraces, marble showers, Egyptian linens, wireless internet access, plasma-screen televisions, and more • 225 two- and three-bedroom villas with modern furnishings and world-class amenities • Full-service marina with 85 (see Hero’s Welcome page 70)

TRAVEL GEORGIA/FLORIDA

Special Advertising Supplement

THE GRIFFON • Fall 2009 • 69

Pooler welcomes Military Pooler welcomes the military and their families and offers a variety of places to stay, things to do and convenience to other area attractions.

Pooler is close to two interstates, the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, Hunter Army Airfield Px, and Fort Stewart. Our location also offers easy access to Historic Savannah and local beaches.

Special military discounts are available at Pooler hotels and several of the city’s local attractions. For help in planning your visit you may contact i n fo @ p o o l e r crossroads.com or marketing@ poolercrossroads.com.

Things to see and do

Experience the excitement of a bombing mission, learn what it was like to Escape and Evade the enemy, enjoy military discounts, and see how we honor our military at Pooler’s Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum. The Eighth Air Force was activated during World War II at Hunter Army Airfield as part of the Army’s Air Corps.

A mix of stores, restaurants, banks, and other conveniences let you stay close to Pooler for shopping needs. Pooler also boasts a number of recreational attractions such as Tom Triplett Park (comPlaces to stay plete with Pooler offers lake, walkgreat accommoing and bikin The Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum dations at a vaing trails, tenriety of local honis courts, and tels and motels. You’ll find quality more), YMCA, amusement park, and accommodations that are affordable a 102-acre recreation complex. Two and provide ample, free parking. golf courses are in or near Pooler.

Our large and small hotels and Kayaking and canoeing rentals and motels include suites, extended stay tours of the nearby Ogeechee River options, traditional rooms, dining are easily available. and meeting facilities, and more. If you’re including a visit to Savannah For more information contact us at some trolley tour companies may (912) 748-0110, marketing@poolercrosspick up from your Pooler hotel or roads.com or visit www.poolercrossroads. motel. com. Our Pooler Crossroads Chamber

Savannah

of Commerce, Inc. and Visitors Center building is near I-95, exit 102, at 175

Bourne Avenue (inside the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum).

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Fbu/!Nffu/!Tipq/!Sfmby/ COME TO! QPPMFS- the closest interstate connection to Historic Savannah, Tybee beaches and several other coastal attractions. Home of the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum and part of General Sherman’s March to the Sea, QPPMFS offers you an affordable and convenient way to visit.

Enjoy a variety of hotels and motels with special rates and packages as well as ample, free parking. QPPMFS also has a number of recreational attractions such as Fun Zone Sports & Amusement Park, a new sports complex, park with lake and trails, and YMCA; restaurants, banquet and meeting facilities, major retail and local stores, and more.

C Contact us at marketing@poolercrossroads.com, (912) 748-0110 or visit www.poolercrossroads.com.

Visit the B-17 now on display at the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum. For more information visit www.poolercrossroads.com or contact us at marketing@poolercrossroads.com or (912) 748-0110.

PRC247

Special Military Discounts Available!

70 • THE GRIFFON • Fall 2009

TRAVEL GEORGIA/FLORIDA

www.thegriffon108.com

Hero’s Welcome (Continued from page 68)

overnight slips • Renowned offshore and shallow water charter fishing boats • On-site water sports programs, including kayaks, jet skis, parasailing, snorkeling, Scuba and more • Dolphin Connection Program for hands-on interaction with bottlenose dolphins • Full-service Calm Waters Spa and Fitness Center • “The Indies Club” kids club and dedicated teen recreation center • Five swimming pools and a saltwater lagoon

• Assortment of on-site restaurants and bars • Outdoor activities, including sand volleyball, tennis courts, basketball, and bicycle rentals

A Hero’s Welcome The Hero’s Welcome program is Hawks Cay’s way of thanking you for dedicating your lives to protecting the safety and well-being of others.This special offer is extended to all members of the U.S. Military, fire and rescue, police and medical personnel, and includes: • A special rate of just $99 per night on accommodations

You Have Served Us, Now Let Us Serve You Ask About Our Great Military Rates for Fall!

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

• Considerable savings on water activities, including free dive gear on all dive trips and discounts on snorkel trips, kayak rentals, eco-kayak adventures, spa treatments, Dolphin Connection programs, sailing courses, and more • Weekly outdoor Heroes’Tribute that will include a special ceremony presented by the local American Legion Color Guard • Post-tribute pool event around the fire pit with live music and cocktails • Unique activities for families and adults, such as a Chip Shot competition in the resort’s saltwater lagoon

The middle of “Everywhere” Hawks Cay Resort is located at Mile Marker 61 on Duck Key in the middle of the Florida Keys, a little over 60 miles from the Florida mainland, and approximately 61 miles from Key West and the southernmost point in the continental United States.

Only minutes from the resort you will find the small fishing town of Marathon, home to restaurants, shopping, grocery stores, beaches, ample shore fishing opportunities, a par-3 golf course, and the Historic Seven-Mile Bridge- the place to take an evening stroll and search the waters below for passing tarpon, eagle rays, porpoises, and other sea creatures.

Just a short scenic drive north is Key Largo, the largest island in the Florida Keys chain, where you can spend the day diving, snorkeling or exploring the mangrove trails at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the nation’s first underwater dive park.

A little over an hour to the west you will discover the crowded

streets and boisterous night life of Key West.Take a tour of Ernest Hemingway’s old home, have a drink at Sloppy Joe’s, experience the breathtaking sunset and entertaining street performers at Mallory Square, and ‘people watch’ all the interesting characters on Duval Street.

Getting there Hawks Cay Resort can be reached from multiple airports. Private air charters and seasonal commercial flights are available into the nearby Marathon Airport, just nine miles away. Or there are a number of daily flights from most areas into Key West International Airport, 61 miles away; Miami International Airport, about 100 miles or 2 hours by car; and Fort Lauderdale International Airport, 130 miles or 2.5 hours distance.

Driving to Hawks Cay from the airport can be a memorable experience in itself as you journey through the outskirts of Everglades National Park, and traverse dozens of bridges that offer unobstructed views of the tranquil blue and green waters and secluded islands that you will pass along the way.

Shuttle Services to Hawks Cay from Key West, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale is offered by Keys Shuttle Service 888-765-9997, and is a convenient alternative to renting a car.

No matter how you get there, once you are greeted by the lush tropical grounds, stunning waterfront views and warm, welcoming smiles of the Hawks Cay team, you will never want to leave.

Find out more about the special experiences to enjoy during Hawks Cay’s Hero’s Welcome program by visiting www.hawkscayhero.com or calling 888-305-7006.

The Best Times in Savannah Start Here.

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THE GRIFFON • Fall 2009 • 71

Special Advertising Supplement

Patriots Point: The ship that would not die Five kamikaze aircraft and three 500 lbs. bombs couldn’t stop her in 1945 but Mother Nature has taken its toll on “the ship that would not die.” By dawn’s early light in mid-August, the destroyer USS Laffey will be transported to Deyten’s Shipyard in North Charleston, South Carolina for repairs to her hull. Maintenance is expected to take three to four months.

“In deciding the fate of the Laffey, the Patriots Point Development Authority (PPDA) Board of Directors faced some tough decisions and a great deal to consider,” said Dick Trammell, interim executive director. “After objectively evaluating the situation and all outlying factors, they ultimately decided to save the ship.”

Shortly after a survey by Naval Sea Systems in 2008 indicated the ship’s issues with rust, the Laffey sprung her first leak. While the PPDA Board of Directors quickly began exploring their options, emotions ran high as they deliberated what avenue of action to pursue.

A number of alternatives were considered, including sinking the

ship offshore to become a memorial reef or undertaking measures to temporarily repair the inside of the hull until necessary capital could be raised, but the ultimate decision to have the Laffey permanently repaired came at a price.

Although Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum is a state-owned agency, they do not receive appropriated funding and, instead, rely on the generous contributions of donors, members and associations, as well as museum revenue, to subsidize these multi-million dollar repairs. Most recently, State Treasurer Converse Chellis worked closely with the State Budget and Control Board to help secure a $9.2 million loan that would help Patriots Point make these emergency repairs.

Also close to this cause are groups and associations, like the Tin Can Sailors and the USS Laffey Association, that have donated time and money to save the USS Laffey.

“After these repairs are made, [the Laffey] will be floating for years to come,” said Sonny Walker, president of the USS Laffey Association. “It means a great deal to see not only our ship saved, but all the memories, stories and lessons of heroism, patriotism, honor preserved for visitors to Patriots Point.”

When the USS Laffey returns, she will rejoin a group of living historical artifacts that serve as a testament to the honor, bravery and sacrifice exhibited by our nation’s service men and

SPECIAL MILITARY DISCOUNTS NASCAR Vacation Packages Lowe’s Motor Speedway, Race Shops and Driving Experiences Howling Hero Package Great Wolf Lodge - the Southeast’s Largest Indoor Waterpark Shopping, Golf and Family Fun Concord Mills, NASCAR SpeedPark and more

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(see Patriots Point page 73)

Join us at Patriots Point and celebrate our nation’s history. Relive triumphant victories and milestones aboard the USS Yorktown, and honor our bravest soldiers at the Congressional Medal of Honor Museum. Interact with actual WWII, Korean, Vietnam and Iraq war veterans as they tell their stories of honor and bravery. It’s history you can touch and feel. And it’s all at Patriots Point on Historic Charleston Harbor in Mount Pleasant, SC. Come visit us today.

Bring this ad to receive $1 off admission on your visit.

Visit PatriotsPoint.org to learn more.

Patriots Point • On Charleston Harbor 40 Patriots Point Rd, Mount Pleasant, SC • 843-884-2727 • www.patriotspoint.org GRIF/FALL/09

72 • THE GRIFFON • Fall 2009

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TRAVEL THE CAROLINAS

North Carolina Oyster Festival Oct. 17-18 Cool salty air, oysters roasting and the sounds of beach music must mean it is time for the North Carolina Oyster Festival! The 29th Annual North Carolina Oyster Festival will be held on October 17-18 at Ocean Isle Beach. With around 30,000 festival attendees each year from all over the country, this event is packed with fun and entertainment!

The NC Oyster Festival is a fundraiser for the Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce. Profits from this festival go back to creating more events and making Brunswick County a premier place to live, work and play. This is a great time

of year to bring the entire community together to enjoy the festival. The festival is for the entire family, from shagging, to kids rides, to shucking oysters, to shopping in the vendor section. There is something for everyone!

The NC Oyster Festival began in 1980 with a small Oyster Roast in Brunswick County and has now grown to become an award-winning two-day festival with over 45,000 attendees in 2007. The event is kicked off by a competitive road race of over 300 runners and walkers at 7:30 a.m. The road race consists of a 5K run, 10K run, and a one mile fun

run. After the road race, the festival gates are opened by a ribbon cutting ceremony at 9 a.m. Festival goers can now enjoy arts and crafts vendors, back-to-back entertainment, delicious food vendors, kid’s activities, oyster shucking, oyster stew, nonprofit booths and sponsor booths.

The environment is very important to the NC Oyster Festival and the event is currently working towards becoming more eco-friendly. By working with the local Oyster Shell Recycling Program the NC Oyster Festival is able to replenish the coastal oyster beds with hundreds of bushels of oyster shells every year. The North Carolina Department of Agriculture will also be in attendance at the festival to encourage people to purchase food from local farms.

Festival attendees are encouraged to recycle and be conscious of the surrounding environment while at the event.

Oysters are abundant on the North Carolina coast and imperative to the festival. The North Carolina Oyster Festival is proud to host the North Carolina Shucking Championship every year on the Saturday of the festival. There are two divisions, professional and amateur. In order to be a professional, one must work in the oyster house industry.

Cheering crowds of a few hundred circle around the tent to watch the exciting seconds of oyster shuck-

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ing! Judges critique the oysters to see who gets to travel to Maryland for the National Shucking Championships.Attendees can enjoy tasting some of the best oyster stews in the county. The NC Oyster Festival has an oyster stew cook-off on Sunday at noon with area restaurants competing for the title of the BEST Oyster Stew. Only 350 tickets are sold at 10 a.m. and go very quickly.

Of course oysters are available to eat at the NC Oyster Festival, but that is not all that is on the menu. At the 29th Annual NC Oyster Festival food items include: crab cakes, cream of crab soup, funnel cakes, shrimp and grits, oyster and sausage gumbo, hot dogs, Greek gyros, smoked sausage, hamburgers, fried corn, fries, barbeque ribs, hot apple dumplings, shrimp burgers, and Italian ice – just to name a few! It is impossible to walk away from this festival without having a satisfied appetite after visiting the food vendors.

With over 120 arts and crafts vendors, there is something for everyone at this event. From pottery, to jewelry, to furniture, to pet’s attire, at least 80 percent of the items at the North Carolina Oyster Festival are handmade. At the 28th Annual North Carolina Oyster Festival, arts and crafts vendors traveled from all over North Carolina, Georgia, South Carolina, Ohio, Michigan, New York, Florida and four other states.

The 29th Annual North Carolina Oyster Festival has a great entertainment lineup with bands like Key West Band, Band of Oz, Cousin Homer, New Beginnings, Embers, and Imitations. On Sunday the first annual shag contest will be held at 3 p.m.

New this year are shag lessons held 7-8 p.m. on Thursdays at The Winds, Sept. 10–Oct. 8.

The Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce is proud that over the past 29 years a small oyster roast was able to evolve into an award winning festival. The NC Oyster Festival won Event of the Year for North Carolina in 2007 and Best Event of Brunswick County in 2008. At the Chamber of Commerce, we value our members and community that make this event possible each and every year. We welcome you to be a part of our community at this exciting third weekend in October!

TRAVEL THE CAROLINAS

THE GRIFFON • Fall 2009 • 73

Special Advertising Supplement

Patriots Point (Continued from page 71)

women. A fleet of historic ships, including the USS Yorktown and USS Clamagore, as well as the Medal of Honor Museum, Cold War Submarine Memorial and the Vietnam Naval Support Base, the only exhibit of its kind in the United States, provide guests to Patriots Point a first-hand look at life on the front lines.

“Upon arrival, guests quickly learn that these ships are like books,” said

Trammell. “The really captivating and engaging part of everyone’s experience here is learning the stories that live aboard each ship.”

A History of Tenacity The USS Laffey’s incredible journey began more than 65 years ago when the destroyer was commissioned on February 8, 1944. After supporting the D-Day landings at Normandy on June 6, 1944, the ship joined the U.S. offensive against Japan and was attacked by 22 Japanese bombers and kamikaze aircraft on April 16, 1945.

A Five kamikaze aircraft and three 500 lbs. bombs struck the ship killing 31 and wounding 71 of the Laffey’s 336 crewmembers. Badly damaged but still operational, the Laffey’s crew responded by shooting down nearly half of the attacking aircraft after which the destroyer earned the name “the ship that would not die.”

The Laffey was later awarded the Presidential Unit Citation and earned five

Out here, active dut is o f, tennis, fishin , and 20% off accommodations. y

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Relax with your family on South Carolina’s most beautiful barrier island. Play a round on two spectacular golf courses. At Ocean Point, 10 of its 18 holes have inlet or ocean views. Number nine and eighteen both finish on the ocean. Ocean Creek offers panoramic views of the great salt marsh, freshwater lakes and primeval forests. Fishing is available in one of our rental Skiffs or if you prefer charter a boat and fish the Gulf Stream.

Other rental toys include kayaks, canoes, island golf cars, bikes and mopeds.

And once you’re done with sports, jog or walk miles of unspoiled, uncrowded beach. All military personnel receive a 20%* discount on lodging. Just call 866-296-4594 for reservations or visit our website at www.frippislandresort.com. Our island in the sun is waiting for you. *Doesn’t apply on existing reservations. Based on a three or more nights stay. Offer expires 12/31/09

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battle stars for service during World War II. The Laffey once again saw action during the Korean War where she earned two battle stars and was present as a support ship for the testing of the atomic bomb at Bikini Atoll in 1946.

A part of Patriots Point since 1981, the USS Laffey has long since been a popular attraction at Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum. The most decorated WWII-era destroyer still in existence, the USS Laffey is the only Sumner Class destroyer still afloat in the world.

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74 • THE GRIFFON • Fall 2009

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Ask Us About Our Special Military Discount!

Charleston Marriott Hotel 170 Lockwood Blvd. • Charleston, SC 29403 843-723-3000 • www.marriott.com/chsmc

• In-room movies, safes, refrigerators, cordless telephones, bedside CD player and alarm clock, valet service, in-room internet access and dual-head shower massager • Uniquely designed Marriott “Revive” beds • Saffire Restaurant offers breakfast, lunch and dinner daily • Concierge rooms feature private terraces • Ample complimentary parking • Hotel shuttle available to the Historic District

TRAVEL THE CAROLINAS

Celebrate a Charleston tradition this holiday season at the Holiday Festival of Lights. This three-mile driving tour features over two million shimmering lights and 600 individual light displays. Beginning Nov. 13 and continuing through Jan. 3, 2010, gather your family and friends and come capture the magic of the holiday season at James Island County Park in Charleston, SC. In celebration of its 20th Anniversary, the Holiday Festival is hosting “20 Nights of Celebrating 20 Years” which will feature different special events and live entertainers throughout the first 20 days of December. The Tree-Lighting on Dec. 1 will kick-off the celebration and will precede special events and various live entertainment including dance groups, storytelling, and various choirs and bands.

Each day at the Holiday Festival of Lights, you can begin your journey with a spectacular three-mile drive. The road is magically transformed as millions of shimmering lights and hundreds of dazzling light displays surround you. Sea Land sparkles with underwater creatures and waves of blue, while Dinosaur Land features displays of Jurassic proportions.

And children love the animated displays of Candy Land and Toy Land.

Throughout your journey are dozens of displays showcasing landmarks from Charleston and the Lowcountry. Fort Sumter, Rainbow Row, and the Yorktown are some of the favorites while the Arthur Ravenel, Jr. Bridge display remains one of the most popular.

Your holiday experience does not end with the driving tour. During your visit, stop to stretch your legs and your imagination at Santa’s Village and Winter Wonderland.

If you are interested in staying close by, James Island County Park offers vacation cottages that come equipped with a fully stocked kitchen, linens, phones, television, and a beautiful screened porch overlooking the Stono River marsh. Each unit has three bedrooms and sleeps up to eight people. For the more adventurous, sleep under the stars in the secluded camping area. Primitive camping is available as well as an RV campground with full hook-ups and 24-hour security.

For more information call 843-795-4FUN or visit www.holidayfestivaloflights.com.

THE MILITARY APPRECIATION SPECIAL 25% o

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• Complimentary shuttle to downtown • Discount attraction tickets • Seasonal Outdoor Pool • Fitness Center 24 hrs.

• Packages available • 20% Discount with ID in our Harbor View Restaurant & Lounge

Call 800.766.4451 to book or for questions. *With valid military ID. Based on availablity.

Can’t be combined with any other offer or not valid with any other discounts.

TRAVEL THE CAROLINAS

Special Advertising Supplement

The Heart of Charleston Just outside Charleston, SC, Berkeley County, offers visitors a 12,000 year old education. Take a moment to read about all the exciting adventures that await you with a visit to Berkeley County.

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.

Water & Nature Known for the natural beauty of its land and water, Berkeley County’s rivers, streams and lakes offer superior canoeing and kayaking adventures. Our infamous “Berkeley Blueways” feature 20 canoeing and kayaking trails. These water trails take visitors through pristine

landscapes full of wildlife. During blooming season, wildflowers rich with colors of the rainbow line the banks. Egrets, herons, eagles, fish, turtles and alligators make these waters home. Keep an eye out to catch a glimpse of animals such deer, otters, squirrels, fox and even bobcats along the banks.

For the high-impact adventure seeker, Berkeley County offers world-class waterskiing, jet skiing, sailing, wind surfing, and boating on Lake Moultrie and Lake Marion. Visit the Santee Cooper Locks on the Cooper River, an engineering marvel which allows visitors to experience the second largest water lock in the United States, which lowers boats 75 feet from Lake Moultrie to the Cooper River. The Cooper River is the only known location in South Carolina to offer an underwater history trail. On a calm day, scuba divers flock to see the extraordinary remains of a British War Ship.

The Cooper River, known for being a plantation road to Charleston, has also served as a port since the 1700’s.

Seasonal Activities Year-round visitors and groups come to Berkeley County to enjoy activities on the water, horseback riding, racing on the mountain bike trails, camping, hiking and benefit from the vast historical, environmental and scientific educational experiences. Don’t miss Berkeley County, Discover Berkeley County The Heart of the American South!

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 2009 • 75

Good times here are not forgotten.

Great vacation values at two of the Grand Strand’s best locations.

For 25 years, Ocean Resorts has been providing a variety of vacation properties in the Ocean Drive section of North Myrtle Beach and the Shore Drive area of Myrtle Beach. Oceanfront condos and oceanview condos are available from 2 to 4 bedrooms, with a variety of amenities.

15% Military Appreciation Discount Just mention this ad when booking your vacation.

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76 • THE GRIFFON • Fall 2009

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You will fall in love with Greater Binghamton At the confluence of the Susquehanna and Chenango Rivers lies Greater Binghamton, a region rich in scenic beauty, enchanting villages, and lively cities. Nestled in the heartland of New York State, Binghamton is at the center of it all and so easy to get to for a day, a weekend or more! Our location at the junction of Interstates 81 and 88 and New York Route 17 (future I-86) makes travel quick and convenient. You’ll feel the pulse of big city life, but with a definite upstate appeal.

You will “Fall” in love with Great-

er Binghamton in the autumn. We have a calendar filled with fun and unique events. Every “first” Friday of the month you can partake in the “First Friday Art Walk” — an event highlighting the numerous art galleries and studios that thrive in Downtown Binghamton. Taste delicious NYS apples, hear great music and see a variety of arts and crafts at the Annual Apple Festival. Head out to “Family Day In The Garden” at Cutler Gardens for family fun activities. Or celebrate the ethnic diversity that our County is famous for at the following events:

The Broome County Ethnic Festival, Jewish Ethnic Festival, St, Michael’s Carpathian Family Festival, or Italian Fest at the Annual Columbus Day Tournament of Bands. The Binghamton Senators of the American Hockey League take to the ice starting in early October. Come watch the NHL stars of tomorrow, today at the Broome County Veteran’s Memorial Arena. For a “startling” good time, try “Boo At the Zoo.” The Binghamton Zoo at Ross Park is transformed into a tour to scare even the heartiest of spirits ~ they also offer a family appropriate tour as well. And we all know that nothing tastes better than farm-fresh so visit our numerous “visitor friendly” agri-tourism businesses. Local farms will a”maze” you with corn mazes, hayrides, and fresh pick produce.

Unique Attractions

First Night Binghamton Apple Picking and Pumpkin Farms The Binghamton Senators First Friday Art Walk X-Country Skiing and Ice Skating

The Roberson Museum & Science Center offers world-class art, science and historical displays as well as a planetarium.This fall be sure to check out the “Confluence: A Tale of Two Rivers” exhibit. A few blocks away is The Bundy Arts & Victorian Museum, featuring Oriental and African art, Bundy Time Clocks (the company that evolved into IBM) and unique antiques.

The Phelps Mansion Museum is a Civil War home that helps tell the history of Greater Binghamton. If your interests include birds and tigers and penguins, stroll through the Binghamton Zoo at Ross Park, the fifth oldest in the nation. From the Zoo it’s a short walk to the Discovery Center of the Southern Tier, a hands-on museum for children. And don’t miss the Windy Hill Candle Factory & Old Fash-

ioned Candies — with over 600 candle scents and the candies that we all loved as children. Another sure sign of autumn is a visit to the Cider Mill. With fresh pressed cider, home-made doughnuts, and candied apples, it’s a stop worth taking.

Other activities include roller-skating, an indoor rock climbing wall, water slide, mini-golf, laser games, a new BMX track and much more.

In the evening, the fun continues with live music. We are home to an Opera Company, professional Symphony, traveling Broadway plays and reparatory theatres.

Outdoor Fun Fall temperatures make heading outdoors an enjoyable experience.

Mother nature transposes our beautiful hillsides with blazing fall foliage colors — sure to delight your senses. Walking and biking trails can take you through our city centers or out in the hills surrounding our community.

There are more than 9,000 acres of state forest land in Greater Binghamton providing plenty of space to hunt and bountiful game.

When it comes to fishing, Greater Binghamton is sure to please every angler.There are 50 miles of trout streams and 89 miles of warm water rivers and streams.The Chenango River offers excellent fishing for walleye, northern pike and smallmouth bass.

Our location within New York State offers visitors to our community a chance to visit world renowned attractions and sites.

For more information be sure to visit: VisitBinghamton.org or call at 800-836-6740.

A well-deserved escape.

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TRAVEL NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, WI

THE GRIFFON • Fall 2009 • 77

Special Advertising Supplement

Guests Invited to Jump in the Lake at Wilderness With summer in full swing and temperatures heating up, guests at Wilderness at the Smokies resort in Sevierville, Tenn. can now navigate the rapids, ride the waves or simply relax in a private poolside cabana — all features of Wilderness at the Smokies’ newest waterpark attraction. Lake Wilderness, the newest phase of the full-service waterpark resort, is now open to those staying at the resort.

Wilderness guests can grab a tube and jump in the Lake Wilderness 12,000-square-foot Wave Pool — where waves within the pool can crest as high as five feet. Also winding around the outdoor waterpark is Cataloochee Creek, a nearly

1,000 foot rapid-moving river with water spray features located along its path.

“We have been extremely pleased with the acceptance and success we have received with the recent opening of the Wild Waterdome Indoor Waterpark, and are excited to further enhance our guests’ experience with the opening of Lake Wilderness,” says David McGregor, general manager of Wilderness at the Smokies “With another exciting attraction now in place, we feel as though we have one of the premier indoor/outdoor waterpark resorts in the country.”

The 10 private poolside cabanas situated around Lake Wilderness

are available for guests to rent, with each cabana featuring shelter from the sun, cabana-style lounge chairs, a flat panel television and a personal cabana host. An outdoor bar and grill is also located within the outdoor waterpark to help satisfy those afternoon cravings.

With the opening of the Lake Wilderness Outdoor Waterpark, the Wilderness at the Smokies Resort boasts two outdoor waterparks and the Wild WaterDome Indoor Waterpark, making it the largest resort of its kind in the southeast.

Appropriately named the Wild WaterDome, the indoor waterpark spans more than 60,000 square feet with a see-thru, energy-efficient Tex-

lon™ roof that allows UV rays to permeate the structure so guests can tan indoors year-round. The waterpark is home to the Smokies SurfRider, the state’s only surfing simulator that uses 50,000 gallons of water a minute to create a continuously moving sheet of water on which people can surf or boogie board. “It’s like riding an ocean wave, but indoors,” McGregor said.

“Parents and kids alike will love the thrill of riding a wave in a safe and controlled environment.”

The waterpark also boasts the Storm Chaser, a four-person tube slide that begins with a 58-foot drop (see Wilderness page 79)

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877.325.WILD (9453) • WildernessAtTheSmokies.com Sevierville, TN *Taxes not included. Special is valid SundaythruThursday from 8/15/09 –12/15/09. Some weekend stays available for $20/night upcharge.

Offer is only valid when mentioned at the time of reservation.This offer cannot be combined with group rates or any other promotional offer or package.

A limited number of rooms are available. Blackout dates apply.

78 • THE GRIFFON • Fall 2009

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’60s

THE STORY OF THE AND WOODSTOCK.

AT THE SITE OF THE 1969 WOODSTOCK FESTIVAL

1969 MARCH ON WASHINGTON

MUSIC & HISTORY PLAY ON. SEE THE SITE. VISIT THE MUSEUM. BECOME PART OF THE HISTORY. Tickets at BethelWoodsCenter.org Phone 1.800.745.3000 or Box Office Bethel, NY | Route 17, Exit 104

Tuscarawas County, Ohio welcomes you and reconnect to

rest, relax

Home to these military themed sites: • Dennison Railroad Depot Museum Tuscarawas County is • Warther Carvings (with new Lincoln Exhibit) also home to family • The USS Radford National Naval Museum fun with water parks • “Trumpet in the Land” outdoor drama nature trails, hiking • Gnadenhutten Historical Museum and biking areas, golf • Schoenbrunn Village courses and so much more, you’ll want to spend a • Fort Laurens week with us. Escape, Experience and Enjoy all we have to offer.

Call for a free travel planner.

MILITARY PERSONNEL

WE SALUTE YOU In honor of your dedicated service to our country and our freedom, all military personnel will receive a discount of 10% off any hotel stay ® at Trump Taj Mahal .

Simply visit trumptaj.com, click special offers and enter code OGRIFF9.

Must present valid Military ID at check-in.

TRUMPTAJ.COM Offer not valid for suites. Offer Valid only Sun – Thurs.

Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

The Museum At Bethel Woods at Woodstock The Museum at Bethel Woods, located at the site of the 1969 Woodstock festival, is a world-class historical site and tourist destination, ideal for families, history and culture buffs, music enthusiasts, and those who came of age in the sixties or want to learn about this historic time.

An integral part of the larger Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, the cutting-edge Museum tells the story

of the sixties and Woodstock. It immerses visitors in the sights, sounds, and feel of that decade, one of the most transformative in U.S. history.

Through a state-of-the art interactive experience, the facility truly brings the decade to life and embodies the key ideals of the era: community, diversity, individual rights, activism and peace — all of which have helped shape our society and

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continue to have a current and lasting importance today. Through personal stories, profiles, multi-media exhibits, engaging programs and educational events, the museum encourages inter-generational dialogue about these ideals and underscores their relevance today.

The institution also explores the unique experience of Woodstock and its significance as a culminating event of a decade of radical cultural transformation. In addition, it preserves the historic Woodstock site for future generations.

The Museum at Bethel Woods provides an engrossing sensory and emotional experience; by highlighting the people, places, music, and events that made the 1960s such a turning point in American history, the decade is once again brought to life. Because it encompasses the

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original festival grounds, the awardwinning facility explores the 1960s in a way that no other location can can, providing visitors the opportunity to travel back in time, if only for a few hours. In addition to the permanent multimedia exhibit, the museum presents special exhibitions throughout the year.

Bethel Woods Center for the Arts includes a pavilion stage with under cover and lawn seating for 15,000, and the Roman-style terrace style with seating for 1,000. Intimate concerts and special presentations are offered in The Museum Events Gallery.

Visit www.BethelWoodsCenter.org for full information and a schedule of events.

The Museum closes for a winter break on Monday, January 4, 2010 through Friday, April 2, 2010.

THE GRIFFON â&#x20AC;˘ Fall 2009 â&#x20AC;˘ 79

Wilderness (Continued from page 77)

into a giant orange-and-white funnel where riders swoosh back and forth up the sides of the funnel, causing shrieks of delight and flipflopping stomachs. Other activities at the Wild WaterDome, which is reserved exclusively for resort guests, include the Great Wave, a 10,000-square-foot wave pool capable of generating waves up to five feet high. In addition, two tube slides, an indoor/outdoor hot spa, a multi-level play structure with a gigantic dumping bucket and 50-plus play-and-spray features, along with a special toddler area with minislides and a swing tree are sure to keep the whole family occupied for hours.

Wilderness at the Smokies, located minutes from Interstate 40 and situated in the scenic foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, is establishing a new standard for family vacations to East Tennessee. Phase I of the resort opened in June 2008 with a 234-room hotel and outdoor waterpark. The Wild WaterDome Indoor Waterpark opened in December 2008 and the resort has just unveiled its Lake Wilderness Outdoor Waterpark which features an Adventure River and a 12,000 square foot Wave Pool.

For more information on the resort or for reservations, visit www.wildernessatthesmokies.com or call 800-867-WILD (9453).

80 • THE GRIFFON • Fall 2009

www.thegriffon108.com

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Visit Autumn in Front Royal, Virginia Autumn is coming: leaves crunching underfoot, wood smoke in the air, October-blue skies. What better time to spend a few Indian summer days enjoying the leisurely pace of life in Front Royal, Virginia.

Once breadbasket of the Confederacy, now home to a cornucopia of organic farms, pick-your-own orchards, and wineries, fall is harvest time in the Shenandoah Valley.

Founded in 1788, historic Front Royal is winning accolades for the variety and excellence of its gustatory offerings. Listen to church bells chime the hours as you enjoy outdoor dining or shop for local wines along historic Main Street in this

picturesque small town. And for the serious wine enthusiast, there’s even a 10-stop General’s Wine and History driving tour, complete with Passport and Campaign Journal. The teetotaler can savor a glass of Alpenglow, locally produced sparkling cider available in your choice of flavors, from pear to apple.

Once “le front royal” or the “Royal Frontier” between French and British territories, local legend favors a more colorful origin for the town’s unusual name.According to this version, a giant oak tree, the “Royal” tree of England once stood in the public square. Visitors from the military will appreciate the frustrations of

the drill sergeant as he attempted to train his unseasoned recruits for the local militia. At last, thoroughly exasperated by the inability of his troops to follow even the simplest command, he bellowed, “Front the Royal Oak!” Recitations of this story ultimately led to the variation, Front Royal, and the name stuck. Truth or fiction, could this be why so many businesses in the area offer military discounts? Pay us a visit and find out!

October will feature two highlight events. The Valley Smokin’ BBQ Festival 2009 on October 3 marks Front Royal’s first year as a site for this national barbecue competition, sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society. Cook teams and judges will travel from all over the Commonwealth and as far away as Ohio, Kansas, Florida, and New York to participate in the festival. Join us for the taste test! And stick around for October 10, when the annual Festival of Leaves will feature historical displays, arts and craft vendors, a parade, live entertainment, the children’s corner, living history interpretations, food concessions, and more.

On Chester Street, find the Warren Rifles Confederate Museum, Warren Heritage Society, Ivy Lodge Museum, Laura Virginia Hale Archives, and

Belle Boyd Cottage, the home of the 19-year-old Confederate spy who played a seminal role in the Battle of Front Royal. These attractions tend to have limited hours, so check in with the Visitor Center before planning your stay. However, all can be seen on a self-guided Battle of Front Royal driving tour.

For the outdoors adventurer, Warren County will become a favorite four-season destination Hundreds of miles of hiking trails lace their way across the county. Shenandoah National Park, the Tuscarora Trail, and the world-renowned Appalachian National Scenic Trail offer myriad loops (and primitive overnight shelters) for hikers, and backpackers of all levels, while families will enjoy picnicking and day hikes in Raymond R. “Andy” Guest Jr. State Park, stretching 5.2 miles along the Shenandoah River.

For those who prefer a stroll underground, Skyline Caverns offers a one-mile tour of one of the area’s unique “karst” or cave systems. The caverns house the world’s largest encrustation of anthodites. These “Orchids of the Mineral Kingdom” cling to the cave ceiling, their delicate white spikes resembling crystalline sea urchins.

For more information call 540-636-4344.

to West Virginia’s Escape Southern Gateway Take a once in a lifetime trip to Southern West Virginia. Tour a historic mansion or take in a professional baseball game. Get lost in the music or just enjoy the mountains. The BlueÀeld-Princeton area offers you an unforgettable vacation.

September 10-13 CultureFest 2009 World music and arts festival. Music, food and vendors from around the world.

www.culturefestwv.com September 26 Princeton AutumnFest From the scarecrows to the roasted corn, the best autumn street fair around!

www.pmccc.com October 2-3 Italian Festival Celebration of everything Italian.

Good food, music and dancing

www.sonsoÀtalywv.com October 10 Bramwell Oktoberfest Beer tasting, live music, food and fun!

www.bramwelloktoberfest.com

For more info or a travel guide call 800-221-3206 or visit WWW.VISITMERCERCOUNTY.COM

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THE GRIFFON • Fall 2009 • 81

Prince William County/Manassas

Where History Loves Company

By Sharon Cavileer Located just 29 miles from Washington, DC, Prince William County/ Manassas, Virginia provides an attractive and affordable alternative for visitors to Washington DC and the Capital Region. Right off Interstates 95 and 66, Prince William provides a wealth of opportunities to explore America’s Civil War heritage, military history, outdoor recreation and much more. Quaint villages, fine dining, festivals, and entertainment venues make the area a destination in its own right.

Take the train into DC’s Union Station for the day on the Virginia Railway Express and come back to cozy and comfortable accommodations at an affordable rate. Natural treasures and urban pleasures cohabitate comfortably in Prince William County and Manassas, Virginia.

Go camping at Prince William Forest Park or settle into one of our allsuite hotels and an elegant evening of fine dining. Go eagle-spotting by canoe at Leesylvania State Park or enjoy one of the world’s great performers at Nissan Pavilion or Hylton Center for the Performing Arts.

Noted for Civil War history, Prince William County has its roots in the Colonies dating back to the explorations of Captain John Smith. Revolutionary soldiers passed through the King’s Highway on our way to independence. The Washington’s were nearby neighbors and George was a guest at Rippon Lodge (1747), now open for tours. Parson Weems was the first president’s first biographer and his home is a part of the Colonial story told at the Weems Botts Museum in Dumfries.

Manassas National Battlefield Park and the Manassas Museum provide a unique perspective on the national conflict.To commemorate the 150th anniversary of the war, Prince William County has created its own Civil War Heritage Trail with more than 25 significant stops. Among them is Brentsville Courthouse, a complex of buildings that served as the county seat from 1820. In April 1861, county residents went to there to vote for secession and to join military units that would fight for the Confederate States of America.

In the Haislip house, local citizens prepared their families for the battles looming along Bull Run. About 60 percent of the Civil War was fought on Virginia soil. Interpreters are available to inform guests at a number of the sites including the Brentsville Courthouse and Ben Lomond Historic Site.

Prince William is a unique location to experience America’s military heritage. It’s the home of The National Museum of the Marine Corps and Base Quantico. It’s the home of the Freedom Museum, Manassas Museum and the future location for the Museum of the American Soldier during Wartime. Nearby, experience the Pentagon Memorial,

the Air Force Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery and The WW II Memorial.

Great options for kids make

Prince William the perfect place for a family vacation. Three waterparks, an ice skating rink, LaserQuest, miniature golf and more

make it a great place for all ages.

For additional information call 800-432-1792 www.visitpwc.com.

ADVERTISER INDEX Alliance School of Trucking 33 Allied American University 44 AllSouth Federal Credit Union 6 AMDi 37 America’s Best Inn & Suites 60 AHiMA 43 American Medical Technologists 47 Americus-Sumter 67 AMVETS 36 Armed Forces Insurance 13 AT&T 19 Auburn University 6 Averett University 33 Avis Rent-A-Car 39 Barton Community College 46 Bay Area Houston CVB 63 Berkley County Chamber 75 Bethel Woods Center for the Arts 78 Boone CVB 71 Brunswick County CC 72 Cabarrus County CVB 71 Camp David Bed & Breakfast 64 Carlsbad CVB 62 Charleston County Park and Recreation 74 Charleston Marriott Hotel 74 Choice Hotels 17

City of Sierra Vista Collectibles Insurance Agency Collector’s Armoury CoolMilitary.com Cypress Gardens Darton College DHS Systems Doubletree Historic Hotel Downtown Delray Beach Drury University Everglades University Extendo Bed Extra Holidays by Wyndham Felician College Florence Civic Center Fripp Island Golf and Beach Resort Front Royal Department of Tourism Gardner-Webb University Geico Goldey-Beacom College Grantham University Graduate School, The Greater Binghamton CVB Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Harlingen CVB Hawks Cay Resort

62

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57 Disability Representatives, LLC Numrich Ocean Resorts 75 Oceana Resorts 73 Did You Know?

Old Schoolhouse Magazine 51 Most VA Regional Offices have 20,000 claims pending and based on the Paint Bull 47 various VA, State and Veteran Service Organization Representation, the Park County Travel Council 64 ratio is 1 representative for every 1,000 claims or even higher!

Patriots Point 71 Perry Area CVB 68 Petrogen 3 Roanoke, VA Pinnacle Pointe Hospital 31 540-387-1415 Pirate’s Dinner Adventure 65 www.mcdanielmcdaniel.net Pooler Crossroads CVB 69

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Prince William County/ Manassas CVB 81 ProTrain 49 Ranger Joe’s 56 Rivers Parish Tourist Commission 61 Rosetta Stone 53 Schneider National 15 SouthCoast Recovery 20 Springmaid Beach Resort 73 St. Tammany Parish CVB 60 Steuben County CVB 76 Sullivan University 32 Texas A&M University 30 Tippmann 58, 59 Trump Taj Mahal Hotel 78 Tucumcari CVB 62 TUI University 83 Tuscarawas County CVB 78 TV Store Online 56 University of Connecticut 31 University of Management and Technology 44 University of North Carolina-Greensboro 27 University of North Carolina-Pembroke 18 University of Northwestern Ohio 46 University of the Incarnate Word 29 USAA 7 Walsh College 41 Walt Disney World 11 Warner Robins CVB 67 West Virginia Division of Tourism 81 West Volusia Tourism 67 Wet ‘n’ Wild 65 Whirlpool 82 Wilderness at the Smokies 77 Wilmington/Cape Fear Coast CVB 72

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