The Dispatch December 2014

D THE

ISPATCH

DEC 2014

The Magazine of the Texas Military Forces

TXARNG answers the call

Operation

United Assistance

TXSG Spreading Holiday Cheer

ABCs to Holiday

Survival

Contents

D Contents

5

Brig. Gen. Les Simpson - From the Top

6 TXMF Key Leadership changes 8 CSM Brandt leaves joint legacy 10

CSM Weedon appointed TXMF SEL

12 TXARNG called to

support Operation United Assistance 14

143rd jumps - pictorial

18

TXARNG teaches Master Fitness Course

22

136th MEB trains to support the force

24 TXSG spreads holiday cheer 26

The ABCs to surviving the holidays

The Cover

On behalf of the Texas Military Forces, happy holidays and a happy new year.

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Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 143rd Infantry Regiment (Airborne) line up behind the aircraft to load up before a training jump on Nov. 14, 2014. The battalion departed Austin’s Bergstrom International Airport on two Altus Air Force Based C-17s, flew to Fort Hood, and then jumped into the Rapido Drop Zone wearing full combat gear. The 1-143rd is from the 36th Infantry Division.

(U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. Randall Stillinger)

Contents

Governor Gov. Rick Perry

The Adjutant General Maj. Gen. John F. Nichols

Public Affairs Officer Lt. Col. Joanne MacGregor Deputy Public Affairs Officer Lt. Col. Travis Walters Public Affairs Staff Capt. Joshua Amstutz Capt. Martha Nigrelle 2nd Lt. Alicia Lacy Estefania Reyes Laura Lopez John Thibodeau Michelle McBride Managing Editor Graphic Layout and Design Sgt. 1st Class. Malcolm M. McClendon Contributing Writers and Photographers The Texas Military Forces Public Affairs Office would like to thank all the contributing writers and photographers who generously share their work with us. Without the hard work and dedication of Soldiers, Airmen, and civilians, we would not be able to tell YOUR Texas Military Forces story. * The Dispatch is an authorized publication for members of the Texas Military Forces and the Department of Defense. Contents of The Dispatch are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the National Guard Bureau, or the State of Texas. * The editorial content of this publication is the responsibility of the Texas Military Forces Public Affairs Office. * The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement of the products or services advertised by the U.S. Army or the Texas Military Forces. * Everything advertised in this publication will be made available for purchase, use, or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other factor of the purchaser, user, or patron. If a violation or rejection of this equal opportunity policy by an advertiser is confirmed, the publisher will refuse to print advertising from that source until the violation is corrected. * Content is edited, prepared and provided by the Texas Joint Military Forces Public Affairs Office, Bldg. 10, 2200 W. 35th Street, Camp Mabry, Austin, Texas. 78703.*

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From the Top

Fellow Texans... the 36th Infantry Division and the Road Ahead

A

Commentary by Maj. Gen. Les Simpson Commanding General 36th Infantry Division

s we enter into the holiday season, it’s a great time to reflect upon the past year, evaluate everything we did, and wonder how it went by so fast. Taking command of the 36th Infantry Division was no doubt the highlight of 2014 for me and the highlight of my career, as well. We also look forward with great anticipation to see what the new year will bring.

Our division team faces another tremendously busy year while our forces stay ready, relevant and engaged across multiple lines of effort, even as we face significant challenges to potential reductions in fiscal and force structure resourcing. Our troops are deployed overseas and training alongside active component counterparts here on home soil; as we write this, the 1836th Transportation Company is concluding a highly successful rotation supporting 3/4 ABCT at the National Training Center. Some of the other ways we’re serving our state and nation, at home and abroad, include: 1. Preparing responsive and deployable forces to conduct Unified Land Operations, such as the 1-112th Cavalry’s upcoming deployment to Egypt with the Multi-national Force and Observers.

2. Fielding the core force of the TXARNG’s effort in support of Operation Strong Safety, ensuring Defense Support to Civil Authorities along the Texas border.

3. Deploying Soldiers from the 72nd IBCT and 36th CAB under FORSCOM’s Regional Alignment of Forces initiative, to countries like El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala.

4. Conducting collective “multi-ship” night flight training with the 1-149th ARB “Apache” crews, who are postured to support the 71st BfSB’s Airborne elements during another Golden Coyote exercise.

5. Fielding the Army’s latest weapons systems across multiple platforms to ensure our forces are equipped and trained to the highest standards.

6. Executing a highly challenging Division Warfighter Exercise that will test our headquarters across the full spectrum of mission command in a joint, interagency, intergovernmental and multinational environment.

Those are just the large or highly visible events that are ahead for the “Arrowhead Division,” which continues to thrive, even as we face reductions in resourcing that affect funding for personnel, training, travel and equipment.

While our operational tempo remains high to meet the needs of our nation and Texas, I’m confident that the 36th Infantry Division will rise to the occasion. We have a proud history of facing adversity and challenges and accomplishing those challenges “In Spite of Hell.”

I look forward to the road ahead in 2015 and appreciate the honor of serving as the commander of this exceptional division. Command Sgt. Maj. John F. Sampa and I wish you and your families our very best through the holidays and into the New Year. - FROM THE TOP

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Around the TXMF

Texas Military Forces

MG Jake Betty Commanding General Texas State Guard

MG Robert J. Bodisch Dep. Commanding General Texas State Guard

Col. Daniel Steiner Chief Of Staff Texas State Guard

Lt. Col. Mack H. Praytor State Chaplain Texas Military Forces

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Aroung the TXMF

Leadership Changes

COL Stanley Golaboff Director Human Resources

COL Marvin Johnson Director TXARNG G4

CSM Mark A. Weedon Senior Enlisted Leader Texas Military Forces

CSM Bryan Becknel Senior Enlisted Leader Texas State Guard

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Moving Forward

“

over 20 years as a Soldier and I’ve loved every minute of it.

”

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Moving Forward

Command Sgt. Maj. Bradley Brandt Story

by

Sgt. 1st Class Malcolm McClendon

Texas Military Forces Public Affairs Office

A

USTIN, TEXAS - With a ceremonial passing of the Non Commissioned Officer’s Sword, the Texas Military Forces’ Senior Enlisted Leader handed over responsibility to the incoming command sergeant major in a ceremony held at Camp Mabry in Austin, Texas, Nov. 15, 2014.

Command Sgt. Maj. Bradley Brandt began his military career in June of 1975 as a U.S. Army UH-1 Huey helicopter mechanic with the 2nd Armored Division at Fort Hood, Texas.

After completing his active duty tour in 1978, Brandt took a break before transitioning into his career with the Texas National Guard.

“I came into the Guard on the ‘Trial One’ program back in 1983 and I never would have thought I’d be here this long,” Brandt said. “But look at me now, over 20 years as a Soldier and I’ve loved every minute of it.”

During his career, Brandt worked in six different military occupational fields including two in army aviation, motor vehicle mechanic, water purification, logistics and sergeant major. Of these, the one he has been doing the longest is also his favorite.

“I’ve been a command sergeant major for 15 years,” Brandt said. “I love to get out and visit with the Soldiers and see what their concerns are.”

Brandt says the number one request he gets from Soldiers is to find out what’s happening at the higher level.

“They want to know what’s happening in the organization,” Brandt said. “Things like deployments and what the future holds for the Texas National Guard are the most common things Soldiers ask me about.”

During his three-year role as senior enlisted leader for the Texas Military Forces, Brandt worked to better unite the Texas Air Guard and the Texas Army Guard. His efforts led to the first ever Joint-Best Warrior Competition in all of the National Guard. Brandt enlisted the help of other senior enlisted leaders to open up the traditionally Army only competition to Airmen.

“I had been to several joint events where everything was Army centric, so I told myself that I wanted to change that mentality,” Brandt said.

“The way to do it was to integrate them more with our programs and so I asked for help, and thankfully they saw how much this meant to me and therefore we all worked together and made it happen.”

Brandt remembers the Airmen’s reaction the first year they participated

in the Joint Best Warrior competition.

“Every single Airmen that participated came up me to show their gratitude,” Brandt said. “They said, ‘thank you sergeant major for letting us compete and be a part of this,’ and that’s good stuff. So they are here now competing with Soldiers every year, and they’re in it for the long haul as long as someone keeps it going after me.”

As Brandt ends his time as the senior enlisted leader for the Texas Military Forces, he hopes that his efforts to bring the Texas Army and Air Guard components closer will continue and grow as a model for other states.

- DISPATCH Above: Outgoing Texas Military Forces’ Senior Enlisted Leader, Command Sgt. Maj. Bradley C. Brandt addresses attendees at his change of responsibility ceremony. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Kenneth Walker)

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Moving Forward

Command Sgt. Maj. Mark A. Weedon Story by Capt. Martha Nigrelle Texas Military Forces Public Affairs Office leader, platoon sergeant, operations sergeant, first sergeant, sergeant major and command sergeant major.

“I am very humbled and proud at the same time, to serve you in this position,” said Weedon speaking to the men and women of the Texas Military Forces.

A

USTIN, TEXAS – Command Sgt. Maj. Mark A. Weedon assumed responsibility as the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Texas Military Forces from Command Sgt. Maj. Bradley Brandt, in a ceremony held at Camp Mabry in Austin, Nov. 15, 2014.

During the ceremony Weedon took time to thank his family for their many years of love, support and sacrifice. He also commented on his early days in the Texas National Guard and when he decided to make a long term commitment to the force.

“I fell in love with the guard when I recognized the true sacrifice and the true patriot that guardsmen and women are,” said Weedon.

Weedon’s previous leadership positions include fire team leader, squad

the right team in place to do just that and I look forward to our ride together.

Weedon graduated from Bryan High School in 1986 and joined the U.S. Army in January of 1988. He and his wife Shelli have four children and three grandchildren.

- DISPATCH

As the Senior Enlisted Advisor for the Texas Military

Forces, Weedon will advise the Adjutant General – Texas on all enlisted matters affecting training, effective utilization, health of the force and enlisted professional development.

“It is the spirit of men and women who follow and the men and women who lead them that gains the victory,” said Weedon. “I believe that we have

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Above: Texas Air National Guard Senior Enlisted Leader, Chief Master Sgt. Kevin O’Gorman, left, congratulates incoming Texas Military Forces’ Senior Enlisted Leader, Command Sgt. Maj. Mark A. Weedon, right. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Kenneth Walker)

Moving Forward

“

I am very humbled and proud at the same time, to serve you in this position.

”

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Around the World

Soldiers assigned to Joint Forces Command – United Assistance clear out a pathway for fiber optic cables to connect to the mayor cell Nov. 22, 2014, at Barclay Training Center, Monrovia, Liberia. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Rashene Mincy, 55th Signal Company)

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Around the World

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USTIN, TEXAS (Nov. 16, 2014) – A team of engineers with the Texas Army National Guard will mobilize in the spring of 2015 to West Africa in support of Operation United Assistance.

The company identified to provide support is the 272nd Engineer Company, 386th Engineer Battalion, from Angleton. The unit is aligned under the 176th Engineer Brigade, Texas Army National Guard.

“As the Defense Department’s most cost-effective force, the National Guard provides our country great versatility across the full spectrum of operations. The citizen-Soldiers representing Texas are experienced professionals and will bring a wealth of knowledge to the mission,” said Maj. Gen. John F. Nichols, The Adjutant General of Texas. “We are proud to serve our state and nation during this time of need and be a part of this larger effort.”

The 272nd Engineer Company is a vertical engineer company comprised of carpenters, electricians and plumbers and is skilled in building facilities and construction project management.

While deployed, the engineers will build support structures for operational and medical needs in the region in support of the U.S. Agency for International Development. These Texas-based Guardsmen will be part of a multi-state National Guard effort and will remain mobilized for no more than one year.

“The mission of these brave Texans is essential to controlling and containing the international threat to public health we face with Ebola,” said Gov. Rick Perry. “Their efforts to help end this outbreak in West Africa will mean greater safety for all of us back at home, and we commend each of them for their courage and dedication to their fellow man.”

Click to follow the 272nd Eng. Battalion

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TXMF through the lens

Texas Army National Guardsmen with the 1st Battalion, 143rd Infantry Regiment (Airborne), 36th Infantry Division, conducted a training jump on Nov. 14, 2014. The Airborne Soldiers departed Austin’s Bergstrom International Airport on two Altus Air Force Based C-17s, then flew to Fort Hood and jumped into the Rapido Drop Zone wearing full combat gear.

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TXMF through the lens

143rd Infantry Regiment Jump A pictorial by Maj. Randall Stillinger 36th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office

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TXMF through the lens

16  The DISPATCH December 2014

TXMF through the lens

Click for more photos and to follow the 143rd on Facebook

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Around Texas

Mastering Fitness Camp Mabry graduates its first class of Army Master Fitness Trainers Story and photos by 2nd Lt. Alicia Lacy Texas Military Forces Public Affairs Office

A

USTIN, TEXAS - Master Fitness Trainer Course instructors at Camp Mabry produced more than a half dozen of the Army’s newest Master Fitness Trainers Oct. 24, 2014, at the National Guard base in Austin, Texas.

The Master Fitness program is part of the Army’s effort to increase soldier physical readiness, reduce injuries and standardize unit training, with the training being first iteration in a series of monthly training courses for National Guard, active duty and Reserve soldiers at Camp Mabry.

The candidates had to complete two weeks of arduous academic work in a distance- learning format followed by two weeks of grueling physical readiness training and academics on location.

Four weeks prepared the candidates to be the subject matter experts and their respective unit advisor on physical fitness and readiness.

“The Master Fitness Course is a course that teaches soldiers how to be the commander’s advisor on all things around fitness and wellness at the unit level,” said Sgt. 1st Class Athan K. Schindler, non-commissioned officer in charge of the base’s Master Fitness Trainer Course . “This is their opportunity for them to learn the academics and also the application of how to let their units be fit and ready for their mission tasks.”

The Army Physical Readiness Training in Field Manual 7-22 provides the guidance for a balanced training program based on concepts of physical fitness and readiness and is the basis of the Master Fitness program.

“The FM 7-22 now prescribes a newer PRT program, so yes, there’s new movements and techniques, new drills, and that’s the big effort of this course to get the right information out to the units so they know how to properly

18 The DISPATCH December 2014

conduct PRT with new doctrine and standards,” Schindler said.

Though not completely new to the Army, the Master Fitness program was recently revived in 2012, and Camp Mabry is only one of three training sites for the entire reserve component of the Army.

“The Texas Army National Guard is very proud and this is a great opportunity for us to lead the way in a course that’s extremely important for the Army and we’re proud to be hosting it here,” Schindler said. “It’s a great opportunity for us to, not only, work hand in hand with other components, such as our Reserve component or the active duty folks, but it’s also an opportunity for us to show what we’re capable of as the Texas Army National Guard.

That we can run a high-quality course that would match active or any other branch that would host the course.”

Because of this, the candidates in the course had an opportunity to gauge their skill sets and levels against those of soldiers from other components, which helped create better understanding amongst the soldiers.

“I think it was a great experience, especially working with active duty soldiers,” said Staff Sgt. Jesse J. Corpus, a newly certified Master Fitness Trainer and a member of the 71st Theater Operations Group, Texas Army National Guard . “It’s relatively new to them also, so it’s kind of refreshing being a full time National Guard soldier; you think you’re behind them but we’re pretty much up there with them.”

To attend the course, candidates are recommended by their chain of command based on leadership and physical fitness. Additionally, students are required to meet Army height and weight standards and pass the Army Physical Fitness Test with a total score of 240 points or higher and a minimum of 80 points in each event.

Around Texas

A soldier goes through a round of push-ups on the parade field at Camp Mabry in Austin, Texas, Oct. 15, 2014, as part of the Master Fitness Trainer Course.

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Around Texas

Sgt. 1st Class Shelley Horner, Master Fitness Trainer Course instructor, Texas Army National Guard, adjusts Staff Sgt. Jesse Corpus’ form during a round of exercises.

Soldiers perform a shuttle run.

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Around Texas Due to the level of importance placed on physical fitness and readiness, the instructors used strict grading standards in order for the candidates to progress.

“We have a saying in the master fitness course that they must earn their progression, so we try to keep it at a level that would be appropriate for them and the whole point of the master fitness trainer course is not to cause injury,” Schindler said. “I can’t emphasize enough the importance of what these folks are going to do at their unit level.”

“They’re going to be solely the catalyst for what helps soldiers to meet the standards of the Army body composition program as well as helping their folks to not be injured anymore and to be properly trained in all physical fitness activities,” Schindler went on to say.

Soldiers perform a round of climbing drills.

Corpus said his brigade’s commander and executive officer selected him to be the unit’s Master Fitness Trainer based on his high physical fitness test scores.

“Overall, it’s a great course. It’s not about who can do the most PT, who has the highest PT score, it’s about who can have that high standard and also know the science behind it,” Corpus said. - DISPATCH

Sgt. 1st Class Shelley Horner, Master Fitness Trainer Course instructor, Texas Army National Guard, demonstrates proper form for the forward lunge.

Soldiers perform a round of exercises.

Staff Sgt. Anthony Delagarza and Sgt. 1st Class Athan Schindler, Master Fitness Trainer Course instructors, Texas Army National Guard, demonstrate proper form during a round of circuit exercises.

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Around Texas

Support the Force Texas Guardsmen support mission, fellow service members Story and photos by 1st Lt. Melinda West JTF-136th MEB Public Affairs Office

B

ROWNWOOD, TEXAS - When disaster strikes, the members of Joint Task Force 136 (Maneuver Enhancement Brigade) answer the call with lifesaving capabilities, such as decontamination, search and extraction, and medical triage. With 500-700 troops working around the clock for days at a time, they need support. Within this National Guard element, the 636th Brigade Support Battalion stands ready to provide the fuel, maintenance, water and food

necessary to keep these Guardsmen working as long as necessary.

For the week of Nov. 15-21, 2014, the Marshall-based battalion with elements in Dallas-Fort Worth came together at Camp Bowie in Brownwood, Texas, to ensure JTF-136 (MEB) completed its Homeland Response Force training. This training, which provides specialized military capabilities to civilian authorities in the event of disaster, is part of the Department

of Defense’s consequence management enterprise designed to save lives and mitigate suffering and damage.

The BSB is an invaluable element to the success of that effort.

“My job is important,” said Pvt. Samuel Birdine, a water production specialist with A Company, 636th BSB. “Good water is important; without good water the Soldiers will get sick and not get their jobs done.

It is important that I know what I am doing to give them good water.”

Keeping the troops hydrated and fed is instrumental to mission success. As such, the BSB is usually among the first elements to arrive for training exercises. Food Service non commissioned officer in charge, Sgt. 1st Class Robert Miller and his cooks set up a containerized kitchen and fed the entirety of JTF-136 (MEB), composed of 10 company-level units from across Texas totaling more than 500 Soldiers and Airmen. Their days began at 3:30 a.m. and ended at 10 p.m. They served two hot meals a day and provided hot beverages to keep up morale and provide warmth during the northern Texas winter. They braced the cold as they prepared these meals, not in a dining facility, but under an outdoor awning.

“I am having fun, learning and I enjoy this,” said Pvt. William Escobar, a food service specialist with Headquartes Company, 636th BSB. “At school we used recipe cards, I haven’t seen one here.”

Soldiers with B Company, 636th Brigade Support Battalion troubleshoot a maintenance problem during annual training at Camp Bowie in Brownwood, Texas, Nov. 19, 2014.

22 The DISPATCH December 2014

Click to follow the 136th JTF-MEB on Facebook

When asked about his future plans in the military, he said, “I am going to run a kitchen like this.”

Around Texas

The battalion’s A Company kept the brigade’s vehicles rolling with four fuel points supporting the 175 military vehicles and generators throughout Camp Bowie.

Meanwhile, B Company provided maintenance and recovery support for the same equipment, completing five work orders and 46 hours of maintenance during the week long annual training period.

They provided troubleshooting and maintenance support to the brigade’s Deployable Rapid Assembly Shelter generators, which provide HVAC and power, so that the stability of the brigade’s headquarters element remained constant and there were no interruptions to the brigade’s battle rhythm.

also performed individual weapon qualification, field sanitation training, and set up static displays for an Employer Support to the Guard and Reserves event. Fifteen employers and partners attended the tour, which included a helicopter ride, demonstration by the troops and a military Meal, Ready-to-Eat lunch.

“My Soldier is there when I open and is there after I leave,” said Mike Tyler, a civilian employer from Dallas-Fort Worth who toured the site with his employee, Sgt. Mark Atkins. “His dependability and work ethic is not found in others I have hired without military experience. I couldn’t ask for a better employee.”

The support provided by the BSB en-

ables mission-success for the brigade and ensures the service members of this National Guard organization are prepared for anything that comes their way.

“Napoleon believed that fast efficient supply trains were crucial to vanquishing the enemy on the battlefield,” said Lt. Col. John C. Crawson, commander for the 636th BSB. “Today my battalion uses these principles to provide quality support to not only JTF-136 (MEB) but to the citizens of Texas if called upon.”

- 136th MEB PAO

“Our soldiers are mentored and trained to step up,” said 1st Lt. Austin Carter, the B Company executive officer. “I see on a daily basis young Soldiers displaying integrity and leadership that is normally associated with a long career.”

Headquarters and Headquarters Company of 636th BSB provided command and control to the battalion personnel at Camp Bowie. Staff officers, led by Maj. Carlos Garcia, managed daily operations for everything from available fuel to requests for more fruit in the mess hall.

Sgt. 1st Class Heath Campbell from HHC, 636th BSB, defined his mission to support as, “Heck yes, we do that!”

Providing support was the main effort for the Soldiers of the BSB, but they

Solders with the 636th Brigade Support Battalion set up a fuel supply point during annual training at Camp Bowie in Brownwood, Texas, Nov. 19, 2014.

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Around Texas

Spreading Holiday Cheer Texas State Guard Kicks off Young Heroes of the Guard Toy Drive Story by Capt. Esperanza Meza, 19th Regiment Public Affairs Office

D

ALLAS, TEXAS - For the past few years, a few days before Christmas, members of the Texas State Guard deliver donated toys to children’s hospitals across the state with the Young Heroes of the Guard Christmas Toy Drive.

This year their goal is to surpass last year’s and deliver 10,000 toys, said Texas State Guard Chaplain Col. Douglas Sewell. Sewell will oversee the chaplains group in charge of the project. Last year the chaplains collected and delivered 6, 644 toys.

The annual toy drive began in 2009 when a State Guard officer saw a report of children suffering in hospitals, families hurting emotionally, struggling financially and feeling forgotten during the holidays. That officer challenged two chaplains to do something. The first year they focused their attention mainly on collecting toys for Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth. Since then, the toy drive has grown bigger, and now reaches five hospitals statewide. They won’t stop there, said Sewell; the goal this year is to add 15-18 more hospitals.

“One kid in particular made all of us in our group break down,” said State Guard Cpl. Vic Segura, after visiting a cancer floor. “We found out later that she loved art. She cried when she got her gift. Anyone with a heart

would have cried too upon seeing that. Without that gift somebody gave to our cause, we were told that she would have never been able to have it because her family cannot afford items like that.”

State Guard units across the state started collecting toys earlier this year. Reaching out to the community, State Guardsmen have enlisted the support of numerous local businesses, schools, churches, clubs and a Texas professional basketball team to join the effort.

In an effort to meet this year’s goal, Sewell and State Guard Staff Sgt. John Gately organized the first Texas State Guard Veterans Day Celebration & Toy Drive in Frisco.

“Do your duty, take care of your people and get those 10,000 toys,” said Maj. Gen. Jake Betty, Commanding General of the Texas State Guard during the celebratory event. Representative Dan Flynn, Texas House Representative, District 2, and a colonel in the State Guard, also attended the event.

of stuffed bears,” said Gately. “She said, ‘We have one little boy here right now who just loves panda bears. I hope there’s a panda in there somewhere.’ Moments later, a stuffed panda emerged from the pile. Passmore’s eyes lit up. ‘This will mean so much. All of this.’”

With a personal goal to raise 3,000 toys, Gately fanned out to local businesses setting up donation boxes, partnering with a golf event in Denton and getting a donation from a non-profit organization for teddy bears.

“When I was six years old, I broke my leg. When I got out of the hospital, my parents got me a stuffed teddy bear,” Gately said. “I remember how happy it made me. Now I want to help bring the same joy to other children.” - 19th REGT PAO

Gately also oversaw coordination with donation providers and created the toy drive website, www.txsgtoydrive.org.

“I remember Loxy Passmore, a Child Life assistant looking over mounds

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Click to follow the TXSG on Facebook

Photos courtesy of the Texas State Guard

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Family Support Services

The ABCs to Surviving the Holidays

B

IS FOR BUDGET, Budget, Budget. Nothing can put a damper on the holidays faster that a stack of unpaid bills. Spending outside of your means causes tremendous stress. One way to reduce the amount of debt for this season is to create a holiday spending budget.

Know what you want to buy, for whom, and how much you want to spend. Even deciding on how much you can spend on extra holiday food and travel expenses will save you a lot of grief in January. After you create your spending list (this is important to discuss with your significant other and get agreement) stick to the list. A good rule of thumb is always go into a store with a list, an amount you want to spend and a time limit.

The stores want you to have: no plan, no budget, no list and a lot of extra time to look around. The more time you browse the store or browse on-line the higher the odds of you overspending. Buy what you need then get out of the store.

If you need help creating a holiday budget (or any type of financial budget), contact the Soldiers For Life Transition Assistance Program (SFLTAP) at Camp Mabry. The financial counselors will be waiting for your call and can be reached at 512-7825353. Financial services are free to all TXARNG service members.

C

3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

IS FOR APPRECIATION. Appreciation is the opposite of depression. It is difficult to be depressed and grateful at the same time. Sincerely being grateful for what you have decreases depressing thoughts and opens the possibility for a positive mood and a smile on your face. Take time during the holiday season to be aware of all the blessings you have around you. Many times we take these blessings for granted or just enter in to a type of forgetfulness because the blessings have always been there. Soldiers I have worked with in the past have shared with me how serving overseas made them realize how many blessings we take for granted in this country. As they list things like clean water, shoes, a roof over our heads, peaceful nights and abundance of food, I realize I’ve taken those things for granted too and had stopped seeing them as blessings. During the 2014 holiday season make an intention to WAKE UP and see the blessings around you. Train your eyes to look for hidden blessings that you may have forgotten. Look for the good around you. Take inventory of the good in people, in situations, in places and remind yourself that there is good in the world. A helpful nighttime ritual is to state at least 10 blessings each night before you go to sleep.

Try to add one or two new items to your list each evening. Making this a habit will help your sleep, decrease depressing thoughts and remind yourself how blessed you truly are.

3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

A

Commentary by Tracy Ward, Texas Military Forces Behavioral Health Counselor

IS FOR CALL for Support.

The holidays can be a time of stress and loneliness. If you find yourself stressed out, lonely, short tempered or all three, call for support. Texas has excellent counselors that are located throughout the state to support you and your family.

These counselors are available for confidential sessions by phone, online or face-to-face. They also offer a 24/7 counseling line at 512-782-5069 to support you when you have questions, concerns or just want to talk.

Counseling services are available to all Service Members and Family Members at no charge and are confidential.

So to review: A is to Appreciate all the blessings. B is to budget your resources and C is to call for support when you need it.

And finally....Tis the Season. Remember to treat others the way you want to be treated. The Golden Rule is always “in season.” Have a blessed and safe holiday season.

If, for any reason, you struggle finding good in yourself or others or struggle remembering your blessings, you may want to contact the Chaplain at 1-866-822-7685 select #7 or write: ng.tx.txarng.list.txmfchaplain@mail.mil

National Hotlines: Military Suicide Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255, Text 838255 Sexual Assault: 1-800-656-4673 Substance Abuse: 1-800-662-4357 Domestic Violence: 1-800-799-7233 Child Abuse: 1-800-252-5400 Vets4Warriors: 1-855-838-8255 Army Sexual Harassment Hotline: 1-800-267-9964

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Merry Christmas to all

T

his time of year is a festive time for us and our families. It is a time to be thankful as we celebrate our particular religious beliefs and family traditions. The New Year also provides us a time for a “fresh start� as we make resolutions and set goals for the next year.

We often travel to see friends and families during this time of year and that presents unique challenges. Have an emergency plan in mind for you and your family and let someone know your itinerary and specifically your arrival time. If you drink alcohol, be smart, always have a designated driver. Situational awareness is the key to recognizing and avoiding hazardous situations over the holiday season.

Enjoy this season, enjoy the time with friends and family, and I look forward to working with a force that is renewed and refreshed for the New Year. Thank you for what you do each and every day to make us successful. Be mindful of our brothers and sisters who are unable to celebrate with their friends and family. Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!

Major General John F. Nichols, Adjutant General