The Flare
Friday, March 21, 2014 Vol. 77 No. 17 Serving Kilgore College since 1936
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For days and months on end, I had nowhere to run or no one to turn to.”
Fighting
war
a on
two
fronts DEZIRAE BURNETT • Assistant Editor
T
he words “with liberty and justice for all” conclude the pledge of allegiance, recited by hundreds nearly every day across the United States. It has become the mission of former U.S. soldier Howard D. Linson to ensure those words continue to ring true for every American no matter their ethnicity, religious views or, in his case, sexual orientation. This mission served as the driving force behind his memoir, titled The Untold Truth, Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, which describes his nine-year experience serving in the Army under the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy. Having grown up in a military family, Linson spent his childhood listening to stories and watching Hollywood versions of the great wars of history. He was around the age of 15 when he decided he too wanted to pursue a future in the armed forces. “I’m a big military movie guy and, at that age, I wanted to be a part of those types of covert ops missions … the way the movies portrayed [them],”Linson said. Linson joined the U.S. Army in 1998 at the age of 18. He was deployed to Iraq from 2004-2005, a time which he describes as “a livable nightmare with no end in sight.” According to Linson, his troubles began upon his first stint overseas, when fellow soldiers started accusing him of being “gay.” As the DADT policy, which was a law against homosexuals serving openly in the military, was in effect until
its repeal in 2010, Linson was forced to hide the fact that he was bisexual. He experienced daily requests of sexual favors from other male soldiers which only increased the extent of his abuse when Linson refused to give in. “As time went on, my fellow soldiers’ behaviors became more aggressive, physically and emotionally, towards me,” Linson said. “I had soldiers threaten to kill me in front of my chain of command … while some sexually harassed me verbally, and physically as well.” Throughout the entire duration of his time in Iraq, Linson was subject to such offenses. He claims that “nothing was done to prevent or stop” the continuous harassment. Linson was even told that he was to blame for the abuse, implying that he was doing something to encourage the soldiers. “For days and months on end, I had nowhere to run or no one to turn to,” Linson said. On one occasion, Linson was a part of a convoy to Tikrit, Iraq, See LINSON on Page 6
Charity Mezzell / THE FLARE
Howard D. Linson’s book is available at Barnes & Noble, Books-a-Million, iTunes and Amazon.
DADT HISTORY 1950 The Uniform Code of Military Harry Truman. The document outlined rules for discharge of homosexual service members. 1980 “Homosexuality is incompatible with military service.” – President Ronald Reagan, in a defense directive. 1992 Presidential candidate Bill Clinton promises to lift ban as part of his campaign. 1993 President Bill Clinton introduces the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy as a compromise. Originally set up to follow Reagan’s defense directive, the DADT policy later states that military applicants should not be asked about sexual orientation. 1994 Colonel Grethe Cammermyer is reinstated into the National Guard by the federal court. She served openly until her retirement in 1997. 2003
Pete Souza / COURTESY OF THE WHITE HOUSE
stating that the statutory requirements for repeal of DADT (Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell) have been met, in the Oval Liaison; Kathleen Hartnett, Associate Counsel to the President; Secretary of Defense
Former President Bill Clinton calls for an end to DADT. 2006 Supreme Court upholds DADT. The 2008 Presidential candidate Barack Obama
campaigns to fully repeal the law. 2010 On Dec. 18 Senate votes 65-31 to repeal the law completely, ending the 17-year ban on openly gay service members.
core beginning Fall ’14 ASHLEY MORALES Executive Editor A required introductory computer course is on the chopping block for Fall 2014 after the state altered the core definition. Instead a computer competency test has been proposed that will be available to students sometime this summer. The test will allow students to prove they are computer literate without taking the computer course, Business Computer Information Systems (BCIS). However, students whose degree need a specific computer course will still be required to take the course, because the test
is not for credit. An example Richard Crutcher, chair of business, computer science, legal assisting, management and occupational safety, gave for this reason was a transfer business student. “[These] students are required to take BCIS, because it’s in the state field of study for business, and we can’t give them credit for BCIS by taking this test. Even if we did, the university would just ignore it… They would fulfill the computer competency requirement by taking the BCIS course that that they need for a four year school,” he said If students are not required by their degree to enroll in a computer course, Crutcher
believes the test would benefit them. “I think it’s still important for them to demonstrate computer competency because we are trying to educate people that can do well, not only in the workforce, but for themselves personally,” Crutcher said. “Computers have become such an integral part of life that I don’t know how you survive without knowing how to do spreadsheets and things like that. You don’t have to be an expert, but you have to be fairly skilled.” Nothing is definite until presented to the Academic Policies and Curriculum See COMPUTER on Page 6
The Flare
BSM carwash and barbecue sale Sports Recap Page 5 Page 8
MONDAY, MARCH 21, 2014
FACE IN THE CROWD
The Flare
Kitty Mitcham
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PA G E
How long have you been cheering? Almost 16 years. I started at the age of 5. How did you get into the sport? I started off in gymnastics, and we had a family friend who asked if I wanted to go out for an all-star program. I signed up and I fell in love with the sport. Were you active in any other sports growing up? I was pretty much all cheer. I was at a gym 4 days out of my week. Other sports just weren’t my thing. How does cheering at KC compare to cheering in high school or on a competition team? In high school I only had once a week practices and depending the sport only one or two games to cheer a week. At KC we practice 3 days a week and have workouts twice a week. We’ve done many appearances throughout the school year. It really is more time consuming. How did you decide your major an why? When I began my college career I was actually
NOTEBOOK
March 21 - April 13
FRIDAY, March 21 RANGER SOFTBALL VS. BOSSIER PARISH COMMUNITY COLLEGE 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., Bossier City SATURDAY, March 22 KILGORE LEGACY FOUNDATION 6:00 p.m. - 9 p.m., DSC Ballroom
Age: 21 Sophomore Major: Kinesiology/Athletic Training Hometown: Liberty City
TUESDAY, March 25 SPRING JOB FAIR 9 a.m. - 11 a.m., DSC Ballroom WEDNESDAY, March 26 TEXAS WOMEN’S UNIVERSITY VISITING RECRUITER 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Devall Student Center THURSDAY, March 27 BLOOD DRIVE 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., DSC Ballroom FRIDAY, March 28 NEXT ISSUE OF THE FLARE SATURDAY, March 29 RADIOGRAPHY SEMINAR 7 a.m. - 5 p.m., DSC Ballroom TWIRLER CONTEST 9 a.m. - 3p.m., campus wide RANGER SOFTBALL VS. NORTHEAST TEXAS COMMUNITY COLLEGE 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., StreamFlo Field
a business and marketing major. It wasn’t until a couple of weeks ago that I decided to change my major to athletic training. I have always thought about working in the sports industry some way and being a trainer puts me right there on the sideline where all the action is. I will have to say I owe my trainer, Grace Kennedy, a lot of the credit for changing my mind and choosing this major. I love the relationship I have with her and the one she has with our team. How did you decide to come to KC? I grew up 10 minutes away from Kilgore. I knew I didn’t want to move off until I decided the direction in life I wanted to go. I didn’t decide to cheer at KC until Kaliegh Benoit talked me into it. If you plan to transfer from KC, where will you go? Right now my plan is to try out for Texas Tech and earn my degree. I do have backup plan just in case I don’t make it, which is just to attend University of Texas at Arlington and get my degree.
Sara Holmes / THE FLARE
BSM will be working the car wash CHRISTINE RITTER Staff Writer The Baptist Student Ministry will be holding a car wash at 9 a.m. on March 29 in the parking lot of Compass Bank in Kilgore, located across the street from McDonalds. There will be no charge for car
washes but volunteers will instead ask for people for donations. At 11 a.m. they will start selling brisket sandwiches for $5 each until they run out. Funds raised during the car wash will send Elizabeth Coti, Longview freshman, to serve as a missionary in New England. She will go across
the states to work with Hispanic churches doing special projects. “They have Hispanic churches, but they’re really small, so we’re going to be out reaching to Hispanic people and talk to them about Jesus,” Coti said. Shelly Webb, BSM director, said they’re hoping the Kilgore
community to support this cause and let them wash their cars and feed them a sandwich to raise money. They need to raise $850, and if more money then expected is raised, BSM will use it to fund other students to go on mission trips. For more information, contact Webb at 903-984-7146.
TUESDAY, April 1 DEADLINE FOR FIRST CONSIDERATION ON SCHOLARSHIPS WEDNESDAY, April 2 RANGER SOFTBALL VS.UNIVERSITY OF TYLER JV 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., Tyler SATURDAY, April 5 KARP FESTIVAL 2 p.m., Van Cliborn Auditorium KC CHEERLEADER CHEER CLINIC 9 a.m. - 11 a.m., Parks RANGER SOFTBALL VS. BOSSIER PARISH COMMUNITY COLLEGE 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., StreamFlo Field SUNDAY, April 6 RANGER SOFTBALL VS. PARIS JUNIOR COLLEGE 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., StreamFlo Field MONDAY, April 7 SERVICE RECOGNITION ASSEMBLY 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m., DCS Ballroom SUMMER I ADVISEMENT/ REGISTRATION FOR CURRENT STUDENTS April 7 - May 30 SUMMER II ADVISEMENT/ REGISTRATION FOR CURRENT STUDENTS April 7 - July 3 FALL ADVISEMENT/ REGISTRATION FOR CURRENT STUDENTS April 7 - Aug. 13 TUESDAY, April 8 NEXT ISSUE OF THE FLARE WEDNESDAY, April 9 RANGER SOFTBALL VS. NAVARRO COLLEGE 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., Corsicana RANGERETTE REVELS 7 p.m., Dodson Auditorium
Will Prichard / THE FLARE
Cara Fletcher and Callyeno Bristow recently participated in the All State Symphonic Band performance in San Antonio.
KC makes it to All State Band CAMORN PORTLEY Staff Writer
O
n Feb. 15 the Texas Community College Band Director Association had its annual All State Symphonic Band performance in San Antonio, with two KC students participating. KC band members Callyeno Bristow, Lufkin sophomore, and Cara Fletcher, Longview freshman, both participated in this event, and enjoyed it very much. To participate in All State Symphonic Band, participants must submit an
THURSDAY, April 10 RANGERETTE REVELS 7 p.m., Dodson Auditorium FRIDAY, April 11 LAST DAY TO DROP OR WITHDRAW A "W" RANGERETTE REVELS 7 p.m., Dodson Auditorium NURSING ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING Noon - 2 p.m., Devall Room SATURDAY, April 12 RANGERETTE REVELS 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., Dodson Auditorium RANGERETTES FOREVER RECEPTION 3 p.m. - 7 p.m. SUNDAY, April 13 RANGER SOFTBALL VS. TRINITY VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., Athens
Strong Arm Tactics Adam Tubbleville, Tatum sophomore, works on his sculpture during a design class recently. Michael Brown / THE FLARE
audition form, have proof of TMEA membership, audition fees, and audition tapes or CDs. Then the students must complete a chair test on the first day that they all come together. Bristow participated in the event last year, so he was well aware of the expectations. “I enjoyed it very much so,” he said. He said he enjoys playing with people who like making music. Even being his second year to participate, Bristow said that the music was still difficult. The musicians only have three days to practice the pieces for the All State performance, and he said this makes it harder.
This was Fletcher’s first year to participate. Glen Wells, KC band director, informed her about the event. Fletcher said she as well enjoys the event. “It’s cool playing with different people, and different directors,” she said. She said she likes seeing what other directors put into it. Fletcher said that next semester she would be participating in the Symphonic Band again and plans to try out for Concerto Competition. Bristow is a sophomore and will be leaving but said he would definitely do it again if he was going to be at KC. “It’s a wonderful experience to have,” said Bristow.
Blood drive Thursday in Devall The KC Chemistry Department is sponsoring a blood drive from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, March 27 in the Devall Center. Any interested and eligible donors are urged to participate in this event to give the gift of life. — Staff Reports
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NEWS
FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 2014
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PTK holds induction CHRISTINE RITTER Staff Writer
Brandon Feagans / THE FLARE
Career Coach gives details on 800 different jobs available in the region.
Career Coach handy job tool on website BRANDON PEARL Staff Writer
C
areer Coach is a handy online tool to help KC students narrow down what jobs they might be interested in pursuing, how much money they can expect to make, how many positions are available in the area, and how many people are now employed in the profession. The tool is located on the KC home page (www.kilgore.edu). Go to the right side and scroll about seven tabs down. On Career Coach, students and others can do different things such as accessing labor market data, research the various careers one can prepare for through educational opportunities at KC, view current job postings and access information about various job duties. Patti Bell, with career services, located in the Student Services Building, encourages
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students to both use the tool and visit her office. “We would like students to come and talk to us about their career, so we can lead them into the right direction for a brighter future,” she said. A two-minute video on the site explains how to use the tool. There are 800 different jobs available for search by keyword. Students can bookmark careers in which they are interested for future reference. For example, if one chooses “accountant,” it shows the low wage in the area is $17.02 an hour, high wage is $45.65 and media wage is $28.03. A total of 2,420 accountants are employed in the 17-county East Texas area covered by Career Coach, and that number is expected to increase by 9.2 percent in the next four years. More than 30 job postings were listed as well.
We would like students to come and talk to us about their career, so we can lead them into the right direction for a brighter future, — Patti Bell Career Services
Phi Theta Kappa officers and staff members welcomed new members at the PTK induction. Dr. Bill Holda, KC president, welcomed the new members with a few words. Holda said KC has a lot of organizations but PTK is one of the brightest spots in the college. This institution needs bright students who understand what it is like to render service and providing a core example for many other students. “So I want to congratulate all of you; it’s not just a matter of GPA but it’s also a matter of who you are and what you bring to this institution.” Holda said. Anita Neely, a chemistry instructor and PTK adviser for 30 years at KC, was the keynote speaker at the induction. “I honestly feel that the 30 years I spent working with the best and brightest students at Kilgore College to be one of my life’s profound privileges,” Neely said. Neely told stories from the past and gave encouraging words toward the future. She spelled out what PTK stands for. The P was for the potential everybody was born with and the perseverance used to pursue perfection. “The point is that we are all given pretty much the same thing to work with, but it’s how you pursue perfection that makes a difference.” Neely said. The T was for the teachers and tutors that helped students, and the time training the talents. Lastly,
SPECIAL TO THE FLARE
Cherry Yan He lights a candle during the spring induction ceremony for Phi Theta Kappa. the K was for Kilgore College and knowledge “K is also for kindness seen in the community service activities in which Gamma Omicorn has been involved.” Neely said. Neely said the PTK membership scholarship was an example of kindness that she was particularly touched by. “Such acts of kindness kindled with the character needed in the servant leadership roles I hope you find in the community that you will call home.” Neely said. John Miller, PTK president, had a message
for the new students. “This organization adds so many more things to your life then you can actually imagine. It’s a treasure trove of opportunities. I suggest to every incoming member to see those opportunities wherever they may find them.” Miller said. Co-sponsor Michele Daniels also had something to say about the new members. “I think we have an incredibly bright group of energetic students, and I’m anxious to see what they do with their new appointed role in PTK.” Daniels said.
KC police assist with felony warrant CAMRON PORTLEY Staff Writer KC Police Department Chief Heath Cariker provided the following reports: • On March 6, KCPD
assisted Kilgore police with a felony warrant arrest. The charges were unknown. • On March 10, KCPD assisted with an auto accident in Church’s Chicken parking lot. A motorist crashed into a
power pole. • On March 18, a student was complaining of nausea and cramping. Emergency Medical Services took the student to the hospital. No further incident occurred.
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NEWS
FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 2014
Karyn Sage / THE FLARE
Judy DeRouen is one of the most visible faces of KC.
Everybody’s Mama CAMRON PORTLEY Staff Writer For many students, “Mama Judy” in the Devall Center is the face of KC. She has worked at the visitor kiosk since the college posted the job opening on the college website four years ago. DeRouen, ready to come out of retirement, took this as her chance to do so and filled out the application. DeRouen got the call to interview from Eloise Ashley, new student relations associate director. After her interview,
Eloise told her to come back and that was being offered the job. DeRouen has been working at KC since then, and said she loves every second of it. Being able to work with students was, and still is, her dream job. The job consist of managing the Visitor Center, training and supervising student workers, assisting in selection and ongoing training of Ranger ambassadors, assisting prospective students with the application process, coordinating campus tours, support specialist for the New Student Relations department, greeting all visitors
Fire Academy graduates 14 JORDAN BAIRD Staff Writer KC Fire Academy graduation ceremony will be at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 26, in the Bert E. Woodruff Adult Education Center in Kilgore. This marks the 90th graduation of the Fire Academy and 14 students, including five Canadians, will be graduating this spring. The following candidates, listed by hometown, are part of KC Fire Academy No. 90: Bisley Surrey, England: George C. Whiffin Gibsons, B.C., Canada:
Quickbooks course starts on April 21 JORDAN BAIRD Staff Writer A QuickBooks Level 1 course will be offered at 6 to 9 p.m. on Monday through Thursday, beginning April 21- 24 at the KC Longview Campus in LH 105, located at 300 S. High Street. This hands-on course includes common business accounting terms, introduction to QuickBooks, creating a new company file, establishing your QuickBooks chart of accounts, tracking sales taxes, budgets and forecasts, tracking sales orders, backorders and more. Basic accounting principles and familiarity with Windows are necessary. Handouts will be provided for students. The course is limited to 30 students and will be instructed by Jason Cooner. The cost of the course is $179 To register by credit card, contact the Small Business Development Center at 903757-5857 or 800-338-7232. To register by check, print the registration form from http://www.kilgoresbdc. com/REGISTRATION.
Sebastian L. Sleep Gilmer: James A. Jenkins Jefferson: Louis J. Hardt Kelowna, B.C., Canada: Justin M. Carr Lantzville, B.C., Canada: R. Mallory Roe Longview: Samuel L. Morton and Colin D. Williams Nanaimo, B.C., Canada: Kevin D. Huberts Overton: Matthew W. Ponder Palestine: Colton W. Duke Pampa: Cody G. Brown Tyler: Stephen L. Ham Victoria, B.C., Canada: Benjamin R. Meek The academy offers certification schools for NFPA 1001 Basic Structural
Firefighter I and II certification, the Texas Volunteer certification, Fire Inspector and Fire and Arson Investigation courses. This is a designed institution by the Canadian Province of British Columbia. The KC Fire Academy is accredited by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection and the State Fireman and Fire Marshal’s Association. KC Fire Academy is approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
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‘Mama Judy’ lends a hand to students, visitors in Devall Center
and keeping an inviting atmosphere in the Visitor Center so prospective students and families would want to become KC Rangers. DeRouen said she likes being able to work with both students and prospective students. Being able to interact with all the students, and making it easier for prospective students to find information,” is her favorite part of her job. DeRouen said she takes an interest in everyone because everyone has a story and she gets to “hear all, see all.” She feels that everyone is special in their own way and to
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her. She also possesses a lot of school spirit. She said she supports all of the athletes, comes to their games and makes signs. She says she is one of the Rangers’ biggest fan. She said the questions she is asked can be funny at time; for example “Do you have a pay phone,” but every question has an answer. She feels that if she can make a student’s day better with just a simple good morning or good afternoon, it makes her job worth it. Mama Judy welcomes everyone at the Visitor Center.
SPORT S
FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 2014
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KC bows out in semifinals
Rangers’ season ends with 64-48 loss FROM STAFF REPORTS The KC Rangers’ season came to an early end during the third round of the Region XIV tournament, as they could not overcome a tough Trinity Valley defense and lost, 64-48 at UT-Tyler. KC ended its season at 25-6 a year after making it to the NJCAA national tourney in Hutchinson, Kansas. This week, Paris is headed to the nationals after beating TVCC in the finals, 74-63. Jonathan Milligan led KC with 11 points, while Stefan Moody added eight. The Rangers opened the tournament with a pair of wins, beating San Jacinto, 78-65 in the opener. Stefan Moody was top scorer with 22 points, followed by Jamarcus Weatherspoon with 17 points and Milligan with 15.
KC took the opening game over Panola, 73-71. Moody again was top scorer with 20 points, while Milligan added 19 and Weatherspoon had 13. |———| For the season, Ole Miss-bound Moody led all scorers with a 17.8 scoring average, followed by Weatherspoon, who averaged 13.6 points per game and Milligan at 8.79 points. Tom Wamukota, headed to Wichita State, led on the boards with 186 rebounds, followed by Kalif Wright with 157. The Rangers, who were ranked as high as No. 2 nationally during the season, shot 49.4 percent from the field for the season while holding their opponents to 38.8 percent. They dominated in rebounding percentage 59.6 percent to 40.4 percent and in total rebounds — 1,081 to 733.
Kristopher Dobbins / THE FLARE
Jamarcus Weatherspoon gets up high with a dunk. Kristopher Dobbins / THE FLARE
Kalif Wright goes up and under two defenders.
Lady Rangers end season, lose to TJC DEVIN BROOKS Sports Writer
Chris Gracelea attempts to dribble pass a defender . Kristopher Dobbins / THE FLARE
The KC Lady Rangers ended their season on a sour note, losing to rival Tyler Junior College Lady Apaches, 69-52, in the first round of the Region XIV Tournament at UT-Tyler last week. KC started the game off behind, and they were not able to get themselves back in the game. KC trailed the entire game. They shot 30 percent from the field in the first half and shot 100 percent from the free throw line, but they trailed, 36-21, at the half. TJC shot an impressive 40 percent from the field and 33 percent from long distance in the
first half. In the second half, KC made a run at TJC, but time ran out. KC shot 41 percent from the field in the second half, improving their percentage from the first half, but TJC shot 48 percent from the field in the second half, also improving from their firsthalf shooting percentage. KC was outrebounded 34-29, and turned the ball over 19 times. Point Guard Sha ‘Georgia Williams recorded 12 points and two steals for the game, while shooting guard Imabong Akpan matched Williams’s 12 points and two steals and pulled down six rebounds. Post Pre’Franz Dominick recorded 10 points and grabbed eight boards.
KC finished the season with a record of 14-14 and a conference record of 8-10. Williams finished the season with 198 points scored on 42-percent field goal percentage. She had 49 assists and 21 steals on the year. Akpan led the team with 336 points scored, and she averaged 13 points a game. She also led the team in rebounds with and steals with 111 and respectively 62. KC shot 39 percent from the field for the season and 64 percent from the free throw line. They grabbed 873 rebounds as a team and averaged 34 rebounds per game. They scored 1,470 points for the season and averaged 57 points per game.
Rangers have a tough time during pre-Spring Break stint DEVIN BROOKS Sports Writer The KC Rangers went 0-6 in their contests just before Spring Break. They played in the Region XIV Crossover from Feb. 28-March 1 that was held in Longview. They next played conference foe Northeast Texas Community College on March 7 and were defeated twice, 4-1 and 6-5. KC is 6-19 on the season and 0-2 in conference play. KC played Angelina College to kick off the Crossover and lost 12-4. They started off the game strong but finished weak. They scored two runs in the first inning and two runs in the fifth inning. Second baseman Sara Aguilar was responsible for the runs in the first inning. She scored on a sacrifice fly that was hit by Lexi Lopez and she sent catcher Mariah Gougen home on a RBI triple.
Third baseman Lakin Kerby had an RBI single, and Bianca Van Vlerah stole third base to score at home plate. Pitcher Kayla Calvert pitched four innings and allowed 11 runs with five walks with six strikeouts. KC played Galveston College on March 1 the first game of three that they would play and was defeated 4-2. It was a defensive battle the entire game. Aguilar recorded one single, while Mariah Gougen had an RBI single that brought two runners home for the only score of game for KC. Calvert pitched all eight innings and allowed only one earned run with eight hits, four walks, and she retired two batters. KC then faced Alvin Community College in a high-powered offensive battle, but they lost 1513. Both teams’ bats were hot, but KC’s bats ran out of gas at the wrong time. Everybody
contributed in this game. KC mustered 13 hits, but as a team they needed some defense. Pitcher Kari Courtney pitched six innings and allowed 16 hits with four walks and four strikeouts. She allowed 15 runs and nine of them were earned. KC played their final game of the crossover against Butler College and were shut out 8-0. Aguilar recorded the lone hit of the game for KC. Calvert pitched four innings and allowed seven runs with four walks and four strikeouts. KC faced off against Northeast Texas Community College on March 7 and dropped both games. KC faced off against conference foe Paris Junior College on Wednesday. They next travel to Bossier City to take on Bossier Parrish Community College. The game will be at 1 p.m. Saturday March 21 in Bossier City.
Kayla Calvert pitches at the tournament on Feb. 28. Michael Brown / THE FLARE
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NEWS
FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 2014
LINSON: Book signing 2 p.m. April 24 at Watson Library FROM PAGE 1 hometown of Saddam Hussein, when his truck broke down. As his unit was waiting for his vehicle to be attached to the tow truck, he was instructed by his 1st Sergeant to run toward his vehicle, which was nearly a mile ahead of Linson’s. Linson was instructed to do so without any cover from the men in his unit. “My fellow soldiers told me that it was better me than them [who had to run by themselves],” he said. “During that run, with my weapon at the ready … I looked … and saw that no one in my unit was turning around to come and get me, but allowed me to run through the down town area of Tikrit alone.” It was by the grace of God, according to Linson, that he completed the run safely that day. Linson returned to the States in 2005, but
was deployed back to Iraq in 2006. This time, being deployed with a different unit, Linson had hopes that his second stint would not feature the abuse of his first; however, his hopes were in vain. According to Linson, the second time around was even worse than the first. The year before he left the Army, Linson began to consider writing about his experience. Just an idea at the time, he began writing a few months after being medically discharged. “I kept hearing about soldiers killing themselves [due to] being harassed,” Linson said. “When I heard a parent on national television wanting answers to their son’s death after they found out that [he] was being hazed or singled out, I knew I had to stand up and let the world know what is really going on.” Linson’s memoir serves to broadcast the message that homosexual men and women
are treated unfairly within the military system despite what is being reported. “Too many times … I cried out for help in the military and nothing was done for me,” he said. “Still today, there are some who… experience what I have been through [without the DADT policy].” The road to publishing his memoir was a long one Linson said. After finding an editor to help “fix” his story, Linson went through a company called “Lightning Source” to self-publish the book. The process was completed in 2012, and now The Untold Truth Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell can be found on shelves at Barnes & Nobles, Books-A-Million and Hastings. “Also, my book is available online at every retailer including iTunes,” Linson said. As for the reactions of his family and friends to Linson’s memoir, many were shocked as well as apologetic and sympathetic.
Most had no idea that he had been through such an experience. “…all in all, they were very happy that I wrote about my experience in the military, and they hope others will come out into the light and tell the world what has happened to them as well,” he said. Though it has been two years since the book first went on sale, Linson hopes to reach readers for many years to come. “I believe that there will be some who will support me and there will be those who will not,” Linson said. “…issues that deal with people’s lives, and how they have to live after what has happened to them, has to be addressed no matter what is said or not said. It only takes one person to step up to the plate, and that person is me.” A book promotion for The Untold Story Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 24 in the Randolph C. Watson Library.
COMPUTER: Test offered in fall FROM PAGE 1
Sara Holmes / THE FLARE
PHOTOGRAPHER’S FORUM FINALISTS Best of college photography 2014
Committee Wednesday, March 26. A committee formed of 14 KC instructors and staff has come up with competency requirements and is providing input for the test. “We are trying to test overall skills, not specific applications,” Crutcher said. “Although, it’s hard to test computer skills without getting some applicationbased testing involved.” At this point, the committee has 60 percent of the test coming from general computer concepts. “That could be hardware, software information, could be communicating, security, privacy issues, …operating a mouse, email, Internet … Pretty basic stuff,” Crutcher said. Forty percent of the test will be composed of application skill. The intent is to let a student pick from two out
of five application areas to be tested. These application areas would be word processing, spreadsheets, database, presentations or computer graphics. “I think we’re far enough along that there’s no doubt it’s coming out of the core. I think it’s coming out of the Associate of Arts and Associate of Science. I mean it’s in my area, and I suggested that we take it out of there, so I think everyone is comfortable with that,” Crutcher said. In conjunction with this test being offered, all two-year degrees have to be lowered to a 60 hour requirement. “We expect some degree plans to remove a computer course requirement, so I think that made it even more important for us to establish a computer competency requirement for graduation,” Crutcher said. The test will be a minimal cost in the $20 range.
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OPINION
FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 2014
Does it
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compute
Illustration by Cody Davis / THE FLARE
“My opinion is that it would be very successful for KC plans in the Fall semester. Also it will be a great test for computer literacy.”
“Living in the “internet” era, I believe requiring a computer literacy test is only understandable and reasonable.”
Michelle Chatman Houston Freshman
Alan Zamarron Gilmer Sophomore
can cut down on the idiots that get into college.”
Colton Wager Diana Freshman
Photographs by Maria Zapata & Stormy Scott / THE FLARE
YOUR VIEW
KC plans to require a computer literacy test for all students in the Fall. What is your opinion on this?
“Mainly all the younger adults use a computer, just the older
Gregory Harris Henderson Sophomore
Computer literacy test decision right call in technological world
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he new hot topic around campus is that BCIS, known as Business Computer Information Systems, will not technically be required anymore toward your degree. Students will be required in the fall to take a computer literacy test. If they don’t pass, they will have to take the computer course. Even though the class is a lot of work and can be confusing at times, we believe it is a class students need to take for our society today if they don’t pass the computer literacy test. Think about a normal day and all the technology we use, from texting on our phone to typing an email on your computer. Texting hasn’t even been around all of our generation’s life. The fact that there is a portable computer like a laptop now is not an old concept either. The point we are trying to get across is
technology is rapidly changing around us and will continue to change. We cannot lag behind the times. We have to move forward and adapt to the changes in technology, because after all it’s a way of life. Some argue their future occupation will not require work with computers. Most of us in college are in our twenties, and – let’s be honest –we don’t know what our life holds. You might graduate with a degree, then realize once we’re in the work field, that is not what you want to do. Most everything these days deal with technology; for example even cosmetology. Being technology competent is absolutely necessary these days. Having to pass a basic computer literacy test needs to be a minimum requirement. If students can’t, then it makes sense to require them to take a basic computer course.
Living in the ‘real’ world isn’t always easy
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hen I was growing up I always said I couldn’t wait to move out and be in the “real world.” I hated having to share things with my siblings and having to get permission from my parents to do most anything. As soon as I could move out on my own I did. My sister and I got our own house together after she moved up here from Corpus Christi. I loved it at first. I didn’t have a curfew or have to listen to what anyone said. I could do whatever it was I wanted, but that didn’t last long. My sister and I fought a lot growing up, so of course once we moved in together I was worried. Even though we had some really rough patches it worked out great in the end for the both of us. I no longer live with my sister. She has now moved back to Corpus Christi. I now stay at my boyfriend’s house or my parents.
Although I stay with my parents it doesn’t make it feel like I’m not on my own. I still have to pay for rent, food, gas and everything else I want. My parents help me when I need it but I don’t like to ask for it often. They also pay my cell phone bill and my car insurance but that’s only until I graduate. For someone living in the “real world” I have TORY VAN learned it isn’t as easy as BLARCUM our parents make it out to Features be. Between time, money, fun and rest it can get Editor stressful. As time has gone on since I moved out of my parents’ house, I have realized the “real world” isn’t always that easy. There are bills
The Flare EXECUTIVE EDITOR Ashley Morales
ILLUSTRATOR Cody Davis
ASSISTANT EDITOR
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ADVISER
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always to be paid, you always need food and gas in the car. All these things are needed when you have the least amount of money in your bank account, or so it seems that way. As a full-time student at KC, a writer for The Flare and part-time employee at Cavender’s, I think I have learned how to balance time. The first couple semesters were hard for me due to my lack of time management, but I have managed to get better at it. I’m not going to say I’m always great at managing time, but I can say compared to how I used to, I’ve gotten pretty good at it. When it comes to fun I often feel like I never have any until I sit back and look at everything I do. I love going to the racetrack on Saturday nights or taking photos or even just laying around watching a movie with my boyfriend, Chris. Chris has helped me learn how balance many things on my plate, since he was at
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one time where I am now in my life. He really has been a big support to me with everything I do. When it comes time for him to go racing or just work on the race car I always want to be there with him. Even if I’m only holding the flashlight for him while he works on the car. My parents and siblings have always and will always be the backbone to my support team. They have always been able to pick me up when I’m down and when I need it knock me down, too. With so much going on in my life right now, I often wonder how will I ever be able to handle being a wife and mother one day, not that I’m planning that anytime soon. I am happy to be living in the “real world,” but at times it can be very hard and not fair. Who ever said life was fair? Tory Van Blarcum is a journalism major from Corpus Christi.
LETTERS THE FLARE welcomes any letter to the editor and encourages all readers to use this as a sounding board to express thoughts and opinions on current campus-related topics. We also welcome news or feature ideas. Due to space limitations, letters should be as concise as possible and may still be edited for space. Letters must be signed and include an address and telephone number so that we can verify their authenticity. Letters should be
DISCLAIMER THE FLARE is the student newspaper of Kilgore College and is published every Friday by the journalism department, except during examination periods and vacations. First copy is free, subsequent copies are available for 50 cents. THE FLARE is a member of the Texas Community College Journalism Association and the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association. All people holding editorial staff positions are Kilgore College journalism students.
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NEWS
FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 2014
Charity Mezzell / THE FLARE
Long time English instructor Bennie Brown and Anthony Saccoccio stand in front of the building at 906 Broadway that he plans to convert into a private dormitory.
Bennie Hall in the Fall
Local developer and former KC student plans private dorm just off campus DEZIRAE BURNETT Assistant Editor
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or 25 years, the building that stands at 905 Broadway Blvd., across from the Back Porch, served as a women’s crisis shelter. At the beginning of the Fall Semester, it will be a redesigned, remodeled, privately owned dormitory for international and nursing students. Anthony Saccoccio, a senior partner with S.E.D. Development and a KC student from 1996 to 2000, took on the project nearly a year ago with the acquisition of the property. When he first presented his idea to Chris Gore with new student relations, he sensed Gore’s skepticism about the project. A couple of weeks after their first meeting, Saccoccio contacted Gore again about his plans for the dorm, showing his persistence. After presenting Gore with drawings of the prospected building weeks after that, Saccoccio had his full attention. According to Saccoccio, when the college realized he was serious about the residence, he was given their full cooperation. “A lot of colleges view private housing as competition,” Saccoccio said, “but I don’t think that’s the case here. We both strive to
offer the best scenario to meet the students’ needs and our combined efforts will provide more diversified options.” While still a student at KC, Saccoccio met “the most beautiful, vivacious woman,” of his life. “And that was Mrs. Bennie Brown,” he said. “That’s why I’m naming this building after her. This will be ‘Bennie Hall.’” In preparation for building the residence, Saccoccio began meeting with college students from across the East Texas area to get a feel for what they wanted in a dorm. “I was surprised that of all the things they said they wanted, they wanted refrigerators in their rooms and microwaves,” Saccoccio said. “And they wanted vending machines, so I redrew the floor plans for vending machines.” Additionally, he spent a number of days at a convention in Las Vegas that focused on student housing. The building, when completed, is estimated to have accommodations for 57 full-time residents. Saccoccio’s plan, because the dorm will be available to both male and female students, is to have the residence laid out into four, key-card-only accessible zones. Security, Saccoccio said, is a major factor for this project. On security alone, he is spending around $100,000. Residents will require a key-card to access
the front door, the common rooms, and their respective living zones. Residents will require a key-card to access the front door and the common areas, with separately coded access to their respective living zones. Because it will be co-ed, women’s cards will not allow for entrance to male zones and vice versa. A male and female residence adviser will be on duty at all times as well, who will work on labor-exchange, meaning rooms will be free for them. Common areas will be accessible to all residents, which will include two full kitchens, multiple “little study rooms tucked away,” a living room with two flat-screen T.V.s, and a video game room. The dorm will also feature both garage, and lot parking for residents, on-site card/cash operated laundry, Wi-Fi and a community coin-operated printer. Saccoccio’s plans are primarily focused on affordability and community. Having traveled as much as he has, as he worked overseas for 10 years before returning to the States, Saccoccio wants the residence to embody a type of “hostel” environment, much like what a traveler would experience while back-backing across Europe for a price that is obtainable for anyone. When the dorm opens, the starting boarding
price will be approximately $1000 per semester. “It figures out to be about $250 a month, all bills paid.” Saccoccio said. With the kitchens, microwave and refrigerator access, Bennie Hall residents will also not be required to pay for a meal plan, thus cutting the cost of living “on-campus” even more. Saccoccio said is not about making money in the least. He has already made the decision that all the common room furniture will be made in Texas. “That’s big to me,” he said. “I could save a couple bucks [going with something foreign made], but I don’t want to.” His main objective is to create a place to rest for busy nursing students, and a welcoming living environment for students who are new to the country. To help ease the transition, starting in May, prospective residents of Bennie Hall will be able to access an online-dating style roommate matching service, where they can find a roommate best suited for them. The benefit to this is that residence will not have to live with a complete stranger, and their living styles will be similar, hopefully opening the door for automatic friendships. “Those are the stories that I’m after – the friendships made,” Saccoccio said.
Night safety KCPD chief, students share advice to be safe in the dark ELLEN REID Staff Writer
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ight classes can make some people feel uneasy since they usually involve walking in a dark parking lot when the class is over. Kitty Mitcham, Kilgore sophomore, explains what precautions she takes. “I take night classes at the Longview campus, so being over there makes me a little cautious,” Mitcham said. She said she makes sure to park close to the building because it helps her to avoid walking across the street or a long distance by herself. “I always make sure I have my keys and phone in my hand so I
Photo Illustration by Laura Hernandez / THE FLARE
KCPD Chief Cariker advises students to move in pairs at night.
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won’t be delayed when I get to my car,” Mitcham said. Heath Cariker, KC chief of police and director of public safety, also has a few tips to ensure safety of night class students. “When walking in and out of the building, stay in a lighted area if possible, and try to stay in a group of two or more,” Cariker said. He also advised when going to your car to leave campus, look at your vehicle and if there is a suspicious person by your car waiting in the parking lot, go back inside and wait until they are gone, or call the KC police. Cariker said to look at your car and make sure it is not damaged and has no one inside. As soon as you’re in your car, lock the doors. “It doesn’t hurt to call someone
either and let them know your leaving campus,” said Cariker. The KC police are on the Kilgore campus 24/7 and check the campus through the night to make sure it is safe. However, the Longview campus’ police leave about an hour and a half after the building is empty. “It is real important to put the number into your cell phones,” Cariker said about the KC police phone number. He explains that if something is to happen, it would help to have the number in your cell phone instead of having to rummage around for it in a hostile situation. The number to save and for more information is 903-983-8650 for the Kilgore campus and 903-236-2011 for the Longview campus.
I always make sure I have my keys and phone in hand so I won’t be delayed when I get to my car.” — Kitty Mitcham
Liberty City sophomore