Join us in celebrating the Month of the Military Child!
APRIL 2012
CYSS Annual Volksmarch - April 12 Time: 9 a.m.-11 a.m. Where: Building 44401, 44th Street, CDC Main Annual march for CDC Main, CDC East, CDC West, Pre-K and FCC programs beginning at CDC Main. More info: (706) 791-7270
Month of the Military Child Carnival - April 21 Time: 9:45 a.m.-3 p.m. Where: Barton Field Admission is free! Pony rides arts and crafts concessions family book reading SKIES instructor demos and more! More info: (706) 791-7270
The Tortoise Vs the Hare: Missoula Children’s Theatre - April 28 Time: 1 p.m. Saturday Where: Alexander Hall Admission is free! Auditions on April 23, 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. at the Fort Gordon Youth Services Gym, Building 45410 More info: (706) 793-8552
www.fortgordon.com | 1
Contents 50
40
44
JOIN US IN CELEBRATING THE MONTH OF THE MILITARY CHILD!
From the cover Sometime last year - and I forget exactly where and when - one of our readers suggested we should ask people to submit photos of their military children and place them all on the cover. So, here we are. We thought it was a fantastic idea and it was - we just didn’t count on this massive response! Thank you to all our contributing parents and thank you to all the children. Enjoy your celebrations!
APRIL 2012
2 | FYI APRIL 2012
21
APRIL 2012 In Every Issue
Features
5 Editor’s Notes 7 Around Town Calendar 8 Events with Swami 9 Your Health 10 Reflections 11 Customer Care Zone 13 Restaurant Reviews 15 Financial Fundamentals 16 Service Member Stories 19 Letters From Home 19 Boots on the Ground 27 This Month in MWR 55 From the Bookshelf 57 Tech Ninja 59 Movie Review 61 Director’s Chair 63 Snapshot 64 Next 65 In Focus
21
Earth Day Are you an active steward of our earth? And what are others doing? We take a peek at earth-friendly habits such as converting from paper to ebooks, local resources and national trends.
40 Who You Gonna Call? Fort Gordon’s 9-1-1 Center is a vital hub of activity. Its team works diligently and around the clock to ensure the safety of each member of our community. Want to see a ridiculous amount of monitoring equipment? Just turn to page 40.
44 Month of the Military Child Observances are often accused of excluding others, but the Month of the Military Child provides everyone the chance to put our tiniest of service members on the pedestals they deserve! The resilience and strength demonstrated by our military children are qualities some of us only dream to possess. We are honored to feature some of these miniature heroes on our cover and in the pages of this issue.
50
It’s National Poetry Month People!!! During Poetry Month, we are encouraged to fall in love with the world around us and speak this love through the golden art of poetry. Susie Joyner explains exactly why we should get our words on!
Contributors Heather Addis
Jeff Haskell
Kathleen Haskell
Nathan Hoeller
Jenifer Immer
Susie Joyner
Arial Marsh
Rachael Sosa
Vanessa Stanley
Jerry Swain
Molly Swift
Steve Walpert
Shawn Williams
Alice Wynn
Mike Reed
www.fortgordon.com | 3
CE
reative Cuisine xceptional Service Gordon’s Conference & Catering provides dining, conference and catering solutions. Our experienced staff wants to help you with your special occasion: birthdays, hail & farewells, conferences, weddings and more! Dine With Us! Gordon’s Conference & Catering serves a wide array of hot and cold items Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Choose from our daily specials, hot sandwiches, buffet or salad bar. We also serve Starbucks coffee! For a complete menu, pick up the MWR Dining Guide or find us online at www.fortgordon.com. Catering Our catering services are second to none in quality and flexibility! We are here to serve you, so let us help you design a beautiful celebration, professional networking conference or formal gathering. Need off-site catering? No problem. Contact our catering manager, Janice Ivey, for more information.
19th Street, Building 18402 • (706) 791-6780 • Fax (706) 793-7414 4 | FYI APRIL 2012
editor’snotes Molly Swift, Editor
APRIL 2012
The Fort Gordon FYI is a publication produced by the Marketing Office of the Fort Gordon Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare & Recreation. The appearance of sponsorship and/or advertising does not imply an endorsement by the U.S. Army.
Staff
Molly Swift Editor Nathan Hoeller Creative Director Bartley Harper Senior Graphic Designer/Webmaster Jenifer Immer Graphic Designer Heather Addis Staff Writer Arial Marsh Staff Writer
This month we celebrate the Month of the Military Child. It is a celebration near and dear to many, but it is especially poignant this time of year. Symbolically, spring is the time of birth, growth and renewal. There is no better time to honor our military kids – the children who follow in the footsteps of our heroes. Rather than rambling on, I’m going to allow a Military Child to speak for me. We first printed Samhari Stanley’s poem, Little Strength, in 2010, and it strikes me as powerful today as it did the first time I read it – so it has to be shared again. Enjoy the celebrations children of Fort Gordon – this is for you and you deserve it! Little Strength How do you describe a person so brave yet so small? A person who loves their country And would never let it fall A person who deals with absence of loved ones that are dear Not always knowing where they are But want them back home and near
Command
They are not alone Because people like them are there People who deal with the same issues People like them who care
MG Alan R. Lynn Commanding General COL Robert A. Barker Garrison Commander
DFMWR Administration
Mr. James T. Green Director, DFMWR Kim Lyons Marketing Director
These are the ones in the shadows of heroes They’re special members in the family Who tie the yellow ribbons For the heroes who keep us free A little one who deals with changes And lives a life that is far from mild A life of travel, strength and pride Is normal for a military child
FYI Advertising and Sales
Anna Gaillard Corporate Sponsorship & Sales Manager
By: Samhari Stanley
Contact Information
Darling Hall, Room 337 P.O. Box 7180 Fort Gordon, GA 30905 Office.................................................. 706.791.6779 Fax...................................................... 706.791.7189 Editor................................................... 706.791.6234 Sales.................................................... 706.791.3912
www.fortgordon.com
Like us!
www.Facebook.com/FYIMagazine www.fortgordon.com | 5
A BOOK YOUR MASTERS WEEK TEE TIMES ®
Tee Time Patrons* E1-E5 E-6 & above or DoD
MON-THUR $35 $55 $60 Guests of Authorized Patrons (Military or DoD) $70 Civilians $90 NB: Replays are $30.00 per player
FRI-SUN $40 $60 $65 $75 $100
After 2:00 p.m. $30 $50 $55 $55 $75
GORDON LAKES GOLF COURSE For Masters® week pricing and more information, call 706-791-2433
Open to the Public “Voted the #1 Golf Course in the Army” by PGA.com
Remember, all patrons 16 and over must have a photo I.D. to enter Fort Gordon. If you do not have a DoD I.D. Card or current Pass, you must enter through Gate 1 on Gordon Highway. *All Masters® Week pricing includes greens fees and cart fees. Golf carts are mandatory daily until 4:30 p.m. Rates drop $10.00 after 4 p.m. 6 | FYI APRIL 2012
Around Town April
Rock Fore! Dough
3
Gates open: 3 p.m. Yes, it’s that time again! Enjoy this annual concert held the first Tuesday during the Masters Golf Tournament. Artists, including Corey Smith, NEEDTOBREATHE and The Farm Inc., will join Darius Rucker on the main stage. Also, this year, for the first time, Rock Fore! Dough will be adding a side stage to bring more music to the concert. For more information, check out the website www.rockforedough.com/.
First Tee of Augusta | 3165 Damascus Road | Augusta GA
Sixth Annual Undercover Artists Show 7 p.m. Join the Walton Foundation for Independence for the 6th Annual Undercover Artists Show, benefiting Camp To Be Independent. More than 100 local artists, community leaders and celebrities donate original pieces of art to this annual event – with a twist. All artists’ names are hidden until the very end of the silent auction – so that each piece can be judged and bid upon based on its own merit and appeal to the bidder. All proceeds from the Undercover Artists Show will benefit Walton Foundation’s Camp To Be Independent, a five day spend the night camp for children, ages 8-21, with an acquired traumatic brain injury. For information, contact (706) 8265809 or alsalley@wrh.org.
12
Lawn of Walton Rehabilitation Health System | 1355 Independence Drive | Augusta GA
The Mass Chaos Tour featuring Godsmack and Staind 13 6.30 p.m. Fellow New England platinum rock bands, Staind and Godsmack are doing a co-headline tour, which their fans voted to name, THE MASS CHAOS TOUR. The Tour will kick off April 13th in Augusta, at James Brown Arena. Also playing are Halestorm and Man Made Machine. For tickets, call (877) 428-4849. For more information, go to www.augustaentertainmentcomplex.com.
James Brown Arena | 601 Seventh Street | Augusta GA
Sacred Heart Garden Festival Join Sacred Heart Cultural Center for its Annual Garden Festival; see the finest examples of landscape and floral displays created by the best designers in the area. Enjoy exhibits, lectures, entertainment, unique Garden Market vendors and tour private gardens throughout Augusta! Funds raised go to support the beautiful Cultural Center. For more information, call (706) 8264700 or go to www.sacredheartgardenfestival.com.
27-29
Sacred Heart | 1301 Greene Street | Augusta GA
www.fortgordon.com | 7
eventswithswami Spring Fest 2012
Jerry “Swami” Swain, Special Events Coordinator
When you start seeing robins hoping around in the yard and lilies in bloom, you know spring is on the way. Joining the robins and lilies is Fort Gordon’s Spring Fest 2012! As you may know, Family & MWR continues to bring you world class events and Spring Fest is a safe and fun celebration for all those who have braved the past winter season. The event offers a carnival with awesome rides and skill games to entertain you and the kids! We will have music throughout the day and the evening for your listening pleasure featuring, among others, our very own United States Army Signal Corps Band and many more accompanying entertainers. The ever-growing, incredibly huge Flea Market starts at 9 a.m. The celebrations will entail: Pony Rides - Vendor Village - BOSS Car, Truck and Bike Show - Level Up! Gaming Tent – Eudora Farms Petting Zoo - Kids Activities - BellyRok Belly Dancing! So, as you’re reading this, you might be impressed, but if you ask yourself “Where is the WOW factor Swami?” … Well, how about we added a fireworks show and it isn’t even Independence Day! Why burn up gas, time and your money traveling two hours or more to a distant theme park, when you can just stay at home and have a piece of mind and fun with the community? See you there!
Spring Fest 2012 Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
MAY 3 MAY 4 MAY 5 MAY 6
4-10 p.m. 4 p.m.-1 a.m. 10 a.m.-1 a.m. Noon-7 p.m.
The Most Unique and Interactive Party Environment ANYWHERE! For information, visit: www.gamelinklounge.com
Coming Soon to:
Building 25722, B Street | 706-791-0785 | Open to the Public! 8 | FYI APRIL 2012
yourhealth April is National Donate Life Month Kathleen Haskell, DDEAMC
Have you met an organ transplant recipient? Is a friend or family member awaiting a transplant? Have you heard about a family who supported their loved one’s decision to donate organs and tissue? This April, during the federally sanctioned National Donate Life Month, LifeLink® of Georgia honors the spirit of those individuals who make transplants possible – organ, tissue and eye donors. We celebrate the lives of those who received their second chance – and finally, we call attention to the more than 112,000 – over 3,400 of whom are local – men, women and children who still wait across the United States. Sergeant Robert Pierce followed in the footsteps of both his grandfather and father when he joined the Army in 1997, where he eventually worked as a Blackhawk Crew Chief. While serving his country in Iraq during late 2004, Robert experienced recurrent complications triggered by a rough helicopter landing. Not long after, while performing
routine procedures before a flight mission, Robert felt intense pain throughout his neck and back. He was rushed to local emergency medical care and then flown back to the United States. Doctors diagnosed him with herniated discs, which pressed on his cervical cord and caused temporary paralysis on his right side. With the help of a tissue transplant Robert is back at his post, and no longer experiences constant pain. While still recovering through physical therapy, Robert looks forward to getting back to the outdoor activities he enjoys and traveling around the world. Organ donation, with the primary exception of living kidney donation, takes place after death and provides the gift of life to tens of thousands each year through heart, kidney, lung, liver, and pancreas or intestine transplants. Without the generosity of organ donors, those waiting will die. To become a donor, sign up on Georgia’s donor registry when you renew your driver
license or identification card, or visit www. donatelifegeorgia.org and tell your family about your decision. Visit www.lifelinkfound.org or call 1-800-544-6667 with questions about organ and tissue donation. “This month we challenge everyone to focus on the lives saved by transplantation and the continued need which grows every day in our communities,” says Kathleen Lilly, Executive Director of LifeLink® of Georgia. “Please make a commitment to learn more about donation. One organ & tissue donor can help as many as 60 people. Your commitment today can make all the difference for those in desperate need.” LifeLink® of Georgia is a non-profit community service organization dedicated to the recovery of organs and tissues for transplantation. For more information contact Tracy G. Ide, Public Affairs Coordinator, LifeLink® of Georgia, at (706) 854-0333 or toll free at 800-544-6667; email: tracy.ide@ lifelinkfound.org.
www.fortgordon.com | 9
Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage. -Lao Tzu
CH ST POINTES WEST ARMY RESORT’S
May 26 • 12 p.m.-6 p.m. Join us at Pointes West Army Resort this Memorial Day weekend for a FUN filled day of music, food, games, and prizes! Bring your friends and family and relax on our white sandy beach, or go for a swim to cool down from the hot sun. Come celebrate Memorial Day the traditional way! Beach Area opens at 10 a.m., so come early to reserve your space! Games and prizes for all ages • Music provided by DJ Horseshoe and Volleyball Tournament Canoe and Kayak Rentals • Parasailing www.fortgordon.com
10 | FYI april 2012
customercarezone The Child, Youth and School Services (CYSS) Youth Program Jeff Haskell, Customer Service Program Coordinator
On January 22, 2012, the Associated Press reported nearly 40% of Georgia’s 6500 child day care programs in Georgia failed to meet the state’s standards for children’s health and safety at least once in the past four years. Most of these centers are still open. Fortunately, you don’t need to worry about this if your child attends any Fort Gordon child care program. All Army child care facilities are inspected annually by a team from the Department of the Army. Additionally, every Army child care facility is inspected by the nationally recognized Council on Accreditation every five years. Accreditation by this agency is not required in Georgia. In recognition of the Month of the Military Child, I’m going to highlight our very own Fort Gordon CYSS Youth Program and tell you what makes it among the best in the CSRA and the Army as a whole. Evelyn Guzman, the Youth Program Facility Director, describes the Youth Program as, “An after school program serving youth in grades 6 thru 12. During the school year – except vacations – we are also open on Saturdays. We provide after school transportation from eight area schools to our facility. We are working on adding additional schools. We have an active partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America; this allows us to offer a variety of clubs and development programs like the Keystone & Torch Leadership Club, Money Matters to help them manage money, Smart Moves, and the Personal Responsibility Education Program to help them make healthy choices in 13 critical areas they will encounter as teenagers such as peer pressure, drug use, the importance of waiting until marriage to have intercourse, and abusive relationships.” Coincidentally, while I was there I noticed a young girl excitedly asking if there was a going to be a ‘Healthy Relationships’ class that day. I thought to myself, “Teenagers looking forward to going to a class? I must be on Fantasy Island because stuff like this just doesn’t happen.” In addition to character building, the Youth Program provides free tutoring for all enrollees. Crystal Cook, the program’s homework technician, does a phenomenal job in helping her customers achieve academic excellence. “My young adults look at me as their second mom. They know I mean business when it’s about their school work and grades. I’m constantly emphasizing the importance of an education.” Crystal was very humble about
how she influences the lives of young adults. However, her peers were quick to point out over half of the students she tutors are on the A-B honor roll! Say what? Crystal, whatever you’re doing please keep doing it! Of course, there is a wide assortment of tools to help the youth learn. There is even a computer lab and – in the “How cool is that?” category – they have robotics kits to design, build, program, and operate a robot. What else is there to do? Multiple activities. Rhonda Stacy, a Child and Youth Program Assistant (CYPA) talked about the fitness area of the program. “We offer a year-round club called Triple Play. Our team travels locally to play other teams. The transportation, uniforms, coaching, etc. are all free.” Nina Green, another CYPA, focuses on the arts. “I run our drama club and teach painting, drawing and photography. Of course, all the materials are free of charge.” Neissette Sanders, the most recent addition to this awesome staff, is always looking at ways to expand and add new activities. “Currently I’m looking into adding fitness classes, hiking and swimming. I am always looking for suggestions on what our youth would like.” JoAnn Lamberty talked about the special activities, which happen at least once a month. “We’ve had New Year’s and Mardi Gras Parties, fashion shows, dances and field trips.” Program Specialist, Darrel Butler was especially excited about the special event for
the Month of the Military Child. “On April 27th we have a non-stop action lock-in that our teens will remember for a long, long time. We are going to be up all night doing things like going to Adventure Crossing, skating, basketball and ping pong tournaments, dancing, and then eat breakfast before we send them home when the sun comes up.” CYPA Amber Perry added, “The teens really like when we have lock-ins. I think parents like it, too, because they don’t have to worry about what their teenagers are doing.” Everyone talked about Youth Camps that are held when school is out. Evelyn stated, “I’ve had parents come to me totally amazed that their 16 or 17 year-old actually gets out of bed on their own at six a.m. to go to camp!” I don’t know about you, but for me this is getting way too creepy! First these teenagers want to attend classes, many are on the A-B honor roll, and now they get up early because they like going to camp! Sort of reminds me of a teenage version of the Stepford Wives. Perhaps Evelyn summed up the Youth Program best when she said, “Our sense of teamwork and love of what we do shows. We have great communication skills, listen to our youth, and truly care about them. The teens know it and that’s why they like being here. For us, where else can you get paid to do what you love the most: talk, play, hang out and help shape the next generation of Americans?”
Nina Green, Rhonda Stacy, Darrel Butler, Evelyn Guzman, JoAnn Lamberty, Nace Sanders, Amber Perry and Crystal Cook
www.fortgordon.com | 11
FORT GORDON
EXCHANGE EVENTS Easter Event
To subscribe to our texting service, Text
MWR to 70720
Our texting service provides you with information about upcoming events and programs as well as competitions and give-aways!
April 7 • 1130 AM • Main Exchange
Easter Egg Hunt and FREE pictures with the Easter Bunny!
Masters Specials! April 1-30 • Class Six
Enter to win 1 of 2 $50 Exchange Gift Cards when you use your Military Star Card!
Tony Howard DJ, Karaoke and More . . . Let Tony add the Spice to your Party! For Unit Parties, Hail and Farewells, Graduation Parties, Weddings, Anniversaries, or any Celebration. Oldies • Country • Hip-Hop • Rock • Slide
Main Exchange Building #38200 Avenue of the States (706) 791 - 7171 www.shopmyexchange.com
12 | FYI april 2012
Everybody Knows Tony . . . For More Information, Call 706-829-5924
restaurantreviews
The views and opinions expressed by the contributors to this page (express or implied, contractual, tortious or otherwise) are not necessarily those of Fort Gordon or FYI Magazine. FYI Magazine is not paid by the restaurant for a positive or negative review. We do not hold back the negative reviews; however, a bad review does not mean the restaurant is a bad restaurant.
Azteca Maya
Teresa’s
Nacho Mama’s
194 South Belair Road, Martinez 706.863-5631
235 Boyscout Road, Augusta 706.737.8917
976 Broad Street, Augusta 706.724.0501
The service, whether you’re a first timer or a regular, is heartfelt. The staff treats everyone warmly and the owner greets everyone, including the regulars by name. The food is cooked fast but after tasting it you would swear it took all day to prepare! The taste is authentic, the portions are hearty and the atmosphere is family friendly. Out of all our duty stations, this is my family’s favorite Mexican restaurant!
Teresa’s Restaurante Mexicano offers something for everyone, from traditional Mexican to Tex-Mex, daily specials on food and drinks and combination plates for both dinner and lunch. Their wait staff is efficient and helpful and the food practically leaps from the menu to the plate. While it was a bit too cold to sit out on their giant deck, Teresa’s is still the perfect place to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.
This established, Mexican-inspired restaurant is laid-back, casual and you do the leg work. Nacho Mama’s keeps its overheads low and its output high by taking food orders and serving generous portions at the cash register. Plentiful variety, original items and affordable prices makes this a great place to hang out with friends or family. The Copan Burrito is yummy; eaten while listening to fabulous music – I love this place!
ESTABLISHMENT
ESTABLISHMENT
ESTABLISHMENT
Service Cleanliness
Service Cleanliness
Service Cleanliness
FOOD
FOOD
FOOD
Presentation Taste Quality/Freshness
Presentation Taste Quality/Freshness
Presentation Taste Quality/Freshness
AVERAGE PRICING
$10 & Under
AVERAGE PRICING
$10 & Under
AVERAGE PRICING
$10 & Under
www.fortgordon.com | 13
14 | FYI APRIL 2012
financialfundamentals Money Saving Tips for Parents to Be Rachael Sosa, ACS, Financial Readiness Specialist
Clothes on a Budget: $ Do not buy baby clothes too far in advance. It is very hard to predict what size your little one will be several months from now. That winter coat you bought in September may be outgrown before the cold weather actually arrives! $ Buy secondhand clothes – especially the special-occasion outfits. Clothing can be found in our local community at the Thrift Store or local consignment stores. You can also find great buys at garage sales. You can also consign your babies’ clothes as they grow out of their clothes. $ Lose the shoes. Babies grow so fast they will not get much use out of them. Buy used if you are going to buy. Gear Up for Less: $ Look for furniture and accessories that
do double duty.
Budget Breastfeeding:
$ Buy just one or two bottles before your baby is born. You will need to determine first if your child will take them.
$ Nurse if you possibly can! Not only is it healthy, it can save you over $1,000 in your child’s first year!
$ Set up a photo Website. Post your baby pictures online for free at places like snapfish.com or shutterfly.com so that you can share with family and friends.
$ Borrow a breast pump.
$ Test-drive a stroller before you buy it. $ Keep a baby-care bag in your car. It should have three diapers, a tube of ointment, a travel pack of wipes, an extra outfit, and (if your child eats solid foods), a small snack. This way, when you forget your diaper bag on an outing, you will not end up buying one or all of these items on an expensive, a la carte basis. $ Buy in bulk. Diapers and formula can be bought in bulk from Costco or Sam’s Club for big savings.
$ Do not rush to buy a breastfeeding wardrobe. Since you will spend most of your baby’s first couple of weeks indoors anyway, wait at least that long and make sure you are committed to breastfeeding before you buy clothes for nursing in public. Those $20 nursing tees really add up! Food for Thought: $ Sign up for baby-food company newsletters and coupon offers. $ Make some of your own baby food. There are great baby food processors available to assist you in making your own food.
www.fortgordon.com | 15
16 | FYI APRIL 2012
How do you combine a personal passion with everyday responsibilities? Ask SPC Will Wilson. Soldier by day and thespian by night, this dental lab tech is 100% committed to being a Soldier, but he is madly in love with acting. Originally from Indianapolis, Wilson grew up surrounded by Military family members, but says he really wasn’t influenced by them to sign up for the Army life, “I didn’t know much about myself when I was a teenager. I knew I could be funny, some people thought I could sing and I knew I could be an actor. My dad was in the Navy, as was one of my uncles and another was in the Army. He’s a Vietnam veteran. But I never thought about the military until I was 18.” Wilson originally signed up while in high school, but he didn’t swear in or attend basic until October, 2004. The reason? Acting and auditioning for the American Musical and Dramatic Academy was calling his name. The same day and at the same time he was due to attend his audition American Idol was also holding auditions in Chicago. His friends encouraged him to try out for the popular music talent show – but Wilson chose to pursue his dreams of acting and went to the AMDA audition instead. Unfortunately, despite compliments and encouragement from the auditioning panel, he didn’t make it. So it was back to Indiana and to the Army. “The Army changed my life. It had never crossed my mind because I had always wanted to act. But, I love it – I love being a Soldier,” Wilson explains, “almost as much as I love acting.” Why? It’s made him realize things about himself; Wilson was pegged as a leader during basic and feels a sense of accomplishment fulfilling that role. “Once I joined the Army, I was set apart – I don’t know if it was the environment that made it click in my mind, but I knew I was a leader. It’s very easy for me to take a group of Soldiers and, in the midst
of chaos, encourage and lead them to doing something better.” SPC Wilson is a dental lab tech at the Army Dental Lab – he creates dentures and other dental items to order, which are then shipped to wherever they are needed. In fact, Fort Gordon’s dental lab is the only one that exists in support of the Army. This means all the Army dental support needed throughout the world is provided by folks like Wilson. It’s rewarding, he tells me, “We are creators of teeth – doctors send us the order and we do the rest.” Anticipating a promotion to Sergeant, Wilson is also considering a change of scenery – he wants to branch off and is hoping to become a Warrant Officer in order to achieve another goal - to be a flight pilot. He says it will lead him to influencing others, which he is excited about. Since 2004, his focus has been on being a Soldier. In 2004 while at Fort Irwin, Wilson competed for and won Soldier of the Year for the Western region. Since then, he’s been through Lab School in Texas, then onto Germany and lastly arrived here in 2011. Although he hasn’t yet, he has volunteered to deploy because, he says, that’s his obligation. “I don’t like sitting back and seeing my brothers and sisters in arms going out there. I would like to be a part of that. Not for glory, not for a war story, but for all of us.” Regardless, acting remains an infatuation. “I was 4 or 5 years old and I saw Stand by Me. That movie changed me – it was so powerful and it showed me the power of acting. It was real to me; watching these boys go on this journey. I hated Kiefer Sutherland because of that movie; right up until a few years ago when I realized that hatred stemmed from seeing Stand by Me! I saw him in something else and thought “Man, he’s a really good actor!” and if I could meet him, I would tell him I’m a big fan and I’d tell him that story.” Wilson’s tone changes
as he talks about acting – he becomes more animated, engaged, with a huge grin. Placed on the back burner for seven years, it wasn’t until Wilson participated in Operation Rising Star at Fort Gordon in 2011 that he discovered the Entertainment Program. Program manager, Steve Walpert, told Wilson there was plenty of opportunity for him to perform on stage at the Fort Gordon Dinner Theatre. Impressed by Steve and his wife, Betty, Wilson auditioned for the first show he could – Children of Eden. Children of Eden is an unconventional musical based on the story of Genesis and looks at the relationships of Adam, Eve, Noah and the “Father” who created them and how they deal with the actions of their children. The production itself was challenging for Wilson, the actor. “It’s a powerful story from the Bible. But there is something about this show that just grips you at the heart and does not let go.” Wilson was cast as Cain; a character he says is misunderstood, “I didn’t feel like I could portray someone who is filled with so much rage – so much pain. I think he just needed to feel loved and nobody took the time to understand him. If you are not paying attention to a child and they are trying to talk to you, they’re going to get mad; they’re going to act out in whatever way possible to get that attention. And in this play, we are dealing with the first people on earth, so nobody knew anything about the need for approval, or the need to be appreciated.” We could talk for hours about the art of acting – the portrayal of others and their experiences allow us to connect with people around us in a way not found in many other art forms. But, for now he’s content to continue on his path as a dedicated and serving Soldier first, a thespian second. And for pursuing both roles, we thank him.
www.fortgordon.com | 17
E
aster Brunch
RESERVATIONS STRONGLY ENCOURAGED Sunday, April 8 in the North Ballroom Seatings: 10:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. | 1:30-3:00 p.m. Advanced Paid Reservations: Adults $18.00 | Kids 6-10 $10.00 | Kids 2-5 $6.00 At the Door: Adults $21.00 | Kids 6-10 $12.00 | Kids 2-5 $8.00 MENU Carved roast round of beef and peach glazed ham, pork medallions with cherry sauce, burgundy beef tips, baked tilapia, fried chicken tenders, squash casserole, peas and carrots, horseradish-butter sauce, honey-glazed carrots, green beans with mushrooms and bacon, lemon rice, roasted potatoes, au gratin potatoes, breakfast table with omelets and Belgian waffles, fresh salad and fruit table with steamed shrimp, assorted desserts and drinks. TWO EASTER EGG HUNTS FOR BRUNCH PATRONS 12:30 p.m. | 2:30 p.m.
19th Street, Building 18402 (706) 791-6780 • Fax (706) 793-7414 18 | FYI APRIL 2012
Contributors Needed It is often with semi-jealous and alien fascination that we civilians look at the challenges faced by our Service Members and wonder, “How do they do it?” It is often equally fascinating to other service members and their spouses. They too want to hear about their peers and how they cope with serving our country and the necessary juggling done by the supporting family members at home. The internet alone offers multiple sites advising military members, couples and families on how to deal with separations, deployments, the transitory lifestyle and more. And yes, these are fantastic resources. But nothing beats personal accounts. In devising our double features, Letters from Home and Boots on the Ground, we wanted to reveal the tricks of the trade, but also the hearts and minds of our serving couples. Letters from Home is an open letter to the deployed spouse from home. It focuses on what life is like on the home front; how to cope with absence and the distance, advice for others who are experiencing deployment for the first time - anything really. Nothing too deeply personal, but essentially this is a letter to the Active Duty spouse - or at least about life with/without that spouse. Boots on the Ground is the Active Service member’s perspective. What challenges are presented by deployment, conditions they experience, revelations that have struck them when facing leaving home and so on.
The point is to provide information people can relate to, as well as document what the couple has gone through together; it’s kinda like using the magazine as a memento. With admiration, we have devoured the tales of military couples – how they celebrated their anniversary despite the thousands of miles between them; how they Skyped while opening presents on Christmas day; what support groups and organizations have helped them cope with absence and what activities they recommend to stay busy.
And while each of these features have been immensely successful and well-received, finding people who are willing and able to commit has proven to be quite a challenge. They cannot continue without contributors – and being a contributor is so easy! So, I’m appealing to all of you – please keep this awesome feature alive and well by sending us your stories! We will not only read them, but we will learn from them and love them too.
Letters from Home
Want to participate? We’re going to make it even easier for you to do so. There are three ways to get your story to us: 1.
FYI Facebook: Check out our Facebook page for guidelines and an example of what we’re looking for, as well as contact info. If it’s more convenient to do so, send us a message via Facebook!
2. Email: Drop me a line – molly.swift.naf@mail.mil is where you’ll find me. 3.
Web: Click the link on www.fortgordon.com.
www.fortgordon.com | 19
APRIL 11th 2012
AM PM
10 -2
The tour will begin at the EAMC Fisher House, Building 280, Fisher House Road, Fort Gordon. Tickets may be purchased day of the event and light refreshments will be provided.
Please, no children under 16 years of age on the tour.
Open to all military, DoD civilians and our friends in the CSRA community.
20 | FYI APRIL 2012
Tickets
$10.00
Proceeds benefit FGCSS Community Giving & Scholarship Funds
Tickets can be purchased: online at www.fgscc.com By email at fgsccreservations@yahoo.com
Fort Gordon Thrift Shop
or at the
The Fort Gordon Spouses & Civilians Club (FGSCC) proudly presents a celebration of the spring season with their 1st Annual Fort Gordon “Springtime” Tour of Homes, which will feature beautiful historic and contemporary Fort Gordon homes, including the Fort Gordon Commanding General’s residence. This will be a great day to have fun seeing all the creative and innovative ways our Fort Gordon community residents have decorated their homes.
Located behind the PX • Brems Barracks area Building 39102 • Avenue of the States and 40th Street Tuesday & Thursday 9:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. First Saturday of each month 9:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m. For further details, please visit www.fgscc.com and click on “Monthly Luncheon.”
Earthy Ideas for Your Little Buds Heather Addis
Children play the most important role in keeping our planet healthy. After all, they will be the caretakers of Earth long after their parents and grandparents are gone. Depending on your child’s age, you may not think they are old enough to fully grasp the concept of Earth Day; however, there are numerous activities for all age groups that can help introduce your child to the importance of Earth Day. These activities range from reading a book to planting a garden. Check out the following ideas to support your little helper in getting involved with the environment! Get outdoors! Go on a nature scavenger hunt. As your child collects the items on your list, discuss the beauty that exists in nature. As you walk, talk about your favorite sights, sounds, and smells. Some examples include watching the sun set, listening to a bird chirp, or taking the time to smell a fragrant flower. Take a trip to your local farmer’s market. Your child will be eager to pick out their own fruits and vegetables. Think about what’s on the menu that night and let them pick out some veggies for dinner too! Plant a tree or a garden. You’ll be amazed at how much your child loves playing in the dirt and giving something life. If you don’t have enough room for a garden, try planting a sunflower or some potted herbs for your windowsill. Is it too cold, too hot, or too rainy outside? No worries, I have that covered too! Stay inside, snuggle up, and watch a movie about the environment. Wall-E, a great choice for any
age group, is a computer animated tale about out-of-shape space dwellers that will motivate your child to get active and help keep Earth clean. Another great choice, FurnGully: the Last Rainforest, is an animated adventure about fairies in mortal danger when human loggers come, cut lumber, and release an oil monster. Lastly, and the most fitting movie in my opinion for Earth Day, is The Lorax. This tale is about a businessman who learned the consequences of his greed when he didn’t heed the word of the wise Lorax, and used up the resources of the forest. This classic tale ends with the sad businessman throwing a young boy the last Truffula Tree seed and urging him to re-grow the forest. Now, how can you get more perfect than that? Go to the library and check out an ecoeducational book with your child. For babies and preschoolers, look for The Very Hungry Caterpillar Pop-Up Book by Eric Carle. This story, about caterpillars and butterflies, is brought to life through movable parts and pop outs. Another good choice is Charlie and Lola; We are Extremely Very Good Recyclers by Lauren Child and Bridget Hurst. In this story, Lola learns the importance of recycling and shares her excitement with her school. For children, ages 4-8, try The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein or Dear Children of the Earth: a Letter from Home by Schim Schimmel. While Silverstein tells a tale about a man’s lifetime
Earth
relationship with a selfless tree who gives all her bounty to him, Schimmel focuses on the importance of taking care of Mother Earth. For ages 9-12, look for Keepers of the Earth by Michael J. Caduto and Joseph Bruchac. These North American Indian stories will inspire your child to care more about their surroundings. Another good choice is Heroes of the Environment: True Stories of People Who Are Helping Protect Our Planet by Harriet Rohmer. This book includes the stories of twelve, North American heroes helping our environment. Take part in your community’s Earth Day festivals. Earth Day festivals and fairs will be kicking off all over the state of Georgia during the months of April and May. Some attractions right in our backyard are Kid’s Earth Day and Earth Fest. Kid’s Earth Day will be held on April 14th at Lion’s Memorial Park in North Augusta. For more information or questions call (803) 441-4310. Children will be the focus of this festival, but there is sure to be fun for every age group. Columbia County will be hosting its annual Earth Fest on May 12th at the Library Amphitheater in Evans. For information call (706) 312-7191. This festival has produced lots of fun and activities (for all age groups) in the past and is sure to please this year. Find more eco-friendly activities for children: Kaboose: www. kaboose.com Kids Stuff World: www.kidsstuffworld.com
Day www.fortgordon.com | 21
Paper Digital vs.
Jenifer Immer
The great debate rages on. Despite having made the switch to an e-reader more than three years ago, there’s still a part of me that misses having a book in my hands. The woody texture, the sound of a page turning and, yes, even the scent of the paper, holds an attraction no e-reader can ever replace. But for those who travel a lot or move from place to place, like me, transporting a mobile, paper library becomes exhausting. Any avid reader will agree, bringing only one book while traveling means either having to buy additional books or possibly running out of reading material. Either way, they add considerable weight to luggage. The longer the travel time, the more books, the more weight. You do the math. As for people who move a lot, next to furniture, boxes of books are the heaviest items to transport. So what are the pros and cons of e-readers? Pros: • Library back-up online through personal account with Amazon or Barnes and Noble • Unlimited number of books without the extra weight
22 | FYI APRIL 2012
• Books are generally the same price or cheaper than their paper counterparts • One book-sized tablet o Comfortable, lightweight and portable o USB wire for battery charging, allowing recharge from home, office, car, etc. o Built-in bookmarking o Built-in backlighting for reading in low or no light settings* o Adjustable font size for easier reading o Single hand reading (if desired) • A large number of free books available through Amazon or Barnes and Noble • Newspapers and magazines available on device (with Internet or Wi-Fi) • Account sharing with family members allows for a larger, wider variety of reading material • New book purchase without leaving the comfort of home • Built-in storage holding up to 6,000 books* • Additional storage available to maintain more books, magazines, newspapers* • Internet and Wi-Fi access for those who want to browse the web, watch TV or movies, play video games or check email* • Gift card management through account so purchases can be made without use of credit or debit card (one of my favorite pros) • And best of all … we can save some trees
Cons: • Initial expense of buying e-reader • Expense of repurchasing books (if desired) • Not all books are available for e-readers (whether they are old and haven’t been added or the author doesn’t wish to release them for e-reading) • Amazon and Barnes and Noble don’t necessarily have the same books available, so choosing one over the other might mean some books aren’t available yet • Incautious handling could damage or destroy device • Not always easy to read outside in direct sunlight* • Credit or debit card must be entered to enable a working account, so be careful to keep track of cost of purchases (regardless of use of gift cards) As a reader, the pros easily outweigh the cons, but they shouldn’t be overlooked when deciding to switch from paper to digital. I read an average of 1,500 to 2,500 pages a (work) week, so my biggest complaint – I love to reread favorites – is the cost of replacing books I already own in paper. Cost aside, I would be like a kid in a candy store if I let go of my self control while buying books. So I love the option of adding gift cards to my account. I can easily keep track of how much I have left on my cards and purchase new ones at whatever price I chose or, more importantly, how much expendable income I have at the time. It’s a great way to keep temptation at bay.
priorLIFE You may be familiar with all the banners at the gates welcoming you to Fort Gordon and letting you know about all the events and activities we’ve got going on at the installation. Ever given any thought to what happens to the vinyl material when it comes down? Well, a few years ago we gave it a lot of thought and it bothered us. So, the MWR Marketing team looked at how we could recycle the banners. What we found was priorLIFE – a green initiative created by one of the largest banner producers in the country, Britten, Inc. priorLIFE is dedicated to reducing the number of discarded banners by recycling them into new, one-of-a-kind, earth-friendly products that are functional, durable and essential to everyday living.* Want to see what we did with ours? Just look out for some funky new totes and wallets we’ll be giving as prizes at our special events. And yes – they are the very same events the banners publicize, every day. *Information from www.priorlife.com
As an added bonus, when I got a new e-reader last year for my birthday, I gave my old one to my other half. Sharing an account means having a larger variety of books on hand without the doubled expense. And as he likes moderately-sized print while I like my print very fine, the adjustable font size option makes us both happy. Additionally on the down side, J.K. Rawlings, along with a number of authors, has decided not to release her books digitally. As has been told to me, these books cannot be released to e-readers until 20 years after their original release date (whether this is true or not I don’t know, but Harry Potter fans will have a long wait if they want to replace their copies digitally). Part of me, the part that misses having book in hand, understands this, but the bigger part who loves being an e-reader more than holding that book wants to replace them with their digital counterpart. After all, no matter how careful I am with the book, wear and tear occurs, especially on books I reread. Even if the books have been released or are past their release dates, it takes time to make them all available for e-reader purchase. Reading so much, the most difficult choice I had to make was whether to get the Kindle or the Nook. I read anything from SciFi/ Fantasy to Science, Law to Medical, Best Sellers to Classics, etc., but no Romance. What it came down to, in the end, was Barnes and Noble’s Nook had more of the books I want to replace. However, as the largest book seller in the world, I was surprised when a number of friends who have Amazon’s Kindle
told me that, when they did the research, Amazon had more of the books they wanted replaced or new. So even though Barnes and Noble has double the number of books, in general, available for sale, it’s well worth doing the research to be sure the e-reader has what you are looking for. I was reading an actual paper book the other day and the pros of owning an e-reader were driven home with a rather large and hefty mallet. And to be honest, although I loved the texture/sound/scent, I found reading an actual paper book to be far less pleasurable than I remembered. Most evenings I lay in bed reading while my other half sleeps (he works night shift). The book, not yet available on any e-reader, and quite a bit heavier, required two-hand reading, as well as keeping the light on. Generally, I like to rub his back with my free hand, or just rest my hand on his arm or back, which wasn’t possible while reading the paper book. For his part, the soothing rhythm of my hand gliding across his back and the light needing to be on made it far more difficult to for him to fall and stay asleep. I also noticed, and it’s a habit I have enjoyed since gaining my e-reader and having more than a few purchased books, that having a paper book meant either being limited to only that book if I wanted to stay comfortable and settled, or switching from the book I am reading, to other books I haven’t repurchased yet or aren’t available digitally, to my Nook so I could flit from series to series as my interest in each story waxes and wanes. Anyone who likes straight lines would find
this leaping about not only frustrating but an absolute nightmare of thoughts and images. For myself, I find it restful. Even when I’m reading a book I’ve never read before, I still love to stop and read snippets of other books. This, of course, is possible (yet cumbersome and time consuming) with paper books, but the e-reader’s bookmarking system makes my quirk fast, easy and all-in-one. Whether or not other people like to leap from book to book, one of the biggest advantages to having an e-reader is the loss of weight while still having a large selection of reading material. Since I first purchased by Nook, I have dropped nearly 60 pounds of replaced favorites, all of which have been passed on to friends or donated. This doesn’t even include the 100 or so additional pounds I would have added during that time when something new has caught my interest. And best of all … no carrying multiple books when traveling, so I don’t run out. E-readers aren’t for everyone. But anyone who hasn’t made the switch and has yet to check their options should do so. The e-reader may, in the long run, not be right for you, but it never hurts to know if going paperless might be to your advantage. To all the bookworms out there, read on … * Availability of feature depends on e-reader
www.fortgordon.com | 23
Everyday Recycling Tips Happy Meal boxes - Save the boxes, and when your child needs to be cheered up, make them their own happy meal! Add your own nutritious foods and a favorite toy. Or pick up inexpensive items from the dollar store: stickers, special pencils, etc (usually 10 for a dollar) as the toy. Ziplock bags - Wash and rinse bags, then store them in the freezer to prevent mildew. Coffee cans (big ones) - Make toy “stilts”! Poke holes (with a can opener) on either side of the can and thread a jump rope through and they can walk on the cans while holding the jump ropes. Cool! Egg cartons - Use to make seed starter trays. If you use the heavy cardboard trays, you can compost the cardboard when you pop the seedling out, or you could bury it next to the seedling to decompose. Use to make extra ice cubes or to freeze soup stock and gravy. Broken candles - Melt them down to make new candles. Add broken crayons for color. Dryer softener sheets - Use for dusting instead of the Pledge grab-it or Swiffer cloths. Impossible to clean pots and pans - fill with water and used sheet, let sit for awhile, and stains will be easier to clean. Great for removing soap scum from shower doors! Old pillow cases - Use for laundry bag. Frisbees - Use as paper plate holders at a picnic. Newspaper - Use to clean windows, line trash cans, wrap presents. Use in place of peanuts when mailing packages, as fire starter, or as garden mulch. Glass jars & bottles - Use as a vase, for canning, or melt and pour wax in for candles. Plastic grocery bags - Donate to local Salvation Army. They deliver Meals on Wheels to elderly and are a nonprofit organization and need bags to put food in to deliver. Broken crayons - Sort by color, melt in old can, pour into molds that come with Jello gigglers, then kids have new crayons in all different shapes. Junk Mail - Put it through paper shredder and use as packing material when shipping gifts. More tips can be found at: www.thefrugalshopper.com/tips/recycling.shtml
24 | FYI APRIL 2012
Upcycling with the Fort Gordon Thrift Store Arial Marsh/MWR Staff
Earth Day inspires images of trees, freshly planted gardens, and children learning ways they can impact the environment for the better. Now it’s the adults’ turn. Simple changes in your lifestyle have been proven to have a momentous impact on the state of the planet, and now, your pocketbook. The Fort Gordon Thrift Store, located behind the PX, offers Military personnel the opportunity to “Forget the Garage Sale,” upcycle their belongings, and buy, shop, or donate gently used items, ranging from furniture, appliances, electronics, toys, sporting and workout equipment, media, brand name accessories, and a wide variety of clothing styles and sizes. Diana Marsh, the Thrift Store’s new manager, says, “In these tight times, it is hard to justify spending $50 on those new shoes or designer jeans, but with the Thrift Store,
you can get five pairs of shoes or jeans for the same price. We have such a wide selection, from so many people contributing; it is amazing what can be done with seemingly simple and shockingly inexpensive items. Much of our furniture and even household décor has come from here, often consigned by families who are PCS-ing, as well as our wardrobe. Rather than buying new clothing for my three teenage daughters every few months, I bring their things here, and are able to purchase them new items with the profits I made by consigning ... Not only have we, and the countless other families who ‘recycle their closets,’ saved a significant amount of money by doing this, but knowing we are contributing to removing the need for new raw materials to be manufactured is definitely a ‘green bonus.’”
Now Open!
706-910-8771
Delivery Available • Specializing in all your catering needs. Each meal comes with a meat, 2 sides, roll or cornbread and drink for $6.99 Call ahead! Order will be ready if you don’t have time to dine in!
Homemade desserts vary daily.
DAILY LUNCH SPECIALS
MONDAY: TUESDAY: WEDNESDAY: THURSDAY: FRIDAY:
Hamburger Steak, Roast Pork, Baked Tilapia Homemade Lasagna, Baked Tilapia, Roast Pork Fried Pork Chops, Ribs, Baked Tilapia Turkey, Roast Beef, Baked Tilapia Fried Catfish, Baked and Fried Tilapia, Shrimp
FRIED AND BAKED CHICKEN EVERYDAY!
SHORT ORDER ITEMS ALSO! Hamburger or Cheeseburger, Hot Dog, Sausage Dog, Fish, Chicken Tenders, Fries or Onion Rings Chicken and Garden Salad.
SIDES
Collards, Cabbage, Peas, Butterbeans, Whole Corn, Green Beans, Fried Okra, Okra and Tomatoes, Cream Corn, Turnips, Mashed Potatoes, Yams, Rice, Macaroni and Cheese, Dressing, Broccoli Casserole, Squash Casserole
SIDES VARY FROM DAY TO DAY
Hours
Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Location
Bldg 36708, Brainard Ave. at 36th St.
www.fortgordon.com | 25
e Celebrat eek W y r a r Lib Na onal 12! 0 2 , 4 1 8 April
549 Rice Road, Building 33500 Fort Gordon, GA 30905 706-791-2449
Sunday 4/8: Begin the Scavenger Hunt Quiz! Quizzes must be turned in by Thursday 4/12 at 4 p.m. Monday 4/9: Kickoff! Come in and pick up balloons and other goodies! (while supplies last) Special Story Hour will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday 4/10: Naƒonal Library Worker’s Day! We will be giving away fresh, free popcorn for all (while supplies last)! Pre-School Movie Day at 10 a.m.! We will be viewing Curious George goes to the Library! Wednesday 4/11: Story Hour at 10 a.m. Thursday 4/12: Scavenger Hunt Quizzes due by 4 p.m.! The first person to turn in the quiz with the most correct answers will win a prize!
26 | FYI April 2012
www.fortgordon.com | 27
COMMUNITY SERVICES or www.militaryonesource.com • Family Outreach Center (791-5220)
..............................................................................
Darling Hall, Bldg. 33720 307 Chamberlain Ave. Suite 224, 155 and 172 www.gordon.army.mil/acs www.facebook.com/fortgordonacs 706-791-3579 Toll Free: 1-877-310-5741 ..............................................................................
Army Family Action Plan (AFAP) 706-791-2820
..............................................................................
Army Family Team Building (AFTB) 706-791-2820
..............................................................................
Army Volunteer Corps (AVC) 706-791-3880 ...............................................................................
*Christmas House 706-791-3880
..............................................................................
Employment Readiness Program (ERP) 706-791-0368
..............................................................................
Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) 706-791-4872
..............................................................................
Family Advocacy Program (FAP) 706-791-3648/6632 • Emergency Shelter • Emergency Transportation • Emergency Respite Care • New Parent Support • Victim Advocacy / Domestic Violence Program EAMC Department of Social Work Service (SWS): 706-787-3656 or 5811. Domestic Violence Hotline: 706-791-STOP (7867). ..............................................................................
Financial Readiness 706-791-1918/8586 • Consumer Information • Personal Financial Management/ Consumer Advocacy • Army Emergency Relief (AER) • ACS Emergency Food Program
..............................................................................
Information And Referral Services 706-791-0792 The Information Desk operates Mon.-Fri., 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. • Military Onesource: 1-800-342-9647
28 | FYI April 2012
Mobilization And Deployment Program 706-791-1958 • Family Readiness Group Training • Unit Service Coordinator
..............................................................................
Outreach 706-791-8358
..............................................................................
Relocation Services 706-791-4181/1922 • Welcome Center: In room 172, Darling Hall • Lending Closet: The Lending Closet is located in Darling Hall, Room 172. • Welcome CDs. • Destination Information
..............................................................................
Soldier And Family Assistance Center (SFAC) 706-791-8777 ..............................................................................
Survivor Outreach Services (SOS) 706-787-4767/1767
..............................................................................
*Swap And Assist Shop 706-791-3579 Hours of operation are Thursdays 1000-1400 hours only. *Denotes special Fort Gordon programs pioneered at Fort Gordon. AFTB Level I (Modules on basic military information) April 10-11, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Family Outreach Center, Bldg. 33512 Are you new to the military lifestyle? Then this class is for you! Level I training is specifically for those who are new to the Army (0-5 years). Come learn basic Army terms, acronyms, customs, courtesies, and many more resources that are needed in order to successfully transition into the Army lifestyle. Please contact the Program Manager to sign up for this course, (706) 791-2820.
partnerships by providing resources, support and encouragement to the families of children who receive special education services and to the professionals who serve them. This partnership leads to greater achievements for students and a greater understanding from those who teach or come in contact with the student. What a Parent Mentor Provides A Parent Mentor provides resources and support for a parent or caregiver. What Does a Parent Mentor Do? Parent Mentors build connections for families in the community, concentration on transition needs of high school students and young children are addressed. A Parent Mentor organizes training sessions, collaborates with teachers and offers parent involvement activities in schools. Most importantly, the Mentor listens to both parents and educators, providing them with better insight to one another’s perspective by using their unique knowledge of both sides to overcome obstacles of communication. Presented By: Cassandra Stone Parent Mentor/Richmond County Heloise Salter Parent Mentor/Columbia County EFMP Presents: I’ve Walked in Your Shoes April 17, 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Family Outreach Center, Bldg. 33512 Join us as Judy Hutcheson, parent of three boys, shares her journey to secure the appropriate educational services for her son. She will share struggles and triumphs and the tools that she has used throughout her son’s education to ensure that he succeeds educationally. Come learn tools and strategies to empower you to obtain the best education possible for your child! POC Grace Bagley, (706) 791-9707 grace.l.bagley.ctr@mail.mil <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
EFMP Information Workshop April 19, 6:30 p.m-8:30 p.m. Family Outreach Center, Bldg. 33512 POC: Ms. Pamela Rachal (706) 791-4872 What is a Parent Mentor? A Parent Mentor is a parent of a special needs child who has navigated through the special education arena and understands what it takes to communicate effectively to meet the needs of their child. They build effective family, school and community
...............................................................................
Child Development Center Bldg. 44401, 44th St. 706-791-2701/6761
...............................................................................
COMMUNITY SERVICES cont. Child Development Center East Bldg. 290, 225 East Hospital Rd. 706-791-8707/8507
...............................................................................
Child Development Center West (opening soon) Bldg. 18407, 537 19th St.
...............................................................................
CYSS / Central Registration Bldg. 28320, Lane Ave. 706-791-4455/4722
...............................................................................
CYSS Family Child Care Bldg. 28320 Lane Ave. 706-791-3993/4440
...............................................................................
CYSS GA Pre-K & Pre-K/Kindergarten Afterschool Programs Bldg. 45400, 46th St. 706-791-1306/4790
Depart 9 a.m. Return 4 p.m. Wednesday: Field trip to the Ink Museum. Depart 8 a.m. Return 5 p.m. Thursday: Field trip to Adventure Crossing. Depart 10:30 a.m. Return 3 p.m. Friday: Popcorn and a movie! Ice Cream Social starts at 3 p.m. Camp fees apply. For program information: 706-791-7575/5127 Fort Gordon Child, Youth & School Services School Age Center provides transportation to and from the following schools: • Cedar Ridge • Deer Chase • Diamond Lakes • Willis Foreman • Grovetown Elementary
...............................................................................
• Sue Reynolds • C.T. Walker • Tobacco Road • Jamestown • Meadow Brook • Baker Place • Euchee Creek • Lewiston Elementary • Freedom Park (walk) Other schools to be added as additional drivers are hired. For additional information, please contact us at (706) 791-7575 / 5127. *Must Be Registered with CYSS. Call 706-791-4722 to register for FREE. <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
CYSS School-Age Services & Middle School/Teen Programs Bldg. 45410, 46th St. 706-791-7575/6500
...............................................................................
CYSS Sports Bldg. 45410, 46th St. 706-791-5104 CYSS Youth Program Youth Heroes Lock-In* 27-28 April CYSS Youth Program staff and youth members in grades 6 thru 12 will celebrate the Month of the Military Child by recognizing the true heroes, our youth. Skate Competition, Go-Karts, Laser Tag, Arcade Games, Midnight Basketball Tournament, dancing and lots to eat. Event hours are 6 p.m., 27 April to 6 a.m., 28 April. Location: Youth Services Building 45410. For program information: 706-791-7575/4446 Fort Gordon School Age Center (SAC)* Bldg. 45410 SAC provides care for children in grades 1-5. A wide variety of activities are offered to include arts and crafts, cooking, science, homework assistance, technology lab, community service projects, character building, cultural awareness, mentoring and intervention programs, fitness programs, 4-H and Boys and Girls Club, field trips and special events, just to name a few! SAC is open before school (from 5:15 a.m.) and after school (until 6 p.m.) and 5:15 a.m.-6 p.m. during the summer and school breaks. For program information call (706) 791-5127. School Age Center Spring Break Camp 2012* April 2-6 Monday: Activity Fun Tuesday: Field trip to Frankie’s Fun Park.
Military Child Education Coalition “Ensuring inclusive, quality educational experiences for all Military Children affected by mobility, Family separation, and transition” With the vision of serving as a model of positive leadership and advocacy for ensuring inclusive, quality educational experiences for all Military Children, the Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) provides responsive and relevant support systems, resources, and products which aid Military Families. Fort Gordon Child, Youth & School Services, School Liaison Services is proud to bring two of the many beneficial programs offered by MCEC to the Fort Gordon Community. During the Month of the Military Child Carnival, MCEC’s Tell Me a Story program will be featured in the Library Tent on Barton Field. Tell Me a Story is a community-parent-child event that features a selected book with a specific theme. Families will be entertained by, How to Bake an American Pie. The story will take Families on an adventure across America to learn about the founding principles of our nation; it features lines from “America the Beautiful” as it describes the geographical diversity of our nation, as well as the melting pot that makes up the United States. MCEC selected this book due to the focus on patriotism and diversity. The story highlights the themes of Open Mindedness, Citizenship, Fairness and Equality, and Hope and Optimism. The Military Child’s geographical diversity and knowledge will be celebrated and enhanced during the readings of “How to Bake an American Pie”. Also during the month of April, MCEC will provide a free Parent 2 Parent (P2P) Surge for the Fort Gordon Community. The P2P Surge consists of a team of MCEC representatives who provide informative and interactive workshops to groups or organizations. Participants receive high quality resources and materials that will assist them in their role as their child’s best advocate. The team will present two sessions for the surge. The morning session, “Preparing for the Journey”, addresses parents of children ages 0-5. An evening session for parents of school age children and youth will consist of a general assembly featuring “School Transitions, What Every Parent Should Know”. Parents will then be able to attend a breakout session focusing on elementary school transitions, “Keys to Success in Elementary School”, or the session “Chart Your Course for Success in High School and Beyond” for parents of middle and high school students. To register for the sessions or to find out more information on the MCEC events, please contact the CYSS School Liaison Services office at (706) 791-7270.
www.fortgordon.com | 29
COMMUNITY SERVICES cont. giant skyscraper. All of these jars are recyclable!
Bldg. 997, 10th St. and Chamberlain Ave. 706-791-7881 The Green Corner Plastic Recycling Facts • Americans use 2,500,000 plastic bottles every hour! Most of them are thrown away! • Plastic bags and other plastic garbage thrown into the ocean kill as many as 1,000,000 sea creatures every year. • Recycling plastic saves twice as much energy as burning it in an incinerator. • Americans throw away 25,000,000,000 Styrofoam coffee cups every year. • Glass Recycling Facts • Every month, we throw out enough glass bottles and jars to fill up a
• The energy saved from recycling one glass bottle can run a 100-watt light bulb for four hours or a compact fluorescent bulb for 20 hours. It also causes 20% less air pollution and 50% less water pollution than when a new bottle is made from raw materials. • A modern glass bottle would take 4000 years or more to decompose -- and even longer if it’s in the landfill. • Mining and transporting raw materials for glass produces about 385 pounds of waste for every ton of glass that is made. If recycled glass is substituted for half of the raw materials, the waste is cut by more than 80%. Source: www.recycling-revolution.com/recycling-facts. html Hours of Operation: Mon.-Fri., 7 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Paul Henri, Manager 706-831-3409 (cell) <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
Bldg. 29300, 30th St. 706-791-2390 For information on prices and services, visit www.FortGordon.com Hours of Operation: Full Service Drop-Off: Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed Sat., Sun., and Holidays Self Help: Wed. - Fri. 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Sat. & Sun. 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Clean-Up Starts One Hour Prior to Closing. There are no signing - in of vehicles during the last hour of business. A Shop Safety Card is required for all self help customers. To obtain a safety card you must attend the Safety Orientation Class which is available during regular shop hours. <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
30 | FYI April 2012
CONFERENCE AND CATERING SERVICES
Bldg. 18402, 19th St. 706-791-6780/2205 | 706-793-7636 After Duty Hours: 706-339-0827 Mother’s Day Brunch May 13 (Reservations strongly encouraged) Two Seatings: 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.-3 p.m. Advanced Paid Reservations: Adults $17.00, Kids 6-10 $9.00, Kids 2-5 $5.00 Menu: Carved Roast Turkey and Beef; Glazed Chicken and Vegetables; Pepper Steak; Summer Herbcrusted Cod; Hand-breaded Chicken Tenders; Country Style Cornbread Dressing; Scalloped Potatoes; Whole Green Beans; Cut Corn; Glazed Carrots; Lemon Rice; Salad Bar with Steamed Shrimp; Assorted Cheeses and Bread with Hot Seafood Dip; Fresh Fruit; Assorted Desserts and Drinks and Breakfast Buffet with Belgian Waffles and Omelets. Planning a Conference? Gordon’s Conference and Catering is the place to hold your off-site conference. We offer a variety of rooms to accommodate any party size. Your event will be enhanced with state of the art audio visual equipment, comfortable seating, attractive décor and first-class food and service. Call Janice Ivey at (706) 791-6780 or (706) 791-2205. Affordable prices and flexibility to meet your every need. North Ball Room: Seating: Tables and chairs for 250 guests can be expanded to host 550 guests Stand up cocktail: 1200 guests South Ball Room: Seating capacity for 250 guests Stand Up Cocktail: 700 guests Magnolia Room: Seating: Tables and chairs 80 guests Gordon Room: Seating capacity for 60 Guests Leitner Lake and Pointes West: Seating capacity for 120 guests
Outdoor capacity: Great for outdoor weddings, family reunions, birthdays, and other special events. Lunch at Gordon’s Conference and Catering Buffet without Drink: $7.50 With Drink: $8.70 Enjoy southern style home-cooked favorites every day! We offer a huge variety. You could dine with us every day for a month and not eat the same thing twice! Featured Items: Mouth watering meat loaf, southern fried chicken, chicken pot pie, lasagna, country fried steak, sweet and sour chicken, shrimp fried rice, chicken fried chicken, squash casserole, roast turkey with cornbread dressing, just to name a few! Monday: Italian favorites with southern cuisine Tuesday:
Managers specials
Wednesday: Taco salad special and featured sandwich item Thursday: German schnitzel, home fries, cabbage Friday:
Hand-breaded fish special with homemade coleslaw
Now featuring soft ice-cream bar, variety of desserts, 50+ item salad bar, soup, chili, cornbread and rolls! Monday-Friday: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Reserve a room for any type of special luncheon event: Hail and Farewells, Birthdays, Retirements, or just social gathering with coworkers or friends. Every Monday, register to win a FREE lunch! Place your receipt in the prize box, with your name and phone number. Look for our monthly lunch buffet menu at www.FortGordon.com or in the Fort Gordon Dining Guide. <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
www.fortgordon.com | 31
CONFERENCE AND CATERING SERVICES cont. Events • Weddings • Receptions • Rehearsal Dinners • Retreats • Team Building • Reunions • Themed Events • Luncheons • Showers • Casual Events • Conventions • Birthday Parties • Retirement Parties • Anniversary • Graduation Parties • Bar/Bat Mitzvahs • Business Meetings • Hail & Farewells • Company or Unit Gatherings <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
-Conference Center-
Leitner Lake -Conference Center-
Located about 1.5 miles down Gibbson Rd. from Range Rd. (Full map and directions on www.fortgordon.com) Catering & Conference Center Bookings: Janice Ivey janice.t.ivey.naf@mail.mil 706-791-6780/2205 Conference Center Sales: Jeffrey Starcher jeffrey.j.starcher.naf@mail.mil 706-840-8399
32 | FYI April 2012
Located on the serene Leitner Lake and minutes from the heart of Fort Gordon, this breathtaking new facility offers multi-functional accommodations with seating for 100 guests. The spacious deck overlooks the water, an ideal setting for pre-function receptions. Adjustable lighting and a comfortable seating area ensures perfect ambience for every event. Tables and chairs are included with your room rental, and a nearly limitless array of room layouts can be arranged to suit your event’s every need. Leitner Lake Conference Center offers a caterer for your special events located on Fort Gordon. Gordon’s Conference & Catering Center’s most popular items are available at a reasonable cost. If you prefer to customize a menu, the catering staff will be happy to work with you. Guests at Leitner Lake Conference Center may select independent caterers for their events at an additional fee. We look forward to making your special event a memorable occasion. We appreciate the opportunity to serve you!
Lake Thurmond 6703 Washington Rd., Appling, GA 30802 706-541-1057 Looking for a unique venue for your wedding ceremony and reception? Pointes West Army Resort has just what you have been looking for! Our rustic lakefront conference center is the perfect place for an outdoor ceremony on the lawn surrounded by a breathtaking backdrop view of the lake. For the reception, move indoors for a charming and elegant atmosphere. Let Pointes West be a part of your special day and make your wedding unforgettable! To schedule an appointment to view our conference center, contact Jenna Parker at 706-541-1057. To book your reservations, contact Janice Ivey at 706-791-6780/2205. Pointes West Army Resort is available to authorized users only. Please see our website for more details: www.fortgordon.com A security deposit is required at the time of your reservation. <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
FORT GORDON & MWR DINING Specializing in coffee & smoothies In Signal Towers Bldg. 29808, 506 Chamberlain Ave. Mon.-Fri.: 7:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Sandwiches, grill & snacks Bldg. 537, Range Rd. Weekday Hours: 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Weekend Hours: 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Phone: 706-791-2433 (ext. 4)
Ribs, Southern Style Cooking & Seafood In Signal Towers Bldg. 29808, 506 Chamberlain Ave. Mon: 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Tue.-Fri.: 7 a.m.-9 p.m. Sat.-Sun.: 12 noon-7 p.m. Delivery: 706-910-1500/267-4700 Phone: 706-910-1500
Pick-up, Delivery or Dine-In Pizza In Alternate Escapes Recreation Center Bldg. 25722, B St. Sun.-Thu.: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Fri.-Sat.: 11 a.m.-12 midnight Phone: 706-863-6211
Southern Home Cooking Bldg. 36708, Brainard Ave. at 36th St. Mon.-Fri.: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Delivery & catering available See our full page ad for lunch specials Phone: 706 910-8771
Lunch buffet, sandwiches, hot dishes & more Bldg. 18402, 19th St. Mon.-Fri.: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Phone: 706-791-6780
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
TM
267 Avenue of the States 24 Hours, 7 Days a Week Phone: 706-798-3722
Grill, snacks, smoothies & coffee In Alternate Escapes Recreation Center Bldg. 25722, B St. Mon.-Thu.: 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Fri.-Sat.: 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Sun.: 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Phone: 706-791-0785
Snacks, coffee & smoothies
JAVA EXPRESS
Bldg. MWR-023, Chamberlain Ave. Mon.-Thu.: 7 a.m.-9 p.m. Fri.: 7 a.m.-11 p.m. Sat.: 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Sun.: 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Phone: 706-787-3803
Grill, burgers & more
CafĂŠ
In Gordon Lanes Bowling Center Bldg. 33200, 3rd Ave. Sun.-Thu.: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Fri.: 11 a.m.-1 a.m. Sat.: 9 a.m.-1 a.m. Phone: 706-771-6907
Chinese food At the Bus Station Bldg. 36000, 3rd Ave. Sun.-Thu.: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Fri.-Sat.: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Phone: 706-792-9774
Breakfast & lunch - daily specials In Darling Hall Bldg. 33720, Chamberlain Ave. Mon.-Fri.: 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Phone: 706-790-5505
Mexican food In The Courtyard Bldg. 36708, Brainard Ave. Mon.-Fri.: 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Sat.: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sun.: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Delivery Available (Mon.-Sat.: 5-9 p.m.) Phone: 706-910-1044
For more information on MWR dining facilities, pick up our monthly Dining Guide! Available at most MWR facilities
SPORTS, RECREATION & LEISURE Eat at the Java Escape – Hot wings, chicken tenders, club sandwich, BBQ and our HUGE fish sandwich with side and a drink! Now open to the entire Fort Gordon community! <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
Bldg. 36200, 36th St. 706-771-0089 Disney Military Salute Promotion Promotion has been extended to September 2012! Call Aladdin Travel for details.
Car, Truck & Bike Show May 5 $15 pre-register by 27 April 2012 $20 after that - 0900-1100 Registration Operation Sandbox Ride for Troops May 19 $20 entry fee ($10 for all military members) 0800 @ Augusta Harley Davidson (ride will go through Fort Gordon & parts of Augusta, police escorted) All proceeds go towards Op Sandbox for Deployed Service Members www.operationsandboxga.com
Hours of Operation: Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Closed on all major and government holidays.
Bldg. 15500 Corner of Lane Ave. and 15th St. 706-793-0003
For more information, contact: ft.gordonbosspresident@yahoo.com
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
Bldg. 32100, 3rd Ave. 706-793-8552 Bldg. 25722, B St. 706-791-0785 DJ – Every Friday night 7-10 p.m. Jukebox with all the new releases! Guitar Hero – Two guitars, microphone, three song disks. Play every day! X-box 360 – Many games to choose from, four controllers available, sign-up required. 10 Large screen TVs with satellite! Movies – Everyday, all day long. Choose from over 150 movies, including new releases! Wednesdays – ladies choice, chickflick and action movies.
BOSS Headquarters Bldg. 19730, Barnes Ave. 706-791-3025 Gaming Tournament @ BOSS HQ April 14 Call of Duty & Marvel vs Capcom on XBOX 360 ($100 1st place winner, $50 2nd place winner for both games). $5 entry fee. Paintball Outing April 21 1000 link up @ BOSS HQ - fee includes transportation, rental & 500 rounds of paintball. Cost $15.
The 2012 Dinner Theatre Season Game Show, by Jeffery Finn and Bob Walton Show dates: May 11, 12, 18, 19, 24, 25 and 26 Set during a ‘live broadcast’ of a fictional, long-running TV game show, Game Show places the theater audience in the role of the TV studio audience, in which members are picked as the contestants to play the trivia-based game and win actual prizes. In addition to watching and playing during the “broadcast” – where anything can and does happen – the audience also witnesses all the backstage, back-stabbing antics ‘behind the scenes’ that go on during the ‘commercial breaks’ of Game Show. This is an Augusta Premier of this terrific new comedy. “... a funny new comedy and lots of fun! It’s a cross between a quiz program and “Survivor,” with more plot twists than you’ll see in a year of soaps! The surprise of the new season!” -NY Times Almost, Maine, by John Cariani Show dates: July 13, 14, 20, 21, 26, 27 and 28 On a cold, clear, moonless night in the middle of winter, all is not quite what it seems in the emote, mythical town of Almost, Maine. As the northern lights hover in the star-filled sky above, Almost’s residents find themselves falling in and out of love in unexpected and often hilarious ways. Knees are bruised. Hearts are broken. But the bruises heal, and the hearts mend – almost – in this delightful midwinter
34 | FYI April 2012
SPORTS, RECREATION & LEISURE cont. night’s dream. “…a whimsical approach to the joys and perils of romance. Magical happenings bloom beneath the snowdrifts.” -NY Times “A charmer…Unexpected magic lingers in the air like someone’s breath on a cold winter’s night. John Cariani aims for the heart by way of the funny bone.” -Star-Ledger “Utterly endearing…It’s hard not to warm up to ALMOST, MAINE. A crowd-pleaser.” -Broadway.com “Sweet, poignant and witty.” -NY Daily News “A snowy charmer…These nine tales of love in the time of frostbite have a winning glow that proves surprisingly contagious.” -NY Sun Auditions: May 14, 15, 2012 @ 7:30 PM Witness for the Prosecution, by Agatha Christie Show dates: Sept. 14, 15, 21, 22, 27, 28 and 29 Only Agatha Christie could have conceived such a suspenseful thriller and then capped it with an uncanny triple flip ending. A young married man spends many evenings with a rich old woman. When she is found murdered the naive young man is the chief suspect. The audience will be on the edge of their seats as Dame Agatha takes them on a journey through the ensuing murder trial and what has been called her “best stage mystery” ever.
Fishing Tournaments at Butler Reservoir April 15 - Bass Tournament April 29 - Crappie Tournament Hours: Daylight-Noon. Open to all ID cardholders and members of the public with a FG fishing license guest permit (available at registration). $20.00 per person, $10.00 FGSC members with a $5.00 Big Fish Pot, $100.00 awarded to first place; $50.00 to second place. McKenzie Pro-Am Archery Tournament at Range 14 April 27 - April 29 This event will be held rain or shine and will have no admission charge for spectators. Members of the military may register as a guest to participate in this event (All fees apply). Dress code required. For more information please call The Archery Shooters Association at (770) 795-0232 or visit their website at www.asaarchery. com. <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
FITNESS CENTER Bldg. 29607, Barnes Ave. 706-791-2647 Massage Therapy at Gordon Fitness Center and Gym 6 Therapeutic Back Massage.................... $29 Relaxation Massage • 60 minute...................................... $45 • 90 minute full body....................... $70 Wednesday Special • Therapeutic back massage............... $25 • 90 minute relaxation massage......... $59 • Hand and foot massage.................. $40 Spa Treatments • Therapeutic foot and hand massage • Couples massage • Spa treatments including wraps, scrubs and facial treatments Call for prices and times services are available
“A walloping success.” -Herald Tribune “Packs plenty of surprise in its cargo of suspense.” -Daily Mirror
getoutdoorsgordon@fortgordon.com 706-791-2556
Auditions: May 14 and 15, 2012, at 7:30 p.m. at the Dinner Theatre
April 14 Hike-Tallulah Gorge
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
GORDON
Hours of Operation: Mon.-Fri.: 5:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. Sat.: 8:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. Sun. & Holidays: 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
May 13 Paddle and Ride 20 Explore the Outdoors-US National Whitewater Center June 2 Paddle and Ride 9 Disk Golf July 7 Explore the Outdoors-US National Whitewater Center 21 Skydiving with BOSS
Bldg. 00445, Carter Road 706-791-5078
August 4 Paddle and Ride
Recreational Shooting at Range 14 Saturday, April 14 and 21: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. $9.00 per person, $4.00 FGSC members and $2.00 for persons under the age of 16
For more information on these trips, or any other Get Outdoors Gordon activity, call (706) 791-2556, or email getoutdoorsgordon@ fortgordon.com. <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
Bldg. 537, Range Rd. www.gordonlakesgolf.com 706-791-2433 You can now make tee times online For tee times, email: • william.fumai.naf@mail.mil • dallas.m.cooke.naf@mail.mil • amanda.l.perry22.naf@mail.mil Tee times are taken four days in advance.
www.fortgordon.com | 35
SPORTS, RECREATION & LEISURE cont. Masters® Week Tee Times: April 2-8 Masters® Week is finally here! Yes, Gordon Lakes Golf Club will still be accepting tee times all week long, but they fill up quickly so book now! Don’t miss out on a great week of golf! Masters Pro Golf Clinic Monday, April 2 The 1982 Masters® Champion, Craig Stadler (a.k.a. The Walrus) will visit Gordon Lakes Golf Club from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. All Active Duty Service Members, Retirees and their Families are encourage to join us in watching one of the greatest golf professionals in the world give golf instruction and sign autographs on the driving range. Free to all! Taylor Made Demo Day Come out on Wednesday, April 4 for all the newest equipment from Taylor Made. Taylor Made representatives will be on the driving range from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Check out the new R11S driver, fairway woods and hybrids and the new Rocket Ball driver, plus many more. Get great deals on great items! Taylor Made representatives can assist in your own personal club fitting. Reservations for 2012 Golf Tournaments Golf tournaments average 90 a year and Fridays and Saturdays go fast! Please contact Bill Fumai or Dallas Cooke at (706) 791-2433 to set your event up today! Golf Memberships Become a member of one of the best golf courses in the CSRA and the #1 Army golf course voted by the PGA of America. Members who refer a new member will receive a complimentary GLGC golf shirt! Great membership pricing is now available! Plus, members receive discounted membership pricing on range balls, cart rides and merchandise! Members also enjoy specials on green fees, cart fees, tournament entry fees and tee times. Enhance your game with the latest technology; the all-new Visage GPS system provides exact yardage to the pin, hole-by-hole playing tips and allows food and beverages to be ordered anywhere on the course. Hook a Soldier on Golf Gordon Lakes Golf Club is now in full swing with its “Hook a Soldier on Golf Program.” Enjoy a free golf clinic every Saturday morning and receive a one-hour golf lesson on the driving range at Gordon Lakes, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. PGA instructor, Dallas Cooke, and Gordon Lakes staff members welcome all
36 | FYI April 2012
Active Duty Service Members, Retirees and their families for these complimentary golf lessons. Range balls and golf clubs are provided – just show up! Golf Lessons Now is the perfect time to get rid of winter woes and take some golf lessons from PGA instructor Dallas Cooke. Dallas is PGA certified and has been teaching the game of golf for over ten years. Individual Lesson:................................... $40 3-Series Lesson Package:........................ $100 5-Series Lesson Package:........................ $150 All lessons are 45 minutes. To sign up, call Dallas at 706-831-4654 Gordon Lakes Senior Dogfight Tuesdays and Thursdays Must be 55 or older to be a member - valid handicap required. For more information, please visit the website: http://bellsouthpwp. net/l/a/larryoham12/SeniorDogFight.htm Upcoming Golf Tournaments in April Information on all upcoming golf tournaments and events can be found at the Club House Information Board. Tournaments can be booked by calling our main line, 706 791-2433. Due to Joint Ethics Regulations policy, this publication cannot endorse events pertaining to private organizations. Bogey’s Grill Hours Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Hours of Operation: Mon.-Thu.: 7 a.m.-7 p.m.* Fri.-Sun.: 7 a.m.-7 p.m.* Tee times: 706-791-2433 (ext. 2) *Weather permitting <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
Attention golfers: Craig Stadler is coming to Gordon Lakes Golf Club!
Craig Stadler was born on June 2, 1953 in San Diego, California. He was introduced to golf by his father at the age of four. After attending La Jolla high school in 1973 he went on to the University of Southern California where he became a four-year All-American. He had immediate success in his first full year in college. In 1973 he won the United States Amateur Championship Golf Tournament. The Walrus finished college in 1975 and turned professional on the PGA Tour in 1976. It didn’t take long for Mr. Stadler to win on the PGA Tour. His first two wins came in 1980: The Bob Hope Desert Classic in California and the Greater Greensboro Open in North Carolina. His biggest year came in 1982; he won four times on the PGA Tour, including a playoff win at the 1982 Masters Tournament over Dan Pohl. He won a total of 13 times during his career on the PGA Tour, six world-wide including one Ryder Cup victory in 1983. Craig Stadler became eligible to play on the Champions Tour in June 2003. His greatest achievement came in his first two years on the Champions Tour–in 2004 he was the leading money winner on tour. Craig Stadler continues to perform on the Champions Tour on a yearly basis. Craig Stadler will be at Gordon Lakes Golf Club Monday April 2, from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. He will be conducting a FREE golf clinic from 10:15 to 11 on the driving range. An autograph session will take place on the range immediately following the golf clinic. Clinic is open to all Active Duty servicemen and women, Retirees, DOD, and family members. Stadler’s appearance continues a long line of PGA tour and Masters Champions that have visited Gordon Lakes over the past six years. Previous hosts have been Ben Crenshaw, Fuzzy Zoeller, Jerry Kelly, and Boo Weekly. Masters Week is a hectic and important week for all past and future champions, and to have Craig give a few hours up of his time to say thank you to the Service men and women of Fort Gordon is a true insight of a great American. Please come out and show your support for a man that dearly loves his country and our service personnel. We wish Craig good luck at this year’s Masters Tournament and continued success moving forward in the game of golf. Bleachers will be on sight for seating and viewing pleasure for the clinic. Souvenirs will be available for sale in Pro Shop for Craig’s signature. Refreshments to be provided by Augusta Coca-Cola.
SPORTS, RECREATION & LEISURE cont. Hours of Operation: Mon.-Thu., 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 9 a.m.-1 a.m. Sun., 11 a.m.-10 p.m. <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
reservations. See our website for riding times. Riders must arrive 40 minutes before ride time. Youth Horse Camps Reservation book is now open for spring/ summer 2012.
Building 33200, 3rd Ave. 706-791-3446
Hilltop Riding Stable’s 2012 event calendars are out. Come by to pick one up.
This Month at Gordon Lanes! • April 8th: Easter Day 1 p.m.-11 p.m. $2.00 per game and $2.00 shoe rental.
• 100% ID check with all equine activities • Closed shoes are required for all equine activities • This facility will close with the heat index at 101˚F, or at times of thunder and lightning.
• Dollar Days Every Monday in April! 1 p.m.-11 p.m. $1.00 per game, $1.00 shoe rental, $1.00 hotdogs, $1.00 sodas and $1.00 French fries. • Xtreme Cosmic Bowling Friday and Saturday 10 p.m.-1 a.m. • Bowlopolis Birthday Parties You bring the kids and cake, we do the rest! • Wild Wednesdays 7:30 p.m.-11 p.m. $1.50 per game and $1.50 shoe rental. • Check out the new Gordon Lanes scoring system and lanes that glow in the dark! From the Manager Take time to enjoy being with friends and family … Go bowling! Plan your next bowling party at Gordon Lanes: • Birthday Parties • Church Groups • Military Functions • Family Reunions If it’s NOT listed above, we probably can do that TOO. Groups from 10-150 We have a full line Snack Bar • Bar • Pro Shop • Arcade Games. And we also offer 24-number bingo! Great entertainment - win up to $4000!
Building 509, N. Range Rd. 706-791-4864
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
Special Assistance riding April 10 and 24 Reservations required. Space is limited, call for more information. Family Fun Day April 21 Child pays full price and parent pays half price 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. trail rides For ages 7 and up Parties and Gatherings! Don’t forget to check us out for that special birthday or family picnic. We have party/ conference rooms and plenty of outdoor space to create a unique event and fantastic memories. Make your reservation and enjoy a great day of horsing around! Trail Day Use Sun.-Sat., 8 a.m.-4 p.m. For privately owned horses. $10.00 per day, per horse, with Coggins. Boarding $275.00 per month – spaces available Open riding Reservations not required for weekend riding. First come, first served. Weekday riding requires 24-hour advance
At Lake Thurmond P.O. Box 67, Appling, GA 30802 706-541-1057 Beach Blast!! May 26, 12-6 p.m. Join us at Pointes West Army Resort this Memorial Day weekend for a FUN filled day of music, food, games, and prizes! Bring your friends and family and relax on our white sandy beach, or go for a swim to cool down from the hot sun. Come celebrate Memorial Day the traditional way! Beach Area opens at 10 a.m., so come early to reserve your space! • Games and Prizes for all Ages • Music Provided by DJ • Horseshoe and Volleyball Tournament • Canoe and Kayak Rentals • Parasailing <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
Kegler’s Bar Kegler’s has 18 TVs Great atmosphere • friendly staff • your favorite beverages If you haven’t been in Kegler’s Bar in a while, it’s time to come in with friends and unwind. See you soon! Kegler’s Café Great food at a fair price! The best burgers on post!
www.fortgordon.com | 37
SPORTS, RECREATION & LEISURE cont. Balloons, Popcorn, prizes and more!
Building 33500, Rice Rd. 706-791-7323 FREE REFERENCE/RESEARCH CLASSES To sign up, call 706-791-2449 or email David White at david.l.white42.naf@mail.mil •
Woodworth Library Catalog (GLIS) April 2, 11 and 30 Find Books, DVDs, Music CDs and more.
•
Kids Infobits April 3, 12 and 24 A database developed especially for beginning researchers in Kindergarten through Grade 5. Covers geography, current events, the arts, science, health, people, government, history, sports and more.
•
Literature Resource Center April 4, 16 and 23 Your most current, comprehensive, and reliable online resource for research on literary topics, authors, and their works.
•
Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center April 5, 18 and 25 A premier online resource covering today’s hottest social issues, from Offshore Drilling to Climate Change, Health Care to Immigration.
•
Biography Resource Center April 10, 19 and 26 Nearly a million biographical entries spanning history and geography.
•
Tutor.com April 9 and 17 Learn about the library resource you can use to get help with all math, science, social studies and English subjects-from elementary to advanced levels. Tutor. com allows you to work anonymously in a one-to-one in a secure classroom.
Class times: 12-12:30 p.m. and 4-4.30 p.m. National Library Week* April 8 - 14 Celebrate National Library Week with special activities including Scavenger Hunts,
38 | FYI April 2012
Book Around Town* April 25, 6 p.m. Let’s go restaurant hopping and read a book while we do it! Contact the Woodworth Consolidated Library to reserve your spot and find out the meeting location! The book selection for February is “True Grit” by Charles Portis. Pirate and Princess Tea Party* April 24, 3:45 p.m. Come to the library to hear a story, then play dress up and tea party! Open to children of all ages. Between the Lines: Families with Deployed Soldiers; Record a Classic Children’s Story and Receive a Free Book! To sign up, call (706) 791-2449, visit the Reference Desk, or email susanna.r.joyner. naf@mail.mil. Between the Lines is a FREE program that allows Fort Gordon Families with deployed Soldiers to record children or parent(s) reading favorite children’s books. The recorded DVD and selected book will be given to participating families as a gift to share the joy of learning, stay in-touch during long deployments, and record precious memories. On-going via appointment on selected Saturdays from 1 p.m.-4 p.m. while supplies last! Pre-School Story Hour** Every Wednesday until April 11, 10 a.m.-11 a.m., ages 2-5 Woodworth Consolidated Library warmly welcomes you and your children to participate in our Pre-school Story Hour. A series of fun and encouraging educational activities are planned for children ages 2-5. Please join us in motivating our newest readers!
National Poetry Month: Story Hour with Special Guest, Mother Goose!** April 18, 10-11 a.m.: Mother Goose on the Loose April 25, 10-11 a.m.: The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein Music in the Library** Enjoy music in the library and learn more about different genres and points of interest in history. Check out books and CDs for all your favorites! This month the library will feature Classic and Contemporary American Folk music. Enjoy Free AudioBookCloud through the Library! *Just Click, and Listen!* AudioBookCloud is the newest addition to the many electronic resources available to you through your library! AudioBookCloud offers you instant access to thousands of cloud audio books – no sign outs, no CDs, no return date and no software to download. For use on all your mobile and other electronic devices. Available for free through Woodworth Consolidated Library in three easy steps: 1. Come by and register with your DOD ID or CAC card at the Library 2. Set up “My Account” and browse the research tab at: http://mylibraryus.fmwr. net/search~S25 3. Select AudioBookCloud, Click and Listen! * To sign up or for more information, call (706) 791-2449 or email Jessica Thompson at jessica.e.thompson.naf@mail.mil ** To sign up, call (706) 791-2449 or email Jessica Thompson at jessica.e.thompson.naf@ mail.mil, or Joyce Daniels at joyce.e.daniels4. civ@mail.mil. <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
OTHER SERVICES Family and MWR ADMINISTRATION:
Miscellaneous:
...............................................................................
...............................................................................
Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (DFMWR) Rm. 382, Bldg. 33720 Chamberlain Ave. 706-791-4140
Army Volunteer Corps Rm. 169, Bldg. 33720 Chamberlain Ave. 706-791-3880
...............................................................................
FYI Advertising Sales Rm. 337, Bldg. 33720 Chamberlain Ave. 706-791-3912 ...............................................................................
FYI Creative Director 706-791-3218 ...............................................................................
FYI Editorial 706-791-6234 ...............................................................................
For a complete list of DFMWR key personnel, visit www.fortgordon.com/staff.php
...............................................................................
Commissary Bldg. 37200, 3rd Ave. By-Pass 706-791-3718
GET CONNECTED!
...............................................................................
Fort Gordon Bus Company Bldg. 36200, 36th St. 706-793-0026 ...............................................................................
Fort Gordon Housing Office 706-791-5116/7067/9658 ...............................................................................
Fort Gordon Federal Credit Union Bldg. 36305, Avenue of the States 706-793-0012
Texting Information about upcoming events are available through our free and easy texting service. Text “MWR” to 70720 to subscribe!
...............................................................................
leisure services: ...............................................................................
Carlson Wagonlit Travel – Official Travel Rm. 117, Bldg. 33720 Chamberlain Ave. 706-798-0990
Sports & Fitness services: ...............................................................................
Courtyard Outdoor Pool Closed for Renovations Ring Hall, Bldg. 36710 Brainard Ave. 706-791-3550 ...............................................................................
Gym #3 Bldg. 25510, Brainard Ave. 706-791-2864
...............................................................................
Gym #5 Closed for Renovations Bldg. 25713, 27th St. 706-791-7370
...............................................................................
Gym #6 – Fitness Center Bldg. 21713, 21st St. 706-791-2947
...............................................................................
Indoor Swimming Pool Bldg. 21608, Brainard Ave. 706-791-3034
...............................................................................
Sports, Fitness and Aquatics Bldg. 29719, Barnes Ave. 706-791-1142
ID Card Section/DEERS Office Appointments available by phone Darling Hall, Bldg. 33720 www.gordon.army.mil/MPD/deers.htm 706- 791-1927/1930 ...............................................................................
Military Police Station 706-791-4380/4537 ...............................................................................
NAF Civilian Personnel Office 706-791-6382
MWR:
www.facebook.com/FortGordonMWR
Fort Gordon Garrison Town Hall Meetings:
www.facebook.com/pages/Fort-Gordon-Garrison
...............................................................................
Office of the Staff Judge Advocate 706-791-3148 ...............................................................................
Post Information 706-791-0110 ...............................................................................
Public Affairs Office (PAO) Bldg. 29801, Nelson Hall, 520 Chamberlain Ave. 706-791-7003 ...............................................................................
PX Bldg. 38200 706-793-7171 ...............................................................................
Signal Museum Signal Towers, Bldg. 29808 Chamberlain Ave. 706-791-3856 ...............................................................................
Veterinary Services Bldg. 500, Range Rd. 706-787-7375/3815
www.fortgordon.com | 39
Who You Gonna Call? Fort Gordon’s 9-1-1 Center Molly Swift, Editor
“Fort Gordon 9-1-1. What’s the location of your emergency?” These are the first words spoken when the 9-1-1 Center dispatchers answer a phone call. The 9-1-1 Call Center is the central hub of all emergencies and emergency systems on Fort Gordon – and it is here for your benefit. I must admit, walking into the Law Enforcement building gave me chills – I’m a geekily big NCIS fan and fancy myself as the Ziva David of the FYI. Like that even makes sense. Anyhow … the dispatch room is a techie’s dream; screens all over the place, files neatly stashed away and a hot pot of coffee sitting in the corner. Ahh … I want to stay here. Maybe, if I stay long enough they’ll give me some kind of badge? In all seriousness, this place, the Center, is vital. Yes – vital to our community. The men and women who work here cover the entire installation 24/7, 365 days a year ensuring your safety. The civilian employees are certified and trained telecommunicators with a history in public service. Ms. McCall, the center supervisor and Director, is a Gulf War veteran and a former dispatcher and supervisor with Richmond County. The lead dispatcher is an Iraq War Veteran and retired Military Policeman. The other nine dispatchers
40 | FYI APRIL 2012
The Center operates as a Public Safety Answering Point – is this a recent development? How were 9-1-1 calls dispatched prior? The Center has been in existence for a number of years, but it wasn’t until 2005 that we were consolidated and in 2008 we were provided with this space in the Law Enforcement building. Prior to the establishment of the 9-1-1 center, an MP received the calls and notified patrols. Until then, we had a small space containing two consoles – the two dispatchers would often sit back to back; there wasn’t any room for anything else!
someone we are using our headsets, which we didn’t have before. It is imperative to hear the caller. We have a system that is tailored to meet our needs and the needs of our callers. A call comes in at the call-taker position; one of the two 9-1-1 operators answer and they are the hub for getting help out – depending on the situation, they will dispatch a police officer, an ambulance, the fire department or all three. The ever-present lead dispatcher is the catchall, he assesses the situation and, when needed, steps into assist. The Center handles an average of over 100 calls a day; and while this can include calls for service, such as a request for a patrol to check on a suspicious situation or a simple escort, it is still a hefty call volume for two people to handle. The front desk screens a lot of calls and they do a great job of assisting when possible – we have a three-ring minimum in this building for incoming calls so if we don’t take it, they have it.
Talk us through basic operations: what is the system? How is the center set up? We have come a long way in a couple of years – our use of technology has improved and we now have a lot more privacy and room, even down to when we are speaking to
How many employees/departments do you have? The department has 11 employees who work 12-hour shifts. There are two dispatchers on at all times. We operate on a schedule and take turns for taking time off during federal
have police and dispatch experience with the surrounding counties and departments around the state of Georgia. Naturally, there’s more to this operation than you know, which is exactly why we are here; read on to discover more about Fort Gordon’s central conduit for all things urgent …
holidays and personal leave. Jose Del Valle, one of the dispatchers, knows today what his hours are going to be like six months from now. The team is small enough, and close enough, to cover all bases – when someone needs to take time off, they can count on their colleagues to help cover their time off. What challenges exist in on-post operations that perhaps don’t exist off-post? Most of the time off-post there are more responders – more officers, more firemen – to meet the demands. Sometimes here, we have challenges in the number of patrols available to respond to a situation, in addition to juggling personnel. Especially since the Center is the point of contact for the installation alarms; they run the gamut from intrusion alarms to people stuck in elevators, the staff monitors every type of alarm on Fort Gordon. The center also works with Fort Gordon’s fire inspectors while conducting drills as well as conducting background checks. When a patrol car stops someone driving on post, it’s the Center staff that runs the tag and does the check. The technology is a challenge since it’s expensive and ever-changing and we know about budget requirements! What qualifications/experience is needed to become an employee? It can take up to a year to hire and train an individual to sit in one of our chairs. Prior experience is both a help and a hindrance; someone who knows how to get into a system might be better able to operate the equipment, but their old habits may get in the way of learning our requirements. Multi-taskers are welcome. We are talking on the radio, answering the phone and typing on a keyboard and you don’t know what is coming your way. You need to be able to stay calm in a storm and keep a cool head. And you
need excellent customer service skills, because that’s what we do – we provide customer service. The dispatcher is assisted through their training and aids. Each dispatcher is trained in HAZMAT and CPR and can talk through a situation to provide basic emergency care over the phone. For instance, a call comes in from someone whose loved one is choking – the dispatcher will simultaneously dispatch assistance and help that caller identify the details of the incident by asking specific questions from a script, such as “is the person conscious?” These actions save lives, so we need people who can keep a cool head, understand the training and comprehensively carry out emergency assistance. Several certifications are required and must be kept current per Army regulations. Is there such a thing as a “typical day”? No! Next question! Ha ha – we see the same kind of incidents in a single 24-hour period; some days it’s an alarm day and we’ll see nothing but alarm calls from elevators and buildings. Another day it’s traffic accidents. It’s never the same, but we do see patterns. But things change daily and that is one of the great things about this job! The incidents you have handled are extensive and emotionally overwhelming – how do you cope with the stressors of your responsibilities? We are a tight team and we keep everything in perspective – we will talk about incidents after just to see what we could have done better or what we did right. We have a good sense of humor, which helps, and then we leave everything at the office. There is a part of you that says “This is my job and this is what I have to do,” but you don’t exactly get used to it. Just accustomed to dealing with
it; it’s where the cool head kicks in. We don’t talk about any of this outside of these walls or beyond these doors. What do callers need to be aware of when calling 9-1-1? We are here! Don’t dial an admin line in an emergency; dial 9-1-1 and we will be able to respond faster to your situation! It might be that you’ve just PCS’ed from another duty station where you had to call an admin line, but this Center is here to help you. We know that when a service member is deployed, they want to know that their loved ones are being cared for and protected while they are away. And that’s what we do. Incidents handled in the 9-1-1 Center: • Building fires • Gas leaks • Fire alarms • Cardiac arrest • Multiple traffic accident with injuries • Several fatalities • We have had suicide attempts and suicides • We have dispatched to serious bleeding issues • Lacerations • Domestics • Assaults and fights in progress • We are the voice in the elevator if you become trapped by a faulty elevator Ed’s note: We would like to thank the 9-1-1 Call Center for their extremely gracious hospitality and assistance. Not only did we learn a lot by visiting them, but they gave me a fine cup of coffee and left me with a warm feeling of being secure!
www.fortgordon.com | 41
BUY. DRINK. REPEAT.
Serving Seattle’s Best, Javaccinos, Smoothies & “Java Express Originals” (Custom Smoothies) Large screen TV's • X-box 360 • MPOGS Lo-Fi Mid-week Movie Night - Every Wednesday 6.30 p.m.-9 p.m. (current releases) Call for drink specials! Located on Chamberlain Ave., across the street from Darling Hall. (706) 787-3803 42 | FYI APRIL 2012
••• ACS – Your Community Service Provider •••
We’re On Our Way! Have You Started? Z. Vanessa Stanley, ACS Director
At the start of the year, we proclaimed; “Let the journey begin!” Well, we are on our way. What about you? Our “Road to Resiliency” has us taking aim as we “hunt the good stuff!” “Hunting the Good Stuff” is just one of the many dynamic Resiliency classes offered by our communities’ ACS Master Resiliency Trainers (MRTs). Mrs. Shawn Williams, Mrs. Rachael Sosa, Ms. Macon Irick and Ms. Frances Maxwell have checked their battle gear and packed their rucksacks to lead the next group of Resiliency students on the “hunt.” The class was developed to help each of us notice the positive experiences we have. When we take time to think about why events go well, what the positive events mean to us, and how we can create a consciousness of blessings; we are
promoting optimism and gratitude. Life and the process of evolution tend to make us more readily remember the failures than the successes. In fact, we are often encouraged to think about and analyze the bad events more thoroughly than the good events. If you are not careful, an after-action report will go into more detail about what went wrong and why. What went “well” is briefly highlighted and almost marginalized as a “given.” This strategy serves its purpose of self-protection, but certainly leaves us feeling less satisfied. You worked hard! Really hard! Take a minute and celebrate what went well! Identify what needs to be improved upon, but don’t get stuck. One might even say; “Don’t get stuck on stupid!” Instead, mold a style of thinking that empowers you and promotes a positive future.
Of course you need to remain realistic, identify what is controllable, but most of all maintain hope and confidence in yourself and team. Resilient people have faith in their ability to succeed. Their state is not one of helplessness, but of power. On this journey and road to resiliency, if you hunt the good stuff, you will find you can create circumstances that enable more good things to occur and heighten your optimism and well-being.
It’s Not About the Broccoli!
are on extended Temporary Duty (TDY) assignments. Next, develop a communication plan. How often will you write, email, send packages, etc. Set aside time (i.e., every Thursday from 8-9p.m.) to write a short note, email events of the day or week, spend some “IM” time, or put together a care package for your deployed loved one. Make this that “quality” time you’re missing from his/her presence. No children, no phone calls, no answering other emails – the focus is solely on the deployed Service Member. Contact Army Community Service (ACS), for information on the military life-style through programs such as Army Family Team Building (AFTB), obtain resource information both on and off the installation, become a volunteer or get assistance with your job search. These are just a few of the programs that are offered through ACS. If you’re a parent of a school-aged child or your child attends a day care, be sure to tell the teacher and/or care-giver that a change is going on in your home. Explain that your spouse is about to deploy and that you would like to know of any behavioral changes the child may exhibit or if grades should change suddenly. Check to see if there are any support
programs in the school available to assist the child(ren) with separation, i.e., Deployment Buddies. Create a budget. Depending on where the Service Member is deployed, he or she may experience a significant increase in pay. Decide how you will spend that extra cash. How much will you allot for one another? How much will you save? Determine a plan of action BEFORE you get the extra funds so you will not mismanage those extra dollars. Pull out that project list that you’ve been carrying around. Look at the time your Service Member will be gone and select one or two items from the list to complete prior to his or her return. And finally, get a battle buddy. Connect with someone who will agree to check on you periodically and that you can check in with. Someone who will help you to be accountable to meet your goals, to aid in the information gathering (notice I said “aid” not “do” – that’s your job) and someone you can lean on in times of uncertainty. We all need friends. During deployment many people find out what true friendship is all about.
Shawn Williams
Ever get angry at vegetables? Deployments can make you angry at the smallest things. When you hear it’s coming, you’re angry because it’s happening. You’re sad because it’s interfering with your life, your plans. You’re concerned about the effects separation will have on your relationship and your children. You think it’s happening to you and no one else around you. You believe you have to face it alone. In the last 10 years, deployments have become a part of everyday life. If you haven’t experienced a deployment yet, one is surely on the way. So, what can you do? Here are some tips for adjusting to military life: First, join a support group. Your unit has a Family Readiness Group (FRG) that you are a member of automatically or get in touch with the Waiting Spouse Support Group by contacting Army Community Service. They meet monthly, just like your unit FRG, and they exist solely for the purpose of helping Families of deployed personnel, Families of Service Members who are on an unaccompanied tour (i.e., Korea, Germany, etc.), Families of Service Members who
Ready, aim, fire! Set your sights on the target of optimism. Take aim and fire by signing up for the next Resiliency Class. For more information, call (706) 7913579, visit our website at – www.gordon. army.mil/acs or check out our quick reference code. See you there!
Deployment preparation, the more you put into it - the more you get out of it.
www.fortgordon.com | 43
Month of the Military Child Overwhelming. That is the only way I can describe the massive response to our Month of the Military Child Cover nonCompetition – we had a flood of responses! A huge THANKS to each and every one of you that sent in photos your military child; we enjoyed featuring each and every entry! The children featured on our cover and on these pages are exemplary examples of tenacity, resilience, responsibility and possess an extraordinary awareness of the situation around them. Some may take on extra chores to help a parent while the other is deployed; others enjoy showing their love of our country and may possibly follow in their Military parent’s footsteps, while others have endured moments of personal upheaval with a level of selflessness rarely seen in adults. Even the youngest of our Military children have special qualities usually reserved for someone, well, let’s just say older! Again, we thank the parents for your nominations, but most of all we want to thank the kids; you may be in the shadows, but we know you are there and we salute you, brave children.
44 | FYI APRIL 2012
How the Army Serves its Families Arial Marsh
March is the month of the Military Child, and Fort Gordon is gearing up for family friendly functions and activities all over post, a “Military Family Weekend” at the off-post event center, Rock Eagle. This camp type setting will offer activities such as, rock climbing walls, canoeing, Rock Eagle Mound Hike, the Do’s and Don’t’s of Social Media, ‘Speak Out for Military Kids’, a Herpetology class on snakes and turtles, Earth Day themed functions like ‘Green Thumbs’ plant care class, healthy lifestyle classes, ‘Save a bottle – Make a Bird Feeder,’ and visits to the Natural History Museum. The Month of the Military Child is a nationwide celebration that exemplifies the
unsung heroes, the children of the Soldiers. Aimed to raise awareness and create a sense of unity and fulfillment among Military Children, this event can be honored through a multitude of avenues, including “Purple Up! For Military Kids” where community leaders and citizens are encouraged to take part in supporting the Military’s youth by wearing the color purple. Organizations such as SKIES and CYSS (Child Youth & School Services, located on post) will be hosting celebratory events during the month of April. Youth can expect to find lots to do at CYSS, especially with the countless programs and clubs that are offered. When I asked Military Children about
their views on Military life, one thing seemed to stand out – they love it, be it the annual moving or the ever-changing lifestyles. Many of them not only enjoy being raised within the Military, but they plan to one day imitate it by joining, and value the many lessons it has taught them. Joel Blundell, the sixteen year old son of Major Blundell, a chaplain with 706 MI, who has spent much of his life as a military child, exemplified more over how the Military lifestyle has impacted his view of the world. “My favorite aspect of being a military kid is all the new places I get to see and new things I get to experience. It is hard at the same time, but it is something you learn to somewhat Continues on page 47 >> www.fortgordon.com | 45
Learning Years®
Celebrate Week of the Young Child™ April 22-28, 2012 Dear Editor of FYI: Young children in Fort Gordon, GA deserve the best that we can give them. In addition to celebrating Month of The Military Child, CYSS will also celebrate with our civilian counterparts the Week of the Young Child™, April 22-28. It is a time to recognize the needs of young children and thank the adults involved in their education and care. Parents, teachers, caregivers, and other adults play important roles in the lives of young children, and Week of the Young Child™ celebrates their efforts. We can show support for early learning in our community by promoting early literacy programs, thanking teachers who care for our children, and working to ensure that our public policies support early learning for all young children. Week of the Young Child™ is a time to remind us that Early Years are Learning Years®. CYSS will offer a variety of activities and special fieldtrips to the Zoo and downtown to celebrate with our local community. Sincerely, Betty Jeane Exume’, M Ed. LPC, Training & Curriculum Specialist 706-791-4790/2701
“Purple Up! For Military Kids” Friday, April 13th
April marks the nation’s “Month of the Military Child,” a time to honor youth impacted by deployment. In celebration, Georgia Operation: Military Kids (OMK), invites you to join us for the inaugural “Purple Up! For Military Kids.” We are encouraging everyone across the state of Georgia and Nation to wear purple on Friday, April 13th, as a visible way to show support and thank military children for their strength and sacrifices. Purple is the color that symbolizes all branches of the military, as it is the combination of Army green, Coast Guard blue, Air Force blue, Marine red and Navy blue. OMK hopes everyone will take this opportunity to appreciate and celebrate these young heroes. Be creative….the goal is for military youth to actually see the support of their community! Need some ideas to get you started? • Ask local, regional, and state officials to wear purple on April 13th • Involve area schools, sports teams, youth organizations and clubs, afterschool programs, recreation departments • Ask stores and restaurants to offer a discount to all patrons who wear purple Remember to send us your photos to post on the Georgia OMK website, where military youth and families from across the state will see them.
University of Georgia Cooperative Extension, Operation: Military Kids 303 Hoke Smith Annex, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602 PHONE 706.542.4444 • FAX 706.542.4373 EMAIL oper4h@uga.edu www.georgia4h.org/omk Operation: Military Kids is a partnership of Army Child and Youth Service, National 4-H Headquarters/USDA and University of Georgia Cooperative Extension. Operation: Military Kids-GA is supported by the 4-H/Army Youth Development Project under Kansas State University special project number 2007-48661-03868.
46 | FYI APRIL 2012
>>
adjust to. I also get to meet a lot of different people and have friends all over the world, but it allows me to be a part of a group that is very tight knit. It has taught me to be resilient to hardship and flexible to change. I don’t see change as a negative like I used to, it is something that should be embraced.” Jaylin, a young girl living on post with her service member mother, said happily over the programs she attends at CYSS three to four times a week, “We get to go to different countries and places with our families ... The military always gives us what we need. CYSS lets you interact with lots of different people, do tons of cool things, and they treat you the way you should be treated.” Her brothers Jamaal, age twelve, and Kenyon, eleven, added, “We get to go on free field trips. It is awesome that they do that for us.” Robbie, at age eight, was able to distinctively explain his love for the Military and the programs it offers for the families and children, “I think the Army is a good choice because daddy gets to save people’s lives and defend other countries. And we can live by other people who save our country every day, and kids whose parents do the same thing my daddy does. We do a lot of crafts and projects [at CYSS] and there’s bowling right by our house, and I got to do Tae Kwon Do.” His older sister, Trinity, went onto say “The Army really does take care of their families, with the parks, the pools, and the events. CYSS has a lot of cool things to do, and the base always has something offered for us. Our dad makes a lot of sacrifices, but we all get a lot back. Being in the Army has taught me to be flexible and open to new things.” When asked his favorite part about being in the military, Saben, age eight, said, “I like the military because we get to live by other kids. I got to go to Disney on Ice. It was so cool.” His younger sister, Arianna, added, “It’s fun. We get to do a lot stuff.” There is no doubt that the Military surely does take care of their families, in every aspect that can be thought of, and this is where I would like to introduce myself. I am a military child. My father, now a Sergeant studying to be a Licensed Practitioner Nurse at DDMAC, reenlisted after the real estate market crashed in Florida, in late 2007. After losing everything, living in an R.V. for a year (with three younger siblings, and two adults!) watching my parents
go through a bankruptcy, and the stress that came with it, the Army gave them hope. We had been living off meager and shrinking savings for almost a year as they finalized the bankruptcy, and at the end of that time, they were left with only one sure choice that would provide for our needs in a struggling economy and suffering job market. On the promise that his family would be taken care of, my father rejoined the Army after 15 years out of service as a Combat Medic. Instantly, a weight was lifted, yet there were still many trials ahead. While he was at his various trainings at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas, we would have been confined to our 39 by 8 foot home, had it not been for the many free programs the Army offered us. To a family of four children, living off food stamps, an E-2 salary, and bills to pay, the idea of free health-care, discounted movies, free local events and free family trips to Sea World seemed God-sent. Every day we learned of more things that were offered to us, at little to no cost on our part. Be it the free legal advice, programs similar to Fort Gordon’s “Swap and Assist,” food banks, free outdoor pools, and CYSS funded and managed events, our needs continued to be fulfilled. There was even a Christmas program that provided my three younger siblings and I gifts that our parents otherwise may not have been able to afford. Through the countless events, programs and free resources that the Army and Military offered us, we felt no lack. When our father deployed to Iraq for nine months, we were again astounded at the many doors the Military opened for us, as a thank you for our sacrifice and support to his service. Among the adult centered services, such as boosted interest rates on our parent’s savings account, CYSS offered us children free classes in Tae Kwon Do, piano lessons, guitar lessons, acting clubs, and even now, the very fact I am writing this is a testament to the Military’s commitment to serve its youth. Through the HIRED Program, offered by CYSS and Kansas State University, I am interning with Fort Gordon MWR Marketing, and subsequently, the FYI magazine. So as we celebrate Month of the Military Child, I urge you to learn more about the numerous programs offered, how you can contribute, part take in, and enjoy all the amazing and beneficial things the Military sponsors for us. www.fortgordon.com | 47
FREE Admission to the Event*
May 3-6, 2012 Fort Gordon’s Barton Field
Open to the Public 706-791-6779 www.fortgordon.com
Times Subject to Change
Bo Bice
Groupa Kachimbo de Savannah
Activities & Entertainment Carnival Pricing Friday & Saturday All You Can Ride: Under 48” 48” & Over Single Tickets: Thursday & Sunday All You Can Ride Single Tickets:
$10.00 $20.00 $1.00 each $10.00 $1.00 each
* Excludes carnival and concessions.
Doug and the Henrys
Jeff Barnes
Flashback
BellyRok
(Americana/Bluegrass)
(Elvis Impersonator)
(Dance/Contemporary)
(Belly Dancing)
48 | FYI APRIL 2012
Signal Corps Jazz Band
Thursday, May 3 4 p.m.-10 p.m. Carnival (Family Night) Friday, May 4 4-8 p.m. 4-11 p.m. 6 p.m. 8 p.m. At Dark
Saturday, May 5 cont. Noon-6 p.m. Puppet Tent Noon-8 p.m. Kids Korner (FREE Kids Activities and Games)
Vendor Village Carnival Opening Entertainment Bo Bice (American Idol) Fireworks
Saturday, May 5 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Flea Market 9 a.m.-4 p.m. BOSS Car, Truck & Bike Show Registration 9-11 a.m. Judging 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Award Ceremony 3 p.m. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Vendor Village 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Pony Rides 10 a.m.-Midnight Carnival 11 a.m.-Dark Eudora Farms Petting Zoo (Camel Rides)
Saturday Live Entertainment 11 a.m.-6 p.m. BellyRok (Belly Dancers) Flashback Doug and the Henrys Jeff Barnes (Elvis Impersonator) Signal Corps Jazz Band 6:30-10 p.m. Groupa Kachimbo de Savannah Sunday, May 6 12 p.m.-6 p.m. Carnival (Service Member Appreciation)
Sponsors Advertising and Sponsorship do not constitute endorsement by the DoD, the U.S. Army or Fort Gordon MWR.
Carnival
Flea Market & Vendor Village
BOSS Car, Truck & Bike Show
Eudora Farms Interactive Petting Zoo
Fireworks
www.fortgordon.com | 49
ET RY
It’s miserable in Flobbertown, they dress in just one style. They sing one song, they never dance, they march in single file. They do not have a playground. And they do not have a park. Their lunches have no taste at all, their dogs are scared to bark. -Seuss
NN ET S ON
AT I
ET ER
CO
M
M
UN IC
PO
PE NT AM
Her skin is like dusk on the eastern horizon . . . When the sun goes down. -Toomer
Ye Children of Man! Whose life is a span, Protracted with sorrow from day to day, Naked and featherless, feeble and querulous, Sickly, calamitous creatures of clay! -Aristophanes
RD
Where billow meets billow, there soft be thy pillow; Ah, weary wee flipperling, curl at thy ease! The storm shall not wake thee, nor shark overtake thee, Asleep in the arms of the slow-swinging seas. -Kipling
S NG SO PIC E
CS
RH YM
SO
ES
Y EG
I O ET W P PO A EN K R
O SP
Below the thunders of the upper deep; Far, far beneath in the abysmal sea, His ancient, dreamless, uninvaded sleep The Kraken sleepeth. -Tennyson
EL
I was driving across the burning desert When I spotted six jet planes Leaving six white vapor trails across the bleak terrain It was the hexagram of the heavens It was the strings of my guitar Amelia, it was just a false alarm. -Mitchell
Testing “Attention Please” feel the tension soon as someone mentions me here’s my 10 cents, my 2 cents is free A nuisance, who sent, you sent for me? -Mathers
I love myself when I am laughing. . . and then again when I am looking mean and impressive. -Hurston
It’s National Poetry Month people!!! Time to get your WORDS on!! Susanna Joyner, Director, Woodworth Consolidated Library
That’s right; it’s time to get YOUR words on! Every April, we celebrate National Poetry Month and the art of expression. I can already hear the collective groan: “Poetry, smoetry… blah, blah boretry …” why should I care? Why celebrate this? Why is this even important? Because my fair friends; POETRY surrounds us in every song, every communication, and every interaction that speaks to our humanity and freedom, and has done so since the dawn of mankind. 50 | FYI APRIL 2012
So before your eyes glaze over re-hashing the particulars of iambic pentameter, sonnets vs. epics, elegy and poetics, etcetera; take a moment to consider the simple core of poetry – an everyday kind of consideration for the depth and breadth of our most ancient and perpetual art form. Even the dusty old Merriam-Webster defines poetry thus: “POETRY: \'pō- -trē, -i-trē also 'po. (-)i-trē\ writing that formulates a concentrated imaginative awareness of experience in language chosen and arranged to create a specific emotional response through meaning, sound, and rhythm.” So, that covers A LOT of things! Not only classical standards, but also your favorite music, rap, spoken word, rhymes, and MUCH more--- it all qualifies, and it all has merit. Cab Calloway, Lord Tennyson, Marshall Mathers, Maya Angelou and so many more are all at the party. So, don’t fret! Even though you missed your Friday night reading of the Epic of Gilgamesh, or Beowulf in the original Old English, you can relax in knowing you get a poetry fix, for good or ill, every time you turn on the radio, watch movies, read nursery rhymes, sing songs and yes, (dun dun daaah!) talk to people. Humans and poetry go hand-in-hand; it’s an inherent instinct pre-dating even the written form by several millennia with stories, songs, and tales being verbally passed down and preserved through each generation. So, other than the usual poetry bath we take every day, how can you go the extra mile to celebrate National Poetry Month? Oh, so many ways! For both adults and children, there are special events, projects, workshops, books, websites and more with great ideas to unleash and honor your inner poet. From Poem in Your Pocket Day to Sidewalk-Chalk Poetry, memorizing your favorite poem to Poetry Slams, the possibilities are endless. Visit your friendly local Woodworth Consolidated Library and for more ideas check out these helpful websites:
Hope is the thing with feathers That perches in the soul, And sings the tune without the words, And never stops at all. -Dickenson
e
Though much is taken, much abides; and though We are not now that strength which in old days Moved earth and heaven; that which we are, we are; One equal temper of heroic hearts, Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield. -Tennyson
There was never any more inception than there is now, nor any more youth or age than there is now; And will never be any more perfection than there is now. -Whitman
He repeated until his dying day that there was no one with more common sense, no stonecutter more obstinate, no manager more lucid or dangerous, than a poet. -Marquez
To see a world in a grain of sand And a heaven in a wild flower, Hold infinity in the palm of your hand And eternity in an hour. -Blake
• www.poets.org
O happy horse, to bear the weight of Antony! Do bravely, horse, for wot’st thou whom thou mov’st? The demi-Atlas of this earth, the arm And burgonet of men. -Shakespeare
“Poetry is an echo, asking a shadow to dance.” -Carl Sandburg
Morning and evening Maids heard the goblins cry: “Come buy our orchard fruits, Come buy, come buy. -Rosetti
• www.favoritepoem.org/videos.html • www.teacher.scholastic.com/poetry/ • www.adifferentplace.org/poetry.htm We celebrate National Poetry Month to sound Our Barbaric YAWP, throughout the ages, throughout time, as native as breathing. Words, language, sound – embody the most powerful aspects of our nature! Word as poetry, music as poetry, life as poetry – it inspires us to move, to act, to feel. There are few things more powerful and more welcome. HAPPY NATIONAL POETRY MONTH!
All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost; The old that is strong does not wither, Deep roots are not reached by the frost. -Tolkien
There’s a blaze of light in every word It doesn’t matter which you heard The holy or the broken Hallelujah. -Cohen
You may shoot me with your words, You may cut me with your eyes, You may kill me with your hatefulness, But still, like air, I’ll rise. -Angelou
• www.poetryfoundation.org/
www.fortgordon.com | 51
OpEn 7 DAYs A WEEk
Dine with us... Lunch buffet Mon.-Fri. • 11 a.m.-2 p.m. $7.49 – All You Can Eat Building 36000, 3rd Avenue (at the Bus Travel Center) 706-792-9774/9775 706-792-9776 FAX 52 | FYI APRIL 2012
Saving Lives:
Put the Brakes on Impaired Driving Mike Reed, Prevention Coordinator
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), the Richmond and Columbia County Sheriff’s Departments, Army Community Services, Directorate of Emergency Services, and others will participate in the Save A Life Tour sponsored by the Fort Gordon Army Substance Abuse Program on Thursday and Friday, April 19 and 20 at Gym 3, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission to this event is free and it features the high-tech Save A Life Tour interactive drunk driving simulator which allows a participant to experience firsthand how alcohol impairs driving while the participants remains sober and stationary. The simulator includes a driver’s seat and three screens that provide a 180 degree field of vision and images in rear view mirrors. It gradually changes response times, minimizing the dulling effects of alcohol. As in real life, the vast majority of impaired drivers who take on the simulator have accidents caused by narrowing of focus and concentration to what is directly in front of them and ignoring dangers around them. The Save a Life Tour stop at Fort Gordon is scheduled as part of a tour to Commands across the country to educate our military members, civilians, military retirees and family members to the dangers of impaired driving. The focus of each stop includes alcohol awareness, drunk driving and safe driving, and myths and truths about alcohol and drugs. According to the 2010 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: • In 2010, an estimated 11.4% of persons aged 12 or older drove under the influence of alcohol at least once in the past year. This percentage has dropped since 2002, when it was 14.2%. The 2010 estimate corresponds to 28.8
million persons. • Driving under the influence of alcohol was associated with age in 2010. The rate was highest among persons aged 21 to 25 (23.4%). An estimated 5.8% of 16 or 17 year olds and 15.1% of 18 to 20 year olds reported driving under the influence of alcohol in the past year. Beyond age 25, these rates showed a general decline with increasing age. • Among persons aged 18 to 25, the rate of driving under the influence of alcohol decreased from the rate reported in 2009, from 21.5 to 20.0%. • Among persons aged 12 or older, males were more likely than females (15.1 vs. 7.9%) to drive under the influence of alcohol in the past year. The rate for females decreased from the rate reported in 2009, when it was 8.6%. • In 2010, 10.6 million persons or 4.2% of the population aged 12 or older reported driving under the influence of illicit drugs during the past year. These rates were the same as the rate in 2009 (4.2%) and lower than the rate in 2002 (4.7%). Across age groups, the rate of driving under the influence of illicit drugs in 2010 was highest among young adults aged 18 to 25 (12.7%). In 2010, according to the National Highway Safety Administration, an estimated 10,228 people were killed in alcohol-impaired driving crashes – a decline of -4.9% from the 10,759 fatalities in 2009. (Alcohol-impaired driving crashes are crashes that involve at least one driver or motorcycle rider (operator) with a
blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 g/dl or above.) This constitutes, on average, someone dying approximately every 40 minutes on our highways. Locally, Georgia lost 298 of their citizens while SC experienced a loss of 357 people in 2010. Tragically, each of these deaths is entirely preventable. Also, there were 71 DUIs reported to the Army Substance Abuse Program in 2011 that were committed by Fort Gordon Soldiers. It must be noted that this figure doesn’t include DUIs/DWIs committed by civilian employees, retirees and family members. It’s easy to lose sight of the true meaning of these statistics. Each person lost is someone’s friend, lover, and father; mother, brother, sister, nephew, niece, aunt, uncle, co-worker, or spouse. You get the picture - but it doesn’t have to be this way! Each of us needs to become responsible for and to ourselves, our neighbors, each other and our communities by making a commitment to put an end to these tragedies. One of the most important steps in this process is to educate ourselves about the nature of the problem. The Save a Life Tour helps Commands foster changes in attitude and behavior through awareness, while deglamorizing alcohol use in the area of DUI/DWI, underage drinking and alcohol related fatalities. Please come by and participate in this event as the life you save might be mine, or that of someone’s loved one. POC for this event is Michael Reed, Fort Gordon Army Substance Abuse Prevention Coordinator, 202 7th Avenue, Building 38702 - (706) 791-5797, or Vincent Krajcir, DAPA/ FEP Coordinator, 537 Brainard Avenue, Building 28423, (706) 791-9669.
www.fortgordon.com | 53
AUTO SERVICES
Full Service
BG Services • Fuel Injection Service (3 Stage) • Full Transmission Service • Coolant Service • Differential Service Diagnostic Check* 2-Wheel Alignment 4-Wheel Alignment Oil/Filter/Lube Service A/C Repair
Brake Jobs Front End Repair Drive Shaft Repair Tune-Ups Transmission Services Timing Belts and Chains Gasket Replacement Small Engine Repair
*On most vehicles
Self Help Lift Bay Flat Bay Motorcycle Lift Machine Shop Fees include: Tools, disposal fee and on-site instructor.
Self Help Requirements: A shop safety card is required for all self-help customers. To obtain a shop safety card you must watch the Safety Orientation video.
RV/SELF STORAGE Self Storage Fees 5x5 5x15 10x10
$25.00 a month $45.00 a month $50.00 a month
10x15 10x20
RV/POV Storage Fees $65.00 a month $75.00 a month
RV/trailer POV
$25.00 a month $25.00 a month
HOURS OF OPERATION Full Service Drop-Off Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Closed Saturday & Sunday Closed Holidays
Self Help Wednesday-Friday 11:30 a.m.-8:00 p.m. Saturday & Sunday 10:00 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Clean-Up Starts One Hour Prior to Closing
Building 29300, 30th Street (706) 791-2390 | www.fortgordon.com 54 | FYI APRIL 2012
fromthe bookshelf Susanna Joyner, Director, Woodworth Consolidated Library
Book: Feasting on Asphalt, the River Run, 2008, Author: Alton Brown Any fan of the Food Network knows Alton Brown, the most science-y chef ever to grace the small screen and in print! Brown is known for his goofy yet endearing wit and spot-on explanations for both our most common and sophisticated cooking creations. His books are FULL of fascinating facts and lovely recipes. In the Feasting on Asphalt series, Alton takes us with him on his road trips across America and shares all the sights and good eats he finds along the way. Kick spring off right with a fabulous cook-book and road trip tale!
Movie: Another Earth, 2011, Director: Mike Cahill, Rated: PG-13 On the night of the discovery of a duplicate planet in the solar system, an ambitious young student and an accomplished composer cross paths in a tragic accident. This is one of the more interesting and quietly moving films released in recent years. Accolades are well placed and deserving as winner at both Sundance and Maui Film Festivals and lauded by the National Board of Review. Another Earth marries the intellect of science fiction with the deeply humanitarian themes of loss and redemption. For those willing to slow down, listen intently, and ponder the true nature of remorse and forgiveness (with a little bit of sci-fi thrown in), this is a brilliant pick. Books, movies, CDs and more are available for free check-out to Service Members & DOD Civilians at Woodworth Consolidated Library, 549 Rice Road, Building 33500, Fort Gordon, GA 30905 For more information, call: (706) 791-7323 or visit our website at www.gordon.army.mil/library
Anniversaries • Birthdays • Special Occasions • Any Occasion!
The Bloom Closet Florist www.TheBloomCloset.com 706.364.2588
4460 Columbia Road, Suite 12 Martinez, GA 30907 Check out our website for weekly specials!
Find us on www.fortgordon.com | 55
M
other’s Day
Brunch
RESERVATIONS STRONGLY ENCOURAGED Sunday, May 13 in the North Ballroom Seatings: 10:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. | 1:30-3:00 p.m. Advanced Paid Reservations: Adults $17.00 | Kids 6-10 $9.00 | Kids 2-5 $5.00 At the Door: Adults $21.00 | Kids 6-10 $12.00 | Kids 2-5 $8.00 MENU Carved roast turkey and beef, glazed chicken and vegetables, pepper steak, summer herbcrusted cod; hand-breaded chicken tenders, country-style cornbread dressing, scalloped potatoes, whole green beans, cut corn, glazed carrots, lemon rice, salad bar with steamed shrimp, assorted cheeses and bread with hot seafood dip, fresh fruit, assorted desserts and drinks and breakfast buffet with belgian waffles and omelets.
19th Street, Building 18402 (706) 791-6780 • Fax (706) 793-7414 56 | FYI APRIL 2012
Provide your feedback by visiting our homepage at www.gordon.army.mil. Look for the “Gordon BE HEARD!” logo then click on the ICE Customer Feedback link. Or better still, jut code it! Now you can go directly to the ICE Customer Feedback page via smart phone and enter your comments directly!
techninja Human Power: Harvesting Our Energy Nathan Hoeller, Creative Director
For those of you who’ve seen the movie The Matrix and are a little worried about the title of this article, let me reassure you the devices I’m referring to require no artificial intelligence, so no need to worry about robots capturing you to harvest your energy. What I’d like to talk about are some revolutionary ideas in the important area of energy conservation. Scientists are working hard to find practical solutions to the energy crisis that we’re facing and they’re looking at taking the leftovers of energy already being produced in our world. This applies to the energy generated by power stations, automobiles and even the human body. One solution proposed is to use Thermoelectric Generators (or TEGs). A TEG basically converts a flow of heat into electrical energy (for a more detailed explanation of how TEGs work, check out the Naked Scientists YouTube video listed in the sources). The plan is to use TEGs to harvest wasted heat that is released in our atmosphere by power stations and automobile exhausts. TEGs do not harm the environment and would be powered by the leftovers of these existing methods of energy. A practical use could be a TEG that recharges the hybrid battery of an automobile. Sounds great, right? And it’s proven to be effective; it’s currently being used to power some of our space exploration missions such as the Cassini and Voyager spacecrafts that are millions of miles from Earth. So how can TEGs harvest human energy? Well first off, it would need to be a much smaller TEG than one used for a power station, an automobile or a spacecraft. Advancements in nanotechnology have allowed us to create energy harvesting devices that are extremely tiny and practically weightless that could do the trick. Scientists are currently working on a form of TEG called a Nano-Generator which is a prototype Zinc
Oxide nanowire (Zinc Oxide is non-toxic, and can be safely implanted into a human body). The Nano-Generator generates a minuscule 200 millivolts by converting body heat into electrical energy. Currently, the difference in the internal and external temperatures of the body are not significant enough to generate a high voltage, but scientist are seeking methods of harvesting greater amounts of energy with Nano-Generators that require less of a difference in body temperature to produce an electrical charge. Can you imagine the possibilities this technology could offer? Nano-Generators could power artificial organs or offer a mobile outlet for electronic devices. At this point, the technology is not advanced enough to generate adequate energy for life-sustaining bionic devices, but it could possibly add a bit more “juice” to your mobile devices running on a rechargeable battery like your cell phone or tablet. Another practical use could be a heated jacket, powered by TEGs that can amplify the heat of a jacket by the heat of your body. Piezoelectricity is another method of harvesting human energy that scientists are exploring. Piezoelectricity is the charge generated by certain materials when placed under stress, like footsteps. This technology could be integrated in a shoe, generating energy by the simple process of walking around. On a larger scale, piezoelectricity could be used in high traffic areas as a platform that pulls the energy from foot traffic weighing down on it. This technology could be made practical for soldiers by providing energy to keep their vitally important mobile devices charged. By using the leftovers of energy already being produced, we are creating more environmentally healthy sources of electricity. This harvested energy in humans is especially interesting as it becomes a personalized
method of creating your own electricity. Hopefully, we will continue to pursue these methods of recycling energy, creating a clean source of energy and a more efficient world for us all. Sources: www.hassam.hubpages.com/hub/GeneratingElectricity-From-Body-Heat www.gizmag.com/go/7731/ www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzGnNkOxdpI
An Amazing Fact According to the scientists, in 15 per cent fat in a human body, it is possible to generate 11,000 watts of electricity per hour. In fact, different yielded energy levels are 81 watts from a sleeping person, 128 watts from a soldier standing at ease, 163 watts from a walking person, 407 watts from a briskly walking person, 1,048 watts from a long-distance runner, and 1,630 watts from a sprinter. -www.hassam.hubpages.com
www.fortgordon.com | 57
Happ Houry 4-7 p .m. Proudly serving Fort Gordon!
Margarita Monday $.99 Kids Meal Tuesday (With Adult Meal)
Public Safety Appreciation Wednesday (All uniform Police, Fire, and Rescue 10% off. Dine-in Only)
Karaoke Friday & Saturday, 7 p.m.-until
+ NOW INTRODUCING OUR AUTHENTIC MEXICAN TACOS Virria, Lengua (tongue) Al Pastor and More! + NEW SEAFOOD DISHES Business Hours: Sunday-Thursday: 11-9 p.m. • Friday & Saturday: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Delivery Available: Monday-Saturday: 5-9 p.m.
at the Courtyard • Brainard Avenue • 706 910-1044
58 | FYI APRIL 2012
Buy 2 combos and 2 beverages and receive a FREE cheese dip with this coupon ($3.25 value)
moviereview When homecoming isn’t so sweet: Return Alice Wynn
The depiction of soldiers’ struggles when returning to the life they led before deployment has gotten a fair share of the Hollywood treatment. World War II resulted in “The Best Years of Our Lives.” The Korean War gave us “The Manchurian Candidate.” “Coming Home” dealt with the aftermath of Vietnam. The debut film from writer and director Liza Johnson “Return,” now available On Demand and DVD, paints a unique portrait in that we now see the same struggle from a female soldier’s perspective. Linda Cardellini, perhaps best known for her work on “Freaks and Geeks” and “ER,” is Kelli, a National Guard reservist. She’s also a wife and mother of two young daughters. After being gone for a year – to the Middle East, presumably, the movie never specifies – she returns to her home and job in her small Ohio town of trains, boarded up storefronts and cracked streets. Kelli’s husband, Mike, played with superb subtlety by Michael Shannon, has done well in his spousal support classes he attended while she was away, we find out. Now, he doesn’t seem how to react to her. Her children have grown, the youngest doesn’t seem to know Kelli at all and Kelli is just as confused by their behavior. It isn’t just her family life that has changed. She now goes about her daily life as if experiencing it for the first time. She wanders around the local discount store, almost as if in a daze. She attends her daughter’s cheerleading practice, tries to watch television with her family. At a gathering celebrating her return, her friends ramble on about their problems, she doesn’t even seem to hear them. Her friends, though, do try to be supportive. When they take her out to a bar one night, Kelli appears different to them, too. She seems a bit thrown off when she meets a woman – a complete stranger – who tells her she watched her kids while she was away, reminding her that life didn’t come to a halt in her absence. Seemingly uncomfortable, she laughs off her friends’ questions that are thrown at her about whether or not she had an affair. “What happened to you over there?” is the question of the hour when she doesn’t seem willing to discuss her deployment. “A lot of people had it a lot worse,” is Kelli’s standard answer. She considers herself lucky, she says, she didn’t get raped or have to carry dead
bodies, she mostly saw supplies. Her husband tries to get her to open up as well. “You don’t understand,” she tells him. And he doesn’t. Her warehouse job she returns to no longer seems satisfactory and despite the fact her boss kept her job open for her, she quits. But it really isn’t surprising seeing as how aimless she seems to be. “You have no plan,” Mike tells her. While out driving, she spots her husbands work van at another woman’s house the same woman who looked after her kids. Confronting Mike, she seems more bothered by the fact that they were “just talking.” Mike takes the girls and goes to stay with his mother. It’s no wonder; Kelli can’t even remember which day she’s supposed to pick her daughter up. Throw in a DUI for Kelli, and things seem to spiral out of control. “I just want things to be like they were before I left,” she says. That seems impossible. The only time Kelli comes out of her shell is when she meets Vietnam veteran Bud (“Mad Men’s John Slattery) in a court-mandated group meeting. He realizes what she’s going through
even more than Mike does. He doesn’t ask her a bunch of questions, expecting to hear some horrific story like every one else seems to do. She laughs a lot and lets her guard down. Is Bud good for her? Not necessarily. He has problems of his own. When Kelli gets the call telling her she has to return to duty, her behavior slips further, leading to some poor decision making on her part in order to avoid further deployment. Sure, she loves her kids, but is she really the best thing for them? Mike is good parent, despite the fact that, as Kelli puts it, “he got real used to me being gone.” While she may not want to return, she has reached a point in her life where the life she led while deployed has become the only life she knows and is comfortable in. “Return” is a straightforward story that lets the understated performances delve deep into the lives of the changing faces of military families. This film also proves that you don’t have to have big stars or big budgets to move an audience.
www.fortgordon.com | 59
60 | FYI APRIL 2012
director’schair
Steve Walpert, Entertainment Director
Here are some important audition tips: • BE PROMPT. If you show up late, you will not be able to audition.
We have just completed an absolutely fantastic show at the Dinner Theatre. Children of Eden, with book by John Caird, Music by Stephen Schwartz, a great cast and orchestra, terrific set and lights by our own Dan Posey, superlative Musical Direction and Choreography by Les Reagan and Mickey Lubeck respectively, and beautiful costumes by Costume World Theatrical and Vintage Ooollee. We are very proud of this accomplishment and everyone who helped in bringing it to the stage. Thanks to all who made this show a reality! Now onto GAME SHOW!! We are now in rehearsal for our next Dinner Theatre production, GAME SHOW, by Jeffery Finn and Bob Walton. Playing May 11, 12, 18, 19, 24, 25 and 26, this production is going to be so much fun! The show is set in a TV Studio as a live telecast. The “studio audience” of the game show is actually the theatre audience and the auditorium will be set up as if patrons are actually at the TV show, with live TV cameras monitors and the works. Some of the audience members will actually be contestants in the game show and win prizes. But don’t let that scare you. NO ONE will be selected unless they really want to be a contestant. This is the Georgia premiere of this new show and you don’t want to miss it! Tickets are on sale now, so call Lee at the Box Office before we sell out; (706) 855-9274. In April, The Missoula Children’s Theatre returns to delight our younger performers – one of our favorite events of the year! This year, the attraction is The Tortoise Vs the Hare and we know our young actors will really love it. This is a fantastic opportunity for kids Kindergarten through 12th grade to participate in a musical production. The show is cast, staged and performed all in one week. Auditions are open to the entire
community and take place April 23, 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. at the Fort Gordon Youth Services Gym, Building 45410. Approximately 50 local children will be cast to appear in the show with the MCT Tour actor/directors. There is no guarantee that everyone who auditions will be cast in the play, but we do encourage all interested young performers to come out. Students wishing to audition should arrive by the scheduled starting time and plan to stay for the entire two-hour session. The first rehearsal for some cast members begins approximately 30 minutes after the auditions. Please note – all adults entering Fort Gordon must have a valid photo ID (state DL, etc.), proof of insurance and vehicle registration in their possession. This is a group audition. No advance preparation is necessary, but a smile never hurts! Participants should just be ready to come and have a good time!
• PAY ATTENTION to the directors. One of the primary qualities they are looking for in a youth audition is the ability to take directions. • B E W E L L B E H AV E D A N D DISCIPLINED at auditions. If you talk when they are giving instructions, don’t pay attention, or are rude and uncooperative, you will miss the opportunity to be in this show. • SPEAK UP. You will be auditioning in a Gym with fans blowing. When reading or speaking lines, speak in a loud clear voice. • BE YOURSELF. Smile and enjoy the audition process. Show us how much fun it will be to work with you, and try not to be nervous. Everyone there will be in the same boat, and we all want you to succeed. Rehearsals will be conducted every day in the Fort Gordon Youth Services Building, Bldg. 45410 from 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.-9 p.m. for select performers. Although not all cast members will be needed at every session, those auditioning must have a clear schedule for the entire week and, if selected, must be able to attend all rehearsals required for their role. A detailed rehearsal schedule will be distributed at the conclusion of the auditions. The performance of The Tortoise Vs the Hare will be held on Saturday, April 28 at 1 p.m. in Alexander Hall. Participation in the show and workshop is FREE for all actors and backstage crew. Admission will also be free to the entire community as part of Fort Gordon’s Month of the Military Child Celebration. For reservations and information on any of our shows or events, just give us a call at the Box Office, (706) 793-8552, or visit www. fortgordon.com. We hope to see YOU at the theatre soon! www.fortgordon.com | 61
62 | FYI APRIL 2012
SNAPSH T What we do: Take pictures of you and put them here and on Flickr - www.flickr.com/photos/fyi_magazine What you do: Smile
Richard Man, Shala Gee, Regina Hardy and Kerry Byrd at the ACS Army Wife Network, Gordonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Conference and Catering
Sharon Davis, Dwayne Barton and Stephanie Waddell at Morale Call, Gordonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Conference and Catering
Lorraine and Keith Pugh at the Post Wide Baby Shower, Family Outreach Center
Anjoanell and Charlie Nicklas at the Post Wide Baby Shower, Family Outreach Center
Visit us at www.FortGordon.com for more upcoming events and information on MWR facilities. www.fortgordon.com | 63
Next
May 2012
Beautiful Bridal Bashes Weddings might seem like a no-brainer to some. After all, you just need a bride, groom and someone to marry you, right? Wrong! The day you will remember for the rest of your life is filled with self-created pockets of joy – if you know what to do and when. We take you there.
Loving Lacrosse Augusta Lacrosse has been around for years, but if you are gripped by the desire to fling a hard ball at sticks, you might be forgiven for not knowing where to start. We take a look at the history of this well-loved game and tell you how you can join in the fun.
The Moving Wall Memorial Day offers a day to contemplate the sacrifices made by service members who have gone before us. In May, Fort Gordon will play host to Dignity Memorial’s ¾ scale replica of the Vietnam War Memorial – a fitting tribute to the many veterans of the Vietnam War currently residing in Fort Gordon and the greater CSRA.
May your May Days be filled with Mud The Marine Mud Challenge is around the corner. What will the course hold for you this year? Other than mud, I mean …
Don’t forget to become our friend on Facebook, hook up with us on Twitter and look for your smiling face on Flickr. Have a comment? Post on our wall or e-mail the editor at molly.swift.naf@mail.mil. 64 | FYI APRIL 2012
I n
F o c u s
Photography by Bartley Harper | Harlem Globetrotters visit CYSS March 13, 2012
www.fortgordon.com | 65