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24 November 2010

Prepared for: IMCOM Command Group

Prepared by:

IMCOM Public Affairs Office

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Army IMCOM

 “We Are The Army’s Home”  IMCOM Weekly News Briefing 24 November 2010  

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Table of Contents 

InsertIMCOM World Newsletter Vol. 4 No. 40 ...........................................................................3Germans nix latest Grafenwöhr housing plan ......................................................................6Allen West, one of two black Republicans just elected to House, goes against grain .........7

Soldier and Family ReadinessGen. Chiarelli discusses dwell time with AUSA chapter ....................................................8Fort Rucker Physical Fitness Facility gets much needed improvements ...........................10

Soldier and Family Well BeingTroop Divorce Rates Level in 2010 ...................................................................................12Killeen ISD prepared to adjust to possible state funding cutback .....................................14

Leader and Workforce Development House sends telework bill to Obama .................................................................................17Education center works through shortfalls: Programs continue despite budget cuts.........19

Installations, Environment and Readiness 

Groundbreaking for $534 million center set for Dec. 6 .....................................................21Self-sufficiency with energy one of fort’s ‘green’ goals ...................................................24

Safety Safety: Don't be 'that guy ...................................................................................................27Garrison stands down for safety awareness .......................................................................29

Public Affairs OverviewCommand Information .......................................................................................................31Community Relations/Outreach.........................................................................................34

Media Relations .................................................................................................................36Other Items of Signficance ................................................................................................38 

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November 24, 2010 Vol. 4 No. 40IMCOM  AEC  FMWRC 

HHoott ttooppiiccss 

Fort Rucker: Native Americans, Fort RuckerSoldiers honor each other, history Article 

Fort Bragg: Community warned about thedangers of Spice Article 

Army wife Gomez wins Operation RisingStar military singing contest Article 

Picatinny Arsenal: Tour-stop at Picatinnyaims for closer collaboration betweenSoldiers, engineers Article 

Fort Benning: Veterans counseling centermoves into new $300K facility Article 

Natick Soldiers System Center: SenatorBrown visits Article 

Fort Wainwright: "Rockfest" rocks outhangar Article 

Redstone Arsenal: Local Resident Sends

Greetings To Troops Overseas Article 

Army aims to better track injured SoldiersArticle 

Fort Carson: First amputee completesCarson WLC  Article 

LTG Rick Lynch's 2010 Thanksgiving Holiday MessageThanksgiving is a time for Americans to reflect on our beginning asnation, and give thanks for the many blessings we enjoy.

Thanksgiving also marks the beginninof the winter holiday season andprovides an opportunity for Soldiers,Civilians, and Family members to focon what's important and their resilienDo not become complacent toward th

hazards surrounding us over theholidays. Excessive alcoholconsumption, road conditions, fall spoactivities, domestic violence, unattencooking, high risk driving, and suicidabehavior continue to be areas of concern. For the sake of your Familiyour battle buddy and yourselves, tak

the time to plan responsibly and enjoy this holiday season safely.

The minute you step into a vehicle, there is potential for you tobecome a statistic if you don't remain aware of your surroundings a

use a great deal of common sense. Use the Travel Risk PlanningSystem (TRiPs) www.imcom.army.mil/hq/officecom/staff/safety   toidentify traveling risks and reduce the chance of an accident whiletraveling over the holidays. Be mindful of those for whom this seasocan be stressful and offer appropriate assistance.Information on safety topics are available in the IMCOM Fall WinterSafety Brochure at www.imcom.army.mil/hq/officecom/staff/safety  the Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center website safety.army.m

As Sarah and I enjoy this special time with our family, we encouragyou to reflect on the blessings of the past year, remember our comrades deployed far from home, and enjoy well-deserved time wfamily and friends. By all means, have fun but use sound judgmen

You are a cherished member of an elite fraternity; your country andyour Army are counting on your safe return.

Take care, and thanks for all you do.

-D6 

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IMCOM World Newsletter | 2

FFaammiillyy MMaatttteerrss USAG Heidelberg: Support group mentorsmoms of young children Article 

Redstone Arsenal: Angel Tree DeliversChance To Give Back Article 

Fort Jackson: School events honor NativeAmericans Article 

Fort Belvoir: USO brings family night toBelvoir with movie premier Article 

Fort Hood: "Wranglers" help students withmath fun Article 

Fort Carson: Families 'walk to Iraq' Article 

Fort Stewart: Baby loved disco Article 

Fort Rucker: Son receives father's PurpleHeart at Fort Rucker Article 

Fort Bragg: Military Family life consultantsprovide the needed support before, during,after deployment Article 

Fort Jackson: Post schools take aim atbullies Article 

Schofield Barracks: 'SpouseBUZZ Live'brings laughter to Nehelani Article 

FFoorrccee pprrootteeccttiioonn nneewwss 

Characteristics of SuspiciousPackages or Mail

■ Handwritten labels, foreign handwriting or poorly typed addresses

■ Unusual odor. (The deliberate or sustainedsmelling of a piece of mail to determine theexistence of an unusual odor is not advised;this could expose you to chemical or biologicalagents.)

■ Unusual or unbalanced weight, either heaviness or lightness

…… bbee aawwaarree 

Food service Soldiers prepare for Thanksgiving mealHEIDELBERG, Germany -- Customary orange, red, brown and yellcrepe streamers hang from the ceiling of the Patton Barracks diningfacility in Heidelberg as patrons enjoy alittle casual conversation or steal aglance or two at a nearby televisionscreen in between bites. The streamersare the only telltale signs of thetransformation that will take place herethis time next week. Staff Sgt. WillieWilkins, assistant dining facilitymanager, and his Soldiers are in thefinal stages of planning for this year'sThanksgiving meal. The facility expectsto feed between 400-500 Soldiers,civilians and families. To pull off the feat, Wilkins and his crew willneed at least six turkeys, 20 pies, 300 cookies, 67 pounds of sweetpotatoes, 24 pounds of macaroni noodles and a galore of other tasholiday goodies and side dishes. Planning for the annual meal begearlier this year, as the staff reviewed the menu from last year, creaa "wish list" and placed orders for the items they wanted to serve th

Thanksgiving. Selections on the menu this year will be turkey, primrib, ham, Cornish hens, collard greens, dressing, macaroni andcheese, sweet potatoes and apple and pecan and pumpkin pies anmore. Article 

Baltimore Mayor welcomes BRAC couple at housewarmingBALTIMORE, MD -- Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blakepersonally welcomed newcomers to Maryland and the city of Baltim

during a Base Realignmenand Closure HousewarminEvent sponsored by LiveBaltimore Nov. 12 at the ho

of two of the city's newestresidents. John and StephWhite, both employees of tU.S. Army CommunicationElectronics Command whorelocated here with the

command as a result of implementation of 2005 BRAC law, openedtheir home to neighbors, city officials and local organizations for anhour that Friday evening. The couple relocated to the area from FoMonmouth, N.J., and chose to live in the heart of Baltimore City inUpper Fells Point. "I get excited when I meet a new city resident. Btoday's event is special because you [John and Stephanie White] a

putting the face on BRAC," said Rawlings-Blake during her welcomaddress. Since BRAC 2005 legislation was passed, the city has taka particular interest in raising the awareness of what Baltimore has offer. Live Baltimore has remained focused on having a presence aFort Monmouth to answer questions about the Baltimore area andencourage newcomers to consider Baltimore City as their new homLive Baltimore has conducted six bus trips to Baltimore areaneighborhoods, including the Inaugural Green Light Tour which hadsix busloads of New Jersey participants, according to Steven GondLive Baltimore BRAC relocation manager. Article 

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IMCOM World Newsletter | 3

SSaaffeettyy nneewwss 

Fort Wainwright: Keeping pets out of

harm's way this winter Article 

Risk factors focus of 'Tell a Friend' breastcancer awareness luncheon Article 

Fort Hood: A new take on personalweapons safety Article 

Detroit Arsenal: Garrison stands down forsafety awareness Article 

EEnnvviirroonnmmeennttaall nneewwss Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall : Basestays green, shreds at annual America

Recycles Day Article 

Fort Bragg: National Public Lands Dayevent dedicated to fallen Fort Bragg Soldier

Article 

Fort Bliss: Joint ventures aim atenvironmental sustainability Article 

Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall: Treesurveys benefit base, neighboringcommunities Article 

USAG Schweinfurt: Schweinfurt plays hostto Europe-wide training exercise Article

IInnssttaallllaattiioonn ppaappeerr ooff tthhee wweeeekk 

Fort Rucker: Flier  Current Issue 

BRAC IS HERE -- ARE YOU READY?The IMCOM Relocation Web site is your source for the news an

information you need to stay abreast of the ongoing transition to SAntonio. The move has been steadily progressing for a year, bu

starting now, the pace will pick up considerably. We all need to ginformed and plan for the very near future. The Web site is there help. Whether you're relocating or not, the time has come for som

informed decisions regarding BRAC and your future.

The IMCOM G1 has established the IMCOM G1 BRAC AssistancOffice to specifically assist BRAC-impacted employees in

understanding and using available career assistance tools. This ofis partnering with multiple organizations to bring training to the IMCworkforce. The goal is to assist you with your individual needs as y

transition. These programs and resources will soon be featuredprominently on the Relocation Web site.

Employees may contact the "IMCOM BRAC Placement Assistanc

email box if they have questions, recommendations or desire careassistance as IMCOM transitions to San Antonio. Just look it up in

Global Address List.

Spouses of IMCOM employees relocating to Ft. Sam Houston mcontact the "IMCOM Spouse Relocation" email box to request car

assistance as they transition with their sponsor.

The DoD BRAC Web site(http://www.cpms.osd.mil/brac/brac_index.aspx ) provides employemanagers, supervisors, and human resources specialists the late

information on BRAC, and the variety of transition assistance

programs offered by the Department of Defense and other Federagencies.

The Department of Defense BRAC Transition "Other Websites"(http://www.cpms.osd.mil/brac/Other_BRAC.aspx  )also provides

access to a number of electronic tools including the BRAC Coach, Career One Stop.

To get to the Relocation page, just go to the IMCOM Web site,http://www.imcom.army.mil/hq/  and click the Alamo in the upper ri

corner.Or go straight to the Relocation page at

http://www.imcom.army.mil/hq/relocation/   Article 

Follow The Army’s Home on the following social media Web sites

Twitter ArmyLive Facebook Flickr

Be informed on top IMCOM issues and information! 

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Stars and StripesNovember 22, 2010

Germans nix latest Grafenwöhr housing plan 

By Seth Robson and Marcus Kloeckner

GRAFENWÖHR, Germany — Plans to build 100 homes for U.S. soldiers and their families nearGrafenwöhr Training Area have been scrapped after hundreds of Germans signed a petitionagainst the project.

Hundreds of new off-post homes are needed near Grafenwöhr so that the Army can moveforward with plans to consolidate the 172nd Infantry Brigade there. Some 750 soldiers, along

with about 1,120 family members, were scheduled to move from Schweinfurt, Germany, toGrafenwöhr last summer, but the move was delayed after work fell through on a 300-unit off-post military community.

Now plans for a smaller 100-home project in the town of Hütten also have fallen through,according to Grafenwöhr Mayor Helmuth Wächter.

Some 250 Hütten residents signed a petition against the 100-home proposal. Then, at a recenttown meeting, the project was shot down by a 22-4 vote. The local residents who oppose theconstruction see the area as the only place where new homes could be built for Germans living inthe town, and they prefer to save the land for their own housing projects, Wächter said.

As a result of the vote, local officials will attempt to resurrect the 300-unit military housingproject, known as Hütten-am-See, Wächter said. An investor — whom Wächter declined toname — has proposed a smaller version of Hütten-am-See that would combine 74 new doublehomes with a solar-powered generation facility.

“The solar facility will help the new investor to finance the project,” he said.

However, the 74 double houses will not be enough to accommodate all of the 172nd soldiers thatthe Army wants to bring to the area. About 100 more houses need to be built, he said.

U.S. Army Garrison Grafenwöhr public affairs officer Nick D’Amario said U.S. Forces are notinvolved in negotiations on any projects regarding leased housing in the Hütten area.

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Washington PostNovember 24, 2010

Allen West, one of two black Republicans just elected to House,goes against grain

By Krissah Thompson

Allen West, a 22-year Army veteran, is preparing for Washington a bit like he would for abattlefield. His "high and tight" hairstyle will be one of the only buzz cuts in Congress. He plansto carry a camouflage bag, not a briefcase.

And on a recent morning, while others in the Republican Party's large incoming freshman class jockeyed for office space, he declared himself largely indifferent.

"I've lived in tents," said West, who in January will become the first black Republican torepresent Florida since 1876.

Since its last black lawmaker retired from the House in 2003, the GOP has been eager to electhigh-profile African Americans. The party's desire to demonstrate inclusiveness has beenespecially pressing since the election of Barack Obama and the rise of the predominantly whitetea party movement.

West is one of two black Republicans elected to the House this year. The other, Tim Scott, alongtime politician in South Carolina, was quickly drafted into the GOP leadership as a

representative of the freshman class.

West brings to the party a strong personality and, with repeat appearances on Fox News and aspot this past Sunday on NBC's "Meet the Press," a profile that many incoming members of Congress would covet. But he's also an unpredictable force, inclined to be an outsider - evenwithin the GOP.

In an interview, he said he doesn't admire anyone in Washington. 

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Killeen Daily HeraldNov. 18 2010

Gen. Chiarelli discusses dwell time with AUSA chapter 

By Amanda Kim Stairrett

Photo Credit: Herald/CATRINA RAWSON Gen. Peter Chiarelli speaks during the Central Texas-Fort Hood Chapter of the Association of the United States Army general membership meeting Thursday at the Killeen Civic and Conference Center.

One year ago, the Army's vice chief of staff visited the local Association of the U.S. Armychapter and delivered news regarding troop levels at Fort Hood and efforts to deal with issues

plaguing the force.

Gen. Peter Chiarelli, a former 1st Cavalry Division commander, came back Thursday during theCentral Texas-Fort Hood chapter's first general membership meeting of the 2010-2011 year, thistime to discuss remaining Base Realignment and Closure and post-traumatic stress disorder andsuicide issues.

As the deadline for 2005 Base Realignment and Closure nears, a few changes remain at FortHood. The 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment still must convert to a Stryker brigade, which willbegin when its troopers return from Iraq. The regiment deployed to Iraq for an advise-and-assistmission in September.

Chiarelli said Thursday at the Killeen Civic and Conference Center that the change will addabout 440 soldiers to the regiment. Fort Hood will also see the conversion of a battlefieldsurveillance brigade, which will add about 300 soldiers to the assigned strength, he added.

That puts the 2013 soldier population of Fort Hood at about 47,000, Chiarelli said. There is apossibility that number could slightly increase as the Army continues to adjust its force and unitsare modernized.

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The general also emphasized the importance of increasing dwell time — or time at homestationsbetween deployments — for soldiers. The ultimate goal is for soldiers who spend one yeardeployed to get three years at home before another combat tour. For Reserve Componentsoldiers, the goal ratio is four to five years of dwell time for every year deployed, Chiarelli said.

Soldiers need time at home to rest and recover, he said, and that is the answer to solvingproblems associated with post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury. Problemswith those issues result from people not having time at home, he added.

Chiarelli cited the 2010 Health Promotion Risk Reduction Suicide Prevention Report, 300 pagesof data made public in August that examines soldier suicides, causes and recommendations andconclusions about dealing with the issue. He said it addressed some of the broader challengesfacing the Army after a decade of war.

In what Chiarelli called the "tough report," officials admit there are gaps in how they identify andaddress at-risk soldiers.

There are higher incidents of soldiers engaging in at-risk behavior that leads to increased repeatcriminal offenses; illegal and prescription drug abuse; and violent crimes like homicide, sexualassault and suicide.

At-risk behavior is often the biggest indicator that soldiers will try or succeed in ending theirown lives, the report read.

Chiarelli also addressed part of the report that concluded that when units aren't deployed, there isa "lost art" of leadership in garrison. Many officers and noncommissioned officers only know awartime Army and don't know how to properly lead troops at home.

It's a "redeploy-and-release" mentality, Chiarelli said. The threat to soldiers who are deployed ison-duty, while the threat to soldiers who are at home is off-duty, he added.

There is a significant lack of leadership involved in the garrison environment, he said, and"we've got to get a handle on this."

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Army.milNovember 18, 2010

Fort Rucker Physical Fitness Facility gets much neededimprovements

By Jim Hughes, Command Information Officer

FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- There may be a small amount of pain for community members wantingto use the Fort Rucker Physical Fitness Facility this year, but as renovations at the facilitycontinue there will be a huge amount of gain next year.

The facility is undergoing millions of dollars in renovations, equating to a complete overhaul of the entire facility, said Lori Ciranni, manager of sports, fitness and aquatics for Fort Rucker'sDirectorate of Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation.

The renovations have been going on for just over a year now and the 34-year-old building was indire need of the fix-up, Ciranni said.

"If we didn't get the renovations, we were going to have to level it and start over - especially thelocker room area and the pool," she said. "It was so rusty and nasty from all of the use andhumidity, the renovations just had to happen or we'd have to close it down."

While most of the facility is closed right now due to the ongoing work, the gains include a newpool, new locker rooms, air conditioning and heating in the gymnasium, more space for fitness

equipment and free weights, new racquetball courts and an in-house hourly childcare facility runby the Child Development Center to take care of little ones while parents work out, Ciranni said.

"That's a new feature and it's going to be huge," she said. "It'd been tried before, but wasn'twidely used because it wasn't on site - being on site will make a huge difference."

Ciranni estimates that the whole project will be complete next spring or summer - originally itwas due to be complete in April 2011.

"It's an old building, and you just never know when they pick up a stone or piece of cement whatthey'll find under it," she said. "Some of the work takes longer than expected because of what

they find. We're still shooting for April, though."

For now, the only parts of the facility people without hardhats can use are the fitness area andlobby restrooms, she said. Workouts in the fitness area are close quarters due to the free weightsrecently being moved back into the fitness area from the gymnasium.

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"Having the free weights in the gym was a temporary measure to create more room in the fitnessarea," she said. "But since they've started work in the gym, we had to move the weights back, soit's a little more cramped."

The other issue created by the renovations is the loss of racquetball on post.

"Racquetball is a huge issue with our customers," Ciranni said. "The courts are done, and they'rebeautiful and ready to go, but the problem is people can't access the courts because of all thework going on around them. It's a safety issue - it's simply not safe for people to get to the courtsright now."

She said the staff and construction contractors are working to create a workaround for access tothe courts.

And there's hope, because the facility staff is experienced at making workarounds, she said.

"We have shower and locker room trailers to make up for the loss of the locker rooms-peopleusing the track can use those, too, and we made adjustments to allow for continuing withbasketball and volleyball seasons," she said. "And, of course, we have the Fortenberry-ColtonPhysical Fitness Center people can use.

"The people who've been here a while know how much these renovations were needed," Cirannisaid. "And to new people, I'd just say use the Fortenberry-Colton facility-there's absolutely noconstruction going on there.

"Keep your chin up and realize that you are going to be wowed once these renovations arecomplete," she added. "It's going to be beautiful - people will feel invigorated when they walk in,and I'm certain Soldiers and all of our patrons are going to feel great about working out here."

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Military.com 

November 18, 2010

Troop Divorce Rates Level in 2010

by Amy Bushatz

Newly released Pentagon statistics show that the overall military divorce rate leveled off in 2010after a consistent increase over the previous five years.

Officials suggest the stall is evidence that programs designed to aid military marriages arestarting to work despite almost a decade of war and stress on families.

"All military services have a variety of programs focused on strengthening and ... enrichingfamily bonds among couples," Maj. Monica Bland, a DoD spokesperson, said in a statement."We believe these programs are instrumental in mitigating the stresses deployment places onmarriages."

Since the start of Operation Enduring Freedom, the divorce rate has increased from 2.6 percentin 2001 to 3.6 percent in 2009. According to DoD the rate remained at 3.6 percent in 2010.

Some military family researchers and advocates say the Pentagon shouldn't get too excited -- yet.Despite the seemingly good news, they fear the divorce rate plateau is temporary.

"I would not say that this is a downward trend -- it looks to me like stability," said BenjaminKarney, a professor at UCLA who has conducted extensive marriage studies with the RANDCorporation for DoD. "This doesn't say it's stopped moving. When you see gradual decreasesyear to year, yes that's a trend. But a stop for one year? We can't say that's a trend."

Stephanie Himel-Nelson, a spokesperson for the military support organization Blue StarFamilies, agreed. "I'd want to see a couple of years of this and see them go back down," shesaid. "We're hopeful that this is a sign that all of the focus that the Department of Defense hasput into military families and reintegration is starting to pay off."

In recent years, the climbing military divorce rate has been a call to action for officials to focus

their efforts and spending on services aimed at reducing the stress caused by frequentdeployments. The Army, the largest of the services, plans to pour about $9 billion into its "ArmyFamily Covenant" program in 2011, Gen. George Casey, Army chief of staff, said recently.

The program covers services such as family mental health care, free childcare during deploymentand on post housing improvements. Each service also has its own marriage support programs,largely run out of chaplains' offices.

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The active-duty Army, which spends the most on its programs, plans to devote more than $700million in fiscal 2011 to Strong Bonds, a free retreat that takes participants to a nice resort andprovides childcare while teaching relationship skills. The Navy, Marine Corps and Air Forcehost similar events.

Family Support: The services by the numbers

A recent study out the University of Denver showed that couples who attend the Strong Bondsretreat suffer 33 percent fewer divorces than those who do not. But a deeper dive into the divorcefigures reveals negative trends as well.

Despite the overall rate remaining stable, subgroups did see small increases similar to those inyears past. For example, the divorce rate for enlisted males increased slightly among Marinesand Airmen while remaining constant for Sailors and Soldiers.

Divorce rates among enlisted female servicemembers also increased in every service except theNavy, where they remained unchanged at 7.8 percent -- still more than double that of their malecounterparts. In the Army, the female enlisted divorce rate is three times that of enlisted males.

Karney said the rate among females may be higher because intervention programs are missingthe target. His 2007 RAND study, "Families Under Stress," was commissioned by DoD toexplore the military divorce rate.

"No matter where you go, women are at greater risk in the military," he said. "It's possible thatthe support services in the military are aimed more precisely at the female civilian partners of 

male servicemembers."

The divorce rates released by the Pentagon do not include data on Reserve and National Guardmembers or on servicemembers who divorced after leaving the military. The civilian divorce ratein the US for the 2009 calendar year was 3.4 percent, according to the Centers for DiseaseControl and Prevention.

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Killeen Daily HeraldNovember 20, 2010

Killeen ISD prepared to adjust to possible state funding cutback

Killeen school officials may soon face some difficult decisions on cutting the district's budget.

Administrators were informed recently by state Rep. Jimmie Don Aycock that KilleenIndependent School District could receive 6 percent less in state funding for the 2011-12 schoolyear, as a result of a state budget shortfall.

In the coming weeks, Aycock, a member of the House Public Education Committee and theAppropriations Committee, will meet with local school superintendents to discuss a potential 6

percent reduction in funding for the state's public school districts next year. The Legislature isexpected to consider the cutbacks when it convenes in January.

For KISD, which received more than $210.7 million in state money for the current school year, a6 percent cut would equate to $12.6 million — not a small chunk of change for any district.

Figures on KISD's website show that the district's total revenue for the current school year isabout $338.4 million. Consequently, the state's funding represents about 62 percent of thedistrict's annual revenue. Cutting the state's total by 6 percent would mean almost a 4 percent hitto the district's overall revenue figure.

It sounds dire, but KISD officials have been down this road before.

In December 2008, the district announced it would slash its budget by $5 million because of aprojected enrollment decline of more than 1,200 students. Surprisingly, however, the studentbody increased by 850 students the following school year, putting projections back in the black.

KISD's finances looked even better this August, when the school board adopted the district's2010-11 budget. With a growing student enrollment and state funding formula based onenrollment, revenues were projected to outpace spending by about $20 million. As a result,trustees adopted a general fund budget with a surplus of close to $17 million — money thedistrict transferred to the capital improvement and capital project funds.

Continued strong enrollment will undoubtedly keep the district's revenues in the black, but majorcapital improvement projects in the Strategic Facilities Plan — such as the construction of a newelementary on Bunny Trail and the district's Career Academy — likely will require more of thedistrict's reserve funds if state money is reduced.

Of course, the district's future financial obligations aren't limited to construction projects.

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As enrollment continues to swell past 40,000 students on the district's 50 campuses, KISD musthire more teachers, aides and support staff to accommodate the student population and meet thestate's mandatory student-to-teacher ratios.

According to information from the district, more than $265 million of the district's expendituresare dedicated to payroll, and almost 64 percent of its operating budget is spent on instruction.

Needless to say, a potential 6 percent reduction in state funding would be felt across all areas of the district budget.

And looking at all budget areas may be the fairest way to trim district expenditures. When KISDwas looking at a potential $5 million shortfall two years ago, Superintendent Robert Mullerasked department heads and principals across the district to offer their suggestions for cuttingcosts.

If reductions in state funding force the district to look at cutting expenses, getting input fromthose affected most would seem to be the best approach. In fact, Muller said the previousrecommendations are still on file.

However, it may not come to that.

Talk of cutbacks is still very preliminary. Any proposed funding reductions at the committeelevel must be approved by the full House and signed into law by the governor.

Still, Muller said the district is prepared to adjust if necessary,

First, the district is in sound financial shape and has a positive fund balance.

In addition, KISD's tax rate of $1.14 per $100 property valuation is the lowest among the Waco,Temple, Belton and Copperas Cove school districts. Yet, as it stands, the state-mandated tax capof $1.04 for maintenance and operation is just a cent over the district's M&O rate, limitingKISD's ability to raise money via a tax hike.

The larger question facing KISD may be that of federal Impact Aid, which accounts for another$65.8 million in the current budget — more than 19 percent of overall revenues.

Impact Aid is vital to military communities, which receive the aid to compensate for theuntaxable property on federal installations, such as Fort Hood. But as the Congress looks forways to trim its own budget, Impact Aid is a likely target, as it has been in the past.

The impending departure of U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards, D-Waco, who has fought consistently tomaintain Impact Aid funding levels, makes that possibility even more worrisome.

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If Impact Aid were to be significantly reduced, the district could potentially face a financialcrisis, as would school districts in other military communities.

For now, district administrators can only speculate as to what school finance will look like overthe next few years— too many questions remain.

But how those questions are answered could have a significant impact on our community — andits children.

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Government Executive 

November 18, 2010

House sends telework bill to Obama

By Amelia Gruber

The House on Thursday sent President Obama a bill to boost telework at federal agencies, overobjections by Republicans who said the measure would grant civil servants another costly fringebenefit and add layers of bureaucracy at a time when Americans want a smaller government.

Members voted 254-152 to pass the 2010 Telework Enhancement Act (H.R. 1722), whichrequires agencies to determine which employees are eligible to work outside the office, toestablish policies allowing them to do so and to inform them of the option. The measure also

requires agencies to designate an official to oversee their telework program and to incorporatethe alternative work arrangement in continuity of operations planning for natural disasters andother emergencies.

During debate on the House floor, the bill's sponsors touted it as a common-sense measure thatwill save money down the road by reducing agencies' overhead costs, cutting energyconsumption and improving productivity. The Congressional Budget Office has estimated thatimplementing the bill will cost about $30 million over five years. But Rep. Stephen Lynch, D-Mass., said the long-term savings will provide an "excellent return" on this initial investment. Henoted private sector companies such as IBM have saved as much as $56 million annually inreduced office space by allowing employees to telework.

Supporters also emphasized telework is instrumental in keeping government running duringemergencies and natural disasters such as the snowstorms that crippled Washington last winter.

"Passage of this telework bill is critical to ensuring that the essential services provided toAmericans are not interrupted during times of emergencies, or extremely adverse weatherconditions," Sue Webster, national president of Federally Employed Women, said in a statementpraising lawmakers for sending the legislation to Obama. "We ... ask that the president sign it assoon as possible."

But some Republicans said the bill's potential price tag is too high, given the current economic

climate and Congress' mandate -- driven home by the Nov. 2 midterm election results -- todecrease spending and cut government. Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., argued federal employeesalready are teleworking and don't need extra help. With unemployment topping 9 percent, it is a"travesty" that Democrats are "pushing this initiative to make it easier for federal employees --who already have it much easier than the rest of the country -- to avoid the office," she said.

Republicans also expressed anger that the Senate had stripped out some of the oversightprovisions built into the version of the bill the House passed in July. The final bill no longer

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Fort Jackson LeaderNovember 23, 2010

Education center works through shortfalls: Programs continuedespite budget cuts

By CHRIS RASMUSSEN, Fort Jackson Leader

Instructor Lynette Leventis conducts a Basic Skills Education Program class Thursday at the Fort Jackson Army Continuing Education Services Center. Despite funding issues, the center still offers a variety of services.

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Despite budget shortfalls and a shrinking staff, those who operateArmy Continuing Education Services are continuing to meet the needs of Soldiers and familymembers.

Half of the center's already thin staff were cut earlier this year leaving them with one full-timeand three part-time contractors. Those positions include instructors, counselors and a test

examiner. The center also has one Army civilian employee.

"We are now literally operating on a skeleton crew, but IMCOM is working diligently to bring usback up," said Mary Armstead, acting Education Services Officer. "We adapt and adjust becauseour goal is to serve Soldiers. We are staying busy trying to accommodate everyone."

ACES programs at all IMCOM garrisons have been affected due to funding deficits for ACEScontract employees.

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"We have been able to move things around so we can accommodate everyone," Armstead said."Overall it has worked well. But it has been a high-tempo environment. We meet weekly todiscuss where we are and what holes are in the program."

The ACES learning center offers a variety of educational courses Soldiers can use for self-improvement. Through the Basic Skills Education Program, which emphasizes math andEnglish, Soldiers can improve job performance, GT scores, as well as retention and reenlistmentoptions.

Soldiers can also prepare for schools such as Primary Leadership Development Course, BasicNoncommissioned Officers Course, Advanced Noncommissioned Officers Course and theSergeants Major Academy.

Soldiers and family members can also earn a college degree, license or professional certificate atthe learning center.

While no education programs have been cut, the center has had to limit its offerings and hastemporarily stopped its testing services for Soldiers who are taking online college courses andneed help with testing.

"We haven't had to cut any programs, just curtail some of them," Armstead said. "Everybodyhere wears a variety of hats so we can stay afloat. Some Soldiers get frustrated, but for the mostpart, they understand we are trying to help them."

Unit briefings on the resources and opportunities available at ACES have been cut back, as well.In-processing and drill sergeant briefings, however, will continue.Counseling services have also felt the impact and staff is encouraging students to call forassistance instead of coming to the center for an appointment.

"We have had to not see Soldiers face-to-face but take care of them over the phone," educationcounselor Sally Maybin said. "We enjoyed our Soldiers being able to walk in and see acounselor, but we can handle it over the phone."

Tuition assistance for Soldiers and spouses is not affected by the funding shortfall.

As IMCOM works out the funding issue, garrison is looking at ways to help ACES continue itsmission.

"The installation is looking at ways to help augment personnel," Armstead said. "They are veryaware of what we are going through and they are working at helping us."

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Fort Hood Sentinel November 18, 2010

Groundbreaking for $534 million center here set for Dec. 6

By Patricia Deal, CRDAMC Public Affairs

An aerial view shows the new 947,000-square-foot Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center that will be built on Fort Hood beginning in spring of 2011. The new facility is nearly 60 percent larger than the current Vietnam- war era hospital and will include a six-story hospital, three outpatient clinic buildings and three parking garages. Courtesy graphic 

Groundbreaking for the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center’s new hospital is scheduled forDec. 6, signaling the start of a $534 million project that will consolidate services and enhanceaccess to medical care for thousands of Fort Hood Soldiers, family members and retirees.

Construction of the 947,000-square-foot facility is slated to begin in April just south of thecurrent medical center on the site of the old Fort Hood stadium. It is expected to be open forpatients in late summer 2015.

“We’re excited to see the project begin as it brings us one step closer to providing increasedaccess to care and more health care services in line with the 21st century warfighter,” Col. (Dr.)Steven Braverman, CRDAMC commander, said.

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The original Darnall hospital opened in 1965 to serve 17,000 Soldiers, with an addition in 1984added to serve 39,000 troops. Today, the hospital serves roughly 45,000 Soldiers, as well asnearly 125,000 family members and retirees within a 40-mile radius.

At 600,000 square feet, the current facility is undersized for the amount of services it provides,Braverman said. Each day Darnall averages 4,622 outpatient encounters, 202 emergency roomvisits, 26 surgeries, 26 admissions, seven births and 4,500 prescriptions filled.

The new medical center will be nearly 60 percent larger than the current facility and will includea six-story hospital, three outpatient clinic buildings and three parking garages.

“We have worked hand-in-hand with the architects and designers from BalfourBeatty/McCarthy-HKS/Wingler and Sharp to create a modern campus that is both capable of meeting today’s health care needs and is a comfortable place for patients to receive medicalcare,” Lt. Col. Michael C. Williams, project manager, U.S. Army Health Facility PlanningAgency, said.

As patients enter the new facility, they will be welcomed by bright, natural light that engulfs thelobby through two-and-a-half story windowpanes. The natural light continues along a centralconcourse that makes navigating the hospital much simpler than the current design.

“In a facility this size, people can get lost very easily,” Williams said. “This hospital is organizedvery simply with multiple entrances and a clear, circulation pattern.”

On one side of the concourse, patients will check in through the designated reception areas, andon the opposite side, waiting areas overlook a courtyard and outdoor gardens. The naturalconcept continues throughout the medical center all the way to the upper levels.

From the third, fourth and fifth floors, patients have a view of rooftop gardens, bringing natureup to the patient level.

An important feature of the new hospital is the approximately 100,000 square feet dedicated forbehavioral health services, Braverman said, which will enable the hospital to provide additionalmental and physical care for Soldiers suffering from visible and invisible wounds of war.

This area on the third floor will include an outpatient component, a Resilience and RestorationCenter, Department of Social Work and Hospital and Administrative Psychiatry. It will beconnected through the concourse to the inpatient component of the psychiatric unit, which willalso feature an exterior basketball court.

Since the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan began, military hospitals have seen an increase in thenumber of Soldiers needing treatment for physical injuries, traumatic brain injury and post-

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traumatic stress. More than 4,200 wounded and ill Soldiers evacuated from Iraq and Afghanistanhave been treated at Darnall.

“Right now our behavioral health services are spread out amongst many locations. The newhospital will allow us to centralize services to make getting care easier and more convenient forour patients,” Braverman said. “Numerous Soldiers deploy from Fort Hood, and we want toensure we can handle the medical needs of each and every one of them and their familymembers.”

The fourth floor of the new medical center will be devoted to women’s services. It will includenine labor-delivery-recovery rooms, two C-section units, a 12-bed neo-natal intensive care unitand a 28-bed mother-baby unit.

Up one level, the pediatric unit will have 10 beds and the medical-surgery unit is designed toaccommodate 30 beds.

Darnall will continue to provide additional services throughout the facility, such as emergencymedicine, physical therapy, family medicine and internal medicine.

Departmental staff are currently reviewing the design plans and offering feedback to the HealthFacility Planning Agency and the Army Corps of Engineers to ensure the current layoutaccommodates provider and patient needs.

“This facility was designed with flexibility in mind,” Williams said. “As health care needschange, so can Darnall. The design allows flexibility to accommodate the changing needs of 

clinics and departments and, in the future, there is room for lateral growth and an additional bedtower, if needed.”

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers awarded the $534 million contract to Balfour Beatty |McCarthy Joint Venture of Dallas, in September. The project is funded by the AmericanRecovery and Reinvestment Act.

The groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for 3 p.m. Dec. 6 at the new medical center site. Theevent is open to the public, and visitors should enter Fort Hood using the Santa Fe gate. Parkingis available at 65th Street and Railhead Drive.

(Editor’s Note: Christie Vanover, CRDAMC Public Affairs, contributed to this article.)

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Sierra Vista HeraldNovember 22, 2010

Self-sufficiency with energy one of fort’s ‘green’ goals

By Bill Heiss

FORT HUACHUCA — Financially speaking, the Army’s logistical tail is too long, limiting itsbiting power, an assistant secretary of the Army said.

Funding logistics, while critical, has meant the Army has to find ways to reduce the tail’s costs,putting funds into the service’s ability to chew up enemies, said Katherine Hammack, theassistant secretary of the Army for installations and

environment.

She made her comments Friday, after spending a day on the post, where the tour included ahelicopter flight to get an airborne view of the installation and a ground ride to see how the fortis addressing issues such as reducing energy costs.

Saying her emphasis is on energy, water and waste reduction, Hammack said when it comes toenergy alone, the Army spends more than $1 billion a year in utility costs.

“Anything we can do to be more energy efficient, to reduce energy costs is important … but it’san ongoing challenge,” she said.

The goal of the Army’s push is to see installations not be energy users, but producers who couldeither sell excess energy or make enough for an installation to be self-sufficient, Hammack said.

When it comes to the post, she said the ability for it to be net zero in electricity is probable andthe installation is far ahead when it comes to water conservation.

As for waste reduction, it is an issue the Army has to become more involved with, Hammacksaid, noting it is wasteful “to dig holes in the ground to dispose of waste.”

Building plants that produce electricity by using waste in a clean manner are possible, she added.

While the Army’s color is green, becoming environmentally green will show America that theservice is serious about saving taxpayer funds, better stewards of nature, she said.

As he watched Friday’s Turkey Bowl on the fort, Maj. Gen. John Custer said he met withHammack earlier in the day, discussing post leaders’ visions. Speaking at the annual gamebetween two brigades — one representing the Military Intelligence Corps and the other theSignal Corps — Custer said he sees in Hammack a person who is not just interested in the job

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but an individual with years of knowledge and work needed for the net zero concepts in energy,water and waste reductions.

The commander of the Intelligence Center of Excellence said in less than a half year in herposition, Hammack has been impressive. Her tour took her to areas where she saw futureplanned projects, including a 32-story wind turbine which will generate 1 megawatt of power ina region where winds are prevalent on the post, which could lead to more turbines.

The general said the fort’s 320 days of sunshine a year are a source of solar power many Armyinstallations do not have.

There are plans for a 20 megawatt solar farm on post between the Main and East gates, Custersaid, adding that on an average day the fort uses about 30 megawatts of electricity and with the 1megawatt from wind power, the fort will eventually produce 21 megawatts. If more solar or windgeneration capabilities are added “we’ll be self-sufficient and maybe could sell some of thepower we produce on the post.”

Hammack said she knows the solar capability of Arizona, having lived in Scottsdale until shewas tapped for her Army position.

She agreed the fort is one of the installations where solar energy can be used to generateelectricity, but there are other natural resources which can provide a clean energy source, such asgeothermal, using the natural heated water within the earth as an electrical generator, as is beingdone in parts of the United States and other countries.

The Army is looking at broad areas of energy generation, knowing not every installation is equalin capabilities, such as the fort having potential solar or wind programs. When it comes to solar,which Democratic U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, who represents Arizona’s CongressionalDistrict 8, including all of Cochise County, has been pushing, Hammack said there are a numberof foreward-looking people who understand the need for ideas to reduce the costs to thetaxpayers.

When it comes to being energy smart, Hammack said by eliminating dependency on oil togenerate power, or other fossil fuels, America’s security is enhanced.

During the tour, she was briefed about how new construction on the post involves building smart

structures, those which go to sleep when they are not in use and wake up when they are needed,greatly reduces energy costs.

One thing she saw was how saved energy could be transferred from one function, such as airconditioning, to operating ice-making machines or to cool water in dining facilities.

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There is no single silver bullet, Hammack said, noting her job is to look across the variousgeographic differences involving installations and determine what projects can lead to net zerocosts.

Although it is almost a cliché, her message is she wants people “to think outside the box,” not just how it is done today, but how it can be done better tomorrow.

A number of installations will be chosen as test areas to determine how different forts canachieve net zero operations in energy, water and waste reductions, as Hammack said, “to reducethe logistical tail and put more funds into teeth.”

As he watched the Turkey Bowl, Custer said he believes Fort Huachuca has been more thaninnovative in saving energy and has not only plans, but thinkers on the post who can help theArmy achieve a major portion of its net zero programs. But during an interview with theHerald/Review, Hammack was noncommittal, saying she is just at the front end of gatheringinformation to present to others in the decision-making process.

Saving energy costs has to be pursued and it was highlighted in an October speech to garrisoncommanders, where Hammack said, “Let there be no confession that while our Army must useenergy efficiently, our commanders must never be deprived of the energy they require toeffectively execute operations to fight and win our nation’s wars.”

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Army.milNovember 23, 2010

Safety: Don't be 'that guy'

By Chris Rasmussen

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Everyone has seen "that guy." The one who talks too loudly afterdrinking one too many beers or spills his drink on the person sitting next to him.

As the holiday season approaches, Fort Jackson leaders are stressing that Soldiers, civilians andfamily members make sure they are not "that guy."

Each year, Soldiers and Army civilians are bombarded with the "Loaded 45" campaign in anattempt to prevent deadly traffic accidents caused by drinking and driving and other unsafedriving habits.

"'Loaded 45' stands for the 45 days from Thanksgiving to New Years," said Sean O'Brian, theinstallation's safety director. "In that time frame, there is increased travel on the part of (BasicCombat Training) Soldiers and permanent party, and when you throw in parties where alcoholmight be served, we all know what can happen. Drinking and driving frequently equals death."

This year the installation is stressing the "That Guy" message, which is a humorous multi-mediacampaign that uses online and offline communication with the goal of reducing excessivedrinking among young service members.

"We are focusing on a vastly different approach than normal," O'Brian said. "We are focusing onbinge drinking and the younger audience. The "That Guy" campaign uses humor to deliver aserious message for young Soldiers to reject binge drinking because it takes away from thethings they care about such as family, friends, money and reputation."

The binge drinking rate among 18 to 25-year-old active duty personnel in 2005 was 56-percent, a54-percent increase from 2002, according to DoD surveys. Visit www.thatguy.com for moreinformation.While Soldiers and civilians depart the installation for block leave, law enforcement officials onpost will be stepping up traffic safety enforcement.

"We are going to continue to enforce the traffic laws and regulations on Fort Jackson," said Col.Ronald Taylor, provost marshal. "We are also going to do random government and POV vehicleinspections and have safety checkpoints throughout the holiday season."

DES will also place a mangled vehicle and motorcycle on display along Strom ThurmondBoulevard to remind passer-bys that drinking and driving kills.

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"If you drink, don't drive," Taylor said. "If you are on this installation and need assistance, callthe MP desk and we will help you get where you need to go. If it is off-post we will arrange ataxi."Those who drink at Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation facilities on post who think theyhave had too much to drink can also get a free ride home.

The consequences of drinking and driving are real. On Thursday, a Soldier who was assigned toFort Jackson, pleaded guilty in circuit court to driving drunk and killing two college students lastyear. Jabari Harding, a former staff sergeant, was leaving a bar in the Vista when he collidedwith the student's car.

Soldiers who travel outside a 100-mile radius of Fort Jackson must complete the Travel RiskPlanning System before departing. The program allows Soldiers and Army civilians to completea POV risk assessment about their trip. TRiPS can be accessed through the U.S. Army CombatReadiness/Safety Center website at www.safety.army.mil

BCT and Advanced Individual Training Soldiers must also sign a POV safety contract with theirplatoon or drill sergeant before departing for block leave. In addition, leaders are mandated tomake sure no Soldier or civilian employee leaves for the holiday period without a safetyawareness briefing.O'Brian offered some simple tips to keep Soldiers and civilians safe this holiday season.

"Wear your seatbelt. Drive well rested. Don't drive distracted with cell phones or other electronicdevices. And drive defensively," he said.

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Army.mil (via USAG Detroit Arsenal)November 22, 2010

Garrison stands down for safety awareness

By Steven D. Ball 

Fred Hartz from the installation safety office briefs U.S. Army Garrison Detroit Arsenal members during the town hall on the garrison safety stand down day.

The U.S. Army Garrison - Detroit Arsenal conducted a safety stand down day Nov. 17 toincrease employee's awareness of the importance of safety both on the job and at home."The goal of our safety stand down day was to increase safety awareness in order to reduce theaccidents or incidents that cause injury, illness, and damage to property both in the work placeand at home," said Denise Blakely, garrison safety officer. "It was conducted in conjunction withthe Installation Management Command campaign that required all garrisons to conduct safetystand downs before Thanksgiving."

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Activities for the day began with an all-garrison town hall during which safety officers andgarrison leadership briefed attendees about recent accident trends at the garrison and throughoutIMCOM. They also talked about the importance of having a safety mindset and using an internalrisk assessment whenever planning activities.

The main objectives for the day were to:• Assess work area for hazards and abate identified hazards• Assess jobs, tasks, and duties for hazards• Evaluate current standard operating procedures to identify any hazardous processes that can bechanged• Inspect equipment for hazards• Inspect personal protective equipment• Conduct safety awareness training

Safety officials also designated specific times for activities to make it easier for people tocomply.

"It is easier for people to stay on track and to stay engaged if you break the day's events intospecific activities," said Blakely. "We didn't want people to go back to the places of work and getwrapped up in work. We wanted to give them a specific schedule in order to keep them in asafety mindset throughout the day."

Inspecting work areas and safety equipment were key activities to the day's events and theinstallation firefighters took the message to heart when they returned to the station following thetown hall.

"Sometimes our safety checks become routine," said Mike Ball, fire captain at the DetroitArsenal. "Once we left the town hall, I had my guys get their equipment out and do a thoroughcheck of all their gear. Fortunately we didn't find any discrepancies but it's always good to take asecond look when it comes to safety."

Alan Parks, deputy garrison manager, spent the majority of the day walking through work areasand talking to people about the importance of safety and listening to their safety concerns."Today was very successful in that it brought safety to the forefront of every garrison membersmind for an entire day," said Parks. "The true measure of today's success will be if people keepsafety in the forefront throughout the holiday season and continue to apply the safety principles

they learned today at work, at home and in everything they do."

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IMCOM PUBLIC AFFAIRS Activity Report, 11-24 November 2010

COMMAND INFORMATION

Southeast 

Fort Bragg 

ARBOR BOARD RECEIVES STATE RECOGNITION FOR SUSTAINABILITY: Inrecognition for its efforts to preserve and protect its natural resources, the Fort Bragg ArborBoard received the 2010 North Carolina Urban Forestry Award for Outstanding Tree Board orUrban Forestry Committee. The Urban Forestry Award is an achievement that reflects the Fort

Bragg Arbor Board’s dedication to the sustainability of the post and its mission. (Paraglide,11/4/2010) http://paraglide.nc.newsmemory.com/  go to: 11/4/2010 edition, Section A: main,Page: A-4

ARMY WELLNESS CENTER GRAND OPENING: Fort Bragg hosted the grand openingceremony for the Army Wellness Center. The AWC offers programs for tobacco cessation,weight management, self-care, weight loss surgery, nutrition, and fitness testing. (Paraglide,11/18/2010) http://paraglide.nc.newsmemory.com/  go to: 11/18/2010 edition, Section A: main,Page: A-3 

AMERICAN BALD EAGLE HEALED, RELEASED: A Fort Bragg rehabilitated American bald

eagle was released at Mott Lake. Bald eagles have been observed hunting in the lake area. Theeagle was rehabilitated by the Carolina Raptor Center. (Paraglide, 11/11/2010)http://paraglide.nc.newsmemory.com/  go to: 11/11/2010 edition, Section A: main, Page: A-1

GROUND BREAKING FOR TWO PLAYGROUNDS: On November 9, representatives fromFort Bragg, the USO of North Carolina, Lowe’s and Picerne Military Housing hosted agroundbreaking ceremony for two playgrounds in the Corregidor Courts/Bougainvilleneighborhoods. (Paraglide, 11/11/2010) http://paraglide.nc.newsmemory.com/  go to: 11/11/2010edition, Section A: main, Page: A-1

Fort Stewart

CEREMONY HONORS HEROES FROM HOSTAGE CRISIS: Winn Army CommunityHospital held a ceremony to honor those who, two months ago, prevented a hostage situationfrom escalating into a disastrous tragedy. (The Frontline, 11 NOV) go to:http://www.stewart.army.mil/frontlineonline/currentFrontLine/FLCurrentNews.pdf  

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Pacific 

U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii

VETERANS DAY HONORS SELFLESS SERVICE ARTICLE: Pacific Region Director’sVeterans Day message with heavy emphasis on holiday safety. (Hawaii Army Weekly, 10 NOV)go to: http://www.hawaiiarmyweekly.com/news/week/2010-11-10-to-2010-11-11?currentPage=2 

TOBACCO CESSATION: Garrison article outlines resources and services readily available tohelp service and family members, as well as DA civilians to quit smoking. Also, discusses theGreat American Smokeout aims. (Hawaii Army, 10 NOV) go to:http://www.hawaiiarmyweekly.com/news/week/2010-11-10-to-2010-11-11  

NATIVE AMERICAN INDIAN HERITAGE CONTRIBUTES TO WARRIOR ETHOS,TASKS: Article highlighted the contributions of Native American Indians serving in the Army.(Hawaii Army Weekly, 10 NOV) go to: http://www.hawaiiarmyweekly.com/news/week/2010-11-10-to-2010-11-11?currentPage=4  

ARMY’S WILDLAND FIREFIGHTERS FILL NICHE: Story highlighted the critical role of Army wildland firefighters stationed in Hawaii, and their efforts to protect, preserve and assurethe safety of Army and civilian residents, their property, endangered species and forests. (HawaiiArmy Weekly, NOV 12) go to: http://www.hawaiiarmyweekly.com/news/week/2010-11-10-to-2010-11-11 

ARMY SUPPORTS FAMILIES, WARRIORS: OCPA news release on Warrior Care Month.(Hawaii Army Weekly, 10 NOV) go to: http://www.hawaiiarmyweekly.com/news/week/2010-11-10-to-2010-11-11 

RETIRED SOLDIER TO COMPETE IN OPERATION RISING STAR: Article highlightedretired 1SG Tracy Ross, who will represent U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii in the semifinals of the2010 “Operation Rising Star” Hawaii singing competition. (Hawaii Army Weekly, 10 NOV) goto: http://www.hawaiiarmyweekly.com/news/week/2010-11-10-to-2010-11-11?currentPage=2  

SOLOMON CELEBRATES “TREE CITY”: Story commemorated Schofield Barracksdesignation as a ‘Tree City-USA”. More than 100 students from Solomon Elementary School

and Island Palm community’s representatives joined Garrison Commander, COL DouglasMulbury in planting more trees. (Hawaii Army Weekly, 10 NOV) go to:http://www.hawaiiarmyweekly.com/news/week/2010-11-10-to-2010-11-11?currentPage=2  

ID CARD APPOINTMENT SYSTEM GOES ONLINE: Article publicized the start of acomputer-based program to make appointments for ID card services. (Hawaii Army Weekly, 10NOV) go to: http://www.hawaiiarmyweekly.com/news/week/2010-11-10-to-2010-11-11?currentPage=2 

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U.S. Army Garrison-Japan.

JROTC HOLDS ANNUAL FIELD TRAINING EXERCISE: More than 80 Zama High SchoolJROTC cadets participated in their annual FTX from 1-5 NOV. Water safety and survivaltraining instruction provided under the supervision of FMWR sports, fitness and aquaticsinstructors. (Torii, 18 NOV) go to:http://www.torii.army.mil/archives/archives/2010/page2010_11_18.pdf  

TORII FALL TRIATHLON: Article covering the Torii Station Fall Triathlon in Okinawa, heldon Nov. 7. More than 130 participants completed a 1 K swim, 30 K bike ride and a 5K run.(Torii, 18 NOV) go to: http://www.torii.army.mil/archives/archives/2010/page2010_11_18.pdf  

VOLUNTEERS SORT HOLIDAY CARDS FOR RED CROSS: Article highlighted a dozenCamp Zama volunteers who assisted the Red Cross in sorting over 5,000 holiday greeting cardscreated by school children for our Soldiers. (Torii, 18 NOV) go to:http://www.torii.army.mil/archives/archives/2010/page2010_11_18.pdf  

Fort Wainwright.

PREDEPLOYMENT SERIES: Second in a series of articles on predeployment preparation,

examining one battalion’s detailed plan to ensure strong Families meet the deployment challengewith confidence. (Alaska Post, 12 NOV) go to:http://www.usarak.army.mil/AlaskaPost/default.asp 

SAVE-A-LIFE TOUR: An alcohol awareness program designed to educate on the dangers andconsequences associated with drinking and driving was advertised. (Alaska Post, 12 NOV) go to:http://www.usarak.army.mil/AlaskaPost/default.asp 

MASTER RESILIENCY TRAINERS: A descriptive article about the new Master ResiliencyTrainer course as an essential part of Soldier readiness, with comments from graduates assignedat Fort Wainwright. (Alaska Post, 12 NOV) go to:

http://www.usarak.army.mil/AlaskaPost/default.asp 

NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE COMMANDER’S COLUMN: The column honored theindigenous people of our country and their culture, specifically the history and significance of Alaska’s native tribes, publicizing Ft. Wainwright’s observances and resources to contact formore information. (Alaska Post, 12 NOV) go to:http://www.usarak.army.mil/AlaskaPost/default.asp 

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COMMUNITY RELATIONS/OUTREACH 

Northeast 

Adelphi Laboratory Center

PRESIDENT/CEO OF THE BALTIMORE/WASHINGTON CORRIDOR CHAMBER VISIT:ALC hosted the President/CEO Nov. 17 to discuss ALC joining the chamber and possiblepartnership opportunities.

Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall.

THANKSGIVING CRUISE: JBM-HH is working with the JBM-HH Headquarters Battalion, the3rd U.S. Infantry, The Old Guard, and Henderson Hall Sergeant Majors to identify servicemembers to attend the annual Thanksgiving Luncheon Cruise hosted by the WashingtonWaterfront Association, onboard the Entertainment Cruises of Washington’s Odyssey cruiseship, on 23 NOV. This is an annual event to which single service members from all the servicesthroughout the National Capital Region are invited along with Wounded Warriors from WalterReed Army Medical Center, Warriors in Transition from Forts Belvoir and Meade, and veteransfrom the Armed Forces retirement home in Washington D.C. as a “thank you” for their service.Coordination includes arranging for bus transportation for JBM-HH personnel from Fort Myer tothe Washington marina for the cruise and back to the installation afterwards.

West 

Fort Carson

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Fort Carson Soldiers will help serve meals at the 25November Salvation Army Dinner in Colorado Springs. 

Fort Leavenworth. 

CULTURAL AWARENESS: Fort Leavenworth Garrison Public Affairs hosted the Nov. 18Fort Leavenworth Native American Cultural Celebration.

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Pacific 

Fort Greely

LOCAL GROUP TO MEET NEWCOMERS: Joyce McCombs, Director, Delta JunctionCommunity Library, and Ms. Cheryl Henkins, on behalf of Delta Junction Partners for Progresswere guest presenters at the Ft. Greely Newcomer’s Brief on 18 NOV.

BIBLES DONATED: Bibles of America donated 250 Bibles to Ft. Greely

U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii

VETERANS DAY: Wahiawa Lions Veterans Day Parade, Wahiawa, HI, and the KilaueaMilitary Camp Veterans Day Ceremony, Volcanoes National Park, HI, were both held Nov. 11.

LOCAL GROUP SUPPORTS VETERANS DAY: WMCAC is a community group establishedwith the goal of building a lasting relationship centered on poise and respect between the militaryand the Waianae community. WMCAC hosted a Veterans Day parade and hoolaulea (blockparty), Nov. 6. Positive community relations engagement.

AVIATION TRAINING RESUMPTION: USAG-HI PAO is coordinating with 25th Infantry’sCombat Aviation Brigade regarding the CAB’s redeployment and the resumption of aviation

training. USAG-HI PAO and CAB PAO will prepare community educational materials onimportance of training and flying neighborly to proactively address potential noise complaints.

U.S. Army Garrison-Japan

OKINAWA SPECIAL OLYMPICS: More than 300 Soldiers and Army Family membervolunteers at Torii Station, Okinawa turn out to support more than 800 family and local athletesat the Okinawa Special Olympics held at Kadena Air Force Base on Nov. 6. USAG-JapanPA/Host Nation Relations Office helped coordinate the event, escorted local governmentofficials and participants. (Story ran in Torii, 18 NOV)

CULTURAL ORIENTATIONS: Japan-American (JA) Society and Japan-America ArmyFriendship Association (JAAFA) Autumn Outing 2011 was held Nov. 7. Nineteen families fromCamp Zama participated in the event to study Ed-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum. TheJapan-America Army Friendship Association also hosted an Autumn Social Outing 2011 onNov.12. The 14 participants visited Odawara Castle and the Hakone Checkpoint. The USAG-Japan PA/Host Nation Relations Office regularly coordinates these events by providing theparticipants opportunities to enhance understanding of American and Japanese cultures andtraditions.

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Fort Wainwright

VETERANS DAY SUPPORT: USAG-Ft. Wainwright coordinated two Soldiers for joint colorguard, 9th Army “Arctic Warrior” Band and speaker, LTC Werthman, Cdr, 16th Combat AviationBrigade. Fairbanks event attended by CoDel reps, mayors and city leaders.

MEDIA RELATIONS 

Northeast 

Fort Monmouth

CARRIER PIGEONS: Tim Howard of National Public Radio (NPR) interviewed MindyRosewitz, Communications-Electronics Museum Curator at Fort Monmouth on 15 November onthe historic use of carrier pigeons to convey messages in combat and their use and training by theSignal Corps. A radio feature story is expected to run on NPR as a feature segment sometimeduring March. The NPR correspondent will let Fort Monmouth Public Affairs know when it willrun as it gets closer to air date and will provide an electronic copy

CONGRESSIONAL INVOLVEMENT TO KEEP COMMISSARY, POST EXCHANGE - Reps.

Rush Holt and Frank Pallone Jr., both D-N.J. are arguing that the two facilities are needed toserve the area's population of military retirees and veterans, as well as active-duty, NationalGuard and military reservists and Navy and Coast Guard personnel. In an Aug. 17 letter toSecretary of the Army John McHugh, Holt and Pallone noted that usage of the commissary ingeneral has increased over the past few years. AAFES spokesperson is quoted in news articles:"The Department of Defense rarely authorizes continued operations when an installation closesand then, only when there is a significant active-duty population assigned to the area that wouldotherwise not be supported," said Army and Air Force Exchange Service spokesman JuddAnstey. http://www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=201011190344  

Southeast  

Fort Buchanan 

PUERTO RICO AUTHORITIES ALLEGE ARMY AT FAULT IN PIPELINE RUPTURE:Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (PRASA) has told the local media that “militaryauthorities at Fort Buchanan will have to be responsible for the monetary cost of the rupture of awater distribution line which has left much of the metropolitan area without water.” Much of the

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area has been without water for several days. Fort Buchanan is currently conducting aninvestigation to determine if any actions on the installation contributed to the water outage.Situation has resulted in adverse publicity which is expected to continue.

Fort Gordon

CASUALITY ASSISTANCE FEATURED: The Augusta Chronicle published a front-page storyon Veterans Day about Fort Gordon’s Casualty Assistance Program. The story detailed thesupport provided for Families following the loss of a service member. Go to:http://chronicle.augusta.com/news/metro/2010-11-11/soldiers-aid-grieving-spouses  

Fort McPherson. MINDS MEET FOR MILITARY CHILD EDUCATION COALITION: Military and civilianpersonnel from Fort McPherson, gathered to discuss ways to improve the lives of militarychildren. The meeting was held in Atlanta at the World Congress Center for Atlanta PublicEngagement. (Sentinel, 12 NOV) go to:http://www.mcpherson.army.mil/PAO/CI/Archive/2010/Sentinel111210.pdf   

West 

Joint Base Lewis-McChord. 

MEDIA COVERAGE OF COURTS-MARTIAL: National media continue to cover the PFCHolmes and SGT Jones Article 32 hearings (5-2 SBCT murder charges).http://www.thenewstribune.com/2010/11/13/1422876/i-blame-the-army-mother-says.html  

Pacific 

U.S. Army Garrison-Japan.

OPEN EVENT: Jiji Press contacted USAG-Japan PA/HNR Office on 12 NOV to confirm astatement regarding an open event “Sagamihara Festa”, scheduled for 20-21 NOV at SagamiDepot.

CAMP ZAMA UPDATE: On 10 NOV, Kanagawa, Tokyo, Yomiuri and Asahi Shimbunpublished articles regarding Sagamihara City Mayor Toshio Kayama’s requests to the Ministry

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of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Defense and the U.S. Forces Japan, on the solutions to theCamp Zama golf course issue and the date when parcels of Sagami Depot will be returned toJapanese control. On 11 NOV, Yomiuri, Asahi, Tokyo and Kanagawa Shimbun reported that theZama City committee to promote the return of U.S. bases submitted a request to Zama CityMayor Mikio Endo to consider the plans for the utilization of Camp Zama lands, once CampZama is returned to Japanese control. The plan includes a recommendation that the site be usedfor a hospital, a park and JGSDF’s quarters.

CRASH COORDINATION EXERCISE: On 10 NOV, Okinawa Times and QAB-TV Newsreported on the bilateral exercise conducted at Torii Station. The scenario outlined emergencyactions in the event a U.S. military aircraft crashes in a local village.

Europe 

Stuttgart. 

FIRE: Families impacted were updated at 16 NOV garrison town hall, which was covered byStripes. AFN produced a 2- minute spot, talking about family assistance center standup andoperations, to further communicate positive actions from IMCOM. Expect follow-on coveragewill include lengths to which garrison will go to help recover salvageable items.

Vicenza

ITALY MAIL IMPACTS/DELAYS: Human Resources Command assumed the lead role incommunicating why Italy - and not other locations – is impacted by recent internationalrestrictions on mail cargo. Approved news release was provided to Vicenza to assist in ongoing

local communications with customers concerning likely delays.

OTHER ITEMS OF SIGNIFICANCE

Pacific  

U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii

ACTIVE SHOOTER EXERCISE: USAG-HI PAO played a major role in the garrison ‘ActiveShooter’ exercise held at the main Post Exchange.

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DEPLETED URANIUM UPDATE: USAG-HI PAO is coordinating with IMCOM PAO onpotential responses to query related to legacy depleted uranium on Hawaii training ranges, andthe Army’s license application with the NRC.

SURVEY: PAO, in partnership with PAIO, launched its biannual survey to review usefulnessand improvements to the Hawaii Army Weekly newspaper on the Garrison website, on-postTV2, and USAG-HI’s social networks at Twitter, Facebook, Flickr, Vimeo, and YouTube.

HAWAII PAO COORDINATING COUNCIL: Meeting provides awareness for 15 PAOs inArmy Hawaii of multi-command battle rhythms and PA guidance.