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Disclaimers:Survivor Outreach Guide is produced by the Fort Campbell MWR Marketing Department under the authority of AR 215-1. Facilities and activities publicized are open to authorized patrons.The mention or appearance of commercial advertisers, commercial sponsors and/or their logos does not constitute endorsement by the Federal Government. The information in this issue is current at the time of publication; activities and events are subject to change.

MWR Marketing is located at 5663 Screaming Eagle Blvd, Fort Campbell, Kentucky. For more information, call 270.798.7535. Visit www.campbell.armymwr.com. 24hr. event line - 270-798-3172 www.facebook.com/fortcampbellmwr

Remembering all of the fallen;SOS prepares for second boots on the ground display;

Names sought for survivor week boot display

Last October, thousands of boots linedthe lawn in front of the 101st AirborneDivision Headquarters. This year, Survivor Outreach Services (SOS)is hoping to add more.

“The boot displaythat we do here at FortCampbell is part of our Military Survivor Appreciation Week,this is the secondyear that we’regoing to havethe bootsout on dis-play andthere are

over 7,000 boots,” said Suzy Yates, Army Community Service Survivor Outreach ServicesProgram Manager.

Each boot represents a service memberwho has died on active duty since September 11, 2001, according to the databaseat www.militarytimes.com/valor.

“The majority of the deaths that arelisted on that website are overseas losses,” Yatessaid. “We don’t have a lot of the stateside lossesbecause there isn’t a website that captures that.So what we’re asking for is any Families, or units,if they go to a website and see that a service member is not listed, that they submit a photowith their rank and name, date of death and location of death so that we can get a tag madefor this year’s boots.”

Yates said SOS will be accepting namesuntil the end of September in order to have time

to make all the tags for the boots.“There’s pretty specific criteria,

though, because right now from 9-11forward there’s already over

7,000,” she said. “So it isany death from Sept. 11,2001, to present. Theymust have died on activeduty. It’s any branch of

service – so they can be Army, Navy, Marine, AirForce or Coast Guard – and it’s any location ofloss. So anyone who wants to submit a boot cando so, but it has to fit those criteria in order to beincluded in the display.”

The boots will be on display Oct. 15through Oct. 18. There will be information tablesstaffed from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day for anyonewho wants to learn more about the boots or to assist someone in finding their loved one.

By Heather Huber, Fort Campbell Courier

5

There also will be a table with paper,crayons, rings and a laminator so that anyonewho wants to make a memento to leave on aboot can do so. Yates said they encourage laminating paper, including letters, so that theweather doesn’t destroy the attachment.

Yates said Fort Campbell is one of onlyfour installations that participate in the field ofboots, and are arranged to be reminiscent of Arlington National Cemetery. They are also linedup according to the date of death and colorcoded by year.

“When you go into the boot display itstarts on 9-11, 2001, and the boots follow inchronological order,” she said. “So if someoneis looking for a loved one or someone in particular, it’s a lot easier to find them.”

Yates added that although SOS hasplenty of boots at the moment, donations willnot be turned away.

“With opening it up a lot more to theFamilies, we anticipate to add boots to the display, so if anyone has boots, they can benew, used, as long as they are a military boot,”Yates said.

Last year, the boots started at thepaved area in front of the headquarters building and went all the way to the cannon.

Stephanie Dostie, whose husbandSgt. 1st Class Shawn Christopher Dostie waskilled in action Dec. 30, 2005, took the bootselected for her husband and had it airbrushedinfantry blue.

“I also had a message put on the sideof the boot. I had his name and everything puton it,” Dostie said. “We decorated it with someof his medals and my children wrote along thebottom of the boot, messages to their dad.”

Dostie said it’s importantto her to memorialize not onlyher husband but all the Soldiers lost at Fort Campbelland across the military duringthe last 14 years.“The only thing harder thanlosing your Soldier is feelingthey’re forgotten, so anythingthat has to do with not onlymemorializing my husband,but others as well, is a hugepart of my life,” Dostie said.“It’s how I cope with losing myhusband.”

She said the boot display was particularly important not only to memorialize those who havedied, but to remind the communities that there are

still troops fighting.“Seeing it in person creates a realism

about the war and what we’ve lost and what wecontinue to fight for,” Dostie said. “Seeing all ofthat on the field is kind of overwhelming.”

She said even if a Family isn’t at FortCampbell to visit the field personally, she thinksknowing that someone took the time to remember their Soldier and to set up a boot inhis or her honor can help surviving Family members feel less alone.

“I think it’s important to know the storybehind that boot. I think that it can help keep thatSoldier’s memory alive,” Dostie said. “It can benice to go out there and see the mementos thatpeople have left. You can tell some of the storiesof that Soldier.”

Yates said that Family members weregiven the option to take home any mementos leftwith their Soldier’s boot. If they didn’t want totake them, all non-perishable mementos left withthe boots were marked and stored so they canbe set out again this year.

“My husband is buried in Arlington,and although we have some memorials here atFort Campbell for him, it’s nice to go during theGold Star week to the division headquarters andbe able to spot his boot and to walk about thereand sit down with it,” Dostie said. “It’s not himand it’s not his gravesite, but here it’s the memorialization of him. Every little thing we haveof him is very special to us.”

Sandy Graham, whose son Spc. KevinJames Graham was killed in action on Sept. 26,2009, said she tries to do something to commemorate her son death every year, so lastyear’s boot display was timed perfectly for her toserve in memory of the anniversary of his death.

“I looked at that day as, ‘What can I doto honor him and perhaps to bring comfort toother Families?’” she said. “I just thought it wassomething that would honor our fallen but be an encouragement to the Families that havelost loved ones – and it doesn’t matter in what capacity they were serving our nation.

That there’s a nation out there that honors their service.”

Graham said it’s her way of huggingeach survivor and telling them how much shecares about their loss. She said working onthe project was also a blessing for her because she got to work with other GoldStar wives and mothers and children, andlearn the stories of their loved ones as wellas share Kevin’s story with them.

“It was a time that we could share whatwas in our hearts,” Graham said.

Graham said she watched other Familymembers decorate their Soldiers’ boots, butat first she didn’t want to mark up Kevin’s.She placed a model Pontiac LeMans, similarto the first car Kevin had ever owned, on topof the boot and a small memorial photobook for others to get a better feel of whoher son was.

“Right at the end – like the day before– I was down there with my brother and hesaid, ‘Sandy, you really need to leave something on there,’ so I did write a little bitof something on it,” Graham said.

www.campbell.armymwr.com 6

Although she’s happy to have taken apart in the project, Graham acknowledged thatturning in the name of a loved one is a very personal decision that a survivor has to make ontheir own.

“I would encourage them becauseonce they make that decision to do it – it’s likeyou’re allowing other people to help grieve with

you,” Graham said. “It gives them the opportunity to maybe leave a littlenote. If you’re there, to put their armsaround you and say, ‘We love you.We’re here for you. We’re in this together. You’re not alone.’”

Graham said she became closewith several other Gold Star Familymembers, including Dostie. It alsogave her the opportunity to meet several of her son’s battle buddies andshared stories about him.

“I understand that it’s a hard decision, because it’s something that– there’s so many things that tell youit’s final. The boot is saying, ‘Yes, he’sdead.’” Graham said. “There’s somany things that bring that back, so I understand when someone will say, ‘I really can’t do that.’ But on the other

hand, it gives others the opportunity to share thatgrief with you.”

Yate emphasized that Family memberscould turn in the names of any service memberwho has died while on active duty since Sept.11,2001, whether they were killed in combat or diedin some other way.

“There’s a lot of misconception fromlast year about who was allowed to be out there,”Yates said. “It’s regardless of manner of death.”

Yates said anyone who wants to submitthe name of a fallen service member should callLeslie Herlick at 270-412-8909 or email:leslie.a.herlick.civ@mail.mil. Names will be collected through the end of September to allowthe ACS SOS office time to get all the bootsready for the display in October.

Tired of stopping at the Visitor’s Center toget a pass to enter our Army installations? Wait nomore! Surviving Family Members who do not already possess a military Identification (ID) Card andwould like access to any active Army installation, including Fort Campbell, can request aGold Star Installation Access Card.

Eligible applicants are those who meet thecriteria to receive the Gold Star or Next of Kin lapelbuttons. Family members eligible to receive the GoldStar lapel button are the widow/widower (even those

who have remarried), each child, step-child, childthrough adoption as well as the deceased servicemember’s parents, brother, half-brother, sister, andhalf-sister. The term “parent” includes mother, father,stepmother, stepfather, mother through adoption, father through adoption, and foster parents whostood in loco parentis.

The process has been streamlined at Fort Campbell tokeep things simple. To request an application, please contact SuzyYates at 270-798-0272 or via email at: suzy.a.yates.civ@mail.mil. Return the completed applicationand allow up to 48 hours for a background check to be conducted. All information on theapplication form is used by Directorate of Emergency Services

(DES) to screen applicant’s eligibility and will not beshared with others. Once your application is approved, you will be contacted to arrange an appointment at the ID card office at Fort Campbell.

Applicant must be present for the card to be issued asa photo and signature are needed.

Cards will be issued during Military SurvivorAppreciation Week. If interested, plan ahead by fillingout and returning your completed application prior toyour arrival. Background checks can be ran up to 30days prior to the card being issued. Once approved,it won’t take long for your card to be issued and appointments will be scheduled throughout the weekfor your convenience.

Your Installation Access Card is valid forthree years from the date of issue. Upon expiration, you may reapply for the Installation AccessCard by completing a new application and background check. Currently, only active duty ArmySOS Coordinators have the ability to issue these cardsand they can’t be mailed or issued at any NationalGuard DEERS locations. Contact Fort Campbell SOSfor any additional questions and/or assistance.

Gold Star Installation Access CardProvides ease of access to Active Duty Army installations

By Pete Miraldi

http://www.campbell.armymwr.com

By Suzy Yates

Serving Our

Families of the Fallen

The knock at the door changes livesforever, followed by a whirlwind of support andemotion. From a grateful nation to local neighbors helping others, Families of the Fallenare surrounded by support following the loss of aloved one. Many times the support following aloss of a Service Member can be overwhelming.Through the funeral, these people rally aroundSurvivors, supporting them, checking in withthem, helping out where they can. When the funeral is over, it seems everyone goes back totheir normal everyday lives. For our Families ofthe Fallen, what was normal is no longer. Survivors are left to navigate the maze of emo-tion and benefits, finding their way without theirloved one.

Up until 2009, there was no Army program to assist Survivors in navigating their lifeafter their loved one died. It was in that year theArmy made a commitment to support our

Families of the Fallen long term. The SOS Program serves as the advocate for the Survivorand provides long-term support and servicesclosest to where Survivors reside, when and foras long as they desire.

Across the Army, Survivor OutreachServices professionals are assigned specific areasof coverage that are arranged in such a way as toplace professional Support Coordinators and Financial Counselors closest to where Survivorsreside. Staff members across all 50 states andfour territories, Japan, Korea and Europe providesubject matter expertise, outreach, recognitionevents, support groups, milestone management,on-going case management and referral servicesin a very purposeful and heartfelt manner. Financial counselors at all active Army installations stand ready to assist Survivors withany and all of their financial concerns as well asprovide assistance in applying for emergency

financial needs.When providing assistance there aresome general eligibility guidelines theSOS program follows. SOS providessupport to surviving uniformed Soldiers, Family members of Soldiers who diedon active duty, ARNG M-Day Soldiers,USAR Troop Program Unit members orthose designated as Prisoner ofWar/Missing in Action (POW/MIA). Survivors are not only primary and secondary next-of-kin but may includeother Family members and even unrelated loved ones such as fiancés andbattle buddies. If you are unsure if youqualify for assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your local SOSSupport Coordinator for assistance.

If you would like more information onhow to connect with your local SOS Support Coordinator there are several methods in whichto do so.

1. Contact Fort Campbell SOS at (270) 412-8909

2. Call the IMCOM SOS Toll-free number at 1-855-707-2769

3. Visit the SOS official website at www.sos.army.mil/SOSLocations.aspx

4. Visit the SOS Facebook Page: Survivor Outreach Services

What can my local SOS do for me?

Provide state and local resources

Apply for replacement Gold Star and Next of Kin lapel pins

Offer monthly events to keep you connected with the Army Family

Answer benefit questions

Education benefit counseling

Assist in providing mental health resources

Obtain your loved one’s medical and personnel records

Assist in updating your will

Tax preparation assistance

Credit counseling

www.campbell.armymwr.com 8

In 2010, an event that started as a smallcandlelight vigil in front of Division Headquartershas grown to a weeklong celebration of our FallenService Members. The event went from inviting justthe Families in our area of responsibility to invitingall Families whose loved ones were stationed at FortCampbell at the time of their death, regardless ofwhere they reside. Fort Campbell Army CommunityService (ACS) Survivor Outreach Services (SOS) hascontinued to grow this event year after year and incorporate new and exciting events. This year is noexception! We welcome all Surviving Families to ourevents, no matter the location, circumstances,branch of service or date of loss.

And the drum roll please…..ACS SOS isexcited to announce this year’s Military Survivor Appreciation Week events. Families can feel free tochoose which events they would like to participate.Survivors don’t have to attend all the events in orderto participate and RSVPs are appreciated.

Surviving Family Social and Star DecorationThursday, October 15, 2015 at 6 p.m.ACS SOS Building (5001 Screaming Eagle Drive)

With Families coming from all across thecountry, we thought getting everyone together fora social would provide an opportunity to get toknow each other. The new location for ACS SOSoffers the perfect backdrop for Families to mingleinside and enjoy the rich history of the house or adventure outside to enjoy the nature that surrounds the building.

As part of the social, Family members willbe given two gold stars. One star will be used to forthis year’s Division Run for the Fallen and the otherwill be a star on the Walk of Fame for our SurvivingFamily dance. You don’t need to be an artist to participate! ACS SOS will provide the stars, stickers,

markers, glue and supplies. We encourage thoseparticipating to bring photos and anything that reminds you of your Fallen Hero that can be addedto their star. While decorating, feel free to sharestories of your Fallen Hero with those around you.

Child Youth and School Services will alsobe on site to provide kid friendly crafts for the littleones. Light refreshments will be provided for all attendees.

Division Run for the FallenFriday, October 16, 2015 at 6 a.m.Town Center Park (across from Division Headquarters)

The Division Run for the Fallen is one of the biggest events of Military Survivor Appreciation Week. This commemorativewalk/run will take place at Division Headquarters.Surviving Families have an option to run with a101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) unit or joinat the start with the Division Headquarters.

Runners and walkers will be received at6 a.m. Runners will depart at 6:30 a.m. Participants are urged to run/walk in memory ofFallen Service Members and will not run the entire Division Run route of 5 miles. There will bea shorter route so Survivors participating can return to Division Headquarters to watch the unitsfinish the run. Please do not bring pets. Feel freeto wear t-shirts, sweatshirts and apparel in honorof your loved one. Running bibs will be availableon site.

Go Commando Fun Run, 5K, 10K or Half MarathonSaturday, October 17, 2015 Half Marathon & 10K start at 7:30 a.m. 5k starts at 8:00am Liberty Fun Run starts at 10:00am Wilma Rudolph Event Center at Liberty Park;Clarksville, TNRegister at: www.gocommandoclarksville.com withcode FALLEN

This year ACS SOS has partnered withthe organizers of the Go Commando Run inClarksville. If you like to run and are interested inparticipating in any of the distance events, the registration fee has been waived for all Families ofthe Fallen. Just enter the code: FALLEN on theirregistration page to claim. Please note this code isonly meant for Families of the Fallen and it is casesensitive. Also, the awards ceremony will providespecial recognition of the Surviving Families in attendance.

Commanding General’s Reception and Surviving Family DanceSaturday, October 17, 2015 Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Reception at 5 p.m. followedby dance at 6 p.m.Cole Park Commons

MG Volesky and Mrs. Volesky will host areception to provide an opportunity for them to getto know the Surviving Families in attendance. This informal setting will allow Survivors to speak with the Commanding General and Commandteam while enjoying a everyone’s company.

By Suzy Yates

9

To RSVP for the week’s events:Online: https://einvitations.afit.edu/inv/anim.cfm?i=259673&k=00644B0F7C54

Phone by calling (270) 412-8909 • Email at leslie.a.herlick.civ@mail.mil Like our Facebook Page: Fort Campbell ACS Survivor Outreach Services

Survivors should feel free to mingle and introduce themselves to the Commanders in attendance. Attendees will be greeted and seated according tothe guest list, so please RSVP to ensure you have aseat. Event attire is Sunday best as this event willlead into the Surviving Family Member dance.

Get ready for the red carpet and flashinglights as Cole Park Commons is transformed intoHollywood. The Surviving Family dance will allowyou to escape for a night out on the town in Hollywood! Formal wear is not required to attend,but feel free to dress up as much as you like. Starsdecorated at Thursday’s social will be used to createa Fallen Heroes Walk of Fame.

A Survivor favorite from last year, thisevent will feature a red carpet, photo booth, balloons, dessert bar and more. Families in attendance will get the opportunity to learn all thelatest dance moves lead by the DJ. If you are looking for a night out on the town, a reason todress up, and an opportunity to relax this is theevent for you! Making memories in style!

Butterfly Release and BrunchSunday, October 18, 2015 Butterfly Release at 9:30 a.m. and brunch served immediately afterACS SOS Building (5001 Screaming Eagle Drive)

Butterflies are a symbol of hope and rebirth. ACS SOS would like to invite all SurvivingFamilies to an event that culminates this very special week on Fort Campbell. People of all agesare welcome to gather to take part in a touchingbutterfly release in honor of our Fallen ServiceMembers. Participants are encouraged to tell theirbutterfly a wish for their loved one before it fliesaway into the crisp autumn air. In the peaceful surroundings of the ACS SOS building, join us forthis amazing event. Brunch and refreshments willfollow inside.

Boots on the Ground DisplayThursday, October 15 – Sunday, October 188 a.m. until 6 p.m., dailyDivision Headquarters (2700 Indiana Avenue)

Boots have been collected from militaryservice members across Fort Campbell and abroadto honor our fallen service members who died in the support of the Global War on Terror since September 11, 2001. This display of combat bootshonors the memories and sacrifice of the militarymen and women who gave their lives while servingour country. Each boot is adorned with a photo ofa service member, date of death and which conflictserved or location stationed. The boots will be ondisplay on the Division Headquarters lawn from October 15 until October 18.

Mementos, pictures and items left withthe boot will be collected on October 18 and storedwith the boot until the following year. The boots are respectfully boxed and stored until the nextyear’s display.

Events at a Glance:Surviving Family Social and Star Decoration • Thursday, October 15, 2015 at 6 p.m.ACS SOS Building (5001 Screaming Eagle Drive)

Division Run for the Fallen • Friday, October 16, 2015 at 6 a.m. Town Center Park (Across from Division Headquarters)

Go Commando Fun Run, 5K, 10K or Half Marathon • Saturday, October 17, 2015 Half Marathon & 10K start at 7:30 a.m. • 5k starts at 8:00am • Liberty Fun Run starts at 10:00am • Wilma Rudolph EventCenter at Liberty Park; Clarksville, TN • Register at: www.gocommandoclarksville.com with code FALLEN

Commanding General’s Reception and Surviving Family Dance • Saturday, October 17, 2015 Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Reception at 5 p.m. followed by dance at 6 p.m. Cole Park Commons

Butterfly Release and Brunch • Sunday, October 18, 2015 Butterfly Release at 9:30 a.m. and brunch served immediately after ACS SOS Building (5001 Screaming Eagle Drive)

Boots on the Ground Display • Thursday, October 15 – Sunday, October 18, 2015 8 a.m. until 6 p.m., daily • Division Headquarters (2700 Indiana Avenue)

Parrish House is the oldest known survivingstructure on Fort Campbell. It was originally constructed as a two pen (chamber), two story loghome in 1833 on a property known as Aspen Plains.Aspen Plains was owned by David Parrish who was aprominent citizen and farmer in Christian County. The house itself was possibly designed by Daniel Umbenhauer, a self-styled architect originally fromPennsylvania.

David Parrish fought against the British inthe War of 1812, and moved to Christian County inthe early 1830’s. He purchased the 464 acres on whichthe home was built for $3000. He died in 1876, andleft the property to his son James Parrish. James sold the property to JohnW. Jones in 1885. Jones was a farmerand the Superintendent of Sunday School at what is now BethelUnited Methodist Church, which stillstands in the median of Fort CampbellBoulevard right outside of Gate 3. Jonesleft the house to his two daughterswhen he died. His daughter Birdie married Dr. J.A.B. Word, who was a dentist. He used the 1880’s addition tothe home as a clinic. Much of the property that the Words acquired over

the years was sold to the Southern Trust Company in1926 to cover their mortgage payments, and they lostthe land and house. In 1928, the property was acquired in a conveyance by R. Alphonso Walker. Heused it to house sharecroppers who farmed the land.In 1944, the land was condemned and acquired by the US Government to be included as part of Camp Campbell.

When the Army first acquired the land, Parrish House was used as a security base for the Military Police. Starting in 1947, thehouse was used to house theCommanding General or other senior officers and theirFamilies. Some prominent residents of Parrish House include MG Barsanti (1967-68)who took the last 2 brigades ofthe 101st Airborne Division toVietnam, MG John Keane(1993-96) who eventually wenton to command the XVIII Airborne Corps and continuesto serve as a National SecurityAnalyst on Fox News, and

MG David Petraeus (2002-04) who eventually went onto head the Central Intelligence Agency. The lastCommanding General to live at Parrish House wasMG James McConnville (2012-14), who ensured that

this house would be dedicated and used to supportSurviving Families of Fallen Service Members.

The original cabin encompasses thekitchen, the dining room (being used as an office), andthe attic area above. The upper level of the cabin is inthe attic and is relatively intact and unchanged. Thestone fireplace and original hearth are still there. Thehouse had several modifications and additions, withthe first being in the 1850’s, which added the two storyframe, which concealed the cabin. Another addition,constructed in the mid to late 1880’s added the tworooms to the north end of the house. These were usedas the dentist office, as there is a separate entrance tothese rooms. There have also been minor alterationsto the house over the years, such as replacement of

the original staircase tread and balustrades,the fireplaces being modified or covered over, and the digging of a cellar to accommodate a central heating plant.

Now the home of FortCampbell’s Army Community Services Survivor Outreach program, Surviving Families are welcome to tour the house andsee the rooms and history this storiedbuilding represents. The Parrish House’smost important mission is at hand; providing support and shelter from thestorm for our Surviving Families who havesacrificed so much.

In BG Mark Stammer’s remarks during the October 31, 2014 building dedication, he stated, “The house you see before you has undergone many changes since beginning as a two story log cabin.It has served many purposes beginning as the Parrish Family home,but its most important mission lies ahead. Today we dedicate the Parrish House to all our Fallen Service Members and the Familieswho so bravely served with them. May this building be a place of hope and new beginnings for our Families of the Fallen. Army

Community Service Survivor Outreach Services will now truly have a home away from home, where Survivors can find comfort in times

of need. A place where the legacy and story of Fallen Service Members lives on and will never be forgotten.”

The ParrishHouse Through

the YearsCompiled by Leslie Herlick

www.campbell.armymwr.com 12

1. 101st Airborne Division Headquarters2. 19th Hole (Cole Park)3. Army Community Service (ACS) & ACS Director4. Army Education Center5. Arts and Crafts Center, Guenette6. ASYMCA Backdoor Boutique7. ASYMCA Family Center8. Auto Service Center, Air Assault Auto9. Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers Program (BOSS)10. Blanch�eld Army Community Hospital11. Bowling Center, Hooper12. Civilian Personnel Advisory Center13. Commissary2. Cole Park Commons30. CYSS, Parent Central Services (Central Registration)30. CYSS, School Liaison38. CYSS, SKIESUnlimited Center14. Dog Kennels17. Dawg Haus (Dining)18. Estep Wellness Center19. Equipment Rental (Gear-to-Go)20. Exchange/Food Court/Mall21. Family Resource Center (FRC)22. Financial Readiness (Army Emergency Relief)

23. Fryar Stadium, Sports Admin Of�ce2. Golf Course (Cole Park)15. Joe Swing (Rental Recreation Facility)20. Leisure Travel Services 26. Library, R.F. Sink Memorial27. MWR Director28. Museum, Don F. Pratt29. Outdoor Recreation Main Building31. Pool, Baldonado32. Pool, Dolan33. Pool, Gardner Indoor34. Pool, Single9. Recreation Center, Dale Wayrynen14. Riding Stables39. Soldier and Family Assistance Center (SFAC)2. Southern Buffet (Cole Park)41. Smokehaus (Dining)42. Teen Club 24/743. The Zone44. Tricare 45. Veterinary Services46. Wilson Theater42. Youth Center (Taylor)42. Youth Sports

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20. Exchange/Food Court/Mall-to-Go)

38. CYSS, SKIESUnlimited Center

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In June 2014, I was looking for a short termproject that would be meaningful to me and make a difference in our Fort Campbell community. When myfriend Suzy Yates spoke of creating a temporary boot display memorial here, I immediately asked if I could joinin the effort.

You see, Suzy is the Army Community ServiceSurvivor Outreach Services (ACS SOS) Program Managerand the display would be part of the Military Survivor Appreciation Week. I knew that Families and friends ofthose service members in the display would come to it toremember and heal together. It sounded like the perfectshort term project for me.

So, we began to collect the boots. At firstdozens, then hundreds, then thousands of boots accumulated in the SOS building. Boxes were collectedto store them in. Shoelaces were donated as many bootswere missing them. There were so many different sizes andcolors of boots collected from various eras and branchesof the military.

I knew the boots would be tagged with a service member’s name and rank as well as date of birthand death and location of death. That meant to me that

there was a story within the tag on the boot. I did not realize that there would be stories within the boots themselves. We received boots worn in Vietnam, a pairfrom someone’s basic training at Fort Campbell manyyears ago, pairs from Europe, Afghanistan, and all over theUnited States. Many included notes with their experience or the story of a death of a friend and theirthanks for working on the project. Our volunteers weremotivated by these notes as they worked to place a waterbottle inside and lace up the thousands of boots to keepthem upright during the display.

Volunteers had their own stories as well.They were Gold Star Moms, Gold Star Wives or Husbands, those that had lost a friend or Family member, or those who just wanted to make a difference like I did. We talked, laughed, and cried ourway through the processing of the boots.

It was then time to create the display on October 24, 2014. Soldiers and volunteers moved over200 boxes over to the 101st Airborne Division Headquarters building and began placing the boots onthe lawn.

We added the tags to the boots, ensuringthat all were in date order and if there were multiple losses on the same day, they were then placedin alphabetic order within that date. This took place over several days. It was time consuming; it was exhausting; itwas raining, but it was also rewarding and meaningful aswe would see those service members’ faces and namesas well as the progress we made. Their friends and Families were visiting and then helping us tag other bootsin order to complete the display.

We asked for more boots as we were over1,000 boots short to complete the project. Amazingly, wehad all of the boots and more within 2 days! When the display was complete, we volunteers and Suzy huggedand celebrated our efforts.

We spent 11 days watching over the displayfrom sunrise to sunset, speaking with visitors and helpingthem find their boot or decorating a boot for their ServiceMember. We listened to stories, we handed out tissuesand hugs, and many times, we cried with them. Even as I type, I tear up thinking of the very emotional young man

who walked up to me after seeing his friends’ boots; hehad to try several times just to get out the words, “Thank you.”

We then loaded the tagged boots into the oldboxes to be moved to a warehouse to dry out. The rainand the dew had made everything damp. After a week ofdrying out, the boots were placed into 31 giant boxes inorder of month and year to make it easier for this year’sdisplay organization.

Seeing the project through from beginning toend met most of my original goal: to work on somethingmeaningful to me and make a difference in our community. I just didn’t realize how much of a differenceit would make within me. However, I no longer considerthis a short term project. I look forward to working on thisyear’s display and for many years to come.

The impact of a single bootA look back at last year’s boot display

By Becki Mastrian

Interested in Volunteering?Volunteers are the key to making this display truly

memorable. Volunteers are needed to staff the informationtable from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. daily, assist with boot display

set up, prepare boots to be added to the display, andmore. If you are interested in volunteering in this year’s display, please contact Suzy Yates at (270) 798-0272.

Prior to anyone volunteering with the program, there will be an informational brief on October 8 at 10 a.m. in the

ACS SOS Building • 5001 Screaming Eagle Drive.

http://www.eaglesofwar.com