SOLDIERS REVISIT HAND-TO-HAND COMBAT TECHNIQUES P3SPOUSE EMPLOYMENT FOCUS OF CAREER FAIR P8

“THE BESTLEAD

THE REST”VIETNAM VETERANS CELEBRATEUNIT CENTENNIAL – P12-13

TODAYPerformance and Resilience Training for Spouses9 a.m.-noon, U.S. Army Master Resilience School, Building 3216 Magruder Ave. Attention Control: Heighten sensory awareness to what is most relevant and keep it there to avoid distraction. Understand how to direct attention and build awareness of personal attentional tendencies. Identify personal indicators of distractors that compromise focus. Develop routines to set and reset the ideal state for focused skill execution. Call 751-9720 to register. Classes are free, but registration is highly recommended at least two days prior to class in order for us to properly plan. Mental Games: Change the focus away from counterproductive thinking to enable greater concentration and focus on the task at hand.

Bowling with BOSS11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Century Lanes Bowling. The Fort Jackson BOSS Program will be hosting a meeting for all interested single Soldiers, geographical bachelors and single parents. Come enjoy free bowling and refreshments as you meet your BOSS Committee. There will be information about upcoming events, trips and volunteer opportunities, as well as information about joining the BOSS Street Team. This meeting is mandatory for ALL unit BOSS representatives but is open to any single Soldier, geographical bachelor and single parent on Fort Jackson. For more information, contact the Fort Jackson BOSS president at 904-566- 9208.

Sportsman’s Club 6 p.m., Alpine Lodge (next to Heise Pond and the game check station) .This event is not a “closed” meeting and is open to the entire FJ military ���������� ������� ���������������The club will conduct the turkey draw ���� � �� ����� ���� ��� � �� ������� ������season which begins March 20.

MARCH 24Victory Spouses’ Club 11 a.m., NCO Club. Lunch will be served. Club is open to spouses of all ranks, retirees, DOD civilians, and all services, male and female. For more information e-mail vcsmemberships@gmail.com or visit victoryspousesclub.org.

APRIL 7Scholarship Fundraiser 6 p.m., 1640 Freed Drive, Spirit Communications Park. Victory

Spouses’ club presents their annual scholarship fundraiser. Join them for an opening weekend baseball game, ��������������������������������������are $30 per person. Adults only. RSVP by March 31. Purchase ticket at www.victoryspousesclub.org

APRIL 8Historic Trip to Fort Sumter 6:45 a.m. - 7 p.m. Army Community Service Relocation Readiness Program cordially invites all foreign born spouses and their Families (ID card holders) to join us on a tour to ����� ������� � �� ����� � ���� ��� � ����������� ������ !��� ����� ����� �����Fort Sumter in 1861. Walk in the steps of those who shaped this nation alongside a National Park Ranger while taking in the stunning scenes of historic Charleston. Then you will cruise the harbor enroute to Fort Sumter. The trip to Charleston is free is not provided. Seats are limited ���� ���� ��������� ��� �� ����� ����������� ������ "����� #%�� ���� �����������information and to register, contact: patricia.a.guillory.civ@mail.mil 803-751-9770 or miranda.o.broadus.civ@mail.mil 803-751-1124. RSVP by March 24.

APRIL 11Maude Leadership Lecture SeriesE. Eric Porter, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Personnel with the U.S. Army Forces Command will be speaking to Fort Jackson senior leaders, company-level and higher command teams and human resources/S1 organization leaders at 3 p.m. in the Solomon Center April 11 as part of the Maude Leadership Lecture Series. The lecture series was created to provide HR professionals with increased opportunities to enhance their leadership skills with current and former leaders of the Army. For more information contact Capt. Chinyere Asoh at chinyere.asoh.mil@mail.mil.

APRIL 14Tax day 10 Miler6 a.m.- 8 a.m. Open to Service members and civilians (minors must be accompanied). Registration opens at 5:30 a.m. Trophies for Top Finishers in each category. Preregister at the &����� ����������� %������ �������� ���2600 Lee Road.

MAY 6-7S.C. Guard Air Ground ExpoMcEntire Joint National Guard Base. The event is free to the public. For more information visit www.scguard.com/expo/.

Fort Jackson, South Carolina 29207This civilian enterprise newspaper, which has a circulation

of 10,000, is an authorized publication for members of the U.S.

Army. Contents of the Fort Jackson Leader are not necessarily

the official views of, or endorsed by the U.S. Government,

the Department of Defense, Department of the Army or Fort

Jackson.

The appearance of advertising in this publication, including

inserts and supplements, does not constitute endorsement by

the Department of the Army or Camden Media Co. of the firms,

products or services advertised.

All editorial content of the Fort Jackson Leader is prepared,

edited, provided and approved by the Public Affairs Office of

Fort Jackson.

The Fort Jackson Leader is published by Camden Media

Co., a private firm in no way connected with the Department of

the Army, under exclusive written contract with Fort Jackson.

The civilian printer is responsible for commercial

advertising.

For display advertising rates and information call 803-

432-6157 or write Camden Media Company, P.O. Box 1137,

Camden, S.C. 29020. For classified advertising information

only: call 800-698-3514 or e-mail pmathes@chronicle-

independent.com or fax 803-432-7609.

For questions or concerns about subscriptions, call 803-

432-6157. To submit articles, story ideas or announcements,

write the Fort Jackson Leader, Fort Jackson, S.C. 29207, call

803-751-7045 or e-mail fjleader@gmail.com.

Commanding General ................. Maj. Gen. John P. Johnson

Garrison Commander .................... Col. James W. Ellerson Jr.

Public Affairs Officer ................................... Michael B. Pond

Garrison Public Affairs Officer ......................... Patrick Jones

Command Information Officer ..............Christopher Fletcher

Editor ......................................................... Wallace McBride

Staff Writer ...................................................Robert Timmons

Staff Writer ..................................................Demetria Mosley

Website: www.fortjacksonleader.comFacebook: www.facebook.com/fortjackson

Twitter: www.twitter.com/fortjacksonpaoInstagram: www.instagram.com/fortjacksonpao

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SUBMISSIONS TOFJLeader@gmail.com

Deadline for events to be included in the calendar or Hap-penings is one week before publi-cation. Include the time, date and place the event will occur, as well as other necessary information.

If you submit an article on an event that already has taken place, please send it as soon as possible. Tuesday is the last day we will we be able to accept an article for publication the follow-ing Thursday. Include the date and place of the event, as well as a description of what took place. Please include quotations, if pos-sible. With any photo you submit, ��������� �����������������and last names.

Questions? Call 751-7045.

TPTr9 RMHisavdiofIddiDidC

ON THE COVERA veteran stands with the Vietnam Memorial lo-cated at 1st Battalion, 61st Infantry Regiment on Fort Jackson, March 8. SEE PAGES 12-13

Photo by VERAN HILL

��������Join us on FACEBOOK. Visit

FACEBOOK.COM/FORTJACKSON and click “like.�

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STB offers combatives refresherMaster Combatives Trainers Sgt. Edwin Velazquez, left, and Staff Sgt. Phalon Nelson demonstrate to the level 2 combatives class March 12 how to safely bring someone down to the ground with two people. This is the first time in years that that the level two class has been offered to personnel from every brigade and MEDDAC.

Photos by DEMETRIA MOSLEY

By DEMETRIA MOSLEYFort Jackson Leader

Fort Jackson’s Special Troops Battalion is gearing the instal-lation to become more hands-on.

“We regularly have to re-qualify for our weapons, but when it comes to hand-to-hand combat we don’t practice as much,” said Sgt. Edwin Velazquez, master combatives trainer. “This course helps equip you with these skills.”

Starting last month, STB offered levels one and two combat-ives classes at Vanguard Gym for personnel from every brigade and MEDDAC�� ������� ��������������������� ���� ������������class has been offered to all personnel.

“The Special Troops battalion has always been a service-based organization, “ said Capt. Brad Hannon, commander of Fort Jackson’s Headquarters Company, STB. “We take every opportunity to provide the post with the best.”

The four week course ends Friday. Each level took two weeks to complete.

“This is not a bad course at all. I have already told my bud-dies to take this course,” said Spc. Ishmael Johnson. “I have learned a lot of techniques and moves that I can use anywhere.”

About 20 Soldiers participated in the course. Velazquez is hoping to have this class offered every quarter.

“Hand on hand combat isn’t something that you only used in the military,”he said. “This is a life skill that you can take with you everywhere you go.”

NEWS

Soldiers revisit fundamentalhand-to-hand techniques

About 20 Soldiers took part in four weeks of combatives classes that come to an end Friday. Combatives is the hand-to-hand martial art of the Army, and incorporates fighting techniques from various martial arts and combat sports.

By ROBERT TIMMONSFort Jackson Leader

Friends, Family and colleagues from the 369th Adjutant General Battalion gathered together March 10 at the Anderson Street Chapel on post to say goodbye to Staff Sgt. Javier Ne-varez.

Lt. Col. Joel Holmstrom, the 369th AG Bn. commander, said ������}��������������������� ��� ������������������� �������

“At the class end of cycle after action reviews Soldiers raved about what a great leader and mentor he was,” Holmstrom said.

Nevarez, a Puerto Rican native, was born on Aug. 13, 1982 and joined the Army months prior to the Sept. 11 terrorist at-tacks. He served in the 75th Ranger Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, XVIII Airborne Corps and in Korea before coming to Fort Jackson to join the 369th. Nevarez died Feb. 24.

His earlier career was “riddled with combat deployments” said his company commander, Capt. Ryan Mazor. These as-signments helped him have “a gravitational pull that Soldiers were naturally drawn to and tried to emulate.”

“Staff Sgt. Nevarez is a great example of a dedicated NCO,” said Mazor.

���������K��@������ ������}�����������������������������-ity, uncompromising belief in all that is good and his steadfast commitment to Family and friends?” asked Staff Sgt. Yukon Brown, Nevarez’s friend from Charlie Company, 369th AG Bn. “Even the very best of words cannot pay tribute or truly capture the sense of loss we all feel today.”

“He was a humble man ... a man who never lost sight in his vision, a man with strong faith Brown said holding back tears.

“If he was here today he would say, ‘Don’t cry at my grave, but make the best of life while we are still here,’” Brown con-cluded.

“We will all remember Staff Sgt. Nevarez in different ways, but all of us can remember him as a friend and teammate who was there for his Family, friends and country,” Mazor said.

Nevarez is survived by his wife, Laura, and children Jaden, Alleysha and Eric.

Staff Sgt. Yukon Brown, with Charlie Company, 369th Adjustant General Battalion, holds back the tears as he speaks about his friend, Staff Sgt. Ja-vier Nevarez, during a memorial service March 10.

Photo by ROBERT TIMMONS

NEWS

369th remembers fallen friend Fort Jackson

Gate Operation Hours

GATE 1��Open 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday for inbound and outbound traffic.

GATE 2��Open around the clock daily.

GATE 4��Open 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday for inbound and outbound traffic.

GATE 5��Open 5-10 a.m. Monday through Friday for inbound and out-bound traffic.

��Closed 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

��Reopened 4-6 p.m. for out-bound traffic only.

��Open 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Fort JacksonMovie Schedule3319 Jackson Blvd. Phone: 751-7488

FRIDAYThe Lego Batman Movie (PG) 7 p.m.

SATURDAYThe Lego Batman Movie (PG) 1 p.m. Fist Fight (R) 5 p.m.

SUNDAYThe Lego Batman Movie (PG) 1 p.m. Fist Fight (R) 5 p.m.

WEDNESDAYThe Lego Batman Movie (PG) 2 p.m. Fist Fight (R) 5 p.m.

TICKETSAdult: $6 / Child (6 to 11): $4

3-D TICKETSAdult: $8 Child (6 to 11): $6 � Ticket sales open 30 minutes before each movie.� Movie times and schedule are subject to change without notice.

WWW.SHOPMYEXCHANGE.COM

Photo by DEMETRIA MOSLEYOne small step ...TO KICK OFF FORT JACKSON’S 100 mile centennial run, the installation held a mass swearing in event at Hilton Field March 14. About 40 Army recruits were sworn into the Army by Fort Jackson’s Commander Maj. Gen. John ‘Pete”Johnson at Hilton Field. Xania Lee, a senior at Lakewood High School in Sumter who starts Basic Combat Training in June, said she can’t wait to start training. ‘I’m tired of waiting! I’m ready,’ she said.

NEWSNew program provideshearing aids at cost

By NICK SPINELLIMEDDAC Public Affairs

Military retirees can now obtain hear-�������������������������������� ���� �� ��Retiree-At-Cost Hearing Aid Program.

�������������_�{�̂ �����������_���-�����������������^��������������������� ����������������� ��������� ������ � �����-ernment price for the hearing aids they ��� �������� �����

����� �����������������������"�����-� ��������������� ����?�***����������������@���� ������ ���������"��� ���� ��"{���� ���� ������������������� �����������

������������������������������������-����� ����� ��������� ������� ���� ��������������� �� ���� ���������������Z��������-�������������"���������������������� ������-gram. Retired com-���������� ����������� � ��]��#�"��������� � ��������are also eligible for this program at military treatment ��������������������������������������]�������������dependents of military retirees �������������"������� ���������������������������� ���� � ���� ���� ������ �������������as well.

“Moncrief Army Health Clinic is only offering the RACHAP program to Mili-���� ��������� � �� ���� ���������� ��� ���� �������������������� ���� ���� ��������������^�������������������������"���_�������������������� ������

Retirees interested in participating in � �� �������� � ���� � _�������� ����� ���register at the facility before trying to "��������������������>�����������������"������� ��������������"��������� ��� � ������������ ���� ������� ���� ������� ���-icy.

�>����"��������������������� �����-�������"��������������� ������������������said.

���� ��� ������������ ��� � �� ��������and which sites other than Moncrief offer ��� ���� "�� ������ ��� www.militaryaudiol-ogy.org.

LEGAL NOTICE

�����������������������������^��������-����}<>����� �����"��������� ����������}��������"�?Y��?*'Q������ ������� ���"�����"������������� �������������'���&��_������&������\*;<QX'<YQY\

Photos by JENNIFER STRIDE

Lexington goes greenA COLOR GUARD from the 3rd Bat-talion, 39th Infantry Regiment, above, parades the national, state and Army flags down Main Street in the Lexing-ton St. Patrick’s Day Parade March 12. Right, Fort Jackson Command Sgt. Maj. Lamont Christian, the grand marshal for the Lexington St. Patrick’s Day Parade, walking with Girl Scout, 10-year old Maggie Addy, gives a high five to Blowie, the Lexington County Blowfish mascot, along the route

Photos by JENNIFER STRIDE

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By DEMETRIA MOSLEYFort Jackson Leader

One hour doesn’t seem too long, but when your husband’s stationed in another city it could feel like a million hours away.

As Verlo Brinson walked into Fort Jackson’s NCO Club ����������������������� ���������"��������������������� ���-sumes, she had one thing on her mind; relocation.

“I retired last month,” said Brinson. “I’m ready to relo-cate, start working again, and be closer to my husband.”

Fort Jackson held a Military Spouse Career Fair March 14 at the NCO Club. About 60 employers were in attendance.

Barbara Martin, the manager of ACS Employment Readi-ness Program, said this fair helps with making the transition-ing process easy for military spouses.

“When their family has to PCS, military spouses have a lot to deal with from taking care of their children’s schools and setting up the household,” said Martin. “This fair is a one stop (shop) and gets them connected faster to employers. “

Sheila Johnson, wife of Fort Jackson’s commander Maj. Gen. John ‘Pete’ Johnson said the fair is a fantastic idea.

“This absolutely helps with the transition of moving from post to post,” said Sheila. “As a working spouse, one of my ����������������� ��������������� ��������������������{�"�K�used to always think, ‘Oh no, I have to start over.’”

Her husband said any employee would be lucky to have a military spouse.

“Our key concern is making the transition process for military spouses easier,” he said. “This fair gives them the opportunity to tap into the employment pool.”

NEWS

Spouse employment focus of career fair

About 60 employees came out to Fort Jackson’s Military Spouse Career Fair March 14. ‘This fair is fantastic,’ said Shelia Johnson, wife of Fort Jackson’s commander Maj. Gen. John ‘Pete’ Johnson. ‘As a working spouse, one of my main concerns with moving to another post is finding a job. This helps elements that worry.’

Photo by DEMETRIA MOSLEY

By CHRIS FLETCHERFort Jackson Leader

� �� ����� ^������� #�"������������ %����� ��-ceived 11 awards for expertise in journalism, photography, graphic design and social media prowess in the 2016 U.S. Army Installation Management Command Keith L. Ware Com-munications Competition.

“We have a talented staff who work hard to tell Fort Jackson’s story,” said Pat Jones, the di-rector of Public Affairs.

The public affairs staff competed against more than 100 entries in print, web, and so-cial media categories from Army installations around the world.

Robert Timmons, a staff writer for the Fort Jackson Leader, was named IMCOM’s Civil-ian Journalist of the Year and will now compete at the Army-level. Timmons has worked at the �����^�������#�"������������%������������������and retired from the U.S. Army in 2013 as a � ������"����������������������������������

Timmons also received third place in the Photojournalism category for his photos and news story on the University of South Caro-lina Football team’s visit to Fort Jackson. The football team was introduced to the life of a basic trainee through a series of physically and

mentally taxing team building events. Timmons garnered another third place in the Sports Photo category for his photograph of a USC football player making a touchdown grab.

Nicholas Salcido, Fort Jackson webmaster ���� ������� ������ ��������� ��������� ����� �����place awards for his efforts designing the Fort Jackson centennial logo and graphic design tal-ents. Salcido’s centennial logo design won First Place in the Identity Design category and Info-graphic category, as he designed an illustrative graphic explaining the logo concept.

������������������������������������� ���������Media Meme category for his graphic represen-tation celebrating Feb. 29 or Leap Day 2016. ���� ����� ������������ ���� ���� �� ��������� "���-board concept highlighting a drill sergeant of

the cycle at Hilton Field during a graduation ceremony.

� �� ����� ^������� #�"������������ %����� ��-ceived three organization awards for its com-munications efforts in 2016. Fort Jackson took second place for Outstanding Digital Presence this year. IMCOM judged Army installations on all digital platforms used to achieve unit-level communication objectives. Fort Jackson’s digi-tal platforms included Facebook, Twitter, Insta-gram������ ������������"�����

Additionally, Fort Jackson received second place in the Outstanding Communication Effort category for its work celebrating Fort Jackson’s Centennial. The Fort Jackson Leader also re-ceived an honorable mention in the Civilian En-terprise Newspaper category.

“There are 75 garrisons who compete in this competition and for us to receive this recogni-tion validates the hard work we have put in over 2016,” Jones said.

The annual awards program recognizes mili-tary and civilian employees for journalistic ex-cellence and furthering the objectives of the De-partment of the Army public affairs program.

First and Second place selectees from each category will represent IMCOM in Army-level competition to be judged before being forwarded to the Department of Defense level competition.

NEWS

Robert Timmons’ photograph of the Military Appreciation Day game pitting University of South Carolina versus Western Carolina University received third place in the Sports Photo category of the 2016 IMCOM Keith L. Ware Communications Competition. The public affairs staff competed against more than 100 entries in print, web and social media categories from Army installations around the world.

Leader file photo by ROBERT TIMMONS

Leader writer named IMCOM Civilian Journalist of the Year

TIMMONS SALCIDO

Fort Jackson public affairs staff recognized for excellence

NEWS

‘I became a soldier ...’ 3RD BATTALION,34TH INFANTRY REGIMENT

NEWS PVT. JOVINO J. ROY, 19Norwich, Connecticut

“I joined the Army to become successful as a person, mean-ing to have discipline, a steady career, so on and so forth.”

“What has been good about Basic Combat Training is the training/learning op-portunities, and the physical training has pushed me further than what my old civilian self could do.”

“My MOS is 14E – Patriot Air Defense Maintain-er. I picked my MOS because I wanted something that had some kind of action involved in it without being directly in the action itself.”

PVT. DEIDRE ANDAYA, 18Lihve, Hawaii

“I joined the Army to serve my country and to do something worthwhile in my life.”

“I got a lot stronger here. The drill sergeants and my battle buddies made me better inside and out.”

“My MOS is 25U – Signal Support Systems Spe-cialist. I picked it because it had a bonus and it was something I was interested in.”

“My Family supported me during my enlistment. =��������!����������������������!����������eventually.”

PFC. KALEB HOYT, 24Byron, Wyoming

“I joined the Army to help de-fend the state and country I love the most.”

“The best part of Basic Combat Training was “having people that are going through the same trials as you and they all support you.”

“I am going to be an aviation electrician. I picked it to try something new and I’ve always wanted to work on helicopters.”

My Family was “nervous to begin with but glad I am helping serve.”

PVT. LAUREN A. JOYNER, 19Charlotte

“My mother and father were in the Army and my brother as well. I wanted to serve my country and make a better life for myself.”

“I got stronger and met new people, gained con-������������������������>������@����(�����Training.

“I am a 25B – Information Technology Specialist.“My Family “supports my decision to join and are

proud of me.”

e

PFC. PENINNAH YISRAEL-SLOCUM, 29Columbus, Georgia

“My husband and father joined the military and served our country. I felt it was my duty to do something above and beyond myself, as well as take care of my Family.”

“Basic training has molded me to be more disci-plined, to always set my standards above my normal lifestyle and push myself.”

I am a 92A – Automated Logistics Specialist. I choses this MOS due to the fact it gets my foot in the door.”

tare going throught

PVT. MEZQUITA AMAYA, 18Tucson, Arizona

“I joined the Army for a differ-ent experience and also to make my Family proud.”

“I loved everything about basic training. I loved everything we did. It was a fun experience.”

“My MOS is 92A – Automated Logistics Specialist. I picked it because being trusted with supplies would look good on my resume.”

“My Family is very proud. They were excited to know that I enlisted. They knew I was going to do good. They knew it was for me.”

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0 Forty Vietnam veterans and Family members gathered March

7-9 on Fort Jackson to celebrate the upcoming 1st Battalion, 61st Infantry Regiment’s centennial. Veterans of the “Roadrunners” traveled from near and far to share memories, honor fallen com-rades of the unit during a memorial unveiling and wit-ness a vignette unveiling ceremony to recognize one of their own.

Most who visited were members of Alpha Com-pany, 1-61st Inf. Regt. during the Vietnam War and many attended Basic Combat Training on Fort Jack-son as well.

Miller reminisced about entering basic training here at Fort Jackson in 1969.

“I remember those WWII wooden barracks, walk-ing to all the training, and the infamous marches up Drag-Hill near the water tank,” said Miller.

During the visit, veterans witnessed the unveil-ing of a Memorial to honor fallen Roadrunners of the Vietnam War.

The battalion commander of 1-61st Inf. Regt., Lt.

Col. Michael Whitney, began the Vietnam Memorial unveiling with ��������������������� �������� �������������������������������������������������� �� ����������������� ��������� ������������ ��I cannot begin to describe the individual relationships, bravery, and ����������������������� ���������

“1st Battalion, 61st Infantry Regiment was a principal American unit alone the Vietnamese Demilitarized Zone from 1968 – 1971. During this time is when we got our motto, “The Best Lead the Rest,” he added.

After the memorial was unveiled, the veterans slowly surround-ed it and began deciphering through 143 names to identify their comrades who were lost to battle.

The veterans participated in two social events with current 1-61st cadre, attended Family Day events to included spiritual singing by Basic Combat Training Soldiers and lunch with graduating Soldiers and their families, rappelled from Victory Tower, observed a BCT graduation, and visited the BCT museum and Fort Jackson National Cemetery during their stay.

“It was a great time. It’s about bringing Soldiers together to carry on tradition and legacy,” said Bat-talion Chap. (Capt.) Chris Ball.

The reunion neared its end with the vignette un-veiling ceremony to recognize the heroic actions of Pfc. Stanley W. Coker who served in Vietnam with the unit and was awarded the Silver Star.

NEWS

See VETERANS: Page 14

‘IT’S NICE TO SEE THE FUTURE OF OUR COUNTRY’

By VERAN HILLFort Jackson Leader

—Battalion Chap. (Capt.) Chris Ball.

“

”

It was a great time. It’s about

bringing Soldiers together to carry on tradition and

legacy.

AS PAST, CURRENT AND NEW SOLDIERS SPOKE IN THE BATTALION’S VESTIBULE VIETNAM VETERAN, MORRIS MILLER GLANCED AROUND AND SAID, “IT’S NICE TO SEE THE FUTURE OF OUR COUNTRY. THEY LOOK MIGHTY FINE.” Above, a Vietnam veteran takes a photo of a vignette during his visit to Fort Jackson last week to celebrate the upcoming centennial of the 1st Battalion, 61st Infantry Regiment.

Photos by VERAN HILL

Left, Veterans surround the Vietnam Memorial located at 1st Battalion, 61st Infantry Regiment on Fort Jackson, March 8. The veterans look on to deci-pher through 143 names of fallen comrades. Right, Vietnam veterans, gradu-ating Soldiers and their Families are served dur-ing the 1st Battalion, 61st Infantry Regiment Family Day luncheon.

Vietnam veterans, Family celebrateunit centennial at Fort Jackson

From left, Pedro Marzan, who was assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 61st Infantry Regiment during the Vietnam War, stands with 1st Battalion, 61st Infantry Regiment, battalion commander, Lt. Col. Michael Whitney, and Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher Ausburn, after the unveiling of a Vietnam Veterans memorial. The memorial displays the names of 143 fallen Soldiers who served with the unit in Vietnam from 1968-1971.

Photo by VERAN HILL

NEWS

VeteransContinued from Page 13

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ABOUT THE 1-61The 1st Battal-ion, 61st Infantry Regiment is one of the Basic Combat Training units within the Army. The 61st “Roadrunners” are located in Fort Jackson, South Carolina. There are six compa-nies, Alpha “Gators”, Bravo “Bull-dogs”, Charlie “Roughnecks”, Delta “Dragons”, Echo “War Eagles”, and Foxtrot “Phantoms” with four pla-toons in each Company. The 61st is a gender integrated BCT unit.

Staff Sgt.Douglas AndersonAlpha Company,3rd Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment

HONOR GRADUATEOF THE CYCLEPvt. Kaleb Hoyt

HIGH BRMPvt. Robert Huerta

HIGH APFTPvt. Mezquita Amaya

Staff Sgt.Jerry JacksonBravo Company,3rd Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment

HONOR GRADUATEOF THE CYCLEPfc. Caitlyn Booco

HIGH BRMPvt. Brian Halchishick

HIGH APFTPvt. Shalee Callahan

Sgt.Kemelia CampbellCharllie Company,3rd Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment

HONOR GRADUATEOF THE CYCLEPfc. Juarez Christian

HIGH BRMPvt. Caleb Jones

HIGH APFTPvt. Ryan Sloan

Staff Sgt.Alexandra TuitasiDelta Company,3rd Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment

HONOR GRADUATEOF THE CYCLEPfc. Eric Kwiatkowski

HIGH BRMPvt. Joshua Schaefer

HIGH APFTPfc. Eric Kwiatkowski

Staff Sgt.Alisha ParksEcho Company, 3rd Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment

HONOR GRADUATE OF THE CYCLEPvt. Joshua Gauthier

HIGH BRMPvt. Colton Latham

HIGH APFTPvt. Jeremy Garcia-Baez

NEWSSaluting this BCT cycle’s honoreesDRILL SERGEANTS OF THE CYCLE. Photos by OITHIP PICKERT, Public Affairs Office.

Post takes a stand against sexual assault, harassmentBy SGT. 1ST CLASSTRULISSA L. MOOREInstallation Lead SARC

April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, a time where civilians and military communities come together to raise awareness of efforts to prevent and respond to sexual assault and to support survivors. This month also reinforces the mindset that all members of the Army Team are empowered and have the responsibility to address sexual assault, sexual harass-ment, retaliation and the behaviors that lead to such indiscipline. SAAPM is an oppor-tunity for the Army’s leadership to demon-strate to Soldiers, Department of the Army Civilians and Family members that preven-tion of sexual assault/harassment remains a top priority for the Army.

This year the Army has decided to stay with the theme “Sexual Assault. Sexual Ha-rassment. Not in Our Army.” This theme offers numerous opportunities to deliver messages that relate to both the individual and unit level. It also supports the Depart-ment of Defense’s theme “Protecting Our People Protects Our Mission.” Sexual as-sault harms victims both physically and

emotionally, and its lingering effects can haunt a victim much in the same way as wounds received in battle. Sexual assault is further complicated by fear of stigma or retaliation for reporting. It not only affects the individual, it also impact mission readi-ness by compromising unit cohesion, trust, and discipline. Each service member can encourage behaviors that foster a climate of dignity and respect, and help ensure readi-ness to complete the mission.

Protecting our peopleEach of us has a role in ensuring the men

and women around us can live and work free from the threat of sexual assault. Each Ser-vice member and DA Civilian, regardless of rank, must know, understand and adhere to service values and standards of behavior in order to eliminate sexual assault and other inappropriate behavior. Addressing sexual harassment in a unit is an important step to preventing sexual assaults, since many victims of sexual harassment, especially men, later experience a sexual assault. Un-derstanding how to recognize opportunities for intervention is vital to stopping unsafe behavior, to include any form of retaliation.

Protecting our missionIn addition to the devastating impact on

an individual, a sexual as-sault can severely impact a unit’s readiness to perform its mission. We must en-courage positive behav-iors by recognizing acts that contribute to a sup-portive command cli-mate. We can protect our mission by ensur-ing everyone within DOD is committed to advancing an en-vironment where sexist behaviors, sexual harass-ment, hazing, bullying, and sexual assault are not tolerat-ed, condoned, or ignored.

Every echelon of �%�� ��������������� �-ing sexual assault and other crimes. In order to extend Sexual As-sault Awareness and Prevention Month’s

message of focusing on our individual roles in combating sexual harassment and sexual assault there will be activities con-ducted throughout the month of April on

Fort Jackson. These activi-ties will provide

a w a r e n e s s and educa-

tion to Ser-vice members,

civilians, and Families.

Sexual ha-rassment and

sexual assault are incompatible with the Army values

and erodes solidar-ity, trust, respect,

and ultimately affects mission accomplish-

ment. The prevention of sexual harassment

and sexual assault re-quires the individual to

make a personal commit-ment to take action if a danger-

ous situation is unfolding not just in the month of April but every day.

NEWS

Photo by ROBERT TIMMONS

Hagen reopensMAJ. GEN. JOHN ‘PETE’ JOHNSON, Fort Jackson commander, joins Col. Dan Fong, Fort Jackson Dental Activity commander, and Maj. Zachary Paukert in cutting the ribbon to officially reopen the Hagen Dental Clinic Mar. 9. The clinic had been closed for years as the building was being remod-eled and upgraded.

M‘JCDacrCbbe

Headquarters building to be named for MOH recipientStaff reports

The 2nd Battalion, 60th Infantry Regi-ment will dedicate their headquarters building in honor of Medal of Honor re-cipient Lt. Col. Matt Urban March 31.

Urban graduated from Cornell Univer-sity in 1941 and was sent to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, for training a week later. He tasted combat in North Africa, Sicily, France, Belgium and Germany with the 60th Infantry Regiment.

Despite suffering a broken leg in a land-ing mishap at Omaha Beach on D-Day, Urban got up on top of a tank and led his trapped unit in an attack on German posi-tions and off the beach.

In many subsequent encounters, Ur-"����� "���������� ������� ��� ������ ���� ���uncanny ability to frustrate German plans

caused the enemy to give him the nick-name, “the Gray Ghost.” He was wounded six times and each time went back to the front lines.

The seventh time he was wounded, he was shot in the throat and the bullet tore out a vocal cord. Army doctors gave Ur-ban no hope for survival. He recovered two years later with damaged vocal cords that left him permanently raspy-voiced.

Urban died on March 20, 1995 a re-sult of complications from a collapsed lung brought on by one of his seven war wounds.

President Jimmy Carter awarded the MOH to Urban during a ceremony in 1980.

For more information on the Urban Hall dedication contact 1st Lt. Manuel Cabrera, � �� ?<|*� � ���������� ����������� �������� ���803-751-6654.

NEWS

LT. COL. MATT URBAN� World War II veteran who earned the Medal of Honor while participating in the allied invasion of France with the 2nd Battalion, 60th Infantry Regiment.

� Then a captain, Urban performed a series of heroic actions, many of which required intense physical activity while under duress in combat.

� While serving as a company com-mander leading an attack at Renaouf, France, Urban found his company under �������X�������!�����Y����Z���������������!�������������������[������heavy casualties.” Armed with a bazoo-���X�������������!����������carrier through hedgerows, under a �����������������������������������the tanks. He brazenly exposed himself ���������!�����������������\�����destroyed both tanks.”