11/21 Fot Campbell Area Retiree Life

A look inside...

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5 The Great Stuffing Debate

Apple Picking Time

13

7 Retiree Spotlight

15 Random Acts of Kindness

Made in the U.S.A. Gift Ideas

Editor

Dave Marshall

Hello Fall!

Contributors

Alex Zapetis Kathleen Boehm

This is the time of the year for fall colors, colder temps and plenty of holiday activity.

Publisher

In this issue we bring you the “Great Stuffing Debate”. Cornbread, regular bread, inside the bird, outside the bird....we explore all the options. While we are on the subject of Thanksgiving, we have a Thanksgiving check list to help you get prepared.

Creative ink

Creative Director Sears Hallett

In the theme of giving thanks we provide some ideas on how you can give back with random acts of kindness.

Advertising

Kristi Williams 270-484-0463 kristi@creativeinktn.com

Christmas is right around the corner...if you would like to concentrate on giving gits made in the U.S.A. we have a selection for you to choose from.

Photography

This and much more.

Paula Hallett

Have a great Thanksgiving!

Dreamstime Photos: Cover, 5, 11, 12, 14 Deposit Photos: 3, 4, 13, 15

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There is an age-old debate that sparks every year around this time.

Do you know what it is? Can you take a guess? If you said, “dressing or stuffing?” you would be correct. How to prepare the most popular Thanksgiving side varies from region to region, and each one swears theirs is superior.

What is your favorite way to prepare yours?

“We bake ours inside the bird. There is no other way to do it! Keep the classic tradition alive.”

1 package dry bread stuffing mix • 1 cup water 1 tablespoon butter • 1 cup chopped celery ¼ cup chopped onion 4 slices toasted white bread, torn into small pieces salt and pepper to taste • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil Prepare stuffing according to package directions.

After it is prepared, mix in your water.

Next, cook your onions and celery in your butter.

Combine your cooked vegetables and your toasted bread pieces into the stuffing that was previously prepared.

Season to taste Carefully place your mixture into the turkey body cavity and neck cavity. (Make sure your turkey has been cleaned out first!)

Rub the exterior of the turkey with vegetable oil.

Cover your turkey with aluminum foil, and roast.

Check the internal temperature of your stuffing.

It should reach at least 165 degrees F.

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“It is 100% old southern cornbread dressing made in the largest pan you can find!

Don’t you dare stuff that bird with bread.”

1 prepared package of white cornbread 3-pieces of bread. (Sandwich bread, hot dog buns, or biscuits will do!)

1 teaspoon salt • 1 teaspoon black pepper 3 large eggs • 1 medium onion diced 2 stalks celery diced • 1⁄2 cup butter sliced 4 cups cream of chicken soup 6 cups chicken stock Preheat oven to 350º F. Crumble all of the cornbread and bread into a large bowl. Add salt, pepper, eggs, onion, celery, butter, cream of chicken soup, and chicken stock.

Stir until well-combined and the bread has soaked up the mixture. Pour contents into a baking dish and bake for 45 minutes. Once the center of the dressing no longer shakes, then it is done.

“We cook ours outside of the turkey, but we don’t use cornbread. We like a cubed bread consistency.

Cornbread dressing is too mushy for my family.”

1 lb French bread cut into 1-inch cubes 3 ⁄4 cup unsalted butter • 2 cups chopped onion 1 1⁄2 cups diced celery • 1 tablespoon minced sage 1 ⁄4 cup chopped Italian parsley 1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary 1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme 1 1⁄2 teaspoons kosher salt 1 teaspoon ground pepper • 2 large eggs 2 cups chicken broth Allow your bread cubes to dry out by putting them on the counter covered for 1-2 days.

Stir the bread cubes once or twice a day.

If you don't have time to air-dry your bread, you can toast them.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease your baking dish.

On medium heat, melt your butter and add the onion and celery.

Cook until soft. Mix with your bread. Add the parsley, sage, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.

Stir together. In a medium bowl, whisk together your wet ingredients.

Combine all of your ingredients together, and then pour into prepared baking dish.

Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until top is golden brown and middle is set.

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Apple picking is a staple for many families in the fall. The crisp smell of apples fill’s the air as a slight chill hits your skin. What gets you more into the fall spirit than that? Grab your baskets and head on over to these amazing orchards while the apples are there for picking.

Shade Tree Farm and Orchard 2087 Kinneys Road Adams, Tennessee 37010 615-696-2915

Breeden's Orchard 631 Beckwith Rd, Mt. Juliet, TN 37122 615-449-2880

The Orchard at Cross Plains 6900 Blackberry Lane Cross Plains, TN 37049 615-654-9227

Coal Creek Orchard 22850 Coal Creek Rd, Hopkinsville, KY 42240 270-348-47202

After you have gathered your fresh and delicious apples, you may be wondering what tasty recipes you can create. The possibilities are truly endless. We have grabbed a few to get you started this fall season.

Homemade Apple Butter 7 pounds apples peeled, cored, and diced • 1⁄2 cup granulated sugar 1 ⁄2 cup packed brown sugar • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon 1 ⁄4 teaspoon salt • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract Place the prepared apples in a slow cooker. Add the sugars, cinnamon, salt and vanilla to the crockpot. Coat the apples well.

Cook on low for about 10 hours. Be sure to keep stirring every couple hours. Use a blender to puree the apple butter until smooth.

Cover and refrigerate for up to two weeks.

Apple Cobbler 9 cups apples, peeled, cored, sliced 1⁄4 inch • 3⁄4 cup sugar • 3⁄4 teaspoon ground cinnamon • 2 cups all-purpose flour • 2 cups sugar • 2 eggs 2 teaspoons baking powder • 3⁄4 teaspoon salt • 2⁄3 cup melted butter Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place sliced apples into ungreased 13x9-inch baking dish. Combine your sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle over the apples.

Combine the flour, sugar, eggs, baking powder and salt in bowl. Mix until mixture resembles coarse crumbs and sprinkle it over the apples. Next, pour the melted butter on top. Bake 45-55 minutes.

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CW5(R) Doug Englen This month we had the honor of sitting down with Doug Englen for our Retiree Spotlight

Doug has 33 years of total service under his belt. “To begin, I was 6 years enlisted and was an aircraft helicopter mechanic and door gunner. I was also in the Colorado National Guard.” revealed Englen “I spent 27 years as an aviator as well. I was the most decorated aviator in the Depart of Defense when I retired.”

Doug shared.

When asked about one of his favorite military stories, he shared the following. “I have flown over 2,500 combat missions in my military career. In my total career that would sum up to over 3,000 combat missions.

2,500 of those missions were just in Iraq and Afghanistan.” Doug said.

“I also had the unique opportunity of being the flight leader for the Bin Laden raid”

We asked Englen to share his experience transitioning out of the Army and he stated that “It took about a year for me to put myself in a mindset that rules and regulations no longer apply to me when it comes to readiness.” Doug further explained by sharing “I no longer had to be ready to deploy all the time and be at the call of the nation's needs. That was a hard thing to adjust to. I spent 22 years in special operations, and I was ready to go and prepared to go. When you see a crisis in the world, it took a year to see that I didn't need to go anywhere.”

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Currently, Dough Englen is the Regional Representative for Bell Helicopter. He represents Bell when it comes to the future vertical lift program for the Army. He also assists with the commercial sales within Bell helicopter. When asked to share his biggest piece of advice for other soldiers transitioning out of the military, he shared “The biggest thing is to have patience.

Don’t rush to a job that you don’t want. It may or may not be in the speciality that you had in the military. Get a job that supports your passions. Take your time and follow your passions. Don’t get stuck in a career just because you did it in the Army.”

Miltary roots run deep in Doug Englen’s family. “My wife and I have been married for 33 years this Fall. We met in high school and we got married after I was in the Army for a couple of years.” Doug continued “We have 4 children. Our son is Active Guard in Kentucky and also flies helicopters. We have 3 daughters that are all in their 20s. One is engaged to a Drill Sergent, and our oldest has graduated college and our youngest is enrolled at Tennessee Tech.”

When asked to share why he decided to stay in the area after retiring he said “I was selected for special operations aviation at Fort Campbell back in 1998. It is a voluntary unit, so we stayed in the unit for a long time. It made Clarksville home. After seeing multiple places to live across the US, we saw that there is no better place to live than Clarksville. The people, the economy, lifestyle, lakes, and hunting are great here. It makes Clarksville a very responsible place to live.” said Doug Englen.

In closing, we just had to ask what his favorite thing to do in this great city is! “We love Downtown and the small-town atmosphere. We always go and grab something to eat. My family also loves going boating.”

Prepping for Thanksgiving can become a little stressful. There are sometimes just so many things to do in such a little amount of time. It can feel as though some things are just going to slip through the cracks. Don't worry, we have a checklist for you to place on your fridge so that nothing will be forgotten.

t is l k c e h C g in iv g s Thank Table Decor Plan Your Centerpiece and Invite Your Guest Count RSVPs r to Make Room Clean Out Fridge and Freeze Buy a Frozen Turkey Guests Will Bring r ou Y es sh Di of st Li a te Crea Buy Wine and Drinks ests if Needed Gu r fo s ie it iv ct A d an s me Plan Ga Plan Out Your Seating Finalize Shopping List Go Grocery Shopping ore Hand and Frozen ef B e ad M e B n Ca t ha T es Prep Dish y Begin Defrosting Your Turke Clean The House rs Buy More Storage Containe Review Your Recipes ave Small Guests H ill W ou Y if se ou H r ou Y Child-Proof Make Your Pies Schedule Plan Out Your Final Cooking s Defrost Prepped Frozen Side Minute Touches st La e th g in Do d an ng ti ra Finish Deco Set the Table Light Candles Chill White Wines 11

November is all about remembering what you are thankful for and spreading kindness. It can make the entire month feel full of love and seasonal cheer. If you are looking for easy ways to spread some smiles this month, then be sure to give these a try.

• • • • •

Give a coworker an extra hand at work.

Compliment a stranger on their outfit.

Pick up some litter.

Send a care package overseas.

Volunteer at a soup kitchen.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Give your grandchild’s teacher a surprise gift.

Pay for the coffee order of the person behind you in line.

Take your sibling out for lunch.

Volunteer at an animal shelter.

Pay for a stranger’s meal at a resturant.

Bring flowers to a nursing home.

Leave a very generous tip.

Leave a positive sticky-note on someone’s car.

Bring donuts to work for everyone.

Send your mother flowers.

Plant a tree.

Help someone with a flat tire.

Do more chores without someone asking you.

Participate in a fundraiser.

Babysit for a friend or family free.

Let someone out in traffic.

Help the elderly load their groceries.

Give up your seat in a crowded waiting room to someone who needs it.

What Veterans Day Means to Me Since the holiday’s inception in 1919; every November 11th is observed as Veterans Day, a day devoted to giving thanks to those brave enough to serve in our armed forces. For me this day has a personal meaning, let me explain. I come from a military Family; my father served 20 years in the Navy. Some of my earliest memories are of dropping my dad off to be shipped out, early in the morning before the sun ever came up. I can recall his homecomings where the men lined the deck of the ship, just like what you see in a Navy recruiting poster, as the band played on to a cheering crowd. My memory is long; filled with images of places I’ve lived, uniforms of the different branches of the Armed Forces, the smells of coffee on a ship, my father’s office, my parents preparing for military formals and my mom being part of the “phone tree”. As an adult, my reason to remember our Veterans on 11-11 has been redefined. I’m now a spouse married to an Army pilot. I have attended many formal functions, been a volunteer and moved where necessary.

No matter where I am, I can recall the smell of helicopter fuel.

By Kathleen Boehm

I now have my own memories of deployments, vacations and homecomings in a hanger located on this post, but my military life doesn’t end here. My son is the new generation, with dreams of West Point and the opportunity to be an Army pilot like his dad. He too will be defined by this life as he gathers similar memories to my own. It is the generations of service members who give us a reason to remember why we

have Veterans Day. Regardless of past, present, or future; it is the brave, the courageous, and the selfless that take on the task of defending this nation. This holiday has its own importance, to thank not only those who live but those who paid the highest cost. So in a few simple words let me just say…

Thank you for your service.

Veterans Day Events Veterans Day Breakfast - Nov 6 - APSU Morgan University Center • 7:30am • $25 • clarksvillechamber.com Annual Veterans breakfast hosted by the Clarksville Chamber of Commerce. Retired Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, Carlton W. Kent is guest speaker.

Clarksville Veterans Day Parade - Nov 6 • Downtown Clarksville • 10am Every year, the Montgomery County Veteran Service Organization organizes and hosts our community's Veterans Day Parade.

Community and military leaders share their thoughts on this important day of remembrance, and scores of area clubs, community groups, military service organizations, high school bands, JROTC units, Fort Campbell Soldiers and hundreds of spectators gather together to pay tribute to the men and women, past and present, who have served our country.

Christmas shopping season is here and you may be wondering what you should put on your shopping list this year.

If you are like many others, you may be looking for presents made in the USA this year.

Spending your money locally is not only great for the economy, but you will be helping american made businesses thrive this holiday season. Check out these awesome gifts that were made on our lovely american soil.

Burt’s Bees Gift Set This awesome beauty gift set is perfect for all of the self-care fantastics out there. With this moisturizing set, you can’t go wrong. It can be purchased on many different online retailers like Amazon.

Louisville Slugger Series 3 Ash Bat Do you have a baseball lover in your family? Then this is the ultimate gift for them. This baseball bat is a staple item for their collection. Grab one at slugger.com

Uncle Goose Classic ABC Block For the little ones on Christmas morning, purchase this traditional toy that many have loved for generations.

It is never too early for your kids to start learning their letters. Wrap them up after purchasing them from Amazon.

Step2 Lifestyle Play Kitchen Play kitchens grace Christmas list every single year, and this year will be no different. This American made set is a great option for your little one. Pick it up at Walmart.com today.

Kettlepizza™ Deluxe USA Outdoor Pizza Oven Kit Turn your charcoal grill into a wood-burning pizza oven with this clever kit.You can have pizzeria-style pies bake in less than 8 minutes.

This tasty treat baking tool can be purchased at Crateandbarrel.com.

K'nex Imagine Power & Play Motorized Building Set Inspire your young engineer with this creative building set featuring 50 model ideas, 529 pieces, battery-powered motor and storage case. You can bring all of your creations to life right before your very eyes. Pick it up today on Amazon.

Kitchenaid Artisan Stand Mixer Do you have a baker in your household? Then this gift will floor them. The classic Kitchen aid mixer will have you whipping up some of the best cakes and breads in the entire neighborhood. Buy yours today at Kitchenaid.com

Keysmart Key Organizer A great stocking stuffer for the person with way too many keys, the Chicago-made keysmart keeps keys safely folded away. No more keys clanking together and taking up all of your purse space.

Head on over to Amazon to check it out.

Yankee Candle Large Jar Candles Wintertime is the best time to light up some candles. Support an American made product this year when buying up all your required holiday candles. They can be found at all major retailors.

Pyrex Measuring Cup Set We can’t round out our gift list without mentioning an American made company that has been around for over 100 years! Pyrex measuring cups are durable, useful, and a fantastic gift. Who doesn’t use measuring cups? You can find them at Amazon, Walmart, and more.

Fuzzy Blue Gobbler 1 part peach schnapps 1 part Maui Blue 1 part Wild Turkey Pour the ingredients into a shot glass.

Serve and drink.

William’s Caramel Appletini 1 1⁄2 ounces gin 1 ounce Apple Jolly Rancher vodka/rum 1 ⁄2 ounce Salted Caramel vodka/rum Drink recipes and photos courtesy of mixthatdrink.com

Fill a shaker with ice cubes.

Pour in all ingredients.

Shake for 10-20 seconds.

Strain the mixture into the glass and serve.

Port Elderflower Original Drink 1 1⁄2 ounces light rum 1 ounce port 3 ⁄4 ounce St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur Brandy Alexander Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.

Add all three ingredients. Shake well until chilled.

Strain the mixture Fill a shaker halfway with ice into an cubes. Pour in the brandy, old-fashioned creme de cacao, and the glass. half-and-half. Shake well and strain into a cocktail glass.

Sprinkle the grated nutmeg over the top.

1 1⁄2 ounces brandy 1 ounce dark creme de cacao 1 ounce half-and-half 1 ⁄4 teaspoon grated nutmeg

Vietnam service earns Currahees 6 Medals of Honor Since the Currahee’s formation more 76 years ago, there have been more than 1,400 soldiers in the regiment who have given the supreme sacrifice during their service for this country.

And of the 22 Medals of Honor awarded to 101st Airborne Division soldiers, seven of those were given to Currahee service members. Of those seven, six were awarded during the Currahee’s service during the Vietnam War. And for good reason.

The Currahee 506th Infantry Regiment – their nickname is Cherokee for “Stands Alone” – was one of the most instrumental units during the Vietnam War, receiving recognitions for their service during the Tet Offensive, Battle of Hamburger Hill and the Battle of FSB Ripcord.

Following WWII, the 506th went through periods of deactivation until being permanently activated in 1954.

Additionally, the regiment was reorganized under the 3rd Brigade, which was sent to Vietnam in December 1967.

After fighting in the country for close to two months, the Currahees found themselves in Phan Thiet, a coastal city in south Vietnam east of Ho Chi Minh city.

What initially began as a ceasefire in honor of the Vietnamese New Year quickly changed the night of Jan. 31, 1968.

The Viet Cong had launched this guerrilla attack in multiple other cities throughout the country earlier that week, but the Currahees were called to action in Phan Thiet, killing more than a dozen Viet Cong and capturing multiple weapons. This first

interaction was the beginning of multiple battles, the second of which occurred on Feb. 2, where the 506th found additional Viet Cong forces in the outlying areas of Phan Thiet, battling them for six hours before regrouping from the fight.

This battle took the lives of four Currahee Soldiers and wounded 10 more. By the end of the Tet Offensive in late February 1968, the Currahees had made an impressive dent in enemy forces, causing the Viet Cong to retreat from Phan Thiet.

Following the Tet Offensive, the 506th continued the fight in Vietnam ultimately landing in the A Sầu Valley, west of Huế City.

Otherwise known as the Battle of Hamburger Hill, the conflict took place in May 1969 and was a test of the Currahee strength namely because of the rough jungle terrain.

Fighting alongside South Vietnamese forces, the 506th took control of multiple hills in the valley, ultimately controlling Hill 937, nicknamed Hamburger Hill by embedded war reporters.

The Currahee Monument Field sits just north of the Don F. Pratt Museum, on Tennessee Ave. This field is lined by multiple monuments honoring the individual contributions of the 506th to the Iraq and Afghanistan, World War II and Vietnam wars.

The 506th’s legacy of service is proudly displayed in the half-circle monument field with their iconic Spade displayed in the center of the individual memorials.