2-12 Fort Campbell MWR Life for single Soldiers

FEATURES - February 2012

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Training-Target Exercise/Workout: Abs 6 exercises for home or the gym.

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Editor Contributors

Ben Alejandro Eden Barnett SPC Lance Christie CynDe Clack Financial Readiness Program Dani Fobar Charlene Mazur Bridgett Pickering SPC Gary Yim

Learning to Lead Advance your career through higher education.

Lisa Taylor

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Escape the Winter Blues In the know with BOSS.

10 Strike Force Iron Corporal Meet this month’s Hometown Hero.

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Publisher

12 Easy Auto Care Get revved up with Air Assault Auto.

14 Get in the Game

Creative ink

Game time with MWR Sports and Fitness.

Creative Director Sears Hallett

18 Set a Goal, Make a Plan!

Advertising

Money tips from the Financial Readiness Program

Jenny Roecker 931-627-4969 mwrmag@gmail.com

20 Family Boot Camp

Photography

Family friendly fitness activities to keep your fitness resolutions active.

Paula Hallett Lisa Taylor Deborah Young

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21 Achieving Life Long Health with Sports and Fitness Healthy hearts and lives begin today.

24 Love Can Heal the Heart

Disclaimers: Fort Campbell’s MWR Life Magazine is a monthly magazine 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 or log on to www.fortcampbellmwr.com.

24 hr. event line - 270-798-3172 www.facebook.com/fortcampbellmwr

Healthy habits by Char – start today to build a better, healthier positive life.

24 Steel Cut Oatmeal A heart healthy way to start your day.

27 The One For Me Fall in love with these reader submissions.

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29 I Just Don’t Have the Time What will you do with a whole extra day?

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Mind, Body & Spirit

Training-Target/Exercise:

Abs

by Charlene Mazur

Why start at the top when you can go right for the core? I think that most people target their stomachs as the one area they would most like to shrink, define or develop. And I don’t think I will ever understand why they call them “Love Handles” when they are usually gripped with hate! In order to help remedy the situation I have come up with my 6 favorite abdominal exercises that you can do at home or at the gym. Variety in the 6 exercises will allow you to hit each of the many areas within the abdominal muscles for a full punch in the gut!

Rather than choosing a set number as the rep choose a set time and max out. See how many you can do in 60 seconds, write down that number for each set and then make your goal to beat that number the next time you work on your abs. All exercises should be done in intervals with no more than 30 second breaks in between. This will help burn fat by keeping up the pace and causing an “aerobic” effect which is also good for your heart. Complete all 6 exercises then take a 45 second break and repeat a minimum of 3 times.

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Basic Crunch:

I prefer to do these with a stability ball because I can get a full range of motion and also increasing the exercise with balance. Lie on the ball, positioning it under the lower back. Cross your arms over the chest or place them behind your head. Contract your abs to lift your torso off the ball, pulling the bottom of your ribcage down toward your hips. As you curl up, keep the ball stable (the ball shouldn't roll). Lower back down, getting a stretch in the abs and BREATHE.

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Reverse Crunch:

There are several definitions of the reverse crunch. My interpretation is done while seated on the floor in an upright position, then slowly release toward the floor. The key is to go down as far as possible without touching the floor with your back and then raising back up. Continue until max rep is reached. Don’t forget to BREATHE!

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Oblique Crunch:

This one can be difficult at first due to poor form but once achieved it is effective. Lie on your back and cross your left foot over the right knee, hands behind your head.

While keeping your lower back pressed into the floor, lift your shoulder blades off the floor and then curl your upper body diagonally across towards your left knee.

Contract your abs and obliques as hard as you can at the top of the movement. Resist on the way back down. Repeat for all reps before switching sides. Complete the exercise regiment equally on both sides.

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TIDBITs Anyone can have defined abs with a few key concepts and techniques. Everyone actually has a good set of abs; it's just a matter of removing the fat and sculpting them through nutrition and exercise in order to expose them.

TIDBITs The best way to burn fat over the "entire" body is through diet modification and exercise. The human body burns fat best when calories are reduced and you are consistent with a diet that doesn't exceed the demands of your daily physical activity level.

Captain’s Chair or Hanging Leg Raises:

I love these for my lower abs! BONUS-You can perform the Captain’s Chair while you are at work too, if you have a seated job of course! Begin by placing yourself in a sturdy chair. Start with legs dangling and slowly lift your knees in toward your chest. The motion should be controlled and deliberate as you bring your knees up and return them back to the starting position and repeat.

Hanging Leg Raises- Grab a chin-up bar with an overhand grip, your hands slightly wider than shoulder width. Simultaneously bend your knees, raise your hips, and curl your lower back underneath you as you lift your thighs toward your chest. Pause for a second when the fronts of your thighs reach your chest, then lower your legs and repeat.

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Side Crunch:

I only perform these on a weight bench as it adds an extra element of balance and stretch but they can be done on the floor or a stability ball. Lie on your right side with legs extended. Cross your right arm up across your waist, resting your right hand atop your left side. Place your left fingertips behind your left ear, and point your elbow toward the ceiling. Contract your abs and lift your right shoulder off the floor while also raising your legs up off the floor. Be sure your motion is toward the ceiling--not falling forward. Slowly lower, and repeat.

Do the same number of reps on the opposite side.

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Knee Raises Again:

I perform these on a weight bench but they can be done on a step, sturdy chair, floor, etc. Sit on area of apparatus of choice, with your legs stretched out straight in front of you and your arms at your sides or placed on apparatus. Lean backward to the point at which you begin to feel your abdominals working to hold you in the position. Draw your thighs in toward your chest while simultaneously drawing your chest toward your thighs (keep a slight bend in your knees as you do this). Once you reach the point at which your thighs and chest are practically touching, pause for a moment or two before returning to the starting position then repeat.

TIDBITsRemember, nutrition is what mainly "tones" the abs.

Total body exercise should be your second choice in your quest for the prized six pack. Nutrition for abs would specifically mean cutting back on simple carbs, processed food and adding more water, clean foods and whey protein to your diet.

MYTHs You must train abs for several hours for them to be defined. In reality, long workouts provide no additional benefit for your abs.

Fat burners will help me burn fat around my abs. Although they can be effective temporarily, fat burners do not target specific areas of the body. Fat is burned throughout the entire body.

TIP-BREATHE!! I can’t stress this enough…before you even begin to lift your shoulders for the exercise take a deep breath and release the air, all the air, more air and then lift

continuing to release the leftover air…as you return to the beginning position only take in the amount of oxygen necessary to complete the next rep. This will help you get down to the real muscle of the 6 pack you desire.

TIP- Warm your body up with some cardio before your abs workout. You will get better contractions on the abs when you work them enabling the feel of the deep muscular burning sensation that tells you when your abs are “ripped”. It also helps to prevent abdominal pulls or muscle strains.

Train Your Brain

Learning to Lead

by SPC Gary Yim

The Army places an extremely high value on leadership. The ability to lead fellow Soldiers both on and off the battlefield is crucial to the Army’s way of life. Whether it be in the heat of battle or at morning physical training, Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) and Officers all have to make decisions and give direction to their Soldiers.

But where does one learn the skills required to take on the enormous responsibility of leading Soldiers? How does one prepare to make choices both life-threatening and mundane? Certainly experience is one of the most valuable assets to draw upon. The knowledge gained over the years spent learning the ropes and seeing first-hand the causes and effects of different courses of action is an invaluable resource in the development of a leader. The Army also has official training on the subject.

Officer Candidate School and the NCO Academy trains Officers and NCO’s, respectively, on some of the basics of leading Soldiers. But the Army also recognizes that the best leaders require more. The ability to think outside the box and see answers that may not fall under traditional Army doctrine is an important factor when leading and making decisions. That is why the Army places such a high value on civilian education.

Civilian education is engrained into nearly every level of the Army’s promotion system. One must have a four year degree to even become a commissioned Officer. On the enlisted side, every level beyond the automatic promotions has a heavy civilian education component. This is because the civilian education community has excelled at something the Army has difficulty with, teaching students how to think creatively. Nearly every university has some sort of critical thinking coursework requirement at their most basic levels. These courses are taught by professors who have spent decades in school learning the intricacies of their trade.

Instead of attempting to duplicate this training into TRADOC, the Army has instead decided to send Soldiers to this already established system at the government’s expense. Nearly every Soldier is enrolled in one

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of the several versions of the G.I. Bill. There are also several ways to go to school through R.O.T.C. and Green to Gold scholarships.

For those Soldiers with the drive and initiative to continue their education while still serving actively in the Army, there is the option of Tuition Assistance. The Army will cover much, if not all, of the expenses for going to school in your off time. Many Army leaders will even allow some time off, mission depending, so that their Soldiers can go to class and better themselves.

For those Soldiers who do not plan to go career Army many scholarship opportunities are available as well. The Post- 9/11 GI Bill is an education benefit program for Soldiers who served active duty on or after September 11, 2001. Depending on the Soldier’s length of active duty service, qualified participants can receive a percentage of cost of tuition and fees (not to exceed the most expensive in-state undergraduate tuition at a public institution of higher education); monthly housing allowance (equal to the basic allowance for housing payable to a military E-5 with dependents, in the same zip code as your school); yearly books and

supplies stipend of up to $1000 per year; and a one-time payment of $500 paid to certain individuals relocating from highly rural areas.

It also pays to research each school to find out if they provide special grants, scholarships or financial assistance for current or former active duty. For example, Austin Peay State University offers a Veterans Upward Bound (VUB) program which provides free educational services to veterans who are planning to enroll in college, enroll in a technical school or take the GED Exam. The VUB program assists veterans enrolled in college classes with individualized tutoring, and refreshes forgotten skills.

Don’t sit on the sidelines and wait for life to figure out your future. Take charge of your life, do the research and strive to advance your career through higher education. For more information on how you can begin, or further your education, visit the education advisors at the Education Center located on Bastogne Ave., just inside of Gate 4.

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In the Know

Escape the Winter Blues with BOSS

by Dani Fobar

Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers (BOSS) is at it again with multiple activities planned for the month of February that is sure to keep you active! Three main events include the monthly Great Escape Movie Night, Valentine's Day Social and a ski trip to Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

The first 15 Soldiers to show up at D.W. Recreation Center on February 4 at 4:30 p.m. have the opportunity to experience a new release at the Great Escape Movie Theater on Tiny Town Road in Clarksville, Tennessee. Movie Night is a monthly occurrence and you can find out additional information by friending BOSS Fort Campbell on Facebook. Show time typically starts around 6 p.m., admission and transportation are free.

The Valentine's Day Social will be held this year on February

11 at the D.W. Recreation Center beginning at 6 p.m. Cost is $10 a person or $15 a couple.

Adult beverages will be available for purchase by those of legal age.

Enjoy skiing? Never skied before?

Scared of skiing down a mountain backwards?

No problem! Join BOSS and other Soldiers in a ski trip to Gatlinburg February 17-19. Two days of skiing down beautiful slopes and enjoying cups of hot chocolate while mastering the art of skiing. Transportation, hotel accommodations at the Gatlinburg Falls Resort and one meal a day will be provided for the cost of $50 to those who participate.

Soldiers are responsible for renting their own equipment from the ski resort in addition to purchasing lift tickets. Gatlinburg has much to offer including nearby museums, shops, ice skating and much more. Contact the D.W. Recreation center at (270) 798-7858 to sign up or for additional information. Also check out the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/FCBOSS.

Hometown Hero

Strike Force Iron Corporal

by Lisa Taylor Our February Hometown Hero, Corporal Gabriel Solorio, comes to us from 2nd BCT, 2/502. Solorio, 21, was born and raised in San Diego California and is well known throughout the Battalion for his overwhelming commitment to physical fitness. Boasting the highest overall PT scores and winning the title of Brigade Iron Soldier, Solorio exemplifies the characteristics all Soldiers should strive to achieve.

Solorio: I see single Soldiers who struggle with physical fitness. Your PT score can help you.

It has gotten me promoted because I am known for my physical abilities. Get a buddy, go to the gym, and push yourself physically because it is a big thing the Army looks at.

Come to work motivated because that will motivate your peers which will help everyone come together as a team.

MWR Life: What are your career plans?

MWR Life: What inspired you to join the Army?

Solorio: I want to reenlist and go to Ranger School, Pathfinder and Special Forces. I plan on making the Army my career. My platoon leader is always encouraging me to further my education and consider becoming an Officer.

Solorio: The biggest thing that got me interested in the Army was watching my brother, Rodrigo Alonso graduate from the Marine Corps. I saw how proud my Family was, I saw how much respect he got and I was like, “that’s something I want to be a part of”, so I joined the military service too.

MWR Life: How did you get nominated to be February’s Hometown Hero?

Solorio: I believe I was nominated because of my outstanding performance in physical fitness. I am very well known within the Brigade for having the highest overall PT scores.

MWR Life: What are some of your greatest achievements?

Solorio: Some of my greatest achievements while being in the Army include attending Warrior Leader’s Course (WLC) and graduating in the Commandants Place which is the top 20% of the class. I just graduated Air Assault School and just recently won the title of Iron Soldier for the Brigade scoring 585 on physical fitness out of 550. I also scored 385 on my PT test which is the highest score in the Battalion.

MWR Life: Who has mentored or inspired you?

MWR Life: Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give your younger self?

Solorio: Use the programs. It took me a while to learn about all the programs the Army has to offer.

There are programs out there that can help you raise your GT so you can continue to progress in your career, such as the opportunity to go to Ranger School or Special Forces. You have to use your resources and the Army has a lot of them, you just have to look them up.

MWR Life: What advice do you have for other single Soldiers?

Solorio: My Squad leader, SSG Popovich, has been like a father figure to me. Since I was a Private he has guided me. The way I lead my team now is the same way SSG Popovich leads. He would counsel me and come in on his off time to mentor me and help me be successful in my future. Being in combat was completely natural for him. He brought my entire team home safely, which I am very grateful for. He is someone I look up to because he is a good man.

MWR Life: What message do you have for the Fort Campbell community?

Solorio: Stay healthy, stay fit. You will be happier, I promise.

MWR Life: How has the military helped you become who you are today?

Solorio: Coming into the military young at 18 years old the Army has helped me mature. It has helped me to learn how to deal with responsibility and not only be responsible for myself but for others. For example, being a Fire Team leader I’m in charge of three other lives. Whatever I do, however I counsel them, it affects their future. It’s not only about me now; I have to care for others and their careers.

I believe the military has helped me mature rapidly.

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All Revved Up

Easy Auto Care with Air Assault Auto

by SPC Lance Christie

Vehicle maintenance isn’t something that is on everyone’s to-do-list these days. There are several reasons why vehicle maintenance is important. One mainly being without a form of transportation we become very limited on what we can and cannot do. Don’t get me wrong, throwing on the sneakers and going for a run is great and all, but when I want to go to the movie theater with a hot date she’s going to look at me like I’m crazy for wanting to walk.

Another reason it’s important is because your life may depend on it. You remember that time your car had a weird shimmy to it and made a funny noise when driving? You continue to drive and think nothing of it, only minutes later one of your wheels falls off while going down Interstate 24 and you’re pretty sure you saw your life flash before your eyes. Situations like this do exist and it isn’t something that any person should have to experience if it can be prevented. All of your vehicle maintenance needs can be met right here on Fort Campbell! We have two facilities, the North Auto Skills shop and Air Assault Auto (AAA).

If you are a do it yourself kind of guy (or gal) like I am, then the North Auto Skills shop is the place for you. They have just about any tool you can think of, besides a few vehicle specific tools and a very knowledgeable staff to assist you

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with your maintenance needs. The North Auto Skills shop provides multiple different vehicle lifts so you can get under your vehicle and do those routine oil changes or change your rims and tires. Patrons who have cars and trucks that sit a little lower to the ground can use low profile jacks and lifts. The North Auto Skills shop has all your basic tools, torque wrenches, engine hoists, air tools, tire balancers, and even welders! I have personally used the North Auto Skills shop and I must say I am quite impressed with the facility. There is a small fee to use the shop, but in comparison to what it would cost to have an auto repair shop do the work, it is very inexpensive.

I have heard of some shops charging as much as $90 an hour for labor costs alone.

I encourage all of you to get out of the barracks and maybe give your next vehicle oil change a shot on your own. You will gain valuable skills and also save yourself a lot of money by performing your own maintenance. A vehicle with a fresh oil change is a happy vehicle, and will last much longer. If you think about your body and how you need sleep, food, and water to perform, a car is very much the same. If you neglect treatment towards your vehicle, you can be sure that it will break down and wear out

much quicker than one which was taken care of. If you decide that you aren’t up to par and don’t want to chance breaking your vehicle during the maintenance process, then I have a solution for you!

AAA is a good place to go for all your car care needs. Their prices are very competitive and from what I’ve found, there aren’t many places outside Fort Campbell that can beat their prices. The mechanics from AAA are ASE certified and can help you with repairs, parts and maintenance.

The AAA mechanics are capable of doing anything from an oil change to a complete engine replacement. The process is fairly simple if you are looking to get routine maintenance done. Come in and drop off your car and within a short time you will receive notification that your vehicle is ready for pick up. AAA can also meet your high performance needs! They have a whole slew of vendors they can order parts from and install them for you. AAA also offers 24/7 vehicle towing and vehicle storage.

Shopping for parts, maintenance or storage solutions for your vehicle can cost more and be less convenient for that matter, so I encourage everyone to take a trip to Air Assault Auto and see what they have to offer to best suit your needs and your budget. For more information about AAA, visit www.fortcampbellmwr.com or call (270) 956-1101.

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Game Time

Get in the Game with MWR Sports & Fitness

by Bridgett Pickering There’s no better time than now to start preparing yourself for spring sports. MWR Sports and Fitness invites all military members to participate in the upcoming sports tournaments.

Beginning March 7, there will be a racquetball tournament at Gertsch and Olive gyms. It is a first come first serve, single elimination tournament. All

participants will be placed on a roster and must play the game they are called for before another match will be issued. Weekly winners will be announced on the MWR Life On Air television show. Participants must register by March 1 at the Sports office.

MWR Sports and Fitness is also hosting a battalion level flag football tournament, starting March 12. The flag football tournament will also be a single elimination tournament and opponents will be determined by a draw.

Register at the Sports office by March 2.

Rosters must be signed by command. All games will be played at Perez Field with the championship game being held at Fryar Stadium.

For all you soccer players, the spring

soccer season starts March 28. The season will be similar to flag football with single elimination.

Opponents are determined by a draw and there will be company and women’s teams. There will be six games before the tournament with anywhere from two to three games played a week. Be sure to register at the Sports office

by March 23. All games are scheduled to begin on March 28 and will be played at Perez Field. Tournament games will be at Fryar Stadium. Dates for all sport events are subject to change so stay up to date by contacting the Sports office for current dates and information.

For additional information call (270) 798-3320 or (270) 956-1006. You may also stop by the Sports office inside Fryar Stadium located at 5666 Wickham Ave. or visit the website at www.fortcampbellmwr.com.

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Child, Youth & School Services **24 Hour Care (opening FY-12) Bastogne (CDC) (270) 412-4485 Eagle (CDC) (270) 412-3303/3304 Gardner Hills (CDC) Part Day Preschool (CDC) (270) 412-6767 Polk (CDC) (270) 412-4471 Tennessee (CDC) (270) 412-4477 Waters #1 (CDC) (270) 439-7993 Waters #2 (CDC) (270) 439-7996 *CYSS Directorate (270) 798-6539 Family Child Care (FCC) (270) 798-4959 *Kids on Site (Estep) Parent Central Services (CYSS Central Registration) (270) 798-0674 Billy C. Colwell Center (270) 412-2315 *Gardner Hills (SAS) *Werner Park #1 (SAS) *Werner Park #2 (SAS) School Liaison (270) 798-9874 SKIESUnlimited Center (270) 412-5455 Teen Club 24/7 (270) 956-1033 Youth Center (Taylor) (270) 798-3643 Youth Sports (270) 798-6355 Community Services Army Community Service (ACS) & ACS Director (270) 798-9322 Family Resource Center (FRC) (270) 956-2935 Financial Readiness (270) 798-5518 Lending Closet (270) 798-6313 Soldier & Family Assistance Center (SFAC) (270) 412-6000 Survivor Outreach Services (SOS) (270) 798-0277 Backdoor Boutique (270) 956-1566 Family Center & Co-op Daycare (270) 798-7422 Dining & Entertainment 19th Hole (Cole Park) (270) 798-1822 Conference & Catering Center (Joe Swing) (270) 798-2175 Community Activities Center (Cole Park) (270) 798-4610 Dawg Haus (270) 798-0766 Southern Buffet (Cole Park) (270) 798-4610

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(931) 431-4140 Recreation & Leisure Baldanado Pool (270) 798-5207 Dolan Pool (270) 798-5350 Gardner Indoor Pool (270) 798-6310 Singles Pool (270) 798-4247 The Zone BOSS Program (270) 798-7858 Bowling Center (Hooper) (270) 798-5887 Golf Club (Cole Park) (270) 798-4906 Challenge Course (270) 412-7855 Adventure Program (270) 412-7854 Archery Range (270) 798-2175 Dog Park, North (270) 798-2175 Dog Park, South (270) 798-2175 Hunting & Fishing (270) 798-2175 Paintball (270) 956-3118 Parks & Pavilions (270) 798-2175 Riding Stables (270) 798-2629 RV Park (Eagles Rest) (270) 798-2175 RV Park (Flechers Fork) (270) 798-2175 Skeet Range (270) 412-4015 Small Arms Recreational Range (270) 798-3001 Recreation Center (Dale Wayrynen) (270) 798-7391 Sports & Fitness Estep Wellness Center (270) 798-4664/4023 Fryar Stadium, Sports Admin Office (270) 798-3094 Fratellenico PFF (270) 798-9418 Freedom Fighter PFF (270) 798-7355 Gertsch PFF (270) 798-2753 Lozada PFF (270) 798-4306 Olive PFF (270) 798-4101 Softball Complex, North (270) 798-3320 Softball Complex, South (270) 798-3320 Trades & Services Army Education (270) 798-5886 Arts & Crafts Center (Guenette) (270) 798-6693 Auto Service Center (Air Assault Auto) (270) 956-1101/1100

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Set a Goal, Make a Plan!

Family Finances

by Financial Readiness Program

I bet you thought the best time of year was just a couple months ago, right? From a financial counselor’s perspective, this is the best time of year! You have made it through the black hole of holiday spending, hopefully without accumulating additional debt. But if you did, we are here to get you back on track. Army Community Service Financial Readiness Program is a great place to learn how to budget.

No, budget is not a dirty word! It is a simple tool that allows you to plan your Family’s financial future and help you stay on track with your spending. You can make an appointment with a counselor for a one-on-one session for in-depth assistance or you can attend classes held at 5662 Screaming Eagle Boulevard every Wednesday of the month.

To get a realistic picture of what you spend, pull your bank records for the last 30 days.

Categorize each entry, whether its utilities, bills, house (mortgage or rent), clothing, fuel, food,

dining out and any other categories you can think of. Be honest about your habits, and don’t forget to include ATM and cash back transactions. Most of us are truly surprised where we spend our money! Decide where you can adjust your spending in order to pay down debt.

This time of year, you can kick the reduction of debt into high gear with your tax return.

Tax time shouldn’t stress you out! Depending on your Family, you may have your W-2’s already.

If not, be a bit patient and get all your ducks in a row before filing your taxes. Have your bank account information, Social Security Cards for all dependents you are claiming, and once you get your W-2’s in, you can make an appointment to have your taxes done for free. Even if you use an online program to do your taxes, it is a good idea to get a second opinion before filing them.

Call the Voluntary Income Tax Assistance Office (VITA) at (270) 798-1040 to make an

appointment to file both your Federal and State Income taxes. If you aren’t able to make an appointment, or you would like to get it done before they can fit you in, you have the option of e-filing at Military One Source or the IRS sites for free. It can take anywhere from eight to 14 days to get any money owed to you back.

Never pay a tax preparer extra in order to receive your refund quicker! Two weeks is not a very long wait.

While you are waiting for your refund to be deposited, you should target the bills you want to reduce. Create a spreadsheet of all of your bills (credit cards, personal loans and car payments), the interest rate (%), the balance (total owed) and the monthly payment. Pick the smallest debt with the highest interest rate and pay that bill off first. Then take the amount you would have paid for the smallest one and roll it onto the next one along with what you normally would have paid. Continue snowballing your payments, without accumulating additional debt, and you will quickly become debt free!

Reducing your debt is a priority, and once that is in progress, establishing an emergency fund should be next! Military Saves Week is February 19 to 26 this year. Military Saves Week is part of the DoD Financial Readiness Campaign to help persuade the military community to establish new norms by saving and investing consistently over time and to reduce or eliminate dependence on consumer debt. Fort Campbell ACS Financial Readiness Program is hosting a variety of classes to help you set goals and habits. Tax time is the perfect time of year to use the refund you receive to pay off debt and establish a savings account. For additional information about budgeting, savings and other money related questions, please contact ACS Financial Readiness Program at (270) 798-5518.

Feb 21- Fort Campbell Federal Credit Union (FCFCU) Saving and Investing Class, ACS Financial Readiness (Bldg. 5662), 9 a.m.

Feb 22- ACS How to Buy a Car Class, ACS Financial Readiness (Bldg. 5662), 1 p.m.

Feb 23- ACS How to Buy a House, ACS Financial Readiness (Bldg. 5662), 1 p.m.

Feb 24- Commissary Tour, Commissary, 8 a.m.

Feb 24- ACS Couponing Class, ACS Financial Readiness (Bldg. 5662), 10 a.m.

Feb 24- ACS How to be a Savvy Shopper, ACS Financial Readiness (Bldg. 5662), 1 p.m. www.fortcampbellmwr.com

18

Family Boot Camp

Families in Motion

by CynDe Clack

Developing a fitness-friendly lifestyle is a work in progress. Small steps mean small victories that move you in the right direction. Every month we’ll be offering suggestions on Family activities that will get you up and moving.

Exercise can be fun! I bet that while you were reading the intro to this, you were thinking that I was talking about running, weight lifting or aerobics. Running, weight lifting and aerobics is great for some but it’s not everyone. Going to the gym is not east to work into a busy schedule filled with children, job, Spouse, and everyday chores.

We’re going to start you with fitness activities that you can do with your children - in your house.

Warm-up with a game of “follow the leader” around the room for a few minutes; hop, skip, jump, flap your arms – you get the picture.

Then, use the four corners of the room and assign an exercise to each corner. You could do abdominal crunches, jumping jacks, push-ups and jogging in place or any other activities you’d rather do. All you do is rotate through the four stations.

Depending on the number and ages of your kids, you can stay together as you move from one station to the next, or rotate. Take your pick and have fun!

To change it up and keep it fun, put some music on and dance around the house. You don’t have to know how to dance; all you have to do is move your body! You can even clean the house at the same time; boogie around with the dust cloth and then dance with the broom and mop.

Although you want to aim for at least three minutes of continuous movement before you switch to another activity, try to at least exercise for two 20-minute sessions a week. The name of the game is to keep moving, so it doesn’t really matter exactly what you do or how long you do it.

The March MWR Life Magazine for Families will teach you how to turn your living room into a circus or how to go on a safari in your house.

Keep reading the Families in Motion for new and exciting ways to get fit.

Exercise: • Controls weight • Combats health conditions and diseases • Improves mood • Boosts energy • Promotes better sleep • Can be fun

Spotlight on MWR

Achieving Life Long Health with Sports & Fitness Fort Campbell has become one of the leaders in Sports and Fitness programs Army wide. Within our gates we have five physical fitness facilities, two sport complexes, two tennis courts, three outdoor pools and a newly renovated indoor swimming pool! With all these options available our Soldiers are able to maintain fitness levels required in battle and also participate in competitive post wide intramural sports. Events such as softball, flag football, and basketball are among the highly anticipated favorites for battalion play. Basketball will be starting the 2012 intramural season with approximately 20 teams on schedule. Individual events include racquetball, tennis, and wrestling. The most popular sport for Family members is typically softball which fills up quickly so be sure to check the intramural sports schedule.

If sports are not your forte but fitness is then you’re in luck! Fort Campbell has five physical fitness facilities (PFF) to include Olive PFF,

Lozada PFF, Gertsch PFF, Fratellenico PFF, and its latest addition, Freedom Fighters PFF. The best part, all PFFs are available for use at no cost. All facilities are outfitted with fully functional exercise equipment to target every major muscle group in the body. Cardio exercise is not limited to treadmills and elliptical machines in our facilities. Each facility ensures a full body workout by designating areas that have been utilized for TRX, CrossFit, and Insanity to keep up with the latest in fitness performance.

A private room for each of the facilities except Freedom Fighters is set aside specifically for physical therapy and rehabilitation. A physical therapist is assigned to each facility and is available by appointment to help our Soldiers achieve maximum healthy recovery. This health care is provided to all military patrons who provide proper prescription and documentation.

For the beginner that is not sure of what to do or where to start, Fratellenico PFF and

by Ben Alejandro

Freedom Fighters PFF offer free workout classes led by our certified fitness instructors.

Classes offered include Zumba, Total Body Fitness, Step Aerobics, and Spin Classes. The workouts are safe, controlled and suitable for all, regardless of fitness experience.

Freedom Fighters is also equipped with the only indoor rock climbing wall on post to satisfy the everyday extreme athlete. Each patron will have to take a 15 minute class presented by the staff prior to utilizing the rock wall. The class provides an introduction to the rules and regulations of the rock climbing wall. A staff member will then teach the participant how to properly climb and belay others. The patron is then issued a card which certifies them to be able to use the rock wall at their leisure.

Under the guidance of the Army’s resiliency program, Fort Campbell has begun instilling the goal to incorporate better standards in total body fitness – mind and body. Partnership has also been granted with the University of Pittsburgh Human Performance Department here at Fort Campbell to advance the techniques in Army fitness. The latest in Biodex machines and fitness assessments are currently being utilized to achieve these objectives.

Both organizations have worked very hard to help the American Soldier reach their highest physical potential.

The median age of a Soldier at Fort Campbell ranges from 24-27 and the MWR Sports and Fitness staff knows that this time in a persons’ life is vital in kick starting healthy habits. To achieve this task MWR strives to maintain an atmosphere rivaling those of a civilian facility outside post while keeping military guidelines and regulations. What we may lack in flashy lights and commercial advertisements, we make up for in customer service, equipment, and accessibility.

Regardless of location, the sole purpose is to achieve and more importantly, maintain a long healthy life.

It is very easy to veer off from personal fitness. Lack of time is one of the major difficulties and excuses for young Families. The best way to alleviate this is not to try to find time but to adjust with various activities. Remember the best part of being young is actually feeling young! We are constantly exploring new ideas and adapting to our surroundings. For instance, physical activity does not have to be in a

designated area. Waking up in the morning and doing 5 minutes of aerobic activity has been known to provide more energy and blood flow throughout the day. What is so great is that it can be done right in your living space. The creators of P90X and Insanity figured out this fitness phenomenon and have made fortunes providing in-home fitness. The key and only difference to their success is that they provide variety. Check out the Family Boot Camp article in this month’s issue to add a bit of variety to your routine. Don’t have time because you have to watch your nightly shows? Commercial breaks during televised programs average anywhere from 10-12 minutes for every thirty.

www.fortcampbellmwr.com

During that time try an array of exercises like jumping jacks, sit-ups, or push-ups.

With the coming of spring, we often focus on the beach muscles (biceps, chest and abs) to get us in shape for warm weather clothing. Often times we forget the importance of stretching. Lifting heavy and hard may be good, but your muscles need to be stretched first. Think of them as a new rubber band. Every morning the muscles have become inactive for a period of time and have slightly tightened. If you stretch a rubber band past its stress level immediately without priming the elasticity first the rubber band will snap. The same principle applies to the human muscle tissue. It is important to warm the muscles and instill light static stretching to maintain constant flexibility to avoid injury.

As a younger individual the elasticity is still fresh, but the older we are, the harder it is to sustain that flexibility. That is why it is vital to start and maintain a consistent stretching regiment at an early age and continue on to the later years.

For those with adolescent Family members, start participating in group walks. Find the closest park or recreation area and turn a workout into a game. This can provide dual benefits by helping you relieve stress with exercise and relieving your child of excess energy.

Most of all it is time spent together. The point is that exercise is not only limited to a physical fitness facility.

There are many ways to keep the body in shape without the use of commercial equipment.

We just have to go back and use that thing we all used in kindergarten called imagination.

Everyone is pressed for time and as we get older it will only feel as if we have less of it.

Instead of concentrating on what cannot be done, try thinking of ways to adapt and find ways it can be accomplished. Fitness and exercise is long term so there is no rush to be the ultimate athlete. However, by starting now and maintaining a healthy fitness style you will

be able to lead a longer and happier life.

Check out www.fortcampbellmwr.com for the latest sports schedule or call the Sports Office at (270) 798-3094.

Fratellenico PFF: (270) 798-9418 Freedom Fighters PFF: (270) 798-7355 Gertsch PFF: (270) 798-2753 Lozada PFF: (270) 798-4306 Olive PFF: (270) 798-4101

22

Healthy Habits by Char

by Charlene Mazur

Love CAN Heal the Heart

Stress is the cause of many ailments that affect the body, mind and spirit. Stress comes like a chameleon, concealed in the form of physical and emotional strain. Unfortunately many people do not realize how dire their stress levels are until they feel their body and heart ache from deep within.

Of course a healthy and well balanced lifestyle is essential to keeping stress at bay. An additional key that is often overlooked is love.

What better time than the month of February to introduce this remedy? Love is one of the most potent forces on earth. Its power, once released, is unimaginable. Love’s strength is unmeasured and unmatched. If you have ever been in love you know the depth in which it is rooted.

Love can be defined on a basic level as a strong affection through kinship or personal

ties, tenderness, admiration, devotion and benevolence. Love is not just a feeling captured in the soul; it is also an action that takes flight from the spirit and soars into the heart of another. It is through this action that healing takes place both within and with whom it is shared. Research has found that women, through love, can improve the health of the men with whom they have relationships. Loving, supportive relationships protect us against major depression and people who feel higher levels of love experience up to 300% less stress. It has been determined that love gives those stricken with illness a reason to get better and adds delight in their days as they recover. Love offers a sense of security when one finds themselves in the midst of fear, unhappiness, or the unknown abyss. When someone feels safe and secure they are more apt to have faith in the communication with their partner, regardless of the situation. This offers an elimination of anxiety and pressure. Just as superheroes wear their insignia on their chest with

only layers of Lycra and armor to encase the true strength that lies in their heart; we too have the ability to help and heal through love. Love is our super power and a gift to be treasured and shared.

This can be done through verbal cues or even through a simple text message with adoring words.

Spending time with those that mean the most to you will offer love in abundance. Share a hug, a kiss, a cuddle or simply hold someone’s hand to offer the physical jolt of love that comes from a touch.

Your core is your center; it is where you are stable, grounded and balanced. It is also where your heart calls home, deep in the cavity is a simple, yet complicated muscle, which can break and heal. It experiences life emotionally and physically based on what it is offered through negative and positive fuel. You hold the key to your heart’s health, whether it is nutritionally based or not.

February is here, listen to the soft beat of your love and gift it well.

Steel Cut Oatmeal We know by know that oatmeal is one of the best foods for you. It helps lower your cholesterol, it keeps you fuller longer due to the fiber content and it’s naturally low in fat. I learned to love oatmeal when I was young and my grandpa would make it while we were visiting him. He didn’t use the quick cooking oats that you can find in the big blue tube, he made Irish oatmeal. The steel cut oats have a better mouth feel, are richer in flavor and heartier in texture than traditional rolled oats. He always had fresh fruit and cream for us to stir in. They take a while to cook but the payoff is worth it! These are great for a weekend breakfast and couldn’t be much simpler.

Ingredients 1 ½ cup water (or milk) ¼ cup oats Cooking Instructions Bring water or milk to a boil in a medium size saucepan. Stir in oats and reduce heat to low.

Simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes or until oats are of desired texture. Garnish as desired.

Stir ins: Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, peaches, raisins, nuts, brown sugar, butter, cream

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24

Keeping it Together

The One for Me Debbie Solinger I knew my husband was the one when we first dated back in 1992. I was 15 and he was 17. We met at a high school Halloween party and our eyes connected from across the room. Things took a wrong turn when he graduated and we went our separate ways. In July 2009, I came across him on Facebook and we started talking again after 17 yrs of not talking or seeing each other. Nothing had changed; we talked like we had been together forever. He deployed in January of 2010 and when he came home on leave in April of 2010 we both knew that the moment was right, and we got married April 8, 2010.

He is my hero, soul mate, husband, and all around perfect man. I couldn't, nor wouldn’t want it any other way.

Rebecca Fields One month before Chris was scheduled for deployment, we were still settling in as a newly cohabitated couple and savoring every second together. On our way home from visiting friends in Alabama, a car clipped the back tire of the truck. In an instant, we were skidding down the interstate on the driver’s side. We hit the guardrail, flipped eight times down an embankment and came to rest upside down in a ravine. Chris was able to free himself from the truck and check on me. My injuries were severe, including a broken ankle and nearly severed arm. He was able to free me from the truck and carry me 40 feet up a hill. He set me down very gently and kept me calm. I will never forget how calm and loving he was, not even concerned with the blood dripping down his face. Needless to say, any fun and games we had planned were now postponed while we recovered. Chris never left my side and never complained. I recovered over the months and managed to get back in high heels before his R&R. He arrived home on April 16 and proposed that day. Two days later we were married.

His selfless love and actions for me and for his country are why I know that I am the luckiest woman in the world and I will spend my life loving this incredible man who is for many reasons...the one and only for me.

Jennifer Kready I met Eric through Adoptaplatoon while he was deployed to Iraq. I started writing him with the expectation of getting nothing in return, but quickly received a letter which the led to a flurry emails and finally a phone call at my office.

Phone calls continued throughout the rest of the summer and we finally met for the first time in September 2004. He came home in January 2005 and we took a trip to Phoenix to meet my parents. While aloft in a hot air balloon over the desert; Eric proposed to me, attempting to place the beautiful ring on my right hand.

I moved to Fayetteville and we married September 13, at the Cumberland County Jail.

What an appropriate way to start a happy military police life together.

How did we know we were for one another?

Perhaps it was the easy way we got along from the start. We have very similar values and interests that make our lives very interesting.

I feel that our relationship just does what it does for the right reasons.

Jenn Conlon My mother once told me that when you see the person you are going to marry, you know it.

This is true with Joe. Joe and I met the day after

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I turned 19. I hosted a party and a mutual friend invited him. I saw him and knew I would marry him one day. We were together for a year and ended the relationship when I asked him where he saw us going and he didn’t have an answer.

I was looking for someone who wanted marriage and children. We went our separate ways for about a year. In that year we were both were in other relationships that didn’t last.

I went through a really bad break up and then found out I was pregnant and was just resolved myself to single parenthood, when Joe called.

After several conversations, he said he wanted to be my daughter’s father figure.

Joe has been back in our lives since I was five months pregnant and there for my daughter’s birth. She is now four and I wouldn’t and couldn’t ask for a better man.

over heels with him and he felt the same way about me. We were inseparable and engaged within one month. The sad part is that Erik was due to PCS to Italy soon after we met. I had more than two years left in Japan. Our wedding date went from four years, to one year and finally to six months. I enjoyed being in the Army and thought I was going to retire from it, but everything changed after I met Erik. All I wanted was to be with him and not take this life for granted.

I knew from the first moment I talked to Erik that he was the one for me; it's as if we knew each other from before and were picking up where we left off. We have two beautiful sons and to this day, he makes my heart melt. So when you know...you just know.

Toni Scott

Lisa Davis My husband and I dated when we were teenagers, but as life sometimes gets in the way, we split up. Fast forward through 9 years of bad relationships, mistakes and regrets and we reconnected by simply walking down the street in our hometown. After we exchanged numbers and went out, it felt just like old times. My heart skipped so many beats when I realized I wanted to marry this man! We had a small challenge of Family approval to tackle again, but nothing would change our minds this time around. Luckily both of our Families provided us with the support we asked for and I have been married to my soul mate since 2006. Our Family became complete with the birth of our daughter two years ago.

I realize as an adult, that we weren’t meant to be together until we had both grown and were tested. Hardships and pain have made me truly believe we are meant to be and stronger for it.

Elida Pope While stationed in Okinawa, Erik and I were invited by mutual friends to dinner and a movie.

I rode with Erik in his car and we talked as if we had known each other for years. Siblings, similar interests and reason we had both joined the Army. I felt at peace with him and realized I had met a truly special person! At a barbecue the next day, Erik and I shared an ice cream, and more importantly, he agreed to skip down the hallway and roll down the hill with me! I fell head

Daniel and I went to elementary school together as Army brats in Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

We did not socialize together much then, but I remember him as a boy scout with curly hair and I was the shy blond girl that sat in front of him during fifth year. True to the Army life, my Family PCS’d after 7th grade and I eventually

moved to Fort Drum. I was working at the 24 hour Shoppette on Post, when I checked a Soldier’s ID. His name was very familiar, along with the curly hair. I commented that I knew a Daniel Scott in fifth grade and we were in Mr. Haines’ History class together. That got his attention and he realized I was the little blond girl!

A year after that meeting that we finally decided to date each other, and there was no turning back. Three months later we were engaged. We are happily married with two kids and have recently celebrated our 11 year anniversary!

28

Off the Beaten Path

I JUST DON’T HAVE THE TIME!

by Eden Barnett Every four years the month of February has an extra day added to it, February 29th. This occurrence is called a leap year, and 2012 is another such year. This means that there are 366 days in 2012 instead of the standard 365. We all have those times when we wish there were more hours in a day to get things done. In 2012, your wish has been granted! Well, sort of, what will you do with your extra day?

A leap year occurs because the earth orbits the sun about every 365.242 days. An extra day is added every four years to account for the additional .242 of a day every year. This simple fix has kept our days aligned with the stars and the seasons. I like to think of it as the cosmos gifting me with the present of time; after all, there are days when I need to keep myself aligned as well.

Using your extra day to organize the house or work space is a good way to utilize your time. I find that I work better and feel less stressed in a clean environment. It could be a great day to get a giant trash bag and un-clutter your life. That way, you are more prepared to deal with the

upcoming year.

For those of you that need more hours for relaxation time, this day could be the day to pamper yourself. Pampering for me would consist of a day spent reading a good novel curled up on the couch with my dogs and coffee. Pampering could also consist of a hair, nail, or facial appointment, all of which are great ways to kick back and relax. What better way to spend your extra time than on yourself?

Most probably treat this day the same as any other day, but maybe this year you should reserve this day to do the things that you normally do not have the time for. I am prepared, if not totally willing, to use this day as an excuse to do whatever it is I want to do, as should you.