3-15 Fort Campbell MWR Life for Soldiers

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C A R S

FEATURES - March 2015 3

A look at women in military history.

Editors Jenelle Grewell Tara Goodson CynDe Clack

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Employee Appreciation Day Show you care.

Contributors

Laura Etterle Kari Burgess Moore James Moore Travis Parker Gary Swalve

A History of Women in the Military

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Having A Purple Day A day in a life with epilepsy.

Publisher

Creative ink

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Creative Director Sears Hallett

4th Annual USO 10 Miler, 5K and Fun Run Get ready for another ECFT event.

Advertising 931-801-4531 sales@creativeinktn.com

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Photography

Shutterstock pg 9, 10

Are You Feeling Lucky?

Saint Patrick’s Day.

CynDe Clack Lora Delgado Lanette Foster Tara Goodson Paula Hallett Lisa Taylor

17 My Child, My Love Write to your kids on Incredible Kids Day.

9 18 V.I.C.E. Night Spouse Club Very Important Charity Event.

18 Your Questions Answered Gardner Pool question answered.

20 Stories Around the Table Book review.

21 Gear-To-Go Welcomes New Manager Meet Greg Hopkins.

21 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.campbell.armymwr.com.

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

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In the Know

A History of Women in the Military

By Tara Goodson

Women have been serving in the military in one capacity or another for as far back as history indicates. Nurses, seamstress, cooks, and companions in camps are just a few roles that have been filled.

Little pay (if any) and lack of housing contributed to the hardships these tough as nails women faced in the early years.

A few women even served in combat during the Revolutionary War, either alongside their husbands or disguised as men. Many women put themselves at risk daily by carrying messages, ferrying contraband and functioning as spies for the cause.

Lydia Darragh would hide in the closet of her British occupied house and secretly take notes. The notes were then sewn into her youngest son’s coat and he would be sent to visit his older brother, LT Charles Darragh, who was serving with the American forces outside of Philadelphia.

From left to right, U.S. Army Spc. Simone Ramsey and Spc. Brittany Kabe, both with the Female Engagement Team, 4th Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Theanne Tangen)

Our growth as a nation led to women serving in more traditional roles during the Civil War. Women tended to farms and Families on the homefront while the men took roles on either side of the war. When women joined the frontlines, they performed duties as nurses and clerks most often. The women that stood out were members of support style groups such as Daughters of the Regiment. Clara Barton saw extensive suffering as a nurse, and eventually went on to found the American Association of the Red Cross. Dr. Mary Walker was an assistant surgeon in GEN Burnside’s Union forces and was imprisoned as a spy in 1862. When she was released, she was appointed as a surgeon at a women’s prisoner of war hospital in Louisville. President Andrew Johnson awarded her the Medal of Honor and to date, Dr. Walker is the only female to be awarded the highest honor.

Occasionally, women disguised themselves as men, in order to enlist in the Army. Few questions were asked by recruiters during that time frame, so the deception was relatively easy if she could look the part.

According to the Kentucky Civil War Bugle, Loreta A large cache of weapons were discovered, cots, and Velazquez served under the name LT Harry Buford and spare uniforms suggesting the troops were Special is credited for leading the Arkansas Grays and a small Forces. The call for women to be allowed in combat regiment of Soldiers in Manassas Junction, Virginia. MOSs went out immediately and has just now been Her life of a wealthy socialite was not one she craved permitted in our Army. and her deception ran for several years. She was In today’s Army, women account for nearly discovered by the Union Army, arrested, fined $10 and 14 percent of active duty Soldiers, almost 20 percent she spent 10 days in jail. Upon her release she became of Reservists, and close to 16 percent of the National a spy for the Confederacy and was never discovered Guard according to army.com and statisticbrain.com. passing on secrets.

Only 78 percent of MOSs are open to women in the During World War I, World War II and the Army, with an increase from 67 percent in 1994. The Korean War, women were often trained for duties and intent is to open all but Special Operations MOSs to services needed in time of war. This included food women by the end of this year. The campaign has conservation, land telegraphy/phone operations, been vetted and tested and was rolled out in 2013. manufacturing, signal work and military drills. The Navy Soldier 2020, as the campaign is known, had five and Marines were the first to actively recruit women to standards according to army.mil. fill the roles that men typically held so the men could go into combat operations. Slightly more than half of the 21,000 active duty women served as nurses in the Army Nurse Corps during this era. Work occurred close to the front lines or even at the front. Bunkers and make shift tents with little to no “creature comforts” along with sustained artillery fire and exposure to chemical warfare while providing care to Soldier and Civilians meant these women were considered Soldiers, just as their male counterparts. The Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) was created during WWI and slowly transitioned to the Women’s Army Corps (WAC).

The “Hello Girls”, as the Army Rakkasan and Falcon Soldiers browse a table of makeup, perfume, chocolate and gift bags Signal Corps female operators we called, donated by female staff members from the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta, Ga. (U.S. Army photo/Capt. Allison Flannigan) unfortunately were not considered Soldiers at the end of WWI. Even though the women wore Army uniforms with insignia (paid for out of their 1. It’s about standards. Upholding the standards own pocket), lived and traveled under Army orders of the profession, right Soldiers in the right and were issued travel pay and per diem, once their positions, no matter what sex they are. services were no longer needed, the Army sent them back home and refused to issue official discharge 2. It’s about leadership. Understanding the unit’s paperwork. After extensive pressure from the women history, lineage and social dynamics and how and a lengthy Congressional debate, they were grated to successfully cope with changes is vital. full military status in 1979, years after many of them had passed away.

3. It’s about doing it right. Combat readiness is Thankfully, in today’s modern Army, we the priority and a well thought out approach have made significant strides. Beginning in 1972, all will improve the total work force.

MOSs opened to WACs excluding combat positions due to the All-Volunteer Force recruitment. Reserve 4. It’s about Soldiers. Using a stands based Officer Training Program (ROTC) soon opened up to approach will remove barriers allowing all women as well. Weapons training became mandatory Soldiers to serve in positions that are best in 1975 and expanded in 1976. Basic combat training suited to their capabilities and training. became policy for men and women in 1977.

Dissolvence of WAC in 1978 as a separate corps was 5. It’s about building a stronger Army. Even with a huge stepping stone to women in the Army. force reductions imminent, the future of the Enlistment qualifications became the same for both Army will require teamwork, mental and sexes and women were formally allowed to enter physical agility, and resilience. Regardless military training academies by 1980. of gender.

By 1989, the Army had its first female commander to lead troops in combat. CPT Linda Bray The long, proud history of women in the Army will was assigned to lead a force of 30 men and women continue for generations to come. Recognition of during the invasion of Panama. During a three hour fire these women during Women’s History Month is one fight, she ordered her assault team to fire on small way we can say thank you.

Panamanian Defense Forces (PDF) who refused to To find out more about women in the surrender their positions at a dog kennel. Three PDF military you can visit the Pratt Museum. Call Soldiers were killed and one was taken prisoner. (270) 798-3215/4986 for more information.

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Employee Appreciation Day

Shout Out

By Gary Swalve

6. Go public and without warning On the spot recognition and spontaneous recognition can go a long way, but recognizing somebody without warning in front of their peers makes the most impact. It makes greater impact when you can give some sort of incentive to go along with the praise.

7. Go to bat for them

National Employee Appreciation Day is celebrated on the first Friday of March each year. It first appeared on calendars in 1995 and was the creation of Bob Nelson, the CEO of Workmen Publishing, and a founding board member of Recognition Professional International.

The idea behind this “unofficial National Holiday” is that employee appreciation increases worker job satisfaction. How do we show appreciation for our employees? I have gathered together seven rules to follow that will guide leaders toward true gratefulness of their employees.

1. Do it The first thing is to take the time to do it. Army leaders are taught to make on the spot corrections but it also important that leaders make on the spot recognition. You don’t need to arrange a large ceremony but simply saying “I appreciate your effort” at the right time can make a significant impact.

2. Get out of your office It is difficult to recognize people if you are always in your office. Make a point to get out and about your organization to see what is going on. If you see someone doing a good job, let them know. Don’t depend on what you hear from people who seem to be constantly around your office during the day, go out and see what is going on.

3. Be sincere and be consistent When praising people, be sincere.

A great leader once said “from the overflow of

the heart the mouth speaks.” If the praise is not sincere, it will be evident in how it is presented and can do more damage than good. Leaders must check themselves and understand how their words and attitude are examined by their employees every day. Insincere praise is like an insincere apology; it does nothing to help the situation and can make it worse. Some things may be better left unsaid.

4. Plan to be spontaneous This may sound like a contradiction, but a leader should be ready at all times to show appreciation to hard working and innovative employees. An organization is powered by all efforts towards a common goal. A leader needs to know the meaning of that common goal ,so that when an employee displays understanding, the leader can praise their knowledge. This is planning to be spontaneous. It is similar to planning for a financial emergency by having an emergency fund.

The greatest influence a leader can have on employees is to back them up when they need it. This quite often means that the leader has to put their credibility on the line. In this case, leaders have to choose their battles wisely. This is not for every fight or every situation, or it makes the leader look like they do not stand for anything. It has to be for employees who deserve it and in a situation that is appropriate. The news travels fast in the organization if a leader stands up for his or her people when it counts. If employees know that their boss has their back when they need it, they feel appreciated.

I believe Employee Appreciation Day should be celebrated every time that an employee does something right to make the organization stand out, or when an employee makes a special impact on a customer. Follow these seven rules and you cannot fail in letting your employees know they are appreciated.

To show appreciation for their employees, MWR hosts an employee awards ceremony every quarter. Every three months on the first Tuesday of each month at 9 a.m., MWR presents awards to employees for various merits such as length of service and outstanding work.

5. Don’t take them for granted Much of what is done day to day in any organization is mundane and goes unnoticed. My children once went to a school in North Chicago and while not a school known for its academic prowess, it was the one assigned because we lived on post. We have met many school secretaries because of the many schools our children attended, but Mrs. Rosales at North Chicago High School stood out. She even made a point to remember the name of every child.

She was a breath of fresh air in a long line of irritable school officeworkers. The bottom line is appreciate what you have before it turns into what you had.

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Having a “Purple Day”

On the Home Front

By CynDe Clack

Tuesday March 26, 2015 is “Purple Day” – a celebration aimed at raising worldwide awareness of epilepsy. Epilepsy is a neurological condition in which a person has recurrent seizures and is the fourth most common neurological disorder. One in 26 people in the United States will develop epilepsy at some point in their lifetime yet it has the lowest research funding per person when compared to other neurological diseases/disorders.

There are many different types of epilepsy and it can be the result of PTSD or TBI, hereditary, or may never be explained. People from all walks of life suffer from epilepsy, including Lil’ Wayne, Danny Glover, Rick Harrison, and Prince.

Fort Campbell MWR has an employee who deals with epilepsy on a daily basis and he and his wife agreed to talk with us about it. Justin McCowen is 39 years old, he and his wife Brandy have been married 17 years and they have two beautiful children. Justin spent six years in the Air Force at Hill AFB. MWR: When were you diagnosed with epilepsy?

Justin: I was 27 when I had my first seizure. Neither my parents, my Family or myself ever suspected that I would begin having Tonic Clonic (formerly called Grand Mal) Seizures. I am one of the few and lucky ones that know when I will be having one.

MWR: How does it affect your life?

Justin: Life has a funny way of showing you just what you can take. I take the good with the bad and deal with what I've got. Here is a thought for you … It’s a hard life, dealing with the elements, but at the same time you have a lot of freedom. Each day is like a new world.

It affects our lives both emotionally and financially. Because stress is one of the things that will trigger a seizure for me, my wife Brandy carries a heavy burden alone. She takes care of the house, our children and me.

www.campbell.armymwr.com

With one seizure, I spent three days in the ICU and when I woke up I had no idea where I was.

If you have never seen someone have a seizure, it is a scary thing to see. There are many different types, I have Grand Mal (Tonic Clonic) seizures or as I call it "flopping around like a fish out of water." There are so many different side effects - for me the biggest is that I forget a lot of things I did the day before and sometimes what I did the prior week. It’s never fun to have a seizure but it’s even worse when it’s around co-workers or strangers – it’s embarrassing. But it is now and has been for a long time, a part of our lives.

Thanks to my Family, friends and neighbors for all they do. I love you all!

Brandy: It’s because I love you that I do all the things I do for you. It’s hard - no joke about that! But if you love someone, you are there for them in their darkest hour. Just because someone has a condition does not mean you leave them when times get tough for YOU because it’s already tough on THEM. Love is about sticking together through the good times and the bad, through sickness and through health.

MWR: What do you do to deal with it?

Justin: We just have to see the humor in a bad situation. I remember my kids wanting me to have another seizure because as I took a drink of Coke I had one and shot Coke out of my nose. They thought it looked like a soda fountain - see even my kids can find some humor about it.

My wife, mom, step dad, and yes even my kids, have seen me go through a seizure, as well as some friends from work. It is a scary thing to watch and listen to happen. I believe it takes an even stronger person to sit through one while it happens.

Brandy: We make the best of what we’ve got. We could sit around and cry but that’s not going to accomplish anything. It’s important that we keep everything as normal as possible. It’s a serious subject but we make jokes about it. We’re open about it and above all – we stay calm about it.

MWR: You often post messages about epilepsy on your Facebook page. In fact, you once posted a meme, “I Am a Voice for Epilepsy Awareness.”

Justin: I do post a lot of stuff about epilepsy. I want everyone to please look at epilepsy and study a little bit about it - that way you may recognize the signs and symptoms of epilepsy. It’s not all Grand Mal (Tonic Clonic) seizures. Signs and symptoms depend on the area of the brain in which the seizure activity occurs and on the type of seizure. Symptoms may be motor, sensory, psychic (states of consciousness), and/or autonomic (involuntary activity controlled by the autonomic nervous system). Quick recognition followed by the correct response can help keep the person having a seizure safe and allow you to summon medical attention if necessary.

For anyone suffering from this disease, please know that there are many support groups available. Please contact one so you have someone to talk to!

I can't express how important it is to me to spread the word about this disease.

MWR: Is there anything else you would like to share?

Justin: I want everyone to know how much I love my wife. Since I have started having seizures she has always been by my side. I know a lot of people who would run away from this. It's not so much the fact of having the seizures but the recovery of them. I have had some bad recovery times and Brandy has always been there to help - not only her but our two kids as well. I love my Family very much, so thank you to them for always being there!

Brandy: Talk about it! Talk to your Family. Talk to your friends. Talk to your neighbors. Just talk about it! The more information we share the better prepared we will all be when we need to deal with it. It’s not uncommon for people to be misdiagnosed because they are embarrassed to talk about what is happening with them. Knowledge and understanding is what we want to see!

To find some local support for yourself or a loved one with epilepsy, visit the Exceptional Family Member Program at 6733 Air Assault Street or call (270) 798-2727.

4th Annual USO 10 Miler, 5K & Free Fun Run

ECFT

By Kari Burgess Moore On Saturday, March 28, the United Services Organization (USO) will host the 4th Annual USO 10 Miler, 5K, and Free Fun Run. The USO 10 Miler is the biggest event and fundraiser of the year for the USO Fort Campbell and its sister center, the USO Nashville.

This is the third year that the USO 10 Miler has been included in the Fort Campbell Eagle Challenge Fitness Tour (ECFT). The ECFT has been a motivating factor for many race

participants and it’s been exciting to watch the number of participants grow and the number of Families running together increase. It’s really an honor to be one of the 10 events in the ECFT because it means that this event is inclusive of all abilities; whether you run a five minute mile or walk a mile in 30 minutes, everyone is welcome to participate!

There are some exciting changes for the race in 2015. First, we’ve moved the event to outside Gate 10, so Civilians will have an easier way to access the race (no ID required!).

We are also offering a finisher’s award to all who cross the finish line. Finally, we’re encouraging our Mile Marker Sponsors to cheer the runners on along the route. The sponsor that lifts the most spirits will receive some terrific perks and the runners will be the judges.

The events begins at 8 a.m. at the Eagle’s Rest Pavilion at 6621A 11th Airborne Road. The Family Village opens at 8 a.m. and offers children’s activities and community information.

The 10 Miler begins at 9 a.m., followed by the 5K at 9:05 a.m. and the Fun Run at 9:10 a.m. Race Day registration is from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. The races are open to everyone in the community. Strollers are allowed on the course, although there are some rough patches. Pets, including dogs, are not

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allowed on the course.

For more information about the USO 10 Miler, 5K, and Free Fun Run, please visit the registration page at www.active.com and search for “USO.” The 10 Miler costs $20, the 5K costs $15 and the Fun Run is free.

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Celebrations

Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated by wearing green on March 17 of every year, but there is more to this Irish holiday than wearing green.

The root of this holiday comes from Saint Patrick converting pagan Ireland to a Christian nation. The holiday was made an official Christian feast day in the early 17th century. Saint Patrick was said to have died on March 17, which is why the holiday falls on that date. The tradition of shamrocks hails from the story that Saint Patrick used the three-leaf shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity to the pagan Irish. Since the 1680s, green shamrocks and ribbons have been worn on Saint Patrick’s Day. According to History.com, Saint Patrick was born in Britain near the end of the fourth century. He was captured by a group of Irish raiders at age 16.

During his time in captivity, he dealt with his loneliness and fear by turning to this religion. After six years in captivity, he escaped back to Britain.

He then received a revelation from an angel, telling him to return to Ireland as a missionary. After studying for more than 15 years, he was ordained as a priest and sent to Ireland to help convert the Irish and minister to the Christians already living there.

Since then, the holiday has evolved to also be a celebration of Irish and Irish American culture here in the United States. Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated in our country by wearing the color green, displaying shamrocks, eating, drinking, going to religious observances and attending parades.

Most people wear green on this holiday and are given an affectionate “pinch” if seen not wearing it. Many cities in America celebrate the holiday by coloring their fountains and rivers green and many athletic teams will wear green jerseys in honor of the holiday. Artificially colored green beer is also served in celebration of Saint Patrick’s Day. Want some fun, Family-friendly suggestions for celebrating Saint

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by Jenelle Grewell

Patrick’s Day? Try eating all green foods such as green apples, green grapes, pesto pasta and broccoli. Let’s be sure to mention that all of these foods are super yummy and healthy! Have a green scavenger hunt; give your children a camera and have them take photos of green things in and around your home. You can make it more challenging by adding different shades of green or specific items to seek. You can also do any sort of craft, but be sure to use green! Use green paint, markers, crayons, whatever green art supplies are around your home, and you have all the right stuff for Saint Patrick’s Day craft time.

On March 17, many people will say they feel “the luck of the Irish”. This comes from the idea of the four-leaved clover, or shamrock. Since the three leaves represent the Holy Trinity, the fourth leaf would represent God’s Grace, therefore making a four-leaf clover lucky. Western symbols for luck are different from other signs of luck around the world. All marks of luck have an interesting history as to why they are considered lucky.

Here are a few: Horseshoe: This is because a horseshoe is made by a blacksmith, and blacksmiths are considered lucky because they work with the elements of fire and iron.

Rabbit’s foot: Rabbits are considered lucky because they are associated with springtime and fertility. Rabbit’s back feet are the luckiest part of the body because when a rabbit runs, the back feet are ahead of the front feet.

Goldfish: Goldfish are lucky in many different cultures, including ancient Egypt, Greece, China and Japan. They are kept in bowls and ponds to bring good luck to homes and work places.

The Egyptians and Greeks believed they were good for domestic relationships and situations, while the Chinese and Japanese believed they brought wealth and success.

Amber: This stone brings good luck because it is thought to strengthen auras and bring balance to the yin and yang.

Dolphins: Are considered lucky in many cultures including ancient Greece, Sumer, Egypt, and Rome, by both Christians and Native Americans. This belief that dolphins are good luck comes from the idea that sailors at sea knew land was near when they spotted dolphins.

Acorn: A Nordic symbol of luck, youth, success and power, acorns most often represent spiritual power.

The Norse placed acorns in their windowsills to protect their homes from lightening.

Rainbow: Another Irish symbol coming from the idea that there is a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow.

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Tigers: A luck symbol in Chinese astrology, tigers are thought be protectors from evils such as fires and being robbed.

Dream catchers: Thought to catch bad dreams by Native Americans, dream catchers are considered to bring good luck.

How will you celebrate Saint Patrickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day? Watch our new MWR website at campbell.armymwr.com, our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/fortcampbellmwr and follow us on Twitter @FortCampbellMWR for updates on what our programs will offer to help you celebrate the holiday.

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1. 101st Airborne Division Headquarters 2. 19th Hole (Cole Park) 3. Army Community Service (ACS) & ACS Director Director 4. Army Education Center 5. Arts and Crafts Center, Center, Guenette 6. ASYMCA Backdoor Boutique 7. ASYMCA Family Center 8. Auto Service Center, Center, Air Assault Auto 9. Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers Program Program (BOSS) 10. Blanchfield Army Community Hospital 11. Bowling Center, Center, Hooper 12. Civilian Personnel Advisory Center 13. Commissary 2. Cole Park Commons 30. CYSS, Parent Parent Central Services (Central Registration) 30. CYSS, School Liaison 38. CYSS, SKIESUnlimited Center 14. Dog Kennels 17. Dawg Haus (Dining) 18. Estep Wellness Wellness Center (Gear-to-Go) 19. Equipment Rental (Gear-to-Go) 20. Exchange/Food Court/Mall Resource Center (FRC) 21. Family Resource 22. Financial Readiness (Army Emer Emergency gency Relief)

(270)798-9793 (270)798-4610x106 (270)798-9322 (270)798-3201 (270)798-6693 (270)956-1566 (270)798-7422 (270)956-1101/1100 (270)798-7858 (270)798-8055 (270)798-5887 (270)798-7161 (270)798-3663 (270)798-4610 (270)798-0674 (270)798-9874 (270)412-5811 (270)798-5590 (270)798-0766 (270)798-4664/4023 (270)798-6806 (270)439-1841 (270)956-2935 (270)798-5518

Office fice 23. Fryar Stadium, Sports Admin Of 2. Golf Course (Cole Park) Recreation eation Facility) 15. Joe Swing (Rental Recr Leisure Travel ravel Services 20. Leisur eT Library,, R.F R.F. F.. Sink Memorial 26. Library Director 27. MWR Dir ector F. Pratt 28. Museum, Don F. Recreation Main Building 29. Outdoor Recreation 31. Pool, Baldonado 32. Pool, Dolan Gardner Indoor 33. Pool, Gardner 34. Pool, Single Recreation Center, Center, Dale Wayrynen Wayrynen 9. Recreation 14. Riding Stables AC) 39. Soldier and Family Assistance Center (SF (SFAC) 2. Southern Buf fet (Cole Park) Buffet 41. Smokehaus (Dining) 42. T Teen een Club 24/7 43. The Zone 44. T Tricare ricare 45. V Veterinary eterinary Services 46. Wilson Theater 42. Y Youth outh Center (T (Taylor) aylor) 42. Y Youth outh Sports

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Keeping it Together

My Child, My Love

By Travis Parker

Sunday March 15th is Absolutely Incredible Kids Day and it is a holiday that is celebrated by telling your child just how amazing and incredible you think they are.

Our children are amazing and I see the light gleam in my childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eye when I let him know that he is wonderful, when I reach over and muss his hair or gently stroke his cheek with my palm. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a connection that cannot be matched by any other.

Kids learn through love, whether it be tough love or compassionate love - if I can show love, patience, tolerance, and acceptance in tough situations, chances are this is how my child will deal with trying times and in the same sense, what I do with love and passion, my child will do with love and passion.

It is important to tell our children how important they are to us, and not just through spoken words either â&#x20AC;&#x201C; we all know actions are loud and that is very true, but at the same time the written word goes further than the spoken.

A letter or note is something that can be read and cherished over and over again - like old love letters from days past that hold a certain mark in time where all stands still and nothing matters outside of the words and the memories instilled within. So find a quiet space and think of all of the times together, the good times, the laughter, the joy and the happiness, even the bad times that turned out to be a great life lesson - bring all of that into your heart and let it flow onto paper as you

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write and give it your child in honor of Absolutely Incredible Kids Day. Maybe take your children to one of the many parks on Fort Campbell for this quiet space. Visit campbell.armymwr.com/ us/campbell/programs/camping for the complete list.

It is truly amazing how all of this works, the verbal back and forth, unspoken love, and the written word, I gave this letter to my son and a few days later I got this in return…

This & That

A Very Important Charity Event Your Questions Answered You may have noticed Gardner Indoor Pool has been closed for repairs for quite some time now. What originally started as routine updates and tender loving care to the over 50 year old pool turned into emergency repairs due to the extreme cold temperatures we experienced over the holiday break. Not only did the interior pipes freeze and burst, but the heater was deemed not serviceable. A replacement heater was located by DPW and has been in the process of being inspected and serviced thoroughly before being installed. We are also working closely with DPW to find a backup heater, in case the local replacement is not a long termsolution.

While this may seem like a simple task, the biggest challenge is the age itself of Gardner Indoor Pool. Facilities that were built in the 1950’s are bound to have significant issues over the years. Recent repairs to Gardner Indoor Pool have included new bath houses, new liner and paint, and replacement pumps.

Dan Cain, MWR Recreation Division Chief, states “We know this extended closure has left a pretty serious gap in our program, for this we apologize. We hope to have the pool back up and running by the time you are reading this magazine.”

by Laura Etterle

The Fort Campbell Spouses’ Club will hold its 32nd annual V.I.C.E. Night fundraiser on Friday, March 20 at Valor Hall in Oak Grove, Kentucky. What is V.I.C.E. Night? A Very Important Charity Event that raised over $30,000 last year.

V.I.C.E. Night is a fun-filled evening with dinner, live music, dancing, entertainment tables and prizes and this year, The Bootlegger’s Bash will be no exception! Bring your friends and get your picture taken in the photo booth, ride a mechanical bull, try your skill in the shooting gallery and many other fun activities including the highlight of the evening - Silent and Live Auctions.

V.I.C.E. Night is expected to draw 500 attendees and sponsors from the Fort Campbell area. Last year, generous donations made it possible to provide over $46,000 in scholarships and grants to Fort Campbell and its surrounding communities.

Tickets to this year’s V.I.C.E. Night will go on sale in February.

For information regarding this event, visit: fortcampbellspousesclub.com/v.i.c.e-night, on Facebook at Fort Campbell Spouses’ Club VICE Night and on Twitter at vicenight2015.

The tickets are $25 per person or $250 for a table of 10 people.

“Stories Around the Table”

Book Review

Reviewed by James Moore Released on October 1, 2014 by publisher Elva Reesa, “Stories Around the Table: Laughter, Wisdom, and Strength in Military Life” provides an innovative look at military Families.

Taking its format from a conversation among friends gathered around a table, this anthology brings together contributions from over 40 military Family members. The writers are a diverse group including Spouses, parents and children as well as service members themselves.

These unvarnished conversations run the gamut from the practical to the heartbreaking to the uproariously hilarious. The beauty of this book is that it addresses issues that are specific to the military lifestyle. These include deployment reunion, combat injury, post-traumatic stress, frequent moves and the Spousal transition from the Civilian world to the military culture. Writers look at topics common to both the Civilian and military worlds such as marriage, education, parenting, friendship, faith, finances, depression, infertility and grief along with the impact that military life has on these experiences.

None of the contributors denies that life in the military brings its unique challenges.

However, they point out that key ingredients to thriving are building support networks, learning about the services that are available to military members and their Families and the willingness to be flexible and adaptable. Anyone who has ever been part of a military Family will relate to the situations ranging from dealing with broken appliances and sick children while a spouse is deployed to coming to terms with the death of service member in combat.

One episode in particular stood out for me. A young wife who is grappling with homeowner issues and her children while living a long distance from base has to listen to a clueless neighbor tell her “We shouldn’t be in Afghanistan anyway.” Her little girl pipes up, “My Daddy’s fighting so you can have your opinions.”

Fort Campbell’s own Army Spouse Amy Bushatz contributed “Something’s Rank”, which explores the pitfalls of judging a service member or their Spouse based solely on their rank. This collection is brutally honest in portraying military life. At the same time, “Stories Around the Table” offers a message of hope. This is what makes it an invaluable resource for anyone who has ever been part of a military Family or who has known one.

“Stories Around the Table” had its genesis when Elva Resa publisher Karen Pavlicin-Fragnito had a phone call from a young military wife who was facing multiple challenges.

“We sent her a variety of books and suggested community resources” Pavlicin-Fragnito said. “But I really wanted to invite that young woman to my

www.campbell.armymwr.com

kitchen table, to have lunch or coffee or dessert with a handful of other military Spouses who understand her life”.

In April, 2013, Pavlicin-Fragnito attended a Spouse conference offered by Military.com. At the event, she spent two days at tables with other military Spouses listening to their experiences. She noticed that many of these Spouses were already writing or talking about their experiences in social media or through books or columns. She started thinking about how she could bring all of these individuals together to create that lunch experience for the young Spouse who had contacted her on the phone.

The first person she reached out to was “Stars and Stripes” columnist Terri Barnes. First, Barnes contributed a story. Then she went on to manage the project and edit all of the submissions for “Stories Around the Table”. Barnes was impressed by the positive response she received from writers around the world. She said “These authors’ transparently shared wisdom from their lives, gained through tragedy, trial and error, and both every day and extraordinary circumstances”.

All writers agreed to forgo any royalties.

This means that a portion of the sale price of each book goes to nonprofits supporting military

Families. Pavlicin-Fragnito said “Terri and I have both encountered many military Families in need of support and friendship over the years, but neither of us has a kitchen table big enough or mobile enough to serve military Families all over the world. ‘Stories Around the Table’ is our way of recreating that experience of a conversation with friends in book form, so military Family members, in even the most remote locations, can enjoy a seat at this table. Sharing the proceeds allows us to also support military Families who need help beyond what a table of friends or a book can provide”.

Whether one is new to the service or a Retiree, “Stories Around the Table” is a must-read for gaining new insight into how military life shapes us as individuals and as a community.

Elva Resa Publishing is an independent publisher in St. Paul, Minnesota. Its mission is to make a positive difference in people’s lives. It specializes in books for and about military Families.

For more information visit www.ElvaResa.com or www.MilitaryFamilies Books.com.

“Stories Around the Table” is available for check-out at Robert F. Sink Memorial Library at 38 Screaming Eagle Blvd. For more information call (270) 798-5729.

20

Spotlight on MWR

Gear-To-Go Welcomes New Manager

By Jenelle Grewell

Gear-To-Go can look forward to some fresh and exciting improvements with the hiring of new manager, Greg Hopkins.

Greg has been at Fort Campbell for quite some time, serving his last 11 out of 24 years in the military here at Fort Campbell. He has worked for MWR for the past two years as the transportation supervisor, in charge of the rental buses at Gear-To-Go. The change from transportation supervisor to business manager of Gear-To-Go will come with a lot more direct customer interaction, but overall, Greg thinks it will be a seamless transition since he has already worked at Gear-To-Go and has been so involved at Fort Campbell.

Greg’s main focus is getting the word out about what Gear-To-Go has to offer. “So many Soldiers don’t realize what we have to rent here. We need to give them the opportunity to experience what is around the Fort Campbell area,” he said. Gear-To-Go has rental items that make exploring easier.

Another focus of Greg’s is to offer more packages such as wedding and party packages. He also wants to provide online advertisements with last minute and holiday specials on equipment rentals.

“I would love to see very piece of equipment we have in our rental facility to be gone every weekend. Is it possible? Yes. Practical? Maybe not. I just want to provide the best possible service to the community.

Number one priority is customer satisfaction.

We need to get as many people into the door as possible to see our great equipment,” Greg said.

Greg decided to stay in the Fort Campbell area after retiring from the military because he was already settled here and owned a home. “I enjoy being around the military and helping Soldiers and Family members in any way possible,” he said.

Greg is happy and excited to be given the opportunity to be the new manager at Gear-To-Go. “I come in with a lot of energy and a lot of knowledge based on my background in transportation and logistics,” he said.

A piece of advice from Greg to anyone wanting to rent equipment from Gear-To-Go, “If you are thinking about renting from Gear-To-Go and doing any sort of outdoor activity

with the equipment, try to make your reservations as soon as possible, especially on extended weekends because reservations go early for those dates.”

For more information or to rent boats, campers, tents, tables, inflatables and more, please call Gear-To-Go at (270) 798-3919 or (270) 798-6806.