The Vigilant Volume 3, Issue 12, December 2013
Welcome
Group CDR Corner
Battalion CDR Corner
Battalion CSM Corner
Company CDRs Corner
Chaplain Corner
Past Events
FRG Bulletin
Military Brats Info
Upcoming Events
Things To Do…
Winter!
This newsletter contains official and unofficial information: The inclusion of some unofficial information in this FRG newsletter has not increased the cost to the Government, in accordance with DOD 4525.8-M
Group Commander Corner
"Happy Holidays" to everyone in our 706th Family! Team, as we approach the end of another rewarding year of service to this great country and Army of ours, my wife and I want to take this opportunity to wish "Happy Holidays" to everyone in our 706th Family. Now is the time of the year when we remember the things we are truly thankful for and recognize the value of family and friends in our lives. The holidays provide us an opportunity to spend time with our families and friends, reflect on the past year, and anticipate the opportunities that lie ahead. I hope your time is well spent during this holiday season. I want to thank each and every Soldier, Spouse, Family Member, Civilian, and Contractor who makes daily contributions to the 706th's mission. Know your leadership values each of you, and I greatly appreciate your service. You are living proof of the dedication, professionalism, and excellence of the U.S. Army to the intelligence community and those we support. It is important that we do everything we can to remain safe during this time of the year. Our loved ones and our Nation need each of us. Make sure your holiday travel is properly planned out so that careless, senseless acts do not put you or others at risk. Following the Army and unit safety guidance will help to ensure we all have a safe and happy holiday season. It is also important we recognize that some of our team members may not be enjoying the holiday season as much as we are. Please be your brother's or sister's keeper during this period to ensure our team members are healthy and safe in every way possible. We know the New Year will bring challenges just like the last, but we will face them together as a team. Each of you is truly making a difference across the world -- not just in this command -- but in the areas you support every day. As intelligence professionals, the American public is proud of your service and is counting on you to keep their loved ones safe who are in harm's way. Be safe, enjoy the time you have with your loved ones, and remember our comrades in arms who are keeping watch both here and around the globe.
COL Anthony E. Zeruto
Thank you again for all you do.
COL Anthony Zeruto
Happy New Year! The Vigilant
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Battalion Commander Corner Happy Holiday Greetings! It is incredible to think already that the year 2013 is about to end. A lot has happened in our Forward Watch Battalion Family. Again, Desrae and I extend congratulations to all our new parents – what an awesome experience and responsibility to accept. Congratulations also to our Soldiers who have found the perfect someone with whom to tie the knot. That kind of partnership is the most important and enduring one – it is also one of the most difficult relationships that takes a lot of work, commitment, respect, communications, and love. We’re confident you can do it, because Forward Watch Soldiers never quit. We are very proud of each and every one of you. This is Our Profession – this quarter we began a new incentive competition to determine which company deserves the coveted streamer “This is our Profession.” This black and gold streamer has gone to Arlington, Gettysburg, and Currahee Mountain. It has been hallowed by the memories, blood, and sweat of generations of Soldiers who have answered the call to duty and personal sacrifice. Be worthy of that sacred challenge. Be the best Soldier and person you can possibly be. This reminds me why the Big 5 is so important:
TRUST ~ INTEGRITY ~ MISSION EXCELLENCE ~ SAFETY ~ CARING Our world is a ever-changing place. We don’t know where the next threat to our liberties, freedoms, and way of life will come. MISSION EXCELLENCE is what will help us be prepared to meet that threat. Mission Excellence is a habit, not an act. Please remember to be SAFE. During this season, be thinking SAFETY for yourself, your family, your fellow Soldiers, and your fellow Americans. It is not a task or a standard, but a condition for everything we do. Be prepared to speak up and don’t be afraid to roll into action when you see SAFETY slipping away. Everyone’s contributions makes this the best Battalion in the Army. Because of who you are and what you do, there will be many joyous holiday seasons for thousands of our fellow service men and women – and they won’t even know why.
LTC Bryan Gibby
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Command Sergeant Major Corner
Lorraine and I will celebrate OUR 30th Anniversary! Lorraine and I hope and pray this message finds you in good spirits, surrounded by loved ones. It is hard to believe WE are nearing the end of another year and the holidays are already upon US. This is always such an exciting time. WE get to reflect on past challenges, celebrate OUR shared accomplishments, and envision future successes. This year Lorraine and I will celebrate OUR 30th Anniversary. Over the past 30 years WE have celebrated OUR Love all over the world as members of many different units. For a journey that was supposed to last just four years, OUR Army voyage has been more than WE could ever imagine. It has allowed US to raise four wonderful adult children, who are now branching-off into lives of their own. As OUR Grandchildren begin to arrive, it is hard to think of life ever being complete without them. OUR Forward Watch Familia is not much different. It is hard to think of life without each of YOU. Quite frankly, over the past 18 months, every plan WE have made, every action WE have taken, and every day WE have lived was center around YOU. In 2012 WE asked, “What does it mean to be a member of the Forward Watch?” In 2013 WE discovered that meaning TOGETHER. The Forward Watch never sleeps. WE are silently, intensely, and meticulously on-guard. There is no length WE won’t and can’t go to protect each other and OUR Brothers and Sisters Forward Deployed. WE do not tolerate unprofessional, indiscipline behavior. Over the past year WE set the standard not only operationally, but professionally, and personally. WE purposefully reached out and connected with OUR Profession through participating in events like the Bataan Memorial (Death) March, Mentorship Ride/Honor Flight (twice), the Army Ten Miler, and the Currahee Challenge. WE volunteered over 3,000 hours connecting with OUR Veterans and community, in support of the Relay for Life (Cure for Cancer), Special Olympics, Fisher House, Local Boy Scouts, Christmas House, and Youth Challenge Academy. Despite all these accomplishments, WE have experienced OUR share of struggles. Just remember, if WE didn’t struggle, how would WE know what success looked/felt like? Regardless of the outcome, I am proud to say, “Forward Watch Warriors Stood, Shoulder to Shoulder, for Standards and the BIG Five”. Finally, the past two holiday seasons, Lorraine and I enjoyed attending each Company’s Holiday Party. It was awesome to experience the Headhunter’s camaraderie, Phoenix Karaoke, Butchers on Ice, and the Hellhound’s dessert contest. No matter which party WE attended, you made US feel like welcomed members of your Familia. So, WE enter this Holiday Season with heavy hearts, knowing it will be OUR last as members of the Forward Watch Familia. Although WE knew this time was coming, it is hard to believe it is here. However, before WE go OUR separate ways, there is a New Year to Welcome, a Spring to enjoy, and one last Summer to experience TOGETHER. Over the past 30 years OUR Army Familia has carried US through many good and bad times, never wavering, but always providing even-footing for OUR next step. WE look forward to seeing what new challenges come with 2014. THANK YOU for all your efforts, TRUST, and understanding. YOU have truly given US more than WE could ever ask for. As WE move forward, you can count on US to not waver and to do everything WE can to provide even-footing for your next step.
Very Respectfully,
CSM Louie Castillo
FORWARD WATCH! THIS IS OUR PROFESSION! The Vigilant
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HHD Company Commander The Christmas holidays is right around the corner It’s football season and is the greatest time of year to be surrounded by friends and family and cheering on your favorite team. The Christmas holidays is right around the corner and we all need to keep an eye out on our teammates to make sure every Soldier and family member is good to go. This can be a very stressful time of year for many and we must always remain vigilant and help out our brothers and sisters. We already have Halloween under our belts and the HHD FRG participated in the annual Trunk or Treat event. The occasion was designed to provide children with a safe environment for trick or treating and also have numerous activities and fun available for all participants. This year was another resounding success! We had numerous Soldiers participate in the car costume contest. We would like to acknowledge SSG Ricky Hill, whose spooky car won the contest and was awarded a three day pass for his efforts and SSG Jeremy Mosley who was dressed as Maverick from Top Gun. One final thank you for all of the HHD families who participated with decorated cars and trick or treating children. On October 15th and 16th your Soldiers experienced a new training scenario as part of their annual Army training requirements. Your Soldiers were challenged in a number of exciting ways. We taught them how to build shelters using nothing but materials founds in the woods, start fires, purify water, and build snares for catching food. Soldiers were encouraged to spend the night in the woods and put their newly acquired survival skills to the test. Additionally, we taught our Soldiers how to navigate using a map and compass. The survival exercise severed as an excellent team building event and it helped develop our junior Soldiers who participated in the execution of the training. Mrs. Amanda Stephens, Liz Acevedo and the rest of HHD’s Family Readiness Group along with SSG Lee Gallander’s 3rd Platoon, SSG Mosley, and our Soldiers worked tirelessly to plan and execute HHD’s annual Holiday Party. This year the Holiday Party was at the Reserve Center. We released our Soldiers at lunchtime to go home to change into civilian clothes and return with the rest of their family. The FRG provided the meats and each Platoon was responsible for bringing sides, desserts, and drinks. The Holiday Christmas Party proved to be an enjoyable event filled with camaraderie and merriment. In order to fund these events the HHD FRG has undertaken several fundraising endeavors. Each Platoon is charged with conducting one fundraiser each quarter. Our first successful event this fiscal year was 1st Platoon’s pulled pork BBQ. 2nd Platoon sponsored the annual MICA Golf Scramble. Finally, 3rd Platoon is charged with planning, resourcing, and executing the Holiday Party. We are deeply grateful for all of our volunteers, family members and Soldiers alike for raising the funds required to support our FRG initiatives.
Happy Holidays,
CPT Matthew J. Ercolani
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HHC Company Commander Hellhound Company and Our Families‌ 1SG Patterson and I would like to express to you all how very proud we are of the work you accomplish daily. HHC would not be where it is today without your efforts and attention to detail in all that you do. With the holidays approaching and Thanksgiving passed, winter approaching and breathe in the air, I’m sure we could all use a little time to slow down our own lives, and to make more time for those things that matter most. For some, that is friends and family. For others, volunteering to benefit those less fortunate. But whatever your passion, now is a good time to focus more energies toward it, and to use the holidays as an opportunity to reflect over a year’s worth of accomplishments achieved and milestones met. As we receive a few extra smiles from passer-bys on the street or a hearty wave from complete strangers, I encourage everyone to take time to remember the goodwill we have received over the last year, and give thanks for all we have received. And in line with giving thanks, we wish to honor the service and dedication 1SG Patterson has given to this organization over the last year and a half as our First Sergeant. No position comes with a greater responsibility for taking care of Soldiers than that of a First Sergeant, and 1SG Patterson epitomized the best of the best. It is with a heavy heart we say good bye. However, each end only leads to a new beginning. As 1SG Patterson continues on with his career at Fort Hood, TX, we will welcome 1SG Jenny Rohrig to the Company! She has been serving as the Battalion Operations Non-Commissioned Officer and will be invaluable in keeping our pack together. As for 1SG Patterson and I, we have been blessed with both Leaders and Soldiers who support and defend this, our, great country without fail each and every day. Based on their efforts, countless warfighters have returned from combat zones to be with their families for many more holidays to come. The dedication and commitment with which our Soldiers execute their mission is a testament to their values of selfless service to others. In the months to come, we will begin preparing for more field training exercises and Company events. This last quarter witnessed a successful but strenuous kayaking expedition and an FRG family cookout. Even more exciting was the HHC Holiday Party that was held at Leitner Lake Conference Center on 14 December 2013. We gathered together in the beautiful Conference Center to enjoy an evening of goodwill and fellowship to celebrate the closing of another year, and the promise of a better year to come. We sincerely hope that all our Soldiers have a restful and happy holiday season. Finally, 1SG Patterson and I want to thank everyone in the Hellhound Family for the hard work, day in and day out, you put in to make our organization truly exceptional. I am excited for what this next year holds for Hellhound Company!
CPT Miller and 1SG Patterson
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Alpha Company Commander It is hard to believe 2013 is coming to a close… It was great to have the opportunity to gather as a family at our Holiday Party on 6 December. We want to thank our Party Planning Committee SFC Markley, SSG Stearns, SSG Daniel, SGT Ashley, SPC Jefferson, SPC Colado, SPC Harper, SPC White, SPC Stover, SPC Fox, SPC Vanleer, Ms. Acevedo, and Mrs. Fisher for putting weeks of hard work and energy into planning and executing an awesome event. We owe our special appearance from Santa to SSG Faragalla and the photographic and all around event support to Chelsea. Thank you to everyone who came early and stayed late to set up and tear down. SFC Rudman made the karaoke competition live on by providing his machine and time running it. Congratulations to 1St Platoon Blackguard for their winning rendition of “Say My Name,” to SSG Dabney for having the best “ugly” holiday sweater, and to Mrs. Wolff for baking the best dessert. Thank you to everyone who brought food to the event it was a delicious meal. The joint service members working in Whitelaw also thank you as the leftovers provided dinner for the Mid Shift. It was great to come together and just have fun- all of you made it a special evening.
Veselé Vánoce!
It is hard to believe 2013 is coming to a close. It has been a fantastic year built on your accomplishments. It has been great to be there to see the promotions, awards, excellent training at QTDs and ranges, new babies, your daily dedication to mission excellence, and more than anything your commitment to taking care of each other . We are wishing all of you a happy and safe holiday season filled with family and friends. We are thankful to have all of you as a part of our family and we look forward to starting another great year with the Phoenix.
1SG Hogan and 1LT Allyson Connelly
Prettige feestdagen!
!שמח חנוכה חג С Праздниками! المبارك المالد بعیى
شي مبارک مو عیدونه The Vigilant
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B 707TH MI BUTCHERS!
Bravo Company Commander Bravo Company Soldiers and Families‌ Hello, Butcher families, and Happy Holidays. I am CPT Sophia Volz, and 1SG Gorman and I would like to take this opportunity to introduce ourselves. I graduated from high school in Arizona, went to West Point for university, and have served in Arizona, Texas, Iraq, and Georgia. 1SG Gorman grew up in Hopatcong, New Jersey, is a graduate of Florida State University, and has served in Texas, California, Germany, Kuwait, Iraq, and Georgia. He is married to his wife, Jenn, of 17 years. They have a son, Jake, who is 9 years old. Already, we have had several promotions and awards in the unit. PFC Mondragon, PFC Stough, and PFC Patsis were promoted to the rank of Specialist, while SPC Patrick was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. SGT Kilburg received a Certificate of Achievement for winning the Battalion Soldier of the Month board, while SPC Beller received a Certificate of Achievement for his participation on the winning team of the 513th MI BDE Annual Turkey Bowl, a flag football tournament. We look forward to the next year with you and are excited to hear your ideas for the Family Readiness Group. I am available at sophia.v.volz.mil@mail.mil and 762-206-9524.
CPT Sophia Volz, and 1SG Gorman
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Chaplain Corner Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!
Religious Support For Emergency Assistance After Duty Hours: Call Fort Gordon Operations Center at 706-791-9747 and ask for the Duty Chaplain.
706th MI Group Chaplain MAJ Olson &
Chaplain Assistant SSG Keith Harvey 762-206-6684
keith.j.harvey.mil@mail.mil 707th MI Battalion Chaplain CPT Pyun & SPC Tanisha Wyche 762-206-9522
tanisha.l.wyche.mil@mail.mil Fort Gordon Religious Activities
Greetings Everyone! Who knew that this year would fly by so quickly? So, at the dawn of this year’s holiday season, Christmas break and a start of a new year, have you achieved all that you planned to do this year? To tell you the truth I didn’t either. Do you know that it is still not too late to remember to do the things that are truly important to your life? Here are my suggestions for you and your family… Remember what's really important to you. Look beyond those passing concerns and activities that seem so pressing, and look into what you really care about. What are your needs and the needs of your loved ones? Generously give quality, focused time to the special people in your life. Accept them for who they are and listen attentively without judgment to what they have to say. Let them express how they feel about certain things and respect what they have to say just as you want to be treated if you were the one feeling them or saying them. See how you can fill their needs yourself. Spend some quiet time with your own best thoughts. Slow down a bit. Peacefully consider the goodness and value in your life, and feel the warmth that those thoughts bring. Count your blessings. Softly treasure the moments of these last days of 2013. Each moment is an opportunity to give more value to those things that matter most. Keep yourself connected to what's truly important to you. With that in mind, you'll find greater fulfillment in all that you do as you look forward to 2014. “Make all you can, save all you can, give all you can.” - John Wesley (1703 - 1791) “Never do anything when you are in a temper, for you will do everything wrong.” Baltasar Gracian (1601-1658) "But you, be strong and do not lose courage, for there is reward for your work.“ 2 Chronicles 15:7 (NSAB)
Wishing all the 707th & 706th Soldiers, Families, Volunteers & Your Loved Ones… Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year! May God continue to protect & bless you!
By Captain Pyun, 707th MI Battalion Chaplain
Welcome to Fort Gordon religious website, your gateway to Chapel activities at Fort Gordon. Different services are listed in the links below. There are other activities such as men's, women's and youth groups that are available to you as well. www.gordon.army.mil/ch aplain/Events.htm
707th Bible Study Every Month 12:00 – 1300 at the BN Conference Room
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706th &707th Past FRG Events 707th Trunk or Treat Festival October 2013
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FRG Bulletin Army Tuition Assistance ~ New Restrictions
Interactive Empowerment for Army Wives Military oriented website specifically for Wives and families of military personnel.
http://www.armywifenetwork.com
Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP) connects Military Spouses seeking employment with business partners committed to providing jobs. See the list of current MSEP partners, learn how to become a partner or apply online at www.msepjobs.com.
Military Community & Family Policy Newsletter http://apps.mhf.dod.mil/mcfp/weekly
Beginning 2014, the U.S. Army will place new restrictions on its Tuition Assistance program to ensure officers and enlisted personnel are focusing more on soldiering than higher education. Soldiers will have to wait one year after completing initial-entry training before they can participate in the TA program. Also, soldiers who use TA money to complete a four-year baccalaureate degree will have to wait 10 years before using TA again to pursue a post-graduate degree. The changes will likely affect approximately 40,000 soldiers based on current program participation rates, Army officials estimate. For more details, updates visit GoArmyEd...
Commissaries will soon begin scanning ID Cards Commissaries will soon begin scanning customers’ Department of Defense ID cards at checkouts as the Defense Commissary Agency continues its efforts to deliver a 21st century benefit. Commissary shoppers are used to showing their ID cards to establish their eligibility to use the commissary. By scanning the ID at checkout, DeCA will no longer need to maintain any personal information on customers in its computer systems, such as the system used for customers who write checks. For more information go to: ttp://www.commissaries.com/documents/contact_deca/faqs/id_card_scanning.cfm
Free Tax Return Preparation The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, a partnership between the Internal Revenue Service and the military, provides at military bases across the country free, individual income tax preparation for all military personnel and dependents eligible for legal assistance. The program's services are offered to active duty, reservists, retirees and their dependents for both federal and state income taxes. Servicemembers filing taxes through VITA should bring their tax information, social security cards, photo ID, W-2 wage and tax statements, bank account with routing numbers, power of attorney forms and all other income information. For more information, visit the IRS website and contact your base VITA office.
Budgeting for the New Year?
Military Spouse Scholarship
Would you like less debt, more savings and the ability to invest for your future? The beginning of a new year is the perfect time to resolve to get your fi nancial house in order once and for all. The first step to fi nancial freedom is creating a budget. After that, you can begin to pay off debt and save money to suit your needs. Learn more at Budgeting for the New Year
The National Military Family Association’s Joanne Holbrook Patton Military Spouse Scholarship application period is open. Scholarships are awarded to spouses of all service members: active duty, National Guard and Reserve, retirees, and survivors. The scholarship funds may be used for tuition, fees, and school room and board for GED or ESL, vocational training and professional certification, licensure fees, degree seeking (undergraduate and graduate degrees, including Ph.Ds. and post-doctoral programs), and more. Scholarship selection is based on your completion of survey questions, short-answer questions, and an essay question. You must be a military spouse to apply. For more information or submit application please visit the following link; http://www.militaryfamily.org/our-programs/militaryspouse-scholarships.
FREE Federal Credit Reports TUTOR. Get homework and studying help from a professional tutor any time you need it. FREE for students in Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, National Guard and Reserve families. Expert tutors are available to help in more than 16 subjects, including test preparation proofreading, Math, Science, English and Social Studies. Learn more at www.tutor.com/military
The online resource from the Federal Reserve provides practical answers to questions about credit reports, credit scores, and the importance of protecting personal credit histories. The Credit Reports and Credit Scores can be found at www.federalreserve.gov/creditreports
DIGITAL EDITION
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FRG Bulletin Military Family Live Consultants (MFLC)
iWATCH is the ARMY anti-terrorism awareness program to protect our country from terrorist acts.
See Something ~ Say Something! Call: 706th MI Group ATO at 762-206-8721 Call: 706-791-4380 Military Police Call: 706-821-1020 Richmond County Sheriff
Army Community Service Provides information/assistance on Relocation, Employment, Financial Services, Deployment, Exceptional Family Program, Survivor Outreach Services, Family Matters and other topics in the Fort Gordon, Georgia area. ACS supports the readiness and well-being of Soldiers, Families, Civilian Employees, & Retirees. Call us at 706-791-3579 or www.gordon.army.mil/acs
FORT GORDON Health Care Information
MFLC are counselors that provide confidential, non-medical, problemsolving counseling service to all service members, spouses, children, retirees and civilians employees. Consultants are specifically trained to provide solution-based support with problems relating to, but not limited to, deployment and reintegration issues, marriage and relationships issues, stress and anxiety, depression, communication challenges, grief & loss, and other individual and Family issues. Consultations are FREE and ANONYMOUS. Fort Gordon call 706 288-5488 *No Records are kept.
Appointment Line: 706-787-7300 After hours Patient Line: 1-800-443-2262 Allergy & Immunizations: 706-787-4154 Behavioral Health Service: 706-787-8134 Social Work Services: 706-787-3656 Tricare Referral: 1-800-444-5445 Community Counseling Center: 706-787-3673
Emergency Numbers www.gordon.army.mil
EMERGENCY 911
www.armyfrg.org
Military Police: 706-791-4380
www.armywives.com www.military.com
Fire: 706-791-1201 FG Ambulance:706-787-6686
www.army.mil
Fort Gordon Emergency Room 706-787-2264
www.operationhomefront.org
Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222
www.armyonesource.com
Georgia Missing Children Hotline: 1-800-282-6564
www.myarmybenefits.us.army.mil
FG Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault 24hr hotline: 706-791-6297 or 1-877-995-5247
www.militaryonesource.com
Chaplain: 706-791-9747/9748 DoD Safe Helpline 1-877-995-5247 Army Emergency Relief: www.preventsexualassault.army.mi 706-791-3371 l
SHARP
All Soldiers deserve an environment free from the threat of sexual assault. Service members should feel secure enough to report this crime without fear of retribution. If you are a victim of sexual assault, you are entitled to certain rights, please contact: 24/7 HOTLINE NUMBERS:
706th MI Group ~ 706-945-7107 Fort Gordon Hotline ~ 706-791-6297 SFC Charnelle Mose, 706th MI Group 762-206-6738 – 706-945-7107 charnelle.mose.mil@mail.mil ALL COMMUNICATION IS CONFIDENTIAL
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Military Brats Info Be a MyPlate Champion Pledging to be a MyPlate Champion is a promise to eat healthy and be active every day. Learning how to make healthy choices at home and at school is an important part of taking care of you. The first step is to know which choices are best for you. Use ideas from the website list, www.choosemyplate.gov/kids/Champion.html
Parents Day~Night Out “Parents Night Out” Every 3rd Saturday, from 6:00 P.M. to 11:00 P.M. at the Child Development Center Building. “Parents Day Out” The First Saturday of every month, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 P.M. at the Child Development Center Building. Pizza, Crafts & Games ~ Cost is $20 or FREE for eligible Deployed and AW2/WTU Families. Reservation required one week prior. Please Call 706-791-1305 for more information.
Fort Gordon CYS Services Online!
On this site you can start new registrations, make payments on your monthly childcare fees, reprint receipts and tax statements or sign up for advertised SKIESUnlimited classes, Youth Sports or Special Activities. CYS Services is located at Bldg. 28320, Lane Avenue, 706-791-4722. https://webtrac.mwr.army.mil/webtrac/gordoncyms.html
DeCA Scholarships for Military Children Hi Kids, we’re the CryptoKids and we love cryptology! What’s cryptology? Cryptology is making and breaking codes. It’s so cool. We make codes so we can send secret messages to our friends. And we try to figure out what other people are writing about by breaking their codes. It’s a lot of fun. On this site, you can learn all about codes and ciphers, play lots of games and activities, and get to know the Cyptoteam. You can also learn about the NSA/CSS they’re America’s real codemakers and codebreakers. Without NSA/CSS, they wouldn’t be able to talk to one another without the bad guys listening and they wouldn’t be able to figure out what the bad guys were planning. We hope you have lots of fun learning about cryptology and NSA/CSS. To learn more visit NSA/CSS Kids’ page, http://www.nsa.gov/kids/home.shtml
Applications for the 2014 Scholarships for Military Children Program are now available at commissaries worldwide and also online at the Commissaries.com website at www.commissaries.com and the MilitaryScholar.org website at www.militaryscholar.org. The scholarship program awards at least $1,500 at each commissary. To apply for a scholarship, the student must be a dependent, unmarried child, younger than 21 -- or 23, if enrolled as a full-time student at a college or university -- of a servicemember on active duty, reservist, guardsman, retiree or survivor of a military member who died while on active duty or survivor of a retiree. Students with questions about the scholarship program application can call Scholarship Managers at 856-616-9311.
Family Nights at Fort Gordon Indoor Pool! Friday nights at 4-6:30 p.m. for Military, Family members, retirees, DOD civillians and ID Card Holders. No registration necessary and no fee to pay! Swimming laps? No problem lap swimmers welcome! C all the indoor pool for more information at (706) 791-3034.
Augusta, MomsEveryday.com is here to make Mom’s life easier. We accomplish this with the help of a variety of news sources, community journalists, and comments and suggestions from Moms like you. We hope you find that some of our information will make your life easier! http://www.momseveryday.com/augusta/home
Exceptional Family Member Program http://www.militaryhomefront.dod.mil/tf/efmp
Special Needs Night at Monkey Joe’s
http://appweb.augustaga.gov/kidz/kidz.html
First Sunday of Each Month. Special Needs Night at Monkey Joe’s. This event is held the first Sunday of each month after general store hours to ensure a calm environment for special needs children and their parents. 6-7 p.m. Monkey Joe’s, 368 Fury’s Ferry Rd. 706-922-JUMP (5867). www.monkeyjoes.com.
http://kids.usa.gov
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706th & 707th Upcoming Events Fort Gordon Tax Center Doors Open 27 Jan 2014 Walk-in services daily! All uniformed military personnel (with spouses, if filing jointly) will receive priority from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Monday - Friday.
AIT STUDENTS GET PRIORITY! * RETIREES ARE WELCOME! Upon arrival at the tax center, personnel will do their best to provide you with an approximate wait time. *Your patience is very much appreciated. Office Hours: Monday - Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Location: Courtyard Pool Operations Center, Building 36708, Brainard Avenue (Next to Teresa’s Restaurant). Phone Number: 706-787-1040
What to Bring? • • • • • • • •
Military ID Cards SS Cards/ITIN Letters for Taxpayers, Spouse, and Dependents All W-2s, 1099s, 1098s, etc. Power of attorney for deployed spouses Documents for deductible expenses Voided check for direct deposit Last year’s Tax Return Dependent care provider’s EIN # th th
706 and 707 Book Club
If you need a power of attorney please contact the Legal Assistance office at 706-7917812/7813. They are located at 419 B Street (next to Godfather’s Pizza).
706th & 707th Kid's Music & Movement Class
January - April 2014 Celebrations! New Year's Day, Wednesday, 1 of January Martin Luther King Day, Monday, 20 of Jan Lincoln's Birthday, Wednesday, 12 of Feb Valentine's Day, Friday, 14 of February Presidents Day and Washington's Birthday, Monday, 17 of February Daylight Saving Start, Sunday, 11 of March
Each Thursday, from 10:00 -11:30 A.M. At Balfour Beatty Communities, 155 3rd Avenue, Fort Gordon (Olive Terrace Housing Area)
Kinder Music is about kids and parents coming together and having a great time! Our music and movement parent and child music class is a wonderful educational experience for your little one. Children sing, dance, play instruments, shake eggs, beat drums, clap, tap, laugh, skip, jump, pretend and learn! While doing so they develop their rhythm, pitch and melody, language skills, motor coordination, interpersonal skills, cultural awareness and preschool readiness!
St. Patrick's Day, Monday, 17 of March April Fool's Day, Tuesday, 1 of April Good Friday, Friday, 18 of April Easter, Sunday, 20 of April
Research has shown that children who receive early music instruction have increased overall academic achievement. But more importantly ....it is just good old fashioned FUN! For children newborn to 4 years old. For more
information please call 706-799-3693 or 303-842-2004
706th & 707th FRG Leaders
706th and 707th FRG Book Club The 1st Saturday of the month, 10:30 a.m. at different locations. Please come and have a coffee and discuss our latest read! For more information contact Monique Laracuente, 706th MI GRP, HHD FRG Leader at 910-580-5957 or monique.laracuente@gmail.com and Mrs. Hope John, 707th MI BN Event Coordinator at 303-842-2004 or knittygritty21@yahoo.com.
HHD ~ Monique Laracuente, FRG Leader 910-580-5957 or monique.laracuente@gmail.com HHC ~ Ree Lee, FRG Leader 253-686-8515 or 123lee@hotmail.com B CO ~ Teresa Varela, FRG Leader teressa.varela@gmail.com ALPHA CO ~ SPC Jefferson michael.l.jefferson30.mil@mail.mil 706th & 707th Family Readiness Programs 762-206-9663 or elizabeth.x.acevedo.civ@mail.mil
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Fort Gordon Upcoming Events Local Upcoming Events Fort Gordon Commissary Holiday Hours *The Commissary will be open Monday, 23 December from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Christmas Eve, from 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. and Tuesday 31, New Year's Eve, from 9:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.
FORT GORDON NEW “RED BOX” Red Box rentals are now available for families to pick up at either kiosk located at the Gate 1 Express or Main Exchange. The Army & Air Force Exchange Service looks to offer affordable and convenient ways to rent DVDs and video games, making it easier to return rentals on or off the installation with Red Box.
Fort Gordon Thrift shop The Fort Gordon Thrift Shop is open for anyone to shop 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Consignment for DoD ID holders is 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Also open the first Saturday of each month 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. There is a wide selection of furniture, toys, books, electronics and clothing, in need of donations. Follow 40th Street to right, located behind the Main Exchange. Go to www.facebook.com/ftgordon.thrift or call 791-2779.
Post prepares for Dec. 28 power down
Fort Gordon Morale Call September 20, 4:00~7:00 P.M. at the Courtyard (Next to Teresa’s Mexican Restaurant). Bring your Right Arm or your Boss for a free night of food, fun and dancing! All genres of music by Tony Howard. All Servicemembers are welcome!
A post-wide power outage will take place December 28 for approximately seven hours starting at 9:00 a.m. to allow Georgia Power to make improvements to the installation’s power substation, but that doesn’t mean service members and their families have to be kept in the dark. By planning ahead and taking precautionary measures a day without power doesn’t have to mean a day of disaster. There will be running water but it may not be hot. Fort Gordon officials recommend that military families who reside off the installation postpone visits to the post that day until after power is restored. They further recommend that residents of the installation plan now to reschedule holiday visits to their homes during the outage.
Fort Gordon Website http://www.gordon.army.mil FORT GORDON HOLIDAY RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES
AUTOMATED INSTALLATION ENTRY SECURITY SYSTEM (AIE) TO BE OPERATIONAL IN 2014 The AIE security system is ready at Fort Gordon to begin Jan 2014 and will mark a change in the way access is granted to the installation. A simple swipe of a registered identification card at an access control point such as Gate 1, 2, 3, or 5 will result in the ability to accurately verify DoD identification cards via the DEER System and driver’s licenses via state formats by way of an individual’s DoD ID card or state driver’s license. 100% registration into the system is required by those who need regular access to Fort Gordon. The ID’s will automatically be checked against Fort Gordon and state and national restricted access lists. As Fort Gordon prepares for the use of AIE in the next 90 days there is ample time to register. Registration locations include the MP section in Darling Hall, building 33720, room 151; the visitor control center at Gate 1, bldg 75. AIE
Happy Holidays!
CATHOLIC SERVICES, Bldg 29608, Good Shepherd Chapel (GSC)
DEC 24th @ 4:00 pm, Children’s MASS DEC 24th @ 6:00 pm, Spanish MASS DEC 24th @ Midnight MASS DEC 25th @ 8:30 & 10:00 a.m., Christmas Day MASS DEC 31th @ 12:00 a.m., Midnight MASS at Bicentennial Chapel JAN 1st @ 8:30 & 10:00 am, New Year’s Day MASS, GSC PROTESTANT SERVICES, Bldg 28414, Bicentennial Chapel DEC 24th @ 7:00 pm, Community Christmas Eve Service GOSPEL SERVICES, Bldg 29608, Good Shepherd Chapel DEC 25th @ 12:00 Noon, Christmas Day Service Contemporary Services at 9:00 Barnes Avenue Chapel WICCAN, Pagan Services at the Religious Support Office and Latter Day Saints Services at Barnes Avenue Friendship Chapel will be cancelled during Block Leave. For more information visit Fort Gordon Garrison website.
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Things To Do…
Vacations*Military Discounts
Augusta First Friday On the First Friday of each month a celebration is held downtown on Artists' Row - extending from 7th to 12th Street. Augusta invite you to visit First Friday and return to enjoy our music, food, museums, antiques and attractions. First Friday is a free, monthly, family friendly event in Augusta downtown.
Coca Cola Armed Forces Appreciation ~ All active and retired members of the Armed Forces will receive complimentary admission to the World of CocaCola. http://www.worldofcoca-cola.com/armedforcesappreciation.htm Walt Disney World Resort ~ “Salutes the U.S military” visit the following link for more information www.disneyworld.com/military Sea World /Bush Gardens ~ are still offering Salute to our Heroes with One free admission to one of their theme parks for Active duty/retired personnel and family members. Visit www.herosalute.com o register.
http://www.augustaarts.com/firstfriday.htm
Universal Studios’ Orlando ~ discounted tickets for Military and Family members. Visit us at http://www.universalorlando.com/military The Armed Forces Vacation Club ~ offers affordable military vacations around the world for military personnel and their families. More information at www.afvclub.com
The AFVC is a "Space Available" program that offers military and other DoD - affiliated personnel the opportunity to enjoy vacations at popular destinations around the world - for the incredibly low price of just $369* USD per unit, per week. The program is available to all active and retired members of the Armed Forces, Department of Defense employees and select civilian employees in military support roles. www.afvclub.com
Great Wolf Lodge Indoor Water Park Resort ~ Heroes Always receive 20% of the best rates, and a special salute to all Servicemembers! http://www.greatwolf.com/concord/waterpark MWR Resorts ~ For Soldiers, Families, Retirees and Civilians. For more information please visit http://www.armymwr.com
Recreational Parks
Fort Gordon Upcoming Events
Stone Mountain Park, GA. www.stonemountainpark.com Carowinds, Charlotte, N.C. http://www.carowinds.com Six Flags, Atlanta, GA www.sixflags.com Atlanta, Georgia Aquarium www.georgiaaquarium.org Riverbanks Zoo & Garden http://www.riverbanks.org Splash in the Boro! http://www.splashintheboro.com
www.fortgordon.com
Lights of the South For more information call 706-541-1057 or visit: Pointes West Army Resort
November 20~December 30, OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK, from 6:00 -10:00 p.m., Augusta, 633 Louisville Road. Light displays, hay rides, Santa and holiday treats. Cost: $7.50, $4.00 ages 4-17. (706) 825-6441. For more detail information go to www.lightsofthesouth.com.
Receive Fort Gordon up-to-date information on your cell phone by texting MWR to the number 82672!
Local-CSRA Things To Do Links
Is an Armed Forces Recreation Center located on Walt Disney World property.
Fort Gordon Events ~ http://www.fortgordon.com Augusta Events ~ http://www.augustaga.org/visitors/events Augusta Kidz Place ~ http://appweb.augustaga.gov/kidz/kidz.html James Brown Arena ~ http://augustaentertainmentcomplex.com Visit Atlanta! ~ http://www.atlantaga.gov Savannah, GA ~ http://savannahvisit.com/
Eligibility: Active Duty, Reserve, National Guard, AD Retired, DoD Civilians & Families. Rates are based upon rank/pay grade For more information visit; www.shadesofgreen.org
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