September 2009 Fort Lewis Focus

FOCUS Fort Lewis MWR fun, food, travel & well-being guide.

Army Family Action Plan

Help improve the quality of life at Fort Lewis and throughout the Army

TURN CANS INTO CASH

Your unit can win $500 and more with the Aluminum Can Challenge

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Explore unlimited possibilities for kids with the fall SKIES schedule

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SPICE UP YOUR WEEKEND WITH FREE SALSA LESSONS XTREME MOUNTAIN BIKE RACE

SPORTS LOUNGE

SPORTS LOUNGE AT CASCADE COMMUNITY CENTER

FortLewisMWR.com

FORT LEWIS ESTABLISHED 1917

Big-screen football action, page 6

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Fort Lewis Focus

12/22/08 2:10:27 PM

September 2009

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This issue provides information on how you can get involved with the Army Family Action Plan to resolve any concerns and/or issues you have with Army life. The BOSS program was created from an AFAP concern, and your concern could also result in improving the quality of life of Soldiers and Families at Fort Lewis and throughout the Army.

To sports fans, fall means one thing – football. Check out the pigskin action on the big screen at Heroes Sports Lounge. If you prefer to be a part of the action, Fort Lewis Sports, Fitness & Aquatics branch is hosting the Army Half-Marathon and the Xtreme Mountain Bike Race this month. Women’s soccer and six-foot & under basketball intramural teams are also forming.

For those who love the outdoors, the Northwest Adventure Center offers trips each weekend that will let you enjoy and appreciate the fall foliage, cooler weather and wildlife.

Don’t forget to share your comments and suggestions as you use MWR facilities and programs.Visit https://ice.disa.mil or stop by one of the Army OneStop kiosks to submit your thoughts. Thank you for your patronage.

Sincerely, William E. Harvey

FOCUS

FREE lifeguard training

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FROM THE COVER Photo by Family & Morale,Welfare and Recreation Command

Army Family Action Plan Share your concerns about Army life to make a difference at Fort Lewis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Online survey NFL action at Heroes Sports Lounge

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Table of contents

Sports opportunities & outdoor fun

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FREE salsa lessons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Two-wheeled action with the Xtreme Mountain Bike Race . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Win $500 Recycle your unit’s aluminum cans and win cash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 SKIES Unlimited Youth Academy . . . .17 FOOD AND FUN Football on the big screen . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Labor Day weekend fun Ladies Night, door prizes, contests for cash, Late Nighter & more at Club North . . . . . . . . . . 7 FABULOUS TRAVEL Outdoor fall fun with ITT and the Northwest Adventure Center . . . . . . . . . . 9 FITNESS AND WELL-BEING Lose weight & feel great with help from a certified trainer and instructional classes (all FREE!) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Domestic violence awareness and prevention conference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

FAMILY Child, Youth & School Services Youth sports and child care discounts . . . . . . . . 16 FINANCE AND EDUCATION Library card sign up month . Now all you need is your military ID! . . . . . . .18 FEEDBACK Customer Service Assessment . . . . . . . 21 FMWR PHONE LISTINGS . . . . . . . . . . 22

Fort Lewis

Director, FMWR William E. Harvey

Marketing director Katrina McConnell

Editor

Kimberly Rowe

Senior writer/copy editor Kate Mullinax

Contributing photographers Minerva Hohaia and Song Jordan

Fort Lewis Directorate of Family & Morale, Welfare and Recreation For commercial sponsorship or advertising inquiries, please contact: Carly Jackson at 253.966.2256 or 253.203.8088; carly.jackson@us.army.mil The Fort Lewis “FOCUS” is an unofficial information source published monthly by FMWR. All activities described herein are subject to change.

Contact the activity for confirmation. Activities described herein are open to authorized patrons and, where applicable, guests. Opinions are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent FMWR, Fort Lewis or any U.S. government entity. The use of a commercial sponsor logo or mention of a commercial sponsor or other

organization does not constitute U.S. government endorsement. Submissions are welcome but may be edited for accuracy, clarity and style. FMWR Marketing is located at Building 2013B, N. 3rd St., Fort Lewis, Wash. Mailing address: Box 339500 MS 20, Fort Lewis, WA 98433-9500 Phone: 253-967-5200/DSN 357-5200.

Visit Fort Lewis MWR online at FortLewisMWR.com or search for Fort Lewis MWR on Facebook,Twitter and MySpace.

FortLewisMWR.com

3

Feature

Got issues with Army life?

You have the power to help shape Army policy. The Army Family Action Plan is listening and is here to help create solutions. Be a part of the solution, and let AFAP work for you. Let your voice be heard by Friday, Sept. 11.

There are three ways you can help: Become a delegate, submit issues or volunteer to work next month’s Army Family Action Plan conference. For details on how you can get involved, call the AFAP Office at 253-967-2382.

By Kate Mullinax

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Have you ever thought, “If the Army would just ask me how to fix this problem, I could tell them!”? The AFAP Program gives you the chance to do just that.

AFAP is a grass-roots program the Army put in place to ensure that the standards of living in the Army keep pace with changing times – and the times they are a changin’.

AFAP gives Soldiers, retirees, DA civilians and their families the opportunity to let Army leadership know what is working, what isn’t and their ideas

4

Fort Lewis Focus

about what will fix it. Through AFAP, you have the opportunity to improve life throughout the Army as well as your standard of living on Fort Lewis.

“AFAP is one of the best programs out there,” explains Army Family Team Building Manager Christine Swift. “It gives Soldiers, DA civilians, retirees and their families a proactive voice to make positive changes toward improving the quality of life in the Department of the Army and beyond to the Department of Defense. The leadership will not know if something needs to be changed or improved upon unless the delegates stand up and speak for themselves.

AFAP gives them that voice.”

Since 1983, AFAP has been the driving force behind hundreds of Army policy changes and program improvements.

What are examples of AFAP issues?

In the history of AFAP, 651 issues have been received at DA. Of those, 84 are still active, 442 have been completed and 120 were deemed unattainable. There have been 110 legislative changes, 155 DoD or Army policy/ regulatory changes and 177 improved programs or services/funding. Changes include the following: • TRICARE for Life • Military Savings Plan • Chiropractic care for active duty • DoD Reserve Component family

September 2009

AFAP Frequently Asked Questions Is my issue an AFAP issue?

Check your issue against the AFAP issue checklist. Does your issue: • Relate to a well-being concern within Fort Lewis, the Department of the Army or Department of Defense?

• Surface and troubleshoot problem areas?

• Present a realistic solution or a creative alternative?

• Have broad impact on Soldiers and their families?

• Appear attainable after considering current political and resource environments?

AFAP issue submission tips Be specific. You don’t have to include great detail, but the more detail you provide the better AFAP can address your

Submit issues Everyone can’t be a delegate, so the next best thing is to submit your issues. Tell AFAP what your concerns are and what you think should be done opinion. to address them.

“

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and then write the issue so that it can be presented to the Fort Lewis leadership at the outbrief on the last day of the conference. Contact the AFAP Program Manager at 253-967-3689.

or call 253-967-3689. The deadline for submissions is Friday, Sept. 11.

Don’t hesitate to voice your It just might be the solution the Army is looking for!

issue. It’s not mandatory that you include your name or phone number. However, sometimes AFAP may need more information or clarification and may need to contact the individual submitting the issue. This can only be done if you provide that information. A first name and phone number or e-mail address is sufficient.

Make suggestions for improvements.

Your suggestions will help to clarify your issue. All issues are considered, but remember it may take time for the results of your issue to be seen. You may always follow up on an issue through the AFAP Office. If you would like to confirm that your issue was received by the AFAP Program Manager, call the AFAP Office at 253-967-2382. Don’t hesitate to voice your opinion. It just might be the solution the Army is looking for!

Be a part of the AFAP process There are three ways you can be a part of the AFAP process for Fort Lewis Wednesday, Oct. 14 and Thursday, Oct. 15 at the Stone Education Center.

Be a delegate Are you someone who desires to make a difference? Are you ready to be a part of improving the lives of Soldiers, retirees, DA civilians I know my issue is an AFAP issue. How and their family members? Then you are and when do I submit it? a good AFAP delegate candidate.

Go to FortLewisMWR.com and click As a delegate, you not only represent on the green “submit your issue” box your community, you represent the Army. Delegates are placed into work groups to In 1997, the Army Family Action Plan developed the first discuss issues that policy for the Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers Program. are submitted to Since then, the Fort Lewis BOSS program has worked continuthe conference. ally to improve all aspects of life as a single Soldier. Participate, You prioritize the don’t hesitate! For BOSS event information, see page 8. top three issues

Volunteer to work the conference The AFAP Conference is run by volunteers who care about the community and want to improve the quality of life across the Army. Volunteer to be a part the process and share in the success.

Feature

member ID card was established • Vehicle can be stored at government expense when a Soldier is reassigned to an area where shipment is not authorized • Family Readiness Groups were institutionalized • Informational and interactive Web sites have been established to address retirement information and planning, employment opportunities and application and enlisted Soldier assignments • Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance was increased from $50,000 to $400,000 • Thrift Savings Plan for military was implemented • Family Readiness Support Assistants became funded positions, and FRSAs were hired at the battalion level • Programs like Army Family Team Building and Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers were created

FMWR’s

Focal Point

By Song Jordan

Q:

What issue would you like to see resolved at the Fort Lewis AFAP Conference?

“They need to supply more employees at CYSS Central Registration. It takes too long to register.”

– Ranisha

Remice, spouse

“I would like to see AAFES have sales around pay day. I think it would benefit young Soldiers and their families.”

– Master Sgt. Nicolas Cabrera

“I notice that the gas prices on post do not match gas prices off post.”

– Bud Gonzales, retiree

FortLewisMWR.com

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Food & fun

Fall brings you nightlife, football For the creative type Shop at the Fort Lewis Arts & Crafts Center to find thoughtful, one-of-a-kind gift ideas for anyone in your life. With screenprinting services, handbags, Tshirts, coffee mugs and more can be personalized with a favorite photo of your loved one, little one or four-legged one.

Engraving services are also available for hail-and-farewell gifts, plaques and more.

Unit crests and more can be etched onto drinking glasses to make a perfect table gift at your unit’s holiday party.

For the outdoor enthusiast Check out the 10-station shooting course Saturday, Sept. 5 at the Outdoor Recreation Shotgun Shooting Complex’s monthly Sporting Clays Fun Shoot. Shooting station, targets and

trapper are provided for $30. Sign up begins at 9:30 a.m., and the event begins at 10:30 a.m. For more information call 253-967-7056.

Entertainment options With Sunday Night Football beginning Sept. 13, Heroes Sports Lounge is the place for pigskin action. Enjoy hot food and cold drinks while you watch the season’s biggest NFL games on six 42-inch and two 50-inch plasma TVs. The lounge, which is located inside the Cascade

Salsa dance into fall Dance the night away with free salsa and merengue dance lessons each Friday at Latin Sensations. Learn the moves of merengue, salsa, bachata and cha-cha dance lessons from 9 to 11 p.m. The club has a $5 cover charge. Dance lessons are free. Latin Sensations is located inside Madigan Café, which is open for breakfast and lunch during the week. For additional information, call 253-964-4054.

Song Jordan

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Fort Lewis Focus

Community Center, opens at 10 a.m. each Sunday, and happy hour is from 1 to 3 p.m. Heroes is also open for your TV-viewing enjoyment Monday through Thursday from 4:30 to 9 p.m. and Friday from 3 to 9 p.m.

Stop by today and try your luck at bingo. Machine play is available at Heroes Sports Lounge and electronic handheld bingo is available at Bowl Arena. Bet five cents to $1 per card as you play to win great prizes.

See your favorite band in concert with help from Information, Tickets & Tours. As an authorized TicketMaster location, reserved seats to shows in the Puyallup Fair concert series are available for purchase. Shows are Puyallup Pro Rodeo with Jason Aldean, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Rodney Atkins with Julianne Hough, Coheed and Cambria / Brand New with Jaguar Love, Newsboys, NeYo, James Taylor Band, Fiestas Patrias, Wynonna with Tacoma Symphony Music

September 2009

on the big screen & more

Food & fun

ngwriter Singer/so will be at Hope Mallar y acility Dining F the 593rd ay, Sept. 2 Wednesd a.m. at 11:30

You could win $100 in a dance contest – or $50 in the tightest jeans contest – at Club North’s Ladies Night Friday, Sept. 4. Pack the dance floor from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. Club North has a full schedule of activities to keep you having fun this Labor Day weekend.

Director Harvey Felder, Sixties Spectacular, Heart, Dave Koz and Brian Culbertson, side by side with special guest Peabo Bryson, LeAnn Rimes with Joey + Rory, Third Day / Toby Mac and Disney’s High School Musical Summer Celebration. For ticket prices and concert dates and times, call the ITT Office.

hip-hop music will be jamming from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. You could win a great door prize from taking to the stage during the Open Mic segment. Bring your talent – comedy, song, etc. – to the stage from 10 to 11 p.m.

For contact information, see page 22.

The Cascade Community Center will host Family Night Monday, Sept.

24 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Soldiers and families are invited to enjoy dinner, free games and fun activities.

Space is limited, so make reservations with the Cascade Community Center.

Looking for a place to eat lunch?

Look no further than Fort Lewis MWR for a good lunch at a low price. Grill items, lunch baskets and onthe-go favorites available.

Party up at Club North If you’re looking to have fun with your friends this Labor Day weekend, look no further than North Fort Lewis’ Club North.

A special Ladies Night is Friday, Sept. 4. The music will blast from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. Win $50 in the tightest jeans contest, and enter the dance contest as an individual or a crew for a chance to win $100.

This month’s Birthday Jam is Saturday, Sept. 5. If you celebrate a birthday in September, enjoy no cover charge, a free birthday pie – pizza pie, that is – and enter into a birthday gift drawing for a great birthday surprise.

End the holiday weekend with a Late Nighter Sunday, Sept. 6. The R&B and

Dining options close to home

Adult mixed-leagues for all levels meet Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday evenings. The youth meets Saturday mornings at 10.

Fall flea market Recycle your unwanted items at the Fall Flea Market, Saturday, Oct. 17 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at American Lake Community Center. To reserve your table and make payment, call 253-967-6772.

For facility locations and contact information, see page 22.

Striiike! Fall leagues forming now Leagues at Bowl Arena are a great way to make new friends, get together with old friends and have fun indoors.

FortLewisMWR.com

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Food and fun

Put on your poker face & win big

Texas Hold ‘em tourney Six dollars gets you a seat at the Texas Hold ‘Em table Thursdays through Sept. 24 at Club North at 6:30 p.m. The weekly winner goes home with a $50 Visa card. The tournament grand prize winner will win a trip for two to Las Vegas valued at $800. Buy-in is weekly.

Oktoberfest

Celebrity sightings at the PX

Join MWR in the big tent behind Bowl Arena Lanes (12th & Liggett) for a threeday Oktoberfest celebration. Enjoy live entertainment and German food.

Opening ceremony festivities kick off Friday, Oct.9 at 5 p.m. For more information call 253-967-5776.

Meet and Greet with The Wizard Crew, part of the smash hit show “Deadliest Catch.” Captain Keith Colburn of Redmond has served at the helm of the Wizard for the last 14 years. The Wizard is a World War II-era ship that was converted into a fishing vessel in 1978.

The boat, a perennial top-five producer, is one of the largest vessels in the fleet at 155 feet in length. (date and time to be announced)

Oktoberfest activities: Friday, Oct. 9: 5 to 11 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 10: noon to 11 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 11: noon to 4 p.m.

BOSS wants you to get involved

Designed to be the collective voice of the single Soldier, the BOSS Program provides opportunities to actively participate in improving morale, increasing self-sufficiency and assisting in the development of tomorrow’s leaders.

Participation in the Fort Lewis BOSS Program is open to all ranks and all MWR-eligible patrons. For details call 253-967-5636.

Designated driver van If you’re going out to the clubs on post this weekend, take advantage of the BOSS designated driver van. The van is operated by volunteer Soldiers Fridays and Saturdays from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. transporting Soldiers between the on-post clubs and barracks. For a safe, no-questionsasked ride, call 253-208-9169. Want to be a driver? Call the BOSS Team.

SM

Team Lewis Night Join Soldiers and civilian employees at Team Lewis Night Friday, Sept. 18 at the Cascade Community Center from 3 to 6 p.m. Enjoy free food and play fun games for a chance to win great prizes.

You must be at least 18 to attend.

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Fort Lewis Focus

The Fort Lewis Installation BOSS representatives are Sgt. Stephanie Bañuelos, Spec.William Bell and PFC Jennifer Szephegyi. For additional information, call 253-967-5636. I. A.M. STRONG is the Army’s Prevention of Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault Program.

Terry Brooks made his debut in 1977 with his first novel “The Sword of Shannara,” which became the first fantasy book to appear on the New York Times best-sellers list. Perhaps one of his greatest accomplishments was writing the Star Wars Episode 1 book “The Phantom Menace.” (Tuesday, Sept. 22 at 2 p.m. at the Fort Lewis PX) Meet four members of the Tennessee Titans cheerleading squad and take home a free signed poster. (Saturday, Oct. 3 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the McChord BX; noon to 2 p.m. at the Fort Lewis PX) Best-selling authors Mark Victor Hansen (co-creator of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series) and Robert G.Allen are back following their mega-hit “The One Minute Millionaire” with new strategies to generate cash quickly. In this much-anticipated and timely sequel, Hansen and Allen provide a revolutionary approach to financial freedom – now. (Tuesday, Oct. 6 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at McChord BX; 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the Fort Lewis PX) Come out and meet author Alan Jacobson. He spent five years researching and working with the FBI to find behind-the-scenes material for stories and characters in his new crime novels.

Titles include “The Hunted” and “False Accusations,” a USA Today best-selling book. (Sunday, Oct. 11 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the McChord BX; 1 to 2 p.m. at the Fort Lewis PX) With No. 1 hits such as “Follow Me” and “Drift Away,” Uncle Kracker has sold more than 3 million combined albums in the U.S. His latest album “Happy Hour” is a breezy blend of country-flavored pop and rock ‘n’ roll.

He will be signing copies of his new CD “Happy Hour.” (Tuesday, Oct. 20 at 4 p.m. at the Fort Lewis PX) Dates and times are subject to change or cancellation.

Verify celebrity visits with AAFES.

September 2009

Experience the majestic Pacific Northwest – from downtown Seattle to Mount Rainier to the coast – with MWR

Fabulous travel

Have fun this fall

Introduction to sea kayaking Interested in kayaking but need to learn the basic skills or refresh rusty ones? Join the NAC for a safe and fun kayak adventure on American Lake! The class will get you started with the proper techniques – strokes, turns, equipment and launching/ landing – and will build a solid foundation so that you can enjoy kayaking for years to come. Equipment will be provided. (Saturday, Sept. 19)

FortLewisMWR.com

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Wet Planet

Fabulous travel

Unforgettable outdoor adventures with the NAC

Whitewater raft Tieton River

Introduction to mountain biking

Discover Mount St. Helens

When most other rivers in the Pacific Northwest have run out of water, the Tieton River provides for an excellent season finale. The yearly release of water from Rim Rock Lake each September turns the Tieton River into a big wave, class III+ roller coaster. With steep gradient and guaranteed water, a whitewater Tieton River trip offers non-stop action from start to finish.

(Saturday, Sept. 5)

Join the Outdoor Recreation adventure guides for this instructional ride designed for beginners looking to try something new. You will learn mountain-biking basics and have plenty of time to work on your newfound skills. Bike, helmet, gloves and transportation are provided. Location will be determined based on weather conditions.

(Saturday, Sept. 12)

Experience firsthand the volcano responsible for the deadliest and most economically destructive volcanic event in the history of the U.S. Explore the beauty and natural history of Mount St. Helens – visit two visitor centers, interpretive trails and stare straight into the huge crater left by the 1980 blast. Guide, visitor center admission and transportation provided.

(Sunday, Sept. 27)

Outdoor adventure trip

Date

Price

Description

Time

Details

Whitewater raft Tieton River Coal Creek Falls hike Bremerton Blackberry Festival Sea kayak McMiken Island Bungee jumping Hike Nisqually Wildlife Refuge Introduction to mountain biking Horseback riding Ape Cave adventures Rainier Mountain Festival Introduction to sea kayaking Hike Naches Peak loop Westport bottom fishing Whitewater raft White Salmon River Mountain bike Skookum Flats Bungee jumping Mountain bike Capitol Forest Crabbing at Westport Horseback riding Discover Mount St. Helens

Saturday, Sept. 5 Saturday, Sept. 5 Sunday, Sept. 6 Sunday, Sept. 6 Monday, Sept. 7 Saturday, Sept. 12 Saturday, Sept. 12 Saturday, Sept. 12 Sunday, Sept. 13 Sunday, Sept. 13 Saturday, Sept. 19 Saturday, Sept. 19 Saturday, Sept. 19 Sunday, Sept. 20 Sunday, Sept. 20 Saturday, Sept. 26 Saturday, Sept. 26 Saturday, Sept. 26 Sunday, Sept. 27 Sunday, Sept. 27

$75 $20 $10 $40 $125 $20 $25 $70 $30 $15 $36 $25 $96 $75 $30 $125 $30 $30 $70 $30

Non-stop whitewater action & barbecue Five-mile hike on Cougar Mountain Food tasting, entertainment and more Paddle, hike state park and lunch Jump twice from highest U.S. bungee bridge Photo opportunities on two-mile hike Designed for beginners to learn skills Two-hour afternoon guided ride Explore 2,000-year-old lava flow Demonstrations, book signings, gear sale Learn proper techniques safely Hike through fall tundra Fish on the Ranger rain or shine Legendary 10-foot plunge & barbecue Build your skills on this 10-mile ride Jump twice from highest U.S. bungee bridge Hitch a ride for this muddy adventure Catch, identify and cook crabs Two-hour afternoon guided ride Explore beauty & history of volcano

9:30 a.m.

9 a.m.

9 a.m.

9 a.m.

8:30 a.m.

9 a.m.

9 a.m.

9:30 a.m.

8 a.m.

9 a.m.

9 a.m.

9 a.m.

4 a.m.

9:30 a.m.

8 a.m.

8:30 a.m.

8 a.m.

9 a.m.

9:30 a.m.

9 a.m.

Minimum age: 10 Minimum age: 12

Minimum weight: 90 lbs ages 0-3: free ages 4-12: $10

Gear included Minimum age: 7

Fishing gear provided Minimum age: 10 Minimum age: 16 Minimum age: 16 Minimum age: 16

Minimum age: 7 ages 0-6: free ages 7-15: $20

This trip can especially accommodate people with special needs.

Popular Family trip.

Pre-registration required.Trips subject to change without notice. Schedule a private trip; group rates may apply. For additional registration information, call 253-967-6263.

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Fort Lewis Focus

September 2009

Fabulous travel

Plan an amazing trip with help from Information,Tickets & Tours The world awaits you through the doors of ITT. Explore the Olympic Peninsula, which offers miles of puzzle-like shorelines, alpine meadows crowned with glaciers and dense rainforest. Enjoy the nearly one million acres of Olympic National Park. Ride a horse-drawn carriage amid the beautiful flowers of Victoria, B.C. Plan a local day trip or overnight adventure with your family, friends or FRG. Plan a cruise to Alaska or the Bahamas.

Cruise from downtown Seattle to downtown Victoria, B.C. on the Victoria Clipper. You may see whales or other sea life on the cruise, and spend the day in Victoria visiting Crystal Gardens, go to high tea, shop and more. Packages are available at ITT. Find out more information about Universal Orlando’s Military Salute and Anheuser-Busch’s Here’s to the Heroes from ITT’s customer service agents. ITT also offers discounted admission tickets to various local events and attractions.

If you’re heading out of town and need a ride to SeaTac Airport, the Fort Lewis-McChord Airporter can take you there. Call 360-876-1737 for shuttle reservations.

Start planning your next vacation today!

To book your next vacation or weekend getaway, call ITT at 253-967-3085. To see a complete list of worldwide travel opportunities, visit the Fort Lewis MWR Travel Web site at fortlewis.mwrtvl.com.

Located at the Fort Lewis PX customer service counter, ITT offers event and attraction information, tickets and reservation services. ITT is an authorized TicketMaster location.

The Olympic Peninsula

www.NWMSRocks.com 1.888.286.8034

FortLewisMWR.com

11

Fitness & well-being

Stay active, challenge yourself with races and intramural sports 3rd Annual Army Half-Marathon In addition to the 13.1-mile race, this year’s event also features two new distances to make it fun for the entire family. People of all ages will enjoy the 5K distance, and children 4 to 9 may enter the 1K Fun Run. Late registration closes Wednesday, Sept. 9, and forms are available at Fort Lewis Sports & Fitness facilities and at FortLewisMWR.com.

Xtreme Mountain Bike Race Come join the fun and excitement of mountain bike racing right in your backyard Saturday, Oct. 3. The action starts at 9 a.m. on Fort Lewis near Soldiers Field House.

Registration & entry fees

Active duty military, military family members and military retirees: $5 Other DoD ID cardholders: $10 Civilian/non-DoD ID cardholders: $20

There is an additional $10 fee for registering after Wednesday, Sept. 23. Late

registration closes Wednesday, Sept. 30.

Registration forms are available at Fort Lewis sports and fitness facilities and at FortLewisMWR.com.

Categories There will be three categories of races: recreational for the first time rider who wants a relaxed race – one lap on the 7.5K course; beginner, which is designed for the entry-level rider – two laps on the 7.5K course; and sport, which reflects improved skills and developed strength and stamina – four laps on the 7.5K course.

Soccer, basketball leagues forming Sports, Fitness & Aquatics will hold a meeting for women’s fall soccer Tuesday, Sept. 8 at 2 p.m. at Cowan Stadium.

A meeting for the six-foot and under basketball league is Wednesday, Sept. 16 at 2 p.m. in Soldiers Field House. Team representatives and individuals wishing to join a team should plan to attend.

Lewis-McChord Communities just the place™ ...

Minerva Hohaia

Riders of all levels are invited to register for the Saturday, Oct. 3 Xtreme Mountain Bike Race.

Free lifeguard training Fall lifeguards are needed at Fort Lewis MWR pools. Free Red Cross water safety certification is provided.

For details, call 253-967-5390.

For event details or information on classes or fitness trainers, call the Sports Administration Office at 253-967-2604. For sports and fitness facility locations, see page 22.

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Fort Lewis Focus

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September 2009

Fitness & well-being

Get fit & lead a healthy lifestyle Free fitness training & classes

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Take advantage of the free group fitness training sessions and fitness classes offered by Fort Lewis Sports, Fitness & Aquatics. Fitness trainers and instructors can help you shape up and feel great!

Classes include cardio training, yoga, aerobics, U.S. Army physical readiness training and group sessions. Additional services include fitness analysis, personalized workout plans, progression recording, exercise modifications and plateaubreaking workouts. Free MicroFit fitness assessments are available (body fat, flexibility, strength, aerobic fitness and blood pressure).To schedule, call 253-966-3757. Jensen Family Health and Fitness Center offers free on-site childcare for children six weeks to 12 years. For hours and details, call 253-967-1254.

A physician’s release may be required as a prerequisite for participation in the free group fitness training program.

Check with your doctor and begin the adventure of a lifetime into the wonderful world of improved fitness and well-being. Call 253-966-2638 or 253-967-5975 to schedule a session with a certified trainer.

High blood cholesterol prevention Maintaining healthy cholesterol levels reduces the risk of developing heart disease, and people of all ages can do so by monitoring the following: Diet Maintain a healthy diet. Certain foods have types of fat – saturated fat, trans fat and dietary cholesterol – that can raise your cholesterol level. Saturated fats come from animal fat and some vegetable oils, and trans fat is made when vegetable oil is hydrogenated.

Foods such as egg yolks, meat and dairy

Minerva Hohaia

Fitness trainers can create a workout plan to get you into shape. Also take advantage of free classes including yoga and cardio kickboxing.

For a schedule, go to the Sports & Fitness page at FortLewisMWR.com.

products contain dietary cholesterol.

Soluble fiber and other types of fats – monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats – can help lower blood cholesterol levels.

Weight Being overweight tends to increase total cholesterol level. Fort Lewis fitness trainers can assess your body composition and help you get to, and maintain, a healthy weight.

Physical activity With many on-post sports and fitness centers and a variety of fitness classes to choose from, it’s

easy to maintain a schedule of regular exercise.

Other factors High blood cholesterol can be an inherited genetic condition, and age and sex also factor into the equation.

What else can you do? Because there are usually no signs of high blood cholesterol, it is important to have your levels checked by your doctor.

Information contributed by Chuck Sorbello, I Corps Readiness Outcomes & Wellness Service. Source: Centers for Disease Control

Suicide Prevention Week is Sept. 6-12: Be proactive, supportive, willing to listen Take a public and supportive stance by joining Fort Lewis Soldiers and civilians on a Walk for Life. The annual event steps out for life at 7 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9 from Four Chaplains Memorial Chapel to the Main Post Chapel. A PT warm-up is at 6:30 a.m., and the pre-walk message will be at 6:50 a.m.

Participate to raise awareness, get

involved in people’s lives and talk about how you can prevent suicide.

Call your unit chaplain or the Fort Lewis Office of Suicide Prevention to learn more about how you can help build a “suicide-safer” community. If training is not already available with your unit/directorate or office, ask for suicide prevention and intervention training classes so everyone

can learn what to look for, how to respond and how to save a life.

In addition to prevention and intervention training, the Office of Suicide Prevention offers a variety of resource pamphlets and information.

For details about Suicide Prevention Week, the annual Walk for Life – no more suicides – event, training or resources, call 253-966-4597/0684.

FortLewisMWR.com

13

Fort Lewis recycles

Recycle & your unit could win $500 and 200 Great Wolf Lodge day passes!

By Miriam Easley

I

It’s not too late to join the 90-day Aluminum Can Challenge! Not only will your unit have the chance to win up to $500, but you will also receive revenue generated from recycling the aluminum.

The process is simple: Collect cans, bring them to the Recycle Center (located by the PX and Commissary), give them your unit fund code, and then leave the rest up to them.

You can participate with your unit and help surpass last year’s total of an estimated 78,000 cans. That’s more than one ton of aluminum recycled!

The units are divided into three categories: small, medium and large.

This year the ante has been upped to doubled cash prizes: $500, $300 and $200 will go to the first, second, and third place finishers, respectively, in

14

Fort Lewis Focus

each unit category. In addition to the cash prizes, a special prize will be given to the most consistent recycler of the year – 200 day passes to the Great Wolf Lodge’s indoor water park in Grand Mound.

An award ceremony will be held in November to recognize participants and award the winning units. See how your unit compares to others in the competition at FortLewisMWR.com.

Recycling efforts on Fort Lewis have been consistently growing, and steps have been taken to make it easier for Soldiers, families and employees to recycle and comply with the installation’s mandatory recycling policy. Look for the recycling bins in your building and remind your co-workers and friends to use the service provided. Revenue from recycling has been used to enhance the programs and facilities used by Fort Lewis Soldiers and families. If

you need recycling assistance in your area, call the Installation Sustainability Program at 253-966-1734.

Fort Lewis is dedicated to supporting the Army’s Triple Bottom Line: Mission, Community, Environment.

The 90-Day Aluminum Can Challenge supports one of Fort Lewis’ 25-year sustainability goals: Recycle all material use to achieve zero net-waste by 2025.

The Fort Lewis Recycle Center is open Monday through Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Make every day America Recycles Day. Miriam Easley is the Installation Sustainability Program Manager; miriam.easley@us.army.mil

September 2009

Education & assistance from Army Community Service Fair fun for waiting families

Family

Join the Waiting Families Support Group at the Puyallup Fair Monday, Sept. 14 at 4 p.m. (bring military ID). Registration for the WFSG, which is for family members of active duty Soldiers on unaccompanied tour or extended TDY, is required. To join in the fun at the fair, call 253-967-3633/3550 by Wednesday, Sept. 9.

Newcomers’ Orientation With the Family Advocacy Program, you can improve communication in your marriage, prepare for a deployment or reunion, create a budget, familiarize yourself with Fort Lewis and the Army and more. Free classes include parenting, stress management and family communication.

Domestic abuse prevention: Make the right choice Take a stand against domestic abuse. Attend the Domestic Violence Awareness Conference Wednesday, Oct. 14 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the North Fort Chapel.

There will be a continental breakfast, and breakout speakers will discuss the impact of domestic violence on children; family violence and PTSD; family violence and suicide and the seriousness of strangulation.

This year’s campaign theme, Domestic abuse prevention: Make the right choice, is based on the concept of mobilizing everyone in the community, including bystanders, to change the climate and take positive action for prevention and intervention in issues related to domestic abuse. The registration deadline is Friday, Sept. 25. The event is free. For additional information on the conference or to register, call 253-967-5940.

Relocation Readiness will host a Newcomers’ Orientation Tuesday, Sept.

29 at North Fort Lewis’ American Lake Community Center. The event begins at 8:30 a.m. and includes booths from onand off-post organizations (Child,Youth and School Services, libraries, education services, outdoor recreation and more), complimentary lunch, windshield tour of post and free onsite child care. Registration required; call 253-967-3633/3550.

Common Sense Parenting

Are you tired of having to ask your child three times to do something? Do you wish you could learn how to praise your child more? Common Sense Parenting of Fort Lewis victim advocates provide comprehensive assistance and act as liaisons to and for victims of spouse abuse.

Toddlers and Preschoolers will teach you For assistance, call 253-966-SAFE 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To schedule mandatory training for the to feel in charge of your family in a positive prevention of domestic violence and child abuse or the prevention of sexual assault, call 253-967-5901. way. Held Wednesdays from Sept. 23 to Nov. 4 from 10 a.m. to noon, the Free ACS class Time & date Description Phone number class helps families work and stay together to become strong and Financial briefing Daily; 9 a.m., 1 p.m. * Money management & basic budgeting 253-967-7166 healthy by building on existing par253-967-3628 Family welcome brief What to do your first week on post Tuesdays, 11 a.m. enting skills or learning new ways 253-967-5901 Stress management class Effective stress management tools Tuesdays, 1 p.m. to deal with behavior problems.

253-967-5901 Communication for Families Communication tips for marriage Sept. 1; 9 a.m.

Classes are led by trained facilitaCareTeam training Assist families through greatest sacrifice 253-967-8430 ** Sept. 1; 6:30 p.m. tors committed to helping parents Waiting Families Support Group Sept. 2; 6 p.m.

Families dealing with unaccompanied tour 253-967-3633 create a positive and healthy enReunion workshop Prepare for emotions & expectations Sept. 3; 6 p.m.

253-967-8430 ** vironment in which both children Credit Repair Class How to save money, increase credit score Sept. 9; 9 a.m.

253-966-2244 and parents can thrive.

Pre-deployment workshop Prepare for a deployment Sept. 9; 6 p.m.

253-967-3633 For details or to schedule this Multicultural workshop Learn about American customs & culture Sept. 11; 9 a.m.

253-967-3628 class for a unit or organization, WFSG Puyallup Fair trip Fun at the fair for waiting families Sept. 14, 4 p.m.

253-967-3633 call the New Parent Support Program at 253-967-7409.

Pre-deployment workshop Prepare for a deployment Sept. 17; 1:30 p.m.

253-967-3633 ACS Job Fair Naturalization Ceremony Reunion workshop Common Sense Parenting Car-buying workshop Newcomers’ Orientation

Sept. 18, 10 a.m.

Sept. 18; 2 p.m.

Sept. 22; 1:30 p.m.

Sept. 23, 10 a.m.

Sept. 24, 11 a.m.

Sept. 29, 8:30 a.m.

Learn about job opportunities Celebrate the newest U.S. citizens Prepare for emotions & expectations For parents of toddlers & preschoolers Tools & skills to make successful decision For Soldiers & spouses new to Fort Lewis

253-966-8325 253-967-3633 253-967-8430 ** 253-967-7409 ** 253-967-1453 253-967-3633 ***

* Single Soldiers at 9 a.m. and married Soldiers at 1 p.m. ** Complimentary child care is available at Clarkmoor Hourly Care Center. For reservations, call 253-966-2490. *** On-site child care available with reservations.

For women’s self defense classes, call 253-967-5901 (family members/civilians) or 253-967-2429 (Soldiers). For AFTB classes, call 253-967-AFTB. Some classes meet for multiple sessions on a weekly basis (starting date shown for applicable classes). Registration is required; call the number listed. For a complete list of Army Community Service programs, see page 22.

Naturalization Ceremony Celebrate the newest U.S. citizens with the Friday, Sept.

18 Naturalization Ceremony at the American Lake Community Center. The ceremony will begin at 2 p.m., and participants should report at noon. Participants must register by calling 253-967-3633.

FortLewisMWR.com

15

“

“

Family

Strong Beginnings provides school-readiness curriculum – in reading, writing, math and science – to increase your child’s success in the classroom.

Discounts, sports and fun activities for fall with Child,Youth & School Services tions two weeks in advance on a space-available basis. For hours and details, call 253-966-2490 (Clarkmoor) or 253-968-5656 (Warrior).

All-City Tailgate Give your child a head start with Strong Beginnings!

Strong Beginnings is a CYSS program offered at North Fort Youth Center beginning Monday, Sept. 21. Providing school-readiness curriculum (reading, writing, math and science) to increase your child’s success in the classroom, this is a two-and-a-half-hour program for children who are going into kindergarten next year. Choose from two-day, three-day or five-day programs from 8:30 to 11 a.m. or 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Call the Central Registration Office to schedule a registration appointment.

Child care Early Bird Special With the Early Bird Special, available at Clarkmoor Hourly Care Center and Warrior Hourly Care Center, save 50 percent on hourly child care from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. The special is 16

Fort Lewis Focus

valid through Saturday, Oct. 31, and a two-hour minimum reservation is required.

Additionally, new patrons receive their first hour of child care free (with a minimum two-hour reservation). All CYSS-registered families may make hourly child care reserva-

Students and parents will enjoy music, entertainment, food and information at the All-City Tailgate Friday, Sept. 11 at Harry Lang Stadium (6615 111th St. SW in Lakewood) from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. For more information, contact the Clover Park School District Community Relations Department at 253-583-5040.

Sports programs

Date

Registration

Cost

First Swing fall golf camp Special Olympics bowling Bump, Set, Spike volleyball camp Table tennis Wrestling Basketball Cheerleading Walk to Iraq and Back Youth Fitness Program

Wednesdays Sept. 9-23 Sept. 15 - Nov. 1 Sept. 21-23 Sept. 29 - Nov. 19 Oct. 6 - Feb. 15 Nov. 2 - Jan. 16 Nov. 2 - Jan. 16 Mondays & Wednesdays Ongoing

through Sept. 9 through Sept. 3 Sept. 1 - 18 Sept. 1 - 24 through Sept. 24 Sept. 7 - Oct. 15 Sept. 7 - Oct. 15 ongoing ongoing

$25 $45 $15 $45 $45 $45 $50 FREE FREE

Space is limited in all programs; registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Use the sports-only lane; or for a full registration, bring current shot record, military, DoD or contract ID card, three local emergency contacts and sports physical valid through the entire sports season. For registration information, call Central Registration at 253-967-2494.

September 2009

Academics Better Your Own World Students will meet and discuss what they feel would make the world a better place, becoming journalists as they write for the SKIES Unlimited and Teen Zone Web sites.

Ages: Middle school through teens When: First Tuesday of month, October through December, 4 to 5 p.m.

Where: Teen Zone Cost: FREE Osprey Club Learn about, appreciate and rehabilitate local natural habitats and wildlife. Join workshops and field trips, while earning valuable community service hours for school.

Ages: 10-18 When: 4 to 6 p.m., starting date TBD Where: Teen Zone Cost: FREE Details: Stephanie Swaim, 253-327-9480 Art Academy Take Part Art – A parent/child class In this class, children and parents are invited to create in an environment that honors various learning styles, ages and interests.

Ages: 1-5 When: Third Thursday of the month, September through October, 10 a.m.

Where: TBD Cost: $15 Mini Matisses – A multicultural story and art class In this class our “Mini Matisses” join in an adventure that includes art projects, instruments, music and multicultural artifacts, all developmentally created for younger artists.

Ages: 3-5 When: Nov. 3-5, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Where: TBD Cost: $20 Fort Lewis Dance Academy Ballet, Jazz and Modern Dance Classes work toward a recital in May! Cre-

ative ballet, creative jazz, ballet and jazz/ modern are offered at a variety of times for ages 3-13.

Where: Summit Arena Cost: $35 for four weeks Details: Katie Stricker, 253-304-5200 or sojournerbeing@yahoo.com Hip-hop/Step classes Learn some of the newest hip-hop moves off videos and TV shows like “America’s Best Dance Crew.” The rhythmic high-energy moves of step will have you jumping, clapping and stomping.

Ages: 13 and up When: Thursdays (step) or Fridays (hiphop), 4 to 5 p.m.

Where: TBD Cost: $45 for four classes per month Details: Nathaniel Castro, 253-861-9465 Life skills Small business workshop Have you ever thought that you might want to own your own business one day?

Share your ideas and discuss some of the things a business owner needs to do in order to start and run a small business.

Ages: 16-18 When: Oct. 22 Where: Teen Zone Cost: FREE Acting as a Career Workshops Students will meet a professional actor who will share stories and give students an opportunity to ask questions about acting and performing as a career. During the second workshop students will be invited to take part in theatre improvisation and scene study.

Ages: 14-18 When: Nov. 17-18, 4 to 6 p.m.

Where: Teen Zone Cost: FREE Sports Boxing Learn many leadership traits – promptness, accountability, responsibility and reliability. All levels are welcome to this Olympic-style boxing academy.

Ages: 8-18

When: Monday through Thursday, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Where: Teen Zone Cost: $65 per four-week month Details: Lydell Spry, 360-250-3598 or lrspry@msn.com

Family

S

SKIES Unlimited Youth Academy offers inspiring classes in academics, arts, life skills and sports for children of all ages.

Register at CYSS Central Registration.

Flipz 4 Kidz- Mobile Gymnastics Center Children will have fun learning various gymnastics skills while enhancing strength, flexibility, balance and gross motor skills. The converted school bus is equipped with skill mats, bars, rings, beams, jumpers, a vault block and a repeller. Available Tuesday and Thursday mornings for children ages 1-5.

Where: Madigan and Clarkmoor CDCs Cost: $35 for four classes per month Details: Denise at 253-921-3864 Karate Learn martial arts instruction while promoting positive personal characteristics, such as confidence, self-discipline and respect. Classes offered at a variety of times for ages 4 and up.

Where: Summit Arena Cost: $35 per month (8 classes a month) Details: Joel Toline at 253-377-7893 Recreational Gymnastics Build gymnastics skills and increases strength, flexibility, mental discipline and self-esteem with programs on floor, bars, beam, rings and vault. Classes of all levels – from Wiggles & Giggles (parent-tot classes) through advanced level – are offered for ages 2 through teens on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Where: Summit Arena Cost: $30/month (once a week); $50/ month (twice) Details: Laurie Dillon, 253-535-2902 Traditional Okinawan Shorinryu Karate-do Shorinryu is powerful, graceful and precise, but speed and agility are also some of its characteristics.

Ages: 6 and up When: Mondays and Wednesdays, 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Where: Jensen Family Health & Fitness Center Cost: $50 Details: Skip Ettinger, 253-209-5287 or ettingersk@aol.com FortLewisMWR.com

17

Finance & education

News from the Fort Lewis libraries Heading back to school means hitting the books. The Fort Lewis libraries are here to help students of all ages – from grade school to college. Preparing for the SAT or ACT? Free software is available online for military families, courtesy of the eKnowledge Corporation.

Back-to-school assistance It’s time for students to go back to school, and the Fort Lewis Library System can support you with a variety of services – databases, non-fiction materials, fiction books and biographies, study tables and computers for word processing or Internet research.

Free SAT/ACT prep software is available at eknowledge.com/military to service members and their families (shipping not included). In alliance with the Department of Defense, a group of patriotic NFL players and various organizations, eKnowledge Corporation is offering the free software for the fourth consecutive year.

Library card sign-up month September is Library Card Sign-up Month. Are you and your children ready to check out books at the libraries?

Studies show that children who use libraries and are read to at home perform better in school and are more likely to continue to use the library as a source of lifetime learning.

18

Fort Lewis Focus

“A library card has always been the most important school supply of all,” says Glo Mercer, head of library services. “Kids can come to the library to get homework help and check out books, but they can also play games, check out music, books and DVDs and use the Internet to help make after school life fun. There’s a lot happening at Grandstaff, Crittenberger and Book Patch libraries, and the best part for both kids and parents is that it’s all free.”

Signing up for library services is easier than ever. Show your military ID card at the circulation desk, and after providing your address, sponsor’s unit and phone number, you will be assigned a personal identification number.

With your ID or PIN, you may sign out library materials, reserve or renew books or use the computers.

Emotions Matter exhibit Providing opportunities for parents and children ages 1-8 to learn about emotions, Grandstaff Library is hosting the Emotions Matter exhibit through

Thursday, Nov. 5.

The exhibit’s activity stations are based on Dr. John Gottman’s Five Steps of Emotion Coaching: emotional awareness, connecting, listening, naming emotions and finding good solutions.

This exhibit was developed by the Children’s Museum of Tacoma. For more information, call 253-967-5533/5889.

Information contributed by Georgia Cartner and Jeremy Marshall. For contact information and locations, see page 22.

Way to go summer readers!

The Fort Lewis Summer Reading Program celebrated its best year yet!

More than 1,500 participants read a total of 426,000 minutes during the six weeks of the program. Thank you to all of the sponsors, readers, parents and volunteers for their hard work and support. The libraries look forward to bringing you another successful summer reading program next year. So get ready for “Scare up a Good Book.”

September 2009

are an excellence source for education information to include how to take college classes and receive testing services while deployed. Spouses of deployed Soldiers may also receive information on education programs and services. This month’s expos are scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 1 from 1 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m.

Education counseling is available on

a first-come, first-served basis at the Fort Lewis Stone Army Education Center (253-967-7174) Monday through Wednesday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and at Madigan (253-9682707) Tuesday from 8 to 11:30 a.m. and Thursday from 1 to 4:30 p.m.

The Technical and Academic Resource Center offers computer access,

CAC pin reset and more. Hours of operation are Monday through Thursday 8:15 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., Friday 8:15 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call 253-967-2171.

Options to further your education are available now at Stone Ed Center Annual Education Fair Interested in going back to school or obtaining an advanced degree? Gather information and weigh your options at Stone Education Center’s Annual Education Fair Wednesday, Sept. 9 and Thursday, Sept. 17 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Representatives from more than 50 colleges and universities, most offering online programs, will be available to answer your questions. Several of the schools have programs that qualify for the Military Spouse Career Advancement Account. For details about the event or the MSCAA, see an education counselor at the Stone Education Center or call 253-967-7295/7174.

Army VOTEC Pilot Program Available for Soldier enrollment until Sept. 30, the Army Vocational/ Technical Pilot Program provides

training and certification using federal tuition assistance. Contact an education counselor for more information and enrollment deadlines, or go to GoArmyEd.com.

Options with new GI Bill With the Post 9/11 GI Bill, active duty troops have the opportunity to transfer education benefits to his or her spouse or children. Because there are major differences between the Post 9/11 GI Bill and the Montgomery GI Bill, it may be advantageous for some to remain in the latter. Soldiers are encouraged to review transferability entitlement rules. For more information visit the VA Web site gibill.va.gov, or see an education counselor at the Stone Education Center.

Finance & education

Empowerment Expo These events

For location and contact information, see page 22.

Giant Campus, a nationwide leader in

technology training, offers free on-site and at-home courses. For information, go to http://fortlewis.giantcampus.com or call 1-800-386-4223.

ROTC Green-to-Gold briefing is Thursday, Sept. 17 at 1:30 p.m.; Troops to Teachers briefing is Wednesday, Sept. 9 at 1 p.m.; both are at Stone Education Center.

Buyer beware Diploma mills, schools that offer certificates, degrees and diplomas for a fee, are not accredited by the Department of Education, and tuition assistance is not authorized. Before investing in a test prep program, call the Education Services Officer at 253-967-7174.

An on-site bookstore operates with extended hours during the first week of each term. As the only MWR bookstore Army-wide, all funds generated are returned to the community. For hours, call 253-964-8185.

The Stone Education Center Battle Bean offers specialty drinks

and food items.Try this month’s specialty drink, “Triple Berry Latte.”

www.aanderson-kaplan.com

253-278-6184

Email: aanderson@kaplan.edu

www.aanderson-kaplan.com 253-278-6184 www.aanderson-kaplan.com 253-278-6184 Email: aanderson@kaplan.edu www.aanderson-kaplan.com 253-278-6184 Email: aanderson@kaplan.edu Email: aanderson@kaplan.edu

FortLewisMWR.com

19

Finance & education

E

Everyone is looking to save money, and you can begin by assessing your current financial situation and credit report. Understanding your credit score can help you reduce your payments, interest rates and fees.

It is important to know that your credit score impacts job opportunities, interest and insurance rates, utility deposits and security clearances.

Here are some steps to get you on track.

Review your credit report You can view your report from all three credit bureaus from annualcreditreport.com.

Verify information on your credit report Check personal and account information, as well as any negative information listed. You can dispute any errors by contacting the bureaus directly.

Improve or establish your credit history • Pay your bills on time (if you missed bills,

get current) • Keep balances low

on credit cards; ideally balances should be kept to 30 percent of the available credit • Pay off debt rather than moving it around. Set up a plan to pay off debt • Don’t close unused credit cards as a short-term strategy • Avoid credit repair Review your credit report at least annually. For details on how to agencies that charge improve or repair your credit, sign up for ACS’s credit repair class. a fee to remove negative but acimprove your credit score and can help curate information you reduce your interest rates and fees. from your credit report (no one can To sign up for a credit repair class, see force credit bureaus to remove accurate the Army Community Service listings information) on page 15.

• Don’t open a lot of new accounts too rapidly Information contributed by Ryki Carlson, Army ComImproving your credit history will munity Service; richarda.carlson@us.army.mil

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All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

20

Fort Lewis Focus

September 2009 Q309_FoC_sEPt

Fort Lewis tackles your issues with comprehensive online survey Feedback

By Curtis F. Atkinson

T

The Customer Service Assessment provides patrons another avenue to have their voices heard by the Garrison Commander.

The assessment will be conducted online at myarmyvoice.org through Friday, Sept. 18 and is designed to be completed in 15 to 20 minutes. The comprehensive survey covers services provided by every agency in the garrison – from the ID card section and family housing to legal assistance and MWR programs and facilities – and allow customers to rate the performance and importance of services that are of interest to them. All Soldiers, family members, retirees, veterans and DoD civilians or contractors are urged to participate. With your help, Fort Lewis’ already top-rate services can be made even better.

ICE is daily feedback tool When you use a Fort Lewis service, were you satisfied? Did it meet your needs? Whether you walked away happy with your experience or you have concerns, the management wants to hear from you. In order to continue to improve the programs and services available at Fort Lewis, your feedback is important.

If you want to recognize an individual, please get a complete name.The Garrison Commander reviews each comment submitted, and the policy is that you will receive a response (if requested) within three working days.

ICE is accessible through Army OneStop kiosks or online at https:// ice.disa. mil. Be sure to answer all of the questions. The more feedback you provide, the better.

Curtis Atkinson is a Customer Service Officer for the Customer Management System/Interactive Customer Evaluation at Fort Lewis; curtis.f.atkinson@us.army.mil.

Youth sports

MWR wants your feedback to keep our programs and services top-rate. Here’s what you had to say this month: > CYSS Sports: Coach Sauls was an excellent coach, and we hope to see him next year!

Staff was very helpful and polite. All soccer balls and camp equipment was organized in advance. Preparation was excellent. We’ve had an awesome week.

My son played football, and I thought it was very kind and positive of CYSS to include the small number of 12-15 year-olds in the 9-11 year-old category. Thank you for keeping those young people included, even though there were not enough athletes to field several teen teams. – Jodi I want to thank Cynthia and Allen from the sports program for being so helpful. I was really happy that Allen was attentive to our needs and took the time to call us back when he said he would. Cynthia, the sports director, was very professional when helping us. She really took the time to listen to our needs and went the extra mile to help us. I was really impressed

with her customer service and am very thankful for her time. Also, the person helping register my children was very helpful.

Thank you to Cynthia, Eric and the rest of the staff for making the threeday golf camp enjoyable for all ages.

My daughters had a great time at the camp. Thank you for putting together a great program. – Star My son said that golf camp was the most fun he had all summer. Thanks to Golf Pro Eric, Cynthia Williams-Patnoe and the rest of the golf camp staff! > Sports & Fitness Centers: Very pleasant staff. Very clean compared to the YMCA. Nice clean pool. Would like to cite Thomas, Melvin, Steven for quality service.

While at Wilson Fitness Center, I was really impressed with the staff and the facility. Mr. Dalton and his staff are doing a great job with customers and keeping the facility clean & organized.

The comments above are examples of feedback received regarding MWR summer activities programs.

On average, only 20 percent of customers leave their name and contact information in ICE or an Army OneStop kiosk.Where available (and with permission), a first name has been listed after the comment.

FortLewisMWR.com

21

Phone guide for Fort Lewis Family and Morale, Welfare & Recreation Food and fun

Location

Phone number

Family

American Lake Cmty Center Arts & Crafts Center Battle Bean coffee shops

Building 8085 North Fort Building 5038 Pendleton Ave. Building 2166 Liggett Ave. Stone Education Center Building 11589 North Fort Arts & Crafts Ctr Pendleton Ave. Building 2272 Liggett Ave. Building 2400 Bitar Ave. Building 3-A-3 North Fort Off I-5, Exit 116

253-964-1209 253-967-5001 253-964-8838 253-964-8152 253-964-8837 253-967-5636 253-967-4661 253-964-0331 253-964-0144 253-967-6522 253-967-4294 253-964-4054 253-964-3161 253-966-0400 253-967-5776

Building 2140 Waller Hall Army Community Service Building 2140 Waller Hall Army Emergency Relief After-hours emergencies, Red Cross Army Family Team Building Building 2166 Liggett Ave. Building 4274 Idaho St. Army Volunteer Corps Beachwood Child Dev. Ctr Building 8300 North Fort Lewis Building 2140 Waller Hall Center of Excellence Building 2295 12th & Bitar Central Registration Building 2095 Bitar Ave. Clarkmoor Child Dev. Ctr Clarkmoor Hourly Care Ctr Building 2094 Bitar Ave. Building 2013 N. 3rd St. Domestic violence helpline Building 2166 Liggett Ave DSHS Building 2166 Liggett Ave Employment Readiness Exceptional Family Mbr Prgm Building 2140 Waller Hall Family Advocacy Program Building 2013 N. 3rd St. Building 2013 N. 3rd St. Family Child Care Building 4274 Idaho St. Family Events & Prgm Building 4274 Idaho St. Family Resource Center Immigration & Naturalization Building 2140 Waller Hall Building 2140 Waller Hall Information & Referral Building 2140 Waller Hall Loan Closet Building 6995 Jackson Ave Madigan Child Dev. Ctr Military Family Life Consults. Building 2166 Liggett Ave. Mobilization & Deployment Building 2166 Liggett Ave. New Parent Support Prgm Building 2013 N. 3rd St. Building 8485 American Lake Ave. North Fort Youth Center Building 4274 Idaho St. Private Organizations Building 8197 American Lake Dr. Raindrops & Rainbows Relocation Readiness Prgm Building 2140 Waller Hall Building 2140 Waller Hall School Liaison Office Building 2021C Liggett Ave. Soldier & Family Asst. Ctr Building 2275 Liggett Ave. Summit Arena Building 2295 12th & Bitar Teen Zone Building 2166 Liggett Ave. WIC Building 2295 12th & Bitar Youth sports

BOSS Program Bowl Arena Cascade Community Ctr Club North Eagles Pride Golf Course Event information line Madigan CafĂŠ Post Exchange (AAFES) Russell Landing CafĂŠ Special Events Office

Building 9903 Old Madigan Building 5280 Main Post Building 8981 North Fort Building 2013 N. 3rd St.

Fabulous rec & travel Location

Phone number

Information,Tickets & Tours Lodging Northwest Adventure Ctr Equipment rental & sales Outdoor adventures Scuba diving center Storage lot reservations Travel camp, cabin rental Paintball reservations Rifle & Pistol Range Russell Landing Marina Shoreline Park Skeet & Trap Range

AAFES Main Store Building 2111 Building 8050 North Fort

253-967-3085 253-967-2815 253-967-8282 253-967-8282 253-967-6263 253-967-3405 253-967-5415 253-967-5415 253-912-8000 North Fort Lewis 253-967-9803 Range 15 American Lake Rd.North Fort Lewis 253-967-2510 Beach Road, North Fort Lewis 253-967-2510 Building 3969 2nd Div. Range Rd. 253-967-7056

Fitness & well-being

Location

Phone number

Sports Admin. Office Cowan & Memorial stadiums Jensen child care Jensen Family Health & Fitness Keeler Sports & Fitness Ctr Keeler Pool McVeigh Sports & Fitness Ctr Kimbro Pool Sheridan Sports & Fitness Ctr Soldiers Field House Soldiers Field House Pool Wilson Sports & Fitness Ctr

Building 3236 2nd Div & Handrich Building 2170 Bitar Ave. & 12th St. Building 2022 Liggett Ave. & Div. Building 2022 Liggett Ave. & Div. Building 9993 Garfield St. Keeler Sports & Fitness Center Building 2160 Liggett Ave. McVeigh Sports & Fitness Center Building 3759 Stryker Ave. Building 3236 2nd Div.& Handrich Soldiers Field House Building 11596, D St. & 41st Div.

253-967-2604 253-967-2912 253-967--1254 253-967-5975 253-967-6808 253-967-6652 253-967-5869 253-967-5026 253-967-7311 253-967-4771 Closed; renovations

253-967-7471

Event registration forms available at fitness facilities and at FortLewisMWR.com.

22

Fort Lewis Focus

Location

Phone number 253-967-7166 253-967-9852 1-877-272-7337 253-967-2382 253-967-2324 253-967-2600 253-967-3314 253-967-2494 253-967-2300 253-966-2490 253-966-SAFE 253-966-9419 253-967-3538 253-967-9704 253-967-5940 253-967-7364 253-966-7935 253-967-9496 253-967-3628 253-967-6399 253-967-3635 253-967-2800 253-495-8425 253-967-9916 253-967-7409 253-966-7166 253-967-3910 253-967-2600 253-967-3628 253-967-7195 253-966-8433 253-967-4458 253-967-4441 253-966-4956 253-967-2405

Finance & education

Location

Phone number

Book Patch Library Crittenberger Library Financial Planning Grandstaff Library Stone Education Center

Building 2109 N. 10th St. Building 3271 2nd Div. Dr Building 2140 Waller Hall Building 2109 N. 10th St. Building 6242 Colorado Ave.

253-967-5533 253-967-2824 253-967-3525 253-967-5889 253-967-7174

Feedback

Location

Customer Svc Mgmt System

https://ice.disa. mil

Phone number 253-967-0052

Call facility listed for hours of operation and details, or visit FortLewisMWR.com.

September 2009

Bitar Ave and S. Division 253-964-0331

SPORTS LOUNGE AT CASCADE COMMUNITY CENTER FORT LEWIS ESTABLISHED 1917

Monday - Thursday: 4:30 to 9 p.m.

Friday: 3 to 9 p.m.

Sunday (football season only): open at 10 a.m.

NEVER ANY COVER CHARGES

Happy Hour Monday 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Friday 3:30 - 5:30 p.m.

Sunday 1 - 3 p.m.

FortLewisMWR.com

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To continue To continue your your PathPath to Honor, to Honor, talktalk to your to your Recruiter Recruiter Assitant Assitant or visit or visit us online us online at www.NATIONALGUARD.com/warrantofficer at www.NATIONALGUARD.com/warrantofficer

Rewards are a

"big deal" around here!

Call or visit our Web site

Call of visit our website.

253.964.3113 253.964.3113 www.yourcreditunion.org www.yourcreditunion.org

TwoTwo branches on Fort Lewis branches on Fort Lewis to serve you to serve you.

Fort Lewis Focus We do business in accordance with the Federal Fair Housing Law and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act.

September 2009