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THURSDAY, JUNE 14, 2012

VOLUME 48, NUMBER 24

Outlook.....................2A News briefs..............15A Community briefs.....2B Screaming Eaglets...3B Entertainment............2C Sports.........................4C

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Hacking leaves thousands vulnerable

by Heather Clark Courier staff

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Cyber terrorism reared its head in a neighboring community at Fort Campbell this week, and those with current or former ties to Clarksville, Tenn., may be affected.

On Monday, information on students and faculty hacked from the databases of the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System

was leaked online, the work of a new group called Spex Security. The information, including Social Security numbers, names and birth dates, was compiled in retaliation for the educational system “… belligerently not patching the holes in their system,” according to a released statement.

While SpexSec claims to have obtained information on more than 100,000 individuals, their intention is

to “be fair” and only publish information on about 14,000.

The published list is said to feature information on students with birthdates as far back as 1987, meaning Soldiers or dependents with ties, current or previous, to the CMCSS may be affected by the incident.

To combat the current situation, the school system is partnering with outside sources, including the

Clarksville Police Department and the Cyber Crime Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

“We’re seeing a large increase in these types of breaches in all sectors,” said Agent Scott Augenbaum, supervisor of the Cyber Crime Division of the FBI, Memphis Division, in an interview with The Leaf Chronicle.

While the organizations work to find answers, Elise

Shelton, chief communications officer for CMCSS, recommends anyone possibly affected by the security breach take action to protect their identities.

“The school system leadership understands this is a difficult situation for everyone, and we are sympathetic to the stress and frustration you must be feeling,” said Shelton in a statement issued Wednesday morning.

“The Social Security Office

and the U.S. Attorney’s office have contacted us to say it is not necessary to call either of the agencies about this situation.”

The school system, FBI and Fort Campbell Consumer Affairs unanimously offer a single piece of advice: be alert and vigilant about monitoring personal credit and that of minors possibly affected by the incident.

see HACKING, Page 3A

Defense Dept. announces deployments

Carolyn Hawkins, commissary store associate, assists Merle Gregory, a retired Air Force veteran, with his purchases during Fort Campbell’s new Commissary grand opening, Wednesday.

The 126,000-squarefoot facility is located at 2606 Indiana Ave., and includes a fully-stocked grocery area, as well as a bakery, deli and more.

Department of Defense Release

PHOTO BY YVETTE SMITH | COURIER

Much-anticipated commissary opens to public

by Yvette Smith Courier staff

Fort Campbell and the local community celebrated the opening of the brand new, 126,000-square-foot Defense Commissary Agency, Wednesday.

A massive crowd of excited shoppers began arriving at the new commissary hours before the grand opening ceremony was set to begin. Soldiers, Family members, retirees and members of the local community waited anxiously to enter the new $24

million facility.

“This new commissary reflects our nation’s commitment to taking care of those who serve, those who’ve served, and are currently serving overseas as well, to defend our country and preserve our freedom” said Col Perry C. Clark, garrison commander.

“The building stands completed and is now ready to provide an essential service to our military Families and retirees.”

The excitement was evident in every smile and conversation as people filtered into the new com-

missary after the doors were officially opened. The topics were all the same, the commissary was extremely impressive and well worth the wait.

“Customers have a larger space to shop,” said Michael Hinton, commissary carryout specialist.

“Fort Campbell was long overdue, but we are appreciative. As a veteran, I get to both work here and shop here.”

Prizes and special offers were just a few of the attractions at the grand opening. There were also jugglers, clowns, food sampling

and children-focused stations throughout the store.

“Whether single, married with a Family, or retiree, you’ll find this an exciting store to shop in,” said DeCA Director and CEO Joseph H. Jue. “Every inch of sales floor was designed to make shopping easy and fun.”

The move from the old commissary to the new, along with the preparation for the grand opening, was no simple task. the see COMMISSARY, Page 3A

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Department of Defense June 7 identified four units to deploy as part of the upcoming rotation of forces operating in Afghanistan.

The 3rd Brigade Combat Team “Rakkasan” and the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade “Destiny,” 101st Airborne Division, were included and are scheduled to deploy in late Fall 2012.

Approximately 2,950 3rd BCT Soldiers and 2,580 101st CAB Soldiers will deploy as part of the upcoming rotation of forces operating in Afghanistan.

“Rakkasan and Destiny Soldiers are highly trained, disciplined and fit,” said Maj. Gen. James C. McConville, 101st Abn. Div. and Fort Campbell commanding general. “The Soldiers in these brigades have been preparing for this deployment since early this year. I am confident in the leadership of these brigades and know they are well trained for this deployment to Afghanistan.”

The other deploying units include: • 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan. (deploys in late Spring 2012).

• 3rd Infantry Division Combat Aviation Brigade, Fort Stewart, Ga. (deploys in early Winter 2012).

DOD will continue to announce major deployments as they are approved.

Absentee voting easy for Soldiers, Families

Command Sgt. Maj. Scott C. Schroeder, former 101st Airborne Division command sergeant major, receives a Legion of Merit during his change of responsibility ceremony at division headquarters, Friday.

Schroeder served as the division command sergeant major since February 2010.

by Heather Clark Courier staff

It is time once again for American citizens to collectively decide who will take the reins of the nation for the next four to eight years.

With deployments looming in the upcoming months, Soldiers and Families may be wondering what steps to take in order to cast an absentee ballot in the presidential election.

“I’m working with the units already,” said Debi McGlothlin, assistant installation voting officer for Fort Campbell. “Unit voting officers will have all of the supplies with them; they are going to scrub all of their people before they leave.”

Over the next few months, voting officers will work with Soldiers, making sure they’re registered to vote (if they so desire), ensuring that home addresses are up-to-date and walking them through the process of absentee voting.

“They’re making timelines and making sure the bases are covered during this transition phase,” said McGlothlin. “Deploying units are all taken care of; they’ve got the forms which are going into a tough box on the plane with them. They’ll be ready to hit the ground running

I’m working with the units already. Unit voting officers will have all of the supplies ...

Debi McGlothlin, assistant installation voting officer

and take care of it when they hit country, and I’m very impressed.”

On the home front, the Installation Voting Office will be working with nondeploying Soldiers and voting-age Family members.

One of the biggest pushes will be Armed Forces Voting Week, June 28 through July 7.

During this week, McGlothlin, along with helpers from the voting office, will be stationed at various locations throughout post, such as the Exchange and the Dale Wayrynen Community Recreation Center.

Anyone needing help registering to vote or working through the absentee process can speak with them and get assistance. see VOTING, Page 3A

PHOTO BY SGT. GRANT MATTHES | 101ST ABN. DIV.

CSM Smith replaces Schroeder as Eagle 7

by Sgt. Grant Matthes 101st Airborne Division

Command Sgt. Maj. Scott C. Schroeder relinquished responsibility as command sergeant major of the 101st Airborne Division to Command Sgt. Maj. Alonzo J. Smith during a change of responsibility ceremony at division headquarters, Friday.

Soldiers of the division

along with Families and members of the Fort Campbell community gathered to bid farewell to Schroeder as he prepares to assume responsibility as the III Corps and Fort Hood, Texas command sergeant major and to welcome his successor as the division’s newest senior-enlisted adviser.

“He will leave a legacy in the division of having provided fine leadership,

having shown what right looks like and having been a continuous source of motivation for all our Soldiers and leaders,” said Maj. Gen. James C. McConville, commander of the 101st Airborne Division and Fort Campbell.

Schroeder has been command sergeant major of the 101st Airborne Division since February 2010. Prior to being the division’s senior-

enlisted Soldier, Schroeder was a 1st Sergeant with the 2nd and 3rd battalions, 187th Infantry Regiment; battalion command sergeant major of 3rd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment; 1st Squadron, 75th Cavalry Regiment; and the command sergeant major for 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division.

see SMITH, Page 3A

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THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2012

VOLUME 48, NUMBER 11

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Outlook.....................2A News briefs..............15A Community briefs.....2B Screaming Eaglets...3B Entertainment............2C Sports.........................4C

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Post gets ACOE silver award for third year

by Michele Vowell Courier assistant editor

Maintaining a certain level of success is tough for any person, community, business or even Army post.

For the past three years, Fort Campbell has received the silver award in the Installation Management Command Army Communities of Excellence competition.

ACOE recognizes Army garrisons for their performance in meeting and exceeding goals of

IMCOM’s Installation Management Campaign Plan.

“I think it’s important to focus on the fact we are excellent,” said Tracy Mueller, Plans, Analysis and Integration Office strategic plans specialist. “We’ve got a tremendous workforce out there that is sustaining that excellence. Without question, the folks that come in behind us aren’t even close.”

Fort Campbell will receive $250,000 for their accomplishment. These funds are to be used to benefit the community as a

whole. In the past, ACOE funds went toward new Integrated Customer Evaluation, or ICE, kiosks and new sidewalks linking housing areas to the Post Exchange.

The PAIO will poll the Fort Campbell community for suggestions on how to use the cash award. Additionally, Mueller said some of these funds have already been earmarked to train the civilian workforce.

“The workforce, who actually earns this award, is being invested in,” Mueller said. “There are no

training dollars right now, so ACOE dollars are being returned to them to invest in their future, in their training, in their expertise.”

ACOE judging focuses on the six lines of effort described in the campaign plan, including the readiness and well-being of Soldiers, Families and civilians; leader and workforce development; installation readiness; safety and energy efficiency and security.

For ACOE, each garrison sub-

mits a profile, a campaign plan employee assessment survey and strategic management system selected metrics. Metrics include customer satisfaction and workforce leader development, among other areas.

Upon evaluating the results, Mueller and Helen Zachry, PAIO lead strategic planner, said having the majority of Fort Campbell troops deployed in 2011 played a role in the overall metrics results.

see SILVER, Page 3A

Job fair employers seeking applicants

by Amy Zink Courier staff

Lately, news of the job market has been bleak and reports of joblessness litter the headlines. This is not the case for Fort Campbell job seekers who can stop by the Army Career and Alumni Program and the Army Community Service Family Employment Readiness Program job fair next week to visit with more than 60 employers.

The job fair is Wednesday and March 22 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. each day at Fort Campbell’s Cole Park Commons. Prospective employees who are looking for a job now, in the future or for a career change are all welcome to attend said ACAP Transition Services Manager Harold Riggins.

Riggins said that the twoday job fair features different employers each day. While some companies will be present both days, Wednesday will showcase primarily national and international companies offering positions outside of the Fort Campbell area and Thursday will feature local employers.

A listing of employers can be found on the Fort Campbell ACAP Facebook page.

Some companies may be hiring over the course of the job fair. Last year, the firm AECON interviewed a number of employees after the first day of the job fair.

“They, [AECON], were here for both days. When they came in for day two, they said, ‘hey, we’ve called and interviewed a bunch of applicants.’ When it was all said and done, they had made job offers to well over 100 folks,” said Riggins.

At the upcoming job fair, Nabors Well Service and

First Lt. Andrew D. Sivanich, executive officer for Company E, 2nd Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, throws a hand grenade during the Patrol Lane portion of Expert Infantryman Badge testing March 5 on post.

The Patrol Lane of EIB testing consists of 10 tasks and one decision task that candidates must navigate.

JOBhelp For information on upcoming opportunities: · Call ACAP at (270) 798-5000 or ACS FERP at (270) 798-4289 · Check out ACAP’s Facebook page for updates: facebook.com/#!/ FortCampbellACAP · See insert inside this week’s Courier for more job fair details.

Patterson-UTI Drilling Company will be proactive in the hiring process and will be interviewing immediately.

“Nabors will do offsite job interviews on Thursday and Friday of that week,” said Riggins. “Patterson will be here on day one. The job fair ends at 3 [p.m.] and they’ll invite folks to come to an industry brief at the ACAP center at [4:30 p.m.]. Those that like what they hear will be able to sign up for a job interview the next morning.”

Job seekers should come to the fair “dressed to impress” says Staff Sgt. Carl Box, ACAP noncommissioned officer in charge. “Don’t show up in flip flops or shorts, business casual is best.”

He and Riggins have more suggestions for potential hires. In addition to professional attire, Riggins says that it is important that recruits bring plenty of copies of their resume to leave with companies and that child care is arranged ahead of time.

PHOTOS BY STAFF SGT. TODD A. CHRISTOPHERSON | 4TH BCT

Infantrymen earn EIB

by Sgt. Kimberly K. Menzies 4th Brigade Combat Team

One hundred eighty-one infantrymen from the 101st Airborne Division were awarded the Expert Infantryman Badge for successfully completing the 4th Brigade Combat Team EIB training event, during a ceremony Friday.

“You are the best of the best,” said Col. Val C. Keaveny Jr., commander of 4th BCT, 101st Abn. Div. Out of the 181 infantrymen to be awarded the EIB, 29 were classified as “true blue” EIBs. The reference “true blue” describes infantrymen who earned their badge with all “GOs.”

see JOB, Page 3A

see EIB, Page 3A

First Lt. Thomas A. Reece (center), a platoon leader for Company E, 2nd Battalion, 506th Inf. Reg., 4th BCT, engages a simulated enemy opposition force with the M240B Medium Machine Gun during the Reconnaissance Lane portion of Expert Infantryman Badge testing March 5.

Leaders learn to engage local populace

Malik Khan, a role player acting as a village elder, speaks with the leadership of the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, on issues and concerns he has for his village here at Observation Post 13, March 2.

The Soldier Leadership Engagement training provides officers with key skills to speak with foreign officials to promote better relationships.

by Sgt. Richard Daniels Jr. 1st Brigade Combat Team

PHOTO BY SGT. RICHARD DANIELS JR. | 1ST BCT

From a simple hello to an intellectual debate, communication is a vital part of society. For this reason, leaders of the 1st Brigade Combat Team practiced the skill after their platoon live fire exercises Feb. 27 through March 3.

At Observation Post 13, role players speaking Dari, one of Afghanistan’s native languages, interacted with leaders to test their ability to establish good relations, avoid empty promises, and to hone their professionalism and military bearing during the Soldier Leadership Engagement training.

Preparing for future deployments, leaders used this opportunity to understand the culture and customs of a foreign nation. A good relationship not only allows for better cooperation among Soldiers and civilians but it also promotes mission success when

done properly.

“After every operation, you’re going to engage with the local leader, village elder, the mayor, ... [Afghan National Police] chief, anybody that has a role politically or within the village itself,” explained Capt. Tye Reedy, commander of Company C, 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st BCT. Reedy and his company finished what he described as “a highly kinetic operation,” then headed back to a mock village where the leaders broke off and spoke with the role players.

Reedy also explained that the engagement is exactly what is supposed to happen while in foreign hostile countries.

“The training value of going from the walk and shoot to the SLE is invaluable,” said Reedy, a three-time deployer.

Each officer spoke with a different leader or villager to gather information. Some of the officers

were greeted with open arms, while commanders sometimes experience a bit of hostility.

In Reedy’s scenario, the operation was not coordinated with the local leaders placing him in a difficult position with the village elder.

Balancing confidence, professionalism and their youth during the engagements promotes better ties with the elder, experienced local officials.

“The effects are going to vary, but with an unsuccessful engagement, you’re not going to achieve the desired outcome that you’ve tried to meet; that your higher headquarters has given you guidance on to try and meet,” said Reedy. “You are not going to fill those relationships with the locals like you need to in order to progress in the security, stability and lines of effort through your battlespace.”

see LEADERS, Page 3A

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2013

VOLUME 49, NUMBER 6

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1st BCT FET meets with Afghan women

by Sgt. 1st Class John D. Brown 1st Brigade Combat Team

PHOTO BY SPC. RYAN HALLGARTH | 55TH SIGNAL CO.

1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division Female Engagement Team members Spc. Samantha Banda, Spc. Bianca Roig and Sgt. Stacey Coffield discuss issues with female members of the Afghan Uniformed Police and Afghan Border Patrol at the ABP compound in Jalalabad, Afghanistan, Jan. 18.

U.S. military helps promote civil rights, 101st Soldier says

by Sgt. David Hodge

Our military oftentimes is a leader of change.

101st Airborne Division

President Abraham Lincoln instituted the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, which legally freed African Americans from slavery during the Civil War. But their plight for equality continued to be a highly contentious issue in America for many years to come.

In 1963, the civil rights movement peaked with the March on Washington and the dictation of what is arguably the most famous speech in our nation’s history, with Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. calling for equality and an end to racism.

Progress had been tumultuous in those 100 years, and since King’s speech, Americans have fought hard to uphold moral obligations among each other – regardless of race or gender.

The theme for 2013’s Black History Month – “At the Crossroads of Freedom and Equality: The Emancipation Proclamation 1863 and the March on Washington 1963” – addresses directly with our nation’s storied past, amazing present and its colorful future.

“Our military oftentimes is a leader of change,” said Brig. Gen. Ronald F. Lewis, deputy commanding general for support, 101st Airborne Division. “A demonstrator of change across our society.”

In our country’s early wars, African Americans in the military faced tough battles against racism and segregation in garrison and oftentimes fought on the front lines in intense battles.

Lewis, a Chicago, Ill., native who has spent more

FORWARD OPERATING BASE FENTY, Afghanistan – Members of the Bastogne Female Engagement Team, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, sat down with female members of the Afghan Uniformed Police and Afghan Border Police to develop a greater understanding of the roles women play within the AUP and ABP in Nangarhar Province Jan. 19 at the ABP Zone 1 compound in Jalalabad, Afghanistan.

“This was our first face to face meeting with the ABP/AUP officers and soldiers from their respective districts,” said Sgt. Stacy Coffield, the noncommissioned officer in charge of the 1st BCT FET.

Coffield, a native of Orange County, Calif., said that her team recently conducted a follow-up meeting with the ABP at Torkham Gate in the Mohmand Dara District of Nangarhar, a major thoroughfare for transportation and commerce on border between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

“Female AUP/ABP officers and soldiers serve an extremely important role for our ANSF [Afghan National Security Force] partners,” said Coffield. “It’s important that we coordinate to ensure they receive the proper training needed for female engagements, search procedures and tactical knowledge of what danger signs to look for.”

During the engagement, the FET discussed a variety of issues with the female AUP officers

and ABP soldiers. These issues included equality in the workplace, safe transportation to and from work, working conditions, equipment for work, and the effect of their duty on their families.

With regard to searching other females, Coffield said that “women are just as capable of concealing dangerous items, and if the female AUP/ABP officers and soldiers do not have the proper equipment, then they cannot properly conduct their duties.”

In many cases, due to insurgent activity, many female AUP/ ABP choose not to wear their uniforms to work. This fear permeates throughout the lives of many female AUP/ABP. see WOMEN, Page 3A

Shannon Alvarez and her three children, Diego, LiliMarie and Xander, wave flags this past Friday afternoon at Campbell Army Airfield as they await the return of husband and father, Staff Sgt. Alberto Alvarez.

Alvarez is a Soldier with 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division.

“We’re very proud of him, and we love him very much,” Shannon said.

Early Arrival Rakkasans return home

by Sgt. Alan Graziano 3rd Brigade Combat Team PHOTO BY MICHELE VOWELL | COURIER

Brig. Gen. Ronald F. Lewis, 101st Airborne Division

than 25 years in the Army, formerly commanded the 159th Combat Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, from July 2007 until March 2010.

He deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, and led the 1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 4th Aviation Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, during a deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Lewis said in the past barriers were broken particularly through service in the military.

One example was the first aviation units of color, known as the Tuskegee Airmen. They flew and fought honorably during World War II, Lewis said.

These difficult times led to the establishment of Executive Order 9981 by President Harry Truman in 1948.

The order called for the equality of treatment and opportunity for all persons in the military.

“Opportunities were there to be able to do what I, personally, like a lot: serving as an officer in our military,” said Lewis, who graduated the U.S. Military Academy with a degree in mechanical engineering. see RIGHTS, Page 3A

PHOTO BY SGT. DAVID HODGE | 101ST ABN. DIV.

Private 1st Class John White, Company A, 1st Battalion, 187th Inf. Reg., 3rd BCT, 101st Abn. Div., tosses his son, Joshua, in the air in the moments after returning home from deployment to Afghanistan. The ceremony, held this past Friday, welcomed home approximately 100 Soldiers that returned from support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Approximately 100 Soldiers from Company A, 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team “Rakkasans,” 101st Airborne Division, were recognized at a Welcome Home Ceremony Friday when they returned from a deployment in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Originally scheduled for a nine-month deployment, the company returned after only five months due to the progress made by Afghan National Security Forces in their area of responsibility.

“We are very proud of what you accomplished and how well you represented this Division,” said Maj. Gen. James C. McConville, Commanding General of the 101st Airborne Division and Fort Campbell.

“I know your Families are very happy that you came home early, and I’m very thankful for the Families’ unwavering support during this deployment.”

As combat outposts and forward operating bases close or transfer to Afghan control, the Rakkasan unit that operated from that location will return to Fort Campbell, although some personnel will remain if they are reassigned to other missions.

This slight reduction of 3rd BCT personnel overseas will allow for a smoother transition for the 4th Brigade Combat Team Soldiers when they deploy and relieve the Rakkasans this spring. see ARRIVAL, Page 3A

Green Beret speaks right language during emergency

by Staff Sgt. Barbara Ospina 5th Special Forces Group

In an emergency room or a hospital you will find a group of people who all have one thing in common; they need medical care.

The level of care might range from a common cold, to a broken bone or life-threatening trauma.

Our society has not only grown to rely on, but also to trust in our medical system and the care provided, whether it is a medic on an ambulance or by doctors in the emergency room.

In a traumatic situation the unknown can be troubling, stress-

ful and frightening.

Imagine sitting in an emergency room after your loved one has suffered a traumatic life-threatening injury, their life resting in the hands of the doctors and nurses tending to them. You feel helpless.

Minutes seem like hours. Patients are tended to and leave before you even speak to a doctor. Your imagination runs rampant creating even more uncertainty in your mind. A glimpse of hope surfaces as a doctor approaches. His or her words determine your level of happiness, hope, sadness or grief.

Reflecting on that moment, you realize how quickly a few words

from a trusted source provides some peace of mind. This is not always the case.

The U.S. is home to many different nationalities and languages. If you have never traveled to another country you may not realize how isolating and lonely it could be to not speak the native language or understand their culture. Reassurance from a doctor or nurse, regardless of how fleeting the conversation may be, can be critical to the overall mindset of the patient, family and friends.

Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tenn., has assets available to assist in these

exact situations. They use an interpreter service that supports nearly every language available by phone when needed. Although this tool proves useful and aides in necessary communication to a patient and/or family, it takes roughly twice as long and lacks the sentiment of a routine faceto-face conversation.

In a hospital environment, the quality of care provided to the patient as well as the family can rely simply on the ability to communicate.

“Communication definitely helps with patient and family satisfaction,” Dr. Timothy Nunez

said, a doctor with the Division of Trauma and Surgical Critical Care at VUMC. This was very evident when a 5th Special Forces Group medical sergeant proved to be an asset not just in the medical field but in his language ability as well.

Sergeant 1st Class David Krug took part in a four-week training program with Vanderbilt University Medical Center as part of an overarching medical training program established by the U.S. Army Special Operations Command. see BERET, Page 3A

nta a S o t s r e t t Le

hits newstands Jan. 3, 2013

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2012

VOLUME 48, NUMBER 49

DoD announces BAH, BAS rates

by Claudette Roulo American Forces Press Service

PHOTO BY SGT. 1ST CLASS ABRAM PINNINGTON | 3RD BCT

Specialist Dustin Day-Griffith, an indirect fire infantryman assigned to Troop A, 1st Squadron, 33rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team “Rakkasans,” 101st Airborne Division, fires a 120mm mortar during a night-fire exercise at Combat Outpost Wilderness, Afghanistan, Sunday.

The mortar team conducted the exercise in order to keep their combat skills at the highest state of readiness while deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

by Heather Clark

Operation Sober Ride, Fort Campbell Major Wayne L. Stiles, operations, Provost Marshal Office, Directorate of Emergency Services, wants Fort Campbell residents to be aware of Operation Sober Ride, which will be in effect from 10 p.m., Dec. 31 until 6 a.m., Jan. 1.

“The intent is to ensure all personnel get home safe on New Year’s Eve,” he said. “We will transport any individual on the installation to their on-post residence, barracks or housing.”

Individuals who arrive via taxi or designated driver at one of the installation gates from off-post can also use Operation Sober Ride to safely get to their places of residence. Soldiers residing in the barracks will be dropped off at their respective staff duties for accountability.

Utilization of the transportation program will not reflect poorly on Soldiers, who can expect to receive a safe and reliable ride with no questions asked.

“Military Police will document the transport in a patrol log merely for the purpose of covering the actions of the MP and will not

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Jan. 1, service members can expect to see an average increase of about $60 in their 2013 basic allowance for housing, Cheryl Anne Woehr, the BAH program manager, said Dec. 13.

Overall, rates went up an average of 3.8 percent, Woehr said. Rate increases were spread throughout the country.

“There wasn’t any particular one region that was a big winner or a big loser this year,” she said.

Service members in New York City will receive the largest increase this year – 14.7 percent on average – followed closely

by Altus Air Force Base, Okla., which will see a 14.1 percent average increase.

Rates for BAH are set through annual reviews of market rents, utility costs and renter’s insurance rates, Woehr said.

“We measure those in each location for various

types of housing,” she said.

The BAH program office surveys property managers to determine current rental rates in each duty location. Housing types considered include apartments, town homes and duplexes, as well as singlefamily rental units of various bedroom sizes. Utility information is derived from the American Community Survey, conducted annually by the Census Bureau, and renter’s insurance information comes from area insurance companies, she said.

“We want to make sure [service] members are able to afford adequate and appropriate housing within a reasonable distance of their duty station,” Woehr said.

About one million service members receive BAH, she said, which is paid to service members in the U.S. who live off base or in privatized base housing. see INCREASES, Page 3A

Shop with a Cop

Area offers sober ride options for New Year’s For most people, young and old, the holiday season is a time to get together with Family and friends.

It’s a time to give thanks and toast new beginnings promised with the start of a new year.

Unfortunately, it is also a time of year when free-flowing alcohol can lead to poor decision making.

The decision to drive while under the influence is one made far too often, frequently resulting in negative ramifications, both legal and physical.

According to statistics compiled by Mothers Against Drunk Driving, alcohol is a contributing factor in 52 percent of fatal collisions during Christmas and in 57 percent of fatal collisions on New Year’s – a significant spike from the rate of 41 percent during the rest of the year.

Because the act of preparation goes a very long way in preventing unfortunate incidents, programs will be in place New Year’s Eve to provide safe transportation to impaired individuals on the installation and in the surrounding communities.

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One ‘Rakk’ing Night

Courier staff

INSIDE

We will transport any individual on the installation to their on-post residence, barracks or housing.

Private Jordyn Alberts, 561st Military Police Company, 101st Sustainment Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, leads 8-yearold Brayden Nale, from Fort Campbell’s Marshall Elementary, through the Hopkinsville Walmart. Brayden was one of six post children to participate in the Shop with a Cop program this year. Above, an employee at the store directs a line of law enforcement vehicles into the parking lot, Dec. 13. Hopkinsville Police, Christian County Sheriff’s Department and Fort Campbell Military Police, among other agencies, came together for the annual event, sponsored by the Hopkinsville Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 12.

Maj. Wayne Stiles, Provost Marshal Office

be released for use by the unit in taking any actions against the Soldiers,” said Stiles.

Residents of Fort Campbell can obtain a ride from Operation Sober Ride during its designated hours by calling (270) 798-0416.

Operation Safe Ride, Clarksville The Clarksville Transit System will be working to bring passengers home safely this New Year’s Eve with its 25th annual Operation Safe Ride program. From 11 p.m. until 4 a.m., anyone living within Clarksville’s city limits can dial (931) 553-2429 and request a free ride home.

People celebrating in the Clarksville area are likely to see CTS notices for Operation Safe Ride posted at various bars and restaurants to emphasize the reminder. The program is not a shuttle service; passengers will be picked up at their specified locations and driven directly to their residences.

“Operation Safe Ride is another example of Clarksvillians taking care of each other,” said Clarksville mayor Kim McMillan in a 2011 interview about the program. “We all want to have a good time on New Year’s Eve and celebrate the coming prosperous year. We also want to make sure that everyone is safe.”

PHOTOS BY MEGAN LOCKE SIMPSON | COURIER

Program brings holiday cheer to local kids

by Megan Locke Simpson Courier staff

Tow to Go The Tow to Go program was created in 1998, and is currently offered in Florida, Georgia and Tennessee.

HOPKINSVILLE, Ky. – Sirens blared and lights flickered against the stark night sky as a line of Fort Campbell and Christian County law enforcement vehicles raced into the Hopkinsville Walmart parking lot, Dec. 13.

Instead of a sign of bad behavior by the city’s residents, the commotion signaled the start of the annual Shop with a Cop program.

Twenty-five children participated in the program this year, including six Fort Campbell students representing each of the post elementary schools. The program, sponsored annually by the Hopkinsville Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 12, allows deserving 7- to 11-year-old students to go on a shopping trip accompanied by a friendly law enforcement officer armed with $150.

see RIDE, Page 3A

see SHOP, Page 3A

Eleven-year-old Madison Sowards smiles after opening a keychain making kit from Santa Claus and chats with Hopkinsville Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 12 President Henry Gould, Dec. 13. The present opening at the FOP Lodge was the final portion of the Shop with a Cop event. Sowards, a fifth grader at Lucas Elementary and an amputee, said her favorite part of the night was riding in the cop car and being able to control the sirens and lights.