March Workforce Pride Newsletter by Robert Dodrill

WORKFORCE PRIDE A DHR, ASAP, EAP WELL-BEING TEAM PRODUCT

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HURLEY IN THE COURT 3 APRIL CALENDAR: TRAINING EVENTS AND MORE 4 ALCOHOLIC DANGERS 5 DEAR FRAN, MY MARRIAGE IS TOO SPICY! 6 MAKING OTHERS FEEL GOOD 7 TALK, WALK, AND EAT POPCORN 8 MANAGERS, THERE ‘S A NEW SHERIFF IN TOWN….YOU! 9 TAX TIME TIPS

LET GO WITH THE FLOW 11 SNEAK PEEK

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Back To Basics—Discipline In Our Army

INSIDE THIS ISSUE RENEWAL GARDEN

Fort Sill Community Newsletter

A recruit getting clear guidance Recently the Army released a report titled Generating Health and Discipline in the Force Report Ahead of the Strategic Reset 2012 (the Gold Book). The report is a follow-up report to the Red Book (Health Promotion, Risk Reduction and Suicide Prevention 2010). The audience for this report spans leaders at all levels and across most disciplines including Army staff, field commanders, healthcare and risk reduction program managers and other leaders who require a better understanding of the challenges currently facing the Force. If Commanders want to promote health and resilience in their units the report recommended that they take the following actions to reduce remaining gaps in Army health and disciplinary surveillance;  Consult with legal counsel during implementation of all administrative and disciplinary actions to enhance awareness of the latest policy updates and to ensure legal sufficiency for proposed actions.  Flag all Soldiers who allegedly committed an offense pending final outcome of an investigation / inquiry, final disciplinary and administrative action and DA Form 4833 documentation in accordance with ALARACT 386 / 2011, Suspension of Favorable Personnel Actions.  Initiate Bar to Reenlistment for Sol-

diers adversely adjudicated, if appropriate.  Refer all Soldiers to rehabilitation programs based on indicators associated with high‐risk behavior and misconduct for assessment and treatment as appropriate; document referrals on DA Form 4833.  Coordinate with CID and installation provost marshal for all information pertaining to Soldiers who allegedly commit criminal misconduct off–post.  Evaluate the offense and civilian court adjudication for appropriate disciplinary and administrative action and subsequent documentation on DA Form 4833.  Consider prior offenses and other administrative and disciplinary actions during adjudication to establish any potential patterns of misconduct that warrant additional measures (36% of 1st time drug offenders and 47% of 2nd time offenders will offend again).  Ensure compliance with current policy (AR 600‐85) regarding the initiation and processing of administrative separation for first and second drug offenses, respectively.  Initiate administrative separation for Soldiers involved in two serious alcohol‐related incidents within 12 months.  Ensure that Soldiers processed for administrative separation reflect an appropriate characterization of service (e.g., OTH discharge) and re‐entry code to prevent transition into the RC

Renew Yourself As we continue forward into this season, one may feel the necessity to “spring clean.” This motivation of organization should expand beyond housework into the chores of mind, body, and soul. In this edition we will explore together renewal of self, relationships, and total wellness. Feel free to relax, relate, and renew!

and reentry into Service. Ensure CID is notified of all allegations regarding drug offenses.  Ensure DA Form 4833 with supporting documentation is completed and returned to installation law enforcement within the required 45 days.  Ensure Soldier security clearance referrals in situations involving criminal misconduct.  Ensure immediate accountability of AWOL Soldiers:  Request an expedited warrant for apprehension of high‐risk AWOL Soldiers in accordance with ALARACT 366 / 2011, Guidance for Commanders Request to Enter Deserter Warrants into the National Crime Information Center Database. The report emphasizes that leaders must recognize that just because operations in Iraq and Afghanistan are coming to a close, this does not equate to less responsibility or fewer demands on them in coming days. To the contrary, arguably more will be asked of them during upcoming periods of reintegration and reset. (Part 2 In next issue ) Click below for the entire report.

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Click picture or HERE for full report

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Springtime

Spring brings renewal to all of life. The earth shakes off her dreary gray cloak of winter and dons a verdant green costume hemmed and stitched with budding flowers and blossoming trees; birds fly home to their summer roosts and hatchlings cry out from their nests; the animals of the field lose their heavy winter coats to show off shiny spring attire. We humans, too, feel the drive toward renewal. Almost every culture on the planet celebrates spring in some way. Collectively, in all our diversity, we celebrate renewal – we need it; we appreciate it; it makes us who we are! Self renewal is a necessary part of life – a sort of personal spring. Letting go of that which is no longer useful and taking up that which will guide us to the next place of inner transformation is the way we mature and develop. How will you shake off the winter blues, freshen up your inner and outer self, and enjoy this time of renewal? What do you need to let go of; to freshen, alter, or change? How might you bring newness and freshness into your relationships with yourself, your mate, your family, and even with coworkers? What part of your attitude, actions, behaviors must be shed in order to create living space for newness and freshness; for internal and external congruence? As you think about these questions, take some time to write down the things you would like to freshen up, change, or renew. Just remember, you have full creative control of your own spring time and no control over anyone else’s. Kierkegaard wrote: our life always expresses the result of our dominant thoughts. What are your dominant thoughts? Are there some cold and wintery attitudes lurking? How might you shift your focus to warmth and renewal? How might your goals and plans blossom anew? Shift your dominant thoughts and you shift the quality of day to day living. Of course, self renewal is a process. Just like spring unfolding in nature – it doesn’t instantly happen – it takes effort and an intentional investment of time and attention. It takes letting go of that which is no longer functioning, and reaching out to that which will nourish and renew. Like a hatchling coming out of its shell, inner renewal takes effort, but the reward is having a whole new world open up to you. Are you ready for spring? Here are some steps for creating a healthy and abundant inner spring time in your life: Be like the Daffodil - Just as the earth nurtures, coddles, protects, and eventually gives way to the striving of tulip and daffodil bulbs so the plant can renew itself and grow Know your values, examine them, renew them, or change them. Knowing your values will help you clarify the path you want to be on and what you need to do to make your life more congruent with those values., reaching for the sun, your subconscious mind is nurtured by your intention and attitude, by what you feed it in terms of goals. Ideas and intentions are harbored, nurtured and begin to sprout in our lives, coming forth from the subconscious. Inspect the thoughts and ideas you are planting and how you are nourishing them.

By Dr. Cher Springer, ASAP Counselor

Keep the flowers, pull the weeds. Gardeners know how important it is to thin out their tulip beds and pull out the weeds. Without careful attention, plants will choke each other out. Review your most valued relationships, activities and even possessions. Is there a beneficial quid pro quo? Mutual support? Are these aspects of your life congruent with your values and goals? If so, keep them, if not, determine how you can adjust them. What if I don’t.? Farmers know they have to encourage their seedlings and pull out the weeds to promote healthy crops. So do you! Ascertain the consequences of changing or not changing these attitudes and relationships so as to align them with your values and goals. Assess the positive and negative consequences of taking action or not taking action and create a plan to bring about congruence in your activities and relationships. Lining up for success. Align yourself with your values and begin to respond to life as if you were the person you are trying to become; as if you have achieved your goals. Be clear and congruent with your time, your attitude, and your values. Before you know it, your own spring time will unfold. As you make your way through these steps, I hope you will experience the desire and the capacity for shaking off the dull and grey and fertile and lush; I hope you will experience a time of bringing forth your true self and adorning that self with purpose; planting the seeds of future goals; creating a path toward fulfillment.

Renewal

Baby birds know the way, you should too. Without strong and healthy imprinting, spring hatchlings can easily fall prey to predators. The same is true for your goals and plans. Distinguish supporters from detractors. That includes internal and external sources of support. Take an honest look at your strengths. Look for ways you employ those strengths to help yourself. Honestly assess how you might be standing in your own way. Examine your relationships – look at who in your life supports you and who detracts or distracts you from achieving your goals. Do what you need to do to transform, limit or eliminate people, places, things, attitudes and activities that detract from your goals and values. Increase contact and time spent with those who support you.

Build Esteem this Spring Last newsletter, we discussed Maslow's hierarchy of needs. To expound on that, let’s discuss developing or maintain high self-esteem as it pertains to our self awareness. This area is very important in our daily life and is transparent to our co-workers. Self-esteem is a term in psychology to reflect a person's overall evaluation or appraisal of her or his own worth. Self-esteem encompasses beliefs (for example, "I am competent", "I am worthy") and emotions such as triumph, despair, pride and shame. a number experts would distinguish how 'the self-concept is what we think about the Thomas M. Easterly self; self-esteem, the positive or negative evaluation of the self, is how we feel about it'. A person’s selfconcept consists of the beliefs one has about oneself, one’s self perception. People around can recognize if you have high self-esteem and act accordingly. Have you wondered how to get more of it? Do you think your self-esteem is low? Do you know what to do about it? Take a look the ideas below to get some insight on how to avoid or repair self-esteem challenges.  Practice self-care. Make new lifestyle choices by joining self-help groups and practicing positive health care.  Identify triggers to low self-esteem. We personalize stressful events (e.g., criticism) by inferring a negative meaning about ourselves. A self-defeating action often follows. Each event can, instead, be a chance to learn about ourselves, if we face our fear of doing so and the negative beliefs about ourselves that sustain the negative meanings.  Stop comparing yourself to others. Low self-esteem often develops when people compare themselves unfavorably to others. Your goal is not to emulate someone else. This will transform you into a pale imitation. Stay true to yourself and be a first-rate version of yourself. Lasting self-confidence comes from trusting that you’ve got what it takes to deal with whatever challenges you face. Self-confidence doesn’t have to do with emulating or competing with someone else. These are just a few of the many tips on how to build a lasting self-esteem. Please staytuned for further morsels of information on how to build your self-esteem and develop a better self- awareness. (Tom works in the Plans, Analysis & Integration office as a Strategic Planner for the Fort Sill Garrison. He is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Education.)

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Statistics and History

WAY TO GO TEAM SILL!!! ACCIDENTS 26

Accidents Decline in the First Quarter

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By Janice Carter Team Sill did an excellent job in making workplace safety a priority during the first quarter of FY 12. The number of accidents across the installation dramatically declined during the reporting period. Leaders, Soldiers and Civilians kept their work places safe and accident-free. Being accident free does not just happen; it takes time, effort and a caring attitude in the work place. To ensure this downward trend continues apply simple yet effective preventive measures daily like; Good housekeeping – Keep your area clean and tidy to help prevent slips, trips and falls. Make sure floors are clean and access clear of obstructions. Lighting – Ensure there is good lighting levels, without glare or shadows, particularly on access routes and staircases. External lighting may be necessary for walkways or staircases. Flooring – Make sure floors are level and even and check regularly for damage. Make sure loose carpets or mats are taped down. Stairways – Make sure handrails are provided to all stairways and that they are securely fixed to the structure of the staircase or adjoining wall. Spillages - Ensure staff knows who to report these to so that they can be cleaned up immediately. Make sure proper signs are used when any floors are wet or are in the process of being cleaned. Trailing cables - Ensure electrical equipment or telephones are placed so that cables don't trail across floors or access routes. Use cable managers, cable ties or floor cable covers to remove tripping hazards.

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By COL Jeffery Pedersen, Ft. Sill Staff Judge Advocate

FORT SILL HISTORY TIDBIT Major General Patrick J. Hurley

Patrick J. Hurley was born in Oklahoma in 1883. The son of hard-working Irish stock, he spent his childhood in the Indian Territory of the Choctaw Nation, a tribe relocated to Oklahoma from Mississippi by the Federal Government. He spent much of his time learning the ways of the Indians from his neighbor, Chief Benjamin Smallwood, one of the principal chiefs of the Choctaws. Fueled by the plight of the Choctaws, Hurley aspired to be an attorney to represent them. He attended night school, while laboring as a coal miner and a ranch hand, and as a Soldier in the Spanish-American War. Finally, at age 28, through sheer perseverance, he was able to attend law school, and he became a lawyer for the Choctaw Nation. During World War I, Hurley made a name for himself as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps. He worked as a Judge Advocate, and held the duties of Adjutant General and Inspector General for the Army Artillery, 1st Army. As a Judge Advocate for the 6th Army Corps, he was publicly recognized for ably assisting in negotiations with the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. As a Lieutenant Colonel in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps for the 76th Field Artillery Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, he was awarded the Silver Star for action near Louppy, France, voluntarily making a reconnaissance under heavy enemy fire. He eventually attained the rank of Major General after being General George Marshall’s personal representative in the Far East during World War II, attempting to relieve besieged American troops on the island of Bataan. He also served as the Secretary of State under President Herbert Hoover and as the Ambassador to China under President Franklin Roosevelt. Hurley made a failed attempt at a New Mexico U.S. Senate seat in 1952 and died there in 1963. The Fort Sill Courtroom is named after Major General Hurley, and was recently rededicated as such with the addition of a new painting by Mrs. Theda Pedersen, the wife of the current Fort Sill Staff Judge Advocate, Colonel Jeffery Pedersen. (All front page articles are written by Jay Khalifeh unless otherwise noted)

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ASAP CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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April 2012 Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Sunday Brunch At Patroit Club 1230

Apache Rattlesnake Festival

Easter Egg Hunt (Butner/Cowan Field 1300-1500)

CG Walk (Polo Field, 1130)

(0830)

Unit Prevention Leader TRAINING

Sat

UPL Recert

ADAPT (WBC 0800-1600)

ONE Brief

Fri

24 BPL Meeting (0800)

Free Self Defense Seminar (12001500, at Honeycutt Fitness Center) Apache Rattlesnake Festival 19-22 Apr HELP Safe Walk (Elmer Thomas Park, (Well-Being Center, ASAP 0800-1600) 0900-1900)

CWBO MEETING

ASAP Community Training 0900-1100/1330-1530

Susan Komen Race for the Cure (Cameron University, 0700)

Well-Being Center, ASAP 3415 Miner Rd

Tues 1800-2000

Click to join ASAP on Facebook Click to visit our ASAP Website

For more community events, activities, and trainings, check out the MWR and ACS websites: (click on logos)

Spring Quarter ASAP Community Training

Weds 1900

Wednesday, 25 April 2012 Location: Bldg 4700, Rm 227 0900-1100- Employee Assistance Program 1330-1530- Take Control of Your Life Thursday, 26 April 2012 0900-1100- Suicide Prevention (Location: Snow Hall, Rm 114) Location: Bldg 4700, Rm G29 1330-1530- **SPECIAL PRESENTATION** Alcohol: Fun to Done in Seconds Friday, 27 April 2012 Location: Bldg 4700, Rm G29 0900-1100- Supervisory Workforce Engagement 1330-1530- Thriving with Change For more information, please contact RaShonda Labrador at 2-6306.

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April: Alcohol and Sexual Assault Awareness Month By Stephanie Armel, RRPC

The Fort Sill Army Substance Abuse Program (ASAP) and the Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention Programs (SHARP) are partnering together for National Alcohol and Sexual Assault Awareness Month to promote prevention through special activities and public education during this nationally dedicated month. For the month of April we would like everyone to focus on the need for prevention and intervention to help reduce the devastating consequences of alcohol abuse and the life altering impact of sexual assault.

Life focus Substance Abuse: A Cry for Help

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism on average “approximately one-half of all cases of sexual assault and rape involve alcohol consumption by the perpetrator, the victim, or both”. For 2010 68% of the sexual assault victims were reported drug facilitated assaults which included the use of alcohol. To date, alcohol is still considered the number one date rape drug of choice. The impact of these crimes serves as a reminder that the crimes not only affect the person, but ripples out to include family, friends, coworkers, and the overall Army mission.

SUICIDE PREVENTION PROGRAM COORDINATOR (SPPM) ROBERT DODRILL

Since the month of April is Alcohol awareness month and alcohol and drugs play a major part in suicides, in 2010 survey data on alcohol consumption revealed that over half or 51.8% of the US population reported regularly consuming alcohol. Of these 131 million alcohol drinkers, approximately 33 million or 23% participated in binge drinking. Of the 33 million binge drinkers, a disturbing 93% were between the ages of 16 and 25 years old. As many as 43% of active duty Soldiers have reported binge drinking within the past.

Alcohol and Sexual Assault Awareness month is intended to educate people and communities through prevention and intervention training about the consequences of alcohol-related incidents to include the relationship to sexual assaults.

During the month of April wooden Teal, the national color for Sexual Assault Awareness, and Red, the national color for Alcohol Awareness, ribbons have been placed at the post gates to serve as visual reminder of the relationship one has to another. The small red flags surrounding the ribbons symbolize the victims who have been impacted by alcohol related incidents and sexual assault.

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Excessive alcohol use is even more troubling because alcohol abuse is associated with a variety of physical and behavioral health issues related to combat service. Veterans who were problem drinkers were 2.7 times as likely to have PTSD as veterans who were not problem drinkers. Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America reported in 2009 that 7,400 Iraq and Afghanistan veterans were treated by the VA for drug addiction, 27,00 new veterans had been diagnosed with excessive or improper drug use and 16,200 had been diagnosed with alcohol dependence. This is just the tip of the iceberg; many veterans do not turn to the VA instead relying on the private programs or avoiding treatment altogether. Drug and alcohol referrals provide a good news story; referral rates increased from FY2004-11 with over 24,000 Soldiers referred to the Army Substance Abuse Program in FY2011 alone. This clearly indicates an increase in command (and to some extent Soldier) involvement in drug and alcohol rehabilitation.

Drug and alcohol separations are a critical consideration during the chain ASAP and SHARP take the center stage this month with the ambition of command’s evaluation of this at-risk population. Criteria for separations should to help all of Fort Sill Soldiers champion a culture of being a responconsider behavioral health and disciplinary measures to optimize unit and Soldier sible Battle Buddies, and keeping their fellow Soldiers from making readiness. These criteria should include collaboration among the health triad to deterbad choices. mine the Soldier’s potential for successful rehabilitation, likelihood for recidivism and the impact of service-related stressors on the Soldier’s long-term health. Simply put, It is essential that Soldiers realize that drinking to the point of being there are times when, after weighing the totality drunk, is not only irresponsible, but puts you at higher risk for all of the circumstance, a Soldier must be placed in sorts of dangers. the sanctuary of a less stressful occupation. After all, the Army exists to fight and win the Nation’s For those concerned about their own difficulties with Alcohol or wars. other drugs or who are concerned about others they care about, the Fort Sill clinical ASAP offers screening and treatment services. We all need someone to talk The Fort Sill Army Substance Abuse Program can be reached at to sometimes: Call the confidential (580) 442-4205. If you have been a victim of sexual assault, know and free National Suicide Prevention Lifeyour options, call (580) 574-0871. Additionally, Military OneSource line at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), available 24 may offer confidential help at militaryonesource.com or 1 (800) 342hours a day, 7 days a week. The service is 9647. available to everyone. Or, call your local ASAP Office for assistance at 442-6069.

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Drug Awareness

DEAR FRAN I was a habitual pot smoker up until the day I met my husband and I left the party lifestyle because he's military and me at the time being a minor could get him in trouble and well pot isn't allowed in the Army. I recently got into spice, and it has marijuana like qualities except its legal... I do it in moderation like anything else it's just my husband says he doesn't want me to do it anymore. I did it again and I told him because one, I hate lying and two, it would just create more trouble than it's worth not telling him. He is livid... and he's out in the field at Fran Alltizer, LCSW, ASAP Supervisor the moment. To me, when I ask him to stop smoking cigarettes and he continues to do so it's the same. Marriage is all about compromise but I'd think this one is really one of those things... What do you think? A Spicy Marriage Dear Spicy, At some point, you may have to grow up, get an education, and become someone your husband will continue to be glad he married. Marriage is all about compromise, but I do not agree this is one of the compromises that will make the marriage stronger and extend your life together. Compromises are usually made as an advantage to the couple. Smoking cigarettes is not good for you, but it is legal! Your husband's career success is effected by the things you do. Have you ever heard of the Molly Pitcher award? It is for the woman in the Soldier's life that backs him up and keeps him strong, so he can be Army Strong. Use of spice and marijuana may feel good to you, but it does not allow you to make smart decisions, no matter how good/competent they may seem to you. Why don't you come see us at the Well-Being Center/ASAP Clinic and talk to our fantastic EAP. RaShonda can visit with you and educate you to the choices you are making that can bring your marriage to an early end. She can see you alone, or as a couple. Please don't put this off. You are not just refusing your If you have any questions or husband something he wants and has asked you for, concerns that you would like you are placing yourself in a position to face legal Fran to address, charges. Fran

please contact Fran through our ASAP Facebook page:

GENERALS ORDER: OFF LIMITS!! Local businesses put off limits The commanding general, Maj. Gen. David D. Halverson, signed an off-limits order as a result of a recommendation from the Western Oklahoma Area Joint Service Armed Forces Disciplinary Control Board. Soldiers, Marines, airmen and seamen who violate this order may be subject to disciplinary actions under the Uniform Code of Military Justice or to adverse administrative action. Halverson issued the off-limits order based on a recommendation from the Western Oklahoma Area Joint Service Armed Forces Disciplinary Control Board. The board reviewed materials concerning the businesses and voted to recommend placing an indefinite off-limits order against them. The board advises and makes recommendations to commanders on matters concerning eliminating conditions that adversely affect the health, safety, morals, welfare, morale, and discipline of the Armed Forces. Off Limits: • Zag Man's Interesting Gifts, 2818 NW Sheridan Rd., Lawton, OK 73505 • Half Price Novelties, 2610½ NW Sheridan Rd., Lawton, OK 73505 • Chiefs Smokin Icehouse, 1315 SW Lee Blvd., Lawton, OK 73501 • The Other Place, 605 SW Lee Blvd., Lawton, OK 73501 • East Side Smoke Shop, 2005 E. Gore Blvd., Lawton, OK 73501 • Qwik-N-Go, 2213 NW Sheridan Rd., Lawton, OK 73505 • Puff n' Stuff, 4401 NW Cache Rd., #A, Lawton, OK 73505 • Lynn's Books, Body Jewelry, Etc., 1904 NW Ferris Ave., Lawton, OK 73505 In his order, Halverson said these businesses were placed off limits to protect the health, safety, morale, welfare and discipline of service members. The order applies to all military personnel assigned to, attached to, or in a temporary duty status at military units or installations in Oklahoma, Arkansas, and north Texas.

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Illegal Drug Use Has Consequences March 8, 2012 By Marie Berberea, Fort Sill FORT SILL, Okla. -The packaging may say it's legal, but Fort Sill along with the rest of the military is spreading a message: use drugs, synthetic or otherwise, and there will be consequences. Fort Sill's Community Health Promotion Council met to discuss this topic Feb. 21. Post commanders and different specialists are frustrated with the rise in use of synthetic drugs such as Spice and bath salts. "It's all about education, staying on top of these things so we don't have this kind of problem," said Maj. Gen. David Halverson, Fires Center of Excellence and Fort Sill commanding general. Capt. Christian Schrader, Reynolds Army Community Hospital Well-being Center chief, gave commanders a lesson on these substances. "Spice or K2 has been skirting federal regulations because many brands send their compounds out to Drug Enforcement Agency laboratories to confirm they do not have any active components that are on the agency's watch lists," said Schrader. He said the drugs are marketed to teens and young adults, the same age as most entry level Soldiers and sold as incense at head, smoke and skate shops, and alternative lifestyle stores. "There are about 32 compounds of this synthetic drug being sold, and they all vary in potency. They all however attach more strongly to the brain cells and thus have a higher addiction potential in individuals who use them," said Schrader. He explained that Spice or K2 is also seven- to 20-times more potent per weight than the highest grade of marijuana with side effects that range from impaired driving to attempted suicide. Physiological and psychological effects include high blood pressure, lung problems, fast mood swings, altered perception, intense aggression, paranoia, panic attacks and anxiety. "The other high selling synthetic drug is known as bath salts. It's a street name that represents a synthetically produced chemical compound that is similar to crystal meth, cocaine and Ecstasy," said Schrader. The drug is dissolved in water and placed under the tongue, smoked or snorted and creates an intense high for five to 10 minutes. It also creates the intense desire to re-dose. "Something that makes you hallucinate or be paranoid-not generally good with operation of heavy equipment machinery, high explosive ammunitions, or other firing systems," said Schrader. The meeting turned to some of the other side effects of using these substances which include loss of military job and legal action. Capt. Erin Morris, Judge Advocate General attorney, revealed that so far this year, 36 percent of Criminal Investigation Department's cases involved possession and or use of Spice or bath salts. Eight Soldiers were discovered in possession of the substance during a health and welfare or other authorized search. Seven out of those eight came back positive on the urinalysis for Spice and can now be prosecuted for a drug offense. And five Soldiers were reported by other Soldiers or family members. "While synthetic substances are more difficult to detect in most respects, the good news is Soldiers are being caught with these substances. They are reporting each other for using these substances, and they are testing positive for using these substances," said Morris. "Additionally, they are being prosecuted and or separated for these offenses." Reference: Ft. Sill Cannoneer

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Mind, Mission, and News

Cocaine Use Contributed to Whitney Houston’s Death: Coroner Report Cocaine use and heart disease contributed to Whitney Houston’s death from an accidental drowning in a hotel bathtub, according to the initial autopsy report by the Los Angeles County Coroner. CNN reports Chief Coroner Craig Harvey said the singer’s cocaine use appeared to have occurred “in the time period just immediately prior to her collapse in the bathtub at the hotel” on February 11. The autopsy also found a 60 percent narrowing of her arteries, which suggests that “a cardiac event complicated by the cocaine use” led to Houston’s slipping underwater, he noted. Toxicology tests found other drugs in her body, which did not contribute to her death, according to the report. Those drugs included marijuana, Xanax, the muscle relaxant Flexeril and the allergy medicine Benadryl. Levels of each of the drugs found in her body will be inClick HERE to cluded in the final coroner report, which is scheduled to be hear why Amermade public within two weeks. ica will miss this music icon.

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EAP Mental Health Minute: Make Someone Else Feel Good Doing for others makes you feel good. It may also be good for your physical health. Studies show that people who give support and assistance to others feel better and live longer. * Help a friend, relative, or neighbor with errands, transportation, shopping, babysitting, or other tasks. * Get involved in a volunteer organization. * Teach your child how good it feels to give to others by volunteering together at a local soup kitchen or helping out an elderly neighbor. * Pick up trash when you see it in the park or in your neighborhood. * Let someone else take the good parking space or go ahead of you in line.

Reference: Join Together Staff

DID YOU KNOW?

A new poll finds that 1 in 10 adults — or 23.5 million Americans — has successfully overcome a problem with alcohol or illegal drugs. The poll also found that 34% of adults had successfully quit smoking.

Volunteers at a local soup kitchen

Brainteaser

Reference: healthland.time.com

US ARMY GARRISON FORT SILL MISSION To provide Soldiers, Civilians, Retirees and their Families with a secure installation, consistent and efficient services, and quality facilities and infrastructure . VISION With current fiscal reality, to maintain our quality services and infrastructure across the installation. To maximize available resources and to foster positive relationships with those living and working on Fort Sill as well as with our surrounding communities. INTENT To develop an environment that becomes a model for integrating organizations into common footprints, thereby becoming true stakeholders of the installation. To empower Organizations by instilling pride in ownership and providing a voice. To transform the Garrison while capturing efficiencies and promoting fiscal responsibility. To maintain an environment that enhances safety, well-being, and readiness; a place of limitless opportunities to develop both personally and professionally.

March Brainteaser: Fill in the blanks to find the expression o_er_t_o_ Answer in next month’s issue February Answer The German sits in his Green House, smoking his Prince cigars, drinking coffee, and watching his FISH. The rest go like this1st House: Yellow, Norwegian, Water, Cats, Dunhill 2nd House: Blue, Dane, Tea, Horse, Blends 3rd House: Red, Brit, Milk, Birds, Pall Malls 4th House: Green, German, Coffee, FISH, Prince 5th House: White, Swede, Beer, Dogs, Bluemasters

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Complete Well-Being

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Wellness Window

Cooking Excellence

Walk Every Day.

Zippy Italian Popcorn

We’re less active than ever before and obesity rates are higher than ever. Two-thirds of Americans are overweight or obese, and 3 in 10 adults get the recommended amount of physical activity, according to the President’s Council on Physical Fitness. A great way to look and feel better is to walk. Walking is good for people of all ages. It helps you lose weight and keep weight off, and keeps your muscles toned. You can make walking a lifetime habit by starting with this simple plan: Walk 10 minutes a day this week. Then gradually work up to 30 to 60 minutes a day 4 days or more a week. For every mile that you walk, you burn 95 to 100 calories.

Ingredients  1 sack reduced fat natural flavor microwave popcorn, cooked to package directions  2 tablespoons butter  1 teaspoon garlic powder or granulated garlic  1 teaspoon dried oregano  1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes  1/3 cup grated Parmigiano, eyeball it Directions Pop the corn and place in a bowl. Place butter and spices in a small cup or bowl and place in microwave oven and melt, 10 to 15 seconds on high. Stir and pour mixture over the popped corn. Sprinkle the corn with cheese and serve.

For more information regarding the IMCOM & DOD Wellness Program please click the following links: IMCOM WELLNESS and DOD WELLNESS

Reference: The Food Network

PEACEFUL PLAZA: Renew Your Mind I’ve met many people who think their spouses are the reason they can’t get along in their marriages. Or they’re sure that office strife is their co-workers’ fault. But the fact is, they have a civil war raging on the inside. They don’t like their looks, they don’t like where they are in life, or they’re upset because they haven’t broken a bad habit, and that poison spills out into their other relationships. Understand, you can’t give away what you don’t have. If you don’t love yourself, you’re not going to be able to love others. If you’re in conflict on the inside, feeling angry or insecure about yourself, feeling unattractive, feeling condemned, then that’s all you can give away. On the other hand, if you’ll recognize that God is working on you, and in spite of your flaws and weaknesses, you can learn to accept yourself. Then you can give that love away and have healthy relationships. This basic principle could save your marriage; it could change your relationships with the people around you. You think everybody else is the problem, but before you can make significant progress in life, you must come to peace with who you are. Please recognize that if you’re negative toward yourself, it’s not only affecting you; it is influencing every relationship you have, and it will affect your relationship with God. Click: AFFIRMATIONS to relax and That’s why it’s so important that your feel good about who you are. You may have some faults. You enjoy this month’s featured “Peaceful may have some things you wish you could change about yourself. Well, join the crowd. We all do. Plaza Guided Imagery segment as proBut lighten up and quit being so hard on yourself. Click AFFIRMATIONS to take a moment to relax vided through healthjourneys.com and get started with positive self talk. Reference: excerpt from Joel Osteen

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Etiquette and Manager’s Notes

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Manager’s Memo: Hands Against the Wall, Policing the Halls I caught an on-line ad for police officers. Lawton is increasing its force and has been on a hiring spree. Police officers do important work for a community. They prevent, detect, and investigate crime, protect people and property, and apprehend criminals. They also have the power and responsibility to intervene when they witness a crime and authority to arrest people once they have exhausted avenues of due process. In short, good police officers do their best to maintain By Jay Khalifeh public order in their assigned patrol areas. Going down the list of requirements I came to realize that being a good police officer has some striking similarities to being a good manager. That managers along with planning, organizing, leading an organization, they to have a control function. Patrolling the office halls- Crime rarely is committed at the police station; therefore police must leave their desks and mingle with the community. We cannot protect and serve our community or employees if we do not venture out into the streets and in the offices. Answering the call – If a complaint or an emergency is called in, police officers and managers should know how to correctly respond. Ignoring cries for help whether they be in the on the streets or in the office will not make them go away and probably will make it worse over time. Finding Help – Good cops are also willing and able to stop and help those in need. Good managers like good policemen are aware of community resources and how to access them to support those in need. At the scene of the crime – When there is an crime or accident police officers and managers are often some of the first on the scene. They should come prepared. A good police officer keeps emotions under control in stressful or dangerous situations, and they have the ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively to determine proper course of action to be taken. Cops and managers alike must possess the ability to cope with situations firmly, courteously, tactfully, while respecting for the rights of others. For those injured, officers and managers should secure the area to prevent further injury and administer first aid and stop the bleeding. Keeping citizens safe is one of our most basic and important functions. Gathering evidence - Once the situation is stabilized, policemen and managers gather evidence, take written statements, and conduct preliminary investigations. We may look for witnesses and coordinate with courts and Civilian Personnel office if we find that rules and regulations were violated. Pull Over and Tickets – Police officers may need to issue tickets for parking and other violations to good order and discipline. These actions deter violators and keep public order. The same be true for unacceptable workplace behavior that is self-destructive or destructive to your organization. Mentoring – Good police work also involves mentoring helping young people who may have strayed or are floundering. Just like a good manager. Mentoring is done with care and patience to build relationships and help the citizenry to avoid problems and thrive. Mentoring implies that we should know are jobs, demonstrate high ethical standards and look out for the public’s interest. If a police force were to stop policing a town, we can expect anarchy and instability to soon follow. When managers fail to take action when someone is self-destructive or is destroying the organization by engaging in self-destructive behavior, we can expect similar results. Many managers feel uncomfortable with confrontation. And that is understandable They may decide not to take action or wait. Or, they take action only when the problem cannot be ignored anymore. And, when we don’t deal with problems swiftly and effectively, the problem always gets worse. Consequences for undesirable behavior are the only thing that can steer employees to proper and healthier behavior in the workplace. You owe it to the rest of your staff to act. Need help addressing a work situation, contact your Fort Sill EAP at 442-4205 for a consult.

Personal Change: Are You Ready? Change Exchange Tip #1:

Externalize Problems or Haunting Memories Externalize any recurring, critical, or tortuous thoughts, memories, or voices by writing them out, recording them onto an audiotape or videotape, or putting them into some other external form (such as an artwork). This segment is brought to you through The Change Your Life Book by Bill O’Hanlon.

Workplace Etiquette 101: Keeping Good Communication We’re able now to connect with co-workers and customers from anywhere at any time. No matter how sophisticated the technology gets, though, it’s important to remember the basics of good communication. Be clear. Always ask, “Does anyone have any questions?” Listen. Let the other person finish before you jump in with questions or comments. Ask for input and ideas. Remember to ask, “What do you think?” Follow up. Never leave people hanging.

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Financial Fitness and Tip to Clip

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Tips for Tax Time Stress Don’t procrastinate. Resist the temptation to put off your taxes until the very last minute. Rushing to meet the filing deadline may cause you to overlook potential sources of tax savings and will likely increase your risk of making an error. Visit the IRS website. More than 322 million visits were made to www.irs.gov in 2011. Make “1040 Central” your first stop to check for the latest news and find answers to your questions about tax filing. Use Free File. Let Free File do the hard work with brand-name tax software or online fillable forms. It's available exclusively at www.irs.gov. Everyone can find an option to prepare their tax return and e-file it for free. If you made $57,000 or less, you qualify for free tax software that is offered through a private-public partnership with manufacturers. If you made more than $57,000 and/or are comfortable preparing your own tax return, there's Free File Fillable Forms, the electronic versions of IRS paper forms. Visit www.irs.gov/freefile for options. Try IRS e-file. Last year, 79 percent of taxpayers - 106 million people - used IRS e-file, which is the safest, easiest and most common way to file a tax return. If you owe taxes, you can file immediately and pay later (by the April 17 tax deadline). Best of all, when you combine e-file with direct deposit the IRS can generally issue your refund in as few as 10 days. Don’t panic if you can’t pay. If you can’t pay the full amount of taxes you owe by the midApril deadline, you should still file your return by the deadline and pay as much as you can to avoid penalties and interest. More than 75 percent of taxpayers eligible for an Installment Agreement can apply using the web-based Online Payment Agreement application available at www.irs.gov. To find out more about this simple and convenient process, type “Online Payment Agreement” in the search box at www.irs.gov. You can also contact the IRS to discuss your payment options. Request an extension of time to file – but pay on time. If the deadline clock is ticking, you can get an automatic six-month extension through Oct. 15. However, this extension of time to file, which must be filed or postmarked by the April 17 deadline, does not give you more time to pay any taxes due. If you have not paid at least 90 percent of the total tax due by the April deadline you may also be subject to an estimated tax penalty. You can A COUPONING TIP YOU obtain an extension through Free File at www.irs.gov/ freefile. Or, file Form 4868, Application for Automatic ExCAN CLIP! tension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, available for downloading at www.irs.gov or by calling 800Give Time, Save Money TAX-FORM (800-829-3676) to have a paper form mailed to you. Allow at least 10 days for mailed forms and publica- Putting expert couponing techniques -- even the ones tions. for normal people --

into practice will require your time and attention. For example, it's going to take a bit of research to find good deals on the items you want, so go ahead and put grocery store ads on By 2020, One Quarter of the Labor Force Will Be 55-andyour weekly reading older list.You also have to be willing to spend a few hours sorting through and "In 1990, 11.9 percent of the labor force was 55 years and older. organizing your coupons before each trip to the suOver the 1990-2000 timeframe, the share of the older labor force permarket. increased to 13.1 percent. In 2010, the share increased again, to If you're busy (like most of us), try to find ways that 19.5 percent. BLS projects that the share of the 55-years-andyou can fit your couponing activities into your schedolder labor force will increase to 25.2 percent in 2020," according ule. Instead of reading a novel before you go to sleep, to a 2012 analysis of census data by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. peruse and clip coupons. Finding the time to locate and organize your coupons might be difficult, but you can feel good knowing that your hard work will save you money.

Links: FreeFile Online Payment Agreement Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return

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Inspire and Encourage

EAP INSPIRATION STATION: Where are You? Excerpt from Joel Osteen AN IMPORTANT KEY to letting go of the past and reaching your full potential is putting yourself in an environment where the seed of your dreams can grow. I know people who are extremely talented. They have incredible potential. But they insist on hanging around the wrong sorts of people. If you are close friends with people who are lazy and undisciplined, people who don’t have great dreams, people who are negative and critical, they will rub off on you. Moreover, that environment in which you place yourself will prevent you from rising any higher. You cannot hang out with negative people and expect to live a positive life. If all your friends are depressed and defeated and have given up on their dreams, make some changes. Let’s be honest: You’re probably not going to pull them up; more likely, if you continue to spend too much time in their presence, they will pull you down. Certainly, you love your friends; you can pray for them and try to encourage them to make positive changes in their lives, but sometimes the best thing you can do is break away from negative people and put yourself in a healthy, positive, faith-filled environment. This is extremely critical, because it doesn’t matter how great the potential in the seed, if you don’t put it in good soil, it will not take root and grow. I’ve had people tell me, “Joel, I don’t know why I’m drawn to abusive people. I get out of one bad relationship and into another one that’s twice as bad. I know it’s not good for me. But I just can’t leave. I’d feel guilty.” I usually answer, “No, you have a responsibility to keep yourself healthy and whole. God has entrusted you with His talents, with His dreams. And it may be painful, but the best thing you can do is get away from somebody who is a constant drag on your spirit. You are made in the image of Almighty God.” “Joel, if I take a stand and set some boundaries, that person may leave, may walk away.” In truth, that would be the best thing that “the gift of good-bye.” That means when somebody who is pulling you down chooses to leave, you may not realize it, but that person just did you a great favor. Don’t look back; instead keep looking forward. Get ready for the new thing God wants to do in your life. Today’s Prayer to Become a Better You Father, I know You are calling me to put myself with those who will encourage me. Help me face the fears that are keeping me from turning away from destructive habits and people. Today’s Thought to Become a Better You I’m willing to say good-bye to what’s not good for me.

The “Character” Couch: Flexibility– Willingness to change plans or ideas without getting upset

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NFL Great Brings Inspiration to Fort Sill March 15, 2012 By Ben Sherman, Fort Sill PAO FORT SILL, Okla.-Soldiers at the Warrior Transition Unit received a special visitor March 9 when Herschel Walker came to visit. Walker, the former Heisman trophy winner, NFL star and three-time AllAmerican football great spoke to wounded warriors during a tour of Fort Sill March 7-9. Walker has teamed up with the Freedom Care program, a TRICARE provider, to help service members who are struggling with the stigma of mental health and substance abuse issues. He believes that treatment for Soldiers begins when they ask for help, but that is often difficult in the military community that emphasizes toughness and independence. Walker believes that asking for help is not a sign of weakness, and he wants America's warriors to know this. "There is no shame in asking for help. I did," he said.

EAP FUNNY CORNER

HERSCHEL WALKER “HITS UP” ASAP

Herschel and Mr. Jay Khalifeh, ASAP Program Manager

3415 Miner Road Ft. Sill, OK 73503 Phone: 580-442-4205 Fax: 580-442-5704

Herschel, Ms. Kaalund, & Ms. Eberhardt, ASAP Counselors

YOUR EAP IS READY TO SERVE

COME VISIT US AT:

Well-Being Center, ASAP

Herschel and Ms. Candace Hughes, ASAP Clinical Supervisor

EAP Services to Employees and Supervisors:

  

Assessment, problem identification, and short-term counseling/intervention. Referral for treatment and rehabilitation to appropriate community counseling/treatment resources. Follow-up services to aid an employee in achieving an effective readjustment to his or her job after treatment. Training and education for supervisors and employees about alcohol and drugs.

E-mail: rashonda.labrador@us.army.mil  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/ Lawton-OK/Fort-Sill-Army-SubstanceEAP Services to the Installation Organization: Abuse- Program/115638415119642 Website: http://sill-www.army.mil/USAG/  Training and consultation for supervisors and managers on how and when to make proper use of EAP services for improving employee performance and conduct. DHR/ASAP/  Consultation to management about trends in employee needs, work groups, and related concerns dealing with work/life/wellness support programs.

Sneak Peek: What to Expect Next Month STORMY WEATHER BLOOMING PEACE

RaShonda M. Labrador, MS, CEAP (580)442-4205/6306 rashonda.labrador@us.army.mil

GOT SOMETHING ON YOUR MIND???

April is sure to provide some severe weather WE WANT YOUR FEEDBACK! patterns. As with all else, storms are a cycle Please contact us if you HAVE ANY SUGof life. Next month, we will touch on topics GESTIONS!! Your comments will be greatly to confront internal, external, past, and preappreciated!!! sent conflict in an effort to roadmap healthy ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD resolution. Without a storm, there would be LIKE TO SHARE?? no rain. Without rain, we wouldn’t appreciContact me at 580-442-4205/6306 or at ate blue skies. Without blue skies, there rashonda.labrador@us.army.mil. would only be darkness. Let’s rejoice in I look forward to hearing from you!! knowing that there is peace after every storm, environmental or emotional.

Disclaimer: Information, views or opinions expressed in the Workforce Pride e-newsletter originates from many different sources and contributors throughout the general community. Please note that content and hyperlinks external to the US Government websites does not necessarily represent or reflect the views and opinions of the Fort Sill Garrison, the Fires Center of Excellence or the United States Army or their affiliates nor are the events endorsed by the same.