INSIDE THIS ISSUE

LAUGHING AT ABE MASLOW 2

“THE SCOURGE OF UGLY HUSBANDS” 3

MARCH CALENDAR: TRAIN-ING EVENTS AND MORE

4 HOW TO TALK TO A

SURVIVOR 5

DEAR FRAN, AM I AN AC-COMPLICE TO MR. HYDE? 6

SPOTLIGHT, EINSTEIN, AND-SPRINGTIME BEAUTY 7

STRETCH, BREATHE, & EAT SORBET!?! 8

LISTEN, CHANGE, & PINK SLIP TIPS

9 12 STEPS IN THE DIREC-

TION OF FINANCIAL FREE-DOM 10 RESPONSIBLE CHARACTER,

HILARIOUS RESULTS 11

SNEAK PEEK 12

friendships and that participate in faith-

based organizations, protocols, and

ceremonies tend to deal with adversity

much better. Community members

that share similar values and experi-

ences feel more supported tend to be

more resilient. Along the same lines

communities that enforce policies and

regulations tend to nurture a more

resilient population. The quality and

number of connections with other peo-

ple in the community; including con-

nections with a place or people of

that place; aspects include commit-

ment, structure, roles, responsibility,

and communication. Lastly, if group

members’ perceive that they are able

to effectively work together for a

common purpose the community

promoted resilience. For the full

review click HERE or contact

your ASAP at 580-442-4205. (All front page articles are written by Jay

Khalifeh unless otherwise noted)

Findings in a recent review completed

by the Rand Corporation for the Office

of the Secretary of Defense titled,

"Promoting Psychological Resilience" was

devastatingly succinct , although no sur-

prise. This systematic review of over

270 existing scientific publications on

psychological resilience had a twofold

purpose:

1. To identify evidence-informed factors

that promote resilience, and

2. To assess the strength of those factors

in support of resilience

Remember, resilience in the ability to

bounce back and thrive through adver-

sity. The factors that most supported

physical, emotional and spiritual well-

being were stratified on individual, unit

and community levels:

Individual-Level Factors

It should come as no surprise that the

review identified Soldiers and civilians

that have the ability to have positive cop-

ing skills and that make an effort to solve

personal and interpersonal problems, toler-

ate stress or conflict much better and

tend to be more resilient. Also, those

that are enthusiastic, active, and optimis-

tic tend to be better under fire. It also

helps to have a sense of humor and to

look on the bright side of difficult cir-

cumstances. Soldiers and individuals

with realistic life expectations and with

healthy self-esteem also fair better.

Those that feel that they had some

control of their own destiny tend to

resist the ravages of stress much better.

Finally, the review found that those who

were able to recognize, evaluate, and

change emotional reactions to life circum-

stances demonstrated more resilience.

Unit-Level Factors At the unit level the review found that a

positive command climate that facili-

tated and fostered intra-unit teamwork

and that built pride and support for the

mission was important. In addition,

positive leadership role modeling tended

to promote resiliency in units. Enforcing

institutional policies and regulations also

helped. A unit’s ability to perform com-

bined actions and ability to bond together

to maintain commitment to each other

(read trust) and the mission also sup-

ported resilience.

Community-Level Factors At the larger community level, those

that feel that they belong fared better.

It should be of no surprise that

community members who have

Bouncing Back and Beyond

Springing Preparation: Resilient Results

A D H R , A S A P , E A P

W E L L - B E I N G T E A M

P R O D U C T R O D U C T

As we move forward this leap year, we must “spring” into action. The word resiliency alone

captures “spring” in a total sense. Spring time brings growth, development, and new expecta-

tions. While resilient behaviors produce “springing” actions. As I sat in a resiliency class a few

months ago, the presenter described the essence of resilience as an inflated ball vs. a deflated ball.

When the deflated ball is thrown against the wall, it does not bounce back. However, when the

inflated ball is thrown, it bounces back. This ball symbolizes us and our inner being. When we

are thrown around, as we all experience at times, what are the results? Do we have the idea that

only our surroundings will nurture us back to health? Or, do we understand that it takes an inter-

nal desire and growth to promote our continued health and well-being? In this edition we will

provide you the tools to enhance your springtime resiliency action plans. Take a moment, read,

breathe, and take care of self!

WORKFORCE PRIDE

Fort Sill Community Newsletter V O L U M E 2 , I S S U E 6

P A G E 2

Relational Resilience through Laughter Laughter is a powerful

remedy for stress, pain,

and conflict. Almost nothing works quicker or

more reliably to bring your mind and body into

healthy balance than a good laugh. Healthy hu-

mor lightens your burdens, inspires hopes, con-

nects you to others, and keeps you grounded,

focused, and alert. Research shows that the

healthier your sense of humor is, the healthier

you and your relationships will be. Conversely, of

course, if your sense of humor is unhealthy – that

is, mean-spirited, sarcastic, and derogatory – it

will poison your attitude and destroy relation-

ships. Research indicates that positive humor is

successful at down-regulating negative and up-

regulating positive emotion; negative humor is

not helpful.

So what is positive humor? Sigmund Freud defined it as a sympathetic,

tolerant, and benevolent amusement at the imperfections of the world and the foi-

bles of human nature, in general. Freud’s definition also carried the connotation of

not taking oneself too seriously and being able to poke fun at oneself, accompanied

by a sort of philosophical detachment in one’s outlook on life. Abraham Maslow

suggested that, for the self-actualizing person, positive humor is philosophical, un-

hostile, spontaneous, thoughtful, and intrinsic to the situation. Such a sense of humor

does not involve hostility, superiority, or sarcasm.

Think of humor as a tool. Tools can be used to build or to destroy.

Laughing together at the trials of parenting a precocious two year old can break the

tension and help a couple to refocus their attention in their love for one another

and their child. Using humor in a manipulative way, however, can undermine inti-

macy. For example, when your partner makes a joke to change the subject every

time you bring up finances, you might not even notice that she's trying to be funny.

You'll just wonder why the two of you never seem to talk about the important

things you disagree about - and THAT can destroy intimacy! Be careful. Be aware.

Don’t be afraid to use laughter liberally.

Humor helps us by:

Releasing endorphins. These are

those lovely neuro-chemicals that make

us feel marvelous! Putting things into perspective.

Sometimes troubles can feel insurmount-

able. Seeing the humor in a situation

helps us refocus our attention and priori-

ties. Connecting us to others. Shared

emotions bring us closer together. It is as

easy to see what we have in common

when we laugh together as when we cry together. It is better to laugh and share the

joy, than focus on despair. Smoothing over differences. When both parties are able to laugh at their own

humanness, differences begin to diminish and commonality takes precedents. Relaxing and Energizing at the same time. Laughing out loud creates a sense of

joy and hope, which in turn feeds possibility thinking. Enhancing Resilience. Laughter enhances one’s resilience on all levels - mind, body,

heart, and soul. Humor and playfulness loosen you up, energizing your thinking and inspiring creative

problem solving. Ensure your relationship humor is positive by making sure both

partners are in on the joke. Remember to laugh WITH your partner, not at them.

If you must poke fun at someone, make fun of yourself. Another way of injecting

humor is the use of double entendres – words or phrases that can be taken more

than one way. Use humor to defuse conflict, too. For

example, if you notice your partner getting defensive, or

you sense tensions rising, try a little well-timed hyperbole

or comical exaggeration to defuse the situation and help

you get a productive discussion back on track. Most of

all, don’t be afraid to laugh.

Want to know how healthy your sense of

humor is? Take this quiz: http://

www.laughterremedy.com/2012/02/assess-your-

sense-of-humor-now-before-starting-the-radio-

mediated-humor-training-program/ Have a happy

and joyful day! And if you want to chat about this or

any other issue, feel free to call me! 580-442-1547.

Last newsletter, we discussed overcoming our

self sabotaging tendencies and working towards

becoming more of who we would like to be-

come. To expound on that, Maslow's hierarchy

of needs is a theory in psychology, proposed by

Abraham Maslow in his 1943 paper, “A Theory

of Human Motivation.” Maslow uses the terms

Physiological, Safety, Belongingness and Love,

Esteem, and Self-Actualization needs to

describe the pattern that human motiva-

tions generally moves through. One need

must be met and mastered before moving on to the next.

So, what does this mean to you? Understanding what makes you tick

and identifying your motivations may just make you feel better on a

daily basis. Let’s break this down. Physiological needs are the basic

things we as humans need to do to live; breathing, eating food and

rest/sleep. Safety needs are security of job, home, family, morality.

Love/Belonging needs are friendship, family, and intimacy. Esteem

needs are respect, confidence, self-esteem, self-respect, and achieve-

ment. Self-Actualization (this is the highest) needs are morality, lack

of prejudice, spontaneity, and problem solving. As the theory goes,

once a need is met we move on to the next, otherwise we may find

ourselves in Maslow’s words feeling, “anxious and tense.” Maslow

once said “What a man can be, he must be.” Realizing our full po-

tential should be the destination we set our compass towards.

Maslow described it as the desire to become more of what one is, to

become everything that one is capable of becoming. For one individ-

ual it may be to be a great leader, for another a singer. Regardless,

we must go on a journey of self-discovery and find that thing that we

feel intrinsically designed for, our purpose, and begin to work to-

wards it. Otherwise, we may find ourselves feeling “anxious and

tense”.

(Tom works in the

Plans, Analysis &

Integration office

as a Strategic

Planner for the

Fort Sill Garrison.

He is currently

pursuing a Doc-

torate of Educa-

tion.)

Thomas M. Easterly

Maslow’s Needs By Dr. Cher Springer, ASAP Counselor

P A G E 3 V O L U M E 2 , I S S U E 6 Mission, History, and USPS

FORT SILL HISTORY TIDBIT

General Earl Van Dorn and

Fort Sill

Earl Van Dorn graduated from West Point in the class of 1842.

He was a promising young infantry officer who won two brevets

and was wounded in combat during the Mexican War. Van Dorn

remained on active duty and was assigned to the U.S. Army Second Cavalry, fighting

Indians on the frontier, until he resigned in the spring of 1861 to join the Confederacy.

During his frontier service he bivouacked on 30 September 1858 with four troops of

the Second cavalry near White Wolf Crossing on today’s Fort Sill. The unit was moving

to attack Comanche’s at a Wichita village five miles south east of today’s Rush Springs,

Oklahoma. Captain Van Dorn was wounded during the victorious battle but history

would not have noticed were it not for his later service during the Civil War.

Van Dorn was promoted quickly to the rank of Major General in the Confederacy. He

served in many positions but was considered a disappointment by many. Van Dorn was

well known for his ability to lose, not win battles. Perhaps this disappointment and his

fame came from his death in June 1863. General Earl Van Dorn was also known for his

womanizing and was nicknamed “the scourge of ugly husbands”. He became the only

Confederate General murdered dur-

ing the Civil War. He was shot by an

angry husband after he paid too much

attention to the man’s wife. Today,

Van Dorn’s one night stay at Fort Sill

is remembered with a marker at the

corner of King and Bateman Roads

near White Wolf Crossing.

by Dale Keesee

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 communi-

ties.

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 responsibil-

ity. To maintain an environment that enhances safety, well-being, and readiness; a

place of limitless opportunities to develop both personally and professionally.

Fiscal Reality Hits USPS

By DHR, ASD

In September 2011, the Garrison

Commander received updated in-

formation on USPS intent to con-

duct an Area Mail Processing (AMP)

study of mail processing facilities

nationwide to determine whether consolidation of some

operations is appropriate. Since the last update, approved

closers, consolidations, and facility studies has tripled in

some cases. The US Postal Service is continually improving

its efficiency by making better use of space, staffing, equip-

ment, and transportation in processing the nation’s mail.

This practice has become increasingly important, as they

have experienced a significant reduction in the amount of

single-piece First-Class Mail that enters their system. In

fact, from fiscal year 2001 through the end of fiscal year

2010, mail volume for this category has declined by almost

23 billion pieces, approximately 42 percent. At the same

time, the deployment of state-of-the-art automated mail-

processing equipment allows them to sort this type of mail

more efficiently than ever. In many cases, larger mailers are

entering their mail deeper into the system, closer to its final

delivery point, bypassing many Postal Service processing and

transportation operations. Considered together, these

factors have created excess processing capacity at many

postal facilities where mail is canceled and sorted. Area

Mail Processing is a key element of this important effort.

Ft. Sill’s Post Office is still not being considered for study,

closer or consolidation. However, by September 2011, 137

facilities nationwide were studied. That number has drasti-

cally changed to 320; out of that number, 98 have been

approved for consolidation or closure compared to the 53

in September 2011. We last reported “zero” for Okla-

homa, that total changed to “two” (Tulsa and McAlester).

Texas total changed from nine to eighteen, Arkansas

changed from three to eight and Kansas changed from four

to twelve.

The DHR will monitor these events and inform the com-

munity if the status of the Fort Sill Post Office changes.

P A G E 4 V O L U M E 2 , I S S U E 6 ASAP CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Workforce Engagement

Supervisory Training 29 March 2012

1330-1530

Well-Being Center, ASAP

3415 Miner Road

Please join us in our monthly supervisory training that is

aimed to enhance management skills in Workforce En-

gagement, managing difficult employees, and using

your employees skills to their ultimate potential.

For more information, please contact RaShonda Lab-

rador at 2-6306.

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)

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2 Garrison Awards

Ceremony (GRTC 1300) CG’s Golf Challenge, Golf Course (1300)

3 Monte Carlo Night

(Patriot Club,1800) Community Dinner (Patriot Club 1700-RSVP only)

4 5 6 7 8 9 DENTAC Dedication

Ceremony (Bldg 2640, 1400)

10 Movie Matinee (Nye

Library, 1300)

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

25 26 27 28 29 30 31

March 20 12

ONE Brief

(Bldg 4700, Rm 216)

ADAPT (WBC 0800-1600)

CWBO

MEETING

Supv. Training (WBC 1330-1530)

Well-Being Center,

ASAP 3415 Miner Rd

Tues 1800-

2000

Weds 1900

Unit Prevention Leader TRAINING (Well-Being Center, ASAP 0800-1600)

U/BPL Meeting,

WBC(0800)

UPL Recert (0830)

FAP Snr Leader

Tng, GRTC, 0900 Mountains of

Mayhem

Ft. Sill Special

Olympics

OKC Thunder

Military Appre-

ciation Nite Rm

216

SillFacts (1000)

P A G E 5 V O L U M E 2 , I S S U E 6

Life focus 7. Survivors need to hear that suicide is not contagious. It

cannot be inherited. However, a 1986 study shows a mild

tendency for mood disorders to run in families which may

mean there is a greater risk of suicide among family mem-

bers. They also want to know if their own thoughts of suicide

are a common reaction. These suicidal

thoughts usually lessen after time. It is important

that the caregiver recognizes the signs of serious threats of suicide on the part of the survivor. Be

direct; ask questions. Do they know when, how,

and where they plan to kill themselves? Do they

have an actual plan? If a person has a serious, de-

tailed plan to commit suicide, he or she should be

referred to a crisis hotline or mental health facility

immediately.

8. Some survivors expressed the need to have

others take the lead to tell or show them what

they need rather than wait until they asked. Some expressed a paralyzing grief so perva-

sive they need to be forced out of the house. One woman spoke lovingly of a friend

who drove her to the grocery store and talked to her outside for hours until the survi-

vor gathered the courage to go inside alone to buy a quart of milk. Her friend did this

many times over the course of several weeks.

9. While any support/self-help group is better than none, they felt a need to talk to other survivors of suicide. If a caregiver is aware of such a group, the

survivor should also be referred to the specialized group. Individual therapy

may also be very appropriate.

10. Survivors need to understand that what they are interpreting as a need for

sexual activity may be a reaction to the loss of intimacy (human touch, hugs)

and that this, too, is a common reaction.

11. Many survivors have a strong need to read about suicide and the grieving process. It

would help to have a bibliography available to give the survivor.

12. Suicide survivors spend hours asking “Why?” Even though there may have been a

suicide note left with a partial explanation, the question still remains unanswered. Even-

tually they learn to live with the situation. They may speculate, but they will not know

the answer for certain. The caregiver should be careful not to add to the anguish of

“Why?” and “If only.”

13. Frequently survivors must also deal with the media due to the sensationalism of the

suicide. They need to know how to cope with the media’s thirst for information and

may need shelter from the media. They frequently need objective advice on how, or if,

to react to reports in the media. They need to express their feelings about the media.

Recent survivors said they sought help from a therapist or support/self-help groups

include:

reassurance they would survive; education about the grief process; answers to help get

them through the grief process and how to solve prob-

lems; pain relief; methods to cope with depression and

suicidal thoughts; need for feedback; direction, and real-

ity testing; a listing of books to read; the need to share

feelings and

thoughts; and the

need to help their

children

cope.

Helping survivors of suicide requires

an understanding of their special

problems related to grief. “What

Survivors Want Caregivers to

Know.”

1. Widowed persons, regardless

of reason for widowhood, have

more in common with one another

than differences. However, survivors

of suicide feel some things more

acutely than others. For example, many widowed persons feel

some guilt as part of their grief, the survivor of suicide generally

feels extreme guilt.

2. It is important to remember that other widowed persons can’t know how it feels. Not only does everyone grieve differently, but the

loss of a spouse through suicide carries with it especially intense

feelings.

3. Many survivors feel overwhelmingly guilty since they believe they

should have been able to prevent the suicide. They feel they “should”

have been in control. The survivor needs to hear the

verdict “not guilty.” They need to realize they had

no, or very limited, control over the actions of the

deceased. As they realize that no one has the

power to make someone choose death, they also need to realize they did not have the power to make

someone choose life. Suicide was a choice – the

choice not to live. It was the deceased’s choice, not

the survivor’s choice. Nor did the survivor have the

power to force the victim to seek help, regardless of

how many signs were evident.

4. Above all, survivors asked caregivers to be non-judgmental. If a

caregiver is confused about his or her feelings about suicide, the

caregiver should ask to be relieved of the assignment. Caregivers should be careful when asking for details of the suicide so that they

do not appear to be looking to place blame. Remember the survivor

already feels guilty.

5. Survivors need someone to help them test reality since many of

their own thoughts may be confused. Some survivors spoke of being

harassed by mentally-ill persons due to the sensationalism and public-

ity surrounding the death. They need to know that their reactions

(fear, anger, etc.) at inappropriate behavior of others are not a

symptom of mental illness in them.

6. Survivors spoke of a need for a “safe place” to talk freely - a place

where they would not be

judged and confidentiality

would be maintained. They

needed a place where sharing

feelings and thoughts and

reaching out for help would

not result in additional pain.

How Can I Help?

Survivor’s Responses

SUICIDE PREVENTION

PROGRAM COORDINA-

TOR (SPPM)

ROBERT DODRILL

If you are in crisis: Call the toll-

free National Suicide Prevention Life-line at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), avail-

able 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The service is available to anyone. All calls are confidential.

Above all, survivors asked caregiv-

ers to be non-judgmental.

The survivor needs to hear

the verdict “not guilty.”

...they felt a need to talk to other survivors of suicide.

P A G E 6 V O L U M E 2 , I S S U E 6

By Join Together Staff

Parents are a key part

of the fight against the

emerging threat of syn-

thetic drugs, said Gil

Kerlikowske, Director

of National Drug Con-

trol Policy. He spoke at

a working group session

Thursday on synthetic drugs, which was co-hosted by

The Partnership at Drugfree.org.

“Synthetic drugs like ‘Spice,’ ‘K2,’ and ‘bath salts’ are a

serious threat to the health and safety of young people

throughout America,” Kerlikowske said in a news release.

“We will continue to coordinate a comprehensive gov-

ernment-wide response, but we cannot do this alone.

Parents and adult influencers must understand the seri-

ous threat these drugs pose and act today to talk to

teens about the serious health and safety consequences

of drug use – in whichever form it may come.”

The session included high level officials from government

agencies, as well as representatives from the private sec-

tor, who met to discuss how to coordinate the Federal,

state and local response to these drugs.

The Partnership at Drugfree.org introduced a new infor-

mation kit for parents and adult influencers, which con-

tains tools to help them talk with teens about synthetic

drugs, and how to recognize the warning signs of use.

The kit includes a slidecast about these drugs and pro-

vides information on what to look for, their street names,

and what their effects are.

The kit is available at The Partnership at Drugfree.org

website and is part of a “Parents360″ community educa-

tion program funded by the U.S. Department of Justice,

Bureau of Justice Assistance.

“Spicy” Parenting

Drug Awareness

Dear Fran,

I have a friend who drinks way too much alcohol. He doesn't know

his limit...or it seems that perhaps he does know it and he purposely

drinks 2 or 3 glasses too many in spite of himself. He is a very dif-

ferent person when he is drunk (Mr. Hyde) and though I like him as

a friend, I cannot stand to be around him when he's "wasted".

When he is drunk he becomes offensive and belligerent. What can I

do to help him without him pushing me away?

Feeling like an accessory to a crime

Dear Accessory,

A dose of reality can be found when dealing with a friend

who has behaviors you do not approve. The only person

who has any power to change the offensive behavior is the

one who owns it. First, ask yourself "Whose problem is

this?" and then let the person who owns the behavior

decide what is going to change. Sadly, a person who drinks

too much is not able or willing to accept that an offensive

behavior is happening. I would attempt to explain in a kind, caring way that you are concerned, and your choices

around spending time with him will have to be reconsid-

ered. Direct him toward good, professional assessment

and screening, because it often takes a professional to help

that person gain awareness about their effect on others.

But you do not have to be a professional to see that if you

don’t do something that this will end badly. At the ASAP

Clinic, our counselors have many ways to increase aware-

ness and motivate someone who is self-destructive back

to health. You do not need to feel like an accessory to a

crime. You just need to let the real owner of the prob-lem take responsibility for the behavior as you wait to observe any changes. If you see

change, give positive reinforcement and encouragement. If you do not see change, move

on and get some distance. Pushing away feels hurtful, but leaving before the friendship is

destroyed allows for future rehabilitation for both of you.

Fran

DEAR FRAN

ASAP Testimonial I am a 28-year-old Specialist in the United States Army. My life consisted of drinking as much as possi-

ble, and not caring how I got to that point of intoxication. I spent $1,000.00 a month on alcohol and

cigarettes. My life was spiraling out of control; marriage separation, financial troubles, and risking my

career and life. I drove myself down to depression and self-mutilation. I had been vomiting blood every day of the week

due to the damage I caused to my insides. This had to stop, and I sought help to end the craziness I was doing to myself. I

self enrolled into the ASAP program, and it let me turn my life around. I went into a rehab facility for the duration of 45

days, and I came out a new person. My life and my career has been changed for the better now. I have the respect of my

peers, I have a packet in for green to gold, and there is a good outlook for my future. Having an alcoholic personality is not

something you need to live with and just accept. The joke saying why only have 1 when you can have 10 is not going to

lead to having a good life in the future. The biggest thing someone needs to realize when questioning an alcoholic person is

does he or she want to change? And if that person does not want to improve his or her life, then it will just not happen. I

wanted to change my life and improve my career. That was my choice, and hopefully there are enough people our there

who will say the same thing. Do not risk your military career for the sake of just dealing with it. The situation might not

end the way you want it to. I saw many people get chaptered out for this reason. If you want to get help, then seek it now

before it is too late.. SPC, USA

Fran Alltizer, LCSW, ASAP Supervisor

If you have any questions or

concerns that you

would like Fran to

address, please

contact Fran

through our ASAP

Parents key to fighting synthetic drugs, experts say

P A G E 7 V O L U M E 2 , I S S U E 6 Mind Expansion

February Brainteaser

Einstein's Riddle:

Einstein wrote the following riddle. He said that 98% of the world

could not solve it. But several scientists were able to solve it, and

they said it's not all that hard if you pay attention and are very pa-

tient. Give it a try:

There are 5 houses in 5 different colors in a row. In each house lives

a person with a different nationality. The 5 owners drink a certain

type of beverage, smoke a certain brand of cigar, and keep a certain

pet. No owners have the same pet, smoke the same brand of cigar,

or drink the same beverage. Other facts:

1. The Brit lives in the red house.

2. The Swede keeps dogs as pets.

3. The Dane drinks tea.

4. The green house is on the immediate left of the white house.

5. The green house's owner drinks coffee.

6. The owner who smokes Pall Mall rears birds.

7. The owner of the yellow house smokes Dunhill.

8. The owner living in the center house drinks milk.

9. The Norwegian lives in the first house.

10. The owner who smokes Blends lives next to the one who keeps

cats.

11. The owner who keeps the horse lives next to the one who

smokes Dunhill.

12. The owner who smokes Bluemasters drinks beer.

13. The German smokes Prince.

14. The Norwegian lives next to the blue house.

15. The owner who smokes Blends lives next to the one who drinks

water.

The question is: WHO OWNS THE FISH?

Hint Just take your time. This one should take you some time and is

probably one of the harder riddles you see.

Answer in next month’s issue

January’s Answer: Place 1white marble in one bowl, and place the

rest of the marbles in the other bowl (49 whites, and 50 blacks).

This way you begin with a 50/50 chance of choosing the bowl with

just one white marble, therefore life! BUT even if you choose the

other bowl, you still have ALMOST a 50/50 chance at picking one of

the 49 white marbles.

TEAM SPOTLIGHT

What is your favorite word? Integrity What is your least favorite

word? Unprofessional What turns you on? The opportunity to help Soldiers suc-

ceed What turns you off? Unprofessionalism What sound or noise do you

love? The roar of a sky-crane helicopter What sound or noise do you

hate? Whining What profession other than

your own would you like to at-

tempt?

An Olympic Gold Medalist!

What profession would you not

like to do? A Chef What is your ideal vacation?

With a friend on a beach relaxing with

absolutely no electronics or children.

EAP Mental Health Minute: Look at Something Beautiful

Ft. Sill Talks Back

The simple act of pausing in your hectic day

and looking at something beautiful can im-

prove your outlook and make you feel

good.

Put a picture of someone you love in

your work area.

Take a moment to watch the sunset.

Put a vase of flowers in your work

area.

Hang a favorite print or painting where

you’ll enjoy it each day.

What does “spring” mean to you?

Priscilla Sacks, Edu-

cation Services Offi-

cer, Education Cen-

ter

“Rebirth and the

chance to start all

over again. And

hope!”

SGT Daniel Con-

nolly, orderly room

NCOIC, 609th FSC

“Summer is

around the cor-

ner!”

Clair Larkin, volun-

teer math instructor

for the BSEP program

“Awakening, flow-

ers, beauty and an

optimum time to

exercise outside.”

Brainteaser

Diana Scholz, Test control offi-

cer/BSEP coordinator, Education

Center

P A G E 8 V O L U M E 2 , I S S U E 6

Wellness Window

I wanted to share this recipe because I know, at times, we all crave a little sweetness! This

is the perfect fix for those indulging mo-ments. Enjoy!!

Ingredients 2 mangos - peeled, seeded,

and cubed (or your fruit of choice)

1 cup sugar 1 cup cream

1 cup ice

Directions Place cubed fruit, sugar,

cream, and ice into a blender; puree until

smooth. Pour mixture into a large

re-sealable plastic freezer bag. Seal, and freeze for 45

minutes to an hour. Move the contents around in the

bag every 15 minutes while freezing.

Complete Well-Being

Our bodies were meant to move, but many of us do not

move enough to maintain adequate ranges of motion around our joints. As we lose flexibility we may be more prone to

injury from muscle pulls, or if the muscle/fascia imbalance is one-sided, a joint may be pulled out of alignment creating

discomfort or pain. Stretching is an easy and relaxing way to maintain your range of motion, and to increase it if needed.

For best results, stretch gently enough to feel a pull, but no pain, and as you hold the stretch over 30 seconds to a minute

or two, wait to feel the area loosen. If you feel a tightening sensation as you are holding the stretch, you are probably

stretching too hard, and the muscle is contracting in order to prevent injury, which ultimately defeats the purpose. Be certain that you feel the stretch between the joints

and not at the joints, as it is important not to stretch the ligaments that hold your bones together, nor the tendons that connect the

muscles to the bones. For example, as you stretch your hamstrings on the back of your upper leg, you do not want to feel the stretch

behind the knee. Try bending your knee slightly, or adjusting the angle of your leg to move the stretch into the muscle. You may

notice as you stretch, that one side feels tighter than the other. Your stretching goal is to achieve balance, so stretch the tight side

twice as long. A few weeks to months later, when both sides seem even, stretch them equally, and congratulate yourself on correcting a muscle imbalance! Stretching

needs to be done a minimum of five days a week to be effective. Once or twice a week will not achieve results. So schedule 15 to 20 minutes daily, and enjoy the luxury of a relaxing stretch. It will feel wonderful, and is a soothing way to let go of some of the day to day stress that infiltrates our

being. If you would like help designing a personalized stretch routine that addresses

your muscle imbalances, hire someone who has training in muscle-length test-ing, such as a CHEK Practitioner. To find one near you, go to

www.chekinstitute.com. To create your own program, use the book Golf Bio-mechanic’s Manual: Whole in One Golf Conditioning by Paul Chek. Yoga is

another fantastic way to increase your flexibility; yoga tends to stretch entire facial lines (many muscles that are connected together with connective tissue)

at once, doing away with stretching individual muscles, and in the process, teaches us how to stretch as our body was meant to be used. If taking classes is

not your thing, use the book Yoga; Mind, Body, Spirit by Donna Fahri to learn the poses.

Chek, Paul; Golf Biomechanic’s Manual: Whole in One Golf Conditioning Chek Insti-tute, San Diego, CA, 2001

Stark, Steven D.; The Stark Reality of Stretching 1999

For more information regarding the IMCOM & DOD Wellness Program please click the

following links: IMCOM WELLNESS and DOD WELLNESS

Reference: www.willnesstips.ca

One of the most amazing things we do all the time is

breathe. From the first breath we take as a baby through to the last breath we take when we die, the cycle of breath

continues whether or not we notice. Our breath is essential

to our survival - we can only last about 4 to 6 minutes with-

out it. Free breathing massages all our organs including the

heart, decompresses our spine, oxygenates each and every cell in our body, and relaxes the mind.

Take a moment or two to notice how you breathe. Place one hand on your chest, and the other on

the side of your lower ribcage. Do not take in more air than you normally would do, but rather, qui-

etly observe your breath and notice which hand is doing most of the moving. Is it the rib hand? Good.

Notice how your belly is expanding with each breath too. Place both your hands on your lower rib-

cage now. Relax your abdomen, and as you inhale a normal amount of air, feel your ribcage expand all

around. Allow the air to come out all by itself. Notice

how your spine moves. If you are lying on your back or

stomach, notice how your pelvis moves. Are your legs

moving too? Your breath is breathing you and in so

doing, is moving you. For a rejuvenating breathing

experience, click HERE.

PEACEFUL PLAZA: Every Breath Counts

Click: BREATHE to relax and enjoy this

month’s featured “Peaceful Plaza Guided

Imagery segment as provided through

healthjourneys.com

Cooking Excellence

Reference: www.wellnesstips.ca

Reference: allrecipes.com

S-T-R

-E-T-C-H

-!

Tropical Fruit Sorbet

P A G E 9 V O L U M E 2 , I S S U E 6 Etiquette and Manager’s Notes

During my time as an Employee Assistance program coordinator I learned that to really understand what a client valued I

should not ask him or her directly, instead I should ask two things:

How are you spending your time? And, how are you spending your money?

Clients fool themselves all the time and there is no better gauge of an individual’s

center and focus than time and money. Clients became abruptly aware that time and

money spent outside what they claimed to be their life’s mission and what they val-

ued had been causing them problems in their lives. Helping a client accurately realize where they were was the first

step to helping them get where they wanted to be. In the same way I have found that there a good deal of managers

frustrated because they are spending their time and money in ways that does not serve stated organizational goals

and values. For example, our garrison’s mission is to provide Soldiers, civilians and their Families a safe place to work

with consistent and quality services. We can only truly serve our customers if we seek to know and understand

them. Soldiers and their Families are our customers yet most managers I know seldom interact with them or only

pay attention to them when their dissatisfaction rises to the level of an ICE complaint. I have often heard managers

say that they love Soldiers and believe that it is their job to take care of Soldiers and their Families. Yet these same

managers seem uncomfortable around Soldiers and treat them as if though they were invisible. Every time I have

made the effort to sit and talk to a Soldier I have ALWAYS learned something valu-

able and that helped me to better serve them. In Six Sigma lingo, they referred to

this practice of seeking out customer feedback as listening to the “voice” of the cus-

tomer. Six Sigma tells us that by listening to the customer’s voice managers would be better able to align their services to

provide the customers a better overall experience. Managers can streamline services to provide more of what customers

want and less of what they don’t want. If something that we are doing is not helping us meet the mission and is not impor-

tant to our customer we should ask ourselves why we continue to do it. In these fiscally con-

servative times we would benefit by asking the same question about our budget. By doing so

we can hopefully use the time gained from not having to put out fires to planning and imple-

menting customer suggestions and preventing customer complaints or dealing with them when

the fires are only embers.

By Jay Khalifeh

Manager’s Memo:

Money is Time

Change Exchange Tip #1:

Change the Mode of Expression

Sometimes changing how you ex-

press something can change the

situation or experience of it. For

example, a couple could stop their

oral argument and write down

everything they want to say during

the

argument, or they could record

their responses on a tape recorder

in a different room for their partner

to play back in private and then

record a response to what their

partner has recorded. Or, instead

of writing an e-mail to someone

you are upset with, pick up the

phone and

call them. That leads to this suggestion:

Change the mode of expression used in

some problem situation. Determine your

usual mode of expression and switch to any

other mode as an experiment.

This segment is brought to you through

The Change Your Life Book by Bill O’Han-

lon.

Personal Change: Are You Ready? Workplace Etiquette 101: Pink Slip

Conversations

Your friend at work gets handed a pink slip, and now you feel awkward. So

awkward, in fact, that you’re tempted to do nothing. But that’s the last thing

you should do. Here’s how to

deal with the situation:

React quickly, or risk ap-

pearing insensitive. Even if

you can say only, “I’m sorry.

And I don’t know what to

say.”

Steer clear of downplaying

or saying anything inau-

thentic. Avoid saying things

like, “This place is going down

the tubes” or “I know how

you feel.”

Set up a gathering, once

the initial shock has faded.

Make it just the two of you or invite others, so you have time to say goodbye

outside the office. Keep it focused on the person, and “understand that some

things are out of our control,” advises psychologist Kenneth E. Reinhard.

Seek to know and under-

stand our customers.

How are you spending your time?

How are you spending your money?

P A G E 1 0 V O L U M E 2 , I S S U E 6 Financial Fitness and Tip to Clip

By: Christy Schrock If your credit card debt bulges along with your waistline during the holiday season, you are like most Mili-tary Families. The excess purchases can leave you feeling bloated and out of shape, much like your fi-nances. So why not lose that debt the same way you would to work off the excess holiday weight? You

can increase your financial fitness by curbing your spending, limiting purchases and aggressively reducing your debt. Drastic measures for 2012 might actually be the best cure for your finances. Destroy those

credit cards, starve your buying habits and take time to figure out why you’re in need of financial rehab.

The following 12-Step Program was designed to restore your financial health and encourage you to admit that your finances have be-come unmanageable: Step 1: Stop spending more than you make- There are two ways to stay within your means: cut costs and increase revenue.

Step 2: Identify spending habits- Get organized, track your expenses monthly, and create a spending plan that works for you.

Step 3: Avoid the urge to splurge – don’t max out your credit cards Don’t carry an excessive balance on your credit cards! It wastes money and costs a fortune in interest and finance charges. Step 4: Teach your children to save- Teach your kids age appropriate fundamentals of money and saving as early as the

“gimmies” and “I wannas” start. Step 5: Start an emergency fund and save more- Expect the unexpected and be prepared to have a minimum of three months worth of expenses in an emergency fund.

Step 6: Use credit cards for benefit, not the penalties- Take advantage of credit cards’ rewards programs by only using your credit card when you have funds set aside to pay the balance with the bill arrives.

Step 7: Be aware of predatory lending laws and high interest loans- Know your options when obtaining personal loans and identify your interest rate. Service members should be aware of the 2007 National Defense Authorization Act that limits the annual percentage on payday loans, vehicle title loans and tax refund anticipa-tion loans.

Step 8: Prioritize your debt- Make a list of all your debts and prioritize them in order of interest (highest to lowest) or consider the number of payments and monthly obligation until payoff.

Step 9: Reduce your debt- Use the debt roll down method to quickly reduce debt. Once your first debt is paid off, roll that payment into the next debt on your list. Follow the same procedures until you are completely debt free.

Step 10: Educate yourself to prevent falling victim to identity theft- Check your credit report and pur-chase a shredder to destroy personal documents and pre-approval mail solicitations. Increase your awareness of mail and internet scams.

Step 11: Improver your credit report knowledge- Every con-sumer is entitled to one free credit report per bureau per year

through the Fair Credit Reporting Act and these may be obtained at www.annualcreditreport.com. Step 12: Relax and experience your financial awakening-

Gaining financial freedom is gradual and won’t happen overnight. Don’t get discouraged and reward yourself throughout the process.

In order to reach financial fitness, you must spend less that you make on a consistent basis. For example, you won’t lose weight if you consume more calories than you burn; you won’t save money if you spend more than you earn. Hopefully these steps help you recuperate from the holiday season, achieve a healthy state of financial well being and prevent your return to financial rehab next year. If you are looking for one-on-one help with your

budget and overall financial situation, Army Community Service Financial Readiness Office can assist. For more information, please call 580-442-4916.

Fewer Older Workers Expect to Retire at 62 or 65

According to a 2012 analysis of data from the Health and Retirement Survey, "a declining percentage of Americans

are expecting to retire at 62 and 65. In 2006, 7.4 percent

of people [over the age of 50] said they plan to stop

working at 62, but by 2010 it had dropped to 4.9 per-

cent. In 2006, 16.1 percent people expected to retire

at 65, but in 2010, 14.6 percent planned to do so. Conversely, expected retirement at 66 has

increased from 2.9 percent in 2006 to 4 percent in 2010." Banerjee, S. (2011). Retirement age ex-

pectations of older Americans between 2006 and 2010. Employee Benefit Research Institute Notes, 13(12), 2-12. Retrieved from ebri.org

A COUPONING TIP YOU CAN

CLIP! You might want to dive into

couponing headfirst, but easing

in is probably the better route.

Start with a single store while you're getting your feet

wet; you can branch out later as you get used to bargain

pricing and coupon policies. Find a couple of favorite

cashiers to frequent who don't mind the drill. Make sure

to thank those cashiers and compliment them often.

Warn people who get behind you in line that they may

want to choose another aisle. Smile whenever a situation

seems like it's starting to sour.

The point is that it's impor-

tant to remember that while

you're learning an exciting

and cost-saving new prac-

tice, other people are just

trying to pick up a few things

for dinner after a long day at

work. Which reminds us of

another tip: Avoid shopping

during peak hours and trips

to the store will tend to go a

lot more smoothly.

12 Step Program for Your Finances

P A G E 1 1 V O L U M E 2 , I S S U E 6 Inspire and Encourage

Excerpt from Joel Osteen’s Everyday a Fri-

day Journal My purpose in writing this book is to help you arrange your mind so that you choose

happiness each and every day. Whatever challenges you may face, whatever circum-stances are weighing you down, you can choose your response. How you live your

life is totally up to you. It’s not dependent on your circumstances. It’s dependent on your choices. Abraham Lincoln said, “Most

people are as happy as they’ve decided to be.” Honest Abe would have enjoyed a recent study that found happiness increases 10 percent on Fridays. Why is that? People are excited about the coming weekend, so they decide to be happier. They make up their minds on Fridays to enjoy their lives more.

I challenge you to let every day be a Friday. Give yourself permission to be happy every day. Not just on the weekends. Not just when you have a special event. Not just when you’re on vacation.

If you have the right mind-set, you can be just as happy on Monday as you are on Friday. The Scripture doesn’t say, “Friday is the day the Lord has made.” It says, “This is the day the Lord has made” (Psalm 118:24 NKJV; emphasis added). This means Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and every other day of the week. You can be

happy even when it’s raining, when you have to work late, or when you have to do the dishes. Why don’t you make up your mind to be happy every day? You’ve heard the saying “TGIF. Thank God it’s Friday.” For you and me it also should be, “TGIM. Thank

God it’s Monday.” “TGIW. Thank God it’s Wednesday.” “TGIS. Thank God it’s Sunday.”

Another study said there are more heart attacks on Monday that on any other day. So many people just decide that Monday is a stressed-out day. They suffer the Mon-day morning blues. When you wake up on Monday morning, don’t accept those negative thoughts

that come knocking on your door, saying, It will be a hard day and long week. Traffic will be bad. I have so much work to do. I just need to make it through the Monday morning blues. Don’t buy into those thoughts.

Instead, say, “Thanks, but no thanks. I’ve already answered the door and al-mighty God, the Creator of the universe, has sent me a hand delivery of joy. I know this will be a great day!” Decide that for you, there are no Monday morning blues. Instead, choose the

Monday morning dos by saying, “I do have a smile. I do have joy. I do have God’s favor. I do have victory”. Yes, I know some days are more difficult than others. But if you program your mind in a positive way, you won’t have to drag through certain days just hoping to get to

Friday so you can finally enjoy life. Faith is always in the present. Your attitude should be: I’m excited to be alive at this moment. I’m excited to be breathing today. I’m excited about my family, my health, and my

opportunities. I have plenty of reason to be happy right now.

EAP INSPIRATION STATION:

Choose Happiness

The

“Character”

Couch:

Responsibility- the social force that binds you to

your obligations and the courses of action de-

manded by that force

EAP FUNNY CORNER

GOT SOMETHING ON YOUR

MIND???

WE WANT YOUR FEEDBACK!

Please contact us if you HAVE ANY SUG-

GESTIONS!! Your comments will be greatly

appreciated!!!

ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD

LIKE TO SHARE??

Contact me at 580-442-4205/6306 or at

rashonda.labrador@us.army.mil.

I look forward to hearing from you!!

CLEAN, ORGANIZE, AND EVALUATE

Wow! Did winter ever come? Well,

ready or not…...spring is knocking on our

door! We will be getting ready for those

yearly chores of cleaning cobwebs from

our closet corners. Next issue we will

focus on the organization of life. From

house cleaning to emotional healing, we

will explore tips on resolving past hurts,

evaluation of personal goals, and planning

for continued overall success.

3415 Miner Road

Ft. Sill, OK 73503

Phone: 580-442-4205

Fax: 580-442-5704

E-mail: rashonda.labrador@us.army.mil

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/

Lawton-OK/Fort-Sill-Army-Substance-

Abuse- Program/115638415119642 Website: http://sill-www.army.mil/USAG/

DHR/ASAP/

YOUR EAP IS READY TO SERVE

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.

EAP Services to the Installation Organization:

Training and consultation for supervisors and managers on how and when to make proper

use of EAP services for improving employee performance and conduct.

Consultation to management about trends in employee needs, work groups, and related

concerns dealing with work/life/wellness support programs.

Well-Being Center, ASAP

Sneak Peek: What to Expect Next Month

COME VISIT US AT:

THE ARMY SUBSTANCE ABUSE PROGRAM

Disclaimer:

Information, views or opinions expressed in the

Workforce Pride e-newsletter originates from

many different sources and contributors through-

out the general community. Please note that con-

tent and hyperlinks external to the US Govern-

ment 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.

RaShonda M. Labrador, MS, CEAP

(580)442-4205/6306

rashonda.labrador@us.army.mil