the vigilant newsletter december 2013

16
This newsletter contains official and unofficial information: The inclusion of some unofficial information in this FRG newsletter has not increased the cost to the Government, in accordance with DOD 4525.8-M Volume 3, Issue 12, December 2013 Group CDR Corner Battalion CDR Corner Battalion CSM Corner Company CDRs Corner Chaplain Corner Past Events FRG Bulletin Military Brats Info Upcoming Events Things To Do… The Vigilant Welcome Winter!

Upload: csra-weekend-events-more

Post on 25-Jan-2016

218 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

DESCRIPTION

 

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: The vigilant newsletter december 2013

This newsletter contains official and unofficial information: The inclusion of some unofficial information in this FRG newsletter has not increased the cost to the Government, in accordance with DOD 4525.8-M

Volume 3, Issue 12, December 2013

Group CDR Corner

Battalion CDR Corner

Battalion CSM Corner

Company CDRs Corner

Chaplain Corner

Past Events

FRG Bulletin

Military Brats Info

Upcoming Events

Things To Do…

The Vigilant

Welcome Winter!

Page 2: The vigilant newsletter december 2013

2

Group Commander Corner

The Vigilant

COL Anthony E. Zeruto

Team, as we approach the end of another rewarding year of service to this great country and

Army of ours, my wife and I want to take this opportunity to wish "Happy Holidays" to everyone

in our 706th Family.

Now is the time of the year when we remember the things we are truly thankful for and recognize

the value of family and friends in our lives. The holidays provide us an opportunity to spend time

with our families and friends, reflect on the past year, and anticipate the opportunities that lie

ahead. I hope your time is well spent during this holiday season.

I want to thank each and every Soldier, Spouse, Family Member, Civilian, and Contractor who

makes daily contributions to the 706th's mission. Know your leadership values each of you, and I

greatly appreciate your service.

You are living proof of the dedication, professionalism, and excellence of the U.S. Army to the

intelligence community and those we support.

It is important that we do everything we can to remain safe during this time of the year. Our

loved ones and our Nation need each of us. Make sure your holiday travel is properly planned out

so that careless, senseless acts do not put you or others at risk. Following the Army and unit

safety guidance will help to ensure we all have a safe and happy holiday season.

It is also important we recognize that some of our team members may not be enjoying the holiday

season as much as we are. Please be your brother's or sister's keeper during this period to ensure

our team members are healthy and safe in every way possible. We know the New Year will bring

challenges just like the last, but we will face them together as a team.

Each of you is truly making a difference across the world -- not just in this command -- but in the

areas you support every day. As intelligence professionals, the American public is proud of your

service and is counting on you to keep their loved ones safe who are in harm's way.

Be safe, enjoy the time you have with your loved ones, and remember our comrades in arms who

are keeping watch both here and around the globe.

Thank you again for all you do.

"Happy Holidays" to everyone in our 706th Family!

Happy New Year! COL Anthony Zeruto

Page 3: The vigilant newsletter december 2013

It is incredible to think already that the year 2013 is about to end. A lot has happened in our

Forward Watch Battalion Family. Again, Desrae and I extend congratulations to all our new

parents – what an awesome experience and responsibility to accept. Congratulations also to our

Soldiers who have found the perfect someone with whom to tie the knot. That kind of partnership

is the most important and enduring one – it is also one of the most difficult relationships that

takes a lot of work, commitment, respect, communications, and love. We’re confident you can do

it, because Forward Watch Soldiers never quit.

We are very proud of each and every one of you.

This is Our Profession – this quarter we began a new incentive competition to determine which

company deserves the coveted streamer “This is our Profession.” This black and gold streamer

has gone to Arlington, Gettysburg, and Currahee Mountain. It has been hallowed by the

memories, blood, and sweat of generations of Soldiers who have answered the call to duty and

personal sacrifice. Be worthy of that sacred challenge. Be the best Soldier and person you can

possibly be.

This reminds me why the Big 5 is so important:

TRUST ~ INTEGRITY ~ MISSION EXCELLENCE ~ SAFETY ~ CARING

Our world is a ever-changing place. We don’t know where the next threat to our liberties,

freedoms, and way of life will come. MISSION EXCELLENCE is what will help us be prepared to

meet that threat. Mission Excellence is a habit, not an act.

Please remember to be SAFE. During this season, be thinking SAFETY for yourself, your family,

your fellow Soldiers, and your fellow Americans. It is not a task or a standard, but a condition for

everything we do. Be prepared to speak up and don’t be afraid to roll into action when you see

SAFETY slipping away.

Everyone’s contributions makes this the best Battalion in the Army. Because of who you are and

what you do, there will be many joyous holiday seasons for thousands of our fellow service men

and women – and they won’t even know why.

3

Battalion Commander Corner

The Vigilant

LTC Bryan Gibby

Happy Holiday Greetings!

Page 4: The vigilant newsletter december 2013

Lorraine and I hope and pray this message finds you in good spirits, surrounded by loved ones. It is hard to

believe WE are nearing the end of another year and the holidays are already upon US. This is always such

an exciting time. WE get to reflect on past challenges, celebrate OUR shared accomplishments, and

envision future successes. This year Lorraine and I will celebrate OUR 30th Anniversary. Over the past 30

years WE have celebrated OUR Love all over the world as members of many different units. For a journey

that was supposed to last just four years, OUR Army voyage has been more than WE could ever imagine.

It has allowed US to raise four wonderful adult children, who are now branching-off into lives of their own.

As OUR Grandchildren begin to arrive, it is hard to think of life ever being complete without them. OUR

Forward Watch Familia is not much different. It is hard to think of life without each of YOU. Quite

frankly, over the past 18 months, every plan WE have made, every action WE have taken, and every day

WE have lived was center around YOU.

In 2012 WE asked, “What does it mean to be a member of the Forward Watch?” In 2013 WE discovered

that meaning TOGETHER. The Forward Watch never sleeps. WE are silently, intensely, and meticulously

on-guard. There is no length WE won’t and can’t go to protect each other and OUR Brothers and Sisters

Forward Deployed. WE do not tolerate unprofessional, indiscipline behavior. Over the past year WE set

the standard not only operationally, but professionally, and personally. WE purposefully reached out and

connected with OUR Profession through participating in events like the Bataan Memorial (Death) March,

Mentorship Ride/Honor Flight (twice), the Army Ten Miler, and the Currahee Challenge. WE volunteered

over 3,000 hours connecting with OUR Veterans and community, in support of the Relay for Life (Cure for

Cancer), Special Olympics, Fisher House, Local Boy Scouts, Christmas House, and Youth Challenge

Academy. Despite all these accomplishments, WE have experienced OUR share of struggles. Just

remember, if WE didn’t struggle, how would WE know what success looked/felt like? Regardless of the

outcome, I am proud to say, “Forward Watch Warriors Stood, Shoulder to Shoulder, for Standards and the

BIG Five”.

Finally, the past two holiday seasons, Lorraine and I enjoyed attending each Company’s Holiday Party. It

was awesome to experience the Headhunter’s camaraderie, Phoenix Karaoke, Butchers on Ice, and the

Hellhound’s dessert contest. No matter which party WE attended, you made US feel like welcomed

members of your Familia. So, WE enter this Holiday Season with heavy hearts, knowing it will be OUR

last as members of the Forward Watch Familia. Although WE knew this time was coming, it is hard to

believe it is here. However, before WE go OUR separate ways, there is a New Year to Welcome, a Spring to

enjoy, and one last Summer to experience TOGETHER. Over the past 30 years OUR Army Familia has

carried US through many good and bad times, never wavering, but always providing even-footing for OUR

next step. WE look forward to seeing what new challenges come with 2014. THANK YOU for all your

efforts, TRUST, and understanding. YOU have truly given US more than WE could ever ask for. As WE

move forward, you can count on US to not waver and to do everything WE can to provide even-footing for

your next step.

4

Command Sergeant Major Corner

The Vigilant

Very Respectfully,

CSM Louie Castillo

Lorraine and I will celebrate OUR 30th Anniversary!

FORWARD WATCH!

THIS IS OUR PROFESSION!

Page 5: The vigilant newsletter december 2013

5 The Vigilant

HHD Company Commander

It’s football season and is the greatest time of year to be surrounded by friends and family

and cheering on your favorite team. The Christmas holidays is right around the corner and

we all need to keep an eye out on our teammates to make sure every Soldier and family

member is good to go. This can be a very stressful time of year for many and we must always

remain vigilant and help out our brothers and sisters.

We already have Halloween under our belts and the HHD FRG participated in the annual

Trunk or Treat event. The occasion was designed to provide children with a safe environment

for trick or treating and also have numerous activities and fun available for all participants.

This year was another resounding success! We had numerous Soldiers participate in the car

costume contest. We would like to acknowledge SSG Ricky Hill, whose spooky car won the

contest and was awarded a three day pass for his efforts and SSG Jeremy Mosley who was

dressed as Maverick from Top Gun. One final thank you for all of the HHD families who

participated with decorated cars and trick or treating children.

On October 15th and 16th your Soldiers experienced a new training scenario as part of their

annual Army training requirements. Your Soldiers were challenged in a number of exciting

ways. We taught them how to build shelters using nothing but materials founds in the

woods, start fires, purify water, and build snares for catching food. Soldiers were encouraged

to spend the night in the woods and put their newly acquired survival skills to the test.

Additionally, we taught our Soldiers how to navigate using a map and compass. The survival

exercise severed as an excellent team building event and it helped develop our junior Soldiers

who participated in the execution of the training.

Mrs. Amanda Stephens, Liz Acevedo and the rest of HHD’s Family Readiness Group along

with SSG Lee Gallander’s 3rd Platoon, SSG Mosley, and our Soldiers worked tirelessly to

plan and execute HHD’s annual Holiday Party. This year the Holiday Party was at the

Reserve Center. We released our Soldiers at lunchtime to go home to change into civilian

clothes and return with the rest of their family. The FRG provided the meats and each

Platoon was responsible for bringing sides, desserts, and drinks. The Holiday Christmas

Party proved to be an enjoyable event filled with camaraderie and merriment.

In order to fund these events the HHD FRG has undertaken several fundraising endeavors.

Each Platoon is charged with conducting one fundraiser each quarter. Our first successful

event this fiscal year was 1st Platoon’s pulled pork BBQ. 2nd Platoon sponsored the annual

MICA Golf Scramble. Finally, 3rd Platoon is charged with planning, resourcing, and

executing the Holiday Party. We are deeply grateful for all of our volunteers, family

members and Soldiers alike for raising the funds required to support our FRG initiatives.

The Christmas holidays is right around the corner

Happy Holidays,

CPT Matthew J. Ercolani

Page 6: The vigilant newsletter december 2013

6 The Vigilant

HHC Company Commander

1SG Patterson and I would like to express to you all how very proud we are of the work you accomplish

daily. HHC would not be where it is today without your efforts and attention to detail in all that you do.

With the holidays approaching and Thanksgiving passed, winter approaching and breathe in the air, I’m

sure we could all use a little time to slow down our own lives, and to make more time for those things

that matter most. For some, that is friends and family. For others, volunteering to benefit those less

fortunate.

But whatever your passion, now is a good time to focus more energies toward it, and to use the holidays

as an opportunity to reflect over a year’s worth of accomplishments achieved and milestones met. As we

receive a few extra smiles from passer-bys on the street or a hearty wave from complete strangers, I

encourage everyone to take time to remember the goodwill we have received over the last year, and give

thanks for all we have received.

And in line with giving thanks, we wish to honor the service and dedication 1SG Patterson has given to

this organization over the last year and a half as our First Sergeant. No position comes with a greater

responsibility for taking care of Soldiers than that of a First Sergeant, and 1SG Patterson epitomized the

best of the best. It is with a heavy heart we say good bye. However, each end only leads to a new

beginning. As 1SG Patterson continues on with his career at Fort Hood, TX, we will welcome 1SG Jenny

Rohrig to the Company! She has been serving as the Battalion Operations Non-Commissioned Officer

and will be invaluable in keeping our pack together.

As for 1SG Patterson and I, we have been blessed with both Leaders and Soldiers who support and

defend this, our, great country without fail each and every day. Based on their efforts, countless

warfighters have returned from combat zones to be with their families for many more holidays to come.

The dedication and commitment with which our Soldiers execute their mission is a testament to their

values of selfless service to others.

In the months to come, we will begin preparing for more field training exercises and Company events.

This last quarter witnessed a successful but strenuous kayaking expedition and an FRG family cookout.

Even more exciting was the HHC Holiday Party that was held at Leitner Lake Conference Center on 14

December 2013. We gathered together in the beautiful Conference Center to enjoy an evening of goodwill

and fellowship to celebrate the closing of another year, and the promise of a better year to come. We

sincerely hope that all our Soldiers have a restful and happy holiday season.

Finally, 1SG Patterson and I want to thank everyone in the Hellhound Family for the hard work, day in

and day out, you put in to make our organization truly exceptional. I am excited for what this next year

holds for Hellhound Company!

Hellhound Company and Our Families…

CPT Miller and 1SG Patterson

Page 7: The vigilant newsletter december 2013

It was great to have the opportunity to gather as a family at our Holiday Party on 6

December. We want to thank our Party Planning Committee SFC Markley, SSG Stearns,

SSG Daniel, SGT Ashley, SPC Jefferson, SPC Colado, SPC Harper, SPC White, SPC

Stover, SPC Fox, SPC Vanleer, Ms. Acevedo, and Mrs. Fisher for putting weeks of hard

work and energy into planning and executing an awesome event. We owe our special

appearance from Santa to SSG Faragalla and the photographic and all around event

support to Chelsea. Thank you to everyone who came early and stayed late to set up and

tear down. SFC Rudman made the karaoke competition live on by providing his machine

and time running it. Congratulations to 1St Platoon Blackguard for their winning

rendition of “Say My Name,” to SSG Dabney for having the best “ugly” holiday sweater,

and to Mrs. Wolff for baking the best dessert. Thank you to everyone who brought food to

the event it was a delicious meal. The joint service members working in Whitelaw also

thank you as the leftovers provided dinner for the Mid Shift. It was great to come

together and just have fun- all of you made it a special evening.

It is hard to believe 2013 is coming to a close. It has been a fantastic year built on your

accomplishments. It has been great to be there to see the promotions, awards, excellent

training at QTDs and ranges, new babies, your daily dedication to mission excellence,

and more than anything your commitment to taking care of each other . We are wishing

all of you a happy and safe holiday season filled with family and friends. We are thankful

to have all of you as a part of our family and we look forward to starting another great

year with the Phoenix.

7

Alpha Company Commander

The Vigilant

! חג חנוכה שמח

Prettige feestdagen!

شي مبارک مو عیدونه

С Праздниками!

Veselé Vánoce!

المبارك المالد بعیى

1SG Hogan and 1LT Allyson Connelly

It is hard to believe 2013 is coming to a close…

Page 8: The vigilant newsletter december 2013

8

Bravo Company Commander

The Vigilant

Hello, Butcher families, and Happy Holidays. I am CPT Sophia Volz, and 1SG Gorman

and I would like to take this opportunity to introduce ourselves. I graduated from high

school in Arizona, went to West Point for university, and have served in Arizona, Texas, Iraq,

and Georgia. 1SG Gorman grew up in Hopatcong, New Jersey, is a graduate of Florida State

University, and has served in Texas, California, Germany, Kuwait, Iraq, and Georgia. He is

married to his wife, Jenn, of 17 years. They have a son, Jake, who is 9 years old.

Already, we have had several promotions and awards in the unit. PFC Mondragon, PFC Stough,

and PFC Patsis were promoted to the rank of Specialist, while SPC Patrick was promoted to the

rank of Sergeant. SGT Kilburg received a Certificate of Achievement for winning the Battalion

Soldier of the Month board, while SPC Beller received a Certificate of Achievement for his

participation on the winning team of the 513th MI BDE Annual Turkey Bowl, a flag football

tournament.

We look forward to the next year with you and are excited to hear your ideas for the Family

Readiness Group. I am available at [email protected] and 762-206-9524.

CPT Sophia Volz, and 1SG Gorman

Bravo Company Soldiers and Families…

B 707TH MI

BUTCHERS!

Page 9: The vigilant newsletter december 2013

9 The Vigilant

Chaplain Corner

Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!

Greetings Everyone! Who knew that this year would fly by so quickly? So, at the dawn of

this year’s holiday season, Christmas break and a start of a new year, have you achieved all

that you planned to do this year? To tell you the truth I didn’t either. Do you know that it is

still not too late to remember to do the things that are truly important to your life?

Here are my suggestions for you and your family… Remember what's really important to you.

Look beyond those passing concerns and activities that seem so pressing, and look into what

you really care about. What are your needs and the needs of your loved ones? Generously give

quality, focused time to the special people in your life. Accept them for who they are and

listen attentively without judgment to what they have to say. Let them express how they feel

about certain things and respect what they have to say just as you want to be treated if you

were the one feeling them or saying them. See how you can fill their needs yourself. Spend

some quiet time with your own best thoughts. Slow down a bit. Peacefully consider the

goodness and value in your life, and feel the warmth that those thoughts bring. Count your

blessings. Softly treasure the moments of these last days of 2013. Each moment is an

opportunity to give more value to those things that matter most. Keep yourself connected to

what's truly important to you. With that in mind, you'll find greater fulfillment in all that you

do as you look forward to 2014.

“Make all you can, save all you can, give all you can.” - John Wesley (1703 - 1791)

“Never do anything when you are in a temper, for you will do everything wrong.” -

Baltasar Gracian (1601-1658)

"But you, be strong and do not lose courage, for there is reward for your work.“ 2

Chronicles 15:7 (NSAB)

Wishing all the 707th & 706th Soldiers, Families, Volunteers & Your Loved Ones… Happy

Holidays, Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year! May God continue to protect & bless you!

By Captain Pyun, 707th MI Battalion Chaplain

For Emergency Assistance After Duty Hours:

Call Fort Gordon Operations Center at 706-791-9747 and ask for the Duty Chaplain.

706th MI Group

Chaplain MAJ Olson &

Chaplain Assistant

SSG Keith Harvey

762-206-6684

[email protected]

707th MI Battalion

Chaplain CPT Pyun

&

SPC Tanisha Wyche

762-206-9522

[email protected]

Fort Gordon

Religious Activities

707th Bible Study Every Month

12:00 – 1300 at the BN

Conference Room

Religious

Support

Welcome to Fort Gordon

religious website, your

gateway to Chapel

activities at Fort Gordon.

Different services are

listed in the links below.

There are other

activities such as men's,

women's and youth

groups that are available

to you as well.

www.gordon.army.mil/ch

aplain/Events.htm

Page 10: The vigilant newsletter december 2013

10

706th &707th Past FRG Events

The Vigilant

707th Trunk or Treat Festival October 2013

Page 11: The vigilant newsletter december 2013

Military Spouse Employment Partnership

(MSEP) connects Military Spouses seeking

employment with business partners committed

to providing jobs. See the list of current MSEP

partners, learn how to become a partner or

apply online at www.msepjobs.com.

11 The Vigilant

Interactive Empowerment for Army Wives Military oriented website specifically for

Wives and families of military personnel.

http://www.armywifenetwork.com

FRG Bulletin

The online resource from the Federal

Reserve provides practical answers to

questions about credit reports, credit scores,

and the importance of protecting personal

credit histories. The Credit Reports and

Credit Scores can be found at

www.federalreserve.gov/creditreports

Military Community & Family

Policy Newsletter

http://apps.mhf.dod.mil/mcfp/weekly

FREE Federal Credit Reports

Commissaries will soon begin scanning customers’ Department of Defense ID cards at

checkouts as the Defense Commissary Agency continues its efforts to deliver a 21st

century benefit. Commissary shoppers are used to showing their ID cards to establish

their eligibility to use the commissary. By scanning the ID at checkout, DeCA will no

longer need to maintain any personal information on customers in its computer systems,

such as the system used for customers who write checks. For more information go to:

ttp://www.commissaries.com/documents/contact_deca/faqs/id_card_scanning.cfm

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, a partnership between the Internal

Revenue Service and the military, provides at military bases across the country free,

individual income tax preparation for all military personnel and dependents eligible for

legal assistance. The program's services are offered to active duty, reservists, retirees and

their dependents for both federal and state income taxes. Servicemembers filing taxes

through VITA should bring their tax information, social security cards, photo ID, W-2

wage and tax statements, bank account with routing numbers, power of attorney forms

and all other income information. For more information, visit the IRS website and contact

your base VITA office.

Military Spouse Scholarship

The National Military Family

Association’s Joanne Holbrook Patton

Military Spouse Scholarship

application period is open. Scholarships

are awarded to spouses of all service

members: active duty, National Guard

and Reserve, retirees, and survivors.

The scholarship funds may be used for

tuition, fees, and school room and

board for GED or ESL, vocational

training and professional certification,

licensure fees, degree seeking

(undergraduate and graduate degrees,

including Ph.Ds. and post-doctoral

programs), and more. Scholarship

selection is based on your completion of

survey questions, short-answer

questions, and an essay question. You

must be a military spouse to apply. For

more information or submit application

please visit the following link;

http://www.militaryfamily.org/our-programs/military-

spouse-scholarships.

TUTOR. Get homework and studying help

from a professional tutor any time you need it.

FREE for students in Army, Navy, Air Force,

Marines, National Guard and Reserve families.

Expert tutors are available to help in more

than 16 subjects, including test preparation

proofreading, Math, Science, English and Social

Studies. Learn more at www.tutor.com/military

Beginning 2014, the U.S. Army will place new restrictions on its Tuition Assistance

program to ensure officers and enlisted personnel are focusing more on soldiering than

higher education. Soldiers will have to wait one year after completing initial-entry

training before they can participate in the TA program. Also, soldiers who use TA money

to complete a four-year baccalaureate degree will have to wait 10 years before using TA

again to pursue a post-graduate degree. The changes will likely affect approximately

40,000 soldiers based on current program participation rates, Army officials estimate. For

more details, updates visit GoArmyEd...

Army Tuition Assistance ~ New Restrictions

Commissaries will soon begin scanning ID Cards

Free Tax Return Preparation

Would you like less debt, more savings and

the ability to invest for your future? The

beginning of a new year is the perfect time

to resolve to get your fi nancial house in

order once and for all. The first step to fi

nancial freedom is creating a budget.

After that, you can begin to pay off debt and

save money to suit your needs. Learn more

at Budgeting for the New Year

Budgeting for the New Year?

DIGITAL EDITION

Page 12: The vigilant newsletter december 2013

iWATCH is the ARMY anti-terrorism awareness

program to protect our country from terrorist acts.

See Something ~ Say Something! Call: 706th MI Group ATO at 762-206-8721

Call: 706-791-4380 Military Police

Call: 706-821-1020 Richmond County Sheriff

12 The Vigilant

Emergency Numbers

FRG Bulletin

EMERGENCY 911

Military Police: 706-791-4380

Fire: 706-791-1201

FG Ambulance:706-787-6686

Fort Gordon Emergency Room

706-787-2264

Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222

Georgia Missing Children

Hotline: 1-800-282-6564

FG Domestic Violence/Sexual

Assault 24hr hotline:

706-791-6297 or 1-877-995-5247

Chaplain: 706-791-9747/9748

Army Emergency Relief:

706-791-3371

FORT GORDON

Health Care Information

Appointment Line:

706-787-7300

After hours Patient Line:

1-800-443-2262

Allergy & Immunizations:

706-787-4154

Behavioral Health Service:

706-787-8134

Social Work Services:

706-787-3656

Tricare Referral:

1-800-444-5445

Community Counseling Center:

706-787-3673

www.gordon.army.mil

www.armyfrg.org

www.armywives.com

www.military.com

www.army.mil

www.operationhomefront.org

www.armyonesource.com

www.myarmybenefits.us.army.mil

www.militaryonesource.com

Provides information/assistance on

Relocation, Employment, Financial

Services, Deployment, Exceptional Family

Program, Survivor Outreach Services,

Family Matters and other topics in the

Fort Gordon, Georgia area. ACS supports

the readiness and well-being of Soldiers,

Families, Civilian Employees, & Retirees.

Call us at 706-791-3579 or

www.gordon.army.mil/acs

Army Community Service

Military Family Live Consultants (MFLC)

MFLC are counselors that provide

confidential, non-medical, problem-

solving counseling service to all

service members, spouses, children,

retirees and civilians employees.

Consultants are specifically trained

to provide solution-based support

with problems relating to, but not

limited to, deployment and reintegration issues, marriage and relationships issues, stress and anxiety, depression, communication challenges, grief & loss, and other individual and Family issues. Consultations are FREE and ANONYMOUS. Fort Gordon call 706

288-5488 *No Records are kept.

All Soldiers deserve an environment

free from the threat of sexual

assault. Service members should feel

secure enough to report this crime

without fear of retribution. If you

are a victim of sexual assault, you

are entitled to certain rights, please contact: 24/7 HOTLINE NUMBERS:

706th MI Group ~ 706-945-7107

Fort Gordon Hotline ~ 706-791-6297

SFC Charnelle Mose,

706th MI Group

762-206-6738 – 706-945-7107 [email protected]

DoD Safe Helpline 1-877-995-5247

www.preventsexualassault.army.mi

l

SHARP

ALL COMMUNICATION IS CONFIDENTIAL

Page 13: The vigilant newsletter december 2013

Augusta, MomsEveryday.com is here to make

Mom’s life easier. We accomplish this with the

help of a variety of news sources, community

journalists, and comments and suggestions from

Moms like you. We hope you find that some of

our information will make your life easier! http://www.momseveryday.com/augusta/home

13 The Vigilant

Military Brats Info

Hi Kids, we’re the CryptoKids and we love cryptology! What’s cryptology? Cryptology is making and breaking codes.

It’s so cool. We make codes so we can send secret messages

to our friends. And we try to figure out what other people

are writing about by breaking their codes. It’s a lot of fun.

On this site, you can learn all about codes and ciphers, play

lots of games and activities, and get to know the Cyptoteam.

You can also learn about the NSA/CSS they’re America’s real

codemakers and codebreakers. Without NSA/CSS, they

wouldn’t be able to talk to one another without the bad

guys listening and they wouldn’t be able to figure out what

the bad guys were planning. We hope you have lots of fun

learning about cryptology and NSA/CSS. To learn more visit

NSA/CSS Kids’ page, http://www.nsa.gov/kids/home.shtml

Fort Gordon CYS Services Online! On this site you can start new registrations, make payments on your

monthly childcare fees, reprint receipts and tax statements or sign up for

advertised SKIESUnlimited classes, Youth Sports or Special Activities.

CYS Services is located at Bldg. 28320, Lane Avenue, 706-791-4722. https://webtrac.mwr.army.mil/webtrac/gordoncyms.html

http://appweb.augustaga.gov/kidz/kidz.html

Exceptional Family Member Program http://www.militaryhomefront.dod.mil/tf/efmp

Pledging to be a MyPlate

Champion is a promise to eat

healthy and be active every

day. Learning how to make

healthy choices at home and at school is an

important part of taking care of you. The

first step is to know which choices are best

for you. Use ideas from the website list, www.choosemyplate.gov/kids/Champion.html

“Parents Night Out” Every 3rd Saturday, from 6:00 P.M. to 11:00 P.M. at

the Child Development Center Building.

“Parents Day Out” The First Saturday of every month, from 10:00 AM to

3:00 P.M. at the Child Development Center Building.

Pizza, Crafts & Games ~ Cost is $20 or FREE for eligible Deployed and

AW2/WTU Families. Reservation required one week prior. Please

Call 706-791-1305 for more information.

Parents Day~Night Out

DeCA Scholarships for Military Children

Applications for the 2014 Scholarships for Military Children Program are now available

at commissaries worldwide and also online at the Commissaries.com website at

www.commissaries.com and the MilitaryScholar.org website at

www.militaryscholar.org. The scholarship program awards at least $1,500 at each

commissary. To apply for a scholarship, the student must be a dependent, unmarried

child, younger than 21 -- or 23, if enrolled as a full-time student at a college or

university -- of a servicemember on active duty, reservist, guardsman, retiree or

survivor of a military member who died while on active duty or survivor of a retiree.

Students with questions about the scholarship program application can call Scholarship

Managers at 856-616-9311.

Be a MyPlate Champion

Friday nights at 4-6:30 p.m. for

Military, Family members,

retirees, DOD civillians and ID

Card Holders. No registration

necessary and no fee to pay!

Swimming laps? No problem -

lap swimmers welcome!

C all the indoor pool for more information at (706) 791-3034.

Family Nights at Fort Gordon Indoor Pool!

http://kids.usa.gov

Special Needs Night at Monkey Joe’s First Sunday of Each Month. Special Needs Night at Monkey Joe’s. This event is held

the first Sunday of each month after general store hours to ensure a calm environment

for special needs children and their parents. 6-7 p.m. Monkey Joe’s, 368 Fury’s Ferry

Rd. 706-922-JUMP (5867). www.monkeyjoes.com.

Page 14: The vigilant newsletter december 2013

14 The Vigilant

706th & 707th Upcoming Events

Each Thursday, from 10:00 -11:30 A.M. At Balfour Beatty Communities,

155 3rd Avenue, Fort Gordon (Olive Terrace Housing Area)

Kinder Music is about kids and parents

coming together and having a great time!

Our music and movement parent and child music class is a wonderful

educational experience for your little one. Children sing, dance, play

instruments, shake eggs, beat drums, clap, tap, laugh, skip, jump, pretend and

learn! While doing so they develop their rhythm, pitch and melody, language

skills, motor coordination, interpersonal skills, cultural awareness and

preschool readiness!

Research has shown that children who receive early music instruction have

increased overall academic achievement. But more importantly ....it is just good

old fashioned FUN! For children newborn to 4 years old. For more

information please call 706-799-3693 or 303-842-2004

706th & 707th Kid's Music & Movement Class

706th and 707th Book Club

New Year's Day, Wednesday, 1 of January

Martin Luther King Day, Monday, 20 of Jan

Lincoln's Birthday, Wednesday, 12 of Feb

Valentine's Day, Friday, 14 of February

Presidents Day and Washington's Birthday,

Monday, 17 of February

Daylight Saving Start, Sunday, 11 of March

St. Patrick's Day, Monday, 17 of March

April Fool's Day, Tuesday, 1 of April

Good Friday, Friday, 18 of April

Easter, Sunday, 20 of April

January - April 2014 Celebrations!

The 1st Saturday of the month, 10:30 a.m. at different locations. Please come

and have a coffee and discuss our latest read! For more information contact

Monique Laracuente, 706th MI GRP, HHD FRG Leader at 910-580-5957 or

[email protected] and Mrs. Hope John, 707th MI BN Event

Coordinator at 303-842-2004 or [email protected].

HHD ~ Monique Laracuente, FRG Leader

910-580-5957 or [email protected]

HHC ~ Ree Lee, FRG Leader

253-686-8515 or [email protected]

B CO ~ Teresa Varela, FRG Leader

[email protected]

ALPHA CO ~ SPC Jefferson

[email protected]

706th & 707th Family Readiness Programs 762-206-9663 or [email protected]

Walk-in services daily! All uniformed military personnel (with spouses, if filing

jointly) will receive priority from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Monday - Friday.

AIT STUDENTS GET PRIORITY! * RETIREES ARE WELCOME! Upon arrival at the tax center, personnel will do their best to provide you with an approximate wait time. *Your patience is very much appreciated. Office Hours: Monday - Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Location: Courtyard Pool Operations Center, Building 36708, Brainard Avenue (Next to Teresa’s Restaurant). Phone Number: 706-787-1040

What to Bring?

• Military ID Cards • SS Cards/ITIN Letters for Taxpayers, Spouse, and Dependents • All W-2s, 1099s, 1098s, etc. • Power of attorney for deployed spouses • Documents for deductible expenses • Voided check for direct deposit • Last year’s Tax Return • Dependent care provider’s EIN #

If you need a power of attorney please contact the Legal Assistance office at 706-791-7812/7813. They are located at 419 B Street (next to Godfather’s Pizza).

Fort Gordon Tax Center Doors Open 27 Jan 2014

706th and 707th FRG Book Club

706th & 707th FRG Leaders

Page 15: The vigilant newsletter december 2013

15 The Vigilant

Fort Gordon Upcoming Events

Fort Gordon Morale Call

September 20, 4:00~7:00 P.M. at the Courtyard (Next to Teresa’s

Mexican Restaurant). Bring your Right Arm or your Boss for a

free night of food, fun and dancing! All genres of music by Tony

Howard. All Servicemembers are welcome!

Local Upcoming Events

The AIE security system is ready at Fort Gordon to begin Jan 2014 and

will mark a change in the way access is granted to the installation. A

simple swipe of a registered identification card at an access control point

such as Gate 1, 2, 3, or 5 will result in the ability to accurately verify DoD

identification cards via the DEER System and driver’s licenses via state

formats by way of an individual’s DoD ID card or state driver’s license.

100% registration into the system is required by those who need regular

access to Fort Gordon. The ID’s will automatically be checked against

Fort Gordon and state and national restricted access lists. As Fort

Gordon prepares for the use of AIE in the next 90 days there is ample

time to register. Registration locations include the MP section in Darling

Hall, building 33720, room 151; the visitor control center at Gate 1, bldg

75. AIE

AUTOMATED INSTALLATION ENTRY SECURITY SYSTEM

(AIE) TO BE OPERATIONAL IN 2014

Fort Gordon Commissary Holiday Hours

*The Commissary will be open Monday, 23 December from 9:00

a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Christmas Eve, from 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.

and Tuesday 31, New Year's Eve, from 9:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.

FORT GORDON NEW “RED BOX”

Red Box rentals are now available for families to pick up at

either kiosk located at the Gate 1 Express or Main Exchange.

The Army & Air Force Exchange Service looks to offer affordable

and convenient ways to rent DVDs and video games, making it

easier to return rentals on or off the installation with Red Box.

Fort Gordon Thrift shop

The Fort Gordon Thrift Shop is open for anyone to shop 9:30 a.m.

to 3 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Consignment for DoD ID

holders is 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Also open the first Saturday of each

month 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. There is a wide selection of furniture,

toys, books, electronics and clothing, in need of donations. Follow

40th Street to right, located behind the Main Exchange. Go to

www.facebook.com/ftgordon.thrift or call 791-2779.

Post prepares for Dec. 28 power down

A post-wide power outage will take place December 28 for

approximately seven hours starting at 9:00 a.m. to allow Georgia

Power to make improvements to the installation’s power

substation, but that doesn’t mean service members and their

families have to be kept in the dark. By planning ahead and

taking precautionary measures a day without power doesn’t have

to mean a day of disaster. There will be running water but it may

not be hot. Fort Gordon officials recommend that military

families who reside off the installation postpone visits to the post

that day until after power is restored. They further recommend

that residents of the installation plan now to reschedule holiday

visits to their homes during the outage.

CATHOLIC SERVICES, Bldg 29608, Good Shepherd Chapel (GSC) DEC 24th @ 4:00 pm, Children’s MASS DEC 24th @ 6:00 pm, Spanish MASS DEC 24th @ Midnight MASS DEC 25th @ 8:30 & 10:00 a.m., Christmas Day MASS DEC 31th @ 12:00 a.m., Midnight MASS at Bicentennial Chapel JAN 1st @ 8:30 & 10:00 am, New Year’s Day MASS, GSC

PROTESTANT SERVICES, Bldg 28414, Bicentennial Chapel DEC 24th @ 7:00 pm, Community Christmas Eve Service

GOSPEL SERVICES, Bldg 29608, Good Shepherd Chapel DEC 25th @ 12:00 Noon, Christmas Day Service

Contemporary Services at 9:00 Barnes Avenue Chapel WICCAN, Pagan Services at the Religious Support Office and Latter Day Saints Services at Barnes Avenue Friendship Chapel will be cancelled during Block Leave.

For more information visit Fort Gordon Garrison website.

FORT GORDON HOLIDAY RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES

Happy Holidays!

Fort Gordon Website

http://www.gordon.army.mil

Page 16: The vigilant newsletter december 2013

16 The Vigilant

Things To Do…

Fort Gordon Events ~ http://www.fortgordon.com

Augusta Events ~ http://www.augustaga.org/visitors/events

Augusta Kidz Place ~ http://appweb.augustaga.gov/kidz/kidz.html

James Brown Arena ~ http://augustaentertainmentcomplex.com

Visit Atlanta! ~ http://www.atlantaga.gov

Savannah, GA ~ http://savannahvisit.com/

On the First Friday of each month a

celebration is held downtown on Artists'

Row - extending from 7th to 12th Street.

Augusta invite you to visit First Friday

and return to enjoy our music, food,

museums, antiques and attractions.

First Friday is a free, monthly, family

friendly event in Augusta downtown. http://www.augustaarts.com/firstfriday.htm

Stone Mountain Park, GA.

www.stonemountainpark.com

Carowinds, Charlotte, N.C.

http://www.carowinds.com

Six Flags, Atlanta, GA

www.sixflags.com

Atlanta, Georgia Aquarium

www.georgiaaquarium.org

Riverbanks Zoo & Garden

http://www.riverbanks.org

Splash in the Boro!

http://www.splashintheboro.com

Augusta First Friday

Local-CSRA Things To Do Links

www.shadesofgreen.org

Is an Armed Forces

Recreation Center

located on Walt Disney

World property.

Eligibility: Active Duty, Reserve,

National Guard, AD Retired,

DoD Civilians & Families. Rates

are based upon rank/pay grade

For more information visit;

Recreational Parks

The AFVC is a "Space Available" program

that offers military and other DoD - affiliated

personnel the opportunity to enjoy vacations at

popular destinations around the world - for

the incredibly low price of just $369* USD per

unit, per week. The program is available to all

active and retired members of the Armed

Forces, Department of Defense employees and

select civilian employees in military support

roles. www.afvclub.com

Coca Cola Armed Forces Appreciation ~ All active and retired members of

the Armed Forces will receive complimentary admission to the World of Coca-

Cola. http://www.worldofcoca-cola.com/armedforcesappreciation.htm

Walt Disney World Resort ~ “Salutes the U.S military” visit the following link

for more information www.disneyworld.com/military

Sea World /Bush Gardens ~ are still offering Salute to our Heroes with One

free admission to one of their theme parks for Active duty/retired personnel and

family members. Visit www.herosalute.com o register.

Universal Studios’ Orlando ~ discounted tickets for Military and Family

members. Visit us at http://www.universalorlando.com/military

The Armed Forces Vacation Club ~ offers affordable military vacations

around the world for military personnel and their families. More information at

www.afvclub.com

Great Wolf Lodge Indoor Water Park Resort ~ Heroes Always receive 20%

of the best rates, and a special salute to all Servicemembers!

http://www.greatwolf.com/concord/waterpark

MWR Resorts ~ For Soldiers, Families, Retirees and Civilians. For more

information please visit http://www.armymwr.com

Vacations*Military Discounts

For more information call

706-541-1057 or visit:

Pointes West Army Resort

November 20~December 30, OPEN 7 DAYS A

WEEK, from 6:00 -10:00 p.m., Augusta, 633

Louisville Road. Light displays, hay rides,

Santa and holiday treats. Cost: $7.50, $4.00

ages 4-17. (706) 825-6441. For more detail

information go to www.lightsofthesouth.com.

Receive Fort Gordon up-to-date

information on your cell phone by

texting MWR to the number 82672!

Lights of the South

Fort Gordon Upcoming Events

www.fortgordon.com