the vigilant newsletter december 2013
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ÂTRANSCRIPT
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!
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
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!
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!
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
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
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…
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!
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
707th MI Battalion
Chaplain CPT Pyun
&
SPC Tanisha Wyche
762-206-9522
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
10
706th &707th Past FRG Events
The Vigilant
707th Trunk or Treat Festival October 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
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
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.
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
ALPHA CO ~ SPC Jefferson
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
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
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