Family members of Soldiers with Tarantula Team, Operations Group listen to a briefing before observing an airborne jump, here, June 5. Tarantula Team conducted airborne operations from a V-22 Osprey alongside the Marine Medium Tilt Rotor Squadron 165, in conjunction with a team family day event.

Soldiers from the Tarantula Team with Operations Group conducted airborne operations from a V-22 Osprey alongside the Marine Medium Tilt Rotor Squadron 165 (VMM 165), in conjunction with a team family day event, here, June 5-6.

This operation was the first time any Operations Group personnel had conducted airborne operations from a V-22 Osprey, which is a unique aircraft that is primarily used by the Marine Corp and is capable of flying both fixed-wing, straight and level, and rotary wing like a helicopter.

According to Lt. Col. Paul N. Garcia, senior task force trainer for the Tarantula Team and a McAllen, Texas native, this operation was also significant because it was the first time that many of the Tarantula Team’s family members were onsite during an Airborne jump and able to see what their Soldier does.

“It was nice to be able to see what our spouses actually do,” said Toni Chastain, wife of Tarantula Team’s Maj. Brent Chastain, and a Savannah, Ga., native. “It was also really neat to see the Ospreys because it’s an unusual aircraft.”

“Today the significance was jumping from a bird that we never jumped from before, while our families watched,” said Sgt. 1st Class Travis R. Baie, a scout trainer and senior jump master with the Tarantulas and a Portland, Ore. native. “We were able to get a lot of jump masters qualified and a lot of jumpers proficient in jumping from a new type of aircraft.”

Soldiers with Tarantula Team, Operations Group, conduct an airborne jump from a V-22 Osprey, here, June 5. This operation was the first time any Operations Group personnel had conducted airborne operations from a V-22 Osprey, which is a unique aircraft that is primarily used by the Marine Corp and is capable of flying both fixed-wing, straight and level, and rotary wing like a helicopter.

Approximately 28 Tarantula Team personnel jumped from the aircraft while nearly 50 family members watch from a safe distance.

According to Sgt. 1st Class Donald E. Ploger, the tactical analysis and feedback facility non-commissioned officer in charge for the Tarantula Team and a Wedgefield, S.C. native, in order to conduct this type of operation, it takes the coordination of many different NTC organizations and the assistance from various military units throughout the United States. Those organizations included: Operations Group Raven Team; the 12th Combat Training Squadron Joint Terminal Attack Controllers; the 416th and 426th Civil Affairs battalions, the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, the Texas Army National Guard Parachute Riggers, and; many civilian counterparts that manage the shipping, storage and finance of the parachutes.

The operation was originally initiated by the VMM 165 Marines who contacted the Tarantula Team for support with dropping several containerized delivery system bundles in order to get certified for an upcoming deployment to Afghanistan.

While receiving support with the CDS drops, the Marines in-turn supported the Tarantula team by allowing their personnel to conduct jump master training and airborne jumps from the aircraft.

“The entire event turned out significantly well [and] we accomplished all tasks,” said Ploger. “The Marine Corps got to exit the CDS bundles and the families got to see their family members actually do their Job.”

Following the operation, the Tarantula Team and their Family Members partook in a barbecue at the Splash Park, here.

“Overall I think it was well planned, well executed and a great team effort on part of all participants,” Ploger commented. “The barbecue turned out phenomenal and the splash park was a nice coup-de-gras to finish up an outstanding day.”

In light of the announcement that Department of Army Civilians will be furloughed 11 days beginning July 8, Family and MWR has made arrangements to offer reduced childcare fees for furloughed families during the 11-week period. FMWR hopes that this reduction will relieve some of the financial burden for Fort Irwin families during the furlough.

Parents who receive a furlough letter can bring it to CYSS Parent Central Services, located in building 109 in the Reception Campus on Langford Lake Road, to have their fee rate recalculated.

Fee reductions apply to children in regularly scheduled full-day, part-day and part-time programs during the furlough period. Fees will revert to the original pricing structure after the furlough has ended.

Fee reductions will not apply to SKIES Unlimited, Youth Sports, Family Child Care, or other community-based programs.

For more information, call Martina Shipman at 380-4869 or speak with a staff member at your childcare facility.

Being experienced teachers, we were excited about the newest grade to education, Transitional Kindergarten, also known as TK. We set out with specific skills in mind that we, teachers, see year after year as areas of struggle in Kindergarten. These include fine motor skills, gross motor skills, maturity, independency, handwriting, problem-conflict resolution and many others. With this in mind we did not know how far we were going to go with our youngest learners. Our focus has shown huge developmental growth in the struggling areas. We are so pleased to see the growth and readiness in our students for next year.

The Kindergarten world is not an easy place for our little ones sometimes. We have much to learn about the new school world that does not revolve around only one person anymore. At 4 and 5 years, children are very egocentric. It is all about me! This is very normal and Transitional kindergarten is the perfect place to learn to cope with this newfound dilemma.

We are ending the school year with highly motivated, positive learners who are excited about school! TK has had a strong focus on letters, sounds, penmanship, science, social studies, number sense, independency, and developmentally appropriate learning tasks.

We are very confident in our TK program and are ecstatic about the results our students are having.

Parents of our TK students are most excited about their child’s ability to come home and teach them about what they learn in class, which shows that they are excited, engaged and focused, and retain what they are learning, because they are interested in it. Learning about the planets in the universe, the animals of the rainforest, plant and animal life of the desert, the difference between the arctic and the Antarctic, are all areas of science these students are fully involved in learning.

Our students not only learned these exciting themes, but they also learned how to be respectful citizens in their school, what it really means to get a compliment from other adults (self-respect and a positive reputation in their community) for their excellent behavior, and how to show pride in their school, their flag, and their country. They learned how to use big words and how to think things through. They learned how to be a successful student by being aware of their environment and applying the appropriate voice level, social rule, safe and smart behavior, and stick up for themselves when needed, by talking things through and thinking of smarter options when faced with a dilemma.

They are learning how to be independent learners, how to be involved in their learning, how to be a positive contribution to their class and their school, and how to nicely correct their friends and be a good example.

Preschool is a fun place to play, sing songs, and dress up like mommy and daddy. Imagine how stressful it is to go from that to a classroom that looks kind of the same, but where you are not allowed to talk unless it is your turn, where you have to learn the rules immediately or you get in trouble and you fall behind your peers. Not to mention having to write full sentences and sit for 30 minutes at a time without wiggling or touching your neighbor, or making any noises unless it is applicable to the topic being taught.

It is very difficult even for the most mature students. Your child may be mature, but put them in a room with 30 other students and they will have a harder time following a teacher’s directions all day without getting distracted.

Students who qualify for Transitional Kindergarten are very lucky to have this opportunity of extra time to gain these skills before they go in with their peers in the Kindergarten setting. Prior to 2012, students who were born between September and December would typically go into a classroom with students up to 6 months older than them. This is like a 6-month-old crawler being expected to compete in a walking race with a 1-year-old. These students are not at the same developmental level. The 6-month-old needs more time to learn to walk.

Some of the parents who were insisting that their children were “ready for Kindergarten” in August, are now thanking us for keeping their children in TK, because now they can see that their child is happy, challenged, comfortable, safe and excited about learning – and that if they had gone to Kindergarten, they would have struggled too much for it to be a positive, productive and effective learning year for their child.

These same children are now ready for next year, prepared to succeed, and excited about what is ahead. We are excited and ready for a new group of students to engage, support and meet their developmental needs in our TK classrooms next year.

Editor’s note: Transitional Kindergarten is available at Lewis Elementary School and is the first year of a two-year Kindergarten program that uses a modified Kindergarten curriculum that is age and developmentally appropriate. A child who completes one year in a Transitional Kindergarten Program will attend the Kindergarten class the next school year.

Spc. Ernest Mummey mans an M2 .50 caliber machine gun while his assistant gunner, Spc. Cameron Cooper (right background) spots, and range safety officer Staff Sgt. Justin Ortiz (right foreground) supervises during range qualifications, May 23. All three Soldiers are scouts from the Dragon Team with Operations Group. The Dragon Team scouts went to the range to qualify on a variety of weapons, including the M2 .50 machine gun, the M9 pistol and the M4 rifle during a week-long training. The training also gave the scouts an opportunity to qualify with their designated weapons. Those qualifying with their designated weapon as a sharpshooter or expert were able to meet the first step in achieving recognition for Excellence in Armor.

 
Soldiers qualified on weapons at the range, competed in triathlon on Fort Irwin

Soldiers of Dragon Team with Operations Group performed weapons qualifications and competed in a condensed triathlon, here, May 16, 23 and 30.

Dragon Team is one of the teams within OPS GRP, who facilitates training for units that rotate through the National Training Center and Fort Irwin. The Dragon mission encompasses providing rotational units with world class live fire training facilities and modern, realistic systems and scenarios that enable units to train all echelons of leaders to meet unit training objectives.

Dragon Team Soldiers recently performed training of their own by shooting weapons at a qualifications range. Soldiers also got an opportunity to achieve recognition for Excellence in Armor. In an endeavor to foster competition and promote camaraderie, Dragons also competed in a triathlon event on post.

The photos on this page illustrate the challenges and successes achieved by Dragon Team Soldiers during these events in May.
 

FIRE BREATHERS: Dragon Team Soldiers from Operations Group took part in a triathlon, here May 30. Dragon Team conducted the abbreviated triathlon as a fitness challenge to foster competition amongst sections within the team, while promoting camaraderie. In the future, the Dragon Team plans to conduct similar events and hopes to be joined by their fellow Operations Group teams.

Master Sgt. Joseph Becker (right) debriefs Spc. Cameron Cooper (left) and Pfc. Kyle Capano (background), all from Operations Group, here, after they took a practical test on Bradley Gunnery Skills Testing during Dragon Team scout training May 16. For five days, the cavalry scouts of the Dragon Live Fire Team trained on their Bradley gunnery skills, in preparation to qualify for Excellence in Armor. In order to qualify, the Soldiers must receive a first-time “Go” on BGST, score at least a 260 on an Army Physical Fitness Test, pass common task training and achieve at least sharpshooter qualification on their personal weapon.

Operations Group Spc. Nathan Moskal leads Sgt. Cody Callahan in route to a first place finish in the bicycling portion of the Dragon Team Triathlon, May 30. The Dragon Team conducted the abbreviated triathlon as a fitness challenge to foster competition and promote camaraderie amongst its Soldiers. The top three individual times came from Sgt. Cody Callahan at 43 minutes and 45 seconds, Spc. Nathan Moskal at 45:05 and Spc. Patrick Welsh at 48:25. The Section B team completed the triathlon with an of average time of 51:34, barely besting the Section A team average by 12 seconds to win Dragon 07 Lt. Col. Robert Horney’s section challenge.

Specialist Jason Ward, with Dragon Team under Operations Group, here, fires a M240B machine gun in bipod mode during qualification, May 23. Ward and his fellow scouts with Dragon Team went to the range to qualify on a variety of weapons, including the M2 .50 machine gun, the M9 pistol and the M4 rifle during a week-long training.

Operations Group Soldiers battle for position at the start of the swimming portion of the Dragon Team Triathlon, May 30. Commencing with a mass start, the Soldiers competed in a 150-meter swim, six miles of biking on- and off-road, and finished with a two-mile run.

Operations Group Soldiers Spc. Nathan Moskal, Sgt. Cody Callahan and Spc. Patrick Welsh were the top three finishers of the Dragon Team Triathlon, May 30. Callahan, finished the competition in first place overall with a time of 43 minutes and 45 seconds Moskal and Welsh finished with times of 45:05 and Spc. 48:26, respectively, to finish in second and third place in the overall competition. The Dragon Team conducted the abbreviated triathlon as a fitness challenge to foster competition between the Soldiers and their respective sections.

For additional events and on-going, scheduled activities see the Community Calendar at www.irwin.army.mil or the FMWR site at http://fortirwinfmwr.com/

Ongoing

SKIES Unlimited encompasses instructional programs for children and youth ranging from six weeks old to adolescence. Sign up your child for Reading and Math tutoring, Piano and Vocal lessons, Karate or Dance. Call 380-7751 for schedules and pricing.

July 5, 12, 19 and 26

Movie Night with popcorn. 5:30 p.m. Warrior Zone on 3rd Street and Avenue F. Movies are pre-selected, typically with new releases. Open to Soldiers. Call 380-3585.

July 9, 16, 23 and 30

Guitar Hero Jam Session. 6 p.m. Warrior Zone on 3rd Street and Avenue F. Compete for bragging rights against other “Guitar Heroes.” Open to Soldiers. Call 380-3585.

July 13 and 27

Dive-In Movie Night. 8 p.m. Oasis Pool. Cost is $3. Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. Patrons are allowed to bring non-motorized inflatable devices. Minimal swimming and splashing. Call 380-3046.

July 18

Middle School and Teen Center field trip to Victor Valley Museum and Art Gallery and the Victor Valley mall. Cost is $3.Youth must be registered with Parent Central, building 109. Call 380-2257.

July 20

Opportunity leave shuttle from Las Vegas. 3:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. pickup. Must register by July 13 with Outdoor Recreation. Transportation cost is $30 per person or $120 for four or more. Call 380-4327 to sign up.

July 21

Opportunity leave shuttle from Las Vegas. 9 p.m. pickup. Must register by July 14 with Outdoor Recreation. Transportation cost is $30 per person or $120 for four or more. Call 380-4327 to sign up.

July 24

Los Angeles Police Department written exam. 4:30 p.m. ACAP classroom, building 312. Open to the community. If you’d like to start the process of serving with the LAPD, take the department’s written exam. For more information call 380-5648.

July 24-25, 30-31

Army Family Team Building K-level classes. 9 a.m. – noon. Education Center, building 1200. Learn about military life: acronyms and terms, chain of command, customs, courtesies, ceremonies, traditions , military benefits and entitlements. Call 380-842 to register.

July 27

Raging Waters trip. Must register by July 20. Venue tickets are $31 with Leisure Travel Services. Transportation is $25 for adults and $18 for children up to 13 years. Call Outdoor Recreation 380-4327 to sign up for transportation.

Aug. 3

Sergeant Audie Murphy Softball Tournament and Home Run Derby. 9 a.m. Fort Irwin Softball Complex. Four-game guarantee per team. Open to the community. Call Sgt. 1st Class Robert Dachenhausen at (254) 291-5766 for pricing and more details.

Photo by Gustavo Bahena, Public Affairs Office

Fort Irwin Commissary staff and Soldiers helped with the distribution of 6,500 pounds of donated food items in September 2012. The goal is to donate twice that amount for the 2013 Feds Feed Families food drive going on now.

The Fort Irwin Commissary began selling vouchers for the 2013 Feds Feed Families food drive campaign, June 29.

Vouchers can be purchased by Commissary customers for $9.96, plus a surcharge, through August 29. The purchase will go towards food items that will be donated to Desert Manna and the Veterans Home in Barstow. Food items include: long grain rice, pinto beans, canned corn, canned green beans, spaghetti noodles, spaghetti sauce, canned chili and cane sugar.

Desert Manna operates a homeless shelter and a food bank for the community in Barstow. Last year, the campaign provided 6,500 pounds of food items to Desert Manna. The food drive was overwhelmingly successful thanks to the amazing support of the Fort Irwin community, said Cynthia Hernandez, director of the Fort Irwin Commissary.

“This year, our goal is to double last year’s donations,” Hernandez said. “This goal cannot be attained without the support of this community. The tremendous success of the 2012 food drive was a credit to the exemplary efforts of this community and the staff at the Fort Irwin Commissary. Running a successful campaign requires a team effort, and leadership support is critical. ‘Feds Feed Families’ allows us to showcase how caring and giving our people are, and demonstrates our commitment to helping people in need.
Therefore, again for 2013, we, at the Commissary encourage you to support this program.”

This is the fifth year in which the United States Office of Personnel Management has requested the Department of Defense to participate in Feds Feed Families. For more information about the campaign contact Hernandez at 380-3560.

As a result of federal employee furloughs, the Fort Irwin Commissary will close on Mondays from July 8 to September 30.

Leadership understands the impact to our shoppers, but surviving the furlough closure of the Commissary once a week is achievable by planning ahead. TIPS will help you get through this requirement.

Talk with your spouse to ensure you have a plan for groceries. Communication between you and your spouse will be essential in determining the best approach for making changes in your shopping routine.

Stay Informed. We will publish up-to-date information at Fort Irwin’s Web site, Facebook, Twitter, and radio.

Plan your activities knowing the Commissary is closed Mondays. If you are planning a big event, getting away for a weekend, or your Soldier is heading to the field, make sure you plan to buy the appropriate items from the Commissary if your return is closely associated with the day the Commissary is closed.

Stock your cabinets appropriately, especially if you have smaller children. Fort Irwin United States Army Garrison Commander Col. Kurt Pinkerton stated that while the closure once a week is a slight inconvenience, it is survivable.

Most Commissary items can be found within the Exchange facilities. You can purchase some fresh fruit, bread, milk, and snacks at the 24-hour Shoppette, and the main Exchange carries all toiletries, baby formula, and diapers, to mention a few items.

To mitigate the effects of the closure, the Commissary, Garrison, the Center Chapel and the Exchange have created an arrangement that could help in an emergency situation.

The Exchange has agreed to accept food certificates from the Center Chapel when the Commissary is closed, during the furlough period. The Chapel operates a food certificate program for emergency situations on a case-by-case basis. Normally, food certificates can be redeemed at the Commissary only. Eligibility for food certificates is determined by the Chapel; to inquire about the food certificate program call 380-3562.

Pinkerton explained that this type of support is intended for Families with children and babies, who might need formula, diapers or other items that are normally obtainable in the Commissary through purchase or by use of WIC entitlements, which cannot be used at the Exchange facilities.

“The good news is the Exchange is not be affected by the furlough,” Pinkerton said. “There will be normal operations throughout the Exchange facilities.”

Fort Irwin United States Army Garrison Commander Col. Kurt Pinkerton presented a Blue Vase award to Jan Keuper during his final commander’s call for Garrison employees, here, June 25. Keuper, with information management at FMWR, here, received the unique award for creating a database that tracks background information for CYSS employees and volunteers, and is being considered for use Army-wide. Pinkerton gave out the Blue Vase to employees, who, he said, “have exceeded the expectations of the standard or made an immediate impact.” The colonel had been holding a commander’s call since his arrival in March 2011. Length of service awards, certificates and the Blue Vase award were presented at the hour-long meetings he held once a month. Pinkerton has been commander since June 2011 and will pass on the leadership position to Col. Jon Braga, July 11.

Representatives of the energy industry visited Fort Irwin to look at a proposed site for the construction of a photovoltaic system that would harness solar energy, June 13. The prospective contractors for the project met with representatives from Fort Irwin, Defense Logistics Agency Energy and the Army’s Energy Initiatives Task Force to discuss a recently released Request for Proposals on the renewable energy project. “The primary purpose of today’s event is to answer any questions interested members of the renewable energy industry may have regarding this RFP and to take prospective bidders out to the proposed site for the project,” said Alan King, director of project execution for EITF. The RFP outlines a Fort Irwin requirement to procure renewable energy through a Power Purchase Agreement for up to 25 years. The selected contractor will finance, design, build, operate, own and maintain the PV system. Under the PPA, the Army will only purchase the energy that is produced; no generation assets will be acquired.

The National Training Center and Fort Irwin took part in a stand down to participate in Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention training, June 7.

Soldiers and civilian employees of this High Desert military installation spent that Friday gathered in small groups to receive briefings from Soldiers versed in the SHARP program. Groups also dialogued amongst each other and with unit commanders. Major units and organizations include the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, 916th Support Brigade, Operations Group, United States Army Medical Department Activity, U.S. Army Dental Clinic Command, Fort Irwin U.S. Army Garrison and the NTC Headquarters.

The SHARP program exists so the Army can prevent sexual harassment and sexual assaults before they occur; the goal is to eliminate sexual harassment and sexual assaults by creating a climate that respects the dignity of every member of the Army Family.

Army installations world-wide conducted stand downs in June after Secretary of the Army John M. McHugh issued a memorandum detailing the requirement.

The Army’s Web site, www.sexualassault.army.mil, states: sexual assault is a crime defined as intentional sexual contact, characterized by use of force, physical threat or abuse of authority or when the victim does not or cannot consent. Sexual assault includes rape, nonconsensual sodomy (oral or anal sex), indecent assault (unwanted, inappropriate sexual contact or fondling), or attempts to commit these acts.

Sexual assault can occur without regard to gender or spousal relationship or age of victim. “Consent” will not be deemed or construed to mean the failure by the victim to offer physical resistance. Consent is not given when a person uses force, threat of force, or coercion or when the victim is asleep, incapacitated, or unconscious.

The SHARP training conducted during the stand down provided information about the reporting options available to victims of a sexual assault. Unrestricted reporting allows a Soldier, and an adult dependent who is sexually assaulted to seek medical treatment/Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE), counseling, and an official investigation of his/her allegation through current reporting channels (e.g., the chain of command or law enforcement). Victims may also file an unrestricted report with the SARC/SHARP Specialist or VA/SHARP Specialist. Restricted reporting allows a Soldier, and adult dependent who is a victim of sexual assault, on a confidential basis, to disclose the details of his/her assault to specifically identified individuals (e.g., the SARC, VA, or healthcare provider) and receive medical treatment/SAFE and counseling, as well as legal counsel without triggering the official investigative process. On Fort Irwin, the 24-hour hotline for reporting is (760) 401-3074.

The cornerstone of the Army’s prevention strategy is the “I. A. M. Strong” campaign. The letters I, A, and M stand for Intervene – Act – Motivate. The I. A.M. Strong campaign features Soldiers as influential role models and provides peer-to-peer messages outlining the Army’s intent for all its members to personally take action in the effort to protect our communities.

The prevention strategy and campaign includes educating and training Soldiers to ensure they understand their moral responsibility to intervene in stopping sexual assault and sexual harassment. A critical aspect of the prevention campaign is the engagement of non-commissioned officers across the Army. The involvement of NCO’s at all levels from corporal to sergeant major is necessary for the Army to achieve aggressive green-tab action and strike at the nerve of every Soldier, so that Soldiers intercede when they observe actions or behaviors that could lead to a sexual assault. The Army expects NCO’s to train their Soldiers to act in accordance with the Army Values and the Warrior Ethos, and in their daily interactions, identify, and correct inappropriate and demeaning behaviors that could be precursors to sexual assault.

The strategy also makes essential the establishing of an environment that drives sexual assault and sexual harassment from our Army. The Army’s ultimate goal is to sustain and refine the effort to protect its Soldiers, while collaborating with civilian organizations and local community leaders to mutually share lessons learned and best practices.

Commuter bus program changes to benefit riders

Customers of NTC Commuter buses will soon benefit from changes to the transportation program. According to the Victor Valley Transit Authority, riders will travel in refurbished buses, utilize a new system for obtaining their bus passes, and get around Fort Irwin on VVTA buses – which will take over the shuttle function. The changes will be implemented this month, according to the VVTA.

The refurbished buses are designed to withstand the longer driving distances that NTC Commuter riders face every day. The newer buses will have reclining seats, overhead lighting, air conditioning, and have the ability to hold up to 35 passengers. However, this is just a taste of what’s to come. According to Ron Zirges, Facility and Maintenance Director for VVTA, the VVTA has purchased commuter coaches – “Greyhound-style” buses – for the NTC Commuter program. These new commuter coaches are expected to come online anywhere between 14-18 months from now and will have many of the same features of the refurbished buses, including new conveniences, such as restrooms and Wi-Fi.

Along with the newer vehicles, VVTA has introduced the MEGA Pass. The MEGA Pass will benefit Fort Irwin workers (general public and non-Department of Defense employees), whose employers do not offer the Mass Transportation Benefit Program. The MEGA Pass is a monthly pass for $175 and will be valid for rides on NTC Commuter buses, the BV-Link connecting Barstow, Victorville, San Bernardino, county routes, and all regional fixed routes. A half-price fare is available for elderly or disabled passengers as well. To find out more information on the MEGA Pass, including how to purchase one, visit http://vvta.org/ntccommuter.html.

Department of Defense employees and military personnel, who benefit from the MTBP, will obtain their NTC Commuter Pass from on-post vending machines. The passes will be accessible with a MTBP debit card, which will be issued by the MTBP office on post. The VVTA will install vending machines in two locations on post. The first vending location will be in the entrance of the Main Exchange, specifically in the air-lock area, and the second vending machine will be located in the Starbucks at the Town Center. Participants receiving Mass Transportation Benefits will simply swipe their debit card to purchase their bus pass at one of the new vending machines each month. The NTC Commuter Pass will be a set price of $245 per month and this amount will be pre-loaded on to each participants debit card. You are encouraged to purchase a MTBP NTC commuter Pass, and by doing so, you will be supporting the entire NTC Commuter bus service. The MTBP is a centrally-funded, federal program designed to encourage the use of mass transportation for daily commutes in order to reduce Federal employees’ contribution to traffic congestion, air pollution and to expand their commuting alternatives. For more information on the MTBP, visit www.irwin.army.mil.

Lastly, the VVTA has taken over the on-post bus shuttle system. Visit the Fort Irwin and NTC Web site at www.irwin.army.mil for the updated departure times and locations.

The VVTA has really done a great job in filling the gap left when the NTC Express contract expired last year, and they are continuing to provide exceptional service to all of the employees of Fort Irwin.
 

Courtesy Photo

One of the downed power poles that resulted in a power outage on Fort Irwin, July 22-23.

Soldiers, Family members and civilian employees coped with a full day of High Desert summer heat when electrical power to Fort Irwin shut down shortly after 3 p.m. on Monday, July 22. About 24 hours later, Southern California Edison restored power that was cut garrison-wide when a short, but intense thunderstorm passed through Barstow and downed four major utility poles that fed electrical power to the post about 41 miles northeast of Barstow.

Most of the garrison was without power that Monday in the late afternoon through the next day’s afternoon, leaving about 2,600 residential units and many offices without air conditioning and enduring heat that ranged from a low of more than 80 degrees at night and nearing 100 degrees both afternoons.

The garrison trucked in 8,800, 20-pound bags of ice (more than 88 tons), and distributed 5,100 bags of ice at Tiefort Middle School and Lewis Elementary School, to help housing area residents cope with the heat. Several facilities with working air conditioners were also opened as cooling stations to those seeking refuge from the heat.

The garrison’s public works department ensured backup and portable generators were kept running to continue essential services at key facilities, including the post hospital, the Commissary, the 24-hour mini-mart and gas station, and the child development centers.

Many offices without lights and working computers closed the next morning. Victor Valley Transit Authority arranged a special 10 a.m. pickup for employees using its NTC Commuter bus service to Barstow, Silver Lakes and Victorville.

Photo by Les Ozawa, Public Affairs Office

Specialist Glen May, with Operations Group, loads Owls Head Court resident Viviana Fuller’s car trunk with 20-pound bags of ice trucked in by the Fort Irwin Garrison for distribution at Tiefort Intermediate School, July 23.

Information about the outage and recovery operations were provided through the post’s email system, its Facebook page, radio station KNTC 88.3 FM, and fliers distributed at high traffic areas.

“I was proud and greatly impressed about how the entire Fort Irwin community – from the Soldiers and Family members to government civilians and contractors – pulled together to keep our fort going under those extreme conditions,” said Col. Jon Braga, commander of U.S. Army Garrison at Fort Irwin. “Many worked long hours, dedicated to providing and restarting needed services to all of our community members. It’s a team you want to be on.”

Silver Valley High School

Route 06 SVHS

PU 6:10 a.m. Apennines Park (across from Tiefort at yellow fire hydrant)

PU 6:15 a.m. Barstow Road and Commander’s Loop

Drop 7:00 a.m. SVHS

Route 08 SVHS

PU 6:10 A.M. North Loop BST 22 (Garlic Springs/Spanish Canyon)

Drop 7:00 a.m. SVHS

SVHS (Wednesdays)

Drop 1 p.m. Apennines Park (across from Tiefort at yellow fire hydrant)

Drop 1:05 p.m. Barstow Road and Commanders Loop

Drop 1:15 p.m. North Loop BST 22 (Garlic Springs/Spanish Canyon)

SVHS (Mon., Tue., Thur., Fri.)

Drop 3:20 p.m. Apennines Park (across from Tiefort at yellow fire hydrant)

Drop 3:25 p.m. Barstow Road and Commanders Loop

Drop 3:35 p.m. North Loop BST 22 (Garlic Springs/Spanish Canyon)

Route 09 SVHS

PU 6:05 a.m. Normandy and Salerno

PU 6:10 a.m. Lewis Elementary

Drop 7 a.m. SVHS

SVHS (Wednesdays)

Drop 1:10 p.m. Normandy and Salerno

Drop 1:15 p.m. Lewis Elementary

Drop 1:20 p.m. Appennienes Park

Drop 1:25 p.m. Barstow Road and Commanders Loop

SVHS (Mon., Tue., Thur., Fri.)

Drop 3:25 p.m. Normandy and Salerno

Drop 3:30 p.m. Lewis Elementary

Drop 3:35 p.m. Appennienes park

Drop 3:40 p.m. Barstow Road and Commanders Loop

Route 10 SVHS

PU 6 a.m. North Loop BST 20 (Starbright/Desert King)

PU 6:02 a.m. North Loop BST 18 (Gold Nugget/Silvermine)

PU 6:05 a.m. North Loop and BST 16 (Cottontail Lane)

PU 6:25 a.m. 47325 Fort Irwin Road

Drop 7 a.m. SVHS

SVHS (Wednesdays)

Drop 1 p.m. Appennines Park

Drop 1:05 p.m. Barstow Road and Commanders Loop

Drop 1:15 p.m. North Loop BST 20 (Starbright/Desert King)

Drop 1:18 p.m. North Loop BST 18 (Gold Nugget/Silvermine)

Drop 1:20 p.m. North Loop BST 16 (Cottontail Lane)

Drop 1:45 p.m. 47325 Fort Irwin Road

SVHS (Mon., Tue., Thur., Fri.)

Drop 3:20 p.m. Appennines Park

Drop 3:23 p.m. Commander’s Loop and Barstow Road

Drop 3:28 p.m. North Loop BST 20 (Starbright/Desert King)

Drop 3:29 p.m. North Loop BST 18 (GoldNugget/Silvemine)

Drop 3:30 p.m. North Loop BST 16 (Cottontail Lane)

Drop 4 p.m. 47325 Fort Irwin Road

Route 11 SVHS

PU 6:05 a.m. Normandy and Salerno (bus stop)

PU 6:10 a.m. Lewis Elementary

Drop 7:00 a.m. SVHS

SVHS (Wednesdays)

PU 12:30 p.m. Calico High

Drop 1:15 p.m. Normandy and Salerno (bus stop)

Drop 1:20 p.m. Lewis Elementary

Drop 1:30 p.m. Appenines Park

Drop 1:35 p.m. Barstow Road and Commanders Loop

SVHS (Mon., Tue., Thur., Fri.)

PU 2:45 p.m. Calico High School

Drop 3:40 p.m. Normandy and Salerno (bus stop)

Drop 3:45 p.m. Lewis Elementary

Drop 3:55 p.m. Appenines Park

Drop 4 p.m. Barstow Road and Commanders Loop

Route 09 SVHS ( 4:30 p.m. late activity)

Drop 5:25 p.m. Normandy and Salerno

Drop 5:30 p.m. Lewis Elementary

Route 02 SVHS (6:00 p.m. late activity)

Drop 6:50 p.m. Normandy and Salerno

Drop 6:55 p.m. Lewis Elementary

Route 12 Lewis Elementary (1st-2nd grade)

PU 6:40 a.m. Mother Lode and Fort Irwin Road

PU 7 a.m. Between 2004 and 2006 Salerno at yellow school bus sign

PU 7:05 a.m. Apennines Park (Across from Tiefort at yellow fire hydrant)

PU 7:08 a.m. Barstow Road and Commander’s Loop

PU 7:10 a.m. North Loop BST 25 (Soda Mt.)

PU 7:12 a.m. North Loop BST 24 (Owlshead/Denning Springs)

PU 7:14 a.m. North Loop BST 23 (Lane Mt.)

PU 7:16 a.m. North Loop BST 22 (Garlic Springs)

Drop 7:25 a.m. Lewis

Lewis Elementary (Kindergarten)

PU 7:38 a.m. Between 2004 and 2006 Salerno at yellow school bus sign

PU 7:43 a.m. Apennines Park (across from Tiefort at yellow fire hydrant)

Drop 7:50 a.m. Lewis

Tiefort

PU 8 a.m. Gettysburg and Blackhawk

PU 8:03 a.m. 5th and Badger

PU 8:05 a.m. North Loop BST 16 (Cottontail)

PU 8:07 a.m. North Loop BST 15 (parking lot before Burro Street)

Drop 8:20 a.m. Tiefort

Lewis (Wednesdays) (Kindergarten)

Drop 12:10 p.m. Between 2004 and 2006 Salerno at yellow school bus sign

Drop 12:16 a.m. Apennines Park (across from Tiefort at yellow hydrant)

Lewis (Wednesdays) (1st-2nd grade)

Drop 12:38 p.m. Between 2004 and 2006 Salerno at yellow school bus sign

Drop 12:44 p.m. Apennines Park (across from Tiefort at yellow hydrant)

Tiefort/FIMS (Wednesdays)

Drop 1:25 p.m. Lewis

Drop 1:28 p.m. 5th and Badger (north side)

Drop 1:29 p.m. North Loop BST 16 (Cottontail)

Drop 1:30 p.m. North Loop BST 15 (Burrow)

Drop 1:50 p.m. Mother Lode and Fort Irwin Road

Lewis Elementary (Kindergarten)

Drop 2:10 p.m. Between 2004 and 2006 Salerno at yellow school bus sign

Drop 2:15 a.m. Apennines Park (across from Tiefort at yellow hydrant)

Lewis Elementary (1st-2nd grade)

Drop 2:36 p.m. Between 2004 and 2006 Salerno at yellow school bus sign

Drop 2:42 p.m. Apennines Park (across from Tiefort at yellow hydrant)

Tiefort/FIMS

Drop 3:25 p.m. Lewis

Drop 3:28 p.m. 5th and Badger (north side)

Drop 3:29 p.m. North Loop BST16 (Cottontail)

Drop 3:30 p.m. North Loop BST15 (parking lot before Burro)

Drop 3:50 p.m. Mother Lode and Fort Irwin Road

Route 13 FIMS

PU 7:14 a.m. North Loop and BST 19 (Blue Bell)

PU 7:16 a.m. North Loop and BST 18 (Gold Nugget/Silvermine)

PU 7:18 a.m. North Loop and BST 17 (Bighorn)

PU 7:20 a.m. North Loop and BST 16 (Cottontail)

PU 7:22 a.m. North Loop and BST 15 (parking lot before Burro)

Drop 7:30 a.m. FIMS

Lewis Elementary (Kindergarten)

PU 7:38 a.m. Barstow Road and Commander’s Loop

PU 7:40 a.m. North Loop BST 25 (Soda Mt.)

PU 7:42 a.m. North Loop BST 24 (Owlshead/Denning Springs)

PU 7:44 a.m. North Loop BST 23 (Lane Mt.)

PU 7:46 a.m. North Loop BST 22 (Garlic Springs)

PU 7:48 a.m. North Loop BST 21 (Sweetwater)

Drop 7:54 a.m. Lewis

Tiefort

PU 8 a.m. North Loop BST 19 (Blue Bell)

PU 8:02 a.m. North Loop BST 18 (Gold Nugget/Silvermine)

PU 8:05 a.m. North Loop BST 17 (Big Horn)

Drop 8:20 a.m. Tiefort

Lewis (Wednesdays) (Kindergarten)

Drop 12:09 p.m. Barstow Road and Commander’s Loop

Drop 12:12 p.m. North Loop BST 25 (Soda Mt.)

Drop 12:14 p.m. North Loop BST 24 (Owlshead/Denning Springs)

Drop 12:16 p.m. North Loop BST 23 (Lane Mt.)

Drop 12:18 p.m. North Loop BST 22 (Garlic Springs)

Drop 12:20 p.m. North Loop BST 21 (Sweetwater)

Lewis (Wednesdays) (1st-2nd grade)

Drop 12:41 p.m. Barstow Road and Commander’s Loop

Drop 12:42 p.m. North Loop BST 25 (Soda Mt.)

Drop 12:45 p.m. North Loop BST 24 (Owlshead/Denning Springs)

Drop 12:47 p.m. North Loop BST 23 (Lane Mt.)

Drop 12:49 p.m. North Loop BST 22 (Garlic Springs)

Drop 12:53 p.m. North Loop BST 21 (Sweetwater)

Tiefort/FIMS (Wednesdays)

Drop 1:28 p.m. North Loop BST 19 (Blue Bell)

Drop 1:31 p.m. North Loop BST 18 (Gold Nugget/Silvermine)

Drop 1:33 p.m. North Loop BST 17 (Big Horn)

Lewis Elementary (Kindergarten)

Drop 2:12 p.m. Barstow Road and Commander’s Loop

Drop 2:14 p.m. North Loop BST 25 (Soda Mt.)

Drop 2:16 p.m. North Loop BST 24 (Owlshead/Denning Springs)

Drop 2:18 p.m. North Loop BST 23 (Lane Mt.)

Drop 2:20 p.m. North Loop BST 22 (Garlic Springs)

Drop 2:22 p.m. North Loop BST 21 (Sweetwater)

Lewis Elementary (1st-2nd grade)

Drop 2:41 p.m. Barstow Road and Commander’s Loop

Drop 2:42 p.m. North Loop BST 25 (Soda Mt.)

Drop 2:44 p.m. North Loop BST 24 (Owlshead/Denning Springs)

Drop 2:46 p.m. North Loop BST 23 (Lane Mt.)

Drop 2:47 p.m. North Loop BST 22 (Garlic Springs)

Drop 2:48 p.m. North Loop BST 21 (Sweetwater)

Tiefort/FIMS

Drop 3:25 p.m. North Loop BST 19 (Blue Bell)

Drop 3:27 p.m. North Loop BST 18 (Gold Nugget/Silvermine)

Drop 3:32 p.m. North Loop BST 17 (Big Horn)

Route 14 Lewis Elementary (1st-2nd grade)

PU 7 a.m. North Loop and BST 21 (Sweetwater/Superior Valley)

PU 7:03 a.m. North Loop and BST 20 (Starbright/Desert King)

PU 7:05 a.m. North Loop and BST 19 (Blue Bell)

PU 7:08 a.m. North Loop and BST 18 (Gold Nugget/Silvermine)

PU 7:10 a.m. North Loop BST 17 (Bighorn)

PU 7:13 a.m. North Loop and BST 16 (Cottontail)

PU 7:15 a.m. North Loop and BST 15 (parking lot before Burro)

PU 7:20 a.m. 5th Street and Badger Lane

Drop 7:25 a.m. Lewis

Lewis Elementary (Kindergarten)

PU 7:41 a.m. North Loop and BST 20 (Starbright/Desert King)

PU 7:43 a.m. North Loop and BST 19 (Blue Bell)

PU 7:45 a.m. North Loop and BST 18 (Gold Nugget/Silvermine)

PU 7:47 a.m. North Loop BST 17 (Bighorn)

PU 7:49 a.m. North Loop and BST 16 (Cottontail)

PU 7:50 a.m. North Loop and BST 15 (parking lot before Burro)

PU 7:52 a.m. 5th Street and Badger Lane

Drop 8 a.m. Lewis

Tiefort

PU 8:08 a.m. North Loop and BST 25 (Soda Mt.)

PU 8:10 a.m. North Loop BST 23 (Lane Mt.)

PU 8:13 a.m. North Loop BST 20 (Starbright/Desert King)

Drop 8:20 a.m. Tiefort

Lewis (Wednesdays) (Kindergarten)

Drop 12:11 p.m. North Loop BST 20 (Starbright/Desert King)

Drop 12:13 p.m. North Loop BST 19 (Blue Bell)

Drop 12:15 p.m. North Loop BST 18 (Gold Nugget/Silvermine)

Drop 12:17 p.m. North Loop BST 17 (Bighorn)

Drop 12:19 p.m. North Loop BST 16 (Cottontail)

Drop 12:21 p.m. North Loop and BST 15 (parking lot before Burro)

Drop 12:23 p.m. 5th Street and Badger Lane

Lewis (Wednesdays) (1st-2nd grade)

Drop 12:37 p.m. North Loop BST 20 (Starbright/Desert King)

Drop 12:40 p.m. North Loop BST 19 (Blue Bell)

Drop 12:43 p.m. North Loop BST 18 (Gold Nugget/Silvermine)

Drop 12:45 p.m. North Loop BST 17 (Bighorn)

Drop 12:47 p.m. North Loop BST 16 (Cottontail)

Drop 12:49 p.m. North Loop and BST 15 (parking Lot before Burro)

Drop 12:53 p.m. 5th Street and Badger Lane

Tiefort/FIMS (Wednesdays)

Drop 1:29 p.m. North Loop and BST 25 (Soda Mt.)

Drop 1:30 p.m. North Loop BST 23 (Lane Mt.)

Drop 1:35 p.m. North Loop BST 20 (Starbright/Desert King)

Lewis Elementary (Kindergarten)

Drop 2:10 p.m. North Loop BST 20 (Starbright/Desert King)

Drop 2:12 p.m. North Loop BST 19 (Blue Bell)

Drop 2:14 p.m. North Loop BST18 (Gold Nugget/Silvermine)

Drop 2:16 p.m. North Loop BST17 (Big Horn)

Drop 2:18 p.m. North Loop BST16 (Cottontail)

Drop 2:20 p.m. North Loop and BST 15 (parking lot before Burro)

Drop 2:22 p.m. 5th Street and Badger Lane

Lewis Elementary (1st-2nd grade)

Drop 2:35 p.m. North Loop BST 20 (Starbright/Desert King)

Drop 2:37 p.m. North Loop BST 19 (Blue Bell)

Drop 2:39 p.m. North Loop BST 18 (Gold Nugget/Silvermine)

Drop 2:41 p.m. North Loop BST 17 (Big Horn)

Drop 2:43 p.m. North Loop BST 16 (Cottontail)

Drop 2:45 p.m. North Loop and BST 15 (parking lot before Burro)

Drop 2:47 p.m. 5th Street and Badger Lane

Tiefort/FIMS

Drop 3:29 p.m. North Loop and BST 15 (Soda Mt.)

Drop 3:30 p.m. North Loop BST 23 (Lane Mt.)

Drop 3:35 p.m. North Loop BST 20 (Starbright/Desert King)

August 8 is the first day of school for children on Fort Irwin for the 2013-14 school year. Opening their doors that day will be Lewis Elementary, Tiefort Intermediate, Fort Irwin Middle School and Silver Valley High. Parents, if you just arrived or haven’t finished the enrollment process for your children, you can go to the schools to sign up. The following dates and times are for completing enrollment:

Lewis Elementary School (Grades K-2): Now through Aug. 7, 9 a.m. to noon and 1:30 – 3 p.m.

Tiefort View Intermediate School (Grades 3-5): Now through Aug. 7, 9 a.m. to noon

Fort Irwin Middle School (Grades 6-8): Now through Aug. 6, 8 – 10 a.m.

Silver Valley High School (Grades 9-12): Now through Aug. 6, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Information about documentation and immunization requirements for enrollment are available in the Silver Valley School district Web site at: http://www.silvervalley.k12.ca.us/.

On these next few pages, the newspaper is re-printing suggested supply lists for grades Kindergarten through 5th.You will also find the bus route schedules. If you have other questions, call the Fort Irwin School Liaison Officer at 380-6880. Be safe and have a great school year!

Courtesy Photo

An artist’s rendering of the new water treatment plant.

 
A June 28 ground-breaking ceremony marked the beginning of a construction project that will replace Fort Irwin’s two-system water distribution pipelines with a single water system to supply potable water to all homes, offices and facilities throughout the Fort Irwin cantonment area.

A new water purification plant, using the latest technologies in water purification and recovery processing, is being built by CDM Smith over the next 12-18 months on the northwest end of Goldstone Road, past the housing area. The construction project, overseen by the Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles District, will have a 6-million gallons daily capacity.

The plant will remove all contaminants found in Fort Irwin’s groundwater, including naturally occurring arsenic, fluoride, nitrate and dissolved solids. The new system will eliminate the need for water faucets now designated “DU” for domestic use (washing, cleaning, irrigation), while other faucets are designated “RO” (reverse osmosis) to provide water from which fluorides and arsenic are removed to meet drinking water standards.

In his remarks at the ground-breaking ceremony, then garrison commander Col. Kurt Pinkerton noted, “We have a 30-40 year life span of water capability [at Fort Irwin]…this further extends our sustainability of this post.”

In an interview after the groundbreaking ceremony, CDM Smith executive vice president Peter Tunnicliffe said, “This will be among the highest level of treatment of potable water systems of this kind.”

The new water purification plant would save water. Tunnicliffe noted that in a conventional reverse osmosis plant, for every gallon going through its process, “you get back only half a gallon.”

Photo by Carlo Casem, Training Support Center

Construction project partners representing Fort Irwin, Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles District and CDM Smith dig into the sand at the construction site for a new water treatment plant at Fort Irwin, June 28.

“That’s the level of commitment the government has made to this precious water source here on base,” Tunnicliffe said.

Water taken from Fort Irwin wells will be treated in a serial process, including electro dialysis reversal, lime softening, membrane filtration, reverse osmosis and mechanical evaporation (distillation). The purification process will yield 99 percent or more potable water from the water taken into the plant. The remaining water will discharge into a nine-pond system, where the remaining water will evaporate, leaving waste solids to be removed for appropriate disposal.

Have you ever needed to get something notarized or get a certified copy of a document? Some may be unsure about the notarial services offered by their local Legal Assistance Office.

This article is intended to clear up any misconceptions about what can be notarized or certified at the Fort Irwin Legal Assistance Office.

It is important to understand that there are two types of notaries in the Legal Assistance Office – military and civilian. While both specialists are able to notarize most documents, each is limited in some way. This can cause some confusion. For example, real estate documents should generally be notarized by a civilian, but certified copies of military records can only be done by the military notary.

Military notaries are paralegal specialists, paralegal non-commissioned officers, and judge advocates, who have notarial authority under Title 10, United States Code 1044a. Civilian notaries are the civilian employees in the Legal Assistance Office who have been appointed and commissioned by the state of California. Army Regulation 27-55 limits and explains the documents that military and civilian notaries are able to notarize and certify.

According to this regulation, there are a lot of things a notary cannot do, such as notarize unsigned documents, documents not signed in the presence of the notary, false statements, pre or post date documents, or perform notarial services for a transaction known or suspected to be illegal, false or deceptive, or for someone who is being coerced. Notaries also cannot certify the authenticity of public, official, registered, or court records, or issue certified copies of such documents or solemnize marriages. Notaries cannot provide legal advice or interpretation of a document unless the notary is also an attorney.

Military notaries may make certified copies of some original documents provided that the notary determines the copy to be certified is a full, true, and accurate transcription or reproduction of the original, usually by observing the copying process. Notaries will not make certified copies of public records (e.g. court records, birth certificates, marriage certificates, death certificates, car titles, tax returns, and military leave and earning statements), because a certified copy can be obtained from an official source.

Notarial services are free and provided on a walk-in basis to those eligible for legal assistance services at the Legal Assistance Office, which is located in building 288 on Barstow Road across from the Military Police station and can be reached at 380-5321.

For additional events and on-going, scheduled activities see the Community Calendar at www.irwin.army.mil or the FMWR site at http://fortirwinfmwr.com/

Ongoing

SKIES Unlimited encompasses instructional programs for children and youth ranging from six weeks old to adolescence. Sign up your child for Reading and Math tutoring, Piano and Vocal lessons, Karate or Dance. Call 380-7751 for schedules and pricing.

Aug. 2

Back to School Block Party. 2-5 p.m. Middle School and Teen Center building 1315. This is one shindig you don’t want to miss! Close out your summer with a summer block party. Call 380-3732.

Aug. 7

Rod and Gun Club interest meeting. 5 p.m. Building 592. If you’re a gun enthusiast, go hunting, or like to fish, help put this club together with Sgt. 1st Class John Antes. Antes is seeking anyone interested in building the club, which would operate a shooting and archery range on post. The club would also organize fishing and hunting trips. Contact Antes at 380-6372 or john.r.antes.mil@mail.mil.

Aug. 14

Middle East and North Africa Heritage celebration “Unity through Diversity.” 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sandy Basin Community Center. The event will recognize the contributions and achievements of the Middle Eastern and North African community and increase awareness, mutual respect and understanding. For additional information, contact the 11th ACR, Equal opportunity Office at 380-2513.

Aug. 15

Military and Civilian Spouses Club Super Sign-Up. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Sandy Basin Community Center. For more information visit www.mcscftirwin.org.

Aug. 17

Fort Irwin Golf Tournament. Sign in at 7 a.m., shotgun start at 7:45 a.m. Apple Valley Golf Course. Four-man scramble. Cost is $75 per player until Aug. 4; $80 during Aug. 5-11. Four-person team registration at same time required. Register at Arts & Crafts building 967. Cost includes 18 holes of play, golf cart, hotdogs, awards banquet and games. Hole-in-one prize is a car.

Aug. 23

3-6-9 Tournament. Strike Zone bowling center. Entry fee is $17. Each bowler automatically receives a strike in the third, sixth and ninth frames of each game. Call 380-4249.

Aug. 24

August Rush 3K/10K Fun Run. 8 a.m. Freedom Fitness Center. Pre-register for $3 or $5 at event. 380-7720

————

Cantinas Music Festival. Noon. Paso Robles Event Center. Featuring three-time Grammy Award winner Michael W. Smith and Grammy nominated vocalist Francesca Battistelli. Local artists, arts and crafts, photo booths, food concessions and more. Opening the main stage show is American Idol finalist Jason Castro with headlining acts taking the main stage at 6 p.m. National hip hop dance crew, The Groovaloos, will close the show. General admission tickets are available for $35 at http://cantinasmusicfestival.eventbrite.com/. Servicemembers with military ID get in free, plus five immediate family are free, and free parking.

Sept. 17

Deadline to sign up for the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club Softball Tournament and Home Run Derby. Tournament is Sept. 21 at the Fort Irwin Softball Complex. Cost is $250 per team, not to exceed 15 players per team. To register, contact Sgt. 1st Class Robert Dachenhausen at (254) 291-5766 or robert.e.dachenhausen.mil@mail.mil.

August 2013 Middle School and Teen Center Events:

Middle School Activities

Aug. 2 Back to School Block Party

Aug. 5 – 9 Summer Camp Week 11 “Dreams Come True”

Aug. 12 Football Challenge

Aug. 13 Fine Arts Club

Aug. 14 Smart Girls & Ultimate Journey

Aug. 15 Cooking Club/Culinary Arts

Aug. 16 Paparazzi Club

Aug. 19 Dance Central

Aug. 20 Fine Arts Club

Aug. 21 Smart Girls & Ultimate Journey

Aug. 22 Cooking Club/Culinary Arts

Aug. 23 Paparazzi Club

Aug. 26 Wii Sports Challenges

Aug. 27 Fine Arts Club

Aug. 28 Smart Girls & Ultimate Journey

Aug. 29 Cooking Club/Culinary Arts

Aug. 30 Paparazzi Club

Teen Activities

Aug. 2 Back to School Block Party

Aug. 3 Teen Night: Dance Central

Aug. 9 Teen Night: 3 on 3 Basketball

Aug. 10 Teen Night: 3 on 3 Basketball

Aug. 16 Teen Night: 8-Ball (Billiards Night)

Aug. 17 Teen Night: 9-Ball (Billiards Night)

Aug. 23 Teen Night: Volleyball Challenge

Aug. 24 Teen Night: Volleyball Tournament

Aug. 30 Teen Night: Xbox Night

Aug. 31 Teen Night: Play Station Night

On June 19, Sgt. Enos Miller pled guilty to violating Uniform Code of Military Justice Article 120b for committing lewd acts upon a child. The military judge overseeing his plea sentenced him to seven months confinement and a bad conduct discharge. The following day, Spc. Kevin Rodriguez pled guilty to violating UCMJ Article 120b and 134 for molesting and annoying underage children, and UCMJ Article 92 for failure to obey a lawful order. Rodriguez was sentenced to 24 months confinement, a bad conduct discharge, and received a grade reduction to E-1. Both Soldiers must register as sex offenders and now face a lifetime of challenges that such a registration and bad conduct discharge places upon them.

Miller committed lewd acts upon a 15-year-old girl he met at his 2-year-old niece’s birthday party.
After asking the victim to be his “friend” on Facebook, he spent the next month messaging her and sending her nude photos of himself. Many of his messages were sexually explicit, asking and saying things to a 15-year-old girl that no 33-year-old, married non-commissioned officer, such as Miller, should. At trial, Miller admitted to doing these things to gratify his own sexual desires.

Rodriguez approached six underage girls while he drove around Fort Irwin’s middle school and family neighborhoods. He would stop the girls to tell them how good they looked and to try to get their phone numbers. After being caught the first time, the 22-year-old, married Soldier disobeyed his troop commander’s direct order to stay away from children and subsequently approached two more underage girls.
Rodriguez’s most concerning action was taking one of the victim’s cell phone from her hand so that he could secure her number and proposition her by text the next day. Similar to Miller, he too admitted to doing these things to gratify his own sexual desires.

This type of behavior is crude and reprehensible, and therefore has no place in the Army. What is particularly concerning is how both Soldiers targeted underage females, seeking them out while they were isolated. Sex crimes have no place in the Army. The President, Gen. Raymond Odierno, and the SHARP training that Soldiers take make this abundantly clear. When it comes to children, these crimes are even scarier and have consequences, which reverberate well beyond individual Soldiers or single families.

Here, victim after victim, testified how Miller’s and Rodriguez’s actions terrified them, making them question if they would be abducted and sexually assaulted. A number of the victims testified about nightmares that they now have and how their lives have been radically changed; they are unable to trust others, go out after dark, or walk anywhere alone. What these young ladies said shows how real and damaging are the consequences of sex crimes.

There is no place for this conduct in our military and in our society. Our military is built on integrity, leadership and team work. Soldiers are supposed to defend and protect those who cannot protect themselves. When a Soldier instead decides to prey on the helpless, he threatens our shared values and foundation. Miller and Rodriguez, as Soldiers, should have known better, particularly Miller. As an NCO, Miller’s egregious conduct violated the creed he espoused and the core principles of the Army he vowed to lead.

Our Army continues to make every effort to curb sexual assaults. When crimes such as these occur and are substantiated, the Army will act, including prosecuting Soldiers when merited. Both Miller and Rodriguez were mentally competent and legally responsible for what they did. They gave no justifications for their crimes and pled guilty to the charged offenses. Despite their service, Miller and Rodriguez are no longer eligible for most Army benefits, including Veterans Affairs benefits. With a bad conduct discharge showing on their DD 214 military release form and a sex offender registration, finding civilian employment may prove difficult.

Services available to families with special needs

Soldiers stationed all over the world may have a family member with special needs, and the Army’s Exceptional Family Member Program is designed to support those family members with ongoing medical, mental health or educational needs.

All Soldiers are required by the governing authority, Army Regulation 608-75, to enroll their exceptional family members in EFMP. Enrollment can be recommended by a medical care provider or by school/program personnel. Family members who qualify for enrollment in EFMP are, for example, those whose medical care is above the level normally provided by a family physician in an outpatient setting, those with serious chronic medical problems, physical disabilities, mental health disorders, or family members that require early intervention/special education services.

By submitting a completed Department of Defense form 2792, “Exceptional Family Member Medical Summary,” and/or Department of Defense Form 2792-1, “Exceptional Family Member Special Education/Early Intervention Summary,” the Soldier identifies a family member with special needs. Once enrolled, the EFMP medical enrollment summary is used for consideration during the assignment coordination process to ensure that the gaining installation can meet the family member’s educational and/or medical needs.

Educational needs are not considered for continental United States assignments. Assignments will depend on a valid personnel requirement for the Soldier’s grade, specialty, and eligibility for the tour.

However, all Soldiers remain eligible for worldwide assignments. Furthermore, enrollment in the EFMP does not adversely affect selection for promotion, schools, or assignment. Information about the family member’s condition, including diagnosis, type of providers, frequency of care, medication, and special accommodations in the program is not available to selection boards.

Soldiers are responsible for maintaining their family members’ EFMP enrollment up to date. An update is required every three years, but it can also be required if the family member’s medical or educational condition changes significantly or if the Soldier is separating from the Army. Soldiers can find their EFMP status on Army Knowledge Online where it is listed on officer record briefs and enlisted record briefs.

Enrollment in the EFMP ensures the special needs of your family member can be met. This program works with military and civilian agencies to ensure that comprehensive and coordinated community support, appropriate housing, educational, medical and personnel services are available to families with special needs prior to a permanent change of station. The United States Army Medical Department Activity at the National Training Center and Fort Irwin assists Soldiers and their families with medical and/or educational enrollments, updates, disenrollment processing, overseas screening, and provides information on medical services available in the region. For further guidance, contact Cindy Saephanh at 380-3159. Walk-in hours are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Blue Team section at the Dr. Mary E. Walker Center.

United States Army Garrison Commander Col. Jon Braga met with employees and Soldiers for his first commander’s call, here, July 29.

Braga has already conducted meetings with individual directorates and their staff, but the commander’s call follows a tradition of meeting with a unit as a whole. He made it clear he was not there to advocate for abrupt changes.

“What you’re not going to get from me today is this master vision and all these changes I’m going to make – here are the core values, here is what we’re all about, this is what we’re doing – no, we’re going to develop it together.”

He immediately requested input from his staff by asking them to write on a card the theme or branding message of Fort Irwin and three core values that USAG represents. The responses, which he collected, would serve as a sort of sensing session, Braga said.

The colonel then outlined his personal core values and leadership philosophy.

Braga stated, “These are my core values, this is what I’m about:”

• Balance – Faith, family, country
• Integrity – Lead by example; do the right thing always; honorable, trustworthy and dedicated
• Compassion – Selflessly serve others; know your people
• Humility – Always look to grow and improve
• Passion – Enthusiastically believe in a vision and always look to make a difference

Braga said that he is now headed toward a better balance in his family life in comparison to the previous decade, when he was regularly deployed. He asked his staff to consider making family balance a priority during furlough days.

“Try taking advantage of those mandatory days off and spend time doing things you really love, and hopefully that’s your family, or anything else you enjoy, if you’re single,” Braga said.

About compassion, Braga said, he loves the Army and loves serving Soldiers. Now that he is working with so many civilians for the first time, he offered to support their efforts.

“I do want to know how to help you accomplish your job, because that makes us collectively better,” Braga said. “I’m here to serve you.”

Braga provided descriptions of his leadership philosophy. His beliefs include: adaptability, flexibility, proactive problem solvers; Team of Teams; decentralization and optimization; always improving, learning, growing; After Action Reviews; effective and efficient, and; have fun.

“I refuse not to have fun,” Braga commented on his last bullet. “Life’s too short not to have fun.”

Towards the end of his address, Braga reminded the audience of the significance of their roles in supporting the mission of the National Training Center.

“The NTC is part of the solution for the Army, and Garrison is part of the solution for the NTC,” Braga said. “This place doesn’t function – the Army doesn’t have a National Training Center if you aren’t behind the scenes, pulling the strings, making it happen. This is a vital piece of our national security. And that’s what you’re a part of.”