Gustavo Bahena

Sgt. 1st Class Lonzo Shelley, a flight medic with 2916th Aviation Battalion here, took his children to an open house at Fire Station 1, Oct. 8. His daughter Alynnn, 2, won a contest to name a new puppet, “Firwin Blaze.” His sons, Lonzo IV, 4, and Lonzo III, 8, are receiving giveaways.

The Fort Irwin Fire Department hosted an open house at Fire Station 1 here, Oct. 8.
The open house coincided with National Fire Prevention Week, which had a theme this year of “Working Smoke Alarms Save Lives: Test Yours Every Month!”

The open house allowed families to meet fire department personnel, receive safety information, see equipment up close and watch a puppet show hosted by Tina Rhodes, Fire Prevention Specialist here.

A new puppet, “Firwin Blaze,” for the show was unveiled. It was named by Alynna Shelley, 2, a military family member here.

Nov. 11

Veterans Day ceremonies: 11 a.m. at Mountain View Cemetery in Barstow; 11:11 a.m. luncheon at Big Bear Convention Center; 6-9:30 p.m. “Troops and Trains” tribute at Harvey House in Barstow, and; 3:30 p.m. parade, concert and fireworks at Palm Springs.

Nov. 17

Sign-ups open for Start Smart and youth basketball. Parent Central building 109. Start Smart is for ages 3-4 for $20 and season is Jan. 6 – Feb. 10, 2015; children will learn fundamentals of basketball and parent participation is required. Cost for ages 5-18 is $55 and season is Jan. 12 – March 11, 2015. Online sign-up is available at https://webrac.mwr.army.mil. For more information call 380-4695.

Sign-ups open for Winter Cheerleading. Parent Central building 109. For ages 8-10 at $55 and season is Jan. 12 – March 11, 2015. Online sign-up is available at https://webrac.mwr.army.mil. For more information call 380-4695.

Sign-ups open for youth wrestling. Parent Central building 109. For ages 5-18 at $60 and season is Jan. 6 – March 26, 2015. Online sign-up is available at https://webrac.mwr.army.mil. For more information call 380-4695.

Nov. 20

“Make It, Bake It, Fake It” luncheon. 11 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. Sam Adams Banquet Facility. Buffet luncheon, $15, hosted by the Military and Civilians Spouses Club. Are you a talented crafter, baker or shopper? Whether it’s homemade, purchased or handcrafted, you will receive five opportunity tickets for each item brought. Use opportunity tickets to win those items you can’t live without! RSVP by Nov. 16 at www.mcscftirwin.org.

Nov. 22

Turkey Trot 5k/2k Fun Run/Walk. 8 – 10 a.m. Freedom Fitness Center. Win a Thanksgiving turkey. Pre-register for $7; $10 day of race. Call 380-7715.

Nov. 25

MCSC Winter Welfare applications due. Apply online at www.mcscftirwin.org. The MCSC Welfare Campaign provides assistance to various non-profit organizations and government entities through financial support for special projects and event based upon merit and need.

Gustavo Bahena

Tokgnar and Tungsten Davis, both ages 5, walk in their Halloween costumes with dad, Maj. Randy Davis, and mom, Kaye. Dad serves with United States Medical Department Activity here.

Soldiers, leadership and Fort Irwin families held purple, paper lanterns during a walk to show support for Domestic Violence Awareness month here, Oct. 1.

The nation and the Army observes the campaign during October and this year’s theme was “Relationships Should be Safe, Respectful and Positive.”

The Lantern Walk was sponsored by the Family Advocacy Program, whose tasks include preventing violence through educational programs and helping victims cope, should domestic violence occur. Building strong, violence-free families is the goal of FAP.

Fort Irwin United States Army Garrison Commander Col. Jon Braga explained to the participants that the topic was a serious one and that it affects Fort Irwin as well.

“We’re asking everybody to be proactive, whether it’s substance abuse, suicide prevention or domestic violence,” Braga said. “It’s about being proactive, caring about your neighbor, caring about your loved ones and presenting a safe, positive and respectful atmosphere in whatever relationship you’re in.”

Families dressed children in Halloween outfits and at the conclusion of the procession, Braga announced a costume contest. Prizes were presented to winners of: cutest, scariest, funniest and best overall.

National Training Center and Fort Irwin Commander Maj. Gen. Ted Martin (right) and Command Sgt. Maj. Stephen Travers attach a streamer on a guidon, Oct. 31.

 
Headquarters and Headquarters Company, United States Army Garrison at Fort Irwin, received a commanding general’s award for accomplishing 100 percent flu inoculations, Oct. 31.
National Training Center and Fort Irwin Commander Maj. Gen. Ted Martin and Command Sgt. Maj. Stephen Travers attached a streamer on the company’s guidon during a recognition ceremony.
The company is one of approximately 30 on this installation and the only one with all Soldiers vaccinated, said Martin. He stressed the importance of Soldiers staying physically fit and healthy.
“We do that through physical training, we do that with the way we take care of ourselves and our families at home, and then we get flu shots so we don’t get sick and tear down our immune system,” Martin said.
Martin described the Soldiers of the company, which comprises military police, as leaders for other companies and important to the safety of the community.
“You are my front line on domestic violence, defusing it,” Martin said. “The leadership that you show – the things that you do – make it so we can continue our mission, and I really appreciate that.”
 

Maj. Gen. Ted Martin (left), commander of the National Training Center and Fort Irwin, addresses Soldiers of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, United States Army Garrison here, Oct. 31.

Bridget Blehm (center), founder of For Families of Active Military, briefs volunteers and Fort Irwin staff, shortly after arriving at Fort Irwin with volunteers from Pasadena.

 
An all-volunteer force of a different kind answered the call to serve on Nov. 22.
A platoon of high school students from La Salle High School in Pasadena and other volunteers from the Yorba Linda community headed out towards Fort Irwin, about 100 miles away, at about 7 a.m.
Marshaled by Bridgette Blehm and her husband Ed, they formed the For Families of Active Military contingent that joined forces with Fort Irwin BOSS Soldiers and other Fort Irwin volunteers and Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation staff to spend their day decking the windows, walls, and streetlights of the Fort Irwin Town Center with cheer for the coming Christmas and holiday season.
A La Salle High School senior, Alex Tuason – who also volunteered last year – said the reason he’s back is because of Soldiers and their service.
“They could be doing something else,” Alex said. “Instead, they do this for us, to keep our country safe. I wanted to do something to give back, to be part of something bigger.”
Tuason is a member of Support Our Troops, a club of about 30 members that also got their entire school involved in a food drive to bring 130 cartons of assorted foods to families on Fort Irwin.
 

Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer is painted on a storefront window at the Town Center.

A La Salle High School student painting a mural on the Pizza Hut’s shop window has fun having a photo taken with customers waiting for their pizza.

Les Ozawa

The 25-foot white pine is raised to its position at the Towne Center courtyard.

Staff of Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation and High Desert Support Services took delivery of a 25-foot, white pine tree and focused was on how to stand it up at the Fort Irwin Town Center in late November.

Once the tree was set up, Gold Star Dad Rick Creed came from Rancho Cucamonga to take it to the next level. Like the past two years, Creed worked with FMWR’s Janet Ford and other staff members to dress the tree with Christmas lights and prepare it for a light and sound show premiering on Dec. 12.

Creed, a sound and light show specialist, promises an even grander show than last year, taking ideas from a YouTube video of a Christmas tree in Guatemala City.

How did Creed get to Fort Irwin? The Gold Star Father said he met former Fort Irwin garrison commander Col. Kurt Pinkerton in Victorville four years ago. Creed then learned that his son, Cpl. Matthew Creed, had worked briefly for Pinkerton in 2006, when he served as a gunner on a security detachment for battalion leaders. Pinkerton, then a battalion commander for the 11th ACR, was in Baghdad, when Creed’s brigade was in the process of handing off its mission to the 11th ACR.

Creed’s son didn’t make it home for Christmas that year. He was killed by a sniper bullet on Oct. 22, 2006.

“I do the tree lighting to honor my son, to give back to the military,” Creed said.

Les Ozawa

A La Salle High School student painting a mural on the Pizza Hut’s shop window has fun having a photo taken with customers waiting for their pizza.

An all-volunteer force of a different kind answered the call to serve on Nov. 22.

A platoon of high school students from La Salle High School in Pasadena and other volunteers from the Yorba Linda community headed out towards Fort Irwin, about 100 miles away, at about 7 a.m.

Marshaled by Bridgette Blehm and her husband Ed, they formed the For Families of Active Military contingent that joined forces with Fort Irwin BOSS Soldiers and other Fort Irwin volunteers and Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation staff to spend their day decking the windows, walls, and streetlights of the Fort Irwin Town Center with cheer for the coming Christmas and holiday season.

A La Salle High School senior, Alex Tuason – who also volunteered last year – said the reason he’s back is because of Soldiers and their service.

“They could be doing something else,” Alex said. “Instead, they do this for us, to keep our country safe. I wanted to do something to give back, to be part of something bigger.”

Tuason is a member of Support Our Troops, a club of about 30 members that also got their entire school involved in a food drive to bring 130 cartons of assorted foods to families on Fort Irwin.

Gustavo Bahena

Players of the Silver Valley High School football team gathered for a photo during a practice, Nov. 19.

The Silver Valley High School football team played its best season, going 10-2 for the year.
The Trojans won their league, Desert Mountain, with a 7-0 record. Although their season came to an end when Saddleback Valley Christian (San Juan Capistrano, Calif.), won their match, Nov. 21, it was the first time the Trojans had advanced to a second-round playoff game for CIF Southern Section High School Football.

Approximately 60 percent of the players on the team came from military families stationed at Fort Irwin, said head coach John Stewart.

The players showed a commitment to getting better every week, said Stewart. They were very dedicated and passionate about being on the field.

Quarterback Brittain Blackman, 17, is a military family member of Sgt. 1st Class Walter Blackman of Tarantula Team, Operations Group, and achieved second in passing within the league. The senior credited his teammates and coach with the Trojan’s achievements. He said the offensive line gave him plenty of protection and the running game was supported by two backs, who each ran for approximately 1,000 yards.

“Overall he’s put in a lot of hours of work into the program,” Brittain said about Stewart. “He definitely built his program around the talent.”

Johntavious Jones, 18, played running back and is a military family member of Staff Sgt. Derick Yates, section non-commissioned officer in charge of the Food Inspection Section with Fort Irwin Veterinarian Services. Johntavious played in 2013 and gave credit to his teammates for an improved season this year.

“This year is a whole turn around,” Johntavious said. “We just had so much talent.”

Yates said his family attended all the home games and most of the away games. He is proud to see his son develop as a player and know that he has academic plans to attend college to be an electrical engineer. The football program teaches discipline, teamwork and esprit de corps, said Yates.

Stewart explained that he expects players to do well in their academics and encouraged them to attend tutoring, which was planned into their practices.

“This year … our varsity team had a 2.75 team GPA … with a couple kids on there with a 4.0,” Stewart said.

Stewart thanked the support from the school staff and expressed his desire to keep coaching here.

“I love working with the military families,” Stewart said. “I love giving those kids a good experience while they’re here.”

Dec. 8-12

Resiliency Week Training. 3k Fun Run: 6:30 a.m., Dec. 8, Blue Track; Spouse Resiliency training: 10 a.m.-noon, Dec. 10 and 11, Sandy Basin annex; Spiritual Resiliency: 10 a.m.-noon or 1-4 p.m., Dec. 10 and 10 a.m.-noon, Dec. 11, Blackhorse Chapel; Military Family Life Consultants presentations: 1-4 p.m., Dec. 10, Sandy Basin Annex and 10 a.m.-noon, Dec. 11, Post Theater. Chili cook-off: 1 p.m., Dec. 11, Blue Track. For more information or to register call 380-7905/7906 or email brandy.l.pulver.ctr@mail.mil.

Dec. 12

Ammunition Amnesty Day. 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. 759th EOD Safe Holding Area behind building 851C on Lankford Lake road. Small arms ammunition up to and including .50 caliber. For items above .50 caliber or if you are unsure of the type of ammunition or explosives for turn in contact 759th EOD at 380-4092.

Fort Irwin Winterfest. Town Center and Samuel Adams. Winter Wonderland kids games and crafts, 5-8 p.m.; Holiday Market, 5-9 p.m.; tree lighting, 5:30 p.m.; live entertainment (Matt Shockley Band and more), 6-9 p.m.

Dec. 13

Jingle Bell Jog 3k/7k fun run. 8 a.m. Town Center. Dress in holiday colors and festive clothing. $3, pre-registration; $5, morning of run. Call 380-7720.

Fort Irwin Winterfest. Town Center and Samuel Adams. Brunch with Santa, 11 a.m.-1p.m.; photos with Santa, 2-4 p.m.; Silver Valley High School and Fort Irwin Middle School bands, 2-4 p.m.; Winter Wonderland kids games and crafts, 2-8 p.m.; Holiday Market, 2-9 p.m.; live entertainment, 4:30-9 p.m.

Dec. 14

Single Female Soldier Christmas Dinner. 5 p.m. Center Chapel large activity room, building 315. Protestant Women of the Chapel hosts a four-course meal, games, gifts, fellowship and music. RSVP at kingthroughchrist@gmail.com or (760) 475-4801.

Dec. 15

DeCA Scholarships for Military Children Program. http://www.militaryscholar.org. Applications for the 2015-2016 school-year awards become available at commissaries worldwide. Program awards at least one $2,000 scholarship at each commissary. Applications due Feb. 13, 2015.

Photo by Casey Slusser, TASC

A Gold Star Family child receives a Thanksgiving meal from a Fort Irwin commissioned officer at a dining facility here, Nov. 25.

The Fort Irwin community was treated to a Thanksgiving feast at both dining facilities here, Nov. 25.

Soldiers, families and civilians enjoyed traditional Thanksgiving servings – with all the trimmings – and additional dishes of lobster, prime rib, roasted pork, and Cornish hens. Soup, salad, fruit and deserts were also plentiful.

National Training Center and Fort Irwin leadership, and from installation units, participated in the Army-wide tradition of serving meals and greeting diners.

The installation also hosted Veterans from the California Veterans Home in Barstow and Gold Star Families.

Photo courtesy of Sue Ollar

Steven Shopa, Colt Boehringer and Blake Bair make the Scout sign during a ceremony in which they were awarded the Eagle Scout medal.

Three Boy Scouts achieved the rank of Eagle Scout during a ceremony here, Oct. 21.

Blake Bair, Colt Boehringer, and Steven Shopa received the Eagle Scout Medal, which is the highest award from the Boy Scouts of America. The medal was pinned by 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment Commander Col. Kevin Jacobi.

According to the Boy Scouts Web site, the award is a performance-based achievement. Scouts must earn 13 mandatory merit badges and a total of at least 21 (134 available).

“It takes years to achieve the award and in order to qualify the scout has to prove themselves in the realms of leadership, management, [outdoor skills] and citizenship,” said Maj. Scott Shopa, project manager with Western Region, United States Army Health Facility Planning Agency here.

Shopa is also an assistant scout leader and father of Steven. He said the capstone to achieving the rank is the completion of a community service project that supports education, environmental responsibility or community benefit.

Blake completed his requirements in five years, Colt in three and a half years, and Steven needed two and a half years.

“During my six years as a Boy Scout, the greatest experience I’ve had was taking the wilderness survival merit badge,” Blake said. “Not only was it incredibly fun, but it was also challenging, testing my mental and physical endurance.”

Blake organized and managed the construction of a church reflection area at his local church in Barstow for his service project. Colt organized and managed a refurbishment of the rodeo ring at the ceremonial detachment stables on Fort Irwin. Steven organized, planned and managed the construction of a 20-foot by 20-foot educational garden display for use by the Directorate of Public Works here.

Colt has been scouting for nine years and said it has been one of several challenges posed by the dual military service (father now retired) of his parents. The compilation of those years has made life in scouting worth the journey.

Steven is the oldest of nine children and involved with soccer, basketball and football.

The three Eagle Scouts are now part of a select few, since 1912, that includes: Neil Armstrong, first astronaut to walk on the moon; Stephen Breyer, associate justice, United States Supreme Court; Richard Lugar United States senator, Indiana, and; Steven Spielberg, Academy Award-winning film director.

It was an extraordinary achievement for these Boy Scouts, said Shopa.

“Only two out of every 100 ever make it to Eagle Scout,” he said.

Gustavo Bahena

Stephanie Ferguson, a registered nurse with New Parent Support Program, Family Advocacy Program, holds items for a “Welcome Home Baby Basket” gift. Ferguson meets new babies’ families at home and provides a free package of baby items and informational literature for parents.

A baby is born at Fort Irwin, on average, once a day.

After mom and baby go home, the New Parent Support Program here makes a delivery of its own with a “Welcome Home Baby Basket” gift.

Stephanie Ferguson, a registered nurse with NPSP, Family Advocacy Program, meets the baby’s family at home and provides a free package of baby items and informational literature.

Ferguson said baby items consist of diapers, lotion, shampoo, powder, wipes, a blanket and a bulb syringe. Parents receive information about infant care, providing a safe sleeping environment for a child, how to prevent shaken baby syndrome, and the “Love and Logic” class that teaches disciplining in a loving way.

Other items in the gift pack include a “California First 5 Kit for New Parents,” a calendar for marking child milestones, books geared specifically to mom and dad, information about breast feeding, and information for mom about taking care after the baby is born.

Ferguson explained that reaching out to mothers and families with newborns is the proactive approach to support a family’s endeavor of caring for an infant. Her goal is to provide information about NPSP services, which includes home visits and classes. Services are geared for families of children up to the age of 3.

“What we want to do with this program is make sure that all new parents here on Fort Irwin have all the resources they need to become successful happy parents and a successful happy family,” Ferguson said.

The basket program is just a few months old and Ferguson also supports families who live off post.

“If anybody hasn’t received a basket, and they have had a baby in the past couple of months, please give me a call so that I can come out and visit,” Ferguson said.

She can be reached 380-4021 or 4470.

Photo by Casey Slusser, TASC

Gold Star and Blue Star families assemble with leadership and Soldiers of the National Training Center and Fort Irwin for a photo during the “Day of Gratitude” event here, Nov. 25.

In an ongoing effort to ensure members of the Fort Irwin community recognize the sacrifices of those who serve, “A Day of Gratitude” was observed Nov. 25 honoring local Gold Star Families, first responders and Soldiers.

The day began with a Gold Star banner presentation to family members who lost loved ones during service to the nation, and continued with a “Thanksgiving” lunch, visit to the Fort Irwin Museum and entertainment shared by Gold Star families with current Soldiers.

The history of the Gold Star program dates back to August 1947. It was then that Congress enacted Public Law 80-306 establishing the Gold Star Lapel Button for the public identification of the direct next of kin to military members of the Armed Forces of the United States who lost their lives in wars. The button, consisting of a gold star on a purple circular background bordered in gold and surrounded by gold laurel leaves, is furnished without cost to each widow or widower, including parents, children, and brothers/sisters.

Teresa Bullock, a Blue Star and Gold Star mother, said “this event is one of the few such events I’ve attended. Fort Irwin has made an effort over the last few years in southern California to reach out to families, inviting us to concerts and to take tours. It really means a lot to us just to be with the (Soldiers) – and hug them.”

Bullock’s two sons served, her oldest, Staff Sgt. Christopher Webb, served in Iraq and lost his life March 7, 2007 while trying to rid a village of improvised explosive devises.

“This is why our Survivor’s Outreach Services is so important,” said Lori Picard, Fort Irwin’s Survivors Outreach Services coordinator. “It allows these families the opportunity to stay connected to their Army family.”

Annie Nelson, of the American Soldier Network, agreed: “It is long overdue that all of the organizations that claim to support our heroes do whatever they can to … raise awareness, ensure that no Veteran, military member, or their families feel that they are forgotten or not appreciated. Freedom is not free and we as a nation must always recognize that and show our gratitude whenever we get the chance.”

Nelson pointed out that the “Day of Gratitude” focus isn’t limited to mothers and fathers who lost children in service to the nation, but includes recognizing grandparents, spouses and children as well.

Two of Fort Irwin’s younger Soldiers shared similar sentiments.

“My uncle was a squad leader in Vietnam,” said Spc. Zachary Brooks, of United States Army Medical Department Activity here. “He was wounded, but told those above him to make sure the other wounded got out first, so he waited on the second helicopter while others were evacuated.”

His uncle, Cpl. Ed Pierce, died while waiting on the second helicopter to arrive.

“Zach has been on the phone for months trying to make this happen for his family,” said his wife, Staff Sgt. Amber Brooks. “Ed was his mother’s only brother, so everything he gets here today he’s going to take back to North Carolina for his mother.”

Picard and SOS provide support to more than 500 families from San Bernardino to Los Angeles.

“It’s a great way for [families] to reconnect with other families who are in the same position,” emphasized Nelson. “Losing loved ones is difficult, but losing loved ones in war is a very different dynamic and grief, reuniting these families and allowing them a social time to be together and in a safe, upbeat, positive setting is all a part of the healing process.”

Bridget Blehm (left), founder of For Families of Active Military, sorts out display ornaments with volunteers while decorating Fort Irwin’s Town Center.

“It started as a personal gesture eight years ago,” said Bridget Blehm.
The Yorba Linda, Calif., housewife had picked the tags of five young Marines of Camp Pendleton families on a Christmas “giving tree” at her church.
“They all had four to five kids,” Blehm recalled.
Undaunted, she started sending emails to those she thought might be interested. Her network of friends is wide and deep. She and her husband Ed, owner of a small engineering company, were well-known in their community, where they have organized a popular East Lake Christmas boat parade for the past 23 years.
“I told them I know it’s late, but if you will send money, we’ll go out and shop,” Blehm said. “The money just came pouring in. This was the first week of December, at the height of the war in Iraq. I couldn’t understand how these military families could be struggling.
“After all the shopping was done, we had a lot of money left. So, we divided up the money to distribute to the families. My dad said every man needs a few bucks in his wallet. We still do that today.”
Starting at Camp Pendleton, Blehm’s energy has been transformed into a non-profit organization – For Families of Active Military.
Three years ago, FFAM began connecting to Fort Irwin when her volunteers started delivering cartons of donated foods to help military families here with their Thanksgiving dinners.
By partnering with other service organizations, businesses, youth clubs, and individuals in the Southern California area, FFAM is able to realize its mission statement, to offer “stability, strength and support to the military and families of active military on an emergency and proactive basis, whether it be physical, emotional or financial.”

Volunteers from Pasadena and Yorba Linda, Calif., the BOSS program and the Fort Irwin community gather for a commemorative photo during the decorating of the Fort Irwin Town Center, Nov. 22. Bridget Blehm, founder of For Families of Active Military, coordinated the volunteer effort from the Southern California communities.

Blehm’s organization this year partnered with students at La Salle High School in Pasadena, to provide more than 150 Christmas trees to military families here, said Janet Ford, special events coordinator for Fort Irwin’s Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation directorate.
The Blehms also annually welcome several dozen young Soldiers and Marines to enjoy Thanksgiving and Christmas with them and their East Lake neighbors. Neighbors drop off foods and recipe items at their home the day before to be readied at work stations in their kitchen, said Ed. The next day, volunteers crowd their house, to prepare the foods and transport them to the lakeside community center for the holiday feast.
“She’s like a symphony conductor,” said Ed, in describing his wife during those hectic few days.
Looking to start another tradition (two years now), Blehm recruited a platoon of volunteers to help decorate the post’s Town Center for Christmas. Volunteers included La Salle High School students and others. One mother chose to bring her entire family to volunteer here as her birthday present, said Blehm.
Blehm knows Fort Irwin well, having spent time here on weekends and summer vacations, when her mother brought the family to visit her father. He trained here as an Army Reserves food services officer. He also served in Korea.
“He loved the Army and retired as a chief warrant officer,” Blehm said.
Blehm’s father died seven years ago, before she started her work at Fort Irwin.
“It’s different today for young Soldiers,” said Blehm. “They’re joining the military, knowing they’ll be going to war someday.”

It’s the start of a new year and if 2015 is like any other year, millions of people will resolve to make a change in their lives.
While promising to lose weight, drink less, and eat healthier are perennial favorites, many people also vow to save more. Yet every year, millions of people choose to spend their money unnecessarily. Fortunately, there is at least one way to save money during this upcoming tax season: the Fort Irwin Tax Center.
Starting January 20, the Tax Center will offer free tax preparation services by certified Soldier and civilian tax preparers. The Tax Center is located at building 230 and is operated by the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate, Legal Assistance Office. The hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Tax Center is the only place on post that provides free tax preparation by Internal Revenue Service and California Franchise Tax Board trained and certified staff.
Tax services are available to active duty military personnel from all services (including Reserves and National Guard on orders for 30 days or more), their dependents, and military retirees. However, the Tax Center is unavailable for clients in certain tax situations. The following are the most common disqualifying situations:
• More than three rental properties owned
• Private business activities
• Lack of necessary supporting documentation, including: Social Security cards for all involved, W-2s, 1099s, bank account information, and powers of attorney through IRS Form 2848, a general POA or special POA authorizing the filing of taxes on behalf of a spouse.
If you are unsure whether you qualify for Tax Center assistance or have any other tax-related questions, call the Legal Assistance Office at 380-3604. Although walk-ins are welcome, appointments are strongly preferred and can be made at the same number.
Start off the New Year the right way and get your tax return prepared for free!

Sgt. Shad Hebert has a photo taken with Santa and his children, JJ, 3, and Holly, 6. They attended the Army Community Service toy giveaway here.

 
Children of the Fort Irwin community got to meet Santa at a toy giveaway with Army Community Service here, Dec. 19.
Families with children arrived to the ACS building 1317 to have their photo taken with Santa and receive a free toy. Silvia Moreno, manager of Employment Readiness Program and Angel Tree, and her ACS colleagues distributed the toys.
This year’s Angel Tree program had an abundance of donations, allowing for a general toy giveaway.
 

Staff Sgt. Angel Navarro and wife Mayra took their children, Jaaziel, 10, and Angelito, 5 months, to a toy giveaway here, Dec. 19.

Staff and volunteers of the non-profit Front Sight and Army Community Service here gather for a group photo in front of donated toys, Dec. 15.

 
A toy drive in the Inland Empire added to the Fort Irwin Angel Tree program after approximately 850 toys were delivered here, Dec. 15.
Army Community Service took receipt of the toys, which were delivered by staff and volunteers of Front Sight Ministry of Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. The non-profit organization provides assistance to servicemembers and Veterans with spiritual support, a resource information center, a military gym, a coffee house/lounge and referrals for assistance with post traumatic stress disorder.
Dave Ford, director of Front Sight, credited volunteer Sylvia Lopez with inspiring “A Hero’s Child Toy Drive.”
“This is really, really a great cause,” Ford said about the toy drive effort.
Lopez explained that toys and funds were collected through several organizations and events including: Arise and Restore thrift shop in Ontario, Calif. (which funds operations of Front Sight); Trinity Equipment Rentals in Rancho Cucamonga; the Oak Design business in Chino, Calif., and; a breakfast fund-raiser by La Historia in El Monte, Calif.
Eric Lewis, an Army combat Veteran employed with Trinity Equipment Rentals in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., added that Junior Sandoval established Arise and Restore and founded “A Hero’s Child.”
Lopez said the toy drive was dedicated in memory of loved ones who passed away recently.

Photo by Silvia Moreno, Army Community Service

Adam Wolf, 15, and his mom, Ali Wolf, delivered a load of toys for the Angel Tree program here, Dec. 13.

A young man, no stranger to the National Training Center and Fort Irwin, has delivered again.
Adam Wolf, 15, a resident of Irvine, Calif., – and honorary command sergeant major – provided a load of donated toys to the Angel Tree program here, Dec. 13.
The toys augmented the annual program that provides Christmas gifts to children from military families, who were selected by unit leadership.
Silvia Moreno, manager of the Employment Readiness Program here and Angel Tree program, thanked Adam and his family for making the trip here and supporting families of this installation.
Moreno also thanked the local community for giving.
“Fort Irwin community members were very generous in donating towards the Angel Tree program,” Moreno said.
Organizations that donated toys and funds include: 916th Support Brigade, Military and Civilians Spouses Club, the USO, the American Legion of Silver Lakes, and the Silver Lakes Community Church and Front Sight.
Toys were distributed by unit commanders and first sergeants, Dec. 17 -19.

The 916th Support Brigade commander, Col. Matthew Ruedi (center, right), holds a ceremonial check for $3,000 with his maintenance section staff, Dec. 9. The other check is for $1,000.

Continuing a tradition for the past few years, civilian employees of 916th Support Brigade donated $4,000 to support Fort Irwin families during the winter holiday season, Dec. 9.
Staff in the brigade’s maintenance section provided $3,000 for the Holiday Food Basket program and $1,000 for the Angel Tree program at Army Community Service.
The section raises funds during the year, primarily through hot dog sales at the rotational unit field maintenance area, said Joe Madrid, supervisor for the section.
The 916th commander, Col. Matthew Ruedi, said it was a tremendous gesture that shows dedication and caring for others. He said it was an example of what his brigade likes to do. He added the programs benefit young military families here with challenges and he described ACS functions as critical to Soldiers and families.
The $3,000 helped purchase 400 Christmas food baskets, bought at the Fort Irwin Commissary, which were provided to military families here Dec. 22-23, said Ray Johnson, manager of the Mobilization and Deployment Program here. Families were selected by unit leadership.
The Angel Tree program used the $1,000 to purchase toys for children of military families here, said Silvia Moreno, coordinator for Employment Readiness Program here.
“We appreciate what you do for Soldiers,” Madrid said to Moreno and Johnson.

Tiefort View Intermediate School students had the privilege of attending the annual Los Angeles Dodgers Children’s Holiday Party in December.

The school sent 21 students to Dodger Stadium where they received toys and new shoes. The students also had an opportunity to meet Santa, have baseball caps and other items signed by Dodger players, and play in snow!

Tiefort View would like to thank everyone involved for making this such a memorable event for our students, including: School Liaison Officer, Carl Ragonese; Director of Student Services, Jeff Youskievicz; chaperone and third grade teacher, Pamela Gutierrez; chaperone and physical education teacher, Aaron Lamoreaux, and; Community Relations Officer, Renita Wickes.