5-82 FA September FRG Newsletter

19
BN Commander and Senior FRG Advisor Words SEPTEMBER 12, 2012 VOLUME 8 BLACK DRAGONS BULLETIN BN CSM 2 Chaplain’s Corner 3 HHB Hardcore 4 ALPHA Apaches 5 BRAVO Bulldogs 6 GOLF Ghost riders 7 Event Fliers 8-14 Current Events 15-19 Inside this issue: BLACK DRAGONS BULLETIN BLACK DRAGON Soldiers, Families, and Friends: I would like to start off this letter thanking you for the support you have provided to your Soldier during our multiple training deployments in August. I hope that you had a wonderful Labor Day week-end. The month of August was very busy for the Battalion and the whole Brigade for that matter. Bravo Battery, Headquarters Battery, and Golf Company deployed ele- ments of their organizations to Fort Polk, LA to the Joint Readiness Train- ing Center in support of the Brigade. Depending on which unit your Sol- dier is a member of, your Soldier could had a very challenging experi- ence. If your Soldier was in Bravo Battery, they truly roughed it, living out at Peason Ridge in very austere conditions for two weeks, while firing 980 artillery rounds in support of the Brigade. The Observer Controllers at JRTC said that Bravo Battery’s performance was one of the best that they had seen in the two years that most of them have been stationed at Fort Polk. This speaks to quality of Soldiers and Leaders in Bravo Battery. We asked a platoon size element to replicate a battery, and we asked that battery to operate independently like a Battalion they did so with excellence. Even after they were done shooting their live fire ammuni- tion they didn’t stop working. Rather, they joined the rest of the Brigade during the force on force portion of JRTC. Here Bravo Battery notionally fired missions in support of troops in contact with the simulated enemy and counter artillery fire. Headquarters Battery, joined by elements of Golf Company, provided the usual command and control for the Battalion as well as a host of other non-standard missions in support of the Battalion and the Brigade. First, we set up a liaison shop with an Afghan One Star General and staff (role players), and we practiced coaching them through leadership and plan- ning process by using interpreters speaking Dari or Pashto. HHB also provided Radar Support and Metrological support to the Battalion. These assets allowed the Battalion to track 95% of all incoming enemy artillery rounds and provide accurate climate data to make the guns more accu- rate. The 10 Soldier detail from Golf Company that was there to upload and download vehicles from the civilian truck site, did that and so much more. That detail moved and acted like a unit 3 times its size and moved artillery ammunition all over JRTC because the unit due to supply us with ammo was unable to do so tremendous job! All of these events occurred while Alpha Battery training at Fort Drum New York on the M777 towed artillery cannon. While Alpha was part- nered with 2-15 FA out of the 10 th Mountain Division for training over- sight, the battery was required to act independently and in many ways like their own separate Battalion during the month they spent at Fort Drum. Our Alpha Battery was the first battery in the 1 st Cavalry Division and Fort Hood to shoot and qualify on the M777 system. Well done! As we return from the Labor Day week-end we continue the momentum and Soldier initiative displayed at JRTC and Fort Drum as we prepare to deploy and begin re-organization into deployment configuration. For those deploying, this next month will focus on individual readiness and training, including visits to the readiness center for medical exams, day field training, and round table discussions of resources available to fami- lies while their Soldier is deployed. For those not deploying, but in the “ready force”, the Battalion (and Brigade) will re-organize into two sepa- rate parts. The first part will be the rear-detachment cadre which will take care of the Battalion’s equipment and Soldiers that are soon to de- part the unit or the Army. The remainder of the Battalion will task- organize under another Brigade here on post. This will allow those Sol- diers the opportunity to continue training on their Artillery of Support Skills while the Battalion is deployed. This transition will begin in early October and will be complete by the time we return from block leave. We understand that there might be some confusion on exactly where folks will go, but know that we will endeavor to make sure any transitions are as smooth as possible. Block Leave remains October 5 October 21, with priority going to those Soldiers who are deploying. It was our intent that Soldiers not deploying have already had a chance to take leave. If a Soldier has not had the opportunity to take leave, handled on a case by case basis, we will do our best to ensure that there is a plan to take care of them and their family. We have two family events coming up that I wanted to let you know about. The first is a Battalion Organizational Day at BLORA on September 20. To allow for max participation we are holding this event in the afternoon, after school, to allow Soldiers and Families to enjoy the cool Texas evening out at the lake before fall arrives. The next event will be another Battalion town hall meeting, while open to all per- sonnel, its focus will be on those Soldiers and their families who are deploying. We will answer questions and have post and community resource providers available to meet with families. This event is scheduled for September 26. Please stay in touch with battery FRG Leaders for details. As always, thank you for supporting your Soldier. The Command Team of 5-82FA realizes that the Battalion could not be as successful without your support and understand- ing. Stay in touch with your FRGs and follow us on our So- cial Media sites to keep up with the latest information and opportunities. Will and Jessy Johnson FRG Facebook Group www.facebook.com/#!/ groups/582black.dragons/ Battalion Facebook Page www.facebook.com/#!/pages/5th -Battalion-82nd-Field-Artillery-Regiment-Black- Dragons/288593261191191 Twitter Account: @5th82fa

description

Newsletter for the Soldiers, Families and Friends of the BLACK DRAGON BN

Transcript of 5-82 FA September FRG Newsletter

BN Commander and Senior FRG Advisor Words

SEPTEMBER 12, 2012 VOLUME 8

BLACK DRAGONS BULLETIN

BN CSM 2

Chaplain’s Corner 3

HHB Hardcore 4

ALPHA Apaches 5

BRAVO Bulldogs 6

GOLF Ghost riders 7

Event Fliers 8-14

Current Events 15-19

Inside this issue:

BLACK DRAGONS BULLETIN

BLACK DRAGON Soldiers, Families, and Friends:

I would like to start off this letter thanking you for the support you have

provided to your Soldier during our multiple training deployments in

August. I hope that you had a wonderful Labor Day week-end. The

month of August was very busy for the Battalion and the whole Brigade

for that matter.

Bravo Battery, Headquarters Battery, and Golf Company deployed ele-

ments of their organizations to Fort Polk, LA to the Joint Readiness Train-

ing Center in support of the Brigade. Depending on which unit your Sol-

dier is a member of, your Soldier could had a very challenging experi-

ence. If your Soldier was in Bravo Battery, they truly roughed it, living

out at Peason Ridge in very austere conditions for two weeks, while firing

980 artillery rounds in support of the Brigade. The Observer Controllers

at JRTC said that Bravo Battery’s performance was one of the best that

they had seen in the two years that most of them have been stationed at

Fort Polk. This speaks to quality of Soldiers and Leaders in Bravo Battery.

We asked a platoon size element to replicate a battery, and we asked

that battery to operate independently like a Battalion – they did so with

excellence. Even after they were done shooting their live fire ammuni-

tion they didn’t stop working. Rather, they joined the rest of the Brigade

during the force on force portion of JRTC. Here Bravo Battery notionally

fired missions in support of troops in contact with the simulated enemy

and counter artillery fire.

Headquarters Battery, joined by elements of Golf Company, provided

the usual command and control for the Battalion as well as a host of other

non-standard missions in support of the Battalion and the Brigade. First,

we set up a liaison shop with an Afghan One Star General and staff (role

players), and we practiced coaching them through leadership and plan-

ning process by using interpreters speaking Dari or Pashto. HHB also

provided Radar Support and Metrological support to the Battalion. These

assets allowed the Battalion to track 95% of all incoming enemy artillery

rounds and provide accurate climate data to make the guns more accu-

rate. The 10 Soldier detail from Golf Company that was there to upload

and download vehicles from the civilian truck site, did that and so much

more. That detail moved and acted like a unit 3 times its size and moved

artillery ammunition all over JRTC because the unit due to supply us with

ammo was unable to do so – tremendous job!

All of these events occurred while Alpha Battery training at Fort Drum

New York on the M777 towed artillery cannon. While Alpha was part-

nered with 2-15 FA out of the 10th Mountain Division for training over-

sight, the battery was required to act independently and in many ways

like their own separate Battalion during the month they spent at Fort

Drum. Our Alpha Battery was the first battery in the 1st Cavalry Division

and Fort Hood to shoot and qualify on the M777 system. Well done!

As we return from the Labor Day week-end we continue the momentum

and Soldier initiative displayed at JRTC and Fort Drum as we prepare to

deploy and begin re-organization into deployment configuration. For

those deploying, this next month will focus on individual readiness and

training, including visits to the readiness center for medical exams, day

field training, and round table discussions of resources available to fami-

lies while their Soldier is deployed. For those not deploying, but in the

“ready force”, the Battalion (and Brigade) will re-organize into two sepa-

rate parts. The first part will be the rear-detachment cadre which will

take care of the Battalion’s equipment and Soldiers that are soon to de-

part the unit or the Army. The remainder of the Battalion will task-

organize under another Brigade here on post. This will allow those Sol-

diers the opportunity to continue training on their Artillery of Support

Skills while the Battalion is deployed. This transition will begin in early

October and will be complete by the time we return from block leave.

We understand that there might be some confusion on exactly where

folks will go, but know that we will endeavor to make sure any transitions

are as smooth as possible.

Block Leave remains October 5 – October 21, with priority

going to those Soldiers who are deploying. It was our intent

that Soldiers not deploying have already had a chance to

take leave. If a Soldier has not had the opportunity to take

leave, handled on a case by case basis, we will do our best

to ensure that there is a plan to take care of them and their

family.

We have two family events coming up that I wanted to let

you know about. The first is a Battalion Organizational Day

at BLORA on September 20. To allow for max participation

we are holding this event in the afternoon, after school, to

allow Soldiers and Families to enjoy the cool Texas evening

out at the lake before fall arrives. The next event will be

another Battalion town hall meeting, while open to all per-

sonnel, its focus will be on those Soldiers and their families

who are deploying. We will answer questions and have

post and community resource providers available to meet

with families. This event is scheduled for September 26.

Please stay in touch with battery FRG Leaders for details.

As always, thank you for supporting your Soldier. The

Command Team of 5-82FA realizes that the Battalion could

not be as successful without your support and understand-

ing. Stay in touch with your FRGs and follow us on our So-

cial Media sites to keep up with the latest information and

opportunities.

Will and Jessy Johnson

FRG Facebook Group www.facebook.com/#!/

groups/582black.dragons/

Battalion Facebook Page www.facebook.com/#!/pages/5th

-Battalion-82nd-Field-Artillery-Regiment-Black-

Dragons/288593261191191

Twitter Account: @5th82fa

BLACK

DRAGONS BULLETIN

BN CSM Words

BLACK DRAGONS BULLETIN

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Greetings to all Black Dragon Soldiers, Families and friends, Since my last report, the “Black Dragon

Battalion” has been extremely busy, and my hat is off to our Soldiers and Families for enduring the hard-

ships and numerous training events. Just in the last two months, Soldiers of the “Black Dragon” Battalion

have participated in several training exercises across four states simultaneously Fort Hood, Texas, Fort

Drum, New York, Picatinny Arsenal, Pennsylvania and Fort Polk, Louisiana. I would like to commend the

duty performance and accomplishments of our Soldiers!

September will also be a busy month for the Battalion; as the Soldiers of the “Black Dragon” Battalion pre-

pare themselves and their families for the upcoming deployment to Afghanistan. September will consist

of numerous ranges and training events to hone the skills of our Soldiers and focus on our core competen-

cies. I know as always, the Soldiers of the “Black Dragon” Battalion will meet every challenge head-on

with excellence results.

In early October, select Soldiers from the Battalion will have the opportunity to take well deserved

“Block Leave” to spend time with their loved ones and recharge their batteries as we move for-

ward into the upcoming months.

I would also like to express my appreciation and thanks to the Battalion Family Readiness Group for what

they have done over the last several months, as they allow us to focus on the tough missions ahead. I’d

like to particularly thank all the volunteers for their continued support to the Battalion. From the FRG

members to the Soldiers and every single person who demonstrates their support in ways unseen. You

enhance this Battalion’s diversity and strengthen its character every day.

In the two short months I’ve been the CSM; I continue to be impressed by the quality and demon-

strated performance of the Soldiers within the Battalion. I truly believe that we have the best Sol-

diers in the Army and I continue to be humbled and proud to be a “Black Dragon” Soldier!

“BLACK DRAGON 9”

BLACK DRAGONS BULLETIN

CHAPLAIN’S CORNER

Chaplain's Corner—FRG Newsletter – 31 August 2012

“Before You Get Married” – Part 3 of 4 (What About the Kids?)

This month we continue the series, “The BIG FOUR of a Successful Marriage,” with the third area you must

discuss before marriage -- the decision whether to have children and how to raise them.

Do you and your spouse or fiancé have different beliefs about starting your family – about when to get

started or whether to have children at all? Starting a family is a soul-shaping, world-altering experience,

but first it's a marriage-shaping and relationship-altering experience. No marriage is ever the same once

children come into the picture.

"When a baby arrives, everything changes," says family researcher John Gottman. "Parents must adapt to

the 24/7 care of a new, vulnerable infant. Not surprisingly, 40 to 70 percent of couples experience stress,

conflict and drops in marital satisfaction during this time."

Children can bring significant challenges for couples who married with the hope of spending their lives

enjoying a soul mate connection. According to a popular author on the subject, Barbara Dafoe Whitehead,

"Most Americans today don't marry in order to have children….They marry in order to have an enduring

relationship of love, friendship and emotional intimacy. Achieving this marital ideal takes a lot of time,

attention and vigilance. Like new babies, marriages have to be nurtured and coddled in order to thrive.

The problem is that once a real baby comes along, the time, the effort and energy that was going into nur-

turing the relationship, suddenly goes into nurturing the infant. As a result, marriages can become less

happy and satisfying during the child-rearing years.”

Yes, having children will change your marriage. Parenting requires couples to adjust expectations about

their sex life, sleep patterns, and the ability to be spontaneous. However, letting their love spill over into

a new life can give parents a fresh sense of purpose in their marriage. Contrary to popular thought, your

marriage can survive and even thrive as you take on the mission of a family. God ordained that “the two

shall become one,” and it is His desire that your marriage become stronger as you are obedient to his

plan for both you and your children. With His grace and wisdom, the parenting mission can mature and

sweeten a marriage over the years, with the end result of having both great kids and a great marriage.

CH (CPT) Robert D. Patterson

Battalion Chaplain

5-82 FA, 4BCT, 1st Cavalry Division

(254) 287-9574

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HHB NewsletterWritten By: CPT Scott Hastings Volume 8

FRG Newsletter for HHB, 5th Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery

August was another outstanding month for the HARDCORE Battery. As you already know, the Black Dragons deployed a force of Soldiers to the Joint Readiness Training Center in Fort Polk, Louisiana this month. Of course, HHB was right there in the thick of things, making up over half of the force sent to the training. Our Soldiers exceeded all expectations and continued to set the standard for all Soldiers in the BDE. HHB Soldiers did a little bit of everything, but as usual, they did them all to a level that leaves others amazed. HHB had Soldiers and Officers that worked directly with Afghanistan Soldiers, as well as Soldiers that worked in the CP to provide the much needed life support and security for HHB. To add to this already great team, G Co sent a group of Soldiers with us to provide Maintenance support to the BN Package. These Soldiers were attached to HHB for the rotation, and I could not have been happier to have them. The G Co Soldiers changed out the 4 complete engines, a transmission, a generator and two radiators for the B Battery Paladins. This allowed the BN to continue to provide fires for the BDE during the JRTC Rotation. But that’s not all. We also had to ask G Co to push ammo to all the 5-82 firing points in order to ensure that the correct ammunition was were it needed to be in a timely manner. And when the Base Defense Team was short handed, the Soldiers of HHB and G Co came together to for a Ready Reaction Force that was able to respond to issues in the Area of Operations. This was all capped off by the efforts from both groups of Soldiers working together to ensure that all of the vehicles and equipment were safely and efficiently loaded and shipped back to FT. Hood, TX.

While half of the unit was doing this, the others were here at FT. Hood providing the logistical support and functions that every BN and Battery need to accomplish. This enabled the Soldiers at JRTC to focus on the training at hand without having to worry about missing a deadline on the regular requirements that are so important to the everyday functioning of the Battery. Things such as medical coverage, and receiving and shipping supplies forward to keep the vehicles moving. Receiving the many new HHB Soldiers and getting them in-processed and set up in the barracks or apartments, and the tracking and processing of Leave, Awards, and NCOERs and OERs that are required regardless of your location or training events. Without these Soldiers staying focused and providing this level of oversight, HHB would have been sorely pressed to accomplish everything that we did. This teamwork is what makes HHB so GREAT!!

I truly believe that we could only accomplish all of this because the Soldiers of HHB work so well together. I am continually amazed at the amount of quality work that such a relatively small group of Soldiers, NCOs and Officers can accomplish in such a small window of time. I am extremely fortunate to have command of such a GREAT Battery!! HARDCORE!!

HARDCORE 6

MRAP Egress Trainer that test the Soldiers ability to safely egress from a vehicle after a roll-over.

A HHB Soldier exiting the MRAP from the gunners turret as the MRAP is on its side.

1LT Hollingsworth, now CPT Hollingsworth, exiting the MATV after Drivers Familiarization.

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VO BLACK DRAGONS BULLETIN

Alpha Battery continued to excel in the month of

August as the Soldiers worked tirelessly to train and

qualify on the M777 Howitzer at Fort Drum, NY!

While at Fort Drum, the majority of Apache Soldiers

were introduced to the M777 Howitzer and its

components for the first time. Through incredible

versatility and dedication, they learned new cannon

crew member duties and quickly put the howitzers

to work. In just a few short days, Apache Battery

safely fire over 360 rounds and qualified their crews

at the section and platoon levels.

Upon completing of the M777 Howitzer training,

select Soldiers traveled to Picatinny Arsenal in New

Jersey to receive additional instruction on the D30

Howitzer. These Soldiers will utilize this vital training

in future operations overseas when they partner

with the Afghani Army.

Alpha Battery Soldiers returned to Fort Hood in mid-

August and enjoyed some well-deserved time with

their families before returning back to the grind;

some Soldiers were away from their family for over

a month. Hard at work again, Soldiers focused their

attention on completing mandatory pre-deployment

training and medical evaluations.

Life in Apache Battery is not all hard work and no

fun, though. While at Fort Drum, the Apaches held a

multi-event competition to bolster platoon

camaraderie and battery morale. To close out the

month, the Alpha Battery FRG hosted a BBQ at the

battery to raise funds for upcoming social events

and meetings! CPL Robertson and SPC Dempsey

were the grill-masters and did a fantastic job making

sure everybody in the Battalion was well fed!

Special thanks to Mrs. Mendez and Mrs. Chaney for

putting together another great Apache function!

GREAT JOB APACHES!

Apache NewsletterWritten By: CPT Martin Piecuch Volume 8

FRG Newsletter for Alpha Battery, 5th Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery

Victory after the First Apache Battery Olympics. Soldiers competed

in flag football, basketball, chess, darts, pool, and several other

events to determine the Top Platoon.

Apache Battery leaders were hard at work taking the Gunner’s Test

and Leader’s Hands-On Test before certifying on the Howitzers.

Apaches were given a special opportunity to talk with Canadian

Artillerymen about the M777 and its operation overseas.

Upcoming Events-Sep 4th: Alpha Battery signs for 2x M777s from 3CR

-Sep 18th -19th: Alpha Battery draws RFI

-Sep 18th -19th: Alpha Battery conducts SRP

-Sep 20th: BN Family Day

-Sep 21st -24th: BDE 4 day weekend

-Sep 25th-28th: M777 Live Fire Exercise

-Sep 26th: BN Town Hall Meeting

*All dates are tentative and subject to change

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BLACK DRAGONS BULLETIN BLACK DRAGONS BULLETIN

Bulldog Newsletter

Family and friends of the Bulldog

Battery, the month of August has been a

very tough and challenging. This month

Bravo Battery supported the 4th Brigade,

1st Calvary Division with accurate and

timely indirect fires during Joint

Readiness Training Center rotation 12-09

in August 2012.

Bravo Battery deployed to Fort Polk,

Louisiana with a platoon size element

tasked to conduct a mission, which was

planned for a whole Battery. B/5-82 FA

took this mission with the intent to make it

happen regardless of the situation.

Bulldog Battery shot 980 rounds safely

in an accurate and timely manner in

support of the Brigades Maneuver Live

Fire Exercise. This was only the second

time in the last two years that a unit has

successfully completed a Live Fire

Exercise at Peason Ridge with no firing

incidents. During Force on Force, B/5-82

FA provided indirect fires with two gun

sections located in separate locations

Forward Operating Base Anvil and

Forward Operating Base Warrior. In

addition, Bravo Battery became the first

unit to train the 1/201 Afghan National

Army on the D-30 a Russian Howitzer.

The Bulldogs team work and mental

toughness has given them the reputation

as the “Make it Happen Battery”

throughout 4th Brigade, 1st Cavalry

Division.

Written By: CPT Troy Merkel Volume 8

FRG Newsletter for B BTRY, 5th Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery

D-30 Training during

Force on Force

GUNLINE

BUILDING A SHOWER AT PEASON RIDGE

FDC

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BLACK DRAGONS BULLETIN BLACK DRAGONS BULLETIN

Caption describing

picture or graphic.

Greetings from GhostRider

6. This past few days have

been busy supporting the 5

-82 team whiled deployed

in support of the Long-

Knife Brigade’s rotation to

the Joint Readiness Train-

ing Center in Fort Polk, LA.

We welcomed the Black

Dragon team with a family

reception and leadership

on site to help the smooth

transition in preparedness

for the Black Dragon’s up-

coming deployment. The

month of September began

very busy with the recep-

tion of the containers and

the download and move-

ment of the vehicles back

to our area of operations.

We have also been the

Black Dragon Organiza-

tional Day for the families

as we make time to spend

time as a Team before the

movement to Afghanistan.

Ghostrider 6 Ghostrider 9

Maintenance

During the month of August

Maintenance Platoon con-

tinued services on Battal-

ion Fleet and entered

equipment in the Low Us-

age Program in prepara-

tion for the upcoming de-

ployment. Bravo FMT de-

ployed to JRTC in support

of the BN mission.

Distro Dawgs did a com-

mendable job of ammo sup-

port during the JRTC Rota-

tion in support of the Bull-

dogs fire missions. Distro

Dawgs here at home station

supported the BN in trans-

porting equipment and per-

sonal upon the return of

their training at Ft. Polk, LA.

BLack dragons bulletin

I would like to take the time

to say thanks to the Soldiers

and their families for the

warm welcome to join such a

great organization. It has

been a little over 2 months

since I joined the GhostRid-

ers and we have accom-

plished a lot within small

amount of time. We spear-

headed the movement of

personnel, vehicles and

equipment in support of JRTC

12-09, while still operating as

a Battalion on Rear-

Detachment. Upon Rede-

ployment from JRTC the Rear

-D element ensured the Bat-

talion had a smooth transition

back to Ft. Hood. We had

several Soldiers receive

awards for their accomplish-

ments during the JRTC Rota-

tion.

Ghostrider 6’s Corner

Ghostrider 9’s Corner

JRTC Rotation

Company Photos

VOLUME 8 SEPTEMBER 12, 2012

GOLF FSC, 5-82 FA

Training Events:

Ghostriders deployed an

enhanced platoon com-

prised of Distro Dawgs and

Maintenance Wrench Heads

in support of JRTC.

Soldiers on Rear Detach-

ment for the month of Au-

gust 2012, trained on

weapon proficiency,

driver’s training, and

maintain LBE

Distribution Headquarters Headquarters Platoon main-

tains excellence in providing

support. HQs conducted

many transfers of equipment

to prepare for the upcoming

deployment and prepare

Soldiers for future progres-

sion. A special Congratula-

tions SPC Smith on winning

the Iron Chef Competition.

I would like to take the

time to say Happy Birthday

to all Ghostrider Soldiers

and their family members.

Special Points of

Interest:

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BLACKDRAGONS BULLETIN

Let us not forget the families of those

whose lives were lost on 9/11/01

We will always remember those whose lives were

lost and the

Soldiers that continue to fight for our freedom!!

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BLACKDRAGONS BULLETIN

6:30 P.M., WED, september 26TH, 2012

Children are welcome

to attend!(Childcare not provided)

Agenda :

Deployment Notes

Leave guidance

Post Agency Briefs

ACS

CYSS

Red Cross

Band of Angels

Legal

Finance

Housing

Phantom Warrior Center

Bldg 194, 37th St

Fort Hood, Texas 76544

Everyone is welcomed to come!

Deployment personnel are required!

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BLABLACK DRAGONS BULLETIN

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BLABLACK DRAGONS BULLETIN

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BLACKDRAGONS BULLETIN

“Give Parents a Break”

Temporary Relocation

September 8,28

"Give Parents A Break" events scheduled for September 8/28,

will now be conducted at Comanche Child Development Cen-

ter, Bldg. 52024, Tank Destroyer Boulevard. The event time

for Give Parents A Break is 12 - 6 pm on Saturdays and 7 -

11 pm on Fridays. The previous host site, Fort Hood Child De-

velopment Center, is undergoing a repair project for approxi-

mately 6-8 months and will be closed for child care services.

Reservations for Give Parents A Break (children ages 6 weeks

-kindergarten) may be made by calling Comanche Child De-

velopment Center at 254-287-4848. Reservations must be

made no later than noon the Wednesday prior to the event

and are available on a first come, first serve basis, so call

now! Additional information may also be obtained from Parent

Central Services, 254-287-8029. updated 07/31/12

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Band of Angels Benefit

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BLACKDRAGONS BULLETIN

Fort Hood Family and MWR Events

September 15 - Fort Hood Hunting & Fishing Day 2012

In celebration of Fort Hood Hunting & Fishing Day 2012, the Sportsmen's Center will conduct a

fun filled day of activities designed for novice to experienced sportsmen, as well as exciting

activities for children to enjoy!

Fishing Derby, 6:30 am (Cantonment B Pond)

300 Archery Shoot, 9 am, must register by 10 am

Long Distance Archery Fun Shoot, 9 am

Turkey Shoot, 10 am

Turkey Calling Contest, 12 pm

Barbeque Lunch , 11 am - 3 pm ($7.50 per adult & $3.75 per child age 12 and younger)

Free concert from “Touch of Class Band”, 12 – 2 pm

Awards Ceremony and Door Prize Giveaway, 3 pm

Various activities for children will also be conducted throughout the day

All Fort Hood Hunting & Fishing Day 2012 events take place at the Sportsmen’s Center

Complex, except for the fishing derby

For additional information about the Fort Hood Hunting & Fishing Day 2012 celebration and/or

information about Fort Hood hunting and fishing requirements, call the Sportsmen’s Center at

254-532-4552

The facility is located on Rod and Gun Club Loop, 53rd Street and Murphy Road, Bldg. 1937

September 25 & 26 – The Sesame Street Experience for Military Families

Come out and sing and dance with Elmo and his friends!

This free, fun and interactive show is perfect for children and has themes related to military life

60- minute mini-show, featuring songs and dance and free Sesame Street giveaways

Free bilingual education materials including components from Sesame Street’s “Talk, Listen, &

Connect” Program

Educates the military Family community around helping the children cope with the challenges of

homecomings, deployments and changes

Show times are September 25 at 2 pm and 5 pm & September 26 at 1 pm and 6 pm

Abrams Physical Fitness, 62nd Street and Support Avenue, Bldg. 23001

For additional information, call 254-288-7835

Call to inquire about Club Hood’s room rental and catering options, as well additional Family and

MWR room rental options

254--287-5215

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BLACKDRAGONS BULLETIN

Fort Hood Family and MWR Events

September 28 - Phantom Warrior Scramble

Join in on the fun at the Courses of Clear Creek’s Phantom Warrior Scramble

Teams must consist of three players from the same division, directorate, battalion, brigade,

company or branch - the fourth player does not need to be from the same organization

Onsite registration is 10:30 - 11:45 am, with a shotgun start at noon

$30 per person

Mulligans $5 additional per person (optional)

The Courses of Clear Creek is located on Battalion Avenue and Clear Creek Road in Bldg. 52381

For more information, call 254-287-4130

Club Hood Room Rental and Catering

Not only is Club Hood steeped in military tradition, its size and versatile space can be tailored to

meet event needs perfectly

Featuring complete audiovisual capability, the facility, the staff, the services and the equipment to

make each event a complete success

First-class food and beverage capabilities allow for custom menus, from continental breakfasts,

break service and lunch accommodations to elaborate dinners

For a more casual gathering, Legends Pub is available and offers a great new outdoor patio with

flat screen TVs and comfortable seating

September 9 – January 6 (Sundays) - NFL Sunday Ticket

Come out to Backbone NCO Lounge every Sunday during football season to watch the games

Free shuffleboard, ping pong, pool and popcorn

Various snack foods and drinks available for purchase

The facility also boasts 14 flat panel 42” TVs for your viewing pleasure

Join in on the fun at Backbone NCO Lounge for NFL Sunday Ticket, each Sunday (September 9

– January 6) from 11:30 am – 8 pm (or until the second game ends)

Free and open to all, 18 years of age and older

Backbone NCO Lounge is located inside Phantom Warrior Center, Bldg. 194, 37th Street

For additional details, call 254-532-1534 or 254-532-1560

HoodMWR.com

Fort Hood Family and MWR Public Relations

254-287-2007

254-285-5372

About Fort Hood Family and MWR

The Fort Hood Family and MWR supports the largest active duty armored post in the United States Armed Services. The “Great

Place” is home to over 349,000 military personnel, Family members, retirees and civilian employees. Family and MWR enhances

quality of life by providing numerous recreation and services designed to equal those available to their civilian counterparts, which

encourages growth and a feeling of self-reliance within the military community.

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Fort Hood Family and MWR Events

Parent Participation Program

Parent participation is highly encouraged in all CYSS programs, as Families are an integral part

of CYSS success and a key component in overall program quality

The goal of the new, Army-wide CYSS Parent Participation Program is to ensure consistency

across all CYSS by: cataloging meaningful participation opportunities, standardizing the point

system based on participation opportunities, standardizing the points required for fee reductions

and standardizing the process to apply fee reduction to monthly payments

The established common criteria should ensure that Families understand that their participation is

valued and needed, and truly contributes enhancing the sense of community

Parents may earn a fee reduction for volunteering a minimum of 10 hours generally in their child’s

program or on behalf of CYSS

Participation Points may be accumulated from month to month until the Parent earns 10 points, to

receive a 10% reduction on one month’s fee for one child

If a parent has earned 20 points, then the 10% fee reduction may be applied for one child over a

2-month period or used for two separate children during the same month

For more information, call 254-288-3139

Military Extension Internship Program

Designed for college students and recent college graduates, this program provides a unique

opportunity to gain practical work experience in child development plus school-age and youth

programs

Interns will live and work on military installations around the globe for 10 weeks to 6 months

The range of experience is broad, including working directly with children and youth,

implementing programs that address their needs, and learning to manage child and youth centers

Check out all of the opportunities at www.ydae.purdue.edu/military

The Department of Defense provides high-quality, accredited childcare and school-age/teen

programs at all of their facilities

Interns also have the support of the U.S. Cooperative Extension System and its 4-H Youth

Development Program

4-H focuses on building better citizens and promotes understanding of social issues and how they

can be addressed to strengthen communities

Cooperative Extension features strong networks and connections in the communities where you’ll

work as well as faculty and staff with specific expertise in childcare and youth development

The most qualified applicants will: have completed at least two years of college by the start of

their internship, have a GPA of at least 2.75; have an educational background in child or youth

development, education, Family science, or a related field; be able to pass a National Agency

background (security) check, exhibit maturity, good judgment, and enjoy working with children,

youth, and their Families

Applications from undergraduates, graduate students, and recent graduates and students are

welcome as well

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