The “Strike First.”The “Strike First.” Newsletter of the U.S. Army Recruiting Battalion Houston Newsletter of the U.S. Army Recruiting Battalion Houston February 2011February 2011

On the Stinger: On the Stinger: Meet Station Commanders of the Month for 1st Quarter … Page 2 Soldier casts lines to aid those wounded by war … Page 4 Area pastor begins journey to become a chaplain … Page 6 Brother joins brother in choosing U.S. Army Reserve … Page 9 Army Recruiter believes in the “second chance.” Sgt. Juan Pastrana NCO of the Month

for November … Page 11 New Soldier & Family Assistance Program Manager … Page 13 Annual Training Conference photos … Page 15

First for Houston Battalion: “Pinnacle” Career Center Opens

Captain David Butler, Commander of the U.S. Army Recruiting Company in Tyler, Texas wields scissors that will part the red ribbon officially opening the Tyler Career Center, home of the U.S. Army Recruiting Battalion Houston’s first “Pinnacle” based recruiting office. The “Pinnacle” operation concept seeks Army enlistees by a team of recruiters which will better support the needs of Future Soldiers and the needs of the Army to efficiently locate and enlist quality, qualified applicants. (Photo by Bill Roach, Houston Recruiting Battalion)

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U.S. Army Recruiting Battalion Houston

Battalion Leadership Team

Lt. Col. Michael Bottiglieri Houston Battalion Commander

Command Sgt. Maj. John Kessler Houston Battalion Command Sergeant Major

Airborne NCO helps young men and women jump into Army careers

Bryan, Texas – Some paratroopers aboard a C-130 military aircraft in the skies over Fort Bragg may have had second thoughts when they saw the nametag “Murphy” on the jumpmaster’s uniform, but their lives couldn’t have been in steadier hands than airborne infantryman, now Army Recruiter, Sgt. 1st Class Ryan Murphy.

Individuals in the Bryan, Texas area want to talk with someone about joining the Army who walked the walk. That person is Sgt. 1st Class Murphy. Murphy is a trained infantryman whose skills enable him to hunt enemy armor and destroy them. Having served in leadership roles in Haiti, Bosnia, Kosovo and

Author Soldier Writes Prose, Enlistment Contracts HOUSTON – Years from now after Sgt. 1st Class Rory Carothers retires, you may read poetic musings written while he was a Soldier, but for now his focus is leading Soldiers, and finding qualified Army prospects.

A family man with strong religious leanings, Carothers is writing a faith-based book “to help readers keep strong in their faith,” he said. His in-spiration: Being a Soldier.

“In recruiting, we run into so many people who need help,” he observed. “When you can’t go on, you must dig deeper and go from within.

Taking care of Soldiers important for those going from civilian to Soldier

HOUSTON – As a 14-year-old kid, Sgt. 1st Class Fernando Martinez sold candy door-to-door. As a military policeman (MP), he learned and practiced interview techniques to enforce the law. He uses those life skills he learned as a leader and men-tor to work side-by-side with fel-low Soldiers, to teach what he learned.

Martinez, station com-mander of the U.S. Army Willow-brook Recruiting Station super-vises five NCOs and a platoon of Future Soldiers.

“As an MP you learn how to ask fact finding questions and open ended questions,”

Sgt. 1st Class Ryan Murphy Sgt. 1st Class Fernando Martinez Sgt. 1st Class Rory Carothers

(Airborne Cont on Page 8) (Author Cont on Page 10) 2

Care Cont. on Page 5)

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Note from the Editor: By John L. Thompson III

For some, 'responsibility' is an ugly word. Why is that? Each of us has the ability to choose right from wrong, so shouldn't we TAKE RESPONSIBILITY and do the right thing? But many of us don't; when given the chance, many of us are not tough enough to take responsibility.

We spend 'time' with our family...or do we? How many of us go home for some well-deserved time off, but stay glued to the TV? How much of our off time is actually spent with family? Does watching sports count? No. And how about the responsibility to our family to stay in shape? When was the last time you gave a real effort for a regular work out or exercise regime?

By the way, window-shopping at the mall or operating a remote does not count! We use every excuse under the sun like “I don't have the time” to put on exercise clothes, to walk, run, bike, lift weights or do ANYthing that causes physi-cal effort; or I'm tired and I'm hungry, I'll work out tomorrow.

We hit fast food joints, gobble sugary sweets by the pound, and are surprised when our jeans do not fit, or worse, blame the dryer for shrinking our clothes.

Packrats by nature, most of our homes are a yard sale away from being fea-tured on:”Hoarders.” Equally, the amount owed on our credit cards just goes up along with out-of-control interest rates credit card companies charge.

The mortgage for our 'keeping up with the Jones' home we bought goes up because the county has decided we can afford to pay more taxes. We take out loans to pay for our loans, so it isn't a surprise that most of us can barely keep our heads above water. Where does the buck stop; who takes responsibility?

And if we Americans can't step up and take charge, take responsibility, how can we expect other nations to take responsibility? There are expectations; expec-tations that we, as Americans, MUST lead the way: BE responsible.

Our first loyalty belongs to our creator, second, to our family. That is why we serve in the military. Spend time doing what must be done, spend time with your family. Families grow and change and if you don't take the time now, there IS no later. A song written and sung by the late Harry Chapin, "Cats in the Cradle" is the distant sound of our futures. "Nothing ventured, nothing gained" is the mes-sage. Don't expect your family to have anything to do with you later if you don't have the time to spend with them now. Don't wait until, years later, you are saying: "What if?"

Not maintaining fitness will backfire on you quickly. It takes more time to get back into shape than to maintain good shape. That goes with weight too; it is so much easier to add the pounds than to take them off. A healthy diet with a few indulgences is fine as long as you match your intake with physical output.

The best way to keep from drowning in debt is to make a budget and stick to it. Separate what you want from what you need. Save for retirement: Pay your-self first. Put money into a retirement account as part of your budget plan. Only spend money on necessities like utilities, mortgage and insurance and other 'have tos.' Being financially irresponsible will cost more than you can imagine a military career, your spouse, your family, and the ability to achieve your future dreams.

Responsibility -- it's an ugly word, for some. But by taking charge, it becomes a shining beacon leading your family to a future of sound planning, investment, and a secured future.

Army Values:

Submission Requirements for “Strike First.”

All submissions must be in elec-tronic format. Documents are to be written and submitted in a Microsoft Word document, dou-ble spaced. All submitted pho-tographs must be at least 300 dpi in jpeg format Subjects in photos are to be identified by first name, middle initial if avail-able, last name and proper rank if applicable. Narration as to what action is occurring in pho-tographs are encourage. Name of photographer is requested for photo credit. Author of article will be identified by same infor-mation as above. Editor retains the right to edit stories for con-tent and to conform to Associ-ated Press print style.

Loyalty Bear true faith and allegiance to the U.S. constitution, the Army, and other soldiers. Duty Fulfill your obligations. Accept responsibility for your own actions and those entrusted to your care. Respect Rely upon the golden rule. How we consider others reflects upon each of us, both personally and as a professional organization. Selfless Service Put the welfare of the nation, the Army, and your subordinates before your own. Honor Live up to all the Army values Importance of Character. Integrity Do what is right, legally and morally. Personal Courage Our ability to face fear, danger, or ad-versity, both physical and moral cour-age.

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HOUSTON – As any true angler knows, the mirror-like surface of tranquil waters masks the secret life beneath — schools of fish, each fish ready to fight for its life against a savvy fisherman’s hook and line. Not unlike the lake’s se-rene surface, beneath Staff Sgt. Michael Garrett’s unflappable, calm demeanor is a fierce devotion to those have suffered from wounds inflicted upon them during an ongoing war on terror.

A professional Soldier first, Garrett is a veteran of three deployments to Iraq. To this day he remembers wounded comrades carried off the battlefield.

To honor those Soldiers, he invests personal time as a bass angler to earn contributions to three charities that sup-port the rehabilitation of wounded warriors and their families. Garrett’s abilities have hooked him more than a dozen sponsors, netting him many top finishes in tournaments.

“Our slogan is ‘Support. Defend. Fish,’” said Garrett, who is a member of the ArmyBassAnglers Pro Staff. “Our first mission is to support: Support our charities.”

Garrett said the non-profit ArmyBassAnglers support the Warrior and Family Support Center at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas (www.returningheroeshome.org), Heroes on the Water and Veterans Outdoors.

“Our ‘Defend’ portion comes in since we defend our nation, we fight for our country,” said Garrett, a military police-man whose been in the Army for 13 years. “The third pillar is ‘Fish.’

What [bass anglers in the program] do is fish all over the country and raise awareness for [their wounded warrior] charities.”

On return from one of his deployments, Garrett stopped by the Warrior and Family Support Center to visit a Soldier he served with in Iraq.

“We had a big long talk and he was thankful for everything I was doing,” Garrett reflected.

Garrett said he gained a new perspective on how his contributions supported the center. The funds he and other fishermen raised have helped

(Soldier Casts lines Cont. on Page 5)

Soldier casts lines to aid those wounded by war Story by John L. Thompson III

Staff Sgt. Michael Garrett takes s step up on the trailer supporting his sleek fishing boat which enables him to slide into bodies of water almost silently. This dedicated Soldier honors servicemen wounded on the battlefield through funds he raises for three charities though booth setups, speaking opportunities and boat shows. (Photo by John L. Thompson III, Houston Recruiting Bat-talion)

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Martinez explained. “There are certain ques-tions you can ask a person without you saying much and just by listening to them you learn a lot. My Soldiers are smart. They pick up on what I am doing and do it themselves.”

He says when you ask certain questions you learn if the person’ values, goals and personality make them candidates for Army service.

For the Soldiers and Future Soldiers Martinez passes along a lesson it took him 12 years after high school to learn – continue your education.

“Civilian education,” Martinez said, “is impor-tant and when I was coming up no one stressed it to me. Ironically, one of the reasons why I joined the Army was to get away from school to do something different and then go back to school.”

When Martinez became a station com-mander, he realized he needed to hit the books to stay relevant as a recruiter, as a Soldier and as a father of three children.

Martinez just completed his first year of col-lege and influenced his staff to enroll in at least one college course each semester. With credits

for his real world experience and military educa-tion his 99 semester credits his is a year away from earning a bachelor’s degree in Technical Management and Criminal Justice. For Future Soldiers, especially high school seniors he en-courages them to stay vigilant on their studies. Without that high school diploma, there is no chance of an Army career.

Martinez talked about one particular Future Soldier, which all the recruiting station’s Soldiers helped him with his studies. Through coordina-tion with the high school’s councilors, securing afterschool tutoring the high school senior passed required state standardized tests and left for military training on time. Martinez gets letters from the Soldier who is very happy Soldier. An opportunity not possible without assistance from six Soldiers and a concerned high school faculty.

Martinez said the best part about being a Sol-dier is being able to help someone. When he was a MP in Kosovo he came to the aid of a woman who was being fired at by a sniper and escorted her to safety. As a Soldier on recruiting duty, he continues to help change lives through them securing new careers.

(Care Cont. from page 2)

complete three different projects at the center, in-cluding an outdoor garden area. Heroes on the Water provides kayak trips for wounded veterans. The organization also provides a platform to en-hance the fitness and upper body strength of veter-ans. In addition to the fitness portion, getting away from doctors and hospitals is as therapeutic, ac-cording to Garrett.

Veterans Outdoors takes wounded warriors hunting in Texas and New Mexico. Thanks to his service in the Army,

Garrett has fished all over the world. “Iraq was the wildest place I fished because the

first time was during OIF-1 (initial Iraq operation/invasion),” Garrett explained. On the other end of the scale was Korea, where he was not allowed to have car. “I rode eight to 10 miles on my bike just to go fishing. It was interesting catching three pound bass that had been introduced to the country less than 10 years ago.”

Garrett, assigned to Pearland Recruiting Station in the Houston South Company, said he intends to treat his fellow Soldiers to some serious time on the water and show them the joys of catching fish in the local ponds and lakes. But, only being on the “recruiting trail” for a month, he admitted it will take him a while to establish himself in the battal-ion before he can take time for that pleasure.

As a Soldier and recruiter, Garrett has just the right bait when it comes to advising young men and women on career opportunities with benefits.

As a mentor of junior enlisted Soldiers, he hopes to continue as a positive influence with young Future Soldiers and prospects interested in an Army career.

( Soldier casts lines Cont. from page 4)

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Channelview, Texas – As a teen, David Sisco wanted to be a Soldier. After the Army told the then high school student no, he answered the call from God and entered the ministry. Years later a door opened for this pastor to become a Soldier – an Army chaplain.

Sisco’s desires to serve in the Army comes from a love of the outdoors, deep felt patriotism and a desire to follow family members into military service. His maternal grandfather served as a Marine in the Pacific Theatre during WW II. His paternal grandfather served in Korea during the Korean War. Both his father and his brother spent time in the Navy. In high school, Sisco joined the Army JROTC program.

“Once I got into high school there was an Army ROTC unit and that is when I really fell in love with the Army,” Sisco admitted. “It was that exposure that caught my eye. I went to enlist when I was 17. They have what they called at the time the delayed entry program where you enter sum-mer before your senior year, go to “boot camp,” come back, finish your senior year and then go in. When I went in to take my physical exam, an Air Force doctor discovered I had scoliosis severe enough that in five minutes my dreams of a military career was gone.”

In high school, Sisco was a varsity cross-country runner. He rappelled off 200-foot cliffs and taught others to rappel. He was a member of the Ranger Team in his JROTC. Despite his strenu-ous activities, his appeal was denied.

Sisco accepted disqualification with disappointment. He says he was so wrapped up in what he wanted, he discounted what he felt God planned for him. He entered the seminary and put to rest his thoughts of military service.

“That whole senior year I spent my time, you could say, “soul searching,” and praying and half-way through my senior year I knew that God had orchestrated the chain of events,” Sisco ob-served. “What some people thought was a bad thing; I know that God meant it for good reasons. If nothing else it got my attention.” (The Call cont. on page 7)

Heeding the call, an area pastor begins journey to become a chaplain Story by John L. Thompson III

Army Chaplain Candidate David Sisco takes a moment for reflection in the sanctuary of the South Drive Baptist Church, Channelview, Texas where this associate pastor shares his passion for God and scripture. Sisco is slated to complete all his military train-ing and civilian educa-tion requirements over the next three years to become an Army Chaplain. (Photo by John L. Thompson III, Houston Recruit-ing Battalion)

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After nine years in the ministry, Sisco felt joy ministering to the needs of his church. He found the path which could benefit his God, fellow man and raise a family. His disappointment with being disqualified for Army service faded.

However, 18 months ago, a Facebook con-versation with a former high school classmate brought up Army service. That friend suggested he could enlist, not as an infantryman, but as a chaplain.

A few days after the conversation, Sisco logged onto Facebook and a popup ad startled him. It asked him if he wanted to become an Army chaplain. He thought how very odd just days after he spoke with someone about being a chaplain the ad appeared. Five days later, a friend contacted him to tell him about how he be-came a chaplain in the Air Force. That prompted Sisco to call a recruiter. With the help of that re-cruiter, he filled out paperwork. He headed in to take an physical examination, which he failed.

But that was not the end. After doctors consultations, it was ruled

Sisco’s medical issues would not interfere with him being a chaplain. Now, 13 years later, he wants to be a Soldier again but now his motiva-tion is different.

“I can now do both,” Sisco stated. “I can serve him (God) in full-time ministry but also fulfill what is a lifelong dream of mine to be in the mili-tary.

“My philosophy is to serve those that serve,” Sisco declared. “I look at the Army now as a great mission. All the stresses Soldiers go through, and the difficulties and the separations. What an awesome opportunity to help those that not only protect our country but they keep my family safe.”

Before Sisco can become a chaplain, he must complete his master’s degree work. Sisco is in his third semester in a curriculum heavy on coun-seling techniques. He understands military members and their families need someone with counseling skills to address issues such as separation, anxiety and marital relationships.

“It is neat the Army Chaplain Corps’ motto is “For God and Country,” Sisco commented. “I get to continue to serve my God and serve my coun-try, which I have always longed to do and to do it in a very personal way.”

Captain Christina Valentine, personnel officer in the U.S. Army Recruiting Battalion in Houston issues the oath of enlistment, making David Sisco a second lieutenant and starting him on his path to becoming an Army Chaplain. (Photo by John L. Thompson III, Houston Recruiting Battalion)

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Albania, one role he relished was being the one per-son deciding when and where Soldiers would plunge via parachute to earth.

“You are in charge of all those personnel, the equipment, the bird (plane) and you are in charge of the safety of it all,” Murphy grinned. “That can be a scary and daunting task. It is thrilling as well.”

Murphy said that despite his ability to jump out of an aircraft hundreds of feet above the ground he is afraid of heights. He would rather make a tactical parachute jump with all his equipment than hang Christmas lights on his garage roof.

During Murphy’s 10 years in recruiting, he earned the respect of fellow recruiters, awards for finding and enlisting men and women into the Army, and was named Station Commander of the Month in the U.S. Army Recruiting Battalion in Houston for October 2010. Murphy is a member of the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club. Only a tiny fraction of NCOs compete and are accepted into the club. Those who succeed are the most knowledgeable and proficient members of the NCO Corps. Audie Murphy entered WW II rose through the enlisted ranks, earning the Congressional Medal of Honor. Later in the war, he was awarded a battlefield commission. He was the most highly deco-rated Soldier who served in WW II.

Ryan Murphy’s professionalism is one facet he finds attracts prospects to want to become Soldiers.

“I talk with the applicants and the prospects,” Mur-phy indicated, “Anyone I meet on the street and I have a genuine enthusiasm for what I do in the Army. I don’t really consider myself a “recruiter.” I consider myself a Soldier and convey that when I talk to people I meet out on the street and they respect that.

“It helps me gain a rapport with people. They can see I have a genuine interest in what I do. That gets them interested in what I do. So, by telling them some of the stories and things I have done in the Army, some of the things my friends have done in the Army it helps me convey what the Army is all about. It can help put them in that picture of how they can do the same thing.”

Murphy said he helps candidates explore the var-ied jobs the Army has available.

In the office, Murphy said he leads the Soldiers in his station “from the front.” It means he sets a posi-tive, professional example, works side-by-side with the Soldiers and is not “afraid to get his hands dirty.”

Murphy’s sense of teamwork extends into his per-

sonal life. Still active in sports, he plays flag football, bowls in a league, coaches his son’s soccer team and works with his daughter’s color guard.

An important part of his life, Murphy loves spend-ing time with his kids. With a daughter, 16, and son, 7, having time for the two is a challenge. With new recruiting hour standards, he is consistently home for dinner and during evenings and weekends. Unless he is taking someone for testing or escorting a prospect to an event, he is at home for dinner every night. Be-ing together builds cohesion in his family. Murphy said during the 1950s, families knew every night what time they were having dinner. Eating and being to-gether made stronger families then and with the new recruiting schedule, Murphy works with his wife and children to make the “family unit” a strong unit for life.

And jumping out of an airplane is not a require-ment.

Sergeant 1st Class Ryan Murphy, station commander of the U.S. Army Recruiting Station, Bryan, Texas talks with a Future Soldier to ensure that Soldier is prepared to travel to initial training soon. (Photo by John L. Thompson III, Houston Recruiting Battalion)

(Airborne Cont. from Page 2)

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Story and Photo by John L. Thompson III Houston – Often a younger brother or sister follows the

lead of an older sibling, one 21-year-old young man followed his younger brother’s example by joining him as a member of the U.S. Army Reserve.

Younger brother Pvt. 1st Class Joshua Crawford gradu-ated from North Shore High School in Houston. During his weekend battle assemblies in the U.S. Army Reserve, he serves as a Human Resource Specialist for an engineer unit in Northwest Houston. Older brother Darius Crawford is a Booker T. Washington High School graduate, who enlisted for a Combat Engineer job. Once he completes Army train-ing, he will serve in an aviation unit in Conroe.

Sgt. 1st Class Lisa Curlin, Army recruiter for the North Shore Recruiting Station, says the bond between the two sib-lings led to the older brother’s enlistment.

“It was soon after his brother returned from Army training that he (Darius) came in,” Curlin said. “Darius had to find out what Joshua went through and then it was no problem for him to come in (and enlist.)”

Both the brothers were eligible for enlistment bonuses. Joshua used his bonus money to buy a car to commute to school. Darius hasn’t decided what to do with his bonus money yet.

Both, however, plan to use their enlistment educational benefits to pay for college. Joshua plans to attend the down-town campus of University of Houston, while Darius has set his sights on Baylor University.

Curlin said the brothers’ aunt, who is stationed at Fort Bragg, N.C. – Spec. Christopher Gibbs – supported and en-couraged their enlistments. Curlin says Gibb’s hopes the pair will attend college while serving their country.

Brother joins brother in choosing U.S. Army Reserve

March is Women’s History Month

Sgt. 1st Class Lisa Curlin of the North Shore Recruiting Station stands between Joshua and Darius Craw-ford, brothers who entered the U.S. Army Reserve and will serve near home and take advantage of educa-tion benefits at area col-leges. (Photo by John L. Thompson III, U.S. Army Recruiting Battalion, Hous-ton)

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For me it is God. For others they may have some thing different …but in the end, it’s a matter of faith.”

Self-motivated, Carothers hopes to con-tinue to build on his successes and seek higher levels of achievement. He says his leadership style is to lead while working alongside his Soldiers; to pass along the knowledge he gleaned from years of experi-ence to aid in their respective success.

For 14 years, Carothers served as a re-cruiter and, later, as station commander. During first five years of his active Army ser-vice, he trained as a Nuclear Biological Chemical Specialist, but was selected to run his unit’s retention program; this well may have been the catalyst guiding him toward recruiting. During those14 years of recruiting duty, he estimates he helped 600 people enlist.

Carothers claims past recruiters who helped him join the Army more than 20 years ago were just doing a job. But with him, he says, it’s more personal.

“I try to instill in my recruiters that we are dealing with lives,” he explains. “This ap-proach has helps me. Overall, I think it helps when you treat applicants like people.”

Carothers says he keeps an open mind and an open heart when working with pros-pects. He says the Army may be the experi-ence that may change a person’s life for the

better. He daily sees the desire to excel in young

men and women’s hearts, but like him in his youth, they have no formalized plan. Caroth-ers says he works with them to include how to deal with issues like finances and educa-tion.

When can we expect to read Sgt. 1st Class Rory Carothers’ book? Not anytime soon. With the rigors of recruiting duty, op-portunities to indulge in family life with his wife and five children and working on a mar-keting degree, his book has been shelved. But with Rory Carothers, it’s a sure bet he will have that book ready before he takes his final bow as a Soldier.

The “Strike First” is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. Army produced quarterly by the Houston Recruiting Battalion personnel under AR 360-1. Contents of the “First Strike” are not necessarily official views of or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, Department of Defense, Department of the Army or the Houston Recruiting Battalion. Circulation: 1000. The “First Strike” wel-comes editorial submissions but reserves the right to edit submitted material to ensure it complies with Army policy and Associated Press journalistic standards. All submitted copy should be typed and submitted prior to the 1st day of each calendar quarter unless otherwise arranged with the editor. Mailing address: Advertising and Public Affairs Office; U.S. Army Recruiting Battalion Houston, 1919 Smith Street, Suite 1529, Houston, TX 77002-1529, Telephone: 713-209-3222 Fax: 713-209-3176. Electronic mail sub-missions are encouraged: JOHN.THOMPSON@usarec.army.mil

Commander.... Lt. Col. Michael A. Bottiglieri Chief A & PA … William C. Grimes Editor………....John L. Thompson III

(Author Cont. from Page 10)

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Story and Photo by John L. Thompson III ———————————————————— College Station, Texas – When Sgt. Juan Pastrana was young, he made mistakes that would have torpedoed most people’s future but a wakeup call “behind bars” turned him toward Army service.

Now he talks to troubled youth about how life doesn’t end after making bad decisions as a teen.

Like many of his peers, Sgt. Pastrana was a high-spirited teen in his high school in Orlando, Fla. What he did got him kicked out of high school and put in a school in juvenile detention. It was in that environment that made him deter-mined to turn his life around.

“I graduated high school when I was 20,” Pastrana explained. “It shows I refused to quit until I turned my life around 180 degrees.

Pastrana remembers the teens he went to school with and understands there are bright prospects who, like he, fell into bad company or were not able to make in a traditional high school setting.

“I work closely with Caldwell M.E.D. (Making Education Diverse) program, which deals with students who had dropped out, had a problem with authority or has had a child or other situa-tion. I relate my story to them, which goes along well with them. I did go on the wrong path and so have they. They went on the wrong path and now they are trying to correct their way, just like I did.”

Caldwell M.E.D. includes non-traditional stu-dents who work to support a household.

Pastrana has prospects make two mental checklists. One is the present situation with a possible area future. The other is the choice of an Army career with all the education and bene-fits that are available.

Pastrana, like his fellow recruiters are re-sponsible for preparing Future Soldiers for their transition from civilian to Soldier. Integrity is one of the Seven Army Values all Future Soldiers learn and all Soldiers apply.

“If you don’t have integrity, nothing else

follows,” Pastrana says. “You need integrity in your daily job.”

For youth with a checkered past, being able to be trusted and to trust others is an important part for being able to be part of a team. And Pastrana says the Army is all about teamwork.

Pastrana often works with Texas high school students in Somerville, Caldwell and Anderson. He said the Army provides an alternative oppor-tunity to those who after graduation have little choice but to gravitate back to the farm or oil fields. But someone like Sgt. Juan Pastrana is always willing to provide a sympathetic ear to those young men and women whose potential was blunted by poor choices or circumstances to help them achieve a better life, perhaps start-ing with an Army career.

Army Recruiter believes in the “second chance”

Tougher than he looks, Sgt. Juan Pastrana is trained to train others in hand-to-hand combat and is training for brown belt in jujitsu and during his 15 months in Iraq he placed well in two Army tournaments. (Photo by John L. Thompson III, Houston Recruiting Battalion)

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Buffalo Soldiers originally were members of the U.S. 10th Buffalo Soldiers originally were members of the U.S. 10th Cavalry Regiment of the United States Army, formed on Cavalry Regiment of the United States Army, formed on September 21, 1866 at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.September 21, 1866 at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.

The nickname was given to the “Negro Cavalry” by the Na-The nickname was given to the “Negro Cavalry” by the Na-tive American tribes they fought; the term eventually became tive American tribes they fought; the term eventually became synonymous with all of the Africansynonymous with all of the African--American regiments American regiments formed in 1866:formed in 1866:

9th Cavalry Regiment9th Cavalry Regiment 10th Cavalry Regiment10th Cavalry Regiment 24th Infantry Regiment24th Infantry Regiment 25th Infantry Regiment25th Infantry Regiment Although several AfricanAlthough several African--American regiments were raised American regiments were raised

during the Civil War to fight alongside the Union Army during the Civil War to fight alongside the Union Army (including the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry and the (including the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry and the many United States Colored Troops Regiments), the “Buffalo many United States Colored Troops Regiments), the “Buffalo Soldiers” were established by Congress as the first peacetime Soldiers” were established by Congress as the first peacetime allall--black regiments in the regular U.S. Army.black regiments in the regular U.S. Army.

On September 6, 2005, Mark Matthews, who was the oldest On September 6, 2005, Mark Matthews, who was the oldest living Buffalo Soldier, died at the age of 111. He was buried at living Buffalo Soldier, died at the age of 111. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.Arlington National Cemetery. The Buffalo Soldier statue "Answering the Call" was dedicated Sept. 21, in downtown Lawton, Okla., on the Buffalo Soldiers Heritage Plaza at 2nd Street and Gore Boulevard. The 9-foot, 800-pound bronze piece was created by Lawton sculptor Dr. Gary Gardner. (Photo Jeff Crawley (Fort Sill)

Black History Month Remembered

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“Army Strong through Strong Families” Soldier and Family Assistance Program Manager Update By Mrs. Michelle Borjas, Soldier and Family Assistance Program Manager

Thoughts to recruit by … from Clint Eastwood I don't believe in pessimism. If something doesn't come up the way you want, forge ahead. If you think it's going to rain, it will. I've never met a genius. A genius to me is someone who does well at something he hates. Anybody can do well at something he loves - it's just a question of finding the subject. Respect your efforts, respect yourself. Self-respect leads to self-discipline. When you have both firmly under your belt, that's real power. Sometimes if you want to see a change for the better, you have to take things into your own hands. There's a lot of great movies that have won the Academy Award, and a lot of great movies that haven't. You just do the best you can. We are like boxers, one never knows how much longer one has.

For 15 years, first as a Soldier and then as a spouse of a Sol-dier, Michelle Borjas gained knowledge and experience and worked to help Soldiers

effectively take care of their families. Less than a month ago she landed here as the new Soldier and Family Assistance Program Manager. From 1996 to 2005, Borjas did her best to develop programs to help Soldiers and their families through research and trial-and-error, mainly because many Army posts did not have formalized programs in place. Borjas served as Family Support Group Leader and then Family Readiness Leader spending a number of years at the Warrior Transition Center at Fort Bragg, N.C. Borjas worked through a non-profit agency near Fort Campbell, Ky., that coordinated family support programs in two states. That agency is Operation Homefront, which provides emergency financial and other assistance to the families of service members and wounded warriors. Borjas said she is working through the same issues Soldiers and their families encounter when moving to an area where there is no military post and it gives her

insight as where her future areas of focus need to be to best help the troops. “The number one issue I have seen so far is TRI-CARE,” Borjas explained. “Soldiers and families do not understand how the process works. Not under-standing there are steps Soldiers and families must take in order to stay current in the health system. Many families are not current in our region. So that means they are getting enormous medical bills.” Borjas said because the proper procedures were not followed to register that slows down the process for reimbursement. Claims must be resubmitted, which creates a wave of financial issues for the Soldier. Un-resolved financial issues can negatively affect a Sol-diers security clearance.

Borjas said by going to the Humana Military Web site (http://www.humana-military.com/) Soldiers and families can follow easy to follow instructions to insure problems do not occur.

“The site has step-by-step instructions as to how to change your region,” Borjas explained. “And how to locate a doctor in your area and to make sure the doctor takes the TRICARE you are on. Next, make sure you get a referral for all further medical needs. Many of the doctors located (Strong Families Cont. Page 14)

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off post do not understand the TRICARE system. But TRICARE is different and you have to have referrals.”

Borjas looks forward to work with the battalion’s companies. She encourages companies hold quar-terly meetings at the company level. This will allow her to work with the Soldiers and their families to keep pro-grams such as TRICARE current. Quarterly meetings can be enhanced by bringing speakers to address common issues such as finances, marriage and stress. It helps families get to know each other and find ways to support each other. Activities such as family team building exercises are on the horizon.

Borjas also plans to use assets from area commu-nities and national companies.

“This job will never get done if I don’t think outside the box,” Borjas said.

Borjas said in order for the battalion to be success-ful, involvement from leaders at battalion, company

and station level is imperative. She maintains her having direct communication with families provides cur-rent information and resources available enables fami-lies to sustain themselves miles away from instillation support.

A final piece Borjas would like to work is to inproc-ess families like the battalion inprocesses Soldiers, but on a company level each quarter.

Michelle Borjas continues her mission of caring for Soldiers and their families. For Houston Battalion Sol-diers and their families, it is an opportunity to enhance their lives with the help of an experienced and compas-sionate hand at the wheel.

Michelle K. Borjas, MSM Soldier & Family Assistance Program Manager Houston Recruiting Battalion Houston, TX 77001 Phone: 713-588-4034 Email: michelle.borjas@us.army.mil michelle.borjas@usarec.army.mil

March is Women’s History Month

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(Right) Staff Sergeant Camila Fontes receives one of the final Glen E. Morrell for recruiting ex-cellence. The award is no longer to be awarded as recruiting proce-dures now focus on Soldiers working as a team, rather than count-ing on individual efforts.

(Left) Staff Sgt. Nirettzy Schmidt-Velez, Sgt. Audie Murphy Club member and Staff Sgt. Paul Everhart, bat-talion NCO of the Year for FY 10 pay homage to those servicemembers who remain missing in action.

Annual Training Conference 2011

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(Top left) Chaplain Major Joseph Riley addresses the spiritual needs of spouses attending the battalion annual training conference. Riley addressed issues including family stress and marriage . Major General Donald Campbell,

USAREC Commander and Colonel Christo-pher Himsl acknowledge the sacrifices and extra effort of spouses involved in family support. (Above right) Mrs. Amy Gordon, wife of Staff Sgt. Jason Gordon has her ef-forts applauded and (middle left) Mrs. Kim Silvrants, wife of Sgt. Jared Silvrants and Mrs. Rochelle Schiffman, wife of Maj. Jairo Schiffman receive a salute from the battalion for their efforts encouraging family support activities. (Bottom left) Ms. Kathy Mackie, Employment Specialist operating under Goodwill Industries of Houston discusses ways for spouses to gain employment in the communities they are located. (Photos by John L. Thompson III, Houston Battalion)

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Mr. Shelby Norris (top) as Master of Ceremonies during the Annual Train-ing Conference Banquet pauses for ef-fect during the program. (Above right) Operations NCOIC Master Sgt. Juan Dozier stresses a point while talking about operations procedures. (Above left) Mr. Calvin Westray and Ms. Theresa Henderson review personnel forms to confirm changes to Soldiers records. (Right) Mr. Bill Roach and Ms. Rebecca Smith review clothing and vehicle maintenance records to ensure everything is “dress right dress.”

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Orange, Texas – In Texas, football is “king” and each year for the last four years, the U.S. Army linked up with a Texas football magazine to choose high school football teams in different classes as “Team of the Year” because of what makes that team rise above the others.

The West Orange-Stark Mustangs advanced to the second round of the Class-3A state football playoffs after going undefeated in Dist. 21-3A despite losing senior quarterback Reggie Garrett Jr., who died of natural causes early in the sea-son. According to Brad Hilliard, Operations and Events Manager for Dave Campbell’s Texas Football magazine, team of the year honors are awarded for more than a winning record.

“This is for a team in the eyes of our staff and the eyes of the U.S. Army where the team has a season where they rose above expectations; they achieved greatness whether that meant finishing as a state champion or not. We are familiar with not only what you football team, but what your community went through in the past couple of months.”

Hilliard went on to say as someone who suffered a trau-matic loss as a teenager his heart went out to the football team, the coach, the staff and the community.

Representing the Army were Sgt. 1st Class Kelly Heath-man from the Orange Recruiting Station and Beaumont Com-pany Commander Captain Charles Carroll, who presented this trophy for “Army Strong Texas Team of the Year” to Head Football Coach Dan Hooks.

“This is truly a great honor for West Orange-Stark, the

community, the faculty and the staff,” Hooks said, “but mostly for this group of football players. We truly appreciate this.”

“Yes, they did overcome adversity,” Hooks said, “a trau-matic event but they rose above it and played well and went into the playoffs. I’m proud of them.”

The award came at an auspicious occasion helping the school make the transition complete from football to basket-ball season with the introduction of this year’s boys and girls basketball teams.

Overcoming the loss through death of quarter-back Reggie Garrett Jr., the West Orange-Stark Mustangs kept spirits alive and succeeded in having a successful sea-son. The West Orange High School team was named “Army Strong Texas 3A Team of the Year.” (Right to left) Taking the floor are foot-ball players Darius Robin-son and Mark Roberts, Football Coach Dan Hooks, Captain Charles Carroll and Sgt. 1st Class Kelly Heathman during the presentation of the award. (Photos by John L. Thompson III, Houston Recruiting Battalion)

Orange Texas 3A football team deemed Orange Texas 3A football team deemed “Army Strong Texas Team of the Year”“Army Strong Texas Team of the Year”