THE
PRSRT STD U.S. Postage Paid
Permit no. 43,
Hinesville, Ga. 31314
Vol. 44, Issue 36
Frontline
Serving the Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield communities • www.stewart.army.mil
Community remembers 9/11
See Page 15A
September 17, 2009
Photo by Robert E. Scott, MVIC
Stewart-Hunter, local leaders join
first responders to commemorate 9/11
Randy Murray
Fort Stewart Public Affairs
More than 1,000 Fort
Stewart and Hunter Army
Airfield Soldiers and Family
Members, along with community leaders joined first
responders to commemo-
rate the events of Sept. 11,
2001 with a Freedom Walk,
Sept. 10 and Sept. 11.
Major General Tony
Cucolo, 3rd Infantry commanding general, began
Stewart's ceremony with
opening remarks that asked
everyone to recall what they
were doing on the morning
of 9/11 eight years ago.
Although the attacks of
9/11 caught most Americans
off-guard and shocked many
in this nation of diverse people with differing political
and religious beliefs, he
pointed out that Americans
always “rise up as one” when
attacked. He then welcomed
the many first responders
there to participate in
Freedom Walk – emergency
medical personnel, and fire
department and law enforcement personnel.
“It’s an honor to serve with
our first responders,” Maj.
Gen. Cucolo said, comparing the risks and the sacrifice they make to the risks
and sacrifices made by
Soldiers. “We are in this
together.”
See FREEDOM Page 3A
Be prepared for flu season Welcome home 135th QM Co!
Clarence D. Thomas
Chief, Environmental Health
Winn Army Community Hospital
Medicine. At Fort Stewart and Hunter
Army Airfield, vaccinations are mandatory for Soldiers, health-care personnel
providing direct patient care in
Department of Defense medical treatment facilities, and for emergencyessential DoD civilian personnel, Maj.
Ellis reported.
The flu is an infection of the nose,
throat and lungs caused by the influenza virus.
“Most people with the flu are sick for
about a week, but then feel better,” Maj.
Ellis said.
Influenza threatens military readiness. It is a contagious respiratory disease that can have serious, or even fatal
effects. Therefore, all Soldiers are
required to be vaccinated against the flu
each year.
“Influenza vaccination is your most
important protection against the flu,”
said Maj. Shannon Ellis, chief, Winn
Army Community Hospital Preventive
See FLU Page 4A
Spc. Gaelen Lowers
3rd Sustainment Bde. Public Affairs
1st Lt. Robert W. Cowan
135th Quartermaster Company
Nearly 200 Soldiers from the 135th
Quartermaster Company, 87th
Combat Sustainment Support
Battalion, 3rd Sustainment Brigade
arrived home after a yearlong deployment in support of Operation Iraqi
Freedom, Sept. 14.
The 135th Quartermaster Co. operated out of Contingency Operating
See REDEPLOY
3rd Infantry Division presents
Twilight Tattoo
Cottrell Field
4/3 Avn.
shoothouse
training
13A
Base Adder in the southern region of
Iraq, known as Tallil. From there, the
company provided multiple classes of
supply and gun truck support and
accumulated more than 350,000 total
miles driven in almost 500 total missions.
This was the first deployment for
many Soldiers of the 135th QM.
One Soldiers, Spec. Bradley Gandy,
left behind his fiancé, Solmary Gandy,
who has taken to using his last name
because of their planned marriage the
day after the homecoming ceremony.
Page 16A
'Something to Believe In'
The 3rd Infantry Division will hold its final Twilight
Tattoo before the unit’s deployment on Fort Stewart’s
Cottrell Field at 6:30 p.m., tonight. The event will feature music by the 3rd ID Band, a swearing-in of Army
recruits, the division history, and a finale which promises to be spectacular.
The twilight tattoo is an event steeped in pageantry
and history, offering Soldiers, Family Members, and all
who attend the chance to feel some chest-pounding
pride. The history of Twilight Tattoo began more than
300 years ago as British troops were summoned from
the warmth and hospitality of local pubs by a bugle
and drum call to return to the barracks. The familiar
tune told tavern owners "doe den tap toe," or "time to
turn off the taps." The troops knew the call to mean
"taps off," and minutes later they were back in their
tents. The modern-day call is known as "Tattoo" and
during basic training, the call signals the time to quiet
down and hit the bunks.
Stewart, Hunter
hold Showcase
RISF
1B
2A The Frontline
September 17, 2009
From the CSMs Desk :
Command Sgt. Maj. James Ervin
Garrison Command Sergeant Major
Last week we lost yet another Soldier
to a private-owned vehicle accident. This
accident is under investigation; however,
initial reports tell me that while on his
way to work at 4:30 a.m., the Soldier was
involved in a head-on collision with an
oncoming vehicle. This was probably
least expected on the Soldier’s part when
he departed home for work. That’s what
risk assessment is all about – the least
expected.
You don’t have to initiate an accident
to be involved in an accident. So, therefore, unless you are expecting the unexpected and have planned accordingly,
your chances of being involved in an
accident is significantly higher than it
would be had you considered the unexpected. Considering the unexpected is
one element of defensive driving.
Other elements of defensive driving
include wearing your seatbelt at all
Risk assessments save lives, maybe your own
times; giving yourself an
out by keeping an escape
route open to avoid trouble; keeping your eyes
moving; and getting and
keeping the big picture –
don’t follow any vehicle
too closely, stay back and
see it all. This is not conclusive; you can get more
information at a Web site I
will talk about shortly.
If you are a leader –
Soldier, Army Civilian or
Family leader – your emphasis on private-owned vehicle safety must be unrelenting.
When Soldiers, Army Civilians and
Family Members are steadily involved
with safety efforts. There is a greater
sense of ownership and pride, particularly when success is realized. Leaders
working with Families, communities and
peers build safer environments for the
Army on and off duty.
Individuals sometimes
telegraph signals that
translate later into accidents. Negative behavior
such as traffic offenses,
alcohol abuse, misconduct
and poor performance
often are indicators of
potential POV accident victims. I encourage you to
identify “at risk” individuals; counsel them; take
proactive measures to
modify their risky behavior.
Also, know that the majority of our
community members are law-abiding
citizens. They just need to know that
everyone is not law abiding. It’s incumbent on each and every individual to
learn, practice and insist upon defensive
driving. The place to start, if you are not
there already, is right at your finger tips.
The POV Risk Management Toolbox
for
Commanders,
Leaders,
Noncommissioned
Officers
and
Individuals, is a superb place to start or
continue safety training for POVs and
motorcycles.
I encourage you to visit https://safety.
army.mil/TOOLS/POVToolbox/tabid/631/
Default.aspx. Download the POV Toolbox,
Leader’s Guide for Toolbox, and the PreTrip checklist and Inspection. Equip yourselves, your Soldiers and Families with the
tools you need to maintain an accidentfree environment.
Soldiers and Army Civilians, you don’t
have to wait on your leaders to guide you
to safety. Go to https://safety.army.mil/
now. Check out the many risk management tools provided by First Army and the
U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety
Center — including the Travel Risk
Planning System, Risk Management
Information System, and Ground Risk
Assessment Tool — and put them to use.
Get in touch with safety through your own
initiative. Introduce your Family Members
to the information and tools. The life you
save could be your own.
Marne CSM remembers 9/11 with Claxton community
Spc. Michael Adams
3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs
coming up in Lincolnton. Lincolnton is like Claxton
with one exception – we don’t have the fruitcake.”
Gayle Durrence, the city administrator for Claxton
,spoke of her appreciation for Command Sgt. Major
Andrews and the Soldiers who serve.
“It was a great event," Gayel said. "It related to us.
I’m sure we have people in the audience who have
Family Members serving, and I’m sure they liked
hearing him speak.”
American Legion members, as well as residents of
Claxton and residents of Evans ounty were at the
event.
William B. Colson Jr., a 20-year Army veteran and
member of the American Legion, was at the event.
He appreciated the event and Command Sgt. Maj.
Andrew’s speech.
“It was outstanding, I was very proud of him,” he
said. “It spoke from the heart; it spoke the truth; and
it spoke to people that feel it, believe it and understand it.”
While Colson was touched by Command Sgt. Maj.
Andrew’s speech, he was and continues to be touched
by those who serve.
“I thank each and every one of you for what you’re
doing for our country,” he said. “I give you a big two
thumbs up. Keep marching.”
On Sept.11, 2001, our nation’s capital and our
nation’s largest city were attacked. Another attack
was thwarted by passengers of an airplane that
crashed in western Pennsylvania.
While the acts were in the centers of America’s
power or intended to attack it’s centers of power, their
devastation was felt all over America, including
Claxton, Ga., the fruitcake capital of the world. The
town chose to honor the victims of the attacks and
the servicemembers who have been sent overseas to
capture those responsible.
The town held its 8th annual Patriot Day Service of
Rememberance, Sept. 11 at Evans County Courthouse
in Claxton, Ga.
The event was sponsored by the Claxton Chamber
of Commerce. Command Sergeant Major Jesse
Andrews, command sergeant major of the 3rd
Infantry Division, was the guest speaker at the
event.
“It is my honor and my pleasure to be part of your
patriotic observance here today. We should never
forget the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001,” he said.
“The deadly attacks took the lives of 3,000 innocent
people for no other reason than the fact they were
Americans, like you and me.
He continued by talking about the Army’s presence during the day.
“September 11, 2001 was a defining moment for
the United States and the United States Army,” he
added. “The Army’s 9/11 victims at the Pentagon,
our nation’s first responders at the world trade center
and our first responders out in the field in
Pennsylvania, rapidly responded to their call of duty.
On that day, many made the ultimate sacrifice, performing their duties as public servants of our
nation.”
Command Sergeant Major Andrews is from
Lincolnton County, which is close to Claxton. He
spoke of his roots and the impact it had on his life.
Spc. Michael Adams
“I would not be able to stand before you today as
Command Sgt. Maj. of the 3rd Infantry Division, the Third Infantry Division Command Sgt. Maj. Jesse Andrews shakes hands with Army veteran William B.
best combat maneuver division in the Army’s inven- Colson Jr. at the 8th annual Patriot Day Service of Remembrance at Evans County Courthouse in
tory, without the small town upbringing that I had Claxton, Ga., Sept. 11.
This week in Marne History:
Two 30th Inf Companies Earn PUCs in one week
Dr. Judith Brown
Fort Stewart History Museum
In World War II, it was not unusual for
several units to be awarded the Presidential
Unit Citation for a joint action or operation; it was very unusual for two companies in one regiment to earn PUCs in two
separate and distinct actions within a
one-week period. In 1944, Company L,
3rd Battalion, 30th Infantry performed
actions on Sept. 17 that earned it a PUC.
Three days later, on Sept. 20, Company G,
2nd Battalion, 30th Inf. began two days of
actions that earned it the PUC. As the 1st
Battalion, 30th Inf. would receive a PUC
for its work at Besançon on Sept. 6-7,
every battalion of the 30th Infantry had at
least one company earning a PUC within
three weeks in September 1944.
On Sept. 15, 1944, the 3rd Infantry
Division’s “Champagne Campaign”
through Southern France ended and the
division began the long hard slog through
the Vosges Mountains in northeast France
that would result in the expulsion of
German troops from France. It had captured the last big town in the Southern
France campaign, Vesoul, on Sept. 12.
Now the 3rd ID was coming against
increasing pressure from the German
Nineteenth Army guarding the Belfort
gap in the Vosges. Since the French had
taken over the Division’s right zone, the
3rd ID moved north toward the town of
Faucogney.
On Sept. 17, the 3/30th Inf. was trying
to capture Raddon, a village west of
Faucogney. Company L had taken a heavily forested ridge that dominated a nearby
road essential for German defense of the
town. Shortly after noon, heavy tank and
artillery fire swept over the ridge. An
attack followed by more than 200 German
troops, who “rushed into our fire in an
insane manner, as if they had been given
liquor or drugs.” For six hours in rain and
fog Company L resisted waves of attack.
The right flank squad, led by Sgt. Harold
Messerschmidt, ran out of ammunition.
As the only one of his squad still standing,
Messerschmidt then used his tommy gun
as a club to kill German soldiers. He was
awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously for his heroism. When Company
L was finally reinforced, it was down to
four rifle squads and very little ammunition, but it had held the ridge and earned
itself a PUC.
Raddon was taken the next day, Sept.
18. On Sept. 20, 2/30 Inf. moved toward
the town of Voleux, north of Faucogney,
which was guarded by what came to be
called “Potato Masher Hill.” Companies E
and F attacked it, but were forced back.
Company G made it to the top, but they
were completely surrounded. Moreover,
their wire communications were slashed,
they had only a day of supplies, and it was
cold and wet. Despite these problems
they held on for two days. They weathered five counterattacks by the enemy in
sometimes hand-to-hand combat. All of
their officers, except company commander Capt. Hugh Wardlaw, who would
be awarded the Silver Star, were killed or
wounded. When they were relieved, they
were found to have killed, wounded or
captured 152 of the enemy and the 30th
Infantry was able to roll up a powerful
enemy ridge line of defenses, which had
barred the advance of the allied forces
into that sector of the Vosges.
Despite situations of extreme difficulty,
these two companies of fewer
than 200 men
each held off significantly larger
enemy forces in
perilous situations when lesser
units would have
retreated or surrendered. They
were
truly
“Rocks” of the
Marne Division.
Courtesy Photos
Sergeant Harold Messerschmidt, L Co.,
3rd Battalion, 30th Infantry, was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for
his actions during World War II. His unit
recieved a Presidential Unit Citation.
Rock of the Marne
September 17, 2009The
Frontline 3A
Behind The Lens
FREEDOM
Following remarks by Maj. Gen.
Cucolo, John McIver, chairman of
the Liberty County Board of
Commissioners, and Charles Frasier,
Hinesville Mayor Pro Temore,
offered a few remarks. Chairman
McIver noted Liberty County’s continued support for Soldiers soon to
deploy to Iraq and Afghanistan and
said the county continues to pray
for Soldiers’ Families. Mayor Pro
Tem Frasier reminded those attending to always remember the tragic
events of 9/11, noting that if we do
not remember such a horrible event,
it may happen again.
Family Members, veterans and
civilians kicked off Hunter's 2009
Freedom Walk at the Hunter Club at
6 p.m., Sept. 11. Also on hand were
Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan
Police Department law enforcement
officers, Fort Stewart-Hunter Army
Airfield emergency service and law
enforcement officers and other first
responders who risk their lives daily
to help others. A private citizen
even donated 30 doves as a symbol
of freedom.
from Page 1A
Randy Murray
Soldiers, Family Members and first
responders wait for the start of
this year’s Freedom Walk at
Cottrell Field, Sept. 10.
Jim Jeffcoat
Many Fort Stewart Families participating in 2009 Freedom Walk
included children, some in strollers.
Nancy Gould
Children wave flags
during the Freedom
Walk ceremony and
walk.
Randy Murray
Major General Tony Cucolo, senior commander for Fort Stewart-Hunter
Army Airfield, supported by 3rd Infantry Division Command Sergeant
Major Jesse Andrews, offers a few remarks before leading this year’s
Freedom Walk at Cottrell Field, Sept. 10.
Nancy Gould
Walkers line up on Duncan
Dr. for the one-mile trek during Hunter's 2009 Freedom
Walk, Sept. 11.
Nancy Gould
Participants in Hunter's Freedom Walk exit the Hunter
Club and begin the one-mile trek down Duncan Dr. and
back to Hunter Club.
4A The Frontline
September 17, 2009
3rd Infantry Division
Commentary
Barrack's Life: Southern-fried tailgating experience
Spc. Dustin Gautney
2nd HBCT Public Affairs
With the third week of the 2009
National Collegiate Athletic Association
football season upon us, I am reminded
of how great it is that we are located
inside of the nation’s college football hot
bed. Within a few hours of Fort Stewart
and Hunter Army Airfield lie six of the
nation’s top 25-ranked teams, including
four in the top 10. With so much college
action within hours of our southern
home, many Soldiers may take the
chance to see one of these iconic matches during a long weekend or for many of
us during pre-deployment leave.
However, I would advise to arrive early
to partake in more than just the game.
Learn what it is to become a true fan
and immerse into the fandom of college
football.
Last year, Barracks Life
gave our readers a tour
of the great southern
football stadiums in our
area; however, for those
who have not taken part
in this southern football
religiosity, there is much
more to the football
experience than just
arriving at the game at
the grandiose southern
stadiums; there's the tradition of tailgating.
Those who might
think that tailgating is
just a form of backyard barbeque will
find that it is a football ritual steeped in
team pride and tradition, from the thousands of motor homes that fill the park-
ing lots decorated in their
team colors, to the
sounds of fans playing
the fight songs of the college bands.
Spectators who walk
around the campus at a
major southern university during game day are
greeted with sights and
smells that tell visitors
that this is not just a barbeque; this is about pride.
Rows of giant rotisserie
smokers fill the cool
morning air with the
smells of slow roasted
meat at a University of Alabama game
as local barbeque chefs from the world
famous Dream Land Ribs slow roast the
southern delicacy often enjoyed by vis-
iting United States presidents and dignitaries. For a more local fair, take a trip
down to New Baton Rouge and Louisiana
State University and witness the boiling
vats of jambalaya and other Creole cuisine.
With the sounds of thousands enjoying good times playing pickup football
games and jeering the fans of the opposing team as the walk by, one can witness
that those who fully engross themselves
into the tailgating lifestyle, often following the team around the country
throughout the season, do it to not only
to be a fan – in their minds, they are a
part of the team. Whether you are just a
passing fan or a diehard fanatic, taking
the time to join in at least one of these
local celebrations allows, if even for a
brief time to be more than just a fan as
well.
Fort Stewart to host college fair, Oct 1
Bob Mathews
DFMWR Marketing
Publicity Specialist
school,” said David Smith,
Youth Education Support
Services director. Attendees
also will be able to learn
more about the Hope
Scholarship and other financial aid opportunities, he
said.
The event, held for the
past two years at the Fort
Stewart Education Center,
returns to Club Stewart,
building 405, this year.
For more information,
contact the School Liaison
Office at 767-6533.
Following is a list of colleges/technical schools and
others scheduled to take part
Representatives of more
than 70 colleges and technical schools will be on hand
at Club Stewart for the
Seventh Annual College
Probe from 9 a.m. to noon,
Oct. 1.
“The College Probe provides excellent opportunities for Soldiers, Family
Members and high school
students to learn more about
post-secondary educational
options, whether it's a fouryear college or technical
Flu
in the College Probe. They
will be stationed in alphabetical order at the center.
Abraham Baldwin College;
Advanced
Academy
of
Georgia – University of West
Georgia; Air Force ROTC;
Albany State University;
Andrew College; Armstrong
Atlantic State University;
Atlanta Christian College;
Auburn University; Augusta
State University; Benedict
College; Brenau University;
Brewton-Parker
College;
Central
Texas
College;
Clayton State University;
College of Coastal Georgia;
Columbia College; Columbus
“However, some people
(especially pregnant women,
those over age 50, and those
with asthma, heart disease, or
diabetes) can get very sick,” he
said.
Major Ellis added that the
Stewart–Hunter community
needs to know that people with
the flu can infect others from
one-day-before until one-dayafter symptoms or a fever is
present.
Winn command recommends that personnel exhibiting flu symptoms - fever, coughing, sore throat, body aches,
headache, chills and fatigue should remain away from the
work area 24 hours following
the last symptom or fever.
Major Ellis said people with
the flu usually have symptoms
of coughing, sneezing, and a
runny nose. “The fluid produced while coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose makes
tiny droplets containing flu
virus, so healthy people contract the flu by breathing these
droplets or touching contaminated surfaces like door knobs
and key boards, or during direct
contact such as handshakes,”
Maj. Ellis said. “This is why
good hygiene, washing your
hands, using hand sanitizer,
and sneezing in your sleeve
when a tissue is not available is
so vital in preventing the spread
of the virus,” he said.
Winn recommends:
Get flu shots or sniffs. This is
easy for Soldiers because flu
vaccine or nasal mist is mandatory.
Stay home when sick. Leaders
and unit members can ensure
State University; Darton
College;
East
Georgia
College;
Embry-Riddle
Aeronautical
University;
Emmanuel College; Florida
A & M University and Fort
Valley State University.
Also, Georgia College and
State University; Georgia
Military College; Georgia
Southern University; Georgia
Southwest State University;
Georgia State University;
Georgia Student Finance
Commission/ Georgia Hope
Scholarship info; Georgia
Tech;
Gordon
College;
Kennesaw State University;
LaGrange College; Middle
from Page 1A
that Soldiers with flu symptoms
are separated to prevent spreading the virus to others.
Conduct daily health checks.
Leaders should talk with
Soldiers each day to determine
if he/she reports having any flu
symptoms. Those who seem ill
should be further screened by a
medic.
Encourage hand washing and
cough/sneeze etiquette. Liquid
soaps are better than bar soap.
For best results, wash hands
with soap, then apply a hand
sanitizer. Cough and sneeze
into your sleeve (not your
hands) if tissue is not available.
When a tissue is available, use a
new one after sneezing.
Perform routine cleaning.
Living and work areas should
be cleaned regularly. No special
disinfectants are needed.
Georgia College; Ogeechee
Technical College; Paine
College; Piedmont College;
Presbyterian
College;
Reinhardt College; Savannah
College of Art and Design;
Savannah State University;
Savannah Tech; Shorter
College; South Georgia
College; South University;
Southern Polytechnic State
University and Stillman
College.
Also taking part are
University of Georgia; Valdosta
State University; Waycross
College; Wesleyan College;
West Georgia, University of,
and Young Harris College.
Soldier killed in car
accident identified
Fort Stewart
Public Affairs
A
3rd
Infantry
Division Soldier who
was killed in a two-car
accident early on the
morning of Sept. 10
here has been identified.
Dead is Sgt. Thomas
P. Lyons, 34. Sergeant
Lyons was assigned to
the 1st Battalion, 30th
Infantry Regiment, 2nd
Brigade Combat Team
as a supply sergeant. He
deployed twice during
his time in service. He
joined the Army in Sept.
2004 and arrived at Fort
Stewart in June 2006.
The
accident
occurred on Highway
144 inside of the Fort
Stewart training area.
The driver of the other
car, a Soldier assigned
to the South Carolina
National Guard, was
injured and airlifted to
Memorial University
Medical Center in
Savannah. The accident continues to be
under investigation.
Our thoughts and
prayers go out to the
Family and friends of
Sgt. Lyons.
Correction to the Frontline:
A headline on the front page of last week's Frontline incorrectly identified the future deployment of
MEDEVAC, 2/3 Avn., 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade as OIF V and should have stated that the unit is deploying to Afghanistan in support of OEF.
Marne Voices
Speak Out
What behaviors do you consider dangerous on the road and why?
“On the cell texting while driving; they don’t concentrate while
driving, which is dangerous.”
“Reckless driving; when drivers try to speed up when they're
not supposed to.”
“Talking on the cell phone;
your focus is on the phone
rather than the road.”
Kacey Kingsley
E Co., 26th FSB 2nd HBCT
Rodney Louis Jacques
1/41 FA
Steven Blake Cochran
F Co., 703rd BSB, 4th IBCT
“When mothers drive and mess
with children while driving and
don’t pay attention to the
road.”
“Tailgating. It’s too close to other
drivers; they don't have enough
response time, causing wrecks to
occur.”
“Loud music and drugs while
driving are often dangerous
distractions on the road.”
Douglas Welch
Commissary employee
Jacqueline Harvey
Hawks Clinic
Willie William
Commissary employee
3RD INFANTRY DIVISION COMMANDER MAJ. GEN. TONY CUCOLO
The
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GARRISON COMMANDER COL. KEVIN W. MILTON
3rd ID PAO — Maj. Jeff Allen
3rd ID NCOIC — Master Sgt. Marcia Triggs
3rd ID staff writer – Sgt. Joseph McAtee
3rd ID staff writer — Spc. Michael Adams
1st Bde. NCOIC — Sgt. Jonathon Jobson
1st Bde. staff writer — Spc. Jared Eastman
2nd Bde. staff writer — Spc. Dustin Gautney
2nd Bde. staff writer — Pfc. Crystal Bradley
3rd Bde. NCOIC — Staff Sgt. Natalie Hendrick
3rd Bde. staff writer — Spc. Ben Hutto
3rd Bde. staff writer — Pfc. Erik Anderson
3rd Sust. Bde. NCOIC — Sgt. 1st Class Rhonda Lawson
3rd Sust. Bde. staff writer — Spc. Gaelen Lowers
4th Bde. NCOIC — Staff Sgt. Tanya Polk
4th Bde. staff writer — Spc. Amanda McBride
Avn. Bde. NCOIC — Sgt. 1st Class Kim Green
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necessarily the official views of, or are endorsed by, the U.S.
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or U.S. Forces Command. It is published weekly by the Public
Affairs Office, Fort Stewart, Georgia. 31314-5000. All editorial
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Avn. Bde. staff writer — Spc. Monica Smith
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Editorial/Design Staff
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Rock of the Marne
September 17, 2009
The Frontline 5A
Suicide Prevention Proclamation
signed at Spiritual Fitness Luncheon
J. Elise Van Pool
Fort Stewart Public Affairs
Major General Tony Cucolo, commander 3rd Infantry Division, signed
a proclamation declaring September
as Suicide Prevention Month as part
of the Pre-deployment Spiritual
Fitness Luncheon. The luncheon was
held at Club Stewart, Sept. 15.
While signing the proclamation,
Maj. Gen. Cucolo emphasized the
importance of removing the stigma
associated with seeking behavioral
health treatment.
“One suicide is one too many," he
said. "We are committed to decreasing the stigma of seeking behavioral
health help."
He asked those in attendance to
be ruthless in crushing all jokes, and
inappropriate comments that create
an atmosphere of intolerance.
He urged all to leave no fellow
Soldier behind.
Also speaking at the luncheon was
Chaplain (Brig. Gen.) Donald
Rutherford, Army Deputy Chief of
Chaplains. Chaplain Rutherford
came to address Soldiers at Fort
Stewart to assist in readying them for
the upcoming deployment.
He urged Soldiers to wear their
faith as they wear they
body armor.
“The belt is God’s
word that holds us all
together. The breast
plate protects our heart,
which is the center of
our faith and being;
And our footgear is
hope. Hope is what
moves us, hope that
comes from faith in
God,” Chap. Rutherford
said.
Chaplain Rutherford
urged the Soldiers present to rely on their faith
to help them achieve
their mission while
deployed.
“Look to your faith for
J. Elise Van Pool
Third Infantry Division commander, Maj. Gen. Tony Cucolo,
surrounded by Fort Stewart’s top commanders, signed a
proclamation declaring September "Suicide Prevention Month."
The signing was part of the pre-deployment Spiritual Fitness
Luncheon held at Club Stewart, Sept. 15.
your direction,” he said.
The luncheon was attended by
approximately 200 Soldiers and civilians from the local faith community.
The Liberty County Community
Choir performed two selections for
the assemble crowd.
Before the choir’s rousing performance, the assistant director, Donna
Pearson, wished all the Soldiers, “A
safe and sound mission and
return.”
6A The Frontline
September 17, 2009
3rd Infantry Division
3/15 Inf Soldiers take 3rd in Sniper competition
Staff Sgt. Tanya Polk
4th IBCT Public Affairs
Staff Sergeant Ryan Castle
and Spc. Chris Stewart shot
their way to a third place overall finish at the 2009 Gastonia
Sniper
Competition
in
Gastonia, N.C., Sept. 2-5. The
duo not only represented the
3rd Battalion, 15th Infantry
Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade
Combat Team, but were the
only active Army team at the
police department-sponsored
event.
The infantrymen challenged
30 law enforcement teams
from across the country to an
11-event, sharp shooting competition.
“It was a close competition,”
said Staff Sgt. Castle. “We were
just 12 points shy of winning
first place overall.”
The Baltimore, Md., native
said he and his counterpart did
place first in the “Low-Light”
event, an obstacle that required
firing at a target from 100 to
200 meters away.
“We each get one bullet and
have to hit a target smaller than
a dime,” he said.
Some obstacles involved hostage targets. Specialist Stewart
said the most complicated event
involved engaging a hostage
target from 700 meters away.
“That wasn’t so easy,” the
Colorado Springs, Colo., native
said. “But, we never hit the hostages. If you did, you’d be disqualified.”
This was Spc. Stewart’s first
sniper competition. He said
the attending the 5-week
Sniper School at Fort Benning,
Ga., and Army training like
physical fitness aided to his
team’s success.
“We’ll take an (Army Physical
Fitness Test) and then run five
miles after it,” he said, adding
that endurance is essential to
any sniper mission. “We run no
less than 20 miles per week.”
Although a competition, the
Soldiers saw the event as
another way to train.
“The experience helped us
the most by teaching us to go
outside the box, into someone
else’s environment, and adapt
to the way they do things,”
Staff Sgt. Castle said. “Police
officers use a different type of
marksmanship. It made us get
better at our job by adapting
to theirs.”
The two-time combat veteran said he plans on incorporating the police tactics he
learned at the sniper competition to his future Army missions.
“The police essentially have
the same mission, but they use
different tactics,” he said.
“They taught us things we
didn’t know. It was all about
getting out of our comfort
zone. We went there to get better at our job.”
Staff Sergeant Castle and Spc.
Stewart are currently preparing
for the 2009 International Sniper
Competition to be held at Fort
Benning, Oct. 15-22.
Ray Barnwell, York County, S.C., Sheriff Department
Staff Sergeant Ryan Castle and Spc. Chris Stewart, both
Soldiers assigned to the 3/15th Inf. Regt., 4th IBCT, placed
third overall at the 2009 Gastonia Sniper Competition in
Gastonia, N.C., Sept. 2-5.
Vanguards fields in-house Infantry BNCOC grads
Staff Sgt. Tanya Polk
4th IBCT Public Affairs
The 4th Infantry Brigade Combat
Team, 3rd Infantry Division fielded its
first home-station Infantry Basic
Noncommissioned Officer Course in
August, and 70 Vanguard sergeants and
staff sergeants graduated the Infantryspecific, Phase II leadership class at Fort
Stewart’s Moon Theater, Sept. 11.
After requesting a Mobile Training
Team, the 4th IBCT was able to host its
own advanced 11B course that is normally taught at Fort Benning, Ga.
Although resident 11B BNCOC classes
are still held at the “Home of the Infantry”
installation, the Henry Caro NCO
Academy there also rotates six-man
instructor teams or MTTs across the
country to teach Soldiers who have
recently redeployed from a combat zone,
said MTT Senior Instructor, Sgt. 1st Class
James Kirby.
“These Soldiers have been away from
their Families for so long,” he said. “So,
rather than sending them off again, they
get to stay here, attend the course and go
home to their Families every night.”
Sergeant First Class Kirby and five
small group leaders taught the threeweek course that included a forward
observer and small arms proficiency
exam, the Army Physical Fitness Test,
three days of field training, weapons
familiarization, and “outside agencies”
like the Guard Unit Armory Device Full
Crew Interactive Simulation Trainer and
Virtual Battle Space.
Additionally, the 11B BNCOC commits a week to leadership classes and
open discussions.
The senior instructor said there are
only minor differences between an MTTled course and the resident course at
Benning.
“At Fort Benning, we have barracks
inspections,” he said. “Here, the unit
supports us; whereas at Fort Benning,
we are self-supportive.”
Regardless of the course’s location,
Sgt. 1st Class Kirby says the class instruc-
tion and its importance remains the
same.
“The Army is moving so fast; Soldiers
are getting promoted a lot faster now,”
he said. “We want to teach them things
they may not have learned already, or
things they may have forgotten, so they
can take it back to their lower-enlisted
Soldiers.”
“BNCOC is not just about the students
who are going through it; it’s about taking the knowledge that they learn here
and passing it on to their subordinates.”
Sergeant William Garay, Company A,
3rd Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment,
4th IBCT and Distinguished Honor
Graduate, said he appreciated the
course’s content.
“The course does a great job of breaking down classes, step by step, so we can
understand it,” the infantry squad leader
said. “This class helps us teach our team
leaders and our future leaders how to
better themselves.”
Sergeant Garay said the biggest benefit of the class was being able to attend it
at Fort Stewart.
“When I went to Air Assault School I
was away and I couldn’t communicate
with my Family except by phone,” he
said. “Here, I actually got to go home. I
got to interact with my daughter, take
her to school and take her to her ballet
classes.”
Sergeant Garay added he spent a year
away from his Family supporting
Operation Iraqi Freedom. He said the athome BNCOC helped him relieve stress
associated with Family separation.
He advises future 11B BNCOC attendees to come into the course with a positive mindset.
“Set personal goals and strive to surpass them,” he said.
Sergeant First Class Kirby said his
team’s next class is scheduled for Alaska
in November. He said another 11B
BNCOC MTT plans to return to Fort
Stewart sometime next year.
The name “BNCOC,” however, will
transition to Advanced Leaders Course
as of Oct. 1, he said.
Ft. Stewart/Hunter
Morale, Welfare &
Recreation
Veterans Category Added to Hunting/Fishing Fee Schedule
Change Went Into Effect 11 Sept.
Directorate of Public Works has added a “Veterans” category to hunting and fishing permit fee schedule
on Fort Stewart/Hunter Army Airfield. A veteran is defined as a person who was honorably discharged
with at least 180 consecutive days of service. Under the new category effective 11 Sept., veterans pay:
$50 hunting fee, $25 fishing fee, or $70 combination fee for both permit privileges.
Veterans previously paid under “All Others” category: $60 hunting fee, $30 fishing fee or $85 for both
permits. No other permit prices are affected by the change.
For more information, call Pass & Permit Office 435-8061 @ FS or 315-5163 @ HAAF.
Soldiers Get Priority Access to Hunting Areas
Changes Went Into Effect 12 Sept.
To ensure that Soldiers receive priority for access to hunting areas, 20 percent of available passes for
each hunting area will be reserved for Soldiers only, the Directorate of Public Works has announced.
The Soldier access policy was effective 12 Sept., the first day of archery season for deer. Under the
policy, only Soldiers can use one of the set aside slots to check into an area on the day before they plan
to hunt. Unused slots will be released for use by others at two hours before sunrise on day of the hunt.
For more information, call Pass & Permit Office 435-8061 @ FS or 315-5163 @ HAAF.
Fort Stewart GC’s Golf Scramble
Registration ends 23 Sept.; Scramble 25 Sept., 1 p.m. Shotgun Start
Taylors Creek Golf Course, Bldg. 2150
FS Garrison Commander extends invitation to participate in his golf scramble. A great opportunity to
team building and continue fellowship. Fees $35 Taylors Creek & Hunter Golf Club Members,
Active Duty, Retirees, DOD Civilians, and $40 civilian guests. Limited to first 25 (4-person) teams.
767-2370
Fall Teen Recreation Center Dance @ FS
25 Sept., 6-10 p.m. – Corkan Teen Recreation Center, Bldg. 438
Dance, eat, refreshments, play games and be merry. Open to Family Members (ages 13-18) with
Military ID, one guest allowed. Cost $5 per couple. Parents may volunteer to be a chaperon. 767-3781
Top of the Rock Run Registration
Sign-up Continues; Event 26 Sept., 9 a.m.
Run Begins Between Quick Track and Newman Fitness Center @ FS
Registration for annual Top of the Rock Run is under way. 5K and 10K event open to DOD ID
cardholders. Ten different age categories for male and female competitors.
Fort Stewart – Pre-register at Leisure Travel Office, Bldg 443, Newman Fitness Center, Bldg 439, or
Bennett Sports Complex, Bldg 471. Pre-registration deadlines/fees: 6 p.m. Sept. 23
(10K team-company level only - $15 per person); 6 p.m. Sept. 25 (individuals- $18 per person).
HAAF – Pre-register at Tominac Fitness Center, Bldg 919. Pre-registration deadlines/fees: 6 p.m. Sept.
23 (10K team-company only- $15 per person); 6 p.m. Sept. 25 (Individuals- $18 per person).
Race Day: Sept. 26 (Individuals only) at race site; fee is $25 per person).
More information: Bennett Sports Office at 767-8238.
“The Springs” Water Spray Park @ Cypress Creek To Close
30 Sept., Final Day for Fun – Corkan Family Recreation Area
Just a reminder to all of our customers: “The Springs” at Cypress Creek closes for the season on 30
Sept. Please enjoy the facility from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. until the closing day, and thank you for a great
year! We’ll see you in May of 2010. For more information, call 767-9884.
Seventh Annual College Probe @ FS
1 Oct., 9 a.m. - noon – Club Stewart, Bldg. 405
More than 70 representatives from colleges and technical schools will be on hand to
address your questions. Ideal opportunity for high school students, Soldiers and Family Members to
learn more about post secondary educational options, financial assistance and the Hope scholarship.
For more information, contact School Liaison Office 767-6533.
Rock of the Marne
September 17, 2009
The Frontline 7A
Education
Source for Post-9/11 GI Bill
The Post-9/11 GI Bill, Chapter 33, is a non-contributory benefit (no up-front payment required by
Soldiers) for those who served on active duty on or
after Sept. 11, 2001. The Veterans Administration
Web site at www.gibill.va.gov provides in-depth eligibility information and a link to the on-line application. It also includes all information and steps
concerning transferability to Family Members.
Individuals currently eligible for benefits under
the Montgomery GI Bill-Active Duty or other similar
programs, can continue under their program or
make the decision to transfer to the Post-9/11 GI
Bill. Since the choice is irrevocable, it will not be
possible to switch back to the previous VA benefit
program. It is recommended that you research the
differences by clicking on the “More About the Post9/11 GI Bill” bar and then selecting the benefit comparison chart link. Also try www.gibill.va.gov/
CH33Estimator, which calculates the eligible tuition,
fees and housing allowance for your zip code.
If you have questions after exploring the Web site,
call 888-442-4551.
Free certification ends this month
The pilot Army Vocational/Technical Soldier
Program will fund up to $4,500 per person to enroll
in non-college degree courses that teach skills tailored for in-demand career fields with certification
and licensure exams related to those professions.
Soldiers serving on active duty, including National
Guard and Reserve Soldiers on extended active duty,
may acquire technical, vocational, or advanced
training/re-training.
Several hundred courses are offered for both inclass and on-line programs but must be selected
from the schools listed at www.hrc.army.mil/site/
education/VOTEC_Program.html and cannot exceed
18 months. In addition, Soldiers can use the AVOTEC
Program to pay for Certification/Licensure.
Complete information and enrollment steps can
be found at the Web site above. Soldiers must have
an active account in GoArmyEd to enroll in AVOTEC.
Soldiers’ applications for enrollment must be
received in the GoArmyEd Portal not later than Sept.
25. All AVOTEC programs of instruction must indicate a start date on or before Sept. 30, or will be
rejected. AVOTEC may be used in conjunction with
traditional Tuition Assistance, but the combined
cost of both programs cannot exceed $4,500.
ERAU hosts tuition drawing
The Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University –
Worldwide Campus in Savannah is celebrating the
2009 Savannah Jazz Festival by holding a drawing for
a $1,000 tuition assistance award.
The scholarship opportunity applies only to new
or current Embry-Riddle students attending the
Savannah Campus who are active-duty or reserve
servicemembers, spouses of an active-duty military,
or a military veterans.
Interest forms for the drawing will be available at
4 p.m. on Sept. 26 at the Embry-Riddle tent during
the jazz festival’s Military Appreciation Night. The
drawing and award presentation will take place on
the performance stage at approximately 9 p.m. The
recipient must be present and should show a military ID or proof of eligibility.
In addition, the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical
University – Worldwide Campus in Savannah, in collaboration with the Southern Wings Chapter of
Women in Aviation International, is sponsoring a
paper airplane-making contest for children at this
year’s Youth Jazz Festival on Sept. 27, beginning at
2:30 p.m. The contest, crowning the best designer of
paper airplanes, will be broken down into four age
groups: 3 and under, 4-7, 8-11, and 12-16 years of
age.
For more information on anything above, contact
Jennifer Furlong, Director of Academic Support, at
savannah.center@erau.edu or (912) 355-0644.
Transition-to-Teaching sessions slated
The Georgia Troops to Teachers Program provides
federal funding to qualified servicemembers of up
to $10,000 to become public school teachers. Bill
Kirkland conducts monthly Transition to Teaching
90-minute classes that consist of an overview of programs, registration procedures and Georgia teacher
certification options.
This includes the Georgia Teacher Alternative
Preparation Program, a two-year program that
allows those with bachelor degrees to teach and certify at the same time. Military spouses are invited,
but they must register in “MyCAA” for financial support. The briefing is held at the Sgt. 1st Class Paul R.
Smith Education Center begins at 10 a.m., Sept. 23,
Oct. 21 and Nov. 18. Call (800) 745-0709 for more
information. The official Web site is www.tttga.net.
Teaching certification seminar offered
The Liberty Center Director of Teacher Education
Program will conduct Georgia teacher certification
seminars focusing on the Armstrong Atlantic State
University Master of Arts in teaching program.
The M.A.T. allows those eligible individuals to
pursue a graduate degree and obtain initial teacher
certification in Georgia. The monthly sessions are
held at the Sgt. 1st Class Paul R. Smith Army
Education Center at 5 p.m., Sept. 23, Oct. 21 and
Nov. 18.
For more information, contact Don Stumpf,
Director of Teacher Education Programs, at 8771910 or e-mail Don.Stumpf@armstrong.edu.
College registration now open
The upcoming Fall I term dates both on-post and
distance learning classes are listed below.
Some courses are offered during the day. Please
contact the college directly for course schedules and
enrollment information.
Savannah Tech College – 408-2430, Sept. 30 - Dec.
17.
Central Texas College – 767-2070/ Hunter Airfield
315-4090, Oct. 19 – Dec. 12.
Columbia College – 767-5336/ Hunter Army
Airfield 352-8635, Oct. 19 – Dec. 12.
Embry Riddle – 767-3930/ Hunter Army Airfield
352-5252, Oct. 19 – Dec. 20.
Webster University – 767-5357/ Hunter Army
Airfield 354-0033, Oct. 19 – Dec. 17.
Funding now available to spouses
The Military Spouse Career Advancement
Accounts Program, "MyCAA," is for military spouses
of active duty and activated Guard and Reserve service members.
This centralized, virtual program provides counseling and funding up to $6,000 to assist with licensure, certification or education opportunities leading to portable employment opportunities, trade
programs or college degrees. Funding can be used at
the school of your choice, either selecting classroom
or on-line delivery. All on-post and most area schools
participate.
This process is done completely on-line and by
phone with Military One Source. For complete
details and to initiate an account, click on https://
aiportal.acc.af.mil/mycaa, or call 1-800-342-9647.
Tuition Assistance Guidance available
All course enrollments with start dates through
Sept. 30 must be requested in GoArmyEd before
11:59 p.m., Eastern Standard Time on Sept. 29. This
enrollment cut-off is necessary to allow for the fiscal
year "change-over." GoArmyEd will not be operational Sept 30. This enrollment cut-off has no impact
on registration for courses starting Oct. 1 or later.
Trucker certification offered
Bruce Granai, admissions representative with
National Training’s Truck Driver and Heavy
Equipment Operator School, meets with interested
Soldiers every Thursday about the school’s certification program which is now available through Army
Vocational/Technical Pilot Program.
He’ll explain both career training programs and
opportunities for employment while you enjoy some
free pizza and a soda. Granai will be at Wedgy’s
Pizza, 364 Memorial Dr. in Hinesville, each Thursday
between noon until 5 p.m.
You may contact him in advance at (800)488-7364
ext. 245/ (904)307-6952, or by going to www.truckschool.com or www.earthmoverschool.com.
8A The Frontline
September 17, 2009
Stewart-Hunter Briefs
Weekend Dining Facility hours posted
The Fort Stewart weekend dining facility for Sept.
19 - 20 is Raider Dining Facility, building 642, and
the Vanguard Dining Facility, building 512. Fort
Stewart dining facility weekend serving hours are 10
a.m. to 1 p.m. for brunch, and 3:30-5:30 p.m. for supper.
The Hunter Army Airfield Weekend dining facility
for Saturday and Sunday is the 1/75 Ranger Dining
Facility, building 110. Hunter Army Airfield dining
facility weekend serving hours are 10:30 a.m. to 1:30
p.m. for brunch, and 4:30-6 p.m. for supper.
The Warrior Transition Battalion Dining Facility,
building 12902/02 in the National Guard Training
area is open on weekends. The WTB serving hours
are: breakfast, 8-9:30 a.m.; lunch, 11:30 a.m. to 1
p.m.; and dinner, 5-6:30 p.m.
Contact Fred Gotthardt, Corps of Engineers, at
228-7442 for further information.
will be building 110, run by 1/75th Ranger
Battalion.
Attend Domestic Violence Conference
SAMOA dinner at Hunter Club, Friday
Everyone is invited to attend "Collaborating for
Success: Strengthening Our Families Against
Domestic Violence," a conference to educate our
community about domestic violence issues, Oct.
16.
Topics at the day-long conference at the Main
Post Chapel include the legalities, how children are
affected, protective orders, transitional compensation, the link between pet abuse and domestic violence, and much more. Call ACS-Stewart at 767-5058
to register before the Sept. 28 deadline. Also ask
about free child care.
New Guinea Street partially closed
Food show slated at Club Stewart
Mark your calendars for Oct. 15, when the Fort
Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield food show comes to
the Club Stewart Ballroom from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The theme of the food show is "Feeding Those
who Proudly Serve." Included in this year's show will
be a variety of food choices and international cuisine from around the world, along with cooking
demonstrations by vendors and Stewart-Hunter
cooks.
Please join us to make this food show a special
event for the entire community.
Stewart
There is a partial-road closure on New Guinea St.
until 5 p.m., Monday. Subject closure is necessary
for the installation of the sewer line for the new
Child Development Center along Austin Rd. Detour
signs and traffic control devices will be posted for
the duration of the closure.
Motorists are encouraged to avoid this area to
minimize traffic congestion and to be alert to changes in traffic patterns.
Contact Jorge Garcia at 767-2899 for more infomation.
Hunter
Billy Mitchell Boulevard closed
Gulick Road Closure
There is a scheduled partial-road closure on Gulick
Ave. and 6th St. beginning 5 p.m. on Friday until 5
p.m. on Sunday. Closure will effect right turn lane
onto 6th Street from Gulick Ave. Closure is necessary
for the installation of curb work at the 2nd BCT
Complex. Detour signs and traffic control devices
will be displayed and posted for the duration of the
closure. Motorists are encouraged to avoid this area
to minimize traffic congestion, and to remain alert
to changes in traffic patterns.
Billy Mitchell Blvd. is closed for construction
south of its southernmost entrance to Tominac
Fitness Center to its intersection with Hickam Blvd.
Billy Mitchell Blvd. is also closed at its intersection
with William Barksdale Circle.
3rd CAB DFAC to close Sept 30
The 3rd Combat Aviation Dining Facility at Hunter
Army Airfield, building 1213, will close Sept. 30 after
the dinner meal in preparation for 3rd CAB's upcoming deployment.
The only dining facility remaining open on Hunter
Community volunteers
needed for national effort
Directorate of Public Works
On Sept. 26, more than 120,000
Americans are expected to volunteer to help restore the beauty
and vitality of our public lands as
part of the 16th annual National
Public Lands Day.
To assist in this national effort,
the Environmental Division at
Fort Stewart will be hosting a
cemetery cleanup at the Bragg
and Dreggars Cemeteries located
on base. Volunteers for this event
will clean gravestones, clear
3rd Infantry Division
debris and vegetation, and assist
in the installation of a commemorative marker at Bragg Cemetery.
Volunteers are encouraged to register prior to the event by contacting Amanda Hinesley at (912)
228-7132.
Those needing to register the
day of the event are asked to arrive
at the Fort Stewart Pass and Permit
office, located on Highway 144 at
8:30 a.m.
For additional information,
please contact Amanda Hinesley
at (912) 228-7132.
Savannah Area Military Officers Association
Commissioned officers, retired, active duty, Reserve
and National Guard, spouses and guests are invited to
a Savannah Area Military Officers Association dinner
at 6:30 p.m., Sept. 18 at Hunter Club. Col. Charles
Davis, USA, Retired, will be the guest speaker. To make
your reservation, call (912) 897-4164.
New gas kiosk open at Hunter
A new gas kiosk is now open at Hunter, located at
8804 S. Perimeter Rd., by Rio Gate. Hours of operation are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday - Friday and 9 a.m.
to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday.
Hunter Club open for lunch
Enjoy lunch at the Hunter Club, building 60916,
from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Monday-Friday. Lunch
buffet and a la carte menu available. The lunch buffet is $5.95 for active duty and retired military, and
$6.95 for civilians. For more information, call 4597923.
Vendors Needed
The Fort Stewart Officer's Spouses Club is gearing
up for the 2009 Holiday Bazaar, which will take place
at Club Stewart from 9 a.m.- 6 p.m., Nov. 7. We are
currently taking applications for vendors.
If you are interested in a spot at the Bazaar, please
contact Kasey Sanders at 368-0864 or Cat Pierce at
(732) 996-0391 for more information.
Daily vehicle passes at
Stewart, Hunter
Daily passes are issued only from Gate 1 at
Fort Stewart, and at Wilson and Mongomery
Gates at Hunter Army Airfield. Contact Arthur
Weston at 767-1883 with any questions.
Balfour Beatty Communities
Stewart
found or who finishes first, wins!
Stewart holds Scavenger Hunt
Hunter
We’ll be sending you on a wild goose
chase at the Southern Oaks Community
Center 3:30-4:30 p.m., Sept. 21.
Participants will be divided into teams
and given a list of items to find. You will
be given a period of time to find as
many of the items on your list as you
can. The team with the most items
Mad Hatter Party scheduled
Wear your favorite hat and come
make a new one! We’ll be designing all
kinds of crazy hats at our Mad Hatter
Party at the New Savannah and New
Callaway Community Center from
4:30- 5:30 p.m., Sept. 25.
For more information on upcoming events,go to www.fortstewartfamilyhousing.com or contact Amber Humphries at 408-2478.
NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY
Environmental assessment and draft finding of
no significant impact
LEGAL NOTICE
Anyone having claims
against, or who is indebted
to the estate of Spc.
Joshua Bredlau, HHC,
3/15th Inf. Regt., Fort
Stewart, Ga., 31314,
please contact 1st Lt.
Mitchell, Battery A, HHC,
3/15th Inf. Regt.
Fort
Stewart, Ga., 31314,; (502)
777-2007.
Anyone having claims
against, or who is indebted
to the estate of Sgt.
Thomas P. Lyons, C Co.
1/30th Inf. Regt.,
Fort
Stewart, Ga., 31314,
please contact 2nd Lt.
Eduardo Olvera, C Co.
1/30th Inf. Regt.,
Fort
Stewart, Ga., 31314, (912)
767-7793
Newman Fitness Center
7 p.m., Oct. 6-7
Check out next week's Frontline for more information
For Construction of a Standard
Sniper Field Fire Range at Fort
Stewart, Ga.:
As part of its recent transformation, the Army has responded in
changes to land combat operations,
information and technology, and
contemporary operating environments by modernizing and restructuring the U.S. Armed Forces.
The restructuring of Army forces
has dramatically increased the number of snipers by forming sniper
teams in Heavy Brigade Combat
Teams, where none had previously
existed.
Although one 10-lane Sniper Field
Fire Range currently exists on Fort
Stewart, it is not designed to meet
the needs of the current sniper
teams and is not constructed in
accordance with modern Army standards.
The location best suited for the
new Standard Sniper Field Fire
Range is on top of the existing Sniper
Field Fire Range, essentially modernizing it for the purpose of meeting all requirements and better serving the Soldiers’ training needs.
The Environmental Assessment is
a revised draft that addresses a footprint extension from the original
draft, comments made during the
initial public review, and the potential impacts to environmental and
socioeconomic resources.
The Environmental Assessment,
resulting in a draft finding of "No
Significant Impact," indicates that
no significant adverse impacts
would result from the proposed
action.
A copy of the Environmental
Assessment and Draft Finding of No
Significant Impact will be available
for public review through Oct. 10 at
the public libraries listed below. All
public review comments must be
received no later than Oct. 10.
Fort Stewart Main Post Library,
building 411, 316 Lindquist Rd.,
Fort Stewart, Ga.
Mon. – Thurs. 10:30 a.m. to 9
p.m.
Fri. closed
Sat.-Sun., 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Hunter Army Airfield Post
Library, building 1290, 165
Markwell St., Hunter Army Airfield,
Ga.
Mon. – Thurs., 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Fri.– Sun. closed
Liberty County Public Library,
236 Memorial Dr., Hinesville, Ga.
Mon. – Thurs., 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Fri. – Sat., 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sun., 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
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to the following address:
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(Thomas C. Fry)
Directorate of Public Works
1550 Frank Cochran Drive, building. 1137, Fort Stewart, Ga. 313144927
Rock of the Marne
September 17, 2009
The Frontline 9A
Fort Stewart gets new school superintendent
Kaytrina Curtis
Hunter Army Airfield Public Affairs
Over the summer, the Department of Defense
Education Activity announced Dr. Samantha
Ingram as the new superintendent of the South
Carolina, Fort Stewart and Department of Defense
Dependants Schools Cuba district.
Ingram began her career as a high school science teacher in her native state of Alabama. While
stationed in Ansbach, Germany, with her husband, Ingram accepted an administrative position as a director of the Child Development Center
on base. While there, Ingram obtained a master’s
degree in early childhood education.
“I quickly realized that, yes, I wanted to be in
education,” Ingram said. “I really wanted to work
at the secondary level.”
Once she moved back to the states, Ingram’s
love for education motivated her to seek a second
master’s degree in secondary education; from
that love of education she landed yet another
teaching job. Within three years, Ingram took a
supervisory role in a school-to-work program.
From there, she moved throughout the school
system to become a director of federal programs,
an assistant superintendent and then on to her
position as a deputy superintendent of one of the
largest school districts in Alabama.
“I wanted to make sure that I had a variety of
experiences,” said Ingram. “It was a real challenge
learning to roll out programs to (more than) 100
schools and also to make sure it was done in an
effective manner through effective communication.”
Ingram lamented that the greatest challenge as
a superintendent is the charge of implementing
Marne Education
Matters
purposeful change.
“When
change
comes about, many
adults don’t just
embrace
change,”
she said. “Our director at headquarters
has the vision of
embracing change
and sustaining leadership."
During her tenure
as the South Carolina
Fairfield
County
School district superintendent, Ingram
was charged with the
responsibility
of
turning around a district that had a histoCourtesy Photo, Marne TV
ry of overextending
their annual budgets. Marne Education Matters host, Kaytrina Curtis, left, interviews Dr. Samantha
Known in her educa- Ingram about her position as the new superintendent of the South Carolina, Fort
tion community for Stewart and Department of Defense Schools Cuba district, Aug. 19.
reform work, Ingram
that they can provide exemplary and effective
decreased expenditures by more than $2 million. She developed a classroom instruction.
“The only way we can do that is to change the
plan to ensure that funds were spent based on the
way
we are currently doing business to ensure
needs of students. Ingram also eliminated inefthat
our
children can compete in this global envifective programs.
ronment,”
Ingram said.
The SCFC school district had received a belowShe
expressed
her vision of change for Fort
average performance-based rating. Ingram took
Stewart
by
training
across the board to make certhe below-average rated school to an averagetain
all
DoDDS
students
are familiar with the
rating by implementing initiatives that allowed
school
system
when
transitioning
from one miliimprovements for student achievement.
tary
base
school
to
another.
One of those initiatives is the Odyssey Academy,
With the upcoming deployments, Ingram said
which grew out of research that supports the idethe
need to be proactive is essential.
ology that students learn by different styles and
“We’re
coming up with interventions, working
modes. The premise behind the program is to
with
our
counselors, our psychologists and our
motivate students to catch-up with their classnurses…to
make sure that we have the supports
mates when they fall behind in their class work.
in
place
for
our students as they face these chalThe academy allows students to be taught during
lenging
times,”
she said.
various times of the day. If students missed out on
Ingram
stated
that improvement of student
high school credits and need to catch-up, stuachievement
also
has to come from community
dents can attend the OA and earn the credits
commitment.
through a computer-based program. They can
“I’ve had the opportunity to meet with the (Fort
also double up on their credits in order to graduStewart)
garrison commander,” Ingram said. “He
ate on time.
has
assured
me that they are going to be involved
Now, with a new school year in full swing,
in
whatever
it takes to ensure that our students
Ingram is looking forward to the future of new
are
successful
and that they have what it takes to
district challenges under the DoDEA school syscompete.”
tem. Her vision for the schools on Fort Stewart Ingram expressed that she is looking forward to
Kessler, Britten and Diamond Elementary Schools
purposeful
changes and effective instructional
- is to improve student achievement by providing
leadership
and
accountability this school year.
teachers and staff with instructional support so
10A The Frontline
September 17, 2009
Spartan Soldiers recognized
for NTC accomplishments
3rd Infantry Division
Transportation Soldiers
get guidance from top
Sgt. 1st Class Rhonda M. Lawson
3rd Sustainment Bde. Public Affairs
Spc. Dustin Gautney
Colonel Charles E.A. Sexton, commander, 2nd Brigade Combat
Team, 3rd Infantry Division, along with Command Sgt. Maj.
Valmond Martin, recognized Spartan Brigade Soldiers for
their accomplishments during the brigade's recent deployment to the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, Calif., during a ceremony held at Newman Gym, Sept. 11.
The Army has undergone a number of
changes since beginning the transformation
process in 2002. The Transportation Corps is no
different.
From the way logisticians do business to the
way they train their noncommissioned officers,
the modern Army has permanently changed
the Transportation Corps.
“We have to make you the best of the best so
you can compete,” said Command Sgt. Maj.
Dwayne B. Perry, the 10th Regimental Command
Sergeant Major of the U.S. Army Transportation
Corps, during a Noncommissioned Officers
Professional Development briefing with the 3rd
Sustainment Brigade.
Command Sergeant Major Perry, along with
the Transportation Corps Proponent Sergeant
Major, Sgt. Maj. Kenan Harrington, and Master
Sgt. Terrace Myles, senior career advisor,
addressed more than 300 NCOs during the
briefing, which was hosted by the 87th Combat
Sustainment Support Battalion. Sergeant Major
Harrington also had a message for the handful
of junior Soldiers scattered throughout the
audience.
“You are our future,” he said. “So you must
start grooming yourselves now.”
Command Sergeant Major Perry explained
later that with the modular Army making
changes, the Transportation Corps must change
with it.
“We will have to redefine some rules, and
look at multifunctional positions at the senior
level," he said.
What this means for the Transportation
Corps is that once NCOs achieve the rank of
sergeant first class, they will no longer be purely
a transporter or logistician. Instead, they will
become a multifunctional supervisor. This will
allow NCOs to compete for more leadership
positions.
“I had to learn quick when I became a master
sergeant,” Command Sgt. Maj. Perry told the
audience. “By the third year, I was an asset (to
my unit), but it was time to move on. Our goal
is to modify (the Advanced NCO Course), so
you can walk into the position with the skill sets
you need.”
He also explained that transportation is the
second-highest deployed Military Occupational
Specialty in the Army and the most deployed
field in the Combat Sustainment Support community. Yet, active-duty transporters only make
up about five percent of the Army.
This is why Sgt. Maj. Harrington stressed that
the Soldiers maintain their deployability status
by staying healthy and maintaining their security clearances.
Command Sergeant Major Perry ended the
briefing by encouraging the leaders to keep
striving for excellence. He urged them not to let
past mistakes or failures discourage them.
“You’ve got to balance your intellect with
your physical capability,” he said. “The only one
limiting your potential is you.”
2nd BCT Consolidated Predeployment
briefing locations: Sept 14-18, 21-25
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Club Stewart BR
Morning: 9 a.m., Soldier briefing
11 a.m., Family Briefing and Fair
Evening: 6 p.m., Family Briefing and Fair
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Rock of the Marne
September 17, 2009
The Frontline 11A
Call law enforcement to report stray animals
Jennifer Scales
Fort Stewart Public Affairs
The stray animal policy within the housing areas of
Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield is quite clear- stay
away from any unknown cats, dogs, or any other strange
4-legged animal.
“If you see a stray, your first instinct should be to call
the military police, but not by dialing 911 though,” said
receptionist Eva Thaxton of Balfour Beatty Community,
which oversees the housing areas of Stewart-Hunter.
“You don’t know what the temperament of the animal
could be,” added Thaxton. “It is always better to play it
safe.”
Once the military police are called, an animal control
unit will arrive shortly to pick up the stray and take it to
the installation veterinary clinic.
At the clinic, the stray will be checked for animal identification through microchip or tags.
This form of ID shows to whom the animal rightfully
belongs.
If someone is interested in adopting the stray, they
can follow through at the vet clinic to fill out the required
adoption request forms.
Thaxton noted that there are not really any peak times
when strays are found on the installation.
“We do get more reports of them during times when
Soldiers and Families leave during a PCS move," Thaxton
said. "They realize the rules for transporting pets overseas may leave them at a disadvantage, so they may opt
to just the let pet go free.”
Deployments are another time when a person may
run upon more than their fair share of strays.
According to the BBC Resident Guide, abandonment
of pets is specifically prohibited.
Animal owners who no longer desire to keep a pet or
who are departing Stewart-Hunter should not abandon
any animal.
Unwanted pets should be placed up for adoption at
the vet clinic or humane shelter.Military police may be
contacted by dialing 767-4895 on Stewart or 315-6133 on
Hunter.
Army privatized housing standardized pet policy restricts breeds
Dianne Borges
Balfour Beatty Communities
Several months ago, a consortium of
military housing privatization companies developed a universal pet policy for
military Families with pets. As Families
relocate, they can evaluate their moving
options when transferring from one
installation to another as well as maintain a level of consistency that will assist
them when making their housing decision.
The partners evaluated input from
residents, past experiences with animals
in residential developments (both on
and off post), insurance implications for
liability as well as the standard apartment community pet policies obtained
from off-post apartment communities.
The policy identifies aggressive breeds as
well as pets that are prohibited to board
on post.
“Our number one priority is to provide
safe, Family-friendly living environments
for the resident Families and children
who live on post and allow Families to
plan accordingly if they have certain
breeds as pets," said Ellie Delaney, community manager for Balfour Beatty
Communities.
The aggressive or potentially aggres-
sive breeds of dogs that have been identified in the pet policy are Pit Bulls
(American Staffordshire Terriers or
Staffordshire Bull Terriers), Rottweilers,
Doberman Pinschers, Chows and wolf
hybrids. This will also extend to other
dogs not listed that demonstrate aggressive behavior.
“We understand that people with visual, hearing and physical disability may
keep certified service dogs,” said Delaney.
“Nothing in this policy will hinder full
access to the homes or common areas by
anyone with a disability who may have
one of these breeds for that purpose.”
However, if a resident currently living
in privatized housing had a prohibited
pet at the time the policy went into
effect, they may keep the pet until they
vacate. There must be no pending complaints related to the pet’s behavior, and
they must have executed a pet addendum with the appropriate information
when they signed their lease or when
they acquired the pet. This grandfather
exception will terminate when the resident moves from the installation they
resided at when the policy was instituted.
In addition, residents may not board
exotic animals, including reptiles,
rodents (other than hamsters and guinea
Looking for a furry new
addition to your family?
Check out page 3B in The
Frontline every week for pets
looking for a good home!
For more information, call the
Stewart-Hunter Clinic at 767-4194.
pigs), ferrets, hedgehogs, skunks,
rats, raccoons, squirrels, pot bellied pigs, monkeys, arachnids or
any farm animal.
The policy applies to anyone
residing in privatized housing on
an Army installation, including
those installations where the
Army has assumed management
responsibility for housing under
Joint Basing.
While these guidelines are
standard across all Army installations, each installation may
already have guidelines in place.
Residents should always contact
the community management
office for a complete listing.
“We understand that no policy
can address every possible situation, but we have provided standards that Families can evaluate
when making a decision about
housing and ownership of certain pets,” Delaney said.
For more information, contact
the Community Management
Office at (912) 408-2460 or consult Frequently Asked Questions
posted at www.fortstewartfamilyhousing.com under Forms and
Guides.
Restricted dog breeds:
• Pit Bulls (American Staffordshire Terriers
or Staffordshire Bull Terriers)
• Rottweilers
• Doberman Pinschers
• Chows and wolf hybrids
This will also extend to other dogs not listed that demonstrate aggressive behavior.
Restricted exotic animals:
(not an exclusive list)
• Reptiles
• Rodents (other than hamsters and
guinea pigs)
• Ferrets
• Hedgehogs
• Skunks
• Rats
• Raccoons
• Squirrels
• Pot bellied pigs
• Monkeys
• Arachnids
• Any farm animal
12A The Frontline
September 17, 2009
3rd Infantry Division
3rd SB’s own 'Renaissance Man'
In addition to his S1 duties, Major James Galluzzo finds
time to be a coach, pilot, magician, father and more
Spc. Gaelen Lowers
3rd Sustainment Bde. Public Affairs
“When people ask me, ‘What do you do?’ The
answer that I give is, ‘What am I doing today?’”
Throughout his life, Maj. James Galluzzo, 3rd
Sustainment Brigade S-1 officer, has been in a
position to acquire more than superficial
understanding about many different interests.
Some might say he is a jack of all trades, a factotum, a modern day Renaissance Man.
“I guess that’s the classical term for a guy that
has his hand in a lot of different things,” said
Maj. Galluzzo. “I’ve never actually considered
myself that. I’m just involved in a lot of activities.”
A native of Salem, N.H., Maj. Galluzzo attended school in upstate New York at Clarkson
University. He began his Army career as a field
artillery officer at Fort Sill, Okla. Since then he
has been stationed all across the United States
and Germany with his wife, Melissa and 10-yearold daughter, Cate.
Besides being a field artillery officer, he has
also worked as an Eurasian Foreign Area Officer
and commander of the Fort Lee Military
Entrance Processing Station; he has graduated
from the Defense Language Institute; he is
learning Russian; and he has earned his master's degree in business administration.
“I work best when really busy, and when I
have a lot of stuff going, because it keeps my
mind challenged,” he said. “There are lots of
things that interest me. I never want to say, ‘I
am going to close that door and never have an
opportunity to do that.’ So the more things I
have exposure to, the more options I have. It’s
always a good idea to have options, to do whatever it is you want to do in life.”
And options are one thing that he has in
spades.
“I sing in my church choir, I have been participating in community theater for 20 years, I
obtained my private pilot’s license in Kansas
and also I’m a member of the National Youth
Sports Coaching Association,” said Maj.
Galluzzo.
Major Galluzzo has been heavily involved
in his church since he was a child. He teaches
Sunday School, is involved with Bible Study
and sings in the choir at his current church,
the United Methodist Church in Richmond
Hill, Ga.
His uncle, who is a professional stagehand,
and his mother, who did community theater
and was a choreographer, encouraged him to
take tap dancing, which he did for seven years
as a child. This led to him participating in community theater. He has been in many roles in
the theater including actor, stage and set builder, designer, lighting, sound technician and
even director.
While at Fort Lee, his Army theater troupe
was rated best theater production in the Army
for the Sound of Music, where Maj. Galluzzo
played the character, Uncle Max.
But Maj. Galluzzo’s broad spectrum of hobbies doesn’t stop with the arts. Obtaining his
private pilot’s license also piqued his interest.
So when he attended the Command and General
Staff College, that’s exactly what he did.
“Normally, most officers will obtain their
master’s degree while there, but I already had a
master’s degree, so I wanted to do something
that was challenging, something that was a little outside of my normal box,” he said.
There are two Army pilot clubs or flying
clubs; one in Fort Leavenworth, Kan. and the
other one in Aberdeen, Md., he said
“This gave me the opportunity take the lessons and learn how to fly.”
Also, being a member of the National Youth
Sports Coaching Association, he has the opportunity to coach basketball, soccer and softball.
Currently, Maj. Galluzzo is the 3rd
Sustainment Brigade’s S1 OIC. This is his first
divisional assignment, he said, and enjoys the
opportunity to be here.
“I really enjoy working with the Soldiers in
the S1 shop. They’re some the best I’ve ever
worked with,” he said. “There is a lot of potential and I’m excited to part of this team.”
“I’ve always said that the military is a finite
career, and at some point, I’ll no longer be in
the military,” he said. “When that day comes, I
want to know that I have more than one thing
that I can do when I leave the military. I can go
on and do whatever additional career that I’m
going to do.”
This is why when someone asks Maj. James
Galluzzo, the pilot, the coach, the Soldier, the
husband and the father, ‘What do you do?’ The
best answer he can give is, ‘What am I doing
today?’
Spc. Gaelen Lowers
Major James Galluzzo, 3rd Sustainment Brigade officer in
charge of the S1 shop, shows off his floating card magic
trick standing next to his flight map, high end photograph
taken by him and his carving of the comedy and tragedy
masks, all of which represent a multi-faceted life.
Rock of the Marne
September 17, 2009
The Frontline 13A
Aviation Bde takes on shoothouse training
Spc. Monica K. Smith
3rd CAB Public Affairs
The four Soldiers stacked themselves
against the door in the hallway and waited. An almost indiscernible movement
was made between the Soldiers then
instantly they sprang to life. One Soldier
kicked down a door and returned to monitor the hallway while the other three
quickly entered, firing shots at enemy targets.
“All clear,” yelled the team leader.
“Coming out!”
The Soldiers exited the room and continued their way down the hallway.
It was a military operations on urban
terrain live-fire exercise taking place at
Fort Stewart, Aug. 26. The training was not
for training special operations Soldiers or
even for infantry. This was the culmination event for the Soldiers in Company E,
4th Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment.
“There are several reasons this training
is important – first for basic mission readiness,” said Sgt. William Alford, squad leader in E Co., 4/3 Avn. “Also, our mission for
this platoon is acting as a downed aircraft
recovery team. An aircraft can go down
anywhere, and we’ve been training, getting ourselves prepared for this. So let’s say
we’re in the middle of a city, if an aircraft
goes down and we saw the person (who)
did it, we can go get them.”
For months the Soldiers have been preparing for their deployment to Afghanistan.
Knowing the terrain and needs of the
Army would be different in Afghanistan
than it was in Iraq. Lieutenant Colonel
Robert Ault, commander of 4/3 Avn., has
stressed the importance of combatfocused training.
"When you go to combat you don’t
know what you will have to do,” he said.
“We don’t want just anyone to lead our
Soldiers. If he can’t do it better than his
Soldiers, he probably shouldn’t be a leader.
Once they are selected, we trust them to
lead our Soldiers. You never know what
we’re going to have to do. There is always
the potential that there are structures
inside the perimeter. Don’t want their first
time (facing such obstacles) to be in combat.”
Combat-focused training has come to
incorporate more than sergeants-time
training. Companies have tailored their
physical fitness routine in the mornings in
addition to integrating battle drills and
exercises to prepare their bodies and
minds for whatever may be expected of
them during deployment. For the Soldiers
of E Co., 4/3 Avn., their training included
their primary tasks of fueling and maintaining equipment in addition to learning
aspects of the aircraft such as how to turn
off engines and fuel, how to properly get
crew members out of aircraft, and how to
set up a defensive perimeter around an
aircraft. The
live shoothouse
was the culminating event
for the Soldiers
of E Co., 4/3
Avn., serving as
both a final test
and a reward
for months of
hard work.
“The training was twofold... to develop defensive
capabilities in
Photos by Spc. Monica K. Smith
urban environments and to Soldiers from E Co., 4/3 Avn., begin their military operations on
build teams,” urban terrain live-fire exercise by kicking in a door at the
said
Capt. entrance of the shoothouse at Fort Stewart, Aug. 26.
Joseph Pruitt,
become comfortable with the tasks
commander of E Co., 4/3 Avn. “They required of them.
established (standard operating proce“As a team leader, I better learned my
dures) within the teams to ensure they Soldiers, their capabilities, strengths and
were communicating the same way. After weaknesses," said Spc. Ian Jones, E Co.,
a year of preparation, the live-rounds vali- 4/3 Avn. “This improved the confidence
dated their training. It’s like a reward – level of all the Soldiers in the team and
they get to shoot live rounds because they made the members of my team more conproved they know what they’re doing.”
fident that when I make a decision, it’s the
In addition to instructing Soldiers on right one. You have to make decisions in a
how to behave in the event of a shootout, matter of seconds, and I have to think not
the training also developed unity within only about what decision is best for my
the group. As each member of the team team but who on my team possesses the
learned their role, the team became more right skills to do it.”
cohesive, said Sgt. Alford.
“We had to move as a team throughout
“This training also serves the exercise,” said Spc. Nicholas Niedbalski,
LEFT: Soldiers from E Co., 4/3 Avn., make their way as a team builder,” said Sgt.
E Co., 4/3 Avn. “It helped our squad tredown a hallway after clearing a room during a Alford. “We do this over and
mendously. We worked as a team while in
military operations on urban terrain live-fire exer- over and over again, so they
a stressful environment, and I learned
cise at the shoothouse at Fort Stewart, Aug. 26.
know what they’re doing. how to work with other people efficiently.
They are fast learners and I learned how other people react to situathere is constant improve- tions and how to help people overcome
ment. We are developing our their situations. I also learned what capa(tactical-technical proce- bilities I have.”
dures) and the Soldiers are
Having junior enlisted Soldiers thinking
becoming more fluid with about their responsibilities as leaders is
each training exercise. Now part of the goals Lt. Col. Ault set forth
they move like clockwork.”
when preparing his battalion for deploy-
Squad and team leaders
were given the opportunity
to develop their leadership
techniques and implement
their own TTPs. Each team’s
communication style was
unique to the Soldiers within
A team of Soldiers from E Co., 4/3 Avn., have a the team, allowing them to
short after-action review after completing a military take ownership of and
operations on urban terrain live-fire
exercise, at the shoothouse at Fort
Stewart, Aug. 26.
ment.
“People come into the Army to be sergeants, to lead Soldiers,” said Lt. Col. Ault.
“When they do (high-intensity training),
they have to lead by example. We are
selecting the right Soldiers to be sergeants,
the right sergeants to be in key positions
and then we train, train, train them. At the
base, that’s what all this is about.”
14A The Frontline
September 17, 2009
3rd Infantry Division
Happy 62nd Birthday Air Force
'We have Air Force here?'
Jennifer Hartwig
Fort Stewart Public Affairs
When the Air Force was established in
1947, one of the main requirements to its
division from the Army was that it would
provide close air support and weather
forecasting for the Army.
Fast forward to Sept. 18, 2009, and the
62nd birthday of the Air Force, and they
are still providing that service, along with
intelligencesurveillancereconnaissance,s
to the Army.
In fact, the 15th Air Support Operations
Squadron, based at Wright Army Airfield,
has been attached to Fort Stewart since
1972.
“Most people say ‘We have Air Force
here?’ when we tell them,” said Lt. Col.
Robert “Rock” Nelson, commander of the
15th ASOS.
The 15th ASOS is an active-duty Air
Force unit with 147 Airmen, including 29
stationed at Fort Benning. From A-10
pilots, F-15 E pilots and weapons operators, to bomber and Joint Surveillance
Target Attack Radar System aircrew, the
unit is made up of officers and enlisted
Airmen who each volunteered to take the
assignment at Fort Stewart.
“They don’t have to be here,” Lt. Col.
Nelson said. “It’s not easy to be an Airman
on an Army installation, geographically
separated from your fellow Airmen. But
the entire Fort Stewart support has been
excellent.”
Senior Airman Cory
Burns, who was recently
named 93rd Air Ground
Operations Wing Airman
of the Quarter, is part of a
two-man Tactical Air
Control Party.
“This assignment (at
Fort Stewart) is one of the
opportunities I’ll have as
an Airman to be a forward
air controller,” he said.
“This will be the only time
in my career where I’ll
have the opportunity to
do this kind of mission.”
Courtesy photo
Senior Airman David Pedersen, 15th ASOS,
maintaining target identification and observes
A-10 weapons effects on Townsend Bomb
Range in McIntosh County, Ga.
The mission of the 15th ASOS is to provide coordination for tactical air support
to the 3rd Infantry Division. In peacetime, the squadron mans, equips, trains,
and supports Tactical Air Control Parties
that deploy to support the 3rd ID. The
squadron also provides liaison between
the division's maneuver commanders
and the Air Force units supporting division training, as well as advice and guidance on planning for the employing airpower in their training and combat operations.
The unit is an essential part of the mission of the 3rd ID, as is shown in the
Meritorious Unit Award they received for
their service during their deployment to
Iraq, Apr. 1, 2007-May 31, 2008. The award
will be presented at the change of command ceremony Oct. 2, when Lt. Col.
Nelson hands over command of the unit
to Lt. Col. Bruce Munger.
The 15th ASOS was initially activated
in 1972 as two separate units: Operating
Location-AD, 507th Tactical Air Control
Wing, and Detachment 5, 5th Weather
Squadron, both assigned to Fort Stewart.
The 507th TACW supported the U.S.
Army Rangers, and the 5th WS supported
Army Aviation activities at Fort Stewart
and Hunter Army Air Field. In 1975, both
units' names were changed to
Detachment 2, 507th TACW and
Detachment 21, 5th WS, respectively,
18th Weather Squadron serves Stewart-Hunter
Until October of 2008, Detachment 3, 18th Weather
Squadron was also part of the 15th ASOS. Now reorganized as part of the 18th WS at Fort Bragg, Det. 3 is
based at Hunter Army Airfield.
Detachment 3, 18th WS provides the 3rd ID, 3rd
Combat Aviation Brigade and attached units with
24-hour operational and planning weather support in
both deployed and peacetime environments. The unit
maintains garrison weather operations for Fort
Stewart, Wright Army Airfield, and Hunter Army
Airfield, said Air Force Capt. Todd Keller, detachment
commander, who is also the 3rd ID Staff Weather
Officer.
The unit it authorized 18 Airmen, including three
officers, and it currently has three officers and 14
enlisted Airmen at Hunter, and three enlisted Airmen
with a mission to support the 24th
Infantry Division Mechanized, which
had recently moved to Fort Stewart. On
June 1, 1992, the units' names were again
changed, this time to Detachment 2, 18th
Air Support Operations Group and
Detachment 21, 1st Weather Group. On
July 1, 1994, the two Detachments were
combined to create the 15th ASOS. On
Sept. 1, 2004, Operating Location-Bravo,
supporting 3/3 BCT, split from the 17
ASOS and was attached to the 15th ASOS.
Finally, on Oct. 1, 2008, the Weather flight
(OL-ALPHA) was detached from 15th
ASOS and was made Det. 3, 18th Weather
Squadron.
Along with the commander's support
staff, which provides personnel, and
administrative support to unit members,
the 15th Air Support Operations Squadron
is comprised of six flights:
A Flight: Provides Brigade Combat
Team and Battalion TACPs to support 1/3
BCT
B Flight: Provides BCT and Battalion
TACPS to support 2/3 BCT
C Flight: Provides Division TACPS to
support 3rd ID Headquarters
D Flight: Provides BCT and Battalion
TACPS to support 4/3 BCT
OL-B Flight:
Provides BCT and
Battalion TACPs to support 3/3 BCT
Support Flight: Provides maintenance
and supply support
deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Detachment 3 maintains three weather teams. The
Division team and Brigade team maintain the capability to deploy with their respective units anywhere in
the world. In the current construct, members of the
Detachment also deploy in support of other Army
units when tasked by their chain of command, Capt.
Keller said.
The garrison weather team provides peacetime support to Stewart, Wright, and Hunter, which includes
aviation weather briefings to the Combat Aviation
Brigade, 224th Military Intelligence Battalion, 3rd battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment,
and the Coast Guard Air Station Savannah. It also provides severe weather watches and warnings, tropical
weather impacts, and a myriad of other weather briefings for the supported units.
117th Air Control Squadron supports Hunter
Nancy Gould
Hunter Public Affairs
In a letter dated May 11, 2008, Georgia Governor
Sonny Purdue commended the 185 enlisted men and
women and the 19 officers of the 117th Air Control
Squadron, located on Hunter Army Airfield, for their
patriotism and dedication to the state of Georgia and
the United States during the unit’s 60 years of existence.
As one of nine air control squadrons in the Air
National Guard, the unit is a geographically separated
unit that reports to the 8th Air Force. As a radar unit
assigned the mission of providing aircraft surveillance
and control during war and peacetime contingencies,
the 117th ACS’s official mission is to provide theater
command with battle management, radar surveillance, control, and communication capabilities to
plan and execute combined air operations, and provide state authorities with a dedicated force ready to
react to local emergencies.
In 2006, the unit executed their "command and
control" mission when it deployed to Iraq and took
responsibility for all air traffic operating over Iraq’s
270,000 square miles of air space, according to Lt. Col.
Kevin Alwood, squadron commander, 117th ACS.
The unit accomplished that mission with numerous
and sophisticated computers and microwave dishes
that access military satellites that are vital to its ability
to interrogate, or analyze, aircraft operating in their
battle space using IFF (identification friend or foe)
systems. The data is gathered and entered into the
computer systems from the 117th’s surveillance trailer and is available to pilots in seconds, according to
Lt. Col. Byron King, Standardization and Evaluation
chief.
The unit was activated on Jan. 8, 1951, for 21
months during the Korean Conflict, probably the
unit’s most significant deployment. Since that time,
the 117th ACS has participated in more than 59 field
training exercises and deployments; nine were overseas and 50 were stateside. When returning to Air
National Guard status, the unit was assigned to the
152nd Tactical Control Group, with Headquarters in
White Plains, N.Y. While assigned to the Group, the
unit participated in Field Training Exercises in New
Jersey, New York and Massachusetts. In December
1958, the unit was reassigned to the 157th Tactical
Control Group with Headquarters in Saint Louis,
Mo.
The 117th ACS has deployed four times to Norway.
The 1984 sealift deployment to Norway established
the unit as the first Tactical Air Control System received three Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards.
Squadron to be sealifted. It was also the first TACS to
The 117th ACS serves its country from above the
Norway and the first time TACS and the Norwegian Air frozen Arctic Circle in Andoya Flystation, Andenes,
Defense Ground Environment System were integrat- Norway, to the steaming equatorial jungles of
ed.
Colombia, South America.
The 117th ACS has passed three Operational
On the home front, the 117th ACS continues to
Readiness Inspections and has been recognized with aggressively meet and exceed every challenge with
numerous awards.
pride, professionalism and people.
The unit last received an Air
Combat Command Inspector
General
Unit
Compliance
Inspection in February 2005, and
earned an "Excellent’ rating," and
an 8th Air Force Standardization
and Evaluation Inspection in
October 2006, three months after
returning from deployment to Balad
Air Base, Iraq, also receving an
"Excellent" rating.
The unit has received four Air
Force Outstanding Unit Awards, the
most recent in January 2002.
During "Combat Challenge 96"
the Air Force’s Premier Worldwide
Command,
Control,
Communications and Intelligence
Competition, the 117th ACS won
first place in the Air Control event,
an impressive first for the Air
Photos by Nancy Gould
National Guard. Since 1993, the unit
Technical Sergeant Joe Lee and Master Sergeant Rommel Beck,
117th Air Control Squadron, set up a TSC-100A satellite communications dish in the field.
Airmen from the 117th ACS work with a TPS-75 long range radar in the field.
Rock of the Marne
September 17, 2009
The Frontline 15A
Veteran's Corner
Vietnam veteran finally honored for service
Almost four decades after his service, George
Marvin Miller receives surprise recognition
J. Elise Van Pool
Public Affairs Specialist
Brigadier General Patrick
Donahue, 3rd Infantry Division
deputy commanding general –
Thirty-nine years after leaving the maneuver, presented the Bronze
Army, Spc. George Marvin Miller was Star, Army Commendation
finally presented with the medals he Medal, National Defense Service
earned during his two years of service, Meal, Vietnam Service Medal,
that culminated with service with the Republic of Vietnam Campaign
Ribbon with V-Devise, and the
101st Airborne Division in Vietnam.
Sharpshooter Badge with
Auto Rifle Bar, to Miller
outside the Courthouse
in Woodbine, Ga., with
members of Miller’s
Family, friends and
guests from nearby Kings
Bay Naval Station in
Photos by J. Elise Van Pool
attendance.
Miller was visibly Brigadier General Patrick Donahue, 3rd Infantry Division deputy commanding genimpacted by the gesture, eral-maneuver, presents George Marvin Miller with the medals he earned 39 years
one that he did not ago while serving in Vietnam. The ceremony was held at the Camden County
expect, and was moved Courthouse in Woodbine, Ga., Sept. 11.
near to tears thanking
presentation of the colors by Sailors from among his civilian peers.”
everyone for their efforts.
Kings Bay Naval Base and singing of the
Continuing, Brig. Gen Donahue said,,
“It means so da’gone much,”
national anthem by Miller’s son-in-law, “Now it is time to make amends for a
Miller said.
Jeremy Pittman. Miller was then pre- mistake made 39 years ago, and recogAfter being told by his wife that
sented with his awards by Brig. Gen. nize the service of (Spc.) George Marvin
he was needed to stand in for a
Donahue.
Miller.”
9/11 ceremony, Miller came to
Brigadier General Donahue said he
After being presented with his medals,
the courthouse not knowing the
was glad to be able to right the wrongs of Miller spoke to the crowd expressing his
ceremony he would be attending
the past and give a fellow Soldier recog- gratitude for being thanked for his serwas for him until he was handed
nition he rightly deserved.
vice.
a program with his picture on it.
“When he (Miller) returned, there
“When I got back, I had tomatoes and
George Marvin Miller addresses the crowd When he arrived, he was greeted were no parades, yellow ribbons, people rotten eggs thrown at me,” Miller said.
of approximately 50, who gathered at the by members of his Family, friends thanking him in the airports and on the
When asked how he felt about the cerCamden County Courthouse to see him pre- and the local community, about streets like our Soldiers today enjoy," emony Miller said, “It's something that
sented with the awards he earned while 50 of whom were on hand.
said Brig. Gen. Donahue. "He came back you don’t expect, and I did not expect it
The ceremony began with the
serving in Vietnam.
to a hostile environment, especially at all. I feel great to be an American."
Sun City walks for
wounded Warriors
Photos by Nancy Gould
Veterans decorated their respective golf carts with patriotic
themes and many played music from their carts and classic cars
along the parade route, during the Sun City Association "Walk for
the Wounded' at Sun City, S.C., Sept. 11.
I'm proud to wear this uniform
and what it represents about this
country. I'm glad the Hilton Head
community came out to support
wounded Soldiers and to help us
remember the tragedy of 9/11.
Third Infantry Division commanding general, Maj. Gen. Tony Cucolo, rides in a
1950 M-38A1 classic jeep with SCVA leaders and other veterans to honor wounded service members during the Sun City Association "Walk for the Wounded' at
Sun City, S.C., Sept. 11.
Sgt. Travis Knoch
Warrior Transition Battalion
Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield
Soldiers, students
remember fallen
2nd Lt. Cathy Zimmerman, 703rd BSB
Soldiers from the 703rd Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Infantry Brigade
Combat Team, presented residents of Magnolia Manor Senior Home a
quilt to pay tribute to their service, Sept. 11. The Soldiers of the 703rd
BSB constructed the quilt representing the 3rd ID patch and an individual patch for each unit of the 703rd BSB. In the middle is the
Battalion's slogan: "Maintain the line.... Never Quit." The quilt passed
from one Soldier’s hands to another’s, as each signed the quilt in
remembrance of what they stand for.
Staff Sgt. Tanya Polk, 4th IBCT Public Affairs
Lieutenant Colonel George E. Lewis, commander of the 4-3 Brigade
Special Troops Battalion, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, and
Bradwell Institute JROTC student, Allyson Burrill, 17, pay tribute to the
victims of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks during a ceremony held at Bradwell,
Sept. 11.
16A The Frontline
REDEPLOY
“I’m feeling beyond ecstatic!”
Solmary exclaimed. “It’s great to
have him home and safe. When
he was leaving, I was scared, but
I knew he would be okay and
that we’d make it through. The
first thing I want to do is look
him in the face and make sure
he is in the same condition that
I left him. I’m just so happy he is
home.”
The wait for their loved ones
was almost more than some
Family Members could bear,
said Ashley Brown, wife of Sgt.
Colt Brown.
“I’m feeling anxious because
they were supposed to be home
like 10 different times now,”
Ashley said, “so it’s surreal that
it's actually happening, that
they are actually going to be
here.”
While deployed, staying in
touch was vital to easing the
fears and alleviate the concerns
that many Family Members had
while their Soldier was
deployed.
“Being able to stay in touch
helped tremendously,” Ashley
said. “Just being able to hear his
voice or get a text to know he is
okay helped.”
Not every Soldier had Family
or friends there to welcome
September 17, 2009
3rd Infantry Division
from Page 1A
them home, but their return
was not any less joyous.
“It feels great!” said Spec.
Andrea Fogle. “It’s one of the
best feelings. I am just so happy
to see grass.”
For others, seeing their
Families for the first time in
months is a dream come true.
“It feels great, Lord God, it
feels great to be back!” said Staff
Sgt. Phillip Williams. “The first
thing I wanted to do (when I got
back) was hold my baby boy,
and that is what I am doing,” he
said while squeezing his son
tightly.
While thanking the Soldiers
for their hard work, Brig. Gen.
Patrick Donahue, 3rd Infantry
Division deputy commanding
general (maneuver), urged the
Soldiers to be safe during their
transition back.
“You escorted more than 200
convoys
over
dangerous
grounds,” said Brig. Gen.
Donahue. “Now I want you to
show that same discipline as
you reunite with your Families.”
He then said the words that
the Soldiers, their Family
Members and the loved ones
have been waiting to hear for
over a year.
“Welcome home!”
Katelynn Dixon, 2, waves her flags
welcoming home her dad, Sgt.
Joseph Dixon, 135th QM Co., 87th
CSSB, 3rd Sustainment Bde., during
the redeployment ceremony for the
135th QM Co., Sept. 14.
TOP RIGHT: Specialist
James Barron, 135th
QM Co., 87th CSSB, 3rd
Sustainment Bde., holds
his daughter, Vanessa,
6, after returning from
the company's 12-month
deployment to Iraq during the company's redeployment
ceremony,
Sept. 14.
RIGHT: Christine Karr
kisses her husband 1st
Lt. Christopher Karr,
135th QM Co., 87th
CSSB, 3rd Sustainment
Bde., for the first time in
many months during the
redeployment ceremony
held for the 135th QM
Co., Sept. 14.
A crowd of Families and loved ones cheer the return of the 135th QM Co.,
87th CSSB, 3rd Sustainment Bde., during their redeployment ceremony,
Sept. 14.