black dragon news letter august 2012

WEDNESDAY 1 AUGUST 2012 VOLUME 7

BN CSM 2

Chaplain’s Corner 3

HHB Hardcore 4

ALPHA Apaches 5

BRAVO Bulldogs 6

GOLF Ghost riders 7

Battalion News 8

Current Events 9-16

Inside this issue:

BLACK DRAGON Family:

I want to begin this letter by thanking eve-

ryone for coming to the Town Hall Meet-

ing we hosted on July 11th. It was a good

event made great by your attendance and

participation. Events like these, coupled

with our FRG programs, and our Social

Media presence (Facebook and Twitter)

are the best ways to keep our BLACK

DRAGON Families and Friends informed

and connected to the Battalion.

The Battalion has been very busy since the Town Hall meeting. We

have spent several weeks in the motor pool preparing and loading

our equipment for movement to Fort Drum, New York and Fort

Polk, Louisiana. The loading and movement of equipment to pick

up points is one of the most important aspect of a successful train-

ing event, but one that is sometimes overlooked. I want to thank

and recognize all the Battery and Company Unit Movement Offi-

cers and/or Movement NCOs and Hazardous Material Inspectors.

Their attention to detail and the hard work of our Soldiers ensured

our Battalion load out was seamless despite having a complicated

mission with equipment going to multiple destinations.

Alpha Battery has deployed en masse to Fort Drum, New York to

conduct M777 Howitzer Training in partnership with 2-15 Field

Artillery. So far select personnel have completed intensive main-

tenance training and the whole battery is now training on how to

emplace and fire the howitzer as a Cannon Crew member or as a

Fire Direction Specialist. The Leaders and Soldiers of Alpha Bat-

tery continue to excel at their training and even though they have

been busy, they are still finding time to have some fun with unit

football games, BBQs, and other activities. We know that they will

do well in the upcoming live fire certification and we look forward

to them coming back around August 16.

Currently I, and most of the Battalion Staff, am deployed to Fort

Polk Louisiana at the Joint Readiness Training Center where we are

undergoing Security Forces Assistance Training in preparation for

our JRTC training rotation and our follow on mission. The training

days are full, but productive, as they have Afghans that role play

Afghan Army and Police personnel during hands on situational

exercises. The rest of the Battalion will begin to move to JRTC on

July 30 and August 1. Once we have all arrived we will begin our

JRTC Rotation. During the rotation the Battalion will shoot over

1000 Artillery Rounds, embed with an Afghan Division Level Staff,

and train Afghan Artillerymen – in a role playing training environ-

ment. According to the training schedule, we should all return

from JRTC no later than 25 August. This gives everyone time to get

home and enjoy the Labor Day Week-end.

Once we return from Labor Day, the Battalion and the Brigade will

once again load out in preparation for movement to Afghanistan.

Even though we have not received our official deploying orders as

of yet, we have to send our containers in advance because of the

length of time it takes to move equipment to Afghanistan and the

need for it to be there in anticipation of our arrival. We will con-

tinue to conduct some training during September as well, and

while most of the training will be during their duty day, some train-

ing will have to occur at night. At this time we do not anticipate any

overnight training.

We also continue to plan some family events for the month of

September and October, so please stay in contact with your

FRGs as they will send out more information. We are working

hard to make these events convenient for all Soldiers and their

families. We are also planning leave periods for the Battalion.

Right now any Soldier not at Fort Polk or Fort Drum, that is not

key and essential to the Battalion rear detachment, can submit

leave paper work to their Battery or Company Leadership. For

those Soldiers scheduled to deploy, block leave will be from

October 5 – October 21. Please work with your Soldier’s chain

of command to schedule specific leave during these dates. For

those Soldiers not deploying, and those that did not get a

chance to take leave in August or September, there will be an

opportunity to take leave after the Battalion leaves for the de-

ployment. I know that these late leave dates occur after chil-

dren have returned to school and are less than optimal, but

many schools (local and out of state) will allow special excep-

tions for missed school attendance for children whose parent is

in the military and scheduled to deploy. As the parent of an up

and coming kindergartener, I do understand the challenges

that these leave dates pose.

I would like to close something that we should all be proud of in

the Battalion. Major Mike Kielpinski, the Battalion executive

officer, was selected for promotion to Lieutenant Colonel. This

is a great achievement for Mike and his family, and we cannot

think of a better Army team for selection to Lieutenant Colonel.

Job well done! We will keep everyone posted once we know

more about when he will be promoted.

As always, thank you for supporting your Soldier. The Com-

mand Team of 5-82FA realizes that the Battalion could not be as

successful without your support and understanding. Stay in

touch with your FRGs and follow us on our Social Media sites to

keep up with the latest information and opportunities.

Will and Jessy Johnson

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

groups/582black.dragons/

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

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

Dragons/288593261191191

Twitter Account: @5th82fa

BLACK DRAGONS BULLETIN BN Commander and Senior Advisor Words

Black Dragons, Families and friends, I’m truly honored and humbled to serve the Soldiers of the “Black

Dragon” Battalion and be part of the team! Since, this will be the first of my many newsletters; I would like to take

the opportunity to introduce myself. I’m married to the former Teresa Torres of Wichita Falls, Texas and we have

three wonderful boys: David (25), Timothy (23), and Trevor (21). We also have two grandsons and one grand-

daughter!

I have been very fortunate to be a part of the Army for about 27 years now. I have a son that served the

Army for six years and a son that is currently serving in the Air Force! I say that to say this: I’m a grounded leader

that knows the sacrifices that you all make on a daily basis. Thank you for those sacrifices and contributions to this

great organization!

Although I have only been the Command Sergeant Major (CSM) for a short time, I recognize the accom-

plishments of the Battalion over the last several months. Believe me, your accomplishments have not went unno-

ticed. Since I have arrived to the Battalion; I have been thoroughly impressed and continue to be impressed each

and every day with the teamwork and camaraderie that you all have demonstrated. Again, thank you for all the

hard work and dedication!

As the CSM, I will place great emphasis on the readiness of our most valuable resource… our Soldiers and

their Families. As the CSM, I will do my very best to protect and build upon the fine legacy of professional excel-

lence and a tradition of mission accomplishment that the Soldiers and families within the “Black Dragon” Battalion

have built.

As the CSM, I’m confident that the Soldiers of the “Black Dragon” Battalion will be the “most ready” when

the Nation is the “least ready.” I owe that to the Soldiers and their families!

Again, I look forward to working and meeting each and every one of you and being part of the “Black

Dragon” Battalion!

“BLACK DRAGON 9”

BLACK DRAGONS BULLETIN

BN CSM Words

The Soldiers and Families of the

5-82 Field Artillery Black Dragons

would like to welcome

CSM and Mrs. Teresa Maynard

back to the family!!

BLACK DRAGONS BULLETIN

CHAPLAIN’S CORNER

Chaplain's Corner—FRG Newsletter

“Before You Get Married” – Part 2 of 4 (The Role of Religion)

Last month I began a 4-part series on the BIG FOUR of a Successful Marriage – MONEY, RELIGION, KIDS & IN-

LAWS as the four main areas to discuss before you get married. This month we continue the series with the second

area you must discuss before marriage -- the role Religion will play in your marriage.

The first question in this area is “What will be the source of Authority & Guidance in your home?”

People often follow a variety of human “authorities” like TV psychiatrists, neighbors, society, friends, and family, or just give in

to their personal desires when seeking the proper way to conduct their home life. While some of these sources may provide

good advice at times, many of our marital problems are the result of following these examples. We need a better standard – a

source of higher wisdom. Fortunately we have an infallible source of wisdom in God. When “worldly” wisdom is in conflict with

this “higher” source, the best course is to go with the godly wisdom.

Genesis 2:18-24 – God created marriage and He knows the best way to conduct it.

Joshua 1:8 – Our efforts are successful when we study and stick to God’s plan.

Psalm 127:1 – Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it.

Another question to ask before you marry is “will you share a common faith & religion?”

One of the most important purposes of marriage is companionship…the sharing of common goals and interests, including relig-

ion. No matter the faith or religion you choose to follow, failure to share a religion and be “like-minded” in worship is a major

source of conflict in marriage. Consider things like: Will you pray together before meals? Will you attend church together? Do

you agree on the concept of financial giving? What types of activities will you enjoy, and will you agree to do them together?

Do you agree on the major social and moral topics in society? What moral principles and standards will you teach and exem-

plify for your children?

You and your fiancé or spouse need to thoroughly discuss all such concerns, and come to agreement early in the relationship if

your marriage is to be successful and happy. Every couple enters marriage with plans for happiness together. If you start with

agreement on spiritual topics and have a solid understanding of what you each believe, you will have taken a major step toward

achieving marital success.

CH (CPT) Robert D. Patterson

Battalion Chaplain

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

RELIGIOUS SUPPORT / RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL – 6 thru 10 Aug, 1800-2030, VBS for the whole family, Spirit of FT Hood Chapel (SFHC)

RAMADAN – Starts the evening of 19 Jul thru 17 Aug, Ohana Place (19th Street Chapel)

CENTER SHOT MINISTRIES starts up @ Comanche Chapel, 23 July (MON): POC CH Godding

HOW TO DATE YOUR SPOUSE – With Gary and Barb Rosberg - 19-20 Aug (SFHC)

GIVE AWAY BAZAAR @ Comanche Chapel, 25 Aug (SAT)

CELEBRATION FOR STRONG MARRIAGES – 5-12 Sep, (SFHC)

READ and SURVEY THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR – This will be a read through the Bible in a Year and a survey course on each

book.

SPIRITUAL FITNESS CENTER

Marriage 101 – 1st Wednesday each month, 0900 thru 1530 (Soldiers get $50.00 off Marriage License for attending and a bar-

rage of good marriage information)

Children In The Middle – 2nd and 4th Wednesday each month, 0900 to 1300 (Mandated by the courts for those going

through divorce who have children)

17 Essential Qualities of a Team Player– Tuesdays at 1145 to 1245. Lunch provided. Join us each Tuesday at the Spiritual

Fitness Center for a light lunch and time of discovery. Discover what a great team player looks like and the tools to become one

yourself. 8 week course.

Bibliotherapy Book Reading Club – Starting in September - the last Tuesday of each month, 1330, Spiritual Fitness Center.

Quarterly Prayer Summit – Music, group and individual prayer time and prayer walk.

Bill Shelnutt, DRE, Spiritual Fitness Center, 254-287-9101; (254) 287-9574

BLACK DRAGONS BULLETIN BLACK DRAGONS BULLETIN

HHB NEWSLETTER

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

Written By: CPT Scott Hastings

Volume 7

SFC Huff and SPC Victoria participate in the Battalion Enlisted Run

SFC Brewster and other Hardcore families at the Battalion Town Hall meeting

PV2 Cazrares, SPC Banks, PFC Beasley, and SPC Strong were the Color Guard for the CoR Ceremony

1LT Cheatwood participates in water survival training during PT

The month of July was super busy for the Hardcore Battery. We started the month by working very efficiently to begin our preparations for JRTC and Fort Drum training operations in August. The Battery has spent countless hours finalizing equipment inspections, vehicle inspections, and sealing the connexes.

Earlier this month, we said farewell to CSM Coler, as he has taken a new assignment in Fort Dix. Hardcore Battery gave a warm welcome to our incoming CSM Maynard and his family during the Change of Responsibility Ceremony. We had four Hardcore Soldiers as the Color Guard, under the direction of MSG Bailey, and SSG Garcia as the Master of Ceremonies.

The last few weeks have been a true testament to teamwork. We sealed the connexes, sent our ADVON parties to JRTC and Fort Drum. Our Battery was successful in completing our mission this month. HARDCORE!

July Birthdays: SGT Talarico, SPC Bocker, PFC Hepp

July Babies: SPC Damon-Baby BoySGT Sanders-Baby Girl; SGT Owokoya – Baby Girl

VO BLACK DRAGONS BULLETIN

The month of July has been a historic one for the

Soldiers of Apache Battery. Currently the battery is

deployed to Fort Drum, NY where they are receiving

training on the M777 howitzer as they prepare for

future operations overseas.

July started with the welcoming of over 30 new

Soldiers to the unit as the battery re-task orged to

an M777 unit. As opposed to having two platoons

with four paladins each, the battery now has three

platoons of two M777s.

One key addition to the unit was the welcoming of

1SG Mendez after his change of responsibility with

1SG Hemenway. The battery thanks 1SG

Hemenway for his eight months of service as he

moves on to become the Battalion S2 NCOIC.

On July 15th, Alpha Battery deployed its initial wave

of Soldiers to Fort Drum for advanced party duties

and U6 Training. Led by 1LT Force and SFC

Pinkett, the Soldiers did an outstanding job setting

the conditions for the main body’s arrival. In

addition, all twelve Soldiers successfully passed the

U6 training which certifies them as operator level

mechanics on the M777.

On July 24th, Alpha Battery deployed its main body

to Fort Drum. 1LT Barr and SSG (P) Flores did a

tremendous job serving as flight commander and

NCOIC ensuring all 86 Soldiers made it to Fort

Drum with no issues. On July 25th, training began

and the Soldiers have been at it ever since.

As July concludes, the Soldiers stay busy training

on the M777. The days are lengthy and the training

is intense but the Soldiers know that the skills they

learn here will save lives overseas. On August 4th,

the Soldiers of Apache Battery will become the first

Soldiers in the history of the 1st Cavalry Division to

live fire the M777. Shortly after that, they will return

to the training areas of Fort Drum and become the

fist battery in the history of the 1st Cavalry Division

to qualify on the M777. GREAT JOB APACHES!

Apache NewsletterWritten By: CPT Martin Piecuch Volume 7

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

Apache Soldiers dismount the

FMTV and conduct occupation.

Apache Soldiers conduct crew

drills on the M777.

Apache Battery started off its busy month with the Change of

Responsibility between 1SG Hemenway and 1SG Mendez.

The Apaches all made it to Fort Drum Safely! A special thanks to

all the family members that donated snacks and took the time

packing them into goodie bags. The Apaches appreciate it!

Upcoming Events-Aug 1st: Alpha Battery wives get together

-Aug 4th: Alpha Battery conducts live fire on M777

-Aug 5th: 91F return to Fort Hood

-Aug 6th-9th: Alpha Battery conducts Table VI Qualification

-Aug 16th: Alpha Battery returns to Fort Hood

-Aug 21st: Alpha Battery FRG Meeting

*All dates are tentative and subject to change


Bulldog Newsletter

Family and friends of the Bulldog

Battery, the month of July has been a very

busy one for us. This month saw the Red-

legs of Bravo re-task organizing into the

4th Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division ready

force, completing and certifying Paladin

Table V and Table VI, loading up quad-

cons and preparing for a Joint Readiness

Training rotation at Fort Polk, Louisiana.

Bravo Battery also said farewell to

Bulldog 6 Ancient, CPT Chad Fitzgerald

and his wife Libby and son Caleb. They

are moving to Boston, Massachusetts

where CPT Fitzgerald will be pursuing a

higher education in preparation for his

tenure at the United States Military

Academy as an instructor. His successor

is CPT Troy Merkel and wife Christine.

CPT Merkel joins the Bulldogs from 2-7

Cavalry. CPT Merkel officially took

command on the 17th of July.

Bulldog Battery has been undergoing

many significant changes with the

addition of many new Soldiers coming

from Alpha Battery and many places

across the Army. New NCOs and fresh

young Soldiers straight out of Advanced

Individual Training from Fort Sill,

Oklahoma have joined the proud tradition

of the red-leg cavalrymen of Bravo Battery

and all the current and past Bulldogs

would like to welcome them into our

brotherhood of arms.

Written By: CPT Troy Merkel Volume 7

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

Members of 1st

Platoon fire for effect

(FFE) during Table VI

certification

CPT Merkel officially takes command of the Bulldogs

Bulldogs move to the Paladin

Assembly Area (PAA) during

Tables V and VI while CPT Fitzgerald watches on


Greetings, GhostRiders’

family and friends. I am just

as thrilled and excited as

the commander to be part

of a great organization pro-

vided all the logistical lift

and maintenance require-

ments for the Black Dragon

Battalion. We will display

professionalism and con-

tinue the traditions and

work ethic foundation laid

by our previous leadership

teams and always continue

to move this organization

forward and improve. As

our folks go forward to JRTC

and train at Fort Drum, NY,

we will maintain the home

front informed and ready

allowing our battalion to be

successful in what ever mis-

sion or task they encounter

in training or deployment.

Congratulation to the Brown

Family on their baby. This

is GhostRider 9.

Ghostrider 6 Ghostrider 9

Maintenance

During the month of July

Maintenance Platoon com-

pleted services on Battal-

ion Fleet to ensure all

equipment traveling to

JRTC is fully mission capa-

ble for the August 2012

JRTC Rotation as well as

deploying maintainers.

GOLF FSC, 5-82 FA

WEDNESDAY 1 AUGUST 2012 VOLUME 7

GHOSTRIDER’S NEWSLETTER

Special points of interest:

Ghostrider 6’s Corner

Ghostrider 9’s Corner

JRTC Rotation

Training Calendar Events for July and

August 2012

Company Photos

Headquarters Distribution

Distro Dawgs the hard task

of completing rail opera-

tions at the Fort Polk Node

for the Brigade. They con-

tinue to represent the Black

Dragon Battalion with their

can do attitude. As the

most experienced wheeled

vehicle, Distro Dawgs did

an outstanding job moving

equipment to Fort Polk.

Headquarters Platoon wel-

comed the newest member to

the platoon when SPC Brown

wife gave birth to their baby

girl. The platoon came to-

gether and received the grow-

ing family. Headquarters Pla-

toon received high marks dur-

ing their recent Arms Room

inspections as they came to-

gether on the mission.

Training Events:

Ghostriders will deploy an en-

hanced platoon comprised of Distro

Dawgs and Maintenance Wrench

Heads in support of JRTC.

Soldiers on Rear Detachment for the

month of August 2012, will continue

to train on weapon proficiency,

driver’s training, and maintain LBE

Greetings from GhostRider

6. I am constantly thrilled to

be a part of the GhostRider

Team. This month has been

filled with support require-

ments and ensuring the suc-

cess of the battalion by per-

forming critical Rear Detach-

ment Operations for the

Black Dragon Battalion. This

month, one of our Ghos-

tRider Soldier’s spouse gave

birth to a little GhostRider.

SPC Brown and Jessica Metra

-Brown welcomed baby

Taylynn Alexandria Brown

on July 26th, 2012 at 1731 to

their and our family. It is

always important to under-

stand and embrace those

that serve alongside us and

share in the joys and dis-

comforts of the living the

Army Life. We continue to

prep our Soldiers to em-

brace any mission given. Members of the GhostRiders

prepare for a bike ride to

better understand the rules

of the road, gain techniques,

and stay current on all poli-

cies.

BLACK DRAGONS NEWS

BLABLACK DRAGONS BULLETIN

Black Dragon family there be no address given for the deployment to

Fort Polk; however,

there will be a “Red-eye special” which

will deliver packages to your Soldier leaving Brigade every three days.

If you have something to send to your Soldier, please bring your packages to

Battalion Staff Duty. For any questions please call

254-285-6592.


Week of July 30 Spouse Tip

SECO CAN JUMP START YOUR CONTINUED EDUCATION AND PORTABLE CAREER

Military spouses have many opportunities and resources that can help jump start their continued education and port-

able careers.

The first step is awareness. Help us spread the word that Military Spouse Education, Career and Employment sup-port resources are available, easily accessible, and provided at no-cost.

Military Spouse Career Center: 1-800-342-9647 Education, Career and Employment Counselors are standing by to provide military spouse education, career and employment information, counseling and planning services. Additional

support resources are online at www.MilitaryOneSource.mil (Career & Education Section/Spouse Career Center).

SECO Program: The Spouse Education and Career Opportunities (SECO) Program has four pillars for information and support service delivery:

1) Career Exploration

2) Education and Training

§ MyCAA -- The MyCareer Advancement Accounts program provides up to $4,000 for spouses of active duty mem-bers on Title 10 orders who are in pay grades E1-E5, W1-W2 and O1-O2. Spouses must be pursuing an Associate’s de-

gree, license or credential needed for portable career employment. To open an account, please click the "Register"

link above.

§ Additional Sources of Financial Assistance for All Military Spouses -- Provides referrals to Federal Pell Grants and Stafford Loans.

3) Career Readiness

4) Career Connections

http://www.MilitaryOneSource.mil

VOLUME 7 BLACK DRAGONS BULLETIN

DISTRICT ENROLLMENT CENTER

SCHOOL YEAR 2012-2013

Location: Manor Middle School (1700 W.S. Young Drive, Killeen)

Phone: (254) 336-1349 or (254) 336-1718

Dates: July 23rd-August 2nd

Time: 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM

Purpose:

Enroll new students in grades Pre-K to 12th grade

Update address, immunization records

Change registration information

ELL/Bilingual screening

Special Education placement

Campus information-school supply lists, standard dress information

Required Documents:

Immunization records

Current proof of residency within KISD (utility bill or lease contract)

Birth Certificate (certified copy required for children under 11 years of age)

Student’s Social Security Card

Report card/records from previous school

Drivers License of person enrolling the student

Pre-K Eligibility:

Military Dependent qualification criteria - Military ID, DEERS form or other reliable documentation is required to show that student is a dependent of a current military member or prior military member who was injured,

killed or MIA while on active duty. Simply being a retired military member does NOT meet this Pre-K qualification criteria

Income qualification criteria - Proof of Income (from prior month) for all household members

Notes: Additional documentation required for other custodial arrangements

VOLUME 7 BLACK DRAGONS BULLETIN

254-287-3424

Now - August 24 - Super High Adventure Middle

School Camp

Middle School Camp offers fun and exciting activities for teens during summer vaca-


VOL BLACK DRAGONS BULLETIN


Fort Hood Family and MWR

Community Services Council (CSC) Meeting

August 2012

August 6 - 16 – Adult Swim Lessons

Come learn the life-long skill of swimming

Classes are held at the 1CD Pool

$50 per swimmer

7 – 7:45 pm

62nd Street & Hell on Wheels Boulevard, Bldg. 2479

For more information, please call the Aquatics Office at 254-287-9430

August 9 - Hood Howdy

Hood Howdy is an information fair and mini job fair, held each February/August and acts as an overall installation orienta-

tion; by providing newcomers and the community with an abundance of information about all that “The Great Place” has to offer

Offers information on local programs, services, activities, businesses, housing, commissary, medical and emergency ser-

vices

Family and MWR agencies will also be available to provide in depth information regarding their services, such as financial

counseling, recreational activities, job search assistance (be sure to bring your resume) and Child, Youth & School Ser-vices

Hood Howdy is free, Family-friendly, open to all; and full of information, games, door prizes and activities…so, be sure to

stop by the Family and MWR Room to enter for a chance to win an iPad2 (16GB + Wi-Fi enabled)

Get acquainted with “The Great Place” at Hood Howdy on August 9, from 10 am - 2 pm at Club Hood (Bldg. 5764, 24th

Street at Tank Destroyer Boulevard)

For more information and/or individuals requiring accommodations for a medical disability, call ACS Relocation Readiness

Branch at 254-287-4471 or [email protected]

August 10 - Teen Army Family Action Plan (AFAP) Focus Forum

Fort Hood Army Community Service will host a Teen Army Family Action Plan (AFAP) Focus Forum on August 10, from 9

am - 4 pm at Oveta Culp Hobby Soldier & Family Readiness Center

This forum is open to Military teens aged 13-19 years

Only 15 teens will be accepted to participate

Registration closes on July 31 or once the maximum number of teens have registered

For registration and information, contact the Fort Hood AFAP via 254-287-2327 or usarmy.hood.imcom-fmwrc.list.ACS-

[email protected]

August 18 – Hood Hotter Than Hades 5K Run/Walk

Overall male and female winners receive a trophy

1st, 2nd and 3rd in each age class receive a medal

On-site registration the day of the race from 7- 8 am or register online at HoodMWR.com

Race begins 8 am

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

For more information call 254-285-5459


Continued News

August 18 – 2-Person Triple Threat Tournament

Six holes modified alternate shot, six holes best ball, 6 holes scramble

9 am shotgun start

7:30 - 8:45 am onsite registration

$15, plus green fees and cart rental (lunch included in price)

Mulligans $5 additional per person (optional)

For details and registration, call 254-287-4130 or stop in at the golf course

The Courses of Clear Creek, Bldg. 52381, located on Battalion Avenue west of Clear Creek Road

August 24 - Back to School Bash

Jump back into the school spirit with Fort Hood Youth and School Age Services’ Annual Back to School Bash

The Caribbean themed event will take place Friday August 24, from 3 to 8 pm at the recently opened Montague Youth Cen-

ter (Bldg. 70020 Clement Drive)

The event is free/open to all and geared toward 6th-12th graders - youth are encouraged to bring their friends along

The youth will have the benefit of experiencing the Caribbean culture through activities such as henna tattoos, traditional

Samoan dancers, stilt walkers, high jumper, interactive Zumba Calypso demonstration, cake walk, inflatable’s, dunking

booth, foam pit, samples of Caribbean foods, fun, contests, prizes and more!

Parents are invited to attend an education workshop, focused on many of the various issues teen are currently dealing with

A resource fair will be set up at the event to give Families input about the many Family and MWR services and programs

available to them on the installation Youth Sports & Fitness will have a health and wellness booth to provide healthy snack options ideas and tips to stay active and

healthy throughout the school year

School Age Care Summer Spectrum will enhance the Caribbean Theme with entertainment by Steel drum musicians and Limbo

demonstrations

For more information, call 254-553-7662

August 31 - September 1 - 2012 US Army Soldier Show

Don’t miss the 2012 US Army Soldier Show featuring song, dance and performances from some of the Army’s most talented

Soldiers

Three show times: August 31 at 7pm, September 1 at 2 pm and 7pm

All shows will be at Abrams Physical Fitness Center, Bldg 23001, 62nd Street and Support Avenue

For more information see HoodMWR.com

FREE SAT/ACT Test Prep Software for Military and Dependents

eKnowledge Corporation and a handful of patriotic NFL players have donated more than 100,000 SAT/ACT test prep software

programs normally priced at $200, FREE to military Families worldwide

Military Families and veterans are eligible

Visit www.eknowledge.com/FHS to obtain your FREE software


Continued News

Army Family Covenant “Keeping the Promise” - Benefits to Families of Deployed Soldiers -

Free annual Child, Youth and School Services registrations (CYSS)

Discount of 20 percent for full-day and part- day child care (CYSS)

Fun Friday Evening and Super Saturday Getaways (CYSS)

Sixteen free hours of child care per child, per month during deployment (CYSS)

Emergency child care in the Child Development Home or certified FCC Provider, for Families under extreme stress or for a

spouse/parent hospitalization when there is not local child care support (CYSS)

Expanded hourly care slots and hours, 6 am - 6 pm, at Chaffee Child Development Center (CYSS)

$300 in free SKIES Unlimited Academy instructional classes, for up to eight weeks per class, per child/youth (CYSS)

$100 in free sports team registrations, per child/youth (CYSS)

Free, on-site care for monthly FRG meetings(CYSS)

Free, on-site care during pre-deployment and reunion briefings (CYSS)

Military Family Life Consultant program offers problem-solving counseling due to deployments (ACS)

Care Team Training provides tools to volunteers who are willing to provide short term care and support to Families of de-

ceased or critically injured Soldiers or Family members - Volunteers offer in-home assistance with meals, telephone and gift logs, cards and condolences, and emotional support (ACS)

Coping with Separation Training offers insight into various techniques to dealing with deployment issues and feelings of isola-

tion (ACS)

Deployment Budgeting teaches participants how to adjust their budget/spending plan, taking into account changes in income

and expenses during deployment (ACS)

Reunion/Reintegration Training provides Soldiers and Families information to deal with changes, which occur during deploy-

ment in marital and child relationships (ACS)

Parent to Parent Helping Hands Support Group and Exceptional Family Member Support Group provides parents an opportu-

nity to share common experiences and support for other Families with special needs Family members, deployments prove to be particularly challenging for stay behind parents (ACS)

Family Readiness Group Focus Forum offers both experienced and new leaders and volunteers the opportunity to meet and

discuss issues, training, changes, and a wide variety of topics concerning the management of Family Readiness Groups (ACS)

Pre-Deployment Briefings provide insight for the Soldier and Family member on the importance of planning and communica-

tion prior to deployment

A checklist is provided that offers suggestions of areas to be addressed by Families preparing for the Soldier's departure

(ACS)

Family Life Skills Workshop assists participants in recognizing the effects and causes of stress and introduces them to a wide

array of stress management techniques, conducted 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month (ACS)

Rear Detachment Operations Course-this four-day course offers 45 blocks of instruction to prepare the rear detachment staff

for the challenges that arise during deployment (ACS)

NETWORK Meets weekly and offers employment leads, job search training workshops, and career coaching to Family mem-

bers, special emphasis is placed on support to Families of deployed Soldiers (ACS)

black dragon news letter august 2012

Documents

jrtc training rotation

training days

training schedule

battalion staff

movement of equipment

battalion news

m777 howitzer training

jrtc rotation