inside decals needed for entry on to army posts starting … an official military decal on their...

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VOL. 39 NO. 16 | APRIL 23, 2010 Army Earth Day Transforming the Army, sustaining the environment and committing to “green” methods and plans to protect the communities. A-3 Happy Earth Day Celebrate Earth Day today with Army Hawaii Family Housing and U.S. Army Garrison- Hawaii, at Kalakaua Community Center, Schofield Barracks, 12-3 p.m. See Community Calendar, B-2 Ohana The garrison that cooks, runs and golfs together, stays together. B-1 Up in the air Ride along with Sgt. Alyssa Corcoran with Bravo Company, 3rd Battalion, 25th General Support Aviation Brigade, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, as she describes her job. A-3 INSIDE This issue Footsteps in Faith A-2 Deployed Forces A-3 News Briefs A-5 FMWR B-2 Sports & Fitness B-5 3BCT memorial room serves as tribute to fallen comrades Room commemorates the sacrifices of its Soldiers during deployment Story and Photo by SPC. JAZZ BURNEY 3rd Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs, 25th Infantry Division SCHOFIELD BARRACKS — With the difficult task of trying to provide lasting comfort for friends and families of Soldiers who have lost their lives in combat, who better to lead the way than someone who has experienced loss of his own? Cpl. Donald Schrader, a Soldier with Headquarters and Headquarters Company “Broncos,” 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, is just that person. As someone who has lost family and friends through multiple U.S. wars, Schrad- er has been instrumental in paving the way for the construction of a memorial room to honor comrades who have lost their lives during the brigade’s service in the overseas contingency operations. For Schrader, a five-year combat engi- neer veteran, the chance to give back to his fellow Soldiers by constructing the room has served as one of the highlights of his career, he said. “I lost a lot of friends on the last deploy- ment that I went on, and I lost a few dur- ing this recent deployment. Some were (From left to right) Pfc. Johnathon Rife, an infantryman with Co. B, 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Division, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, and Spc. Herbert Agal III, a military maintenance team member with the brigade’s Headquarters and Headquarters Company, hang the brigade’s recent deployment plaque inside its memorial room created to commemorate the Soldiers of the 25th ID who lost their lives in Iraq. The memorial room will be open to the public, May 20. Policy was established by the Secretary of Defense ARMY HAWAII FAMILY HOUSING News Release SCHOFIELD BARRACKS — With U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii’s mock utility billing program slated for a July start-up across Army Hawaii Family Housing communities, a planned series of town hall meetings kicked off Monday evening to provide important information to res- idents and to answer questions. Col. Matthew Margotta, commander, USAG-Hawaii, and Claire Ridding-John- ston, project director, AHFH, hosted the meeting at the Sgt. Smith Theater, here. A second meeting was held the fol- lowing evening in Richardson Theater, Fort Shafter. Margotta began the meetings with an overview of the policy established by the Office of the Secretary of Defense. The pol- icy holds Soldiers and their families re- sponsible for utilities. “The purpose of the program is to re- duce energy consumption, which also presents us with an excellent opportuni- ty to be good stewards of the communi- ties we live and work in,” Margotta said. Margotta also emphasized that the program is not a prof- it center for the Army or AHFH, and it is not intended to penalize or take away money from Soldiers. “On the contrary, the pro- gram will benefit Soldiers and families,” he said. “Money saved through the program will directly benefit them with more com- munity amenities such as playgrounds, community centers and family programs.” Margotta added that most Soldiers will not experience any out-of-pocket expens- es, as the program is designed to financial- ly reward families who conserve. Following Margotta’s overview, Ridding-Johnston shared details about the mock billing program that AHFH will manage for the Army in Hawaii. “The program will begin in July, and residents will be sent their first energy consumption report on Aug. 1,” said Ridding-Johnston, who em- phasized the report is not a bill to be paid. “The purpose of the mock billing pro- gram is to help families understand how For more information about mock utility billing, click on “Current Res- ident’s” at www.armyhawaiifamily housing.com. SEE MEMORIAL, A-5 Decals needed for entry on to Army posts starting May 1 LORAN DOANE U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii Public Affairs SCHOFIELD BARRACKS — Army officials are urging all drivers who live on, work on, or frequently use Army installations to register their vehicles at an Army Vehicle Registration Office, or VRO, and to dis- play an official military decal on their vehicles by May 1, as part of an initiative to enhance installation security. Starting May 1, drivers who do not have a current military decal (DD Form 2220) or Army pass will be routed to the closest Visitor Control Center, or VCC, for a temporary access pass. VCCs are locat- ed at Schofield Barrack’s Lyman Gate, Fort Shafter’s Buckner Gate, and Tripler Army Medical Center’s main gate. The VCCs can provide passes ranging in length from one-day to one-week, based on need. “We understand that not everyone will have the opportunity to reg- ister for decals prior to May 1, so we will initially have temporary sev- en-day passes available,” said Gordon Wiborg Jr., chief, security divi- sion, U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii Directorate of Emergency Services. “Our goal is to make this transition as smooth as possible, giving folks a little extra time and the opportunity to get their decals at their earliest convenience,” Wiborg said. The registration requirement will help ensure the safety and se- curity of Soldiers, families and civilians who work or live on USAG- HI installations, as well as standardize Army Hawaii vehicle regis- tration policies and, ultimately, improve traffic flow through secu- rity checkpoints. Anyone who accesses Army installations for recurring activities, such as doctor’s appointments, grocery shopping, or the like, should seriously consider registering their vehicles, according to Wiborg. “(Registration) is really a quick and easy, one-time process that takes only about five minutes,” Wiborg said. “The big benefit is time savings. Taking those few minutes to register and get a decal means not having to take more time later getting a temporary pass each time you want to come on post.” To register and receive a decal, drivers need to bring their current driver’s license, vehicle registration, safety inspection and proof of Vehicle Registration Offices Motorists and commercial businesses can register their vehicles at the following VROs: •Schofield Barracks VRO At the Soldier Support Center Building 750, Ayers Road Hours are Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.–3 p.m. •Fort Shafter Flats VRO At Building 1599 Hours are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.–12 p.m., and 1-3 p.m. Motorists and vendors can obtain more information from www.garrison.hawaii.army.mil/sites/traffic/traffic.asp or: •Schofield Barracks Provost Marshal Office at 655-9496; •Fort Shafter PMO at 438-2230; or •Directorate of Emergency Services at 656-5398. SEE DECALS, A-6 Before GPS SCHOFIELD BARRACKS — Sgt. Colin Whyte, a Health Care noncommissioned officer with 2nd Battalion, 11th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, plots an azimuth during the land navigation course, part of the 25th ID’s Best Warrior Competition, here, Wednesday. Soldiers and NCOs represent- ing their units performed a variety of events over several days during the competition, including taking an Army Physical Fitness Test, firing an M-4 rifle, completing com- mon Soldier tasks, and appearing before a board. Winners will advance to compete at the U.S. Army-Pacific level in June, and the best Soldiers of the USARPAC contest go to the Armywide competition in October. See next week’s edition of the Hawaii Army Weekly for the story and more photos. Spc. Mahlet Tesfaye | 25th Infantry Division Public Affairs Mock utility billing begins in July for AHFH residents Ridding-Johnston SEE BILLING, A-6

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VOL. 39 NO. 16 | APRIL 23, 2010

Army Earth DayTransforming

the Army, sustaining

the environment and committing to

“green” methods andplans to protect the

communities.

A-3

Happy EarthDay

Celebrate Earth Daytoday with Army Hawaii

Family Housing andU.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii, at KalakauaCommunity Center,Schofield Barracks,

12-3 p.m.

See CommunityCalendar, B-2

OhanaThe garrison that cooks,runs and golfs together,

stays together.

B-1

Up in the airRide along with Sgt.Alyssa Corcoran withBravo Company, 3rd

Battalion, 25th GeneralSupport Aviation

Brigade, 25th CombatAviation Brigade, 25th

Infantry Division, as shedescribes her job.

A-3

INSIDE

This issueFootsteps in Faith A-2

Deployed Forces A-3

News Briefs A-5

FMWR B-2

Sports & Fitness B-5

3BCT memorial room serves as tribute to fallen comradesRoom commemorates thesacrifices of its Soldiersduring deployment

Story and Photo by

SPC. JAZZ BURNEY3rd Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs,

25th Infantry Division

SCHOFIELD BARRACKS — With thedifficult task of trying to provide lastingcomfort for friends and families of Soldierswho have lost their lives in combat, whobetter to lead the way than someone whohas experienced loss of his own?

Cpl. Donald Schrader, a Soldier withHeadquarters and Headquarters Company“Broncos,” 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 25th

Infantry Division, is just that person.As someone who has lost family and

friends through multiple U.S. wars, Schrad-er has been instrumental in paving theway for the construction of a memorialroom to honor comrades who have losttheir lives during the brigade’s service inthe overseas contingency operations.

For Schrader, a five-year combat engi-neer veteran, the chance to give back to hisfellow Soldiers by constructing the roomhas served as one of the highlights of hiscareer, he said.

“I lost a lot of friends on the last deploy-ment that I went on, and I lost a few dur-ing this recent deployment. Some were

(From left to right) Pfc. Johnathon Rife, an infantryman with Co. B, 2nd Battalion,27th Infantry Division, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, and Spc.Herbert Agal III, a military maintenance team member with the brigade’sHeadquarters and Headquarters Company, hang the brigade’s recent deploymentplaque inside its memorial room created to commemorate the Soldiers of the 25th IDwho lost their lives in Iraq. The memorial room will be open to the public, May 20.

Policy was established bythe Secretary of Defense

ARMY HAWAII FAMILY HOUSINGNews Release

SCHOFIELD BARRACKS — With U.S.Army Garrison-Hawaii’s mock utilitybilling program slated for a July start-upacross Army Hawaii Family Housingcommunities, a planned series of townhall meetings kicked off Monday eveningto provide important information to res-idents and to answer questions.

Col. Matthew Margotta, commander,USAG-Hawaii, and Claire Ridding-John-ston, project director, AHFH, hosted themeeting at the Sgt. Smith Theater, here.

A second meeting was held the fol-

lowing evening in Richardson Theater, Fort Shafter.

Margotta began the meetings with anoverview of the policy established by theOffice of the Secretary of Defense. The pol-icy holds Soldiers and their families re-sponsible for utilities.

“The purpose of the program is to re-duce energy consumption, which also

presents us with an excellent opportuni-ty to be good stewards of the communi-ties we live and work in,”Margotta said.

Margotta also emphasizedthat the program is not a prof-it center for the Army orAHFH, and it is not intended topenalize or take away moneyfrom Soldiers.

“On the contrary, the pro-gram will benefit Soldiers andfamilies,” he said. “Moneysaved through the programwill directly benefit them with more com-munity amenities such as playgrounds,community centers and family programs.”

Margotta added that most Soldiers willnot experience any out-of-pocket expens-

es, as the program is designed to financial-ly reward families who conserve.

Following Margotta’soverview, Ridding-Johnstonshared details about the mockbilling program that AHFH willmanage for the Army inHawaii.

“The program will begin inJuly, and residents will be senttheir first energy consumptionreport on Aug. 1,” saidRidding-Johnston, who em-phasized the report is not a

bill to be paid. “The purpose of the mock billing pro-

gram is to help families understand how

For more information about mockutility billing, click on “Current Res-ident’s” at www.armyhawaiifamilyhousing.com.

SEE MEMORIAL, A-5

Decals needed forentry on to Armyposts starting May 1

LORAN DOANEU.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii Public Affairs

SCHOFIELD BARRACKS — Army officials are urging all drivers wholive on, work on, or frequently use Army installations to register theirvehicles at an Army Vehicle Registration Office, or VRO, and to dis-play an official military decal on their vehicles by May 1, as part ofan initiative to enhance installation security.

Starting May 1, drivers who do not have a current military decal(DD Form 2220) or Army pass will be routed to the closest VisitorControl Center, or VCC, for a temporary access pass. VCCs are locat-ed at Schofield Barrack’s Lyman Gate, Fort Shafter’s Buckner Gate,and Tripler Army Medical Center’s main gate. The VCCs can providepasses ranging in length from one-day to one-week, based on need.

“We understand that not everyone will have the opportunity to reg-ister for decals prior to May 1, so we will initially have temporary sev-en-day passes available,” said Gordon Wiborg Jr., chief, security divi-sion, U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii Directorate of Emergency Services.

“Our goal is to make this transition as smooth as possible, givingfolks a little extra time and the opportunity to get their decals at theirearliest convenience,” Wiborg said.

The registration requirement will help ensure the safety and se-curity of Soldiers, families and civilians who work or live on USAG-HI installations, as well as standardize Army Hawaii vehicle regis-tration policies and, ultimately, improve traffic flow through secu-rity checkpoints.

Anyone who accesses Army installations for recurring activities,such as doctor’s appointments, grocery shopping, or the like, shouldseriously consider registering their vehicles, according to Wiborg.

“(Registration) is really a quick and easy, one-time process thattakes only about five minutes,” Wiborg said. “The big benefit is timesavings. Taking those few minutes to register and get a decal meansnot having to take more time later getting a temporary pass each timeyou want to come on post.”

To register and receive a decal, drivers need to bring their currentdriver’s license, vehicle registration, safety inspection and proof of

Vehicle Registration OfficesMotorists and commercial businesses can register their vehicles at the following VROs:•Schofield Barracks VROAt the Soldier Support CenterBuilding 750, Ayers RoadHours are Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.–3 p.m.

•Fort Shafter Flats VROAt Building 1599Hours are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.–12 p.m., and 1-3 p.m.

Motorists and vendors can obtain more information fromwww.garrison.hawaii.army.mil/sites/traffic/traffic.asp or:•Schofield Barracks Provost Marshal Office at 655-9496;•Fort Shafter PMO at 438-2230; or •Directorate of Emergency Services at 656-5398.

SEE DECALS, A-6

Before GPSSCHOFIELD BARRACKS — Sgt. Colin Whyte, a Health Care noncommissioned officerwith 2nd Battalion, 11th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team,25th Infantry Division, plots an azimuth during the land navigation course, part of the25th ID’s Best Warrior Competition, here, Wednesday. Soldiers and NCOs represent-ing their units performed a variety of events over several days during the competition,including taking an Army Physical Fitness Test, firing an M-4 rifle, completing com-mon Soldier tasks, and appearing before a board. Winners will advance to compete atthe U.S. Army-Pacific level in June, and the best Soldiers of the USARPAC contest goto the Armywide competition in October. See next week’s edition of the Hawaii ArmyWeekly for the story and more photos.

Spc. Mahlet Tesfaye | 25th Infantry Division Public Affairs

Mock utility billing begins in July for AHFH residents

Ridding-Johnston

SEE BILLING, A-6

“I make sureonce I getoff of work, Ispend quali-ty time withmy family,”

2nd Lt.GregoryCarter,HHC, 2nd Bn.,25th BSB

“I cheerfullyhelp Soldiersreceive theircorrect earn-ings to effi-ciently pro-vide for theirfamilies.”

Spc. AliciaMcKinney,HHC, 3rd BCT,25th ID

“I have start-ed to spreadawarenessaboutFanconiAnemia formy daughterEmily."

Tricia MitchellFamily Member

“I supportmy daughterby beingthere forher.”

Spc. TimothyWatson,Co. A, 25th STB,25th ID

“I supplymeals tothose whoare less for-tunate thanmyself"

Staff Sgt.Gordon,Zurbrick,1st Bn., 27th Inf.Regt.

What do you do daily or regularly to help others?

The Hawaii Army Weekly wel-comes articles from Army organ-izations, announcements fromthe general public about com-munity events of interest to themilitary community, and lettersand commentaries.

If you have newsworthy ideasor stories youʼd like to write, co-ordinate with the managing edi-tor at 656-3155, or e-mail [email protected].

The editorial deadline for arti-cles and announcements is theFriday prior to Friday publica-tions. Prior coordination ismandatory.

Articles must be text or Wordfiles with complete information,no abbreviations; accompany-ing photographs must be digital,high resolution, jpeg files with fullcaptions and bylines.

The Hawaii Army Weekly isan authorized newspaper and ispublished in the interest of theU.S. Army community in Hawaii.

All editorial content of theHawaii Army Weekly is the re-sponsibility of the U.S. Army,Hawaii Public Affairs Office,Schofield Barracks, Hawaii96857. Contents of the HawaiiArmy Weekly are not necessar-ily the official views of, or en-dorsed by, the U.S. Governmentor the Department of the Army.

The Hawaii Army Weekly isprinted by The Honolulu Advertis-er, a private firm in no way con-nected with the U.S. Govern-ment, under exclusive writtenagreement with the U.S. Army,Hawaii.

The Hawaii Army Weekly ispublished weekly using the offsetmethod of reproduction and hasa printed circulation of 15,300.

Everything advertised in thispublication shall be made avail-able for purchase, use or patron-age without regard to race, color,religion, sex, national origin, age,marital status, physical handi-cap, political affiliation, or anyother non-merit factor of the pur-chaser, user or patron.

The appearance of advertisingin this publication, including in-serts and supplements, does notconstitute endorsement by theDepartment of the Army, or TheHonolulu Advertiser, of the firms,products or services advertised.

Commander, U.S. ArmyGarrison-Hawaii

Col. Matthew MargottaDirector, Public Affairs

Dennis C. DrakeChief, Internal Communication

Aiko Rose Brum, [email protected]

Managing EditorVickey Mouze, 656-3156

[email protected] EditorBill Mossman

[email protected] Hana Editor

Lacey Justinger, [email protected]

LayoutRynell ShaufWeb Content

Stephanie Rush, [email protected]

Advertising: 525-7439Classifieds: 521-9111

Editorial Office: 656-3155/3156 Address:

Public Affairs Office742 Santos Dumont Ave., WAAF

Building 108, Room 304Schofield Barracks, HI

96857-5000Website:

www.garrison.hawaii.army.mil/haw.asp & hawaiiarmyweekly.com

8 dayssince last

fatal accidentNumber represents fatal acci-

dents as defined by Army Reg-ulation 385-10, which is inclu-sive of all active component U.S.Army units and personnel. Cur-rent as of 4/22/10.

Nondelivery or distributionproblems in Army Hawaii

Family Housing areas? If so,call 656-3155 or 656-3156.

We want tohear from you...

A-2 | APRIL 23, 2010 HAWAII ARMY WEEKLY NEWS & COMMENTARY

CHAPLAIN (MAJ.) DAVID SHOFFNER25th Infantry Division

Several weeks ago, following chapel service, I mademy way to the restroom and, upon entering, noticed asmall decorative plaque hanging on the wall.

I’m sure the plaque has been there forever, and I’m alsosure that I have looked at it several hundred timesbefore ... but on that day, I read the passage: “Be still, andknow that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).

The message was embroidered in bright colors on theplaque’s tan background, and I found myself trulypondering its meaning.

Although this passage is very familiar to me, it hit mewith new impact. The first idea that came to me was howforeign a concept stillness has been to my family.

I have three wonderful and active sons: Elijah, 15;Jonathan, 16; and David II, 21, who just left for collegein Canada. In addition, my lovely wife, Kim, and I livefairly busy lives. She is a full-time law student at the Uni-versity of Hawaii-Manoa, and I am currently serving asthe deputy division chaplain, as well as pastoring achapel service.

The second idea that came to me was a little deeper,and had to do with perception. Often, when we read theScripture, we sometimes read something into it that

really isn’t there. This passage, Ibelieve, is a perfect example ofdoing just that.

You see, many of us tend toread this verse as if it is saying,“Be still, because I am God,” as ifthe psalmist were admonishingus that we should be reverently atpause before God.

Although this is a perfectlylegitimate viewpoint, that God’sawe-inspiring presence and character should cause usto be still, that is quite simply not what this verse says.

No, this verse is more relational, telling us that if wewill be still, we can know God. We can sense his pres-ence, hear his voice, see what he is doing in the worldaround us, and appreciate the beauty of his creation.

The truth is that the more complicated our lives are,the greater the need is for us to be still. The rush of ourdaily lives often crowds out the time we have for God.

As with many lessons in my life, God had to teach methis the hard way.

For several years now I have had a developing caseof high blood pressure. I had done a fairly good job ofignoring it or convincing myself that it really was nota big deal. Then over the past year, it became obvious

that my health was a big deal as the numbers simplygrew too large for me to continue to ignore. I shared re-sults with my wife and one of my fellow chaplains,and both of them kept after me until I agreed to see mydoctor and take medication.

Part of the routine that developed out of this condi-tion was for me to sit in my room in an easy chair fortwo or three minutes, breathe deeply and then take myblood pressure reading.

Aside from forcing me into stillness, my health con-dition has also led to other changes in my life. In theevenings, for example, while walking our beloved goldenretriever, Winston, I have begun to pay more attentionto the night sky and to contemplate the stillness of thestar-filled evening heavens.

These moments have become more common andinviting. As a result, this new stillness is working won-ders on my soul. I now feel closer to the Lord, andmore sure of what is important and what is not. The oddthing is that when I take personal inventory, I realize thatmy life has actually become more complicated since I be-gan practicing stillness.

But unlike before, I find myself more confident thatGod is with me in the midst of all that is going on. Be-lieving this, I now know that if I will just be still, I willblessed with his presence, his power and his direction.

Shoffner

Life’s hardships can always teach you to be still and know God

Messages of guidance, thanks offered at prayer breakfastStory and Photo by

SGT. RICARDO BRANCH8th Theater Sustainment Command Public Affairs

SCHOFIELD BARRACKS — Inspired bythe National Prayer Breakfast held acrossthe country, more than 300 8th TheaterSustainment Command Soldiers came to-gether for fellowship, camaraderie andspiritual guidance for a prayer breakfastat the K Quad dining facility, here, April13.

Maj. Gen. Michael J. Terry, command-ing general, 8th TSC, opened the ceremo-ny with a loud and boisterous “Amen!”

“You know I’m a devout Catholic, (and)we don’t use amen,” he said, with achuckle. “So when I get the opportunityto say it in a setting like this, I have totake advantage of it.

“You know we’re all multi-denomina-tional here,” Terry continued, “and it’s greatto have us all together under one roof,and celebrating in a form of fellowship.”

Soldiers throughout history have expe-rienced a great deal of the same strugglesand emotional strains, regardless of theirreligious beliefs, ages or ranks. Like manySoldiers in combat, Terry said he has re-

flected on his faith often when he wasdownrange.

“Those of us who have deployed mul-tiple times have been in bad situationsand may ask for the Lord’s help whentimes are hard,” he said. “I know. I’vebeen there, and I know exactly how many‘Hail Mary’s’ I’d say leaving Balad, Iraq,to anywhere I was going.”

Terry added that Soldiers often seek theLord’s guidance when times are tough;however, when times are good, Soldiersneed to take time and thank the Lord, too.

“That’s what this is about,” he said.“The Lord has been there for me and myfamily, and I’ve been pretty good in termsof giving him thanks. Everyone cele-brates in their own way, but by coming

together, having breakfast and breakingbread together, we’re continuing the tra-dition of giving Him thanks. This is theright thing to do.”

Following Terry’s remarks, and prayersfor all Soldiers and their families, Chap-lain (Col.) Rodney Lindsay, commandchaplain, 8th TSC, took to the podium tooffer a message of spiritual resilience tothe gathered troops.

“We are now in the ninth year of thelongest war of our nation fought withouta draft, and I think about that some-times,” Lindsay said. “I think about thefact that our Army, our military, hasserved valiantly and diligently through allthe seasons, not just the summers andsunshine, but through all the enduringconflicts that have tried the souls of menand women.

“You strive in the face of challengesand bounce back from any adversity.Those divine resources, from whateverfaith and background that you tap into,”Lindsay continued, “give you that abili-ty to overcome what is thrown at you.Continue to renew your spiritual strengthlike today, and you can overcome any-thing asked of you.”

Troops offer a silent prayer for Soldiers and families of the Army during an 8th TSCprayer breakfast at the K Quad dining facility, April 12, at Schofield Barracks.

LT. GEN. RICK LYNCHCommander, Installation Management Command

WASHINGTON — Resiliency is the ability to bounceback in the face of adversity. It’s mental toughness, or,as Webster defines it, the capacity “to recover from or ad-just easily to misfortune or change.”

Army units and families across the globe are relocat-ing in compliance with the Base Realignment and Clo-sure Law, and we continue to transform our businesspractices. To remain strong in this dynamic environ-ment, leaders must proactively maintain and developresiliency programs and services to enable the totalArmy community (Soldiers, civilians, families andretirees) to maintain healthy relationships and happylives.

Our approach to supporting resiliency within theArmy is to enhance the community’s ability to adaptto stress by supporting, maintaining and developingprograms and services that promote total wellness. AsI have said before, I am convinced that the Armyspends too much time fixing Soldiers after they break.

What we should be doing is spending our time, en-ergy and resources in improving the resiliency of theArmy community, and helping its members avoid thebreaking point.

We will use the Public Health model of assessment,education, intervention and treatment to integrate anddeliver services to help prevent Soldiers, civilians andfamilies from breaking. By applying this model beforea crisis happens, we will be better able to keep the Armycommunity strong in all dimensions of resiliency.

Individuals must be mentally, physically and spiri-tually fit to achieve optimum resilience. To assist, theInstallation Management community will continue toprovide the best care, support and services for theArmy community by improving quality of lifethrough initiatives, such as the Army FamilyAction Plan, the Army Family Covenant,Army Community Covenants, the Installa-tion Management Campaign Plan, andthe Comprehensive Soldier FitnessProgram.

When I was the senior com-mander at Fort Hood, Texas, Ibuilt a Resiliency Campus to en-able the Army community to be-come resilient before deployments, dur-ing deployments and to solve many otherchallenges faced by Army families.

Other IMCOM garrisons are also fo-cusing on resilience.

Fort Bliss, Texas, forexample, has a Restora-tion and Resilience Cen-

ter that offers Warrior Resilience and Family Resilienceprograms.

Fort Jackson, S.C., meanwhile, is planning to opena Master Resilience Training school that will offer a 10-day course to equip leaders and teach coping skills tounit members.

And at Fort Campbell, Ky., the Family ResiliencyCouncil has teamed up with key organizations to be oneof the first installations to publish an online resourceguide to provide accurate and accessible informationto Soldiers, families and civilians.

Over the last eight years, more than one million Sol-diers have deployed to combat, more than 3,900 Soldiershave sacrificed their lives, and more than 25,000 have

been wounded in service to our country. And, unfor-tunately, the strain of multiple deployments and

other stress factors may continue into the future.Therefore, I challenge leaders and person-nel throughout the Army community to

think of new ideas to enhance in-stallation resiliency initiatives and

to send your ideas to your in-stallation leadership or me.I also challenge each of you

to take advantage of existing pro-grams and services on your installa-

tion and in your community to remainmentally, physically and spiritually fit.

After all, the Army communityis the strength of ournation, and IMCOM gar-risons are the Army’shome.

Remaining strong requires resiliencyDefender 6 sends

“Leaders must proac-tively maintain and de-velop resiliency pro-grams.”

— Lt. Gen. Rick Lynch Commander, IMCOM

ALEXANDRA HEMMERLY-BROWN Army News Service

WASHINGTON — Fort Knox,Ky., has good dirt, so by usingground-source heat pumps, theinstallation has been able to cut

its natural gas requirement inhalf.

Ground-source heat pumpsare electrically-powered systemsthat tap into the earth’s rela-tively constant temperature toprovide heating, cooling and hot

water for buildings, explainedKevin Geiss, director for theArmy’s energy security program.

The base’s soil is doubly effi-cient and produces Devonianshale, a fine-grained sedimenta-ry rock that turns out methane

gas. Also, enough natural gas isharvested through the shale tolast the summer months, Geisssaid.

These efforts and many othersalign with the Army’s goal of“Transforming the Army ... Sus-taining the Environment.”

Outlined in an Earth Daymessage signed by the chief ofstaff of the Army, secretary ofthe Army, and the sergeant ma-jor of the Army, the Army’stheme for Earth Day 2010 fo-cuses on environmental stew-ardship.

“Earth Day provides the Armywith the opportunity to reassertour commitment to environmen-

tal sustainability and energy se-curity, critical to protecting theearth, protecting lives and sup-porting our mission require-ments,” reads the message.

Twenty-eight major Army in-stallations have long-term sus-tainability plans, which includeseeking alternative energy meth-ods and ensuring safe disposal ofradioactive waste and conser-vation.

While Geiss recognizes thatthe Army’s main purpose is na-tional defense, he said consider-ing the environment when con-ducting operations is a must.

“Without power and energy,the Army lies silent,” said Geiss.

“The tanks don’t run; the heli-copters don’t fly. We can’t evenconduct our training missionhere in the U.S., without theelectricity supporting those mis-sions and operations ... it reallyis a thread that runs througheverything that we do.”

Geiss stated the Army doesn’tget an “environmental free pass.”

“At the end of the day, whatthe nation is asking us to do is toprotect it. That’s what we’remeasured upon. As we do that,the question is, have we engagedin all the feasible measures toensure sustainability?” he said.

Story and Photo by

SPC. CASSANDRA MONROE135th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASESPEICHER, Iraq — Loyal and trustwor-thy are words rarely used to describe arelationship between a Soldier and anaircraft.

For Sgt. Alyssa Corcoran with BravoCompany, 3rd Battalion, 25th GeneralSupport Aviation Brigade, 25th CombatAviation Brigade, 25th Infantry Divi-sion, that's exactly how she describesworking as a CH-47 Chinook helicopterflight engineer.

“It's truly a very in-depth relation-ship," Corcoran said. “It's peaceful to sitin the back of the bird. It's getting awayfrom here and just flying, and every-thing is just quiet. It's relieving."

The Chinook is such a large and com-plex aircraft, she added.

If one can work on a Chinook, onecan basically work on any of the otherhelicopters because of the knowledge ofboth systems.

“A flight engineer can control theaircraft and control the passengers thatthey carry," said Corcoran, who is sta-tioned at Wheeler Army Airfield.

“You should be able to troubleshootthe aircraft,” she said. “The flight engi-neer is responsible for making the right

call on what you should do if you haveengine failure, a fire in flight or othermultiple problems."

As a flight engineer, Corcoran worksin conjunction with pilots in command.

She makes decisions for unexpectedsituations, such as unaccounted-for-cargo and weather conditions.

The flight engineer also helps withplanning a mission out properly and en-suring it gets done.

Corcoran is a self-proclaimed prob-lem-solver and troubleshooter, whichmakes a great match for what it takes tobe a flight engineer.

This position, however, is not herfirst job in the Army.

“I first joined as a radio operator andwas transferred to heavy radio sys-tems," she explained. “I worked on avery old system that is not in the Armyarsenal anymore, so my military occu-pational specialty became obsolete.

“I was almost forced to re-class as acomputer systems analyst, and I didn'twant to do that,” she added. “I foughtfor a different MOS, and this one wasavailable, so I took this job."

The hard fight paid off for Corcoran,who believes she has a more hands-ongrasp of missions as a flight engineer.

“You get to see a lot more of themission getting accomplished whether

you're pulling personnel out of Iraq,taking cargo and personnel from base tobase, or assisting with mass casualtyevacuations,” she said. “You're wherethe mission actually gets accomplished.”

Not only does Corcoran enjoy herjob, but her crew members can’t helpbut notice the hard work she puts intomissions.

“Sgt. Corcoran is a highly motivatedand proficient worker," said Spc. JosephKeele, a Chinook crew mechanic withCompany B, 3rd Bn., 25th GSAB, andCorcoran's crewmate. “She diligentlystudies the huge amount of crew man-uals we have to be familiar with."

“To be a good crew chief, you need tobe humble, be able to take criticism,and you need to be able to study," Cor-coran said. “Having a good memoryhelps, because there's a lot of stuff to re-member. You have to be consistent inwhat you do, put 100 percent forwardevery day, and you need to be intrinsi-cally motivated."

According to Corcoran, the time shehas spent as a flight engineer has beenworthwhile.

“My favorite part of my job is own-ing the aircraft," Corcoran said. “I'vehad my own aircraft for four years now,and I don't think that I could find any-thing as loyal or as trustworthy."

HAWAII ARMY WEEKLY APRIL 23, 2010 | A-3SOLDIERS

Flight engineer dedicates self to aircraft

Sgt. Alyssa Corcoran, a flight engineer with Bravo Company, 3rd Battalion, 25thGeneral Support Aviation Brigade, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, 25th InfantryDivision, is stationed at Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Iraq.

Army Earth Day focuses on 'green' stewardship, commitment

SEE EARTH, A-6

A-4 | APRIL 23, 2010 HAWAII ARMY WEEKLY SOLDIERS

Expert paints vivid picture of Holocaust years during observanceStory and Photo by

BILL MOSSMANNews Editor

SCHOFIELD BARRACKS — The cat-aclysmic event known as the Holo-caust might have been prevented ifmore people had courage to speak outagainst Nazi Germany’s systematic,state-sponsored plan of exterminationduring World War II.

That was just one of the messages toemerge from the special observance,“Holocaust Days of Remembrance,”held April 14, here, at Sgt. Smith The-ater.

More than 200 Soldiers were onhand for the observance, held on the65th anniversary of the liberation ofsurvivors from many European exter-mination camps.

Through slides, short videos, diaryentries and audio testimonies from sur-vivors and their descendants, guestspeaker Jennifer Ciardelli, program co-ordinator for the U.S. Holocaust Memo-rial Museum’s outreach to military andgovernment institutions, helped paint avivid picture of the realities that facedNazi Germany at the time.

Beginning with Adolph Hitler’s riseto power and the ongoing legislation tomarginalize and remove European Jewsfrom society, continuing on with thepropaganda machine that altered citi-

zens’ attitudes, and culminating withthe development of overcrowded ghet-tos and concentration camps, Ciardel-li aptly illustrated for audience mem-bers the rapid descent of Germany.

What was once a civilized democra-cy burgeoning with hope in the early1920s, she noted, had spiraled into adecadent, genocidal state that ultimate-ly carried out the annihilation of more

than 11 million people, including sixmillion Jews.

But it was the indifference amongGermany’s ordinary folks, who — asone survivor articulated in a short video— “followed orders without question-ing,” that puzzled event speakers andaudience members.

“There’s no denying that Hitlerbrought with him the capacity to cre-

ate a cult of followers,” Ciardelli noted.“But to say ... and I’ve heard people saythis ... that Hitler was in charge, whatelse could they do? Or (to say) thateverybody was brainwashed, well, Idon’t think it was that easy.”

“People look back at the Holocaustand jump to Hitler and then jump rightto the concentration camps,” said Col.Dana Tankins, commander, 516th Sig-nal Brigade, who provided closing re-marks for the event. “But going throughhistory, we can see it was a lot morecomplicated than that.

“It was a total failure in social normsand values. It was a failure in respectand dignity for human life,” Tankinssaid, adding, if more people had takena firm stand against such barbaric be-havior, and if more people had repudi-ated what event master of ceremonySgt. 1st Class Eli Handler, health carespecialist with the 94th Army and AirMissile Defense Command, called “themost offensive four-letter word — hate,”history might have been altered.

“(But) people didn’t do that; peoplefollowed the flow,” Tankins said. “Andwe saw what the outcome was.”

At the time, the fabric of German so-ciety was not “made up of sadisticmonsters,” according to Ciardelli.

“This was a society that was well-es-teemed throughout the world. In the

1920s and 30s, it was well educated. Ithad prime music, culture and theater. Infact, American Soldiers who were serv-ing in World War II, in their lettersback home, talked about how muchthey preferred Germany over Britainor France in terms of its environment,”she explained.

“It’s clear that if Hitler in 1933 hadproposed opening Auschwitz (concen-tration camp) and having a killing fa-cility, that would not have been ac-cepted,” Ciardelli continued. “Some-thing happened in society that changedpeople’s attitudes and minds.”

In remembering one of the mosttragic events in recorded annals, Cia-rdelli said that it was most important tolearn from history’s tragic mistakes.

It’s precisely why the U.S. HolocaustMemorial Museum is often referred toas “a living memorial,” she explained.

“If all we do is memorialize andthink about the past, it doesn’t meanmuch for us in the contemporary,” shesaid.

“So the challenge is,” Ciardelli added,“for us to think about this history andto think about the points of relevanceto us.”

The 516th Signal Brigade and TeamEqual Opportunity Hawaii sponsoredthe event.

Jennifer Ciardelli, program coordinator, U.S. Memorial Museum, expounds uponthe attitudes of German society as a whole during the observance, "Holocaust Daysof Remembrance," April 14, Sgt. Smith Theater, Schofield Barracks. The obser-vance allowed more than 200 Soldiers in attendance to consider the events thatled to Nazi Germany's systematic extermination of some six million European Jewsduring World War II.

NewsBriefs

Send announcements for Soldiers and civilian employees to

[email protected].

26 / MondayFirst-Termers — Financial Manage-

ment Training First Termers is a manda-tory eight-hour financial managementcourse for first-term Soldiers, to providethem with a strong financial founda-tion, alternatives and strategies that willenhance their readiness throughout theircareer, April 26, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m,Schofield Barracks Army CommunityService building. Call 655-4227.

OngoingSoldier Stories — Tripler Army Med-

ical Center is looking for Soldiers to telltheir story about their battle with and re-covery from post-tramatic stress disorderor other behavioral health issues result-ing from their combat tours.

The testimonials collected will en-courage Soldiers to come forward and

seek medical care. [email protected] or 433-2809.

Flagler Closure — Flagler Road be-tween Matthews Avenue and LymanRoad, on Schofield Barracks, is closedthrough May 9. Call 234-9102.

“A” Closure — Road “A" between QuadA and Quad B, or Waianae and Kolekoleavenues, on Schofield Barracks, is closedthrough April 25.

Interactive Water Safety Tool —Test water safety I.Q. with the new U.S.Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center’sweb-based Water Safety tool athttps://safety.army.mil/Water Safety.

Players will be presented with watersafety challenges including swimming,jet-ski, life ringtoss and beach hazards.

Fort Shafter ACS Closure — TheFort Shafter Flats Army CommunityService office will be closed until furthernotice. ACS services are available at theTripler Army Medical Center office,Building 127A, Krukowski Road.

For Army Emergency Relief assis-tance, call 438-4499 or 655-4227.

Deploying Units — Family andMorale, Welfare and Recreation is avail-able to come to pre-deployment familyreadiness group meetings to explain thebenefits of the Blue Star Card programand to answer questions. Call 655-0002.

MIKE EGAMIU.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii Public Affairs

SCHOFIELD BARRACKS — Stars and Stripes, an inde-pendent newspaper for U.S. military members, is re-turning to Hawaii after more than six decades.

The first edition of Stars and Stripes U.S. Edition be-gan at 100 locations on military installations, April 16.

Distribution of the free newspaper includes 21 loca-tions at Schofield Barracks, Wheeler Army Airfield,Tripler Army Medical Center and Fort Shafter.

The Pacific edition of Stars and Stripes Pacific wasfirst produced May 14, 1945, in Hawaii, and then printed and shipped to Japan immediately followingthe end of World War II, Oct. 3, 1945.

“In one respect, Stars and Stripes is just reallycoming home to Hawaii,” said John Panasiewicz,Star and Stripes Pacific general manager.

With the Hawaii distribution, military memberswill receive a viable product that will compliment theefforts of the military’s role in the Pacific.

Stars and Stripes U.S. Edition has a blend ofstaffers that are career non-military journalists,military journalists and newspaper business oper-ations professionals. The newspaper is a compila-tion of stories from Stars and Stripes reporters inthe Pacific, Europe and the Middle East.

The paper also regularly embeds its staff re-porters with troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.“This allows Stars and Stripes to tell the military

story in a fair and balanced format, better than any othernews organization. It has been a hybrid within the newspa-per industry and government for decades,” said Panasiewicz.

Stars and Stripes edition available on post

HAWAII ARMY WEEKLY APRIL 23, 2010 | A-5SOLDIERS

25th ID takes aim at sexual assault, harassmentSPC. MAHLET TESFAYE

25th Infantry Division Public Affairs

SCHOFIELD BARRACKS — The 25th InfantryDivision is recognizing National Sexual AssaultAwareness Month by continuing the Army’sprogram against sexual harassment and assault,and by encouraging leaders, Soldiers and fam-ily members to intervene wherever and whenev-er necessary.

In line with the Army “I. A.M Strong” cam-paign, the division is working on changing theway Soldiers and family members view sexualharassment and assault.

The divison is implementing an aggressiveplan of prevention and education, according to25th ID Command Sgt. Maj. Frank Leota. Thegoal, he said, is to educate Soldiers and familymembers so they can prevent it from happening.

“On the prevention side, additional lightinghas gone up all over base, and there are morestaff duty doing more checks,” Leota said. “Onthe education side, we are having seminars andnoncommissioned officer professionaldevelopment to increase awareness of sexualharassment and assault information, knowledgeand education.”

Representatives from the division’s Equal Op-portunity office recently attended a Departmentof the Army-sponsored summit on sexual harass-ment and assault. The division’s EO office islaunching a program that emphasizes to train-ing personnel how to help sexual assault victimsduring weekly meetings with unit victimadvocates.

“This training includes sharing best practicesin preventing sexual assault; techniques, tacticsand procedures in terms of admin, and training

personnel in getting in-formation out — who tocall, where to call, whatto do when victims ofsexual assault come for-ward,” said Lt. Col.Patrick Guzman, the 25thID’s equal opportunityprogram manager, andsexual assault responseand prevention program

manager.The Department of Defense theme for Sexu-

al Assault Awareness Month is “Hurts one, Af-fects all; Preventing sexual assault is everyone’sduty.” The theme focuses on Army values thatSoldiers live by every day.

“(The) 25th ID’s plan is to build that convic-tion, to stay in the momentum, and to change theculture,” Guzman explained. “I absolutely believebecause of the ‘I A.M. Strong’ campaign, morevictims are coming forward and reporting sex-ual assault or harassment.”

A big part of the program is educating com-manders and Soldiers on what to do to preventsexual assault and reinforcing Army values andmaking sure there is good leadership training.

“Having the program in place, and havingleaders reinforce the message, is the key to oursuccess,” Leota said. “Conditions will change, butstandards do not. The leadership is responsiblefor this program and (for) making sure that allof our Soldiers, every single one of them, are safeand have the confidence, the trust and the faithof leaders to take care of them.

“That is a leadership responsibility, andthrough this program, we can achieve that,”Leota emphasized.

Alexandra Hemmerly-Brown | Army News Service

The third annual Army Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention summit begins in Arlington,Va., March 29, with Army leaders urging commanders to help stop the crime. With an end goal of achievingcultural change, the Army hopes to reduce sexual crimes among the ranks by 50 percent within the next fiveyears.

Leota

killed downrange and some when they came back,”Schrader said.

“For me, being able to make sure that these Sol-diers are immortalized for what they sacrificed isimportant to me,” he added.

What had been a regular office room in thebrigade has now become the site for honoringfallen Bronco heroes.

The idea for the room found its start withCol. Walt Piatt, commander, 3rd BCT, who ex-pressed his desire to memorialize the brigade’sfallen Soldiers by creating a display that couldbe moved if the brigade headquarters relocatedin the future.

Sgt. 1st Class Jimmie Jackson, the brigade’srear detachment operations noncommissionedofficer, and Sgt. Patsy Morrisutu, a communica-tion NCO, were the main contributors to theroom’s conceptual interior design.

Schrader and Spc. Herbert Agal III served as thehands that put everything together.

“It’s a lot easier for someone to give backwhen they themselves have lost so much,” saidSchrader, while somberly describing his passionbehind the project.

The Soldiers who are honored in the memori-al room served in the brigade’s three deploy-ments during overseas contingency operations.The Broncos served in Afghanistan from 2004-2005, and in Iraq from 2006-2007, and againfrom 2008-2009.

When the room is completed, Soldiers wholost their lives in the Korean and Vietnam warswill also be featured in the memorial room.

Inside the room, a computer kiosk, designed byMorrisutu, continuously displays photos and a

brief bio of each of the fallen Soldiers. The kiosk is flanked by fallen Soldier tribute

stands, with Army combat helmets resting atopM4 rifles, which are embedded into the base of thestands. The fallen Soldiers’ dog tags motionless-ly hang from the rifles.

Additionally, the four walls of the room arepainted in a deep red — a color that brigademembers hope truly commemorates the sacri-fices of its Soldiers.

“We wanted to create a room that would havea somber atmosphere where family, friends andSoldiers could go in and reflect on the sacrificestheir battle buddies or family members madeduring the global war on terrorism,” said Jack-son.

“I see this room will exceed our expectationsin providing comfort to those who enter (it),”added Schrader. “When they see all of the timeand dedication that was put into this room, it willreally pull at the heartstrings of the viewers.

“These Soldiers are not going to be just nameson a wall. We are making sure (with this memo-rial room) that our Soldiers are never forgotten,and what they did wasn’t for nothing,” he said.

The memorial room will be dedicated and openfor public viewing in F Quad, here, May 20.

CONTINUED FROM A-1

Memorial: Room offers spacefor reflection, remembrance

“For me, being able to makesure that these Soldiers are im-mortalized for what they sacri-ficed is important to me.”

— Cpl. Donald Schrader3rd Brigade Combat Team, 25th ID

A-6 | APRIL 23, 2010 HAWAII ARMY WEEKLY NEWS

DONNA MILESAmerican Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON — With 153,000 veterans enrolled inthe Post-9/11 GI Bill this semester, and new automationtools to arrive this month to improve processing proce-dures, Eric Shinseki, secretary of Veterans Affairs, de-clared the program “on track” and headed toward greaterefficiency.

Shinseki acknowledged during an interview withAmerican Forces Press Service that the Post-9/11 GIBill got off to a rocky start after taking effect last Au-gust.

He said he was surprised when many colleges and uni-versities took months to submit student enrollment cer-tificates so that VA could begin cutting checks to schoolsand enrollees.

“They must be well-endowed,” Shinseki said of schoolsthat covered up-front costs of students’ tuition, room andboard without seeking prompt reimbursement. “But be-cause I don’t have that certificate, I haven’t paid themtuition. But neither have I paid kids their monthly liv-ing stipend or their books, because they are all tied to-gether.”

By the second week of December, the end of the fallsemester, VA was still receiving 1,500 to 2,000 certificatesof enrollment a day for students who had been attend-ing schools since August, he said.

In fact, some are still trickling in to the VA.“We learned a lot. We learned we had to talk to 6,500

schools and say, ‘We have got to do better,’” Shinseki said.“We needed to work with them and explain to them that‘whether you think it is important or not, the veterandoesn’t get paid until you send us this certificate of en-rollment.’ So for the veteran’s sake, we need to do bet-ter.”

Shinseki credited VA staff members with steppingup to the plate, contacting schools directly to solicit thoseenrollment certificates, then going into overdrive tomanually process thousands of certificates a day.

He convened a late-night meeting in November,bringing together the education directors from VA’s re-gional offices to come up with ways to further speed upthe processing.

“We took out steps that were redundant,” he said. “Inthe process, we have simplified and re-engineered thebusiness process … We have worked the bugs out of animperfect system.”

By the end of the fall semester, he said, all 173,000 en-rollees were being paid through this new process.

As of Feb. 1, 131,000 of the 153,000 students enrolledin the system were being paid, and VA was “knockingdown” the remaining certificates at a rate of about7,000 a day, he noted.

“So I feel pretty good about how this is going,” Shin-seki said. “Our numbers are up, and our payments are up,and we still don’t have an automated tool.”

The first of those new tools is set to come online thismonth, with more capabilities to follow in July, Novem-ber and December. By the year’s end, Shinseki said, the

system will be fully automated.“I think we are on a good track,” he said.

“Now, when automation comes, we are going tohave a tremendous gain.”

Shinseki said he’s counting on lessonslearned implementing the Post-9/11 GI Bill tocarry over as VA tackles its major challengethis year: reducing the disability claims backlog.

Shinseki called the Post-9/11 GI Bill a gen-erous investment in the future of veteranswho have served the country in uniform sinceSept. 11, 2001.

“I feel good about the GI Bill. That is an ac-complishment,” he said. “I think that, long-term, this is going to be a huge return for thecountry, and it is a huge step for (veterans)and their lives.”

The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides veterans seek-ing an undergraduate degree a full ride at any stateinstitution at the highest in-state tuition rate, bystate, along with a semester stipend for books anda monthly living stipend.

For the first time in history, service members en-rolled in the Post-9/11 GI Bill program can trans-fer unused educational benefits to theirspouses or children.

The living stipend does not ex-tend to active duty service mem-bers receiving Post-9/11 GI Billbenefits.

Automation to improve Post-9/11 GI Bill processing

insurance to the VRO of their choice. Motorcyclists must also showcompletion of a valid Department of Defense-approved safety course.

Vendors and contractors with commercial vehicles who do busi-ness on Army installations on a regular basis can receive extendedpasses for individual and fleet vehicles, for periods up to six months,by registering their vehicles at the VROs. Vehicle fleet managersshould call ahead to the VRO to coordinate a convenient time.

CONTINUED FROM A-1

Decals: Register at VRO

much electricity they use, provide assistance to those who are highelectricity users, and prepare families for actual billing.”

At AHFH, residents only will be billed for electricity and actualbilling will begin in 2011. A specific date will be determined by theUSAG-Hawaii commander.

In accordance with OSD policy, actual billing must begin no morethan 12 months after the launch of the mock billing program.

Ridding-Johnston also explained to families how their averagehousehold electricity use, referred to as a baseline, is established.

Further, she explained what information will be included on utilityconsumption reports and available resources.

“AHFH is determined to provide families with information and re-sources to help them come under their baselines and realize thebenefits of the program,” she said.

Residents will receive valuable information from programs such asAHFH’s Saving Your Nation’s Energy, or SYNERGY.

Residents will also have access to information and resources on theAHFH website.

In addition, they will have website access to Ista, the company thatmanages data collection and energy consumption reports for AHFH.

Community managers, as well as a full-time utilities manager, arealso available to assist families.

CONTINUED FROM A-1

Billing: Launches in 2011

Earth: Green efforts reinforce readinessTad Davis, the deputy assistant secre-

tary of the Army for Environment, Safetyand Occupational Health, agreed with Geissand said the Army does its best to be a goodsteward of its four million acres of land.

“The importance of Earth Day to theArmy is huge because it allows us to reaf-firm our commitment to environmentalstewardship, development and implementa-

tion of sustainable practices and energysecurity,” Davis said. “We believe these ef-forts will reinforce the readiness of theArmy and enhance our ability to accom-plish the mission.”

Davis said that considering the environ-ment is an obligation when taking on anyArmy project.

“There’s a tremendous amount of thingsthat we’ve done that we can take greatpride in, but there are also a lot of things we

need to do so that we can preserve thisplanet for future generations of Americansto enjoy,” Davis explained.

He also talked about the Department ofDefense’s goal of cutting greenhouse gasemissions down by 34 percent by 2020,an effort that parallels the Army’s goal tonarrow its “carbon boot print.”

Similarly, the DoD tries to reduce theuse of radioactive material by recyclingitems, whenever possible.

Maj. Deanna Bague | Fort Bliss Public Affairs

Spc. Dean Kalogris, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Fort Bliss, Texas, charges the installation's command sergeant major'selectric car, which has been in use for about nine months. The cars, which are made from recycled plastic and can reach speeds of 25miles per hour, are driven by the base leadership as a demonstration of their commitment to helping keep energy costs down and protect-ing the environment.

CONTINUED FROM A-3

When work is finished. FRIDAY, APRIL 23, 2010

Offices, directorates and personnel interact with andcompete against each otherduring a variety of activities

STEPHANIE RUSHU.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii Public Affairs

SCHOFIELD BARRACKS — Continuing witha tradition going back more than 20 years,garrison employees took time out of their busyschedules to have some fun, here, April 13-16,during the annual Garrison Organization Cele-bration.

“(U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii) celebrates itsanniversary by hosting a Garrison Organiza-tion Celebration each year,” said Stacy Hard-ing, chief, Recreation Division, and overallGOC coordinator, Family and Morale, Welfareand Recreation.

The weeklong celebration kicked off withbowling, a golf scramble, a 5K fun run/walkand then ended with a picnic at the Nehelani,where garrison employees and their familiescompeted in additional games such as bunco,Texas Hold ‘Em and bingo.

New to this year’s GOC was an initiativenicknamed “GOC Goes Green,” which includeda recycling drop off, and book and CD swap.The initiative was sponsored by the Better Op-portunities for Single Soldiers, or BOSS, pro-gram.

“BOSS collected used eyeglasses and cellphones from the garrison employees and willbe donating them to local charities,” explainedMcKenna Elder, recreation specialist and act-ing BOSS installation president, Tropics Recre-ation Center, FMWR. “BOSS also collectedused CDs and books, and the products were

exchanged between the employees at the pic-nic in attempts to recycle rather than throwthe products in the trash.”

Other new activities included a Texas Hold‘Em tournament, a cooking competition andthe return of tug of war, with the Directorateof Public Works winning both the male and fe-male categories.

“The purpose of GOC is to promote ahealthy, competitive spirit and build relation-ships among all the directorates across thegarrison,” Harding said.

One organization that took GOC’s purposeto heart was the Directorate of Plans, Train-ing, Mobilization and Security’s Range Divi-sion. A group of more than 10 range civiliansand contractors participated in nearly everyone of GOC’s events. Most visible was theirparticipation in the 5K Fun Run/Walk, wherethey made up more than a third of the totalparticipants and wore matching red T-shirts.

“After training together for a few months,we thought (the 5K) would be the perfect me-dia to try our wings,” said Stephanie Austin,environmental coordinator and a run partici-pant, Range Division, DPTMS.

“Another important factor was that this wasa garrison event,” Austin added. “Range Divi-sion is very supportive of (not only each other,but) our Soldiers, and the garrison as well, andwe wanted to show it.

“Early finishers re-entered the track tocheer on and support the later finishers,”

The Winners Circle

Bowling, April 13•Scratch1st- Schofield Bowling, DFMWR(Wayne Akagi, Brandon Oshiro, Jamie Mattosand Katsuhiko Miki)2nd- Security Office #2, DPTMS(Suzanna Irie, Jason Manning, Shirley Steinhoffand Pranot Chivaluksna)3rd- Fort Shafter DPW #8(Vi Aloy, Kevin Rost, Norman Chang and LouisKalani)

•Handicap1st- Fort Shafter Bowling, FMWR(Lani Ring, Dion Salon, Robert Nagasako andBernard Godoy)2nd- USAG-Oahu #3(Sherry Robinson, Command Sgt. Maj. DarrylJannone, Petra Richardson and Lowan Proctor-Lampkin)3rd- 3302nd MSB #1(Capt. Clarence Tenorio, Sgt. 1st Class JoycelynManoa, Sgt. 1st Class Rosa Fale and 1st Lt.Ying Huang)

Golf, April 14•Closest to the Pin #2Stephanie Austin, DPTMSPaul Ganade, DFMWR •Closest to the Pin #17Kerwyn Yonesaki, DPW

5K Fun Run/Walk, April 15•Females1st- Svetlana O’Malley, DPW, 26:372nd- Sharee Evans, DHR, 34:413rd- Eva Perez, DPTMS, 37:36•Males1st- James Brown, USAG-Oahu, 19:362nd- David Monroy, DPTMS, 20:523rd- Peter Anzalone, DPW, 23:03

Texas Hold ‘Em, April 16•Kekua Aumua, DPTMS

Bunco, April 16•Most Buncos: Lileth Rivera, DHR•Most Wins: Nita Truss, DPW•Most Mini Buncos: Modesto Cordero, DPW•Most Losses: Jaci Gavnik, DFMWR

Bake Off, April 16•Carissa Gardner, DHR, Butterfinger Cheese-cake

Tug of War, April 16•Females: DPW •Males: DPW

For more photos, visitwww.flickr.com/usag-hi.

Stephanie Rush | U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii Public Affairs

Clint German, safety specialist, Directorate of Installation Safety, makes sure steak and sausages arecooked to perfection. Each year, employees are able to pick up a catered lunch at the GarrisonOrganization Celebration picnic, but many directorates and staff offices come together to grill out andenjoy each other’s company. DIS’s tent also featured a seafood boil, fried catfish, steamed shrimp,barbeque and short ribs, oysters and a variety of side dishes brought in by employees.

Stacy Harding | Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation

Ben Alarcio, survey examiner, Directorate of Logistics, crosses the finish line with a time of 41:39 at thisyear’s Garrison Organization Celebration 5K Fun Run/Walk, held April 15, on Schofield Barracks. Behindhim, Ken Torre runs the final few yards with Stephanie Austin, his coworker at Range Division,Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security. Ten Range Division employees ran the racetogether, with earlier finishers going back to motivate each other.

Family and Morale Welfare and Recreation | Courtesy Photo

The Directorate of Public Works’ female tug-of-war team heaves and hoes to take home first placehonors at this year’s Garrison Organization Celebration, at the picnic, held April 16, outside of theNehelani on Schofield Barracks.

SEE GARRISON, B-5

Left: Bert Kawahara, project engineer, Plans,Analysis and Integration Office, lines his final shotup at the Golf Scramble, April 14.

Jack Wiers | U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii Public Affairs

Send announcements [email protected].

TodayEarthday Festival — Join Army Hawaii

Family Housing and U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii at the Kalakaua Community Cen-ter, Schofield Barracks, April 23, 12-3 p.m.,for storytelling, crafts, relays and exhibits.

Children need to bring helmets forbike rodeo. Call 656-7221 or 479-2064.

eWaste Recycling —The 9th Theater SupportGroup EnvironmentalDivision hosts free, un-limited eWaste recy-cling, April 23, 10a.m.-2 p.m., building1554, Fort Shafter Flats.

Recycle home electronics likecomputers, fax machines, printers, tele-com equipment, cell phones and paper.

Call 438-1600, ext. 3307.

24 / SaturdaySpaghetti Bingo — The Leilehua High

School Band Booster Association invitesthe public to the Spaghetti Bingo FamilyNight at the Leilehua High School cafete-ria, 5:30-8:30 pm.

The event includes dinner, 2 bingo cardsand a drawing ticket for $10. Call 224-4080 or visit www.leilehuaband.org.

Grow Hawaiian Festival — The 3rdAnnual Grow Hawaiian Festival is April 24,9 a.m.-3 p.m., at the Great Lawn, BishopMuseum in Honolulu.

Enjoy educational booths and hands-ondemonstrations including kapa making,natural dyes and traditional weaving, mu-sic and entertainment, a native Hawaiianplant sale and Hawaiian food booths. Eventis free for kamaaina and military with ID.

Visit www.bishopmuseum.org.

28 / Wednesday Internet Crimes — Wheeler Middle

School hosts the Hawaii Internet CrimesAgainst Children Task Force, April 28,12:45-2 p.m. Call 622-6525.

29 / ThursdayRock Around the Clock — Watch

swing dancers, learn simple dance steps,shop the book fair and eat a scrumptioussteak dinner grilled on site (cost is $6 foradults and $3 for kids) at the Book FairDiner, April 29, 5-7 p.m., at Hale Kula El-ementary School.

Call 622-6380, ext. 232.

Moon Over Monte Carlo — Join theChildren’s Alliance of Hawaii for its annu-

al fundraiser for programs support-ing sexually abused children,April 29, 6-9:30 p.m.

The night of casino excite-ment at the Sheraton Waikikiwill feature live entertainment,

casino-type games, live and silentauctions, a sit-down dinner andthe chance to mingle with celebri-

ty casino players. Tickets are $175. Call 599-2955, ext. 227.

Dole Luau — Tickets are on sale forthe Third Annual Dole Plantation BenefitLuau for the Waialua High School Robot-ics Team until April 30.

The event will feature Hawaiian food, asilent auction and live musical entertain-ment, May 13, 5:30-8:30 p.m., and willsupport the team and its travel to compe-titions across the nation. Tickets are $40.

Visit www.dole-plantation.com.

AAFES Photo — They say that a pictureis worth 1,000 words but a mere 50 de-scribing a picture could fetch a digitalcamera and a $500 shopping spree in theArmy & Air Force Exchange Service’s con-test through April 31.

Authorized exchange shoppers cansend a photo and story of their militaryservice, either active-duty or civilian, alongwith a 50-word description to [email protected].

May1 / Saturday

Lei Day Celebration — This free cul-

tural event features the Lei Queen & Court,hula, crafts and food booths and live en-tertainment, May 1, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Ka-piolani Park in Honolulu.

Visit www.honolulu.gov/parks/programs/leiday/.

3 / MondayScholastic Book Fair — Shop the Hale

Kula Elementary School book fair May 3-6, 7 a.m.-3 p.m.

Profits from books sales help purchasebooks and equipment for classrooms.

Call 622-6380, ext. 232.

8 / SaturdayPineapple Festival — The Wahiawa

Pineapple Festival and Parade isMay 8, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., atWahiawa District Park, andwill showcase the history ofthe different ethnic groupsand food and craft boothsfrom different cultures.

The parade kicks off at 9a.m., along California Avenue.

Call 621-0043.

Musical Adventure — The Sounds ofAloha Chorus present “An American Mu-sical Adventure (on a a Dark and StormyNight),” May 8, 2 p.m. or 7:30 p.m., at theHawaii Theater. Military discounts areavailable. Visit www.hawaiitheater.com orcall 528-0506.

Safety Fair — Honolulu Police Depart-ment Drug Abuse Resistance Educationand Gang Resistance Education and Train-

ing programs are organizing a Safety Fairto encourage youth to make safe and pro-ductive choices, May 8, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., atUptown Center Court.

Learn about youth sports, drug andgang resistance programs, traffic safety,visits from the Specialized Services Divi-sion and keiki IDs. Call 488-0981.

9 / SundayMother’s Day Lunch and Cruise —

Treat mom to a relaxing Mother's Day inparadise, aboard the Star of Honolulu,May 9, 12-2:30 p.m., Aloha Tower Market-place, Pier 8.

The champagne cruise features a buffet,door prizes, whale watching and cultural

activities. Special military rates areavailable. Call 983-7827 or visit

www.starofhonolulu.com.

Voices of Resistance —Hawaii Pacific Universityliterary, performing and vi-

sual arts students present“Voices of Resistance,” 4 p.m.,

May 9, at Hawaii Theatre. Visitwww.hawaiitheatre.com or call 528-0506.

Ongoing Family Resilience — Family Resilience

Nights are Tuesdays, 5:30 p.m., at Alia-manu Military Reservation Chapel; andWednesdays, 5:30 p.m., at Main PostChapel Annex, Schofield Barracks.

Free dinner is provided.

Additional religious services,children’s programs, education-al services and contact infor-mation can be found at www.garrison.hawaii.army.mil. (Click on “Religious SupportOffice” under the “Directoratesand Support Staff” menu).

AMR: Aliamanu ChapelFD: Fort DeRussy ChapelFS: Fort Shafter ChapelHMR: Helemano ChapelMPC: Main Post Chapel,

Schofield BarracksPH: Aloha Jewish Chapel,

Pearl Harbor TAMC: Tripler Army

Medical Center ChapelWAAF: Wheeler Army Airfield

Chapel

Buddhist Services•First Sunday, 1 p.m. at FD•Fourth Sunday, 1 p.m. at MPCAnnex

Catholic Mass•Friday, 9 a.m. at AMR •Saturday, 5 p.m. at FD, TAMCand WAAF chapels•Saturday, 6 p.m. a Hawaiian-style Mass (May-Aug. only)near the Army Museum (FD)•Sunday services:

-7:30 a.m. at WAAF-8 a.m. at AMR-10:30 a.m. at MPC Annex -11 a.m. at TAMC

•Monday-Friday, noon at MPCand TAMC

Gospel Worship•Sunday, noon at MPC•Sunday, 12:30 p.m. at AMR

Islamic Prayers and Study•Friday, 1 p.m. at MPC Annex•Saturday and Sunday, 5:30a.m., 6, 7 and 8 p.m. at MPCAnnex

Jewish Shabbat (Sabbath)•Monday, 6 p.m. at PH (BibleStudy)•Friday, 7:30 p.m. andSaturday, 8:15 a.m. at PH

Orthodox Divine Liturgy•Sunday, 9 a.m. at TAMC

Pagan (Wicca)•Friday, 7 p.m. at MPC Annex

Protestant Worship•Sunday Services

-9 a.m. at FD, FS, MPC, TAMC and WAAF chapels-10 a.m. at AMR and HMR

She’s Out Of My League(R)

Fri., April 23, 7 p.m.Thu., April 29, 7 p.m.

Leap Year(PG)

Sat., April 24, 4 p.m.

Our Family Wedding(PG 13)

Wed., April 28, 7 p.m.

No shows on Mondays or Tuesdays.

Call 624-2585 for movie listings or go to aafes.com

under reeltime movie listing.

B-2 | APRIL 23, 2010 HAWAII ARMY WEEKLY COMMUNITY

TodayHome Alone Classes — Home Alone

Classes are for children 9-11 years old,April 23, 9 a.m-2 p.m.; or May 7, 9 a.m-2 p.m., at the Aliamanu Military Reserva-tion Chapel. Children will learn importantsafety information, first aid, fire safetyand stress awareness. Call 655-1670.

Furlough Fridays — The next Fur-lough Friday is April 23, and Family andMorale, Welfare and Recreation has fam-ilies covered with a variety of options forstudents and teens in all grades. Programsoffered at Child, Youth and School Serv-ices and Army Community Services.

Download your FMWR Furlough Fridayactivity program guide atwww.mwrarmyhawaii.com. Click on“CYSS.”

Furlough Friday days are scheduledApril 30, and May 7 and 14.

24 / SaturdaySKIES — Join A Day of Fantasy, Fables,

Fairy Tales and Fun, at Wheeler MiddleSchool Auditorium, April 24, 10 a.m.

Kids experience dance, theater and mu-sic with free tickets from the Army’sSchool of Knowledge, Inspiration, Explo-ration and Skills. Call 655-9818.

Ceramic Pouring — Visit the SchofieldBarracks Arts and Crafts Center, April 24,for a ceramic pouring class that costs$25 for three classes. Classes are avilableat Fort Shafter as well.

Call 655-4202 or 438-1315.

Island Tour — The Army Community Service Island Tour is available to new-comers, April 24. Bus departs fromSchofield Barracks Army CommunityService building, 8 a.m.

Call 655-4227 or 438-4499.

25 / SundayRead to the Dogs — Children who are

able to read on their own can sign up fora 15-minute session to read to a dog,April 25, 3:30-4:45 p.m., Fort Shafter Li-brary. Call 438-9521.

27 / TuesdayQuilting & Sewing Class — Join the

Schofield Barracks Arts & Craft Center,April 27, to make a personalized quilt.

The Arts & Crafts Center has quiltingclasses, Mondays and Thursdays, 5:30-8:30 p.m., at Fort Shafter; or Tuesdays, 6-9 p.m., at Schofield.

Cost is $18 for the first session and $4for each additional session. Call 655-4202.

Happy Parent — Come to a stress re-duction class for parents and caregiversApril 27, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., at theSchofield Barracks Army Community Serv-ices building; or 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.,April 29, at Aliamanu Military Reservation.

Call 655-1670.

PT in the Park — Soldiers and fami-lies are invited to join Mickey Mouse andFriends, April 27, 6:30-7 a.m., at FortShafter Gym, for 30 minutes of aerobicexercise followed by a continental break-fast. Participants should bring a towel.

Call 655-6465.

28 / WednesdayFamily Team Building — The level 1

course is designed to assist Soldiers andFamilies obtain the skills necessary to nav-igate through the military environment,April 28-29, 5-9 p.m., Building 2091 onKolekole Avenue, Schofield Barracks.

This class will discuss expectations andimpact of the Army lifestyle, clarifyacronyms and provide an introduction tofamily readiness groups and communityresources.

Contact 655-1703 [email protected].

Resume Writing — A civilian resumewriting class is April 28, 9-10:30 a.m., atthe Schofield Barracks Army CommunityService. Call 655-4227.

Exceptional Family Member Pro-gram — Families have an opportunity toshare experiences, gather new informa-tion and become knowledgeable aboutcommunity resources.

SHARE Support Group will meet April28, 6-8 p.m., Schofield Barracks Main PostChapel.

Call 655-4791/1551.

Lunch and Learn — Parenting series willenrich the parenting experience for youand your 1-to 4-year old, April 28; 11a.m.-12:30 p.m., Schofield Barracks ArmyCommunity Services.

Learn how to recognize developmentalmilestones and understand how to re-spond to difficult behavior in children.

Call 655-1670.

29 / ThursdayMom & Tot Crafts — Bring your tod-

dler, ages 3-5, to create a fun project to-gether, April 29, 10-11 a.m., at theSchofield Barracks Arts and Crafts Center.

Join the fun every Thursday at the samelocation and time. Class costs $3.

Call 655-4202.

OngoingHawaiian Luau — Experience “old

Hawaii” with the Sunset Café’s Island Luau

featuring authentic Hawaiian cuisine anda hula show at the Hale Koa, in Honolulu.

All children under 17 years old receivea free goodie bag or gift. Month of the Mil-itary Child special ticket prices are notcombinable with any other offer.

Visit www.halekoa.com or call 955-0555, ext. 546.

Homeschool PE Classes — Army YouthServices offers physical education for thehomeschooled child, 10-11 a.m. at Alia-manu and Fort Shafter. Call 836-1923.

Schofield Barracks, Helemano andWheeler classes are Wednesdays, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Call 655-6465.

Kilauea Military Camp — Take ad-vantage of limited time offers at thejoint services recreation center like aBed & Breakfast Special, enter “CABB”under the comment section; or for 20percent off KMC Tours, enter “LT0920”under the comment section.

Visit www.kmc-volcano.com or call967-8371.

EDGE! — The EDGE! Program is free for Blue Star Card holders the first week ofevery month. EDGE! offers out-of-schoolopportunities for children and youth ages6-18, to participe in cutting-edge art, fit-ness, life skills and adventure activities.

Call [email protected] or656-0095.

A day in the sunWAIANAE — A Hawaiian Monk Seal beaches itself recently at Pililaau Army Recreation Center. PARC is locat-ed on Pokai Bay. PARC is one of the best beach facilities on the island for swimmers, snorkelers and scubaenthusiasts. Capturing the essence of "old Hawaii,” the facility has 39 beachfront cabins avaiable for rent. Formore information, visit www.mwrarmyhawaii.com/lodging/parc.

Tara Scully | Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation

Remember Me(PG 13)

Sat., April 24, 7 p.m.

Tooth Fairy(PG)

Sun., April 25, 2 p.m.

This week onNative HawaiianCovenant SigningDaily at 10:30 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Share the experience captured by TV2 as leaders from U.S. Army Hawaiiand the Native Hawaiian community pledge mutual respect and support atthis historic one-hour event at Fort DeRussy.

HAWAII ARMY WEEKLY APRIL 23, 2010 | B-3COMMUNITY

USO brings well-known photographer to schools, postsStory and Photo by

LACEY JUSTINGERPau Hana Editor

WHEELER ARMY AIRFIELD — Notmany people have the ability to rendera room completely silent just by walk-ing into it.

This isn’t true for Nigel Barker, fash-ion photographer and judge on the re-ality television show “America’s NextTop Model.”

Barker visited Hawaii schools withlarge military children populations dur-ing a USO celebrity-education tour inHawaii, April 12-14, part of the USO’sMonth of the Military Child activities.

As the 6-foot, 4-inch celebritystrolled into a classroom full of chatter-ing photography level three and fourstudents at Leilehua High School, silencedescended. Then came an explosion ofmovement and cacophony of sound asstudents scrambled for their cell phonesand cameras while giggling, chattingand blushing.

Barker visited Leilehua, Radford andMoanalua high schools and AliamanuMiddle School, as well as spent sometime meeting with militaryphotographers at Hickam Air Force Baseand Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneo-he Bay.

“As a military mom, it’s important toknow celebrities care about our children,and (the visit) teaches everyone thatgiving back to the community makes ahuge difference,” said Nicole Darity,USO Hawaii programs manager.

Barker spoke to large and small as-semblies about gaining and portrayingpersonal confidence, following theirdreams and embracing life, and har-nessing the power of creativity.

“It’s your own personal journey oftrial and error, and passion. Live with-out regrets.” Barker said. “All the mis-takes I have made in my life are impor-tant to me. I am the sum of my imper-fections; that’s what makes me unique.”

He continued, “Believe in yourself; noone else will until you do. Find yourself.Follow your own visions and dreams.”

During his talk, Barker showed stu-dents a collection of his work fromshoots, including a recent trip to Haitiand “from America’s Next Top Model,”one of the longest running reality showson televisio; and he allowed students toexamine one of his cameras up close.

“This was a great opportunity forstudents to hear real-life experiencesfrom a well-known photographer,” saidKeith Sasada, Leilehua photography

teacher. “This will inspire them andshow that they have to find their ownpath within themselves. We have a lotof military dependents here and thathelps because they learn from one an-other by sharing experiences.”

“This was really cool, learning pho-tography from someone of his caliber,”said Kendyll Barnett, daughter of StaffSgt. Donald Sumner, 25th Infantry Di-vision.

Barker also volunteers his servicesto organizations like Make-a-Wish andthe Humane Society to tell the personal

stories and give a face to the charitiesto encourage personal involvement.

“Think about all the iconic momentsin history,” Barker said, prompting stu-dents. “We remember the event by thephotograph; there is always a photothat goes along with it. That’s whatmakes photography so powerful.”

Barker referenced military “combatcamera” photographers who documenthistory throughout the world.

He was inspired by one combatphotographer’s viewpoint — that anyone photo a service member takes can

potentially send troops home or keepthem in combat zones longer.

“Combat photographers and militaryphotographers put themselves in harm’sway to tell a story, while working asSoldiers, at the same time, and savinglives,” Barker said. “The use of photog-raphy is so important in the military. The photographs they take could poten-tially save troops as well as let people athome know that they are safe or thatthings are getting better or worse.”

Barker once contemplated pursing amilitary medical career and has a cou-ple of relatives who have served in themilitary.

These reasons were part of his deci-sion to do the USO tour and to person-ally thank service members and familiesfor what they do daily.

“We owe a huge debt of gratitude tothe services,” said the photographer.“We can learn from their ability to beactive, the way they handle themselvesin public and their people skills.”

Barker was inspired with the strengthof military parents, stating, “Some don’tsee their kids for months on end. I amaway from my kids two weeks, at themost, but it’s still terrible. I miss themeven when they go to bed.”

Barker said, multiple times, he is will-ing to “embed” with troops and wouldbe “amazed” to go on a USO tour inAfghanistan.

To embed as a photographer attachedto a military unit during conflict oper-ations would be a “great opportunity totell the human story to a huge globalaudience,” he said.

He noted the power of Steve McCur-ry’s photograph titled “Afghan Girl,”from a 1985 “National Geographic”cover that jump-started his interest inthe field.

“It’s equally important, in a big orsmall setting, to inspire people,” he said.“To be a role model with a more seriousmessage is a real powerful tool.”

Nigel Barker, an international fashion photographer and judge on “America’s Next Top Model,” discusses the importance ofself-confidence in the pursuit of personal dreams with high school students during a USO celebrity-education tour at localschools with large populations of military children.

8th TSC volunteers tutor, teach value of reading to local studentsStory and Photo by

SGT. RICARDO J. BRANCH8th Theater Sustainment Command Public Affairs

HONOLULU — Most children prefer video games and moviesover books, so Soldiers of the 8th Theater Sustainment Command arehelping to bring children back to the basics of learning, by the open-ing a book.

For three 8th TSC Soldiers visiting the Gustav H. Webling Elemen-tary School, their trip served a special purpose: to make a differencein second graders’ lives through reading.

“I just feel that kids can always use a little help, so I wanted todo my part for the community,” said Sgt. 1st Class Jaime Pieniazek,assistant inspector general, Headquarters and Headquarters Compa-ny, 8th TSC. “It really makes you feel good about yourself when youdonate your time to making a difference in someone’s life throughreading.”

Pieniazek has been deployed to Iraq and wanted to show peoplenot in the military that there’s another side to being a Soldierrather than just being a warfighter.

“It’s important to let people know we’re not just about fightingfor our country,” she said. “We may go to other countries to helpoverseas, but we also do our part here at home to better the placesthat we live here in Hawaii.”

During the tutoring, Pieniazek was paired with 8-year-old CourtlenNaylon, a 2nd grader at Webling Elementary, to read about African-American inventors and their impact on American society.

Pieniazek’s role was to help Naylon understand the big words kidsoften stumble on while reading schoolbooks.

“Benjamin Banneker was famous for his almanac, as well as his

clock,” Naylon said. “He did a lot for America.”As Naylon continued reading, she would pause and look at

Pieniazek and ask her the meaning of certain words. The visit last-ed for an hour, but the impact will remain longer in many of the 2ndgraders’ lives.

For Naylon, the visit showed her one thing: Soldiers are more thanjust fighters; they are people, too.

“She was really nice,” Naylon said. “I had a good time readingwith her. Reading is really important, and I can’t wait till shecomes back.”

Pieniazek described the visit as one she will cherish for a long timeto come.

“The 8th TSC does a real good job staying involved in the com-munity,” she said. “I never really took the time out to get involvedwith some of the programs we do like this, and I regret it now.

“The community supports us so much when we are deployeddownrange, so when we’re back, we have to give back in ways likethis so they know we appreciate all they do for us,” she added.

Wallyne Nakamura, Naylon’s teacher, added, “Reading is thefoundation to make it easier to comprehend other subjects andlearn the world around you. Just opening a book opens doors for anychild, and it’s great ... to share this experience with the Soldiers.

“To kids here,” Nakamura continued, “it’s a thrill to have that per-sonal contact with the folks in the military, and it really builds ontheir confidence to receive that extra help.”

Many Hawaii schools, like Webling, are part of the U.S. PacificCommand’s Joint Venture Education Forum’s school partnership pro-gram. The Army is currently partnered with 51 public schoolsthroughout Hawaii in the Partnership of Ohana community relationsprogram.

To learn more about volunteer opportunities that make a differ-ence in students’ lives, contact 8th TSC Special Troops Battalionat 438-5527.

Sgt. 1st Class Jaime Pieniazek, Headquarters and HeadquartersCompany, 8th Theater Sustainment Command, listens to CortlenNaylon, a 2nd-grader, read during a tutoring session, April 12, atGustav H. Webling Elementary School. The 8th TSC makes routinetrips to the school as part of a community outreach program to helpout the schoolchildren in their district.

B-4 | APRIL 23, 2010 HAWAII ARMY WEEKLY COMMUNITY

Students add fruit to their diet, campus Story and Photo by

BILL MOSSMANNews Editor

WHEELER ARMY AIRFIELD — In an ef-fort to take better care of both their bod-ies and the environment, Wheeler Ele-mentary School students teamed up withparents, faculty members and volunteers,earlier this week, and expanded their or-chard by planting 42 organic fruit treesand shrubs around the Wahiawa-basedcampus.

Thanks to a generous donation madepossible through the Fruit Tree 101 pro-gram, dozens of students were able toplant a variety of nature’s most-edibledelights — specifically star fruits, avoca-dos, oranges, bananas, lemons, mangosand grapefruits — over a two-day period,April 18 and 19.

The planting also included several va-rieties of fruits that many students hadn’tever experienced before — namely mira-cle berries and Peanut Butter Fruit.

The program came courtesy of the in-ternational nonprofit organization, TheFruit Tree Planting Foundation, and theStretch Island Fruit Co.

Katherine Drotos, the foundation’shealth educator, said that part of the pro-gram’s aim was to educate students aboutthe benefits of caring for their bodies. Toreinforce this idea, Stretch Island FruitCo., provided planting participants withdelicious snacks made from real fruit.

“We want the children to understandwhere fruit comes from, and that’s impor-tant for us to have fruit in our diet everysingle day,” explained Drotos.

Drotos said Wheeler Elementary wasthe fourth school to benefit from theFruit Tree 101 program, since the founda-tion began tree planting at Oahu’s pub-lic schools three years ago.

“The American Heart Association rec-ommends four to five servings of fruitevery day, and unfortunately, we knowthat not everybody is getting thatamount,” Drotos said.

Additionally, the program also ad-

dressed the importance of connectingchildren with their aina, or land, in thehope that they will become better stewardsof the environment.

To help, arborist Jackie Ralya led ahands-on planting workshop while edu-cation assistant and garden coordinatorPat Ganaban spoke about the school’sextensive gardening program while students soaked up the warm weatherand planting tips.

Several groups, in fact, gathered aroundthe trees and helped shovel in mulcharound the base of the plantings, thusensuring that the fruit trees will be suc-cessful in retaining moisture.

“We want them to make as much of animpact on the environment as possible,”Drotos said. “They’ll be able to do that byharvesting and raising these trees, andenjoying the delicious fruit that comesout of that. If children learn to care for thetrees, the trees will keep giving.”

Near the conclusion of the plantingeffort, Ganaban labeled the outing a suc-cess. Still, she said, there will be muchwork to be done in the coming days andmonths.

“Each classroom is going to be respon-sible for adopting a tree,” she said. “Thatmeans they’ll be responsible for wateringand caring for their own trees.”

Wheeler Elementary School fifth-grader Aaron Jackson shovels in mulch around anewly planted grapefruit tree on campus while third-grader Sofia Reyes pats down thecompost, thus ensuring that the fledgling tree will retain its share of moisture.

Students master navigationStory and Photo by

STAFF SGT. COREY BALTOS45th Sustainment Command Public Affairs

SCHOFIELD BARRACKS —Nowadays, people have all sorts oftools to make sure they don’t getlost, but what happens if the cellphone dies or the signal is lost?

While Soldiers are taught mapreading, many civilians are not.

To remedy this, the 25th Trans-portation Company, 45th SpecialTroops Battalion, went to KahukuIntermediate and High School toteach students the basics of landnavigation.

“We are teaching the kids orien-teering, map reading and how to doa pace count,” said Sgt. 1st ClassCarl Oldham, rear detachment firstsergeant, 25th Trans. Co., and aninstructor. “Basically, it is the sameclass that Soldiers get duringsergeant’s time training, but it isadjusted slightly so the kids canrelate to it.”

The four-day class, conductedApril 12-15, consisted of map read-ing, how to do a pace count andread a compass, a written test, andan orienteering course on schoolgrounds.

“The course is like the ones theSoldiers do at Warrior Leader Course,” said Staff Sgt. AustinDurham, the primary instructor forthe class.

However, instead of plottingpoints and using a compass toreach a destination, the studentshad an aerial map of their campuswith their point locations markedon their maps.

To find the points, they had toorientate their maps, then find ninepoints around the school in 20minutes.

Soldiers awarded prizes to thefastest teams to encourage the kids.Prizes consisted of backpacks, wal-lets, T-shirts and water bottles,supplied by the 130th EngineeringBn., and the 45th STB retentionoffices.

The class was met with enthusi-asm by students and Soldiers.

“This class is good for both thestudents and the Soldiers,” saidretired 1st Sgt. Dave Brandt,Kahuku Intermediate/High SchoolJunior ROTC first sergeant. “Weteach our cadets the basics of mapreading, but this is more in depth.Since this class is being taught toall students, not just the cadets,more kids are getting this knowl-edge.”

“I liked this course, it was some-thing different to do, and I learnedhow to read maps and about thedifferent types of terrain features,”said Malo Matau, a senior atKahuku. “I would like to have theSoldiers come back and teach usmore classes.”

Sgt. Abubakr Abdul-Zahir, 25th Transportation Company, helps students atKahuku Intermediate and High School find different terrain features ontheir map as part of an orienteering course the Soldiers conducted, recent-ly.

“If children learn to carefor the trees, the trees willkeep giving.”

— Katherine Drotos Fruit Tree Planting Foundation

HAWAII ARMY WEEKLY APRIL 23, 2010 | B-5SPORTS & FITNESS

24 / Saturday Dude…Find the Food — Teen organ-

izers for Army Community Service arelooking for teams of their peers to par-ticipate in the scavenger hunt, April24, 8:30 a.m., Schofield ACS. Registerseven-member teams at 744-0824 or e-mail [email protected].

Teams will follow clues throughSchofield Barracks and Wheeler ArmyAirfield, and learn about activities andorganizations available on post as theypick up food items purchased by thesponsors.

Register seven-member teams, one ofthe members must be an adult driv-er/team leader.

25 / SundayAdventure Kayaking – Spend half

a day on various beaches around thisbeautiful island kayaking. Classes areavailable in three skill levels as well askayak fishing. The cost is only $49 perperson. Call 655-0143.

26 / MondayVolleyball Tournament — Entries

accepted until 4 p.m., April 26, for acoed Volleyball Tournament in May, atAliamanu Military Reservation PhysicalFitness Center.

Active duty, Reserve, National Guard,retirees, family members and govern-ment civilians may enter.

Call 836-0338.

Send sports announcements to [email protected].

24 / Saturday Hot Pursuit — Code-crackers and

brainteaser busters are invited to joinHospice Hawaii in a mile walk fromWard Warehouse where participants

will race to receive clues to mysterydestination, April 24.

Registration starts at 8:30 a.m. Call 791-8011 or visit

www.hospicehawaii.org.

25 / SundayHaleiwa Metric Century Ride —

The Haleiwa Metric Ride is named oneof “The Best 50 Rides in the UnitedStates" by Bicycling Magazine, ridethrough the North Shore, HaleiwaTown, Sunset Beach, Pipeline, Waimeaand Swanzy Beach Park, April 25.

The race has 25, 50 or 100 kilome-ter options. Visit www.hbl.org.

27 / TuesdayPineapple Run — Register for the

10K Pineapple Run by April 27. The 6.2 mile course starts and

finishes at Kaala Elementary School,running through Wahiawa and areapineapple fields, May 1, 7 a.m., with a free pineapple at the finish.

Register at www.active.com, [email protected] or call471-4774 or 473-2142.

May2 / Sunday

Bike Race — The Criterium Bike Racewill take participants on a safe, 1.1-mile loop course consisting of two wide,90-degree turns and one wide, sweep-ing 180-degree turn.

Visit www.mccshawaii.com/cgfit.htm.

8 / SaturdaySprint Triathlon — Bike, swim, or

run to Marine Corps Base-Hawaii for themost hardcore event held on the wind-ward side, May 8. The Triathlon consistsof a 500-meter swim in Kaneohe Bay,an 11-mile bike race circumnavigatingthe base, and ends with a 3.5-mile runat the Base Marina. Enter as an individ-ually or in three-man relay teams.

Visit www.mccshawaii.com/cgfit.htm.

Run With a View — Run more thaneight miles in Aiea, May 8, as part of theHawaiian Ultra Running Team trail se-ries. E-mail [email protected].

Garrison: Branches support one another, troops

Jack Wiers | U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii Public Affairs

Col. Jay Hammer, executive officer, U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii, takes some time awayfrom perfecting his golf game to goof off at the Garrison Organization Celebration GolfScramble, April 14, at Leilehua Golf Course.

Austin continued. “We were allvery supportive of each other,and everyone finished in underan hour.”

Range Division had been train-ing since January, complete withdaily two-mile runs/walks duringlunch and workout sessions atMartinez Physical Fitness Center,after work, several days a week.

“There is such accountability inour group, which keeps us all fo-cused and having fun,” Austinsaid. “I'm even trying to talk the

guys into the Zumba class on Fri-days offered on-post.”

While the running group in redhasn’t decided if they’ll pursueother running events around theisland, they are certain that they’llbe back next year for the GOC’s5K Fun Run/Walk.

“We'll definitely be participat-ing next year,” Austin said. “Weare a strong ohana. It is so impor-tant to be supportive of each oth-er, our troops and support branch-es. It is important that we all goout there and show our pride forour Soldiers in Hawaii.”

CONTINUED FROM B-1

Stacy Harding | Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation

Capt. Kyle Gaylor, commander, Headquarters and HeadquartersDetachment, U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii, and his dog Charlie Rose, crossthe finish line with a final time of 24:07 at the Garrison OrganizationCelebration 5K Fun Run/Walk, April 15, at Schofield Barracks. Gaylor camein sixth place and was the only runner with a canine companion.