Vol. 38, No. 51 Published for ...assets.matchbin.com/sites/1304/assets/IDDP_e_Guardian_12_23_11.pdfMario Diaz, commander of the 4th Brigade Combat Team, said now that Task Force Patriot

Vol. 38, No. 51 Published for the community of Fort Polk, La. Dec. 23, 2011

Fort Polk

Inside the GuardianPolk People ............. 2A

Command changes ... 3A

DCERF, part II .......... 4A

272nd homecoming .. 7A

AFTB birthday ......... 1B

Generous donation ... 8BToday Saturday Sunday

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41 35 34

Guardian

Weekend weather

www.thefortpolkguardian.com

FORT POLK, La. –– If you enlist in the Armyand stay around for a while, you’ll notice that theArmy gives out a lot of ribbons.

There is the Army Service Ribbon given to allthose who complete advanced individual train-ing. If you stay out of trouble and perform yourduties well, you might receive the Army GoodConduct Medal. If you perform your duties bet-ter than most, you might be wearing an ArmyAchievement Medal, Meritorious Service Medalor even, in exceptional cases, the Legion of Merit.

Then there are the medals that set peopleapart for a variety of reasons. Get wounded incombat? You earn the Purple Heart. Show ex-treme bravery in the face of the enemy, you couldearn the Bronze Star with a “V” device signifyingvalor.

One medal that people will take notice of isthe Silver Star. It’s the third highest medal a Sol-dier can be awarded and it is given when thatSoldier shows extreme valor in the face of the en-emy. It is not awarded often, but when it is, it hasbeen well earned. The Silver Star was awarded toa Soldier with the 4th Brigade Combat Team,10th Mountain Division December 16, 2011.Here’s what he did to earn it:

The 2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, 4thBCT, 10th Mtn Div was based in the Jaghato Dis-trict, Wardak Province in Afghanistan. Accordingto Lt. Col. Tom Rickard, commander of the 2ndBn, 4th Inf Reg, the unit had been conductingcombat operations in the Tangi Valley in earlyApril to prevent the enemy from running sup-plies through Jaghato to Chak. In mid-April, ajoint operation with Polish forces was conductedin Jaghato which led to the events of April 28,2011.

Sgt. Timothy Gilboe was assigned to 1st Pla-toon, Alpha Company of the 2nd Bn, 4th Inf Div.His platoon was conducting a patrol near Jagha-to by the village of Awalata. They came underfire and, in battle, wounded a couple of insur-gents. As they were maneuvering to assess thesituation, they came under further attack.

They were walking by some buildings whentwo more insurgents charged them from about30 feet away. The insurgents fired more than 60rounds of ammunition at them, mortally wound-ing the squad leader, Staff Sgt. Matt Hermanson.At the same time, shots hit the assistant machinegunners rucksack setting it on fire.

The squad returned fire, forcing the insurgentsback and Gilboe turned his attention to puttingout the rucksack as it was filled with ammo.While he and the assistant gunner were occupiedwith that task, the insurgents tried to rush themagain. A teammate, an Air Force joint terminal at-tack controller assigned to 1st platoon, shot oneof the insurgents but the other was within 10 me-ters of Gilboe and coming fast. Instinct apparent-ly took over and he charged the remaining insur-

gent. Gilboe had put his weapon down to fightthe fire in the rucksack and realized he wouldhave no chance to retrieve it before the enemyclosed so he engaged the enemy with the onlyweapons he had … his hands and mind.

Gilboe reached out and grabbed the barrel ofthe enemy’s AK-47 and pulled it toward his chestwhich was covered by an armor plate. Gilboesaid the last thing that ran through his mind be-fore the enemy pulled the trigger was “This isgonna hurt a lot.” The insurgent fired a burst di-rectly into Gilboe’s chest plate, knocking thewind out of him and sending shrapnel into hislegs. Out of breath and fighting hand-to-hand,Gilboe disarmed the insurgent then hit him inthe face several times, stunning him and allow-

Fort Polk Soldier earns Silver StarBy T.C. BRADFORDPublic Affairs Office

Col. RichardD. Clarke,deputy com-manding gen-eral of Opera-tions, 10thMountain Di-vision, pinsthe Silver Staron the chestof Sgt. Timo-thy Gilboe,2nd Battalion,4th InfantryRegiment, 4thBrigade Com-bat Team, 10thMountain Di-vision, at aceremonyheld at FortPolk Dec. 16,2011.

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The Guardian, a civilian enter-prise newspaper, is an authorizedpublication for members of the U.S.Army. Contents of the Guardian arenot necessarily official views of, or en-dorsed by, the U.S. Government, De-partment of Defense, Department ofthe Army or Fort Polk.

The Guardian is published weeklyby the Public Affairs Office, JointReadiness Training Center and FortPolk. Printed circulation is 13,000.

Everything advertised in this publication shall be made availablefor purchase, use or patronage with-out regard to race, color, religion, sex,national origin, age, marital status,physical handicap, political affiliationor any other nonmerit factor of thepurchaser, user or patron.

A confirmed violation of this policy of equal opportunity by an ad-vertiser will result in the refusal toprint advertising from that source.

All editorial content of theGuardian is prepared, edited, pro-vided and approved by the Public Af-fairs Office, Joint Readiness TrainingCenter and Fort Polk.

The Guardian is printed by theNatchitoches Times, a private firmin no way connected with the Depart-ment of the Army, under exclusivewritten contract with Fort Polk. Thecivilian printer is responsible for com-mercial advertising.

The appearance of advertising inthis publication, including inserts andsupplements, does not constitute en-dorsement by the Department of theArmy or the Natchitoches Times ofthe products or services advertised.

GuardianEditorial Staff

Brig. Gen. Clarence K.K. ChinnJoint Readiness Training Center

and Fort Polk commanding generalCol. Roger L. Shuck

Garrison commanderJim BeinkemperPublic Affairs officerKim Reischling

Command information officer

Chuck CannonJean Dubiel

Editors

Angie ThorneAfter Hours editor

Jennifer DorvalRachel Reischling

Sarah PeacheyStaff writers

Editorial OfficesBuilding 4919, Magnolia Street

Fort Polk, LA 71459-5060Voice (337) 531-4033Fax (337) 531-1401

Email: [email protected] post ads:

[email protected] Polk Homepage

http://www.jrtc-polk.army.mil

AdvertisingSteve ColwellGeneral Manager(318) 352-3618

P.O. Box 448904 South Drive

Natchitoches, Louisiana 71457

VViieewwppooiinnttPOLK PEOPLEWith Christmas only two days away, Guardian

staff asked members of the community, “What wouldyou most like to see under the tree?” Here are their replies:

Pfc. Kirby Brooks: "Idon’t need to seeanything: I'd love tobe with my Family."

Jarell Harris: “ Amillion dollars — giftwrapped.”

Mike Gstalter: “I’dlike to see our troopshome safe and a newadministration.”

Pfc. Zach Linder: “Idon’t need gifts. I’djust like to be homewith my Family."

Sgt. 1st Class MerleF u n k h o u s e r : “ Re t i r e -ment.” Shane Funkhouser: “Anew dirt bike.”

Corynn Dokey: “AnXbox 360. I love Mod-ern Warfare.”

Holly Critser: “I don’tneed anything. I just wantmy son to have a goodChristmas and everythinghe wants under the tree.”

Listening equals caringI'm writing to tell you about a

wonderful thing I experienced re-cently while waiting at the (Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital)pharmacy.

I watched as two captains and asergeant talked and listened to a re-tired Soldier, who was in his "golden

years," as he told them of his experi-ences while serv-ing as a Marine inthe U.S. military.

They listened socarefully and in-tently to him tell his stories and itwarmed my heart to see such caringand consideration for a former fel-low Soldier.

Kudos to all of them, they madehis day –– you couldsee it in his eyes.

Sometimes we arein such a hurry wedon't take the time

to give our attention to those whoreally deserve it. Many thanks tothose Soldiers.

Margaret Pruitt

Letter

Steve ColwellGeneral Manager(318) 352-3618

PO Box 448 / 904 South DriveNatchitoches, LA 71457

For advertising inquiries contact:Jennifer L. Russell

[email protected]

GuardianDec. 23, 2011 //3A

NNeewwSSccooppee

BJACH clinic closuresAll Bayne-Jones Army Community Hos-

pital clinics and labs are closed Saturdaythrough Monday and Dec. 31-Jan. 2 for theholidays.

The pharmacy will be open Saturday andDec. 31 from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., andclosed Sunday and Monday and Jan. 1-2.The emergency room is open 24 hours aday.

DLA closureThe Defense Logistics Agency Disposi-

tion Services Polk will be closed Mondaythrough Dec. 30. Call 531-4609 for more in-formation.

Laundry mat closedThe 24-hour laundry mat, bldg 1455, will

be closed through Jan. 8 for renovation.Service is available at North Fort Polk, bldg8202, during closure. Call 537-0858.

NAF positionsApplications are being accepted for the

following nonappropriated-fund jobs onFort Polk. For details call the NAF Branch,531-6301/6631/4955, or visit the web site atwww.jrtc-polk.army.mil/cpac/naf.htm.

• Recreation assistant, $10 per hour; tem-porary, flexible, closes Tuesday, SC-NAFEP110131.

• Bowling equipment repair leader,$11.81 per hour; full-time, closes Tuesday,SCNAFEP110132.

• Cook, $8.71 per hour; flexible, closesTuesday, SCNAFEP110133.

• Maintenance worker, $10.30 per hour;part-time, closes Tuesday, SCNAFEP110134.

• Child and youth program assistant,$10.95-$13.41 per hour; flexible, closes Dec.31, SCNAFEP1104OC.

For more information call 531-6301.

ACP 6 to closeRepairs on Chaffee Road are scheduled

through Jan. 20. This construction requirestemporary closure of ACP 6, allowing forschool bus traffic only. Hours of construc-tion are from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondaythrough Friday. Traffic will be detouredaround the construction site.

Drive with caution and be prepared for areduced speed limit in the immediate con-struction area with possible delays. Formore information call 531-1371 or (337) 397-5777.

New Express 3 hoursExpress 3, formerly known as Shoppette

III on Chaffee Road, North Fort Polk, ex-tends it hours to 9 p.m. as of Jan. 2.

Briefs

Section A

FORT POLK, La. –– If you stick around themilitary long enough, one of thefirst things you come to under-stand is that people come and go.

Sometimes they go where theywant and sometimes they go tofill a need in the Army hierarchy.On Dec. 16, it was Lt. Col. Antho-ny Coston’s time to say farewell.

At a change of command cere-mony held at the 1st ManeuverEnhancement Brigade Gym, Cos-ton, commander of the 94thBrigade Support Battalion, 4thBrigade Combat Team, 10thMountain Division, relinquishedhis command to incoming com-mander Lt. Col. Mark Walker.

Coston just returned homewith the 94th BSB after leadingthem through their recent de-ployment in Afghanistan. Col.Mario Diaz, commander of the4th Brigade Combat Team, saidnow that Task Force Patriot isback, all six units that make up the 4th BCT willundergo a ceremony like this one.

“It’s only fitting that the 94th BSB, known asTask Force Strength while it was deployed, is the

first in the chute to start the transition,” he said. “The 94th will set the conditions to support

the remainder of the (4th BCT) as it enters thecritical period of resetting the brigade’s equip-

ment and preparing for the nextmission.”

Diaz had high marks of praisefor the 94th BSB, its accomplish-ments and its leader. He alsothanked the former commanderand command sergeant major ofthe 4th BCT who led the unitthrough the deployment inAfghanistan. Both have sincemoved on to new assignments.Coston had these words of encour-agement for the 94th BSB’s incom-ing commander:

“Lt. Col. Mark Walker, welcometo the battalion and command.Passing off my Blackberry yester-day was no problem. Passing thosecolors to you today wasn’t quite aseasy,” he said.

Walker took the podium last,thanked his predecessor for thesmooth transition and wished himluck in his future endeavors.

He also stated that all policies and proceduresremained in effect and with those words, com-mand of the 94th BSB changed hands to the newcommander.

FORT POLK, La. — Lt. Col. Jeffrey D. Witt as-sumed command of 88thBrigade Support Battalion, 1stManeuver EnhancementBrigade from Lt. Col. Royce A.Edington during a change ofcommand ceremony Dec. 14 at1st MEB Field.

“We come here today to passthe colors from one great com-mander to another,” said Col.David T. Theisen, commander of1st MEB.

“We welcome LieutenantColonel Witt, his Family andtheir guests to Fort Polk.”

Theisen thanked Edington forhis leadership in mentoring andleading the “Muleskinner” bat-talion.

“You have always careddeeply for your Soldiers andtrained and prepped them to ex-ecute their mission and take careof their Families while they aregone,” Theisen said.

“Your drive and enthusiasm embody the bat-talion motto ‘Give Way.’”

Edington said it was an honor and his privi-

lege to lead all nine companies of 88th BSB andwatch as its Soldiers and their leaders grew anddeveloped.

“When I took command, I told all of the Sol-diers that this battalion would beas good as we made it,” Edingtonsaid.

“We were all in it together and itwas up to all of us to do our part toaccomplish the mission. We havedone this and we have continuedthe proud history of the 88th.Muleskinners, I ask that you pro-vide Lieutenant Colonel Witt yourcomplete support as he leads thebattalion to its next objective. Ichallenge each of you to continuethe legacy that no mission will faildue to logistics.”

Witt said he was honored andhumbled to take command of 88thBSB and to lead it through the nextphase of its journey.

“There is no greater responsibil-ity than command of Soldiers and Ido not take this responsibilitylightly,” Witt said. “I will alwaysdo my best to train and care for

each of our Soldiers and their Families, to devel-op our future leaders, and to execute our missionin a responsive and responsible manner. I lookforward to serving you and serving with you.”

94th BSB welcomes new commanderBy T.C. BRADFORDPublic Affairs Office

Witt takes command of 88th BSB Dec.14By JENNIFER DORVALGuardian staff writer

Incoming 88thBrigade Support Bat-talion CommanderLt. Col. Jeffrey Wittreceives the colorsduring a change of

command ceremonyDec. 14.

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Editor’s note: This is the secondof a two-part look at the DefenseChemical, Biological, Radiologicaland Nuclear Response Force train-ing exercise conducted by FortPolk’s 1st Maneuver EnhancementBrigade Dec. 4-9. Part two looks atthe role played by the brigade’s en-gineering units.

FORT POLK, La. — The 1st Ma-neuver Enhancement Brigade tookover the reins as the Army’s lead el-ement in Defense Chemical, Biologi-cal, Radiological and Nuclear Re-sponse Force, or DCRF, on Sept. 30.In preparation for its role, thebrigade has conducted two large-scale training exercises — one atCamp Atterbury, Ind., in September,and the most recent, at Fort Polk,Dec. 4-9.

During the local event, the 1stMEB tested its ability to moveequipment to Fort Polk’s rail headand prepare it for movement to asimulated major earthquake alongthe New Madrid fault line nearMemphis, Tenn.

The brigade then moved to FortPolk’s training area where it wasfaced with scenarios that might befound in the event of a natural dis-aster, including mass casualties,blocked roads, shortages of foodand water and collapsed buildings.

The Dec. 16 edition of theGuardian looked at the work of mili-tary policemen assigned to the 1stMEB, which included crowd con-

trol, humanitarian assistance, con-voy operations.

Another unit that found itselfbusy during the event was the 178thEngineer Company, 46th EngineerBattalion, 1st MEB. The 178th EngCo was tasked with moving col-lapsed building and debris blockingroadways.

Working alongside local firefight-ers, they were also tasked with ex-tracting victims from wrecked vehi-cles and piles of rubble.

Spc. Traver Marks, Spc. NelsonRamirez and Spc. Henry Portillo,are all members of a 178th Eng Corescue team.

One of their jobs during the exer-cise required them to navigatethrough a 150-foot culvert, extricatethree victims from a vehicle buriedunder a collapsed roadway, movethe victims back through the culvertand to a helicopter landing pad tobe airlifted to a hospital.

Portillo said the exercise was nothis first rodeo.

“I’ve done this before — in train-ing,” he said. “I’m the first one in,so you don’t know what will be in-side. You’ve just got to Soldier upand do it, hooah.”

Portillo said he joined the Armyas an electrician.

“I never thought I’d be doingsomething like this,” he said. “Wehave an important job — helpingpeople when they are most help-less.”

Corey Molinelli, a subject matterexpert with Army North Tech Res-cue, said the DCRF mission requires

By CHUCK CANNONCommunity editor

1st MEB hones DCRF skills with training event

Soldiers with the 178th Engineer Company, along with Fort PolkDepartment of Emergency Services firefighters, remove a “casual-ty” from a wrecked vehicle; during a 1st Maneuver EnhancementBrigade DCRF training exercise Dec. 4-9 on Fort Polk.

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StarContinued from page 1A

ing the assistant gunner time and opportunity tokill him.

Gilboe was wounded, but so were his squadand platoon leaders. Gilboe took charge of the re-maining squad members, cleared the area and setup a security perimeter. Without regard to hisown wounds, Gilboe rendered first aid to thewounded and cared for them until the mediccould prepare them for evacuation. When thatwas accomplished, he helped load the woundedon the MEDEVAC choppers and, only then, al-lowed himself to be treated and removed fromthe area.

His Silver Star citation reads that he “demon-strated exemplary bravery and leadership underextreme pressure.” When the rubber met theroad and his life and the lives of his fellow Sol-diers were on the line, Gilboe aggressively tookthe fight to the enemy and came out victorius.Because of his actions, two Soldiers’ lives weresaved and a high value target was taken out ofthe battle for good.

Unfortunately, one Soldier did lose his life:Hermanson, Gilboe’s squad leader. Standing be-fore his fellow Soldiers as he received the SilverStar, Gilboe shared his thoughts on the loss of his

friend and comrade. “It’s a bittersweet thing,” hesaid. “I mean, we all know who the real herowas. It was Matt. I’d give everything … mymedal, my worldly possessions … to have himhere today.” Gilboe said Hermanson saw whatthe team did and that they had taken out the ene-my and he hoped that brought Hermanson someclosure.

Any man or woman who joined the militarysince the terrorist attacks on the World TradeCenter knew that they would serve time inAfghanistan or Iraq. Gilboe’s mother and father,Deanna and Steve, drove down from Maine towatch their son receive his award. The only ex-perience either had with the military came fromGilboe’s grandfather’s service in the Navy. Hismother talked about her feelings the day he an-nounced his intentions. “I thought he was crazyat first when he came home and said he wantedto join the Army. I didn’t really want it to hap-pen,” she said. “But I’m happy now that he de-cided to do this. He’s a hero.”

Was it fate that led Gilboe to be in the rightplace at the right time to accomplish those ac-tions? That is for philosophers to argue.

When he first enlisted he was assigned as an

engineer. He was stationed at Fort Polk with the1st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade. Gilboe de-cided sometime along the way, that he wanted tobe an infantryman. He had to reclassify, go backthrough training and eventually was assigned tothe 10th Mountain Division right back at FortPolk.

Even though Gilboe actively set in motion thepath that would lead to that day, among all therecognition and accolades from friends, familyand fellow Soldiers, his greatest source of prideand kindest words were for his friend and squadleader Hermanson.

“After the chaos was over and we got to him,we rolled him over and his first thought was forthe rest of us. He asked if everyone else wasokay,” he said. Gilboe said that Hermanson, eventhough mortally wounded, had the foresight toprep a hand grenade as a last resort in case thebattle didn’t turn out well. He had also made ra-dio calls to inform others of the situation. “Hewent out fighting,” Gilboe said.

His experience that day will color the way heleads others going forward. “I know (as a leader)you need to approach every situation with a sol-id plan and superior communication,” he said.

GuardianDec. 23, 2011//5A

Soldiers to think on their own.“We have to change the mindset from one of

waiting for direction from their superiors tothinking on their feet,” he said. “Soldiers have tobe able to survey the situation, decide whatneeds to be done and immediately take action.”

And they have to do it with media lookingover their shoulders and sometimes getting inthe way, he said.

“Not only do they have to handle the emer-gency, they also have to deal with reporters ask-ing them questions,” Molinelli said. “We wantedthem to see exactly what they would be dealingwith in the event of a real-world mission.”

Ramirez and Marks handled the media at theirevent like pros. Ramirez was asked by a televi-sion reporter what he was doing as he preparedto enter the culvert.

“I’m taking air samples and checking for ob-structions that might be blocking the way beforewe send in Soldiers to extricate the victims,”Ramirez said.

The reporter then asked Marks if he had everbeen faced with an extraction that required mov-ing casualties from a buried vehicle through aculvert.

“Yes,” Marks said.The reporter asked how many times.“Twice,” Marks said. “In training.”Col. David T. Theisen, commander, 1st MEB,

said Soldiers of the 178th Eng Co also removedvictims from cars in sinkholes and from undercollapsed buildings, shored up damaged build-ings and cleared roadways.

“This exercise showcased the different parts ofour mission to each of our units and Soldiers,”Theisen said. “It showed everyone the skillsneeded, who is to your right and who is to yourleft. All of my Soldiers are better for doing this.They are becoming subject matter experts.”

Theisen said that is important in today’sArmy.

“We are not a static organization,” he said.“These types of exercises build depth and trainnew leaders. This month we are are getting threenew battalion commanders and three new com-mand sergeants major. Training is about develop-ing talented people because no one is irreplace-able. An exercise such as this helps the future ofthe Army and NCO Corps.”

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Col. David T.Theisen, command-er, 1st ManeuverEnhancementBrigade, speakswith a reporter froma Lafayette, La., tel-evision station dur-ing a DefenseChemical, Biologi-cal, Radiologicaland Nuclear Re-sponse Force train-ing exercise Dec. 8on Fort Polk.

Spc. Joyce Delacruz,178th EngineerCompany, stabilizesan overtuned vehi-cle during the 1stMEB DCRF FTX Dec.8 on Fort Polk.

Above: Soldiers with the 178th Eng Co clear the streets of rubble during 1st MEB’s DCRFFTX Dec. 8 on Fort Polk.Left: Spc. Mark Travers, 178th Eng Co, answers questions from a reporter during the 1stMEB DCRF FTX. Soldiers were faced with the same obstacles they might face in a real-world disaster, including working with the press.


FORT POLK, La. — More than198 Soldiers from the 1st Battalion(Airborne), 509th Infantry Regimentboarded four C-130s at AlexandriaInternational Airport to jump intothe Geronimo drop zone during atraining exercise Dec. 9. It was thefirst time in more than five yearsthat the battalion performed an ex-ercise of this magnitude.

The training was a return to es-sential tasks for the 509th. “We areresponsible for maintaining ourreadiness and our proficiency in air-field seizure and all the collectivetasks that build up to that,” said Lt.Col. Scott Himes, 1st Bn (Abn),509th Inf Reg commander.

The Soldiers rode busses toAlexandria International Airportwhere they rigged up and per-formed safety checks before depart-ing to the drop zone in the JointReadiness Training Center.

“It’s what we call a mass tacticaljump, where the aircraft will be fly-ing in trail and all four planes willdrop at the same time. When theSoldiers hit the ground, they will as-semble by company and performtheir initial assault objectives,” saidMaj. Daniel Godbey, 1st Bn (Abn),509th Inf Reg executive officer.

After packing up their para-chutes, the Soldiers turned in theirchutes and moved to assemblypoints to perform their objectives.One company sealed off the leadedge of the drop zone, anothersealed off the trail edge and the finalteam cleared the runway and com-mand and control facilities.

While only 198 Soldiers jumped,those who didn’t were spreadthroughout the airfield, ready toconnect with their companies. Al-pha Company, the unit responsiblefor clearing the runway and com-mand and control facilities, madecontact with an opposing forcestank and successfully eliminated thethreat to continue with their securi-ty.

“That’s what the first wave of anairborne assault does. They securethe runway so that air-land forcescan come in where the aircraft landsand put off tanks, vehicles and moreammunition. We’re the initial force— the alpha echelon — that jumpsin to secure the airfield,” Godbeysaid.

When the battalion conducts theJRTC rotation, they don’t fight as abattalion; instead, some Soldiers actas the OPFOR and others act as theAfghan National Army, Godbeysaid.

This was one of the few times theunit could execute a mission as abattalion.

“This was really the first oppor-

tunity for us to do a real, full-up air-borne assault on an airfield. It’s agreat opportunity for us because itnot only give us the chance to trainas an organic U.S. Army infantryunit, we also use this to better our-selves as an (opposing force). In anairfield seizure, little groups ofparatroopers hit the ground andtheir key leadership is not withthem and they’re spread out. Itgives us the chance to train ourguys for the decentralized executionof a plan,” Himes said.

It was also a new opportunity forsome of the younger Soldiers. “This(exercise) is so the Soldiers see thatthis is what several hundred para-troopers in the air looks like, this ishow hard it is to assemble, you haveto move quickly to get there —things like that,” Godbey said.

The battalion hopes to have alarger scale exercise in the summer.

“A lot of people think we’re a(Training and Doctrine Command)unit, but we’re actually a go-to-warForces Command unit. How do westay credible as a world-class OP-FOR while, at the same time, main-taining our proficiency as aFORSCOM unit? This helps us stayproficient in our collective tasks,”Himes said. “We just have to figureout the best way to keep ourselvestrained and that’s the biggest chal-lenge.”

‘Geronimo’ Soldiers jump, seize airfield during exerciseBy SARAH PEACHEYGuardian staff writer

Soldiers with 1st Battalion (Airborne), 509th Infantry Regiment, prepare to seize an airfield as part ofan exercise Dec. 9. The paratroopers parachuted onto Geronimo Drop Zone before beginning theirmission.

Paratroopers with 1st Bn (Abn),509th Inf Reg exit a C-130 air-craft and float down towardGeronimo Drop Zone during anexercise Dec. 9.

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GuardianDec. 23, 2011//7A

Sgt. Eric Muessel kisses his spouse, Monique, at the 1st Ma-neuver Enhancement Brigade Gym during a welcome homeceremony Dec. 14. He and others from the 272nd Military PoliceCompany, 519th Military Police Battalion, 1st MEB, were de-ployed to Iraq for a year in support of Operation New Dawn.

Capt. Daniel Crumby (right) watches as three Sol-diers, (from left) Capt. Abby Lanni, Capt. ElizabethMcGovney and Capt. Katie Crumby, pose for picturesat the welcome home ceremony for the 272nd MP CoDec. 14 at 1st MEB Gym. McGovney led the "FightingDeuce" during their year-long deployment in Iraq.

David Muessel embraces his son, Sgt. Eric Muessel,272nd Military Police Company, 519th MP Battalion,1st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, at the 1st MEBGym Dec. 14 .

Members of the 272nd Military PoliceCompany "Fighting Deuce," 519th Mili-tary Police Battalion, 1st Maneuver En-hancement Brigade, congratulate eachother after being released at the wel-come home ceremony at 1st MEBGym Dec. 14.

Welcome home, 272nd MP Company

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May Your HolidaysBe Filled With Happy Memories

And The New Year Bring Prosperity & Joy!


Community Briefs

Please see Briefs, page 2B

CCoommmmuunnii ttyy

GuardianDec. 23, 2011 /1B

Section B

AFTB celebrates 17-year commitment

FORT POLK, La. — ArmyCommunity Service employees,volunteers, Soldiers and Familymembers met at the ACS build-ing to celebrate 17 years ofArmy Family Team Building.The festivities included a cakeand refreshments for the guests.

AFTB has been assisting Sol-diers and Family memberssince 1994. “The AFTB course isdivided into three classes —learning Army, self awarenessand leadership skills,” saidPamela Evans, ACS director.“It’s all volunteer driven. Ourvolunteers, some who arespouses, teach the classes. Theybring their knowledge and ex-perience to the program.”

The concept for AFTB origi-nated in 1992 with senior lead-ers and spouses who saw aneed to educate Family mem-bers as a result of lessonslearned following the Gulf War.

“Spouses experienced theirfirst deployment and didn’t feellike they had the skills to besuccessful,” said Amelia King,Fort Polk AFTB director. “AFTBprovides those skills.”

Volunteer instructor, veteranand military spouse, LorraineHorton, has been teaching theprogram for a year. “I get to usemy experiences to teach and in-form the students that come tothe class. It’s important for Sol-diers, spouses and civilians tolearn how the military operates.It also empowers the spousessince they leave knowing moreabout the military as a whole,”she said.

Melissa Ghikas, a volunteerinstructor and volunteer pro-gram manager, first participat-ed in an AFTB class when herhusband went active duty in2002. She began teaching thecourses in 2009.

“Spouses come to Fort Polkand want to meet people. Theywant to find a job, but don’tknow what to do in the mean-time. We help them not onlylearn about the military, butalso to navigate programsaround all installations,”Ghikas said.

Each level of the AFTB train-ing features different subjectmatter. The three levels are:

• Learn Army — Participants

learn military acronyms, thechain of command, militarycustoms and traditions, re-sources and more. It’s targetedtoward people new to the Armyor anyone interested in updat-ing personal skills or basicknowledge.

• Personal growth skills —Participants learn personal timemanagement, stress manage-ment, communication skills, ex-ploring personality traits andmore.

• Professional developmentskills — The final level helpsparticipants enhance their pro-fessional growth and leadershipdevelopment opportunities, es-pecially those who might as-

sume leadership roles withinthe community or unit.

“The program is all aboutbuilding teams, whether it’sSoldiers in their units, spousesheading Family ReadinessGroups or civilians in the work-place. Everyone can take some-thing away from the classes,”Ghikas said.

AFTB classes are open to Sol-diers, Family members and De-partment of Defense civilians.ACS provides free food andchild care to those who partici-pate.

Those interested in taking anAFTB class or learning morecan call the Family ReadinessCenter at 531-9426.

By SARAH PEACHEYGuardian staff writer

From left: Cassie Blackard, volunteer Army Family TeamBuilding instructor; Sarah Ebey, AFTB volunteer instructorand volunteer coordinator; Amelia King, AFTB manager;Valerie Chinn; Brig. Gen. Clarence K.K. Chinn, Joint Readi-ness Training Center and Fort Polk commander; LorraineHorton, AFTB volunteer instructor; Heidi Long, AFTB volun-teer instructor; Melissa Ghikas, volunteer program manag-er and volunteer AFTB instructor; and Carena Walter, AFTBvolunteer instructor cut the cake to celebrate the 17th birth-day of AFTB Dec. 8. The program teaches Soldiers, Familymembers and Department of Defense civilians about mili-tary life, self awareness and leadership development.

SKIES dance classesRegister your children now for Schools of

Knowledge, Inspiration, Exploration andSkills’ hip hop and pre-ballet dance classes.

Hip hop classes are Fridays, 5:30-6:30p.m., in bldg 2070, and are open to youthages 13-17. Cost is $35 per month or $105 forthree months. Classes start Jan. 6. Pre-balletclasses are Mondays, 5:15-6 p.m., in bldg2070. Classes cost $30 per month or $90 forthree months and begin Jan. 9. For more in-formation call 531-1955/1956.

PWOCProtestant Women of the Chapel will not

meet through Jan. 10. The Wednesdayevening study resumes Jan. 11 and Tuesdaymorning meetings resume Jan. 17. For moreinformation call (337) 353-2185.

CYSS SportsChild, Youth and School Services offers

the following youth sports activities:• Soccer: Registration runs through Jan.

7. Practice starts mid-January and the sea-son is Feb. 4 through March 24.

Cost for 3-year-olds is $20 and ages 4-17is $40.

• Winter swim team: Registration runsthrough Dec. 31. This team is for youth ages5-18 and costs $65.

Intramural basketballThe Fort Polk Intramural Sports Office

begins its basketball season Jan. 9. Gamesare played at the 1st Maneuver Enhance-ment Brigade Gym. The championship willbe held at the end of February. Teams musthave 10 players and one coach. The coach isresponsible for completing the team andunit alpha rosters, securing two points ofcontact and compiling a list of all militarycommitments. This information must besubmitted by Jan. 4 to the Soldiers AthleticComplex. Basketball is open to authorizedDirectorate of Family Morale, Welfare andRecreation users. For more information call531-2056.

Cantrell closureCantrell Fitness Center closes for renova-

tions Jan. 1. Renovations include interiorand exterior upgrades. During the closure,fitness needs may be met at Wheelock Fit-ness Center, 1st Maneuver EnhancementBrigade Gym, 162nd Infantry Brigade Gymand the Operations Group Gym.

Commissary hoursThe Fort Polk Commissary operates un-

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22B/GuardianDec. 23, 2011

BriefsContinued from page 1B

der the following holiday hours: Today, 9:30a.m.-8 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; Sunday-Monday, closed; Tuesday through Dec. 30, 9:30a.m.-8 p.m.; Dec. 31, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Jan. 1-2,closed; Jan. 3, 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m.

Holiday de-stressorTo help alleviate holiday stress, Wheelock Fit-

ness Center offers a de-stressor program involv-ing five goals.

Goals may include trying a new fitness classor different equipment. To participate, visitWheelock to pick up a de-stressor form.

After completing your goals, return the formto receive a prize. For more information call 531-6795.

Brunch updateSunday Brunch at the Warrior Community

Center is halted during the holidays. The brunchconsists of a full menu of breakfast and lunchcuisine and resumes Jan. 8 at 10 a.m.

Library eventsAllen Memorial Library hosts the Youth Book

Club Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. The dis-cussion group will review “Holes” by LouisSachar. For more information call 531-2665.

Prayer serviceAn Islamic prayer service is held Fridays from

11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Airborne Chapel, bldg1516, Louisiana Avenue. All Soldiers, Familymembers and civilians are invited. For more in-formation call 653-3626 or (337) 378-8514.

Chapel activitiesThe Fort Polk Main Post Chapel hosts the fol-

lowing activities:• Catholic Women of the Chapel holds a spiri-

tual study Wednesdays at the Main Post Chapel.Attend any part of the study: Rosary, 9 a.m.;mass, 9:30 a.m.; fellowship, 10 a.m.; and spiritualstudy, 10:30 a.m.

Free on-site child care is available. For detailscall (337) 202-1391.

• The Main Post Chapel youth group meetsTuesdays at 6:30 p.m. at the Soldiers’ Chapel.

Thrift ShopFort Polk’s Thrift Shop, located in bldg 2531

on Alabama Avenue (last building on the right),is a great place to shop for gently used items. Theshop is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30a.m.-4:30 p.m., the first Saturday of the monthfrom 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and the third Wednes-day of the month from 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

Donations can be dropped off any time. Con-signments are accepted any day but Tuesdays.For more information call 537-0459.

Got news?Call 531-4033

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Community Development meeting means everyone’s on same page

FORT POLK, La. — Communication is the keyin any successful relationship. That’s why leadersfrom Fort Polk, Vernon and Beauregard parishesand state and national representatives met at acommunity development meeting Dec. 13 at theLeesville American Legion Post 145.

Jeanne-Marie Ganucheau, smart growth coor-dinator for United States Senator Mary Landrieu,hosted the event and said that the meeting was afollow up to a 2009 get together that had a pro-found impact on the area. “A couple of years ago,we brought together leaders from Fort Polk andVernon Parish. There were 15 people at thatmeeting. We talked about projects and resources,but more importantly, people met one anotherand decided how they could work together. Sincethat gathering, there has been an extraordinaryamount of activity. Leaders have continued tomeet and collaborate and many different depart-ments statewide, as well as federal agencies havegotten involved in the growth efforts here. This isessentially the next step. There are more projects,resources and people involved. We wanted to gettogether and make sure everyone understandsthe status of what’s developed. There is alwaysopportunity for collaboration and using re-sources as effectively as possible. That’s the in-tent of the gathering today,” said Ganucheau.

She said when there is that much activity go-ing on, there’s the possibility of creating chal-lenges for one another and that’s something toavoid. “We want to make sure that we identifyany possible ways that we are creating obstaclesfor one another. This is an opportunity to identifybetter ways to work together and walk awaywith an awareness of who is functioning in dif-ferent roles when trying to accomplish some-thing,” said Ganucheau.

The schedule for the day included openingcomments from Brig. Gen. Clarence K.K. Chinn,Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polkcommanding general. Chinn told those gatheredat the meeting that the forum was a continuationof the working relationship between Fort Polkand West/Central Louisiana. “I call everyonehere ‘team Polk’ because every person here isworking as a team,” said Chinn.

The meeting consisted of small speeches frommajor leaders in the area about their efforts onprojects in progress, how they got to this pointand where they are headed. Ganucheau said thehope is for new ideas to come about as a result ofthe reports and briefings.

Col. Roger Shuck, Fort Polk Garrison Com-mander, said the meeting was the perfect segueto look at what Fort Polk wants to do in 2012 andbeyond. Some of the points he discussed includ-ed how to sustain Fort Polk as the Army’s besttraining installation, making sure that the wordgets out that Fort Polk is the best hometown inthe Army, Leesville development, improvementsin the transportation system and Net Zero, whichdeals with the environment and recycling. “Weneed to work together to achieve these goals andenhance economic opportunities for the sur-rounding parishes. We all want that positive mo-mentum as we move forward while being adap-tive and progressive,” said Shuck.

J.E. Sweat, project manager for the Depart-ment of Defense’s Office of Economic Adjust-ment, spoke about transportation related issues,working with Fort Polk on projects and the many

opportunities happening here. “The Army ishungry for training and maneuverability. Thereare some areas where communities aren’t as sup-portive as this community has been. That’swhere your opportunities come in. It’s encourag-ing to see you folks out here and to be part of thisdevelopment. Keep at it because you’ve got themomentum right now. Don’t let this get awayfrom you,” said Sweat.

Paul Sawyer, director of Federal Programs forLouisiana Economic Development, said Leesvilleand Fort Polk should continue the projects theyare working on. “Don’t put the state in a leader-ship role. Rely on your Fort Polk leadership,community businesses and elected officials to do

what you are doing right now. There is an unusu-al cohesion here and things are hitting on allcylinders. One of the strongest things about theFort Polk area is that you are all saying the samething. That’s just phenomenal. That’s whatmakes the state want to support things like theregional growth management plan, gainingfunding for a new school, Fort Polk’s Net Zeroprogram and land acquisition. It’s an excitingtime for the Leesville/Fort Polk area and I’mproud to be a part of it,” said Sawyer.

“What is occurring here is remarkable. This isnot happening in any other region of the state.Across the country, people are paying attentionto what’s happening here,” said Ganucheau.

By ANGIE THORNEAfter hours editor

The Armed Forces Retiree News is published by the first of each month. There areapproximately 7,500 subscribers in the surrounding Ark-La-Tex and is a very important

informational tool for the retired military subscribers in this area.To advertise in the Armed Forces Retiree News or to request a rate sheet, please contact

Mary Ann Nelson @ 318-747-3115 email [email protected] Steve Colwell @318-352-3618 email [email protected].

To Subscribe to this publication, please contact Cynthia @318-352-3618or Mary Ann @ 318-747-3115.

The cost of this publication is $10 per year (12 issues).Or mail information and check or money order to P.O. Box 448, Natchitoches, LA 71457



FORT POLK, La. –– The Direc-torate of Family Morale, Welfareand Recreation announces the hol-iday hours of operation:

• 1st Maneuver EnhancementBrigade Gym: Open today from 5a.m.-8 p.m.; closed Saturdaythrough Monday; open Tuesdaythrough Dec. 30 from 5 a.m.-8 p.m.and Dec. 31 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.;closed Jan. 1-2; open Jan. 3 from 5a.m.-8 p.m.

• 162nd Infantry Brigade Gym:Open today and Saturday from 11a.m.-7 p.m.; closed Sunday; openMonday through Dec. 31 from 11a.m.-7 p.m.; closed Jan. 1; openJan. 2 from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. andJan. 3 from 6 a.m.-10 p.m.

• Allen Memorial Library:Open today from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.and Saturday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.;closed Sunday and Monday; openTuesday through Thursday from10 a.m.-7 p.m., Dec. 30 from 10a.m.-5 p.m., Dec. 31 from 10 a.m.-6p.m.; closed Jan. 1-2; open Jan. 3from 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

• Alligator Lake RecreationSite: Closed Sunday; open todayfrom 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; closed Satur-day through Monday; open Tues-day through Dec. 30 from 8 a.m.-4p.m.; closed Dec. 31-Jan. 2; openJan. 3 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

• Arts and Crafts Center: Opentoday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; closedSaturday through Monday; openTuesday from noon-8 p.m.,

Wednesday and Thursday from 11a.m.-7 p.m., Dec. 30 from 9 a.m.-5p.m.; closed from Dec. 31-Jan. 2;open Jan. 3 from noon-8 p.m.

• Auto Skills Center: Open to-day from 1:30-9 p.m. and Saturdayfrom 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.; closed Sun-day; open Monday from 1:30-9p.m.; closed Tuesday and Wednes-day; open Thursday from 10:30a.m.-6 p.m., Dec. 30 from 1:30-9p.m. and Dec. 31 from 8:30 a.m.-4p.m.; closed Jan. 1; open Jan. 2from 1:30-9 p.m.; closed Jan. 3.

• Cantrell Fitness Center: Opentoday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; closedSaturday through Monday; openTuesday through Dec. 30 from 9a.m.-5 p.m.; closed Dec. 31-Jan. 3.

• Child, Youth and SchoolServices: Open today from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; closed Saturday throughMonday; open Tuesday throughDec. 30 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; closedDec. 31- Jan.2; open Jan.3 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

• Mulligan’s restau-rant and bar: Open to-day and Saturday from10:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; closedSunday; open Mondaythrough Thursday from10:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Dec.30 from 11 a.m.-6 p.m.and Dec. 31 from 11a.m.-5 p.m.; closed Jan.1; open Jan. 2 from 10:30a.m.-5 p.m., Jan. 3 from4:30-6 p.m.

• North Fort recre-ation center B: Open to-

day and Sat-urday fromnoon-10p.m., Sundayfrom 1-10p.m., Mon-day throughDec. 31 fromnoon-10p.m., Jan. 1from 1-10

p.m., Jan. 2-3 from noon-10 p.m.• North Fort recreation center

D: Open today and Saturday fromnoon-10 p.m.; closed Sunday; openMonday through Dec. 31 fromnoon-10 p.m.; closed Jan. 1; openJan. 2-3 from noon-10 p.m.

• Recreational shooting com-plex: Open today and Saturdayfrom 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; closed Sun-day; open Monday from 10 a.m.-5p.m.; closed Tuesday; openWednesday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.;closed Thursday; open Dec. 30-Jan. 2 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; closedJan. 3.

• Rental Center: Open todayfrom 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday from8 a.m.-noon; closed Sundaythrough Monday; open Tuesdaythrough Dec. 30 from 8 a.m.-4p.m., Dec. 31 from 8 a.m.-noon;closed Jan. 1-2; open Jan. 3 from 8a.m.-4 p.m.

• Showboat Theatre: Closedthrough Jan. 3.

• South Fort 50-meter Pool:Open today from 6:30 a.m.-7 p.m.,Saturday from noon-7 p.m.; closedSunday and Monday; open Tues-day through Dec. 30 from 6:30a.m.-7 p.m., Dec. 31 from noon-7p.m.; closed Jan. 1-2, open Jan. 3from 6:30 a.m.-7 p.m.

• Spare Time Lounge: Open to-day from 4:30-10 p.m., Saturdayfrom noon-6 p.m.; closed Sunday;open Monday from 3:30-9 p.m.,Tuesday through Dec. 30 from4:30-10 p.m., Dec. 31 from 3 p.m.-1a.m., Jan. 1 from noon-8 p.m., Jan.2-3 from 4:30-10 p.m.

• Strike Zone Bowling Center:Open today from 11 a.m.-10 p.m.,Saturday from noon-6 p.m., Sun-day from 3-9 p.m., Monday from1-9 p.m., Tuesday through Dec. 30from 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Dec. 31 from1 p.m.-1 a.m., Jan. 1 from noon-8p.m., Jan. 2-3 from 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

• Toledo Bend Army Recre-ation Site: Open today from 8a.m.-5 p.m.; closed Saturday andSunday; open Monday throughDec. 31 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; closedJan. 1-2; open Jan. 3 from 8 a.m.-5p.m.

• Warrior Hills Golf Course:Open today and Saturday from7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; closed Sunday;open Monday through Dec. 30from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Dec. 31 from7:30 a.m.-5 p.m., closed Jan. 1-2;open Jan. 3 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

• Wheelock Bayou FitnessCenter: Open today from 5 a.m.-10p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m.-4:30p.m.; closed Sunday; open Mon-day from 7 a.m.-8 p.m., Tuesdaythrough Dec. 30 from 5 a.m.-10p.m., Dec. 31 from noon-10 p.m.;closed Jan. 1; open Jan. 2 from 7a.m.-8 p.m., Jan. 3 from 5 a.m.-10p.m.

• Woodshop: Closed throughJan. 3.

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Flu season is here and, according to the Centerfor Disease Control, the most important thing aperson can do to keep from getting sick is towash their hands.

Diseases like the common cold, flu and moreserious diseases like hepatitis A, meningitis andinfectious diarrhea can be prevented by handwashing. To help Soldiers and Families stay well,the CDC recommends the following guidelines.

When should you wash your hands?• Before, during, and after preparing food • Before eating food • Before and after caring for someone who is

sick • Before and after treating a cut or wound • After using the toilet • After changing diapers or cleaning up a

child who has used the toilet • After blowing your nose, coughing, or

sneezing • After touching an animal or animal waste • After touching garbage What is the right way to wash your hands?• Wet your hands with clean, running water

(warm or cold) and apply soap. • Rub your hands together to make a lather

and scrub them well; be sure to scrub the backsof your hands, between your fingers, and underyour nails.

• Continue rubbing your hands for at least 20seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birth-day” song from beginning to end twice.

• Rinse your hands well under running water. • Dry your hands using a clean towel or air

dry them. What if a person doesn’t have soap and clean,

running water?Washing hands with soap and water is the best

way to reduce the number of germs on them. Ifsoap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 per-cent alcohol. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers canquickly reduce the number of germs on hands insome situations, but sanitizers do not eliminateall types of germs.

Hand sanitizers are not effective when handsare visibly dirty.

How do you use hand sanitizers?• Apply the product to the palm of one hand. • Rub your hands together. • Rub the product over all surfaces of your

hands and fingers until your hands are dry. For more information visit www.cdc.gov/hand

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Fort Polk Family Readiness Groups embody spirit of Christmas giving

FORT POLK, La. — This is the story of howthree Fort Polk Family Readiness Group leaders,embodying the spirit of Santa’s elves, worked to-gether to make Christmas special for their Sol-diers and Families.

The story began when several FRG leaders ap-plied for help from Operation Homefront, an or-ganization that, according to its website, pro-vides emergency financial aid and other help forFamilies of deployed service members andWounded Warriors during recovery and transi-tion, and were granted aid in the form of toys forFort Polk children.

Cyndi Fifield, 51st Chemical Company, 83rdChemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear andExplosive Battalion, FRG leader, said she told theorganization her situation and whom she wastrying to support and they sent her an email ap-plication to fill out. She said once it was complet-ed, she sent it, crossed her fingers and said aprayer.

When she got the email stating that her com-pany had been granted toys and to collect themat the Southwest Louisiana War Veterans Homein Jennings, La., she was ecstatic.

“We have a lot of young Families on post and Iwas looking for a way to support them. My hus-band and I were a young military Family 20years ago. We didn’t have much money and Iknow how hard it sometimes is to provide foryour Family,” said Fifield.

Operation Homefront then asked Fifield if sheknew any other FRGs that might need help. Hersister FRG, 83rd CBRNE Bn, co-led by BrandyAday-Springer, didn’t have any toys to give to itsFamilies, so she immediately sent its informationand got them on the list. They were accepted.“Brandy and I just started brainstorming. Wefound out how many toys were ours and realizedit was more than we could carry in our cars. So,we decided we needed to rent a U-Haul truck,”said Fifield.

“We each had 500 toys to pick up and I knewour vehicles wouldn’t carry that many toys. So, Icalled Vicky’s U-Haul and told her the situation.She took our information and called me back.She said they were giving us their largest U-haulfor $40 bucks plus gas for two days,” said Aday-Springer.

Now, instead of too little room, they had toomuch. So Fifield said she made some calls to seewho else needed to make a trip to Jennings topick up toys because, at that point, there wereonly two people using a very large truck.

Then, Taloris Whitfield, 258th Military Police

Company, 519th Military Police Battalion, 1stManeuver Enhancement Brigade, FRG leader,called Fifield. She had originally called Jenningsto organize her unit’s pick up and the Veteran’shome gave her Fifield’s name. “They told herthat I was already heading that way in a largetruck and to give me a call,” said Fifield.

Whitfield called her at a little after 7 a.m., Dec.9 and asked if she could let everyone know aboutthe truck. “We thought, we’ll just go down andget everybody’s toys in one trip. In the end, therewas only one group who already had plans to goget their toys and the rest just kind of fell intoplace. We all did our part and it worked out. Thisis a lot of toys for the 13 FRGs represented,” saidFifield. “The Families of each unit with childrenwill get toys regardless of whether they appliedfor help or not. This is not a gift from the FRGs.It’s a gift from the parent to their child. We are

By ANGIE THORNEAfter hours editor

Soldiers volunteer from units across FortPolk to form a "bucket brigade" and unloadtoys from a U-haul truck Dec. 9 in front ofFort Polk's Soldier Family Assistance Center.Thirteen FRGs received toys from OperationHomefront to distribute to parents as giftsfor thier children for Christmas.

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Jay Brewer, regional director of Rent-A-Center, stands next to one of the manycouches the rent-to-own furniture centerhas donated to Fort Polk’s Soldier FamilyAssistance Center this year. Brewer recentlyvisited SFAC to tour the facility and see hiscompany’s works in action. After the tour,he accepted a plaque from SFAC staff andothers. “You’re helping people every day,”Brewer said to representatives from Sur-vivor Outreach Services and SFAC. “Wethank you.”

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Rent-A-Center honors fallen with furniture donation

FORT POLK, La. — The Soldier Family Assis-tance Center is one of Fort Polk’s newer build-ings; constructed in 2010, it’s on Third Street,down the street from Bayne-Jones Army Com-munity Hospital.

Walk inside, and the building’s name fallsaway. A fire in the stone fireplace crackles,framed by Adirondack-style chairs and cushycouches. A large flat-screen television is mountedabove the fireplace and can be adjusted accord-ing to taste. To the right of the “living area” is akitchen, kept stocked with snacks and sodas.Only the check-in desk hints at the true purposeof the building: Decidedly un-residential.

Much of the furniture that gives the assistancecenter its homey atmosphere comes courtesy ofRent-A-Center; the business has donated furni-

ture to Army posts across the program for twoyears now.

“We started this two years ago. We just decid-ed it was something we needed to do,” said JayBrewer, regional director of Rent-A-Center. “TheSecretary of the Army put together a list of forts.That list was expanded this year to include FortPolk.”

Brewer, along with Rent-A-Center DistrictManager Edgar Daigle, Clarence Harmonson, di-rector of SFAC and other local luminaries, touredthe facility recently to see in person the fruits ofRent-A-Center’s donations.

Brewer and Daigle watched as Soldierssprawled out in the game room’s chairs, doingeach other virtual injuries while playing videogames.

“We’re so proud of the work we’ve donehere,” Brewer said. “It’s a way of honoring fallenSoldiers.

“It’s nice to donate, but it’s even better to seeeverything being used. I feel, after seeing Sol-diers using the game rooms and kicking back oncouches, that I’ve really helped now,” he said.

“I’m proud of Rent-A-Center providing FortPolk with these items,” added Daigle. “This hasstrengthened the bond between the Army andthe civilian community. We’d love to help more.”

SFAC’s purpose, according to the Army’s offi-cial website, is to provide a safe haven that pro-motes healing and provides a family of servicesdedicated to the needs of wounded Warriors andtheir Families. Services include defense financeand accounting military pay; entitlements andbenefits counseling; legal assistance VA benefitsand entitlements; financial counseling; pastoralservices; military personnel services;transition/employment assistance; Army sub-stance abuse counseling and information forFamilies; and others — all of this beyond the un-spoken service the building provides, as a homeaway from home for Families.

Harmonson said, “We will keep this placeopen all year — even Christmas Day — if it’s be-ing used.”

For more information about Fort Polk’s SFAC,call 531-1637/2362.

By RACHEL REISCHLINGGuardian staff writer


FRGContinued from page 7B

just the blessing in between to help support theirgift.”

Whitfield said that normally, FRGs don’t gettogether like this. “Usually each group goes toget their own toys, but today I was really excitedabout how everybody came together to do thisfor the kids. It was about helping out the Sol-diers,” said Whitfield.

She said it all started with Cyndi and Brandywhen they initially decided to get the truck to goget the toys in Jennings at the Veterans home andeverybody else jumped on board. “They workedto make this happen and get these toys to FortPolk. There were about 9,000 toys on the truckonce all the unit’s boxes were loaded up. Thebreakdown is about five toys per child,” saidWhitfield.

By the afternoon of Dec. 9, Fifield and Aday-Springer were back at Fort Polk and parked atFort Polk’s Solider Family Assistance Center todistribute toys to their recipients.

Junior elves in the form of Soldiers from unitssuch as the military police, infantry, chemical, en-gineers and more were on hand to help unloadthe truck and take toys back to their FRGs.

Staff Sgt. Andrew Odom, Warrior TransitionUnit, said it was great to see Soldiers and theirFamilies getting the help they need. “Kids needsomething at Christmas. It doesn’t matter if thetoy costs $1,000 or $2, they just like something toplay with. This truck shows you how giving peo-ple are at this time of year,” said Odom. “Theyneeded volunteers and I always try to do what Ican, when I can, but especially when it’s some-thing like this.”

In the end, everybody involved worked to-gether in the spirit of the season to give a Christ-mas gift to Fort Polk Soldiers and Families. “OurFRGs came together to support our community.It was a real group effort,” said Fifield.

Sunshine Cozzi and her son Noah, 3, workto load boxes of toys to bring to their FRG,1st Battalion (Airborn), 509th Infantry Regi-ment, for distribution.

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1st Bn (Abn), 509th InfRegiment wide — Meets weekly (every Fri-

day morning) at 8 a.m. at the BJACH trailheadfor a run/walk. Children and strollers are wel-come. For more information call 537-8219.

New Year’s celebrationResurrection Life Worship Center Interna-

tional, 608 Nolan Trace (La. Hwy 8), Leesville,hosts a New Year’s Eve celebration Dec. 31 at10 p.m. The public is invited to get out and cel-ebrate with the church as they give thanks forthe past year and ring in 2012. At 11 p.m. Jan. 1the church hosts the first high praise and wor-ship service of the year. For more informationcall (337) 238-1151.

Grant applicationsThe Fort Polk Spouses’ Club offers the Fort

Polk community the opportunity to apply forgrant disbursements for the 2011-2012 fiscalyear. Applications will be available Jan. 9. Thedeadline for submissions is March 1. For moreinformation contact Tammy Triplett for grantguidelines and applications at (205) 616-3125 oremail [email protected].

Hospice help soughtHospice of Leesville seeks individuals inter-

ested in donating time. No special training orexperience is needed. For more informationcall (337) 239-1020.

Trade DaysMain Street Trade Days is held the first and

third Saturday of each month on Third Street atthe Third Street Market in historic downtownLeesville from 7 a.m.-2 p.m. The next TradeDays is Saturday. Call (337) 392-1776 for moreinformation.

Vernon Resource CenterThe Vernon Pregnancy Resource Center, 110

East Lula St., Leesville, offers free testing andsupplies to women of Vernon Parish. Call (337)239-9863 for more information.

Join Girl Scouts todayDiscover the excitement of being a Girl

Scout by connecting with your community orbecoming an adult volunteer. New programsare being developed to teach girls leadershipdevelopment, courage, confidence, integrityand compassion. No matter what your skills,there are short and long-term assignments for

volunteers and you don’t have to have adaughter to participate. For more informationcall Pat Lore at (800) 960-2093 or (337) 984-1142.

Gem clubThe Gem and Mineral Club meets the sec-

ond Tuesday of each month at the VernonParish Library, 1401 Nolan Trace, Leesville. Thenext meeting is Jan. 10. Meetings begin with apotluck at 6:30 p.m. and conclude with auc-tions of mineral specimens. Bring a dessert orside dish. For more information visitwww.lutheransonline.com/gems.

Leesville TOPSTake Off Pounds Sensibly meets Thursdays

at the Vernon Parish Library, 1401 Nolan Trace,in Leesville. Weigh-in runs from 5:05-5:55 p.m.Meetings start at 6 p.m.

For more information call (337) 208-6025.

DeRidder TOPSTake Off Pounds Sensibly meets Tuesdays at

the Wesley United Methodist Church, 701 N.Texas Street in DeRidder. Weigh-in runs from5:30-5:55 p.m. Meetings start at 6 p.m. For moreinformation call 531-8107.

Running clubThe CenLa Runners Club meets Saturdays at

7 a.m. in the parking lot of Maple TerraceHousing Area on North Fort. Runs vary in dis-tance and terrain. Call (337) 348-2924 for de-tails.

Purple Heart meetingThe Military Order of the Purple Heart

Chapter 727 meets the third Saturday of eachmonth at 10 a.m. in the New Llano AmericanLegion Hall. Recipients of the Purple Heart arewelcome. The next meeting is Jan. 14. For de-tails call (337) 238-0170.

Chapter meetingThe Korean War Veterans Association, chap-

ter 180, meets at 10 a.m. the second Saturday ofeach month at the Veterans of Foreign WarsPost 3106 in Leesville.

The next meeting is Jan. 14. Call (337) 239-7341 for more information.

Eastern StarThe Order of the Eastern Star hosts meetings

the second and fourth Monday of each monthat the Pride of Leesville Lodge, 1106 Butler St.,Leesville. Prince Hall affiliated members are in-vited. The next meeting is Jan. 9. For more in-formation call (337) 348-9697/6334.

Boy ScoutsBoy Scouts of America meets Tuesdays at 6

p.m. at Rivers of Living Waters Church, 509 N.Third St., Leesville.

Omega Psi PhiOmega Psi Phi Fraternity meets the second

Tuesday of each month. The next meeting isJan. 10. For details call (337) 208-7059 or (337)424-2286.

Garden clubThe Vernon Parish Garden Club meets the

second Saturday of each month from 2-4 p.m.at the Vernon Parish Library. The meeting fea-tures refreshments and a guest speaker. Thenext meeting is Jan. 14. For details call (337)239-5919.

Experimental aircraftThe East Texas and West Louisiana chapter

of the Experimental Aircraft Association meetsfor lunch the first Saturday of each month atthe Leesville Airport on Texas Highway west ofLeesville. The next meeting is Jan. 7. For moreinformation call (337) 238-1024.

Plant a seedThe Alcoholics Anonymous Plant A Seed

group hosts meetings just outside the NorthFort gate on 1745 Chaffee Rd. Meetings areheld Mondays at 7:15 p.m., Tuesdays at 6 p.m.,Wednesdays at noon and Fridays at 5 p.m. Formore information call 537-3913.

Al-AnonDeRidder’s Al-Anon program meets Mon-

days from noon-1 p.m. and Tuesdays and Fri-days from 8-9 p.m. at 107 Wilson St. For moreinformation call (337) 462-1505.

Autism awarenessAn autism awareness support group meets

from 9-11 a.m. the second Saturday of eachmonth at the Leesville Donut Shop. The nextmeeting is Jan. 14.

Celebrate RecoveryCelebrate Recovery meets Fridays in the Tri-

umph House at East Leesville Baptist Church.Meetings begin with a meal at 6 p.m. For moreinformation call (337) 239-3733.

Glory BabiesGlory Babies is a support group for women

who suffered loss during pregnancy, infancy,adoption or infertility. The group meets thefirst Thursday of each month in the studentbuilding of East Leesville Baptist Church. Thenext meeting is Jan. 5. Call (337) 238-8385 formore information.

Narcotics AnonymousChristian Living Fellowship Church,

Leesville, hosts Narcotics Anonymous supportgroup meetings Mondays and Tuesdays from8-9 p.m.; Wednesdays from 5-6 p.m.; Thurs-days from 7:15-8 p.m. and 8-9 p.m.; Fridaysand Saturdays and Sundays from 8-9 p.m. Formore information call (337) 238-3570.

BBuull lleett iinn bbooaarrdd

Clubs and Groups

Miscellaneous

Unit Encounters

Support groups

GuardianDec. 23, 201110B/

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/11BGuardianDec. 23, 2011

Fort Polk

Guardian Deadline For All Classified

Ads Is Noon Tuesday

Turn in ads to the Public Affairs Office,

Bldg. 4919, Magnolia Dr. or fax to: 318-352-3667

or email to [email protected]

Mastercard Visa

Published for the community of Fort Polk, La.


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$ 6899 00 2012 H onda TRX500FM FOREMAN

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LOOKING AT PUR-CHASING A TIMESHARE? Here is a once ina life time deal, PlanetHollywood Towers AWestgate Resort in LasVegas, NV. One week, Onebedroom, King GrandDeluxe Suit, valued at $90K asking $ 29.950.00Exchanges into Twoweeks, Two Bedroom atany other location withWestgate, plus canexchange through IntervalI n t e r n a t i o n a l .http://www.phtowers.comPlease Call (337) 239-2211 -TFN

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NICE THREE-BED-ROOM, two-bath home,close to Fort Polk. $900per month, $900 deposit.Call 337-424-6471. 12-30

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2007 TITAN Soft tail,Sidewinder, CustomChopper, This bike haspolished S&S 107"motor-w/ Super G pro-duces 112HP and is oneof the most reliablemotors S&S produced.6 speed transmission.250 series Avon reartire. Massive 63mminverted front end.Performance Machine"PM" brakes, Titan cus-tom billet wheels,Brake & pulley combow/ wide 1.5" belt foradded strength & dura-bility. All chrome han-dlebar controls, chromeinner primary,Burgundy paint and allChrome with Customrims and Garage kept.This bike is a must see!Runs great, runs Loud,and rides like a chop-per. I am taking a touroverseas and wouldrather see someoneenjoy it instead of stor-age, this bike needs tobe seen and heard notstored! Asking $16,995.Please Call 239-2211.TFN

MOTORCYCLES

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FOR RENTREAL ESTATE Fort Polk

Guardian Deadline For All Classified

Ads Is Noon Tuesday

Turn in ads to the Public Affairs Office,

Bldg. 4919, Magnolia Dr. or fax to: 318-352-3667

or email to [email protected]

Mastercard Visa

Published for the community of Fort Polk, La.


Tradin’ Post Ads


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* * W H I T EM U L T I P U R P O S ECABINETS FORGARAGE * Kitchen *Camp*, FeaturingVersaKit - One cabinetwith three possibilities.Total 8 Cabinet , All readyAssemble , Less than 6months old. Raised paneldoors with durable scratchand chip resistant finishMade by, ESTATE by RSI(2) 70.5"H x 47.5"W x20.75"D (3) 34.5"H x23.75"W x 16.5"D (3)30"H x 23.75"W x 12.5"DMulti-Purpose Cabinet.Paid $ 1,133.98 Must Go $900.00, please call 239-2211 -TFN

AKC TINY YORKIEpuppies for sale. $500 formale, $600 for female.Call 337-239-4146 or 337-309-9230. 12-24

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**I WILL PAY 20Xface value for U.S.Silver coins dated 1964or prior. Call 337-353-2923 -TFN

ONE WEEK VACA-TION package inOrlando Florida at a 5Star Resort with allaminities included. Youwill be staying at a 5star resort with Kitchen,Washer/Dryer, JacuzziTub. You are only min-utes from all the DisneyWorld Parks. Asking$475 Please call 337-396-2855 or 337-460-9290

American TruckAccessories LiquidationOnline Only Auction, endsDec. 23rd at noon. Vehiclelifts, air compressors,welder, fork lift, tiremachines, and much more.View lists, photos, terms,etc. at www.lawlerauc-tion.com. Danny Lawler,La. Lic. # 1201. (LA-SCAN)

AUCTION!!! PearsallLivestock F1, Brangus &Xbred FemaleReplacement Sale.December 28, 2011 at11:00 a.m. www.pearsall-livestock.com 830-334-1047 or 210-213-0753(LA-SCAN)

10 Pharmacy TechTrainees needed! RetailPharmacies & Hospitalsare hiring well trainedPharm Techs! No experi-ence neede

Documents

Vol. 38, No. 51 Published for ...assets.matchbin.com/sites/1304/assets/IDDP_e_Guardian_12_23_11.pdfMario Diaz, commander of the 4th Brigade Combat Team, said now that Task Force Patriot