FORGING THE WARRIOR SPIRIT
THE JRTC & FORT POLK GUARDIAN
Vol. 47, No. 38 Home of Heroes @ Fort Polk, LA Sept. 25, 2020
Neither rain, nor wind, nor COVID-19 Will keep JRTC from its mission of building readiness J R T C
O P E R A T I O N S
G R O U P
The Joint Readiness Training Center’s primary mission is to train Army In - fantry Brigade Combat Teams to fight and win the nation’s wars. The Bas - togne Soldiers of 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air As - sault) learned that even a hurricane, tropical storm and health pandemic does not deter the dedicated Soldiers and trainer of JRTC Operations Group from providing the best training Soldiers can receive as training continues after Hurricane Laura, Tropical Storm Beta and despite the COVID-19 pandem - ic. For more photos of the Bastogne Soldiers training during JRTC Rotation 20-10 see page 8 of today’s Guardian.
Weekend weather Inside the Guardian 86 87 85 Schools receive grant .. 3 Pink time ...... 9
POW/MIA events ...... 5 Justice Beat ...... 10 67 64 62 Rain chance Rain chance Rain chance 30% 30% 20% Gold Star moms ...... 7 Bayou reopens ...... 11
Saturday Sunday Monday VViieewwppooiinntt
In our view Guardian staff asked the JRTC and Fort Polk community, "As a child, what did you think would be awesome about being an adult, but in reality wasn’t as awesome as you thought it would be?" Guardian Here are their responses: Editorial Staff
Brig. Gen. Patrick D. Frank Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk commanding general Col. Ryan K. Roseberry Garrison commander Kim Reischling Public affairs officer Chuck Cannon Command information officer Christy Graham Editor Angie Thorne T.C. Bradford Keith Houin Sgt. Luis Quintanilla: “I Breanna Prothe: “When I Staff Sgt. Michael Jackson: Jean Clavette Graves thought being more inden - was a kid, I thought having “It was all about having more Staff writers dent would be great, but then my own debit or credit card freedom. When I was a kid I Editorial Offices I had to start paying bills and would be wonderful because had to go to bed at a certain Building 4919, Magnolia Street dealing with responsibilities.” I thought it was free money ... time or follow a curfew as I Fort Polk, LA 71459-5060 not so much.” got older. I thought I wouldn’t Voice (337) 531-4033 have to worry about that any Fax (337) 531-1401 more once I grew up. As an adult, I’ve found that my life Email: [email protected] has become even more re - Fort Polk Homepage strictive and structured.” home.army.mil/polk/
The Guardian , is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. Army. Contents of the Guardian are not necessarily official views of, or en - dorsed by, the U.S. Government, De - partment of Defense, Department of the Army or Fort Polk. The Guardian is published weekly by the Public Affairs Office, Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk. The Guardian can be found on the JRTC and Fort Polk web site at home.army.mil.polk and the JRTC and Fort Polk Facebook page at @JRTCandFortPolk/. Guardian archives can also be found on the JRTC and Fort Polk website. Links to the Guardian are also in - Pvt. Bryce Clinton: “As a Spc. Matthew McGee: “I Cpl. Matthew Casten: “I cluded in all-users emails to govern - child, I thought not being told thought it would be fun to thought it would be great to ment email users and by request to what to do and setting my drive, but really it’s stressful never have to take another non-military units. To be included on because of all the traffic.” all-users messages email own rules would be great. nap. Now I’m an adult and I kimberly.k.reischling.civ@ But I’ve found as an adult, kind of wish I could.” mail.mil . that you still have to answer All editorial content of the Guardian is prepared, edited, pro - to people. I have responsibili - vided and approved by the Public Af - ties to my job and children. I fairs Office, Joint Readiness Training wish I had enjoyed the free - Center and Fort Polk. doms I had back then a little For more information on Fort Polk units and happenings visit the follow - bit more.” ing Facebook pages: @JRTCOpera - tionsGrp , @BayneJonesACH or @fortpolkmwr .
Guardian 2/ Sept. 25, 2020 NNeewwSSccooppee Briefs Catfish Derby The Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk hosts the 2020 Catfish Derby Sat - urday from 7-11 a.m. at Catfish Cove on Fort Polk. Participants should include a child 15 or younger. Recommended limit is eight fish per child. Please bring your own fishing equipment. Prizes are awarded to children who catch a tagged fish. Children can pick a prize of their choice in the order in which they bring their tags to the check in area. Prizes will also be raf - fled off throughout the morning. K E
Please note that masks I T H
Leesville High School is one of five Vernon Parish schools to benefit and social distancing are H O
mandatory for this event. from a $7.5 million Department of Defense grant to develop technology- U I N
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Requirement to wear masks is
enhanced learning centers. The other schools are: Leesville Junior High, G U
while walking around the park and pond Pickering High, Pickering Elementary and Vernon Middle schools. A R areas (not while fishing). D I A Parking for the event is at Allen Memo - N rial Library parking lot. No parking is al - lowed along Louisiana, Colorado or Utah avenues. Wyoming Avenue will be closed DoD pilot program aids five area schools to through traffic. Catfish Cove is closed to fishing until LOUISIANA.GOV vide a 10 percent match for the Department of the start of the event. Defense award, which will enhance Leesville BATON ROUGE, La. — Gov. John Bel Ed - High, Leesville Junior High, Pickering High, DG app wards announced the U.S. Department of De - Pickering Elementary and Vernon Middle The Army’s new Digital Garrison mobile fense has awarded more than $7.5 million to de - schools. app is now available for Fort Polk. The DG velop technology-enhanced learning centers at “This grant is going to be a huge benefit to the app, which can be down - five Vernon Parish schools that serve thousands military students who attend Vernon Parish loaded on Android and of families supported by the U.S. Army's Fort schools,” said Col. Apple devices, gives Polk. Ryan Roseberry, users access to resources A pilot program, the Defense Community In - Fort Polk’s garri - about their local ex - frastructure Program, addresses quality of life son commander. change, Morale, Welfare enhancements in military communities. More “At Fort Polk, edu - and Recreation pro - than 2,000 Fort Polk military children attend Ver - cation is one of the grams, facility informa - non Parish schools and make up nearly a quarter top priorities in tion, direct links to on- of district enrollment. The Campus Connections our quality of life post housing entities and and Learning Spaces project will provide chil - efforts for Soldiers other services. The app is dren of military and civilian families with state- and Families. Tech - portable among numer - of-the-art indoor and outdoor learning environ - nology and infra - ous installations. ments that feature state-of-the-art wireless com - structure are key Users can customize the app to meet munications, digital displays and interactive Roseberry factors in provid - their needs, and it is set to receive improve - learning tools. ing a top-notch ed - ments through daily updates. “We are grateful for this Department of De - ucation. We are grateful to the Department of De - The local JRTC and Fort Polk app is no fense investment in the future of all children in fense, the Louisiana Economic Development and longer in use as the new Digital Garrison the Leesville and Vernon Parish community that the state of Louisiana.” mobile app replaces it. is home to Fort Polk,” Edwards said. “This elite “The Vernon Parish School System is very ex - Army training post has an annual economic im - cited and grateful to be the recipient of the DCIP e-Guardian email list pact in Louisiana of over $1.8 billion and directly grant to enhance education for our families,” Su - employs more than 20,000 people. Through in - perintendent James Williams said. “This grant If you’re interested in receiving the vestments in infrastructure and education, the money will be a valuable asset to improve our weekly e-Guardian to your inbox, then State of Louisiana will continue to commit our academic facilities and our technology capabili - please send your personal email address to resources and deliver the quality of life that the ties. We’re thankful to the Department of De - [email protected] , and Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk fense, the Governor’s Office, LED, our state rep - you’ll be placed on the distribution list. truly deserve.” Louisiana Economic Development will pro - Please see Grant , page 7
Guardian Sept. 25, 2020 /3 AArrmmyy nneewwss DoD anticipates significant troop reduction in Afghanistan By C. TODD LOPEZ Army News Service WASHINGTON — Based on the current con - ditions in Afghanistan, the Defense Department expects there will be fewer than 5,000 U.S. mili - tary service members in that country by the end of November, said David F. Helvey, who is cur - rently performing the duties of assistant secre - tary of defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs. “We’ve long maintained that our force pres - ence in Afghanistan is conditions-based,” said Helvey during testimony Sept. 21 before the House Committee on Oversight and Reform, na - tional security subcommittee. “This August, the president (decided) that the conditions of Afghanistan were sufficient to reduce our force presence to between 4,000 and 5,000 by the end A crew member scans his sector while providing security of November 2020.” during a flight aboard a CH-47 Chinook helicopter during a At that force level, Helvey said, the U.S. main - fly-to-advise mission Dec. 14 in Southeastern Afghanistan. tains an ability to conduct the core aspects of its A
The 10th CAB provided air support for Afghan Soldiers as - R existing missions in Afghanistan. One of those M Y
signed to the 203rd Thunder Corps, Afghan National missions is to participate in the NATO-led Res - N E
Army, and U.S. Soldiers assigned to the Headquarters and W
olute Support Mission, which is focused on train - S
S ing, advising and assisting the Afghan National Headquarters Battalion, 1st Armored Division. E R V I
Defense and Security Forces. The U.S. also con - C ducts a counterterrorism mission in Afghanistan E that works with partners to mitigate terrorist threats there. Currently, there are no orders to reduce the force presence any further, Helvey said, though there is planning to draw down to zero troops in Afghanistan by May 2021. Those plans can’t be implemented unless the conditions of an agree - ment with the Taliban are met, he said. “As (Secretary of State Mike Pompeo) said in Doha, the Taliban must uphold their counterter - rorism guarantees to the United States,” Helvey said. “We also expect the Taliban to meaningfully participate in Afghan peace negotiations, and do their part in preventing outside actors from nega - tively impacting the peace process.” Afghan National Army Soldiers assigned to the 203rd Thunder In late February, the U.S. and Taliban leader - ship signed an agreement that includes the even - Corps, Afghan National Army, accompanied by Soldiers as - tual complete withdrawal of U.S. forces from signed to the Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 1st Ar - Afghanistan. Since the signing of that agreement, mored Division walk off a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter and move the U.S. has reduced forces to 8,600. Part of that to an over watch position during an Afghan-led clearance opera - agreement also requires the Taliban to no longer tion in Southeastern Afghanistan, Sept 25, 2019. allow its members, or other groups, to use Afghanistan as a location from which to threaten the security of the United States or its allies. Since the signing of that agreement on Feb. 29, Helvey said, no U.S. military personnel have been killed in Afghanistan. “Ultimately, what we want to be able to see in Afghanistan, is an enduring peace,” Helvey said. “In that type of environment ... the terrorist or - ganizations, terrorist groups, will not be able to operate, will not be able to plan, will not be pres - ent. That’s the focus, and we’re looking to get the Taliban to adhere to its commitments.”
Afghan National Army trainees wait to be greeted by Afghan Minister of Defense Asadullah Khalid, Deputy Defense Minister Dr. Yasin Zia and Resolute Support Com - mander Gen. Scott Miller in Kabul, Afghanistan, March 5.
Guardian 4/Sept. 25, 2020 JRTC, Fort Polk join community to remember POW/MIAs
By JEAN CLAVETTE GRAVES that,” said Campos. Public affairs specialist A 24-hour vigil remembering the 24 service members from Louisiana FORT POLK, La. — The third Fri - who are still missing kicked off with day in September was established a 5 p.m. ceremony at the Deridder as National POW/MIA Recognition POW/MIA memorial. day in 1979 by President Jimmy Sonja Lambert, president, Cole- Carter. Remembrance ceremonies Miers Veterans of Foreign Wars Post and events held across the country 3619 Auxiliary, organized the event honor service members who were and has advocated and raised held captive and returned as well as awareness about POW/MIA issues those who remain missing. The De - for more than 50 years. partment of Defense POW/MIA Ac - Lambert started her mission for counting Agency accounts for all the families of POW/MIA during missing service members from past her junior year at Deridder High conflicts to include rescue, recovery School. She said her class learned and reintegration of missing person - about the Freedom Tree that was nel for their families and the nation. dedicated on May 6, 1973, at the The Joint Readiness Training Medal of Honor Grove in Valley Center and Fort Polk Soldiers and Forge, Pennsylvania, by the Nation - leaders attended and participated in al League of POW/MIA Families. three community remembrance cer - The League was established in 1969 emonies on Sep. 18. to advocate for the captured and The Village of Anacoco hosted a missing in Southeast Asia. She said POW/MIA Remembrance Ceremo - her class decided to support the ny at 10 a.m. in Veterans Memorial project and she continues working Park. The 317th Engineer Battalion, to ensure no one forgets the Sol - 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th diers, sailors, airmen and Marines Col. Ryan K. Roseberry, Fort Polk garrison commander, Mountain Division provided a color who are still missing. lights a candle on the missing man table during the Leesville guard, and Col. Duane M. Patin, in - “It is our duty to bring back POW/MIA Remembrance Ceremony on Sept. 18. The flame stallation chief of staff, was the every missing service member. They represents the unconquered spirit of prisoners of war. keynote speaker for the event. deserve to be laid to rest in the land Patin’s remarks focused on his that they fought and died for. We connection to the community and stand vigil for 24 hours and will their exceptional patriotism as he ring the bell and read the biography remembered Sgt. James Edward of each Louisiana serviceman still Martin. Martin, an Anacoco native, missing. This is a small sacrifice for was classified as missing in 1950 what they gave us,” Lambert said. during the Battle of Chosin Reser - During the ceremony in Derid - voir, Korea, and was repatriated in der, 24 empty chairs represented 2016. Patin shared his connection each missing service member. As with Martin as a fellow veteran of their names were called, members the 31st Infantry Regiment. of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle “I found it very interesting that Association, VFW Post 3619 and Sergeant Martin, who was missing Auxiliary, placed a set of identifica - for 65 years, fought in the same reg - tion tags on the chairs and rendered iment as I did,” he said “I’m glad honors to those missing in action. that Sergeant Martin was returned Matt West, Department of home and is no longer missing in Louisiana VFW, former state com - action. During my tenure with the mander, and current member of 31st Infantry Regiment, we were Post 3619 said, “As Veterans of For - privileged to meet many veterans of eign Wars, we must honor those the Battle of Chosin Reservoir and that did not return, or are still con - A color guard I’m proud to share this military line - sidered missing. It is said that a from the 317th Engi - age with him.” service member experiences two neer Battalion, 3rd Jesse Campos, adjutant, Military deaths: The first is physical death, Brigade Combat Order of the Purple Heart Chapter and the second is when they are for - Team, 10th Mountain 727, organized the Anacoco gotten.” Division led by Staff POW/MIA Remembrance Ceremo - In Leesville at 6 p.m., VFW “Old Sgt. Deric Burnett, ny. He said it is important citizens Stage” Post 3106 hosted a remem - never forget those missing in action brance ceremony. Fort Polk Garri - presented the colors and bring them home. son Commander, Col. Ryan K. Rose - during the Anacoco “It’s important to remember and berry along with Lt. Col. Dallas Q. POW/MIA Remem - J E
continue to search for every person Cheatham, commander, and Com - brance Ceremony on A N classified as missing in action. We mand Sgt. Maj. Jesse J. Clark, 2nd Sep. 18. From front C L A can never forget. These servicemen Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, to rear the team con - V E T took, lived and died by the oath to 3rd BCT, 10th Mtn Div, participated T
sisted of Sgt. Jacob E defend the Constitution of the in the event. G Hill, Sgt. Brandy Jus - R A
Unites States against all enemies, Each leader, along with local vet - V E
tice, Sgt. Saah Butty S
foreign and domestic. They have erans, set items on a table symboliz - /
and Sgt. Jose Meltel. G sacrificed for our freedom and our ing the service members who were U A R peace. They sacrificed everything D I A for us, we must always remember Please see POW , page 7 N
Guardian Sept. 25, 2020 /5 Last Saturday in September celebrate Gold Star Mother’s
MILITARY BENEFITS family member had died on duty. The term ica where each December they coordinate “Gold Star Family” went into the national vocab - wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National WASHINGTON — Gold Star Mother’s Day, ulary thanks to the sacrifices of men and women Cemetery, as well as more 1,200 locations in the observed on the last Sunday in serving in uniform. U.S. and abroad. September, recognizes and hon - Who are American Gold Star The National Gold Star Family Registry ors mothers who have lost a son Mothers? The registry honors those who have laid down or daughter in the service of the Gold Star families have had a non- their lives for freedom during America’s con - U.S. Armed Forces. profit organization working on their flicts. The use of the name “Gold Star Family” is Why the Gold Star? behalf since 1928 with the establish - used to describe a family whose immediate fami - The Gold Star is a symbol of a ment of American Gold Star Mothers ly member was killed in action. loved one lost in combat. Ac - Inc. Gold Star Mother’s Day isn’t a federal holiday, cording to an L.A. Times article, Missions include education, remem - but that does not mean it hasn’t been given offi - “During World War I, a practice brance, inspiring “true allegiance to cial recognition. developed across the country: the United States of America” and of - In 1936, the 74th Congress declared, “the last Families displayed flags featur - fering “needful assistance to all Gold Sunday in September shall hereafter be designat - ing a blue star, a sign that a fami - Star Mothers and, when possible, to ed and known as ‘Gold Star Mother’s Day,’ and it ly member was fighting in the their descendants.” The non-profit or - shall be the duty of the President to request its war. Some flags would display ganization holds an annual convention observance as provided for in this resolution.” more than one star.” and hosts events centered around In 2016, President Barack Obama proclaimed The exact origins of this tradi - Gold Star Mother’s Day and Veterans that September 25, 2016 was to be known as Gold tion are not fully known, but at Day. Star Mother’s and Family’s Day, a continuation some point, gold star flags would signify the They also partner with Wreath’s Across Amer - of this long-standing tradition. Emily’s Way: Gold Star Mother shares daughter’s inspiring story
By BRANDY CRUZ Fort Hood public affairs HARKER HEIGHTS, Texas — Daughter, sister, friend, leader, en - courager, competitor, singer and giver of hugs. Those are all descrip - tions of 2nd Lt. Emily Perez, but above all those descriptions, her greatest joy was the love and faith she had in God … and country. Emily was the first African Amer - ican cadet Brigade Command Sgt. C
Major of West Point. A feisty, 5-foot, O U R
3-inch cadet, nicknamed Taz be - T E S cause her fellow cadets said she was Y like the Tasmanian Devil, she was both feared and revered for her 2nd Lt. Emily Perez was the first leadership, conviction and heart. Al - African American cadet Brigade though tough as nails in formation, Command Sgt. Major of the she would spend her free time tu - West Point Military Academy. toring the cadets and writing letters Emily was the first African of encouragement for those who felt American female officer to die like quitting West Point. in combat in Iraq; she was the “In her diary, she wrote that peo - ple have taken care of her all her life first female graduate of West and now she had the opportunity to Point to die in the Iraq War; and take care of other people,” Vicki she was the first West Point Perez said of her daughter. “Her “honor” no parent wants — but answered. Hearing Truesdell’s ac - graduate of the “Class of 9/11” biggest concern was taking care of many face. count of Emily’s final moments — to die in combat. her Soldiers.” Over the next few weeks, her that her death was instant and she Emily’s propessity to help others family would learn that Emily was didn’t suffer — was something Vic - ed to find a cure for HIV and AIDS. led her to become a Medical Service the first African American female ki’s heart needed to hear after 13 Although her words inspired the Corps officer. The same heart that officer to die in combat in Iraq; she years of not knowing. toughest of Soldiers, even as a reassured Soldiers when they felt was the first female graduate of “It was a terrible thing to happen, teenager, Emily was a powerful like giving up at West Point, was West Point to die in the Iraq War; but to think your child was suffer - speaker who inspired hope. also the same heart that volunteered and she was the first West Point ing for any amount of time is heart “You never went in Emily’s pres - to go out on convoy Sept. 12, 2006, graduate of the “Class of 9/11” to wrenching,” Vicki explained. “To ence and left the same way,” Daniel taking the place of an inexperienced die in combat. hear that (she didn’t suffer) helped said. “Her whole thing was making leader while deployed with the “My first question to the casualty me a lot, even after all these years.” you better than what you were and 204th Support Battalion, 2nd assistance officer was ‘Was it in - Daniel and Vicki remember their making you want to do your best.” Brigade, 4th Infantry Division in stant?’ because of the thought of her daughter as an affectionate child Although Emily originally did Iraq. being hurt,” Vicki said, holding who always inspired the best in not plan to join the military or at - On that fateful day 14 years ago, back tears. “I know the first thing everyone. She was a track star, tend West Point, Vicki said after she Emily paid the ultimate sacrifice she would think is, she would want member of the 1st European Chap - attended a summer program at the when an improvised explosive de - me (to comfort her).” ter of the Jack and Jill program, Girl school, Emily made it her mission to vice exploded under her HMMWV. It was only after Vicki heard an Scout and a volunteer with the Red be accepted. It was a day Daniel, her father, and interview in 2019 with former Spc. Cross. She was one of the youngest She enjoyed the competitiveness Vicki will never forget — the day Travis Truesdell, Emily’s former members ever to be accepted into they became a Gold Star Family, an door gunner, that her question was Model United Nations and advocat - Please see Star , page 7 Guardian 6/ Sept. 25, 2020 Gold Continued from page 6 and camaraderie of the school and J.T. Perez Memorial Way in 2011. although she began her application Not long after, Daniel and Vicki later than other students, she was were contacted by the Smithsonian determined. Institution about having a perma - “After Emily was killed, I was nent display honoring Emily. very upset with God,” Vicki admit - Emily’s compelling story and ted. “We fought a lot — well, I personal military memorabilia is fought him — he just listened.” now on display at the National Mu - Vicki said she fought with God seum of African American History until he told her that although Emi - and Culture in Washington, D.C., ly is no longer physically on Earth, her spirit living on and continuing her spirit would continue to live on to inspire millions of visitors annu - and inspire people. True to his ally. word, Emily’s story lives on There are also several plaques throughout the world. and memorials throughout the Emily’s Way was dedicated as a street at Forward Operating Following her death, the 4th Inf world in honor of Emily, who Div dedicated the Emily Perez would have never wanted so much Base Kalsu, in Iraq, Oct. 25, 2006, two months after the death C
of 2nd Lt. Emily Perez, who deployed to Iraq with 204th Sup - O
Treatment Facility at Forward Oper - fuss about her. U R ating Base Kalsu and named a Vicki said her wise, but humble port Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 4th Infantry Division. T E S street, Emily’s Way, in her memory. daughter had faith far beyond her Y In Harriman, New York, a town years, living by one simple rule that near West Point, the American Le - has continued to inspire Vicki: If More than 14 years have passed of her family, friends and Soldiers gion Mulligan-Eden Post 1573 dedi - you do your best, God will do the since Emily “gained her wings,” but whose lives she touched in her brief, cated River Road as 2nd Lt. Emily rest. she continues to live on in the lives but inspirational life. POW/MIA Continued from page 5
not there as a narrator read the significance of those present. The chair at the table remained each item to the attendees. empty for those who have never returned. A table was set for one representing the frailty Paula Baldwin, quartermaster for VFW Post of one POW alone against his oppressors. The 3106, helped organize the POW/MIA Remem - tablecloth was white for the purity of an individ - brance Ceremony in Leesville. ual’s response to their country’s call to arms. “It’s important to remember our brothers and A single red rose with a red ribbon tied sisters who never came home. They will never J E
around the vase was placed as a reminder that get to hug their Families, kiss their sweethearts A N
Families continue to wait for those missing with or watch their children and grandchildren grow C L A
the unyielding determination and demand to ac - up. Some gave all. V E T
count for every missing service member. A lit “The least we can do, is remember them,” she T E candle symbolized the upward reach of the un - said. G Col. Duane M. Patin, JRTC chief of R A conquered spirit. Editor’s Note: According to DPAA there are V E
staff, was keynote speaker at the Ana - S
A slice of lemon reminded each American of more than 81,000 service members who are still /
coco POW/MIA Remembrance Cere - G their bitter fate and salt represented the tears of missing in action. To learn more about National U A
mony. R loved ones left behind, with an inverted glass in POW/MIA Recognition Day or DPAA visit their D I A honor of the toast the missing could share with website at: www.dpaa.mil . N Grant Continued from page 3 resentatives, school board, and partners at Fort “I am incredibly thankful to Governor Ed - STEAM learning centers (science, technology, en - Polk for making this happen. This will be a truly wards and LED Secretary Don Pierson for pro - gineering, arts and mathematics) that are impor - positive impact for the educational enhancement viding the matching dollars to make this invest - tant to our military partners. This is a great ex - of our students and quality of life for our fami - ment in education possible.” ample of what we can accomplish through part - lies.” The $7.5 million Campus Connections and nership. With the support of Governor Edwards, In addition to supporting the DCIP grant, Ed - Learning Project is the most significant Fort Polk our Congressional Delegation and many others, wards has committed $800,000 to replace the education investment since the establishment of we are improving opportunities for our country's heating and air conditioning system at North Parkway Elementary. That $20 million school re - heroes stationed at Fort Polk.” Polk Elementary, located on Fort Polk and part of placed South Polk Elementary and opened in The State of Louisiana also is approaching the Vernon Parish district. 2016 following a $16 million commitment by the completion of more than $25 million in highway, “I’m excited to see this first grant approval Defense Department’s Office of Economic Ad - sewer and water improvements connecting Uni - from the Defense Community Infrastructure Pro - justment, a $3 million match from the Vernon versity Parkway near Fort Polk with La. High - gram,” said Leesville Mayor Rick Allen, who also Parish School Board and $1 million from the way 468. Initial capital outlay funds are commit - serves as Fort Polk Progress chairman. State of Louisiana. ted for an eventual $6 million Fort Polk Entrance “We have been working with other defense “One of the greatest responsibilities of a mili - Road project with similar infrastructure up - communities around the country through the As - tary community is to provide quality education grades. sociation of Defense Communities for many for our military families,” said District 30 state These investments are focused on spurring years to establish this grant program, which cre - Sen. Mike Reese, founder and former chairman private development of workforce housing and ates an opportunity to improve the quality of life of Fort Polk Progress. commercial and retail amenities to enhance qual - for our military families. “This DCIP grant will allow us to focus on ity of life for Fort Polk and the Leesville area. Guardian Sept. 25, 2020 /7 ‘Bastogne’ Soldiers tackle Beta, COVID-19 during Rotation 20-10
GUARDIAN STAFF
FORT POLK, La. — Soldiers with the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) slogged their way through Hurri - cane Laura’s leftovers, the torrential rains from Tropical Storm Beta and the continuing battle with the COVID-19 pandemic during Rotation 20-10 at the Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk. The photos on this page show the Bas - togne Soldiers going through the final stages of the crucible that trains Infantry Brigade Combat Teams to fight and win the nation’s wars. J R T C
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Guardian 8/ Sept. 25, 2020 Fort Polk community encouraged to rock pink in October BJACH This year there will be 276,480 new cases of in - In addition, the installation has hosted a vasive breast cancer in women and 2,620 in men. “Glow Run” and a Breast Cancer Survivor War - FORT POLK, La. — Media coverage of health A woman’s risk of developing breast cancer in rior Memorial Recognition luncheon, both of related topics is often focused on the COVID-19 her lifetime is one in eight while a man’s risk is which have been strongly supported by commu - pandemic leaving other health issues overlooked. one in 1,200. nity partners. While the proclamation signing Those include: More than 42,000 women in the U.S. will die of takes place Monday, due to COVID-19 protocols • In April, Sexual Assault Awareness and Pre - breast cancer this year. BreastCancer.Org reports on the installation, the Glow Run and luncheon vention Month that the “most significant risk factors for are cancelled. Watch for information on other ac - • May, Cystic Fibrosis Aware - breast cancer are sex (being a tivities during October. ness Month and Women’s Health SURVIVOR woman) and age (growing old - The Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital Month er).” Growing older is also a sig - Health Promotion team challenges units and di - • June, Men’s Health Month nificant risk factor for men with rectorates on the installation to celebrate Breast • July, World Hepatitis Day most breast cancer in men being diagnosed after Cancer Awareness Month and asks they share • August, National Immunization Awareness the age of 50. their stories. Month. In the past, the Joint Readiness Training and In addition, the BJACH dining facility will of - National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is Fort Polk has celebrated National Breast Cancer fer a pink dessert each Friday in October. If you the focus in October. According to the Centers for Awareness Month by pairing with the City of design a unit T-Shirt and wear it for PT, let us Disease Control and Prevention, breast cancer af - Leesville for the signing of a proclamation recog - know. Submit photos to Sheila.L.Anthony2. fects both women and men. nizing Breast Cancer Awareness Month. [email protected] or Toni.L.Pritchard.civ@ mail.mil . Here are a few breast cancer facts every woman, man should know
By SHEILA ANTHONY arm lymph nodes. • The first sign of breast cancer can be, on rare BJACH DPH, health promotion occasions, a lump or persistent pain located else - FORT POLK, La. — October is Breast Cancer where in the body. Awarenes Month. The following 31 facts contain • Ductal carcinoma in situ is non-invasive and information that every woman and man should a Stage O disease; lobular carcinoma in situ is not be aware of: breast cancer, but is a risk factor for the develop - • Breast cancer is the most commonly diag - ment of breast cancer. nosed cancer worldwide. • Infiltrating ductal cancer is the most com - • Breast cancer accounts for more than 230,000 mon type of invasive breast cancer, followed by cases and 40,000 deaths in the U.S. annually. infiltrating lobular cancer. • Breast cancer death rates have decreased • Most breast cancers are estrogen receptor since the 1970s, likely due in part to improved positive, but only about 20% are human epider - breast cancer screening and treatment. mal growth factor positive. • Less than 1% of breast cancers occur in men. • Staging for breast cancer usually involves a • The lifetime risk for breast cancer is one in biopsy of the cancer, followed by either lumpec - eight for women and one in 1,000 for men. tomy or mastectomy and lymph node assess - • Breast cancer is generally a hormone-driven ment, and scans may include a bone scan, possi - cancer, and higher lifetime risk is associated with ble breast MRI, CAT scan and possible PET scan. high estrogen exposure. • The American Joint Committee’s TNM system • Factors that increase breast cancer risk in - is used for staging of breast cancer, where T recommended; these patients do not respond to clude drinking more than one serving of alcohol stands for size of tumor, N for number of armpit endocrine therapy, but endocrine therapy may be a day; taking hormone replacement therapy and lymph nodes involved, and M for whether there used to prevent a new breast cancer from form - birth control pills; early first period and late is a distant spread or metastases of cancer. ing. menopause; low intake of fruits and vegetables; • The term “adjuvant therapy” describes a • For patients with hormone receptor-nega - obesity; exposure to radiation, family history (es - treatment given after surgery to help prevent fu - tive, HER2neu-positive breast cancer, Herceptin pecially in first degree relatives); and sedentary ture recurrence of disease, and may include radi - in combination with chemotherapy is recom - lifestyle. ation, hormonal (endocrine) therapy, chemother - mended. • High breast density on mammograms corre - apy and targeted therapy. • Radiation therapy may be recommended as lates with increased breast cancer risk. • The Oncotype Dx 21-gene recurrence score part of adjuvant therapy for invasive breast can - • BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations are asso - may identify patients who are most and least cer. ciated with a 60-80% lifetime risk for breast can - likely to derive benefit from adjuvant chemother - • Chemotherapy may impair fertility in young cer. apy, and is indicated for patients with node-neg - women with breast cancer and consultation with • Bilateral mastectomies and removal of ative, ER-positive, HER2neu-negative (metastat - a fertility specialist is recommended. ovaries and uterus in patients with BRCA1 or ic) breast cancer. • Pregnancy after having had breast cancer BRCA2 gene mutations decrease risk of develop - • The management of DCIS is controversial with treatment is safe and may actually be pro - ment of breast cancer. and may include observation, lumpectomy with tective in terms of future breast cancer risk. • Night shift work with disruption of the cir - radiation and endocrine therapy or mastectomy, • Breast cancer survivors should pursue a cadian rhythm can put women at increased risk depending on some feature such as size and healthy lifestyle that includes following an anti- for breast cancer, linked with lower melatonin grade of tumor, but chemotherapy is not indicat - inflammatory diet, regular exercise program fo - levels. ed. cusing on cardiovascular exercise, minimizing al - • Exercise, weight loss, cruciferous vegetables • For patients with hormone receptor-positive, cohol intake, refraining from smoking, minimiz - and lignin-rich flaxseed can reduce the stimulato - HER2neu-negative breast cancer, treatment in - ing exposure to environmental toxins and prac - ry effect of estrogen on breast tissue. volves endocrine therapy with or without target - ticing daily mindfulness and stress reduction. • Most cases of breast cancer are found by ab - ed agents. A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray exam of normalities seen on mammograms. • For patients with hormone receptor-positive, the breasts to look for changes that are not nor - • Suspicious findings that could suggest HER2neu-positive breast cancer, a HER2-directed mal. It allows a doctor to have a closer look for breast cancer include: Physical change in the agent such as Herceptin is recommended plus changes in breast tissue that cannot be felt during breast such as a lump, skin thickening or change endocrine therapy. a breast exam. Women ages 50 to 74 should get a in breast size or shape; changes in the nipple • For patients with hormone receptor-nega - mammogram every 2 years. Women younger such as retraction or fluid from nipple; redness or tive, HER2neu-negative breast cancer, disease is than age 50 should talk to a doctor about when to hardness of the breast; or a lump in the under - known as “triple negative,” and chemotherapy is start and how often to have a mammogram.
Guardian Sept. 25, 2020 /9 Ethics rules apply to Soldiers, federal employees in real world
OSJA cluding a rear admiral, pled guilty to criminal being awarded $20 million in Small Business Ad - charges and served prison sentences. Several oth - ministration reserved procurement contracts. FORT POLK, La. — Federal employees con - er former naval officers, including a former rear His spouse worked for one of the companies, stantly walk through legal and ethical minefields, admiral, are awaiting their trial on criminal but in a “no show” job. Her salary and commis - like Soldiers trying to make their way across “No charges next year. sions during that time was approximately $1.2 Man’s Land” in World War I. In World War I, Sol - Navy Capt. Jeff Breslau was the public affairs million. Williams faced civilian prosecution for diers used wooden causeways built on top of director for U.S. Pacific Fleet, Pearl Harbor, receiving bribes and breaking the same law as previously scouted safe paths crossing the mud - Hawaii, from October 2009 to July 2012, and then Breslau — the conflict-of-interest prohibition. He dy, artillery-pocked, mine-strewn fields. commander, Joint Public Affairs Support Ele - pled guilty, was sentenced to 5 years in prison, 3 Today, Soldiers and civilians use conflict of in - ment, Norfolk, Virginia, through July 2014. Be - years of supervised release and had to pay back terest laws and ethics regulations to guide them. tween March 2012 and September 2013, Breslau everything he received plus pay a special assess - These rules are built on key planks, such as mak - became entangled with Fat Leonard. Breslau re - ment totaling $1,202,961.60. ing sure taxpayer-provided resources are con - ceived $65,000 in payments for providing public Obvious hazards — predictable consequences served and not abused, and making certain an relations services to Fat Leonard. He wrote Both of these employees had ample knowl - employee is not using his or her public office for emails, edited other documents, prepared talking edge of government ethics rules, yet for some private gain. points in advance of meetings, and provided ad - reason they thought they could pick their way For the federal employee, violating these rules vice to Fat Leonard as a consultant. through the minefield without triggering a prose - is like stepping off that safe causeway. Periodic Breslau pled guilty to violating one of the ba - cution. They were both wrong. In the Fat training on the rules works like a handrail, keep - sic laws against conflict-of-interest in govern - Leonard scandal, the revelations began with a ing the employee balanced and safe. Like a ment service: The prohibition against taking whistleblower reporting his suspicions to NCIS handrail, this advice, while valuable, only works “acts affecting a personal financial interest.” This in 2006. Leonard was able to delay justice, in if the employee grasps it. Often there are cases of law, in force since 1962, is codified in the United part by having inside agents, but the law finally those who stepped into the minefield, perhaps States Code at 18 U.S.C. § 208. He broke the law caught up with even him in San Diego in 2013. because they did not pay attention and let go of by performing his government duties in areas In the “Colonels’ Cabal,” the Office of the In - the “handrail.” The following two cases illus - where he had a private financial interest, namely spector General for the Small Business Adminis - trates what happens to those who stray. the money coming to him from Fat Leonard. tration, the U.S. Army Major Procurement Fraud “Fat Leonard” and the PAO captain Breslau spent six months in prison, two years Unit and the Defense Criminal Investigative The first case involves a civilian who embod - on probation and had to pay a total of $85,100 in Service cooperated in bringing the ring down. ied the minefield. Leonard Francis, more com - restitution and fines. Breslau veered into No Prevention, not prison monly known as “Fat Leonard,” was the owner Man’s Land and stepped off the easily visible Federal employees entrusted with taxpayer of the Glenn Marine Group, which sold port safe path, straight into the career-ending ethical dollars must be, and are, trained on these rules. If services to United States naval vessels in South - minefield. they pay attention during training, they can see east Asia. From as early as 2006, Fat Leonard The “Old Boy” network the causeway and hold onto the handrail. overcharged the U.S. Navy for services, such as Ethical temptations can disguise themselves as As an added precaution, many federal em - fuel, food, water and sewage removal, provided friendly and safe alternate paths, like will-o-the- ployees are required to check their assets, agree - by his conglomerate to Navy ships. wisps in swamps. When examined in the ments, gifts they receive and debts they owe just He bribed naval officers and enlisted men with brighter light of government ethics laws and to make sure they do not have a conflict of inter - cash, travel, luxury items and prostitutes in re - rules, these false friends are the ones tempting est. This process is like having a safety cord at - turn for providing him with information. He the employee off of the safe causeway and into tached to the handrail. Even so, these procedures wanted to know where ships were coming from, the minefield. cannot prevent an employee who has decided to where they were going and when they would ar - An Army colonel, Anthony Williams, partici - take that very dangerous shortcut, thereby aban - rive. pated in “The Colonels’ Cabal,” a conspiracy cen - doning the safe bridge. Fat Leonard would manipulate naval officers tered in Fort Gordon to steer contracts to his bud - After they make that first misstep, it is only a change ports-of-call to ports where he was doing dies, retired Army colonels competing for De - matter of time before they fall into the ethical business, ask for information about competitors, partment of Defense contracts. For six years swamp or hit a legal mine, landing in prison or and tips concerning investigations into his cor - (2008-2014), Williams worked on a billion-dollar facing unemployment. The causeway exists to rupt activities. IT program at the Pentagon. Williams gave infor - protect both the public and those who walk on it. The cash bribes alone amounted to at least mation to his personal associates who controlled The employee who fails to follow it does so at his $500,000. Several former U.S. naval officers, in - certain companies which led to them successfully or her own peril. Adverse legal action meted out to JRTC, Fort Polk UCMJ violators OSJA actions for units within the Fort Polk jurisdiction: Group, was punished under Article 15 for failing • A sergeant, assigned to 3rd Squadron, 89th to report on four separate occasions and failure FORT POLK, La. — The preamble to the Man - Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, to obey a lawful general regulation, in violation ual for Courts-Martial states, “the purpose of 10th Mountain Division, was punished under Ar - of Article 86 and 92, UCMJ. The Soldier was sen - military law is to promote justice, to assist in ticle 15 for wrongful use of a controlled sub - tenced to reduction to E-3; forfeiture of $506 pay; maintaining good order and discipline in the stance, in violation of Article 112a, Uniform Code extra-duty for 14 days; restriction to the limits of armed forces, to promote efficiency and effective - of Military Justice (UCMJ). The Soldier was sen - company area, dining/medical facility and place ness in the military establishment, and thereby tenced to a reduction to E-4; forfeiture of $1,317 of worship for 14 days; and an oral reprimand. strengthen the national security of the United pay suspended, to be remitted if not vacated on • A private first class, assigned to 2nd Battal - States.” or before March 11; extra duty for 45 days; re - ion, 2nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd BCT, 10th Mtn At the Joint Readiness Training Center and striction for 45 days, suspended, to be remitted if Div, was punished under Article 15 for failing to Fort Polk, the commanding general and subordi - not vacated on or before March 11. report on three separate occasions, in violation of nate commanders take good order and discipline • A specialist, assigned to 519th Military Police Article 86, UCMJ. The Soldier was sentenced to a seriously. Battalion, was punished under Article 15 for reduction to E-2 and 14 days of extra-duty. Across the installation, the following discipli - wrongful use of a controlled substance, in viola - • A private first class, assigned to 519th MP nary issues continue to be prevalent: Violating tion of Article 112a, UCMJ. The Soldier was sen - Bn, was punished under Article 15 for engaging General Order No. 1; breaking quarantine/isola - tenced to a reduction to E-3; forfeiture of $1,085 in extramarital sexual conduct with someone tion orders; driving under the influence of alco - pay, suspended to be automatically remitted if who was not his spouse, in violation of Article hol; wrongful use/possession of controlled sub - not vacated on or before Nov. 13; extra-duty for 134, UCMJ. The Soldier was sentenced to a re - stances; fraternization; sexual assault; and do - 30 days. duction to E-2; forfeiture of $971 pay, suspended mestic abuse. • A specialist, assigned to 1st Battalion (Air - to be automatically remitted if not vacated on or Following are recent examples of adverse legal borne), 509th Infantry Regiment, Operations before Sept. 26.
Guardian 10/ Sept. 25, 2020 Mobile Vet Center visits Fort Polk After spending days helping veterans in hurricane ravaged Lake Charles, Christina Ryan, Mobile Vet Center Team director, and Rob Daniels, Readjust - ment Counselor, set up the Mobile Vet Center facili - ty in Fort Polk's old commissary parking lot Sept. 22. Vet Centers are community-based counseling centers that provide a wide range of social and psy - chological services, including professional readjust - ment counseling to eligible Veterans, active duty service members, including National Guard and Re - serve components, and their Families. Life isn't always easy after a deployment. That's where Vet Centers can help. Vet Centers across the country provide a broad range of counseling, out - reach, and referral services to combat Veterans and their families. Vet Centers guide Veterans and their families through many of the major adjustments in lifestyle that often occur after a Veteran returns from combat. Services for a Veteran may include in - dividual and group counseling in areas such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, alcohol and drug assessment, and suicide prevention referrals. All services are free and strictly confidential. For more information visit www.vetcenter.va.gov.
Guardian Sept. 25, 2020 /11 Guardian 12/ Sept. 25, 2020