PUBLISHED IN THE INTEREST OF THE 108TH TRAINING COMMAND THEGRIFFON Vol 42.4 Winter 2019

“First in Training”

THE GRIFFON • Winter 2019 • 3 From the Commanding General

and formally welcoming him to and the U.S. Army in particular. each of us to be ready enough the Command. On 21 October Our allies deeply value their to be relevant, but not so ready our command conducted a first- partnership with the United States, that it puts an untenable strain class assumption of command admire the professionalism of our on our civilian careers or family ceremony on Victory Field, Fort service men and women, and seek relationships. It’s sometimes a Jackson. As I said in my remarks to replicate the discipline and tough balancing act to maintain on that picture-perfect Sunday esprit de corps they observe in the proper equilibrium across all morning, joining the 108th our troops. I contend their views three areas, but this is a critical Training Command ranks among are based in large part on their principle that every leader at the greatest privileges I’ve ever direct experience with American every level in our organization had. I am deeply thankful for this Soldiers - forged from experiences should be promoting, through honor and opportunity, and I will as diverse as shoulder to shoulder both words and personal actions, do my very best to never let you in combat, to side by side on across our ranks. down. humanitarian assistance missions. In closing I’d like to leave you Prior to joining the 108th Team, The direct link of the 108th with a reminder of our mission, I served a year-long assignment Training Command and its which remains constant, as stated at US Army Europe Headquarters Divisions to our allies’ positive in The Army Strategy: the Army’s in Germany, which was preceded perceptions is that the mission purpose is to deploy, fight and win By Maj. Gen. Kate Leahy by a two year assignment as of this Command is to create our Nation’s wars by providing Commanding General the senior intelligence officer the American Soldier — to take ready, prompt, and sustained land 108th Training Command (IET) at US Southern Command, one ordinary Citizens and make them dominance by Army forces across of our nation’s six geographic extraordinary Soldiers, filling both the full spectrum of conflict. Greetings Griffon Team! combatant commands. As a the enlisted and officer ranks of The Army mission is vital to the I’m thrilled to have my first result of these experiences I’ve our great Army. nation because we are the Service opportunity to communicate had the opportunity to see the In joining the 108th Team I capable of defeating enemy with you through this exceptional threats to peace, security and bring with me a simple three ground forces and indefinitely magazine, The Griffon. On 15 freedom our nation faces from pronged philosophy which I’ve seizing and controlling those October 2018 I was assigned as a few different perspectives, shared with many of you already: things an adversary prizes most the 108th Training Command’s influenced by geography and • Strive to do the right thing - its land, its resources, and its Commanding General, and a few regional priorities. Despite the every day; population. To all of our Griffon days later was honored to have different lenses through which • Take care of Soldiers, Families Team Soldiers and Civilians, thank CSM Priest officially welcome me global challenges are often viewed, and our Civilians; and you for your continued devoted to the command in a patching there’s a common thread that • Prepare for war. commitment to this mission; to ceremony at our headquarters in exists in terms of how our nation’s The last of these tenets, prepare the Griffon Family Members, thank Charlotte. I then had the pleasure friends and allies, whether in for war, has everything to do with you for supporting your Soldier of “patching in” our new Deputy Europe, Central or South America, readiness. As LTG Luckey, Chief and making his or her service Commander, BG David Elwell, view the United States military, Army Reserve, often says, he wants possible. First in Training! PUBLISHED IN THE INTEREST OF THE 108TH TRAINING COMMAND GRIFFON “First in Training”

108th Training Command (IET) 98th Training Division (IET) We dedicate this Winter edition of the Griffon to Commanding General Commanding General Colonel Trent M. Andrew, 108th Training Command, Maj. Gen. Kate Leahy Brig. Gen. Miles Davis who went home to be with his Lord on October 7, Command Sgt. Maj. Command Sgt. Maj. 2018. A West Point graduate and highly decorate Command Sgt. Maj. R. Todd Priest Command Sgt. Maj. Ian L. Coyle Soldier with 31 years of service, Andrews was known Deputy Commanding General Public Affairs Officer for his steady leadership, strong faith and tireless Brig. Gen David E. Elwell Maj. Michelle A. Lunato Command Chief Warrant Officer Email: [email protected] work ethic. As a beloved husband, father, friend, Chief Warrant Officer 5 Edward Salazar or [email protected] mentor, and leader, the contributions of Mr. Andrews Chief of Staff Public Affairs NCOIC (vacant) and the void he leaves behind in our organization Col. Daryl S. McCormick 104th Training Division (LT) and formations cannot be measured. Jan, Kayla, Command Executive Officer Commanding General TJ, Juliana, Joel, thank you for sharing Trent with Mr. Charles E. Fairbanks Brig. Gen. Joseph A. Edwards II us. Your loss is so much greater than ours and we 108th Training Command Command Sgt. Maj. grieve alongside you even as we celebrate his Public Affairs (IET) Command Sgt. Maj. William C. Phipps homecoming and release from pain and disease. Public Affairs Officer Public Affairs Officer The effects of his passing radiate through our Maj. Lawrence Carmack Capt. Laura J. Ernest hearts and halls and his knowledge, friendship and Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] guidance are sorely missed. Public Affairs NCOIC Public Affairs NCOIC Sgt. 1st Class Lisa M. Litchfield Sgt. 1st Class Darleen G. Adkins Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] 95th Training Division (IET) About the Cover: It was a Commander beautiful fall day in Fort Jackson, Brig. Gen. Andrew Bassford S.C. as Brig. General Kate Leahy Command Sgt. Maj. assumed command of the 108th Command Sgt. Maj. John Stumph Training Command (IET). Maj. Public Affairs Officer General Scottie D. Carpenter, Capt. Adrienne Bryant Email: [email protected] U.S. Army Reserve Command, Public Affairs NCOIC (vacant) Deputy Commanding General, presided over the ceremony and Leahy returned the unit colors to Command Sergeant Major Todd Priest, 108th Training Command (IET) (US Army Reserve photo by Sgt. 1st Class Lisa M. Litchfield).

The Griffon is published four times a year and is an authorized publication for members of the Army. Contents of The Griffon are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, Department of Defense, Depart- ment of the Army, or the 108th Training Command (IET). The appearance of advertising in this publication, including supplements and inserts, does not in any way constitute an endorsement by the Department of the Army or Knight Communica- tions, Inc. of the products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this publication must be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to the race, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, politi- cal affiliation, or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, use or patron. If a violation or rejection of this equal opportunity policy by an advertiser is confirmed, the publisher shall refuse to print advertising from that source until the violation is corrected. The Griffon is an unofficial publication authorized by AR360-1. Editorial content is prepared, edited, and provided by the Public Affairs Office of the 108th Training Command (IET). The Griffon is published by Knight Communications, Inc., 10150 Mallard Creek Road, Suite 201, Charlotte, NC, 28262 — a private firm in no way connected with the Department of the Army, under exclusive written contract with the 108th Training Command (IET). Material for publication may be submitted to: PAO, 1330 Westover Street, Charlotte, NC 28205-5124.

To coordinate news coverage, contact the 108th Training 108th Training Command (IET) • Charlotte, NC Command Public Affairs Office - 704-227-2829 Deadlines: Spring March 15 Summer June 14 Vol. 42, No. 4 Winter 2019 THE GRIFFON • Winter 2019 • 5

From the Command Sergeant Major

Leadership Rucksack “TIPS” Army, this includes individual Sergeant Major of the Army Trust is paramount, never and small team readiness. Reserve stated it best “NCOs break faith • Senior Noncommissioned take charge, figure it out, and get • Believe and trust in others Officers are the standard after it! • Openness and transparency are bearers; senior trainers, keeper • Physical Fitness is the foundation vital of the colors, expert on unit for success first in training and • Lead by example, do what you lineage and history; and the later in combat. The Sergeant say you will master of drill and ceremony. Major of the Army stated it best • Engaged NCOs build teams “Physical Fitness is not the most Interpersonal Relationship; and take ownership of their important thing you will do the silver bullet units. An Army unit that trains today – it is the most important • Communication and mutual as it fights, trains to exceed thing you do every day” respect are the bedrock standards, and challenges its In closing, again, I am humbled • Empathy; “listen with the intent Soldiers will develop a winning to understand, not with the to “get to be” the Command culture that will attract the best Sergeant Major of the 108th Training intent to reply” Soldiers. • Mastering your emotions Command (IET). I look forward • General George Washington to serving with each of you and is just as important as your stated that “Discipline is the intelligence appreciate all you do in the service Soul of an Army”. Good order of our great nation. By Command Sgt. Maj. Positive Attitude and discipline of a unit is a Respectfully, • In the absence of orders R. Todd Priest product of disciplined leaders Golden Griffons 7 take the initiative within the 108th Training Command (IET) who inspire excellence. First in Training – THIS Commander’s intent • NCOs make it happen and fight WE’LL DEFEND To be given special trust and • Perception is reality, but not for what is right! The Command confidence to serve as a leader in always the truth…positive the United States Army is an honor perception makes a difference and privilege. I am humbled to “get • Authentic mistakes happen, to be” the Senior Noncommissioned learn from “scar tissue” Officer of the 108th Training Service to our country and Command (IET). It is with great Soldiers responsibility and passion that I • Leadership is a privilege, special serve and represent the Soldiers, trust and confidence Department of the Army Civilians • This is my unit… the best unit and Families within our command. I in the Army! Own it! look forward to serving with each of • Take care of each other so you and appreciate the opportunity all may make a significant to share a few of my operational contribution, “I will not fail principles and framework. those with whom I serve” Leadership Principles aka CSM CSM Operational Framework Leadership Rucksack • Operate within the The Army has an effective time- Commander’s intent; the tested definition of leadership: The Commander’s priorities are process of influencing others by my priorities; expand the providing purpose, direction and Commander’s reach, be the motivation (PDM), while improving eyes, ears and honest broker. the organization. • Operate within the NCO • At the heart of leadership is support channel; the NCO trust and mutual respect and I Support Channel supports the would submit to you, this is best Chain of Command and runs accomplished by setting the parallel not perpendicular. example, hard realistic training, • Noncommissioned Officers are taking care of Soldiers and living the primary trainers for the the Army Values. • Leaders must be “with” Soldiers in challenging and adverse situations, first in training and later in combat… • Leaders are last in the chow line, first in training and later in combat… • Leaders assess and understand Soldiers force protection, first in training and later in combat… • Leaders assess Soldiers living conditions, first in training, and later in combat… • Leaders make organizations better by developing a band of excellence and a winning culture. • Transformational leaders inspire Soldiers to fulfill their larger purpose “to serve our great nation”. Leadership Principles aka CSM 6 • THE GRIFFON • Winter 2019 Columns 3 From the Commanding General 18 From the 98th Training Division (IET) IN 5 From the Command Sergeant Major Commander 10 From the 95th Training Division (IET) 33 From the 104th Training Division (LT) THIS Commander Commander ISSUE 11 From the 95th Command Sergeant Major 34 From the 104th Command Sergeant Major

12

8 Recruiting Their Own

9 AUSA Warrior Corner

12 Honoring Those Who Serve(d)

15 Equal Opportunity Officer Retires with over 33 Years of Service 16 MUTA 8 Done Right 20 20 98th Training Divison (IET) Change of Command Ceremony

22 Keeping the Memory Alive

25 2/417th, 3rd Brigade Kicks Off ‘Best Company’ Competition

28 4th Battalion, 323rd Regiment Drill Sergeant Receives Fort Jackson Command Coin

29 STRAIGHT SHOOTER: Iroquois Warrior seeks spot on Team USA for 2020 Olympics

35 Around the Command

36 Campus Report: Fall Semester Draws to a Close

38 Meet Your Family Readiness Group

39 Inspector General: Frequently Asked Questions-Complaints (DA 1559)

25

8 • THE GRIFFON • Winter 2019 Recruiting Their Own

“We work hand in hand with accessions, and in 2018 that career counselors, recruiters and number increased to nearly 250. retention personnel all over the In the first two months of FY19, world, to find the best candidates,” the team has already approved 42 she said. “One of the biggest accession. issues with our recruiting efforts While the Army appreciates is making Soldiers aware that quantifiable data and high numbers becoming a Drill Sergeant is an are often looked at for success, option in the Army Reserve and Beebe knows that all of this is more not merely an opportunity afforded than just numbers. “The greatest to Active Duty Soldiers.” thing you can do with Soldiers is to Getting the word out about connect with them, leaving them US Army Reserve Drill Sergeant empowered and enabled to their opportunities is why the Drill own greatness. When a Soldier Sergeant Recruiting Team has becomes a number, we’ve lost created new methods to promote them.” the program, such as connecting The Recruiting team plans the team’s social media sites to to continue the one-on-one units around the United States interactions across the force, and sending out Drill Sergeant and will also expand on current Recruiting Representatives to many programs, adding a few more in different bases. the upcoming months. With the Sgt. Candice Beebe is one of the increase in Drill Sergeant missions Drill Sergeant Reps on this mission. for the 108th Training Command “It’s been an incredible experience, (IET), it is imperative to find allowing myself to connect to qualified and motivated candidates Soldiers all over the world,” she to become the Drill Sergeants said. ready to train a lethal, capable, and Implementing these programs is combat ready force. already starting to show results. In 2017, the recruiting team approved 165 drill sergeant candidate

DS Johnson, a member of the Drill Sergeant Recruiting team for the 108th Training Com- mand (IET) speaks to the attendees of the AUSA Warrior Corner on the meaningful oppor- tunities offered to him as a United States Army Reserve Drill Sergeant. Johnson highlighted the need to find and recruit quality NCOs from our existing ranks to meet the challenges of the Drill Sergeant mission and highlighting the need for new avenues of recruitment and retention of quality Soldiers. US Army Reserve photo by Sgt. 1st Class Lisa M Litchfield)

By Chad Guthrie TC mission with. Then the team 108th Training Command works together to conduct phone Army Drill Sergeants train, interviews, background screenings mentor, and mold the United States’ and record reviews ensuring future warriors, and getting the interested Soldiers qualify as best qualified, most motivated Drill candidates. Sergeants is essential. That is where The requirements to become a the 108th Training Command Drill Sergeant are straightforward. (IET) Army Reserve Drill Sergeant The Soldier must be an E-4 to E-7, Recruiting Team comes into play. have over three years in service, 90 Based out of the 108th Training or above GT score, and not have Command headquarters, the any physical limitations that would Recruiting Team is prevent them from performing formed of existing Drill Sergeants from Mode of Entry FY18 3-4Qtr FY18 FY19 across the Divisions, AC (RCCC) 84 60 13 the command career IRR (ARCD) 116 63 17 counselor, and several NG (ARCD) 3 0 0 members of the Human Resources section. Prior Service (USAREC) 13 6 2 There are multiple **AR-External to 108th 30 24 10 ways the team ensures Total 246 153 42 they get the best candidate. The team follows leads, shares their stories their duty (PULHES not greater and contacts Soldiers at transitions than 111221). They are also DS Alvarado, a native of Puerto Rico and first female US Army Reserve graduate of the US points and different events screened for any illegal activity in Army Infantry School, Fort Benning, Georgia, addresses the crowd at the AUSA Warrior Cor- their past. ner on the need for female Drill Sergeants as positive role models in light of gender integra- identifying possible interested tion in Combat Arms and the face of today’s changing Army. US Army Reserve photo by Sgt. personnel to share the 108th Staff Sgt. Camille Hoilette has been with the team for three years. 1st Class Lisa M. Litchfield THE GRIFFON • Winter 2019 • 9 AUSA Warrior Corner

St. 1st Class Lisa Litchfield and their mission. 108th Training Command (IET) In a 20 minute presentation the team was able to present the With the 108th Training successes of our Drill Sergeants Command (IET) partnered with and their contributions to the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Increase End Strength, expansion Command (TRADOC) and the U.S. of One Station Unit Training, Army Center for Initial Military the return of Drill Sergeants to Training (USACIMT) to support Advanced Individual Training and the mission to turn approximately gender integration across Initial 150,000 Civilians into Soldiers, Entry Training. the recruiting mission becomes 7200 Soldiers, 44 states, three paramount to the ability to build a Divisions. By the numbers the a lethal, ready, combat ready force mission grows and we are charged with an appropriate leader to led to grow as well. The demand ratio. Critical to that mission are for Drill Sergeants to fulfill the the Drill Sergeants and Instructors TRADOC mission outreaches the of the 95th, 98th and 104th capabilities of the active force and Training Divisions. the 108th is fully prepared to stand Recently, several of our top Drill in the gap. We are operationally Sergeants joined 95th Training ready and fully engaged and the Division Commander, Brig. General Warrior Corner at AUSA gave the Andrew Bassford and members opportunity for us to highlight of the 108th Training Command our successes and invite Soldiers Drill Sergeants from across the command joined together with Command Sergeant Major recruiting team at the annual AUSA to join our formations as we move Todd Priest, 108th Training Command (IET) Command Sergeant Major, during the AUSA (Association of the United States forward in the production of conference in Washington D.C. Several of the Drill Sergeant’s spoke during the Warrior Cor- Army) Conference in Washington, world class Drill Sergeants who ner, highlighting the missions of the 108th Training Command and the cooperative nature D.C. to represent the command then produce world class Soldiers. of the relationship between TRADOC, CIMT and the command. US Army Reserve photo by Sgt. 1st Class Lisa M. Litchfield

Brig. General Andrew Bassford hosted the 108th Training Command Warrior Corner at the AUSA conference October 8, in Washington D.C. The presentation focused on the missions of the 108th Training Command and the critical piece that U.S. Army Reserve Drill Sergeants play in the future of our force. US Army Reserve photo by Sgt. 1st Class Lisa M. Litchfield 10 • THE GRIFFON • Winter 2019

From the 95th Training Division (IET) Commander

Wood for the IES mission. They did this while still producing ...the strength of our Army more new Drill Sergeants than anyone else, and making sure that we accomplished every comes from the quality, other assigned mission. They also produced an NCO of the Year and dedication, and talent of a Drill Sergeant of the Year for the entire Army. I never had a doubt that our Soldiers were equal to our Soldiers. A leader who the challenges they were asked to face. Everything they touched realizes this, and develops, turned to gold. Leaders only succeed because of their Soldiers. No leader can empowers, and trusts their be successful on their own. There is only so much that any one Soldiers will achieve results By Brig. Gen. Andrew Bassford leader, no matter how talented, Commanding, 95th Training Division (IET) can do. Rather, the strength of our Army comes from the quality, far beyond anything they When I took command of the dedication, and talent of our 95th Division almost three years Soldiers. A leader who realizes could have imagined. ago, I told everyone that I was this, and develops, empowers, the most fortunate person in the and trusts their Soldiers will The 95th Division was wildly accomplishing more! entire Army Reserve. The years achieve results far beyond successful during my tenure My time with the 95th Division since then have unquestionably anything they could have in command, but I can take is over. Command of the 95th proven how true that statement imagined. no credit. Our Soldiers were Division has been a tremendously was. My time with the Soldiers Our Soldiers want to be the ones who did the hard rewarding experience. I will of the 95th Division has been excellent; a successful leader lets work and careful planning. long remember being a part of successful and rewarding beyond them excel. Four words frame a Our Soldiers were the ones such an awesome organization. I all expectations! culture of excellence: “Mission who put in the long hours to am sad to leave, but depart with The Soldiers of the 95th Command” and “Disciplined get things “just right.” They are a sense of pride in all that the Division demonstrated over and Initiative.” Taking things a the ones who continued this Division accomplished during over that they were unequalled step further, is an action legal, Division’s century-long tradition our time together. I am humbled in their skill and professionalism. ethical, moral and safe? Does of excellence. If anything, my and grateful that I have had the They successfully dealt with it help us achieve our goals? If greatest accomplishment was chance to be part of the “Iron massive challenges such as so, go forward! When Soldiers to stay out of their way and let Men of Metz.” There is no higher Reformation, and the need to understand and internalize this them do what needed to be done. honor! I wish all of you the best activate a battalion and eight framework, the possibilities for Sometimes doing less means in the years to come. Farewell! companies at Fort Leonard success are endless. THE GRIFFON • Winter 2019 • 11

From the 95th Command Sergeant Major

Ft Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania Course to Senior Leader Course. is hard to say what the most (re-dedicated in 2018); at the That tradition of excellence is memorable event is or what I D-Day Museum in Virginia; and also present in the Best Warrior will miss the most from the 95th monument to the only Medal of Competition events. The 95th’s Division. After much reflection, it Honor recipient, Andrew Miller in competitors consistently top the all comes down to the Soldiers Appleton, Wisconsin. To witness 108th Training Command (Initial and full time staff of the 95th these dedications with the very Entry Training) as the best Soldier, Division. Being around such men who actually lived through Noncommissioned Officer, and dedicated individuals who believe the history-making events is a Drill Sergeant. In 2016, Sgt. 1st in what they do and having teary-eyed emotional experience. Class Moeller from 2nd Brigade leadership that truly cares starting The current Soldiers who carry won the title of the US Army NCO with Brig. Gen. Bassford that goes on the tradition of the Iron Men of the Year. Not to be out done, all the way down to the battle of Metz, are not to be outdone, Sgt. Devin Crawford from 1st BDE buddies is something that is rare for you have also set records and won the US Army Drill Sergeant of in an organization today and will new standards. There can be no Year in 2018. There is not another be greatly missed. For CSM Potts, Army without discipline and order unit in the military that has had as I wish you the very best as you By Command Sgt. Maj. in the ranks of Soldiers. George many Soldiers from its ranks earn take up the reins. I leave with John Stumph Washington recognized this and these prestigious titles is such a a simple prayer that some will 95th Training Division (LT) brought in Baron Von Stueben short time. know. It goes as this: For Food, For and the famous Blue Book to As the time comes to move Raiment; For Life, For Opportunity; My, how time flies when you transform the citizens of an infant on and hand to reins to another For Friendship and Fellowship; We are having fun! It seems like just country into a force to defeat the outstanding CSM to serve, it Thank Thee, O Lord, Amen. yesterday when then Brig. Gen. greatest military in the world at Christian extended me the offer the time. Today, the Soldiers of to serve as the 95th Division the 95th continue that critical Command Sergeant Major. Of mission for the country. Drill course I accepted the position. Sergeants of the 95th Division are The distinct honor and privilege overseas training forces and on to serve as the Division CSM of Active Duty working to increase such a highly regarded unit was the strength of the nation on overwhelming. To be a part of Iron short notice. While others in Men of Metz again led to many the military had concerns if the rewarding experiences, as the Iron 95th Drill Sergeants, Soldiers, and Men of Metz continued to set high Officers could do it—We had marks and do the undoable. no doubt. A new Battalion was With the leadership of Maj. organized, deployed, stood up, and Gen. Christian and Brig. Gen. received troops. Companies were Andrew Bassford, the Soldiers organized, deployed, and began of the Division, known as the training Soldiers in record time. Iron Men of Metz, have had You, the Soldiers, were recognized exceptional achievements and for the outstanding efforts that accomplishments. There are many accomplished this. places to start, but we must start You, Soldiers of the 95th, with the generation of Soldiers have earned numerous Drill who first earned the title, “Iron Sergeant of the Cycle titles, Men of Metz.” The Soldiers of graduated various Professional the 95th Division earned this Military Education classes as nickname during World War II the Honor Graduate, Leadership in France. The city of Metz had a Awardee, and Commandant’s List history of never being captured or Recipients. This occurred at the taken during a war or siege that Drill Sergeant School and the goes back centuries. For over 1500 PME classes from Basic Leader years, whoever occupied Metz had never been removed by an invading force. That was until the American Soldiers were ordered to take Metz. Not only American Soldiers, but the Soldiers of the 95th Division. These Soldiers set forth to take the unattainable. Through great guts, determination, and sacrifice they succeeded and then continued the march that enabled the end of the war. A small number of these Soldiers are still alive and meet every year at the 95th Division Association Reunion. To be in the company of these Veterans is humbling. These Veterans are proud that the unit still exists and that historic units such as the 2-377th, “Miller’s Own” are still active today. There are monuments and memorials dedicated to the 95th Division at Ft Benning, Georgia at the Infantry Museum (dedicated in 2016); at 12 • THE GRIFFON • Winter 2019 Honoring Those Who Serve(d) Sgt. 1st Class Lisa M. Litchfield protesting Veterans returning from 108th Training Command overseas, the culture ignorance The ground was frozen but seen during and after Vietnam the campfire crackled with heat seemed to be recurring today as as competitors and spectators the holiday weekends became gathered in the early morning excuses for sales and barbecues, dawn for the 4th annual Ruck not times of honor. and Run in Republic, Missouri, “Veteran’s day is always 11-11. November 10, 2018. It doesn’t change,” said Fuller and Sgt. 1st Class George Fuller, a he began evaluating how he could drill sergeant with Bravo company, shift culture. 1- 354th Regiment, 95th Training Fuller began brainstorming Division (IET) currently on orders on ways to create an event that in Washington D.C. as the Army combined the comradery of the liaison for combat and non combat town he lived in with the honor injured from overseas, Is the he felt each Veteran was due. creator, organizer and race director “How do we connect everyone for this annual event. together?” became his focus. Fuller found himself Finally hitting upon the idea of increasingly concerned with the creating a local race that honored commercialization of Veterans Veterans, Fuller threw himself full day and Memorial day as well as force into the project and hasn’t the loss of honor and respect he looked back. perceived. “I had never been a race “If the first thing that comes to director before,” Fuller mused. “I people’s mind is ‘let’s go to a sale’ thought it was all about getting and not ‘let’s honor our Veteran’s’ safety vests and cones.” He then there is a problem in our soon discovered there was a lot culture,” said Fuller. more involved, including timing Fuller went on to explain that companies, signs, volunteers… he even though we aren’t actively says he didn’t think about any of that. THE GRIFFON • Winter 2019 • 13

The wheels starting turning, people that are military currently, slowly at first, but by 2015 he and past and it’s great for the had bought an internet domain, families, a way to get involved with designed shirts, logos, courses, and the military.” built an honor wall. With 30 days Ruck and Run not only impacts between the day he came “off the those who participate, there is also trail” from Drill Sergeant duty and a significant impact on the local the day of the event, Fuller had 160 community with $4500 and 1724 people signed up for the inaugural pounds donated to local non-profit event and 150 names on the Honor Veteran organizations. Wall. According to Kippie Kutz, “I just wanted to get the director of development for community together. I just wanted Kitchen Incorporated, a local non- to see Veterans honored,” he says. profit group assisting homeless and Now in it’s 4th year, the event at risk Veterans, the impact from has nearly 300 participants. More Ruck and Run is life changing. were expected to have signed up “All the food that is collected on the day of the race, but with here goes to Veterans” Kutz verifies. temperatures hovering near zero “The food that we collect here at the “day of” registrations were this one event will help us for six lower than expected. months provide food for homeless Despite the chill, those who and hungry Veterans. We can’t do showed for the race were what we do without community enthusiastic about the course, a support so this is huge.” 5.56 or 7.62k route – even the Fuller is not one to look distances have a military twist around and admire what he has – with an exercise station and accomplished, but realizes that the service flag at each kilometer along level of expectation in an event the routes. Cadet Nicholas Hutchinson, who Honoring continued on next page is also an enlisted member (PV2) of the Missouri National Guard, chose this event based on the challenge provided by the of the distance of the run coupled with the weight of his ruck as well as the tie to Soldiers who had gone before him. “It feels good to remember the Veterans we have lost and who have sacrificed their lives so that we can come together and do an event like this and honor their sacrifice,” said Hutchinson. Army Captain CPT Rob Kelley, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, came to the event to evaluate it as a future opportunity for Soldiers and Drill Sergeants under his command. He was enthusiastic about what the event what it stood for. “Anything that helps spouses as well as Servicemembers is great in my book,” he said. “Anything that helps Veterans after their service as well.” One of the favorite parts of the weekend for participants is the honor wall. Initially created in 2015, the wall has grown to hold 228 names as participants choose whom they want to honor. Paula Thompson drove down from Springfield to participate with her sisters for a second year. “We do 5Ks all year long so when we saw this one and then it had the obstacles and stuff in it we thought ‘well that’s a new challenge’ and we have Veterans in our family so we just thought, ‘well we’re going to do this’ and we do it for my dad who passed away last year,” Thompson explained. Her father’s name was on the wall for the second year and the family was headed over to pose for photos and reminisce. “I think it’s great… I think this is a good tradition” said Thompson. “I think that it does draw a lot of 14 • THE GRIFFON • Winter 2019

The time commitment to pull off Honoring the event is likened to a part time Cont’d from page 13 job, with Fuller estimating that he like this, one tied to the Veteran spends approximately 20 per week community, is so much higher than working out logistics, arranging that of any other weekend race you entertainment, securing permits, could choose. and dealing with the issues “I don’t want to get in my own involved in running a non-profit way, this is bigger than me,” he organization. acknowledges. “It’s not just something that I with the Golden Knights.” complaining that Veteran’s Day is For him, it’s not even about the have talked about, it’s something As he looks forward to bigger over commercialized, flip it and see logistics, the planning, the designs, that I’m doing,” he says. “It takes and better, Fuller remains focused how you can make a difference.” the details. It’s about the people. way more than I ever anticipated solely on his mission to return the “I just hope that my heart “I think my greatest success is to do this event.” focus of the weekend to honor shows” he concludes. right at the end… really what some Fuller will “go dark” for a few Veterans, and to encourage others Interested in participating in of the biggest accomplishments is weeks to recover from this year’s to do the same. this event in 2019? Find more at the end of the race, at the end event and will then return to the “Challenge yourself to make a information at: https://runsignup. of the event, getting to talk with plans for next year and the 5th difference,” says Fuller. “Instead of com/RuckNRun everybody and hearing how this anniversary of the Ruck and Run. has impacted their life and also The Blackhawk fly in from this enabling them to honor Veterans,” year will be hard to top but he he explains with satisfaction muses over the possibility of a coloring his voice. Chinook, or maybe he will “go THE GRIFFON • Winter 2019 • 15 Equal Opportunity Officer Retires with over 33 Years of Service By Maj. Adrienne Bryant On October 21 at the 95th Division Memorial located in the 95th Training Division (IET) Headquarters building, Lt. Col. Michael D. Eckart retired from the United States Army Reserve after serving more than 33 years. Many Soldiers, family members, friends and former members of the division filled Snow Hall to honor the retiree. Eckart started is career on November 3, 1980 as an enlisted Combat Engineer in the North Dakota Army National Guard. He later transferred to the Oklahoma National Guard where he served as a TOW Gunner. Eckart soon after attended Officer Candidate School and received his commission as a Second Lieutenant on August 1, 1992 in the Field Artillery branch. Eckart served in various positions within Field Artillery in the Oklahoma National Guard before becoming a Public Affairs Officer. at the Defense Equal Opportunity In 2004, Eckart mobilized to Management Institute. Afghanistan with the 105th Mobile He holds a Master’s Degree in Public Affairs Detachment. Upon Science from Southern Nazarene return from deployment in 2005, University. In his civilian career, Eckart assumed command of that Eckart is a trainer for Oklahoma Gas detachment. In January 2009, he and Electric. He is also an adjunct mobilized to Iraq with the 145th instructor for the Division of science Mobile Public Affairs Detachment. and Engineering, Oklahoma State Upon return from deployment, University in Oklahoma City. Eckart served in various positions Eckart’s awards include the Bronze as a PAO for the Oklahoma Guard. Star Medal with one oak leaf cluster, In 2015, Eckart transferred to the the Army Commendation Medal, the 95th Training Division (IET), where Army Achievement Medal with one he was promoted to his current oak leaf cluster, and numerous other rank and served as the Division Federal and State awards. Equal Opportunity Officer until his “It is strange looking ahead and retirement. not having to fit my life around drill Lt. Col. Eckart is a graduate of Field weekend,” recalls Eckart as he heads Artillery Basic Course, Transportation to Battle Assembly for the last time, Officer Advanced Course, “I am so thankful that I have had the Command and General Staff School opportunity to serve.” Intermediate Level Course, Public Eckart shared his special day with Affairs Qualification Course, and the his wife Lisa and 20 members of his Equal Opportunity Advisors Course family. 16 • THE GRIFFON • Winter 2019 MUTA 8 Done Right By Lt. Col. Matthew Warner 1-390th Battalion Commander CAMP RAVENNA, Ohio — Soldiers and Drill Sergeants of the 1st Battalion, 390th Regiment (1-390th), 3rd BDE, 95th Division have spent the “inter-months” between Fiscal Year Basic Combat Training mission cycles honing their skills to support 1st Engineer Brigade at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. A key component of that preparation has been the capstone Multiple Unit Training Assembly 8 (4 day) field training exercise held at Camp Ravenna, Ohio in May 2018. The battalion uses lessons learned provided by 1st Engineer Brigade during the Soldiers from Charlie Company, 1-390th last FY17 BCT mission cycle and use Modernized Demolition Initiators nested company battle assemblies at Camp Ravenna, Ohio during MUTA 8. to culminate in a focus on Photo by Lt. Col. Matthew Warner phases … its more than pushing on BCT support but to ensure our perishable combat engineer tasks recruits from point A to B”, says MOS reclassification students are and team building. The 1-390th’s critical analysis of the FY17 BCT Sgt. Maj. Thomas Moose, 1st EN prepared to pass the course”, said capstone field exercise ensured support. Both partners met on BDE. Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Harris, an internal stamp of excellence site at Fort Leonard Wood in The 1-390th S-3 staff and 1-390th Battalion CSM. before releasing its Drill Sergeants the fall of 2017 to discuss areas company commander, with this The 1-390th quickly pinpointed to Fort Leonard Wood this of improvement and identify thought in mind, incorporated nested company-specific training summer and is now its benchmark key focus areas that could be lessons learned to focus on basic with a culminating battalion field for future Drill Sergeant pre- integrated into the battalion’s combat engineer tasks like mine training exercise covering the mission certification. yearly training plan. detector training, demolition identified tasks. For example, The 1-390th battalion staff “1-390th Drill Sergeants are a calculations, demo priming, demo the joint team identified that and its active duty partner, 1st key partner to their active duty breach layouts, and other combat Drill Sergeants during BCT were Engineer Brigade, shaped the counterparts and can be expected engineer tasks. The battalion often called to retrain Soldiers FY18 training venue through a to be able to support any BCT command also recognized the who could not pass mine value of this training in the detector training on an individual continuing reorganization from basis in order to retest them. an engineer bridging unit to a The joint team’s after action combat engineer Drill Sergeant review identified this as critical unit and the preparation weakness, with some Reserve of their Soldiers to attend Drill Sergeants needing their Combat Engineer Duty Military own remedial training by active Occupational Skill Qualification duty counterparts. Likewise, the schooling. 1-390th interviewed its Soldiers “The battalion will use these returning from the combat lessons learned to not only focus engineer course on what subjects THE GRIFFON • Winter 2019 • 17

internal scrounging and external resourcing, battalion level trainers were disseminated MDI training aids packaged into ammo can breach kits simulating the squad- breaching kits used to breach mine fields. 1-390th company trainers were provided tactile training aids that could be used in conjunction with their demo calculations, breach/cratering/steel demo types, and line and ring-main line routing. In addition, 1-390th Soldiers were tested on various demo knots, C4 priming, and other common individual demo tasks. Companies nested this training with an eye on providing feedback to the trainers on their presentation skills. As noted, Drill Sergeants proficiency in an individual task is only half the challenge. Drill sergeants must be Staff Sgt. Jered R. Fitch, D Co, 1-390 primes In- able to present the task to BCT ert C4 as 1-390th Soldiers are evaluated at Camp Ravenna, Ohio during MUTA 8. Photo by LTC Mat- recruits. Throughout, company and thew Warner battalion level trainers received feedback from peers and leaders all Soldiers of the 1-390th on the presentation of all training, demolitions and breach layout were engaged in team building ensuring content and delivery exercises in a field environment training, demo calculations, mine were acceptable. detector training, and feedback outside of the normal routine of Finally, the 1-390ths capstone garrison staff functions. In the on Drill Sergeant presentation of event at Camp Ravenna, Ohio training was needed. final analysis, the legwork the challenged all Soldiers of the battalion staff and leaders did The 1-390th S3 and S4 1-390th. The battalion’s MUTA shop, working with company to capture lessons learned from 8 combined combat engineer last FY BCT cycle into realistic, leadership, quickly revamped evaluative rollup with individual three key company-led battle tangible, field training is sure weapons qualification, field to raise the bar of proficiency assemblies during the inter-BCT leader’s reaction course, and cycle to focus on this training. and excellence for this FY BCT Military Operations in Urban support to Fort Leonard Wood. During this resourcing, the Terrain stack drills. The battalion’s battalion discovered there was Essayons! and Ka Yen Sa Hah! … focus was not only to drive “Keep the Flag Flying!” severe resource shortage of inert skill proficiency but to ensure Modernized Demolition Initiators components that are the inert replicates of the breach line main Staff Sgt. Matthew B. Gilmer, B/CO 1-390th setups, ignitors, blasting caps, and train 1-390th Soldier on MOUT, HQ 1-390th demo charges used in to simulate Stack Drills during MUTA 8 at Camp Raven- na, Ohio. Photo by Lt. Col. Matthew Warner live demo and transmission lines. The battalion staff worked with required more pre-school prep Training & Audiovisual Support work. The battalion leadership Center on Fort Drum, to quickly quickly came to the consensus identify the resources needed to that a focus on more individual support this training. Through 18 • THE GRIFFON • Winter 2019

From the 98th Training Division (IET) Commander

By Brig. Gen. Miles Davis Commanding, 98th Training Division (IET)

Iroquois Warriors, as you read this article, our Division is decisively engaged at the Army Training Centers in Fort Benning and Fort Jackson. Our drill sergeants are conducting Infantry One Station Unit Training, Cavalry One Station Unit Training, Basic Combat Training, Chaplin Basic Officer Leader Course, and Navy Individual Augmentee Combat Training. Meanwhile, they are also preparing for the Infantry OSUT expansion and implementation of the new Army Combat Fitness Test. With this high OPTEMPO, I want to take a moment to reflect on this past year - a year that has been filled with many firsts - a year in the Band of Excellence. Readiness — Over the past year, the Division made great progress in all four of Maj. Gen. McQueen’s pillars of Readiness. Safety Readiness: Every company, battalion and brigade in the Division met all of the requirements for Safety Streamers. percent from FY17, which included in the rolling hills and towering in the Division through a series of (We were the first Division in the the first two female Infantry pines of Fort Benning, Georgia, scenario-driven, mission-oriented, Training Command to do that!) Soldiers (Sgt. Michelle Alvarado and Soldiers of the 98th Division Situational Training Exercise (STX) Family Readiness: 1st Brigade Sgt. Candice Beebe) in the Army. participated in the inaugural 98th lanes. Key events included tactical received the 2017 Department of Soldier Readiness: The Division Division “Iroquois Challenge” air movement in UH-60 Black Defense Family Readiness award significantly improved all of its key Field Training Exercise in July. The Hawks, patrol base operations, for the Army Reserve, making readiness indicators (MRC, DRC, “Iroquois Challenge” is a grueling 6-mile ruck march, 100-yard litter them the only unit selected for OERs, NCOERs, APFT, Weapons) and Commanders Cup Competition carry, Stress Shoot, movement the entire Army Reserve! Combat is at the top of the 108th Training that tests the warrior task and to contact (Paint Ball) STX lane, Readiness: The Division increased Command. battle drill proficiency of five- combat casualty care STX lane, drill sergeant production over 66 Iroquois Challenge — Set Soldier teams from each battalion and weapon (M18 Claymore Mine, THE GRIFFON • Winter 2019 • 19

was held at the historic Columbus with fellow cadre and German Ironworks. Events at the Dining Out counterparts here on Fort Benning included an exceptionally moving for future military operations. tribute to the Fallen Soldiers of the Key events included M9 pistol Division (Lt. Col. Terrence K. Crowe, qualification, 12k-foot march (33lb Master Sgt. Paul D. Karpowich, ruck), 100-meter swim, 1,000-meter Sgt. 1st Class Robert V. Derenda, run, flex arm hang, and sprints. 35 Staff Sgt. Christopher W. Dill, and Soldiers in the Division participated Sgt. Lawrence A. Roukey), a video in the event. Command Sgt. Maj. tribute, guest speaker – Maj. Gen. Todd Priest and I were able to Dan Christian, and the presentation conduct the foot march with our of the Iroquois Challenge awards. competing Soldiers. German Armed Forces Badge With this high OPTEMPO, it for Military Proficiency (GAFPB) is easy to miss how much has – The 98th Division worked with happened and how far we have 1-46 Infantry to plan and execute come. We have a rich history, and the German Armed Forces Badge I want to thank all the Soldiers, for Military Proficiency (GAFPB) civilians, and families, past and qualification at Fort Benning in present, for all of their commitment, November. The goal of conducting hard work, and sacrifice to make M136 (AT-4), M240B Machine Gun, a Commanders Cup Competition the GAFPB was to test physical this Division great! and Hand Grenade) STX lanes. At (Iroquois Challenge), 5K Division fitness and individual Soldier skills, Iroquois 6 the end of the challenge, fhe five- Run, and a Centennial Dining Out. maintain esprit de corps, and to man team from 3-330th Infantry All of the events celebrated the establish a working relationship captured first place. history and lineage of the Division Division 100th Anniversary and included currently serving, — The 98th Division hosted its alumni, family members, and our Centennial Celebration July 17-21, Fort Benning partners. More than 2018 at Fort Benning, Georgia. The 200 of those people attended the Centennial Celebration included Centennial Dining Out, which 20 • THE GRIFFON • Winter 2019 98th Training Divison (IET) Change of Command Ceremony U.S. Army Reserve photos by Maj. Michelle Lunato

U.S. Army Reserve Col. Timothy Pulley passes the 1st Brigade colors to the Commanding Commanding General of the 98th Training Division (Initial Entry Training), Brig. Gen. Miles General of the 98th Training Division (Initial Entry Training), Brig. Gen. Miles Davis, during Davis, passes the 1st Brigade Colors to his incoming brigade commander, Col. Phillip Taylor, his Change of Command Ceremony at Fort Benning, Georgia on October 27, 2018. during a Change of Command Ceremony at Fort Benning, Georgia on October 27, 2018. The outgoing brigade commander, Col. Timothy Pulley, stands by.

U.S. Army Reserve leaders stand in front of the Soldiers during a Change of Command Cer- emony for 1st Brigade, 98th Training Division (Initial Entry Training), at Fort Benning, Geor- The incoming brigade commander, Col. Phillip Taylor, speaks to Soldiers and Families dur- gia on October 27, 2018. Standing left to right is the incoming 1st Brigade commander, Col. ing the 1st Brigade, 98th Training Division (Initial Entry Training) Change of Command Cer- Phillip Taylor; the 98th Training Division Command General, Brig. Gen. Miles Davis; and the emony at Fort Benning, Georgia on October 27, 2018. outgoing 1st Brigade commander, Col. Timothy Pulley. THE GRIFFON • Winter 2019 • 21

The incoming brigade commander, Col. Phillip Taylor, holds the brigade colors during the 1st Brigade, 98th Training Division (Initial Entry Training) Change of Command Ceremony at Fort Benning, Georgia on October 27, 2018.

U.S. Army Reserve drill sergeants with 98th Training Division (Initial Entry Training) act as the official color guard during a Change of Command Ceremony for 1st Brigade at Fort Ben- ning, Georgia on October 27, 2018.

U.S. Army Reserve Staff Sgt. Augustine Ohaeri, a drill sergeant with, 1st Brigade, 98th Train- ing Division (Initial Entry Training) stands before the formation during the Change of Com- mand Ceremony for 1st Brigade at Fort Benning, Georgia on October 27, 2018. 22 • THE GRIFFON • Winter 2019 Keeping the Memory Alive

Story by U.S. Army Reserve 1st Lt. Katelyn Amicucci Photos by U.S. Army Reserve Staff Sgt. Aaron Bickal It all started in 2001 when Professor John Weiss, Cornell University, approached the Ithaca Police Department with a request to borrow a weapon. The professor was inquiring if the department had, or knew of a civilian who had, an M-1 Garand he could borrow to help his teach his students about military history. Professor Weiss, a history professor, teaches a class that covers World War II, the Holocaust and the United Nations. Each year, he offers an optional event to his students: study war through hands on learning. In years past Weiss had taken interested students to Fort Drum, New York but after 9/11 he needed to change his plan. Officer John Barber knew just the person to help when the professor approached the Ithaca Police Department - his brother, U.S. Army Reserve Sgt. 1st Class James Barber, an Ithaca resident and drill sergeant with 2nd Battalion, 389th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 98th Training Division (IET). Sgt. 1st Class Barber had an M-1 Garand and was more than willing to help. Beginning the following year (2002), he worked with Weiss to develop what turned into a wonderful tradition. Barber, and eventually Staff Sgt. Aaron Bickal, a Lansing, New York resident and drill sergeant with the same unit, brought their personal collections of over Infantryman, bringing expertise 1,000 war artifacts for students as valuable as the equipment and family to look at, learn from, they share to the event. try on, and even shoot. Barber and Bickal have Collectively, the two U.S. Army provided not only M-1 Garands, Reserve Soldiers have over 47 but also an 8mm German years of experience in the Army. Mauser for students to shoot. Not only are both drill sergeants Over the last 16 years, the but Barber served previously as a collection has grown to combat engineer and Bickal as an include British, French, Russian, begin the set up. Spanish and Japanese weapons, This year, the 100th making it a full, well-balanced anniversary of WWI and understanding of what weapons professor Weiss’s final year each side has used to defend before retirement, the Soldiers themselves in battle. The set up a “barbed wire” theme Soldiers have expanded the bunker with claymore mines, weaponry display to include concertina wire obstacles and the more recent wars and entanglements. Along with participating students now tables full of equipment, there see bazookas, an assortment of were period uniforms and mines and improvised explosive the Soldiers set up a variety devices. of sections representing Planning for this event starts WW1, WW2, Korea, Vietnam, months in advance with the Desert Storm, Operation two 98th Training Division Iraqi Freedom and Operation drill sergeants get together Enduring Freedom. strategize, plan the theme and Soldier Manuals from 1911 the presentation to the students. and 1917, as well as civilian Days before the event they newspapers were displayed THE GRIFFON • Winter 2019 • 23

The range is open from mid IED lane in which students afternoon to dark and night learned how easily IEDs can go sights are available for those unnoticed and subsequently who would like to try night detonate causing damage to shooting. Soldiers and equipment. One year, Barber remembers Barber and Bickal have a Battle of the Bulge veteran enjoyed volunteering and attending and shooting both organizing this event and hope the M1 and the 8mm and that they can continue this stating, “It’s a lot nicer to be on event to raise awareness of this side of the gun than the military history, whether with receiving end!” college students or with other Depending on the availability community programs. A very of volunteers, there will work intense program to set up occasionally be demonstrated and organize, it is nonetheless maneuvers for the students. worth it to them to keep the One year, the Soldiers were memory and sacrifice of WWI even able to set up a simulated and WWII Veterans alive.

for students to see how manuals on other years, there has been and equipment have changed as many 40. over the last 100 years. Arriving in the early With class participation afternoon, students are students voluntary rather than encouraged not only to touch required, the participation in and try on equipment, but the event varies from year to to shoot the M1-Garand, the year. Some years, there have 8mm German Mauser, and an been as few as six students, but assortment of other weapons. 24 • THE GRIFFON • Winter 2019 THE GRIFFON • Winter 2019 • 25 2/417th, 3rd Brigade Kicks Off ‘Best Company’ Competition By U.S. Army Reserve Master Sgt. Shawn Morgan This was no ordinary Battle Assembly Training weekend at Fort Dix, New Jersey for the 2/417th Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 98th Training Division (Initial Entry Training). Sure, the four- day BTA was unusual in that it started on a Saturday and ended on a Tuesday. However, it was so much more than that. Lt. Col. Matthew Darcangelo, who assumed command of the battalion in May, offered a challenge to battalion staff and company leadership alike. Tapping into the experience and skillset of the plans and operations section, Darcangelo set in motion his vision for some friendly competition among the companies: the battalion’s inaugural Best Company Competition for the soon-to-be coveted Mohegan Warrior Trophy. The entire operation was spearheaded by the plans and operations noncommissioned Soldiers of 2/417th Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 98th Training Division (Initial Entry Training) conduct a detainee search as part of the Best officer, Sgt. 1st Class James Walsh, Company Competition while at Battle Assembly at Fort Dix, New Jersey in October 2018. who took Darcangelo’s idea and almost literally ran with drill sergeants, candidates basic trainees in the event course and collect their point it. Securing all of the necessary and officers from each of the they find themselves needing identifiers. training sites, Walsh built a companies endeavored into the to navigate from one point to training plan that ranged from more challenging aspects of the another, without the assistance Five-Mile Road March a Periodic Health Assessment weekend. of modern technological Company teams were released (PHA) to the new Army Combat gadgets. Armed with only every fifteen minutes to allow Fitness Test (ACFT). Once Land Navigation maps, protractors and lensatic for staggered start times at the the administrative concerns Despite the perishability of this compasses, 2/217th Soldiers Military Operations on Urban of the PHA were completed skill, drill sergeants must remain plotted points and trekked into Terrain (MOUT) site. Then, and subsequently set aside, proficient in this task to prepare the woodline, hoping to stay on the rain started, prompting several utterances of the all-too- common drill sergeant refrain, “if it ain’t rainin’, it ain’t trainin’.” Soldiers sloshed through puddles on Range Road, pelted with raindrops, wiping away the sweat- rain mixture, finally realizing complete saturation: the moment that you realize you simply cannot get any wetter. Find and Move a High-Value Target The precipitation let up as teams assembled to plan an assault on the MOUT site. In the scenario, opposing forces, or OPFOR, had detained a high- value target (HVT) in one of the larger buildings on the site, and it was the objective of the teams to collect that HVT with minimal casualties. OPFOR offered a realistic portrayal of potential enemy forces, taunting oncoming Soldiers with a megaphone. Teams were rated on their ability to move tactically and secure the HVT. Although somewhat disjointed and seemingly out of practice at times, Soldiers moved Soldiers of 2/417th Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 98th Training Division (Initial Entry Training) give directives to a potential threat as part of the with enthusiasm and fluidity, Best Company Competition while at Battle Assembly at Fort Dix, New Jersey in October 2018. 26 • THE GRIFFON • Winter 2019

Sgt. 1st Class Lamont Jones, Alpah Company, , 2/417th Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 98th Train- ing Division (Initial Entry Training), participates in the 250 meter Sprint-Drag-Carry event of the ACFT as part of the Best Company Competition while at Battle Assembly at Fort Dix, New Jersey in October 2018.

Master Sgt. Johnny Komla, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2/417th Battal-ion, 3rd Brigade, 98th Training Division (Initial Entry Training), shakes off the rain as he partici- demonstrating skills that many of were introduced to the new pates in the foot march portion of the Best Company Competition while at Battle Assembly them used in real-world situations Army Combat Fitness Test, at Fort Dix, New Jersey in October 2018. in both Iraq and Afghanistan. designed to better test Soldier ability to survive in combat. Sgt. Army Combat Fitness Test 1st Class Shawn Monette of After that task, Soldiers Bravo Company, expertly led the changed into their Army physical demonstrations of each event fitness uniforms and reported with assistance from other Bravo to the Griffith Field House just Company drill sergeants. off Doughboy Field. Here, U.S. Once demonstrations were Army Reserve drill sergeants complete, the strongest members

2/417th Battalion Commander, Lt. Col. Matthew Darcangelo, prepares to announce the winning company of the Mohegan Warrior Trophy as part of the Best Company Competi- tion while at Battle Assembly at Fort Dix, New Jersey in October 2018. THE GRIFFON • Winter 2019 • 27

Sgt. 1st Class Shawn Monette, Bravo Company, 2/417th Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 98th Training Division (Initial Entry Training), describes the events of the Army Combat Fitness Test as Sgt. 1st Class James Walsh, Headquarters and Headquarters Company demonstrates the 250 meter Sprint-Drag-Carry as part of the Best Company Competition while at Battle Assembly at Fort Dix, New Jersey in October 2018. of each company started racking of 500-pounds. Sprint-Drag-Carry. informal poll of the Soldiers who weights for the deadlift. The Following a thorough warmup, When all was said and done, participated indicated that they competition was tough, but when Soldiers lined up and completed the Mohegan Warrior Trophy all won. Soldiers left challenged, all was said and done, Sgt. Jacob other ACFT events including went to Alpha Company, led by motivated and inspired, with a Kennedy of Bravo Company standing power throws, leg tucks, Capt. Ken Wojtak and 1st Sgt. feeling of satisfaction of time well- successfully executed three lifts and the infamous 250-Meter Andres Talavera. Despite that, an spent. 28 • THE GRIFFON • Winter 2019 4th Battalion, 323rd Regiment Drill Sergeant Receives Fort Jackson Command Coin By Capt. Andrew J. Woltman Sergeant (Staff Sgt.) Brian West, a the Old Man wants.” Commander, Delta Company, 4th Battalion, Westboro, North Carolina reside As they approached the vehicle, 323rd Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 98th Training with Charlie Company, 2-13th looked Command Sgt. Maj. Jerimiah Gan, Division (IET) around and noticed the sudden loss the Fort Jackson Command Sergeant On a cool November morning, rain of morale in the trainees. Major who hails from Fort Leonard was rolling in on Charlie Company, At this moment, Morris decided to Wood, Missouri, exited from the 2nd Battalion, 13th Infantry, 193rd motivate his weary recruits and help passenger side. Brigade—a Basic Training Company them forget about the cold. A familiar “You boys seem pretty motivated at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. The command was shouted out, “Half- this morning,” said the Post Command trainees were in the end stages right, FACE!” Sergeant Major. Drill Sergeants Morris of Blue Phase and were nearing a Both the active and Reserve drill and West, standing at parade rest victorious completion of the first sergeants would join in, embracing replied, “Yes Sergeant Major!” chapter of their soldiering careers. the cold and exercise together Gan held his hand out to each of And yet being so close, only days with their troops. A chuckle or them in turn and expounded on his away in fact, the young recruits two could even be heard between previous remark, “Reminds me of were weary. the instructor and trainees as they when I was a drill sergeant, always U.S. Army Reserve photo by 1st Lt. Jefferson Steel, Executive Officer, Delta Company, 4th After the morning’s physical counted out a time-honored Army doing PT with the trainees, to inspire Battalion, 323rd Regiment, 2nd Brigade, fitness, the trainees were in line for exercise, “The push up!” Morris and set the example…Great job and 98th Training Division (IET) another meal at the dining facility shouted. keep it up!” that they had grown so accustomed. Mere feet away, and unbeknownst With that, Gan returned to his the trainees. The misting rain and sharp, cold to the drill sergeants, a shadowy vehicle and drove away, leaving Drill Sergeants from 2nd Battalion winds kept their heads down and figure kept watch nearby, behind each Drill Sergeant holding a 13th Infantry, 193rd Brigade, have shoulders up, a vain and futile the tinted window of a government Command Coin, a rare event on a reputation for excellence at attempt at protecting their ears from vehicle. Fort Jackson and an astounding feat Fort Jackson. Earlier this year, the bitterness of a slowly brewing A Soldier approached and gave for a Reserve Soldier on the trail Drill Sergeant Brian Teneyck of South Carolina winter. Morris a surprise request as he with Echo Mission. Charlotte, North Carolina, received The drill sergeants in charge, Drill pointed his finger at the vehicle in The two drill sergeants returned the first Command Coin from Sergeant (Staff Sgt.) Michael Morris, the distance. “The Post Command to the trainees with a new sense Gan and Brig. Gen. Milford Beagle, a Pensacola, Florida resident and Sergeant Major would like a word, of pride in their work and a slight the Commanding General of Fort Army Reserve drill sergeant with drill sergeants.” warm grin on their faces, despite the Jackson. And now, Drill Sergeant Delta Company, 4th Battalion, 323rd Drill Sergeant Morris’ eyes weather’s best efforts. Morris has carried on this tradition Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 98th Training widened, as he looked over at his “Alright, back to it!” shouted the of excellence and represented 2nd Division (Initial Entry Training) and battle buddy, Drill Sergeant West, who drill sergeants. Brigade, 98th Training Division his active duty counterpart, Drill then responded, “Well, let’s see what “40 rounds drill sergeant!” replied (IET) well. THE GRIFFON • Winter 2019 • 29 STRAIGHT SHOOTER Iroquois Warrior seeks spot on Team USA for 2020 Olympics By Maj. Michelle Lunato years preceding the Olympics. up just one point short of making Trials.) 98th Training Division (IET) However, regardless of their the Games in Rio when she won Not only a past Olympian, but Public Affairs Officer competition track record, individual the Silver Medal in 25m Sport Pistol this Army Reserve Soldier has While most people look forward shooting sports athletes cannot at the Olympic Team Trials, despite individually earned the United to seeing the Olympic Games every even earn a spot on Team USA until just having pins removed from States four Olympic Quotas in couple of years, one U.S. Army the country as a whole earns a her fingers on her shooting hand. 25m Sport Pistol for the last four Reserve Soldier is looking to do quota, or a ticket, to each individual (Uptagrafft had broken three of her more than watch the games, she event at the Games and the fingers, including her trigger finger wants to compete in them. maximum is two slots per event five months prior to the Olympic Straight Shooter continued on Page 30 Staff Sgt. Sandra Uptagrafft, a per country. These country quotas medical logistic specialist with are only earned when individual Bravo Company, 4/518th Infantry athletes win medals at world- Regiment, 1st Brigade, 98th Training class events against international Division (Initial Entry Training), is competitors. Once the countries actively on the mission to earn a divvy up all the quotas, only then place on the U.S. Olympic Team, will the individual members be specifically to compete in both selected for Team USA. the Women’s 10m Air Pistol and Uptagrafft, who is a resident of Women’s 25m Sport Pistol events. Phenix City, Alabama, is not new The journey to making an to this complex process. In fact, Olympic Team for the United she knows it well as she was on States is neither short, nor easy. the Shooting USA Team in 2012 for Spots on the Shooting USA Team the Olympics Games in London, are few, and contenders must where she placed 28th in both 10m regularly compete in national and Air Pistol and 25m Sport Pistol. international competitions in the Competing again in 2016, she came

Staff Sgt. Sandra Uptagrafft, a medical logistic specialist with Bravo Company, 4/518th In- fantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 98th Training Division (Initial Entry Training), fires her pistol during the Civilian Marksmanship Program’s President’s 100 Pistol Match at Camp Perry, Ohio in July 2017. Uptagrafft earned her first President’s 100 Badge at that match and reg- ularly competes in civilian and military matches outside the International Pistol Program schedule to stay skilled as a Soldier and enhance her overall marksmanship abilities. Photo by Maj. Michelle Lunato, 98th Training Division (IET) Public Affairs Officer

Staff Sgt. Sandra Uptagrafft, a medical logistic specialist with Bravo Company, 4/518th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 98th Training Division (Initial Entry Training), checks and U.S. Army Reserve Staff Sgt. Sandra Uptagrafft, a medical logistic specialist with Bravo Com- scores a competitors target during the Civilian Marksmanship Program’s President’s 100 pany, 4/518th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 98th Training Division (Initial Entry Training), Pistol Match at Camp Perry, Ohio in July 2017. Uptagrafft earned her first President’s 100 stands with Lt. Col. Patrick Sleem and Sgt. Maj. George Greene from the U.S. Army Reserve Badge at that match and regularly competes in civilian and military matches outside the Marksmanship Unit after being awarded her first President’s 100 Badge during the Civil- International Pistol Program schedule to stay skilled as a Soldier and enhance her overall ian Marksmanship Program’s National Matches at Camp Perry, Ohio in July 2017. “Sgt. Maj. marksmanship abilities. Photo by Maj. Michelle Lunato, 98th Training Division (IET) Public Af- Greene took his own badge off and gave it to me that day! It was very cool, and I am super fairs Officer proud of that.” Photo by Maj. Michelle Lunato, 98th Training Division (IET) Public Affairs Officer 30 • THE GRIFFON • Winter 2019

Straight Shooter athletes use to push them on Cont’d from page 29 to world-class levels, Uptagrafft was seeking to do better in the Olympic Games. individual 10m Air Pistol event Shooting sports quotas for that she placed 8th in and to earn the 2020 Olympic Games in the Nation a quota, or two, for the Tokyo, Japan have started to roll 2020 Olympics. Lagan, her U.S. in for Team USA. In November, teammate, snatched up the Gold Uptagrafft competed at the 12th Medal and a quota in 25m Sport Championships of the Americas Pistol, the event where Uptagrafft (CAT) in Guadalajara, Mexico. earned her most recent Bronze In those games, she brought Medal. The win by Lagan gives home a number of wins and the United States one ticket to titles: the Silver Medal in the compete in the 25m Sport Pistol Air Pistol Mixed Team event event. The 10m Mixed Team event (with teammate James Hall from has no possible quotas and that Anniston, Alabama); the team team will be made up from the Gold Medal in the Women’s 10m athletes selected to be on Team Air Pistol event (with teammates USA. Alexis Lagan from Boulder City, With only one U.S. quota in Nevada and Sarah Choe from 25m Sport Pistol so far, and U.S. Army Reserve Staff Sgt. Sandra Uptagrafft, a medical logistic specialist with Bravo Los Angeles, California); and no quotas in 10m Air Pistol, Company, 4/518th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 98th Training Division (Initial Entry an individual Bronze Medal in Uptagrafft’s goal of making Training), stands on the podium in November 2017 during the 12th Championships of the Women’s 25m Sport Pistol. Team USA is still in the distance. Americas in Guadalajara, Mexico after winning the Silver Medal in the 10m Air Pistol Mixed While that all sounds As 2019 gets into full swing, Team event. Photo by USA Shooting impressive, the Army Reserve Uptagrafft, and her other U.S. Soldier says she failed her teammates, will be competing long path into the elite level of much that she and some others mission. “All the medals may look side-by-side with the same goal— shooting sports feels like the at the University of Southern good, but I’m not personally earning quotas for Team USA. iconic “American Dream,” says California wanted to start a happy with my results there.” While the current, hopeful the Army Reserve Soldier. competitive shooting team. Outside of the tough personal journey onto another Team Uptagrafft came to the United “Actually, we wanted to start scrutiny that all Olympic USA is interesting, Upagrafft’s States from Singapore with a rifle team at USC, and we her parents when she was couldn’t find a rifle coach. But, around six years old. She joined we found a pistol coach. So the California Army National that’s how I wound up a pistol Guard as a way to contribute shooter. Even though, that was to the Nation while she was the first time I had ever shot in college. As life went on a pistol,” laughed the Olympic and circumstances changed, pistol competitor. “So, I am still one thing remained constant, a rifle shooter wanna-be on the she kept serving in different inside.” capacities. In fact, the Singapore Though she may have wanted native now has over 20 years to compete on rifle, working of service in several different with a pistol coach just clicked military components: U.S. and Uptagrafft discovered that Army National Guard, active- she had a talent for it. “I kind of duty service with the U.S. Army had a knack for it. So that helped, Marksmanship Unit, U.S. Navy and it was fun because I was Reserve and now, the U.S. Army good at it,” she explained. Reserve. Of course being good at it, Prior to joining the military, doesn’t mean it came easy to the shooting sports Olympian Uptagrafft. It was actually the had never even fired a weapon. difficulty of the sport that kept “The first thing I ever shot was bringing her back, said the the M16 in Basic Training,” she Army Reserve Soldier who is said. also currently an Information In fact, that introduction to Technology graduate student. firearms intrigued Uptagrafft so “I stuck with it because it is THE GRIFFON • Winter 2019 • 31

type of accuracy on the world-class world’s best competitors is another stage requires a variety of skills like kind of pressure. mental stamina, physical fitness and These two very different a never-quit attitude, said the 2012 experiences are bound to help Olympian. each other, but it’s hard to say “Women’s Air Pistol changed which helps the other more: does from 40 shots to 60 shots in 2018. being a world-class competitor So now, endurance is in the mix. make her a better Soldier or is it It’s definitely more challenging and vice versa? more of a marathon than a sprint,” “I think it’s a combination of said the 2020 Olympic hopeful. both,” said Uptagrafft, who hopes to Dealing with stress is something be an Army Reserve warrant officer all servicemembers learn to one day. “I think just having been cope with. Through years of through, say any military training military training and a year-long or a deployment, just makes you deployment to Afghanistan in 2010, a tougher person, both physically Uptagrafft said she has learned to and mentally. So you can take that manage her anxiety and emotions, to the line with you. You can know most days. But standing side by side on the firing line with some of the Straight Shooter continued on Page 32

U.S. Army Reserve Staff Sgt. Sandra Uptagrafft, a medical logistic specialist with Bravo Company, 4/518th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 98th Training Division (Initial Entry Training), fires her pistol during the November USA Shooting Winter Airgun Match in Colo- rado. Uptagrafft claimed a Silver Medal in both the 10m Air Pistol and 25m Sport Pistol events at this match. Photo by USA Shooting challenging. I am a problem solver ring. In the 10m Air Pistol event, by nature, and I like analyzing Uptagrafft has to fire 60 rounds things and solving problems. And at a target with a 11.5mm 10-ring. it’s a challenge figuring out your In the 25m Pistol event, which is equipment, the technical aspect, shot with a .22 caliber, the Army the mental aspect—it all has to Reserve Soldier has to aim six five- come together. And, then there’s shot series, totaling 30 rounds, at a the challenge of competing and 50mm 10-ring during the precision pushing yourself. I think that’s why stage that is limited to five minutes I stuck with it for this long.” per series. Then, the second half Uptagrafft enjoys shooting both of the match is another six five- Olympic events, so her favorite of shot series, totally 30 rounds, at a the two has alternated over the 100mm 10-ring during the rapid years. fire stage that is limited to three “I kind of bounce back and forth seconds per round in each series. on that. At the beginning, my very These added elements in first National Championships was the Sport Pistol event make it in Air Pistol…but I think lately, I Uptagrafft’s recent favorite. “I think have been better in Sport Pistol,” I prefer Sport Pistol, because it’s she explained. not just precision. The second half Each event has it challenges has a speed element to it.” and varies in the course of fire. At the Olympic level, the mere However, both require extreme difference of a millimeter or concentration to consistently hit portion of a second, can change the center of the target, or the 10- results dramatically. Training for this 32 • THE GRIFFON • Winter 2019

Straight Shooter Staff Sgt. Sandra Uptagrafft recently won Silver Medals in Cont’d from page 31 both the 25m Sport Pistol and 10m Air Pistol events during that you have that toughness both the December Winter Airgun and Selection matches when you are competing. But in Colorado. The Selection Match medal has placed the also, you learn things when you Army Reserve Soldier on the National Team for the are training and competing that you can also take with February 2019 World Cup Games in New Delhi, you into your military life, India. This match could be another opportunity like the perseverance—the for Uptagrafft to not only win a medal but also determination that it takes and the hard work that it takes claim a needed quota spot for Team USA. to win at the elite level. All that However, the trip is not guaranteed to attention to detail translates well happen just yet since the International into the Army.” Of course, no Soldier or Pistol Program has an extremely limited Olympian is perfect, regardless funding budget, which means many of the amount of training. There Olympic pistol competitors must fund all will always be factors that are out of control, emotions to deal their own international competition trips. with and stress to manage. And The World Cup in New Delhi is just one of when competing on the world four remaining World Cup prior to the 2020 stage, Uptagrafft says it can be hard knowing that she is not just Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan. representing herself, but the Army Reserve and the Nation as well. “Sometimes it’s a little heavy. stressful, but it’s also great With the Olympic Trials still It’s a little stressful to have all to know that when you in the distance, it is too soon to those people counting on you,” are standing on that think of the rewards, it is just time reflected Uptagrafft. “You don’t podium, you know—with for more hard work, according want to do poorly, because people the flag going up, that to Uptagrafft. As 2019 gets into are watching. So it can be a little you are representing your full swing, she says she will have country well and showing to dig deep, train hard and stay the rest of the world what focused on the American Dream we can do.” the little girl from Singapore Ultimately, Uptagrafft’s mission imagined. And now that that little completion point is to stand on girl has grown up and become a the podium at the 2020 Olympics Soldier, her Olympic dream has and hear the National Anthem. even more meaning, said the 2020 Though she’s not stood on an Olympic hopeful. Olympic podium yet, she’s stood, “It’s just an honor to be able to listening to the Anthem while serve your country. Not having watching the American Flag rise been born in the United States, at a few CAT and Pan American I feel like being a Soldier and Games, and she says it’s an Olympian means a lot more to me indescribable experience. personally,” said Uptagrafft. “I don’t think I can explain “We came to the U.S. for it,” reflected the Army Reserve opportunity, the ‘Land of the Free,’ Soldier who has medaled in four the ‘Home of the Brave.’ We kind Pan American Games and 15 of had this idea in our minds of National Championships and gets what it was going to be like here, choked up when she hears the and to actually live it, you know, anthem play. “It’s a culmination to live the American Dream… of a lot of hard work, so you feel My being able to win an Olympic proud that all that hard work paid medal for the U.S. is part of that o f f .” dream.”

U.S. Army Reserve Staff Sgt. Sandra Uptagrafft, a medical logistic specialist with Bravo Company, 4/518th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 98th Training Division (Initial Entry Training), fires alongside her teammate, James Hall from Anniston, Alabama during the In- ternational Shooting Sports Federation’s World Cup at Fort Benning, Georgia in May 2018. Photo by USA Shooting THE GRIFFON • Winter 2019 • 33 From the 104th Training Division (LT)Commander GRATITUDE desires, and to view life with a new positive perspective: what we have, what is right, and how I want to challenge we can move forward. This New Year, I want to challenge you to maintain a spirit of you to maintain a gratitude, while maintaining a Warrior focus. No better example comes to mind than the Soldier’s Creed, spirit of gratitude, “I am an American Soldier. I am a warrior while maintaining a and a member of a team. I serve the people of the United States, and live the Warrior focus. Army Values. I will always By Brig. Gen. B.G. Edwards place the mission first. I 1. Am I mentally ready Commanding, 104th Training Division (LT) will never accept defeat. I (Motivated, Enthusiastic, It’s difficult to maintain will never quit. I will never GAT…)? gratitude while experiencing roadblocks and challenges. We recently experienced the leave a fallen comrade. I am 2. Am I trained and ready However, let’s be grateful for cheer of the holidays and the (MOSQ, NCOES, OES, ALMS…)? disciplined, physically and what we have, what we have conclusion of another year. For mentally tough, trained and 3. Am I administratively me, this time of year is always accomplished today, and let’s proficient in my warrior tasks ready (Current NCOER, OER, push for a better tomorrow. Dora special. This time of the year and drills. I always maintain Promotion Packet…)? offers me an opportunity to and I extend to everyone in the my arms, my equipment and spend time with my Family, enjoy 4. Am I physically ready 104th Division, our warmest our favorite dishes, and express myself. I am an expert, and (Passing APFT & Height/ wishes for a prosperous and our gratitude to each other and I am a professional. I stand Weight)? successful New Year! Timberwolf 6 out! the many blessings we have ready to deploy, engage, and 5. Am I medically ready destroy, the enemies of the received. In the spirit of gratitude (Current on PHA, Dental, and the meaning it has to my United States of America Shots…)? life, I want to thank every single in close combat. I am a Soldier of the 104th for their hard guardian of freedom and the work and dedication. Gratitude American way of life. I am an is defined as, “the quality of being American Soldier.” thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return This past year we accomplished kindness.” Many times our focus many things; however, the work is only on the negative (what’s is not yet finished. For the 104th not right), without room for Division to remain READY, every anything else (what is right). Soldier must achieve individual However, gratitude empowers you readiness. To do so, you must ask to live outside yourself, your own yourself: 34 • THE GRIFFON • Winter 2019 From the 104th Command Sergeant Major

reflection of one’s career tells me that I wouldn’t be here without the As NCO’s, we are professional support of my Family, Leaders, and Soldiers who all played a significant trainers of our Soldiers. We are part in my development. Thank you for always pushing me to do better the owners of readiness. Preparing and be better. There have been many positive Soldiers to deploy and win our changes within the 104th HQ, and our team is working hard to get Nation’s battles is key, and training, better at supporting all of you. I couldn’t have asked to serve with physical fitness, mental toughness, a better group of Soldiers, Civilians, Staff, and Command Teams. I am a equipment, and medical is the key firm believer in Mission Command, and trust is a vital part of that. We to our success. can accomplish any objective by CSM William C. Phipps working together as a team. As Army Reserve duties, friends take time to counsel Soldiers (in some of you know, the culture of and hobbies; this is a demanding writing) and let them know our Commanding, 104th Training Division (LT) the Army is going through changes task. Family is always first and expectations. Then we must hold As my first article to the Griffon and the 104th DIV leadership will remember; you can never go back them accountable for their actions after being selected as the 104th embrace them and do our part in time. I can’t count the number of or lack thereof. We must choose the DIV CSM in July of this past year, to assist and communicate those family activities I have missed out HARD right over the EASY wrong. I want to personally thank BG changes so our Soldiers are ready due to my career. You don’t have As NCO’s, we are professional Edwards and CSM Priest for giving and well trained to handle them. As to; however, we must compromise trainers of our Soldiers. We are the me this opportunity to serve the leaders, we owe that to our Soldiers. and communicate to balance owners of readiness. Preparing Timberwolf Soldiers. I couldn’t In today’s Army Reserve, we conflicting schedules. Compromise Soldiers to deploy and win be prouder to be a part of an ask you to sacrifice an extensive means putting your best effort our Nation’s battles is key, and organization that has such an amount of time. You have to into scheduling activities around training, physical fitness, mental honorable and historical lineage. A manage Family, civilian careers, your Battle Assemblies and Annual toughness, equipment, and medical Training/PME. is the key to our success. Plan and Communicating key events in execute realistic training and most your life with your leadership importantly have fun doing it. Take will make your family, your time to get to know your Soldiers. employer and yourself happier Lead from the front and set the in the long run. Never be afraid example in every aspect for them to ask for clarity or assistance, to follow. communication is the key to In closing, I would like to thank success in any organization. Your CSM Peter Trotter for his success workplace should be a positive with the 104th and wish him well place with a positive climate; no in his new position. I would like one wants to be around individuals to congratulate and welcome MG with a negative attitude unless Leahy on her new assignment as they are the same. Not every day our Commander of the 108th TC. I is going to be perfect but do your look forward to working with her part to make the best out of bad and CSM Priest moving forward. situations and have a positive I would like to welcome CSM impact on those around you. Neil Pierce as the 2D BDE CSM Be accountable for your of the 104TH. I would also like to actions, we are all humans and welcome CSM Mario Terenas as make mistakes. Leaders respect the new Cadet Command Sergeant Soldiers that admit their mistakes Major. I look forward to building and take ownership of them. Just a solid relationship and elevating try not repeating the same ones. Cadet Summer Training for the True leaders don’t pass blame. We Drill Sergeants, the Trainers and the must be honest with our Soldiers Cadets. Thank all of you for what you as we expect them to be honest do on a daily basis. Let’s make our with us. We manage expectations proud organization a better one! and entitlements. Leaders must Timberwolf 7 THE GRIFFON • Winter 2019 • 35

THE COMMAND

Soldiers of Task Force Marshall were invited to BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina to participate in their Veteran Day festivities and perform as honor guard during the Flag ceremony. Maj. Gen. (Retired) George W. Goldsmith, Director, SC Veterans Policy Council at Columbia, SC (center) was the guest speaker at the Veteran’s Day breakfast hosted by BCBS.

Sgt. 1st Class Jan Matthews and her husband, Clay, hosted a 4-413th SROTC Battalion Christmas party at their home in Elizabethtown, KY on December 8, 2018. Attending from the Bn. were Don and Kimberly Shively, Sgt. Sickafoose, his son Owen and wife Tabitha (top left group) Maj. Mercado, Clay Matthews, Lt. Col Eggleston, his wife Regina and daughter Winnie (top right group) and Command Sgt. Major Renfrow, Dorian Sickafoose,Maj. Overstreet, Sgt. 1st Class Matthews, Capt. Howell,her daughter Izzy and Valeria Stambone (front group). 36 • THE GRIFFON • Winter 2019

Campus Report: Fall Semester Draws to a Close

By 1st Lt. Jesse Dillon Every day, a group of Reserve The continuous cycle of Soldiers belonging to the 4-413th academia cruises by at a pace Senior ROTC Battalion bring that many of us seem to hardly their talents into the classroom be able to keep up with. Quarters in order to develop the future and semesters slip right through leaders of the U.S. Army, and the cracks of time with the potentially, our country. What only audience giving them any we have brought to you is a attention being that of students small snippet into the day-to-day and staff. ROTC is no exception activities that our hard-working to the rule. It is too easy for us to instructors are bringing to Cadets get so caught up with the hustle everywhere. Take a moment, slow and bustle of our every day down, and appreciate the effort lives, that we tend to forget the that is being put forth to ensure awesome things that are taking success down the road…and all place at the college campuses this is may be happening at a across the U.S. campus near you. Capt. Tsamoutales, of Region 6, presents a scholarship to a cadet attending UAB. Cadets focus on confidence building and prepare to rappel during an ROTC lab.

Capt. Rosebaugh executed an aviation Lab at Ohio State University.

Maj. Clason teaching MSI class at Drexel.

Maj. Kyle Knowles with his wife Christy and University of Connecticut Professor of Military Science Lt. Colonel Chris- topher Morris. Maj. Knowles was promoted by Lt. Colonel Cornell’s Fall FTX. A brief respite to eat some MREs and bond between STX lanes. Morris prior to fall FTX.

Maj. Chelsi Drabek, of Region 6, takes a photo with MG John R. Evans Jr, CO Cadet Command, along with cadets Master Sgt. Billett performed as Master of Ceremony in Septem- University of Dayton cadets conduct FLRC. from UAH and AAMU. Maj. Drabek was the primary trainer ber at the Veterans and ROTC Reunion dinner at his Alma Mater, for the team running the Army 10 miler. Youngstown State University. THE GRIFFON • Winter 2019 • 37

Maj. Peter Demoss (UNC-Charlotte, back right) with his Cadet Ranger Challenge Team.

Maj. Karl Bartsch and Staff Sgt. James Oglesby (Wofford College) at 4th BDE ROTC Ranger Challenge.

Capt. Ranly teaches land navigation.

Maj. Essary Teaches MSIs at the University of Kentucky/Asbury.

Master Sgt. Brett McCall representing the Wofford Terriers while supporting a Ranger Challenge lane.

Cadets at Stonehill College rotate through one of three stations, TC3, radio communications, and movement, at a leadership lab.

Capt. Mariah Doolittle, at George Mason University, leads a TLP class.

Campbellsville University learns to set up patrol bases during Maj. Sara and Capt. Atsitty supervise the University of Michigan’s Color Guard. lab. 38 • THE GRIFFON • Winter 2019 Meet Your Family Readiness Group resources offered by the Army voice and allow us to identify and and other organizations prioritize activities and events based on your needs. 4-413th Fun Facts: Volunteers play such a • Our unit is divided into four necessary role in the Army family regions and one HQ and it’s our privilege to support • We have 164 Soldiers you. If you or anyone in your • We support 91 colleges and family is interested in joining the universities FRG, please contact us to learn FRG members and Battalion Staff bond dur- FRG Coordinator Regina Eggleston and As- • We operate across 25 states, more! ing a friendly game of bowling during the sistant Coordinator Valeria Stambone. Washington DC, and Puerto September Battle Assembly at Fort Knox, Rico • Regina Eggleston Kentucky. On behalf of the 4-413th [email protected] SROTC Battalion Family Readiness its inaugural meeting at the A very unique quality of our • Valeria Stambone September Battle Assembly at Fort Group (FRG), we’d like to unit is that we operate in so many introduce ourselves, share some [email protected] Knox, Kentucky. different geographical areas. This • FRG Coordinator Regina FRG members and Battalion important information, and ask for often makes it difficult to stay your ideas as we plan for 2019. Eggleston and Assistant Staff bond during a friendly game connected with each other, build Coordinator Valeria Stambone. of bowling during the September We are Regina Eggleston, FRG relationships, and learn about Coordinator and Valeria Stambone, Battle Assembly at Fort Knox, resources that can benefit Army The 4-413th FRG kicks off Kentucky. FRG Assistant Coordinator. families. Although we’re both military To help bridge this gap, we spouses who are relatively new to intend to work with all of you the unit, we’re looking forward to to plan and conduct social, supporting you and passing along informational, and morale building important information wherever activities that will increase family you and your families live. readiness and enable the battalion Our main focus areas for and our families to overcome 2019 are to: challenges of the military lifestyle • Build Soldier and Family and thrive as a result. These cohesion and morale activities will support our diverse • Help Families become more team, including spouses, families, self-sufficient significant others, and single • Share timely, accurate Soldiers. We will also distribute a information about our unit brief survey that will capture your • Promote better use of The 4-413th FRG kicks off its inaugural meeting at the September Battle Assembly at Fort Knox, Kentucky.

THE 108TH GRIFFON ASSOCIATION INVITES YOU TO THE 9th Annual Soldiers and Families GOLF TOURNAMENT

Sept. 30, 2019 Pine Island Country Club, Charlotte, NC The 108th Griffon Association is sponsoring the event and wants to invite you to participate or become a sponsor for this worthwhile endeavor.

Proceeds are to be used to: • Provide educational scholarships for Army Reserve Soldiers and members of their families • To promote family readiness and provide assistance to deployed Army Reserve Soldiers’ families • Provide assistance to Soldiers injured in action through existing charitable organizations and projects.

The 108th Griffon Association is a North Carolina non-profit 501(C)(3)corporation made up of past and present members of the 108th Training Command, a two-star Army Reserve Command with headquarters in Charlotte, NC and subordinate units spread across the US, Hawaii and Puerto Rico.

For more information on the tournament, or to be a sponsor, contact The Griffon and ask for Sherry Brooks at 866-761-1247. THE GRIFFON • Winter 2019 • 39 Inspector General Frequently Asked Questions-Complaints (DA 1559)

must resolve the issues by conducting an assistance inquiry as part of an investigation. What type of complaints are IG ap- propriate? As a general rule, IGs will encourage the Soldier or civilian employee to discuss the matter first with the Commander, chain of command or supervisor to allow them a fair chance to solve the issue or allegation; What does the IG Assistance however, if the complainant does not function entail? wish to do so, the IG will work the complaint unless a redress procedure Assistance is the process of receiving, is established and available for that inquiring into, and responding to particular issue. When a redress process complaints or requests for information is available, the IG will advise and point presented to an Inspector General. the complainant in the right direction Anyone, regardless of status, may make and procedures, exercising the IG a complaint or request for information teach and train function. To submit to any Army Inspector General a complaint the complainant must concerning matters of Army interest submit a DA Form 1559, Inspector affecting health, welfare, and/ or General Action Request. personal readiness. As the commander’s Examples of NON IG appropriate representative, IG’s role is to resolve complaints: issues within the limits of the IG system • Non-Army related Matters by enforcing standards and regulations. • Issues with other forms of Redress (reductions, evaluations, etc) What is an IG complaint? • Criminal Allegations An IG complaint is defined as an • Allegations against Senior Officials issue, request for information or request • Allegations against Members of for assistance that does not have a SAP/SA “who” as the violator of a standard or • Allegations of Misconduct for other policy. When the complaint has a “who” professions (doctors, recruiters, IG) for the violator, then the complaint is • Suicide an allegation. When complaints contain • Equal Opportunity both, issues and allegations, the IG • Sexual Harassment or Assault

(SHARP) must present their issues and allegations • Non-Support of Family Members timely in order for IGs to resolve them • Hazardous work conditions effectively. An IG is not required to look • Non-consent to release information into the matter if it was not presented to • Complaints from Creditors the IG within 1 year of becoming aware • Request for Inspector General of the alleged problem or wrongdoing; Records or if three years have elapsed since the date of the problem or wrongdoing. When is an IG complaint For more detailed information or appropriate? guidance please contact us at: An IG complaint is appropriate when 108TH Inspector General Office there is a violation of a standard or 1330 Westover St. Rm 102, Charlotte, an allegation of impropriety. The IG’s NC 28104 may dismiss the complaint if during 704-342-5149/ 5217/ 5141 preliminary analysis, it is determined usarmy.usarc.108-tng-cmd.list.108th- that there is no violation of law, [email protected] regulation, or policy. Complainants 40 • THE GRIFFON • Winter 2019

108th Griffon Association, Inc. Continue to Serve - Be a Member Your 108th Griffon Association utilized is financial support of 108th Griffon Association cannot www.108thgriffonassociation.com. continues to serve the command deployed Soldiers and Soldiers exist. Membership is open to all Of course, any additional donation with a varied of support activities. who may have been injured while present and past soldiers and above the membership dues are To fund this support, the annual on duty. This area of support civilians of the 108th Training. gladly accepted. golf tournament was held on 24 can and has been rendered very Command and its subordinate Because the association board of September, 2018, at the Pine Lakes quickly. Areas where appropriated commands who have served directors is an all volunteer group Country Club near Charlotte, funds are prohibited can also be honorably. Tax deductible dues of of dedicated past and present North Carolina. After a full day supported by the association. only $10.00 per year or $108.00 108th Training Command soldiers of golf, eating and socializing, However, we must be made aware for a lifetime membership is all for life, except for a very minimum $12,824.49 was raised. This of these situations if we are to that is required to be an active of administrative expense, amount will be put to good use provide this support. member. Dues for the 2019 basically all of the money raised for the command and to varied All of what you have just read year are presently due for those is dedicated to the 108th Training veteran organizations. The 2019 is supported not only by the golf who are already year to year Command or other veteran tournament is scheduled for 30 tournament but most importantly members. An application for support organizations. September at the same location. by membership. renewal or new membership We encourage you to contribute There is plenty of time for all Without a strong membership is included in this article or to this mission by your either interested to either play golf or base an organization such as the can be found on our website renewed or new membership. to contribute as a sponsor. It is hoped that maximum attendance and contributions will result. 108th Griffon Association, Inc. SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION This, and other monies from previous fund raisers was distributed in the form of scholarships. During 2018, eight Sponsor’s Name and Rank______scholarships in the amount of [sponsor must either be an active member of the 108th Griffon Association, or any soldier as- $7,000 were awarded to deserving signed and serving with the 108th Training Command (IET) and subordinate Commands] students throughout the entire 108th Training Command. q 108th Association Member or q Serving 108th Training Command (IET) Soldier Eligibility for scholarships is not (check one) limited to active 108th members and its subordinate commands, Sponsor’s Unit______but includes spouses, children and grandchildren of active and Application must include the following prepared by the applicant: past 108th Training Command • Cover letter [include all that apply: a list of extra curricula/community/volun- members to include civilian employees who have served teer activities, work experience (hours per week), and military experience to honorably. include SROTC/JROTC] • Copy of transcripts (high school if entering college for the first time in the fall Scholarships semester or college transcripts if currently/recently enrolled) Scholarships for the 2019 – • Three letters of recommendation from non-family members, and 2020 academic year are now • On a separate sheet please answer the following questions: being accepted until the deadline o What are your educational goals? of 1 April, 2019. A copy of the application can be found o How will achieving these goals improve your life and improve your on the association’s web site community? (108thgriffonassociation.com) or completed from the application Applicant’s Name: ______printed in this article. [applicant may be a member of 108th Griffon Association; child or grandchild of a 108th Grif- fon Association member; soldier of the 108th Training Command (IET) to include subordinate Serving Our Community commands; or the child of a soldier of the 108th Training Command (IET) to include subordi- Donations to veteran’s groups nate Commands) are also part of the 108th Griffon Association’s mission. Donations SSN ______Date of Birth______Gender: Male or Female during 2018 in the amount of $4,250 were distributed to The (circle one) Purple Heart Assoc., Veterans Restoration program, USO at Address (No P.O. Boxes):______Charlotte Douglas International Telephone______EMAIL: ______Airport, American Legion and Freedom and Home Foundation. High School______Graduation Date ______Member Activities GPA(unweighted)______Providing an opportunity for past and present 108th members Address(es)______to gather socially is also one of Name of College You Will Attend Using this Scholaship______the founding objectives. An earlier article in the Griffon described our [You must be accepted/enrolled —­ funds will be issued by the college at registration] 2018 gathering. The 2019 gathering is scheduled tentatively for 19 Location (City, State)______October, 2019. More on this will be forthcoming in a later issue of Application must be received NLT 1 April 2019, any application received after that date the Griffon. If you have not taken advantage of this opportunity, we will not be considered regardless of reason. MAIL COMPLETE APPLICATION TO: 108th encourage you to strongly consider joining us on 19 October. Griffon Association, Inc., Scholarship Committee, P.O. Box 3348, Asheboro, NC 27204 An area that has not been Special Military Resources THE GRIFFON • Winter 2019 • 41

Military Transitional Resources

42 Nine Tips to Improve Your School Transition

43 Online Degree Options with Placement Rates That Will Put You to Work

44 TDP Helps Maintain Overall Health, Dental Readiness 42 • THE GRIFFON • Winter 2019 www.thegriffon108.com Nine Tips to Improve Your School Transition By Christi Ham It’s the letter that military families can dread. Just as they get acclimated to their latest post and develop roots in the community, the orders come from headquarters that it is time to pack up and move to another base, across, or sometimes out of the country. While these moves are not easy on any family member, they present particular challenges for the children of our servicemen and women. Military children, on average, move between six and nine times during their educational careers from kindergarten through high school. Such frequent moves can negatively impact a student’s educational progress as he or she bounces from one school district to another. My organization, Military Families for High Standards, an advocacy group of spouses looking to improve educational experiences and opportunities for our nation’s military-connected students, wanted to make these transitions from school at the ready so you can begin sports focus or club involvements. discuss your child and be sure to take to school easier on the families and conversations at your new school. full advantage of the EFMP services students affected. With this goal Connect With School Liasons available at your installation as well. in mind, we worked closely with Compile School Contact Use the school liaison officer nine different military organizations Information as a resource for gaining access to Get Familiar With The and dozens of military spouses to Collect the names, phone accurate and full information on Interstate Compact create the Military Family’s Guide numbers, addresses and email schools and services on and near The Interstate Compact on to School Transitions, a checklist of information from your old location installations. They can answer many Educational Opportunity for Military nine important steps parents can of those involved with your child’s questions to lead your search in the Children is in place to address take to help make your child’s school school performance to maintain any right direction. transition issues. Their website, as transition easier for each move. needed contact in the future. cited on the guide, fully explains the The full guide is available Get To Know Your Local strength of this resource in relocation for download at http:// Familiarize Yourself With School Board efforts. militaryfamiliesforhighstandards.org The School Curriculum Visit your district’s website for and is ready for anyone to put into Being aware of the curriculum school board information on issues, Take Advantage Of The Plethora practice. It is designed to be shared materials used in your last location test scores, programs and meeting of Military Parent Resources with friends, with those in Units, can help a new administrators place schedules. Many school boards often You should take full advantage of or offered to communities, with an your child in the right courses. include a military member, who can Military Families for High Standards easy to print PDF and additional Keeping a record of what textbooks be a valuable link. and other organizations that stand interactive resources and anecdotes your child used, will certainly make ready to assist you assist you in your from military spouses on the website. this task easier. Meet With School’s Special re-location planning. You can find Organize School Records Needs Director them listed on the guide. They all If you are the parent of a child Prior to movers whisking all have the knowledge to answer your Know Your Child’s Interests with special needs, you know how your property away, pull school questions and welcome your interest. Paint a full picture that gives the vital your role is in shaping their records, copies of birth certificates Military Family’s Guide to School new school community information educational programs. Contact the and immunization records to have Transitions was created in tandem about your child’s hobbies, interests, school’s Special Education Director to with the Air Force Association, the Association of the United States Army, Champions for Children, the Military Child Education Coalition, Military Officers Association of America, Mission: Readiness, the National Math + Science Initiative, National Military Family Association and the Navy League. This guide is a fundamental tool to assist families in setting their children up for success on the next school enrollment. Use it to your best advantage! Questions or comments are welcomed at our website and we extend an invitation to any spouses who might be interested in joining us in our efforts to improve education experiences for our children. Wishing your family the best of luck on your next move. Christi Ham is chairwoman of Military Families for High Standards. Special Military Resources THE GRIFFON • Winter 2019 • 43 Nine Tips to Improve Your School Transition Online Degree Options with Placement Rates That Will Put You to Work If you’re investing time and first universities to offer online-only quality assurance organization for provides advice, guidance, money in an online bachelor’s classes in the 1990s. We offered our online education. This certification advocacy, and outreach sources to degree that syncs with your first all-online degree in 1999. tells you, the student, that we veterans, reservists, guardsmen, and military life, do the homework Both bachelor’s of business provide all the critical student family members who use veterans’ before you enroll. administration and logistics and academic services needed for benefits. Knowing whether your programs are housed in our learner success. Ball State Online was named No. school choice is accredited is Miller College of Business, which The same professors who 8 among universities offering all- a given. But you’ll also want to was a pioneer in digital distance teach on our main campus teach online programs by Victory Media, know the institution’s history of education in the 1980s when it online classes. In addition to their publisher of G.I. Jobs magazine. online education. Has the school offered business classes by TV and commitments to both research We have been named Military distinguished itself in this format of satellite. Those innovative efforts and teaching, they are pioneers Friendly every year since 2009— learning? Who are the instructors evolved into the interactive, online of the online classroom, having a designation given to less than you will interact with each week? programs we offer today. developed best practice methods 15 percent of more than 8,800 Assuming, of course, that these Miller College of Business is for delivering course content. With schools nationwide and is based on classes encourage interaction. among less than five percent of the the help of instructional designers, input from veterans and surveys of Consider two bachelor’s degrees world’s business schools to hold faculty design course work that participating institutions. that would be of interest to accreditation by the Association is engaging and exciting. Exciting Bachelor’s in Business many active military or veterans: to Advance Collegiate Schools classrooms make for exciting Administration the bachelor’s in business of Business (AACSB), the most classroom experiences for you. The bachelor’s degree in administration and the bachelor’s rigorous and globally recognized Your online experience will business administration will in logistics and supply chain accreditation available for business connect you with instructors provide you with a core business management. schools. and classmates and provide many skill set that you can take into You can pursue either of With the proliferation of online occasions to collaborate on virtually any industry. The skills these programs through Ball programs in recent years, you want assignments and participate in you cultivate as a manager, leader, State University, which is not an to know that the online provider discussions. critical thinker, decision-maker, online school but a residential excels in online practices so Instead of face-to-face lectures, and problem solver will work in university located in Muncie, Ind., that you can excel as a business you will communicate or learn a range of work settings—from a with a history that now spans a professional. through email, discussion boards, small entrepreneurial operation to century. Accredited today by the Ball State was the first higher videos, file sharing, wikis, blogs, a multinational corporation. The Higher Learning Commission, the education institution in the web page posting, and other placement rate in the Miller College university has had continuing country to earn Learner Support channels. And you will be learning of business is over 95 percent. institutional accreditation since Program Certification for its online and completing assignments at The business administration 1925. programs, a recognition given by times most convenient to you. Ball State was among the nation’s Quality Matters (QM), a leading Ball State’s Veterans Affairs Online Degree continued on Page 62 44 • THE GRIFFON • Winter 2019 TDP Helps Maintain Overall Health, Dental Readiness Research increasingly shows connections between good oral health and one’s overall wellbeing. This information is changing the way dentists and physicians view and treat oral conditions such as gum disease, which can contribute to an array of health problems including diabetes, heart disease, respiratory disease and other chronic conditions. Learning about the mouth- body connection has motivated people throughout the country to evaluate their own oral care habits and to learn how they impact their physical health. It’s not just your body at stake. Oral health conditions like chronic mouth pain, for example, can damage self-esteem, interfere with social interactions, and result in lost productivity, stress and depression. For military members, poor oral health also can impact dental is a largely preventable condition rheumatoid arthritis. Over the Your dentist’s treatment plan will readiness and affect worldwide where the bacteria in plaque years, studies have found that be based on the stage of your deployment status. inflames the gums and impacts people with gum disease are gum disease and other factors. The most common connection the supporting areas around more likely to have poor heart For all stages, a combination of between poor oral health and the teeth. As it progresses, the health and an increased risk for daily home care and professional chronic medical conditions is inflammation can become heart attacks as well as diabetes dental treatments is essential. periodontal (gum) disease. If you painful and lead to very serious and rheumatoid arthritis. You can avoid gum disease by have it, you’re not alone. Half of problems, including tooth loss. There are two main types of practicing optimal oral hygiene. all American adults have some How does this one dental issue gum disease: Frequent brushing, flossing and form of gum disease, according to impact overall wellness in so • Gingivitis: A mild form of rinsing are essential to preventing the Centers for Disease Control many ways? gum disease, marked by red, gum disease. Remember: Brush and Prevention.1 Experts believe that bacteria swollen and/or bleeding at least twice a day, floss and visit The good news is that the from gum disease can enter into gums. with your dentist regularly. beginning stages of periodontitis the bloodstream where it can • Periodontitis: A serious United Concordia administers (gum disease) can be reversed cause inflammation and injure condition causing gums the TRICARE Dental Program through optimal oral hygiene at major organs. Inflammation is no to recede from the teeth, (TDP), which provides dental home and periodic professional one’s friend. It’s an underlying creating pockets that become coverage for National Guard care at the dentist’s office. problem in many diseases infected. As it worsens, the and Reserve members and their Though common, gum disease including heart disease and body’s immune system may families, as well as active duty respond by destroying the family members. The TDP helps tissues and bone that hold National Guard and Reserve the teeth in place. members maintain their dental The symptoms of gum disease readiness status for worldwide in the early stages might initially deployment with diagnostic go unnoticed, but your dentist services that help prevent will spot them if you don’t. gum disease and other dental Symptoms include: problems. • Persistent bad breath Be ready; stay healthy. TDP • Red, swollen or tender gums members can get two routine • Easily bleeding gums dental examinations by the same • Pain or trouble chewing provider, two routine cleanings • Tooth sensitivity and two fluoride treatments in a • Receding gums consecutive 12-month period at • Loose teeth no cost when seeing a network A routine dental cleaning can dentist. be effective in reversing the TDP also provides enhanced early stages of gum disease. If benefits for members with the disease has progressed, your chronic medical conditions to dentist may recommend a deep ensure members have access cleaning, also known as scaling to the dental care they need to and root planing. In severe cases maintain a healthy mouth and of gum disease, surgery might be fight gum disease. necessary. For details about TDP coverage, visit The goal of gum disease www.uccitdp.com. treatment is infection control.

46 • THE GRIFFON • Winter 2019 TRAVEL USA

Vacation & Travel Section TRAVEL USA TRAVEL USA THE GRIFFON • Winter 2019 • 47 Spring Calls for a Little R&R in Gulf Shores Enjoy spring in Gulf Shores action and holler “throw me and Orange Beach. Warmer something, Mister!” Catch beads, temperatures, lots of sunshine, moon pies and other trinkets at turquoise blue waters and care- the Gulf Coast’s, family-friendly free days are waiting for you on Mardi Gras parades. You’ll enjoy Alabama’s white-sand beaches. the colorful floats and laid-back Spring also brings a variety of atmosphere so much you’ll want renowned events for all interests to return every year for more and ages. springtime fun. Dance along as local musicians March perform, and browse rows of Pick up a one-of-a-kind handmade jewelry and original art masterpiece to add to your art by glass artists, potters, painters, collection, experience local sculptors, watercolorists, and culture as the Poarch Creek others at the 45th Annual Festival Indians perform colorful tribal of Art, March 9-10. dances, and savor delicious Gulf In the market for a new boat, Coast seafood at Ballyhoo on tackle or electronics? Check out March 2. The Wharf’s Boat and Yacht show, From March 1-5, spring into March 29-31, with more than 135 in-water vessels and an additional 450-plus boats displayed on land, from luxury yachts and sports fisherman to center arts and crafts vendors as well of fun activities, great music and consoles, cruisers, pontoons, and as children’s activities offering food. You’re sure to make lots of runabouts. nonstop fun for all ages. great memories and have buckets At the Bama Coast Cruisin, of fun. April April 25-27 at The Wharf, enjoy a Sink your teeth into crawfish, laid-back, family-friendly weekend May and tap your toes at the annual full of amazing vintage, hot rod, Watch your kids’ faces light Waterway Village Zydeco and and classic cars, fun activities, up with excitement when more Crawfish Festival on April 20. live entertainment, and Southern than 40 balloons from across Dance to the infectious rhythms hospitality at its finest. the country float into the sky of some of the best Zydeco Throw a fish over the state line (weather permitting) at the bands from around the South or at the Flora-Bama Mullet Toss, 15th annual Gulf Coast Hot Air work up an appetite at the 5K April 26-28. It’s a great excuse to Balloon Festival, May 2-4. See run/1-mile fun run. There will be throw a weekend party with lots performances by the Disc 48 • THE GRIFFON • Winter 2019 www.thegriffon108.com TRAVEL USA Panama City Beach for Your Fun Getaway

Panama City Beach (www. international. Leading low interests, from families and the Gulf of Mexico and City visitpanamacitybeach.com) fare carrier Southwest Airlines sun-seekers to couples, Pier, department stores and is located in Bay County, Fla., operates daily flights through honeymooners and meetings restaurants include Dillard’s, in the Northwest part of the the airport non-stop from groups. JCPenney, Jimmy Buffett’s state. The destination is best Baltimore, Houston, Austin, Known as the “Seafood Margaritaville, Old Navy, Ron known for its more than 27 Chicago and Nashville. Delta Capital of the South,” Panama Jon Surf Shop and Target. miles of white sand beaches Airlines operates non-stop City Beach offers an array Other fashion retailers include edging emerald-green waters flights from Atlanta. United of dining options to please Ann Taylor Loft, Caché, Chico’s, where the Gulf of Mexico Airlines offers direct flights all palates including award- Coldwater Creek, Hollister and St. Andrew Bay converge. to their international hub in winning restaurants, casual Co., Ulta Beauty and dozens With an average 320 days of Houston. beachfront cafes and family- of one-of-a-kind boutiques and sunshine annually, the region Panama City Beach friendly tables. Cajun specialty shops. has long been favored by has a variety of different influences abound as chefs fuse In addition, Pier Park travelers seeking an affordable accommodation options. More bold flavors and fresh seafood embraces diverse dining beach vacation with year-round than 16,500 rooms ranging to create signature dishes in options such as Hofbrau Beer offerings for families, couples, from resorts, hotels, condos, distinct spaces that make the Garden, Back Porch Seafood & groups and adventure-seekers. town homes and villas are most of their seaside setting. Oyster House, Jimmy Buffett’s The new Northwest Florida available for quick getaways or Visitors can enjoy island Margaritaville, Five Guys Beaches International Airport extended stays in Panama City cuisine, steakhouses, barbecue, Burgers and Fries, Longhorn attracts travelers from major Beach. Each accommodation ethnic cuisine, and specialty Steakhouse, Panera Bread, markets, both domestic and caters to travelers of different sushi. Experiences are available Pompano Joe’s Seafood House, for any occasion from elaborate Tootsies Orchid Lounge and multi-course meals and dinner many more. Shoppers can also cruises to buffets, grills, casual enjoy movies at The IMAX beachside dining and ice cream Grand 16 Theatres, which was parlors. recently retrofitted to offer the In addition to a vibrant high-tech sensory experience culinary scene, Panama City for up to 350 moviegoers. Beach also offers an array of recreational activities and Family Entertainment entertainment options that Panama City Beach offers cater to visitors of all ages. a variety of activities for Please see below for a list of all ages such as marine local favorites: attractions, water parks, zoos, pirate cruises, boating, Pier Park fishing, snorkeling, diving and This 1.1 million square- parasailing. Some of the most foot, open-air regional lifestyle popular family attractions center developed by the Simon include: Property Group, brings unique • WonderWorks shopping, tourist attractions • Pier Park Amusement Rides and dining to the heart of • Gulf World Marine Park Panama City Beach. Located on • Shipwreck Island Waterpark 100 acres directly across from • Coconut Creek Family Fun

50 • THE GRIFFON • Winter 2019 TRAVEL USA

Park • ZooWorld Zoological and Botanical Park • Museum of Man in the Sea Outdoor Adventure In this destination known as the “Wreck Diving Capital of the South,” scuba divers explore historic wrecks and artificial reefs while snorkelers observe Manta rays, brightly colored tropical fish and marine life. Sailing, windsurfing, leisure boating, parasailing and Jet Skiing are all popular ways to explore the Gulf of Mexico. Visitors may also hop aboard tour boats for excursions to Shell Island. For landlubbers, Panama City Beach features five 18-hole championship golf courses. The destination’s golf is world- class, thanks to temperate weather, stunning landscapes, challenging holes and more. Also on land, visitors can fish, hike and camp in St. Andrews State Park or Camp Helen State Park. Upcoming Events Panama City Beach is a bustling place for local festivals and events. Some upcoming events include: creations by Northwest Panama City Beach Mardi Florida’s leading chefs. Gras and Music Festival – March 1-2, 2019: Combine The weekend begins with the excitement of authentic the Kickoff Party Friday night Mardi Gras celebration with presented by Southern Living. the spectacular views of our Raise a glass while you mix emerald green water and sugar and mingle with elite chefs and white sand, and you’re in for listen to live music. a real treat at the Panama City Saturday will comprise of a Beach Mardi Gras and Music Grand Afternoon Tasting and Festival. In conjunction with Cocktail Competition followed the Krewe of Dominique by live entertainment. Youx’s great Mardi Gras at Seabreeze Jazz Festival the Beach parade, the festival – April 25-28, 2019: Named a is always held the weekend “Top 10 Jazz Festival in the before Fat Tuesday and features USA” by JazzIZ Magazine entertainment for the whole and recently nominated as family. “Best Jazz Festival” at the Oasis Smooth Jazz Awards, UNwineD – March 22-23, 2019: A two-day Southern the Seabreeze Jazz Festival in garden party in Aaron Bessant Panama City Beach combines Park featuring superb craft the top national smooth jazz beer, spirits, and wine from artists with a full weekend of around the world, plus culinary fun, sun, great beaches, and

good times - all on the west Moreover, it is within a six- end of Panama City Beach. The hour drive to many major event now attracts over 20,000 Southeastern cities including fans from the USA, Canada, Atlanta, Birmingham, New and Europe for the ultimate Orleans and more, and with performance-packed weekend daily commercial air service of jazz. provided through Northwest There is no bad time to Florida Beaches International experience all that this great Airport, is seamlessly easy to fly destination has to offer as to. Panama City Beach offers year- For more information on round sunshine and an average Panama City Beach visit www. temperature of 77 degrees. visitpanamacitybeach.com.

52 • THE GRIFFON • Winter 2019 www.thegriffon108.com TRAVEL USA TRAVEL USA Aim Higher For Your Next Vacation Universal’s Three Incredible Theme Parks and New Attractions Take Vacations to a New Level

When it’s time for a family vacation you want to make it the best it can be. Universal Orlando Resort™ makes planning it easy with three incredible theme parks, spectacular hotels and a mind-blowing nighttime entertainment complex that offer a complete vacation destination with everything you need for an epic time together. Now Universal is showing its appreciation to service members with a special four days for the price of one ticket offer available at your participating ITT/ LTS Office*. There’s nowhere else you can step into the excitement of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ in two theme parks, exploring the rides and attractions of Hogsmeade™ in Universal’s Islands of Adventure™ and Diagon Alley™ in Universal Studios Florida™. Guests with a park-to-park ticket can even ride between both lands aboard the Hogwarts™ Express†. And even if you’ve never been to Universal, you’ve probably heard of many of their legendary rides. In Islands of Adventure you can swing high above the streets with Spider-Man or narrowly escape a hungry T. rex in Jurassic Park™. In Universal Studios™ you can join the battle between good and evil with the TRANSFORMERS™ and take an unforgettable trip with the Minions through Gru’s laboratory. Plus, there’s the all-new ride Fast & Furious – SuperchargedTM, a full- throttle homage to one of the most popular Special Military Resources THE GRIFFON • Winter 2019 • 53 TRAVEL USA

movie franchises of all time. Let’s HARRY POTTER characters, names and related indicia not forget Universal’s Volcano are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Harry Potter TM Publishing Rights © JKR. (s18) Bay , the stunningly beautiful *This offer is not available for purchase at Universal water theme park with the Orlando theme park front gate ticket windows. Offer based ideal blend of thrilling rides and on the purchase price of an Anytime Season 1-Day Park- blissful tropical relaxation. Two to-Park ticket at Universal Orlando Front Gates. Ticket is spectacular new evening light only available for purchase at participating U.S. military base ITT/LTS ticket offices or the Shades of Green Resort in shows on select nights top it Orlando. Ticket must be purchased by March 31, 2019 and all off with the perfect way to must be used on or before December 31, 2019. Any unused end days of fun: The Nighttime days shall be forfeited. Offer cannot be combined with any Lights at HogwartsTM Castle in other offer, promotion or discount. Limit six (6) tickets per The Wizarding World of Harry purchase. The 2-Park 4-Day Military Promotional Ticket is TM TM valid during regular theme park operating hours and entitles Potter – Hogsmeade and one (1) guest admission to Universal Studios Florida™ and Universal Orlando’s Cinematic Universal’s Islands of Adventure™ on the same day for any GET 4 FOR THE * CelebrationTM in the Universal four (4) calendar days through December 31, 2019. The StudiosTM lagoon. 3-Park 4-Day Military Promotional Ticket is valid during DAY S PRICE OF regular theme park operating hours and entitles one (1) FOR2-PARK MILITARY & 3-PARK MEMBERS, OPTIONS FAMILY AVAILABLE. & FRIENDS.1 And from February through guest admission to Universal Studios Florida™, Universal’s 2-PARK & 3-PARK OPTIONS AVAILABLE. April, Universal’s Mardi Gras Islands of Adventure™ AND Universal’s Volcano Bay™ makes everything even more theme parks on the same day for any four (4) calendar days fun with an amazing nightly through December 31, 2019. Both the 2-Park and 3-Park parade featuring phenomenal Tickets include four (4) days of admission to the paid floats, outrageous street entertainment venues of Universal CityWalk™ through December 31, 2019. Some CityWalk venues require 21 or performers with outlandishly older for admission. Ticket is not valid until activated at colorful costumes and countless Universal Orlando theme park front gate ticket windows. beads flying through the air. Ticket specifically excludes admission to separately ticketed It’s an authentic New Orleans events at either of the theme parks and CityWalk, Universal celebration complete with bands Cinemark, Blue Man Group and Hollywood Drive-In Golf, discounts on food or merchandise, and parking. Ticket from the Big Easy, mouthwatering is non-transferable, nonrefundable, must be used by the Cajun food available for purchase same person on all days, and may not be copied or resold. ASK ABOUT VACATION and, on select nights, the biggest Additional restrictions may apply. †Additional restrictions PACKAGES AT UNIVERSAL’S names in popular music live in apply. Universal Parks & Resorts Vacations is registered CABANA BAY BEACH RESORT. concert. It’s all included with with the State of Florida as a seller of travel. Registration Valid for Active and Retired Military. number ST-24215. TRANSFORMERS and its logo and all Additional restrictions apply. your Universal Studios admission. related characters are trademarks of Hasbro and are used Universal Orlando Resort offers with permission. © 2018 Hasbro. All Rights Reserved. © SPECIAL TICKET OFFER NOW AVAILABLE AT YOUR LOCAL BASE ITT/LTS OFFICE. 2018 DreamWorks LLC and Paramount Pictures Corporation. days and days of relaxation, fun HARRY POTTER characters, names and related indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Harry Potter Publishing Rights © JKR (s19) All Rights Reserved. © 2018 MARVEL. Jurassic Park TM *This offer is not available for purchase at Universal Orlando theme park front gate ticket windows. Offer based on the purchase price of an Anytime Season 1-Day Park-to-Park ticket at Universal Orlando Front Gates. Ticket is only available for purchase and excitement. So, go ahead – at participating U.S. military base ITT/LTS ticket offices or the Shades of Green Resort in Orlando. Ticket must be purchased by March 31, 2019 and must be used on or before December 31, 2019. Any unused days shall be forfeited. Offer cannot be combined Universal Studios/Amblin. Universal elements and all related with any other offer, promotion or discount. Limit six (6) tickets per purchase. The 2-Park 4-Day Military Promotional Ticket is valid during regular theme park operating hours and entitles one (1) guest admission to Universal Studios Florida™ and aim higher and enjoy your best Universal’s Islands of Adventure™ on the same day for any four (4) calendar days through December 31, 2019. The 3-Park 4-Day Military Promotional Ticket is valid during regular theme park operating hours and entitles one (1) guest admission to indicia TM & © 2018 Universal Studios. All rights reserved. Universal Studios Florida™, Universal’s Islands of Adventure™ AND Universal’s Volcano Bay™ theme parks on the same day for any four (4) calendar days through December 31, 2019. Both the 2-Park and 3-Park Tickets include four (4) days of admission family vacation yet. to the paid entertainment venues of Universal CityWalk™ through December 31, 2019. Some CityWalk venues require 21 or older for admission. Ticket is not valid until activated at Universal Orlando theme park front gate ticket windows. Ticket specifically excludes admission to separately ticketed events at either of the theme parks and CityWalk, Universal Cinemark, Blue Man Group and Hollywood Drive-In Golf, discounts on food or merchandise, and parking. Ticket is non-transferable, nonrefundable, must be used by the same person on all days, and may not be copied or resold. Additional restrictions may apply. Universal Parks & Resorts Vacations is registered with the State of Florida as a seller of travel. Registration number ST-24215. Cabana Bay Beach Resort TM & © 2019 UCF Hotel Venture II. All rights reserved. Jurassic World is a trademark and copyright of Universal Studios and Amblin Entertainment, Inc. Licensed by Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved. Universal elements and all related indicia TM & © 2019 Universal Studios. All rights reserved. 1729197/AS 54 • THE GRIFFON • Winter 2019 www.thegriffon108.com TRAVEL USA World of Speed Presents Mario Andretti: Racing Royalty

With 80-100 vintage and retrospective of his achievements historic race cars, motorcycles, and features vehicles from some of those hydroplanes always on display, World important wins as well as other cars of Speed Motorsports Museum is from his storied race career. a must-see destination for racing Along with this retrospective, the enthusiasts of all types. Located in Museum is proud to present original Wilsonville, Oregon, just 20 minutes interview film footage with Mario south of Portland in the scenic himself, his twin brother Aldo, son Willamette Valley, the Museum is Michael, and grandson Marco. The filled with exhibits and interactive films also feature racing luminaries activities that provide hours of fun including former President of Race for the whole family. Operations for IndyCar and Race On March 23, World of Speed Director Brian Barnhart, President of Motorsports Museum will unveil Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) their new exhibit, Mario Andretti: Doug Boles, two-time IndyCar 500 Racing Royalty, honoring the most winner Al Unser Jr, four-time IndyCar successful American race car driver 500 winner Al Unser Sr., and IMS of all time. The feature exhibit Historian Donald Davidson. celebrates the 50th anniversary of World of Speed’s galleries his Pike’s Peak and Indianapolis 500 showcase a main featured exhibit race wins, as well as his success which changes every six to nine across five decades of racing. This months, along with several other Special Military Resources THE GRIFFON • Winter 2019 • 55 TRAVEL USA

smaller exhibits that change every – a rotating exhibit honoring women the Museum’s nine to 12 months. The Archive and their contributions to racing; two state-of-the- preserves photographs, artifacts, and Race Car Simulators – three art classrooms technical drawings, publications, simulators representing NASCAR, and 11-bay auto memorabilia, and much more. These IndyCar, and Formula One racing shop. Behind- items are accessible online, in the test a driver’s skills and nerve during the-scene tours Archive Room, and in exhibits 12-minute races. of the program throughout the Museum. The Start Line Club has kid- take place most The Museum also has several focused interactive educational Saturdays. permanent exhibits on display, games and toys for children of World of Speed including: Daytona Banking – a 31 all ages, including a replica Ford Motorsports Museum degree banked-turn replica of the Mustang. The newest addition is the is located at 27490 original tri-oval course featuring four Super Service Center – a replica of SW 95th Ave. in vehicles from legendary NASCAR an automotive garage where children Wilsonville, Ore., just drivers along with race suits, helmets can change tires, replace the “oil,” and off of Interstate 5. and other memorabilia showcasing perform other services on a kid-sized The Museum is open Daytona 500 racers; ZERO TO 1000 car. Tuesday-Friday from 6-12 are $5; and children ages 5 and MPH – an exhibit detailing over World of Speed has received 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. under are free. World of Speed is also a a century of land speed records national attention for its innovative to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 Blue Star Museum. For more information using vintage car models and toys automotive education program. p.m. Admission for adults is $10; seniors, (including details on the Turkey Ride) alongside automobiles from Mickey Students from nine area high schools students, veterans, and active military visit www.worldofspeed.org or call 503- Thompson’s fleet; Women in Racing attend college-credit classes in (with valid I.D.) are $8.50; youth ages 563-6444. 56 • THE GRIFFON • Winter 2019 www.thegriffon108.com TRAVEL USA Taste the Best of Hendersonville at Cider, Wine and Dine Weekend

In Hendersonville, North Weekend allows visitors to Carolina, apples reign supreme. explore the diversity found at A ride along back roads outside Hendersonville’s cideries and of town reveals slopes covered wineries. Ciders vary from in orchards. Cool nights in a dry European-style with summer and bright, sunny days Champagne-like bubbles to a in winter, provide ideal growing slightly sweet easy-drinking conditions for apple trees. This beverage reminiscent of biting time of year, delicate pink and into an apple. And wines are as white blooms blanket branches, bold as an inky-dark merlot and containing the hope of a big as light and crisp as a dry rosé. harvest this fall. Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards To celebrate the start of a was the first commercial new apple crop, Hendersonville vineyard in Henderson County. hosts Cider, Wine & Dine The vines are located on land Weekend, April 25-28. More that has been in the same than 40 events throughout the family for nine generations. The weekend allow guests to tour wines reflect that rich sense of cideries, meet winemakers, place. Guided tastings showcase listen to live music, and indulge wines made from 14 varieties in special dinners at wineries of French vinifera grapes. On APPALACHIAN RIDGE . PHOTO COURTESY ANDY JAY and tasting rooms. After a Friday evening, Saint Paul successful first year, this second throws a Twist & Shout Dance annual event adds an extra day Party with music from the ’60s, with a ticketed kickoff gala. ’70s and ’80s. Then on Saturday The opening gala on evening, guests participate in Thursday, April 25, provides an interactive experience at a preview of the weekend. Saint Paul’s second tasting room Participating venues serve food in nearby Flat Rock, where they and drink samples, and tickets prepare their own dinner using will be available for upcoming wine from the vineyard. events. Music and dancing set Across the road from Saint a festive tone. The gala takes Paul is the winery’s sister place at the stately Horse Shoe location, Appalachian Ridge Farm. Located on 85 acres along Artisan Ciders. Cider is served the French Broad River, the in a 1940s barn that’s been property offers lodging, venue converted into a tasting room. A space for both intimate and spacious back porch overlooks large events, and a spa. the apple orchard. Appalachian BOLD ROCK CIDER . PHOTO COURTESY SAM DEAN Cider, Wine & Dine Ridge invites visitors to start their Saturday or Sunday with Across the county in the Mills a breakfast in the orchard, River countryside, Bold Rock complete with coffee roasted Hard Cider operates a state- onsite, cider mimosas, and of-the-art apple-pressing barn, biscuits and croissants served production facility, tasting room with local jams and jellies. After and cider garden. The Virginia- the meal, guests can see the based company opened its farm on a guided tour. Saturday second location here in 2015 evening brings blues music, a due to the ready supply of giant pan of paella and fresh fresh apples. Bold Rock is now apple desserts. the largest craft cidery in the TRAVEL USA Special Advertising Supplement THE GRIFFON • Winter 2019 • 57

perform on the lawn. Street, lends its expertise with BURNTSHIRT VINEYARDS . PHOTO COURTESY SAM DEAN Burntshirt Vineyards hosts local cider and wine tastings live music, vineyard tours, wine throughout the weekend. The tastings and food offerings tastings are free, and customers all weekend at both its are welcome to shop a carefully Hendersonville and Chimney curated collection of wines, Rock locations. The winery kitchen gadgets and cookbooks. produces more than 20 estate- Just down the street, grown wines, varying from dry Hendersonville’s Visitor to sweet. Its apple wine blends Center is a one-stop-shop for six varieties of apples to create experiencing apple country. a slightly sweet porch sipper. Drop in for travel tips and advice In Hendersonville, Burntshirt’s from Hendersonville experts and whimsical tasting room is an excellent selection of area surrounded by rolling vineyards, maps and brochures. while in Chimney Rock, the For more information about tasting room and bistro look out Cider, Wine & Dine Weekend and upon the namesake rock and local lodging options, go to www. Hickory Nut Falls. VisitHendersonvilleNC.org/Cider- Wine Sage & Gourmet, a Wine-Dine-Weekend or call (800) specialty wine and culinary retail 828-4244. shop on Hendersonville’s Main

country. The Be Bold Food mead, an ancient fermented Truck Festival, a hit at last year’s beverage made from honey. event, returns on Saturday. On Friday, the vineyard will This all-day event includes release its newest lineup of food trucks from throughout meads during its Highlands the region, as well as Bold Festival. The event celebrates Rock’s own smokehouse truck. the Scotch-Irish heritage of There will be live music on the Western North Carolina with outdoor stage and plenty of hard Celtic folk music, dancing and cider flowing. kilts. On Sunday, a Mountain Hendersonville’s newest Top Brunch makes the most of winery, Point Lookout Vineyards, Point Lookout’s nearly 3,000-foot adds a different beverage to elevation with sweeping views the mix. In addition to its of the surrounding mountains. selection of European-style Throughout the afternoon, wines, Point Lookout produces bluegrass and gospel groups 58 • THE GRIFFON • Winter 2019 TRAVEL USA National Army Museum Marches to Completion The National Museum of the Hubans, AHF’s Director of Museum United States Army is rapidly taking Operations. “With so much to see in shape at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Since the area, it will be a great destination ground was broken in 2016, Museum for families of all interests and age construction has charged ahead at a groups.” quick clip — now over 90% complete Although located on Fort Belvoir, and set to open in 2020. the Museum entrance will be at a “The urgency to build a Museum publicly accessible gate, making that honors those who have served entrance to the Museum quick in the U.S. Army, and the generations and easy for visitors. The Museum who will serve in years to come, campus offers ample free parking has kept us focused on completing and admission to the Museum, this historic project,” said Lieutenant which will be open seven days a General Roger Schultz (USA-Ret.), week and is also free. The Museum’s President of the Army Historical cafe will offer local and healthy Foundation (AHF), the Army’s gourmet food. Catering services and official fundraising partner for the accommodations for groups will be campaign to build the Museum. “With personalized to meet individual needs construction nearing completion, the and budgets. reality of the project is really hitting Once construction of the physical home for all of us. Excitement is space is complete, the U.S. Army at the Museum. A Sikorsky building and will only grow as the will transform the building into a R-4b helicopter and the galleries and exhibits really take National Museum fit with the latest only existing reproduction shape.” advances in museum technology of Orville and Wilbur The Museum is being constructed and exhibitry. Even now, with the Wright’s 1908 Wright Flyer on 84 acres of publicly accessible building fully enclosed, the Museum’s previously on display at the land at Fort Belvoir, less than 30 notable interior design features are Smithsonian’s Udvar-Hazy minutes south of Washington, D.C. Its also taking shape. These elements Air and Space Museum, location allows for easy travel times include the Army Theater, with will be featured, reminding from a number of major airports for its 306-degree structure that will visitors that many major those travelling from farther afield. provide Museum visitors with a multi- advancements in air travel The building will be approximately dimensional sensory experience; the started with the Army. 185,000 square feet and display Army Experiential Learning Center (ELC), “The Museum will be a artifacts, documents, images, and a unique interactive resource center major tourist destination artwork. The vast majority of these that includes GSTEM educational for veterans and their rare and priceless selections have programs and simulated rescue families, currently serving never been seen by the American mission activities to challenge visitors; Soldiers, school groups, people. and the Fighting for the Nation and the general public,” “Because of the Museum’s close Galleries which chronicle Army said General Gordon R. Sullivan (USA-Ret.), AHF’s proximity to the nation’s capital— history spanning the Revolutionary and state-of-the-art systems. These and just ten miles from George War to the current conflicts. Chairman. “As the capstone of the simulators will attract both the young Army Museum Enterprise, it will Washington’s Mount Vernon— we A cutting edge simulation gallery and the young-at-heart by offering a will be offering customized itineraries will transport visitors into Army provide the only comprehensive like-life immersion into the Soldier history from the founding of the to make touring the area an easy experiences through the power experience. day trip for families,” noted Jamie of virtual reality, motion platforms, United States to the present.” The Army and Society Gallery, The Foundation has received more which will explore the many ways than 800,000 private donations, the relationship among the Army, contributing more than $164 million government, and the American toward the $200 million needed for people has shaped the nation’s construction. Individuals, units and history, will be a unique feature of veterans’ groups can also support the Museum. As no other known the project by ordering personalized American military museum hosts a commemorative bricks, unit markers gallery that addresses this important and memorial benches; and by symbiotic relationship between the sponsoring the Museum’s Veterans’ Army and American society, this Hall. For more information visit gallery will be a standout attraction armyhistory.org TRAVEL USA THE GRIFFON • Winter 2019 • 59 Nitty Gritty Dirt Band Headlines Sevierville’s 15th Annual Bloomin’ BBQ and Bluegrass Festival The iconic and profoundly Jimmy Martin, and influential Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, many others. The often cited as a catalyst for an album bridged cultural entire movement in Country Rock gaps by introducing a and American Roots Music, will whole new generation headline Sevierville’s 15th Annual to earlier styles of Bloomin’ BBQ & Bluegrass festival. music. Nitty Gritty Dirt Band will The Bloomin’ BBQ take the stage at Bloomin’ BBQ & Bluegrass festival, & Bluegrass on Saturday, May 18, which runs from 5p.m. 2019 beginning at 8 p.m. until 10 p.m. on Friday, The band has toured non-stop May 17, 2019 and from for 53 years and racked up multi- 9 am until 10 p.m. platinum and gold records, strings on Saturday, May 18, of top ten hits such as “Fishin’ in 2019 features a full the Dark” and “Mr. Bojangles”, and lineup of bluegrass multiple GRAMMY, IBMA, and CMA entertainment on the awards. The band is perhaps best main stage. known for their groundbreaking Friday’s musical “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” entertainment begins album. Released in 1972, the three- at 5 p.m. with a live LP set featured collaborations performance from with bluegrass and country music Priscilla & Little legends including Roy Acuff, RicKee featuring “Mother” Maybelle Carter, Doc special guest and Watson, Earl Scruggs, Merle Travis, multi-award-winning songwriter Louisa Branscomb. At 6 p.m. Jimbo Whaley & Greenbrier take p.m.). Love Canon performs their “This is one of our most exciting the stage followed by 11-time IBMA acoustic take on electronic-tinged festival line-ups yet,” says festival fiddle player of the year Michael pop hits of the ‘80s and ‘90s live at coordinator Amanda Marr. “Our Cleveland & Flamekeeper at 7p.m. 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Phil Leadbetter goal is to provide a showcase of Two-time IBMA Entertainer of and the All-Stars of Bluegrass are quality bluegrass and Americana the Year Balsam Range headlines on stage at 4p.m. and 7 p.m. Nitty music in the heart of Sevierville. Friday evening’s performances Gritty Dirt Band closes out the This year’s festival is going to be beginning at 8 p.m. Since forming festival at 8 p.m. fantastic.” in 2007, Balsam Range has garnered 13 IBMA awards, released eight critically-acclaimed albums, and headlined major festivals coast-to- coast. Their current album, Aeonic, is available now. Saturday’s main stage line up begins at 2 p.m. as five-time IBMA female vocalist of the year Dale Ann Bradley takes the stage for the first of two sets (at 2 p.m. and 5 60 • THE GRIFFON • Winter 2019 TRAVEL USA Chattanooga: Trolley Tours, Street Parties, Music Festivals and More a thriving arts Didn’t bring your bike? No USA. Many military leadership and music scene problem! Use our Bike Share classes have made the with plenty of Program where $8.00 gets you pilgrimage to the Chickamauga annual festivals 24-access to over 30 stations and Chattanooga National Military and events that 300 bikes. Then, just 45 minutes Park established in 1889 to offer year-round away, you can whitewater raft on study the generals that fought fun. the Ocoee “1996 Olympic” River there during the Civil War. We are or, if you dare, jump off Lookout If you love MUSIC then located right off Mountain’s west side in a hang- check out the all NEW our of Interstates glider made for two. Speaking 4-Day Riverbend Music Festival I-24; I-59 and of Historic Lookout Mountain, with Keith Urban headlining I-75. You can located only 15 minutes from May 31, 2019. ou will find this park your car downtown Chattanooga you’ll year’s scheduled acts at www. and check out find a whole new list of things RiverbendFestival. com . the free Electric to do from riding the steepest Shuttle or Incline Railway in the world, Want something enjoy a great to going underground to see a more intimate? sightseeing 145’ waterfall at Ruby Falls to Main Street and the new tour with The walking through award-winning entertainment district at Tennesseer. gardens at Rock City Gardens. Station Street will be perfect This unique www.lookoutmountain.com for you. Enjoy line dancing at tour will get you Experience the Battles Westward Country Lounge or up to speed on for Chattanooga Museum dance to ‘80s and ‘90s tunes at all the scoop presentation on the battles of Regan’s Place or stroll over to in downtown 1863 and stroll the National the STIR Restaurant and have a and on Lookout Park Battlefield unit at Point cocktail or two. Be one of the Chattanooga is the Gateway Mountain. If Park. Don’t miss the 13’ x 30’ first in the nation to check out to Tennessee and is nestled the great outdoors is more painting done by an eye-witness Songbirds Guitar Museum at along the banks of the beautiful your style, then don’t miss our to the 1863 Chattanooga battles the Chattanooga Choo Choo Tennessee River and surrounded great outdoor adventures like located in the NPS Visitors Complex. This is one of the by the spectacular scenic kayaking, paddle-boarding or Center across the street from largest and most rare collections beauty of the mountains and the canoeing right in downtown. Point Park. If time allows, head in the world. Then walk across Cumberland Plateau. You are only a 15 minute drive down to the Chickamauga the street and take a tour & You will enjoy a newly to hiking trails, mountain biking Battlefield at Fort Oglethorpe tasting at Chattanooga Whiskey revitalized green riverfront or out at places like the High to see the new movie Company’s distillery. And city, first class attractions, great Point Climbing Center where presentation “Death Knell of the Chattanooga has a variety of Southern hospitality, rich Native a short lesson can have you Confederacy” at the NPS visitor’s musicians that call it home from American and Civil War history, scaling the Pit or going three center and then head out to the 1920’s great Bessie Smith, outdoor adventures and locally stories up. Check them out at drive the oldest and largest the Empress of Blues, to Clyde owned restaurants and cafes, www.highpointclimbing. com. National Military Park in the Stubblefield, lead drummer for James Brown to today’s top R & B legend, Usher. Check out our CHA Tunes on Spotify. And here are a few other great things not to miss: our Riverfront District includes the Tennessee Aquarium, the world’s largest fresh-water aquarium; or while away an evening at a Chattanooga Lookouts Baseball game on Hawk Hill downtown. Then enjoy a prime-rib dinner and music on the Southern Belle Riverboat or splash down in the morning in a Chattanooga Duck, a WWII amphibious military vehicle. We guarantee to provide you and your family with a vacation that you will talk about for years to come. Whatever thrills you – we think you will find it in Chattanooga Tennessee. Come see this place we call home! CHATTANOOGA. Plan your visit today! For more information check out our website at www. ChattanoogaFun. com or email Shelda Spencer Rees at ssrees@ chattanoogacvb.com If you are interested in bringing your military reunion to Chattanooga – we’ve got you covered! Email Reunion Specialist – Ms. Jeannie Tatum jeanniet@ chattanoogacvb.com. THE GRIFFON • Winter 2019 • 61 TRAVEL USA Special Military Resources Cedar Hill Features the Best Hiking in DFW

all year. Pecans, bur oaks and more of migrating and nesting birds, will provide you cool, gentle shade, including orioles, tanagers, warblers, and smaller trees like eve’s necklace hummingbirds, woodpeckers and will also be available for your many more. viewing pleasure. The 1.65-mile West Loop Trail Escarpment Trail at Cedar features beautiful panoramic views Ridge Nature Preserve across Joe Pool Lake all the way to As a slice of hill country in North AT&T Stadium in Arlington. If you adjust your gaze a bit higher in the Cedar Hill continued on Page 62 sky, you may see a wide variety

If you’re looking for some West Loop Trail at great hiking near Dallas, there are Dogwood Canyon some excellent options in Cedar Dogwood Canyon in Cedar Hill is Hill. Whether you want a shorter one of the best options for hiking in stroll to enjoy the natural beauty Dallas (as featured in Travel + Leisure or something longer and more magazine). With its 270 acres of challenging, hiking trails in Cedar nature to explore, there are plenty Hill are abundant. We’ve got a list of of places to roam. Hiking here in the top ones right here, so you can the spring gives you a breathtaking choose the one you like the best or view of rolling hills and flowering try them all. dogwoods, but there’s plenty to see 62 • THE GRIFFON • Winter 2019 Online Degree ADVERTISER INDEX Cont’d from page 42 online classroom brings together Academy of Art BC Gulf Shores & Orange Beach 47 Patriots Point 57 students from different levels on Ave Maria School of Law 23 Harlan County, KY 55 Pender County NC 56 the org chart as well as different industries and enterprises, which Ball State University 43 Hendersonville, NC 56 Pfeiffer University 33 enriches class discussions. Beckfield College 11 Independence University 17 Port of Seattle 31 When we say your online classroom will have professors who Bush’s Best Visitor Center 59 Indiana Tech 35 Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad 58 are the best in the business, it’s Canadian Pacific Railway 33 Indiana Wesleyan University 35 Quality Drive-Away because our AACSB accreditation requires it. / Foremost Transport 17 Capt. Anderson’s Marina 50 Jefferson College of Health Sciences 34 Bachelor’s in Logistics and San Diego County Supply Chain Management Chattanooga, TN 60 Kent County, MD 55 Sheriff’s Department 14 Core classes provide you City of Cedar Hill, Texas 61 L&P Transportation, LLC 5 with a solid foundation in Sevierville TN 59 logistics, science, technology, Clarion University 32 Llano, TX 61 Southwest University 10 and management through Coastal Carolina University 3 Logan County, WV 46 interdisciplinary, relevant Summitt Trucking 31 instruction. Internships and a Collaborative for Student Success 7 Mary Baldwin University 23 Superior Bulk Logistics, Inc. 32 senior capstone project give you Colorado Denver, University of 11 Massanutten Military Academy 39 the opportunity to work on- Techline 30 site with leaders in the logistics Colonial Freight Systems 18 Memphis Police Department 21 Tennessee Wesleyan University 30 industry. Colorado Christian University 26 Mesquite, TX 61 You’ll learn how to move Time4Learning 42 goods from one place to another Danny Herman Trucking 9 Missouri Western State University 5 Tri State Expedited Service 34 quickly, safely, and efficiently as Divine Mercy University IFC Mount Pleasant, SC 57 well as understand linkages with United Concordia 45 procurement, operations, and other East Tennessee State University 9 National Army Museum 58 University Behavioral Health of Denton 39 supply chain functions. As one industry insider put it, ECPI University 23 NBC Universal 53 University of Miami Online 10 “The logistics field is hot. If you’re EL Robinson Engineering 31 NC A&T State University 16 looking for a job today, chances are University of New Haven 34 you’re going to be hired tomorrow Estes 16 Northern Vermont University 18 Visit Sugarland, TX 61 because there are not enough Forest Trail Academy 28 Norwich University 31 professionals out there.” World of Speed 54 That may explain why logistics Fort Madison IA 54 Ocean Corporation, The 19 Wright State University 39 graduates have a 100 percent Fort Myers and Sanibel Florida 51 Oregon Tech 19 placement rate. Learn more: bsu.edu/online/ Graduate School USA 27 Panama City Beach 49 griffon.

forests and creeks with no rough options to pick from after you’ve located between the top of the Cedar Hill TX terrain. Looking for something a little been on some of the best hiking Balcones Escarpment and Joe Cont’d from page 61 tougher? Try the Overlook or Talala trails in Dallas. An enjoyable hike Pool Lake. The Cedar Mountain Texas, Cedar Ridge Nature Preserve Trails. and a good meal can be a couple Nature Preserve, on the other side has plenty of options for great hiking of life’s pleasures, and you can of Dogwood Audubon Center, (as featured in D Magazine) among Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center experience then both in Cedar Hill. is currently undergoing trail its 600 acres of natural habitat. The The hilly terrain of Dogwood construction. This 110-acre preserve best of these may be Escarpment Canyon gives you some perfect Coming Soon features some of the highest Trail, a beautiful 2.5-mile roundtrip chances for overlooks that really The Cedar Hill Parks and Recreation elevations for hiking trails in Dallas hike that ends at Cattail Pond. On showcase everything the area has Department has developed an exten- County at 700 feet above sea level. this moderate trail, you’ll see native to offer. There are nearly four square sive master plan to achieve its vision The goal is to develop a fully- trees, grasses and wildflowers. Bird miles of trails to hike, but if you want of transforming Cedar Hill into a “city integrated system of trails and watching is also popular activity to learn more about the things you within a park.” bikeways that connect to all parts of here – be sure keep an eye out for see there, you can attend lectures These plans include developing Cedar Hill for both recreation and the rare black-capped Vireo. by local naturalists at the new, trails and scenic overlooks for the transportation. The trail is accessible year-round, 6,000-square-foot visitors’ center. 52-acre Calabria Nature Preserve, but the park often closes after heavy Since opening in 2011, the rains to preserve and protect the Dogwood Canyon Audubon trails. Just be sure to check their Center has featured an assortment Facebook page for the latest updates. of academic programs and conservation workshops for visitors. Duck Pond Trail at The center aims to connect people Cedar Hill State Park with nature and wildlife in an urban Located right on Joe Pool Lake, area like Dallas. There’s something Cedar Hill State Park offers a wide for everyone, and you can check out variety of outdoor activities, from all of their offerings here. hiking and biking to boating, swimming and fishing. The park has Grab a Bite to Eat miles of trail options for everyone, After your hike it’s probably including the Dorba Trail for time for some food, and there mountain biking, designed with the are great places to eat close by in help of the Dallas Off Road Bicycle Cedar Hill’s historic downtown Association. area. Consider checking out Sam’s If you’re looking to stay on your Pizza on Cedar St., or Campuzano feet for a nice, easy hike, then the Mexican Food on Beltline Rd. There’s Duck Pond Trail is perfect for you. also David’s Seafood Grill, Mister The shortest hike in Cedar Hill James and Babe’s Chicken Dinner State Park, this 1.3-mile trail is a House, among other great choices. That way you get a wide variety of kid-friendly stroll through fields, Photography Courtesy SeanPhotos Fitzgerald

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