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an edition of ALASKAthe POST The Interior Military News Connection Vol. 10, No. 23 Fort Wainwright, Alaska June 14, 2019

Team Greely honors fallen CSM Michael Grinston selected as Alaska National Guard Soldier Chris Maestas 16th Sergeant Major of the Army U.S. Army Garrison Alaska, Fort Greely Public Affairs Army Public Affairs

Secretary of the Army Dr. Mark T. Esper and Army Team Greely joined together June 11 to remember Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Milley, announced today Sgt. 1st Class Russell A. Hepler during a memorial Command Sgt. Maj. Michael A. Grinston will assume service at the Fort Greely Chapel. Hepler was responsibilities as the 16th sergeant major of the recently promoted to the rank of sergeant first Army. class and served as a platoon sergeant for Alpha “I look forward to working with Command Sgt. Company, 49th Missile Defense Battalion. Maj. Michael Grinston,” Esper said. “The Army is Hepler, 35, was dip-netting with his wife Shandra in the midst of a renaissance, and he is a great choice Hepler on June 8 in Copper River near O’Brien to carry on our readiness, modernization and reform Creek, south of the town of Chitna. Hepler was efforts.” observed as the incident occurred and attempts were Grinston currently serves as the senior enlisted made to save him, but he was carried downstream. leader for U.S. Army Forces Command – the Team Greely extends their most sincere U.S. Army’s largest command and provider of condolences to his wife, Shandra, their children, expeditionary land forces. He is a combat veteran who loved ones, friends and the Soldiers he served has served in every leadership position from team alongside. leader to division command sergeant major. His deployments include two tours each to Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, as well as Desert Shield, Desert Storm and to Kosovo. Grinston also served as the senior enlisted leader for the Army’s first deployment of a division headquarters, with 1st Infantry Division, in support of Operation Inherent Resolve from October 2014 to June 2015. Command Sgt. Maj. Michael A. Grinston (Photo by U.S. Army) See SMA on page 3 In the unlikely event of a water landing Team Greely joined together June 11 to remember Airman 1st Class Shannon Chace Sgt. 1st Class Russell A. Hepler during a memorial 168th Wing Public Affairs service at the Fort Greely Chapel. Hepler was recently promoted to the rank of sergeant first class and served as a platoon sergeant for Alpha Company, If you’ve ever flown on a commercial plane, 49th Missile Defense Battalion. Team Greely extends you’ve probably heard the phrase “in the unlikely their most sincere condolences to his wife Shandra, event of a water landing.” their children, loved ones, friends and the Soldiers What happens if that really occurs? How do you he served alongside. (Photo by Chris Maestas, U.S. survive in the water? Army Garrison Alaska, Fort Greely Public Affairs) Rated air crew members of the Air National Guard continually train for that very situation. Every three years, these Airmen put on their water wings and complete water survival refresher Show us your Alaska training. Alaska’s cold weather and long winters present Staff Report to include the activity, challenges in scheduling and completing water location, anyone in the survival training. On June 1, despite wind and rain, photo and the name of Airmen with the 168th Wing geared up and jumped Want to have a photo who took the photo for off the dock at Chena Lakes Recreation Area outside featured in the Alaska proper attribution. Fairbanks, Alaska. Post or Fort Wainwright Additionally, photos “Basically, the training is designed to teach us Facebook and Instagram must be your original how to survive water,” said Col. Roger Ludwig, pages? work of the person 168th Medical Group chief of aerospace medicine. Send us your favorite submitting and not contain “That would be as if we crashed or landed in or on photo taken from offensive or objectionable the water, near the water, under the water; however throughout the great state in manner. Must have we wind up, how do we get out and how do we as a Senior Master Sgt. Richard Smith and Capt. Derek of Alaska for a chance to release authority if group, not just as an individual, survive it?” Boschma, Airmen with the 168th Operations Group, have one featured. This is submitting a photo of a Ludwig joined the wing in 2015 after spending Alaska Air National Guard, assist another Airman into a great way to share the minor child or personnel 17 years with the 142nd Medical Group, Oregon Air the raft during water survival training June 1, 2019, many things there are to in any area not open to National Guard. He noted that the training approach at Chena Lake Recreation Area, North Pole, Alaska. do while in Alaska from the public. Submit photos for a cargo plane places emphasis on the group This required training ensures Airmen are familiar hiking, camping, fishing, to usarmy.wainwright.id- dynamic instead of the individual, what he had with available emergency equipment and protocol skiing, mushing, aurora [email protected]. if an emergency water landing should occur. (Photo trained on while a member of the 142nd with the chasing and much more. To see if your photo by Airman 1st Class Shannon Chace, 168th Wing unit’s F-15 Eagle. Photos do not have to is featured online See WATER on page 2 Public Affairs) be military in nature and and for previously can be a scenic landscape, submitted photos, visit family outings, wildlife the Fort Wainwright or adventuring throughout Facebook page at https:// Soldier who battled in Fallujah to the state. www.facebook.com/ Photos should be FortWainwrightPAO/ and high resolution jpg files Instagram page at https:// receive highest military honor between 600KB and 2MB. www.instagram.com/ Please provide a brief fortwainwrightalaska/. Joe Lacdan was with U.S. Marines description of the photo Army News Service facing about 1,500 to 3,000 insurgents who had been using the mostly Former Staff Sgt. David abandoned city as cover. Bellavia will be awarded A Company learned six to the for his eight insurgents were hiding bravery during some of the somewhere in a block of 12 deadliest fighting in , buildings, and the company President would have to search announced June 10. each one to try and find A squad leader during the them. After unsuccessfully second battle of Fallujah, searching the first nine Bellavia, now 43, exposed buildings, Platoon members himself to enemy fire as he entered the next structure defended his Soldiers on and encountered heavy Nov. 10, 2004. gunfire from within. A cow moose and her yearling graze along the side Staff Sgt. David Bellavia (left) in Iraq. (Photo Third Platoon, A of the George Parks Highway near Denali National courtesy of David Bellavia) Company, Task Force 2-2 See MOH on page 6 Park. (Photo by Daniel Nelson)

WEEKEND WEATHER Friday Saturday Sunday

Mostly sunny, with a Mostly cloudy, with a Partly cloudy, with a high of 77 and a low of high of 71 and a low of high of 74 and a low 53 degrees. 52 degrees. of 52 degrees. 2 NEWS June 14, 2019 Nutrition Corner: Did you know Brandy Ostanik pie should only be consumed on occasion and intake. It also helps sneak in the fruits and Simple Snack Recipes Medical Department Activity – not incorporated as part of your daily routine. vegetables that often get overlooked for little Alaska, Public Affairs The best practice is to keep those items out ones. • Apple slices or whole grain crackers with of the house and go out for them on occasion Use snack time as family time. Explore peanut butter when the time comes. That way you don’t the different colors of fruits and vegetables • Low fat yogurt with fruit Fermented foods: have leftovers stashed in the cabinet tempting with your children! Use the names of the food • Carrot sticks with hummus Did you know that snacking can be you to overeat on a regular basis. The snacks items to practice spelling and the alphabet. • Avocados or guacamole spread on whole incorporated into your daily intake without we encourage you to include daily include Some simple and healthy snack ideas for grain crackers having a negative impact on your health? the same delicious and nutritious foods you adults and kids are below. • Sliced kiwi and strawberries with cream In fact, it should be incorporated into your should already be incorporating in your meals cheese fruit spread diet daily. Snacks play an important role in – fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low fat Featured Food: • String cheese and grapes bridging the gap between meals, helping dairy. • Homemade smoothies with fruit and low prevent you from overeating at meals, One to two snacks per day helps you fit Kiwi. This funny looking fruit is small, fat yogurt mindlessly snacking while you cook, and in all the servings you need from each of the but don’t be fooled. It is sweet and satisfying! even helps prevent excessive grazing after food groups. It is also important for children With less than 50 calories per fruit, it adds 2g meals. Don’t confuse snacks with treats. because they cannot eat as large meals as of fiber and more vitamin C than you need for Foods such as cookies, candy, cake and adults and they need the consistent energy the entire day! QTC clinic eases transition MEDDAC Minute Lt. Col. Raymond Veterans Affairs medical examinations in Brandy Ostanik TRAVELING? Regional Health Command-Pacific a timely manner to our service members Medical Department Activity – Get ready for the summer travel season Patient Administration Division regardless of branch of service, as well Alaska, Public Affairs by visiting our preventive medicine as high-quality care to service men clinic. If you plan to travel internationally, and women going through Integrated make an appointment to make sure you Three years of teamwork and Disability Evaluation System, or as JOE WANTS TO KNOW are taking all the necessary precautions collaboration paid off May 1 with they prepare to depart the service in the We want to hear from you. The Joint to keep you and your Family safe. We the opening of a Quality, Timeliness, process known as Benefits Delivery Outpatient Evaluation System is randomly recommend you visit the office six Customer Service clinic in Fairbanks, Before Discharge. mailed to beneficiaries requesting input on weeks before your travel date. Make an Alaska, in support of active duty and Prior to the opening of QTC, retiring appointment satisfaction. Your responses will appointment by calling 361-5182. veterans in Interior Alaska. service members, or those exiting the assist Medical Department Activity – Alaska The opening of QTC in Fairbanks service from Fairbanks, had to pay leadership to improve services and your SPECIALIST AVAILABLE is a historic mile marker for service out-of-pocket to fly to Anchorage to file overall experience. Look for your envelope Did you know you can see a specialist members in Interior Alaska, and for their their BDD claim, or not file a claim until in the mail. right here at Bassett urinary incontinence, commands, saving units approximately they were discharged from the military. overactive bladder, pelvic organ prolapse $250,000 per year against their travel Now that QTC opened their new clinic PRENATAL BREASTFEEDING CLASS and fecal incontinence without a referral budgets. Prior to QTC, service members in Fairbanks, service members can Are you pregnant and looking for from your primary care manager? Call in Fairbanks would fly to Anchorage, ease their mind and wallet by going to information on breastfeeding? Join our 361-4000, option 4, option 1, option 1 to 600 miles away, in order to attend the local office to file their claims, get lactation consultant and other moms-to-be request an appointment with Dr. Christa certain portions of their Integrated excellent service and health care. the third Wednesday of each month from 1 to Lewis. Evaluation System appointments. Over 1,000 service members hit their 2:30 p.m. or the fourth Tuesday of each Now, service members can remain in expiration term of service or retire from month from 6:30 to 8 p.m. to answer Fairbanks with their Family while saving Fairbanks each year, and now these questions such as the benefits of skin-to- IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS the unit money, continuing with their individuals, who dedicated years of skin, how to recognize when your baby Emergency: 911 work mission, and more importantly, their life defending our great nation, can is hungry and how to ensure you have 24 Hour Nurse Advice Line: continuing to prepare for civilian life. file claims for medical conditions they a good milk supply. Classes are held at 1-800-874-2273 Opt. 1 Jeremy Peal, chief of disability accrued while in service prior to exiting Bassett Army Community Hospital in the Appointment Line: 361-4000 evaluations with Medical Department the military. third floor conference room, and are open Behavioral Health: 361-6059 Activity – Alaska, and Rich White, Peal and White’s selfless service, to all beneficiaries without a referral. Call Regional Health Command-Pacific, have dedication to bring the QTC clinic to 361-5958 for more information. Benefits Advisor: 361-5656 Immunizations: 361-5456 been working diligently for the past Fairbanks have ensured it will be easier for service members exiting the military Information Desk: 361-5172 three years to open the QTC clinic. TOBACCO CESSATION QTC, a nation-wide contractor, to receive the care they need and Patient Advocate: 361-5291 Are you ready to quit tobacco? In provides high quality Department of deserve. the process but having trouble? Let our Pharmacy Refills: 361-5803 tobacco cessation educators assist you in Referral Center: 361-1810 the process. Classes are offered weekly Tricare On-Line: www.tricareonline.com at Preventive Medicine for beneficiaries. United Health Care: uhcmilitarywest.com Call 361-4148 for upcoming classes and 1-800-988-9378 to register.

Rebecca Dean, Fairbanks of Commerce Advisory Board chair, and Grant Kim, Quality, Timeliness, Customer Service chief operating officer, cut the ribbon at the opening of QTC in Fairbanks on May 1. The clinic will provide Department of Veterans Affairs medical examinations to service members locally, saving many a trip to Anchorage over 300 miles away. (Courtesy photo) Climb new heights with Outdoor Recreation on June 23! Find out more at www.wainwright.armymwr.com

ALASKA POST The Interior Military News Connection

The ALASKA POST is authorized by Army EDITORIAL STAFF Regulation 360-1 and is published by the Fairbanks Daily required training. News-Miner, a private firm in no way connected with WATER Chief of training with the 168th Garrison Commander the U.S. Army, and is under exclusive written contract. Operations Support Squadron, Contents of the ALASKA POST are not necessarily Continued from page 1 Capt. Brian Binkley, said, “All the Col. Sean Fisher the official views of, or endorsed by, the Department “It’s a little different take on how equipment that we have available to of the Army. The editorial content of this publication we do it with the group as a chain, us on the airplane is the equipment is the responsibility of the U.S. Army Garrison Alaska a buddy system, and trying to make that we go over and get retrained Public Affairs Officer Public Affairs Office. The ALASKA POST welcomes sure that everyone gets to the raft on.” Grant Sattler responsible comments from its readers and will publish letters, articles or photos submitted at least one week and how you survive together as a Although it is important to ensure prior to the next publication. The ALASKA POST group,” Ludwig said. Airmen remain familiar with the Command Information/New reserves the right to edit or reject submissions. All The chain is a technique where location and use of emergency Media submitted material will become official Army property Airmen in the water wrap their equipment, training like this provides unless otherwise indicated. To advertise call (907) 459- legs around the waist of another something even more important. Brady Gross 7548 Everything advertised in this publication shall and swim as a synchronized unit “Being involved in this sort of be made available for purchase, use or patronage ensuring everyone stays together. training – like when we do the Community Relations/Media without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political The group stays linked together until combat refresher survival training Relations they are able to climb aboard the or any of the stuff that we do – is affiliation or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, Eve Baker user or patron. The Editorial office is located on Fort auto-inflatable 20-person raft that is all about building the bond of trust Wainwright, building 1047 #1; Mailing address is Public standard equipment on-board every between the flyer and the flight Affairs Office, 1046 Marks Road, Fort Wainwright, AK KC-135R. doc,” Ludwig said. “You are totally Staff Writer/Editor 99703. Call 353-6779 or 353-6760, or send emails to Reviewing the available resources ineffective as a flight surgeon if you Daniel Nelson [email protected] and where they are located on the don’t have the trust of your aircrew.” The ALASKA POST – The Interior Military News plane is an important part of the Connection 3 June 14, 2019 NEWS The Chaplain’s Corner Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Paul Fritts considerable guilt and shame, “Why can’t parenting children just like mine, we’ve U.S. Army Garrison Fort Greely my kids be more like them?” Theologian commiserated over the challenge of finding and author Thomas Merton once wrote, a balance between enabling their worst “The beginning of love is the will to let impulses and supporting their best. In my About a year before Sam graduated those we love be perfectly themselves, family, successfully doing this includes from high school, we had a conversation the resolution not to twist them to fit our recognizing my own interpretive lens of in the car about his plans for the future. own image. If in loving them we do not what are Sam and Kathryn’s “worst” and At the time, Sam was heavily involved love what they are, but only their potential “best” impulses, which is usually different with a band he had formed along with likeness to ourselves, then we do not in their view. It all reminds me of trying several school friends who regularly love them: we only love the reflection of to balance an upright broom handle on the raised the roof of our home from the ourselves we find in them.” In all the ways palm of my hand. The broom wobbles and Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Paul Fritts basement. As I understood his plan, he I consciously and unconsciously criticized threatens to topple while I run around in would graduate from high school, begin a my children for failing to meet my circles trying to keep it steady. successful recording career with his band, expectations, I mostly loved what I liked This Father’s Day I’m reflecting on my The Fort Greely Chapel community sell albums, tour the world and become best about myself in them. own journey as a father to love my children is a traditional, protestant Army a wealthy rock star celebrity. Bearing in Kathryn and Sam have many qualities as God made them, not as I want them to chapel service meeting on Sundays mind that chaplains are not always very I greatly admire. For example, they are be. I’ve learned there’s a balance between at 10 a.m. with a weekly Communion “chaplain-y” when it comes to our own much more inclusive of people who are loving my kids unconditionally while observance. Interested? Please call families, I inquired whether or not he had a a different race, gender orientation or applying some necessary conditions, for 907-873-4397 or “Like” our chapel backup plan. Sam justifiably fussed at me social class. As a fifty-something white, example, to my financial support. Being Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ for not being as supportive of his dream as affluent, educated male, I admit (again a dad is hard and messy. It sometimes FGAChapel. I should have been, although I definitely with considerable guilt and shame) to means having loud, tense or awkward did not see it that way at the time. having a preference for living, working conversations. And sometimes it means not For God and Country, Shortly thereafter, I provided the and socializing with people who are more speaking at all. But in spite of all the ways Chaplain Fritts opening prayer for the University of like me. I’m so proud of my kids for being I’ve gotten fatherhood right, wrong or out Virginia’s ROTC graduation ceremony. light-years ahead of me in actually living of balance, I continue my journey toward I remember watching those attractive, what I’ve so often preached but failed to loving the image of God in Kathryn and fit, accomplished college graduates practice with consistency. Sam. May you find God’s image in your walk across the stage in their snappy In countless conversations with kids too. military dress uniforms and thinking, with fathers just like me who struggle with

leadership and sits on numerous councils that make decisions SMA affecting Army Families. The Continued from page 1 sergeant major of the Army also “Congratulations to Command routinely testifies before Congress Sgt. Maj. Grinston and his family,” on these issues. Additionally, Milley said. “He is a world class Grinston will serve as the public leader who stands out among our face of the Army’s NCO Corps exceptional Noncommissioned to the American people, in the Officer Corps. He is the right media and through business and Noncommissioned Officer to lead community engagements. our Army into the future.” “I am honored to have the As the FORSCOM command opportunity to continue to serve sergeant major, Grinston played the great Soldiers and Families of a key role in the development of the ,” Grinston training and preparation of combat said. units as a globally responsive force Grinston will be sworn in as the as the Army simultaneously builds 16th SMA during a ceremony at and sustains readiness to meet the the Pentagon on Aug. 16, 2019. needs of national defense. He will His awards and decorations succeed Sgt. Maj. of the Army include the Defense Superior Daniel A. Dailey, who has served Service Medal, Legion of Merit in that position since January 2015. (2), and 5 Bronze Stars (2 with “Command Sgt. Maj. Grinston ‘V’ devices). He has earned the is the right leader,” Dailey said. Ranger tab, Master Parachutist “He possesses all of the character badge, Air Assault badge, Drill and leadership qualities necessary Sergeant Identification badge to lead our NCO Corps into the and the Combat Action Badge. future, and he will continue to He has attended every level of serve the best interests of our the Noncommissioned Officer Soldiers, their Families and the Education System, and is a Army.” graduate of Ranger, Airborne and The 16th SMA will serve as Air Assault Schools. He’s also a the Army chief of staff’s personal graduate of the U.S. Army Drill adviser on matters affecting Sergeant School and the Equal the enlisted force. Much of the Opportunity Course. sergeant major of the Army’s time Grinston possesses a Bachelor is spent traveling throughout the of Arts degree in Business Army to observe training, and talk Administration from the University to Soldiers and their Families. of Maryland University College. The SMA recommends quality- He is married and has two of-life improvements to Army daughters. 4 NEWS June 14, 2019 Fort Wainwright Family & MWR Weekly Events June 14 - 21 Boater Safety Course 15 June 15 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Join Outdoor Recreation for the Boater Safety Course, and learn the ins and outs of navigating water safely. Everyone renting a motorized watercraft from the Outdoor Recreation Center is required to have a Boater Safety Card issued from the Fort Wainwright Outdoor Recreation Center. There is another safety course being offered in the afternoon of June 15 from 1 to 4 p.m. Outdoor Recreation, building 4050 June 14-17 // August 16–19 // Call 361-6349, registration required September 13–15 Cinema Saturday 15 June 15 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. b.o.s.s. Bring your friends and family to the Library every Saturday for family-friendly films on request. If you have a special movie in mind, please request it ahead of time with the June Library staff. Skydiving Library, building 3700 Call 353-2642 Skydive like a boss, with b.o.s.s! Father's Day Bowling Experience the thrill of a lifetime as you jump out a plane in a tandem skydive. June 16 No experience necessary. August 16 12 to 6 p.m. $175 per person. price includes: Transportation, lodging, and skydiving admission. Bring the whole family to Nugget Lanes Bowling Center to celebrate Father's Day! The first game for Dad is on the Registration ends 1 week prior to trip departure. house! Nugget Lanes Bowling Center, building 3702 June: https://www.signmeup.com/129972 Call 353-2654, reservations recommended September August: https//www.signmeup.com/130730 Babysitter's Training Course 19 June 19 - 21 September: https://www.signmeup.com/130737 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This course is designed for teens 13 years old and up. *Single Service Members, Singles with Dependents, Teens will gain practical skills and confidence through and Geo-Bachelors eligible for this trip. video presentations, hands-on activities, and classroom For more information, contact B.O.S.S. at (907) 353-7648 discussion. Teens will be Certified through the Pediatric First www.wainwright.armymwr.com Aid/CPR classes. @WainwrightMWR #WainwrightBOSS 6 NEWS June 14, 2019 History Snapshot: Then-Lieutenant Milton Ashkins, 1941 U.S. Army Garrison Alaska Cultural Resources Program

On June 16, 1941, Lieutenant Milton Ashkins and his crew chief Sgt. R.A. Roberts departed Ladd Field in a Douglas O-38 with the intention of checking on an old prospector friend. Ashkins directed the plane southwest of Fairbanks, and once he reached the prospector’s camp, he performed a low, slow fly- over. Seeing his friend was well, Ashkins advanced the throttle. The engine, however, responded with a cough and then stalled. Unable to restart the engine, Ashkins crash landed the plane into the soft tops of some nearby spruce trees and both men survived unscathed. Once on the ground again, Ashkins radioed his location to Fairbanks and, within a few hours, a Douglas B-18 Bolo bomber flew over and dropped emergency supplies including a rifle, a rubber raft, ammunition and rations. The two men made their way overland, accompanied by their prospector friend, to a rendezvous point 20 miles outside of Fairbanks. Ashkins recalled the trip back to Ladd as taking “10 wonderful days” that were filled with fishing and hunting, “and just plain loafing with our prospector friend.” The crashed O-38 was deemed a total loss and no efforts were made to retrieve the wreckage. Years later, in 1968, the airframe was disassembled in the field and taken to The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in Dayton, Ohio, to be restored. It was put on display in 1974. (U.S. Army Garrison Alaska Cultural Resources file photo)

2019 Summer Concert Fort Wainwright welcomed country artist, Chase Bryant (below), with openers Jared Mahone (top left) and Lakin (bottom right) for the 2019 Summer Concert on June 8, and comedian, Nick Reynoldson (bottom left), was the master of ceremonies for the event. During his performance, Bryant stopped to call a young girl (top right) on stage where he gave her an autographed guitar. (Photos by Daniel Nelson, U.S. Army Garrison Alaska, Fort Wainwright Public Affairs)

MOH Continued from page 1 Bellavia used his M249 squad automatic weapon to suppress and counter the insurgent attack, allowing Third Platoon members to escape the house. The platoon then began taking fire from insurgents on the house’s rooftop. Bellavia, realizing the only way to keep his platoon from taking casualties was to eliminate the enemy, re- entered the house. The intensity of the situation and the close combat that followed shocked Bellavia, who had limited experience with enemy contact at the time. “Never in my life had I seen anything like that,” he said of the fighting. Bellavia called for an M2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle to provide suppressing fire with its 25 mm cannon as he headed inside. He then fought his way up three floors, using his rifle and grenades to kill four enemy insurgents and mortally wound another. The first insurgent Bellavia killed had been loading an rocket propelled grenade launcher to fire upon Third Platoon. Bellavia’s actions ultimately saved three squads of Third Platoon. For his actions during the firefight, Bellavia received the . His other commendations include the Bronze Star and the State Conspicuous Service Cross. The native of Waterport, New York, grew up listening to stories from his grandfather, a World War II veteran who still resides in the area. He became enamored with the military life at a young age and at 23, he left college and enlisted in the Army in July 1999. Bellavia left active duty in 2005 and currently hosts his own radio show in the Buffalo, New York, area. He is also the co-founder of Vets for Freedom, a conservative political advocacy organization. 7 June 14, 2019 NEWS The Office of Soldiers’ Counsel in the Integrated Disability Evaluation System is Here to Help Alaskan Soldiers What is it? process. There are two staffed offices in Alaska, Soldiers’ advocates through the MEB process; one at Fort Wainwright and one at Joint Base they do not represent the MEB providers, the The Office of Soldiers’ Counsel is the Army’s Elmendorf-Richardson. The Fort Wainwright MTF, or the Soldier’s command. The goals of team of qualified and trained attorneys and SMEBC office is located in the Fort Wainwright the SMEBC staff are to ensure Soldiers receive paralegals who assist Soldiers in the Integrated Law Center (Building 1562). The JBER office fair assessments of their medical conditions and Disability Evaluation System. They are the is located in the Soldiers’ Family and Assistance that Soldiers’ medical conditions are accurately advocates who provide in-depth information, Center, in Building 4982 on Zuckert Ave. documented during the MEB process. During the expert legal advice and effective representation Currently, the Fort Wainwright office provides course of representation, SMEBC attorneys may throughout IDES for Soldiers and their Family local, in-person assistance to Soldiers and prepare independent medical review requests, members. The Army currently has a little over assistance telephonically to Soldiers at JBER. We rebuttals to the MEB findings and requests for 11,000 wounded, ill or injured Soldiers enrolled are in the process of hiring a paralegal at JBER reconsideration of VA ratings. Upon receiving in the IDES. The average processing time is 239 and will be able to offer in-person assistance the results from the PEB, Soldiers can consult days (referral to finalization of Department of soon. The office hours are Monday to Friday 9 with a SMEBC to review their informal PEB Veteran Affairs benefits after separation). The a.m. to 5 p.m., at both locations. To schedule findings. The SMEBC can prepare an appeal to time, uncertainty and complexity often cause an appointment, please call (907) 353-6551 for the informal PEB findings or, if the Soldier elects Soldiers and their Families to become frustrated, Fort Wainwright and Fort Greely and (907) 580- a formal PEB hearing, the SMEBC will assist in anxious and overwhelmed. The OSC team 0677 for JBER (for JBER, currently call the Fort a smooth and effective transfer of the case to a provides the legal support and services to help Wainwright office at 907-353-6551). Soldiers’ PEB Counsel. Soldiers and their Family members navigate the The SPEBC offices are co-located with the Ensuring that Soldiers and their Families IDES and fully understand their legal rights and Army Physical Evaluation Board, currently receive expert advice and representation during options. located at Joint Base Lewis-McCord, the IDES is part of the Army’s commitment to The OSC includes two types of legal counsel: Washington. taking care of Soldiers. Whether that involves Soldiers’ Medical Evaluation Board Counsel and transition to veteran status or return to duty, Soldiers’ Physical Evaluation Board Counsel. How can we help? these advocates protect the Soldiers’ rights and The SMEBC offices are located at Army ensure the disability process remains seamless, installations across the country. The SMEBC for The SMEBC staff establishes confidential, transparent and fair. The Fort Wainwright and Alaska is Ms. Allyson Lambert; she represents all attorney-client relationships with Soldiers JBER offices are committed to taking care of our of the Soldiers in Alaska going through the IDES going through the MEB process. They are the Soldiers and their Families. Army Birthday Run

The Soldiers assigned to Fort Wainwright conduct Reveille on June 12 before taking off for the 2019 Army Birthday Run throughout the installation. The Army’s birthday is June 14, 1775, making the service 244 years old. (Photo by Daniel Nelson, U.S. Army Garrison Alaska, Fort Wainwright Public Affairs)

U.S. Army Garrison Alaska Restoration Advisory Board Public Notice The United States Army Garrison Alaska is a forum comprised of community volunteer chair RAB and attend all RAB meetings (bi- seeking participation from interested parties members and representatives from the Department annually, about two hours each) and be willing to regarding environmental evaluation and of Defense, EPA and ADEC. RAB members devote ample time to learn about and review Fort investigation activities being conducted as part of provide their common-sense input to the Army Wainwright environmental restoration documents the Installation Restoration Program (IRP) at Fort concerning environmental investigation and within prescribed time frames. Engagement Wainwright. cleanup at military installations with the assistance with civic organizations and the community is The Army began its investigation of of Army technical staff. The RAB provides encouraged. contaminated areas at Fort Wainwright under stakeholders the opportunity to participate in the To express your interest in participating in a the IRP in 1989. The U.S. Environmental restoration process, monitor restoration progress RAB, please contact the Directorate of Public Protection Agency added Fort Wainwright as and make community views known to the decision Works Environmental Division at, 907-361- a site on the Comprehensive Environmental makers. The purpose of the RAB is to promote 6489/6623/3001 between June 16 and July 16, Response, Compensation and Liability Act community involvement by giving the public 2019, to obtain a membership survey form. Fort (CERCLA), commonly known as Superfund, the opportunity to regularly review progress and Wainwright is concurrently in the process of National Priorities List (NPL) in 1990. In 1992, participate in dialogue with the decision-makers preparing a Community Involvement Plan and will Fort Wainwright entered into a Federal Facilities on Fort Wainwright’s environmental restoration be reaching out to the surrounding communities to Agreement (FFA) with the Alaska Department of process. solicit participation with community interviews. Environmental Conservation (ADEC) and the EPA If the RAB is established, the Army will to address the nature and extent of contamination. not provide financial support to the public Fort Wainwright also entered into a two-party members for their services nor will members be agreement with ADEC to address Petroleum, Oil compensated for work hours lost or time invested. and Lubricant (POL) contamination in 1992. Local community members interested in joining The Operable Units (OU) and sites that require a RAB should be willing to establish and jointly long-term treatment or monitoring at Fort Wainwright include the following: • At OU1, a drum burial site, pesticides and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are managed with a previous drum removal action, groundwater sampling (GS) and institutional controls (ICs). • OU2 is associated with a storage area and former maintenance facility; VOCs and petroleum hydrocarbons (PAH) were initially extracted using Air Spurge/Soil Vapor Extraction (AS/SVE), and are currently managed via GS and ICs. • OU3 includes the location of the former Birch Hill Above Ground Storage Tank Farm and the associated fuel line and distribution system; VOCs and PAH were initially extracted using AS/SVE, and are currently managed with GS and ICs. • OU4 is associated with the inactive Fort Wainwright landfill; VOCs are managed with GS and ICs. • OU5 includes an on-post former fuel storage and distribution system; VOCs and PAHs were initially extracted using AS/SVE, and are currently managed through GS and ICs. • At OU6, formerly known as Taku Garden’s residential area, VOCs and semi volatile organic compounds are managed through monitored natural attenuation and ICs. • In addition, there are currently 36 sites under the two-party agreement where fuel related VOCs and petroleum hydrocarbons are managed through GS and ICs. A Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) is