January changes (as of 1/25) C FUND + 1.40 percent I FUND + 3.92 percent S FUND + 4.49 percent ® VOL. 63, NO. 4 SERVING THE COMMUNITY OF THE U.S. MILITARY ACADEMY JANUARY 27, 2006 DTS has costly problems Troops in Iraq decrease WASHINGTON (Fed Times) -- Pentagon still cannot tell when millions of dollars. The Army paid The Department of Defense online DOD employees on offi cial travel $5.6 million more than necessary to last summer’s levels travel booking and reimbursement are buying airline tickets that are between October 2004 and February WASHINGTON (American brigades -- roughly 7,000 soldiers system suffers from numerous needlessly expensive, or when they 2005 on manual voucher processing, Forces Press Service) -- The - to Iraq as previously planned, problems that are costing the do not use tickets, or if they have the report said. number of U.S. troops serving Venable said, could result in a government millions of dollars. been repaid too much or too little. In a Dec. 14 letter, the director of in Iraq has decreased to around further troop reduction. That That’s according to a Jan. 18 Despite the fact that DTS the Defense Finance and Accounting 138,000, which was the level decision, according to a DOD report released by the Government was approved for worldwide Service, Zack Gaddy, agreed with deployed there last summer, a news release, was based on the Accountability Offi ce. deployment in 2003 and is now GAO’s fi ndings and promised to Defense Department military demonstrated capabilities of That report, titled “DoD deployed to thousands of fi eld sites, improve testing and simplify DTS’ spokesman said here Wed. Iraqi forces in providing security Business Transformation: Defense travelers are also using old methods display so travelers can more easily “We have come back down for the Dec. 15 election. Travel System Continues to Face to book their travel and ignoring fi nd cheaper tickets. to the troop level that we were Also, the old 138,000-troop Implementation Challenges,” said DTS, GAO said. This hurts efforts to G a d d y a l s o s a i d t h e at back in the summer of ‘05,” baseline for U.S. troops in Iraq the system’s testing has been save money and means the Pentagon undersecretary of Defense for said Lt. Col. Barry Venable. has changed, Venable said. ineffective and travel offi cials can’t must pay to operate redundant personnel and readiness, David U.S. troop levels in Iraq “That paradigm no longer ensure the system will do what travel systems. And processing Chu, is preparing a memo that will were temporarily boosted last holds true,” he noted, “because its maker, Northrop Grumman, reimbursement vouchers manually order more travelers to use DTS. year from around 138,000 to from this point forward what you promised. instead of electronically, as DTS is Chu, they said, will issue the memo about 160,000 troops to provide will see is a continuous, ongoing The shortcomings mean the designed to do, costs the military next month. extra security for the Oct. assessment of conditions in 15 constitutional referendum Iraq and that will drive General and the Dec. 15 nationwide Casey’s recommendations for Iraqi military academy key for future elections. the number of troops he needs.” By Claude McKinney the nuances of guard mount and commonly called an ammunition Those extra troops “have Gen. George W. Casey Jr. is as operational guard posts for the supply point is a four meters by six cycled out and we’re now back the top U.S. troop commander ZAKHO, Iraq (Army News facility. The new entrances will meters brick building with elevated down to what was the former in Iraq. Service) -- In northern Iraq, there inspire awe, determination, and pads to keep the ammunition off the baseline level,” Venable said. Venable said more U.S. troop is a school under reconstruction commitment to entering cadets in fl oor. The facility is secured by a U.S. force levels in Iraq, he said, reductions in Iraq are possible that may have a greater impact on the same manner as entering the three-meter-high berm, a cyclone can fl uctuate on a daily basis. if the security situation there the future of Iraq than any other gates of West Point, Annapolis, or fence with razor wire around its And DOD’s recent decision improves. And “there may be an reconstruction effort. The school is the Air Force Academy have been perimeter and lights. not to deploy two more Army increase, if required,” he said. Zakho Military Academy. symbolic for those entering training IRAQI academy, cont. on 3 As important as oil, electricity, to become the nation’s leaders in water, health care and primary the U.S. education are to Iraq’s future, Other force protection educating those already identifi ed projects included a new munitions to be the future leaders of Iraq storage facility and upgrades to will provide direction in the same the armory. The armory includes manner as a rudder steers a large rooms for weapons issue, weapons ship. Zakho Military Academy is maintenance and cleaning and one of Iraq’s two national military weapons racks and lockers for academies and is equivalent to the storing both rifles and pistols. U.S. Military Academy at West The weapons storage rooms Point, N.Y. were equipped with their own independent air handling. The Force protection upgrades done new munitions storage facility The force protection upgrades performed on the academy are now complete. These upgrades included the design and construction of nine guard towers located around the perimeter of the ZMA compound, installation of lighting on the perimeter wall and the renovation of two compound entrances. Tax Center now open The lighting will provide protection and security to the Iraqi Sgt.1st Class David Kirby (center) and his wife Natasha (right) go over their tax returns with Army cadre and cadets who live the USMA tax center’s Cordelia King at the West Point Tax Center in Bldg. 626 here. The on campus. The guard towers will Tax Center opened Monday. The center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until serve both as training opportunities noon and from 1 to 4 p.m. To schedule an appointment call 938-6165. KATHY EASTWOOD/PV for the cadets to learn fi rst hand Cadets study abroad, see page 8 2 January 27, 2006 Bond of wounded warriors crosses generations By Capt. Sean Meadows to a standstill. the gurney. Before I could ask, he Army physician. I see the news burned and wounded that I have Special to American Forces You could hear the whispers: said: “Give my bed to one of those reports of wounded in Iraq and met want to rejoin their buddies and Press Service “Are those guys from Iraq?” Soldiers. I’m not taking a bed away Afghanistan, and hours later they go back. Their strength sustains me P r e v i o u s l y s u m m o n e d from one of those guys!” come through the doors, fl own in as I tend to them in the intensive BROOKE ARMY MEDICAL specialists arrived in droves to get Morris had tears in his eyes and for intensive and sometimes long- care unit and on the wards. CENTER, Texas -- “Hey doc, when these Soldiers, Airmen and Marines was overwrought with emotion term care. My lack of sleep and long am I going upstairs? Hey doc, this admitted or taken to operating looking at the line of Soldiers An intangible benefi t this Army schedule gets put into perspective bed is uncomfortable, when am I rooms. The whole hospital hums waiting in wheelchairs and on hospital offers to men and women as I see why I train. It’s hard to going to be admitted?” with activity when a transport stretchers. The incoming Soldiers wounded on today’s battlefi elds is grumble when you see a man with A feisty elderly gentleman comes in. No one ever wants to be could see Morris and heard this old contact with other veterans. I have extensive injuries battle pain and we’ll call Morris (name changed remembered as the one who didn’t veteran of Normandy and Bastogne seen Soldiers from World War II, infection and endure multiple for confi dentiality) was in Bed 3 give aid and comfort to a wounded trying to give up his bed for them. Korea, Vietnam, the fi rst Desert surgeries without complaint. of Brooke Army Medical Center comrade. Morris was reassured numerous Storm, and assorted other confl icts Many people are unaware that here, one of the busiest emergency Battle-hardened desert veterans, times that the wounded Soldiers talking to and encouraging these we are taking care of wounded departments in the military. He as well as those not yet tested, would be cared for and after young warriors. soldiers here at Brooke Army kept a constant barrage of running surround the newly arrived with extensive negotiation he agreed One of the most poignant Medical Center. More than 2,400 commentary on how long he had greetings and encouragement. Some not to leave. And we never heard memories of my residency was wounded, burned and injured been waiting to go upstairs to well-intentioned family member of another complaint from him. when I saw a young burned Soldier servicemen and women have been complete his chest pain work up. a patient in the department went out Compared to soldiers from with a right leg amputation and treated here since the Global War Morris is an 80-year-old retired to the waiting room to spread the the Vietnam era, these recently a badly broken left leg being on Terrorism started. For some of World War II veteran. After I had news of wounded Soldiers in the wounded Soldiers will have a very confronted by a boisterous man them the battle is far from over; spent a grueling afternoon shift department. different homecoming story to tell in his 50s saying, “Hey, did you they face life-threatening infections seeing dozens of sick and injured People waiting with sniffles future generations. I’ll never forget lose your leg in Iraq?” The Soldier from bacteria indigenous to Iraq as people of all ages, his relentless and minor complaints looked Morris, and I doubt they will either. mumbled “yes,” and the man well as the burns and trauma they haranguing was wearing me out. embarrassed when they heard the Different eras, but the bond of said, “Hey, look, I lost my arm in have suffered. I am a second-year resident in news, some left. Complaints about warriors crosses generations. Vietnam.” He produced his stump, Though we weren’t there a three-year emergency medicine wait times usually don’t happen on As an Army emergency medicine and they spent the next 30 minutes when they were wounded, we join training program. And that day, this days like this. resident, I am reminded every day talking together in a way I could them on their new battleground man’s incessant jawing had me at Some startled patients stared that we are a country at war. From never connect with either one. committed to restoring them. We do the point of exasperation. Then, like with visible discomfort at the sight the staff physicians in constant I am ever aware of the anything we can for them. As we all it has many times before, the arrival of war wounded. The nurses and rotations, to Iraq and Afghanistan, consequences of war and how life are reminded daily, they fought for of troops wounded in Iraq changed techs closed the curtains to raise a to the wounded warriors who fi ll changes in an instant by my daily us, now we fi ght for them. the mood in the department. shield of privacy for the wounded our wards and rehabilitation centers encounters with these patients. I Editor’s Note: Meadows is The constant chatter and hum of Soldiers and normalcy returned to at Brooke Army Medical Center, the have never heard a combat wounded assigned to Brooke Army Medical a busy emergency department halted the emergency department. thought of war and its consequence patient say they wish they hadn’t Center, Fort Sam Houston, in San in an instant as soon as the doors My trance of observation was permeates my experience as an gone to war. Even the most horribly Antonio. opened. The sight of bandaged and broken by the sounds of the formerly burned Soldiers brought in on fi eld complaining Morris trying to climb stretchers accompanied by fl ight off of his gurney. “Get me out of docs and medics wearing desert here!” he yelled. I turned and saw SARP notification information camoufl age brought conversation Morris trying to get up and off of The members of the Sexual Catherine Ruvolo (Dean). Cadets can also call the Assault Response and Prevention Community members can sexual assault support helpline Team are Col. Jeanette McMahon, e-mail McMahon at Jeanette. at (845) 591-7215. Shelly Ariosto (Garrison), Maj. [email protected] for advice West Point Soldiers and Samantha Breton (USCC), Maj. or to offer any recommendations civilians needing assistance can Kim Kawamoto (ODIA) and on the program here. call (845) 938-3369.

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Lt. Gen. This civilian enterprise newspaper is an au tho rized 85 Civic Center Plaza William J. Lennox Jr., publication for mem bers of the U.S. Gov ernment, PO Box 1231, Poughkeepsie, N.Y. 12602 Superintendent the De partment of Defense, the U.S. Army, USMA or West Point. Lt. Col. Kent P. Cassella, The appearance of ad ver tising in this publication, in cluding in serts and sup plements, does not con sti tute Director, Public Affairs For information, call en dorsement by the De partment of De fense or the (845) 437-4789 Irene D. Brown United States Military Academy of the fi rms, prod ucts or services ad ver tised. Chief, Command Info., Everything advertised in this pub li ca tion shall be The Point er View ® is an unoffi cial pub li cation au tho - made available for purchase, use, or pa tron age 938-8366 rized by AR 360-1. Ed i tori al con tent is pre pared, edited with out regard to race, color, re li gion, sex, national and pro vid ed by the Pub lic Affairs Offi ce of USMA. Jim Fox origin, age, marital status, phys i cal handi cap, po lit- The Pointer View ® is printed by the Poughkeepsie Editor, 938-8365 i cal af fi l i a tion, or any other nonmerit factor of the Journal, a pri vate fi rm in no way connect ed with the purchaser, user, or pa tron. A confi rmed violation De partment of the Army, under ex clu sive con tract with Eric S. Bartelt or re jection of this policy of equal opportunity USMA. The views and opin ions ex pressed herein are Asst. Editor, 938-3883 by an ad ver tis er will result in the re fus al to print not nec essari ly those of the USMA or the Army. Spc. Benjamin Gruver, Staff Writer ad ver tis ing from that source. The Pointer View ® is published weekly by the USMA Public Affairs Office, Bldg. 600, West Point, N.Y. 10996 (845) 938-8366 Kathleen Eastwood, Staff Writer See Solution on Page 10 January 27, 2006 3 Academy lays out new electronic mail policy By Irene Brown such messaging may be attributed “People sometimes don’t realize employed by West Point. Colpo  Branch Chief, Command Information to the military academy.” how much public viewing online said the policy also applies to out  Duty Position The problem stemmed from correspondence gets and how it can of office and away from keyboard  C o n t a c t i n f o r m a t i o n The U.S. Military Academy has people adding various items to their reflect on the academy. messages. (telephone, fax number, e-mail changed its policy on e-mail. signature blocks, such as quotations “I felt it was in the best interest “People may use nicknames for and office addresses) In a memorandum issued Jan. or using informal online names of the command and the community their instant messages, but those  Official unit mottos and 20 by Col. Michael Colpo, the and aliases, Colpo explained. to put some controls on electronic names should not be offensive or slogans academy’s chief of staff, there’s Unfortunately, he added, some messaging,” Colpo added. derogatory to anyone viewing the “This new policy will ensure a right -- and a wrong way -- to people found some of these things The new policy covers message,” he said. that all correspondence coming structure electronic mail. offensive. all electronic correspondence According to the memo, out of the military academy -- “Contents should be in good taste “There were several complaints including e-mail, Facebook and signature blocks should be limited electronic or otherwise -- reflects and considerate of others regardless about quotations or aliases that instant messaging and applies to to the following: the professional excellence we of the intended audience,” the were upsetting to some people, all military and civilian personnel  Name expect all our community members memo stated. “Regardless of intent, albeit unintentionally,” he said. assigned to, attached to or  Rank and Grade to exhibit,” Colpo said. IRAQI academy, cont. from page 1 New training facilities ready family members, VIPs and other of Engineers, Gulf Region North track and a soccer field. Other items an improved firing range, as well as A new gym and rappel tower visitors to the academy comfortable project engineer. were an obstacle course, parade the construction of the new cadet offer physical, tactical and adventure modern living quarters. The facility field with stadium lighting, sanitary weapons training building. training. The gym stands 50 feet in includes eight bedrooms with Work in two phases sewer system and a new water There are currently 213 cadets height, and features a National private bathrooms, two state-of- Workers implemented the whole supply and distribution system. on campus undergoing their Collegiate Athletic Association the-art conference rooms, two fully of the academy reconstruction Phase II includes construction training. When the construction is regulation basketball court. furnished kitchens and dining areas project in two phases. Phase I of a new gymnasium and the design complete, the school will have the The well-lit gym has its and many other conveniences. included construction of new cadet and implementation of a new power capacity to train 500 cadets. own heating, ventilation and air The house will benefit graduation living barracks, a headquarters generation and distribution system. Editor’s note: McKinney is conditioning systems. It contains ceremonies, awards days and other building, security wall, potable This phase also includes a new the public affairs officer at the U.S. both male and female locker rooms special events. water treatment plant, packaged military urban warfare training Army Corps of Engineers, Gulf each equipped with showers, toilets, “As we live and work on site, waste treatment plant, a 400-meter facility, grenade-training field and Region North. sinks and lockers. together with the cadets, it is The 64-foot-tall rappel tower interesting to watch first-hand has treated lumber on three sides for how anxious and appreciative they rappelling with landings positioned are for us to complete projects at different heights for progressive providing them new facilities,” said levels of training. Joshua Adekanbi, U.S. Army Corps

New housing completed Also completed are the military housing apartments. This project included the design and construction of a new Visitor’s Guest House that will provide 4 January 27, 2006 Local and National News IRS offers new online services, enhanced electronic services By Navy Petty Officer 3rd “Military OneSource” has Burke said the Department is an important quality-of-life issue, the information they receive. Users Class Chris M. Hwang partnered up with Intuit, a financial of Defense has a long history officials said. can also click on an “Explain This” Special to American Forces services company, to provide of offering tax assistance to “DOD recognizes the reciprocal button within the TurboTax Web Press Service the TurboTax basic product for military members, but this year relationship that binds the military site to get relevant help. TurboTax federal and state returns at no cost. the department is offering the member, the military mission also includes timesaving summary WASHINGTON -- Military Military members can download opportunity for servicemembers and military families. The screens, allowing users to quickly members and their families can this program and also benefit from to self-file electronically at no cost, Department is working hard to review and edit their data. now file their taxes for free, thanks tax consultations and have access to using a popular software product make a difference in the quality “The department is proud to to a partnership between a group appropriate resources. The Military that double checks for accuracy. of life of servicemembers and offer innovative options, like free that helps military people deal OneSource Web site will provide “For many years, help has been their families,” Burke said. “The electronic access to Turbo Tax and with financial issues and a civilian annual upgrades to the TurboTax available at many installations Military OneSource program, telephonic support, for addressing financial services company. software at no cost. through the Voluntary Income available worldwide 24/7, leverages the challenges that military “This tax consultant support Tax Assistance program. VITA technology to help servicemembers members and their dependents for filing 2006 taxes is available volunteers will continue to be and their families deal with the face. The Department of Defense OPM drops telephonically toll free (800- available through legal centers at stresses of the military lifestyle. recognizes that families also serve 342-9647) and at no cost to most installations. VITA volunteers Providing access to electronic and is committed to supporting Postmasters the servicemembers from any help servicemembers to file their tax filing with the free telephonic military families,” Burke said. deployment location in the world,” taxes free of charge,” said Burke. support of a tax consultant is just Editor’s Note: Hwang is assigned benefit plan said acting Deputy Undersecretary Defense Department personnel one of the services offered by the to Navy Personnel Command. WASHINGTON (FedTimes) of Defense for Military Community noticed the need for a tax filing Military OneSource service.” -- The Postmasters Benefit Plan and Family Policy Jane Burke. system that met military members’ TurboTax customers can expect has been dropped from the “Military OneSource tax consultants needs. TurboTax modifies itself to see a new and improved way of federal employee health insurance are also familiar with the IRS based on the customer’s information filing their taxes as well. The easy- program, the Office of Personnel publication ‘Armed Forces Tax relevant to their unique tax situation. to-understand language allows Management announced Monday. Guide.’” Providing an easier way to file taxes users to feel more confident about In a two-paragraph statement, OPM said the Postmasters plan “will no longer participate” in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program. Last month, OPM launched an inquiry into the Postmasters plan because of concerns about its solvency and its handling of insurance claims. OPM said steps are underway to move Postmasters enrollees into Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s standard option. Postmasters enrollees who don’t want the Blue Cross plan will have an opportunity to choose another, OPM said. Postmasters was one of the smaller insurance carriers in the federal program, covering roughly 7,950 enrollees. It was a nationwide fee-for-service plan geared to postal employees. Non-postal employees who enrolled in the plan paid a $45 fee to become associate members of the sponsor. The plan’s most successful years were probably in the mid-1980s, when it had about 80,000 members. Steve D. LeNoir , president of the National League of Postmasters, which sponsors the plan, said, “We are going to meet all of our claims obligations. No members will be left with any bills. We will take care of our members, and I apologize for any inconvenience that has been caused.” OPM officials have been monitoring the plan closely in recent years, and a recent audit by the OPM inspector general reported that Postmasters suffered operating losses from 1997 through 2001. In early December, OPM essentially put the plan on probation, faulting it for failure to comply POSTMASTER cont. on 6 Local and National News January 27, 2006 5 BNCOC offered via TV Compiled by Irene Brown meeting simultaneously in different Chief, command information areas of a time zone, whether in the U.S. or abroad, drastically cutting The Sergeants Major Academy travel time and costs, increasing has a new way for Soldiers to take the number of students able to take the common-core phase of the part and leaving them more time at Basic NCO Course. The video home,” academy officials said. teletraining system lets them take Officials anticipate roughly the course from home. 5,000 Soldiers will take BNCOC The video teletraining system Phase I in 2006 before moving on lets Soldiers take the Phase I course to Phase II and resident military of BNCOC from their homes. It will occupational specialty training be piped into digital classrooms at service schools. In the past, via interactive video and voice common-core BNCOC frequently communications by instructors at was melded into resident technical the academy. training. “Instructors will lead classes BNCOC, cont. page 6 Supe to give semi-annual brief Feb 9

The Superintendent’s semi-annual command interest briefing is scheduled for Feb. 9 from 12:45 to 1:40 p.m., in Thayer Hall, Robinson Auditorium. This briefing is mandatory for all officers, all non- commissioned officers (Sgt. 1st Class and above) and civilian employees (GS-9 and above). Others that wish to attend should coordinate with their activities. All personnel will be seated by 12:40 p.m. The Command Interest Brief will also be broadcast live on the Command Channel. In addition, it will be rebroadcast Feb. 10 at 9:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. and also Feb. 13 at 1 p.m. 6 January 27, 2006 Local and National News BNCOC, cont. from page 5 While BNCOC is required the last, officials explained. and 28,000 for BNCOC, a senior even with a non-MOS specific instructor for the BNCOC program, for promotion to staff sergeant, “Deployments and other official with Human Resources course like the Battle Staff said the scheduling of teletraining promotion waivers are authorized operational considerations have Command said. NCO Course, teletraining can classes is done by time zones, so for deployed Soldiers. But they made it difficult to conduct While academy officials be challenging “because of the that installations in the west and must have credit for BNCOC to NCO Education system courses are supportive of distance- nuances of staff operations, which central part of the country will compete for promotion to sergeant in traditional fashion, so lots of learning methods for common- may require one-on-one training receive training at the same time, first class. Soldiers are backlogged -- nearly core training, they admit it’s from the instructor.” just as posts on the East Coast will The distance learning course 12,000 waiting for a BNCOC slot less adaptable to specialty and As the Army transitions to the be grouped for instruction. Classes is the first major use of video and 7,000 for a seat in Advanced technical training. unit life-cycle management, under normally are scheduled to begin teletraining technology for a key NCO Course,” they added. Command Sgt Maj. Edwin which Soldiers serve together at 8 a.m. local time, regardless of component of noncommissioned Training requirements for the Moten, commander of the for three years, most troops will location. officer education, but it may not be coming year total 8,300 for ANCOC academy’s B Company, said that receive training before the life One instructor can broadcast cycle begins or after returning from to up to five sites, Weaver said. deployment. Classes are restricted to no more POSTMASTER, cont. from page 4 Staff Sgt. Thomas Weaver, an than 80 students. with OPM directives, failure to program was inappropriately provided to OPM for the inquiry. adjudicate claims in a timely and charged about $6.4 million for the “We never charged a dime to the accurate manner and failure to contract from 2000 to 2003. federal contract,” he said. ensure that the plan paid or denied The inspector general also said He said Medicure had saved the claims properly. it found “numerous expenses that Postmasters plan several million Over the last month, LeNoir were either explicitly unallowable dollars through renegotiation of met with OPM officials several or did not benefit the federal contracts for prescription drugs and times in an effort to keep the plan program.” The audit report listed preferred provider organizations in the federal program for at least Medicure payments that went to and other services. another year. Although the league family members, a Democratic But the inspector general’s undertook changes to address campaign committee, a university report said, “We believe that OPM’s concerns, it was not able and a kennel. Medicure paid these unallowable to show that $10 million being Medicure’s chief executive, and/or unreasonable expenses held in a reserve could be quickly Thomas J. Ernst, said the audit using the funds from the monthly converted into cash or marketable wrongly included “private money” management fees that were charged assets, said David M. Ermer, an from records that were mistakenly to” the federal program. attorney for the league. Medicure Plus Inc., the plan’s manager, had set aside the $10 million and agreed to make it available to pay claims and benefits if the Postmasters plan was unable to meet its obligations. The guarantee was made as part of a contract agreement with the league. But the OPM inspector general, in a report last month, contended that the league’s contract with Medicure had not been approved by OPM. As a result, the inspector general said, the federal benefits January 27, 2006 7 Community Features and Photos Women and heart disease By Army  Maintain a healthy weight. encourage your family members, co- healthy heart. Public  K n o w t h e s i g n s a n d workers, club members, neighbors To learn more about heart disease Health symptoms of a heart attack and the and students to participate by and how to lower your chances of Nursing importance of seeking medical help wearing red. There is no quick fix developing heart disease visit the Keller Army immediately. for heart disease, but knowing the Web site at www.hearttruth.gov, Community Start your heart healthy lifestyle risk factors and how to decrease www.WomensHealth.gov, www. Hospital today. Participate in the awareness them with a healthy lifestyle is americanheart.org, or call 1-888- campaign Feb. 3. Wear red and a good start on your road to a MY HEART. It’s time to pull out your red clothes, shoes, jackets or dresses and commemorate National Wear Red Day Feb. 3. National Wear Red Day is a health observance designed to remind women about heart disease and factors that put them at risk for developing heart disease. disease, high cholesterol, diabetes The National Heart, Lung and and age. Some factors that lead to Blood Institute sponsors The Heart heart disease that you can change Truth, a national campaign to are smoking, high blood pressure, inform women of heart disease high blood cholesterol, overweight/ and to provide tools to help women obesity, physical inactivity and take action to protect against heart uncontrolled diabetes. disease. You can take action against the The red dress is the national majority of these risk factors. symbol for women and heart The Heart Truth campaign disease awareness. The symbol is suggests the following 10 designed to alert women that no commandments for a healthy matter how good they look on the heart: outside, heart disease can strike on  Know your risk factors for the inside. heart disease. One in three women die from  Talk to your doctor about heart disease. It’s the #1 killer reducing your risk of heart of women, regardless of race disease. or ethnicity. It also strikes at  Have your blood pressure younger ages than most people checked regularly. think and the risk rises in middle  Know your cholesterol age. Furthermore, two-thirds of numbers. women who have heart attacks  Have your blood sugar level never fully recover. checked for diabetes. There are certain factors in  Do not smoke cigarettes or your life that may increase your use tobacco products. chances of developing heart  Consume a heart healthy disease. Some that you cannot diet. change are a family history of heart Get regular physical activity. 8 January 27, 2006 Community Features and Photos Semester abroad program emerses cadets in culture By Spc. Benjamin Gruver Point is leading the way in terms Staff Writer of producing language majors as it expands its program. In a world where there is no “Today we need core leaders distance too far and it seems like the who speak more than English and only barriers keeping us apart are understand the nuances of different the languages we speak, the need cultures,” Lennox said. “This to communicate has become more program will produce officers who prevalent than ever. can fill those needs for the Army For that reason the U.S. and the nation.” Military Academy’s Department In response to that need there is of Foreign Languages has been a significant amount of expansion busy expanding their cultural and being made to the Semester Abroad linguistic immersion plan, most Program which has been evident notably with the return of 22 cadets in the past several years. Just three from a semester abroad. years ago the academy was only The Semester Abroad Program sending two cadets to study outside took nearly two dozen cadets away of the U.S. at Saint Cyr Military from the autumn foliage of the Academy in France, and had been Hudson Valley during the 2005 doing so since 1992. fall semester for more than just a In the fall of 2004 the program change of scenery -- it immersed expanded for the first time sending them into completely different out eight cadets to three new cultures, including 10 of them to institutions including the Royal five new countries added to the Military College in Canada, the program this year. General Military Academy at “The Army needs Soldiers who Zaragoza in Spain and Ecole Cadet 2nd Class Gabriella Blanchard-Manning spent last semester studying at Voronezh State can communicate and work with Polytechnique in France. This year University in Russia. Here she poses in Red Square. PHOTO SUBMITTED BY DFL people from diverse cultures,” China, Taiwan, Russia, Brazil and said Lt. Gen. William J. Lennox Chile were added to the locations Currently not every foreign experience, which is why DFL is according to Ebner, would be an Jr., USMA superintendent. “This cadets studied abroad. language major is able to study for looking to continue expanding the amazing capability for the Army. program helps cadets further The quick expansion of the a semester abroad, but DFL has program. “If you have 150 cadets develop not only language skills, program didn’t come without its other opportunities for cadets to “Hopefully we will get to a that now graduate with a much but an appreciation for different kinks. According to DFL officials be immersed in a foreign culture point where it is common for every improved language and cultural societies and cultures. there were some challenges in as well. Each year cadets can foreign language major to go for a understanding then we are stepping “Their experiences now will ensuring the cadets were getting the participate in the Foreign Academy semester abroad,” Ebner said. “It is a long way in meeting the goals of help them establish relationships same education over there as they Exchange Program, where cadets a lofty goal to get to, but we have the defense transformation road and build trust,” he added. “It will are required to have here. visit a foreign academy during already grown immensely in five map,” Ebner said. “We want to get ultimately pay dividends when they “We are fitting cadets into spring leave. Many cadets go to years to where we are now, so I to the point where a large portion have to resolve conflicts and change things that are not exactly the same other countries during the summer don’t see any reason why we can’t of our Army has the capabilities perceptions.” as West Point,” said Lt. Col. Greg through the Advanced Individual do that.” culturally to deal with all the According to Lennox, a major Ebner, DFL international programs Academic Development program. Sending out 12 to 15 percent different possible contingencies of advocate for the program, the officer. “They are doing their best But, for a language major at the of every graduating class at the the world, so we are not going into need for linguists in the military to make it as equitable as what is academy, the semester abroad is academy into the Army with the places without anyone who knows is growing more critical and West happening at West Point.” the ultimate linguistic and cultural ability to speak a second language, the country.” Cadet Russian majors experience culture from the inside out By Spc. Benjamin Gruver some of the countries prominent with students from other nations Adapting to the lack of head that we are going to live as Staff Writer and historical sights which included around the world as well. conveniences was another part of Russians,” Blanchard-Manning going to Red Square, the Black Sea, “My classes were usually with the experience, said Robinson. said. “Mark said it well, ‘We are While most cadets spent their old Stalingrad and other places one other girl from Indonesia, who The cadets found that it was not not bringing America with us. weeks grinding through the tough in and around Moscow and St. was there for about four years,” the uncommon for the water and We are leaving it behind. We schedule of classes and activities Petersburg. 21-year-old Blanchard-Manning electricity to go off every now and are going to Russia and we are and spent their weekends cheering “The school work and going to said. “Mark was with Estonians, then. They also found transportation going to be physically, mentally for Army football, Cadet 1st Class the university was only part of the Germans, (a student) from the and shopping different, too. and emotionally in Russia.’ Mark Robinson and Cadet 2nd education over there,” Robinson, Czech Republic and from Turkey “Everybody walks over there,” “In that way not only did Class Gabriella M. Blanchard- 25, said. “There was so much more. and England as well. Initially that Blanchard-Manning said. “So you we not make the mistakes an Manning spent the 2005 fall Working with the people, seeing was really interesting, of course had to get used to walking. The ugly American might make, semester engulfed in a cultural the culture, being there first hand, we were living with Russians family I was with had a car, but that disgracing our school or our and linguistic experience. that is all a part of the education. and interacting with Russians all is not something that is common.” country, but we got so much The two cadets went to Russia, We are both very thankful that we the time, but there also were a One thing both the cadets more from the people there,” as a part of the Department of were able to go over there and be lot of different people from other recognized from their experience she said. “We learned about the Foreign Languages’ Semester a part of that and try to be good countries that we got to interact is how as officers they will be culture, but we also appreciated Abroad Program, and studied at representatives of West Point and with.” representatives of the Army and it in such a way that Russia has Voronezh State University. the Army.” Robinson explained there were their country in foreign lands and endeared itself to us just from Both Russian language majors Not only were the cadets approximately 10 people in his found their own way to approach being over there and to be able stayed with host families, took exposed to the people of Russia, but class, which was considered a large that. to appreciate the people and classes at the school and saw they found themselves in classes class over there. “We just had the idea in our what they have gone through.” Community Features and Photos January 27, 2006 9 1980 grad Williams preps for space By Spc. Benjamin Gruver commander and Russian Federal second Return to Flight mission experiments that support the long- Staff Writer Space Agency representative, for the Space Shuttle Discovery term exploration of space.” Cosmonaut Pavel Vinogradov, at and will be the first three-person That includes understanding To step out into the empty a Russian training base known as crew at the space station since how to live and work in space for vastness of the universe or view “Star City” east of Moscow. Expedition 6. long periods of time, explained from a window the entirety of the The expedition’s flight engineer According to Williams, when Williams. The crew will be looking earth is not a feat many could ever said he is overwhelmed by the the shuttle arrives it will be bringing at how the human body reacts to the claim, a rarity among the six billion irony that the former enemies additional science facilities to include space environment and developing humans who inhabit this planet, are now working side by side a large freezer that goes down the counter measures for those but not quite as strange a claim in space exploration. Williams, to minus 80 degrees Celsius and adverse reactions. for a graduate of the U.S. Military an Army aviator, remembered another facility for growing plants. During the six-month stay away Academy. being in Germany for his first duty “There will be a variety of from solid ground the expedition Eighteen former cadets, who assignment with the 3rd Armored experiments,” Williams explained, also has three space walks scheduled once studied within the gray Division’s aviation battalion during that will be part of their mission. before their designated return Sept. walls of the academy, also carry a time when President Reagan “First we are still in the return to 24, something not new to Williams. Col. Jeffrey Williams the title of astronaut beside their dubbed the Soviet Union “the evil flight phase and getting back to The astronaut took a seven-hour NASA PHOTO name. Currently seven of them are empire” and everything in the a three-person crew on the space walk into space once before during spacecraft, but is totally another working under that title with NASA world was driven by the political station. We’ve figured out it takes his first trip outside the earth’s thing to be able to go outside and today, including Col. Jeff Williams competition between the two at least two people, if not more, atmosphere with the STS-101 really be out on your own, to be a who is preparing for his second countries in the Cold War. The just to run the station. That doesn’t Atlantis in May, 2000. satellite yourself, to be a spacecraft mission into space Mar. 22 on aviator was amazed on his first trip leave much crew time left over for “It was the highlight of the yourself and have that full view. To Expedition 13 to the International to Russia in 1999 when he could science and research. However, we experience on my shuttle flight,” look out and view creation below Space Station. freely walk around Red Square and are going to be doing some science Williams said of his space walk. and infinity out into the star field is “I am very honored and humbled take pictures. and research and it is a variety of “It is quite a view from inside a just incredible.” to be a part of the tradition,” said “I am very pleased personally Williams, a member of the USMA that I am able to do that,” Williams Class of 1980, who stood amongst said. “And I am very pleased other astronauts from the academy that we have this partnership during a halftime tribute at the 2005 internationally as former enemies Army/Navy game. “We had several working together. You could even of the Apollo era astronauts there, go back farther in history and and I was just honored to be part of marvel at how history has played the group and honored to represent out. When you consider when the the academy.” next shuttle flies Thomas Reiter, a Among those Williams stood German Air Force colonel, will join next to were retired Air Force us to be a third crew member.” colonels Frank Borman and Reiter will be joining Williams Buzz Aldrin, both pioneers in the and Vinogradov in May during the exploration of space. During the early stages of space exploration, Borman and Aldrin did many of the firsts far above the earth’s surface. Just like them, Williams will also have an opportunity to be a pioneer as the first active duty Army astronaut ever aboard the ISS. When Williams arrives at the space station in March for his six- month stay he will join another USMA graduate retired Col. Bill McArthur, Class of 1973, who has been aboard since early Oct. Williams prepared behind McArthur as the backup commander for Expedition 12. “We will have a whole year of West Point on orbit,” Williams said. “That is a significant thing for the academy and this institution, which means a lot to us.” Both Williams and McArthur will have roughly a week of handover time together on the ISS, a time Williams said he is looking forward to and hopes they can wave the West Point flag on one or two occasions during that time. But before he gets there, Williams is preparing for the trip alongside the expedition’s 10 January 27, 2006 Community Leisure

in the movie theater Viva! Las Vegas Night is Feb. 24 from 7 p.m. to midnight NOW SHOWING at Mahan Hall, Bldg. 752 at the Thayer Hotel. It brings you an exciting evening of casino gaming including Bingo, Blackjack, roulette, poker and craps. Jan. 27 -- Walk the Line, PG-13, 7:30 p.m. Amazing prizes and Silent Auction items include autographed Jan. 28 -- The Family Stone, PG-13, 7:30 p.m. books, premier hotel giveaways and a state-of-the-art television donated by AAFES. Jan. 28 -- Syriana, R, 9:30 p.m. To contribute call Susan Miller at 446-5290. For Silent Auction info call Lyn Eagen at 446-1099. To volunteer call Amy Feb. 3 -- The Chronicles of Narnia, PG, 7:30 p.m. Yates at 446-2634. For general info call Karen Govern at 446- Feb. 4 -- Cheaper by the Dozen 2, PG, 7:30 p.m. 5076. All proceeds go to scholarships and community grants. Feb. 4 -- Rumor has it, PG-13, 9:30 p.m. Feb. 10 -- King Kong, PG-13, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 11 -- Fun with Dick and Jane, PG-13, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 11 -- Munich, R, 9:30 p.m. Feb. 17 -- Cheaper by the Dozen 2, PG, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 18 -- The Ringer, PG-13, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 24 -- The Chronicles of Narnia, PG, 7:30 p.m. The theater schedule can also be found at www.aafes.com. At Your Leisure January 27, 2006 11 What’s Happening Electrical outage educational scholarships for club community grants are due to Deb The Church of the Holy for this special primary election Due to continued work on members, high school seniors and Dalton by Feb. 15. Innocents in Highland Falls will by completing and submitting a Jefferson Hall an electrical outage undergrad students. You can find For details on how to get host a series of informal discussions Federal Post Card Application will occur Saturday between 8 a.m. these applications by going to and process your organization’s call Via Media that will explore (FPCA), SF-76. and 4 p.m. that will affect the West www.shopthepoint.com, ACS application, call 446-4396 or e-mail the basics of Christian faith and The online version of the FPCA Point Club, Cullum Hall, Lincoln WPWC Shoppe or by calling [email protected]. Episcopal thought each Friday is available from the FVAP Web site Hall, Bartlett Hall and Building 446-2634. Applications are due night from 7 to 9 p.m. from Feb. at www.fvap.gov/pubs/onlinefpca. 757. by Feb. 27. Next school board meeting 17 until April 7. html. Citizens can also contact There will be intermittent The WPWC Shoppe is open The next regularly scheduled The sessions will be at the their voting assistance officers to outages of up to several minutes every Wed. from 10 a.m. until 2 school board meeting will be church, which is located at 401 Main obtain Absentee Ballots. each during this time. p.m. For more information, call Thursday at 4:30 p.m. Street, Highland Falls, across from For additional assistance please 446-8798. the West Point Visitor’s Center. For contact Sgt. 1st Class John Castillo, Sacred Heart of Jesus School WPWC has a party tent, table African American History more info., call 446-2197. Assistant Senior Voting Assistance Sacred Heart of Jesus School in decorations and other party items Month Variety Show Officer USMA/Garrison at 938- Highland Falls will conduct open to rent for your next event. In honor of African American California special election 8450. house tours for pre-k to eighth Call 446-1187 for a complete History Month there will be a On April 11, there will be a special grades Sunday from 10:30 a.m. list of rental items. variety show Feb. 10 at Robinson primary election in the California Military Order of the Purple Heart until 1:30 p.m. Auditorium from 6:30 to 8:30 50th Congressional District to fill Local veterans are organizing a Meet teachers, parents and DUSA p.m. the seat of Congressman Randy local chapter of the Military Order students. DUSA is also seeking a full- The event is free and open to Cunningham. of the Purple Heart of the U.S.A. All students must meet or charge bookkeeper for DUSA Gift the West Point community. All members of the U.S. Contact Sal J. Scialo at (845) exceed the NY State tests. Shops. Call 515-1269 or 938-2494 by Uniformed Services, their family 562-1730 or write him at P.O. Box For more information call 446- The job would be 10 to 12 hours Feb. 3 to get on stage. members and citizens who are 470, Castle Point, NY 12511. 2674. per week with a flexible schedule. California residents from the 50th Scialo will send you all the Experience in payroll is Church program District should request a ballot information you need. WPWC important. The West Point Women’s Call 446-0566 for more Club is accepting applications for information. Community Grants and individual Applications for DUSA 12 January 27, 2006 At Your Leisure MWR Blurbs Family Readiness Group Keller Corner 622, Tuesday from 6:30 to 8:30 For more information call Families of deployed service p.m. Connie Woodley at 938-6497. KACH closures The use of digital imaging at individuals serving overseas are R.S.V.P. to Elizabeth Montanino ACS sponsor classes All outpatient clinics, laboratory, KACH has eliminated the use of invited to attend a Family Readiness by Monday, by calling 938-5654. Receive the tips and tools pharmacy and radiology will be radiographic film. The radiology Group information meeting at the ACS also has many new necessary for effectively sponsoring closed Feb. 17 and 20. department requires 48-hour notice Army Community Center, Bldg. programs and resources for family a West Point newcomer Feb 6 and 9 The emergency room will to print copies of all films for all members of deployed service from 9:30 to 11 a.m. in Bldg. 622. remain open. outside medical appointments. members including free Destinta This class is not affiliated with Call 938-3612 to request films. DPW Notes movie tickets, new educational the cadet fourth class sponsorship Leaving this summer? resources, free tickets to USMA program. Get all your health needs Clinical breast study In order to improve DPW sporting events and video Advance sign-up is required. taken care of before the moving Women ages 30 to 45 with procedures for scheduling teleconferencing capabilities. Call 938-4621/2519 for more van arrives. military benefits are invited to plumbing and heating service Call Army Community Service info. Whether you have ongoing participate in an ongoing clinical call appointments in housing, Center in Building 622 at (845) 938- health needs due to chronic breast study. The study is intended DPW is instituting a new 4621/2519 for more information. School Age Services medical problems, or you just to test a new non-invasive scanning procedure for the establishment 2006 SAS summer camp need the routine periodic check- device to identify women at risk of service appointments in these BOSS Super Bowl Party applications will be taken for up, chances are it will be a for breast cancer. two functional areas (shops). BOSS Super Bowl Party at current patrons Feb. 6 to 17 and for lot more convient here than You may participate once or on After determining the Buffalo Soldier Pavilion Feb. 5. all other users March 6 to 17, 6:30 wherever you are going. a yearly basis. priority for the work, the work Doors open at 4 p.m. Come watch a.m. until 5 p.m., at Building 1207. Contact Joyce Epstein-Ross for order clerk will ask the resident the game on our 62” HDTV. For more info., call 938-4458. 48-hour notice more information at 938-8387. for either an e-mail address or a current contact phone number. Emergency conditions such as a burst pipe, gas leak or no heat will be answered by the next available mechanic as is currently the procedure. For all other priorities, the resident will be contacted by the shop supervisor via e-mail or phone, by the end of that business day or within the first two hours of the next business day, giving the resident a date and either a morning (from 7:30 to 11 a.m.) or afternoon (from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.) appointment time period. The customer is asked to confirm that time period as soon as possible. If the resident is not available, a new time period will be given. As the mechanic completes each service, they will call the next customer, to tell them they are en route. This procedure will be tested for non-emergency housing plumbing and heating service requests for service orders submitted from Wednesday to April 30.

Command Channel 8/23 Jan. 27 - Feb. 3 FRIDAY 9 a.m. Army Newswatch 6 p.m. Army Newswatch MONDAY - THURSDAY 9 a.m. Army Newswatch 6 p.m. Army Newswatch Feb. 3 9 a.m. Army Newswatch 6 p.m. Army Newswatch January 27, 2006 13 Army and Community Sports Boxing inspires cadets to better themselves Story and photo by they discover their self-expression “I had a lot of confidence in Eric S. Bartelt in the pugilist art form. my abilities, so I went ahead and Assistant Editor For some, like senior Matt pursued it,” Pride added. Pride and juniors Reggie Smith Pursue his dreams he did, by Finding a direction in life is and Michael Benedosso, they found winning the collegiate national a fight that everyone faces and to their direction within the square championship at the 156-pound find that niche within the world of ring as plebes and continue to box weight class last year. Now Pride the mundane can be the difference today with the club team. is looking to bigger and better between self-destruction and self- “I did fairly well in plebe things. discovery. boxing,” Pride said. “Coach (Ray) “I’m looking to defend it At West Point, plebe boxing Barone came to me and said I this year,” said the Staten Island, is an outlet that helps new cadets needed to be on the boxing team, N.Y., native. “I’ve had a lot of work through issues of the first year but at the time I was the female accomplishments in boxing (which blues and for some of those cadets basketball manager. include two Brigade Open titles) and ultimately I would like to box in the Army.” The 6’1” Pride uses his height and reach advantage to take care of opponents in his weight class, Junior Reggie Smith gives a shot to the body of sophomore but his true strength lies in his teammate Ovidiu Iacob during sparring practice Wednesday. abilities to box as if it were a game of chess. Coach. “What we had to do is an activity he enjoys and provides “I’m all about fundamentals … take him from wanting to knock the ultimate outlet from tedious throwing straight punches, moving everybody out to being a boxer. school days. at angles after those punches, “His aspirations are to go to the “I’m just having fun and for keeping my hands up,” Pride All-Army team, which I think he’ll as sadistic as it may sound, I like explained. “I consider myself a have no trouble doing and, maybe, fighting people and I have fun tactician because I like to place my one day go to the Olympics,” fighting and training for fights,” punches strategically while I’m in Barone added. “In order for him to Smith said. “To me, it’s not about the ring, where I aim my punches do that, he has to be a boxer because success more so than having fun … and have an intent behind those he can’t outslug at that level of but boxing has provided an outlet punches. competition.” for me. “I might throw a soft punch to Unlike Pride, who considers “I go through the school day set up my power combination. I himself a fundamentals boxer, Smith and I’m not an academic scholar, might throw a jab at an opponent’s and Benedosso see themselves as but when I get here and hit the head because I know that he’s brawlers. bag to get some of that frustration going to slip to his right and then “I’m an entirely different person out while getting into shape, that’s I’ll catch him with my cross. I like in the ring with my aggressiveness,” fun,” Smith added. to anticipate the next move,” Pride said Smith, a 185-pound native of Benedosso, at 5’2”, 112 pounds, added. Rockville, Md. “I’m more of a is the smallest boxer on the team, Pride’s skills are not lost on brawler than a boxer. When I get but by no means does that mean the coaches at the academy as they those rages in the ring I don’t keep he’s short on ability or the will to see great potential in him like in my hands up as much.” win. past boxers such as Boyd Melson Despite his brawler status, “All my opponents are taller (USMA 2003). Smith has been successful in the than me by a couple of inches, so I “(Matt) has heavy hands and ring as he earned second-team All- have to work on getting inside and can hit pretty hard, but his biggest American status last year with a closing the range,” said the Milford, assets are his height, reach and loss in the national finals. But, more Conn., native. “My strongest quality speed,” said Barone, Club Boxing importantly, Smith sees boxing as is my overhand right. 14 January 27, 2006 Army and Community Sports Boxing, cont. page from page 14 … it’s pretty strong.” this club go.” helped cultivate success for the past support us with everything we us here.” Smith said. “Maj. Hart He lost to the national champion Overall what the coaches offer 10 years of the club’s existence. do from checking our academics, helped me inside and outside the last year, but won in the brigades the boxers is a sense of family “With the coaches, Capt. to inquiring about our personal ring with my development as a and regionals. However, for him, and that’s an environment that has (John) Kiel and those guys who lives, is they provide a family for boxer and as a person.” there isn’t a particular goal in mind; he feels the goal is always trying to better himself. “It all depends on where you set your pinnacle … is it brigades, regionals, nationals or above and if you talk about the ultimate of your boxing career there is none -- it’s infinite,” Benedosso said. “Look at boxers now, like Jermain Taylor, where he still has to defend his title like Bernard Hopkins did for some 10 years, so you still have to defend it over and over again … it gives you more motivation as you go up the ladder.” Coaching has played a big part in producing quality boxing at the academy. Majors Jerry Hart and his brother, Chris, were important to the growth of the sport here and Coach Barone and his current group of volunteer assistants continue to provide the cadets with the best tutelage to succeed inside and outside the ring. “All the coaches are volunteers and if they didn’t give their time then there wouldn’t be a club and the cadets wouldn’t have this outlet,” Barone said. “The club wouldn’t be where it is today without (Jerry and Chris Hart’s) leadership and the time they devoted to these young folks -- they gave selflessly to make