FREE RECYCLED an edition of the Recycled material is used in the making of our ALASKA POST newsprint The Interior Military News Connection Vol. 8, No. 7 Fort Wainwright, Alaska February 17, 2017 Come out fighting: The first African- American tankers in combat Elizabeth M. Collins Soldiers The explosion was massive, far larger than the men of the 761st Tank Battalion were expecting when they re- sponded to a German attack in the Rhineland town of Silz, Germany. The rounds from their M4 Sherman tanks had struck an ammunition dump in the town, and the tankers watched with a combination of sympathy and satisfac- tion as the houses, which had also been used to store munitions, exploded one-by-one until the town became a raging inferno. Leaving Silz in ashes, like so many other towns along the Siegfried Line, they continued to push toward the Rhine River in March 1945. In assigning the 761st Tank Battalion to lead Task Force Rhine with elements of the 103rd Infantry Di- vision, Army leaders hadn’t chosen just any tank bat- talion. The 761st was the first of its kind, the first Af- rican-American tank unit to go into combat. By that March, the tankers were steely and battle-hardened, but even before they had landed on Omaha Beach in Nor- mandy, France, Oct. 10, 1944, they were some of the best-trained tankers in the Army, thanks to two years spent at Camp Claiborne, Louisiana, and Camp Hood, Texas. “They trained for almost two years at a time when Soldiers from Dog Company of the 761st Tank Battalion check equipment before leaving England for combat armor crewmen were getting as little as three months of in France in the fall of 1944. The 761st Tank Battalion was the first African-American tank battalion to go into training because of the pressures of the war. Because they battle. While most of the companies used M4 Sherman tanks, Dog Company used lighter M3 Stuart tanks were African Americans, the Army didn’t quite know and served as the reconnaissance arm of the battalion. When the unit’s supply trucks became useless due to the icy, snowy weather that winter, Dog Company also began to transport supplies and wounded Soldiers. See COMBAT on page 7 (Photo courtesy of the Gen. George Patton Museum and Center of Leadership) Input needed on School Climate Survey Nugget Lanes Sharice Walker forts, and addressing the strategic goals FNSBSD Public Relations Director of the school board. The results will also be evaluated to produce a public report. Bowling Center team, Families are encouraged to share their Students in grades 5 through 12 and dis- perspectives on the safety, environment, trict staff will also complete school cli- and engagement at their students’ schools mate surveys. picture of excellence by participating in a comprehensive The survey is expected to take approx- school climate survey. The Fairbanks imately 20 minutes and responses are North Star Borough School District sur- kept confidential. A link to the online vey was emailed to parents beginning survey will be included in the parent February 16th. email, but paper copies will also be The school climate survey is replacing available at school sites. Further in- three separate surveys conducted in pre- formation about the survey, including vious years, including the parent opinion copies of the surveys, can be found at survey, and results will be used to assist https://safesupportivelearning.ed.gov/ in program planning, policy-making ef- edscls. Army Nurse Corps -116 years of service Brandy Ostanik Medical Department Activ- Deborah Morton (left), Anne Magaan (spouse), Ryan Doll, Digna Cline (spouse), ity – Alaska Public Affairs Tina Dixon, CSM King, Mark Donker, Karen Cruz (spouse), Tim Banks, Manager and Elizabeth Diamond (spouse). Awardees not pictured: Casey Redmond, For over 116 years Army Georgia Teles, Chia Hui Yun, Anthony Carlos, LeeAnn Carpenter (spouse), nurses have been providing and Lee Kanzler, Golf, Manager. Special note: Army spouses make up the selfless service and quali- backbone of many of Fort Wainwright’s Family MWR activities. (Photo courtesy ty care to Soldiers, Family Fort Wainwright Family MWR) members and other beneficia- ries. The Army Nurse Corps Ian Tassie was officially founded Feb. Family MWR, Business Operations Officer 2, 1901, to take care of sol- diers “on the battlefield and The team at Nugget Lanes Bowling Center was recognized for excellence at home. onFeb. 8, by Garrison Command Sergeant Major, Kevin King. King handed out To mark the special occa- nine coins for excellence under his ‘Everyday Hero’ award program. AnEveryday sion, Medical Department Ac- Hero is someone recognized for their contribution to the culture of service on Fort tivity - Alaska nurses and other Wainwright. This could be because of staff members gathered Feb. See TEAM on page 2 2 to celebrate the Army Nurse Corps birthday and the dedica- tion of Army nurses around the globe. The celebration, revolving Parental engagement around the theme of “Leading Readiness and Profession- al Practices; Getting it Done influences student Since 1901,” featured a video presentation from Maj. Gen. Barbara R. Holcomb, chief, learning Army Nurse Corps. Lt. Col. Richard Sonniers, chief of Behavioral Michael Campbell, School Liaison staff. Shared responsibility means that Holcomb called on the Health at Medical Department Activity – officer together we can better understand how Alaska and Lt. Chelsea Brinson, a nurse from attendees to take the day Georgia Sandgren, Military our contributions impact a student’s total the Maternal Newborn unit at Bassett Army to reflect on the genera- Student Support Coordinator success. Community Hospital, cut the cake during the tions of Army Nurse Corps Parent-teacher conference attendance officer who have served 116th Army Nurse Corp Birthday Celebration at Bassett ACH Feb. 2. Sonniers and Brinson Students do better in school when is one way to engage shared responsibil- and entrusted future nurses parents are involved with their academ- ity. with preserving their great represented the most senior and most junior Army Nurse Corps staff at MEDDAC-AK. (Photo ic lives.Student learning is a shared re- sponsibility with students, parents, and See CONFERENCE on page 2 See NURSE on page 2 by Brandy Ostanik, Medical Department Activity WEEKEND WEATHER VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION NOMINATIONS ACS Volunteers work hard all year for our service members, our Families and with our organizations. Now is the time to recognize them. Submit your nom- inees by March 13, in the following Categories: Youth (ages 13-18), Active Friday Saturday Sunday Duty Military, Military Family Member, DA Civilian or Retiree. Partly sunny, with Partly sunny, Chance of snow Call 353-4337 for more information. a high near 17. with a high Highs around Lows around -5. near 12.Lows 5 below. Lows around -8. around -14. The Annual Volunteer Recognition Ceremony is on April 20th. 2 NEWS ALASKA POST - February 17, 2017 Nutrition Corner: Got fiber? NUTRITION 101: does the fiber in the vegetables help fill you up, it will RECIPE SPOTLIGHT: Most Americans only consume one-half to two-thirds leave less room for the higher calorie starches and meats. Banana Oat Breakfast Cookies of the recommended amount which can leave a lot to Incorporate fruits, nuts/nut butters, and whole grains with YIELD: Serves 14 (serving size: 1 cookie). Each be desired for those who are decreasing their calories your snacks. Include beans in your recipes and salads; you serving contains approximately 125 calories, 2g fiber, for weight loss. The recommended amount of fiber for can sneak them in almost anywhere and they even add and 6g of fat, and 85mg sodium. men and women ages 19-50 is 25 grams and 38 grams, some protein and iron. Attempt to make half of your grain respectively. Unfortunately, fiber is often overlooked as whole grains, they contain more fiber and typically more INGREDIENTS: an essential nutrient. naturally occurring micronutrients. Don’t limit your grains 3 bananas Fiber is typically known for the gastrointestinal to the usual brown rice and whole grain pasta. Explore a 1 tablespoon maple syrup benefits but is also part of a heart healthy diet and can little bit for more variety so you don’t get bored. Other 1 teaspoon vanilla extract help you while you are trying to lose weight. As part of whole grains you can try that are easy to make are barley, 1 1/2 cup rolled oats a healthy diet that is low in saturated fat and sodium, it corn (yes, even popcorn!), millet, oats, quinoa, wild rice, 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed can also help reduce cholesterol levels. and farro. 1/4 teaspoon of salt If you are trying to reduce your weight, think about 1/4 cup chopped walnuts increasing your fiber. Fiber helps you feel more satisfied FEATURED FOOD: after eating a meal and helps you stay satisfied for a Flaxseed. Flaxseed contains about 2-3g of fiber per PREPARATION: longer period of time. Those who eat adequate amounts tablespoon. You can add it to hot and cold cereal, yogurt, Preheat oven to 350oF. Place bananas in a bowl and of fiber tend to refrain from overeating on a regular basis. smoothies, and baked goods. The options are endless. Not mash well. Add remaining ingredients to bananas. Stir To increase your fiber, include plenty of plant based only is flaxseed a good source of fiber, it contains heart well. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Press products in your diet. Start by making half of your plate healthy omega-3 fatty acids. You get all that nutrition 2 tablespoons of the mixture onto the parchment paper. vegetables, no matter what the entree.