DADDY! SOLDIER SURPRISES SPOUSE, DAUGHTER ON TV SHOW FOLLOWING VIRAL VIDEO P3

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1 TRICK OR TREAT HALLOWEEN COMES TO FORT JACKSON P9 THAT S DADDY! SOLDIER SURPRISES SPOUSE, DAUGHTER ON TV SHOW FOLLOWING VIRAL VIDEO P3 ALSO INSIDE FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT SCHOOL GETS NEW LEADER - P8 STEWARDSHIP ROLE DOESN T JUST BELONG TO GREEN SUITERS - P14

2 ON THE COVER Pvt. David Villegas prepares to speak with his family live on television from Fort Jackson. Villegas wife and daughter were guests of The Ellen Show SEE PAGE 3 Photo by NICK SALCIDO Fort Jackson, South Carolina This civilian enterprise newspaper, which has a circulation of 10,000, is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. Army. Contents of the Fort Jackson Leader are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, Department of the Army or Fort Jackson. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts and supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of the Army or Camden Media Co. of the firms, products or services advertised. All editorial content of the Fort Jackson Leader is prepared, edited, provided and approved by the Public Affairs Office of Fort Jackson. The Fort Jackson Leader is published by Camden Media Co., a private firm in no way connected with the Department of the Army, under exclusive written contract with Fort Jackson. The civilian printer is responsible for commercial advertising. For display advertising rates and information call or write Camden Media Company, P.O. Box 1137, Camden, S.C For classified advertising information only: call or nwilson@chronicleindependent.com or fax For questions or concerns about subscriptions, call To submit articles, story ideas or announcements, write the Fort Jackson Leader, Fort Jackson, S.C , call or fjleader@ gmail.com. Commanding General...Maj. Gen. John P. Johnson Garrison Commander...Col. Stephen Elder Public Affairs Officer...Michael B. Pond Garrison Public Affairs Officer...Patrick Jones Command Information Officer...Christopher Fletcher Editor...Wallace McBride Staff Writer...Robert Timmons Website: Facebook: Twitter: Instagram: Community Calendar FRIDAY Native American Heritage Month luncheon 11:30 a.m., Fort Jackson NCO Club. TUESDAY Maude Lecture Series The Maude Lecture Series that was postponed on Sept. 12 has been rescheduled for 2:30 p.m. Nov. 7 at the Solomon Center. Maj. Gen. Pete Johnson, Fort Jackson commander, is scheduled to speak to unit leaders and human resources professionals about quality leadership. Hacksaw Ridge free screening 1-3:30 p.m., Thomas Lee Hall Library.The more information, contact NOV. 9 Lego Club 2-3:30 p.m., Thomas Lee Hall Library. Test creativity. A free event. For more information, contact NOV. 11 Holiday hours The Fort Jackson Commissary will be open for business on Veterans Day from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. NOV. 15 Quarterly shred event and the Auto Craft Shop. Protect your identi- of this shred event. For more information, NOV Daniel Circle Chapel Fall Revival 7-9 p.m., Daniel Circle Chapel. 7-9 p.m., Alabama. For more information, call NOV. 17 Commanding General s Quarterly Golf Tournament The format is Scramble/Captain s Choice, WINTER SPORTS Winter Basketball Winter Cheerleading DEC. 5 Thrift Savings Plan seminar for federal civilian employees For more information, call DEC. 9 Matinee Movie at the Library Thomas Lee Hall Library. The movie is have questions or need more information, contact DEC. 14 Lego Club 2-3:30 p.m., Thomas Lee Hall Library. Test questions or need more information, contact Thrift shop holiday notes items until Nov. 9. Christmas items will be accepted between Nov. 21 until Dec. 7. The - 23 and Jan. 8. ID Card section update will not accept appointments and will only - WINTER SPORTS Winter Basketball Winter Cheerleading SEND ALL SUBMISSIONS TO FJLeader@gmail.com Deadline for events to be included in the calendar or Happenings is one week before publication. Include the time, date and place the event will occur, as well as other necessary information. If you submit an article on an event that already has taken place, please send it as soon as possible. Tuesday is the last day we will we be able to accept an article for publication the following Thursday. Include the date and place of the event, as well as a description of what took place. Please include quotations, if possible. With any photo you submit, include IDs rank, unit, and Questions? Call Join us on FACEBOOK. Visit FACEBOOK.COM/FORTJACKSON and click like.

3 That s daddy! Soldier surprises spouse, daughter on TV show following viral video By CHRIS FLETCHER Fort Jackson Leader Photo by NICK SALCIDO Pvt. David Villegas of Delta Company, 3rd Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment, speaks with his Family live Oct. 31 from Fort Jackson. Villegas wife and daughter were guests of The Ellen Show, following the success of a viral video involving the Family. The short video clip showed daughter, Elianna, as she received a bear for her birthday from Villegas. Like millions of Soldiers in Basic Combat Training before him, he sat in a chair and talked about his child with his wife. Unlike those millions of Soldiers, Pvt. David Villegas of Delta Company, 3rd Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment, was talking to his wife via a livefeed provided by The Ellen Show as his wife was sitting in a Los Angeles television Green Room after she was ambushed by Ellen DeGeneres in studio Oct. 31. You said it went viral, Villegas said to his wife, Vanessa. I didn t know you meant this viral! The it Villegas referred to was a short video clip shot by Vanessa of their daughter, Elianna, as she received a bear for her birthday from Villegas. The bear had an audio recording of Villegas and his daughter s reaction was priceless. He s a good Soldier, he s one of the good ones. Staff Sgt. Derek Smith To date, the video has been shared, retweeted and liked on Twitter Oct. 11 received 15,000 retweets and 30,000 likes according to a San Antonio television station. Villegas, who is in week six of Basic Combat Training, possessed the foresight to make the bear and record his message before coming to Fort Jackson from his San Antonio home. He had talked with his wife over the phone shortly after Elianna s birthday and knew there was a video that had gone viral, but he had no idea it would culminate in a crazy twoweek adventure with him surprising his Family on television. See ELLEN: Page 24

4 Fort Jackson Movie Schedule 3319 Jackson Blvd. Phone: FRIDAY My Little Pony: The Movie (PG) 7 p.m. Photo by MASTER SGT. BRIAN HAMILTON ll items belonging to fallen service members are photographed after being inventoried and inspected for cleanliness and servicability at the Joint Personal Effects Depot located at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware. After items come into the JPED receive an initial inspection for unexploded ordnance, they are then taken into one of several cages where the items are inventoried, inspected for cleanliness and damage, photographed, and packaged for delivery back to the family of the fallen service member. To honor the fallen: The Joint Personal Effects Depot By MASTER SGT. BRIAN HAMILTON Army News Service The months following the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, would forever shape the way the military does business. In an effort to provide some sense of comfort to the families of those who perished that September day, the U.S. Army Human Resources Command established the Joint Personal Effects Depot at present day Joint Base Myer- Henderson Hall, in Arlington, Virginia. Its close proximity to the Pentagon made Arlington the perfect area to account for and process personal items of fallen warriors, return them to the families, and help provide closure. But as America s resolve strengthened, the young men and women of this country took up arms to defend the freedoms of its citizens against an unconventional new enemy in a war against terror thousands of miles away. With the possibility of a rising number of casualties stemming from this new war, America s military was faced with a new challenge how to care for its fallen? for an expanded personal effects facility soon became evident and the JPED was relocated from Arlington to Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland. Working out of old and sometimes dilapidated World War II era warehouses, workers at the JPED ran an assembly line operation without heat in the winter or air conditioning in the summer until 2005, when the decision was made to consolidate the Joint Personal Effects Depot, along with the services mortuary, to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware. I was assigned to the depot in Aberdeen as a mortuary affairs specialist with the Army Reserve and I can say it was less than ideal conditions to work in, said Nelson Delgado, JPED operations management specialist and retired Army Reserve master sergeant. See DEPOT: Page 19 SATURDAY My Little Pony: The Movie (PG) 1 p.m. Blade Runner 2049 (R) 5 p.m. SUNDAY My Little Pony: The Movie (PG)1 p.m. Blade Runner 2049 (R) 5 p.m. WEDNESDAY My Little Pony: The Movie (PG) 2 p.m. Blade Runner 2049 (R) 5 p.m.... TICKETS Adult: $6 / Child (6 to 11): $4 3-D TICKETS Adult: $8 / Child (6 to 11): $6 Ticket sales open 30 minutes before each movie. Movie times and schedule are subject to change without notice.

5 November 2, 2017 The Fort Jackson Leader Page 5

6 Photo by NICK SPINELLI Almost 600 people came out to raise awareness of diabetes and breast cancer as part of the Be Aware 5K, held Oct. 28 at Fort Jackson. 5k raises awareness for breast cancer, diabetes By NICK SPINELLI Fort Jackson Medical Activity Nearly 600 participants came out to support diabetes and breast cancer awareness during the Be Aware 5K held at the entrance to Moncrief Army Health Clinic Oct. 28. The event, which was coordinated by U.S. Army Medical Department Activity Fort Jackson also included a mini-health fair with information on a variety of medical services available to the Fort Jackson community and The morning began with a series of warm ups led by the MEDDAC Performance Triad Team, and opening remarks by Col. Eric Edwards, MEDDAC commander, who described the impact awareness and early screenings can make on a potential diagnosis. Death rates from breast cancer have been declining since about 1990, in part due to better screening and early detection, increased awareness, and continually improving treatment options, he said. As of this moment, there are over 2.8 million breast cancer survivors alive in the United States. Before the run, those in attendance got to hear from survivors of both breast cancer and diabetes. First up, Wanda Mills, a 10-year breast cancer survivor, described her experiences battling the disease and the state of mind it required to beat it. I was determined to not just beat this disease, but to also live my life to the fullest, she said. The next two speakers were Dan and Asher Huddleston, father and son both living with Type 1 Diabetes. Asher, who was diagnosed at age 11, said diabetes changed his life before he really began it and plans to work towards becoming a Biomedical Engineer in order to work towards a cure so other children won t have to grow up with the disease. I control my diabetes, it does not control me, he said. His father, Dan, who is also diabetic, described the myriad of emotions when he found out about his son s diagnosis. I was stressed and felt guilty, wondering if there was something I had done to cause us both to be diabetics, he explained. Fortunately, both Huddleston s found support in the diabetic community through groups and camp involvements. The community has been amazing, Dan said. All that we ve learned and all the support we ve received has changed our lives. After the comments, the run began, and 559 survivors and supporters came together for a 3.2 mile loop around the post. This was a phenomenal event and I could not be prouder of everyone involved, Edwards said. From the dedicated team who worked so hard to put this whole morning together, to the brave individuals who were willing to share their stories of survival, to the nearly 600 participants who came out to run with us and show their support; the entire event was a testament to the Fort Jackson community s willingness to come together in support of each other. This was a phenomenal event and I could not be prouder of everyone involved. Col. Eric Edwards MEDDAC commander

7 Holiday safety poster contest begins Nov. 15 From staff reports Photo by NICHOLAS SALCIDO Lt. Gen. MacFarland visits post Lt. Gen. Sean MacFarland, Deputy Commanding General/Chief of Staff for U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command speaks during the 3rd Battalion, 60th Infantry Battalion graduation ceremony Oct. 26. MacFarland visited Fort Jackson Oct and observed training before speaking at the ceremony Army offering military pay transition training From staff reports community/spaces/apf/s1net/military-paytransition-training-for-hr-professionals.

8 Financial Management School gets new leader By ROBERT TIMMONS Fort Jackson Leader Photo by ROBERT TIMMONS Col. Eric Zellars hands the Financial Management School colors to Col. Stephen Aiton, Soldier Support Institute commander, during a change of commandant ceremony Oct. 27 as Col. Richard Hoerner looks on. Hoerner took command of the Financial Management School from Zellars during the ceremony at Victory Field. The leadership of the Financial Management School on Fort technicians each year passed from Col. Eric F. Zellars to Col. Richard Hoerner in a ceremony on Victory Field Oct. 27. this great team to a higher level, Zellars said in his farewell remarks. Zellars, who is retiring after 33 years in the service that started as private, also handed over the responsibilities as Chief of the Finance Corps to Hoerner. Hoerner, who enlisted in the Army in 1985 as an infantryman, has spent 32 years of remarkable service and (has) a wealth of experience in the operational force and enterprise level of the port Institute commander, as he welcomed him to Fort Jackson. The new FMS commandant s most recent position was as the XVIII Airborne Corps Assistant Chief of Staff for Finance, Operation Inherent Resolve. Hoerner s operational leadership started early in his career when, as a staff sergeant, he led a Ranger squad in a night combat parachute jump into Panama during Operation Just Cause. Hoerner said after taking over the FMS reins that he diers will be ready for combat. These Soldiers need to tough and prepared to execute our wartime mission, Hoerner said. We will train every day to execute our wartime mission. I can t think of a better leader fresh out of the fight to take this great team to a higher level. Col. Eric F. Zellars Hoerner takes over a team that had accomplished many feats nance personnel. Aiton lauded Zellars and his team for recognizing and redesigning the curriculum for all courses, instituting a mentorship program, and leveraging partnerships with the University of South Carolina to create basic and graduate data analytics courses. Over the past two years, FMS has also designed a game-like platform to deliver realistic training that nancial management professionals across the force, Aiton also praised Zellars for working with the Adjutant General School to develop processes to transfer military pay from the Finance Corp to the AG Corps. Aiton added he will miss Zellars whom he characterized as a consummate team player who never talked about his own accomplishments, but was quick to talk about the many things his team did together.

9 & Photos by NICHOLAS SALCIDO Above, Finley Poore and Carter Concepcion, sons of drill sergeants Danny Concepcion and Cade Poore both of Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment, pose for photograph taken by the Fort Jackson Fire Department during the on post Halloween Trick or Treat Oct 31. Members of the installation Directorate of Emergency Services, to include a fire truck, police cruisers, and law enforcement on bikes, patrolled the streets to ensure community safety as well as handed out candy to trick or treaters.

10 Congrats! Left: Darius Lane, Fort Jackson s Youth Sports, Fitness Director was named the post s Civilian of the Year for fiscal year 2017 during a quarterly awards presentation ceremony at the Non-commissioned Officer s Club on post Oct. 27. Below: Capt. Michael McCaffrie, with Moncrief Army Health Clinic, shakes the hand of Maj. Gen. Pete Johnson, Fort Jackson commander, after receiving an award for earning the Expert Field Medical Badge. Capt. Tracy Morel to his left also earned the EFMB. Photos by ROBERT TIMMONS

11 Training mission transfers to new leadership By ROBERT TIMMONS Fort Jackson Leader Lt. Col. Karl Painter and Command Sgt. Maj. Johnathan Bentley transferred the authority of Task Force Marshall to Lt. Col. Travis Quesenberry and Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas K. Watts in a ceremony Oct. 30 at Camp McCrady in Eastover, South Carolina. Task Force Marshall, which falls under the Army Training Center s Leader Training Brigade, is in charge of training all Navy individual augmentees prior to deployment to the Middle East. Col. Fernando Guadalupe, LTB commander, thanked the what you do for Fort Jackson and the country every single The ceremony is different than most conducted on Fort Jackson because TFM is a battalion-sized training force comprised of U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers who have been mobilized for a year. Each year personnel conduct reliefs-inplace similar to active duty units when deploying to a combat zone. The 108th Training Command, based in Charlotte, provides TFM with the reserve drill sergeants that make up its ranks. In the words of the outgoing senior enlisted leader, Command Sgt. Maj. Johnathan Bentley, the Soldiers are con- To signify the transfer of authority, the unit colors were passed from the outgoing leadership team to Guadalupe who handed the colors to Quesenberry before Watts took charge of them as part of his duties as the senior enlisted leader. Painter, who will be heading back to his job as a vice president for a major bank, will have fond memories of his time leading the task force. - ployment. Painter and Bentley made the incoming leadership team s jobs easier because of the hard work they put in, Quesenberry said. lized from his job as a sales engineer for a commercial heat- in trying to live up to the outgoing commander s successes. Photo by ROBERT TIMMONS Command Sgt. Maj. Johnathan Bentley, outgoing senior enlisted leader of Task Force Marshall, passes the unit colors to Lt. Col. Karl Painter, the outgoing unit commander, during a transfer of authority ceremony at Camp McCrady Oct. 30. Painter transferred authority of the unit charged with training individual Navy augmentees to Lt. Col. Travis Quesenberry.

12 I became a soldier... 3rd Battalion, 13th Infantry Regiment PVT. MARKITA ELDRIDGE, 28 San Bernardino, California the Army to show my daughters that they can because I want to make enforcement. I imagined the Army cially. females. the MOS because it seemed interesting. My experience was very rewarding. Although it was mentally challenging, I felt that I made an impact on other Soldiers here. PVT. DANE PEDERSEN, 18 Granada Hills, California enced me the most to of the way he carried himself and the stories he told about Vietnam. Yes, I imagined it would be challenging physically due to physical training. However, it was mentally challenging due to drill sergeants being tough on me. lenging due to lack of sleep mixed with intense physical activity. I am an 88N Transportation Management Coordinator. I chose it because it was as close to my grandfather s MOS in Vietnam. I would have to say when you actually look past all of the yelling drill sergeants do, you can take away a lot if you to listen to their advice. PVT. ALLYSON DONALD, 19 Laurel, Mississippi military when he was younger. I moved out of my Dad s house during February or March 2017 and hit a rough patch. I didn t want to keep going down the wrong road or end up like my Mom or my brothers so I decided to change. The Army was everything I imagined it would be. My Dad gave me ideas of what it was like and I loved Junior ROTC in high school which helped a lot. The Forge was the most challenging for me. Why? I ve never walked so long with so much weight on my back. But, I did it without quitting. So now all it needs is practice with keeping it up. I am a 89B Ammunition Specialist. I didn t pick it my recruiter did. When I moved out my Dad got my phone turned off so I had no way to contact my recruiter. So when it came down to choosing an MOS PFC. JOSEPH BELLINO, 20 Pickens, South Carolina Joining the Army was a dream of mine ever since I was a little kid and as soon as I as fast as I could. The Army isn t what I because we are still in basic training and not in the real Army yet. Our drill sergeants have already said that basic is completely different than the Army. So I m excited to see what the Army is like. The most challenging part and the best part of basic was the Forge. I say this because some things we did were challenging like marching, but I I am a 91B Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic. I chose 91B because of my passion for vehicles. At home I am a self-taught mechanic and will work on a regular basis, so I thought why not learn more PVT. YULISSA BORJA, 19 Phoenix I wanted to prove to people that I wasn t weak and the Army was a good way to prove them wrong. I thought the Army would be a little more challenging, but it did have me face obstacles I didn t think I would be able to. Victory Forge was the most challenging part of Basic Combat Training. The weather was really cold and my feet were hurting towards the end of the ruck march. I am a 92A Automated Logistics Specialist. I She said she thinks that it ll be a good MOS for me. out with not being weak. I never thought that I would always struggled with my run. Before I got here I ran my two miles in 20 minutes or more. Now I run it at PVT. KYLE COTE, 19 Naples, New York better myself and start my life as an individual. The ideas and the training were what I found good about Basic Combat Training. I am a 42A Human Resources Specialist because it suited my life skills. my Family to enlist. Basic training, the Army and the unit cadre have all been far more respectable that I expected.

13 Fort Jackson flu clinic reopens Monday By NICK SPINELLI Fort Jackson Medical Activity The Fort Jackson Medical Department NEWS -

14 Photos by ROBERT TIMMONS Command Sgt. Maj. Lamont Christian speaks during the Basic Combat Training Program of Instruction Workshop Oct. 31. The workshop is looking at ways to improve Basic Combat Training part of which Maj. Gen. Pete Johnson said the training needs to show the wonderful, rich, proud history of the United States Army. Telling the Army story Stewardship role doesn t just belong to green suiters By ROBERT TIMMONS Fort Jackson Leader When Basic Combat Training leadership and cadre met this week at the BCT Program of Instruction Workshop, Fort Jackson s commander emphasized the need to help change the Army s culture. We have to know the Army story, Maj. Gen. Pete Johnson said. One of the things the Army isn t good at is knowing our own story. We have to decide what that story is, create what the sound bites of history are, and we have to know it, we have to teach it, and we have to reinforce it. The training needs to show the wonderful, rich, proud history of the United States Army, he said. The heart of stewardship of the Army profession lies in everyone buying in to the set standards, enforcing them, and bringing along the next generation of troops to do the same and add on to Army tradition. Army leadership can foster a culture that supports professional and personal growth; communicate across your organization; motivate and inspire; and perform in a safe and respectful manner consistent with the Army Ethic and Army Values in order to im- Edwards said. Army stewardship doesn t just belong to the green suiters on everyone s job to keep the Army great, Fort Jackson leaders said. Being a good steward of the Army profession applies to all ranks and grades; both military and Department of the Army Civilians, said Edwards, commander of the Fort Jackson Medical Activity. As in the case of senior leaders, junior Soldiers share the same responsibility to set the example by being responsible and duty bound, consistent with the Army Ethic and Army Values. See STEWARD: Page 21 Maj. Gen. Pete Johnson speaks to Basic Combat training leaders about the CIMT BCT Program of Instruction Workshop on Fort Jackson, Oct. 31. The workshop is looking at ways to improve basic training.

15 Building honors Donnell Baker, wife of the late Master Sgt. John F. Baker Jr., speaks during the dedication ceremony of the U.S. Army Drill Sergeant Academy barracks in his honor. She said her husband wa, a good man, honest, trustworthy, funny. Baker, who was awarded the Medal of Honor during the Vietnam War, passed on Jan. 20, Photos by PAT JONES Force Protection Briefings Acts of terrorism and severe weather are constant threats are you and your family prepared? Do you know what to do during an Active Shooter attack or a hurricane? Do you have a plan? Do you know where to go? Are you informed? Contact the Fort Jackson Protection Division to schedule classes on: personal, vehicle and home preparedness; every day carry; shelter-in-place; and active shooter lock down. For more information contact Ramon Domenech, Fort Jackson Protection Manager at ramon.domenech.civ@ mail.mil or , or Mark Mallach, Fort mark.s.mallach. civ@mail.mil or Best in supply Photo by ROBERT TIMMONS Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 369th Adjutant General Battalion was recently named the winner of the Chief of Staff of the Army Supply Excellence Award for Level I (B) Company Supply Table of Distribution Allowances. The award is the highest award given to supply personnel in the Army. Winter Preparedness Briefings Winter is coming are you and your Family prepared? Winter weather is upon us, cold, rain, snowstorms and blizzards will affect the way we dress, play and travel. Contact the Fort Jackson Emergency Manager to schedule classes on: Personal, vehicle and home preparedness; every day carry; winter travel; shelter-in-place; and essential gear. For more information contact Ramon Domenech, Fort Jackson Protection Manager at ramon.domenech.civ@mail.mil, or via phone at

16 Festival Photos by NICHOLAS SALCIDO

17 Small arms, big results S.C. National Guard Soldiers compete in regional pistol event By SPC. CHELSEA BAKER South Carolina National Guard In December 2005, Sgt. 1st Class Eric Lawrence became a member of the South Carolina Army National Guard Small Arms Readiness Training Section, an elite group of marksmen who compete against other service members and civilians across the country. They also train guardsmen in South Carolina, but many don t even know they exist. Lawrence, the State Marksmanship Coordinator, has served 19 years in the South Carolina Army National Guard. With 16 Soldiers in the unit, they not only travel around the state to compete in marksmanship competitions, they also travel around the state to provide training to Soldiers who need additional improvement with their shooting capabilities. A lot of people get the misconception that we are just a shooting team, but we are more than that. We also bring an asset to the state, said Lawrence. Marksmanship is something that every Soldier needs to be experienced National Guard, it s sometimes hard to get enough practice to become more cally go to the range only once a year. That one time a year, Soldiers must zero their weapons and qualify all within that one weekend. This can put a lot of pressure on the Soldiers to Non-combat Soldiers don t have as many opportunities to get to the range. Sgt. 1st Class Eric Lawrence successfully qualify. The SCARNG Small Arms Readiness Training Section can provide very valuable information and different training techniques to help Soldiers who don t have the opportunity to practice shooting skills outside of drill weekends. This allows them to get more hands on practice and feel more comfortable when it s time to go to the range. Non-combat Soldiers don t have as many opportunities to get to the range, said Lawrence We bring knowledge to those who need help with shooting and train them on how to improve their shooting abilities. Photos by SPC. CHELSEA BAKER Sgt. Regina Barber with the Small Arms Readiness Training section, S.C. National Guard, participate in the South Carolina Regional Pistol Championship Competition Oct. 27 in Orangeburg, S.C. Below, Sgt. 1st Class Eric Lawrence with the Small Arms Readiness Training section, S.C. National Guard, holds his pistol during the annual event. See GUARD: Page 23

18 Depot Continued from Page 4 Back then everything was moved from station to station, he said. It was cramped and there was too much room for mistakes. One day General Schoomaker (retired Gen. Peter Schoomaker, 35th Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army) showed up and asked us what we needed. That s how we got to Dover. In March 2011, construction of the current 58,000 square-foot phia District Corps of Engineers at a cost of $17.5 million. A few airmen, and Marines, as well as a handful of Department of the Army Civilians and contractors, the JPED, along with the Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations facility provides dignity, The Process personal effects are inventoried, packed and rushed to the JPED, anything away. child, he said. - they are inventoried and packed for shipment to the service single room, Delgado said. We ensure there are two Soldiers present in the cage at all cross contamination of items, he added. Each cage is equipped with photographic equipment, washers and dryers, and cleaning materials. As items are inventoried, they are carefully inspected and then individually photographed. Soldiers go through great pains to ensure each item is soil-free We want to make sure everything that the individual service - worse. ories, this is all the families have of their loved ones, he said. The Presentation After items are cleaned and inventoried, they are carefully packaged into individual plastic foot-lockers. Each item is pressed and folded. They are placed neatly in the Photo by MASTER SGT. BRIAN HAMILTON Nelson Delgado, Joint Personal Effects Depot operations management specialist, stands in cage one at the JPED located at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware. After items come into the JPED recieve an initial inspection for unexploded ordnance, they are then taken into one of several cages where the items are inventoried, inspected for cleanliness and damage, photographed, and packaged for delivery back to the family of the fallen Service member. containers, and wrapped tightly with several layers of packaging - lies see upon opening it. That s why we take our time and make sure items are neat everything is accounted for and nothing is overlooked. The Connection - - Soldiers working there. Soldiers regularly attend resiliency training to help them cope with the tasks they are asked to perform. The JPED chaplain is as much there for them as he or she is for the grieving do, Delgado said. Taking care of the personal effects is the last part of the here. We develop a closeness and connection with them, he added. For Delgado and others working at the JPED, that connection sometimes hits close to home. Sometimes you see kids as young as 19 years of age coming through here, he said. I have a 19-year-old kid at home. Sometimes it hits a little too close to home. I don t know anyone working here that hasn t cried at one time or another. - honor to do this. Author s note: This is part one of a two-part series on the Army s efforts to honor fallen service members.

19 Steward Continued from Page 14 As part of the stewardship program, Fort Jackson will be changing its standards book to reinforce what right looks like. According to Fort Jackson s senior enlisted leader enforcing standards goes a long way to creating a thriving unit. You have to be able to lay some rules out that are enforceable, Command Sgt. Maj. Lamont Christian said. You can have the best standards book in the world, but if that culture is not something accepted, you know, and executed and people aren t held accountable to it culture will eat it up. General Perkins (TRADOC commander) says that. You can have the best rule book in the organization and say, Man, this is the perfect rule book. But if the culture in your organization doesn t abide by those rules, doesn t enforce those rules, and they don t know those rules the book means nothing. There are programs across the Army that help ensure continued growth of the Army culture. The MEDDAC has programs both common to other professional development programs) and some unique to the many medical professions and communities in which we operate every day. These programs are pivotal to providing open and inclusive forums that support Army Profession growth and knowledge while enhancing esprit de corps. (This is the second in a series of stories about stewardship of the Army profession.)

20 S.C. National Guard recognizes service of dedicated employee By 1ST LT. TRACCI DORGAN S.C. National Guard October is recognized as a time to honor the diversity of the workforce, particularly highlighting those who serve and have disabilities. The South Carolina National Guard has an employee who is the welcoming voice and face of visitors to the Adjutant General s building in Columbia, South Carolina. Many aren t even aware as she works behind her large desk answering calls and providing direction to guests, that she arrives to work each morning in her pink wheelchair. does not stop me, said Renae Templeton, a communications specialist employee in the South Carolina Military Department. In addition to working with the security personnel and visitors, she also answers the main line to the headquarters building of the South Carolina National Guard. I love helping my Soldiers and Airmen, said Templeton, who has served in this role since I love getting the morale calls from overseas and enjoy helping to connect service members from thousands of miles away to a family member who is awaiting a phone call. As she travels around the three-story building, she stops to help whoever she can. Renae caters to everyone and never thinks twice about helping, said Jack Kotchish, an executive assistant in the command group who has known her since she through the front doors enjoys getting her daily greeting, witty discussions and laughter. introduced to Jack who told me to never hesitate to call if I needed any help. Here is it eight years later and I m still calling for help, she said jokingly. Observed each October, the Department of Defense celebrates the contributions of workers with disabilities and educates the public about the value of a diverse workforce inclusive of everyone s skills. Templeton shared that during her years there, many Soldiers have come back from their deployments and came by the Adjutant General s headquarters building to meet her, Courtesy photo Renae Templeton, a communications specialist in the South Carolina Military Department, answers calls at the Joint Force Headquarters building of the South Carolina National Guard. shake her hand and thank her. I don t know what we d do without Renae, added Kotchish. On the occasions when she is out, it takes three or four of us I don t know how she does it by herself.

21 Guard Continued from Page 18 When they compete, the Small Arms Readiness Training Section is a force to be reckoned with. They compete in local competitions as well as National Championships where they have returned with multiple trophies and awards. Almost every year, they have had Association or the Civilian Marksmanship Program. Additionally, they have several Soldiers who wear the President s 100 Tab, which is earned if you place in the top 100 of 700 people who attend Nationals. Those 700 people they compete against range from all military branches, civilians, women, seniors and law enforcement agencies. This makes the competition a lot more When you go to a competition or event and people warding and we feel a sense of pride for our state, said Lawrence. The SCANG Small Arms Readiness Training Section is dedicated to share their skills and experiences with those who are seeking help. I have a lot of passion for teaching marksmanship just because there are so many myths when it comes to shooting, said Lawrence. My teaching methods have been instilled in me from the people who were here prior to me. This drives me to continue to help individuals as well as units to be better prepared and have a better understanding for shooting. Sgt. 1st Class Eric Lawrence, with the Small Arms Readiness Training section, S.C. National Guard, participates in the South Carolina Regional Pistol Championship Competition. Photo by SPC. CHELSEA BAKER

22 Ellen Continued from Page 3 He kept it to himself, we didn t even know about the video until we were contacted by the chain of command, said Staff Sgt. Derek Smith, Villegas senior drill sergeant. He s a good Soldier, he s one of the good ones. preparing for his unit s culminating graduation exercise The Forge when he learned on television and surprise his wife. This is amazing, said Villegas, as he ar- with his battle buddy and Smith to shoot the surprise segment. I can t believe this is happening. The surprise went swimmingly for the Villegas Family. The Ellen Show Producer Jeannie Klisiewicz explained to the young Soldier how Villegas would catch his wife and daughter unaware. You have the easy part, everyone on Fort Jackson is in the know, Klisiewicz told Villegas. Your wife and Elianna will be in the crowd disappointed that they weren t selected for a Halloween costume segment, and then Ellen will start talking about them. That s where you come in. See SURPRISE: Page 25 Pvt. David Villegas of Delta Company, 3rd Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment, surprises his wife, Vanessa and daughter Elianna on the Oct. 31 of The Ellen Show. Image courtesy of The Ellen Show

23 Surprise Continued from Page 24 It didn t quite work out that way as Vanessa and Elianna were sequestered backstage, but once Ellen started to talk about the video and introduced them to the audience, it wasn t long before Elianna was running into Ellen s arms. The ladies were all discussing the viral video when Ellen disclosed Villegas could not be in studio, but he was listening in and watching them on television. Then Villegas appeared on camera. Baby, I love you so much! Look how beautiful you look, Villegas tearfully exclaimed of both his wife and daughter. I miss you! Oh my God our baby looks so beautiful. You know I love you to the moon and back, baby. Once the segment concluded, Villegas received a surprise of his own. The show had arranged for the Family to have a private discussion via the camera. Thirty more days until I get you in my legas said to Vanessa afterwards. I think about you all every day, every minute, not a day goes by I don t think about you. You just take care of baby girl. Villegas is scheduled to graduate Nov. 30. His Family will be driving from San Antonio to here and then take him to his Advanced Individual Training at Joint Base Eustis-Langley in Virginia. There he will train to become a 15T UH-60 Helicopter Repairer. Before the surprise Villegas told Klisiewicz how crazy the last two weeks had been. His Family had never even left Texas before and now they were in Los Angeles. She told him this was a great opportunity and he should cherish the memories. He has such a good soul, Klisiewicz said of Villegas. You can see that when you talk with him. The Ellen Show aired Nov. 1 and Villegas segment can be viewed at

24 Saluting this BCT cycle s honorees DRILL SERGEANTS OF THE CYCLE Photos by Nicholas Salcido Sgt. 1st Class Lisa Brown Alpha Company 3rd Battalion, 13th Infantry Regiment Staff Sgt. Tracy Northington Bravo Company 3rd Battalion, 13th Infantry Regiment Sgt. 1st Class Rigoberto Cabrales Charlie Company 3rd Battalion, 13th Infantry Regiment Sgt. 1st Class Christian Nooney Delta Company 3rd Battalion, 13th Infantry Regiment SOLDIER OF THE CYCLE Pvt. Michael Lopez SOLDIER OF THE CYCLE Pvt. Emilio Reynia SOLDIER OF THE CYCLE Pvt. Ashley Hall SOLDIER OF THE CYCLE Pvt. Stephanie Sosa SOLDIER LEADER OF THE CYCLE Pfc. Souley Diedhiou SOLDIER LEADER OF THE CYCLE Pvt. Earl Brightbill SOLDIER LEADER OF THE CYCLE Pvt. Austin Krueger SOLDIER LEADER OF THE CYCLE Pvt. Xiomara Ortiz BROWN NORTHINGTON CABRALES NOONEY Staff Sgt. Darryl Davis II Echo Company 3rd Battalion, 13th Infantry Regiment HONOR GRADUATE OF THE CYCLE Pfc. Juhmir Lampley SOLDIER LEADER OF THE CYCLE Pvt. Cosmie Arriola DAVIS

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