POW/MIA DAY FORT JACKSON COMMEMORATES RETIRED MAJ. GEN. STEVE SIEGFRIED: WE D DO IT AGAIN IN A MINUTE P3 EQUIFAX DATA BREACH: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW P4

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1 EQUIFAX DATA BREACH: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW P4 A BIRD S EYE VIEW OF THE MARION ROAD PROJECT - P7 POST CELEBRATES HISPANIC HERITAGE - P8 FORT JACKSON COMMEMORATES POW/MIA DAY RETIRED MAJ. GEN. STEVE SIEGFRIED: WE D DO IT AGAIN IN A MINUTE P3

2 ON THE COVER Retired Maj. Gen. Steve Siegfriend, former Fort Jackson commander, shakes the hand of Chap. (Lt. Col.) Abdullah Hulwe after speaking during the installation s POW/ MIA Recognition Day observance. SEE PAGE 3 Photo by ROBERT TIMMONS 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 SCARNG Suicide Prevention Month 5K Run/Walk At Gamecock Park. Run or walk to raise awareness of the suicide prevention efforts in the South Carolina National Guard and our surrounding community. To register, contact Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Allen at christopher.j.allen.mil@mail. mil or visit scng-suicide-prevention-5k-runwalktickets Multi-Cultural Luncheon 11:30 a.m., 9810 Lee Road. Bring a homemade cultural dish and recipe to share with the group. For more information contact Relocation Readiness Program staff Patricia Guillory at , patricia.a.guillory.civ@ mail.mil or Miranda Broadus at , miranda.o.broadus.civ@mail.mil. Federal Employment for Military Spouses 9 a.m. to noon in the Army Community Services building, 9810 Lee Rd. Seminar helps spouses to navigate the employment process for federal jobs. For more information contact Barbara Martin at or via at barbara.l.martin10. civ@mail.mil. TUESDAY Job Searching Strategies for Military Spouses 8:30 a.m. - noon Army Community Services building, 9810 Lee Rd. Sept. 12. Job Searching Strategies for Military Spouses. Seminar helps Family members learn ways contact Barbara Martin at or via at barbara.l.martin10.civ@mail.mil. Professional Mentorship Network- Female Forum Monthly Luncheon 11:30 a.m.-1.p.m., NCO Club This month s meeting focuses on Networking and Social Connections. The presentation will include discussions related to networking strategies for successful connections. RVSP by noon Monday to Erica Parks at Erica.n.parks.ctr@mail.mil. Lunch is $9.50 per person, although there is no requirement to purchase lunch buffet to attend the meeting. SEPT ASIST Workshop The ASIST Workshop has been rescheduled from Sept to The class will begin at 8:30 a.m. at the 81st RSC Building Number For more information contact Aljournal Franklin, Fort Jackson Suicide Prevention Coordinator at or via at aljournal.franklin. mil@mail.mil. SEPT. 29 Small Business 5-week course 9 a.m. - noon Army Community Service center, 9810 Lee Rd. The Army Community business course starting Sept. 29. Attendees will learn how to start up and run a small business. The course dates are Sept. 29 and Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27. For more information contact Barbara Martin at or via at barbara.l.martin10.civ@mail.mil. OCT th AG Bn. Change of Responsibility Command Sgt. Maj. Bernadette Phillips will relinquish responsibility of the 369th Adjutant General Battalion in a change of responsibility ceremony 1 p.m. Oct. 5 at the OCT. 17 Hiring Our Heroes job fair 8:30 a.m., Solomon Center. This event is being conducted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the Columbia Chamber, the Department of Labor s Veterans Employment and Training Service, the South Carolina Committee of the Employer Support for Guard and Reserve, The American Legion, SC DEW, SC Works, NBC News and other local partners. Investment Basics Seminar 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 9810 Lee Road, Rm Investment basics seminar will cover everything from investment stock options (stock, mutual funds, bonds, etc.), investment pyramid, investment basics (the rule of 72, dividend reinvestment program and individual retirement accounts) and no load versus load funds. This is a great free way to broaden your knowledge of investing and have your unanswered questions answered. NOV. 7 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. NOTICE The club is closed for renovations and is scheduled to reopen Sept. 30. 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, Questions? Call Religious support From staff reports military families face unique challenges. Financial stress and insecurity negatively impact Service member s careers and the stability of military families, which can compromise military readiness. Service members and their families need education tailored to their needs delivered by someone they trust. Financial Peace Military unites stewardship principles with practical steps to change behavior. This course will teach you to: Stop living paycheck to paycheck. Make a budget that you will understand and actually use. Get out of debt and stay that way. Communicate with your spouse your wealth. The nine-week course begins at Fort Jackson Oct. 5, with classes taking place Thursdays at 6 p.m. at the Main Post Chapel classroom. Childcare will be provided. A preview night for the class will take place 6 p.m. Sept. 28 at the Main Post Chapel classroom. For more information, contact fjscfpu@gmail.com.

3 Photos by NICHOLAS SALCIDO Maj. Gen. Pete Johnson, Fort Jackson commander, shakes the hand of retired Col. Jack Van Loan during Fort Jackson s POW/MIA Recognition Day Sept. 14. Van Loan spent years as a prisoner of war in the Hanoi Hilton. Last year, Columbia dedicated a monument to him in Five Points. FORT JACKSON COMMEMORATES POW/MIA DAY By ROBERT TIMMONS Fort Jackson Leader Prisoners of war and those missing in action hold a special place in the heart of former Fort Jackson commander, retired Maj. Gen. Steve Siegfried. At a special Basic Combat Training graduation Sept. 14, Fort Jackson honored National POW/MIA Recognition Day by having Siegfried and former POW and retired Air Force Col. Jack Van Loan in attendance. President Donald Trump proclaimed Sept. 15 to be the recognition day, but the installation celebrated it a day early to coincide with the graduation of companies from 2nd Battalion, 60th Infantry and 4th Battalion, 39th Infantry regiments. According to the presidential proclamation, On National POW/MIA Recognition Day, our nation recognizes all American prisoners of war and Service members missing in action who have valiantly honored their commitment to this great country. Maj. Gen. Pete Johnson, Fort Jackson commander, said he was proud to call Van Loan, who underwent unfathomable torture during six years as a POW in the infamous Hanoi Hilton, a friend. He also called Siegfried an inspiration. Siegfried recalled how as a company commander during the Vietnam War he was unable to rescue missing Soldiers. They sent down Chinook helicopters and we practiced going down 100-foot rapid rope ladders for a day and a half and then we deployed to go get those Soldiers, he said. When we got there, we managed to get down and I will tell you that then some of us left, it was just a little bit too late. See POW: Page 11 Col. Stephen Aiton, Soldier Support Institute commander, speaks with Retired Maj. Gen. Steve Siegfried, former Fort Jackson commander, following the installation s POW/MIA Recognition Day observance.

4 Equifax data breach: Things to know By ESPERANZA ROMERO Army Community Service Photo courtesy of FBI.GOV Equifax has reported a data breach that exposed the sensitive personal information of 143 million consumers. If Soldiers and their Families who may have been affected by the recent Equifax breach have questions about their credit reports or tips for avoiding identity theft, the legal assistance office on each base is ready to help. Breach exposes 143 million Tips for Soldiers, Families to protect against identity theft By BRIAN EVANS Army News Service Equifax recently reported a data breach that exposed 143 million consumers sensitive personal information. Here is what you need to know about the breach and how you can best protect yourself. Equifax is one of three major consumer reporting agencies; Experian and TransUnion are the other two. Equifax is the only agency reporting a data breach as of today. Credit reporting agencies are companies that assemble and store consumer credit information. They use this information to furnish consumer reports to third parties. These third parties, often businesses, can then use the reports to evaluate consumers credit worthiness. Equifax stated the data breach occurred from mid-may through July. The breach is potentially dangerous because of the nature of the consumer information Equifax stored. Equifax stated that hackers accessed people s names, Social Security numbers, birthdates, addresses and, in some instances, driver s license numbers. According to Equifax, more than 143 million American consumers had sensitive personal information exposed in the data breach, and many individuals in Canada and the United Kingdom also had personal information exposed. This is important because criminals could use this stolen data to engage in identity theft using your personal information without your permission to commit fraud. This could include accessing your open accounts or opening new accounts in your name. There are several steps you can take to address concerns regarding fraud or identity theft. Under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, every consumer has a right to review one free copy of his or her credit report each year from each of the three agencies. To do so, you can go to You can enter information there and review/print a copy of the credit report, or you can print out a request form and mail it to receive a free copy of your credit report by mail. Look for anything on your credit report that is inaccurate, such as accounts you did not open, incorrect personal information, credit inquiries from companies you have never contacted and wrong amounts showing on your accounts in your credit report. See THEFT: Page 16 Equifax, one of the three top credit reporting agencies was the latest victim of a data breach affecting 143 million consumers. From May through July 2017, hackers accessed names, Social Security numbers, dates of births, addresses, and in some cases, driver s license numbers. Additionally, credit card numbers for roughly 209,000 people were taken along with dispute documents containing personal identifying information (PII) for about 182,000 folks. What can you do now? Equifax set up a website, to provide assistance. On this website you can see if your information was exposed (you will have to provide the last six digits of your social), enroll in complimentary identity theft ceive Equifax progress updates. TrustedID Premier is the complementary monitoring that is being offered for one year. ferings which will be at no cost. The service includes: Copies of your Equifax Credit Reports; three Bureau Credit File Monitoring alerts you to key changes in your Equifax, fax Credit Report Lock prevents access to your Equifax credit report by third parties (exceptions apply); Social Security Monitoring searches suspicions websites for your social security number; $1M Identity Theft Insurance helps pay for certain out-ofpocket expenses in the event you are a victim of identity theft. placing a credit freeze or a fraud alert on your difference. A fraud alert lasts for 90 days, a business must try to verify a consumer s identity before extending new credit. A credit freeze lasts until the consumer temporarily lifts or permanently removes it. The decision to place a credit freeze or fraud alert is an individual one however, everyone should monitor your credit and bank accounts for charges/changes that you don t recognize. Visit identitytheft.gov/data breach for additional information on protecting yourself after breach. For additional information, contact Army Community Service Financial Readiness Program at

5 September 21, 2017 The Fort Jackson Leader Page 5

6 All in the family Family day arrives for Soldiers in Basic Combat Training Photos by NICHOLAS SALCIDO Soldiers with 2nd Battalion, 60th Infantry Regiment and 4th Battalion, 39th Infantry Regiment race to meet friends and relatives Sept. 13 at Hilton Field as Family Day finally arrives. It was the first time they ve seen each other since beginning Basic Combat Training more than two months ago.

7 MARION ROAD CLOSURE PHASE 1: SEPT. 18-OCT. 31 EWELL ROAD Fort Jackson Movie Schedule 3319 Jackson Blvd. Phone: FRIDAY Leap! (PG) 7 p.m. SATURDAY Leap! (PG) 1 p.m. All Saints (PG) 5 p.m. ESSAYONS WAY MARION ROAD JACKSON BLVD. SUNDAY Leap! (PG) 1 p.m. All Saints (PG) 5 p.m. WEDNESDAY Leap! (PG) 2 p.m. All Saints (PG) 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. MARION ROAD JACKSON BLVD. Phase 2 to begin Nov. 1 Parts of Marion Road have been closed to allow crews to repave the road. Drivers should expect delays on and around Marion Road. Detours will likely slow drivers because temporary paths will involve parking lots and side streets. The repaving project will be conducted in phases throughout the rest of the year. Phase 1 will be conducted on Marion Road between Fourney Street and the roundabout near Gate 1 until Oct. 31. During Phases 2-4, beginning Nov. 1, Marion Road between Fourney and Kemper Street will be repaved. The ability to cross the road during construction will not be hampered. Crews will be working during daylight hours so safety is concern for both drivers and working crews.

8 Photos by ROBERT TIMMONS Dancers with the International Dance Academy demonstrate some Latin dances during Fort Jackson s 2017 Hispanic Heritage Month Luncheon Sept. 15. Jackson celebrates Hispanic heritage By ROBERT TIMMONS Fort Jackson Leader A University of South Carolina associate dean spoke about the importance of Hispanic-Americans at Fort Jackson s 2017 Hispanic Heritage Month Luncheon held Sept. 15 at the NCO Club on post. Hispanic Heritage Month became law in 1988 when President Ronald Reagan expanded it from its original weeklong celebration instituted by President Lyndon B. Johnson in the 1960s. The month is observed Sept. 15 Oct. 15 each year. It celebrates Americans whose ancestors came from Central, Latin and South America, Mexico and Spain. Dr. David Cardenas, who was born and raised in Ecuador and moved to the United States when he was a child, said speaking to Service members might have been the highest accolade he d ever received. I have given many talks to many organizations around the world, but me having the honor to speak to you today is probably one of the highest honors I ve had in my life, he said. Men and women in the military have a special place in my heart and their commitment to service is unparalleled. Cardenas, whose mother was American and father from Latin America, shared a common bond with Service members his grandfather served in the Army during World War II on June 6, As a young kid, when I would ask him what it was like; Cardenas, who works at the university s College of Hospitality, Retail and Sports Management. He didn t really talk about that. What he talked about though was the heart, courage, company, perseverance and (his) buddies. He talked about his friends and how important they were to him. I found out from my mother that many of those friends and buddies never came home. His grandfather made it home with some shrapnel injuries but he never complained about it. I will never truly understand what my grandfather went through that day, but in my heart I believe he played a small part and an important role in United States history, he said. See HERITAGE: Page 17 Col. John McShane, deputy commander of the Soldier Support Institute, gives opening remarks during the 2017 Hispanic Heritage Luncheon at the NCO Club on Fort Jackson.

9 Photo by SPC. TYNISHA DANIEL Staff Sgt. Corey Irwin, Fort Jackson s Drill Sergeant of the Year, grapples during the combatives portion of the TRADOC Drill Sergeant and AIT Platoon Sergeant of the Year competition. Competitors are graded on numerous warrior tasks Sept. 14, at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. On home turf, drill sergeant wins grueling contest By JOE LACDAN Army News Service For hours he had walked alone in darkness, navigating his way through the uneven terrain of the Ozark wilderness. Before dawn, on a crisp late summer morning, Staff Sgt. Chad Hickey and 15 Drill Sergeant of the Year competitors had completed combat readiness exercises, performed drills and marched along rocky trails at the western edge of the Mark Twain National Forest. The staff sergeant had pushed his body to its limits until he felt weary and exhausted. The day before, he and his competitors had gone 20 hours without sleep, while engaging could save lives in combat. As the native of LaGrange, Indiana, sat in the bleachers of Fort Leonard Wood s Gammon Stadium Sept. 15 awaiting the Drill Sergeant of the Year contest results, he didn t think he had much chance of winning. When Hickey looked back over the competition last week, he said there were many other worthy competitors. One was Staff Sgt. Sean Jolin, an athletic, decorated drill instructor from Fort Benning, Georgia. Jolin had graduated from the Army s ranger and sniper schools and served three tours in Afghanistan. Another contestant, Sgt. 1st Class. James Calfa, had deployed in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom as a mortar gunner and radio operator. Staff Sgt. Corey Irwin, a drill sergeant from Fort Jackson, South Carolina, had experience as an M249 machine gunner, infantry carrier commander and as a sniper section leader. Honestly, it was kind of intimidating, said Hickey, a 35-year-old senior drill sergeant at Leonard Wood. There s a lot of highly-decorated people in there... a lot of infantry; a lot of combat arms, a lot of people that have more experience in the Army than I do. After a grueling 12-mile ruck march through the forest Friday morning, the competitors sat, side by side at Gammon. Hickey looked at his competition and picked the two he thought would win. He didn t think he was one of them. Then he heard the announcement on the intercom. Hickey was named the 2017 Drill Sergeant of the Year. I was very shocked, said Hickey, a correctional specialist who has been a drill sergeant for 15 months. There was a lot of great competitors out there this year I thought I wasn t doing that well in the competition. Staff Sgt. Bryan Ivery, one of the competition s best athletes, earned Platoon Sergeant of the Year honors and the Tobias C. Meis- among Advanced Individual Training platoon sergeants. Fort Lost in the Woods Lying in the heart of Missouri s central highlands, Fort Leonard Wood is an amalgam of the Army s past, present and future. Musty old buildings dating back to the 1940s still dot the installation, home to the one of the Army s basic combat training sites, along with its school for the chemical corps and military police school. installation s 63,000 acres and surrounding woodlands are home to more than 600 animal species. The sloping landscape, seemingly endless forest, earned the base the nickname Fort Lost in the Woods. See DSOY: Page 23

10 I became a soldier... 2nd Battalion, 60th Infantry Regiment PVT. NII ANKHRA, 31 Ghana Aside from the bonuses, the Army also (provides) leadership skills, discipline and its an honorable profession. By joining the Army I always knew that I am joining what is bigger than myself. As a result, I al- drill sergeants. The fact that most drill sergeants have a different way of approaching situations and different sets of rules was something I found challenging. I am a 92A Automated Logistical Specialist. I like business and this MOS will give me more knowledge about business and I can use it as a career in the civilian world. better Soldier and am ready to provide my service to the nation. PFC. WARNER FUSTON, 23 McMinnville, Tennessee My mother spent 23 years in the Army as a Military Policeman and she raised me to look to help others, respect others, and strive to do something with my life that his bigger than myself. Overcoming the fear the time to enter the room, I experienced greater fear. Even inside the room, the fear grew. All the way up to removing the mask. What happened is reserved for those who saw me in there. My MOS is 15R, or an AH-64 Attack Helicopter Repairer. I wanted to become familiar with the workings of at least one of the helicopters, so not only Hands down the best part of Basic Combat Training, besides the upcoming Family Day and graduation, was being able to use night vision and track enemy movements all night. PVT. TIMOTHY J. COOPER, 19 Greer, South Carolina I had always heard great things about people who were doing Army service and I wanted that experience. I was expecting Basic Combat Training to be a lot harder and with less team building exercises. I found building relationships with strangers from all across the globe to be challenging. I am a 91E Allied Trade Specialist. I am a certi- young age. I am looking forward to advancing in my career. PVT. KAREN TRUMPOWER, 18 Waynesboro, Pennsylvania I wanted to join the Army since I was little. It s almost like a calling. Something I felt that I needed. The Army is even better than I thought. I m excited to see what the future brings. The most challenging aspect of basic training for me was trying to get others to work together as a team. My MOS now is 92G (Culinary Specialist). I plan on changing to PSYOP and maybe even try I had another skill for civilian life. I really enjoyed myself and I m really glad I joined. I m looking forward to meeting new people and seeing new places. And even learning new things and simply being the best Soldier I can be. PVT. JOHN JONES, 20 Godley, Texas I joined the Army because I love my country and I felt like I needed to do my part to repay the men and women who served before me. I thought the entire Basic Combat Training process would be more challenging and weed The most challenging part of basic training was some of my peers didn t take training seriously. My MOS is 15D Aircraft Powertrain Repairer. I chose my MOS because I enjoy working with my hands and know the skillset will carry on throughout my whole life. I want to say, thank you to all prior Service members. Your service is not unappreciated. We won t let you down. PVT. AALIYAH WILLIAMS, 20 Clayton, Wisconsin I joined the Army to better myself as a person and to give back to others. Growing up with a Mom who was an alcoholic, I had a lot of help from veterans so I joined to give back to others. I expected the Army to be dreadful and painful to the point it would push me to want to leave. It did build me up to be a stronger woman. The most challenging obstacle I have faced during BCT was living the Army Values. You are not only a Soldier but a role model to others. I am a 91B Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic. I chose this MOS because I am a hands-on learner and I have a passion for cars/vehicles. I look forward to becoming the best Soldier I can be. I will work hard to meet my goal of becoming a drill sergeant one day. The future is bright for me and I strive to be the best Soldier as long as I m enlisted.

11 Pow Continued from Page 3 I ll remember that day all of my life, he added. If we d been a little bit quicker, a little bit quieter, a little bit better at what we got done Now that makes a guy proud that we were there to hopefully say we weren t able to set those Soldiers free but we d do it again in a minute. Siegfried, who needs assistance to walk said, Even with this cane, I d get down that ladder some kinda way to rescue missing Americans. NEWS Maj. Gen. Pete Johnson, Fort Jackson commander, shakes the hand of retired Maj. Gen. Steve Siegfried, former Fort Jackson commander, during Fort Jackson s POW/MIA Recognition Day Sept. 14. Siegfried, who was a company commander during the Vietnam War, spoke about trying to rescue prisoners of war. Photo by NICHOLAS SALCIDO

12 The dog days of summer FMWR opens water park to pets and their owners Photos by NICHOLAS SALCIDO Fort Jackson s four-legged Family members were afforded the experience of dipping their paws into the water at Palmetto Falls Water Park Sept. 9. Each year owners are encouraged to bring their dogs to the park to let them bask in its cool confines before it shuts its doors for another year.

13 Reverend donates father s WWI effects to post museum From Leader staff reports The Rev. Dr. H. Davis Yeuell, donated his father s World War I effects to the U.S. Army Chaplain Corps Museum on Fort Jackson Sept. 18. Chaplain (1st Lt.) Gladstone H. Yeuell s effects that were donated include his uniforms and other paraphernalia. Yeuell said during the event that on Armistice Day, Chaplain Yeuell wrote, Since the 25th of September I have been thru Hell. The infantry, of course, would be relieved at regular est on the front, never ceased. In those two months and a half I have lived 10 years, and yet, I would not have missed my part for anything. My hair is long and uncut. I am wearing the same shirt I started with. I have a peach of a moustache. I am lousy, dirty and well. I am proud of my country as never before, proud of her manhood and womanhood, sorrowing with those who sorrow, rejoicing with those who rejoice. Chaplain (Col.) Brian Harki, total force integrator at the U.S. Army Chaplaincy Center and School, right, speaks with the Rev. Dr. H. Davis Yeuell during a ceremony to receive his father s effects from World War I, which were donated Sept. 18 to the U.S. Army Chaplain Corps Museum on Fort Jackson. Photo by JULIA SIMPKINS

14 KIND WORDS GO A LONG WAY NEWS Stand proud and look up when you attend military functions Chap. (Col.) Milton Johnson is the command chaplain for Fort Jackson. September is the month in which we pay special tribute to family members of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our way of life. By Chap. (Col.) Milton Johnson Command Chaplain A Soldier recently said to me, Chaplain, I heard a beautiful compliment about you the other day but don t have time to tell you what it is right now because I am headed to a meeting that is about to start any moment. However, the next time we meet, I want to tell you what I heard. Sure, not a problem. Then, a few days afterwards, I saw him again, and he told me what he heard it was indeed a lovely compliment. But the truth is, it felt like eternity from the moment he said he heard something nice about me, to the time he told me what it was. Why did I feel such anxiety? It is because a compliment is a cherished gift and all of us want to be valued and appreciated; it is also because we have a deep hunger for expressions of admiration and recognition. Everyone enjoys hearing kind words. It doesn t matter the age young or old, there is still something good about the pleasure of receiving encouraging words and complimentary remarks from other people. We are especially uplifted when another person looks us in the eyes and says thank you for what you did, or I really appreciate you taking the time out of your busy schedule to help me out! There is an inner feeling of gratitude and satisfaction when another person approves of our appearance, our work, or our contribution to life. But, some of us might say I don t need verbal recognition from others. Howev- and positive feedback from individuals close to us, and team members who work very near to us. In fact, whether we admit it or not kind words make us feel good. I am also reminded of another experience of going on temporary duty and traveling in uniform when a lady stopped me in the airport and said, Sir, thank you for your service. We then shook hands, and she offered to buy my lunch. I kindly thanked her and said, Ma am, I really appreciate your generosity, and truly am grateful for your sincerity but you don t have to do that. After several attempts to purchase a meal for me, and my insistence that she had done enough by saying thanks for your service her eyes welled up with tears, she patted me on the back, and quietly walked away I wanted to cry too as she left me standing there. She will never know how moved and touched I was by her words. But, words were not enough for her she actually wanted to say thanks she wanted to put actions behind words. That lady s face will always be in my mind because she represents countless Americans who simply cannot do or say enough to show sincere gratitude to those who are committed to going beyond the call of duty for the nation s freedom and the country s liberty. Freedom is not free. September is the month in which we pay special tribute to Family members of those who paid the ultimate we, as individuals and a nation express kindness and show appreciation to Gold Star Families in a way that is meaningful and sincere? Not sure if I have the right answer but it was certainly a privilege and an honor to participate in the installation sponsored run/walk/bike ride in remembrance of fallen comrades last weekend. And it was a pleasure to embrace those Gold Star family members who attended one for my freedom, because I truly believe that kind words go a long way. To Gold Star families: Be proud to display the Gold lion wherever you go the world needs to see it. Never avoid parking in spaces that are designated for Gold Star families which privilege is afforded because of the precious blood of unsung heroes. Stand proud and look up when you attend military functions and the spotlight is focused on you - it is our small way of showing kindness and saying all that we are and ever hope to be, we owe it all to you.

15 Saluting this BCT cycle s honorees DRILL SERGEANTS OF THE CYCLE Photos by Nicholas Salcido ROBINSON STREET Sgt. 1st Class Kathryn Robinson Delta Company 2nd Battalion, 60th Infantry Regiment HONOR GRADUATE OF THE CYCLE Pvt. Levi Hoffman SOLDIER LEADER OF THE CYCLE Spc. Samuel Jollie HIGH BRM Pvt. William Rogers HIGH APFT Pvt. Christopher Russell Staff Sgt. Ramsey Street Bravo Company, 4th Battalion, 39th Infantry Regiment HONOR GRADUATE OF THE CYCLE Pvt. Cecilia Alvarez SOLDIER LEADER OF THE CYCLE Spc. Saravia Richardson HIGH BRM Pvt. Jacob Harrison HIGH APFT Pvt. Kyle Bailey MIRANDA Staff Sgt. Miguel Miranda Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 60th Infantry Regiment HONOR GRADUATE OF THE CYCLE Pvt. Noah Lipstreau SOLDIER LEADER OF THE CYCLE Pfc. Devon White HIGH BRM Pvt. Hector Gonzalez HIGH APFT Spc. Thien LeTuoc The supreme quality for leadership is unquestionably integrity. Without it, no real success is possible, no matter whether it is on a section gang, a football field, in an army, or in an office. Dwight D. Eisenhower Theft Continued from Page 4 You can place a security freeze on your credit report. When there is a freeze, creditors cannot access your offer new credit. This helps prevent identity thieves from opening fraudulent accounts in your name. However, it also means you will not be able to apply for credit without unfreezing your account. This could delay the time it takes for you to apply for credit, such as a mortgage or car loan. You can place a freeze on must contact each of the three major agencies to do so. You can place a fraud alert on your credit report. A fraud alert requires creditors to take steps to verify your identity before opening a new account, issuing an additional card or increasing the credit limit on an existing account. There are two types of fraud alerts: an initial fraud alert that the credit reporting agen- but expires after that time, which can then be renewed by the consumer; an extended alert, which is for identity theft victims and is good for seven years. A fraud alert does not prevent a creditor from opening credit in your name the same way a credit freeze does, but it does require the lender to take additional steps to verify your identity. If you place a fraud alert on your account with one agency, it must notify the other agencies of the alert. Deploying Service members can place an active duty alert on their credit reports. An active duty alert means businesses must take extra steps before granting credit in your name. Active duty alerts last for one year and can be renewed to match the period of deployment. If you place an active duty alert on your account with one agency, it must notify the other agencies of the alert. You can go to a website established by Equifax, to determine whether your account was one that may have been compromised in the data breach. If so, you can enroll in credit monitoring and other protection through Equifax s theft protection and credit monitoring product, TrustedID Premier. Equifax states it is a complimentary one-year subscription. Whether you are considering TrustedID Premier or a different credit monitoring service, make sure you are aware of the extent of the services offered and any trial periods, fees, cancellation requirements or other possible restrictions, such as mediation and arbitration provisions. These could affect the services you receive, the cost of services or any remedies you may wish to exercise if you have a dispute with the company providing services. Since every person s case is unique, not all of these choices will be right for every consumer. If you have questions about identity theft and what steps to take to protect yourself, call your nearest Armed law.af.mil. If you are experiencing a crisis, or have a friend or family member in crisis, call: TALK (8255) Press 1 for the Military Crisis Line Text to

16 Heritage Continued from Page 8 Cardenas is part of the nearly 17 percent, or 85 million Americans who are of Hispanic or Latino decent, said Col. John Mc- Shane, Soldier Support Institute deputy commander, during the event. SSI hosted the event that also included music by the 282nd Army Band, Hispanic food and dance demonstration by the International Dance Academy. Midway through his speech, Cardenas asked those in attendance who were Hispanic Americans to stand and be recognized before telling a story of a 13-year-old Hispanic kid who played high school football. Cardenas was the placekicker for his high school s varsity football team a position that played an enormous role in his future life. It taught him teamwork and how even though he talked a little different, it didn t matter because I was a part of something special. We all play a part and everybody has different abilities that help an organization he concluded. The more we embrace diversity the stronger we will be as a unit. Col. John McShane, Soldier Support Institute s deputy commander, left, and Command Sgt. Maj. Curtis Wesson, SSI s senior enlisted leader, give Dr. David Cardenas, an associated dean with the University of South Carolina, a gift for being the keynote speaker at Fort Jackson s 2017 Hispanic Heritage Month Luncheon, Sept. 15 at the NCO Club on post. Photo by ROBERT TIMMONS

17 Fort Jackson rocks Rock art craze combines social media, treasure hunting By THERESA O HAGAN Family and MWR Marketing The latest social media trend bringing the community together is called rock art. It is where people paint different designs on one side of a rock and on the other side ask the person who found the rock to take a picture, post it on Facebook and tell everyone where the rock was found. Once the task is completed, the person can keep the rock, hide the rock again, or replace it with their own painted rock. Fort Jackson Thomas Lee Hall librarian Julie Miller has been working on the idea for a few months and recently asked other members of the Directorate of Family, Morale, Welfare, and Recreation team to join her. She has created a Facebook Page, Fort Jackson Rocks FMWR, where The library staff has folks can post images painted numerous rocks with story rocks. Her staff has already started painting book characters to encourage reading rocks with story book characters. and visiting the library. Rocks will be left all over Fort Jackson Julie Miller, (outside) on trails, in Thomas Lee Hall librarian beside walk ways, etc. We really want the community involved, Miller said. The library staff has painted numerous rocks with story book characters to encourage reading and visiting the library. with it and post it to our Fort Jackson Rocks page, and also come by the library for a prize. We encourage the community to paint rocks as well and hide them around Rocks can be painted with images, or designs, or even inspirational quotes. Whatever moves you, Miller said. To get things started the library is hosting a Fort Jackson Rocks Kick-Off Party on Sept. 28 from 2-3:30 p.m. River rocks, paints, and paint brushes will be supplied, and refreshments will be offered. This is a free Family event. Patrons, young and old, can come in and paint rocks and then take them and hide them. You can paint pictures, put your favorite saying on them, or words of encouragement, anything you like, she said. See ROCKS: Page 22 Courtesy photo Fort Jackson Thomas Lee Hall and Family, Morale, Welfare, and Recreation have teamed up to launch an interactive art project on post. Rocks will be left outdoors at Fort Jackson, on trails, in flower beds at facilities and beside walk ways. When you find them, take a photo and share it to the group s Facebook page, Fort Jackson Rocks FMWR.

18 Rocks Continued from Page 19 Get out there and start looking for rocks! Family and MWR will be putting out rocks with special offers such as: A free game of bowling at Century Lanes A free round of mini golf for Palmetto Greens Miniature Golf Free coffee at the 512 Trolley Free cupcake at the 512 Trolley Free small fountain drink from Strike Zone Eatery Free games of bowling at Century Lanes Free Blacklight Bowling at Century Lanes $5 off a kayak or canoe rental from Weston Lake $10 off a campsite at Weston Lake $5 off a bike rental at Marion Street Station As the program grows and more people participate look for Capt. MWR and Dot Com rocks. Rocks featuring images of Capt. MWR and Dot Com can be found and brought to the Market- bucks good for use in any FMWR fa- at 3392 Magruder Avenue in the Joe E. Mann Center. - to claim the offer. Don t forget to take a photo and post it on the Fort Jackson Rocks! Facebook page. The page can be found at Courtesy photo Be on the lookout for decorated rocks that have been left around Fort Jackson. If you find one, share a photo to the Facebook group Fort Jackson Rocks FMWR.

19 DSOY Continued from Page 9 I knew how tough the terrain was and I knew the training areas that they have here, said Laspe, who represented - - Staff Sgt. Ryan Moldovan said he geared the Drill Ser- Evolving contest Moldovan, the 2016 reserve Drill Sergeant of the Year and - as Staff Sgt. Justine Bottorff, had treated the wounded as But in Fort Leonard Wood s rugged woodlands, they - - other. Laspe and Moldovan broke up the land navigation Laspe said. That s what being a Soldier is all about. They proved out there they have what it takes and they are the ones we need training these Soldiers for the best possible surprise. Photo by JOE LACDAN Staff Sgt. Sean Jolin, a drill sergeant from Fort Benning, Ga., instructs a Soldier during a warrior task drill. Jolin, a graduate of the Army s Ranger and sniper schools, was among seven active-duty and Reserve drill sergeants competing for the title of Drill Sergeant of the Year, Sept at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. Final Fight House When you have nothing left in the gas tank, Moldovan - - ago. - and I don t think they get to fully hydrate, one to his elbows. by. Give it all you got. - Just seeing everyone else who s here how hard they prove during the APFT, but his knowledge of battle drills -