ABILITIES LOOK AT THEIR SPECIAL OLYMPICS CELEBRATES 50 YEARS AT FORT JACKSON P3 ALSO INSIDE POST CELEBRATES MILITARY RETIREES THIS WEEK

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1 POST CELEBRATES MILITARY RETIREES THIS WEEK P9 LOOK AT THEIR ABILITIES ALSO INSIDE VICTORY BELLES HIGHLIGHT SPOUSE APPRECIATION DAY, P6 REAL WORLD ACTIVATION, NEW LOCATION IMPACT EXERCISE, P7 SPECIAL OLYMPICS CELEBRATES 50 YEARS AT FORT JACKSON P3

2 ON THE COVER Maj. Gen. Pete Johnson, Fort Jackson commanding general, congratulates athlete Tyler Chambers at the start of this year s Special Olympics games May 11. 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 Garrison Public Affairs Officer...Patrick Jones Command Information Officer...Robert Timmons Editor...Wallace McBride Staff Writer...LaTrice Langston Website: Facebook: Twitter: Instagram: Community Calendar TODAY Strong Man/Strong Woman Competition 6 p.m. Hilton Field Softball Complex. Events TODAY TO SATURDAY Retiree Appreciation Day sidewalk sale Warehouse. FRIDAY ROCKS, Inc. Meeting SATURDAY Passport Fair Passport Fair is open to the public in need of a Armed Forces Day 5K at Twin Lakes MAY 24 Gaming at the Library MAY Daniel Circle Chapel Spring Revival MAY 25 TSC Closure JUNE 1 Garrison Change of Responsibility JUNE 6 Blood Drive Moncrief. For more information contact the send an to libby.wright@redcross.org. JUNE Vacation Bible School JUNE 19 Hiring our Heroes transition summit 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 SPORTSMAN ADVISORY COUNCIL Are you interested in learning more about the Fort Jackson Sportsman Club? Come to a meeting of the Sportsman Advisory Council Working Groups. The Cycling Working Group meets June 12, at Magruder s Pub. The next meeting for the Run/Adventure Working Groups is 6 p.m. May 29 at Magruder s Pub. The next Hunting and Angling Working Group meeting will take place 6 p.m. today at Alpine Lodge. uschamberfoundation.org/event/fort-jacksontransition-summit

3 Look at their abilities, not their disabilities Photos by ROBERT TIMMONS Above, Tyler Chambers lights the Flame of Hope May 11 outside the Solomon Center, officially beginning the 50th annual S.C. Special Olympics. Right, Antwan Sims, from Chesterfield, S.C. holds up the marker for the Area 2 assembly area outside of the Solomon Center as others from his area rock out to the sounds of the 282nd Army Band. The group was waiting for the Special Olympics torch to arrive from the S.C. State House symbolizing the start of the 2018 S.C. Special Olympics Summer Games. Special Olympics celebrates 50 years at Fort Jackson By WALLACE MCBRIDE Fort Jackson Leader As the sun began to set outside the Solomon Center May 11, Tyler Chambers lit the Flame of Hope, bringing an end to the torch s 130-mile journey around the state and kicking off this year s Special Olympics games at Fort Jackson. The torch s trek began the day before at Sullivan s Island, South Carolina. Escorted by members of area law enforcement and Special Olympics athletes, the torch was brought that evening to the steps of the S.C. Statehouse in downtown Columbia, to Fort Jackson. See OLYMPICS: Page 12-13

4 Fort Jackson Movie Schedule 3319 Jackson Blvd. Phone: Photo by SGT. JORGE INTRIAGO South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster presents a proclamation May 15 recognizing May as Military Spouse Appreciation month throughout South Carolina, joined by U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Robert E. Livingston, Jr. the adjutant general for South Carolina and his wife Barbara, Fort Jackson s Military Family of the Year, Staff Sgt. John Berta and his wife Agata, U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer Jerry Stevens and his wife Sarah, and other military members with the spouses from the South Carolina Army and Air Governor proclaims May Military Spouse Appreciation Month FRIDAY Super Troopers 2 (R) 7 p.m. SATURDAY Beirut (R) 1 p.m. Super Troopers 2 (R) 5 p.m. SUNDAY Beirut (R) 1 p.m. Super Troopers 2 (R) 5 p.m. WEDNESDAY (No showing) By LT. COL. CINDI KING South Carolina National Guard Representatives from the South Carolina military community and their spouses gathered at the State House in Columbia, South Carolina May 15, to hear South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster read a proclamation recognizing May as Military Spouse Appreciation Month in Palmetto State. Accompanying McMaster was the Adjutant General for South Carolina, Maj. Gen. Robert E. Livingston, Jr., and his wife Barbara; Fort Jackson s Family of the Year, Staff Sgt. John Berta and ry Stevens and his wife Sarah, and other military members with the spouses from the South Carolina Army and Air National Guard. Receiving special recognition were four spouses of South Carolina Army National Guard Soldiers whose unit, the 1-151st Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, has been deployed to Afghanistan since August. The group was also honored to have Medal of Honor recipient retired Marine Maj. Gen. James E. Livingston, join the presentation with his wife Sara, who were at the State House. South Carolina has a rich military tradition, and that is what has kept our state strong, with duty, honor and country, said McMaster. It is my greatest honor to read this proclamation to say thank you done so much for our great state and nation. dent Ronald Reagan May 23, 1984, to recognized the profound importance of a spouse s commitment to the readiness and well-being of military members. See MONTH: Page 15 We do what we do because of our families. Maj. Gen. Robert E. Livingston, Jr.... 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 May 17, 2018 The Fort Jackson Leader Page 5

6 Fort Jackson: HOUSING NOTES Updates from Housing Services Photo by ROBERT TIMMONS Courtney Andersen, a member of the Victory Belles singing group kisses Vietnam veteran Joel Hiller on the cheek during the groups performance May 11 at the NCO Club on post during the installation s Military Spouse Appreciation Day celebration. The Victory Belles trio travel across the country singing 1940s era music and serenading veterans and their families. Victory Belles highlight spouse appreciation day By ROBERT TIMMONS Fort Jackson Leader Military spouses on Fort Jackson were rewarded for their help in keeping the Army ready May 11 with a special serenade from a troupe singing World War II-era music. Victory Belles, a singing trio based out of the National World War II museum in New Orleans, sang patriotic and period music during the installation s Military Spouse Appreciation Day celebration at the NCO Club. Their show included 1940s-era classics like the Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy of Company B, and a musical tribute to each branch of the armed forces. When I think of a military spouse, I think of readiness, said Maj. Gen. Pete Johnson, Fort Jackson s commander, as he opened up the event. I think of mission. I think of everything that our nation asked our military services to do is really on the shoulders and Military spouses have been behind the scenes helping service Johnson said. the winter the families would come into the frame. These military Continental Army. of raising children and taking care of the household while their The burden of that has been held really on the shoulders of the military spouse, Johnson said moments before the singers took the stage. The Belles sang and danced to the delight of viewers showing their thanks for their service to the nation. Thank you for keeping us and the rest of our country safe, said Mandi Rigell, one of the Victory Belles, after the performance. We applaud you and thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Joel Hiller, a Vietnam veteran found himself being thanked up close and personal by Victory Belle Courtney Andersen. Andersen serenaded him before leaning over and planting kisses on his cheeks and forehead leaving bright red lipstick as a reminder. See SPOUSE: Page 19 Mayors Needed: The Mayoral Council is looking for volunteers to serve as Mayors for the Fort Jackson Housing Communities. Being a part of the Council allows you to be a voice for the community. Your voice can bring ideas and suggestions to residents for improving the quality of life while residing on Fort Jackson. In addition to receiving credit for volunteer hours, you will get to meet new people, and receive valuable training. Child care is provided at no cost while performing mayoral duties. Interested residents should contact Vickie Grier at usarmy.jackson.imcom-atlantic.mbx.fortjackson-dpw- housing@mail.mil, or : Housing is hosting a Home Buying Seminar 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 19 at the NCO Club. Topics include: knowing your credit score, debt to credit ratio, pre-approvals, good faith estimates, different types of mortgage rates, home inspections, closing the loan and much more. To register give us a call at /7537. This seminar is free and open to all ID card holders. Juvenile Curfew & Supervision of Children and Resident Guide Review: As schools come to an end for the summer break, we d like to encourage residents to take time to review the Juvenile Curfew & Supervision of Children Policy and Resident Guide to ensure policies and guidelines are adhered to (i.e. wading pools, unattended children at the playgrounds, etc.) The resident guide can be viewed at You may pick up a copy of the Juvenile Curfew & Supervision of Children Policy Ave. Voice Broadcast: As we push forward into the summer months, we would like to remind our most current phone number and address. Our One Call system is used to deliver emergency weather updates, reported utility outages, scheduled maintenance that may interfere with your day to day plans, and weekly event updates. If you have opted out or changed your phone number and would like to receive them again, please contact on Facebook (Fort Jackson Family Homes). Refer a Friend: Unlimited Refer-a-Friend Rewards. If you are a current resident with Balfour Beatty Communities and you invite a friend to live with us, we will take $500 off your next month s rent. Some restrictions apply. For more information, call

7 Army offering computer skills training for transitioning Soldiers Are you interested in a career in computers after leaving the Army? If so, the Army Continuing Education System is offering a Career Skills Program that assists transitioning Soldiers in gaining the necessary skills and credentials needed to obtain a civilian job in Information Technology. This eight-week program is offered through Training Concepts and is free to all transitioning Soldiers while serving on active duty. The next class is scheduled 22 August - 26 October 2018 and will be conducted at the Training Concepts location on Berryhill Road, Columbia, South Carolina. The upcoming Informational Technology will be conducted at the Fort Jackson Education Center, Bldg. 4600, Strom Thurmond Blvd. For more information, contact the Fort Jackson Education Center at Have a say in the Army s Civilian Wellness Program Are you looking to have a say in changing tion , and make comments on it, visit the Army Suggestion Program, or Army Ideas for Innovation on Milsuite. The Army s Ideas for Innovation program can be found at You will be required to log in with your CAC. Once you get into the site, type civil- Click on Improved Civilian Fitness and Wellness Program. Then click on the up arrow to vote up. Leave comments if you wish. Photo by NICK SPINELLI In the receiving area, patients are assessed and treated at Greenville/Spartanburg International airport before transport to area hospitals during Operation Wings of Hope 2018, a multi-organization exercise held May 8-9. By NICK SPINELLI MEDDAC Public Affairs MEDDAC Fort Jackson led several state and local organizations in the 2018 National Disaster Medical System Exercise May 8-9 at the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport in Greer, South Carolina. This annual exercise simulates an evacuation of critical medical patients from a disaster area into South Carolina where the line care to evacuees before transporting them to local area hospitals. The exercise dubbed Operation Wings of Hope 2018, was to test the Federal Coordination Center Columbia s ability to alert and activate their community partners as well as to establish and conduct patient reception area operations in support of the NDMS evacuation of medical patients from a disaster zone. However, real world events resulted in slight changes from previous years. The biggest difference for this year s exercise was the physical location, said Lt. Col. John Clouse, chief of operations for FCC Columbia. Although we ve conducted operations at the Greenville/Spartanburg International airport for several years, to a new location due to new construction NEWS Real world activation, new location impact exercise on the airport grounds. It was a bit awkward in the initial site set-up process, but the challenge of a new location was well received by our NDMS partners; they were doing the same jobs in a different place so the whole process felt new. According to Clouse, another scenario that impacted the exercise was last year s real world activation of the NDMS in response to Hurricane Maria. We have tried to evaluate as many aspects of the activation as we can and incorporate the lessons learned into the mix, he said. See EXERCISE: Page 16

8 FORT JACKSON SCHOOL MENUS, May Thursday Breakfast: fruit cocktail/diced pears, assorted milk. Lunch entree: Sides: cocktail, assorted milk. Friday NO SCHOOL Monday Breakfast: Breakfast pizza with turkey sau- sorted milk. Lunch entree: Breadsticks. Sides: Sea- cocktail/fresh apples, assorted milk. Tuesday Breakfast: - Lunch entree: Pizza. Sides: Wednesday Breakfast: applesauce/sliced peaches, assorted milk. Lunch entree: - Sides: sorted milk. Menu subject to change without notice.... BREAKFAST PRICES Month: $35 / Per day: $1.75 Reduced: Month: $6 / Per day: $.30 LUNCH PRICES Month: $57 / Per day: $2.85 Reduced: Month: $8 / Per day: $.40 Run and Gun Soldiers and cadre from the 193rd Infantry Brigade competed in a brigade-wide run and gun competition May 9 that pitted their physical training prowess with their shooting skills. The competition started at Heise Pond with a run to Aachen Range where competitors shot skeet, above. Soldiers then rode bicycles to another range to compete in rifle and pistol marksmanship challenges, before swimming across Weston Lake, right. Photos by RON LESTER

9 Post celebrates military retirees this week Leader Staff Reports Fort Jackson will honor its retiree population today to Saturday with Retiree Appreciation Days with a theme of Once a Soldier, Always a Soldier. A Soldier for Life! The RAD events begin with a free continental breakfast starting at 7:30 a.m. today in the NCO Club. Retirees will be given transportation to Hil- The post will recognize the military retirees during the Basic Combat Training Graduation at 9 a.m. today on Hilton Field. Retirees will have the option to march in the Pass in Review and will have reserved VIP seating. It is a great opportunity to participate, be recognized, and display for the parents and loved ones of our newest Soldiers the full military lifecycle and lifelong commitment that has sustained our armed forces and made our nation great. In addition to the graduation ceremony, there will be a Vietnam Veterans recognition and pinning ceremony that starts at 8:30 a.m. The 3rd Battalion, 13th Infantry Regiment commander Lt. Col. Michael George and Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel Wrightman will pin each Vietnam veteran who served during the period of Nov. 1, 1955 to May 15, 1975 with the Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pin. The annual Retiree Appreciation Days Golf Tournament will start at a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Solomon Center. For more information con- Gregory.l.fountain3.civ@mail.mil. Leader file photo Military retirees march with Soldiers graduating from Basic Combat Training during Retiree Appreciation Days activities in FORT JACKSON WORSHIP SCHEDULE CATHOLIC Sunday 7:30 a.m., Confessions, Solomon Center 8 a.m., IET Mass, Solomon Center 9:30 a.m., CCD, Education Center 9:30 a.m., Mass, Main Post Chapel 10:30 a.m., Reconciliation (after Mass or by appointment), Main Post Chapel Monday through Thursday, First Friday 11:30 a.m., Mass, Main Post Chapel CHURCH OF CHRIST Sunday 10:30 a.m., Worship Service, Magruder Chapel EASTERN ORTHODOX Sunday 9 a.m., Worship and Liturgy, Hospital Chapel JEWISH Sunday 9:15 a.m., Worship, Anderson Street Chapel 10:15 a.m., Fellowship, Anderson Street Chapel LATTER-DAY SAINTS Sunday 10:30 a.m., Worship Service, Anderson Street Chapel ISLAMIC Friday 12:45 p.m., Jumah Services, Main Post Chapel Sunday 8 a.m., Islamic studies, Main Post Chapel PAGAN Sunday 11 a.m., Pagan Circle Sacred Well Congregation worship and study, Magruder Chapel HISPANIC PROTESTANT Sunday 9 a.m., Worship Service, Magruder Chapel PROTESTANT Sunday 8 a.m., Worship Service, Main Post Chapel 8:30 a.m., Anglican/Liturgical, Lightning Chapel 9 a.m., Service, McCrady Chapel (SCARNG), McCrady Chapel 9:15 a.m., Adult Bible Study, Main Post Chapel 9:30 a.m., Sunday School, Main Post Chapel 10 a.m., Gospel Worship Service, Daniel Circle Chapel 11 a.m., Service, Main Post Chapel 11 a.m., Chapel Next, Lightning Chapel 5 p.m., Aspire! Protestant Youth, Chaplain Family Life Center Monday 7 p.m., Protestant Women of the Chapel Woman s Bible Study, Lightning Chapel 7 p.m., Protestant Men of the Chapel, Bible Study, Chaplain Family Life Center Tuesday 9 a.m., Protestant Women of the Chapel, Main Post Chapel Wednesday Noon, Protestant Bible Study, SSI Library 7 p.m., Gospel Bible Study, Daniel Circle chapel Thursday 11:45 a.m., Fresh Encounter Bible Study, Chaplain Family Life Center ADDRESSES, PHONE NUMBERS Anderson Street Chapel, 2335 Anderson St., Lightning Chapel, 9476 Kemper St., /4542 Chaplain Family Life Center, Bldg 5460, Daniel Circle Chapel, 3359 Daniel Circle, /4478 Education Center, 4581 Scales Ave., Fort Jackson Garrison Chaplain and Religious Support Office, 4356 Hardee St., /6318 McCrady Chapel, 3820 McCrady Road at McCrady Training Center, Magruder Chapel, 4360 Magruder Ave., Main Post Chapel, 4580 Scales Ave., /6681 Warrior Chapel (120th Adjutant General Battalion), 1895 Washington St., /7427

10 I became a soldier... 3rd Battalion, 13th Infantry Regiment PFC. KALINA SMITH, 19 Bokoshe, Oklahoma My Family and my desire to do something with meaning in join the Army. No, the Army wasn t what I thought it would be like before I joined. Over time the Army became more like a Family to me. Through Basic Combat Training I learned a lot about the Army values and the Army is all of them. The most challenging thing about Basic Combat Training was getting in the right mind set to keep pushing. I m a 92Y Unit Supply Specialist. In 10 years I hope to be still going far with my Army career. I m really looking forward to where the Army takes me and meeting new people. PVT. GRIFFIN DWYER, 22 Grand Haven, Michigan Both of my uncle s were in the Army and it seemed like a good way to start off the career I want and open a lot of doors. The Army is pretty close to what I expected. I thought it would be a bit harder but if you do what you re told and just listen, Basic Combat Training becomes a whole lot easier. The most challenging thing about Basic Combat Training was trying to bring everyone together as a team. I m a 15T Medium Helicopter Repairer. I had a good time at Basic Combat Training; met a lot of cool people and look forward to Military Occupational Speciality training at Advanced Individual Training to really learn about how I can help the Army and America. PFC. REBECCA HUSTON, 28 Eugene, Oregon I wanted to join the Army since before I can remember. ers, policemen and doctors as their heros; I ve always looked up to Soldiers. I came in the Army expecting to have no idea of what I was getting into. There were a few Army stereotypes that proved very true and others that proved otherwise. The most challenging thing about Basic Combat Training was rucking. No amount of push ups and sit ups can prepare you for rucking. My Family and I have an active outdoor lifestyle, we frequently hike for miles at a time for fun and even hiking didn t help to prepare me for rucking. I m a 91D Tactical Power Generation Specialist. to become a physician s assistant and be working in beyond reason. While Charlie Company 3-13 is big on discipline, the drill sergeants proved time and again that they are always looking out for us. PVT. SHAKAYLA BROOKS, 20 Newport News, Virginia I joined the Army National Guard to pay for college as well as to gain more discipline. I wanted to do something different with my life and get more stability. Yes, the Army was exactly how I thought it was, I knew what to expect because of Family members who previously joined. The most challenging thing I found about Basic Combat Training was dealing with the people in my company or platoon. They were who made the experience hard. I m a 92Y Unit Supply Specialist. In 10 years I see myself; Hopefully still in the Army, as well as having my degree in nursing. My experience here, I would say wasn t easy but I had to learn to adapt to my surroundings and the people around me. I had to learn to become more humble; to push myself and not give up because it s not easy. In the beginning it is mentally challenging, but you have to be strong minded believe in yourself and remember your purpose and why you are doing it. PVT. FELIPE ARROYAVE, 32 Farmingdale, New York My older brother joined in 2006 and I ve also wanted to serve my country and doing dream. Yes, the Army was everything I expected and more. It taught me how to be disciplined, physically and mentally tough. The most challenging part of Basic Combat Training was bringing the platoon together as a team to achieve to accomplish the mission. I m a 92F - Automated Logistical Specialist. In 10 years, I would like to experience the role of a drill sergeant, so I can understand Basic Combat Training from the drill sergeants point of view. I am looking forward to all of the experiences abroad, both in and out of the combat zones. SPC. ANNA FARMER, 26 Charlotte, North Carolina The opportunity to serve my country, display patriotism and have a positive affect on the world drove me to join the Army. I was looking for a career that would not only challenge me but have a bigger meaning as well. The Army is more than what I thought it would be, the camaraderie I witnessed just at Basic Combat Training has been motivating and is something I look forward to in my future. I am realizing how many parts make the Army work as a whole. The most challenging part about Basic Combat Training was the mental and emotional stressors. It was dif- nication too; in retrospect, I see meaning behind it all working with the 160th SOAR as a helicopter pilot. Looking back at the last nine weeks I can honestly say that it was a great experience. I learned a lot about myself, working with others and how to prioritize. I am looking forward to continuing my Army career and progressing.

11 Victory Week starts HERE June 2 6 a.m. Post run and cake cutting ceremony 6 p.m. Birthday celebration at Hilton Field, including the Commanding General s social/picnic, a concert and fireworks. June 3 6:30 a.m. 101 Mile Bike Ride starting at Darby Field. June 4 6 p.m. NIC (part of 3rd Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment s The Forge) for the Community June 5 6 a.m. Organizational sporting events tournament (Brigades and PIEs) 7:05 p.m. Fort Jackson Day at Columbia Fireflies baseball game Victory Week is a post-wide event held to bring camaraderie, unit cohesion and teamwork between the Fort Jackson Soldiers and civilians. June 6 6:30 a.m. Come Meet Your Army tour during Family Day 8:40 a.m. Come Meet Your Army tour for Fort Jackson school children 1 p.m. Golden Knights and Army marksmanship demonstrations June 7 6:30 a.m. Come Meet Your Army tour for Veterans (2nd Battalion, 13th Infantry Regiment graduation) 3 p.m. U.S. Army Marketing and Engagement Brigade demonstrations June 8 Noon. CG s Victory Week Golf Tournament June 9 6 p.m. 242nd Army Birthday Ball

12 Olympics Continued from Page 3 Photo by RON LESTER Above, softball players congratulate each other following a game May 12 at the Hilton Field Sports Complex. Below, Maj. Gen. Pete Johnson, Fort Jackson commanding general, helps to lead a 7.5-mile run May 11 that brought the Special Olympics Flame of Hope to Fort Jackson. Photos by WALLACE MCBRIDE Above, friends and family members cheer Special Olympics athletes May 12 during swimming competitions at Knight Swimming Pool. This year not only marked the 50th anniversary of South Carolina s Special Olympics games, but also the 50th anniversary of Fort Jackson s role as host for the annual event. And, while the torch might have begun it s trip to Fort Jackson a day before this year s ceremonies, the hundreds of athletes taking part have been working year-round for their days in the spotlight. It takes months of practice, said Special Olympics volunteer Kimberly Linn, of Sumter, South Carolina. They work hard we work all year round to get them prepared in our county. The bowling team nine months out of twelve to get them ready. Fort Jackson is always a welcoming host, she said, for the players and their competitions. They make them feel very special here, Linn said. It s one of my favorite experiences. I foster a lot of kids and two of them are special. Beth Toth, a volunteer from Clover, South Carolina, said the discipline of Fort Jackson s Soldiers helps to underscore one of the primary lessons of Special Olympics: respect. you shake the hands of your opponent, you shake the hands of the coaches, and you shake the hands of the volunteers and tell them thank you, she said. Now that they re on Fort Jackson, they re ready to shake the hands of anyone in the military they see. We push respect, for the sports, for each other and for volunteers. These are values that athletes will take with them to national games later this year in Seattle. Look at their abilities, not their disabilities, Toth said. They re just as capable as anybody else. They enjoy having fun and they enjoy competition. They re just like anyone else. Photo by RON LESTER Photo by ROBERT TIMMONS Photo by WALLACE MCBRIDE Left, Fort Jackson Soldiers cheer the arrival of Special Olympics athletes at the Solomon Center May 11, kicking off the 50th year of games on post. Above, volunteer Grace Downey helps Rebecca Mulinax get ready to bowl May 12 at Century Lanes Bowling Alley.

13 Saluting this BCT cycle s honorees DRILL SERGEANTS OF THE CYCLE Sgt. 1st Class Lisa M. Brown Alpha Company, 3rd Battalion, 13th Infantry Regiment SOLDIER LEADER OF THE CYCLE Spc. Issac Sutter Staff Sgt. Thomas Mendoza Jr. Bravo Company, 3rd Battalion, 13th Infantry Regiment SOLDIER LEADER OF THE CYCLE Spc. Anna Farmer Month Continued from Page 4 The Secretary of Defense, Casper Weinberger, standardized the date by declaring the Friday proceeding Mother s Day as Military Spouse Day. Since Spouse Appreciation Day part of National Military Appreciation Month in lies. We do what we do because of our blessed as a nation and it is a privilege to be able to serve. We are grateful for SOLDIER OF THE CYCLE Pvt. Kalina Smith SOLDIER OF THE CYCLE Pfc. Mariah Powell HIGH BRM Pvt. Elliot Duke HIGH BRM Pvt. Anibal Martinez BROWN HIGH APFT Pvt. Athryn Schroeder MENDOZA HIGH APFT Spc. Anna Farmer Staff Sgt. Joshua Candelaria Charlie Company, 3rd Battalion, 13th Infantry Regiment Sgt. 1st Class Steven A. Mickinney Delta Company, 3rd Battalion, 13th Infantry Regiment CANDELARIA SOLDIER LEADER OF THE CYCLE Pvt. William T. Nelson SOLDIER OF THE CYCLE Pvt. Miguel Serpa, Jr. HIGH BRM Pvt. Adam Barefoot HIGH APFT Pvt. Zachary Taylor MICKINNEY SOLDIER LEADER OF THE CYCLE Pvt. Matthew R. Guerrero SOLDIER OF THE CYCLE Pvt. Katelin Goodlettt HIGH BRM Pvt. Eboni Baker HIGH APFT Pvt. Dashae Genius FARVE Staff Sgt. Claudia Farve Echo Company, 3rd Battalion, 13th Infantry Regiment SOLDIER LEADER OF THE CYCLE Pvt. Megan E. Mcdaniel SOLDIER OF THE CYCLE Pvt. Hunter Manucy HIGH BRM Pvt. Joshua Kennedy HIGH APFT Pvt. Mara Jarvis This We'll DEFEND

14 Exercise Continued from Page 7 We strengthened our relationships at the command and control levels by actually dividing tasks between the (civilian) Upstate incident management team and the FCC staff, Clouse said. Additionally, we developed and implemented a new transportation plan to maintain better accountability of the exercise patient players as they moved to and from the hospitals. The need for a better tracking mechanism also developed from last year s exercise as well as from the activation. The exercise was developed to test a wide range of capabilities from numerous and diverse agencies, said Lt. Col. Carleton Bailiff, NDMS Coordinator. We covered several necessary aspects of patient receiving operations such as communication, patient tracking, logistics management, safety, security, cost accounting and behavioral health. Additional considerations of things such as veterinarian service and added to the planning process for this year. Another takeaway from the real world activation was the size of the aircraft used in the exercise. Traditionally, aircraft participating are large and carry heavy patient loads. During the NDMS mission though, planes arriving were much smaller due to their ability to access runways in storm-affected areas. We incorporated the use of small civilian aircraft this year because that s what we received the most of during our activation, Clouse said. Other players supporting the exercise included the Upstate Incident Management Team, the South Carolina Hospital Emergency Response Team, the South Carolina State Guard, South Carolina Department of Public Health and Environmental Control, the Civil Air Patrol, and local chapters of the American Red Cross and Salvation Army. The exercise Photo by NICK SPINELLI Patients arrive to the receiving area set up at Greenville/Spartanburg International airport during Operation Wings of Hope 2018, May 8-9. alternates each year between the Greer site and Columbia International Airport in Columbia, since the NDMS was activated last fall. That activation garnered interest from other area FCC s and representatives from FCC Hawaii, FCC El Paso, FCC San Antonio, and MED- COM were on site to observe the operation. By the end of the exercise, it was evident that FCC Columbia and its community partners were very capable of successfully initiating and conducting operations in the new Bailiff said.

15 Army Birthday Ball tickets now on sale Leader staff reports Tickets are now on sale for the Association of the United States Army hosted Army s 243rd and Fort Jackson s 101st Birthday Celebration June 9 at the Columbia Convention Center. Fort Jackson Soldiers, spouses, civilians, contractors, Partners in Excellence, and friends of Fort Jackson are invited to attend. Social hour begins at 5 p.m. with the receiving line starting at 5:15 p.m. The authorized uniform for the Birthday Ball is the Army Service Uniform with bow tie, or mess dress. Civilian men should wear business/formal attire while civilian women wear evening gowns (formal attire). Tickets for the ball are $37.79 each for E7/GS-7 and below, while civilians and all others pay $53.55 each. To purchase tickets visit rthdayball.eventbrite.com.

16 WHEN I GROW UP, I WANT TO BE A... Featuring the students of Pierce Terrace Elementary School. Photos by Nancy Reichart Fort Jackson Gate Operation Hours GATE 1 Open 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday for inbound and outbound traffic. GATE 2 Open around the clock daily. GATE 4 Open 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday for inbound and outbound traffic. GATE 5 Open 5 to 10 a.m. Monday through Friday for inbound and outbound traffic. Closed 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Open 4 to 6 p.m. for outbound traffic only. zz Bailei Evalyn Jaxen Open 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

17 Spouse Continued from Page 6 NEWS Photo by ROBERT TIMMONS The Victory Belles, (from left to right) Courtney Anderson, Jessica Mixon and Mandi Rigell, sing patriotic and period tunes May 11 at the NCO Club. Hiller said he wasn t going to wipe it off just yet. I m going to take that home with me, he said. In fact, I m going to show it to some friends tonight. The post s military spouse appreciation event resonated particularly well with Hiller as he remembered his wife who passed away 10 year ago. She was with me during my wars while I was away from home and I like to say, thank you, he said. When Hiller left for Vietnam, he left his wife to care for their 16-month-old daughter. It took a long time to get over that, he said solemnly, because my wife is saying, she s still looking for her Daddy. The Victory Belles would perform later that day for trainees of 3rd Battalion, 13th Infantry Regiment.

18 TRICARE Retiree Dental Program transitioning to FEDVIP plans Leader Staff Reports The TRICARE Retiree Dental Program will be ending at the end of this year and the retirees will be able to enroll in the FEDVIP dental and vision plans during Open Season this fall (Nov. 12-Dec. 10). In order for retirees to continue with dental coverage for 2019, they must select a plan during Open Season; they will not automatically be rolled into a FEDVIP dental plan. There are up to 10 dental carrier options in FEDVIP from which to choose, one of which is Delta Dental who has operated the TRDP since New enrollments in the TRDP will be accepted until Oct. 31 and current TRDP enrollees should continue to use their TRDP the year. Command performance Photo by LATRICE LANGSTON Gloria Glover, a program analyst with the Directorate of Public Works, collects, consolidates and edits the division s input into the situation report May 16. Golden, Xavier Terrell, Tina Barnes, David Early, Troy Evans and Barbara Golden were recently recognized by Maj. Gen. Pete Johnson for their outstanding efforts. Army finance descends on post Photo by LATRICE LANGSTON Lt. Gen. Thomas A. Horlander, military deputy for budget for the Assistant Secretary of the Army Financial Management and Comptroller, briefs the importance of professional development and talent management within the Financial Management Corps during the three-day Army Financial Management Week symposium.

19 May 17, 2018 The Fort Jackson Leader Page 23