Training for Disaster

Transcription

1 New 377th TSC force cyles in DV July 26, 2006 Major Gen. James Kelley goes for a run Desert Voice Magazine Serving the U.S. and Coalition Forces in Kuwait Training for Disaster Camp Arifjan machine trains Soldiers for vehicle rollovers

2 Third Army CSM Not just because I said so F or those deployed forward, the mission lies not only in a foreign nation, but in a conservative society. We conduct ourselves and present our appearance in accordance with policies to ensure safety, display professionalism and to show respect to our host nation as well as our fellow servicemembers. The policies and rules we adhere to aren t in place because the command wants to rule over its subordinates with an iron fist or because the command feels the need to randomly create policies to justify its existence. Policies are in place for safety, to uphold the reputation of the United States of America and to show consideration to our host nation. These policies aren t intended to harass, but to protect Soldiers and the honor and image of the American people. The regulations we follow cover a broad spectrum of conduct. We dress appropriately at all times to protect our dignity and maintain the respect the host nation has for us. Dressing in a manner that is not offensive shows respect for the local culture. We don t wear hats inside because it s improper. We don t wear open-toed shoes in the dining facility or put our hats on the table because it s unsanitary. We exchange greetings when we salute as a show of respect. Unfortunately, a lot of people don t say anything when they salute, but if someone gives you the greeting of the day, the least you could do is acknowledge them simply out of common courtesy. It s a matter of having good manners and respecting others. If you smoke, you do it in a designated smoking area. We don t walk and smoke or walk and eat while in uniform because it Command Sgt. Maj. Franklin G. Ashe Third Army Command Sergeant Major looks unprofessional. Some policies also serve as preventive measures. We re required to wash our hands before eating to keep us from getting sick. We don t wear headphones while walking or running outside, unless in a designated area, so we can remain aware of any potential safety hazards. In uniform, we wear our sleeves down to protect us against possible vector-borne disease and as a means of sunburn prevention. On streets without sidewalks, we jog or walk against the flow of traffic to keep an eye on oncoming vehicles. We don t walk around outside or in inappropriate areas barefoot to avoid injuries such as twisted ankles or broken toes. We re with a battle buddy whenever we do a mission outside the wire. This is not only for protection, but also to have someone there to assist you if something happens. Being in teams or larger elements also discourages enemy attacks. If there s ever a standard, policy or regulation that you don t understand, you can give me a call, send me an or stop me when you see me and I ll be more than happy to talk about it whenever I have the time. I want troops to understand there is a reason behind each guideline we re asked to follow. Soldiers need to understand why we do the things we do. It s been my experience that well-informed troops, having a broader understanding of why things are the way they are, tend to be more appreciative of the order of things and more willing to comply with the standards. As leaders, NCOs have to take ownership of the existing policies and standards when they re talking to servicemembers. Don t ask a subordinate to comply with a regulation because somebody else said You have to stand on your own rank and your own merit. Once a senior leader has put out a policy or a standard, junior leaders need to accept that as their own. You re not enforcing someone else s policies and standards; you re enforcing YOUR policies and standards. This is YOUR armed forces and this is YOUR mission. Don t take it lightly. To those of you who are completing your tour, thanks for a job well done. Thank you for abiding by the rules set in place and completing your duties safely. Mission accomplished. Have a safe trip home. It s been an honor to serve with all of you. To the new and incoming troops: welcome. I know you re going to do a great job and I look forward to serving with you. Third Always First DV Desert Voice Magazine Volume 28, Issue 4 The Desert Voice is an authorized publication for members of the Department of Defense. Contents of the Desert Voice are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government or Department of the Army. The editorial content of this publication is the responsibility of the Third Army Public Affairs Office. This newspaper is published by Al-Qabandi United, a private firm, which is not affiliated with Third U.S. Army. All copy will be edited. The Desert Voice is produced weekly by the 40th Public Affairs Detachment. Find us online at Third Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. R. Steven Whitcomb Third Army Command Sgt. Maj. Command Sgt. Maj. Franklin G. Ashe Third Army Public Affairs Officer Col. John B. Snyder Third Army Public Affairs Officer (Fwd) Lt. Col. Jay Shiffler Questions? Comments? the editor at desertvoice@ arifjan.arcent.army.mil 40th Public Affairs Detachment Commander Maj. April N. Olsen NCOIC Sgt. 1st Class Sharon G. McBride Desert Voice Editor Sgt. Thomas L. Day Desert Voice Assistant Editor Sgt. Patrick N. Moes Desert Voice Staff Writers Spc. Chris Jones Spc. Debrah A. Robertson 2 Desert Voice July 26, 2006

3 Lt. Col. Clinton R. Pendergast will oversee a massive influx of troops into the Iraq theater through Camp Buehring. Photo by Sgt. Patrick N. Moes 6Q s Kuwait ready for the expected influx of deploying Soldiers rotating into theater? Yes. Based on planning figures, we have all the contracts in place. The contracts include: sleeping tents, living tents, water, latrines, dumpsters, black water removal and dining facility contracts. The Area Support Group- Kuwait Director of Logistics footprint provides general support and direct support maintenance as well as offers CIF exchange. ow is Camp Buehring preparing for the surge? Our preparation starts with receiving information from the higher command. We then begin building contracts for the estimated number of people. We have also increased the quality of life standards threefold. We are adding another dining facility and gym in preparation for the surge. ow much of an increase do you foresee in the logistical support in the upcoming months? What types of support will you be responsible for? We have responsible oversight of everything on camp to include all classes of supply. We also have the capacity to feed more than 20,000 troops. The Buehring Express is another means of providing support to the Soldiers. We have daily shipments of Class 9 (expendable) supply items delivered here. These shipments alleviate units having to travel to Camp Arifjan for routine supply requests. ill the expected surge in deploying troops mean an increase in troops deploying to Camp Buehring to provide logistical support? Or will the troops be tasked from other camps within Kuwait to provide the support? The 377th Theater Support Command and subordinate units will plus up with a small numbers of troops. Finance may bring one Soldier; postal may send another Soldier to help with the surge. The CFLCC C3 cell also sends some LNOs and Range Observer Controllers to run more live-fire lanes. It s all team work and the camp command and control cell provides the logistics. Six Questions for Lt. Col. Clinton R. Pendergast Commander, Base Support Battalion - North I H H W W C hat do you feel will be the most difficult aspect of supporting the surge? The most difficult aspect we have is trying to maintain the living environment for the Soldiers. We virtually have a camp in the middle of the desert. If a Soldier can t sleep, he can t train. Adding the gym and dining facility will help Soldiers concentrate on their training. These additions are all designed to improve on the training units receive at Camp Buehring. ompare this deployment surge with previous ones? This one is setting better quality of life standards. We used the lessons learned from previous surges and adjusted accordingly. We have increased the number of dining facilities. We have better lighting and parking. We are focusing more on safety. There should be no reason for any Soldier to be injured while training here. The buddy system should be used at all times. Two sets of eyes are always better than one. Camp Buehring July 26, 2006 Desert Voice 3

4 Staff Sgt. Jeff Ellis plays his guitar while deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Ellis, a Huntington, W.Va., native, is a member of the 261st Ordnance Company. Camp Navistar Hitting the right notes: Sgt. Patrick N. Moes Desert Voice Assistant Editor W 4 Desert Voice July 26, 2006 Navistar Soldier dedicates fourth recorded album to current state of affairs in the world. Photo by Sgt. Patrick N. Moes ith breath-freezing weather, standing water from a recent flood and an extra layer of clothes on, Jeff Ellis took to the Camp Navistar Dry Dock stage for the first time back in January holding a guitar, a harmonica and a body filled with nervous tension. With no sound technician, there was only him, his microphone and a stool standing before his fellow Soldiers, friends and his brother Joe, who is currently stationed at Camp Arifjan. The singer/songwriter was about to perform a two-hour solo concert at his new home away from home. The staff sergeant, from Huntington, W.Va., has been writing songs world, said Ellis. I also draw from my military experiences here and performing them since he was 14. With three albums under his (referring to his deployment to Kuwait). The album contains the song belt with his band and one solo album, Ellis said he is looking to Stay Alert, Stay Alive, which is about a boy going to basic training release his latest solo album by the end of this year. He recorded at Fort, Benning, Ga., and remembering that key phrase barked at him most of his new music while on mid-tour leave. while deployed to a combat zone with bullets flying overhead. The new album talks about the current state of affairs in the Ellis, a U.S. Army Reserve Soldier with the 261st Ordnance

5 Camp Navistar Company, said his songwriting used to be about events that had happened to him in the past and could relate to everyone else. I ve started writing in a storytelling style, Ellis said, referring to his lyrics on his new album which mimics legendary singer/songwriters such as Neil Diamond and Bob Dylan. The storytelling style of songwriting puts into music the experiences of a person or an event in time. Songwriting is a skill I have to constantly use, Ellis said. Ninety-nine percent of the time, the idea comes five minutes after I ve turned the lights off and I m in bed. The key is getting up to write the idea down before it slips away. In addition to his songwriting, Ellis has found time to give lessons to other Soldiers on camp. Teaching makes me a better guitar player, Ellis said. I ve developed a lot of my music theory because of it. The guitar teacher has brought his instrument on every trip he has ever gone on with the military, except Basic Training, Ellis said. Other guys have video games and movies. I ve got the guitar. Playing the guitar is just one of the many instruments Ellis has learned. He also plays the harmonica, bass, percussion and keyboard. Although some of the instruments Ellis plays are done so more in the studio rather than on stage. Recording music is not the only thing Ellis finds time for while deployed. He plays music at the gospel services on Sundays. Ellis knows what he wants to hear with his music and he knows how to orchestrate the music to get the sound he s looking for, said Staff. Sgt. Robert Emmert, the Camp Navistar MWR noncommissioned officer in charge. From Sunday morning gospel services to working as the ammunition specialist helping with boarder customs, Ellis has found the time to balance his military obligations with his musical career. The Soldier who started singing in church at the age of 3 is setting his sights toward the future. Once I get home, my immediate plans are to finish the new album and put together a backing group of musicians. If we could land something with the AFN or MWR, I d love to come back over here with a full band and do a tour for the troops throughout the Middle East. Photo by Sgt. Patrick N. Moes Ellis has been singing since he was three, beginning his career in church. He has since recorded four albums with his fifth due when he gets home. This photo, taken along the Iraqi border, is featured on Ellis Web site, Courtesy photo iilustration July 26, 2006 Desert Voice 5

6 (Above) Lieutenant Gen. Stanley Green, inspector general of the U.S. Army, chats with instructors of the HMMWV Egress Assistance Trainer at Camp Arifjan during a visit earlier this month. (On the cover) Two instuctors give a safety briefing before a HEAT instruction. (Photo coutrtesy of Lt. Col. Joseph Harden) Camp Arifjan Standing the HEAT Camp Arifjan machine training Soldiers for vehicle rollovers with hands-on experience: Everything s different when you re upside down. Spc. Chris Jones Desert Voice Staff Writer S oldiers attending their first humvee rollover training take an average of one to two minutes to get everyone out of the vehicle. And one to two minutes is usually too long. Problem is, if you take too long to get out, you could die, plain and simple, said Lt. Col. Peter Winston, a HEAT instructor. According to Winston, Soldiers should complete the rollover drill in less than 30 seconds to be road ready. The HMMWV Egress Assistance Trainer, which is basically a machine composed of a humvee that spins 180 degrees in both directions, is expanding across Kuwait 36 completed models are 6 Desert Voice July 26, 2006 Rollovers in OIF Photos by Spc. Chris Jones 333 OIF Soldiers have been injured in rollovers since OIF began 132 severely injured or killed in rollover accidents 116 fatalities 12 permanent partial disability 4 permanent total disability 37 fatalities in up-armored M114 HMMWV 36 fatalities by drowning in rollovers expected by the end of the year, said Winston, 143rd Transportation Command safety officer. HEAT training usually lasts four to five hours, and offers everyone involved the chance to experience a rollover from the gunner s seat. According to Winston, a vast majority of rollover fatalities in Iraq have been due to the gunner not getting back in the vehicle quickly enough to avoid being crushed by the humvee.

7 When training begins, and the humvee begins to turn, occupants yell, Rollover! Those not in the gunner s seat are responsible for helping the gunner get back inside. If all goes well, and nobody is seriously hurt in the roll, the task then becomes getting out, which can be difficult because the seatbelts are locked into place while the Soldier s body presses against it, upside down. To unlatch, the Soldier must lift his body away from the latch. And what makes all of this even more difficult is, Everything s different when you re upside down, said Winston. Finally, once unlatched, Soldiers focus on getting their doors open, which can also be a struggle because the new up-armored doors weigh approximately 240 pounds each, and after a severe wreck, most Soldiers won t be at full strength. Two Soldiers in training help a man out of the vehicle during a rollover drill. At a hangar in Camp Arifjan recently, Winston had a small class, who will take the lessons learned and teach them to individual Soldiers afterward. One of these trainees, Staff Sgt. Clarence Rattley, said HEAT is essential training for today s battlefield. It is very realistic, very important training, said Rattley, a training noncommissioned officer for the 59th Transportation Group. But you can t expect to leave the class and be perfect. You have to keep training, on different scenarios. Of these scenarios, night driving may be the most difficult situation in which to perform the rollover drill, he explained. If it s in a lit area, or it s daytime, fine but if it s dark, you have to do everything out of memory, he said. You have to feel around and know where everything s at. Winston said he is pleased at how quickly Soldiers improve on the rollover drills. Most Soldiers take at least 60 seconds their first two times to complete the drill, but many are around 30 seconds by the time they finish HEAT training. One team finished HEAT in 14 seconds, he said. It s all about getting comfortable inside the vehicle, said Rattley. You re thinking, did we roll into water? Are there enemies around? Do we have a fuel leak? Once you get confident that you can handle the rollover, you can concentrate on those other factors. Camp Arifjan July 26, 2006 Desert Voice 7

8 Fort McPherson and Fort Gillem Pick of the litter: Sgt. Carlos M. Burger II Third Army Public Affairs Office Although NCO and Soldier of the Year competitions are a common occurrence in the today s Army, at Third Army, it has been some time since the last competition was held. It s been three or four years, at least, since the last competition was held because of our ongoing operations in the Middle East, said Command Sgt. Maj. Franklin G. Ashe, Third Army command sergeant major. So six Soldiers assembled on Hedekin Field at Fort McPherson, Ga., early July 10 8u Desert Voice July 26, 2006y 26, for a routine Army physical fitness test. They had taken the APFT tests many times in their Army career, but by the end of the day on Thursday, two of these Soldiers are able to say something many cannot. They are able to say they are the best Soldiers in U.S. Army Central. Sgt. 1st Class Jason H. Alexander and Spc. Matthew A. Eley emerged as the winners of the 2006 Third Army Noncommissioned Officer and Soldier of the Year competition held July at Forts McPherson and Gillem. In addition to the PT Top Soldi for Third test, the six Soldiers competed against each other in several events such as a Common Tasks Testing, day and night land navigation, M-16 rifle marksmanship, a written test and a formal board. Ashe and the sergeants major from all the units involved are determined to keep the tradition alive every year. Command Sgt. Maj. Ray Middleton, Area Support Group- Kuwait command sergeant major, said that the subordinate units will continue to support the program because it establishes espirit de corps and unit pride. Command Sgt.

9 Sergeant 1st Class Jason H. Alexander, a health care sergeant from Headquarters, Area Support Group-Kuwait, is presented an eagle plaque by Command Sgt. Maj. Franklin G. Ashe, Third Arm Command Sergeant Major. Sergeant 1st Class Alexander and Spc. Matthew A. Eley (shown in background), an Automated Logistical Specialist from Headquarters, 1st Theater Sustainment Command in Fort Bragg, N.C., won the competition and will represent Third Army in the Forces Command NCO/Soldier of the Year Competition held in Fort Hood, Texas. Photo by Sgt. Carlos M. Burger II Staff Sgt. Wayne J. Crudup, an Automatic Logistical Sergeant from Headquarters, 1st Theater Sustainment Command in Fort Bragg, N.C., helps perform a litter carry during the Command Tasks Test event of the competition. Photo by Sgt. Alexis Licea iers, NCOs battle Army awards Maj. Marlon B. Phipps, Special Troops Battalion command sergeant major, added programs like this competition are passing on Army traditions and help Soldiers improve in their proficiency. As we continue to set the conditions for the long-term war, we re working hard to continue to reestablish our Soldier programs. This competition was a great training event and a good chance to develop Soldiers and NCOs, said Ashe. For me, this was real important because, as a sergeant first class, this was my last chance to prove to myself and my Soldiers that I can still maintain the standards that we expect from them when they come from basic training, said Alexander, a health care sergeant from Headquarters, Area Support Group-Kuwait. This competition is like my last hoorah before I advance in rank and it was an honor to compete, regardless of what the outcome was, Alexander said. Eley, an automated logistical specialist from Headquarters, 1st Theater Sustainment Command in Fort Bragg, N.C., said he was prepared and ready to represent Third Army at the next competition. In addition to advancing to the next round, Alexander and Eley each received a plaque and a host of gifts from the many sponsors of the competition. The other Soldiers who competed didn t leave empty-hander either. Each received an Army Achievement Medal. The Soldiers were: Staff Sgt. Wayne J. Crudup, an automated logistical sergeant from Headquarters, 1st Theater Sustainment Command in Fort Bragg, N.C.; Staff Sgt. Kevin D. Cheeley, a protective service agent from U.S. Central Command in MacDill Air Force Base, Fla.; Staff Sgt. Lloyd A. Kuykendoll, a fire control sergeant from Headquarters, Third Army at Fort McPherson; and Spc. Andrew M. Kortises, a food service specialist also from Headquarters, Third Army at Fort McPherson. All the competitors also received signature coins from the Third Army commanding general and command sergeant major, a framed copy of Gen. George Patton s famous speech, and a Third Army shirt. The next step for the winners will be the Forces Command NCO/Soldier of the Year competition held at Fort Hood, Texas in August. Although it will be Alexander and Eley representing Third Army/USARCENT at the next level, none of their fellow competitors felt the outcome should have been different. Everyone here was the best of the best where they came from, so I don t feel bad being beat by the best, Kuykendoll said. All the competitors here were awesome. If I had to lose at this level, I know I lost to the best, Crudup added. Plus, there is always next year. July 26, 2006 Desert Voice 9 Fort McPherson and Fort Gillem

10 Major Gen. James Kelley, the Deputy Commanding General of Third Army leads the formation of his monthly fun run, July 17. Kelley will be leaving Kuwait and the Third Army shortly for his new assignment at the Pentagon, taking over as the next Assistant to the Deputy Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs. Camp Arifjan Photo by Spc. Debrah A. Robertson Gator guys getting in global game Camp Virginia Capt. Mike Wallace Public Affairs Officer, 377th TSC The newest rotation of 377th Theater Support Command Soldiers with Task Force Gator hit the ground running and provided support to the outgoing Japanese Ground Self-Defense Forces as they left Iraq and prepared to go back to their island homeland. Providing support to the Japanese, who in their most ambitious overseas mission for over 60 years, has been rewarding to the U.S. Soldiers. After the initial shock of the language barrier, and trying to learn and say some Japanese names, I found the Japanese to be very formal in about everything they do, 1st Lt. Doug Iverson, the TF Gator Platoon Leader said. From greetings to just sitting around having a conversation, I have found that they are eager to speak English and [practice] their English on you. Good people to know and work with. All of the TF Gator troops applauded the Japanese for their reconstruction and humanitarian efforts in Iraq. It is a joy working with the Japanese. First Lt. Doug Iverson, a platoon leader with the 377th Theater Support Command Task Force Gator, meets a group of Japanese troops. Iverson is with the 377th s Task Force Gator -- named after the University of Florida s mascot. They are very professional and proud of the job that they are doing, Platoon member Staff Sgt. Thomas Miller said. Task Force Gator including myself enjoys working with them. We also look forward to working with them in the future. But TF Gator will have plenty of experience in dealing with other nations citizenry and Soldiers as they provide the support to those nation s forces. TF Gator members learn with each group they work with. Operations sergeant, Sgt. 1st Class Michael Cheek said, It has been interesting working with all of the coalition Photo by Capt. Mike Wallace troops. The Japanese army seems very formal and disciplined. It s interesting just watch them as they work with us. Though communication is the toughest barrier between us, I think this mission is a great mission to be on and we all at Task Force Gator are prepared for the change and assist any nation that helps us help the people of Iraq. Today the Japanese, tomorrow another country, then next week, another. We will circle the globe in a way helping other nations do their job in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. 10 Desert Voice July 26, 2006

11 Announcement SERVICEMEMBERS GROUP LIFE INSURANCE (SGLI) COMBAT ZONE REFUND Effective February 1, 2006, Soldiers deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom are entitled to $150,000 of free SGLI coverage. > > > > > Soldiers will be refunded for the first $150,000 of SGLI. For example, if a member had $400,000 of coverage, from February 1 to June 30, 2006, the refund will be $10.75 per month, $3.25 per $50,000 plus $1.00 for the traumatic injury insurance (T-SGLI). From July 1 to Aug 31, 2006, the refund will be $11.50 per month, $3.50 per $50,000 plus $1.00 for the T-SGLI. The refunds will be tax free with the limits of the Combat Zone Tax Exemption. Refunds are scheduled to begin by September When the reimbursement starts, Soldiers will receive a payment every three months under the allowances section of their Leave and Earnings Statement. These changes will not affect coverage under Family SGLI (FSGLI). For more information regarding this and other finance questions, call or stop by the local finance office. Hometown Hero Gireesh Nambiar, Standard Army Retail Supply Systems operator Talks about his hometown Kerala, India "We have festivals every three or four months. At Deepaval (The festival of Lights) there are firecrackers and different kinds of lights. At Holy (The Festival of Colors) we put colored powder in water and spray it on each other.". Just One Question... What will you look at differently once you get home? I'm going to be happy to be around humidity and green grass. And the occasional snow. Pfc. Benjamin Gossage, 2nd Battalion, 123rd Field Artillery Regiment "Just having a weekend. Not working Saturday and Sunday, getting used to that. Kimberly Jones, civilian personnel liasion I'm going to appreciate the family a lot more. I'm gonna pick them up and go to the zoo. Pfc. Anthony Geving, 5th Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery Regiment I'm going to have a bigger understanding for different cultures...and how much freedom we have in America. Spc. Dan Benson, 2nd Battalion, 120th Infantry Regiment I expect there to be a whole lot more troops there (Fort Lee, Va.) and missions." Capt. Barbara Coote, CFLCC host nation support officer July 26, 2006 Desert Voice 11

12 Back home after a long mission Spc. Joshua Peper, a gunner with Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry, disassembles a.50 caliber M2 machine gun on his Humvee after completing a convoy escort machine in Iraq on Thursday. Photo by Staff Sgt. James E. Martin Community happenings for July 26 through August 1 Ali Al-Salim For information, call Arifjan Thursday -- X-Box Halo 2 Tourney, 7:00 p.m., Zone 6 Community Center Saturday -- ASG-KU Soccer Tournament, TBD, Zone 1 Soccer Field Scene It Sports Challenge, 7:00 p.m., Zone 6 Community Center Sunday -- Poolside Cinema Pirates of the Caribbean, 7:00 p.m., Zone 1 Community Center Monday -- Karaoke, 7:00 p.m., Zone 1 Community Center Tuesday -- Dominoes Tourney, 7:00 p.m., Zone 1 Community Center For information, call Buehring Wednesday -- 5k Fun Run, 6:30 p.m., Zone 1 Green Beans (Buehring cont.) Friday -- Gong Show, 8:00 p.m., MWR Stage Saturday -- Volleyball Tourney, 5:00 p.m., Volleyball Courts Dominoes Tourney, 7:30 p.m., Palms Sunday -- Ruff & Ready strength competition, 2:00 p.m., Gym V-Ball Tourney, 5:00 p.m., V-Ball Courts Monday -- Phase 10 Tourney, 7:30 p.m., Oasis For information, call Kuwait Naval Base Wednesday -- Chess Tourney, 7:00 p.m., Recreation Center Saturday -- Fitness Challenge, 10:00 a.m., Gym ASG-KU Soccer Tourney, TBD, Arifjan Soccer Field Special Bingo, 7:00 p.m., Recreation Center Sunday -- Texas Hold em Poker Tourney, 1:00 p.m., Rec. Center LSA For information, call Navistar For information, call Virginia Wednesday -- Basketball League, 7:00 p.m., B-Ball Courts Thursday -- Basketball League, 7:00 p.m., B-Ball Courts Darts Tourney, 7:00 p.m., Community Center Friday -- Cross Country Competition, 7:00 p.m., Fitness Center Saturday -- Block Party, 7:00 p.m., Stage Area Sunday and Monday -- Hotter Than July 10 vs. 10 Softball Tourney, 7:00 p.m., Softball Field Monday -- Spades Tourney, 7:00. p.m., Community Center Thursday -- Brown Bag Bingo, 12:00 p.m., Oasis 9-Ball Tourney, 7:30 p.m., Rec. Center ASG-KU Soccer Tournament, TBD, Arifjan Soccer Field For information call Tuesday -- Hot August Nights Luau, 5:30 p.m., Dusty Room For information, call Desert Voice July 26, 2006