Rubicon. Ho Ho Ho! Crossing the. New IMCOM director-training visits post P3. Holiday season begins with tree lighting, Santa visit p7

Transcription

1 Crossing the Rubicon grueling exercise challenges command teams p12-13 Ho Ho Ho! Holiday season begins with tree lighting, Santa visit p7 New IMCOM director-training visits post P3

2 Photo by ROBERT TIMMONS On the cover Capt. Eric Cane, Echo Company, 3rd Battalion, 13th Infantry Regiment, assembles his M4 carbine during the rifle marksmanship phase of the 193rd Infantry Brigade s Rubicon Command Team Challenge Dec. 8. SEE PAGES Fort Jackson, South Carolina This civilian enterprise newspaper, which has a circulation of 15,000, 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 pmathes@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. James W. Ellerson Jr. Public Affairs Officer... Michael B. Pond Garrison Public Affairs Officer... Patrick Jones Command Information Officer...Christopher Fletcher Editor... Wallace McBride Staff Writer...Robert Timmons Staff Writer...Demetria Mosley Website: Facebook: Twitter: Instagram: Community Calendar Today Victory Spouses Club 11 a.m., NCO Club. Victory Spouses Club is open to spouses of all ranks, retirees, DOD civilians, all services, male and female. For more information, vcsmemberships@gmail.co or visit Dec. 28 Teen Employment 101 Workshop 10 a.m. - noon Strom Thurmond Bldg. Rm 222. This workshop is open to teenagers of military Service members and Department of Defense Civilian employees between the ages JAN. 10 Job Searching Strategies for Military Spouses 8:30-12:00, Strom Thurmond Bldg., Room 222. Military Spouse Job Searching Skills, Resume Writing and Interviewing. Targeted to military spouses, but open to all military and DOD ID Card holders. To register please call /5452 or sherry.r.major.civ@ mail.mil. JAN. 13 Scholarship Seminar for Family Members 9:00-10:30 a.m., Strom Thurmond Bldg. Room 222. This seminar will help educate military spouses and the parents of military teens on the various military and civilian scholarships and financial assistance that is available. To register please call /5452 or Barbara.l.martin10.civ@mail.mil JAN. 20 MLK Day Luncheon 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. NCO Club. Facing the Challenge of Change. Tickets are $10.50 and includes buffet style lunch, a guest speaker and live entertainment. For further information please contact Sgt. 1st Class Rachelle Walker at or the Equal Opportunity Staff Office at Jan. 27 Steps to Federal Employment for Military Spouses 9 a.m. - noon, Strom Thurmond Bldg., Room 222. Information on civil service and NAF employment. Targeted to military spouses, but open to all military and DOD ID card holders. To register please call /5452 or Barbara.l.martin10.civ@mail.mil Feb. 22 Career Fair Prep Workshop 9 a.m. - noon, Strom Thurmond Bldg. Room 222. This workshop will help you learn to do create a resume to showcase your employment 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 first and last names. Questions? Call skills & how to make the career fair work for you by developing a strategy plan. To register please call /5452 or Barbara.l.martin10.civ@mail.mil. March 14 Military Community Career Fair 9 a.m. - Noon, NCO Club. Open to all military service members, retirees, veterans, military spouses, surviving spouses and Department of Defense civilian employees. Sponsored by ACS Employment Readiness Program and Soldier for Life-Transition Assistance Office. Pre-registration is not required. Bring plenty of resumes and dress for success. View participating employers at jackson.armymwr.com/us/jackson/ programs/employment-readinessprogram. Better opportunities Command Sgt. Maj. John P. Drawbond, Fort Jackson s Garrison senior enlisted leader, introduces leaders from Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers to those who attended the Single Soldier Town Hall Dec. 8 at the Post Theater. Photo by ROBERT TIMMONS

3 The pointy edge of the spear New IMCOM director visits Fort Jackson By ROBERT TIMMONS Fort Jackson Leader News Vincent Grewatz, Installation Management Command s Director-Training visited with Fort Jackson s senior civilian leadership Dec. 8 and 9 as he made his first visit to the installation. Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas Geddings, senior enlisted leader of IMCOM-Training, who visited the post with Grewatz said it was good to be on Jackson where the heavy lifting happens. You guys are the pointy edge of the spear. You are the ones that make it happen, he said to a gathering of Garrison directorate leaders. We are here to help you do what you all do. Grewatz and Geddings were making their first trip to Jackson after IMCOM realigned its command structure away from regions to concentrate on different focus areas such as readiness, sustainment and training. Col. James Ellerson, Garrison commander, Scott Nahrwold, deputy Garrison commander, and Command Sgt. Maj. John P. Drawbond escorted them around various parts of Fort Don t wait for someone to solve the problem for you. Vincent Grewatz, IMCOM, director-training Jackson including the 120th Adjutant General Battalion and to a briefing on the status of the Directorate of Public Work s main efforts. According to the new IMCOM director, he expects leaders to take initiative and resolve issues. The reason we have the best Army in the world is because we operate with mission command, Grewatz said to the directors. Once you understand your commander s intent and his boss intent you are then free to execute towards that objective As long as you know what your boundaries are, you are free to operate in that space. That is how I d like to operate. Operate by intent, not by permission, he added. Don t wait for someone to solve the problem for you. Take the initiative and follow up on it. Make sure you understand your boundaries so you won t get someone in trouble because he s the one who s going to take the bullet if you guys get it wrong. Based on my experiences directors are the key to the success of IMCOM, he said. Let me say that again, directors are the key to the success of IMCOM. You are going to be building your best and raising up the next generation. Photo by ROBERT TIMMONS Lt. Col. Yvette Brown, 120th Adjutant General Battalion commander, and Col. James Ellerson, Garrison commander, show Vincent Grewatz, the Installation Management Command s Director-Training the Reception battalion s footprint during his visit to Fort Jackson Dec. 8. The trip was Grewatz s first to the installation since IMCOM realigned its command structure away from regions to concentrate on different focus areas such as readiness, sustainment and training.

4 News Fort Jackson Movie Schedule 3319 Jackson Blvd. Phone: FRIday Arrival (PG-13) 7 p.m. Saturday Trolls (PG) 1 p.m. Loving (PG-13) 5 p.m. Sunday Trolls (PG) 1 p.m. Arrival (PG-13) 5 p.m. Dec. 23 Fantastic Beasts And Where to Find Them (PG-13) 7 p.m. Dec NO SHOWINGS Tickets Adult: $6 Child (6 to 11): $4 3-D Tickets Adult: $8 Child (6 to 11): $6 Photo by Sgt. Stephanie Hargett Army Reserve Drill Sergeant, Sgt. Raul M. Morales, 98th Training Division (Initial Entry Training), 108th Training Command (IET), places the coveted drill sergeant hat on his head for the first time Dec. 7. Drill sergeants hit the trail By Sgt. Stephanie Hargett, 108th Training Command-Initial Entry Training There is an age-old phrase coined by drill sergeants; on the trail. Referring to the time a drill sergeant serves pushing troops, its origins spur from the frontier days of the Old West when cowboys journeyed from California to Colorado driving cattle. For a drill sergeant in one of the Army s four basic combat training centers, the process of transforming civilians into Soldiers is a journey in itself. That journey begins at the U.S. Army Drill Sergeant Academy. On Dec. 7, 92 non-commissioned officers from the Army and Army Reserve marched down the aisle proudly donning the most well-known symbol of a drill sergeant; the coveted drill sergeant hat. Of those 92 NCOs, 19 made the Commandants list. Only the top 20 percent of the class is selected for this great achievement. This is not something that comes easily but is instead something earned. To be selected for this distinct honor, a Soldier has to live, breathe, and be the Army standard. After all, only 10 percent of the NCOs in the Army even qualify to be a drill sergeant. One Soldier from the Army Reserve, Sgt. Raul M. Morales, 98th Training Command, earned this distinct honor. It was a challenge for me, said Morales. Ever since I joined the Army I always wanted to be a drill sergeant. It was a personal goal for me and apparently I made the commandants list. It was a big surprise, it s not easy to make. Morales said the hardest part was the Method of Instruction section and that there were a lot of long nights that kept Soldiers want hard training, they want to be challenged and they want to be motivated. Command Sgt. Maj. Robert T. Priest 98th Training Division him awake. Even though it was a trying time, he said walking across that stage made it all worth it. It was an exciting and tough experience, I loved it. Morales also had some wise words to pass along to any Soldiers thinking about becoming a drill sergeant. Be the most prepared that you can be. Be motivated. Have a goal, drive and never give up! Guest speaker, Command Sgt. Maj. Robert T. Priest, Command Sergeant Major of the 98th Training Division and the 1999 Army Reserve Drill Sergeant of the Year, also gave some great advice during the graduation. It really comes down to the standard, said Priest. Soldiers in Basic Combat Training don t know the standard until the drill sergeant tells them that standard. Stick with the fundamentals, train your Soldiers to be adaptive, train them to be disciplined, he said. Soldiers want hard training, they want to be challenged and they want to be motivated. Trust me, if you do the right things and set the right example they are going to follow you. Brig. Gen. Darrell Guthrie, 104th Training Division commanding general, attended his first USADSA graduation since gaining drill sergeant positions in his formations due to Reformation. He says his unit, which primarily focuses on training tomorrow s leaders through its work with the ROTC program and at the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, just needs to work on the fundamentals. See TRAIL: Page 15 Ticket sales open 30 minutes before each movie. Movie times and schedule are subject to change without notice. Fort Jackson Holiday Gate Hours All Access Control Points/Gates will resume normal operations on Jan. 2, Gate 1 Open 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec and Dec Closed Dec. 26 and Dec. 30. Closed weekends. Gate 2 Open around the clock daily. Gate 4 Open 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec Closed Dec. 23-Jan. 1. Closed weekends. Gate 5 Open 5-10 a.m. Monday through Friday for inbound and outbound traffic. Closed 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Reopened 4-6 p.m. for outbound traffic only. Open 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

5 NEWS Far left: Volunteers for the 2nd Battalion, 13th Infantry Regiment s Christmas Party are all smiles after the event ended in success Dec. 11. Left: Staff Sgt. Ashely Flores, Headquarters, 2nd Battalion, 13th Infantry Regiment and her husband Phillip, show off the ugly sweaters that took first place in the ugly sweater competition. A Forty Rounds Christmas Party By John Francis Headquarters, 2nd Battalion, 13th Infantry Regiment The 2nd Battalion, 13th Infantry Regiment, held its annual Christmas party Dec. 11. The party, entirely planned, resourced and executed by volunteers from the Battalion Family Readiness Group, was a smashing success. Volunteers painstakingly decorated the Battalion classroom while every cadre member and their Family received invitations to attend the Battalion s last social event of More than 70 permanent party cadre and Family members eagerly accepted the invitation to dine on some of the best fried chicken and homemade cookies in South Carolina. The attendees eagerly lined up at the serving line for second helpings like it was a depression era soup kitchen. The event led off with a screening of a movie on the two big screens in the front of the classroom. The event also included craft activities for the kids who were joined by more than a few adults making adorable Christmas ornaments and other festive decorations. Santa Claus stopped by the event, having decided to travel all the way from the North Pole to take pictures with the excited guests. Unlike normal Santa s that kids see in malls, this Santa was in compliance with Army Regulation and could out run his reindeer on a two-mile track. More than a few pint sized guests offered Santa some cookies and told him he needed to eat a sandwich. Skinny Santa s are good if they count against your quarterly training stats. But they lack some jolliness that can only be corrected with a Department of the Army waiver for compliance with the Army Weight Control Program and some doughnuts. To conclude the evening, an ugly sweater contest was judged by the battalion commander Lt. Col. Christopher Altavilla and Command Sgt. Maj. Norman Fisher Jr. The Flores Family easily defeated all challengers with homemade holiday sweaters, that the battalion executive officer Maj. John Magliocca quipped, could be seen from the international space station. Their sweaters were fashioned from second hand garments found at a thrift shop, with accents from local craft stores. With just the right amount of imagination, penny resources, and unfettered talent, the ultra-competitive Flores Family created the perfect colossus ugly sweaters. The Flores Family entry stole the show and crushed the competition with the ugly sweater version of a train wreck so awful you just had to look. A special thanks to all the volunteers that made this incredible event happen. Your special effort and support bought holiday joy to the hearts of dozens of service members and their families. Forty Rounds! Courtesy photos Santa Claus, aka. Staff Sgt. Mitchell Moses with Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 13th Infantry Regiment, waits for children during the battalion s Christmas Party Dec. 11.

6 NEWS Photos by ROBERT TIMMONS Santa Claus waves to a crowd of children moments after arriving via fire truck to Fort Jackson s Christmas Tree and Menorah Lighting celebration Dec. 9 near the Solomon Center on post. Holidays begin with tree lighting, Santa visit Staff Sgt. Scott Wangsness hands out gifts to children during Fort Jackson s 2016 Christmas Tree and Menorah Lighting celebration Dec. 9 near the Solomon Center on post. By ROBERT TIMMONS Fort Jackson Leader When the post fired up its Christmas tree and Menorah it signaled the Holiday season had officially arrived on Fort Jackson, but when Santa arrived via fire truck the real party got started Dec. 9. Maj. Gen. John Pete Johnson was joined by Fort Jackson s Family of the Year, the Wangsness Family, to flip the switch to light up the post s holiday display. Families are the key to the Army. It is the foundation of everything we do, Johnson said in his introduction speech. It is the strength of the Families that does build and create the strength of our nation. Chaplain (Col.) Mark Penfold, the senior chaplain on Fort Jackson said, This is our opportunity to start, really, the holidays. We have our tree lighting ceremony and it s a great opportunity for those of us who can come out to start the holiday season. This was the first time the tree lighting ceremony took place on the corner of Marion Street and Strom Thurmond Boulevard because the old site was recently demolished. As everybody knows as we are getting ready for our 100th anniversary. We used to have a tree in front of the old post headquarters, Penfold said. So we moved it to here so it will be more visible to everybody now who comes on to Fort Jackson. This is great for everyone to come out, Penfold said. The weather is kind of great, kind of chilly, kind of reminds others what Christmas is like in other parts of the world. For those of us in the military it is also a chance for us to remember those who are deployed, he added. We get to chance to celebrate our holidays in freedom and safety, while they are out on the front lines protecting us. The chaplain said it was good to be here together as a community and lauded the efforts of Columbia to make Service members feel included. We are so thankful we are a part of the Midlands, he added. While the 282nd Army Band serenaded visitors with holiday tunes, it was the arrival of St. Nick on the back of a Fort Jackson fire truck that stole the show. Children raced to meet him and lined up to get a chance to sit Kris Kringle s lap and tell him their holiday wishes.

7 NEWS Midlands officers: drive sober or get slammed By ROBERT TIMMONS Fort Jackson Leader Fort Jackson police officers and their partners in various law enforcement agencies across the Midlands gathered in Lexington, South Carolina Tuesday to remind drivers that, if you drive under the influence you will be pulled over as they announced the start of the holiday season Sober or Slammer campaign. Fort Jackson law enforcement personnel are joining with the community to reduce DUIs, said Joseph Al-Shaer with the Fort Jackson Police Department. We are participating in media events and (sending out) public information about drunk driving to save lives, as well as (conducting) enhanced enforcement on the installation, said Al-Shaer. It s really kind of two fold. He added that on selected nights there will be additional patrols on Fort Jackson whose sole task is to look for individuals driving under the influence. Soldiers and Family members should look out for each other to ensure no one drives intoxicated. Have a plan in place, be prepared and have a buddy drive you and have friends look out for you, said Sgt. Kevin Wells with the 17th Military Police Detachment. The Sober or Slammer media campaign aims at educating the public on the costs of drunk driving. Our location today at the old Lexington County Courthouse is intentional because we want motorists to understand the consequences of (driving under the influence), said Col. Mike Oliver with the South Carolina Highway Patrol. The first Sober or Slammer television campaign spot focusing on getting stopped for DUI was released this past Labor Day, and the new spot focuses on the cost of DUI, Oliver said. The purpose of these spots is on the steep personal, professional and legal consequences of DUI, he added. The spots have humorous content made to draw people in to a very serious subject, Oliver said as law enforcement personnel from around the Midlands, including Fort Jackson, stood behind him to show a united front against drunk driving. There is nothing funny, nothing funny, about DUI, he emphasized. Those who drink and drive are probably more concerned about getting caught than other consequences. Everyone knows the greatest risk of drinking and driving is taking someone else s life, losing your own life, or leaving someone with catastrophic injuries, Oliver Photo by ROBERT TIMMONS Capt. Rich Grubbs, with the S.C. Highway Patrol, stands in front of a group of state, local and military law enforcement officers to begin a press conference Dec. 13 at the Old Lexington County Courthouse in Lexington, S.C. about the holiday season Sober or Slammer media campaign. emphasized. The National Transportation Safety Administration reported there were 301 alcohol impaired driving fatalities in South Carolina in 2015, down from 335 in There were also at least 29,300 DUI related collisions in South Carolina between 2011 and The chief of the City of Lexington Police Department said combatting drunk driving takes a community effort. We have to work as a community to fight DUI with every resource we have, said Chief Terrance Green. Wells said he looks forward to partnering with other law enforcement agencies because it feels phenomenal, it allows us to work with other agencies outside of Fort Jackson and it s a great experience.

8 Harris assumes responsibility of the 165th By ROBERT TIMMONS Fort Jackson Leader News Fort Jackson Soldiers, civilians and Family members gathered at the Officers Club on post to bid farewell to an inspirational leader and welcome another when Command Sgt. Maj. Mark Barnes passed responsibility of the 165th Infantry Brigade to Command Sgt. Maj. Raymond Harris Dec. 9. Col. Thomas Sheehan said during the change of responsibility ceremony that he probably benefitted the most from Barnes passion. He said Barnes was always looking to help hungry and creative leaders to flourish during his time with the brigade, while acknowledging the unit will be in Harris capable hands. Harris is a warrior in his own right with more than 20 years of infantry experience, Sheehan said. Harris held leadership positions in the 1st Infantry Division, 3rd Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), and 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment from Schofield Barracks in Hawaii. He has deployed to Kosovo, Operations Enduring Freedom in Cuba and Afghanistan, as well as Operation Iraqi Freedom. It is good that the 165th is getting such a wonderful leader, Barnes said to Harris. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Harris said he was thankful that he was entrusted with the responsibility of the 165th and that, you can rest assured that I will uphold the traditions of the brigade and Fort Jackson. Before he would say good-bye to the 165th, Barnes cited Sheehan s friendship for making the unit work well. Thank you for your leadership and your friendship, he said. Sir, you have been good for my spirits Our Soldiers would follow you anywhere because we know that you care about us. Photo by ROBERT TIMMONS Command Sgt. Maj. Raymond Harris salutes for the first time after assuming responsibility for the 165th Infantry Brigade from Command Sgt. Maj. Mark Barnes Dec. 9. Power outages set for Victory Block Leave Directorate of Public Works The Directorate of Public Works will conduct two scheduled electrical power outages during Victory Block Leave to maintain and repair both of Fort Jackson s main electrical substations. This required work will increase the reliability of the post electrical systems and greatly reduce possibility of unexpected and unplanned outages in the future. Facilities equipped with generators will continue operating. Heating will be suspended at the affected areas on each outage and will take some time to restore after the outage is over. The outages will proceed as follows: The first outage will occur from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday and affect the following areas: All BCT-2 and BCT-3 complexes Lee Road north of Bldg Tank Hill Hilton Field and nearby softball fields All ranges and training areas north and east of the Cantonment Hampton Parkway, except BCT-1 complex 165th Infantry Brigade Relocatables Pickens Avenue (west side, behind Bldg. 5500) Marion Avenue, north of Benning Road Kemper Street and Kershaw Road (except CEP-4) Jackson Boulevard, north of Strom Thurmond Boulevard Forest Drive and Dixie Road, except Starships and Gordon Avenue, Huger Avenue and Iverson Road, including Dual DFAC in the area The second outage will occur from 8 a.m. to noon Dec. 27, affecting the following areas: All family residential areas, CDCs schools and sports areas (except Hilton Field softball parks) All barracks and Starships which are not part of the BCT-2 and BCT-3 complexes BCT-1 complex DFACs for barracks listed above, except Dual DFAC for Starships and The Exchange and all AAF- ES stores and gas stations Commissary and Mini PX near Lee Road Medical or dental facilities not equipped with generators (Moncrief Army Health Clinic has a generator) Semmes Road Ivy Road Golf Club, Officer s Club and surrounding buildings/facilities 120 th AG Reception Battalion Lee Road, from Ewell Road to Bldg Essayons Way Scales Avenue Warehouse Row Marion Avenue, from Gate 1 to Benning Road Stuart Avenue Pickens Avenue (east side, behind DSS barracks) and CEP-4 Johnson Street and Maningault Street Jackson Boulevard, from Gate 1 to Strom Thurmond Boulevard Magruder Avenue and Moseby Street Longstreet Road, Sumter Avenue and Wheeler Street Ewell Road Washington Road and Anderson Street Supply Road Engineer Road Single Soldier Complex AIT-1 and AIT-2 complexes Bldg Post Headquarters Bragg Street and Beauregard Street Cleburne and Cheatham Street (including Post Theater) Daniel Circle, Dearing Circle and Davis Loop Early Street Forney Street Gregg Street Hill Street Strom Thurmond Boulevard Solomon Center

9 News I became a soldier... 1st Battalion, 13th Infantry Regiment Spc. Daniel J. Pavlak, 24 Saugerties, New York Honestly, since I learned I couldn t grow up to be a dinosaur I wanted to serve. I ve always loved my country and grew up in a very patriotic Family. It has seriously always been a top priority for all of us. Seeing my fellow Soldiers grow and mature from red all the way to blue phase was the best part of basic training for me. I am a 15R Apache Helicopter Repairer. I m hoping to get to know it extensively before getting to fly it. Pvt. Jacob A. Perez, 18 Lindenhurst, Illinois I joined the Army mainly for the experience the Army can provide and also to become better than who I was before I joined. I liked weapons training, firing the M16 along with throwing grenades. They are both exciting and thrilling. I am a 91B Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic. It was one of the few jobs available, but will be extremely useful if I was to leave the Army. My Family was nervous at first, but they are extremely supportive. Spc. Ann M. Dailey, 32 Moline, Illinois I ve long considered serving in the military. After having the opportunity to work with officers and NCOs while working at the Defense Department, I grew to admire and respect our men and women in uniform and decided to join their ranks. I chose the Army over other services because I like the emphasis on developing Soldiers. Beyond the amazing experiences and new skills, Basic Combat Training has been an opportunity for me to develop discipline, patience and leadership. Pvt. Justin Harrelson, 21 St. Pauls, North Carolina I joined the Army for honor and to fight for the American people who don t have the chance to fight for themselves. The different experiences, meeting new people from different walks of life and the discipline the Army instills in its Soldiers will remain with me for a long time. I am a 94F Computer/Detection Systems Repairer. I picked the MOS to learn about computers. My Family stands behind me 100 percent and is all for me joining the Army. Pfc. Michael P. Charzempa Chicago I joined the Army to pay for college and to better myself. I like the discipline and personal growth the most. I am a 68W Healthcare professional to coincide with my civilian job (Physical Therapist). My Family didn t care for my enlistment, but supported me anyway. I look forward to helping my state and country. Spc. Emanuel Wilson-King, 24 New York I joined to work as a medical officer in the Army and to become the best. I am happy to test my limits and become a good Soldier. I am a 09S Officer Candidate. I picked the officer candidate MOS to become a leader and do the job well and efficiently. My Family is skeptical given the current (political landscape), but I know they will be proud. I am happy to have had experienced drill sergeants who lead by example.

10 NEWS Happy birthday The South Carolina National Guard celebrated the National Guard s 380th birthday with a cake-cutting ceremony Tuesday at the Adjutant General s building in Columbia, South Carolina. Maj. Gen. Robert E. Livingston Jr., the Adjutant General of South Carolina, presided over the ceremony. The youngest available Soldier, Spc. Shareka Peterson, 23, and oldest available Soldier, Sgt. 1st Class Mitchell Dean, 58, joined Livingston and Bill Dukes, South Carolina s civilian aide to the Secretary of the Army, to cut the cake. Photo by Capt. Jessica Donnelly

11 Rubicon challenges command teams at Fort Jackson By Sgt. 1st Class Brian Hamilton 108th Training Command Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Brian Hamilton Photo by ROBERT TIMMONS Capt. Pamela Cameron with the 193rd Infantry Brigade, takes aim during weapons testing as part of the unit s Rubicon team building exercise Dec. 8 on Fort Jackson. Photo by ROBERT TIMMONS Above left, First Sergeant Robert Berry with Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 60th Infantry Regiment, takes a break after completing the confidence course. Above right, First Sergeant Aaron Bullard with Alpha Company, 3rd Battalion, 13th Infantry Regiment, attempts to complete the belly crawl obstacle. Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Brian Hamilton Just as Julius Caesar passed the point of no return during his fateful crossing of the Rubicon River in 49 B.C., so too did the leadership of the 193rd Infantry Brigade located on Fort Jackson, South Carolina, when they crossed Weston Lake. Twenty-six command teams consisting of company commanders, first sergeants, and chaplains throughout the 193rd challenged themselves physically and mentally Dec. 8-9 during the 2016 Rubicon Command Team Exercise. The purpose of the exercise according to the event s organizer, Sgt. Maj. Michael Kelly, 193rd Infantry Brigade operations sergeant major, was to exercise the leadership and combat skills of the company command teams throughout the brigade while at the same time building esprit de corps among the different groups. For two days and one night the teams trekked nearly 30 miles during unusually harsh weather conditions to complete nine events. Each event was kept secret from the participants until it was time to complete it. They included a buddy team physical training event, a foot march, the confidence course, and even a river crossing. Other than bragging rights and the opportunity to build upon the camaraderie within the different command teams, there was no prize for finishing first. But that didn t stop the participants in the challenge from giving it their all for each and every event. Capt. Brian Kriesel and 1st Sgt. Eric Basile, Commander and First Sergeant, respectively, of the 120th Adjutant General Battalion s Fitness Training Company, came in first place in the physical readiness training event with a time of 30 minutes and 51 seconds. While they say they share a confidence in each other s abilities to stay at the top, they both expressed some reservation about finishing first in the remaining events. I feel physically pretty good now but we don t know what s coming, Kriesel said. Basile added, The most important thing is I am confident with my partner and I think we make a good team. No matter what we re going to have fun. While the brigade has hosted a Rubicon before, Kelly said previous challenges have not been to this scale. This is the first one of this kind in the brigade that we know of, he said. While we ve done shorter Rubicon s before with runs and such, this is the first multiple day event that we ve done. By the time the second day of events rolled around, the mental and physical effects of endless activity combined with the bitter cold were noticeable for just about everyone involved. We started out at zero five (5 a.m. Eastern Standard Time) yesterday morning and we ve been going on for about 30 hours now, said 1st Sgt. Michael Fletcher of Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 13th Infantry Regiment. My feet are a bit beat up now. In fact they feel like somebody hit them with a hammer, he said. I feel myself starting to get mentally drained and I have been saying stuff that I normally wouldn t. In the end though, for all those making the decision to cross the Rubicon, the event and the camaraderie that came with it were worthwhile. I think overall it s been a positive experience, said Fletcher. I hope we get some teams from the other brigades on post but I hope to do it again next year. Above left, Capt. Mitchell Bliley, Charlie Company, 3rd Battalion, 60th Infantry Regiment commander, takes aim with his M4 carbine during marksmanship testing. Above right, Capt. Glenn Barrazo, with Headquarters, Headquarters Company, 193rd Infantry Brigade, attempts to grab the rope in an effort to complete the Berlin Wall obstacle on the confidence course. Above left, a Soldier participating in the Rubicon Command Team Challenge with the 193rd Infantry Brigade tries to crawl back in his canoe after capsizing during the boat crossing event. Above right, Col. Mike Katona, 193rd Infantry Brigade commander, shakes the hands of drill sergeants and brigade cadre who are welcoming them to the final stop in the unit s Rubicon Command Team Challenge. CMYK Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Brian Hamilton Photo by ROBERT TIMMONS We don t know what s coming Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Brian Hamilton CMYK 27 WEB-100 NEWS

12 NEWS Winter wonderland He knows when you are sleeping sing secondgrade students during the Winter Music Program at C.C. Pinckney Elementary School. Music teacher Alan Danahy led the group as they performed songs about the different winter holidays around the world. Photo by DEMETRIA MOSLEY

13 HONORS Saluting this BCT cycle s honorees DRILL SERGEANTS. Photos by OITHIP PICkERT, Public Affairs Office. PHOTO NOT AVAILABLE Staff Sgt. Allen Blake Alpha Company 1st Battalion, 13th Infantry Regiment Staff Sgt. Johnny Kawakami Bravo Company 1st Battalion, 13th Infantry Regiment Staff Sgt. Joshua Poling Charlie Company 1st Battalion, 13th Infantry Regiment Staff Sgt. Rolando Prado Delta Company 1st Battalion, 13th Infantry Regiment Staff Sgt. Sean Sweeney Echo Company 1st Battalion, 13th Infantry Regiment HONOR GRADUATE Spc. Courtney M. Bliler HONOR GRADUATE Pvt. Minhyeong Joe HONOR GRADUATE Spc. Gabrielle Webb HONOR GRADUATE Pvt. Daniel Doyle HONOR GRADUATE Spc. Daniel Long SOLDIER LEADER Spc. Ann M. Dailey SOLDIER LEADER Pvt. Katherine Dickenson SOLDIER LEADER Spc. Arianna Johnson SOLDIER LEADER Spc. Ashley Figueroa SOLDIER LEADER Spc. Neil Hughes HIGH BRM Pvt. Morgan W. Tankersly HIGH APFT Pvt. Vidaenid A. Vetterkind HIGH BRM Pvt. Benjamin Bustamante HIGH APFT Pvt. Shaylin M. Laure HIGH BRM Pfc. Roger Richards HIGH APFT Pvt. Eh Ler Htoo HIGH BRM (Tie) Pvt. Tyshawn Leary Spc. Evan Markel HIGH APFT Spc. Griselle Zavala Rivera HIGH BRM Pvt. Kadarius Brown HIGH APFT Pvt. Rashawn Turner Trail Continued from Page 4 What I have been trying to convey to my drill sergeants since reformation, is that going to train future officers at Fort Knox, Kentucky is no different than if you were coming to train future Soldiers in Basic Combat Training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. This is the same skill set you are training. This is basically the same age of Soldiers that you re training. You are trying to ground them both on the fundamentals. In essence there is no change in the mission. The reality is we are now going to train everyone the same way because we want everyone rather officer or enlisted to have those same basic Soldier skills, Guthrie said. At the end of the ceremony, Priest had one message to all those getting ready to hit the trail: there is but one mission in being a drill sergeant, and that is to train Soldiers. The job of being a drill sergeant was one of the most rewarding experiences I had in my entire career, said Priest. If I could do it again, I would do it again. It s that kind of job that you only have one shot at it and to do it right. So give it everything you ve got. Photo by Sgt. Stephanie Hargett Command Sgt. Maj. Robert T. Priest, Command Sergeant Major of the 98th Training Division (Initial Entry Training), 108th Training Command (IET), congratulates drill sergeant, Sgt. 1st Class Liem T. Tran, 95th Training Division (Initial Entry Training), for his graduation from the U.S. Army Drill Sergeant Academy Dec. 7.

14 News Peace on Earth Give thanks to our Service members and their Families Bill Dukes is founder and chairman of the Honor Flight of South Carolina and the state s civilian aide to the secretary of the Army. It is a very humbling experience to know that there are others who will put their lives on the line for people they don t even know. By Bill Dukes Civilian aide to the secretary of the Army for South Carolina As the civilian aide to the secretary of the Army for South Carolina, I would like to extend my gratitude during this holiday season to all the members of the military who serve our state and nation to secure the protections of liberty for each of us. As we gather to celebrate the holidays and enjoy the warmth of family and friends, I hope we can all pause to consider what is perhaps our greatest Christmas gift the gift of freedom. Keep close in our thoughts and prayers the men and women who have given us that gift and continue to defend and protect it every day. Please take a moment to remember our Service members who are deployed overseas this holiday season. They are far from their families and the comforts of home. For many, these are lonely and difficult days. What goes on in the Middle East is of keen interest to South Carolina. There are significant numbers of airmen and Soldiers from the South Carolina National Guard, Airmen from Shaw Air Force Base and Charleston Air Force Base, Soldiers from U.S. Army Central located at Shaw and Marines from the Marine Air Station Beaufort that are deployed overseas during this holiday season. For every Service member who is deployed that means there are family members at home who will be without a special loved one during the holiday season. We pray that all our service members will return home soon and be reunited with their loved ones. Our deployed service members voluntarily stand up and brave the danger and hardships to defend the freedoms we enjoy. These are young men and women who have chosen service over self. They inspire us all by their willingness to put our safety, our security and our wellbeing first. It is a very humbling experience to know that there are others who will put their lives on the line for people they don t even know. They portray what we Americans value most freedom. Let s all give thanks this season and throughout the coming year for the members of our military. Not only do they risk their lives daily but they have sacrificed precious time away from their families so we can enjoy our freedoms. Let us give thanks as well this season, and throughout the coming year, to the families of the members of our military. It is they who most directly share the burdens of the long struggles to protect our American way of life. As you remember these military families, pray for all the spouses who have been doing the parenting of two while one stands guard for all of us, and remember the children who wait anxiously for mother or father s return home. Let s be proud, grateful and thankful for all our Service members. Each one of them has volunteered to protect our nation. Let us all admire their dedication to duty, their selflessness, and their courage as well as the ultimate sacrifice some have made for us. Pray that our Service members have comfort and joy and Peace on Earth during this holiday season. File photo Privates Andrea Mendoza and Jessica Leavelle make final calls home from Charlotte Douglas International Airport last December before being bused back to Fort Jackson after Victory Block Leave. w w w. f o r t j a c k s o n l e a d e r. c o m

15 NEWS Holiday safety Trooper David Jones, of the S.C. Highway Patrol, promotes use of seat belts and designated drivers via the rollover vehicle and beer goggles demonstrations during one of Fort Jackson s holiday safety briefings. More than 7,000 cadre, Soldiers, students, and civilians attended one of five consolidated safety briefings at the Solomon Center Dec The Fort Jackson Safety Office hosted the event, which promoted situational awareness and safe conduct during Victory Block Leave. Courtesy photo

16 NEWS Photos by DEMETRIA MOSLEY Education Services Officer Veronica Fields-Cox listens as Fort Jackson Commander Maj. Gen. John Pete Johnson, left, and Command Sgt. Maj. Lamont Christian, right, discuss Tuesday s college and career fair. This is the first year for the event, which is expected to turn into an annual tradition. Fair opens doors to jobs, education By DEMETRIA MOSLEY Fort Jackson Leader Tuesday s college and career fair at the Solomon Center was absolutely a big deal, according to Fort Jackson s commander. This fair is mutually supporting, said Maj. Gen. John Pete Johnson during the beginning of the event. It will help our Soldiers and that makes our Army better because we have more educated Soldiers. Also, whether (Soldiers) get out today or 20 years from now, (their education is) an investment back into the American people and to this great country. More than 80 employers and schools piled into Fort Jackson s Solomon Center to show what they had to offer to the Fort Jackson community. This is the first time the post has combined both a job and education fair together. The event was thrown by the Army Continuing Education System. We usually have them separate, but wanted to have everything in one place, said Carolyn Andrews, transition services manager for Fort Jackson. The idea to combine the fair was Command Sgt. Maj. Lamont Christian s. I think that education is currency. Not just for Soldiers, Family members and Department of Defense employees, but for everybody, said Christian. I wanted there to be one location where people could navigate through the education process as well as learn about the jobs out there. Col. David Mendoza, who was interested in finding out what type of jobs were available once he retired, was impressed with the combined fair. As Soldiers we need to have always have a plan, said Mendoza. I like the fact that the fair had a balance and a variety of employers and schools, so that we can not only plan for our education, but also see what s available afterwards. The fair was open to all of the Fort Jackson community which included federal employees. Retired Sgt. 1st Class. Ricky Lloyd heard about the fair through a veterans support system. He recently moved to Columbia three months ago and has been looking for a job since. I just finished my bachelors and hoping to give my resume to a few companies and see what they have to offer, he said. Johnson said the education is a fundamental part of the Army (The Army) believes in a life long philosophy of education and training and making ourselves better each in everyday so education is fundamental to our Army, he said. We take developing our Soldiers and leaders to a high level, we think that it is vital to the readiness of our Army. Col. David Mendoza chats with one of about 40 employers that attended a college and career fair at Fort Jackson s Solomon Center. Mendoza said that he was impressed with the joint education and job fair.