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THE HOME OF THE INFANTRY & THE ARMY'S BEST SOLDIERS, LEADERS AND FAMILIES!
In This Issue
Clark Howard & Robin Meade
Maneuver Center Update
News
Need A Job?
Got Fun?
From The Blog
Benning TV - New Episode!
ACES Needs Your Help
Quick Links
 
Twitter  
 
From the TopMaj. Gen. Ferriter
October 2, 2009
 
Yesterday, October 1, Fort Benning officially became the Maneuver Center of Excellence. 
 
What does that mean? 
 
When all is said and done, more than half of all new Soldiers will train at Fort Benning every year, and all of the Army's company grade officers will train here. 
 
We'll grow our permanent population by 30,000 and increase our training load to 145,000 annually. 
 
As we are growing and transforming Fort Benning, we are shaping the whole Army. 
 
I encourage each of you to attend the BRAC Community Update Tuesday at 3 p.m. at the National Infantry Museum to learn more about our progress as we prepare to welcome the Armor School. 

Follow Me!!!
 
MG Michael Ferriter
Fort Benning Commanding General
Clark Howard and Robin MeadeJoin the Show!
 
Nationally acclaimed consumer advocate Clark Howard is bringing his radio and television broadcasts to Fort Benning Soldiers and their families at the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center Oct. 2.

He will be joined by Robin Meade, anchor of "Morning Express with Robin Meade" on HLN. Meade also hosts the network's "Salute to Troops" daily segment.

The money expert will answer questions from military families about credit ratings, avoiding foreclosure, budgeting and more.

Click here for time and location information 
Maneuver Center Update MCOE logo
 
You are invited to attend the Maneuver Center community update Tuesday, Oct. 6th, 3 p.m., at the National Infantry Museum. The community update is an effort to educate the public on the latest news, economic impacts, timelines, milestones, and progress being made as Fort Benning makes the historic transition to the Maneuver Center of Excellence. 
 
The Chief of Staff, Col. Charles Durr, will introduce some of the first families to move to the local area because of employment with the Maneuver Center.   
  
Also...
 
Just another day of excellence
 
Bridgett Siter
MCOE Public Affairs
 
Don't you hate it when you hit a milestone birthday, say 16 or 21 or maybe 40, and someone - usually everyone - asks "How does it feel to be (16 or 21 or over-the-hill)?"
 
Don't you hate that?  Because you don't feel any differently than you did yesterday.
 
So yesterday was the day Fort Benning became the Maneuver Center of Excellence. How does it feel?  Did you wake up feeling any differently than you felt yesterday?  Did you wake up feeling excellent?
 
Me neither.  I mean, I woke up feeling great, mind you, but I woke up feeling great yesterday, and I'm trusting I'll feel great tomorrow, too, the potential for Swine Flu notwithstanding.
 
For all the heraldry these past four years, yesterday - the birthday of the Maneuver Center of Excellence - was business as usual at Fort Benning.  As it should be.

We'll have a ceremony of some sort later this month, but today, we're far too busy making sure Soldiers are trained to the standard of excellence for which Fort Benning has long been known.  And we're up to our eyeballs in BRAC-related business, making certain Harmony Church is ready to receive those Armor studs when they get here.  (Have you seen Harmony Church lately?  Holy cow, what a difference.)

No, today there's no time to pause for more than a moment to recognize the significance of the day.  It's a biggie, but our business here is bigger.  I hope you can appreciate the significance of that.

Please call Bridgett Siter at 706-545-6169, or email her
[email protected] for more information.
News 
  New Fort Benning Hospital
Fort Benning is one step closer to a new hospital following today's award of a $333,359,000 contract by the Savannah District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
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  Scout
Teenage Eagle Scout builds PT field for wounded warriors  

Fort Benning has a new PT field, researched and engineered by 15-year-old Mark Yanoschik.
 
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Electric CarPost to receive 44 electric cars under Army plan  
 
Fort Benning expects to receive 44 new electric cars under an Army leasing plan announced earlier this year, said Peter Lukken, the garrison sustainability planner.

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Bohn

 
CSM Darrin Bohn leaves for Afghanistan today to become the senior enlisted adviser to the deputy commander of U.S. Forces-Afghanistan, LTG David Rodriguez.  Rodriguez, a former deputy commander of Fort Benning, and Bohn will be heading a new intermediate headquarters under NATO's International Security Assistance Force when it stands up Oct. 18 in Kabul.
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 Boots
 
A painful foot blister or stress fracture can slow a Soldier down. One way the 30th Adjutant General Battalion (Reception) is helping troops combat the effects of daily ruck marches and running is to ensure they are properly fitted for combat boots and tennis shoes.

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NEC a.k.a DOIM
DOIM takes new name but 'mission has not changed'  
 
Fort Benning's Directorate of Information Management has become the Network Enterprise Center as part of a transformation move that shifts organizational control of all DOIMs from the garrison level to the U.S. Army Network Enterprise Technology Command and 9th Signal Command.
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Pistol
 
Soldiers from the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit shot their way onto the medal stand Sept. 23 at the 2009 International Rifle and Pistol Fall Selection "Champion of Champions" matches at Pool International Shooting Complex. 
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  Santa's Castle
 
Hundreds of Fort Benning children will have presents under the tree this holiday season thanks to the efforts of an Illinois man.

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Carmen Davis
 
I'm going to die one day, but it's not going to be from breast cancer," said Carmen Davis, marketing manager for Army Community Service. It was the same sentiment she told herself nearly six months ago when she was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ, or "stage-zero" breast cancer
 
 
ACS
Need a Job?
 
Employment Readiness Program

 
The Army knows that employment is one of the most significant issues for military families. The goal of the ACS Employment Readiness Program (ERP) is to assist families with the challenges associated with the job search, particularly as they are impacted by the Army's mobile lifestyle.

 
Job List  - Includes jobs in the Fort Benning & Columbus region, as well as a list of openings outside the area. (24 Sep 09)
 
Youth Jobs  - Includes job openings for teens in the area, as well as volunteer and scholarship information. (24 Sep 09)
You've earned it, go have some fun  
 
MWR Outdoor Recreation Activities & Events
 
Soldier Show
2009 U.S. Army Soldier Show
 
Oct. 2:
  Come out and enjoy a night of musical entertainment at the 2009 U.S. Army Soldier Show Friday night at Wetherby Field. Admissions is free and complimentary light refreshments will be provided to attendees. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. The show starts at 8pm, so don't be late!  More information 
 
 
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Columbus Fair
The 2009 Greater Columbus Fair
 
Through Oct. 4:  Rides, games, prizes and food for all ages.

 
Fair Hours:
Tuesday - Thursday: 6:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Friday: 6:00 PM - 1:00 AM
Saturday: 11:00 AM - 1:00AM
Sunday: 2:00 PM - 12:00 AM
 
Prices:
Adults - $5.00
Seniors - $2.00
Kids (Ages 3 to 9) - $2.00
Children (Ages 2 & under) - FREE!      More information  
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Oktoberfest
 
Oktoberfest 2008
 
Oct. 16-18:  Enjoy everything German during our three-day Oktoberfest event on October 16, 17 & 18 at the Uchee Creek Activity Center! The event will begin at 4pm on October 16 with the ceremonial keg tapping. Admission is free and the general public is invited to attend. Come out for authentic German food and imported German beer, German music and entertainment, children's activities, dog competitions, traditional germany sports & games and more! 
 
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Boots on Broadway Boots on Broadway
 
Oct. 24 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.:
Boots on Broadway is an event for the community to show its support of the Fort Benning and to say thank you to the military. Metro buses will provide rides for Soldiers from Fort Benning.  The event will be located between the 900 and 1000 blocks on Broadway.    

For more information please contact

Mr. Richard Bishop: 706-596-0111 or [email protected]  
Ms. Lisa Rowe: 706-322-9078 or [email protected].  
 
The Web site is http://bootsonbroadway.com.  
 
All upcoming events are posted on the MWR Web Calendar, where you can find additional information such as a descriptions, locations, times, and contact details. For more information, feel free to send MWR an e-mail or call 706-545-7978.
Fort Benning Blog 
The Flu and You
 
From The Blog...
 
Terry Beckwith,
MACH Public Affairs Officer 
Contact 706-544-4276
 
Many of you are curious about the upcoming flu season and also H1N1 and we at Martin Army Community Hospital are here to assure you that we will be taking care of your needs and also concerns.
 
In the past few weeks our teams from Preventative Medicine along with soldiers from 3rd Brigade began immunizing our great Warriors on Kelly Hill.   The Commanding General and others of the post command team received their flu shots, everyone is jumping on the band wagon and anxious to say proudly like they say in the Quartermaster Corps, "I got mine".

So if you are asking yourself as you read this blog, when can I get my flu shot?  Right now our focus is on taking care of the Warriors. In accordance with CDC and Army guidance, we are immunizing basic trainees, deployable soldiers and healthcare workers first.  As we receive more vaccine, we will schedule all beneficiaries for vaccinations.
   
The Pediatrics Clinic will announce their plan soon and I will share that information with you in a future blog.  Please continue to check our website at www.martin.amedd.army.mil to obtain the latest dates and population that we will immunize.

If you would like to get your flu shot right away, TRICARE has shared the following information with us:
 
Overview
 
Although there are always many strains of the flu that circulate every year, this year the CDC is dividing them into two categories, and separate vaccines are being prepared for them.

1.       Seasonal Flu.  This year's seasonal flu vaccine protects against three common strains and is currently available in many locations throughout the United States.
2.        H1N1 (Initially known as Swine Flu).  A vaccine against the new H1N1 virus is being produced and should be available in late October for people at high risk of serious complications from infection with the new H1N1 virus.
 
NOTE:
  The H1N1 vaccine is intend to be used in addition to the seasonal flu vaccine and can be administered on the same day.
TRICARE Coverage & Availability
 
Where to Obtain the Vaccine: If unable to obtain the vaccines at an MTF, TRICARE will cover the seasonal flu shot, the seasonal nasal spray, and the H1N1 vaccine for qualifying beneficiaries when administered in a doctor's office or a network Minute Clinic.

NOTE:  Immunizations obtained at pharmacies (other than CVA Minute Clinics- Networked only in the Atlanta Area) grocery stores, county health departments, etc. are not covered by TRICARE.
No Referral Needed:  No referral is needed for vaccinations or other clinical preventive services.  Nasal Spray: The nasal spray vaccine is not covered for ages 50+ TFL Beneficiaries:  Medicare covers flu vaccines (TRICARE pays as second payer if needed).

Standard and Extra:  This year, Standard and Extra beneficiaries may obtain the flu vaccines with no cost share applied.

I know our Retirees and their Spouses look forward every year for the great Retiree Open House that Verna Clemmons and her staff from Retirement Services organize, which this year is planned for Nov 6, 2009.  Well, we will be there with lots of goodies and of course the flu shot.  Visit us at the Benning Conference Center (the former Officer's Club) in the Supper Club area.  The exact times are still being worked out.
 
In December, we are planning on hosting National Influenza Immunization week, 6-12 Dec, and at that time will offer flu shots in the primary care clinics like we did last year.
benning tvThe Benning Report
 
  • New MCOE Stands up
  • State of the Infantry and MCOE update
    Doughboy recipients
  • Iron, Steel & Rescorla dedication
    Freedom run
  • All-Army Combatives
  • Live Fire- Air Assault
  • Family Covenant & SAS Grand Opening
  • CFC- Santa's Castle
  • CSM Green- Friend of Freedom Flights
  • Benning Brewmaster

* Also, you can watch Fort Benning videos anytime on the "Benning Player" located on the bottom right side of www.army.mil/benning.   

ACESArmy Continuing Education Services needs your help!
 
 
Army Continuing Education Services is reaching out to Family Members by providing a short survey designed to access Family Member interest within the education field.
 
We have posted an on line FAMILY MEMBER survey at https://www.cms4retention.org/se.ashx?s=2511374556011EA3 .
 
The survey takes only 2-5 minutes to complete.
 
Please assist us to provide the best Education Services in the United States Army by taking a few minutes to fill out this survey. If you would like for some one to deliver and pick up surveys for your FRG group or other meeting then please contact us at:
 
Shannon Gardner
Army Continuing Education System
Directorate Human Resources
(706) 545-3668
[email protected]
Thank you for taking the time to look through the Fort Benning E-Newsletter.  WePAO seal will continue to tell our Soldiers' great stories through this and other mediums.  The Benning E-Newsletter will be sent out every Friday.  Please help us by forwarding this email to a friend via the "forward email" link at the bottom of the newsletter.
 
Sincerely,

Fort Benning Public Affairs Office