Benning: Tip of the Bayonet

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Meeting the religious needs of Soldiers is a priority for Fort Benning chaplains, said Chaplain (COL) Glenn Davis, post senior chaplain. "If you look at the mission of the chaplaincy, it is to accommodate the free exercise of religion - that's a constitutional right," Davis said. That mission is especially vital on Sand Hill, where Soldiers spend several weeks in a controlled training environment, he said. They can't drive into town to visit a local church, so diverse religious needs must be addressed in the training area.

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Warrior Training Center's ranks growing

The Warrior Training Center's footprint has grown considerably across the Army since its creation in 2003.

Six years ago, the organization offered one course to about 200 Soldiers. In fiscal 2009, the curriculum had expanded to six classes as the center trained 6,479 service members on site and through 14 mobile training teams, which included trips to Puerto Rico and Guam.
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Army always seeking improvements to combat uniform

Nothing says pride like a Soldier in uniform. Today's Soldier has much to be proud of in the current Army Combat Uniform (ACU).

As Sergeant Major of the Army Kenneth O. Preston says, the ACU was designed by Soldiers, for Soldiers. Developed with functionality in mind, many design aspects of the uniform lend themselves to low maintenance, such as the 50/50 cotton/nylon wrinkle-free fabric and the shine-free boots. The uniform also has pockets for elbow and knee pad inserts for added protection, and drawstring at the ankles and waist for improved comfort and fit.
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507th PIR reunion links past with present

More than 30 World War II veterans and a host of family and friends attended the 1st Battalion (Airborne), 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment, annual reunion.

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Community brings Boots on Broadway

SFC Shielda Groce, a Reserve Soldier with the Warrior Transition Battalion, won a four-day trip to Orlando, Fla., and Daytona Beach, Fla., Saturday at Boots on Broadway.

It was one of several giveaways donated during the community event by local businesses to thank service members, veterans and families.

"I go to Kuwait for six months, then I come back here for six months -18 months in the past three years - so I hadn't been on a vacation in a little while," said Groce, who returned from Kuwait in June. "This is very exciting."

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Operation Sleigh Ride

Staff Sgt. Emmanuel Rodriguez, an instructor with B Company, 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment, shakes hands with Fort Benning Chief of Staff Col. Charles Durr after they both particpated in Operation Sleigh Ride Oct. 28. Paratroopers from around the post had the opportunity to donate toys to Santa's Castle, which helps Soldiers' families make Christmas better for their children. Particpants also received honorary Chilean jump wings.

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