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From The Top
November 30th, 2009
Margie and I invite you to enjoy lots of free fun and games with Santa and his Elves at Riverside 6 to 8 p.m. December 3rd.
One Force, One Fight!
MG Michael Ferriter
Fort Benning Commanding General | |
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News
Thanks a million!
Fort Benning hit the $1 million mark for the Combined Federal Campaign Monday.
"We definitely have a hit a milestone. It is amazing," said Laura Walker, manager for the Columbus/Fort Benning Regional CFC.
The regional campaign kicked off Sept. 2 with a $1 million goal set by MG Michael Ferriter, post commanding general.
The goal became reality when SFC James Kuhl, CFC key person for 2nd Battalion, 58th Infantry Regiment, turned in his unit's donations: $38,000 that put Fort Benning over the top.
"It's outstanding," Kuhl said. "I think command support really made a difference."
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Ten months into his deployment with the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Peter Sprenger lost an eye when an improvised explosive device detonated near the forward operating base in Tal Afar, Iraq. But he didn't lose his focus as an infantryman.
"I was a little irritated that I lost my eye," he said, "but I didn't want to quit."
During his rehabilitation, Sprenger wanted to remain in the Army, but he didn't want a desk job, so he contacted his former 101st commander, now the U.S. Central Command commander Gen. David Petraeus for assistance.
"Ordinarily such an injury would have resulted in a medical retirement," Petraeus said. "However, (then) Corporal Sprenger was no ordinary Soldier."
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The Army's Criminal Investigation Division continues to investigate a potential threat against Fort Benning that was discovered Nov. 19.
A Soldier discovered a suspicious package and note in the area of a motor pool on Kelley Hill. The Soldier notified his supervisor, who called 911.
Military police and the Department of Emergency Services personnel secured the area around the motor pool without incident. The criminal investigation was initiated immediately.
"As the investigation continues, the post remains open and accessible," said Maj. Gen. Michael Ferriter, commanding general. "The Directorate of Emergency Services, Criminal Investigation Division and military police did an exceptional job responding to this incident and ensuring the community was protected.
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For some time, TRADOC Capability Manager-Soldier considered bringing in its own czar of sorts dedicated to gaining the female perspective in clothing and individual equipment across the Army.
Until the arrival of SFC Simone Reed in late April, the Fort Benning organization never had one before.
"Having a senior female NCO in that position is probably something we should've had a while back, but we were finally able to put something together and get a female NCO who could help us specifically with female issues," said Pat Berger, the deputy TCM-Soldier. "Some of us old guys have been in the Army a long time and don't necessarily understand those matters ... We needed to have a female NCO who could go out and talk to female Soldiers from the user perspective about equipment issues - but not to the exclusion of other Soldiers."
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Fort Benning Soldiers have a new place to learn about improvised explosive devices - a training village on Sand Hill. Construction on the nearly $500,000 site began in August, and Soldiers with 2nd Battalion, 54th Infantry Regiment, were the first to use it Thursday.
IEDs are the No. 1 killer of U.S. Soldiers in both theaters of operation, said Louis Francis, IED defeat analyst and trainer.
"This is the first (IED training site) on Fort Benning to this scale," said project manager Dave Nolan, with the Directorate of Public Works' Engineering Division. The facility replaced junk cars and small wooden structures that served as the previous training site.
"There was a lot of imagination used," he said.
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 The 2010 census will determine where more than $3 trillion in federal funds will be allocated over the next 10 years and pave the way for local communities to gain funds for new roads, hospitals and schools, according to the Census Bureau.
The census, taken every 10 years as outlined in the U.S. Constitution, is a count of everyone residing in the U.S., Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and American Samoa, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Federal money for services are distributed based on the population count. Census data can impact political representation in Congress as well as redistricting of state and local districts.
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USAIS announces instructors of the year
U.S. Army Infantry School selected the Instructors of the Year. They are junior enlisted winner SSG William Henderson, senior enlisted winner SFC Bruce Bowlan and officer winner CPT Nathan Smith.
Smith was the third quarter winner and is a senior platoon trainer with the Infantry Officer Basic Course.
Senior civilian instructor Charlie Beard said nominees were judged on method of instruction, classroom appearance and implementation of safety policies, among other categories. The competition has been honoring outstanding instructors since 1964.
Of the 1,500 instructors on Fort Benning, an average of 30 are nominated each quarter.
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More than 20 ROTC cadets from Columbus State University were given a mission Sunday - rescue two U.S. Special Forces Soldiers and a member of the American Red Cross.
In a mock mission at Buchanan Range, insurgents captured the town of Ridleyville and ousted the mayor. It was the cadets' job to rescue the prisoners and secure the two-story building that was used as the insurgents' headquarters.
for more Fort Benning News |
 The Flu and You
Mass H1N1 vaccination planned
Nov 25, 2009
By MACH Public Affairs
The staff of Martin Army Community Hospital has immunized more than 25,000 active-duty Soldiers and 1,000 Department of Defense civilians with the seasonal flu vaccine or mist. "We've been working closely with all the units on post to ensure that every active-duty Soldier receives their influenza immunization," said MAJ Renee Busse, chief of Community Health Nursing. "We also have a mass immunization planned for the H1N1 influenza in the very near future." The hospital is getting the H1N1 stocks from various sources, said Dr. Cynthia D. Borel, chief, MEDPROS. The state of Georgia supplied the H1N1 vaccine for the non-active-duty patients, family members and retirees, she said. The supply from the federal stock is designated for Soldiers. A shipment designated for non-active-duty patients arrived, Borel said, which will allow pregnant patients, older adults (50 years and older) who take care of infants 6 months and younger, and patients who have chronic medical conditions. The inactivated H1N1 vaccine is recommended for pregnant women, Borel said. Patients not contacted by the doctor for the flu shot can get the immunization at the walk-in clinic. Patients in the above categories can schedule an appointment with the Family Medicine and Pediatrics Clinic by calling 706-544-2273 or visiting the Flu Clinic, located on the eighth floor, 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information, read upcoming editions of The Bayonet or check the Web pages, www.army.mil/benning |
 Maneuver Center Update
Bridgett Siter
MCOE Public Affairs
The access control point on Custer Road, near McBride Elementary School, will be closed throughout the holidays, Dec. 18-Jan. 4, for renovations. The project was scheduled at a time when many post residents and civilian employees will be on leave to minimize traffic delays, said Dave Benefield, an engineer with the post's Directorate of Public Works.
Work will continue at the Custer Road site until Feb. 1, with minimal interference to traffic, after the ACP is reopened.
The Custer Road ACP renovation is one of several road construction projects announced earlier this week by the DPW. In each project, measures will be taken to reduce impacts on traffic.
Work on the access control point on Sunshine Road near the Eddy Bridge will begin Monday, weather permitting. Traffic will be rerouted for short periods of time as work progresses on the project, which will be completed in two phases, Monday-Dec. 17 and Feb. 1-March 1.
Renovations on the Benning Boulevard ACP will begin in March and last about two months. Contractors will start their workday at 9 a.m., so as not to impede morning rush hour traffic, Benefield said. Alternating lanes will be closed during the work day.
Outbound lanes will not be affected at the Benning Boulevard site, nor at the Lindsay Creek/I-185 ACP, which is expected to undergo renovations May 1 - Aug. 1. Much of the work on that site will after work hours and over night. Alternating lanes will be closed as work progresses.
For more information please contact Bridgett Siter at bridgett.siter@us.army.mil. |
Santa and The Polar Express Steam Into the Station
You may have seen "The Polar Express" but never like this! The classic Christmas fantasy starring Tom Hanks comes alive in 3D at the National Infantry Museum's IMAX Theater.
It is the area's largest screen, at 5 stories high and 70 feet wide with the clearest resolution...9 times that of other theaters. That, along with special 3D technology, makes it feel as if the snow is falling around you instead of just in front of you. The train's whistle will sound like it is coming from the next seat. It is a totally immersive experience with images seeming to leap off the screen. Because of the theater's customized geometry, you will feel like you are a passenger on "The Polar Express."
The story itself is an enchanting tale written by Chris Van Allsburg that has become a holiday classic. A young boy's journey to the North Pole aboard the gleaming black train will surely make your Christmas special.
And no holiday adventure to the North Pole would be complete without Santa Claus! Santa and his photographer elves will be at museum most weekend days between now and Christmas, handing out souvenir Polar Express Golden Tickets.
Click Here for Santa's schedule and "The Polar Express" showtimes, or call 706-685-5800. "The Polar Express" runs through Jan. 3. |
Media Advisory
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
FORT BENNING, Ga. -- Rangers from the 5th Ranger Training Battalion, Camp Frank Merrill, Dohlonega, Ga., will host a Dawsonville, Ga., boy with brain cancer Dec. 1.
Kenneth Stewart is a nine-year-old boy who is fascinated by U.S. Army Rangers. He suffers from brain cancer and has undergone multiple surgical procedures. He is currently receiving chemotherapy treatments and may require additional brain surgery.
During his visit with the Rangers, Kenneth will get an up-close look at military weapons and equipment such as the M4 carbine, M-249 light machine gun and M-240B machine gun. He will see a helicopter up close and watch rappel training and rappel descent conducted on a 30-foot tower.
Media who wish to attend should call Brenda Donnell at 706-575-8318 by Nov. 30. |
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Tue, Dec 1, 2009 at 11:30am @ Benning Conference Center
Tue, Dec 1, 2009 from 6:00pm - 8:00pm @ Kelley Hill Recreation Center
Checking Account Maintenance Workshop
Wed, Dec 2, 2009 from 8:15am - 9:30am @ Army Community Service
Personal Financial Readiness Training
Fri, Dec 4, 2009 from 8:30am - 5:30pm @ Benning Conference Center
The Maneuver Center Band will host its annual holiday concert at the RiverCenter. Two free performances, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Tickets are available at the box office.
Trees for Troops:
10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Main Post Car Wash parking lot Dec. 8th. 650 trees available to active duty Soldiers and their families, first come, first served. Must have ID.
Christmas Tree and Menorah lighting ceremony
Christmas Tree and Menorah lighting ceremony at the Field of the Four Chaplains, includes a visit from Santa, at 4 p.m. Dec. 10th. Free to the public. |
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You can watch Fort Benning Television at Fort Benning on Windjammer cable channel 4.
The Benning Report can be also be seen on Columbus Consolidated Government Access Television (CCG-TV) channels at 6:30 a.m. & 6:30 p.m., 7 days a week.
Charter - Channel 3
Knology - Channel 17 MediaCom - Channel 21. In Alabama watch the Benning Report on Troy University Television, Thursday & Friday evenings. To contact Fort Benning TV, email us at BENN.PAO@us.army.mil |
Thank you for taking the time to look through the Fort Benning E-Newsletter. We will continue to tell our Soldiers' great stories through this and other mediums. The Benning E-Newsletter will be sent out every Monday. Please support 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 | |
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