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 Today's number is 50.
That's the minimum number of personnel expected to move to Fort Benning from Fort Knox, Ky., by the end of October. That number could be as high as 100, as BRAC planners work hard to expedite relocation efforts to prevent what could be called "relocation congestion" next summer.
BRAC planners on post have long said the arrival of 28,000 Soldiers, government-employed civilians, contractors and family members would "start with a trickle" and "end with a flood" as the September 15, 2011, deadline for the arrival of the Armor School draws near.
A steady trickle of Armor School staff has been coming south since the fall, including a number of cadre assigned to the school's advanced party. COL. Mike Wadsworth, the Armor School's assistant commandant, is currently working in Building 35, which is housing the Maneuver Center headquarters staff until the first phase of Building 4 renovations is completed early next year. | |
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Photo by Kristin Molinaro SSG Brett Mahl keeps count as PVT Richard Chmielewski completes as many push-ups as he can in under two minutes during the company's physical fitness test March 8.
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"The golden rule of basic training is you get what you put into it," said PV2 Jonathan Dunlap. "Put in 110 percent and you will reap the rewards."
Dunlap, who enlisted in the Army to become a combat medic, is one of more than 200 trainees in their fifth week of basic training with C Company, 2nd Battalion, 47th Infantry Regiment, 192nd Infantry Brigade.
Already more than halfway through the nine-week training, the troops continue to get stronger and more confident, said SSG Carmelo Rodriguez, senior drill sergeant for 1st Platoon.
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Photo credit File/CPT Kamil Sztalkoper The 1st Battalion, 11th Infantry Regiment at Fort Benning, Ga., will be inactivated Tuesday since its primary mission - conducting the Basic Officer Leader Course II - has ended.
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The 1st Battalion, 11th Infantry Regiment, can trace its heritage back more than two centuries - when the United States was a burgeoning power on the world stage and Soldiers still wielded sharp bayonets.
But in the past couple of decades, the regiment became something of a springboard for future Army generals. Two of Fort Benning's past three commanders, MG Michael Ferriter and MG(R) Walter Wojdakowski, each led the 11th Infantry Regiment.
The 1st Battalion is facing inactivation after the Army eliminated its mission of conducting the six-week Basic Officer Leader Course II. A ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. Tuesday at Stilwell Field on Main Post. In case of inclement weather, the event will take place in the Benning Conference Center's Regimental Room.
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Staff Sgt. Gary A. Witte: Soldiers prepare to move from cover during an attack by anti-Afghan forces in the Tantil village in eastern Afghanistan's Kunar province, March 13, 2010. The Soldiers are assigned to Company D, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment.
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WASHINGTON (March 17, 2010) -- The commander of NATO and U.S. troops in Afghanistan said today he is pleased with the progress in the country so far while acknowledging that much more needs to be done.
Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal said military operations in Helmand province have been promising, and that efforts to build the Afghan government in the province are the key to long-term success. McChrystal and Ambassador Mark Sedwill, the senior NATO civilian representative in Afghanistan, spoke to Pentagon reporters from Kabul.
The "clearing" portion of the battle against insurgents in Helmand continues, even as the "hold" and "build" portions of the counterinsurgency strategy are instituted. The general said the coalition will work in partnership with the Afghan government to deliver essential services to these areas.
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Photo credit Tiffany Nabors, The Bayonet: A student in C Company, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 507th Infantry Regiment, practices proper landing techniques on the Swing Landing Trainer March 10.
 | With one week of Airborne instruction behind them, students in C Company, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment, moved on to training week two, better known as Tower Week.
1SG Christopher Goodrow, C Co. first sergeant, said the second week includes more mock door and 34-foot tower exits. Students exited individually during the first week, but during Tower Week they jump in groups, called mass exits, like the Jump Week plane exits. Students also train on a suspended harness, which teaches them how to control their parachutes during flight, and a swing landing trainer, which provides practice on landing from a 10-foot platform.
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CSM James C. Hardy
 | CSM James C. Hardy will become the second NCO to serve as the senior enlisted for the Maneuver Center of Excellence when he replaces CSM Earl Rice in a change of responsibility ceremony behind Ridgway Hall, Building 35, at 10 a.m. March 29. Hardy, command sergeant major of the 75th Ranger Regiment, will pass his mantle to CSM Rick Merritt in a ceremony at Fort Benning's Ranger Memorial at 4 p.m. Monday.In early February, Rice was selected to serve as the command sergeant major of the 18th Airborne Corps and Fort Bragg, N.C.
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Photo by Tiffany Nabors, The Bayonet: A 690th Medical Company Soldier fires at an opponent during a Warrior Adventure Quest paintball game Monday.
 | For the 690th Medical Company, Monday's mission was similar to the mission in Iraq - find the bad guy and take him out.
But the intent was totally different.
"This is probably the most fun I've had since I've been back, and this is probably the most fun our unit has ever had together," SGT Sam Norgard said.
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Photo credit Sgt. Mark B. Matthews: Mine resistant ambush protected vehicles, which are now operating in both Iraq and Afghanistan, will be reset after the Army no longer needs them as part of either OIF or OEF.
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The Army's vice chief of staff said by 2011, Soldiers should find themselves spending twice as much time at home station as they do deployed.
"2011 is definitely a transition year for the U.S. Army -- that is a year we see ourselves getting back into balance," said Gen. Peter W. Chiarelli. "We define balance as 12 months deployed, 24 months or greater at home. That's the interim goal for us in 2011."
The general told the House Armed Forces Committee readiness subcommittee March 16 that it will likely be the larger part of the Army that will reach that goal next year, but Soldiers with some military occupational specialties, such as Soldiers in aviation, might reach it later.
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Photo Credit: Vince Little/The Bayonet: SFC Danny Chappell, left, and CPT Shane Smith lead A Company in the Tire Carry event Friday during the CSM Physical Fitness Challenge.
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The leaders of 2nd Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, mustered well before sunrise Friday to lock up in the inaugural CSM Quarterly Physical Fitness Challenge at Sand Hill.
Hauling 35-pound equipment packs over a course nearly six miles long, 35 cadre members had to negotiate seven combat-oriented stations and employ the battle concepts they teach to the hundreds of privates under their watch in basic training. The three-hour competition left the "Rock Force" Soldiers a little winded and muddied, but generally no worse for wear.
"None of the senior NCOs got up from any event and saw Jesus," joked 1SG James Litchford of B Company. "It was challenging, but you're not going to die ... We did pretty much everything we ask these privates to do. We just did it all at one time.
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Photo Credit: John Crosby: Pfc. Scott Wayne proudly holds his newly earned high school diploma with smiling family members at the Patriot Academy's first graduation ceremony at the Muscatatuck Urban Training Center in Butlerville, Ind., March 18.
 | MUSCATATUCK URBAN TRAINING CENTER, Ind. (Army News Service, March 19, 2010) -- The military's first ever accredited high school, the Patriot Academy, graduated its first class Thursday at the Muscatatuck Urban Training Center near Butlerville, Ind.
The program is aimed at combating the nation's growing high school dropout rates by providing troubled youth with an opportunity to earn their high school diploma, join the Army National Guard and contribute to their community.
After a year of planning, Director of the Army National Guard retired Lt. Gen. Clyde Vaughn's vision to turn high school dropouts into student-Soldiers became reality in June 2009 with the funding and support of the National Guard Bureau.
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Click here for more Fort Benning News |
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - News Release
Contact: Gene Pawlik202-761-7690
Eugene.A.Pawlik@usace.army.mil
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to fully implement GAO's recommendations on new Martin Army Community Hospital construction
WASHINGTON (March 19, 2010) - The United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) announced today that it is fully implementing the Government Accountability Office's recommendations for the future construction of the new Martin Army Community Hospital at Fort Benning, Ga.
On September 28, 2009, USACE awarded a design-build contract for the replacement of the Martin Army Community Hospital to Turner Construction Company, Inc., of Huntsville, Ala. Turner's design partner was Ellerbe/Becket of New York, NY. On February 16, the GAO sustained two protests against the award of this contract, finding two organizational conflicts of interest. The GAO recommended that Turner Construction Company, Inc. and Ellerbe Becket be eliminated from the competition and that the Corps make a new award determination.
Lt. Gen. Robert L. Van Antwerp, USACE commander and Head of the Contracting Activity, decided that the Corps will implement the recommendations and will make a new award determination following discussions with the remaining phase II offerors.
The USACE's Savannah District notified Turner Construction to suspend work on February 26 following the release of the GAO decisions.
The Savannah District will now determine a timeline for the award of a new contract for the hospital's construction.
USACE and the U.S. Army Medical Command will continue to closely work together to develop interim strategies that will ensure Fort Benning's Soldiers and their families are provided with high quality healthcare during construction of the new Martin Army Community Hospital. These strategies include maximizing clinical space in the hospital, upgrading hospital infrastructure, leveraging network providers, and opening four new health clinics.
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| Orphans of An Lac Return to Columbus and Fort Benning
FORT BENNING, Ga. - Soldiers who marched down the steps of massive cargo planes in 1975 carried innocent babies instead of weapons of war. In their arms were the 219 orphans of An Lac.
More than 50 of those Vietnamese orphans will return March 27 at a city and a U.S. Army base that hugged them, fed them and rocked them to sleep 35 years ago. They are coming from around the country to learn about their heritage and to meet Betty Tisdale, the woman whose stubborn passion helped them escape their war-torn homeland.
Joining them will be Nguyet Balin, the adopted daughter of the late actress Ina Balin. Nguyet was one of the older orphans at An Lac who helped care for the little ones. Ina Balin served on the board of the orphanage and supported Tisdale's efforts to get them out of the country. She later adopted three of the orphans, including Nguyet.
Jason Roberston, one of the orphans that Tisdale found a home and family for in America, organized the An Lac Reunion. It will take place in Columbus and at Fort Benning.
During one emotional weekend, Robertson has arranged visits to two places on Fort Benning: Lawson Army Airfield where the planes landed in 1975, and Wilbur School, an elementary school that was converted into a nursery for the babies. The orphans and family members will also visit the grave of Madame Ngai, the woman who ran An Lac and risked her life helping Tisdale escape the country.
At the reunion, most of the orphans will be meeting for the first time. Robertson has had the opportunity to talk with them on the phone.
"It's like we are brothers and sisters," he said. "There is an immediate connection, created by this one place. You feel an instant bond."
Robertson suspects that many of them will hear for the first time the whole story of Tisdale and what she did for them while they are in Columbus and at Fort Benning - a community that rallied around the infants in 1975.
Tisdale, who now lives in Seattle, Wash., was the subject of "The Children of An Lac," a 1980 film in which she was portrayed by Shirley Jones. Tisdale continues to work on finding homes for children displaced by war. For more information visit http://www.facebook.com/l/8baef;www.ricetogrits.com. |
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AAFES to Award Slam Dunk of a Trip
AAFES MEDIA CONTACT: CHRIS WARD - wardchr@aafes.com
DALLAS - The Army & Air Force Exchange Service and Coca-Cola are teaming up to offer exchange shoppers a shot at a fantastic free collegiate weekend of a lifetime.
Two grand prize winners will each receive a trip for two to their favorite college town, deluxe hotel accommodations for two nights, airfare and transportation as well as $500 in spending cash as part of the "Coke NCAA Sweepstakes." Additionally, one winner per store will win an indoor basketball goal as part of the military exclusive giveaway.
"Exchange shoppers will definitely want to make a 'fast break' to their BX/PX to register for this sweepstakes and get one of the basketball goals being given away or the college getaway," said AAFES' Chief of Staff Col. Virgil Williams. "With an approximate value of $3,000, you don't want to be caught 'out of the game' and 'pass' on this exciting opportunity."
Tip off for the "Coke NCAA Sweepstakes" is March 19 and the shot clock will run out on April 1. BXs and PXs across the globe, including facilities in Europe, the Pacific and Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom, will have entry forms. No purchase is necessary to enter and entrants need not be present to win. |
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The To-Do List - Provided BY MWR
 The Kelley Hill Rec Center is holding a Scrapbooking and Card Making Class on April 6 from 6 to 8 p.m. Learn how to make beautiful handcrafted cards for just $10. Childcare is available for a minimal fee. Register at Kelley Hill Rec Center by Feb. 26 or call 706-544-3079 for more information.
A Babysitting and CPR certification class will be held March 12 at the Middle School & Teen building on Baltzell Ave. from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lunch will be provided. For more information call 706-545-0522.
Join the tailgate party to celebrate the grand opening of the French Blue Field on March 13 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Enjoy the new youth playing fields, dog park, walking trail and much more. French Blue Field is located off Zuckerman Ave. and 1st Division Rd. near the Fort Benning Golf Course. For detailed directions visit www.benningmwr.com and follow the maps link.
Experts from Martin Army Community Hospital will teach preschoolers how to take good care of their eyes at Sayers Memorial Library on March 23 at 11 a.m. This event is open to all interested participants. For more information visit www.benningmwr.com and follow the library link.
It's Latino Night at the Benning Brew Pub on March 24 featuring live music with Grupo Candela. It's free admission to dance the night away. Never a cover charge! Doors open at 5 p.m. and stay open late. Come early for a seat. For more information call 706-687-1233.
Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers holds the monthly BOSS installation meeting on March 24 at the Kelley Hill Recreation Center, Building 9079, at 2 p.m. All BOSS MSC representatives are required to attend or send an alternate to the event. Fort Benning strongly supports BOSS and allows all Soldiers who volunteer for BOSS activities, the time to participate in these events. BOSS events are open to all interested people, military or civilian. For more information about BOSS call 706-544-1411.
The next CG Golf Scramble is March 25 at the Fort Benning Golf Course, with a shotgun start at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. The cost is $30 if paid by the day before the event or $35 the day of the event, and includes cart, green fees, two mulligans, food and prizes. Stop by the Fort Benning Golf Course to register or call 706-687-1940 for more information.
Teens are invited to "Hoop it Up" in a 3-on-3 basketball tournament on March 26 at the Smith Fitness Center from 6 p.m. to midnight. In addition to the 3-on-3, there will be a half court contest, texting, contest, rap contest and lots of other activities for non-basketball players. PLUS one lucky teen will win a big-screen TV. Teens can sign up at the Youth Sports gym in Bldg. 1055 or call 706-545-3540 for more information.
Reserve your free spot at the Kings Pond Campout on March 27 and 28 and enjoy camping, canoeing, volleyball, storytelling around the campfire and many other activities. Camping supplies are available at Outdoor Recreation for very reasonable rates. Reservations are required by March 26. For reservations or more information call 706-545-7978.
It's free admission on March 27 to watch the UFC 111 match on the Benning Brew Pub or Benning Conference Center's large screen TV's. For more information call the Brew Pub at 706-687-1233 or the Conference Center at 706-682-0640.
Celebrate Easter with a special gourmet brunch at the Benning Conference Center on April 4. The cost is $14.95 per person. Children 6 to 12 are half price and children 5 and under eat for free. Brunch is served from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and reservations are requested. For more information call 706-682-0640.
Camp Courage is filling up its calendar with lots of special activities for children during the spring school break. The camp is open April 5 through 9 from 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. for children in kindergarten through fifth grade. CYSS registration is free but space is limited. Camp fees are based upon family income. For more information call 706-545-3605.
Keep your golf game sharp through the winter months with a Fort Benning Golf Course 'stimulus deal.' Every Mon. through Thurs. golfers can play 18 holes for $20 with a cart or $12 for 9 holes with a cart. All green fees are half price on Fri. for active duty Soldiers. For more details or to reserve a tee time call 706-687-1940.
It may be winter but it's time to start training now for the annual Reverse Sprint Triathlon on June 5. This race consists of a 5K run, 20K bike ride and a 550M swim and is open to individuals, teams and Families. For more information call 706-545-4388.
Try your skill at the Domino Tournament at the Benning Brew Pub Thursday's at 6:30 p.m. starting March 4. Weekly prizes will be awarded with a chance for one lucky team to win a trip to Las Vegas to compete in the 2010 World Domino Tournament. There's no cover charge or entry fee to play. For more information call 706-545-1233. |
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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