Army Community Service's Employment Readiness Program, the Georgia Department of Labor and Columbus Technical College will host a Job Fair from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday at the Columbus Ironworks & Trade Center, 801 Front Street, in downtown Columbus. At least 75 companies are expected to participate. Bring at least 25 copies of your resume for possible on-site interviews. For more information, call 706-545-2836.

Upcoming events:

Valentine's Day Celebrate

from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 11 at Sayers Memorial Library. Bring kids for crafts and refreshments. For more information, call 706-545-4911.

The Military Child Education Coalition is hosting a reading of the book Giraffes Can't Dance by Giles Andreae at 3 p.m. Feb. 27 at the Columbus Museum. Admission is free but space is limited.To reserve a space, call 706-405-9857 or e-mail ptop.benning@militarychild.org

Youth soccer registration for ages 3 to 14 ends Friday. Registration fees are $25. Youth baseball registration for ages 4 to 12 will be Feb. 1-25. Registration fees for youth baseball are $30. To register, call central registration at 706-545-2079. 

Uchee Creek offers monthly fishing tournaments with cash prizes and boat rental discounts for active-duty Soldiers. Tournaments are scheduled for every third Saturday of the month. The next tournament is Feb. 19. For information, go to www.uchee.benningmwr.com or call 706-685-3060, ext. 200, 201 or 202.   

The U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit will host the Maneuver Center of Excellence Pistol Championships Feb. 8-10 at Parks Range. Rifle matches are Feb. 22-24 at Easley Range. Military personnel assigned to a unit or attending school on Fort Benning are eligible. Army ROTC cadets or cadre from Georgia or Alabama college ROTC units are also eligible. There is no cost to attend and ammunition is provided. For information, visit www.usamu.com or e-mail michael.behnke@usaac.army.mil.

The Bit of Benning gift shop  has new hours:10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the first Saturday of the month. The store is located in Building 229 on Ingersoll Street . For more information call 706-225-7436.

The Fort Benning  Equal Opportunity Office is hosting  a Women's History Month Celebration luncheon at 11:30  a.m. to  1 p.m. March 17 in the Benning Conference Center. This  year's theme is "Our History is our Strength. for more information, call 706-544-9026.

The Fort Benning Environmental Management Division has a survey for all commuters, available online at   www.surveymonkey.com/s/FortBenning. Officials need a large percentage of responses to determine commuting trends. The survey is less than 10 minutes long. and those who particpate can enter a drawing for one of 50 $10 VISA gift cards.  

Armor chief gets star

The commandant of the U.S. Army Armor School got his star Friday.Col. Ted Martin was frocked to brigadier general in a ceremony in front of hundreds at the Benning Conference Center. 

 

The event was standing-room only with guests coming from several states - VIPs included retired Gen. William Richardson, retired Gen. Edwin Burba, Columbus mayor Teresa Tomlinson and several former Fort Benning commanders.Martin becomes the third general officer at Fort Benning.His star was pinned on by wife, Stephanie, and mother, Joan, who Martin credits with giving him the support and love to pursue a career spanning nearly 30 years.

 

Daughter Ashley presented him with the general officer belt while the 9 mm Beretta, the general officer pistol, was presented by youngest son Anthony. The Cavalry Stetson with general officer gold braid and the general officer service cap were presented by twin sons Field and Teddy.Martin said his career has exceeded his expectations.

 

As a student at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., Martin captained the swim team but struggled in academics. The budding Armor officer was the last cadet of his 1983 class to receive an Armor slot - 117 out of 117. 

 

"Here he is now, the chief of Armor," said Maj. Gen. Robert Brown, the Fort Benning and Maneuver Center of Excellence commander.Standing alongside a portrait of his father, Martin thanked his mother, calling her an unsung hero. 

 

Martin's father, retired Lt. Col. Ephriam Martin, died in 1989 after a battle with cancer. Ephriam dropped out of high school and enlisted in the Navy during World War II. After the war, he went to college and eventually joined the Army. He fought in the Korean and Vietnam wars and passed his love for the Army onto his four sons. After his death, Joan went on to put her sons through West Point. 

 

"It was (she) who carried the heaviest rucksack and the M240 on patrol ... if it wasn't for (her) I wouldn't be here today," Martin said. "The saying is 'they don't make medals for moms' but you know what? I do." Martin presented her with a medal with several hand-sewn stars made with his "own two paws," saying "If I have one star, then she should have a whole bunch more."

 

Martin also recognized the contributions of his wife, whom he married a few months before Sept. 11, 2001. "Through thick and thin, she's been with me," he said.

 

In the past decade, Martin has deployed three times to Iraq.Martin was commander of the 4th Infantry Division's 1st Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment and was part of the initial push into Iraq in 2003. He also deployed in 2005 and 2007. 

 

 

In his 28-year career, Martin has held a variety of assignments ranging from tank commander to Armor Branch chief.At the ceremony, he thanked his children. "It's not been easy for them and they don't always understand why I'm gone or why - when I'm home - I'm exhausted. But they trust me and have confidence in me," he said.

 

The Fort Benning commander praised Martin's leadership style and his role in bringing the Armor School to Fort Benning."From the time he was 3 years old he wanted to be in the Army. 

 

You can see that in everything he does. He's a great mentor ... loves teaching others and is an inspiration. He's the exact right person to execute this incredible move of Armor," Brown said.

The 2011 Best Ranger Competition is coming soon!  April 15-18

The three-day competition will challenge the two-man Ranger teams in events that will test their physical conditioning, Ranger skills and team strategies. The events are purposely scheduled back-to-back and around the clock from the start of the competition to the finish line.

Watch other MCoE and Fort Benning Videos at our Vimeo page!  www.vimeo.com/fortbenningtv

BRAC Community Update

Meet some of the people who have helped to shape the Maneuver Center of Excellence behind-the-scenes. 

Bobby Seawright, a supervisor with the Directorate of Training Sustainment Ammunition Branch at Fort Benning, works with DOTS operations to collect documentation that sets the ammo supply team into motion. The ammo supply team verifies requirements and coordinates logistics with ammo managers who confirm forecasted ammo requirements with the brigades. 

 "We are the guys who keep it running," Seawright said. "We get the ammo, store it, transport it, everything, and we take care of the vehicles to keep them running."

The Ammunition Branch team supports 52 different ranges and training areas for the 192nd, 197th, and 198th infantry brigades, and with the relocation of the Armor School here, the 194th Armored Bde. and 316th Cav. Bde., as well.

Seawright said MCoE's addition of the Armor School will most likely double or even triple the number of training missions at Fort Benning. The increase will significantly impact the ammunition team and require more vehicles and personnel Seawright said.

News  

Soldiers, units tackle four-day training event

About 120 Soldiers from various units around Fort Benning got a crash course last week on the Army's new Physical Readiness Training techniques.

A five-member mobile training team from the U.S. Army Physical Fitness School at Fort Jackson, S.C., led NCOs and team leaders through a four-day training session designed to reinforce the program's standards and execution. 

 more 

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ALC stresses war-fighting, writing skills

Being an NCO is not just about training for the war fight, it's also about mentoring Soldiers.  

The Henry Caro NCO Academy's Advanced Leader Course not only prepares Soldiers to serve as Infantry squad and section leaders, but is also now teaching skills to help get Soldiers promoted and write winning evaluations.   

more  

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Hit the right marks in Air Assault School

Air Assault School teaches students the tools they need to conduct combat air assault operations.

"The toughest 11 days in the Army" is a common phrase among graduates, who include Soldiers from nearly every job specialty and international students.

more  ______________________________________

Net Zero vision, everyone has a part to play 

General: Afghanistan planning yields steady progress

     

WASHINGTON, Feb. 1, 2011 -- U.S. and coalition troops have spent 18 months carrying out the first comprehensive campaign plan linking their efforts with those of their Afghan counterparts, a senior U.S. commander said today.

 

more  

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TRICARE's at-home program reaches nearly 3,000 calls

 

Army surgeon general presents top initiatives

WASHINGTON (Army News Service, Feb. 1, 2011) -- Army Surgeon General Lt. Gen. Eric B. Schoomaker announced his Top 10 initiatives for Army medicine Jan. 27.

Schoomaker spoke to health care professionals from around the world at the Army break-out session on the last day of a week-long Military Health System conference at National Harbor, Md. 

more 

  

Click here to read more news 

Spanish-American War cannons on display at NIM

If you haven't visited the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center recently you need to check out what is now "protecting" the Last 100 Yards Ramp. Two Spanish cannons, captured during the Spanish-American War, are on exhibit just after you enter the museum.  

The cannons were moved to the museum from in front of the Officer's Club at Fort Gillem, Georgia. The bronze cannons, which rest upon hand-crafted replica carriages, date back to the time of the American Revolution.

Arms specialist Jeff Reed says the 6.5 inch Spanish howitzer, nicknamed by its makers "El Conejo" or "The Rabbit" was cast in Seville, Spain in May 1774.  The cannon to the left of the Ramp bears the name "Colosso" or "Colossus." It was cast in Seville in March 1776. Both cannons were used for maintaining the defense of the Spanish colony in Cuba until captured by U.S. Infantry during the Spanish-American War in 1898. They were brought back to the U.S. as war trophies.  

The Cannons and the other exhibits can be seen at the National Infantry Museum 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and from 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. on Sunday.

Taking care of the best military community in the Army!

Upcoming DFMWR events:

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Newcomers Orientation 

MWR's Army Community Service continues to host weekly Newcomers Orientations at 9 a.m. Wednesdays at Patch hall, Building 7. Free child care is provided with registration. Call 706-545-0403.

Fishing Tournaments 

Uchee Creek continues to offer monthly fishing tournaments with cash prizes and boat rental discounts for active duty Soldiers.  The next tournament is scheduled for Feb. 19.  For more information, go to http://uchee.benningmwr.com/ or call 706-685-3060 ext 200, 201 or 202.

Family Bowling Days every Sunday 

Every Sunday in February is Family Day at the Main Mall Bowling Center, next to the commissary on Marne Road. From 1-5pm, pay $40 for two games of bowling, four shoe rentals, and a meal for four. Add $10 for each additional family member.

Valentine's Day Brunch 

Join us for the Valentine's Brunch, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Feb 13, at the Benning Conference Center. Don't miss this Fort Benning tradition, featuring gourmet food, a chocolate fountain, a pianist and a fresh cut rose for each sweetheart.  Reservations are recommended.

Playground special 

Sweet deal! During the whole month of February, we're offering two-for-one indoor playground specials Monday through Friday at the Family Entertainment Center.  Bring a friend for free! For more information, call 706-545-4272.

Mardi Gras 

Celebrate Mardi Gras at the Benning Brew Pub. The fun starts at 7 p.m. Feb. 26. Includes an "in the spirit" costume contest, the crowning of a king and queen, limbo, free spicy jambalaya and drink specials. The Benning Brew Pub is located in Building 2784, Sightseeing Road, next to El Zapatas.

Paintball 

MWR's Outdoor Recreation will host Paintball in the Woodlands Feb. 18.  This event is free, and ODR offers equipment for rent or purchase. For more information, call 706-545-7978.

CG Golf Scramble 

Putt up or shut up! Test your game against the commanding general in

the CG's Golf Scramble February 24 at the Fort Benning Golf Course. $30 in advance, $35 on game day. Call 706-687-1940.

Disc Golf Tournament 

ODR will host its first Disc Golf tournament at 10:30 a.m. Feb 12 at Russ Pond for ages 15 and older.  There is a $10 entry fee. Prizes will be awarded.  To register, call 706-545-9636.

King Pond Treasure Hunt 

Take the family on a treasure hunt! ODR will host geocaching at Kings Pond Feb. 26 from 9 a.m. to noon. We will provide the treasure and the GPS. This event is free.

Kelley Hill Turbo Poker 

The Kelley Hill Recreation Center offers Lunchtime Turbo Poker from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. every Wednesday. Buy-in is $15, and cash prizes are awarded first and second place winners. For more information, call 706-544-3079.

Main Mall Bowling Center Family Day

Every Sunday in February is Family Day at the Main Mall Bowling Center, next to the commissary on Marne Road. From 1-5pm, pay $40 for two games of bowling, four shoe rentals, and a meal for four. Add $10 for each additional family member.

 

Valentine's Day Brunch 

Join us for the Valentine's Brunch, 10am-1:30pm, Feb 13, at the Benning Conference Center. Don't miss this Fort Benning tradition, featuring gourmet food, a chocolate fountain, a pianist and a fresh cut rose for each sweetheart. Reservations are recommended.

Research and Reference Skills

 Sayers Library's resident AKO expert, Laquita King, will teach two classes in the New Year.  On Feb 18, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., she will teach Basic Research and Reference Skills for College Students. Attendees must have an AKO account. For more information, call 706-626-2550.

• You'll find the most up-to-the-minute information on our Facebook fan page at www.facebook.com/BenningFMWRfans.