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Visitor passes no longer needed at post gates.  

Department of Defense vehicle decals or day passes are no longer required to access the installation.  Just go to the gate and show your driver's license or military ID.     

Lane Closure on I-185 

The Georgia DOT has scheduled single lane closures on I-185 southbound between mile markers 0.0 and 1.0 (near Victory Drive/SR 520) in order for the contractor to continue work on the bridge overpass. Motorists should try to avoid this area as delays are expected.  The closure will be 9:30 a.m. until 5 p.m., daily, Monday, June 13 through Friday, July 8, weather permitting. 

Upcoming:

MCoE Band

The Maneuver Center of Excellence Band proudly presents a "Concert on the Lawn," June 26th, at 6:30 p.m. on the lawn at Riverside, home of the Commanding General. The concert, entitled "Movies and Musicals," is free and open to the public.

Celebrate Independence Day  

Fort Benning will celebrate Independence Day July 2 on York Field.  Activities include free inflatables, musical entertainment and the Chattahoochee Valley's largest fireworks show.  The event is open to all.

Army 10 miler

Qualifiers for the Army 10 Miler Team will start 7 a.m. Friday, 25 and July 22 at Santiago Fitness Center on Sand Hill. For more information, call 706-527-2393.

From the top

I'm always surprised when young Soldiers speed past me on I-185 on their motorcycles without their protective gear. How such smart, young leaders can make such a poor judgment call always eludes me, especially when notified of a tragic motorcycle accident.

At Fort Benning, we are working hard to make motorcycle safety the top priority for all riders. In the past five years, the primary indicators in the motorcycle accidents at Fort Benning include over confidence, aggressive speed, and riders who showed no discipline. These indicators clearly show that some motorcycle riders are using poor judgment when it comes to obeying speed limits and other rules of the road, to include wearing proper protective gear.

Recently, Fort Benning tragically lost a great Soldier and another was seriously wounded due to accidents involving motorcycles. The attitude that "it could never happen to me" continues to lead Soldiers into situations where their personal safety is at risk. Leaders at all levels must emphasize that the momentary thrill is not worth a Soldier's life or well-being.

Please do not let this example - of a Soldier using poor judgment - be you. Motorcycle safety starts long before riders hit the road. Be aware of the rules associated with operating a motorcycle on Fort Benning. Leaders should reinforce the unit's Motorcycle Mentorship Program and have experienced riders counseling and mentoring new riders. Maybe together - with good judgment calls being made and awareness for motorcycle safety, the indicators from the past five years won't be repeated. I am counting on all of you to do your part.

Shipment of tanks arrives at Fort Benning

by Sue Ulibarri

Kristian Ogden

More than 70 armored vehicles were offloaded today at the Ochille Railhead at Harmony Church, on Fort Benning, Ga., marking yet another milestone as the Armor School completes its move from Fort Knox, Ky., to the Maneuver Center of Excellence.

The arrival comes one day after the U.S. Army Armor School uncased its colors during a ceremony at Brave Rifles Field, Harmony Church. An estimated 500,000 pieces of equipment weighing 60 million pounds will make the trip from Fort Knox as part of the Armor School's move.

"The arrival of these vehicles today is significant. It is the largest equipment move by rail to date from Knox to Benning," said Chief Warrant Officer 4 Curtis Grover, logistics officer.

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Knowledge Management: Tip of the Week

Did you know you can find out the CG's initiatives on the MCoE SharePoint Report Center?

Watch the latest edition of Fort Benning TV's  

The Benning Report  

June 20, 2011, The Benning Report

MCoE Soldiers take top honors at Army competitions

By Sue Ulibarri

(Left to right) Combined Arms Center's Soldier of the year Spc. Blaise Corbin, operational forces specialist with 4th Ranger Training Battalion, Ranger Training Brigade, CAC Noncommissioned Officer of the Year Staff Sgt. Raymond Santiago, ranger instructor, 4th RTB and Drill Sergeant of the Year Staff Sgt. John Heslin, drill sergeant, 2nd Battalion, 47th Infantry Regiment, 192nd Infantry Brigade brought top honors to the Maneuver Center of Excellence when it was announced today they won in two different Army competitions. US Army photo

The "One Force, One Fight" approach was the winning combination for three Maneuver Center of Excellence Soldiers when it was announced today they won top honors in two different Army competitions.

Staff Sgt. John Heslin, with 192nd Infantry Brigade's 2nd Battalion, 47th Infantry Battalion, won the 2011 Army's Drill Sergeant of the Year Competition at Fort Jackson, S.C.

Halfway across the nation, Staff Sgt. Raymond Santiago, an instructor at the Ranger Training Brigade's 4th Ranger Training Battalion, and Spc. Blaise Corbin, operational forces specialist also with the 4th RTB, took the two top spots in the Army's  

Combined Arms Center Noncommissioned Officer and Soldier of the Year competition. Santiago was recognized as the CAC NCO of the Year and Corbin took home Soldier of the Year.

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Sound Off!   

Conversation powered by the Fort Benning Facebook Page 

Secretary of the Army John M. McHugh has approved a site on the North Post of Fort Belvoir, Va., for construction of the National Museum of the U.S. Army, scheduled to open in June 2013.   What do you think should be included in the museum to best represent our Army?  Story

Here's a few of the comments...

Christopher Watkins  

David Robinson  

Danny Black  

Stephanie Zavala   

Joann Deak

Mitch Chapman  

Featured stories in this week's Bayonet  

Armor School uncases its colors  

New program trains Soldiers on 'cultural perspective' 

Army Community Service receives $5,000  

Gates, Mullen protect family programs from budget cuts 

Click here to read this week's Bayonet

(note:  it may take a few minutes to download the paper)  

Faces of BRAC 

In this series of stories, we introduce you to some of the people who have helped to shape the Maneuver Center of Excellence as it moves the Armor School from Fort Knox to Fort Benning by Sept. 15, 2011.  This week we take a behind-the-scenes look at Chief Warrant Officer 4 Curtis Grover's efforts to support TRADOC's mission to produce Soldiers.

Many people work behind-the-scenes to shape the Maneuver Center of Excellence. 

A mechanic for nearly all his life, Chief Warrant Officer 4 Curtis Grover appears at home inside the $45 million vehicle maintenance complex he got ready for the Ground Systems Materiel Management Directorate.  The facility and an adjoining concrete hardstand occupy nearly 140,000 square feet of real estate along 8th Division Road on Harmony Church. 

GSMMD is responsible for maintaining and performing all field level or direct support maintenance for the training fleet at Fort Benning said Grover.  The organization provides one central point of contact for all things related to the field level maintenance of the Maneuver Center's training vehicles.  The vehicles are repaired and returned to the user. The arrangement supports the ability to train and maintain vehicles and equipment simultaneously.

Grover said the organizational changes are a result from transformation efforts such as the Base Realignment and  

Closure initiative that directed the relocation of the Armor School from Fort Knox to Fort Benning. 

 "From preventative maintenance to repairing circuit boards, it's now all done right here," Grover said. "I can do it cost effectively right in this bay opposed to moving equipment to an intermediate provider."  

National Infantry Museum turns two  

The National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center turned two years old Sunday and while there was no huge celebration, it was a significant milestone.

Since opening on June 19, 2009, 750,000 visitors have passed through the doors. They have come from every state and most continents including South America, Africa and Europe. The museum has hosted Military dignitaries and heads of state as well as hundreds of thousands of new Soldiers. Hundreds of school groups have been among those walking the signature "Last 100 Yards."

The museum has also hosted numerous living history programs and is now conducting its second summer camp season.

In order to reach those landmarks, more than 300 volunteers ranging in age from high school teens to a 90-year-old World War II veteran have spent thousands of hours helping visitors.  Volunteers are constantly being sought to meet and greet, conduct tours and help with special events and on graduation days.

Thousands of pavers have been bought, installed and dedicated. The money raised by those markers, as well as by the Friends of the Museum, has helped to fund operations and complete the Walk of Honor that opened this year.

National Infantry Foundation President LTG (ret) Carmen Cavezza hopes in the coming year to not only increase the number of visitors but also include the Armor community and make them feel welcome at the museum."What better place to go and think about the sacrifices our soldiers have made," he explains.

In order to keep the vision alive, he points out that donations are still needed to fund operations and complete the remaining two galleries.

For more information on the museum, volunteer and donor opportunities call 706. 685.5800 or go on line to www.nationalinfantrymuseum.com.

Story by Borden Black 

Upcoming DFMWR events:

Taking care of the best military community in the Army!

2011 Army Arts & Crafts Contest 

Compete for cash prizes against the best artists in the Army. Enter your original drawing, painting, digital art, sculpture, jewelry and more in the 2011 Army Arts & Crafts Contest at https://artscrafts.fmwrc.army.mil. You will find a complete list of rules at arts.armymwr.com. Contest ends June 30.

Family Fishing Night is back!

Outdoor Recreation will host Family Fishing at Russ Pond from 5-7 p.m.  June 21, weather permitting. Reserve your free pole and bait now by calling 706-545-7978. Fishing at Russ Pond is restricted for to those 15 and younger, but parents and older siblings are encouraged to help. 

Sand volleyball 

Register your three- or four-person team at Smith fitness Center for the June 25-26 3-on-3 sand volleyball tournaments at the MWR pool court behind the Benning Conference Center. Entry fee is $35. For more information, call 706-984-1994.

Kayak the Chattahoochee 

Kayak the Chattahoochee River from 10am-3pm July 1. The $10 fee covers the use of a kayak, life jacket and paddles. We recommend you pack a lunch. Reserve your spot today by calling 706-545-7978.

Super Bingo  

Join us for Super Bingo July 1 at Fort Benning Pins & Daubers and the Mall Bowling Center on Marne Road. Win up to $10,000. Doors open at 3:30pm. The first 50 guests will receive free gift bags!  

Independence Celebration

July 2, it's the annual Independence Celebration! Join us on York Field for a day filled with fun activities and free entertainment and capped with the Chattahoochee Valley's largest fireworks show, accompanied by the Maneuver Center Band! This event is free and open to the public, and you will NOT be required to stop for an access pass, though everyone in your party over the age of 16 must show a photo ID. The fun gets started about 4pm, but you'll want to arrive early with lawn chairs and blankets to stake out a good piece of real estate near the stage. That's where you'll enjoy the sounds of our favorite Jimmy Buffet tribute band, as well as Peggy Jenkins and Chris Collins.  As always, you will find a variety of food and refreshment options, plenty of games and free inflatables for the kids. We look forward to seeing you! 

Don't wait to stand in line! Purchase tokens for the Independence Celebration today at MWR headquarters on Eckel Avenue. For more information, call 706-545-3328. Tokens are $1 each, and you can turn them for a cash refund if you have some left over at the end of the evening.

Mountain Bike Race

The annual Mountain Bike Race, part of the 2011 Endorphin Endurance Series, will start at 8am July 9 at the Bike Trail adjacent to the Fitness Trail on 1st Division Road near the Dixie Road intersection. There will be two classes in this event, a one lap, 5.5 mile course and a two lap, 11 mile course. Prizes will be awarded in each class. Registration fee is $25. Register at Smith Fitness Center.  This event is open to the public. For more information, call 706-604-4039.  

Used Vehicle Auction

NAF Property Branch will host a used vehicle auction at 9am July 15 at Building 2384 on Prussman Street. You can preview these vehicles from 9am-1pm July 13 and 14. All vehicles will be sold "as is," without warranty. We accept VISA/MasterCard, cash or check if it is accompanied by a bank letter to guarantee a specific amount and date. For more information, call 706-545-2348/1083.

Whitewater Adventure 

Tennessee's Ocoee River is the most popular whitewater rafting destination in America, with more than 20 continuous rapids for miles and miles of endless fun. Join us for a whitewater adventure July 16-17, August 12-13 and September 9-10. The cost, $125, covers transportation, accommodations, rafting and lunch on the river. Register today! Must be 12 or older to participate. Call 706-545-7978.

Extreme Zipline 

Outdoor Recreation will host two Extreme Zipline Tours to Banning Mills in Whitesburg, Ga. The trips are scheduled from 7:15 am-5pm July 23 and August 6. The $85 fee covers four hours of ziplining, roundtrip transportation and lunch. (BOSS Soldiers pay only $65 for the July 23 trip.) These trips fill up fast - register today! For more information, call 706-545-7978. 

TGIF

The Benning Conference Center's Concord Lounge hosts "TGIF"  the second Friday of each month at 4:30 p.m.  Don't miss the fun.

Archery shoots

Uchee Creek hosts competitive archery shoots the second Saturday of each month at 9 a.m.  This event is open to the public. For more info, call 706-685-3060.

Atlanta Braves vs. Chicago Cubs for $5 

We have a limited number of spaces available for the August 12 trip to Atlanta to see the Braves take on the Cubs. Your $5 pays for transportation and your ticket to the game. This is NOT just for single Soldiers. Must be 12 or older to participate. Register at the Kelley Hill Recreation Center or call 706-545-1411.

Paintball 

Spend your next training holiday playing paintball in the Woodlands off Dixie Road, between 1st Division and Soldiers Plaza. Rent paintball equipment at Outdoor Recreation while supplies last. Form a team and challenge another unit or group. Paintball tournaments are scheduled Friday and Sept. 2. To register, call 706-545-9636.

Disney World 

Soldiers and family members 18 and older are invited to participate in a weeklong trip to Disney World Sept. 2-6. The cost of this trip, $320, covers roundtrip transportation, accommodations at the Shades of Green resort and a four day park hopper pass. This trip, sponsored by the BOSS program, is not exclusive to single Soldiers. Register at the Kelley Hill Recreation Center or call 706-544-1411. You may pay by installments. 

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