header

MANEUVER CENTER OF EXCELLENCE - TEAM OF SOLDIERS, FAMILIES, AND CIVILIANS FROM THE BEST ARMY IN THE WORLD!

In This Issue
From the Top
Download the Bayonet
Petry awarded MOH
198th Welcome
MWR Events

Quick Links

Hot Topics:     

 

Road Closure  

The DPW and Columbus Water Works will close the Chattahoochee River boat ramp access road north of 10th Division Road (behind the old Pet Cemetery) on July 14.  The closure is required to work on putting pipe across the access road to the new pump station. 

Work will begin on or about 8 a.m. and estimated to be complete by 5 p.m.,  July 15.

 

Upcoming:

  

SAMC Meeting

Sergeant Audie Murphy Club meetings SAMC meetings are the second Tuesday of each month from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Sand Hill Recreation Center on 41st Infantry Regiment Street. For more information, visit www.audiemurphyclub.org or contact Sgt. 1st Class Herminio Rodriguez at 706-570-5093.

 

Community Update  

The monthly Maneuver Center of Excellence Community Update is  the first Tuesday of the month at 3 p.m. at the National Infantry Museum. For more information, call 706-545-3512.   

MG Brown

Community saddened by passing of retired Command Sgt. Maj. Eddie Roberts

 

It is with heartfelt sadness that the Fort Benning community expresses condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of retired Command Sergeant Major Eddie Roberts.

 

There are countless people who come and go throughout one's life, but very few who left such a lasting impression in the lives of so many. Eddie Roberts was certainly one of those "few," a man who not only left an indelible mark, but one who also inspired others with his charismatic energy and dedication to his country and community as evidenced by his selfless service.

 

Eddie was a Soldier's Soldier - an Airborne Ranger, an Infantryman, a leader - who served his country with honor and distinction for more than 30 years, while wearing the uniform of our Army. An incredibly dedicated Soldier, Command Sergeant Major Roberts excelled in every challenge he ever faced. He was a highly decorated, proven combat leader who fought fearlessly through two tours in Vietnam, receiving two awards of the Purple Heart.  

 

During his life, he received numerous military distinguished service awards on a local and national level, including the "Sergeant Major of the Army William Bainbridge Noncommissioned Officer Distinguished Service Award" for his selfless service to Soldiers and their Families. This prestigious award was presented to Command Sergeant Major Roberts by the Association of the U.S. Army.  

 

In 1998, Eddie was also one of the first recipients of the "Primicerius level of the Order of St. Maurice," the highest award given by the National Infantry Association and the Chief of Infantry.

 

The awards he received were emblematic of how he embodied the Army ethic, consistently choosing the harder right over the easier wrong in everything he did. His combat skills and experience proved invaluable as he transitioned from technician to teacher, serving at Fort Benning numerous times as an instructor and later as both a battalion and a brigade command sergeant major.  

 

Eddie mentored, taught and inspired fellow Soldiers with his powerful personality and laser-focused leadership skill, daily setting the highest standard of excellence in all of his endeavors.

 

His service to his country extended beyond the gates of Fort Benning and its Soldiers into the Columbus community he proudly called home during his military career and into retirement. In Columbus, Eddie remained a tireless advocate for Soldiers and their families during his retirement, becoming a key member in many civic organizations in the area.

 

Eddie led his life with passion and vigor. He was a true patriot and one of America's finest. Even more so, Eddie was a man who will be deeply missed by both communities - military and civilian. As we all gather in friendship to honor this fine Soldier - a true American hero - we will forever share the bond created by the life and legacy of Eddie Roberts.

 

One Force, One Fight!

Maj. Gen. Robert Brown

MCoE Commanding General

 

Featured stories in this week's Bayonet  

 

 bayo13   

Soldier gets Medal of Honor

 

Community supports those deploying

Cancer survivor graduates from Ranger School

Fort Benning aims to boost renewable energy

Military working dogs train to keep up proficiency

Local photographers win in Armywide contest

Fund helps Soldiers, vets purchase homes

 

Click here to read this week's Bayonet  

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

Army marksman qualifies for Olympics

amuolympics

Sgt. 1st Class Eric Uptagrafft, a 1996 Olympian, qualified for nomination to the 2012 team pending approval by the United States Olympic Committee.

 

WASHINGTON, July 11, 2011 -- Sgt. 1st Class Eric Uptagrafft a 1996 Olympian, qualified for nomination to the 2012 team pending approval by the United States Olympic Committee.

 

Uptagrafft, a member of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, will compete in the Men's 50-meter Rifle Prone, his specialty event, upon approval by the committee.

 

This will be the second Olympic Games for the Soldier stationed in Fort Benning, Ga. Uptagrafft has been a dominating force in Men's 50-meter Rifle Prone for some time.

 

"It is the realization of a dream to compete in the Olympics again," Uptagrafft said. "I'd like to thank the U.S. Army, the United States Army Marksmanship Unit, and USA Shooting for helping me reach my intermediate goal of making the team and for helping me prepare for next summer."


More 

 

petry

President Barack Obama places the Medal of Honor around the neck of Army Sgt. 1st Class Leroy Arthur Petry during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House, July 12, 2011. Army Photo by Spc. David M. Sharp    

Obama Awards Medal of Honor to Army Ranger

 

By Lisa Daniel, American Forces Press Service

 

WASHINGTON, July 12, 2011 - President Barack Obama today awarded the country's highest military honor to Sgt. 1st Class Leroy A. Petry, an Army Ranger who was shot in both legs and had his hand blown off while saving his fellow soldiers during a firefight in Afghanistan.

 

Petry became only the second living veteran of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq to receive the Medal of Honor, which Obama presented during a White House ceremony attended by Petry, his wife and four children, and more than a hundred of his family members, mostly from his native New Mexico.

 

More


COL Bruce Parker and his wife Molly welcomes new Soldiers and their loved ones to the Army Family in this video.
COL Bruce Parker and his wife Molly welcomes new Soldiers and their loved ones to the Army Family in this video.

  198th Command Team Colonel and Mrs. Parker welcome Soldiers, Families

National Infantry Museum

 

 

Virtual Army experience coming to the NIM 

 

blackhawkA well-armed faction has surrounded a group of humanitarian aid workers in "Nradreg."  A combined air, sea and ground task force has been ordered to reach the remote compound and rescue the workers.  

 

You will be among the five "special forces" to man weapons in a HMMWV, High Mobility Multi Wheeled Vehicle (Humvee,) or you will join three others in a UH-60 Black Hawk Helicopter. You'll fight your way through fierce opposition to reach your objective and bring the hostages back to a medical facility.

 

That scenario is played out in the National Infantry Museum's two new, life-sized Combat Simulators, based on the popular, teen-rated, computer game, America's Army: Special Forces (Overmatch). It is the same system used at the Virtual Army Experience Traveling show.   

 

As with the PC game, NIM SIM participants operate under rules of engagement and land warfare to achieve mission success. You are armed with laser weapons and the recoil replicates the feel of the Army equipment. The fast-pasted, action-packed, totally immersive experience lasts about 6 minutes.  

 

Dennis Register, RR manager, says after trying out the system his reaction was: "WOW! It will blow everyone away." "It's very realistic," he says. "You are in the middle of the action and get the sensation of flying." Soldiers who have tried the simulator during the testing phase agree it is awesome. Register predicts visitors will be lining up for the experience.

 

The virtual Army experience will be opening soon. You can get progress updates at http://blog.nationalinfantrymuseum.com. Story by Borden Black


Upcoming DFMWR events:

Taking care of the best military community in the Army!

   

Used Vehicle Auction

NAF Property Branch will host a used vehicle auction at 9 a.m. July 15 at Building 2384 on Prussman Street. You can preview these vehicles from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 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 a.m.-5 p.m. 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. 

       

Check out MWR on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BenningFMWRfans.