NEWS - Fort Jackson - U.S. Army

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COMMANDERS’ CORNER Native Americans ‘spirit of our nation’ Since the start of November, we have been honoring the historical contributions of Native Americans, the original people of our land. To show our appreciation, we have planned a series of events themed, “The Spirit of Our Nation,” because Native Americans are truly the spirit of this great nation. Their long and storied history is unprecedented and worthy of tribute. We have been recognizing Native American contributions since 1916, when New York state designated one day to be known as “American Indian Day.” Fast forward nearly three-quarters of a century later to 1990 when former President George H.W. Bush expanded the observance to an entire month. From an Army perspective, Native Americans have been making contributions since the first settlers and explorers arrived here. Native Americans worked alongside the early U.S. Calvary as scouts. Many American natives were fighting in our wars before they were citizens. In World War I, some 12,000 Native American men and women were among those who served. During World War II, the number of those who served doubled, as Native Americans played an instrumental role in encrypting communications by using their native languages. Today, there are more than 190,000 Native American veterans; Soldiers willing to answer the call of duty to uphold the core principles of our nation: life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Leader The Fort Jackson Fort Jackson, South Carolina 29207 This civilian enterprise newspaper, which has a circulation of 15,000, is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. Army. Contents of the Fort Jackson Leader are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, Department of the Army or Fort Jackson. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts and supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of the Army or Camden Media Company of the firms, products or services advertised. All editorial content of the Fort Jackson Leader is prepared, edited, provided and approved by the Public Affairs Office of Fort Jackson. The Fort Jackson Leader is published by Camden Media Company a private firm in no way connected with the Department of the Army, under exclusive written contract with Fort Jackson. The civilian printer is responsible for commercial advertising. For display advertising rates and information: call (803) 432-6157 or write Camden Media Company, P.O. Box 1137, Camden, S.C. 29020 For classified advertising information only: call (800) 698-3514 or e-mail skaress@cicamden.com or fax (803) 432-7609. To submit articles, story ideas or announcements for the community page, write the Fort Jackson Leader, Fort Jackson, S.C. 29207, call (803) 751-7045 or e-mail fjleader@conus.army.mil. Commanding General .................Brig. Gen. Bradley W. May Garrison Commander ..........................Col. Lillian A. Dixon Public Affairs Officer ............................... Karen Soule Command Information Officer .. Joseph Monchecourt Editor ........................................... Crystal Lewis Brown News editor/Staff writer...................... Susanne Kappler Online editor/Staff writer........................ Mike A. Glasch Staff writer ................................................ Steve Reeves Staff writer .......................................... Delawese Fulton Staff writer ............................................. Sharonda Pearson Web site ......................................... www.jackson.army.mil BRIG. GEN. BRADLEY W. MAY Fort Jackson Commanding General The Army has always embraced the philosophy that the strength of our nation comes from the diversity of its people. That’s why we believe that it’s so important for Soldiers of all different backgrounds take time to note the contributions of others and their heritages. Native Americans have distinguished themselves in the past couple of centuries on and off the battlefield. In addition to their military accomplishments, Native Americans have become honored scholars, entrepreneurs, spiritual leaders and have excelled in many more disciplines. Native Americans are no strangers to adversity, but they have always confronted it with courage and have shown us what honor and the warrior ethos means. As a nation, we owe a great deal to Native Americans and the current administration has noted that fact in its policy to be more responsive with programs and funding Ask the garrison commander: What is an heirloom chest? What is an heirloom chest? It is a chest issued to the person eligible to receive the personal effects of Soldiers who died on active duty. The Army began issuing the chests in 2007. The chest can be used to store a Soldier’s military memorabilia. What does the acronym BEAR mean? BEAR stands for Bonus Extension or Retraining Program. See your retention NCO for more information regarding this program. Is it true Victory Bingo no longer holds games on Tuesday nights? Yes, it has now moved to Saturday because of construction projects. Victory Bingo will now be open on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Call 751-3411 for more information. GARRISON FACT OF THE WEEK November is Month of the Military Family, so take advantage of the great deals Family and Morale, Welfare, and Recreation activities are offering during November. — Century Lanes: One free game of bowling, including shoes, for each member of the family any time the lanes are available. — Palmetto Greens Miniature Golf: Free round of LEADER INFORMATION The Leader welcomes reader submissions. When submitting an article, photo or announcement, please adhere to the following deadlines: for areas in which there have been shortfalls in sustaining the culture over time. As for the Army’s incentives, we need to remain cognizant of the fact that further nurturing of our various cultures only benefits us in the long run. Native Americans have added immeasurably to our heritage, guiding our land stewardship policies and demonstrating unparalleled courage. They have always served and continue to serve our country proudly. During the remainder of the month, each of us needs to take some time and delve into some Native American history. I guarantee you that you will learn a lot. Perhaps our commander-in-chief President Barack Obama sums up the essence of this special month best: “The indigenous peoples of North America — the first Americans — have woven rich and diverse threads into the tapestry of our nation’s heritage. Throughout their long history on this great land, they have faced moments of profound triumph and tragedy alike. During National Native American Heritage Month, we recognize their many accomplishments, contributions and sacrifices, and we pay tribute to their participation in all aspects of American society.” In our Army of One, we continue to gain the bestqualified Soldiers from all backgrounds, ensuring that every Soldier gets the opportunity to reach his or her potential. Army Strong! COL. LILLIAN A. DIXON Fort Jackson Garrison Commander � Article submissions are due two weeks before the scheduled publication. For example, an article for the Dec. 3 Leader must be submitted by today. � Announcements are due one golf at Palmetto Greens for each member of the family, Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday. — Weston Lake: Free daily canoe rentals. — Marion Street Station: Free bike rentals all month. — Retail Zone: 25 percent off all purchases at the Retail Zone. (excludes close-outs). — Officers’ Club: Children eat free all month. — Fitness: All fitness classes, no matter how many you take, are free in November. Current fitness members will get a free month of their choosing. For more information, contact Pam Green at 751-5758 — Golf Course: Special golf rates for families. Saturday and Sundays after 2 p.m.: $10 for adults and $5 for children for one round of golf, includes cart. To submit questions for “Ask the Garrison Commander,” call 751-2842, or e-mail scott.nahrwold@ us.army.mil. week before the scheduled publication. For example, an announcement for the Dec. 3 Leader must be submitted by Nov. 26. � Send all submissions to FJLeader@conus.army.mil.
NEWS DoD: H1N1 vaccine supply abundant By JUDITH SNYDERMAN Defense Media Activity WASHINGTON — As shipments of some 3.7 million doses of H1N1 vaccine ordered by the Defense Department continue to arrive from the manufacturer, more than enough will be available for all military personnel and their beneficiaries, military medical experts say. Navy Cmdr. Danny Shiau, division chief for the Bureau of Navy Medicine and Surgery’s force health protection, and Dr. Robert Morrow, the bureau’s preventive medicine programs and policy officer, took questions about the military’s seasonal flu and H1N1 preparedness efforts during a recent “DoD Live” bloggers’ roundtable. Immunization for both seasonal flu and H1N1 is mandatory for all military personnel and it is highly recommended for beneficiaries. When the first cases of H1N1 were diagnosed in April, Morrow said, the department bought 2.7 million doses of the vaccine for mission assurance purposes. At the time, it was unclear how many doses, per person, would be needed. But a single dose has been determined to be effective, Morrow said. The Health and Human Services Department distributed 1 million doses of the vaccine, Sanofi Pasteur, to the department, “so that’s a total of 3.7 million individuals for (Defense Department) active duty, reservists, civilians and essential contractors,” he said. First priority for the vaccine will go to deployed forces, Shiau said, first in places like Iraq and Afghanistan, then to ships, trainees and health care workers based on prioritiza- Meeting focuses on holiday safety By SUSANNE KAPPLER Fort Jackson Leader Members of the Fort Jackson community received updates on staying safe during the holiday season during a town hall meeting Tuesday at the Solomon Center. Col. Nancy Hughes, commander of Moncrief Army Community Hospital, informed those in attendance about the availability of H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccines. Chaplain (Col.) Henry Haynes, installation chaplain, offered tips on making the holiday season as stress-free as possible. And Sean O’Brian, safety director, emphasized the importance of traffic safety. In other news: — Representatives from Balfour Beatty Communities announced that a ribbon cutting ceremony for new junior enlisted housing is scheduled for Jan. 21, 10 a.m. The location will be announced at a later time. — The new Schools of Knowledge, Inspiration, Exploration and Skills building on Lee Road is under construction and is scheduled to be completed in May. — A new community calendar featuring a number of community events is available on the Fort Jackson Web site. To access the calendar, visit www.jackson.army.mil and click on the Community Calendar link at the bottom of the page. The next town hall meeting is scheduled for Feb. 9, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Solomon Center. Susanne.Kappler1@us.army.mil tions. Priorities for beneficiaries in the United States will follow federal and state guidelines, whether beneficiaries opt to get the H1N1 vaccine at military treatment facilities or at nonmilitary clinics, Shiau said. In either case, since the vaccine is free, and there will be plenty of it, it will not matter whether they get their shot from the military or civilian supply. Overseas, civilian defense workers and beneficiaries will be able to get the H1N1 vaccine at military treatment facilities. Shiau added that so far, the general severity of cases seen has been mild to moderate and there’s been no operational effect on defense. But, he said, those with symptoms should contact their doctor or treatment facility before heading to an emergency room, because some facilities have special procedures. “The bottom line is, you don’t want to spread it in the ER,” he said. The extra care being taken may be because “this is the first time that we’ve had two different kinds of influenza going around at the same time and two different kinds of influenza shots going around at the same time, and it’s very confusing, even to those who do this day in and day out,” Morrow said. His best advice is that when you have questions, “ask and clarify.” Shiau added that to help prevent spreading seasonal and H1N1 flu, people should wash their hands thoroughly, cover their mouths when coughing and, when possible, do not go to work sick. Fort Jackson flu mist vaccine schedule Fort Jackson's flu drive for dependents, beneficiaries and retirees (with valid military identification) is currently under way. Seasonal flu nasal vaccinations (flu mist) are scheduled to be given at the Solomon Center Monday, Wednesday and every other Saturday, during the following dates and times: NOVEMBER DATES 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. — 30 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. — 25 DECEMBER DATES 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. — 5, 7, 14 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. — 2, 9, 6 The flu drive will continue until March, and additional dates will be announced later. This drive is for the nasal mist only — the injectable vaccine is no longer available because of a nationwide shortage, said Col. Nancy Hughes, MACH commander, during CONTACTING THE LEADER � To contact the Leader about story ideas or announcements, e-mail FJLeader@conus.army.mil or call Leader Staff Report a town hall meeting Tuesday. Those who have ever had a negative reaction after receiving a flu vaccine should consult their primary care manager prior to receiving the vaccine. Children between the ages of 6 months and 3 years will get their flu shots at the Pediatric clinic on a walk-in basis. The clinic is located in the Family Health Clinic on the ground floor of Moncrief Army Community Hospital. For more information on pediatric flu shots, call 751-2210. MACH will not cover seasonal flu vaccine for nonbeneficiaries. Nonbeneficiaries and DoD civilians should schedule vaccinations through their primary care managers. TRICARE-authorized beneficiaries may also use Minute or Concentra Clinics, which are found in some pharmacies. A list of these clinics can be found at www.tricare.mil. Fort Jackson starts H1N1 vaccinations At Fort Jackson, Moncrief Army Community Hospital has already begun vaccinating beneficiaries and other civilians for H1N1, officials said this week. ID card holders interested in receiving the vaccine may do so during the seasonal flu drive, which is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday and every other Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.,Wednesday. The vaccine is being distributed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, which means the first to receive the vaccine will be consist of: pregnant women; people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months; health care and EMS personnel; people 6 months to 24 years old; and people 25-64 who have certain chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems. Children 9 and younger will need two doses of H1N1 vaccine separated by at least 21-28 days. Because of their limited likelihood of being infected by H1N1, those older than 65 will not receive the vaccine. Active duty personnel will receive the vaccine through their units. For more information on the flu drive, call 751-2434. FLU PRECAUTIONS Take these everyday steps to protect your health: –– Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. –– Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective. –– Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way. –– Try to avoid close contact with sick people. –– Stay home if you are sick until at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever (100 degrees) or signs of a fever (without the use of a fever-reducing medicine). –– Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures. 751-7045. � To place a classified ad, e-mail skaress@cicamden.com or call 432-6157.
Page 1: TRACKING ... NEWS Holiday safety at
Page 5 and 6: NEWS Drill sergeants take on skill
Page 7 and 8: YEAR OF THE NCO Brown: ‘Be above
Page 9 and 10: FOCUS ON FAMILIES Mom trades cop-ou
Page 11 and 12: AROUND POST Saluting the cycle’s
Page 13 and 14: HAPPENINGS Calendar Today WTU/SFAC
Page 15 and 16: HEALTH Mail-order pharmacy leads to
Page 17 and 18: LEGAL / INSPECTOR GENERAL Diploma m

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