Soldiers Magazine - March 2009 - The Official United States Army Magazine

Soldiers

March 2009 • www.army.mil

The Official U.S. Army Magazine

General Ann E. Dunwoody First woman to become four-star general

Women's Army Corps Women earn respect and create legacy

Cyber-recruiting

Recruiters go online to tell the Army story

Facing the enemy within Soldier embraces Army values as she battles cancer

March: Women's History Month

Soldiers

MARCH 2009 • VOLUME 64, NO. 3

Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. George W. Casey Jr. congratulates Gen. Ann E. Dunwoody after pinning on her new rank during a ceremony at the Pentagon, Nov. 14, 2008. Casey is assisted by Dunwoody's husband, Craig Brotchie.

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Photo credits: Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Molly A. Burgess, Spc. John Cro, Air Force Staff Sgt. Stacy L. Pearsall, Kaye Richey, & courtesy of National Archives

Feature Stories

Contents

March 2009

04

Women's Army Corps

20

10

Breaking through the brass ceiling

28

12

World Culinary Olympics

34

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Women earn respect and create a legacy in the Army. Gen. Ann E. Dunwoody becomes the first woman four-star general in the U.S. military.

Army chefs prepare gourmet meals fit for a king.

Just like real life

Paratroopers train to root out insurgents while safeguarding civilians.

Force strengths

Most recent Army active, Reserve and Guard component statistics presented.

Dive into healing waters

Wounded warriors scuba dive for enjoyment, therapy.

Cyber-recruiting Soldiers go online to tell the Army story, answer questions from potential recruits.

Facing the enemy within

36 Lara Phillips embraces Army values as she battles cancer.

(Top) 1st Lt. Ephraim Garner helps load Bradley vehicles onto a train in Fort Hood, Texas. His brothers and dad are also in the Army. See page 42. (Photo courtesy of 1st Lt. Ephraim Garner)

Departments 03 16

Year of the NCO

24

On Point

26 48

Army News

Legal Forum

Women's Army Corps Pvt. Mary Delession was among the best mechanics at Gowen Field, Idaho, during World War II. See page 4 for more on the WAC.

Photo Contest

Defense Media Activity-Crystal City | Soldiers magazine | 2511 Jefferson Davis Hwy , Box 31 | Arlington, VA 22202-3900 | (703) 602-0870 | DSN 332-0870 | Fax (703) 602-8314 | http://www.army.mil/publications/soldiersmagazine

SOLDIERS MEDIA CENTER

The Official U.S. Army Magazine Secretary of the Army: Hon. Pete Geren Chief of Staff: Gen. George W. Casey Jr. Chief of Public Affairs: Maj. Gen. Kevin J. Bergner

We Want Your Story The Army is our nation’s greatest resource in defense of our homeland. Every day Soldiers and civilians perform acts of valor. The heroic acts performed on the battlefield and the acts of kindness from humanitarian efforts demonstrate the strength of the Army. We want to tell your story. To find out how the Soldiers Media Center can tell your story, contact your unit public affairs officer or send your submissions via e-mail to:

[email protected] (703) 602-0870

Soldiers Media Center Commander: Col. Ricky R. Sims Print Communications Staff Editor in Chief: Carrie McLeroy Managing Editor: David Vergun Soldiers Magazine Writer/Editor: Elizabeth Collins Soldiers Magazine Writer/Editor: Jacqueline M. Hames ARNEWS Editor: Gary Sheftick ARNEWS Writer: J. D. Leipold ARNEWS Writer: C. Todd Lopez Visual Information Staff Art Director: Peggy Frierson Graphic Designer: LeRoy Jewell Special Design Assistant: Jessica Obermeyer Printing: Gateway Press, Inc., Louisville, Ky. Soldiers (ISSN 0093-8440) is published monthly by the Army Chief of Public Affairs to provide information on people, policies, operations, technical developments, trends and ideas of and about the Department of the Army. The views and opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Department of the Army. Send submissions and correspondence to Editor, Soldiers magazine, Soldiers Media Center, Box 31, 2511 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Arlington, VA 22202-3900. Phone: (703) 602-0870, or send e-mail to [email protected]. Unless otherwise indicated (and except for “by permission” and copyright items), material may be reprinted provided credit is given to Soldiers and the author. All uncredited photographs by U.S. Army. The Secretary of the Army has determined that the publication of this periodical is necessary in the transaction of the public business as required by law of the department. Funds for printing this publication were approved by the secretary of the Army in accordance with the provisions of Army Regulation 25-30. Library of Congress call number: U1.A827. Periodicals postage paid at Fort Belvoir, Va., and additional mailing offices. Individual subscriptions: Subscriptions can be purchased through the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, (202) 512-1800 or online at: http://bookstore.gpo.gov/collections/ subscriptions/index.jsp.

Magazine archives: http://www.army.mil/publications/soldiersmagazine

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POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Arlington address above.

Soldiers magazine is distributed based on unit commanders’ requirements. Commanders and publications officers can order Soldiers through the Army Publishing Directorate at https://ptclick.hqda.pentagon.mil. (Requires CAC authentication). To start or change your unit subscription, enter the Initial Distribution Number (IDN) 050007.

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Recipient of Awards of Magazine Excellence

Thomas Jefferson Awards Outstanding Flagship Publication 2004 - 2006

NAGC Blue Pencil Competition 2004

Thomas Jefferson Awards Outstanding Flagship Writer 2007 Heike Hasenauer

Soldiers • March 2009

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U.S. Army Signal Corps Collection

Remembering the

Women’s Army Corps Newly arrived Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps recruits march at Fort Des Moines, Iowa, in 1942.

Story by Elizabeth M. Collins

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WACs landed in France 38 days after D-Day and later served in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars, although women had to remain far behind the front lines. They weren’t even considered “real” Soldiers. According to Chief Warrant Officer 5 Jennifer Redfern, a former WAC and now the Criminal Investigative Division’s warrant officer career manager and counselor, they

were “women servicemembers.” “I think that when the Women’s Army Corps first started, that was the only way women could serve because society would not allow them to be full-fledged Soldiers. Of course, being a Soldier wasn’t necessarily a long-term commitment. Society in those days expected women to be housekeepers and child rearers. But I think that… National Archives

ENERAL Douglas MacArthur called them “My best Soldiers,” during World War II, saying that the women serving in the Women’s Army Corps worked harder, complained less and were better disciplined than many of his male Soldiers. Born out of the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps in 1943, the WAC enabled women to take over more routine service and office jobs and free men for combat roles during World War II. Although disestablished in 1978, the WAC—and similar female components for other services and military nurse corps—was the only way women could serve their country. They often did so for less pay, limited advancement opportunities and flagrant harassment and disrespect from male counterparts.

In England, Maj. Charity E. Adams and Capt. Abbie N. Campbell inspect the first contingent of African American members of the Women’s Army Corps assigned to overseas service, Feb. 15, 1945.

National Archives

it’s been pretty much accepted that we can do what everyone else does and still successfully raise children. I think that the Women’s Army Corps allowed us to slowly demonstrate our abilities…to serve in the armed services as equals,” she recalled. While WACs worked long hours beside their male counterparts, they did so with training that was far different. Several women said they were disappointed at how easy physical training was during the WAC basic course. Retired Maj. M. Susan Windsich expected to complete low-crawls and difficult obstacle courses like the men. Instead, she was only expected to do exercises like modified push-ups, run either half a mile or in place and do a modified obstacle course called “run, dodge and jump,” which involved running around fences and jumping over a small ditch. “They would take us on marches in

The first African American Women’s Army Corps members to arrive in Europe were 800 women of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. After the battalion set up its facilities at Rouen, France, it held an “open house,” which was attended by hundreds of African American Soldiers. Pvt. Ruth L. James is on duty at the gate, May 26, 1945.

1st Lt. Jacqueline L. Wolfe, unit officer, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, and officer-in-charge, HHC Drill Team, presents the drill team to Maj. Dorothy L. Love, commanding officer, HHC, United States Women’s Army Corps Center, June 29, 1967.

U.S. Army Women’s Museum

Soldiers • March 2009

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the hills around Fort McClellan, Ala.— a five-mile march, and at the end of it we would have grape juice and cookies. It was very, I guess, genteel…would be one way to describe it,” said Maj. Gen. Mari K. Eder, deputy chief of the Army Reserve, who graduated in the second-to-last WAC Officer Orientation Course. They even had makeup classes and were required to carry lipstick at all times, according to M. Isabelle Slifer, who retired from the Army Reserve as a lieutenant colonel. Blue eyeshadow,

about the Army’s history, customs and courtesies was top-notch. Nothing, she and other WACs said, beat the PT uniform, which consisted not only of a blouse and shorts, but also a wrap-around skirt that had to be worn over the shorts until WACs made it to the field. “It was some guy’s bright idea… totally inadequate for the type of physical-fitness training Soldiers would have,” said Dacier. The field uniform wasn’t much better, with snug pants that buttoned

footgear changed. The class-A equivalent, known as “cords,” was heavily starched. They looked nice, said Slifer, but keeping them wrinkle-free was difficult. Eder remembered traveling to her WAC graduation kneeling backwards on the bus seats, because their leaders didn’t want the WACs’ uniforms to wrinkle. As the draft ended in 1978, the Army could not sustain an all-volunteer force solely with male recruits, according to Windisch, so women became more important. Change came

Grace M. King Collection Women’s Army Corps members run an obstacle course during basic training with the 1st WAC Basic Training Battalion, Fort Belvoir, Va.

however, was forbidden, she said. Eder remembered the small regulation black bag that was almost useless for carrying anything but lipstick. Retired Maj. Gen. Donna Dacier, recently the commander of the 311th Command and the G-6 (Communications) for U.S. Army Pacific, agreed that it was similar to finishing school, but added that the overall education 6 www.army.mil/publications

up over the hips. The field boots—they were never referred to as combat boots because that would imply women could go to combat—didn’t have any traction on the bottom so the WACs tended to slip and slide when participating in any exercises. According to Slifer, a WAC company commander had to show their commanding general the bottom of their boots before their

throughout the mid-1970s, the WACs said, and they were gradually allowed to participate in things like M-16 rifle training, and began attending branch schools and officer-candidate school with male Soldiers. Their reception was mixed. As ­­­­­­Dacier pointed out, many of their classmates had gone to coeducational universities and were used to be-

National Archives

Women’s Army Corps Pfc. Johnnie Mae Welton, laboratory technician trainee, conducts an experiment in the serology laboratory of the Fort Jackson Station Hospital, Fort Jackson, S.C., March 20, 1944.

U. S. Army Women’s Museum

Women’s Army Corps members participate in weapons training in Vietnam, 1969.

National Archives

Pvts. Rita Johnson (left) and Joyce Kutsch are capped with the Airborne Parachute Rigger’s Red Cap Apr. 1, 1974, by Col. Louis Peterka, director, Airborne Department, Quartermaster Center at Fort Lee, Va., after completing the Parachute Maintenance and Air Delivery Course. Johnson and Kutsch were the first two women to graduate from the course.

Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps members Lts. Harriet West (left) and Irma Cayton, go over their recruiting schedule report at WAAC Headquarters on 26th Street in Washington, D.C., 1942.

National Archives

Soldiers • March 2009

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U.S. Army Women’s Museum

Pfc. Janice Hayes participates in a field exercise in April 1974.

ing around women. Some of the older Soldiers, however, either resented the women or harassed them. Slifer said she was often asked what she was doing there, and was told that she was taking the place of a man. “I had a good time most of the time,” said Windisch. “There were some real idiots—I’m being very nice—and there were some really wonderful people. We all got hit on back in those days a lot. “For example, we were waiting for a ceremony in the colonel’s office. I sat down on a chair…and the lieutenant colonel came in and plopped himself down on my lap. He said, ‘So honey, do you come here often?’” Until 1973, if a WAC was married, her husband did not receive the same benefits as a military wife did, such as commissary and exchange privileges. And if she became pregnant, she had to get out of the military. Redfern joined a group of women who were petitioning to be able to remain in the military while pregnant and after giving birth. 8 www.army.mil/publications

Even after they won the fight in 1975, Redfern said some people still tried to convince her to put her baby up for adoption. Later, when she decided to get remarried to a fellow Soldier, she was first told she would have to leave the Army. Windisch had transitioned to the Army Reserve by the time she became pregnant and was surprised to find that she had to make her own uniform. “There were no uniforms for maternity. So, I bought a pair of green slacks and a pretty flowered green blouse and wore that every day as my maternity uniform. They said, ‘You can’t fit into your fatigues, what are you going to do?’ I said, ‘Well, I’ve got this,’” she said. The disestablishment of the WAC in 1978 was not without its hiccups. No one knew when they joined that they would eventually serve in the regular Army, and with excitement came nostalgia, a sense of a great tradition ending. The WACs would have to compete against male Soldiers who had

varied experiences and more military schooling for promotions and choice assignments. The older WACs, said Dacier, were particularly “irritated” about the end of the WAC because they were losing their power base. “So it was exciting for us and they really didn’t like how enthusiastic we were about being able to take Pallas Athena off and put on our branch insignia,” she said, describing how women could fully join different branches once the WAC was disestablished. Previously, women had been detailed to the Signal Corps or the Military Police Corps or other branches without being full members. They had separate companies, barracks, everything. “When you go through basic training, you get pumped up because that’s part of their job, to get you excited about what you’re doing,” said Redfern. “So I was all pumped up about wearing the Goddess of Athena brass. But when working with my male counterparts as an MP, they were wearing crossed pistols and the women were still wearing the Goddess Athena. “So the day that we were integrated into the MP Corps…they had all three of us step forward in front of the formation and the platoon sergeant and company commander came up and they took our Goddess Athena brass off and put crossed pistols on us. “I didn’t think it would be any big deal, but it was. I was really excited because now I was a Soldier. I was very proud to be a WAC, but I was equally proud to be integrated within the Army itself.” Gwendolyn Hendly, who retired from the Army Medical Corps in the 1980s as a staff sergeant, said that even by that time personnel staffs weren’t used to women retiring and she was listed as male on all of her paperwork. “When I retired…the guy told me he had never seen a woman come through before to retire.” For Hendly and the others who persevered, the Army turned out to be tremendously rewarding and somewhat humbling, as other women

Center for Military History

U.S. Army Signal Corps Collection

(Above) Each new Women’s Army Corps recruit reduced by one the number of men to be drafted to fill the quota required by the Army during World War II. WAC Pvt. Mary Delession, from Philadelphia, was classed among the best mechanics at Gowen Field, Idaho, in November 1943.

Col. Oveta Culp Hobby (right), was the first director of the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps.

Soldiers now look to them as examples. Both Eder and Dacier said they expected to remain in the Army a few years, never that they would become generals. “I remember going to the dry cleaners and picking up my uniforms with that star on it,” said Dacier. “I didn’t feel like it was me picking up my own uniform. I felt like I was somebody else who was running an errand…because it was hard for me to fathom that that name tape and that star were linked together,” said Dacier. “I have been both honored and awed to have been a part of history,

even if in a small way,” said Eder. “I never thought I would be here at this place and time in my life, and wearing this rank…I believe you pay it forward and are obligated to help others in the same way.” Ask these women about the WAC, and they talk about how wonderful it was, in spite of the challenges and prejudices they faced. “When I look back, I realize we broke down a lot of barriers we didn’t even realize were there,” said Windisch.

“We just put our heads down, did work, kept moving and earned respect. “The women with whom I worked, they are friends I’ve taken through my whole life. I think that’s part of being a Soldier anyway, but being part of the Women’s Army Corps makes it even tighter,” Windisch added. “Any time another WAC sees the Pallas Athena on your lapel…you’re already friends. You already know each other even if you’ve never met before.” v Soldiers • March 2009

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Breaking through the brass ceiling Story & photos by Jacqueline M. Hames

Gen. George W. Casey Jr., chief of staff of the Army, presents Gen. Ann E. Dunwoody with her new four-star flag after administering the oath of office, Nov. 14, 2008. Casey called Dunwoody one of the Army’s premiere logisticians and thanked her for 33 years of service during his remarks.

“I

never grew up in an environment where I heard the words ‘glass ceiling,’” Gen. Ann E. Dunwoody said of her childhood. She never felt constrained or limited in any way. Dunwoody’s interests did not originally lean toward a career in the Army. 10 www.army.mil/publications

She said that even as a kid she wanted to teach physical education and raise a family, an ambition that lasted right up until she joined the Army. She initially considered her enlistment as merely a two-year commitment and would move on with other plans when she was done. But Dun-

woody soon discovered that the Army was where she belonged. After 33 years of service and a career of “firsts” for women in the Army, Dunwoody was promoted on Nov. 14, 2008—the first woman four-star not only in the Army, but in all of the U.S. armed forces. Dunwoody’s promotion is

the latest achievement for women in the military, dating to 1970 when Brig. Gen. Anna Mae Hays became the first woman general officer in U.S. military history. Not in her wildest dreams did she ever think she would be a general, let alone a four-star, she said. The promotion ceremony, held in the Pentagon, was packed with wellwishers, friends and family. Cameras flashed as Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates gave opening remarks. “History will no doubt take note of (Dunwoody’s) achievement in breaking through this final ‘brass ceiling’ to pin on this fourth star,” he said. “But she would rather be known and remembered first and foremost as a U.S. Army Soldier.” General George W. Casey Jr., chief of staff of the Army, who hosted the ceremony, praised Dunwoody as a “premiere logistician.” He thanked her for her dedicated service to the Army, and wished her well. “What’s happening here today is something our Army can celebrate and take pride in,” Casey said of her achievement. Casey and Dunwoody’s husband, Craig Brotchie, pinned on her new rank amidst applause and an enthusiastic “hooah” from the audience. The newly appointed general stood alone at the center of the stage accepting prolonged cheers with dignity and humility. “Well, thank you,” Dunwoody said with a smile. “I wish I could begin to describe the incredible feelings of gratitude, humility and love that are absolutely consuming me at this very moment, but it’s impossible.” She thanked not only the audience for their support, but her family and an extensive list of colleagues, mentors and fellow Soldiers as well. Dunwoody was the first woman to hold the deputy chief of staff position for the Army G-4 (Logistics), where she was responsible for ensuring warfighters had the necessary supplies and services, and that logisticians had the tools and equipment necessary to deliver those supplies and services to

Soldiers around the world. As the commander of the Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command at Scott Air Force Base, Ill., from 2002-2004, Dunwoody supported the largest deployment and redeployment of U.S. forces since World War II. She has also commanded the 407th Supply and Transportation Battalion of the 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.; the 10th Mountain Division Support Command, Fort Drum, N.Y.; and the 1st Corps Support Command at Fort Bragg. She deployed during the first Gulf War with the 82nd as the division parachute officer from September 1990 to March 1991. Dunwoody said she feels fortunate

Gen. Ann E. Dunwoody

to have lived a life of firsts, and believes the promotion is “as overwhelming as it is humbling.” Dunwoody received a direct commission as a second lieutenant after graduating form the State University of New York at Cortland in 1975. She has graduate degrees in national resource strategy and logistics management. Her family has a long history of military service, including her husband, who is a retired Air Force colonel. Her father, Hal Dunwoody, influenced both her personality and her career as a Soldier. After graduating from West Point in 1943, he served

in World War II and later the Korean War, receiving two Purple Hearts and a Distinguished Service Cross for valor. He also served in Vietnam. “When people talk to him about his two Purple Hearts, he is quick to say he was just a ‘slow learner,’ though we all know better,” Dunwoody said. “And Dad, I am grateful for this opportunity to say thanks for your service to our nation, and for instilling in me timeless values of integrity, courage and sense of values. “I know most of my success is founded in what I learned from you as a dad, as a patriot and as a Soldier,” she said, nodding to her father. In a show of respect for the service of both Dunwoody and her father, the audience rose in a standing ovation. “This promotion has taken me back in time like no other event in my entire life. And I didn’t appreciate the enormity of the event until the tidal wave of cards, letters and emails started coming my way,” Dunwoody said. “I’ve heard from moms and dads that see this promotion as a beacon of hope for their own daughters, and an affirmation that anything is possible through hard work and commitment,” she said. Dunwoody also received congratulations and expressions of excitement from women veterans of previous wars. In addition to receiving her fourth star, Dunwoody took command of U.S. Army Material Command, headquartered at Fort Belvoir, Va., during an afternoon ceremony. As the commanding general, Dunwoody will oversee AMC headquarters’ move to Huntsville, Ala., under the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Act. Prior to taking command, she served as the deputy commanding general and chief of staff of AMC. “Today is all about two simple words: thank you,” Dunwoody said at the promotion. “I think it’s tremendous,” Brotchie said later of his wife’s achievement. “It’s enriched our lives.” v (Editor’s note: Reports from AMC Public Affairs and Elizabeth M. Collins contributed to this article.) Soldiers • March 2009 11

Feast &

e fam During the hot-food event, the U.S. Army Culinary Arts Team had to serve diners restaurant-style, ensuring each meal was offered hot as the order came in.

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World Culinary Olympics Story & photos by Sarah Trier

I

N the history of Army cuisine, military chefs have rarely been accused of creating culinary masterpieces. After placing second at the World Culinary Olympics held in Erfurt, Germany, the U.S. Army Culinary Arts Team corrected that misconception. Hosted by the German Chefs Association, the World Culinary Olympics is the largest culinary exhibition in the world. More than 1,100 chefs from 50 nations divided into regional, national and military teams attended the event. First-time U.S. Olympians were surprised at the scale of the event. “Any time you enter an arena with the very best, it’s a great experience,” said Spc. James Jones, USACAT team member. “The shear magnitude of all of it is amazing.” Spicing up the mix, USACAT included members of both the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Navy for the first time in its history. As the U.S. military moves more toward a joint-service training environment, USACAT managers were able to select members from the best culinary talent available. “I was shaky about the camaraderie in the beginning, but I’d take my Army teammates into the Coast Guard any

day,” said Senior Chief Petty Officer Justin Reed, USACAT team captain. The primary six competitors at the World Culinary Olympics included Staff Sgt. Steven K. Broome, Spc. Michelle Carville, Sgt. Matthew Flemister, Senior Chief Petty Officer Justin Reed, Staff Sgt. Joshua Spiess and Spc. Valine Vukich. “Not many people get the chance to represent their country the way we did,” said Vukich, USACAT team member. “It’s something to be proud of and it was a wonderful experience.” Apprentices were Sgt. Billy Daugette, Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd Class Edward Fuchs, Spc. James Jones and Staff Sgt. Andre Ward. “Any position on the team is vital, whether an apprentice or a primary competitor, it takes a team to win,” said Fuchs. The World Culinary Olympics was judged in two parts. The first was the hot-food event in which each team made and served a three-course meal to 150 diners. For the U.S. Army team, the number of diners increased dramatically when USACAT tickets sold out only 30 minutes after the ticket office

opened. Proving USACAT had the recipe for success, diners for a competing military team began requesting the U.S. meal. “We served at least 175 diners,” said Reed. While you may not find seaweed salad, herb-infused turkey breast or green chocolate mousse crunch cake at an average installation dining facility, they were highlights of the gold-medalwinning hot food meal USACAT served to diners at the event. The team’s menu included seared tuna, smoked trout and poached salmon served over a salad of baby greens dressed in a balsamic vinaigrette with lemon asparagus, seaweed salad, and apple horseradish relish and spiced glazed pecans for the appetizer. For the entrée, herb-infused turkey breast with mushroom stuffing, country sausage, jus lie, sweet potatoes, candied walnut, cooked pears, green beans wrapped with ham, caramelized pearl onions and a cranberry Johnny cake were served. And for dessert, a chocolate mousse crunch cake served with apricot, macerated cherries and chocolate décor dressed with apricot and cherry sauce. Soldiers • March 2009 13

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(Left photo) The entire team worked feverishly over 24 hours to make 21 dishes for the cold-food exhibit table. (Above) USACAT displays their gold medals in front of the Messe Erfurt, Germany.

The second part of the competition was the cold-food event. During the event, competitors spent over a day at an off-site kitchen preparing 21 dishes for a display table in the Olympic exhibition hall. The table is judged for its appearance and each meal is evaluated for presentation and food pairing. For USACAT, the cold-food event immediately followed the hot-food event, leaving them little time to celebrate their gold medal performance. In 24 hours of non-stop kitchen work, USACAT made, plated and preserved seven, three-course meals. The exhibit table also displayed a white-chocolate tallow sculpture of a Native American on a horse spearing a buffalo, along with other creative dressings unifying the team’s 21 dishes under a Native American theme. World Culinary Olympic judge Connie Anderson appreciated USACAT’s presentation. “I immediately wanted to sit down and eat (USACAT’s dishes),” he said. Serving up dishes that delivered,

the judges found USACAT worthy of gold for their cold-food presentation. “I’m ecstatic that everything came together so well. The table was very impressive,” said Chief Warrant Officer 4 Robert Sparks, USACAT manager. Though USACAT received gold medals in both the hot and coldfood events, with a combined score of 183.371, USACAT fell behind Switzerland by six points and placed second. The second-place finish was bittersweet. “Coming in second isn’t what we were there to do—we went to become champions,” said Fuchs, USACAT apprentice. “But it’s still extraordinary that we came away with second— extraordinary.” USACAT trains at the Army Center of Excellence, Subsistence, Fort Lee, Va. The school trains cooks from all services throughout their careers with advanced individual training, refresher and advanced culinary courses. USACAT represents the finest-trained and most elite of military chefs.

“My hat goes off to the USACAT for what they bring to the Army,” said Col. Alexander Davis, Quartermaster Center and School assistant commandant. USACAT serves as the U.S. National Military Culinary Team and competes at local, national and international culinary competitions. Team members are selected through military competitions and qualifying events. USACAT members will compete again in March, when they join their installation and service teams for the 34th Annual Culinary Arts Competition at Fort Lee, Va. During the competition, the teams vie for Chef of the Year, Junior Chef of the Year and Installation of the Year titles. Demonstrations, themed display tables, and the knowledge bowl are highlights of the event’s public days March 11-12. For the most up-to-date information about the event, visit the Fort Lee website, www.lee.army.mil. v Sarah Trier works at the Fort Lee Public Affairs Office

Soldiers • March 2009 15

Legal Forum Tax Season can leave

Soldiers Confused “T

HE hardest thing in the world to understand is income tax.” Albert Einstein was not joking when he spoke those words. Tax season can be stressful for many families trying to do their taxes and make heads or tails out of a number of confusing provisions. Taxes for Soldiers can be even more confusing because there are several tax provisions that are different for the military, especially for Soldiers who spent time in a combat zone. The Earned Income Credit and the Child Tax Credit are two of those complicated provisions. These credits are different because the government will pay you the credit regardless of whether or not you owe tax or are due any other refund. The EIC is designed to help lowincome earners who have children. If you have one eligible child and earn less than $33,995, you could receive as much as $2,917 in EIC. If you have two or more eligible children and earn less than $38,646, you could receive as much as $4,824 in EIC. For purposes of EIC, earned income means income that is subject to tax. For Soldiers, that does not include BAH, BAS or other nontaxable allowances. An eligible child is a child (including stepchild, grandchild or adopted child) who lives at least half the year in your home, and is under the age of 19 (or under age 24 and a full-time student). The Legal Assistance Policy Division, Judge Advocate General’s Office, provided this Legal Forum.

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The Legal Assistance Policy Division

“The hardest thing in the world to understand is income tax.” Albert Einstein was not joking when he spoke those words.

The CTC is a $1,000 credit for each eligible child claimed on your tax return as a dependent. An eligible child for the CTC is a child under the age of 17. Unlike the EIC, the CTC is not just for low-income earners; the CTC is not reduced unless you make more than $110,000 if married filing a joint return or over $75,000 if you are single. Even Soldiers who serve in combat areas where their military pay is excluded from tax can qualify for these credits thanks to a provision of law that applies only to military members. The law works slightly differently for each credit, but to the advantage of the Soldier. An enlisted Soldier who went to a combat zone in January and served a full 12-month tour would get a W-2 for the year showing zero earned income. If that Soldier has eligible children, they may still qualify for EIC by electing to include the combat zone tax-excluded income on their tax return for purposes of the EIC only. Making this election does not mean you are paying tax on that money, it only means that you are using the amount to qualify for the EIC you would have been eligible for if you had not been in a combat zone. If a married couple both served in the combat zone, each makes the election for EIC purpos-

es, which allows them to maximize their EIC. Soldiers who want to make this election need only look at box 12 of the W-2 and the amount of their combat zone tax excluded income will be printed there with a “Q” next to it. This same provision of law requires that the combatzone, tax-excluded income be included for purposes of the CTC instead of allowing the Soldier to elect to include it. This allows a Soldier who elects not to include the income for EIC to still qualify for CTC, and allows a dual-military couple to maximize their CTC even if they both elect not to include combat zone excluded income for EIC purposes. Fortunately, Soldiers do not have to struggle alone through the complications of tax preparation and eligibility for valuable tax credits. Installation tax centers have trained preparers who understand the requirements and intricacies of these credits and other tax provisions, and have the up-to-date tax software to accurately prepare and electronically file your taxes. There is no charge for services provided at the installation tax center. If you need information regarding your installation tax center call the Legal Assistance Office at your local Staff Judge Advocate Office. v

Know the Law

Soldiers • March 2009 17

“Just like real life” 18 www.army.mil/publications

Realistic training prepares paratroopers for combat Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Mike Pryor

(Left) Spc. William Cheatwood of Company B, 2nd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, pulls security as fellow paratroopers search through a barn for weapons hidden by a local insurgent force during a situational training exercise at Fort Bragg.

I

NSIDE a dark and dusty barn, two paratroopers were on the hunt for hidden weapons. Chickens and baby goats scrambled under their feet as they searched every nook and corner of the building. Then, as one of the troopers sifted through a pile of hay, a furry, longnecked beast the size of a small horse emerged from the shadows behind him. “Dude, is that a llama?” the surprised paratrooper asked his buddy. In order to prepare for combat, the 82nd Airborne Division’s 2nd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment at Fort Bragg, N.C., spared no expense to make their recent situational training exercise as realistic as possible — even importing exotic barnyard animals to simulate what paratroopers might encounter when they deploy to other parts of the world. The exercise featured dozens of role-players, two simulated villages, multiple training scenarios, and, yes, a llama. “The more realistic the training is, the better it will stick in the minds of the paratroopers, so that when they do deploy they’ll be ready for any mission,” said 1st Lt. Matthew Reid, of Des Moines, Iowa, who played the role of a village chieftain during the exercise. Paratroopers from 2nd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, search through hay for a weapons cache hidden inside a barn as part of a situational training exercise at Fort Bragg, Dec. 4.

(Above) Spc. Ryan Cole of Company D, 2nd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, tries not to disturb the animals as he searches a corral for weapons hidden by a local insurgent force during a situational training exercise at Fort Bragg.

The training was designed to test the paratroopers’ ability to operate in situations where the lines between civilians and enemy forces are constantly shifting. Each scenario put a platoon of paratroopers in a situation that could have a very different outcome depending on the attitude the paratroopers displayed and the methods they used with the role-players. The platoons that interacted successfully were given intelligence allowing them to capture a high-value insurgent target. In a scenario that took place at an old farm, Reid played a village chieftain with knowledge of local insurgent activities. How much of that knowledge he shared with the paratroopers, however, depended on how they approached him. “The key is to be respectful,” Reid said. “Good intelligence comes from having a rapport.” When 2nd Lt. John Hall arrived at the farmhouse with his platoon from Company B, he made sure to treat Reid as a potential ally, not an enemy. He sat down with Reid for a cup of tea and made sure not to show any disrespect by keeping his Soldiers away from women in the village. He even had his platoon sergeant help gather wood for the village cooking fire. Before long, Reid was telling him everything he

wanted to know about the insurgent group in the area. “Once we developed a good relationship I started divulging information about the enemy,” Reid said. Afterwards, Hall said that the realism of the scenario gave him a better idea of what his platoon would encounter on a real deployment. “If we know what’s going on downrange and we train like we’re downrange, then we’re more prepared. You train like you fight,” said the Chapel Hill, N.C., native. Sergeant Stephen Carpenter, a squad leader in Hall’s platoon from Syracuse, N.Y., said he was surprised by how realistic the scenario was, even down to the little details. “It was just like real life,” Carpenter said. Getting training as close to the real thing as possible is important, Carpenter said, because it means Soldiers will need less time to get accustomed when they actually get downrange. “They need to see it so they can recognize it later. If you recognize it, then you’ll react in the right way,” he said. v

Staff Sgt. Mike Pryor is assigned to 2nd BCT, 82nd Airborne Public Affairs

Soldiers • March 2009 19

Active ARMY Force

active

Strength

army

539,675

2008

517,783

2007

502,790

2006

civilians

20 www.army.mil/publications

221,632

2008

207,204

2007

206,390

2006

ARmy budget

Active

250

$147.7

Breakout

$ in billions

200

Commissioned Officers Warrant Officers NCOs Enlisted (E-1 to E-4)

150 100

$170.2

$202.5

2006

2007

Army

$240.5

72,928 14,682 204,357 247,708

50

2008

Army

(includes supplemental appropriations)

Women

73,272 women are currently serving in the active Army. Diversity of force 62.7% Whites 19.8% Blacks

Commissioned Warrants NCO/Enlisted

12,321 1,248 59,703

10.9% Hispanics 3.4% Asians 3.2% Others

0

percent

20

40

60

80

100

Army

families

56.3% of all Soldiers are married. 8.7% of all married Soldiers are married to other servicemembers.

officers 49.7% Captains, Lieutenants 33.2% Colonels, Lt. Cols., Majors 16.7% Warrant Officers 0.4% Generals

0

percent

20

40

60

80

Army

retirees

OFFICERS (at retirement) Average rank: Lt. Col. Average age: 44 years Average service time: 22 years

100

NCOs 72.8% Sergeants, Staff Sergeants 19.6% Sergeants 1st Class 5.8% Master Sergeants 1.7% Sergeants Major

0

percent

20

40

60

80

ENLISTED (at retirement) Average rank: Sgt. 1st Class Average age: 41 years Average service time: 21 years

100

Number of living Army retirees with 20+ years active service: 439,413

Location

of

Force



CONTINENTAL U.S. OUTSIDE CONTINENTAL U.S.

2008

471,000

69,000

2007

445,000

73,000

2006

424,000

79,000

(Fiscal year 2008 data on these pages and next two pages, unless otherwise noted, are from official sources, provided by Dr. Betty Maxfield, G-1 Office of Army Demographics, as of September 2008)

Soldiers • March 2009 21

ARMY National Guard Force

Strength

2008 360,351

2007 352,707

2006 346,288

budget 15

$$ in billions

12 9 6

$11.2

$13.0

$14.8

2006

2007

2008

3 0

national guard Breakout

DIVERSITY of force 74.4% Whites 13.3% Blacks

Commissioned Officers Warrant Officers NCOs Enlisted (E-1 to E-4)

31,685 7,061 138,667 182,938

7.8% Hispanics 2.0% Asians 2.5% Others

0

percent

20

40

60

80

100

OFFICERS 50.9% Captains, Lieutenants

Women

50,988 women are currently serving in the Guard. Commissioned 3,967 Warrants 646 NCO/Enlisted 46,375

30.4% Colonels, Lt. Cols., Majors 18.2% Warrant Officers 0.5% Generals (BG, MG only)

0

20

40

60

80

69.7% of officers/warrant officers and 41.2% of all enlisted are married. Overall, 44.3% of the Guard is married.

100

percent

ncos 76.8% Sergeants, Staff Sergeants 16.1% Sergeants 1st Class 5.5% Master Sergeants 1.5% Sergeants Major

0

percent

20

40

60

22 www.army.mil/publications

80

100

families

ARMY Reserve Force

Strength

2008 197,024

2007 189,882

2006 189,975

$$ in billions

budget 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

$5.5

$5.9

$6.7

2006

2007

2008

ARMY

DIVERSITY of force 59.7% Whites 22.1% Blacks 12.2% Hispanics

RESERVE Breakout

Commissioned Officers Warrant Officers NCOs Enlisted (E-1 to E-4)

33,184 2,837 78,375 82,628

3.2% Asians 2.8% Others

0

20

40

60

80

100

percent

OFFICERS 40.0% Captains, Lieutenants

Women

46,935 women are currently serving in the Reserve. Commissioned 8,156 Warrants 409 NCO/Enlisted 38,370

51.8% Colonels, Lt. Cols., Majors 7.9% Warrant Officers 0.3% Generals (BG, MG only)

0

20

40

60

80

families

69.5% of officers/warrant officers and 40.1% of enlisted are married. Overall, 45.5% of the Reserve is married.

100

percent

ENLISTED 51.3% Privates, Corporals, Specialists 33.5% Sergeants, Staff Sergeants 9.5% Sergeants 1st Class 4.6% Master Sergeants 1.1% Sergeants Major

0

20

40

60

80

100

percent

Soldiers • March 2009 23

On Point The Army in Action

Iraq The U.S. Army 1-18th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Heavy Brigade delivers a payout from the U.S. government to a shop owner in Shulah, Iraq. The U.S. government distributes payouts or money to small businesses for improvements and upkeep of their shops. — Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Robert Whelan, USN

24 www.army.mil/publications

Soldiers • March 2009 25

army news Army receives first of 4,000 NEVs

D

but in the entire country.” Acquisition of the NEVs will help the Army “go green” by preventing the release of some 218.5 million pounds of carbon dioxide into the environment, the secretary said. The initial contract for 4,000 leased NEVs will cost less than the gasoline-powered vehicles they replace —$3,300 less than a gasoline-powered sedan, for instance, and $13,000 less than a hybrid vehicle, Geren said. The NEVs will be used to replace non-tactical vehicles only, Geren said. “The Army operates almost 68,000 non-tactical vehicles,” he said. The Global Electric Motorcars division of the Chrysler Corporation manufactured the first group of NEVs. The vehicles come in several variants, including passenger vehicles and cargocarrying vehicles—the largest of which carries a payload up to 1,450 pounds. — ARNEWS/C. Todd Lopez

C. Todd Lopez

ELIVERY of six small, batterypowered “neighborhood electric vehicles” to Fort Myer, Va., in January represents the beginning of a leasing action by the Army to obtain more than 4,000 of the NEVs. Secretary of the Army Pete Geren said the service will receive a total of 800 NEVs in 2009, and an additional 1,600 of the golf-cart sized vehicles in both 2010 and 2011. The vehicles will help the Army save money in both acquisition and in fuel savings, he said. Though there will be a small cost associated with installing infrastructure to charge the vehicles —about $800,000 total—that cost will be eclipsed by the savings, he said. “The Army is committed to substantially reducing the greenhouse gas emissions through our acquisition of Neighborhood Electric Vehicles,” Geren said. “This historic acquisition will constitute the largest acquisition of electric vehicles not just in the military,

The first six “neighborhood electric vehicles” were delivered to the Army, Jan. 12, during a ceremony at Fort Myer, Va. The delivery of the NEVs, which are entirely electric powered, represents the beginning of a leasing action by the Army to obtain more than 4,000 of the vehicles. The use of NEVs by the Army is part of its comprehensive and far-reaching energy security initiative to ease its dependence on fossil fuels.

26 www.army.mil/publications

v

Army coins to finance national museum

T

HE president signed into law the “United States Army Commemorative Coin Act of 2008” in December, authorizing the creation of a series of commemorative coins to recognize the Army’s history and its 234-year heritage. The U.S. Mint will work on six coin designs, front and back, with the Army Historical Foundation. Coins will be minted and sold during 2011 and come in a $5 gold piece, a silver dollar and a copper-clad half dollar. An estimated $10-$12 million of the sales revenues will help fund the National Museum of the United States Army slated for construction at Fort Belvoir, Va. “The Commemorative Coin Act will help raise the revenue needed to build a museum dedicated to the men and women who have for so long protected the sovereignty and freedom of our country,” said Sen. James M. Inhofe of Oklahoma. Designated in 2000 as the Army’s primary partner in building the museum, the Army Historical Foundation led the drive to establish the Army Commemorative Coins. “Passage of the commemorative coin legislation has been the only legislative priority of the Army Historical Foundation over the past 12 months, and we are very pleased to announce the success of this initiative,” said retired Brig. Gen. Creighton W. Abrams, AHF executive director. — Army Historical Foundation/Nick Rhinehart v

From the Army News Service and Other Sources New logo IDs equipment as ‘Army certified’

P

ROGRAM Executive Office Soldier has developed a “certification process” to help Soldiers identify off-theshelf clothing and equipment that meet the Army’s highest standards for safety, performance and durability. PEO-Soldier, the agency responsible for developing, acquiring and fielding Army equipment, recognizes

there is no one-solution fit that is universal to all Soldiers, so many look to the commercial market to augment Army-issued gear. However, not all off-the-shelf equipment and clothing labeled “milspec” has been actually certified for military use. Under the PEO-Soldier Certification Program, Approved Product Lists, or APLs, have been developed and are being adapted to incorporate various types of equipment as requirements are identified. Items presently on the APLs include eyewear, combat gloves and the family of flashlights. “The Army will always prioritize the

internal design, creation, testing and fielding of the best Army issue equipment available,” said Lt. Col. Michael Sloane, PEO-Soldier product manager for clothing and individual equipment. However, Sloane acknowledged there are suitable and reasonable alternatives outside the Army. Once certification is obtained, approved products are branded with the Army Team Soldier Certification logo. The logo also appears on issue items to help ensure Soldiers aren’t misled into purchasing knock-off items. “I think this is an excellent tool for Soldiers and leaders,” said Sgt. 1st Class William Corp, equipment modernization NCO for the product manager office. “It helps Soldiers make the best decisions possible when purchasing personal equipment.” — PEO-Soldier/Kathi Ghannam v

Leavenworth releases Leadership Transition Handbook

T

HE Combined Arms Center and Center for Army Leadership at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., has released a new handbook aimed at formalizing procedures for one of the most difficult periods any leader might encounter— transitioning into a new position of leadership. “The challenges of leadership are often greatest when there is a leadership transition, resulting in a shift in roles and responsibilities,” said Col. Bruce J. Reider, director of the Center for Army Leadership. “While the Army transitions leaders with regularity, it has not formalized this significant event in its leader development process.” Preparing to take command or to transition to any new position of

responsibility is a natural progression for Army leaders and is something that has always been taken seriously by those designated for it, but there has not been a systematic or standard approach that is taught or used to guide young leaders during this period of transition. Conducted properly, the transition period can lay the groundwork and provide a framework for action that helps minimize uncertainty and create the conditions for success, Center for Army Leadership officials said. Having a plan for the transition ensures leaders can maximize the opportunities and mitigate the challenges that arise during the process, they said, adding that the new Leadership Transitions Handbook will help to make these

transitions more successful. Sections in the Leadership Transitions Handbook include: • understanding yourself and the organization • conducting an initial assessment and building credibility • team building and establishing routines • sustaining organizational operations The Handbook is currently available at the Center for Army Leadership AKO Web site at https://www. us.army.mil/suite/page/376783, on LeaderNet at https://leadernet.bcks. army.mil/, and on the Combined Arms Center’s public access CAL Web site. — Center for Army Leadership/Scott Gibson v

Soldiers • March 2009 27

Diving into

Story & photos by Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Jayme Pastoric

(Background photo) Michael Blair smiles for the camera during a dive at Blue Beach as part of the Soldiers Undertaking Disabled Scuba program. The program teaches disabled and recovering wounded veterans how to scuba dive.

“I had some challenges going through some of the diver programs, like weight compensating for the injuries on my left side. I enjoyed overcoming challenges and achieving the same standards as everyone else for my rescue diver program.”

28 www.army.mil/publications

healing waters F

OR two years the volunteers of Soldiers Undertaking Disabled Scuba have taught more than 100 injured veterans how to dive. The program is designed to assist returning veterans injured in Afghanistan and Iraq with their rehabilitation at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington. The SUDS program uses the pools at Walter Reed for the initial training and then completes the cer-

tification dives in open water. Sergeant Shane Heath is a member of the Wounded Warrior Project, a program that caters to severely injured servicemembers during the time between active duty and their transition to civilian life. He lost part of his left arm and his left leg to an improvised explosive device in Iraq. Heath made his second trip to U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay with the SUDS SCUBA diving

Charles James Shaffer swims through the water during his first certification dive as part of the Soldiers Undertaking Disabled Scuba program, Dec 5, 2008. Several members of Joint Task Force Guantanamo volunteered to assist the program, which teaches recovering disabled and wounded veterans how to scuba dive.

Soldiers • March 2009 29

Charles James Shaffer swims through Guantanamo Bay during his first certification dive as part of the Soldiers Undertaking Disabled Scuba program. Several members of Joint Task Force Guantanamo volunteered to assist the program, which teaches disabled and wounded recovering veterans how to scuba dive.

program in December, and described the experience as rewarding. “I love coming to Guantanamo and diving,” Heath said. “I really enjoy diving with all of the guys and folks down here, everyone was awesome.” Heath earned his open water and advanced open water SCUBA qualification during his first trip to Guantanamo in late February 2008. “I got into diving to explore,” Heath said. “I wanted to see things

30 www.army.mil/publications

other people will never see.” Heath continued his SCUBA certification with certifications in mixed-gas Nitrox diving and has recently finished the rescue diver course. “I had some challenges going through some of the dive programs, like weight compensating for the injuries on my left side,” Heath said. “I enjoyed overcoming challenges and achieving the same standards as everyone else for my rescue diver

program.” John Thompson, SUDS president and certified SCUBA instructor, has been with the program since its inception. He works with the students on their initial pool training at Walter Reed Medical Center prior to their open-water dives. “It’s the most rewarding project I have ever been involved in,” Thompson said. “Many things are just easier to do in the water with these types of injuries.”

“It’s the most rewarding project I have ever been involved in. Many things are just easier to do in the water with these types of injuries.”

Thompson said the program does much more than assist with physical therapy alone. “It’s part rehabilitation, part confidence building, part adventure for these wounded warriors,” he explains. “I’m really inspired by the Soldiers at Walter Reed.” Heath has plans to do a lot of diving in the future, with an ultimate goal of becoming a certified SCUBA diving instructor. “I’m working on my Master Scuba Diving certification and getting all of the fun dives in that I can.” v

Petty Officer 1st Class Jayme Pastoric works for JTF Guantanamo Public Affairs

Divers swim over the reef during their certification dives as part of the Soldiers Undertaking Disabled Scuba program. The program teaches disabled and wounded recovering veterans how to scuba dive. Joint Task Force Guantanamo troopers volunteered their time to participate in the SUDS visit.

Soldiers • March 2009 31

Injured servicemembers participate in a beach cleanup at Blue Beach in Guantanamo Bay during their dive certification trip as part of the Soldiers Undertaking Disabled Scuba (SUDS) program.

V et returns to Guantanamo Bay Story by Pfc. Eric Liesse

W

ITHIN U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba’s community, scuba diving is a wildly popular activity. The Bay offers many unique opportunities for first-time and advanced divers. That is why the Soldiers Undertaking Disabled Scuba Diving Program, a non-profit organization out of Walter Reed Army Medical Center, came to Guantanamo—to get wounded veterans in the water. The program, a chapter of Wounded Warriors and Disabled Sports Project, teaches disabled and wounded recovering veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom how to scuba dive, or helps them get certified on more advanced programs such as rescue diving. One former Soldier, recovering from severe injuries sustained in Iraq, joined the program and came to Guantanamo with a special connection to the base: he used to live there. “My mom is the banker, and my stepdad is a contractor,” said Charles James Shaffer, a former private first class who was with the 1st Infantry Division in Mosul, Iraq, when he was wounded. On Sept. 1, 2008, Shaffer was in Mosul conducting route clearance in a

32 www.army.mil/publications

procession of tactical vehicles. “There a kid was with a shape charge,” Shaffer said. “He detonated it on our vehicle, injuring (the four of us) in our vehicle. Then we were hit by a cratering explosive while we were decelerating.” The attack mangled and severed Shaffer’s right leg and his lungs were badly burned. After treatment in Germany, he was admitted to Walter Reed, Sept. 5, and regained consciousness a few days later. “My first question was, ‘How many died?’” Shaffer said. “My second question was, ‘Am I paralyzed?’” He was happy to learn he still had use of his remaining limbs, though he knew the recovery would not be quick. Shaffer currently lives in Walter Reed’s assistedliving homes while he recovers. Shaffer’s involvement with the SUDS program came at the suggestion of his mother. “My mother told me about it, and she said it would be fun,” said Shaffer. He joined the SUDS program, doing some work in pools at Walter Reed. In what he calls “coincidence,” SUDS was planning a trip to come to Guantanamo Bay—just one of many dive sites the program has visited—so he made sure he was able to go.

Shaffer, a 24-year-old from O’Fallon, Ill., lived in Guantanamo as a child, from 1988 until 1992. His mother has been working on-island for about 20 years, while his stepfather has been here as a contractor for about 36 years. The base is very different now according to Shaffer, especially with Joint Task Force Guantanamo aboard. Shaffer’s last visit to the base was July 2001, so he considered coming to finish his diving certification an excellent opportunity. “They asked me if I could swim,” said Shaffer. “I said, ‘Well, I could try.’ I used to be a really great swimmer, before the accident.” Now, he swims using webbed gloves to help propel him through the water, allowing him to swim almost as fast as before. After five days at Guantanamo and pool time in the States, Shaffer has logged eight dives. The December Guantanamo trip was not the first for the SUDS program. They made a trip there in February 2008, teaching wounded veterans the proper techniques of scuba diving. Shaffer said he wants to continue diving, hopefully sticking to the ocean. He also plans to see his unit come home when their deployment is scheduled to end in the spring. v

Year of the NCO

My two basic responsibilities will always be uppermost in my mind— accomplishment of my mission and the welfare of my Soldiers.

2009 www4.army.mil/yearofthenco Soldiers • March 2009 33

Cyber-Recruiting Story and photos by Sgt. Carl N. Hudson

B

EFORE future Soldiers can provide for the Army, the Army provides for its future Soldiers. When recruiters approach potential recruits, they take into consideration multiple factors such as job experience, interests, college aspirations and tuition needs, or even cash bonus incentives. However, concerned and skeptical citizens may find it difficult to approach a recruiter. That’s where cyberrecruiting comes in. The U.S. Army Recruiting Headquarters, at Fort Knox, Ky., houses

WWW.GOARMY.COM

more than 40 cyber-recruiters who work between 8 a.m. and midnight to help anyone with questions concerning the Army and how it takes care of its Soldiers. “The concept of cyber-recruiting originated with a chat room,” said John J. Dunlosky, Customer Support Communications Center branch manager at the recruiting headquarters. “Internet capability interlinked the voice of the U.S. Army with the American public to give them a forum where the public can ask questions, gain information and receive a professional answer.”

Staff Sgt. Roger L. Whaley speaks with Phillip McDonald about the possibility of becoming a journalist or X-ray technician for the Army at the U.S. Army Recruiting Station in Radcliff, Ky. Leads obtained by the Cyber Recruiting Center are often followed up by recruiters after qualifying information about the potential Soldier has been submitted.

34 www.army.mil/publications

With the cyber-recruiting concept, the Army can offer a unique answer to every question as opposed to variations of the same answer, he said. Along with the chat rooms, cyberrecruiters can also offer one-on-one attention to possible recruits through the use of email. Through this medium, potential Soldiers can receive immediate, credible information through a more private exchange. A recruiter can provide information on jobs available, incentives, individual needs and other matters, Dunlosky explained. “The representatives in our staff bring 500 years worth of Army experience to the table,” he said. “If someone wants to know about aviation in the Army, I’ve got an ex-aviation guy sitting out there ready to answer questions, or if they want to know about infantry, ex-infantry guys are out there. Chances are we have someone who used to be in that job field out there to help out the future recruit.” Not only are potential recruits able to access the chat room, but their families and friends are also able to log on and obtain information as well. The cyber environment also allows for anonymity. “Anybody can log in under whatever name they choose to pose questions they want answered,” said Dunlosky. “As long as they maintain ‘chat-etiquette,’ they’re welcome to come in and chat with each other or with the representatives.” In September 1999, the Army decided to reach out through the Internet to possible recruits in order to take advantage of a format that appeals to the current generation. “Our first year, we only had 49,000

Zuber Arif, a cyber-recruiter and linguist, provides expert knowledge to future Soldiers considering careers as linguists. Former Soldiers and recruiters of various military occupational specialties are on site at the Cyber Recruiting Center, U.S. Army Recruiting Headquarters at Fort Knox, Ky., to help citizens inquiring about a variety of jobs offered by the Army.

chat users,” said George Silva, operations manager. “Since 9/11, cyberrecruiting has really picked up.” Cyber-recruiters have assisted in bringing more than 27,000 enlisted troops into the Army’s ranks, according to the Cyber Recruiting Center. “In time, recruiters began to look forward to the leads that we (cyberrecruiters) began to pick up,” said Silva. “All these employees are priorservice in the military and former recruiters,” he said. “They’re here to share their experiences, and they know what qualifications a future recruit must have to gain the job they want.” Recruiters continue working to build the ranks of today’s fast and ready Army, and that means keeping up with today’s generation and technology. “Technology grows and society changes, so we grow and change with it,” said Silva. “Everybody is fast paced.” Anyone who has questions or may be interested in the mentorship program to help new or future Soldiers can access information at: http://www.goarmy.com. v

Jeffrey A. Kuwaye, a cyber-recruiter at the U.S. Army Recruiting Center at Fort Knox, Ky., talks with potential Soldiers through the chat room provided on goarmy.com. Cyber-recruiters offer a variety of information and give future Soldiers a chance to double-check their information before making the final step to join the Army.

Sgt. Carl N. Hudson works for the 7th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Cyber-recruiters at the U.S. Army Recruiting Headquarters at Fort Knox, Ky., chat with potential recruits, communicate through email, check for qualifications and provide leads to local recruiters. According to the Cyber Recruiting Center, more than 25 percent of individuals who used the chat room in 2007 have joined the Army.

WWW.GOARMY.COM

Soldiers • March 2009 35

Facing the

36 www.army.mil/publications

enemy within S Story by 1st Lt. Jay Ostrich

Courtesy of La

ra Phillips

HE has a sweet, welcoming smile and calm, easygoing demeanor. But don’t be fooled—there’s a war raging around this Soldier. The enemy is at the gate and it’s trying to kill her every second of the day. Unlike her comrades, who are readying for deployment to Iraq with the 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, the enemy she faces is within. It’s called rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare form of juvenile cancer, and this former Pennsylvania National Guard member is waging a war against it to save her life. Meet 18-year-old Lara Phillips of East Pikeland Township, Pa., who was looking forward to typical teenage rights of passage like graduating high school and prom. She also had a strong sense of patriotism and a military family background, which led her to enlist. She was excited about doing computer encryption for Stryker and helping fight the war on terror. “I just wanted to be a part of something much bigger than myself,” said Phillips, who described herself as rebellious to authority and an unlikely Soldier. “People told me I’d never make it in the Army and the Guard, but I knew that’s what I wanted and I was going to fight for it.” During her weekend drills with the Recruit Sustainment Program in 2008, Phillips took a shine to her new-found profession by finding comfort in ca-

(left) Smiling ear to ear, Lara proudly displays her “beads of courage” necklace. “Beads of Courage” mark milestones in a young cancer patient’s treatment plan.

maraderie and strength in her Soldier’s Handbook. In it she would embrace core values like personal courage and duty. She took a particular liking to the Soldier’s Creed, especially the words, “I will never accept defeat. I will never quit.” “I loved being in uniform and the sense of pride and team that went along with it,” said Phillips. “Rules started to all make sense and I was looking forward to boot camp and deploying with Stryker.” Little did she know her deployment to war was well at hand. After a particularly challenging drill shortly before her 18th birthday, Phillips returned home to rest. “The drills were always challenging, but this one really knocked me off my feet,” said Phillips. “Something just wasn’t right.” In the process of recovery, she discovered a subcutaneous cyst on her pelvis that suddenly grew to the size of a softball. Alarmed by the growth and unusual sense of fatigue, Phillips went to the doctor to have tests done. A week later, the biopsy returned. It was cancer. Subsequent tests would reveal tumors throughout her entire body. Her doctors confirmed the diagnosis as a cancer commonly referred to as “rhab-

1st Lt. Jay Ostrich Gazing at her senior photo, Lara reflects on her old hairstyle and new lifestyle while fighting cancer.

g thin e m of so told me t r a pa People e e b f. d th to l e n d s a y e ant n m e Army nted w a a t h w s t I h “I ju bigger in t hat t w i s e ’ h t k ” tha muc ver ma r it. w o f e t n e h k I’d n , but I o fig t g rd in s go Gua a w I Soldiers • March 2009 37 and

Courtesy of Phillips family Before heading into experimental treatment, Lara Phillips addresses her high school commencement audience with a message of perseverence and hope.

38 www.army.mil/publications

do,” which according to the National Cancer Institute is a fast-growing, highly malignant attack on the body’s connective tissue. It often attaches to muscle or wraps around intestines, but can prey almost anywhere in the body. Her initial prognosis was poor, if not defeating: a 5 percent chance of survival. In an instant, Phillips went from battling the trials of boot camp to battling for her life. Defeating a foe when you are given less than a 5 percent chance of prevailing is daunting enough to make most people surrender. Not Phillips. Her sadness centered only on returning her uniform to her unit, who told her to keep it throughout her battle. “But I probably won’t be this weight again,” joked a grateful Phillips, who thanked her fellow Soldiers before turning to greater concerns. But the war was not over. The battles raged on as the cancer kept a steady attack against her system, often leaving her weak and teetering on defeat. Like any good Soldier, Phillips kept faith in herself and what she learned from her military instructors. She knew that to win the war, you need a good battle buddy. Enter her mother, Amy, whose father rose to the ranks of lieutenant colonel in the Air Force and worked under the legendary hero Brig. Gen. W.W. “Bill” Spruance, who taught thousands of Airmen from personal experience how to save lives in perilous situations. Amy knew it wouldn’t be easy, but with the dogma of a drill sergeant and the love of a doting mother, she and Lara set out to kill the cancer and beat the odds. The “Phillips Army” developed a hardcore daily regimen that would put any basic training plan to shame. Every aspect of her day, from what to eat to when to rest was mapped out and followed precisely. They even plotted on spreadsheets and charts variations in strength or when the therapy would make her weak—that way Lara never got discouraged when the pain and bad times came. But as of late July, greater dangers

1st Lt. Jay Ostrich

lay ahead. The experimental 54-week study and treatment was about to intensify. With seven, high-dose chemicals and constant radiation, this new and unproven treatment was designed to take her white blood cell count to zero, thereby killing the cancer, but leaving her vulnerable to virtually any disease present. “I have to be disciplined with this, so it’s just like boot camp,” said a hopeful and smiling Phillips. “They are going to tear me down to build me back up. But attitude is everything—you can still have fun with something that’s awful. I know if I let the little things get to me, I’m going to lose.” Just hours before entering into treatment at A.I. DuPont Hospital for Children in Wilmington, Del., Phillips reflected on her days in uniform, the Soldier’s Creed and the strength they would give her in battle. “I’m going to beat this and I am going to fight until I can’t fight anymore,” said a weakened Phillips. “Failure just isn’t an option—I will not fail. I must win this fight so others can live.” And fight she would. Through an intense battle with pain and weakness, Phillips pressed on as six of her fellow juvenile cancer warriors would pass away beside her. “It hit home what cancer was all about,” said Phillips who knows her success in this experimental study could bring hope and life to many. “But I was determined to finish what I started.” For her mother, it was during these darker moments that she became thankful Lara had experienced the military lifestyle. “Every time she gets down, she sits and writes the Soldier’s Creed,” said Amy, who admitted that she was reluctant at first for Lara to join the military. “We put it up on her hospital wall to keep her going. It’s been her mantra— it’s the only way to survive the battle she’s in now.” For Lara, the handbook and creed will never be just words on paper or something to blindly memorize. “I know it sounds strange, but the warrior ethos keeps me going. There

are good lessons in there for everyday life,” said Phillips. “They drill those into your head when you train so you don’t forget. There’s no way I’ll ever forget them.” Her dedication to military values and sheer determination would result in bittersweet news received shortly after Veterans Day. Just hours after her friend and admirer Lt. Gov. Catherine Baker Knoll lost her battle against cancer, her latest tests would reveal a tumor-free body for Lara—it was a tactical victory as planned and a road to victory. Along with Knoll, Maj. Gen. Jessica L. Wright, Pennsylvania adjutant general, met Lara at the state capital this past summer and was moved by her grit and perseverance. The news could not have come at a better time. “I marvel at the bravery and courage shown by the Soldiers and Airmen of the Pennsylvania National Guard, and Lara has shown these same attributes in this very intense battle with this life-threatening cancer,” said Wright. “Her indomitable spirit and determination are truly inspirational to me.” Phillips can’t tell you many details about her particular cancer—to her they aren’t important. She just conLara Phillips

“I’m g oing t ob going to figh eat this an d I am t unti anym l I can ore,” s aid a ’t figh lips. “ t weake Failu ned P re just will n h isn’t a ilot fai n opti l. I mu so oth on—I st win ers ca this fi n live ght .”

Soldiers • March 2009 39

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. Catharine Baker Knoll hosted a lunch for Lara Phillips on the Capitol’s portico, June 30, 2008. Also in attendance were Maj. Gen. Jessica L. Wright, adjutant general of the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, and Sen. Andy Dinniman. Sadly, Lt. Gov. Knoll lost her battle with cancer, Nov. 12.

centrates every day on what she needs to do to survive and return home permanently, free of the terror trying to take her life. At only 18, Lara Phillips, now as thin, hairless and tired as a basic training recruit, cannot tell you the meaning of life, but ask her a question about survival or reaching goals and she is quick to reveal the meaning in life. “People will tell you, you can’t do it,” said Phillips. “Heck, people told me I wouldn’t make it in the Guard. They told me I wouldn’t beat cancer. You just need to fight with what you want in life, never take it for granted and never give up.” Like many returning warriors, Phillips wants desperately to leave behind a legacy knowing that the pain and sacrifices she made were not made in vain. Reminded by continuing therapy and her loving mother that she isn’t home 40 www.army.mil/publications

free yet, she permits herself moments to think beyond the cancer battlefield. Her dreams include returning to the Guard and earning a bachelor’s degree in office management or accounting—hopefully somewhere down south where it is warmer, Phillips muses. But if you really want to see the twinkle in her bright blue eyes, ask her about her fellow Soldiers in the Pennsylvania National Guard or the young children who share her war on cancer. “If there’s anything I do with my life it is going to be helping others who suffer from this,” said Phillips. “I want to use what happened to me to bring child cancer awareness and motivate others along the way.” Ask anyone who has come in contact with her and not surprisingly you find Phillips is well on the way to reaching her goals. “I look forward to the day when

she can return to the Guard and share the tremendous gifts she has to offer,” said Wright. “She is a Soldier we can all learn from and a person we can all admire.” But for today, Phillips simply reaches into her beloved Army Combat Uniform and pulls out the now tattered Soldier’s Handbook, thumbing through the well-annotated and worn pages for another nugget of inspiration. Like any warrior, she is now ready to turn the page, come back from her war and start writing a new chapter in life. As of this publication date, Lara Phillips is still undergoing the rigors of her 54-week experimental treatment at Alfred I. DuPont Hospital for Children. To follow her progress and support her fight, more information can be found at www.caringbridge.org/visit/ laraphillips. v

www.army.mil/facesofstrength SPC Monica Brown Specialist Monica Brown joined the Army when she was 17 because her brother had joined and she didn’t want him to be alone. Match that kind of compassion with professional medical training and you begin to understand why she disregarded her own safety and put

herself in the direct line of fire to provide life-saving medical attention to fellow Soldiers wounded by an IED. It might also explain why she was awarded one of our Nation’s highest honors, the Silver Star.

The Nation’s strength starts here.

s r e n r a G e h t t e e M in arms s Story by Jacqueline M. Hame

pose before he youngest son, Jacob, Betsy Garner and her ning at Fort Gordon, Ga. trai ual ivid ind ed anc leaves for adv

loading Bradley surveys the area while 1st Lt. Ephraim Garner t Hood, Texas. For in n trai a vehicles onto

e his first jump with the 82nd Capt. Philip Garner poses befor . photo ted unda an in ion Divis Airborne

Brothers

er Isabella upon Paula and daught r poses with wife 8. Capt. Philip Garne ond deployment to Iraq in March 200 returning from his sec

and Ezra, sons, Max (saluting) r, his wife Heather and 8. 1st Lt. Ephraim Garne promotion ceremony, November 200 s smile after Ephraim’

en Garner h their son Jensen wh his wife Sara pose wit Sgt. Alex Garner and t. 21, 2008. Oc returned from Iraq,

(All photos these pages

42 www.army.mil/publications

courtesy of the Garner

family)

H

AVING one family member in the Army can be stressful—constantly worrying about the Soldier’s safety, about moving to a new place and other day-to-day occurrences unique to military life. But what would it be like to have all your sons in the Army? For some, that concept would be downright terrifying. For the Garner family it’s perfectly natural. Lieutenant Col. Ronald Garner has been in the Army for 24 years. All five of his children—four boys and one girl—have been there to watch his Army career, from battle dress uniforms to temporary duty in Latin America. Garner currently works as a foreign-area officer to Latin America for the Executive Office of the President, Office of National Drug Control Policy. He is fluent in Spanish, having lived and worked in Latin America for many years. His children are all fluent in either Spanish or Portuguese, he says, and handled the challenges of Army life very well. Now, the boys have all followed in their father’s footsteps and joined the Army. “It’s unusual. It’s exciting,” Garner said about having all of his sons in the Army. “You don’t anticipate that, you don’t push them in that direction. But now that it’s happened, it’s exciting. We’re very proud of what they have chosen to do.” The four Garner sons span the ranks and components of the Army. The oldest, Philip, is a captain currently assigned to the Army Logistics Management College at Fort Lee, Va., for the Combined Logistics Captains Career Course. Ephraim, the second oldest, is a first lieutenant at Fort Hood with 3rd Brigade, 1st Calvary Division. Sgt. Alex Garner is stationed in Germany, having returned from a deployment in Iraq in October with A Company, 1-2 Stryker Cavalry Regiment. Pvt. Jacob Garner, is the youngest of the Garner children, is enrolled in advanced individual training at Fort Gordon, Ga., as part of the 19th Special Forces Group, Utah National Guard.

All the Garner sons are currently on active duty, said Garner, though he and his wife Betsy are not overly worried about having all of them deployed at the same time. “You think about it, but you don’t worry about it all the time,” Garner said. “It’s part of our life.” The relationship between the members of the Garner family is much stronger because of the common link of being in or connected to the Army. “Now that our sons have made the decision to be in the Army, it has brought us closer still because we share that bond,” Betsy Garner said. “In other ways, it is hard for me as their mother because they seem to be sent places far from our home. I miss them, their wives and our grandchildren.” In fact, the Garners have already experienced a dual deployment: Philip

“When people are putting their lives on the line for my family the only right thing to do is join them and pull my weight.” and Alex were stationed on the same outpost in Baghdad last year. For Philip, that was one of the best moments in his Army career. Alex’s Stryker company was attached to Philip’s battalion for about seven months, Philip said. Though they never went on missions together, they found comfort in each other’s presence. “I am very grateful for my opportunity to serve our country with him,” Philip said. Philip, being the eldest, believes he set the precedent for following in their father’s footsteps. He decided to join the Army because of his patriotic upbringing, along with the example of his father, and received a commission from the Army Reserve Officer’s Training Corps program at Brigham Young University. “I realized that there wasn’t really anything else that I would rather do

than serve my country in the Army,” Philip said. He acknowledges that Army life is hard at times, both on the Soldier and the Family. Previously assigned to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Philip has been through two deployments to Iraq. “The hardest thing that I have ever done was to leave my wife and 10-dayold daughter at the end of my R&R leave during my last deployment,” Philip explained. When he returned from his deployment in March 2008, his daughter Isabella was 11 months old. He has missed his wife Paula’s last four birthdays as well. “In the end, we both feel that the sacrifices are worth it and that it is my duty to serve,” he added. “That all sounds pretty cheesy, but that’s really how we feel.” Though being in the Army and performing duties as a Soldier is a serious job, occasionally it has its silly moments. Alex Garner is the perfect example of a lighter side of Army life. Described as a “fun loving” guy by his dad, Sgt. Garner is famed throughout his family for a YouTube video: “Operation Iraqi Freestyle.” The video was born out of boredom sometimes experienced while on deployment to Iraq, Alex explained. He heard the song “Scatman” from the film “Nothing to Lose” and began dancing— with his boots on fire (www.youtube. com/watch?v=ulbjaEprP5E). “It became imperative to act out the scene” after hearing the song, Alex said. Using a little bit of lighter fluid, a friend lit the toes of Alex’s combat boots on fire and he danced around until the flames went out. In the video Alex’s friends and fellow Soldiers can be heard laughing, and Alex himself dances with the goofiest of grins. But don’t let this strange instance fool you into thinking Alex is not serious about his job. “When people are putting their lives on the line for my family the only right thing to do is join them and pull my weight,” he said. His wife Sara is in complete agreement. Alex claims that she has a deeper sense of patriotism than he does. “She feels freakishly strong about Soldiers • March 2009 43

service to the country,” he added. Alex jokes that having all of his brothers and father in the Army has taken them farther apart, but believes that they are all doing their duty. “It really does evoke a sense of pride to know my whole family has done our job,” he said. Ephraim admits, like his siblings, that an Army lifestyle doesn’t allow the family to get together as often as everyone would like. However, having his brothers in the service with him gives them some common ground. He asked both Alex and Philip about what it’s like being deployed in preparation for his own tour, which began in December. “It will be my first deployment and I am excited to see what will happen during the next year,” Ephraim said. As a platoon leader he is most concerned with carrying out successful missions and getting the Soldiers under his command home safely. Leaving his two young sons and wife, Heather, will be difficult, Ephraim says, especially for the older boy, who at 2 years old may not understand why Dad has to leave. But he is confident Heather and the boys will be able to turn to his mom and sisters-inlaw for advice and comfort. “My wife knows her sisters-in-law will understand her frustrations and the stress that comes with being an Army wife,” Ephraim said. Lieutenant Col. Garner said Betsy is close with her daughters-in-law. The women talk to each other frequently about what it’s like to be an Army spouse. Betsy has plenty of advice on the subject, discussing things to watch out for and things to do to help the children transition easily when the family moves. Garner cites Betsy as an enthusiastic example for younger Soldiers’ wives. “If my wife is patriotic, my mother is a zealot,” Alex said about his mom’s passion for Army life. “She loves it.” Mom has “always been an example of service and dedication that I can hope to follow,” Ephraim agreed. Betsy would talk about the whole family being in the Army when the 44 www.army.mil/publications

The Garners travel the globe VIRGINIA

TEXAS

GEORGIA

South America

Lt. Col. Ronald Garner

children were growing up, not just their dad. As her husband was getting ready to join the Army, Betsy would talk about where they would go and what the family would do in the Army. “One day Ephraim, who was four years old at the time, said to me ‘Mom, when we’re in the Army will we live in tents?’” Betsy said. “We always talked about us being in the Army, not Dad. I had not stopped to think what a 4-year-old might think about that,” she said. The Guardsman in the family, Jacob, is also the youngest Garner child. He is “just out of high school,” Lt. Col. Garner says, with a 10-year age difference between him and Philip.

Because of his training at AIT, Jacob was unavailable for comment. According to his dad, Jacob joined the Guard because of the example his older brothers set. He saw them joining the Army and decided that was what he wanted to do as well. “He cited them as the reason and example behind his going,” Garner said. “I am so proud of the decisions our children have made,” Betsy added. For her, the ability of her sons to serve the country is an honor and a privilege that ultimately brings the family closer together. “People who are unfamiliar with such a lifestyle often asked me how I dealt with the constant change and

GERMANY

IRAQ

Capt. Philip Garner and his brother, Sgt. Alex Garner, then a specialist, pose in an undated photo while stationed together in Iraq. Alex’s Stryker company was attached to his older brother’s battalion for more than seven months.

Pvt. Jacob Garner (center) is surrounded by family after graduating from basic training at Fort Jackson, S.C., Oct. 24, 2008. His oldest brother, Capt. Philip Garner and sister-in-law Paula (left), parents, Lt. Col. Ronald Garner and Betsy, and niece Isabella (right) were there to support him on graduation day.

instability,” Hayley Roggia, the only Garner daughter, said. “To me, the question is faulty; I didn’t feel any kind of instability in my childhood.” Hayley emphasized that leaving school friends behind when the family moved was not an issue, because she always had her brothers. “Home was wherever my family was,” she said. “The moves brought them together,” Garner said, explaining that his children appear to have a closer relationship than normal siblings. “They just had fun together.” The older boys were always on a sports team together, Garner said, and Hayley always had an older brother looking out for her in school.

“I am incredibly grateful for the pride and patriotism that was instilled in all of us as children,” Hayley said. “I think I was destined to spend my own adult life with someone who has an understanding of this pride.” Hayley married a childhood friend she met at Fort Benning, a young man from an Army family. Adam Roggia, her husband, is planning to attend the Army’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program starting in 2009, and become an officer and physical therapist. Hayley and her husband have one daughter, Ellie, whom they tell stories of her “incredible” Army family, even though she is not yet old enough to understand.

“I was always so proud of my cool, tough Army Dad,” Hayley said, “and I feel the same way about four Army brothers now.” Growing up in a military family can be difficult, with parents deployed or out of town on a regular basis. Moving to different towns every few years can also cause a family a considerable amount of stress. But for the Garners, all these difficulties only enhance the bonds they share. “I wouldn’t trade it for any other life,” Betsy said. v Check out what the Garner clan is up to now! Visit the family blog at http:// garnerstrong.blogspot.com. Soldiers • March 2009 45

Sharp Shooters

Soldiers assigned to the 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team, North Carolina Army National Guard, practice urban combat in a training village at Camp Shelby, Miss. The Soldiers are preparing to deploy to Iraq. (Photo by Air Force Tech. Sgt. Brian E. Christiansen)

46 www.army.mil/publications

Staff Sgt. Kristen Poe, an Intelligence Analyst assigned to the 4th Special Troops Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division “Long Knives,” delivers a school bag to an Iraqi girl at the UR Primary School, located in the southern Iraqi city of Nasiriyah. Poe, along with fellow Soldiers assigned to the battalion’s personal security detachment, handed out more than 200 school bags and supplies during the visit. (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Damian Steptore)

The ground guides are the eyes for the drivers as trucks are slowly moved onto rail cars at the railhead, Fort Hood, Texas. This is all in preparation for the Soldiers of the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, to make their movement to the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, Calif. (Photo by Sgt. Travis Zielinski)

Soldiers • March 2009 47

“OF S

T TES

OL

ON

I E D R L S O ” S P HOT Y B , S O R E C I D

Send us your best photo and it could be on THE COVER OF SOLDIERS MAGAZINE • Must be taken OF a Soldier and BY a Soldier • Submission deadline: April 21, 2009 • Only one photo submission per Soldier • Photograph must be high resolution (Three megapixels or greater in size) • Need photographers’ full contact information, including unit address, supervisor’s telephone number and personal telephone

• Images should be composed vertically, and action should be directed to the right • A detailed caption must accompany the photo; full names; ranks and units of Soldiers in the photo (if children are depicted, no names required); and nomenclature of any vehicles or equipment pictured

Email your photos (and any questions) to: [email protected]

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STAR ART T PU P SH HIN NG YO OU UR RS SE ELF LF FURTHE TH HER.

START MAJORING IN LEADERSHIP.

STAR RT HI H GHER R THAN HA H AN YOU YO OU T TH HOU OUGH GHT T POSS PO OSS S IB BLE E.

START MAJORING IN COURAGE.

ST S TA AR RT C CO O OMM MM M MA AN NDI NDI DING G MO OR RE AT ATTE TENT NT TION ION. IO

START MAJORING IN CONFIDENCE.

START STRONG.

SM

In Army ROTC, you’ll gain the classroom and leadership experience needed to succeed in any field. Many of today’s CEOs and top leaders started out here. Also, when you enroll, you could qualify for a full-tuition, merit-based scholarship, and upon graduation earn a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the Army, Army Reserve, or Army National Guard. There’s strong. Then there’s Army Strong. Find out more at goarmy.com/rotc/startstrong.

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