The Morning Calm Korea Weekly - Feb. 16, 2007

Volume 5, Issue 17

P UBLISHED F OR T HOSE S ERVING Lunar New Year Holiday weekend preparations

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KATUSA Soldiers make impact at CIF Page 21

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Feb. 16, 2007

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nline Visit http://ima.korea.army.mil

‘Army Strong’ hits home

KAIAC cheerleading competition held at Henry

By Virginia Reza Fort Bliss Public Affairs

FORT BLISS, Texas Loyalty and allegiance by definition means faithfulness to whatever one is tied to, by duty, pledge or promise. It’s a person’s willingness to devote their moral and intellectual resources bigheartedly and enthusiastically, which V R describes Sgt. Maj. Brent Sgt. Maj. Brent Jurgersen motivates his son, Chase, to get fit for his upcoming enlistment. Jurgersen, the first full limb amputee student to attend the Army He’s glad to be alive, loves being Sergeants Major Academy. part of the Army family and especially Not even two near-death likes interacting and getting together encounters deterred his passion and with his family, friends, peers and the eagerness to serve his country and wealth of people from diverse lead his troops back home. backgrounds whom he has met at the Jurgersen celebrated his second academy. “alive day” anniversary Jan. 26. During Operation Iraqi Freedom II, It was a day of mixed emotions for Jurgersen was the first sergeant for him because on that same day two Headquarters and Headquarters years ago he was given a second Troop, 1st Squadron, 4th U.S. Cavalry, chance to live. It was a day that 1st Infantry Division, based at Samarra changed his life forever. While on East Airfield, Iraq. He also served as patrol in Ad Dyuliah, Iraq, two rocket- the noncommissioned officer in charge propelled grenades struck his of Forward Operating Base Humvee. MacKenzie, Iraq supporting more than The explosion killed his gunner and 1,600 Soldiers, Airmen and civilians. left Jurgersen fighting for his life, flatlining twice on the operating table in See Army , Page 4 Balad. IRGINIA

EZA

See page 16 for story and additional photos GALEN PUTNAM

Contract V erification System approaches deadline Verification By Area II Public Affairs Special to The Morning Calm

YONGSAN GARRISON, Republic of Korea — A new system to verify contractors applying for Common Access Cards started here October 2006. Soon, paper applications will no longer be accepted. “The DD 1172-2 application form will no longer be used for contractors after Feb. 28,” said Area II Human Resources Director Steven Carpenter. The Contractor Verification System, or CVS, replaces the DD Form 1172-2 “Application for

Department of Defense Common Access Card DEERS Enrollment.” As a Web-based system, CVS allows Department of Defense contractors to apply for a Common Access Card electronically via the Internet. Government sponsors are responsible for approving the contractor applications to receive CACs. Homeland Security Presidential Directive No. 12, dated Jan. 14, 2006, mandated the establishment of secure and reliable forms of personal identification for all federal civilians

and contractors. Contractor information in the DEERS database is available to the services as a resource to establish corporate level databases facilitating top level management actions such as analytical and statistical analysis as well as providing the basis for worldwide contractor accountability,” Carpenter said. “Government sponsors are responsible for approving contractor applications,” Carpenter said. “Contractors who are required to obtain a CAC are required to register in CVS before reporting to the installation CAC issuing point.”

Trusted Agents Security Managers, or TASMs, who are the contractor’s contracting officer representative will be required to establish contact with the installation point of contact for CVS to establish an account. After activation, the contracting officer representative can further delegate and establish trusted agents within their organization who can authorize access to CVS, which enables contractors to input their required information and therefore be eligible for a CAC. For information online visit, https:// www.dmdc.osd.mil/appj/cvs/login.

Commentary

16, 2007 http://ima.korea.army.mil/morningcalmweekly 2 Feb.

History of K orean holiday to Soldiers Korean

MP Blotter The following entries were excerpted from the military police blotters. These entries may be incomplete and do not imply the guilt or innocence of any person.

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Area 2 Wrongful Possession of Drugs (Steroids), Wrongful Use of Drugs, Preliminary Investigation established probable cause to believe Subject 1 committed the offenses of Wrongful Possession and Use of Controlled Substances when CID discovered and seized various types of suspected steroids from his off post residence. On Jan. 31, Subject 1 was interviewed and admitted he wrongfully possessed and used steroids. The investigation continues by CID. Area 4 Assault Consummated by a Battery, Failure to Identify, Curfew Violator, Subject 1 and Victim 1 were involved in a verbal altercation which turned physical when Subject 1 struck Victim 1 multiple times with a closed hand and his knees. Subject 1 voluntarily surrendered himself to the Daegu Jung-Bu KNP Station but failed to identify himself as a military member. Subject 1 was charged by KNP under Special Korean Law ART 2, PARA 2 (Violation of Law on Punishment of Violent Acts). Subject 1 was released into MP custody on a CJ Form 2 and transported to the Camp Walker PMO where he was advised of his legal rights, which he waived, rendering a written sworn statement admitting to the offenses. Subject 1 was processed and released to his unit. Victim 1 was transported by unknown means to Seong Seo Severance Dermatology where he was treated and released for abrasions to the right side of his face. The investigation continues by KNP and MPI, with KNP as the lead investigative agency. Area 5 Traffic Accident With Injuries, Subject 1, operating a POV, while traveling northbound adjacent to Hyundai APTs crossed from the center lane into the left lane in front of Victim 1, operating a MOPED with Victim 2 as a passenger, in an effort to perform an illegal U-turn and was struck by Victim 1’s MOPED, while he was traveling straight in the left lane. Damages to Subject 1’s vehicle consisted of dents and scratches to the front left fender and headlight assembly. Damages to Victim 1’s vehicle rendered it inoperable. Victim 1 has been treated and is currently under observation at Jung Ang Sung Sim Hospital for injuries consisting of a fractured thigh bone and shin bone and will be hospitalized for 8 weeks. Victim 2 sustained a bruise on his left hip but will not require hospitalization. KNP informed Subject 1 to report the accident to the Osan AB SFCC. Subject 1 also received instructions to report to the Pyeongtaek KNP Station.

S E N D S # 15-07

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pray to be one day reunited with their This year, Lunar New Year— families. Within our own USFK also known as “Sol-Lal”—will family, this festive weekend occur on Feb. 18. During that translates into an opportunity to weekend, millions of Koreans enhance our knowledge and from across the peninsula will appreciate Korea’s rich 5,000-year travel to their ancestral culture. I encourage everyone to visit hometowns to be with their one of Korea’s many parks and families, prepare traditional palaces during this weekend as well Korean meals, visit family burial as the National Museum of Korea sites and celebrate the New Year. that will host traditional Korean Sol-Lal is considered the Gen. B.B. Bell events in celebration of the holiday. equivalent of our Christmas and As you spend the weekend with your family, New Year’s celebration rolled into one, making it a day rich in tradition and a very please take a moment to reflect on our host important holiday for our Korean neighbors. country’s traditions and the enormous respect Koreans put forth a tremendous effort this for family, remembrance and relationships that holiday weekend to honor their families and the holiday represents. We can all learn and share pay respect to their ancestors, enduring in the spirit of hope and giving, and together, bumper-to-bumper traffic and driving for support an important pillar in our mission as a friend, ally and good neighbor to the Republic of hours to be with their relatives. For the Koreans that migrated south during Korea. Happy Lunar New Year! Sae-hae bok the war and still have relatives in North ma-ni ba-du-se-yo! Korea, Sol-Lal is a day of reflection and anticipation as they gather near the DMZ to GEN B.B. Bell pay homage to their deceased ancestors and Commander, UNC/CFC/USFK

W ightman’s commandant retires during ceremony at Collier Field House By Pfc. Kim, Jae Hwan 8th U.S. Army Public Affairs

Wightman Noncommissioned Officer Academy commandant completed his career alongside five other Soldiers in a retirement ceremony Feb. 8, at Yongsan’s Collier Field House. Command Sergeant Major Preston Mingo was one of two command sergeant majors in the event which also recognized the contributions of military service for two sergeants major, one major and a P .M ,S W master sergeant. 8th Army Commander, Lt. Gen. David P. Valcourt, shakes hands Retirees were as follows; Sgt. Maj. with the Wightman Noncommissioned Officer Academy Preston Mingo of the Wightman NCOA Commandant Preston Mingo who has just retired. commandant; Command Sgt. Maj. Valcourt, and Command Sergeant Major of the United Michael P. Denton of 501st Military Intelligence; Sgt. States Forces Korea, United Nations Command, Maj. Wanda Burdine of Headquarters and Combined Forces Command and the 8th U. S. Army Headquarters Company, Eighth United States Army; Command Sgt. Maj. Barry C. Wheeler, oversaw the Sgt. Maj. Gregory D. Mister of HHC EUSA; Maj. ceremony. Larry A. Doxtater of HHC EUSA; and Master Sgt. The United Nations Command honor guard was also Arthur D. Brake of HHC EUSA; Command. featured. Eighth U. S. Army Commander Lt. Gen. David P. VT

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Published by IMCOM-Korea This Army newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the Department of Defense. Contents of The Morning Calm Weekly are not necessarily official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, Department of Defense, or Department of the Army. The editorial content of this weekly publication is the responsibility of the IMCOM-Korea, Public Affairs, APO AP 96205. Circulation: 9,500

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Area II

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Commander Public Affairs Officer CI Officer Staff Writer

Col. Forrest R. Newton Margaret Banish-Donaldson James F. Cunningham

Col. Ron Stephens Vacant David McNally Cpl. Lee Yang-won

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Commander Public Affairs Officer CI Officer

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Printed by Oriental Press, a private firm in no way connected Brig. Gen. Al Aycock with the U.S. Government, under John A. Nowell exclusive written contract with the Contracting CommandAndre Butler Korea. The civilian printer is Sue Silpasornprasit responsible for commercial advertising. The appearance of advertising in this publication, Col. Michael J. Taliento Jr. including inserts or supplements, Bob McElroy does not constitute endorsement F. Neil Neeley by the U.S. Army or Oriental Press of the products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this Col. John E. Dumoulin Jr. publication shall be made Kevin Jackson available for purchase, use or Galen Putnam patronage without regard to race, religion, gender, national origin,

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3 News Future combat system restructuring a ‘Balancing Act’ Feb. 16, 2007

The Morning Calm Weekly

USFK commander puts university area off-limits The commander of United States Forces Korea has designated the Hongdae/Hongik University area in Seoul off-limits to all USFK service members, civilian employees, contractor employees and their family members between the hours of 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. daily for reasons of force protection. The Hongdae/Hongik University area is located about two miles west of Yongsan main Post, immediately southwest of the Sinchon subway station and rotary and includes the Hongdae bar district. This order does not apply to KATUSA Soldiers or Korean employees. For more details and maps go to the force protection page on USFK.mil. Command Sergeant Major -USFK, CFC and 8th Army Radio Broadcast Command Sgt. Maj. Barry Wheeler will be live on the radio Feb. 21 from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. His radio show, “From the Top” airs the same time every third Wednesday of each month. Culinary Arts Award Ceremony The Team Korea Culinary Arts Award Ceremony will be held Feb. 26 at the Dragon Hill Lodge. It will take place on the Mezzanine Balcony from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. The team will represent Korea at Fort Lee, Va., later this year. Brig. Gen. Al Aycock will host the event. 2007 West Point Dinner Members of the Long Gray line and guests are invited to the 2007 West Point Founder’s Day Dinner at the Dragon Hill Lodge, Sat., March 10. The dinner will cost $25 per person. The uniform is Mess Dress and Army Blues. For more information, contact Lt. Col. Douglas Boltuc at 723-5938. Korean National Employee’s Leave and Earnings statement to be discontinued Starting the pay period, March 2007, printing and mailing hard copies of Korean National employee Leave and Earnings Statements will be discontinued. LESs have been available to all since March 2003. Korean National employees can view and print LESs by accessing the KN Pay LES System (KNLESS) at the 175th Financial Management Center website -- http://175FMC.korea.army.mil. KNLESS maintains all KN employees’ LESs from March 2003 to present. This change will enhance employee’s customer service efficiency. For additional information, contact Kim, Pyong-Chin at 725-3623. Email Kim at [email protected]. Korea Homeschool Conference to be held in Seoul There will be a Korea Homeschool Conference held March 3, from 8:30 a.m., to 5 p.m., in Seoul. For more information, contact Dawn Snyder at 02-6355-5225.

http://ima.korea.army.mil/morningcalmweekly

By Fred W. Baker American Forces Press Service

“It was a balancing act with respect to funding priorities in modernization as well as making sure the current force is taken care of,” he said. Most significantly, the changes call for stretching the fielding of the 15 FCS brigade combat teams from over a 10year period to 15 years. The fielding for the first is slated for fiscal 2015. This will reduce costs by roughly $700

WASHINGTON - The Army’s Future Combat System program has been restructured as part of a “balancing act” between equipping the current force and modernizing the future force, a top Army acquisition official said. Under the restructuring, four of the 18 systems in the program were deferred, M .D B and the fielding rate for the system’s Soldiers employ an unmanned vehicle to brigade combat teams was stretched out clear a road during an exercise in Texas. over five more years. The changes to the FCS program will eliminate $3.4 million. Two of the four classes of unmanned aerial vehicles in billion from its budget over the next five fiscal years, the program were deferred after a study concluded that there Army Maj. Gen. Jeffrey A. Sorenson, deputy for wasn’t an immediate need. acquisition and systems management, told Pentagon But, additional funds were redirected in the program to reporters. buy more of the two remaining classes of UAVs whose The FCS was designed as a “family” of 18 individual prototypes have been successful in Iraq, officials said. systems, plus the network and the soldier - referred to The heavy armed robotic vehicle system was deferred to as 18+1+1. later in the program, but the numbers of some lighter robotic The systems are a variety of manned and unmanned versions were increased. vehicles, sensors, launch systems and unmanned aerial Also, the intelligent munitions system, an armed sensor vehicles. All are connected by a common network with the Soldier. With four of the systems deferred, the that allows troops to control an area without a physical troop presence, was separated from the program. system is now 14+1+1. The Army will not buy any more than what is currently None of the program adjustments compromise the systems’ capabilities, he said. “Clearly we’ve had to go under contract to produce. AJ

EANNA

through a very difficult period here in terms of making sure we can modernize as well as support the current operations and the current force,” Sorenson said.

AGUE

See Combat Combat, Page 4

Eighth Army to transform to PSDR By Capt. Stacy Ouellette 8th U.S. Army Public Affairs

YONGSAN GARRISON, South Korea – As 8th U.S. Army transforms, change is inevitable. One major adjustment is within the Army Human Resources community transitioning under a process called Personnel Services Delivery Redesign. “PSDR is the human resources community’s response to the Army’s transformation and it directly impacts how we support not only our Soldiers

in the operational force, but all personnel associated with the Army,” said 8th Army G1 Plans Chief Maj. Larry Downer. PSDR is the result of years of analysis and lessons learned from Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom. Findings from these operations indicate that change is necessary in the areas of connectivity, resourcing, manning and command and control. The process eliminates the need

for personnel services battalions. Their tasks, along with the associated personnel, will move to brigade and battalion S1 sections throughout the Army. To ensure progress, the Army has provided additional training and equipment to all brigade and battalion S1 sections. Once complete, “PSDR will empower commanders to care for

See PSDR PSDR, Page 4

P eninsula-wide T ax Centers open for 2007 season Peninsula-wide Tax Area I OIC: Capt. Stacy Cohen Camp Casey at Maude Hall, Bldg 2440, Suite 241 Phone: 730-3598 Open: Feb. 1 Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 9 a.m. 5p.m.; Thursday 1 - 8 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Closed Sundays, Mondays and holidays and training holidays

Activities Center (bus terminal), room 113 Phone: 725-1040 Open: Jan. 31 – May 10 (opens at 4 p.m. after ceremony) Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Thursday from 1- 6 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.; Closed Sundays and holidays and training holidays

Camp Stanley mobile tax center Location: Bldg 2305 Opens: March 1 Wednesdays only 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Area III OIC: Capt. Brian Tomasovic Camp Humphreys at Bldg S-262 (across from CAC, next to Red Cross) Phone: 753-3905/3904 Open: Jan. 25 – May 20 Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Thursday by appointment only; Saturday 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Closed Sundays, holidays and training holidays

Area II OIC: Capt. Denise O’Connell Yongsan Main Post at Moyer Community

Area IV OIC: Capt. Eric Christeson Camp Henry at Bldg 1805 (building shared

Camp Red Cloud mobile tax center Location: Freeman Hall Opens: March 1 Tuesdays only 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

with CPAC and the Legal Assistance Office) Phone: 768-6680 Open: Jan. 31 - June 15 Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 8:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.; Thursday 1 - 5:30 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.; Closed Sundays, holidays and training holidays Camp Carroll at Bldg T-125 Phone: 765-7136 Open: Jan. 31 – June 15 Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; Thursday 1 - 4:30 p.m.; Closed Saturdays, Sundays, holidays and training holidays Osan Air Base POC:Tech Sgt. Boyce Bldg 788, Rm 26 Call 784-8935 for more information Kunsan Air Base Bldg 755, 3rd Floor Appointment only Call 782-1250

Feb. 16, 2007

4 http://ima.korea.army.mil/morningcalmweekly Army

While conducting combat operations June 18, 2004, Jurgersen encountered his first life threatening injury. He was shot in the face, which resulted in a severely ripped lip, shredded tongue, missing teeth and an arterial wound to his throat. Jurgersen suffered the second near death encounter Jan. 26, 2005, the day he recognizes as his “alive day” anniversary. It was while conducting a reconnaissance patrol that his Humvee was hit by the RPGs. Jurgersen was critically injured, stabilized, and flown to Walter Reed Army Medical Center, in Washington, D.C. “When I regained consciousness five days later, my wife, Karin explained my injuries,” said Jurgersen. “I had an open compressed skull fracture with a brain hematoma, traumatic brain injury, injury to the left leg resulting in amputation through the knee, deep joint and soft tissue injury to the right knee, open fracture of the right hand and ring finger and numerous other shrapnel wounds and burns to my body.” “Like many, I am still searching for why my life was

Combat But, again, the numbers of other sensors in the program were increased. In 2005, program officials developed a “spin out” strategy, which would field elements of the FCS family of systems as they were developed, instead of waiting until the complete system is fielded. Starting in fiscal 2008, program officials hope to deliver some of the unattended ground sensors to Soldiers. There are two categories of the sensors: tactical and urban. The sensors can be used to gather intelligence and conduct surveillance and reconnaissance, as well as provide troops additional security as they clear and secure buildings. The network,

PSDR Soldiers by ensuring each brigade has an enhanced S1 section staffed with professional Army human resources specialists capable of providing necessary personnel services for Soldiers and other supported personnel,” Downer said. “ As we move to this structure, the brigade S1 will become the focal point for HR support and other administrative services.” Tasks and functions previously performed by the PSB that would not be provided by brigade and battalion S1 sections in a deployed environment will transfer to a new organization called the Military Personnel Division. There are currently four MPDs operating in Korea, Downer said.

The Morning Calm Weekly from Page 1 spared and another’s taken,” he said. “When I woke up two years ago from a coma, I remember the look in my wife’s eyes, and I remember looking down at my body in disbelief. I shook my head and had to look away. I honestly thought my life was over, as I knew it. I also thought my military career was over.” But, the Army took care of Jurgersen and his family. He was approved to remain on active duty. “I now have to find the best way to serve our great country, the Army and Soldiers,” he said. During a promotion ceremony last August, Jurgersen was selected for a command sergeant major appointment - his dream had arrived. The Army asked Jurgersen to become the Sergeant Major of the Army Wounded Warrior Program. Jurgersen said it was one of the hardest career decisions he ever made. He accepted the appointment. Jurgersen said he’d like to see some modifications and implementations of policies for the many wounded Soldiers.

from Page 3 which will enhance battle command capabilities, will be available as much as two years earlier under the restructuring. Sorenson said that despite the cuts, FCS remains the largest modernization program for the Army. The program is on time, on cost and still the No. 1 priority of Army leadership, he said. “It is absolutely the No. 1 priority. And, though we’ve had to make some adjustments in the program, we have not walked away from the fact that the Army will have to have to modernize in the future,” Sorenson said. Total cost of the program is expected to be $162 billion with another $2 billion slated for additional construction required.

from Page 3 “Under the control of the Installation Management CommandKorea Region, the MPD provides services to Soldiers in units that do not have a brigade or battalion structure on Peninsula,” said 8th U.S. Army G1 Plans and Operations Director Maj. Doug Campbell. “The MPD will also provide services to all family members, retirees, civilian employees and contractors.” To date, 8th U.S. Army has inactivated 509th and 516th Personnel Service Battalions. The tasks these units performed were officially transferred to ensure quality human resources support continues for all customers

Feb. 16, 2007

Page 5

Steering Committee addresses issues By Margaret Banish-Donaldson Area I Public Affairs

CAMP RED CLOUD— Every year the Army Family Action Plan conference gives delegates the opportunity to improve the quality of life for fellow Soldiers and their families in Warrior Country. The conference delegates provide the issues for implementation to the Army Family Action Plan Steering committee. “There’s a limit to what we can do and should do,” said Col. Forrest Newton, Area I garrison commander. “It is about priorities. We cannot do everything. Many recommendations present significant challenges as they are implemented.” The steering committee met Feb. 6 and provided the following recommendations: Issue: Not all Soldiers are allowed separate rations. Answer: “Unable to resolve at our level,” Newton said. “Issue forwarded to the 8th Army/IMCOM Korea AFAP conference, April 2325, 2007 at the Dragon Hill Lodge.” Issue: Annual clothing allowance not sufficient to cover increase price of purchase and maintenance of new

uniform. Answer: “Issue was previously addressed by 18th MEDCOM and forwarded to Department of Army for action,” Newton said. Issue: Post tracking system from point of origin to point of destination is incomplete. Answer: “Unable to resolve at our level,” Newton said. “Issue forwarded to 8th Army for their action.” Issue: Pet Policy: Answer: “Many Soldiers have pets in their barracks and abandon them when they PCS because they can’t afford to ship the animals back to the states,” said Lt. Col. Terry Hodges, Casey garrison commander. “We are working with the 2nd Infantry Division to get the units and Soldiers to cooperate with us and come up with a mechanism to pick up the dogs when Soldiers have to PCS.” Issue: Commissaries lack meat supplies especially on paydays and weekends. Answer: “The Directorate of Logistics will work wth the commissary to have additional supplies of meat during paydays and weekends,” Newton said.

Issue: Commissary-toCommissary special order service is useless. Answer: “DOL will work with the commissary to put together a stockage list from Yongsan and compare it to here,” Newton said. “We will pay attention to people who don’t get their orders.” Issue: Customer service in Army and Air Force Exchange Services establishments needed. Answer: “Customer service and sensitivity training was conducted Jan. 3 for Camp Casey’s main store, and nine classes are currently scheduled in February for all AAFES customer contract associates within Area 1,” said Ken Limtiaco, Area I AAFES general manager. “We plan to have all 300 associates trained by the end of March, and will continue this training on a quarterly basis.” Issue: Many items related to alcohol, tobacco and pornographic magazines and videos in the PX not covered. Answer: “We have taken the appropriate steps to limit exposure to liquor, tobacco and pornographic magazines to children based upon where the items are being stocked,”

Limtiaco said. “Managers check the magazine display racks regularly to make sure adult magazines are not left where underage customers can reach them.” Issue: Not enough baby items and clothing available in PX. Answer: “We have a limited selection of these baby items because of the limited space,” Limtiaco said. “A contractor is being sought by our AAFES contracting and services office to meet these needs; however, our catalog has a wide avenue of items that the customers can order from as well as our shuttle program in which the PX will coordinate with another AAFES facility within Korea to have the merchandise they are looking for shuttled to the PX where the person is stationed.” (10) Issue: Car seats unavailable for taxi service in Yongsan. Answer: “This is not an industry standard, and not a contractor requirement for the AAFES contracted taxis,” Limtiaco said. “This is parental responsibility. Convertible and/or multiuse strollers and car seats are available at the

See AFSC AFSC, Page 7

Warriors awarded at CRC By Jim Cunningham

able to process Soldiers through those stations, so they received the awards for all their hard CAMP RED CLOUD—Area I celebrated work.” The highest award given on this occasion is achievements made by Soldiers Feb. 9 by giving to Staff Sgt. Jon Higgins for planning and awards to deserving Warriors. “We gave a total of 18 awards today,” said 1st. executing the Noncombatant Evacuation Sgt. Denise Grant-Butler, Area I support activity. Exercise last October. “I took care of the NEO “The awards span from the process of “Courageous Army Commendation Medal to “The awards span from Channel” in 2006,” Higgins the certificate of achievement. said. “I had to run the ECC. the Army Commendation It is always important to I was the noncommissioned award Soldiers for exceptional Medal to the certificate of officer in charge. I had to achievement. It shows their achievement. It is always make sure all the reports work is not going taken care of and important to award were unappreciated.” accurate. When we are Area I leaders notice all the Soldiers for exceptional tracking all the achievements Warriors make noncombatants during their achievement. It shows and their impact on the evacuation, we have to keep their work is not going an exact record of the community, explained GrantButler. unappreciated.” process. The reason I “These awards were given 1st. Sgt. Denise Grant-Butler Grant-Butler,, received the medal was to Soldiers at Camp Red Cloud because I stayed past the Area I Support Activity and Camp Casey as well,” time of my shift to make sure Grant-Butler said. the tracking process was Some Warriors hit the accurate and there were no ground running when arriving in Korea and earned failures in the process.” Higgins provided the key that championed the awards in only a few months. success of NEO operations last October, “We have a Soldier Readiness Processing explained Lt. Col. Terry Hodges, garrison program where we call on subject matter experts commander, Camp Casey, while pinning the from each of the areas,” Grant-Butler said. “They ARCOM on Higgins. “Today is a red letter day came from different duty stations. They knew the for Area I and all the Warriors that make us method of service and got in there so they were second to none.” Area I Public Affairs

JIM CUNNINGHAM

Lt. Col. Terry Hodges, Camp Casey garrison commander, awards Staff Sgt. Jon Higgins the ARCOM medal during an awards ceremony Feb. 9 in Camp Red Cloud’s theater.

Area I 2ID recognizes Best KATUSAs 2006

16, 2007 6 Feb. http://ima.korea.army.mil/morningcalmweekly http://ima.korea.army.mil/morningcalmweekly

Substance Abuse Intervention Course There will be a substance abuse intervention class held at the Camp Red Cloud Education Center room 209, bldg. number S-58 Feb. 28 from 9 to 11 a.m. For more information call: 7329060. Civilian Education System The new Civilian Education System plays a critical role in developing leaders. CES is a new progressive and sequential Civilian Leader Development program that provides enhanced leader development and education opportunities for Army civilians throughout their careers. For more information and to register for courses go to http:// www.amsc.belvoir.army.mil and click on the CES tab at the top. New NSPS 101 Course To learn about the NSPS system and take the NSPS 101 course, go to http:/ /cpol.army.mil/library/general/nsps. Send certificates to CPAC in care of Lawrence Keys Jr. Black History Month Celebration The Black History Month Extravaganza will begin at 10 a.m. in Camp Red Cloud theater Feb. 23. Commissary Closings The Commissary at Camp Red Cloud and Camp Stanley will be closed Feb. 18 to 19 for Lunar New Year. They will reopen Feb. 20. Customer Service Excellence Course The customer service excellence course will be offered March 8 through 9 at CRC Education Center room 207. Each applicant needs to get in to the CHRTAS to register for the course. For more information call: 732-9060. 2007 Federal Asian/Pacific American Council Meritorious Service Award FPAC is soliciting nominations for the 2007 Meritorious Service Award for Military Personnel. For more information call: 703-696-5444. Voting Slogan Contest The 2008 primary and general elections need a slogan to inspire interest and participation. Submit your entries today. For more information call: 7237514. Texas Hold’em Tournament A Texas Hold’em tournament will be held Feb. 24 to 25 at Casey Warrior’s Club. For more Information call: 7329187. Comedy ROKs with MWR Comedy ROKs will be in Mitchell’s Club Feb. 21. Showtime is 7 p.m. For more information call: 730-6882.

By Cpl. Kim, Sang Pil 2ID Public Affairs

CAMP RED CLOUD –The Second Infantry Division named 29 Korean Augmentation to the United States Army Soldiers Best KATUSAs of the Year at a ceremony Feb. 8 at Camp Red Cloud Mitchell’s Club. Hosted by the 2nd Infantry Division’s top enlisted man, Command Sgt. Maj. Brian M. Stall, the event was jammed with the division and Republic of Korea army’s top leaders, all of whom welcomed the KATUSAs, their family and their friends to the second annual event. “The KATUSA program has created immense opportunities for Soldiers of the 2nd Infantry Division,” Stall said. “It is encouraging to see how much progress has been accomplished by KATUSA Soldiers who work with us. KATUSA Soldiers work hand-in-hand with American Soldiers each and every day, playing a vital role in narrowing the cultural and language gap between those who serve both countries.” The KATUSA program began in July, 1950 to augment Republic of Korea soldiers to the U.S. Army and strengthen combined forces to defend the Korean peninsula. More than 250,000 KATUSA Soldiers have served in the 2nd Infantry

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Division over the past half century. KATUSA Soldiers fill their mandatory two-year military service requirement while working with U.S. Soldiers, which affords them a unique opportunity. Among those selected for the program, always an outstanding few set the example for others to follow. ROKA Command Sgt. Maj. Suh, Sung Ki, began his comments by asking the guests to pay special tribute to the night’s award recipients and their hardworking parents by standing and joining him in a huge round of applause. “I congratulate all of you on earning this honorable commendation,” Suh said. “You are the true representatives of Korean men, and I commend all the work you have done as combatants, interpreters and administrators in the 2nd Infantry Division.” As the presentations began, the 29 Soldiers proudly stood in line stepping up one after the other to receive their certificate and medal. “I feel very lucky to receive this award,” said Cpl. Nam, Kyung Tae, HHC, 164th Air Traffic Services, 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade. “Of all the memories I have from the army, my experience at FTX training in February and WLC in September last year were most memorable. I want to present this

honor to Lt. Col. Brown and Command Sergeant Major Campbell of 164 ATS Group and ROK Sergeant Major Kong, Hyung Kwon, and to my parents and girlfriend who couldn’t come today.” Of all the guests, parents and friends of the KATUSA Soldiers seemed to be the ones who were most proud. “I didn’t know it was a division-level award,” said Ko, Hye Sook, mother of Cpl. Kim, Suk, 702nd Brigade Support Battalion. “I am proud that my son is the chosen one for this year. He has had fun during his service, and I hope he will make the best of the eight months he has left.” “I am proud of my boyfriend who received an award recognized not only by our country but also by another,” said Kim, Min Jung, girlfriend of Cpl. Kim, Ki Dong, Headquarters and Headquarters, U.S. Army GarrisonCamp Casey Area I. “Though his family couldn’t make it here, I want to congratulate him on their behalf, and hope he finishes the service as a healthy man.” “I am very thankful and proud that my son has done his best in the army,” said Woo, Kyung Jong, father of Cpl. Woo, Sang Chul, HHC, Area I. “I believe he received this award because his commander and buddies helped him out. I hope he gives his best for the rest of his service too.”

Buc’s Cheerleaders entertain W arriors By Jim Cunningham Area I Public Affairs

CAMP CASEY—America’s greatest team was entertained by the world class Tampa Bay Buccaneer Cheerleaders Feb. 11 in Hanson Field House on Camp Casey. Armed Forces Entertainment invited the cheerleaders to perform for troops in South Korea, Hawaii and Japan. The 28 member cheerleading squad danced in unison and solo during the event. “A lot of people take for granted what our troops do,” said Aubrey Gainey, Buccaneer cheerleader. “We are here to show our appreciation for all they do in defending our country.” Preparing to entertain Warriors was not taken for granted. “Prior to coming to Korea we had four rehearsals per week. Those rehearsals are four hours, so there is a lot of practicing and a lot of dedication that went in to our tour, and of course, it is worth it to entertain our troops,” Gainey said. “Every single time we do a show, we do an autograph session. When we talk to the troops they tell us how much it boosts their morale and how thankful they are for our being here.” Showing gratitude to Soldiers is a major mind set for the Buccaneer cheerleaders, according to Gainey.

“Every day when I wake up I think of what our Soldiers are doing for us at home,” Gainey said. “Those are the people we do these programs for; we are not doing it for ourselves.” Warriors were not only entertained, they were also involved in the performance. “We will not only entertain the Soldiers on stage, but we will go out into the audience and get them involved with us,” Gainey said. “After our performance tonight, we will perform on other bases in Korea and then we will go to Hawaii.” Entertaining Warriors in Area I and all the service members in the Pacific region is additional to the Buccaneer cheerleader’s regular schedule. “The Buccaneer cheerleader’s give more than 300 appearances during the year when not entertaining troops,” said Sandy Charboneau, cheerleading coordinator for the Buccaneer cheerleaders. “All our cheerleader’s are dedicated to the professionalism and purpose of this tour.” It is not easy to become one of the 28. Hundreds of girls audition for the Buccaneer cheerleaders every year. “Hundreds of women audition in March every year,” Charboneau said. “Current cheerleaders must re-audition also.”

JIM CUNNINGHAM

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Area I

AFSC AAFES PX. If mandated and made part of the taxi contract, the contractor would have to incur additional expense for the multitude of infant seats required. The size of the seat is determined by the baby’s weight. Furthermore, this additional expense would affect pricing. Korean taxis off post do not have this requirement for an infant traveler’s safety. AAFES is working with the Area I public affairs office on informational articles on this and other recurring taxi issues to educate consumers.” (11) Issue: Civilians are being allowed to enter the PX, shoppette and commissary without showing their identification and ration cards and in some cases on purchasing items. Answer: “Training was conducted at all AAFES facilities Jan. 9,” Limtiaco said. “Plus, additional signing is in place to inform customers to show their ID and ration cards. Also, the military police makes random spot checks at these locations, and anyone can contact the AAFES 24-hotline at 732-6285 if they see someone not checking ID cards.” (12) Issue: Soldiers in some units are not being allowed to request an overnight pass during weekends. Answer: “The 2nd Infantry Division is currently reviewing the policy and will release a revised leave and pass policy after the recommended actions have been approved,” said Maj. Harris, 2nd Inf. Div. G1. (13) Issue: Revised policy needed to allow Russian family members to be signed in by the Soldiers or spouse without long preparation period. Answer: “United States Forces Korea does allow exceptions to policy; however, a written request must be made at least 20 working days prior to the visit,” said Lt. Col. David Kelly, provost marshal. “This cannot be done at the gate.” (14) Issue: If a Soldier signs in someone on one camp and decides to go to another camp, he or she has to be signed in again and are not allowed to ride the inter-post buses. Answer: Issue sent to the 2nd Infantry Division and Area I well being committee for action. (15) Issue: Change entitlement for basic allowance for subsistence so every Solider is authorized BAS. Answer: “Unable to resolve at our level,” Newton said. “Issue forwarded to 8th Army for their action.” (16) Issue: Annual clothing allowance for high OPTEMPO units and heavy labor needed. Answer: “The directorate of logistics is working with the 2 nd Infantry Division to see if coveralls can be issued as a possible course of

action,” said T.J. Welin, DOL director. (17) Issue: Need additional KATUSA chaplain assistants and distinguish them by a cross above the Republic of Korea Army’s tag on the left chest pocket of the uniform for easy identification. Answer: “The ROKA command sergeant major discussed this issue with the commander. He reported a flop could be authorized upon design approval,” said Area I Command Sgt. Maj. Gregg Bunce. “The ROKA staff has the mission and will incorporate the uniform change.” (18) Issue: Noncommand sponsored families are ineligible for Tri-Care prime enrollment in Area 1. Answer: “A clearer definition of what noncommand sponsored families is needed by 8th Army,” Newton said. “Maj. Myron McDaniels, 2nd Inf. Div. surgeon will discuss recommendations with the 18th MEDCOM commander. However, a final decision must come from Department of Defense/Tri-Care. (19) Issue: More dental staff needed and a more user-friendly way to apply for dental care. Answer: “I am aware of the unfavorable staffing ratios at Camp Casey,” said Col. Schmidt, 618th Dental Company. “However, I plan to ship resources during the normal PCS cycles.” (20) Issue: If Soldiers fail to notify Tri-Care in specific cases, they may have to pay the cost out of their pockets. Answer: “The S1 at Camp Red Cloud has Tri-Care pamphlets ‘Healthcare When Traveling in the Remote Pacific’ available for active duty service members,” McDaniels said. “Also, counseling occurs before a Soldier goes on leave so they can be advised to take sufficient funds with them if a need arises for emergency care. Afterwards, they can file a claim with the Tri-Care region. (21) Issue: Inadequate dental care for noncommand sponsored civilians Answer: “The Camp Casey dental clinic does provide emergency dental services for family members,” Schmidt said. “However, the funding for and assignment of more dental staff to provide comprehensive dental care to all family members in Korea requires negotiations between the Army senior leadership and U.S. government agencies.” (22) Issue: Turnstile gate prohibits people with strollers and large packages to access the CRC front gate. Answer: “Action completed,” said Ken Lee, DPW. (23) Issue: Rodents, insects and pests in the barracks. Answer: “Lt. Col. Hodges has the

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lead on this issue,” Newton said. “He will get engaged with the leadership and DPW on a fumigation schedule for the barracks.” (24) Issue: Dual military housing in 2 nd Infantry Division is not authorized. Answer: “If a Soldier is married to another Soldier cohabitation can be authorized through the commander,” Newton said. “The 2nd Infantry Division commander can authorize these same Soldiers to live off post, but they have to maintain their barracks on post. And, the 2ID G1 will ask the unit to come up with a policy, which will be advertised through command information.” (25) Issue: CRC front gate is too open. Answer: “The CRC front gate has been remodeled and this action is completed,” said Doug Atwater, director of plans, training, mobilization and security. (26) Issue: Bus schedule for Soldiers taking college classes in Yongsan. Answer: “Morale, Welfare and Recreation and DOL will look into a shuttle bus schedule and report back at the next meeting,” Welin said. “In the interim, the last bus will depart from Yongsan at 9:20 p.m. instead of at 9 p.m. starting Feb. 20. (27) Issue: Inadequate barracks conditions and broken laundry machines. Answer: “DOL has already repaired 71 unserviceable laundry machines, and DPW has their strike team making repairs in the barracks at Camps Casey and Hovey,” Welin said. “It is an ongoing DPW and DOL effort to improve the quality of life for Soldiers in Area I.” (28) Issue: Need for a certified English as a second language instructor. Answer: “Central Texas College offers certified instructors at hours and locations requested,” said James Campbell, education director. “In addition, Army Community Services can provide instructors if requested.” (29) Issue: Living quarters allowance inequalities concerning the eligibility requirements. Answer: “Unable to resolve at our level,” said Geraldine Jones, Civilian Personnel Advisory Center director. “Issue forwarded to 8 th Army for their action because it is a DOD and state department policy.” (30) Issue: Chain of command not verbally re-enforcing information about extra-curricular activities. Answer: “The 2nd Inf. Div. is working to better advertise events bypassing information through the command information channels, weekly bulletin, AFN, and the Family Readiness Group newsletter,” said Lt.

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Col. Tracy Winborne, G1. The 2nd Inf. Div. and Area I Public Affairs Offices have added a good neighbor and community events area on their homepages. Information is also passed through the G1/S1 channels directing brigade and battalion S1s pass the information to their subordinate commanders.” (31) Issue: Better Opportunities for Single and Unaccompanied Soldiers need to utilize different methods to find out what activities Soldiers are interested in and want to participate. Answer: “There are four BOSS councils in Warrior Country: Camps Stanley, CRC, Casey and Hovey,” Bunce said. “Soldiers can access the BOSS calendar from the website: http://mwr.korea.armu.mil/boss.htm, or ask their BOSS representative who can provide them with an updated six-month calendar. Also, AFN advertises MWR events daily on 88.3 and 88.5 FM.” (32) Issue: Improve relationship between Soldiers and contractors at the Simulation Center – Camp Hovey. Answer: Newton asked the G1 to look into this problem and report at the next meeting. (33) Issue: Quality of Armerican Forces Network radio programs. Answer: “AFN will start again to promote 88.3 and 88.5 FM AFN radio station in lieu of 1197 AM,” said Maj. Kone Faulkner, AFNK Deputy CDR/ ops officer. “AM comes out of Seoul and is basically alternative programming for the older generation. FM is for the younger Soldiers. Banners have been made and will be displayed across the bus stations and wherever else throughout the Uijeongbu and Dongducheon enclaves promoting AFN FM stations. In addition, more publicity will be done by AFN in the Morning CalmWeekly and Indianhead newspapers. Questionnaires are given out every Thursday at the Camp Stanley Warrior Readiness Center to incoming Soldiers to ask them what kind of music they want to hear. Furthermore, AFN reps said they would work on more TV public service announcements. We plan to insert local public service announcements in Area 1 once we get the automatic system in place by the end of the month so not everyone will have to listen to the PSAs for other areas. As far as AFN sports are concerned, back in September the broadcast center in California said only those living on post will be able to get AFN sports. If someone lives off the camp, they must lease an AFN decoder from the local PX to watch AFN sports.”

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Area II prepares for safe Lunar New YYear ear holiday By David McNally Area II Public Affairs

YONGSAN GARRISON — The Lunar New Year is one of the biggest holidays in Korea. Koreans travel to their hometowns to celebrate the new year with family, traditional foods and rituals. Area II officials expect traffic challenges during the holiday period, Feb. 16-20. “There will be a high concentration of vehicular and pedestrian traffic throughout Korea during the holiday,” said Area II Safety Officer Jeff Hyska. “We expect major traffic delays and congested roadways.” The holiday is actually Feb. 17-19; however, many Koreans use the day before and day after for travel. “The Area II commander’s intent is to have zero motor vehicle and pedestrian accidents in Area II, both on and off all Area II installations during the holiday,” Hyska said. As a precaution, Area II will join with other area commands to increase road conditions and dramatically minimize government vehicle usage. “Road conditions will be RED for the three-days of the holiday, Feb. 17-19,” said Area II Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security Director Gerald Casey. “Road conditions will be AMBER the day before and after the holiday.” During AMBER road conditions, only government vehicles required for essential military business will be used. An O-3 or GS-10 or above may authorize

DAVID MCNALLY

Koreans honor their ancestors with ceremonies and rituals during the Lunar New Year holiday. Most Koreans travel to their hometowns, making traffic a challenge.. an exception. During RED road conditions, only staff duty vehicles and both on- and off-post shuttle government vehicles required for emergency military buses are exempt from this and do not require business will be used. An O-5 or GS-13 or above anything special to dispatch vehicles during RED or may approve exceptions. AMBER road conditions,” Casey said. “Area II Military Police, emergency response, ear See New YYear ear, Page 12

Dining facility closes for ‘face lift’ Renovation to enhance facility operations Area II Public Affairs CAMP COINER — The 1st Signal Brigade Dining Facility at Camp Coiner closed in December for an extended renovation. The project will result in “ a worldclass facility from the ground up,” officials said. “This temporary closure is necessary in order for us to provide the long-term quality of service our Soldiers deserve,” said Area II Food Service Manager Larry Graham. The Three Kingdoms Inn Dining Facility is offering all Class I support for Camp Coiner Dining Facility customers during the renovation. To ease the hardship on customers, Area II Logistics started a special shuttle bus service on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday:

By Sgt. Lee Yang-won Area II Public Affairs

PFC. JUNG JAE-HOON

The Camp Coiner dining facility remains closed until August for extensive renovations.

„7:30-8:30 a.m. for breakfast workload at the Three Kingdoms Inn training holidays. „11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. for lunch The bus runs continuously from Dining Facility the waiting times during Camp Coiner Bldg. 1067 to the Three peak hours may increase,” Graham „6 p.m. for dinner Thursdays the shuttle bus will run from 5:30-6:30 a.m.; 12:30-1:30 p.m. and 4-5 p.m. There is no bus service scheduled for weekends, holidays or

USO reopens office on Main Post

Kingdoms Inn Dining Facility and back during the scheduled times. “Dining Facility patrons need to be aware that because of the additional

said. “But, service, quality, menu availability and overall support shall remain at the same professional level that you are used to.”

YONGSAN GARRISON — A renovated USO office reopened and started business Feb. 1 at the Moyer Community Activity Center. The office has always provided reunion programs for the servicemembers, civilians and family members. However, the reopened USO center now offers more extensive service to community members. The organization provides enhanced morale, welfare and recreation-type activities. “This center will serve as an outlet on post and offer pretty much the same services we do in Camp Kim,” said Marketing and Programs Director Charlotte Huntsman. “We have a lounge, TV, free coffee and cookies people could help themselves and relax. We are also working to get computers that have free Internet access.” Huntsman said the renovation

See USO USO, Page 12

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Army Emergency Relief The 2007 Army Emergency Relief campaign begins March 1. AER is a private nonprofit organization with zero funding from the government. The key to a successful fund-raising campaign is the unit keyperson. The Area II goal for this year’s campaign is 100 percent contact of eligible contributors. There will be keyperson training 1-5 p.m., Feb. 22 at the Army Community Service classroom, Bldg. 4106 on Yongsan South Post. For information, call 7234197. Coaches Needed Area II is looking for coaches to coach the Yongsan Men and Women Post Level Softball Teams for the 2007 season. Interested personnel should submit their resume to the Area II Sports Office no later than March 15. This programs runs from April 1 through Aug. 31, 2007. For information, call 738-8608. Theater Auditions The Missoula Children’s Theatre is coming to town. There will be open auditions for students Kindergarten through 12th grade 3 p.m., March 5 at the Seoul American Elementary School Gymnasium. The play will be Rumpelstiltskin with two performances 2 p.m., and 7 p.m., March 10 at the Seoul American High School Auditorium. The play will be free to the public. For information, call 7385556. Library Events The Yongsan Library presents the “Presidents’ Day Quiz” Contest through Tuesday. The drawing for winners will be held on Wednesday. Prizes are Army and Air Force Exchange Service gift cards. February is Black History Heritage Month see Yongsan Library’s book display and bibliography. The library will present a “Meet the Artist” session with Gia Son 11 a.m., Feb. 24 at the meeting room. There will be refreshments. AFCEA Luncheon Seoul Chapter of the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association invites you to attend their next luncheon to honor past board members and induct newly elected board members 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Friday, at the Hartell House. Open to current, potential, and non-members. Buffet is $15 (includes drink, buffet and gratuity) For information, call 7236191. Faithlift 2007 An Interdenominational Christian Women’s Weekend will be held March 2-3 at South Post Chapel and Dragon Hill Lodge. Register by Feb. 16 at chapel services. For information, call 010-7114-0593. Area II Web Site For more community notes, news and information, visit the Area II Web site at http://area2.korea.army.mil.

PHOTOS BY SGT. LEE YANG-WON

Transportation Operations Specialist Ken Bakameyer reviews safety rules with kindergarten children Feb. 6 at the Seoul American Elementary School.

Talking bus reinforces safety rules to students By Sgt. Lee Yang-won Area II Public Affairs

YONGSAN GARRISON — Fascinated elementary school children gathered and listened carefully as “Barney the Robotic Bus” aided student transportation officials conduct a semiannual school bus safety training Feb. 6 at Seoul American Elementary School. Remotely controlled and voice activated from backstage by transportation officials, Barney covered safety issues with a 20minute video clip during the session. Two separate training sessions take place each semester throughout the school year. “We do this training to reinforce the bus-safety rules to the children,” said Transportation Operations Specialist Ken Bakameyer. “We just want the children to be safe and be

cautious about their surroundings.” Bakameyer said as the children go home and tell their parents about the training, the class also reminds community members to be cautious while driving. “The parents are happy we’re constantly reminding children to watch out for their surroundings,” Bakameyer said. “Community members also remember that school is still in session and to be more careful.” He said Barney has a positive effect by immersing children in the training. “It gives the children a good memory to remember,” he said. Officials said they have also received good responses from the school teachers and the parents. “It’s best for them to know how to behave correctly because

Kindergarten students heed the training. teachers are not always with them on the bus,” said Seoul American Elementary School Kindergarten Teacher Danielle Rodriguez. “This training definitely has a positive effect on the children.” Rodriguez said two training sessions each year help children to refresh their memory about safety issues when riding a bus. “The training materials were childfriendly and entertaining for the children,” Rodriguez said. “It not only provided useful information for the kids but also for myself too.”

Area II competition tests history knowledge Library to offer various prizes By Tamara Sternberg Area II Public Affairs

YONGSAN GARRISON — Did you know that February 19 is President’s Day this year, and that George Washington would have been just about 275 years old if he were still alive to celebrate? Most people know the former, but few people do the latter. Do you know whose birthday is celebrated on President’s Day? Do you know when President’s Day traditionally falls? How many Presidents the United States has had? When is President’s Day? These are the questions on the Yongsan Library President’s Day Quiz. “This quiz is an annual thing,” said Librarian Gordon Imrie. “From a librarian’s point of view, being the Army base library, we are guided by the President. President’s Day gives us a focus to go through our inventory to see what we have on the subject, and to round out our own collection while drawing it up.” All three Area II libraries at Yongsan, Hannam Village and K-16 Air Base are conducting a contest.

ILLUSTRATION

BY

ROGER NURICK

For a chance to win an Army and Air Force Exchange Service gift card, competitors must fill out a quiz form before February 20. There is a box in each library to collect the forms. Only one quiz per person is allowed. The drawing for the prizes, a $20 AAFES gift certificate for first place and two $10 AAFES gift certificates for second place, will be held 12 p.m. Feb. 21 at the Yongsan Library. Quizzes will be scanned. Those with completely correct answers will then be placed in a hat and a winner will be

See Competition Competition, Page 12

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Area II

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Ration Control officials: Know your purchasing limits Area II sees ration violations increase By David McNally Area II Public Affairs

YONGSAN GARRISON — Area II Ration Control Issuing Agency officials are seeing a rise in violations. “On average, we see about 150 violation notices each month,” said Area II Emergency Services Operation Officer Jim North. “In many of these cases, the problem could have been avoided with a little homework.” The Defense Biometric Identification System, or DBIDS, tracks family members numbers. Officials can identify who is purchasing over the established limits by using DBIDS information and ration control purchase records. “People need to make sure the correct number of family members are entered in DBIDS,” he said. “Many people believe that if a family member is too young for an identification card, they are too young to register in DBIDS.” The monthly dollar limit on purchases does not increase automatically with the addition of a new family member, such as

$

the birth of a child. The service-member or employee must register the new family member in DBIDS, North said. “Simply bring the child with his or her passport, and the sponsor’s identification card to the ration control card issuing office to register,” he said. Dual military members also run a risk of exceeding limits. “Inevitability, one of the two does the majority of the shopping and exceeds their authorized family limit of one,” North said. “It is best for dual military members to be registered as a family with one as a family member and the other as a sponsor.” Some servicemembers find out about purchase limits only after a violation. “I found out when I went over my limits,” said Area II Support Activity Staff Sgt. Stancey Mitchell.

“It was Christmastime, and I purchased more than $450. I received a memorandum and counseling.” North said many community members do not know about the limits. “Believe it or not, when contacted about violations, many servicemembers and their supervisors are uninformed of their authorized limits,” he said. “Once informed, they rarely make the same mistake.” There is a Web site available to help U.S. Forces Korea community members find out their recent commissary purchase history. To view your personal record, visit https://pimsk.korea.army.mil/ default.aspx. “It’s a great tool to manage your current monthly purchasing at the commissary,” North said. North said USFK Customs knows what items are in high demand on the black market. “These items have been placed on a watch list and the purchasing of large quantities of these items by individuals is monitored by USFK,” North said. North said he believes most violations could be avoided with more awareness to the issue. “Purchasing duty free goods is a privilege, not a right,” he said. “Those that knowingly exceed their purchasing limits and/or purchase in excess of personal needs may have their privileges suspended or revoked.

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Area II

DAVID MCNALLY

Many Korean families perform traditional rituals to honor their ancestors during the Lunar New Year Holiday.

New Y ear Year Leaders and supervisors are cautioned to limit the use of such vehicles, he said. “Area II tenant units and activities must ensure that all servicemembers, civilians, contractors and family members are aware of the increased driving risk during the Lunar New Year

USO will enhance the impression servicemembers have of the USO. “The USO supports unit activities with entertainment and puts together parties for servicemembers,” Huntsman said.

Competition drawn. Winners will be notified if they are not present. The names of the winners will also be posted in Area II libraries. The prizes must be picked up within 15 days of the drawing or else they will be forfeited. “The quiz is incentive to come into

from Page 9 holiday period,” Casey said. “All leaders must conduct “under the oak tree counseling” for all servicemembers and civilian employees before Lunar New Year,” said Area II Commander Col. Ron Stephens. “Counseling should emphasize safe driving techniques.”

from Page 9 The reopened office complements the Seoul USO at Camp Kim by giving easier access to the community. The office is open 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.Tuesdays-Saturdays.

from Page 10 the library,” Imrie said. “When you come in to research and fill out a quiz sheet, you might leave with an armful of books or DVDs.” The quiz is part of a series that the libraries put on year-round. The next one, to take place from March 1-15, is an essay contest.

Area II on the Web Check out Lunar New Y ear bus Year schedules and facility hours!

Visit http://area2.korea.army .mil http://area2.korea.army.mil

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Maximize with TSP Capt. Brian Tomasovic Area III Legal Center

As we file our returns for Tax Year 2006, it’s not too early to plan a tax strategy for the current tax year. Most Soldiers already know that military service comes with certain tax benefits. For example, most allowances do not fall under the IRS definition of “income,” so they do not appear on the W-2 form, the Wage and Tax Statement that is the centerpiece of most tax returns (years ago, allowances such as BAS and BAH appeared in W-2, Box 12). Soldiers also know that combat zone exclusion privileges can potentially make all your military earnings during a deployment nontaxable. For the most part, all these tax benefits are automatic. Where’s the strategy? Today, we will talk about a real tax strategy that Soldiers can employ with the Thrift Savings Plan the federal government sponsored retirement savings and investment plan. FACT: TSP contributions are “before tax” contributions. Contributions made with basic pay will reduce your reported wages (Box 1 of the W2) and your overall tax bill. A “before tax” dollar contributed to TSP cannot be taxed now. The contribution and investment earnings on that contribution will not be taxed until this money is withdrawn at retirement. In this way, TSP is a military version of a “401(k)” plan. This is an obvious investment strategy, but the tax planning strategy is here: You can plan your contributions so that you qualify for and maximize your tax credits. By doing

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Your Tax Refund Contributions

this, you leverage one benefit (reduction in taxable income) into another benefit (a credit against tax) and yet another benefit (a credit that can be refunded). Let’s discuss two credits, the Retirement Savings Contribution Credit (also known as the “Saver’s Credit”) and the Earned Income Credit (EIC). There are income limits and credit tables for both of these credits that could change for 2007, but for illustration purposes I will use tax year 2006 numbers. FACT: If your adjusted gross income is low enough, the government will reward your TSP Contributions with a Retirement Savings Contribution Credit. If you fall within the income limits, you can maximize this credit by contributing at least $2,000 to TSP. However, if your adjusted gross income is more than $25,000 ($50,000 for married filing jointly), you will not qualify for this credit at all. Example: Joe Taxpayer is an unmarried E-5 with six years TIS. Looking at a pay chart, we could guess he has adjusted gross income of around $28,000 that should disqualify him for the Saver’s Credit (more than $25,000). However, Joe planned ahead and has given over $3,000 to TSP, and his gross income was thereby reduced and is now less than $25,000. This bit of planning would reward Joe with a credit against his tax bill of $200. FACT: TSP contributions will lower your earned income, which could help you qualify for the earned income credit. If you will qualify for the EIC, you can increase the size of the credit

(and your refund) by contributing even more money to TSP. The earned income credit is a complicated credit, but it is designed as a form of readymade government support to lower income families. With a Soldier’s salary, it is almost impossible to qualify unless you are also a parent of at least one child who meets a technical definition of a “qualifying child.” If you have even one “qualifying child,” the EIC can potentially give you a large tax refund. As a tax strategy, you can make this refund even larger with TSP contributions. Example: 1st Lt. Juliet Filer is married with one qualifying child. Filer and her stay at home spouse only have taxable military pay and wages of $30,000. At this point, Filer can estimate she will receive a refundable earned income credit of about $630. Now let’s say Filer reduced her taxable military pay and wages by giving $5,000 to TSP during the course of the year. With this maneuver, Filer’s estimated EIC actually increases to $1,430. Adding to this, her saver’s credit would be $1,000. (more than Joe Taxpayer, because of the married filing joint status). Filer’s strategic contribution to TSP reduced her tax bill by $1,700 ($1,000 Saver’s Credit plus $700 increase in EIC) and will likely increase her refund. Taking the examples of Joe Taxpayer and Juliet Filer, we can see that with a little planning an ordinary Soldier can leverage a simple retirement savings plan into a big bottom line benefit on next year’s tax bill. Happy tax year. Please take early advantage of your local Tax Assistance Centers.

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The Good Shepherd

The Good Shepherd

(R) 8:20 p.m.

(R) 7:30 p.m.

The Good Shepherd

Catch and Release (PG13) 7 p.m. The Messangers (PG13) 9 p.m. The Messangers (PG13) 7 p.m. Norbit (R) 9:30 p.m.

(R) 7 p.m. The Messangers (PG13) 9 p.m. Borat (R) 7 p.m. Norbit (R) 9:30 p.m.

Apocalypto — From Academy Award winning filmmaker Mel Gibson comes ‘Apocalypto’: a heart stopping mythic actionadventure set against the turbulent end times of the once great Mayan civilization. When his idyllic existence is brutally disrupted by .a violent invading force, a man is taken on a perilous journey to a world ruled by fear and oppression where a harrowing end awaits him. Through a twist of fate and spurred by the power of his love for his woman and his family he will make a desperate break to return home and to ultimately save his way of life.

The Good Shepherd — The tumultuous early history of the Central Intelligence Agency is viewed through the prism of one man’s life in The Good Shepherd, an espionage drama starring Academy Award® winners Matt Damon, Angelina Jolie and Robert De Niro and directed by Robert De Niro. Edward Wilson (Matt Damon) understands the value of secrecy— discretion and commitment to honor have been embedded in him since childhood. As an eager, optimistic student at Yale, he is recruited to join the secret society Skull and Bones, a brotherhood and breeding ground for future world leaders. Wilson’s acute mind, spotless reputation and sincere belief in American values render him a prime candidate for a career in intelligence, and he is soon recruited to work for the OSS (the precursor to the CIA) during WWII.

The Cleanser (PG13) 6:45 p.m.

No Show

Apocalypto (R) 8:30 p.m.

The Messangers (PG13) 7:30 p.m.

The Good Shepherd

Catch and Release (PG13) 7 p.m. The Messangers (PG13) 9 p.m.

Apocalypto (R) 7 p.m. A Good Year (PG13) 9:00 p.m.

The Good Shepherd

The Good Shepherd

(R) 7 p.m. Rocky Balboa (PG) 8:30 p.m.

(R) 7 p.m. No Show

No Show . A Good Year (PG13) 9:00 p.m. The Messangers (PG13) 7 p.m. No Show

(R) 8:20 p.m. The Good Shepherd

The Good Shepherd

Night at the Museum

Night at the Museum

(PG13) 9:30 p.m. Apocalypto (PG) 9 p.m. Apocalypto (R) 7 p.m. Norbit (R) 8:30 p.m. Eragon (PG) 9:30 p.m. Eragon (PG) 9:30 p.m.

(PG13) 9:30 p.m. The Good Shepherd

(R) 8:20 p.m. Norbit (PG13) 8 p.m. Eragon (PG) 9:30 p.m. Eragon (PG) 9:30 p.m.

(R) 7 p.m. Norbit (R) 8 p.m. Rocky Balboa (PG) 6:30 p.m. Rocky Balboa (PG) 6:30 p.m.

Apocalypto (R) 7:30 p.m.

Let’s Go To Prison (R) 7:30 p.m.

No Show

No Show

The Pursiut of Happiness

The Pursiut of Happiness

(PG13) 9:00 p.m.

(PG13) 9:00 p.m. Apocalypto (R) 7 p.m.

The Good Shepherd

(R) 7 p.m. No Show

The Pursiut of Happiness

(PG13) 8 p.m.

Norbit — A meek and lovable milquetoast married to an overbearing, overweight tyrant finds his life turned upside down when he meets the woman of his dreams in this romantic comedy starring Eddie Murphy, Thandie Newton, Cuba Gooding Jr., and Eddie Griffin. His entire life, Norbit (Murphy) has been picked on and put down, and after being bullied into marrying the most obnoxious woman in town (also Murphy) it appears as if that’s the way things will remain until the day he dies. Upon meeting the one woman who seems to accept him for who he is, Norbit is instilled with a newfound sense of hope for the future. In order to find true happiness, however, Norbit will first have to gather the courage to stand up to his monstrous spouse once and for all.

Casino Royale (PG13) 6:45 p.m. Norbit (R) 9:30 p.m. Saw III (R) 9 p.m.

(R) 7:30 p.m.

Blood Diamond (R) 6:45 p.m. Norbit (R) 7 p.m. Rocky Balboa (PG) 7 p.m. Apocalypto (R) 7 p.m.

Rocky Balboa — Former heavyweight champion Rocky Balboa steps out of retirement and back into the ring, pitting himself against a new rival decades after his initial glory. When a computer simulated boxing match declares Rocky Balboa the victor over current champion Mason “The Line” Dixon, the legendary fighter’s passion and spirit are reignited. But when his desire to fight in small, regional competitions is trumped by promoters calling for a rematch of the cyber-fight, Balboa must weigh the mental and physical risks of a high profile exhibition match against his need to be in the ring.

Casino Royale — After a great deal of discussion on the part of fans and producers alike over Daniel Craig’s (The mother, Munich) suitability for the role of James Bond, he more than proves himself in this explosive revamping of the franchise. Under the direction of Martin Campbell (The mask of zorro) and with Paul Haggis (Crash) helping with the re-writes, this addition to the Bond canon manages to hold true to the essence of the stories the villainous villains, the fabulous sets, the beautiful women, the fastpaced action while updating the formula with subtlety and humanity. Trading in the Cold War era for a new, post-9-11 landscape, the tale unfolds in locations including the Bahamas, Venice, and the Czech Republic. It opens in Madagascar, where Bond pursues a guerilla bomb-maker in one of the most breathtaking chase scenes ever.

No Show

No Show

No Show

Norbit (R) 7 p.m. Apocalypto (R) 7 p.m. No Show

The Good Shepherd

The Good Shepherd

(R) 7 p.m. No Show

(R) 7 p.m. Norbit (R) 7 p.m.

Norbit (R) 9 p.m. Apocalypto (R) 7 p.m. Convenant (PG13) 6 p.m. A Good Year (PG13) 6 p.m.

The Good Shepherd

The Good Shepherd

The Good Shepherd

(R) 6 p.m. Rocky Balboa (PG) 6:30 p.m. Rocky Balboa (PG) 6:30 p.m.

(R) 6 p.m. Rocky Balboa (PG13) 6 p.m. A Good year (PG13) 6:30 p.m.

(R) 7 p.m. Apocalypto (R) 7 p.m. Convenant (PG13) 6 p.m. The Grudge 2 (PG13) 6 p.m.

Feb. 16, 2007

The Morning Calm Weekly

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Making the Grade By Chaplain (Ltc.) Jim King IMCOM-Korea and Area II Installation Staff Chaplain

R

eport card time is always interesting in our households. Some kids proudly present their report card to their parents, while others hope Mom and Dad do not ask about it. The results of our efforts may be surprising, confusing, or even astounding. Parents, children, and teachers huddle in conferences to discuss how to improve grades. How can we improve our performance in life? The secret is in turning a “C” into an “A.” Turning a “C” into an “A” may involve hard work, but it is even more important to “work smart.” In school, we are each expected to prove ourselves by doing our own work. We compete against a standard, against ourselves, and even against others. Students may be compared against one another, and try to excel by out-doing each other. In real life,

cooperation and contribution to group effort become more important. There is one “C” that is most likely to earn the entire team an “A.” Collaboration is the one “C” that is most likely to earn the entire team an “A.” Collaboration is working together jointly to solve a problem or to accomplish a goal. By definition, collaboration transcends the limits of any one individual. Any of us may be clever and inventive, but collaboration lets us tap into each other’s creativity. As thoughts and suggestions bounce off one another, unimagined possibilities begin to form in front of us. Creativity stimulates increasing creativity. Previously unheardof ideas emerge, and each idea grows stronger. Collaborating in God’s work increases the effectiveness of God’s people. Scriptures speak of “spiritual gifts” which are abilities for ministry that God places within us. These gifts are not for the

15

benefit of the individuals who possess them. They are to be used to help the entire family. Each person is able to contribute to ministry that enables the entire group to accomplish its purpose. Using our gifts individually will result in a limited measure of ministry success. Using our gifts to help others minister multiplies our effectiveness. (If I were a math major, I could show you that it multiplies exponentially!) It is not enough just to do well at what I do; it is essential to work together as part of a team that helps all of its members excel. Would you like to raise your grades? Would you like to turn a “C” into an “A”? You may not be in school anymore, but your learning, performance, and grades never mattered more. Multiply your effectiveness with the giftedness of others in God’s family. Look for ways to help others serve God, and you will begin to discover the power of collaboration.

Area II Worship Services CatholicMass

Jewish Protestant Services Episcopal United Pentecostal Collective Protestant

Sunday

8 a.m. 11:30a.m. Tues./Wed. 12:05p.m. Mon./Thur. 12:05p.m. Saturday 5 p.m. Friday 6 p.m.

South Post Chapel MemorialChapel 121HospitalChapel MemorialChapel MemorialChapel South Post Chapel

Sunday Sunday

10 a.m. MemorialChapel 1:30 p.m. MemorialChapel

Sunday

8 a.m. MemorialChapel 9:30a.m. 121HospitalChapel

KATUSA KCFA

9:30a.m. HannamVillageChapel (Korean) 10 a.m. South Post Chapel 10 a.m. Multipurpose Training Facility (R.O.C.K.) 10:30a.m. K-16 Community Chapel 11 a.m. HannamVillageChapel Noon South Post Chapel (Gospel) Thursday 6:30 p.m. MemorialChapel 2ndTues. 11:45a.m. MemorialChapel

3rd Tues. 11:45a.m. MemorialChapel Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints - For information , call 738-3011

Feb. 16, 2007

16 http://ima.korea.army.mil/morningcalmweekly

The Morning Calm Weekly

TAS dominates KAIAC cheer competition By Galen Putnam Area IV Public Affairs

CAMP GEORGE – The home team put on a powerhouse performance as first time host Taegu American School took first place in both the Varsity and Junior Varsity Divisions at the Korean American Interscholastic Activities Conference Cheerleading Competition Saturday at TAS on Camp George. The win marks TAS’s fifth straight KAIAC Cheerleading Competition title. In addition, all five TAS seniors who entered the All-Star Competition received individual honors. Cheerleader of the Year honors went to Jon Marc Ha of Taejon Christian International School. Results of the day-long competition are: Team Varsity 1st place – TAS 2nd place – Seoul American High School 3rd place – International Christian School – Uijeongbu 4th place – International Christian School – Pyeongtaek 5th place – Seoul International School Team Junior Varsity 1st place – TAS 2nd place – Osan American High School 3rd place – ICS – U 4th place – SIS 5th place – Yongsan International School of Seoul 6th place – Taejon Christian International School 7th place – Korean International School Individual “All-Stars” Kara Kitchens, OAHS Maria Rossi, OAHS Abby Lee, SIS Hannah No, TCIS Brittany Ferguson, TAS Jesse Covan, TAS Chris Ungauay, TAS Kerry Beaulieu, TAS Aimee Hildenbrand, TAS

PHOTOS

BY

GALEN PUTNAM

Yongsan International School of Seoul varsity cheerleaders junior Hong Yoo-jung, (foreground right) and sophomore Diana Goh, perform during the Korean American Interscholastic Activities Conference Cheerleading Competition Saturday at Taegu American School on Camp George.

The International Christian School - Uijongbu Eagles Varsity Cheerleading Team performs a Full and-a-half Pyramid.

Members of the Taegu American School Warriors Varsity Cheerleading Squad show their enthusiasm during their routine.

Taegu American School senior Jesse Covan balances atop the outstretched hands of her teammates.

The Seoul International School Tigers Varsity Cheerleading Team forms the letter “S” with pom-poms.

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17

MWR

Feb. 16, 2007 18 http://ima.korea.army.mil/morningcalmweekly

HALO Tournament Korea Region MWR will host the 2007 “Halo 3” Team Tournament Feb.24, at the K-16 Community Activities Center. Registration will begin at noon followed by a tournament briefing at 12:30 p.m. The competition will commence at 1 p.m. and continue until completed. An awards ceremony will conclude the event. Tour tournament will be based on team competition. All players will play the same game, “Halo 3.” The team with the highest combined score, during the competitive phases of the tournament, will be determined the winner. Please contact your local MWR CAC or DSN 723-8510 for more information. BOSS Winter Games Single and unaccompanied Soldiers ready to hit the slopes for the BOSS Winter Games weekend getaway must sign up now at your local CAC. The trip costs $99 for accommodation, equipment rentals and the lift ticket. An awards banquet will follow the event. Full payment must be received at the time of registration. Please visit your local MWR to register because there are limited seating. Bataan Memorial Qualifier The 13.1 mile road march will take place Feb. 24 at Camp Casey’s Carey Fitness Center. Registration begins at 7 a.m., followed by the course briefing. The race begins at 8:15 a.m. requirements include battle dress uniform, minimum 35 lbs. in rucksack and a full canteen or Camelback. Hi-tech boots are authorized, and no LBEs or helmets are required. The winning team will advance and represent 8th U.S. Army at the Bataan Memorial Road March, March 25. For more information contact your local MWR sports office or Henri Leborgne at 732-6276.

Spike Davis Special to The Morning Calm

The Morning Calm Weekly

Steve Brown

Sherman Golden

Shaun Jones Spike spends most of his weekend performing at comedy clubs and college campuses. He has toured with Steve Harvey, Jamie Foxx, Chris Rock and Cedric the Entertainer. As the first AfricanAmerican game show host on BET’s “On The Beat,” Spike has won over crowds with his easy smile and warm personality landing him the star of “What’s Up Spike” – a children’s comedy show. BET’s

Comic View, A&E’s Evening at the Improv and Showtimes Laffapalooza are a few of his credits. Steve is distinctly recognized by his high-pitched voice and highenergy physical antics. He has appeared on Russell Simon’s Def Comedy Jam, BET’s Comic View, Puff Daddy’s and HBO’s Bad Boys of Comedy and Tom Joyner Morning Show. Raised in the South by his religious grandparents, Steve enjoys giving back to the community. He hosts a weekly comedy show which showcases local talent and raises funds for charities. He is also an active member of Omega Psi Phi fraternity. Comedy ROKs is brought to you by MWR. The series will run quarterly and feature top notch comedians. All performances are open to ID card holders, free of charge. Material is not suitable for those 17 or under. For more information, please contact your local MWR Entertainment Office or DSN 7233749.

IMCOM-Korea MWR

YONGSAN, South Korea – The Morale Welfare and Recreation began the first showcase of “Comedy ROK’s” Feb. 10 at the Yongsan Main Post Club. Shaun Jones, Sherman Golden, Spike Davis and Steve Brown brought fun, laughter and top notch comedy to Army MWR clubs. Shaun’s act mixes some realistic truths with a little originality to set the crowd into fits. His jokes range from good relationships gone bad, to living with bad credit, to the night club scene – but he adds his own twist of humor to make his show truly enjoyable. Shaun has performed at numerous comedy clubs, been seen on BET’s Comic View, and appeared in the Jim Carey’s “Ace Ventura” movie. Sherman is a fine young performer of urban comedy. He has appeared on HBO’s Def Comedy Jam alongside Joe Torry, Guy Torry and host Martin Lawrence. His comedy is fresh and raw – a sure crowd pleaser.

Catch the Last Few Shows Date

Time

Installation

Location

K-16

Landing Zone

Feb.17

7 p.m.

Feb.18

8 p.m.

Camp Walker

Hilltop Club

Feb. 20

7 p.m.

Camp Carroll

Hideaway Club

Feb. 21

7 p.m.

Camp Red Cloud

Mitchell’s

The Morning Calm Weekly

Feb. 16, 2007

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The Morning Calm Weekly

Page 21

Feb. 16, 2007

KATUSA Soldiers’ dedication, hard work keep the Central Issue F acility operating smoothly Facility Pfc. Im, Suk Chun USAG Humphreys PAO

CAMP HUMPHREYS—Six Korean Augmentation to The United States Army Soldiers assigned to Central Issue Facility here rarely have a moment to spare from day to day because they are always busy taking care of incoming and outgoing Soldiers. The six have a tough, unglamorous job but they know it is an essential mission they must complete each day and they do it without complaint. Senior KATUSA Sgt. Shin, S. H. leads the CIF KATUSAs and enjoys working with them. “I really do enjoy working with my junior Soldiers at CIF,” Shin said. “The job here is tough, but their support and contribution make the job rather enjoyable.” Just like the other KATUSA Soldiers all CIF KATUSAs were college students before being called up by the Korean government for their mandatorymilitary service. As liberal college students, the Soldiers found it quite difficult to get used to the tough labor they encountered in CIF and the tight schedule they had to follow as members of Headquarters, Headquarters Company, US Army Garrison Humphreys and Area III. “There has been some dramatic change in my life since I came here,” said Pfc. Son, W. I. “I was a college student at Miami University in Ohio before I came to military. Well, I was pretty much always free to do whatever I wanted, being just a sophomore college student. But now I’m literary carrying and piling boxes of equipment seven hours a day.” Although not all CIF KATUSAs have unique backgrounds like Son, they share the same sense of responsibility, best summed up by Pfc. Park, B. H. “It is important to understand where we belong and what we are working for. Our jobs are very routine and require rigorous labor all day long. But we all understand our responsibility and it is exactly why we

can hold on to our daily missions,” Park said. Senior KATUSA Shin offers a leader’s perspective. “It is the job of senior KATUSA to supervise and monitor soldiers on top of regular CIF work. Though some of them don’t seem very content with dusty and crowded CIF, it is my job to motivate them if they are not working as hard as they are supposed to,” he said. Despite the sometimes tough working environment at CIF the KATUSAs soldier on. “We sometimes can’t really help complaining about

the dust and no air conditioning at all,” Pfc. Kim, H.W. said. “Nevertheless, I see my senior KATUSA and other Soldiers doing their jobs and I guess that doesn’t really leave me any room for complaints. It’s always the people who you work with who determine the quality of working condition.” Whatever the working conditions at CIF one thing is certain; the six KATUSA Soldiers who work there will continue to serve with pride and dedication for they understand just how important the job of taking care of their fellow Soldiers is.

PFC. IM, SUK CHUN

KATUSA Soldiers at the Humphreys Central Issue Facility assist a Solder with his equipment issue. KATUSA’s play an important role at the CIF.

Virtual Family Readiness Group: 1-43 ADA bridges gap from the Han to the Rio Grande By Staff Sgt. Tony T. Williams 1-43 ADA BN Command Group

SUWON AIR BASE – The 1st Battalion, 43rd Air Defense Artillery

Battalion conducted its monthly Video Tele Conference (VTC) Feb.1 with the Family Readiness Group (FRG) located at Fort Bliss, Texas. The main

PHOTO BY MAJ. ROLAND QUIDACHAY

1-43 ADA leaders Tele Conference with Fort Bliss FRG members as they answer their questions and address their concerns about FRG issues.

goal of the two hour conference was to discuss integration procedures for Soldiers and family members coming to and from the Fort Bliss and Korea communities. “The successful organization of VTC FRG meetings is the result of substantial efforts by FRG Coordinators at Fort Bliss and Korea, and the full support of the Chain of Command” said Mrs. Holly Chavez, 1-43 ADA FRG Advisor Heading the VTC were Lt. Col. John R. Chavez, Commander of 1-43 ADA and unit commanders from Osan, Suwon, and Camp Casey and FRG leaders from Fort Bliss. “With units rotating from Fort Bliss, we have capitalized on the family enclave that exists there and leveraged their ideas and good practices to form sound VRGs here in Korea.” said Chavez. “These Ideas and practices reach out to family members located

not only at Fort Bliss, but those in Korea and throughout the continental United States. “I have been involved with unit rotations to Korea since they first started, and this is the best I have seen so far,” said Mrs. Jennifer Evanko, FRG Coordinator “I am very happy with the FRG VTCs,” said Mrs. Rusty Milam, the Charlie Battery, 1-43 ADA FRG Leader. “We’re glad to have the opportunity to ask questions and get answers on issues. We are looking forward to the full establishment of the battalion FRG WebPages” Major points of concern included Command information regarding unit deployments, The Virtual Family Readiness Group website (vFRG), Unit FRG Newsletters, Health of FRGs, and telephone and email notification processes for all families within the battalion.

Area III

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SPOUSE O R I E N TAT I O N SEMINAR SET NOW M A N D E N D T O RY The SOS is scheduled for Feb.26 & 27 at the Community Activity Center, 8 a.m. It is mandatory for spouses to attend prior to receiving a permanent ration control card. Register thru sponsors’ unit, FRG assistance or directly to ACS. Info. 753-8401. AAFES LUNAR NEW YEAR HOURS All AAFES facilities will operate normal hours on Sat. & Mon, Feb 17 & 19. Hours for Lunar New Year’s Day, Sun, Feb. 18. Camp Humphreys Main Exchange, 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. Burger King & Pizza Hut, 0630-10 p.m. Food Court: Taco Bell, 10 a.m.- 6 p.m., Anthony’s Pizza & Popeye’s, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Both Subways: 11:30 – 6 p.m. Military Clothing Sales, Closed. Sorak Shoppette and Zoeckler Shoppette, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. Jangmi Shoppette, Closed; All Concessions, Closed. Theater and post Taxi, normal hours. On Long/Eagle, Suwon and Yong In All AAFES exchanges, snack bars and concessionaires will be closed. COMMUNITY BANK LUNAR NEW YEAR HOLIDAY HOURS The Community Bank will be closed Feb. 17-19 (Sat. - Mon.) for Lunar New Year. ATMs, telephone and online banking will be available. IG POSITIONS AVAILABLE IN AREAS II/III The United States Forces Korea and Eighth Army Inspector General’s Office is looking for Officers and NCOs who desire to become Inspector Generals in Areas II and III. You should be in the rank of Maj. (Branch immaterial) and Sgt. 1st class (MOS 42A/42L and 92Y) to serve as Inspectors General. There is also an opening for an Inspector General position in the rank of Capt. (Career Course graduate and successful Companylevel command) at Camp Humphreys. Info call Ltc. Eady at 725-6739.

TOBACCO CESSATION CLASSES SET If you’re ready to quit using any form of tobacco, you are invited to attend the next monthly Tobacco Cessation class held at your installation. Classes are held weekly, one hour each for four weeks. Cold Turkey, nicotine replacement and/or Zyban are offered. You’ll get support, education and behavior modification techniques, nutrition information and Stress Management.

The Morning Calm Weekly

File Your Taxes for Free

F. NEIL NEELEY

Staff Sgt. Marlowe Howard, (L) NCOIC of the Area III Tax Center assists Sgt. 1st Class Edward Woolfolk, 348th Quartermaster Company, with filing his taxes. By F. Neil Neeley USAG Humphreys PAO

CAMP HUMPHREYS – As April 15 approaches ever nearer, we realize that yet another tax season is upon us. It’s time to focus on filing your taxes. If the thought of filling out all those tax forms gives you a headache, the Area III Tax Center has a solution that will put your mind at ease. The Tax Center is ready to assist you in preparing and filing your federal and state income taxes and it won’t cost you anything. It is located in the rear of the Red Cross, Building 262 on Camp Humphreys. All authorized identification card holders may obtain tax assistance at the Tax Center. The hours are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. No appointment

necessary. Thursday. only by appointment, Call 753-3905 Personnel stationed at outlying posts will have access to tax assistants on a weekly basis. Staff members from the Area III Tax Center will be available at Camps Long and Eagle the first three Wednesdays of every month. The hours at Camp Long are from 9 - 11.30 a.m. and Eagle from 1 – 4 p.m. Service will be provided at Suwon Air Force Base later in the tax season at a date and time to be determined. Check the news and notes section of Area III’s pages in the Morning Calm Weekly for updated information. Although no appointment is necessary, before meeting with any of the Area III Tax Center staff, most personnel are encouraged to make an appointment with their unit tax advisor. Soldiers can find out who their unit tax advisor is through the chain of command. “The unit tax advisor helps

with tax preparation by going over the forms and documentation that Soldiers need for filing taxes,” said Capt. Brian Tomasovic, Officer-inCharge of the Area III Tax Center. Each unit tax advisor is trained in the Internal Revene Servoce Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. They posses the most upto-date tax information from the IRS. Unit tax advisors will guide personnel through the tax preparation process to make it as easy and painless as possible.Tomasovic encourages individuals to meet with their unit tax advisors because they can determine each individuals filing needs. The unit tax advisors are trained to provide informed tax assistance. In fact, each unit tax advisor must receive Vo l u n t e e r Income Ta x A s s i s t a n c e ( V I TA ) t r a i n i n g given by the Internal Revenue Service. Tax filers can obtain tax forms and track their electronic returns at the Internal Revenues Service Web site (www.irs.gov). Soldiers and civilians with MyPay accounts can obtain their W-2s electronically at the MyPay Web site (mypay.dfas.mil). The Area III Tax Center will remain open until May 15, 2007. From May 15 through June 15, tax assistance will be provided by appointment at the Camp Humphreys Legal Center. For more information, call the Area III Tax Center at 753-3905.

New Korean Culture Teacher at HAES By Nancy Turner HAES Information Specialist

CAMP HUMPHREYS – Humphreys American Elementary School has a new Korean Culture teacher, Pak Nam-chi. Before coming to HAES Pak worked in Korean middle and high schools teaching English. At HAES Pak teaches students about the culture of the Korean people. She is currently teaching the students a traditional Korean New Year song. Pak also brought Korean traditional clothing to show the students. She talked to them about how Koreans typically spent the Korean New Year day. Students also learn many things about Korean culture including Korean foods, games songs, dress,

(L to R) 1st graders Robert Donnelly, Lexi Saldana, and Trisha Galon from Gail Hibbard’s class, listen attentively as Pak Nam-chi shows traditional Korean costumes. family gatherings, holidays, Korean leave Korea with a deep Children’s Day, the Korean Hangul understanding of the differences in alphabet, Korean language greeting and people’s customs and culture around the world and the Korean culture in bowing, and Korean folktales. Because of Pak, HAES students will particular.

The Morning Calm Weekly

Area III

Feb. 16, 2007

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23

Antiterrorism is everyone’s business

BOB MCELROY

US Army Garrison Humphreys Antiterrorism Officer Ed Teague (C) points out some of the features on the new Mass Notification System to Lt. Col. John N. McCarthy, commander of 527th Military Intelligence Battalion (L) and USAG Humphreys Fire Chief Dominic Parra (R). The MNS can broadcast aural warnings and live or recorded voice messages covering a number of different incidents. By Bob McElroy USAG Humphreys PAO

CAMP HUMPHREYS—If you were to tell someone that waiting in traffic at the main gate while the security guards checked identification cards is part of the post’s antiterrorism program they might be surprised or skeptical but it would be the truth. According to Ed Teague, U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys Antiterrorism Officer, antiterrorism measures can range from the simplest measures like checking IDs, reporting suspicious people or anything that seems unusual to more elaborate measures. The most important thing to remember, he stressed, is that antiterrorism is everyone’s business—Soldiers, Civilians and Family Members. “It’s a team effort,” Teague stressed. “It is everyone from the Directorate of Public Works, to the Directorate of Logistics, the fire department to the Red Cross. We are all participants and people understand that. Teague said that anti-terror measures should not be

confused with counterterror measures. Anti-terror measures are those precautions and protections a person, organization or installation takes to deter, detect, defend or mitigate a terrorist attack. Counter terror measures are more direct, he said. When you take the attack to the terrorist in order to eliminate the threat, that is counterterrorism. Teague said that some of the keys to a successful antiterrorism program are: antiterrorism awareness, training, resources—money, equipment and facilities— periodic exercises to evaluate a program’s effectiveness and doctrinal development. At the installation level, Antiterrorism Working Groups provide a forum for unit and organization Antiterrorism Officers (ATO) to discuss “the nuts and bolts” antiterrorism work, Teague noted. The ATWGs meet several times per quarter Teague said. During the meetings the ATOs discuss current issues and problems and prepare a briefing for the

35th ADA Hosts ROK Cadets By 1st. Lt. David C. Marlow 35th ADA Public Affairs

OSAN AIR BASE - Cadets from the Korean Military Academy visited Osan Air Base Feb. 8 for a military to military exchange with the 35th Air Defense Artillery Brigade. The cadets were taken on a tour of a Patriot tactical site and briefed on the

1ST. LT. DAVID C. MARLOW

Capt. Kendahl Ferguson, Air Defense Artillery Fire Coordination Officer for 35th ADA Brigade, briefs cadets on the Patriot missile system.

Patriot missile system by the Capt. Kendahl Ferguson, 35th ADA Air Defense Artillery Fire Coordination Officer. It was truly an eye-opening experience for the ROK Cadets. “This was my first time on a U.S. Military Base and my first time meeting U.S. Officers,” said third year Cadet Jae Uk Hong. “This trip gave me a better understanding of Americans and I gained perspective on the types of capabilities we have within the combined alliance.” Fellow third year Cadet, Kwon Joong Lee, came away from the visit with even stronger feeling about the importance of the ROK-US Alliance. “When I see these types of advanced capabilities, it reemphasizes to me the strength and importance of the alliance.” It was a positive experience for Americans as well. “This is definitely one of the great aspects of doing a tour here in Korea,” said Capt. Ferguson. “The cadets were all very bright and kept me on my toes with excellent questions about the weapon system.

Antiterrorism Executive Committee, composed of the installation’s senior leaders. “The stuff we execute in the working groups we brief to the commanders,” Teague said. “We provide a snapshot of the previous several months and the next several months.” In the end, however, the program’s success depends on everyone’s participation and support, Teague emphasized. Even something as simple as showing patience while waiting in a line of cars to enter post is essential. Fortunately for US Army Garrison Humphreys and Area III, everyone plays their part. “People here actively participate and it’s great,” Teague concluded. And, the bottom line is: when the antiterrorism program is a success the installation is safe and secure.

There are some simple measures people can take when the potential terrorist threat to American citizens is high: Do not travel alone when possible— use the buddy system. Do not stay in clubs that do not check ID cards or allow backpacks

· · ·

Protect your post, your unit and

your family members by being aware of your surroundings and actively engaging in security and protective measures. Report any suspicious persons or someone who acts and looks out of place to the Camp Humphreys Military Intelligence Detachment. The 24-hour phone number is 010-3100-0171.

·

Aviation Commander visits 2nd CAB By USAG PAO CAMP HUMPHREYS – Maj. Gen Virgil L. Packett II, Commanding General, U.S. Army Aviation Warfighting Center and Fort Rucker, Ala., visited the 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade Jan.31. Packett was invited to Korea to be the featured speaker at the annual Army Aviation Winter Formal held Feb. 2 at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Seoul.

During his visit, Packett visited 2nd CAB Soldiers at Camp Humphreys, Camp Eagle, and K16. At each location he received mission briefs and took time to speak with Soldiers. Packett commented on the importance of 2d CAB, its Soldiers, and the mission in Korea. He acknowledged the tough mission on the peninsula and thanked Soldiers for their service to the nation.

F. NEIL NEELEY

(L to R) Maj. Gen. Packett chats with CPT Adam Shields, D Company 2nd CAB during his visit to a maintenance hanger Jan. 31.

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The Morning Calm Weekly

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Feb. 16, 2007

Tough Soldier boxing draws big card, crowd 16 bouts provide plenty of action

Female boxer’s fighting spirit an inspiration

By Senior Airman Stephen Collier 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

CAMP CARROLL – It was an evening of nonstop hits, jabs and upper cuts, not to mention bloody noses, during Camp Carroll’s Tough Soldier II Boxing Invitational Saturday at the Crown Jewel Fitness Center. The multi-service competition, sponsored by Army Morale, Welfare and Recreation and the Better Opportunities for Single (and Unaccompanied) Soldiers Program, pitted male and female pugilists, including a large contingent from Osan and Kunsan air bases, against Soldiers from throughout the peninsula. The raucous event featured 16 bouts and lasted a total of three hours. The evening began with middleweight fighters Derek “Dmon” Linville of Camp Carroll and Kunsan’s Ernest Lee sparring and dancing through the three rounds. Pressing right jabs delivered by Lee helped secure his win. Soon after, Exavier Rutlen took down Kunsan’s Jesus Salas after making the Air Force boxer bleed. Soon after, the first female fighters of the evening took to the ring representing the women’s bantamweight class. Camp Carroll’s own Antoinette Dawson took on Camp Walker’s Bernice Macias, but lost out to the smaller, more agile Macias after seeing stars; the effect of Macias’s brutal, swift multiple punches. Once again, Air Force fighters, who won five out of eight fights, took to the ring with Jesse McLeod knocking out the Army’s Christopher Carter 1:30 into

Middleweight boxer Nakisha Simon throws a right jab to the undefended face of Nekya Allmond, 2nd Battalion, 1st Air Defense Artillery, Camp Carroll. Simon, assigned to the 8th Fighter Wing at Kunsan Air Base, lost out to a stronger Allmond after three rounds.

By Senior Airman Stephen Collier 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

PHOTOS

BY

SENIOR AIRMAN STEPHEN COLLIER

David Medlin, 188th Military Police Company, Camp Walker, (right) takes a swing at Kumar Members from Kunsan Air Base during their middleweight bout. Members took a unanimous 3-0 decision.

the first round. David Medlin from Carroll took on bluesuiter Kumar Members shortly after, but lost out more to exhaustion then Member’s right arm, eventually capitulating on the ropes. With a cocky smile, Kaky Emiliano jumped into the ring next, taking on the Army’s Andre Ely. Ely held his own early on, but the pounding hits of Emiliano forced the fighter on the defense through round three, losing out to the Airman. Powerful for his middleweight class, Christopher Howard of Carroll lined up his right and left jabs for the last male Air Force fighter of the night, Richard Cordova. Cordova, who could barely defend himself against a superior Howard, lost out to the Soldier. Camp Carroll’s Jeffrey Caceres lined up to take on Camp Eagle’s Michael Neely next. Both fighters would fall to the ground from each other’s hits in the second round, but Neely eventually prevailed with Caceres finding his way out of the ropes. Long-reaching Simon Hernandez was next, taking on Matthew Altonj from Camp Walker. Hernandez started early, pounding on Altonj’s head, leaving him looking tired at the end of the second round. Hernandez took the win when referee Kim Yong-hon ended the fight 28 seconds into round three. Larry Jordan and Annela Taylor faced off next with David Ford and Davis Striedlinger following. Both fights started slow, and both ended with Jordan taking down Taylor and Ford keeping Striedlinger at bay to take their

respective trophies. The women entered the ring once more, but this time it was David versus Goliath with the larger Nekya Allmond taking on smaller, first-time Air Force fighter Nakisha Simon. Simon’s inexperience was her undoing with Allmond putting her down on the mat twice in rounds two and three. The crowd knew the outcome and Allmond came out on top. In the first of two super heavyweight fights for the night, Camp Carroll’s Larry Howard faced off against Osan’s Tyrone Gamble. Howard blasted out of his corner, meeting head-on the undefended face of Gamble. Howard’s gatling-gun arms fired away at the face and mid section of Gamble early on, and Gamble would never recover. After two more big hits to the chin, Howard secured his victory. Robert Drury from Carroll entered the ring next with Camp Eagle’s Michael Gant close behind. Drury, taking advantage of Gant’s long reach, stayed inside the Eagle fighter’s optimal range, taking away his only hope of victory. With his strong forearm, Drury took the match from Gant early on. A stern Tyrone Sumrall from Camp Carroll sized up powerhouse Julio Ramos during the last fight of the night in the super heavyweight division. Both fighters pounded away at each other, but Ramos packed a heavy punch and put Sumrall on the ground. With a fierce fan base behind him, Ramos countered a second-round attack from Sumrall by throwing him to the ground. Ramos later took the win.

The lights are dim but the crowd is at a roar. Two fights have already transpired, with two Army boxers already winning big in their separate weight divisions. A thousand thoughts are probably running through her head, because this particular five foot, four inch Soldier representing not only the Army or her unit, but her family who has struggled to get her here, is praying for a miracle. A stern look on the face of Pvt. Berenice Macias, a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear readiness specialist, with the 169th Signal Company at Camp Walker, greets the Army fans as she slowly, but steadily makes her way to the boxing ring Saturday at the Camp Carroll Tough Soldier II Boxing Invitational. She has only one objective this night. “I wanna win,” exclaims the sharp voice of Macias, Mexican by birth. One need only look deeper into this young woman’s eyes to reveal more than just a determined fighter. One could guess that more than just a win and more than just a trophy are on the line. And there is. The 19-year old from Dallas has been fighting all her life, sometimes for trophies, but mostly for survival. Getting into boxing at the tender age of 11, however, started out simply as fun. “My dad brought me into boxing,” Macias explained. “He said it was never a female sport because in Mexico females don’t box. But, he said to me ‘you are going to take up boxing.’All I could do was agree, even though I didn’t want to. The first time I was in the ring, I was up against a little boy who ended up beating me up.” The trial-by-fire boxing match, which deflated an alreadydistraught Macias, led to a twomonth hiatus from the sport. But her father had other plans.

See Boxer on Page 28

Feb. 16, 2007

26 http://ima.korea.army.mil/areaiv/sites/local/ Holiday Weekend Road Restrictions Due to the extremely high traffic volume expected during the Korean Lunar New Year and American President’s Day holidays, off post road restrictions will be in effect. The road condition will be RED Feb. 17 – 19 and AMBER today and Feb. 20. Dispatches for Transportation Motor Pool vehicles will not be issued without the required authorization per United States Forces Korea Regulation 190-1. For information, call Wilfred Plumley at 768-8969. Black History Month Fun Run/Walk A Black History Month 5-kilometer Fun Run/2-Mile Walk will be held 9 a.m. Saturday, at Kelly Fitness Center on Camp Walker. Registration is 8 – 8:45 a.m. First and second place finishers will receive awards. For information, call Kelly Fitness Center at 764-4225/4800. Community Information Exchange The monthly Community Information Exchange Forum will be 9 – 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Soldier Memorial Chapel Fellowship Hall on Camp Walker. Learn about everything that’s happening in the community. Refreshments will be served and there will be time at the end of the forum for attendees to share information of general interest. The forum is open to the community. For information, call J.J. Stewart at 768-8120. Black History Month Commemorations The Area IV Black History Month Commemoration Program, “From Slavery to Freedom: The Story of African’s in The Americas,” will be presented Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Community Activity Center on Camp Carroll and 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Evergreen Community Club on Camp Walker. The guest speaker will be Col. Gracus K. Dunn, commander, Combat Support Coordination Team #2. The program will feature performances, displays, memoirs, prizes and soul food sampling. The commemorations are open to the community. There is no charge. For information, call Master Sgt. John Gough at 010-4694-9995 or Sgt. 1st Class Adam Morrison at 0108671-4788. Camp Carroll Dodgeball Tournament A Dodgeball Tournament will be conducted 11 a.m. Feb. 24 at Crown Jewel Fitness Center on Camp Carroll. Registration deadline is Feb. 22 and a briefing for participants will be held 10 a.m. Teams will consist of eight participants per team. Awards will be given to the members of the first and second place teams. For information, call Kim Su-yop or Carlos Algarin at 765-8287/8118.

Area IV

The Morning Calm Weekly

Personality Spotlight: Runners make All-Army Cross Country Team Area IV Public Affairs CAMP HENRY – Two Soldiers from Daegu have been selected to represent the Army as members of

Sgt. 1st Class Angella R. Jackson

the All-Army Cross Country team slated to compete in the Armed Forces Championship Feb 8 – 11 in Boulder Colo. (results unavailable at

press time). Meet two Soldiers who, although very different from one another, share a common bond and common goals.

Lt. Col. Marty Muchow

Duty Position: Duty Position: Plans Emergency Operation Officer, Defense Logistics Center non-commissioned Agency – Pacific Korea, officer in charge, 19th Camp Walker Sustainment Command Hometown: Hartford, (Expeditionary), Camp S.D. Henry Age: 41 Hometown: Fort When did you start Lauderdale, Florida running? I ran some track Age: 33 and cross country in high school but decided I did not When did you start running: I started running in enjoy it enough to continue after high school. Being in the 1999 at Fort Bragg, but not seriously at first military I had to complete the 2 mile run for my PT tests Why did you start running: I have to give great and run in formation occasionally as a necessity but not credit to my husband, who is athletic and always by choice. 16 years after any serious running, I arrived in encouraged me to find a sport of my choice, although Korea in June 2000. My 20th ASG S-3 Sergeant Major running was not one of his suggested choices. I have to (now Mr. Pat Noble in 19th ESC Support Operations) also give credit for my starting to run to SFC (Ret) had a running club and kept asking me to join them. I Murphy. He was my coach on Fort Bragg, and he finally accepted his offer to run in the 2001 New Year’s pushed me constantly. Resolution Run 5K race on Camp Walker. In my mind I Why have you continued to run: I have to give this was still 18 and in great shape. Needless to say SGM credit to Lt. Col. Sylvia Bennett. She was the one who Noble beat me (so did most people) and I even had to initially got me running here in Korea. I ran with her for walk a portion of the course. I was over weight by 30 lbs a short while at Fort Bragg, and then met up with her and out of shape. I made my New Years resolution to again in Korea and we ran together for almost two start running, get in shape and someday beat the SGM. I years. I have to also give credit to my coach, Patrick took me about 6 months of training but I was able to beat Noble, who I train with everyday faithfully. him in the 4th of July MWR 5km Race at Camp Walker. What is the best part of running: I just love what I was hooked! it does to my entire being. It gives me peace of mind and Why have you continued to run? I wasted 16 helps to keep my body in shape! years of my running career. The potential was there, I Tell us about your running career: Well, I would just never utilized it. I have lost those 30 lbs and feel not say that I have a career in running; I just do it for great. I now run to see what my limits are. I don’t think I personal pleasure and to keep in have reached them yet. shape. Tell us about your running The Army Women’s What is the highlight of your career: I ran my first Korean race in running career: Being able to go to 2001, I placed third overall which gave Team took first place Washington D.C. and represent Korea me a big confidence boost and the and the Men’s Team in the Army 10-Miler. The Korea motivation to train harder. In 2002, I second in the 2006 AUSA Chapter, I believe, is the best won my first half marathon race in Armed Forces Cross of all the chapters in every respect, Seoul. When I PCSed back to the and I am sincerely not being biased. I States in 2002, I continued to train but Country Championships also believe that we, here in Korea, races were few and far between. I did have the best sponsorship ever. We make the Fort Leavenworth 10-Miler are supported by our entire chain of command all the Team in 2003, our team placed third and I was 78th overall way to the top, and we are also supported by our AUSA with a time of 56:28. In 2004, I PCSed back to Korea and Chapter all the way to the top. It goes without saying was reunited with Pat Noble and the Daegu Area Running that I am indeed proud to be an ambassador to the Team (DART). With the support and motivation of the United States Army and Korea! team, I competed in 14 Korean races in 2005, usually What significant running events have you placing in the top five but with few wins. I completed my participated in: I have participated in the Army Tenonly marathon in Jeju in 2005 with a time of 2 hours 45 Miler three times already, and I have been running minutes, finishing third. 2006 was my breakout year. I numerous Half Marathons all over Korea. I have taken competed in 23 Korean races (half marathons and 10-Ks), 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places. from Seoul to Busan, I won 16 races, finished second four What running events have you won: I have won a times, and third three times. At age 40-41, I set my few Half Marathons, 10Ks and 5Ks. personal best records in the 5-K at 14:56, the 10-K at How does it feel to make the All-Army Cross 31:01, half marathon 1.11:12 and 10 miles 53:21. I’m Country team: I feel great, honored and privileged to be hoping 2007 is better yet. able to participate for the first time. What is the highlight of your running career? What are your running goals: I want to break 60 Winning the Master’s Division of the 2006 Army 10 minutes on the next Army 10-Miler and continue to get Miler in 53 minutes, 21 seconds and being captain of the faster and continue to win. Men’s Eighth Army 10-Miler Team that won the What other sports do you participate in: Bowling Commander’s Cup for top Active Duty Team.

The Morning Calm Weekly

Protective Mask P.T.

27 Area IV Marchers show mettle at Camp Carroll competition Feb. 16, 2007

http://ima.korea.army.mil/areaiv/sites/local/

By Pvt. Na Kyung-chul Area IV Public Affairs

CPL. CHA HYUN-JOON

Sgt. 1st Class Denise Bays-Napier, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Area IV Support Activity – Camp Carroll, stretches prior to unit physical training with protective masks Feb. 9 at Camp Carroll. The company’s Soldiers conducted physical training that culminated with a one-mile run with their M-40 Protective Masks on. The company, with Soldiers residing at Camps Henry in Daegu and Carroll in Waegwan, alternates training between the two installations.

CAMP HENRY – A relaxing stroll early on a Saturday morning is one thing, but a 10-mile trek while lugging a 35-pound rucksack is another issue altogether. Cold weather and mere 35-pound rucks didn’t deter 63 hearty hikers, however, as they strapped on their packs for the 10-Mile Rucksack Challenge Feb. 3 at Camp Carroll. “The activity was organized to promote esprit de corps,” said Modesto C. Algarin, Crown Jewel Fitness Center sports and fitness director. “The participants were really motivated. Soldiers, both male and female, were still having fun and smiling all the way to the finish line. ” The winners are: Team Category 1st Place: Company D, 2nd Battalion, 1st Air Defense Artillery, Camp Carroll, Waegwan 2nd Place: Company A, 2nd Battalion, 1st Air Defense Artillery, Camp Carroll, Waegwan Individual Category – Women 1st Place: 1st Lt. Leslie Shipp, 595th

MODESTO C. ALGARIN

Company A, 2nd Battalion, 1st Air Defense Artillery, team members (from left) Mark Hamstra, Charles Nelson, Corey Bradley, David Striedinger and Bryce Keenan cross the finish line together.

Maintenance Company, K-16 Air Base, Seoul Individual Category – Men 1st Place: Edward Broadnax Jr. Co. D, 2-1 ADA Bn. 2nd Place: David Samaniego, Co. D, 2-1 ADA Bn. 3rd Place: Joshua Wilkie, Co. A, 21 ADA Bn. 4th Place: Roberto Enriquez, Co. D, 2-1 ADA Bn. 5th Place: Glenn R. Wilson, 595th Maint. Co., K-16 Air Base, Seoul Civilian Category 1st Place: Jimmie Finch, Area IV American Red Cross Office, Camp Henry, Daegu

Feb. 16, 2007

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from Page 25

“I stopped going for two months and everybody kept asking ‘where is the little girl?’” Macias continued. “Eventually, my dad told me I was going back. For the first time, I saw female fighters and they were all scared to fight me because I had fought a boy.” Soon after, Macias’s short boxing tenure had bloomed into something formidable, and by the age of 13 her boxing coach wanted her to go to the next level. “As a child, I used to play soccer and run a lot; this helped my stamina in the ring over time,” she said. “By the time I turned 13, I was undefeated in my weight [class], working my way up to gold gloves, then black gloves. I used to eat everything bad, including [junk food]. But my coach made me stop, [instead] making me eat vegetables and a lot of crazy stuff. For weigh-ins, usually earlier before the fight, we wouldn’t eat or drink [to make our weight class].” Success had shined on a young Macias, but it hadn’t always been so cut and dry. Born in the U.S., her family moved back to their native Guanajuato, Mexico to live. Still learning about the world as a toddler at two, Macias grew up fast the eight years she lived in the small village. Taking care of family was number one priority for all, and that meant the responsibility fell to her to heat water in cans so the children could bathe. She also made sure her siblings were up early to go with the family to market, a mile outside the village. “It’s a little town where everyone knows each other; it’s so different,” she recalled. “We didn’t have everything we have now. Over there, even showers [were different.] I remember my mother telling us that is the only amount of water you get to use so don’t get too dirty. So I would heat up the water for my little brothers and sister. And you don’t have air conditioning; it’s really different.”

Area IV Her father, who moved to America early on to find employment, made the decision to call for the family. And so they moved, placing the children on an airplane bound for Dallas-Ft. Worth InternationalAirport. But her mother had to find an Macias alternate route. Like so many others in the 1990s, it was time to cross the Rio Grande. “My mother has worked hard all her life to raise me and my family,” said a proud Macias. “My father sent for us to go. It was weird, but … my little sister and I, we came in a plane. But my mother had to cross the river. We didn’t know about it [at first.] We came to the U.S. and met our aunt who was already there. We waited for our mother who was supposed to be there two days later. She got there four days later because the U.S. Border Patrol had caught some others trying to cross. My mother and others waited a few days, then crossed. The way she explained [how] she came, I don’t think I could of ever done it. I’m just really grateful … I would never be here if it wasn’t for her.” Approximately a year later (Macias is unsure of the exact time frame), the would-be Soldier was learning English quickly while participating in the time-tested sport of boxing. For the next three to four years, boxing would dominate the high school student’s life as she practiced between 4 and 8 p.m. every night, many times, blowing off homework and her required course work for classes. But trouble was brewing at home. Her father suffered from alcoholism, living with the bottle while her mother desperately worked menial jobs, mostly cleaning houses to keep Macias as well as her brothers and sister alive. “There was too much to do,” she remembered.

The Morning Calm Weekly “Between school and my mother … I had to start working and help my sister and my brothers. She couldn’t pay for everything by herself. So, in high school, boxing would take up to four hours after school, which ate into homework time, but I didn’t really care because I liked boxing so much. I saw her struggling a lot, so then I gave it up. I started working and helping her out. I gave up my life to help hers.” Months later, with her mother on better footing, Macias made the decision to join the Army. After arriving to her first duty assignment at Camp Walker, she started running again. Running re-ignited her passion for boxing. On Feb. 10, she proved she still had what it takes to be a fighter when she defeated Antoinette Dawson, 2nd Battalion, 1st Air DefenseArtillery, Camp Carroll, in a three-round match. Dawson ended the bout seeing stars; an after effect of the pint-sized Latina’s multiple, swift and brutal punches. “You have to learn discipline. I’m not mean,” laughed Macias. “I like the sport. Most of my opponents don’t like me. They just wanted to beat me up. But still, I like the sport.” And Macias dreams of taking her talents in the ring past the confines of Asia. “I want to be a professional boxer, but it takes time and dedication. I need to get school done and a lot of stuff. Most pro boxers don’t have school [to worry about] because [boxing] is an every day thing. You don’t have time for anything else ... just what you eat and how you train. But when I finish school, I really want to do that.” But Macias admitted, every time she pulls on her gloves, tapes up and enters the ring, even with more experience under her belt, she still looks to the heavens for guidance, support and a little bit of luck. “My first thoughts are ‘I hope she doesn’t beat me up,’” Macias said. “I just pray. I am always praying. When I don’t think about [the fight], I still think about it.”

The Morning Calm Weekly

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Korean Language

The Morning Calm Weekly

Learn Korean Easily

The Phrase of the W eek : Week

“Do you understand?” Algessumnikka? understand do you

Vocabulary spring

‘bom’

summer

‘yorum’

fall

‘gaul’

Situation of the W eek : Fundamentals Week Could you repeat it, please? Dashi han bon malssumhae juseyo.

Please speak slowly. Chon chonhi malssumhae juseyo.

Yes, I understand. Ye, algessumnida.

This story is about:

No, I don’t understand. Anio, morugessumnida.

Really?

Area II prepares for safe Lunar New Year holiday

Jongmarimnikka?

Of course. Mullonijiyo.

Korean Expression of the W eek Week

Haneulyi muneojyeodo sotanal gumeongen itda.

Even if sky falls down, there is a hole to escape.

There’s always a solution.

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