March 21, 2014Vol. 5, No. 11 Fort Wainwright, Alaska

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J.D. Leipold, U.S. Army news service

Twenty-four U.S. Army vet-erans from three wars -- World War II, Korea and Vietnam -- re-ceived upgrades to the highest military decoration for uncom-mon bravery and gallantry at a White House ceremony Tuesday.

President Barack Obama pre-sented posthumous Medals of Honor to family members and representatives of 21 of those Soldiers, and draped the sky-blue ribbon and five-pointed star-bearing medals around the necks of the three living veter-ans from the Vietnam War.

Each of the 24 had received a Distinguished Service Cross for the same fearless actions for which they were now receiving long overdue upgrades to the Medal of Honor.

“This ceremony is 70 years in the making and today, we have the chance to set the record straight,” he said, noting that more than a decade ago Con-gress mandated a review to en-sure heroism of veterans wasn’t overlooked due to prejudice or discrimination. During that re-view, the 24 Soldiers -- Hispanic, Jewish and African American -- were identified as deserving of the Medal of Honor.

“This is the length to which America will go to make sure everyone who serves under our

proud flag receives the thanks that they deserve,” he said. “So with each generation, we keep on striving to live up to our ide-als of freedom and equality, and to recognize the dignity and patriotism of every person, no matter who they are, what they look like, or how they pray.”

Obama invited each living Sol-dier to the stage, one at a time, dressed in uniforms they could have worn in their 20s, but they now were filling out in their 70s with a full complement of rib-bons and badges that testified to their skills as young Soldiers. Their citations were read, their Medals of Honor were draped and handshakes exchanged.

“These are extraordinary Americans. They are exemplary Soldiers,” the president said.

Following the presentation to the three Vietnam veterans, Obama called them all to the stage.

“Santiago Erevia, Melvin Morris, Jose Rodela -- in the thick of the fight, all those years ago, for your comrades and your country, you refused to yield,” he said. “On behalf of a grateful nation, we all want to thank you for inspiring us -- then and now -- with your strength, your will, and your heroic hearts.”

Sons, daughters, nephews, brothers, wives, friends and rep-resentatives of the 21 Soldiers who weren’t present to receive

Staff report,U.S. Army Alaska PAO

Two Soldiers as-signed to the 1st Stryker Brigade Com-bat Team, 25th Infantry Division were hospital-ized after receiving in-juries during a training exercise at the Yukon Training Area near Ei-elson Air Force Base, of March 13.

A tent housing three Soldiers caught fire around 4 a.m. and two Soldiers were seriously injured in the fire. They were evacuated by am-bulance to Fairbanks Memorial Hospital for treatment before being transferred to the Har-bor View Medical Cen-ter in Seattle for addi-tional treatment.

The two injured Sol-diers are in stable con-dition.

The other occupant in the tent rescued the two injured Soldiers and then ran to call for help. Additional Soldiers from the unit respond-ed and extinguished the fire. Unit medics at the site provided the injured Soldiers with initial treatment before the ambulance arrived. The Families of the in-jured Soldiers have been notified. The incident is under investigation.

Soldiers injured during training

President Barack Obama applauds the newest living recipients of the Medal of Honor during a cer-emony at the White House in Washington, D.C., Tuesday. From left are Sgt. 1st Class Melvin Morris, Master Sgt. Jose Rodela and Sgt. Santiago J. Erevia. (DoD photo by Marvin Lynchard)

Soldiers receive long-overdue Medals of Honor

the long overdue recognition each were called to the stage to hear their Soldier’s citation read aloud for a final time.

While some fought tears, others smiled, faintly remem-bering. Then each was pre-sented with a framed citation

and Medal of Honor which their Soldiers so deserved. There was little doubt their Soldiers would never be for-gotten again.

“Ladies and gentlemen, it is very rare where we have the opportunity to reflect on

the extraordinary courage and patriotism of such a re-markable collection of men,” Obama concluded. “We are so grateful to them, we are so grateful to their families, it makes us proud and it makes us inspired.”

WEEKEND WEATHER BRIEFS

Live Tribute Wednesday Lunch with the Ice Dogs

FridaySunny. Highs in the upper teens to lower 20s. East winds to 10 mph. Lows around -14

SaturdaySunny. Highs in the lower 30s.East winds to 10 mph. Lows around -5

SundayMostly sunny. Highs in the mid 30s. Lows around zero.

Practice run

Members of the Yukon, Canada and Northwest Territories, Canada snowboard teams enjoyed practice runs after the 2014 Arctic Winter Games snowboard slalom competition Monday. The event at Birch Hill Ski and Snowboard Area was part of the snowboarding competi-tion split between the venues on Fort Wainwright and the University of Alaska. Please see Arctic Winter Games story, page 3. (Photo by Allen Shaw, Fort Wainwright PAO)

The 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infan-try Division invites Soldiers and Family members to meet the Fairbanks Ice Dogs, Wednesday from

noon to 1 p.m. at the Arctic Warriors Dining Facility, building 3416. The Ice Dogs will play their last home

games of the season March 28 and 29 at the Big Dipper in Fairbanks. For military discount ticket infor-

mation, call the ASYMCA at 353-5962.

The Women’s History Month observance is slated for Wednesday from 3 to 4:30 p.m. in the Physical Fitness Center, building 3709. Soldiers and civilians will hear a musical presentation by the 9th Army Band, see a live tribute, featuring Soldiers and DA civilians introducing

the theme, Honoring the Past and Embracing the Future; Lt. Col. Laurel Ness, chief of clinical services will be the

guest speaker. For more information call, 353-2233.

ARMY NEWS2March 21, 2014 ALASKA POST

Staff Sgt. MylindaDuRousseau, 1/25th SBCT PAO

A lot of training is involved in developing Army leaders. Many newly-commissioned fires Army officers have a lot to learn and are often not pre-sented with an opportunity to simultaneously integrate the multiple fires support platforms along with the ad-ditional enabling components in a maneuver company, an is-sue Maj. Matthew Hammons, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division Brigade fires support officer, hopes to address head-on with a Digital Fires Support Coor-dination exercise.

“My goal is that they walk away with an appreciation of how to plan so that they integrate their fires support assets and capabilities,” said Hammons.

The program includes rep-resentatives from multiple units to advise each company on the implementation and application of their assets in order to achieve the brigade commander’s intent.

Pilots, field artillery, elec-tronic warfare, mortars and Joint Tactical Air Controllers use a Virtual Battle Space Simulation System worksta-tion during the simulation to engage targets in support of the company participating in the exercise.

“We have junior Soldiers; we have junior officers (par-ticipating). It has really been great for those younger guys to figure out how to work these systems and how every part helps the other part,” said Hammons.

One of those young Sol-diers, Pfc. Josh Caprarello, a forward observer with B. Co. 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, participated in the DFSCE for the first time last year, almost immediately after completing his advanced indi-vidual training.

“It threw me into a new ex-perience and helped me get a

running start on my job and what I should know,” said Caprarello who is participat-ing in the training again this year .

Over the three-day training the company commander, pla-toon leaders, fire support offi-cer and company fire support team work together to develop a plan and execute a company mission.

The plan is executed on the third day using the V2VBS2. The simulator allows the ma-neuvering of formations and engagement of targets with direct fire, indirect fire, fixed-wing aircraft and rotary-wing aircraft.

“It’s not often that you’re able to plan and coordinate so many resources at one time and utilize them on the bat-tlefield simultaneously.” said Lt. Ruben Morris, 1st pla-toon team leader, B Company, 1-5th. “The higher you go up (in position) the more plan-ning considerations you have to take in and the more you have to factor in to your plan.

Going forward as platoon leader to company command-er and on the brigade staff, it gives you a very realistic idea of how to utilize those assets on the battlefield.”

Hammons said having young leaders participate in the exercise will enable them to see the systems used to their fullest capabilities and they will be able to carry it forward with them through-out their career.

“We continue to grow next month, next year’s leaders; this is just another way to do that but the beauty of this particular exercise is that ear-ly on in these leaders careers their seeing how these things can and should be integrated to make the most synergistic, most coherent fight possible,” Hammons said. “Fires support is only as good as maneuvers Soldiers who are out there ex-ecuting - they should not be anywhere separate in planning or in execution, that’s what we’re trying to teach.”

Brigade training emphasizes coordination, planning

Staff report,Garrison safety office

Summer is around the corner and it’s that time of year when we look at our motorcycles or surfing the internet looking at all the new and used motor-cycles we want to ride. Before you can hop on that motorcycle you must en-sure you have completed all required motorcycle training, and have the right protective gear. The Installation Safe-ty Office has posted motorcycle train-ing classes at https://apps.imcom.army.mil/AIRS. We anticipate starting these classes on 2 May 2014 if the weather co-operates. The Motorcycle Safety class will be offered to Active Duty, Guard and Reserve personnel only.

The Basic Rider Course The BRC is a two day course required

for Soldiers have never taken a Motor-cycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course; or, if after a five-year period of inactiv-ity, or acquisition of a new or change in motorcycles. The course consists of classroom instruction on both morn-ings and riding on the range in the af-ternoon. Upon request motorcycles are provided for Soldiers taking the BRC.

Experienced Rider Course -ERC and Motorcycle Sport Riders

Course (MSRC) is a half day of instruc-tion and is required for Soldiers have successfully completed the BRC. The ERC/MSRC must be completed within one year of completing the BRC, and every five years as sustainment train-ing. No motorcycles are provided for the ERC/MSRC, you must bring a mo-torcycle that is registered and has in-surance in your name to take the ERC/MSRC.

Riders are required to bring their own motorcycles to the ERC/MSRC and provide all required Personal Protect Equipment (PPE) in accordance with (IAW) AR 385-10, 27 November 2013. It is the student’s responsibility to get the MC to the course. Alaska state laws must be followed.

Classroom training is located in

building 1001, basement, west end. Class begins at 9 a.m. sharp. If you fail to show at 9 a.m. you forfeit your seat and a letter of “No Show” will be sent to your unit.

Motorcycle Refresher Training MRT is required for Soldiers return-

ing from a deployment greater than 180 days. The MRT will be conducted prior to any Soldier operating his or her mo-torcycle on a public or private street or highway with the exception of riding to the training site or location. The MRT is conducted on the individual’s own motorcycle to confirm ability to safely handle their motorcycle. Training is provided by the unit using the USACR/SC MRT DVD, which is available on re-quest. MRT instructors will coordinate this training with the Installation Safe-ty Office, Army Traffic Safety Training Program Coordinator, Mr. Gregory J. Sanches.

If you have any questions please con-tact Greg Sanches at 353-7079 or send an email to gregory.j.sanches.civ@mail.mil.

Motorcycle vehicle equipmentWhen operated on any DOD installa-

tion, in both on- and off-road modes, all Government-owned or privately owned motorcycles, mopeds, motor scooters, and ATVs (when equipped) must have headlights turned on at all times, ex-cept where prohibited by military mis-sion, the SOFAs, or local laws.

Motorcycles shall be equipped with both a left-hand and right-hand rear-view mirror mounted on the handle-bar or fairing. (Note that Govern-ment-owned off-road motorcycles on tactical missions, training, or antiques are exempt from this requirement.

Motorcycle and all-terrain vehicle rider protection: Commanders will ensure that all individuals covered by this regulation and all persons at any time on an Army installation wear the following PPE while riding motorcy-cles and ATVs. Commanders are highly discouraged from adding PPE require-

ments at the local level.For personnel riding motorcycles

and ATVs in the United States, helmets shall be certified to meet DOT Feder-al Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 218, United Nations Economic Com-mission for Europe Standard 22–05, British Standard 6658, or Snell Stan-dard M2005 in accordance with DODI 6055.04, April 20, 2009, references (v), (w), (x), and (y).

For personnel riding motorcycles and ATVs outside the United States, helmets must meet the HN standards. In those instances where the HN has no standard, helmets must, at a mini-mum, meet the DOT Federal Motor Ve-hicle Safety standard. All helmets shall be properly fastened under the chin.

Eye protection: Eye protection de-signed to meet or exceed ANSI Z87.1, reference (z) for impact and shatter re-sistance includes goggles, wraparound

glasses, or a full-face shield (properly attached to a helmet). A windshield or fairing does not constitute eye protec-tion.

Foot protection: Foot protection includes sturdy over-the-ankle foot-wear that affords protection for the feet and ankles (durable leather or ballis-tic-type cloth athletic shoes that cover the ankles may be worn).

Protective clothing: Protective clothing includes long-sleeved shirt or jacket, long trousers, and full-fingered gloves or mittens made from leather or other abrasion-resistant material. Mo-torcycle jackets and pants constructed of abrasion-resistant materials such as leather or synthetics and containing impact-absorbing padding are strongly recommended. Riders are encouraged to select protective clothing and gear that incorporates fluorescent colors and retro-reflective material.

Motorcycle safety course registration opens

Soldiers from 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division and U.S. Air Force Airmen from 3rd Air Support Operations Squadron, Detachment 1, assigned to the brigade, work together to provide comprehensive planning and training during a Fires Support Coordination exercise on post. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Mylinda DuRousseau, 1/25th SBCT PAO)

Lt. Zachery Hendrickson (left), and Lt. Austin Buettgenbach (right), both platoon leaders with A Co. 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, build a ter-rain model during a Fires Support Coordination Exercise Fort Wainwright, Alaska. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Mylinda DuRousseau, 1/25th SBCT PAO)

ALASKA POSTHome of the Arctic Warriors

EDITORIAL STAFF

Fort Wainwright Garrison Commander

Col. S. C. Zemp

U.S. Army Garrison Fort Wainwright

PAO

Connie Storch

Editor

vacant

Staff writers

Brian Schlumbohm

Allen Shaw

Contributors

Staff Sgt. Mylinda DuRousseau, 1/25th SBCT PAO

Angela Major, Installation Plans, Analysis and Integration

The ALASKA POST is authorized by Army Regulation 360-1 and is published by the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. Army, and is under exclusive written contract. Contents of the ALASKA POST are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the Department of the Army. The editorial content of this publication is the responsibility of the U.S. Army Garrison Ft. Wainwright Public Affairs Office. The ALASKA POST welcomes responsible comments from its readers and will publish letters, articles or photos submitted at least one week prior to the next publication. The ALASKA POST reserves the right to edit or reject submissions. All submitted material will become official Army property unless otherwise indicated. To advertise call (907) 459-7548 Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. The Editorial office is located on Ft. Wainwright in Building 1047 #1; Mailing address is Public Affairs Office, 1060 Gaffney Road, 5900, Ft. Wainwright, AK 99703. Call 353-6779 or 353-6701, or send emails to pao.fwa@us.army.mil

The ALASKA POST – Home of the Arctic Warriors

NEWS 3March 21, 2014ALASKA POST

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Angela Major, Installation Plans, Analysis and Integration

For the Soldiers and Families stationed at Fort Wainwright, the Interior provides them with once in a lifetime opportunities that can-not be replicated at any other army post in the world.

Not only are America’s Arctic Warriors already blessed with all the natural beauty and outdoor ad-ventures that come with living in the Interior, they are also fortunate to be part of a community recog-nized for its phenomenal support to the military.

It means that for the first, and likely only, time in their careers they will have an opportunity to ex-perience the Arctic Winter Games.

“The one thing I hope we have done well is stress to Soldiers and their Families that this is a once in a lifetime experience,” said Feli-cia Jackson, the director of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Secu-rity at Fort Wainwright and ex-of-ficio member of the Arctic Winter Games Host society Board of direc-tors. “They will never get this at any of their other duty stations.

“I hope they take advantage of the military discount and go to the opening and closing ceremonies,” Jackson said. Jackson also helped ensure that the entire fort Wain-wright community knew about the many ways they could volunteer to get a behind the scenes perspective of the Games and what it takes to put them together.

Because of her and the many efforts of the arctic winter Games Host society, more than 350 Sol-diers and Army civilians, along with a number of Family members, are volunteering throughout the week.

From security to administrative support, escorts to ceremonies, someone from fort Wainwright will be involved in every aspect of the Games.

Members of the Northwest Territories, Canada snowboard team enjoy food and beverage in the lodge at the Birch Hill Ski and Snowboard area following the Snowboard Slalom event Monday which was part of the 2014 Arctic Winter Games. (Photo by Allen Shaw, Fort Wainwright PAO)

THE ARMY PITCHES IN The Fort Wainwright Ice Rink is being used for

team hockey practices.Birch Hill Ski and Snowboard Area is the home of snowboarding Slalom practices and competi-tion, as well as parts of the biathlon competition.

The Army was able to provide cots at the last minute to 2014 AWG organizers who are arrang-

ing accommodations for the athletes, coaches and supporting contingency teammates.

Staff report, Bassett Army Community Hospital PAO

A new pilot program will require Tricare for Life beneficiaries to use Tricare pharmacy home delivery or a military pharmacy to fill prescrip-tions for select main-tenance medications. The program took effect March 14. This pilot pro-

gram was a provision of the 2013 National De-fense Authorization Act.

TFL beneficiaries tak-ing an affected medica-tion started receiving let-ters notifying them of the pilot program, Feb. 18.

Now that the program is in effect, beneficiaries will have two 30-day re-fills of their prescriptions covered at a retail phar-macy before they are re-

sponsible for 100 percent of the cost.

Beneficiaries may call the Tricare pharmacy con-tractor, Express Scripts, toll-free at (877) 882-3335 to switch to home delivery or with questions about their medications.

Some individuals are exempt, including people with another prescription drug plan, or people liv-ing outside the 50 United States. Those living in a nursing home may con-

tact Express Scripts to request a waiver.

Tricare pharmacy home delivery is safe, convenient and easy to use. Home Delivery of-fers beneficiaries a 90-day supply of their brand name medication for $13.

Switching from these prescriptions from a re-tail pharmacy to home delivery can save Tricare beneficiaries up to $152 a year for each prescription. Beneficiaries can also save

by asking their doctor to write them a prescription for a generic version of their medication.

“Home delivery is an excellent choice for Tri-care beneficiaries to get their maintenance medi-cations,” said Maj. Bryan Bailey, chief of Pharmacy Services at Bassett Army Community Hospital. “Not only is it a less ex-pensive and convenient choice, but home deliv-ery contributes to better

health by making sure you never run out of your medication.

“If you decide to try the Bassett Army Com-munity Hospital phar-macy, please call ahead at 361-5765 to make sure your prescription is available.”

For the most recent in-formation about the pilot or to sign up for e-alerts with the latest updates, go to www.Tricare.mil/tflpilot.

Fort Wainwright supports the 2014 Arctic Winter Games

Fort Wainwright and the host society have enjoyed a partnership dating back to August 2012. This partnership went beyond finding volunteers and included integrat-ing the Fort Wainwright ice rink and Birch Hill Ski and Snowboard Area into the Games.

According to Jackson, Fort Wainwright and America’s Arctic Warriors are proud to be part of the Arctic Winter Games team and

show their support to the commu-nity, the sports and all the athletes.

Fort Wainwright was able to re-spond to a last minute request for more cots, helping to ensure that nearly 200 athletes would be sleep-ing a bit more comfortable during their stay in the Golden Heart City.

Perhaps this is a once-in-a-life-time opportunity for the athletes to experience a part of the life of America’s Arctic Warriors.

New: Drug store limitations; home delivery options

Members of the Northwest Territories, Canada snowboard team enjoy food and beverage in the lodge at the Birch Hill Ski and Snow-board area following the snowboard slalom event Monday which was part of the 2014 Arctic Winter Games. (Photo by Allen Shaw, Fort Wainwright PAO)

Alaska beneficiaries can save on time,money, transportation

NEWS4March 21, 2014 ALASKA POST

The Great Alaskan Earthquake of 1964 caused vertical deformation in an areas that spanned more than 200,773 square miles and caused a 38-feet uplift is some areas around Anchorage. The quake which measured mag-nitude 9.2 by seismograph readings made it the second largest earthquake in recorded history. This roadway near Portage, Alaska dropped more than eight feet in a matter of minutes. (Courtesy photo by T. Macklin)

Allen Shaw,Fort Wainwright PAO

It started as an inde-scribable rumble, then a vi-bration that tickled my feet and soon turned in to a vio-lent shaking as we swayed back and forth. I remember everything. I remember it if it were yesterday.

I was an 8-year-old boy living at 21-121-B Jasmine Avenue on Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska. It was a Friday. My Mother and two-year-old brother had returned from shopping for Easter goodies downtown and picked me up from Carl Ben Eielson Elemen-tary School. We went home in our shiny brown, 1963 Key Biscayne station wag-on anticipating chocolate bunnies and decorated eggs over the weekend. Ear-ly spring was hitting the Matanuska-Susitna Valley where the clear warm days were melting the snow and the cool, cloudy evenings kept what we knew as win-ter hanging on.

For me it was cartoons as soon as I hit the door. My good friends Underdog, Huckleberry Hound and appropriately the Frac-tured Fairy Tales had my attention. Mom was pre-paring dinner while my Dad was getting ready for work. Although he was a Master Sergeant in the Air Force, he was a club man-ager. He previously worked in officer clubs, but had been recently assigned as the NCOIC to the Alaskan Chateau, a VIP Club for dignitaries on Elmendorf. He rarely wore a uniform but often worked during special functions at night, especially a Friday night. He was in the bathroom shaving as burgers sizzled on the stove and brother and I were glued to Mr. Peabody and Sherman on the tube.

All of a sudden time seemed to stand still. I was lost in the animated adven-tures on the screen. Every-thing stopped for a split second as a slow, steady rumble crept in. It was a crazy thing because then the floor started quivering like somebody put a quar-ter in the magic-fingers vibrating-bed somewhere. It quickly went from a trembling vibration, to a shake and then even a more violent shake and it continued. By this time I had glanced away from the television to see my moth-er grab my brother and tell me to get under the table. The set I was watching was rocking back and forth on the shelf above me.

Curiosity got the best of me and I crawled to-ward the window where I stood, held onto the sill and watched my Dad, with no shirt and half-shaven face make his way toward us from down the hall. Dad was a stout, athletic man, standing 5’10” 200 plus pounds with broad shoul-ders. I remember the house rocking so violently he was getting tossed from side-to-side like a rag doll, bounc-ing off the narrow hallway

walls as he made his way to the living area. Furniture was sliding, things were falling off shelves and I had no idea what was going on.

Between the crashing pots, pans, glasses and the rumbling it was difficult to hear my Dad say, “Get out of the house.” Amidst the chaos and holding on for balance, I looked out the window and watched the ground roll like a wave, as if there was something un-derneath pushing its way through. By then Dad had made it to the front door and my Mom and brother were nearly there, I could see him gesture for me to follow. I looked past him and saw our car bouncing up and down as if it was a possessed low-rider with air-shocks on steroids. I made my way across the rocking deck, down the steps and into the yard.

Many of our neighbors were also standing outside, not necessarily dressed for conditions since it was one of those cooler, cloudy days. I remember Dad still had no shirt on and a light snow had even begun to fall. By then the violent rocking had returned to a steady quiver and I could hear the adults say, “earth-quake.”

It all began at 5:36 p.m. March 27, 1964. It was Good Friday and we all had just experienced four-min-utes of one the most pow-erful earthquakes ever re-corded in U.S. and North American history. One-hundred-thirty-one lives were lost and an estimated $310 million (more than $2.12 billion in current U.S. dollars) of damage oc-curred.

Fourth Avenue in down-town Anchorage and the J.C. Penney store where my family had been shop-ping a few hours earlier sustained an enormous amount of damage as the ground opened and shift-ed, causing buildings to collapse. The quake which measured magnitude 9.2 by seismograph readings made it the second largest earthquake in recorded history.

Although smaller trem-ors continued, we ventured back indoors to grab a few personal items. Mom had turned off the stove, but dinner was now on the ground in the kitchen along with a mixture of broken glass and everything that was in the refrigerator or cupboards. The television was on the ground where I had been sitting earlier. Power was out. Furniture and knick-knacks were ev-erywhere. Dad instructed me to grab a few things and go to the station wagon, but I was unable to open my bedroom door. The vi-olent shaking and jostling of the house caused my dresser to tip over and my bed was wedged against it. With a few swift shoulder slams Dad made an open-ing large enough for me to grab a jacket, hat and a couple toys.

We then piled into the car and drove a few blocks

Courtesy story by the Coali-tion for Alaska’s Service Mem-bers, Veterans and Families

A Hiring Fair is scheduled

for Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Fairbanks Nation-al Guard Armory. The event is free and open to all service members, veterans and their Families. The one-day event features interactive work-shops, job fair booths and tran-sitional advisor stations. If you are hanging up your combat

boots and looking for a new career, it’s an incredible oppor-tunity to connect with regional and statewide employers.

Attendees will need to pro-vide proof of military connec-tion (military ID, Veteran ID, or DD-214), resume or work history and references with contact information.

Alaska is home to more than 74,000 veterans, and the remote geography makes it challenging to coordinate ser-vices statewide. Rural Interior

Alaska areas may experience higher unemployment rates. In December 2013, Fairbanks North Star Borough reported a 5.4 percent unemployment rate while the Southeast Fair-banks Census Area stood at 11.5 percent. “The ‘Golden Heart of Alaska’ is no stranger to high unemployment rates. This Hiring Fair connects our military population to a full spectrum of employers, and in turn, these employers have the opportunity to engage with

highly motivated and qualified Veterans and their Families who are looking for new ca-reers,” said Lt. Col. Kay Spear Budd, State Family Program Director of the Alaska Nation-al Guard.

During the Hiring Fair, at-tendees can attend concurrent workshops to learn more about resume writing and tips to job interviews.

The Coalition for Alaska’s Service Members, Veterans and Families is co-hosting the

event with the Alaska National Guard and Army OneSource.

“We are thrilled to have a variety of participating em-ployers. Attendees can walk from booth to booth and speak with employers from the oil and gas industry, the health field, major retailers and law enforcement. We encourage ev-eryone to come prepared and put your best boot forward,” said Colette Moring, Commu-nity Support Coordinator of Army OneSource.

50th anniversary: Whole lot of shaking going on

on base to the place my Dad worked, eyeing broken windows and downed trees along the way. By then it was getting dark so there really wasn’t much to see.

When we arrived at the Cha-teau, Dad pointed out a large crack that ran through the park-ing lot toward a newly renovated entertainment room. The crack that was at least 10-inches wide went through the center of the lot toward the building, went around the building and came out in an-other parking lot on the other side. I followed close behind for two reasons; the tremors would shake the ground frequently and the power was out, and Dad had the only flashlight. Before it was all said and done, there were re-portedly more than 10,000 af-tershocks. In the first day alone, eleven major quakes with a mag-nitude of 6.0 or more were record-ed. Nine more occurred over the next three weeks and it was over a year before aftershocks were no longer noticed.

I remember what we could see wasn’t good, but the adults were happy the building was still standing. Since the Chateau was a club, one of the most vivid mem-ories was the sight of broken glass everywhere and an overwhelming smell of liquor in the recently renovated bar area. The alcohol fumes were way more than any-one could handle without a gas mask so we were rapidly rushed to more appropriate area to set up camp for the night.

After that, everything else during the aftermath is vague. To an eight-year-old, I assumed we had been prepared. We had food, water, shelter and things to do. The next day the power came back on and we went home to clean up the mess. I remember more broken glass and an awe-some mixture of mustard, catsup, mayonnaise, and whatever else that had been in glass containers all over the kitchen. Television came back but the three channels were mostly focused on the disas-ter, although cartoons did return occasionally. After a few days we were able to leave the base,

drive around and witness some of the destruction in downtown Anchorage from the safety of our Key Biscayne. It wasn’t long be-fore we were back in school and being reminded often to dive un-der our desk or stand in a door-way whenever there was a trem-or, but they became fewer and farther between.

Were we prepared? To an 8-year-old we were. If we weren’t, we were very lucky to have been on a military installation. I do remember that afterward, there seemed to be a very conscious ef-fort to have extra jugs of water, canned goods, blankets, candles and batteries. I don’t remember much of that before the quake, but I was just a kid.

Remembering is a funny thing. Unfortunately Mom and Dad ar-en’t around anymore to ask, but I often wonder if we were just fortunate and it was just a tem-porary wake-up call that faded with time. I know things have happened in other places but can it really happen here, to us, now, after 50 years? Are we prepared?

As part of the half-century ob-servance, the state of Alaska is hosting The Great Alaska Shake-out, March 27 at 1:36 p.m. Res-idents are encouraged to drop, cover and hold on.

For more information visit www.shakeout.org/alaska and prepare yourself for a natural di-saster that could happen again at any time.

Hiring fair for military, families

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Staff report,Family and MWR

The Fort Wainwright Family and Mo-rale, Welfare and Recreation Division and their Outdoor Recreation team will pull out all the stops and unleash the fun, games and frivolity with an arc-tic-style, three-day celebration known as March Madness, March 28 through 30. March Madness at Birch Hill Ski and Snowboard Area is open to all civilians and military personnel - active, Guard and Reserve. FMWR also welcomes members of the public to join in the fes-tivities although some discounts are lim-ited to uniformed, active duty members.

Military Appreciation Day is March 28.The madness begins on day one with

Military Appreciation discounts. Birch Hill will be offering free lift passes for skiing and snowboarding to every active duty military member in uniform Friday from noon to 4 p.m. Those in uniform just need to show the cashier an ID for a free lift ticket. The cost of rental equip-ment is not included. Lift passes must be purchased by everyone after 4 p.m.

Local radio personality VMAX will be pumping the jams, entertaining crowds and giving away MWR swag through-out the day.

The ramshackle, dilapidated, dere-lict Military Sled Races will begin Fri-day at 1:30 p.m. The race organizers

are looking for teams of active duty Sol-diers to see who can build the best sled out of cardboard, duct tape, scrap plas-tic and other non-traditional sled ma-terials then race the monstrosity down the hill. For safety reasons, items like boat hull bottoms, canoes, corrugated metal or anything else that could pose a hazard should not be used. A vessel deemed dangerous by officials will be disqualified. Points will be awarded to teams who have the most creative sled; for example a sled that looks just like a Chinook or a Stryker, teams that can fit the most people in the sled and get it down the hill in one piece, teams that can keep their sled on course and get it across the finish line and teams that show spirit by dressing up to compli-ment the theme of their sled.

Event registration closes 30 min-utes prior to the scheduled start time. Please call 353-1998 to register or come to the ski lodge and sign up. Prizes and trophies will be awarded, and a bonfire with marshmallow roasting will wrap up the day’s events, starting at 6 p.m.

Family Fun Day is March 29.Local radio personality VMAX will

be back to crank the tunes Saturday. He will be giving away more MWR swag while keeping the party rocking.

Rethink sleeping in till noon, it’s worth getting out of bed on Family Fun Day for the free lift passes for tubing and

the main lift from noon to 2 p.m. Rental equipment is not included. Lift passes will have to be purchased after 2 p.m.

The ramshackle, dilapidated, derelict, Group Sled Race starts at 1:30 p.m., Sat-urday. Teams will race down the hill in a home-made sled built out of cardboard, duct tape, scrap plastic and other non traditional sled materials. Just like the Soldier competition Friday, items like boat hull bottoms, canoes, corrugated metal or anything else that may be con-sidered hazardous will not be allowed. Points will be awarded to teams who have the most creative sled; for exam-ple a sled that looks like a giant rubber ducky or a giant monster truck. Teams that can fit the most members in the sled and get it down the hill in one piece will get points. Teams that can keep their sled on course and get it across the finish line and teams that show spirit and dress to match the theme of their sled will also be rewarded.

For more information, call 353-1998. Prizes and trophies will be awarded.

Family fun and activities for the little ones is 1 to 4 p.m. Members of MWR staff will be on hand to provide activities, face painting and fun for the youngsters.

The Rail Jam event will take place in the Birch Hill terrain park and is open to both skiers and snowboarders. The Rail Jam at Birch Hill is a freestyle competition event geared towards peo-

ple who love to ride and do tricks in the park. Prizes will go to winners of the beginner, intermediate and advanced categories. Helmets are mandatory for all participants. The start time for the event is 4pm.

Ski and Snowboard Finale Day is March 30.

The good times will continue with VMAX spinning music, entertaining crowds, and slinging MWR swag.

Everyone is invited to compete in the slalom downhill race 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. The slalom course will be open to both skiers and snowboarders. Prizes will go to winners of the beginner, intermedi-ate, and advanced categories. Helmets are mandatory for all participants.

The Birch Hill Pool Hop is set for 4 p.m. This is an opportunity for the brave at heart to scream down the hill and try to make it across a brisk pool of water on a snowboard or skis with-out getting soaked. Marketing manag-er, Ann Binford said, “It’s a blast every year, so don’t miss out.”

Immediately after the “pool hop,” Binford said, “if you didn’t try it on your board or skis, you can join the “pool par-ty” and take a dip to show everyone just how arctic tough you really are.”

To wrap up March Madness, every-one can gather around the bonfire, en-joy a warm beverage and some goodies at the end of the day.

March Madness: Three days on the ski hill

Army vs. Air Forcehockey match in Anchorage

Col. Patrick Carpentier (Left), Alaska NORAD Region deputy commander and Maj. Gen Michael Shields, U.S. Army Alaska commander and faceoff at the Army vs. Air Force hockey game held in Anchorage over last weekend as Lt. Gen. Russel J. Handy, Commander, Alaskan Command, U.S. Pacific Command; Commander, Joint Task Force Alaska, U.S. Northern Command; Commander, Eleventh Air Force, Pacific Air Forces; and Commander, Alaskan Region, North American Aerospace Defense Command, throws down the event’s puck. (Photo by Capt. Richard Packer, 2d Engineer Brigade Public Affairs)

The 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infan-try Division invites Soldiers and Family members to meet the Fairbanks Ice Dogs hockey players, Wednesday from noon to 1 p.m. at the Arctic War-riors Dining Facility, building 3416. Wish them good luck as the Ice Dogs will play their last home games of the season March 28 and 29 at the Big Dipper in Fairbanks. For military discount ticket information, call the ASYMCA at 353-5962. (File photo by Brian Schlumbohm, Fort Wainwright PAO)

Meet theIce Dogs!

COMMUNITY CALENDAR6March 21, 2014 ALASKA POST

Fort Wainwright

Lenten ServicesLenten Catholic Activities

Stations of the Cross takes place Fridays during Lent, 6 p.m., followed by a meager, meatless

potluck dinner at 6:30 p.m. Catholic penance service and confession is set for

March 31, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Priests will be present for individual confessions

and healing.

Ongoing Chapel ServicesCatholic Mass – Sundays, 8 and 10 a.m.,

at Northern Lights Chapel.Protestant Service – Sundays, 11:30 a.m.,

at the Northern Lights Chapel.

For Catholic mass and activity information,contact Chaplain (Capt.) John Brocato,

Northern Lights Chapel by calling 361-4463 or email john.k.brocato.mil@mail.mil.

For Protestant services and activities, contact Chaplain Mike Keifman, Northern Lights Chapel at 353-2088 or email michael.r.keifman.mil@mail.mil.

Friday – 21stSPRING BREAK, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., School Age Center, building 4166. Call 361-7394.

LUNCHTIME PIN PLATOON BOWLING, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Nugget Lanes Bowling Center, building 3702. Call 353-2654.

SKI-SNOWBOARD CAMP, 3-day camp begins March 21, noon and 2:30 p.m., Birch Hill Ski Area, building 1172. Call 353-9131.

NEW PARENT’S SUPPORT PROGRAM: INFANT MASSAGE, 1 to 2 p.m., Welcome Center, building 3401, Room 242. Call 353-7515.

AFTERNOON FUN WITH HEAD-PIN BOWLING, 1 to 6 p.m., Nugget Lanes Bowling Center, building 3702. Call 353-2654.

SPRING BREAK OPEN RECREATIONAL SKATING, 1:30 to 4 p.m., Physical Fitness Center ice rink, build-ing 3709. Call 353-7223.

STORY HOUR AND CRAFTS, I CAN READ WITH MY EYES SHUT: 4 p.m., post library, building 3700. No cost. Call 353-2642.

RECREATIONAL SKATING, 5:30 to 7:45 p.m., Phys-ical Fitness Center ice rink, building 3709. Call 353-7223.

COSMIC BOWLING, 8 p.m. to 1 a.m., Nugget Lanes Bowling Center, building 3702. Call 353-4137

Saturday – 22ndSUPER SATURDAY CARE, 9 a.m. to 1p.m., Child De-velopment Center I, building 4166. For the next event date and registration deadline, call 353-7713.

FAMILY CROSS COUNTRY SKIING, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Outdoor Recreation Center, building 4050. Cost is $10. Call 361-6349.

FOOD WARS CONTEST, 2 p.m., Youth Center, build-ing 4109. Call 361-5437.

SPRING BREAK OPEN RECREATIONAL SKATING, 1:30 to 4 p.m., Physical Fitness Center ice rink, build-ing 3709. Call 353-7223.

INTRO BELAY/CLIMBING CLASS, 5:30 to 7 p.m., Outdoor Recreation Center, building 4050. No fee. Call 361-6349.

WINTER SERIES OF POKER, 7 p.m., The Warrior Zone, building 3205. Sign-ups begin at 6 p.m., open to all DoD cardholders 18 and older. Call 353-1087.

ROCK AND BOWL SATURDAY NIGHTS, 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Nugget Lanes Bowling Center, building 3702. Call 353-2654.

Sunday – 23rdSPRING BREAK OPEN RECREATIONAL SKATING, 1:30 to 4 p.m., Physical Fitness Center ice rink, build-ing 3709. Call 353-7223.

WINTERIZATION CLINIC, 3 to 6 p.m., Auto Skill Cen-ter, building 3730. Call 353-7436.

Monday – 24thROMP AND STOMP PLAYGROUP, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., Last Frontier Community Activity Center, building 1044. No cost. Call 353-7372.

AUTO SAFETY CLASS, 6 p.m., Auto Skill Center, building 3730. Call 353-7436.

Tuesday – 25thLUNCH-HOUR STICK HOCKEY, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Phys-ical Fitness Center ice rink, building 3709. Call 353-7223.

NEW PARENT’S SUPPORT PROGRAM: BROWN BAG LUNCH SERIES, noon to 1 p.m., Welcome Cen-ter, building 3401, Room 242. Call 353-7515.

PRESCHOOL CHILD FIND DEVELOPMENTAL SCREENINGS, school district. For more information call Exceptional Family Member Program, EFMP at 353-4243 or the school district at 452-2000, ext. 11445.

REGISTRATION DUE FOR PARENT’S NIGHT OUT WHICH IS MARCH 5th, Cost is $16 per child, light snack will be provided. Child Development Center I, building 4024. Call 353-7713.

INTRO BELAY/CLIMBING CLASS, 5:30 to 7 p.m., Outdoor Recreation Center, building 4050. No fee. Call 361-6349.

PARENT’S ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETING, 6 to 7 p.m., Youth Center, building 4109. Call 353-7713.

Wednesday – 26thPRESCHOOL CHILD FIND DEVELOPMENT SCREENINGS, FNSB School District. For more infor-mation, call EFMP at 353-4243 or FNSB School District at 452-2000 ext. 11445.

NEWCOMER’S ORIENTATION, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Last Frontier Community Activity Center, building 1044. Call 353-4227.

FALL FAME FITNESS SESSIONS, Monday, Wednes-day and Friday, 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. and 10:45 to 11:45 a.m., Melaven Fitness Center, building 3452. Child care sessions begin 15 minutes prior to Fame Fitness times and are $35 per month, per child, per session. Pre-reg-istration begins the 20th of the month prior to the next month’s sessions. Call 353-7713 for more information.

LUNCHTIME PIN PLATOON BOWLING, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Nugget Lanes Bowling Center, building 3702. Call 353-2654.

LUNCH-HOUR RECREATIONAL SKATING, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Physical Fitness Center ice rink, build-ing 3709. Call 353-7223.

AFTERNOON FUN WITH HEAD-PIN BOWLING, 1 to 6 p.m., Nugget Lanes Bowling Center, building 3702. Call 353-2654.

Thursday – 27thBABY SIGNS: SIGN, SING, AND PLAY CLASSES, 9 to 9:30 a.m., Last Frontier Community Activity Center, building 1044. No cost. Call 353-7372.

ROMP AND STOMP PLAYGROUP, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., Last Frontier Community Activity Center, building 1044. No cost. Call 353-7372.

LUNCHTIME PIN PLATOON BOWLING, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Nugget Lanes Bowling Center, building 3702. Call 353-2654.

AFTERNOON FUN WITH HEAD-PIN BOWLING, 1 to 6 p.m., Nugget Lanes Bowling Center, building 3702. Call 353-2654.

Friday – 28thMARCH MADNESS, noon to 7:30 p.m., Birch Hill Ski Area, building 1172. Call 353-1998.

LUNCHTIME PIN PLATOON BOWLING, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Nugget Lanes Bowling Center, building 3702. Call 353-2654.

NEW PARENT’S SUPPORT PROGRAM: INFANT MASSAGE, 1 to 2 p.m., Welcome Center, building 3401, Room 242. Call 353-7515.

AFTERNOON FUN WITH HEAD-PIN BOWLING, 1 to 6 p.m., Nugget Lanes Bowling Center, building 3702. Call 353-2654.

STORY HOUR and CRAFTS, CAT IN THE HAT: 4 p.m., post library, building 3700. No cost. Call 353-2642.

ROCK and BOWL SATURDAY NIGHTS, 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Nugget Lanes Bowling Center, building 3702. Call 353-2654.

Saturday – 29thFAMILY ICE FISHING, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Outdoor Rec-reation Center, building 4050. Cost is $20/adult, $10/children. Call 361-6349.

BIRCH LAKE ICE FISHING, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Outdoor Recreation Center, building 4050. Cost is $45. Call 361-6349.

MARCH MADNESS, noon to 7:30 p.m., Birch Hill Ski Area, building 1172. Call 353-1998.

Sunday – 30thMARCH MADNESS, noon to 7:30 p.m., Birch Hill Ski Area, building 1172. Call 353-1998.

OPEN RECREATIONAL SKATING, 1:30 to 4 p.m., Physical Fitness Center ice rink, building 3709. Call 353-7223.

WINTERIZATION CLINIC, 3 to 6 p.m., Auto Skill Cen-ter, building 3730. Call 353-7436.

FALL FAME FITNESS SESSIONS, Monday, Wednes-day and Friday, 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. and 10:45 to 11:45 a.m., Melaven Fitness Center, building 3452. Prereg-ister to participate and for childcare. Call 353-7713.

OPEN RECREATIONAL SKATING, Fridays, 5:30 to 7:45 p.m., Physical Fitness Center, building 3709.

GROUP CYCLING, 10 to 11 a.m. Saturdays, Physi-cal Fitness Center, building 3709.

ZUMBA, 11 a.m. to noon, Saturdays, Physical Fit-ness Center ice rink, building 3709.

RECREATIONAL HOCKEY, Sundays, 4:15 to 6 p.m., Physical Fitness Center ice rink, building 3709.

GROUP CYCLING CLASS, Monday and Wednes-day, noon to 1 p.m., Physical Fitness Center, build-ing 3709.

INSANITY CLASS, Monday and Wednesday, 5 p.m., Physical Fitness Center, building 3709. Cost is $5.

GROUP CYCLING CLASS, Tuesdays, 6:30 to 7:30 a.m.; 9:15 to 10:15 a.m., 5 to 6 p.m., Physical Fit-ness Center, building 3709.

LUNCH-HOUR STICK HOCKEY, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Physical Fitness Center ice rink, building 3709.

HOUR OF POWER GROUP STRENGTH CLASS, noon to 12:45 p.m., Physical Fitness Center, build-ing 3709.

GROUP CYCLING CLASS, Thursday, 6:30 to 7:30 a.m.; 5 to 6 p.m., Physical Fitness Center, building 3709.

HOUR OF POWER GROUP STRENGTH CLASS, Thursday, noon to 12:45 p.m., Physical Fitness Cen-ter, building 3709.

ZUMBA, 6:15 to 7:15 p.m., Thursday, Physical Fit-ness Center, building 3709.

THE PFC -ALWAYS SOMETHING GOING ON

For more information call 353-7223

March Madness, a 3-day celebration at Birch Hill Ski and Snowboard Area is set for March 28, 29 and 30. Friday is Military Appreciation Day, Saturday is Family Fun Day and Sunday is Craziness Day. Activities are open to the public and slated to take place from noon to 7:30 p.m. each day. Registration closes for events 30 minutes be-fore the scheduled start time. Visitors without DoD ID will need to stop at the visitor center for an installation pass. All vehicle passengers 16 and older should be pre-pared to show their ID at the gate. Trainor Gate is open to visitors who have a valid pass or Defense Department ID. Details are available on the Fort Wainwright FMWR webpage or find them on Facebook. (Photo illustration by Brian Schlumbohm, Fort Wainwright PAO)

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In briefCALL FOR ENTRIES:VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION

Military members, civilians and youth volunteer award nominations are due to the installation’s vol-unteer resource coordinator by March 28. Information needed for each individual: total hours volunteered, name and email address. Self-nominations are welcome. Fort Wainwright’s ceremony to honor all volunteers is slated for April 10. For details, call 353-4004 or email rhonda.w.carlson.civ@mail.mil.

BRIDGE CLOSINGThe Bailey Bridge near the golf course will be closed

at times to vehicle and pedestrian traffic between Mon-day and April 5 to allow a work crew safe access to make proper assessment of the existing site, aiding in the de-sign of a new bridge. The bridge may be impassable for a time until portions of the work are done. Signs will clearly mark the bridge during closures. Motorists are asked to respect the signs, barricades, and other notifi-cations in the area. The River Road Bridge, just north of the Gaffney and Meridian Road intersection, will re-main open as access across the Chena River. To assist with traffic during the Sonot Kkaazoot cross-country ski race, work crews plan to open Bailey Bridge from March 29 through 30. If there are questions or concerns about the bridge work or traffic detours, contact the public af-fairs office at 353-6780.

CHILDREN’S EVENT HELPVolunteer opportunities that are short-term, fun and

easy may be somewhat rare, but that’s just what Medi-cal Department Activity-Alaska is offering for their an-nual Easter Jamboree. Last year, more than 1,000 mili-tary children attended the Easter Jamboree. This year’s event is set for April 19 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (volunteers will be needed from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.) Anyone interested in volunteering as an individual or a group is encour-aged to stop by the weekly planning meeting at 1 p.m. Thursdays at Bassett Army Community Hospital in the second floor library.

APPLY FOR FEDERAL JOBSDuring the Army Career and Alumni Program brief-

ing, ACAP staff shares information about how to apply for federal jobs with the Department of the Army and with other agencies, completing applications and how to use the U.S. Office of Personnel Management website to search for federal positions at www.usajobs.gov. For more information, call 353-2113.

ICE ARTThe 2014 BP World Ice Art Championships ice park

is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. through March 30. Evening visitors will notice carvings are lit for nighttime viewing. Activities include a kids’ park, train, maze, slide-a-mile, dog sled rides and an ice puppy rink. De-tails and fees are available online at www.icealaska.com.

ARCTIC WINTER GAMESThe Arctic Winter Games wrap up Saturday. This

high-profile sports competition for Northern and Arctic athletes brings together the circumpolar world by pro-viding an opportunity to strengthen and showcase com-munities through international games and sports devel-opment. For more information and schedule of events, go to http://awg2014.org/sports.

SNOW SIGNSParking lot snow-removal is ongoing at Fort Wain-

wright. Yellow signs indicating scheduled snow-removal will be placed out approximately three days prior to when the work is to occur. All vehicles must be removed. If they are not, snow-removal may not happen due to concerns about safety and damage to property.

NEED TAX HELPThe Fort Wainwright tax center is open to assist active

duty, reserve, retirees and eligible family members with their 2013 tax preparations. Located in building 1051, unit 9, the center’s office hours are Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m.; Thursdays, 1 to 6 p.m. This service is free, call 353-2613 to schedule an appointment.

FINANCIAL PLANNINGIndividual financial counseling, classroom and unit

trainings are available through Financial Readiness, a program within Army Community Service. FRP topics include budgeting, savings, debt liquidation, consumer education, understanding, building and repairing cred-it; bank account management; and lifetime financial planning for marriage, children, retirement, divorce, de-ployment and permanent change of station. Consumer assistance is available with handling deceptive, illegal or unethical business practices. Financial readiness train-ing for first-term Soldiers is a mandatory eight-hour monthly presentation required for all first-term Sol-diers. Family members are encouraged to attend. Call to schedule an appointment or register for training at Fort Wainwright 353-7438 or Fort Greely 873-2479.

CALL FOR HELPThe U.S. Army’s Sexual Harassment Assault Re-

sponse and Prevention program is a key component of efforts to make the force ready and resilient. The Army is committed to preventing sexual assault. The Army provides assurance to all sexual assault victims that the offenders are going to be held appropriately account-able. Fort Wainwright’s 24-hour, 7-day SHARP hotline is (907) 231-7432. The DoD 24/7 Safe Helpline is toll-free (877) 995-5247 and online at https://www.safehelp-line.org/.

MOVING VEHICLESIt’s March and Fort Wainwright police have begun to

identify, tag and remove vehicles that violate Garrison policy 35 or that have been abandoned on post. Police ask for assistance from units and residents in identify-ing these vehicles and contacting the police desk at 353-7535.

OPTIONS FOR GLASSESThe Bassett Army Community Hospital’s optometry

clinic is now open for Family members and retirees to ac-quire prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses. Retirees or dependents can then take prescriptions to their provid-ers for ordering. For more information, call 361-5212.

TRANSITIONING SOLDIERSClasses are available through the Army Career and

Alumni Program, providing transition and job assistance services to Soldiers and their Family members. Classes include: financial readiness, transition plans, VA bene-fits, employment workshops, resume-writing and more. Call 353-2113 for class dates or visit their office at the Welcome Center, building 3401. Office hours are Monday through Wednesday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Thursdays 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Fridays 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

NEWS LINKSMissed an issue of the Alaska Post newspaper? Read,

download, share present and past issues online at www.dvidshub.net/publication/561/alaska-post. Housing resi-dents who would like to stop or start home delivery of the Alaska Post newspaper may email the Public Affairs Office at pao.fwa@us.army.mil or call 353-6780. Share news tips or request submission guidelines by calling the editor, 353-6760.

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Historyobserved

The Women’s History Month observance is slated for Wednesday from 3 to 4:30 p.m. in the Physical Fitness Center, building 3709. Soldiers, Fairbanks-ar-ea leaders and civilians will honor the contributions made by women throughout history to our nation, our military and our communities. The U.S. Army Alaska Aviation Task Force and the installation Equal Opportunity Office will lead and host the event. For more information call 353-9264.

AER Courtesy story

Army Emergency Re-lief leaders announced the 2014 campaign theme, Army Emergency Relief – A Soldier’s First Choice for the Annual AER Campaign which began March 1 and con-tinues through May 15, 2014. The purpose of the campaign is to create a greater awareness of the benefits selecting AER to resolve short term finan-cial difficulties as well as to provide the opportu-nity for Soldiers to help their fellow Soldiers.

“Since 9/11, almost $800 million has been distributed to Soldiers and their Families in the form of interest free loans, grants and schol-arships to Children and Spouses of active duty and retired Soldiers,” said AER’s director, re-tired Army Lt. Gen. Robert Foley. “In the last four years nine new cate-gories of assistance have been added to include dependent dental care, replacement vehicles, HVAC and appliance re-pair, rental vehicles, re-location travel, cranial

helmets and infant car seats.”

Based upon the great job non-commissioned officers have done over the last decade leading our Soldiers in combat, AER has implemented a new policy allowing Ser-geants and above direct access to AER assistance without going through their chain of command.

AER is placing in-creased emphasis on con-necting with spouses this year. Recognizing that spouses make daily Fam-ily financial decisions, especially when their Soldiers are deployed, tailored presentations will be made available to Family Readiness Group representatives and spouses during this year’s campaign.

Soldiers needing AER financial assistance can

either contact their unit chain of command or go directly to their local in-stallation AER office. By having reciprocal agree-ments in place with the other military aid societ-ies, Soldiers and Families not near an Army instal-lation can also receive AER assistance at the nearest Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps or Coast Guard installation with the respective Military Aid Society, or from the American Red Cross call center at (877) 272-7337. Additional program in-formation is available at www.aerhq.org.

Soldiers at Fort Wain-wright may contact the Army Emergency Relief office at 353=7453 or 353-7438 or stop by their office at Army Commu-nity Service, building 3401 Santiago Avenue.

Soldiers need to know: Relief is out there

(AER courtesy graphic)

Campaign for Army Emergency Relief underway

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Fort Wainwright’s Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation posted on their Facebook page, a big “thank you” to all that participated in their annual chili cook-off at the Last Frontier Community Activity Center, Saturday. Judges for the event were volunteers from the Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers program. Awards went to winners for four categories: Best All-Around Chili - Alison and Josepth Marco; Best Chile Verde - Patrick Sawicki; Best Spicy Chili - Kristen Yielding; and the People’s Choice Award - Joanna Lopez and Chris-tian Davidson. See more photos of the competition on FMWR’s Flickr site - www.flickr.com/photos/ftwainwrightfmwr/sets/72157642408102493/. (Photos by Tylene Johnson, Last Frontier Community Activity Center volunteer)

Heated but fun: Chili cook-off